Mountain Town: Fanano, in the Modenese Apennines

Italians have taught me that it is ok to go on an adventure every weekend…or at least a few times a month! I’ve discovered the beauty of local travel and the thrill of hoping in the car and taking a ride in any direction, only to discover a different city, a new environment, and what often feels like another country! I don’t stray THAT far from home, and I’ve written here about becoming an Italian homebody.

Our weekend escapes have brought us to the Adriatic Sea Cost, the Apennine Mountains, Milan, Mantova, Ferrara, Bologna … and I feel like I still haven’t seen anything!

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A few weeks ago some friends asked if we wanted to go to Fanano, in the Modena Apennines. Originally, I was worried there would be no gluten free places for my son to eat, but then we found out that the Skating Rink in the town’s historic centre offered a gluten free menu…. so off we went!

Mountain Town: Fanano, in the Modenese Apennines

In about an hour we were in the mountainside, with a dense fog that created a mist all around us. After lunch the sun was already beginning to set and the small town’s antique centre took on a really magical atmosphere with glowing Christmas lights, the smell of fresh roasted chestnuts and other yummy food.

It was like stepping back in time. With origins dating back to 176 B.C., and the actual city being documented in the 700s as “Fannius”, this little town is filled with history!

Visiting Italy in December … aka Christmas Time

If you plan on visiting Italy over the Christmas holiday, I sincerely recommend you do a bit of research into the small mountain towns and their winter festivals. In Italy, winter is really “felt” in the mountains because it is colder. People flocked to snow topped peaks for “white week”, vacations dedicated to skiing and snowboarding, but also to the hillside towns for open air public bonfires, horse and carriage rides and “sagre” – festivals dedicated to wine, local food and products.

Babbo Natale in the Mountains

We were in Fanano just before Christmas and the town had set up a wooden house, where Santa Claus (“Babbo Natale” – aka Father Christmas) would greet children in the afternoon. They could bring him their letters and then deliver them directly to him, where his Elf helpers would carefully collect and sort letters in a mailbox!

An incredibly authentic experience for my son, this was a little more magical than that time we waited in a line at a mall for an hour, only to end up spending a fortune for a not so great photo!

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What I Wore

I love dressing the part whenever my husband takes us to the mountains. I’ve had these zip up boots for 10 YEARS! I paired them with my cropped puffer coat and felt like a bonafide snow bunny.

My bag was designed by Italian fashion blogger Angela Pavese, who blogs at Imperfecti.com as part of a special collection. It was created in collaboration with the Italian artisan brand Be*Why. If you haven’t heard, I’m giving away a Be*Why gold leather cross body, valued at $160 / 130Euro. This giveaway is international and open for 5 more days. Plus, in February I have a few more great giveaways and promotions planned with this sponsor!

Did someone say blanket scarf? This is the EPITOME OF BLANKET SCARVES! I’ve had this for a few years and it does the trick!

Real Mom Street Style

I can’t seem to go anywhere without noticing the great style that Italian moms have. While waiting in line to give our letter to Santa I noticed this pretty mom and her beautiful and stylish family.

I would love to hear about your local adventures and weekend escapades and your style. If you do not have a blog but would like to have your style featured, please feel free to send me an email ! [email protected]….

Now onto YOUR style…

#REASONSTODRESS Real Mom Street Style Linkup

Thank you to everyone who linked up last week! If you would like to co-host the #reasonstodress linkup I would love to have you, please feel free to email me at [email protected] !

Today I am in Florence for Pitti Immagine Uomo , one of the largest fashion tradeshows in the world featuring top Men’s and Women’s brands, fashion shows and events.

I probably won’t be able to resist instagramming a few of the people (*cough* stylish Italian men *cough*) that I see, so feel free to follow along with Instagram!