https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWwIXIB4MxQ

PRESS PLAY

Let’s set the mood with a little music for this one. I found this song (Italy by Samiyam) a few weeks before heading back to Italia, and as it was played through my AudioTechnica’s, it begin to attach itself to the experience I was having on my trip. It played between each bite of pizza and pasta, continued through countless roundabouts, and enriched the warm vibe that always accompanies a trip to Italia! In a more negative sense, it’s kinda like hearing the song Bad Day by Daniel Powter play over the loudspeakers when the starting pitcher in a baseball game walks off the mound in the 2nd inning after giving up seven runs. Think about how he feels in that moment… how that song is attached to the experience of having a rough outing.

Music has a way of attaching itself to our emotions, both positive and negative, during formative situations and events in our lifetime. It can enhance feelings of happiness, console sadness, or bring forth nostalgia. Like your first school dance, when that first slow jam comes on and you don’t care what it is, you know you must march up to your crush, take her by the hand, and twirl her across the floor. I bet you still remember the song regardless of whether things went well or not. Music takes no sides. But when it happened, when you finally got the courage to ask for a dance, that song became part of the experience. So regardless of how cliché it may seem, please enjoy the tune I now associate with the delightful town of Reggio Emilia: a wonderful Italia travel experience.

The annual Spring Training trip always takes us to Italy where long days of batting practice, fungos, and exhibition games fill the days schedule. When the training is over, we make it a priority to integrate with Italian culture. This year we changed it up a little, and instead of exploring the streets of Arezzo in the Tuscany wine region, we ended up in Reggio Emilia, on the northeast side of the country, a part of the Emilia Romagna wine region (Wine Folly). The town’s small restaurants include pizzeria’s that boast a plethora of homemade doughs and pastas, a big city center with beautiful historical structures on display, and of course small and narrow streets full of local shops. You know the kind of shops where you can watch the shoemaker work his craft as you browse his beautiful selection, and inhale the sweet smell of fresh, new leather.

Parmeggiani Gallery

Piazza Prampolini

Palazzo del Monte in Piazza del Duomo

Kiamo Calzoleria

Your midday snacking needs are always satisfied by the many cafes and Gelato shops. Even if you are not an ice cream person, a taste of Italian Gelato is worth it every time, and couples quite nicely with the constant child-like wonder with which you gaze at the structures during your stroll through the city.

If you’re looking for more adventure, and by adventure I mean continued dining and shopping, Bologna and Parma are just an easy drive away, for not only a broader shopping experience on your trip, but also a completely different city vibe. It is definitely hard to get over the urge to continue eating the delicious pasta and pizza, but in the event you need something a little different, head to an Italian steakhouse like Trattoria del Macellaio Fornaciari. From tartare, to T-bone, every menu has a fixed price and delivers juicy and delicious meats full of flavor. Throw in a few bottles of Lambrusco (a bubbly regional wine) and some digestive after dinner drinks including limoncello and grappa, and your evening with friends is complete, with tons of time to chat and reminisce about the day’s adventures.

Castel Guelfo The Style Outlets (Outside of Bologna) (CLICK PHOTO TO VISIT THE SITE AND SEE THE LIST OF SHOPS)

Trattoria del Macellaio Fornaciari

For those of you looking for a more grassroots travel experience, Reggio Emilia fits the bill, and keeps your pockets healthy. You’ll enjoy all of the regional wines and traditional Italian cuisine, without the hefty prices of some of the country’s larger cities. Speaking of larger cities, Milan and Florence are also manageable by car, and would be nice additions to a small tour of Italia. We hope to visit those destinations soon… Actually, queue the music back up, and let’s get back on the road. Would you like to join?

Featured Brands

Jackets

Trench Coat: Hugo Boss

Sport coat: Zara

Tops

Sweatshirt: Ashley Marc Hovelle

T-shirt: Selected Homme

Bottoms

Jeans: DL Denim

Trousers: Guess by Marciano

Sneakers

Converse Chuck Taylor’s

Sunglasses

Warby Parker