The lily is the coat of arms of Florence and the history is quite interesting. The colors are a reversal from white to red on red on white background when the Guelphs and Ghibellines took over the city in the Middle Ages. Fighting over who was in power. The Ghibellines were represented by the emblem of the white lily which was very common in the Tuscan countryside. While the Guelphs adopted a red lily, which didn’t exist in Tuscany.The iris grows wild with the colors purple and white and there are rarely any other colors. The exotic types of iris’ that reside here is a great sight to see. The colors and faint scents alone will invite you in.

The garden is free to enter from April 25th to May 20th. The month seems to always fly by, so be sure to make it your first stop when coming to Florence in May.An avid photographer can capture the views from the garden and the surrounding areas around Piazzale Michelangelo. The garden is located to the right of the Piazzale Michelangelo and is open from 10am-12:30pm and then open again at 3pm to 7pm. If you don’t feel like hiking up to Piazzale Michelangelo, there are two buses you can take to reach the garden, the number 13 and 12 starting from Santa Maria Novella train station. The garden has much space for you to explore as well they offer guides for free in English if you would like a full tour of the garden space.

Finally they built the great Tepidario (glass pavillion used to display flowers and plants) designed by the architect Giacomo Roster which opened in 1880 and was the first national exhibition of the industry. In 1876, the first issue of ‘Bulletin of the Royal Horticultural Society of Tuscany’  was published which became a reference point for the farming at the time both in Italy and abroad. Today the company, maintains and develops the original objectives; publishes a ‘bulletin’, organizes exhibitions for the spring and fall. The Mostra Mercato di Piante e Fiori happens each spring starting the 25th of April to the 1st of May. And there is also an autumn festival during the month of October. The festival encompasses all of the surrounding flowers shops, greenhouses and farms that produce and sell these exquisite summer flowers and plants. There are herbs, large plants imported from warm climates, lemon trees, large basil plants and much more. The scents you will smell here are heavenly.

It is a free to enter Giardino dell’Orticoltura
The Mostra is open from 9am-7:30pm
Entrance is on Via Vittorio Emanuele II 4 and Via Bolognese 17

For a real easy place to enjoy the early hours of the night head to the Joshua Tree Pub. Here you will find many locals who come after a day at work. The staff is very friendly and they all speak English. They don’t serve any hot food or have a buffet but there are many types of beer you can choose from. There are some snacks you can ask for behind the bar such as potato chips. Happy hour is from 4pm-9pm. A small pint is 2 euro and large pint is 4 euro.

The Joshua Tree Pub
Via della Scala 37r

ChiaroScuro is an quaint and rather elegant little bar where you can enjoy a full out buffet of food to be paired with your apertif. They serve all kinds of alcoholic drinks and coffee drinks. Their coffee drinks are well-known here in Florence. They get coffee beans from all over the world. These coffee drinks can be made with chocolate, caramel, Grancaffe is the most unique coffee drink on the menu since it is served warm instead of hot and what it is made with is a secret. They also serve 40 different kinds of teas. Their happy hour/apericena starts at 6:30pm and runs until 9:30pm.

ChiaroScuro
Via del Corso 13R

Sei Divino has recently changed its look. An even more elegant and sophisticated wine bar that also serves cocktail made to order. Fine wine can be served and then the waiter will bring you a plate of assorted cheeses and meats. During the weekends there is a DJ that plays a variety of music. I like this place because I find it more romantic. The evening flows into night much more easily here. There isn’t chaos of large groups of people and it just feels more comfortable. You can come early for the delicious cocktails and stay late for some humbling wine.

Sei Divino
Borgo Ognissanti 42/r

Enjoy these happy hour bars while you are traveling in Florence.

Photo credit: Old Stove Porcellino, ChiaroScuro, Sei Divino

Crostini al fegato are little pieces of bread with chicken liver spread over them. Then it is put into the oven to toast the top of each crostini. This is a traditional antipasto(appetizer) in Florence. These crostini are always available on a Tuscan menu and present in the homes of Florentines. Chicken liver always scares the typical tourists, but I promise you once you try it, you will be hooked.

Trippa alla fiorentina is another dish that once people translate the meaning of “trippa” (tripe) they won’t want to try it. It is one of the delicacies of the Tuscan cuisine. It is the stomach of a calf and is also referred to as lampredotto. Tripe is used in many recipes and is often considered fast food in Florence. It can be put on a sandwich or be eaten out of a bowl with a red, tomato sauce. This delicacy is a light and lean meal that Florentines thrive on.

Schiacciata is the famous bread of Florence and the surrounding areas in Tuscany. You can find it in most if not all of the bakeries in Florence. The smell of the bread will for sure entice you. Schiacciata is a kind of flat bread with olive oil, salt and can be flavored with spices. It is a common snack for young children in the morning or in the afternoon.

Not many people venture this far from the historic center but Giardino dell’Orticoltura is a garden located along Via Bolognese and Via Vittorio Emmauele. It is right behind Piazza Liberta. This garden holds many flower and plant festivals throughout the year. The park at the ground level is very calm and tranquil with a playground for the kids and a loggia placed in the middle where you can hear choirs sing at times or you can sit and chill for a bit. Another park which right above it is called Orti del Parnaso where you can see the whole of Florence. There are benches and grass you can relax on while holding the hand of your loved one. It is gorgeous sight to see during the day and even at sunset.

The most famous spot to go for lovers is Piazzale Michelangelo. This large piazza is full of vendors and gelato shops but at sunset the lovers come out. There are benches to sit and admire the valley that is Florence. The hills flow to and fro, surrounding the majestic Duomo of Florence. Photo ops can be had here and photos also with you and your special someone cuddling is a must.

Last but not least, the Ponte Vecchio is the number spot for lovers to canoodle. A romantic view paired with a long sunset. As the sun goes down, the musicians set up shop and play some soothing music for the lovers meandering over the bridge.

Have you been to these romantic places?

Photo credit: Lovers, Ponte Vecchio, Orti del Parnaso.

Hotel Regency is a hotel set in an area without many tourists in Piazza D’Azeglio. This hotel boasts on catering to their couples making it the most romantic stay in Florence. There is an intimate garden veranda where you can eat in peace without distractions from other guests. The rooms are fully equipped with all the modern amenities with a large marble bathroom. The hotel is full of tradition and style where you will not be annoyed by the center people traffic.

Hotel Alba is located near the main train station (Santa Maria Novella) on Via della Scala. The characteristic hotel has a inner courtyard that was turned into the dining room for breakfast. It was renovated to represent the classical styling of the Florentine design which brings out this 3-star hotel. The rooms are decorated tastefully created with simple furniture paired with old-style grandeur. A great stay for couples who want some distance from the chaos of the city.

Cellai Hotel is a not far from bus central, San Marco, where many buses pass through each day. Close to the Duomo as well, this is an ideal hotel for loved ones that love to be close to the action. The hotel is charming and relaxing even if it is located right along the buses path. This hotel was once the housing for young aristocrats that ventured to drink in Florence’s divine beauty.

Bernini Palace offers a sophisticated stay with your special someone. There is a restaurant called Ristorante Parlamento that serves the traditional dishes and entices your taste-buds to try new Tuscan flavors. The Lounge Bar Brunello is a perfect place to sit you and your significant other down and enjoy some great wine or sip a cocktail slowly. The hotel is of a modern design but boasts in traditional Tuscan furnishings that grabs the attention of not only international clientele but also the more high end clientele.

Borghese Art Palace is an art-themed contemporary hotel that is located inside the 15th-century Palazzo Borghese. Not far from the Duomo, the hotel is designed with contemporary and original artworks. There is a spa and fitness center where after a great workout you can soak in the Turkish bath. A great end of the day activity to do with your special someone. Art exhibits are opened every month which encompasses the whole hotel.These romantic hotels will keep your hearts racing throughout your stay.

Enoteca Coquinarius is a perfect place to start. Located on Via delle Oche, this little hole in the wall has only 10 tables and can be a fight to get into. There once was a stable here during the days of Dante Alighieri. Now only wine runs through these doors. A simple wine bar that serves fresh and delectable dishes that compliment the wine that is served. Make a reservation or just get there early enough to get a table around 7-7:30pm.

La Buchetta has been opened for about a year now and it has caught the eyes of many locals. This wine bar has a splendid ambiance of soft music and the chatter of the Fiorentino language. The dishes are prepared with attention and care. The presentation is just as great as the quality of the food. They serve a superb fondue with carpaccio meat. Wine flows through these doors as well since ‘la buchetta’ is one of the little wine doors that was found inside this palazzo. When back during the Renaissance these doors were used to sell the excess wine of the noble families vineyards in the countryside.

Le Volpe e l’uva is one of the most hidden wine bars in Florence. Located after passing over Ponte Vecchio, this tiny wine bar is a perfect place to have a quick bite before heading back to the hotel. After a long day of walking through the city, sitting in this authentic wine bar nibbling on crostone, bruschette, pecorino and prosciutto and savoring your glass of wine.

All of these wine bars are sensational and won’t be easy to leave. Be sure to try a different wine at each one and experiment with the typical Tuscan food that can be served with each wine. Don’t be boring and try only Chianti, ask your waiter for their recommendations as well.

Photo Credit: Enoteca Coquinarius, Wine Glass, Wine Door, Le Volpe e L’uva

Tis the time of the year for the Christmas festivals to begin. My favorite part of the year in Florence. The most famous one is located in Piazza Santa Croce. The Weihnachtsmarkt Christmas Market is by far my favorite. The market goes on through the whole month of December and merchandise is incredible. Most of the products reign from Germany and Europe. They sell many handmade items as well clothes and handbags and you can find traditional German delicacies to munch on while strolling through the market. The atmosphere really puts you into the holiday spirit. It starts on the 3rd – 21st of December in Piazza Santa Croce, open from 10am-8pm every day.

As for the weather in Florence during December it can be quite cold. The wind from the hills surrounding Florence can really bring a chill up your spine. Remember to pack a couple scarves, a hat and gloves. Last year around the 18th of December it snowed a lot (for Florence). And the city came to a complete stop. So be aware if you are traveling by car and it starts to snow you might want to rethink driving around in the snow.

Are you coming to Florence for the Holidays?

Photo Credit: Katie Greenaway, Snow in Piazza