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Telegraph
15-06-2025
- Telegraph
Forget Greece, head to Italy for an island-hopping adventure this summer
In my opinion, Greece, although beautiful, has too many islands. Choosing which one to visit is nearly impossible, the ferries are complicated, and holidays on the Aegean or Ionian too often turn into a sweaty tangle of logistics and are beset by the paralysis of indecision. By comparison, the lesser-known off the north-west coast of Sicily, with turquoise waters, rugged beaches and lashings of gelato, makes for an easier alternative. With straightforward ferries and only three of five islands open to visitors, the paradox of choice is eliminated. Here's our guide to visiting. Favignana Favignana is the largest island and, according to some, is where the Greek hero Odysseus came to hunt goats. Today it's highly prized among Sicilians, who jaunt over for weekend breaks from nearby Palermo. A 30-minute hydrofoil boat trip from the port of Trapani, it's geographically close to Sicily, but Favignana is worlds apart – life simply slows down here. Dimora Cala del Pozzo, hidden down a lane on the quieter west coast, makes for an excellent base to explore the island. An old farmhouse converted into a boutique hotel, the setting is serene and elegant. Handsomely furnished rooms are sound-tracked by the sea beyond, and a lavish breakfast is hosted in the cactus garden, including local ingredients from the family's organic farm. Locals advise checking the direction of the wind before choosing the best coves for swimming. Cala Trapanese is recommended, where the rocks form a natural swimming pool with views of Sicily across the water. Inland, visit the Garden of the Impossible to discover another link to the Odyssey myth. A spiky green plant that looks a bit like a cactus is, according to local guidebooks, apparently the plant that Circe used to turn Odysseus's men into pigs. Islanders were once sceptical about the feasibility of the botanical garden, which was created in a series of abandoned quarry pits. Today it's a peaceful oasis of tumbling vines, rare trees and plants, and includes an exhibition of sculptures by a local artist. Use the guidebook to explore (it's superior to the audio alternative). Favignana's history of quarrying has shaped the landscape of the island, and the exoskeleton of abandoned quarries forms architectural rock pools along the shoreline. Spot golden-brown Moray eels lurking in the pools at Scalo Cavallo, or visit Bue Marino, one of the former quarries, and explore the deep waters at one of the island's best snorkelling locations. Insider tip The best way to explore the island is by bicycle – try GAC rental shop. Beaches are mostly rocky, but Lido Burrone has white sand and is perfect for children. Where to eat Hotel Aegusa serves good pasta dishes on a pretty outdoor terrace. For something more high-end end try Sotto Sale or Quello che c'è...c'è! For pizza, visit Cala Bianca. Where to shop Bottega Camparia – a chic boutique with an expertly curated selection of fashion and homeware; Salvatore Aleo 's jewellery shop has pieces to suit a range of budgets; try Borinda Sanna for handmade ceramics. Where to stay In high season, it's quieter to stay outside the main village (Favignana Town), but you'll need to ensure you have bike lights to cycle back after dinner. Dimora Cala del Pozzo has doubles from £279/€330 per night, including breakfast, in high season. Its sister hotel Dimora Della Olivastro offers doubles from £261/€310 per night, including breakfast. Weekends in summer are especially busy – book in advance or plan your stay for the weekdays. Marettimo The most remote island in the archipelago, Marettimo, has also been linked to Homer's The Odyssey. Samuel Butler, a Victorian novelist, put forward a theory that this island was the inspiration for Ithaca – an exhibition is planned for later this year, which will showcase his photographs at the local museum. The island is an ideal place for hiking, and there are roughly 10 marked trails to choose from. A popular route leads up to the tiny Byzantine church, set like a jewel on a cliff facing out to sea, next to the ruins of a Roman house. For a longer walk, continue to reach Pizzo Falcone (the highest peak) and return from Portella Madonnuzza via the Punta Troia Castle (now a lovely museum) and back to the village. There are more than 500 different species of plants here, some of which are endemic to the island and scents of thyme and rosemary infuse the air as you walk. But the sea surrounding Marettimo is also a draw. The Aegadian Islands are protected by the largest marine reserve in Europe, and the scuba diving around Marettimo is particularly good thanks to its crystal clear waters. If you're extremely lucky, you might even spot a monk seal. Insider tip For a unique perspective, take a boat to see the island's caves – accessible only on the water. Tours by Pippo come highly recommended. Where to eat Pizzeria Hiera is one of the oldest restaurants on the island, and is practically an institution. Maria, now in her seventies, served delightful antipasto, including a miniature arancine made with cuttlefish ink and pistachio. Where to shop Local artist Massimo Pironi makes ceramics in his home studio – find him near Caffe Tramontana, where he sells pieces inspired by the island, the sea and the mountain. Where to stay La Tartaruga B&B – double rooms cost from £85/€100 in high season, including breakfast, with a three-night minimum stay. There are also plenty of apartments for rent; The Thinking Traveller has a villa on the island. Levanzo This tiny sparkling island is so pretty that it looks like a Hollywood set designer built it for a movie. Measuring just 2.25 square miles and with only three restaurants and a handful of beaches, Levanzo is known for its off-grid vibes. However, according to local reports, the Prada family own two houses here. Most people visit to look at the cave paintings at Grotta del Genovese, which date from both the Palaeolithic and Neolithic eras. Reserve in advance (guided tours cost £35/€42 for adults and £25/€30 for children) – there's quite a steep trail down to the cave, which can only be reached on foot. After seeing the cave paintings, it's worth strolling around the island. Cala Faraglione on the south-west coast, about 30 minutes' walk from the port, is the island's most picture-perfect beach, complete with a tiny island (technically a rock stack) floating offshore. End the day with a relaxing glass of Sicilian wine at one of the island's restaurants by the harbour before catching the last boat back to Favignana. Inside tip Cala Minnola is one of the nicest beaches for swimming Where to eat Try the pasta con gamberi at Bar Romano, an absurdly picturesque restaurant which juts out over the harbour with views of Favignana in the distance. Where to shop Mannaraò offers a selection of handmade jewellery and other delights. Where to stay Dolcevita Egadi Resort is a new hotel set a short walk from the port on a breezy terrace – rooms are simple and there's a swimming pool. Double rooms cost £321/€380 in high season, including breakfast, with a five-night minimum stay. How to get there Ryanair flies from London to Trapani in the summer months. Alternatively, fly to Palermo, take a bus to Trapani (about one hour) and hop on the Hydrofoil from Trapani port (30 to 45 minutes). There are regular boats between the islands but make sure you prebook tickets in high season Laura Coffey was a guest of Hotel Dimora Cala Del Pozzo.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
8 U-Pick Farms In The South For A Sweet Summer Outing
For Southerners, fresh fruit is best enjoyed outdoors with grass under our bare feet and sunlight overhead. It's easy enough to grab a container from the air-conditioned grocery store, but there's something far more rewarding about picking it yourself. Whether it's biting into a juicy peach or balancing a slice of watermelon bigger than your plate, the experience can transport you back to childhood. If you're looking to spend a day under open skies, with stained fingertips and the scent of ripening fruit in the air, these eight farms offer just that—plus beautiful views and memories worth savoring. Blue Ridge, Georgia Surrounded by mountain views in beautiful Blue Ridge, Georgia, this four-generation, family-owned orchard has been a local treasure since 1943. Mercier is best known for its 50-plus varieties of apples—but fruit picking stretches nearly year-round. Late spring kicks off with the Blueberry U-pick, inviting guests to gather bright, sun-ripened berries destined for jams, cobblers, or straight-from-the-bucket snacking. By August, guests can pick the coveted apples. Both experiences begin with a scenic tractor ride through the fields, but you haven't seen it all until you've visited the on-site market and bakery, where fried pies, apple fritters, and more are all made with the farm's bounty. 8660 Blue Ridge Dr, Blue Ridge, GA 30513; 706-632-3411 Explore Blue Ridge Tuskegee, Alabama This 46-acre plot is home to four acres of specialty crops and 40 acres of mixed hardwoods and pines, but it's the two-acre blueberry patch—lovingly tended by Josie Gbadamosi—that turns this place into a beloved summer ritual. Each summer, the gates of Shady Grove Road Blueberry Patch swing open, inviting neighbors and travelers to grab a bucket, brave the sun, and gather ripe, plump berries straight from the bush. Make the most of your visit by planning around the farm's biannual Rhythm and Blueberry Festival, a two-day celebration packed with live music, arts, horse rides, food demos, giveaways, and a bustling farmers market. 690 Co Rd 81, Tuskegee, AL 36083; 334-521-6006 Hendersonville, NC It's not every day that you get to pick your own thornless Navaho blackberries, but this family-run orchard in Hendersonville invites you to do just that starting in early July. (Exact ripening dates depend on the weather, so be sure to check the schedule.) Pick blackberries and select varieties of apples, then celebrate your hard work by unwinding at the on-site Taproom, where you can sip on house-made hard ciders, local beers on tap, and regional wines. For the kiddos—or anyone with a sweet tooth—stop by the bakery for fried apple pies, cider donuts, and more seasonal treats. 187 Garren Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792; 828-974-1232 Explore Hendersonville Lucedale and Wiggins, Mississippi Fruit picking gets all the love, but vegetable picking is just as fun. What began with a single newspaper ad—'Pick Your Own Tomatoes, $5 Bucket'—has grown into a beloved summer tradition across southern Mississippi. At Charlie's U-Pik, now run by the children and grandchildren of founder Charlie Eubanks, families can snag watermelons and warm-weather vegetables like tomatoes, peas, peppers, sweet corn, and the list goes on. The farm's two locations in Lucedale and Wiggins offer a no-frills, deeply rewarding kind of harvest. Produce is charged by the five-gallon bucket (bring your own), so it's easy to load up and linger. 257 Charlies Ln, Lucedale, MS 39452; 3787 MS-26, Wiggins, MS 39577; 601-530-0548 Crozet, Virginia As you drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, this farm near downtown Crozet is the perfect roadside stop for fresh fruit mountain views. From blackberries to blueberries to peaches, the property is bountiful in the summertime. Visitors pre-pay by container size, with at least one container required for every two to three people. After your time in the fields, head to the farm market and bakery for creamy soft-serve ice cream. Order a waffle cone outside or enjoy a milkshake inside the 'Clubhouse,' and don't forget to try their homemade hot fudge and fresh cider donuts, both local favorites. Related: 15 Must-Visit Vineyards In Virginia For Wine Enthusiasts Long Creek, South Carolina Set on 200 acres in the Blue Ridge foothills, Chattooga Belle Farm doubles as a lively event space, known for everything from sunset dinners and outdoor weddings to whiskey tastings at its on-site distillery. There's plenty of room to roam, with wide-open views and U-pick fields that shift with the season—blueberries ripen in June and July, followed by early apples in August. As summer winds down, you'll find more unexpected treasures, like crisp Asian pears and sweet Brown Turkey figs. 454 Damascus Church Rd, Long Creek, SC 29658; 864-647-9768 Enigma, Georgia Summer's at its sweetest when the blackberry brambles are full and the muscadine grapes are just starting to blush at this family-run U-pick farm. Blackberries are typically ready from May through mid-July, with muscadines following from July into September. Pick by the quart or the gallon (containers are provided) and when you're done, cool off with a scoop of homemade ice cream or a brightly colored slushie, both made with the farm's Georgia-grown produce. 3131 Vickers Church Rd, Enigma, GA 31749; 229-533-4314 York, South Carolina This family-owned farm in the heart of South Carolina's Piedmont has been growing peaches for more than a century. July is prime time for picking the Southern stone fruit, but early June offers the last of the season's bright-red strawberries. After your harvest, stick around for lunch at the farm café, where meals are made with fresh produce and grass-fed beef. For dessert, there's house-made ice cream, and the farm store is stocked with honey, jams, jellies, and pantry favorites sourced from across the region. 1800 Black Hwy, York, SC 29745; 803-684-2333 Read the original article on Southern Living
Washington Post
28-05-2025
- Health
- Washington Post
These carrot lettuce wraps are bursting with texture, color and crunch
One of my signs that spring is officially here is the day my go-to farmer returns to the farmers market. It always feels good to welcome him back after a long winter and pick up fresh, locally grown produce. The joy of it is more about the promise of what's to come: In the summer, his farmstand overflows so much that I have to restrain myself from overbuying. Get the recipe: Roasted Carrot Lettuce Wraps With Avocado Mid-spring, however, things are a bit sparse at the farm, with mostly herbs and lettuces available. I buy what I can, and get the rest at the supermarket, grateful for access to foods that don't grow quite so near me. (Hello, lemons and avocados!) This recipe centers on one of those lovely lettuces — Bibb, which can also be found in the supermarket — where the tender leaves become wraps for layers of flavorful, colorful fillings. I like to serve it DIY taco-bar-style, arranging individual components in separate bowls so everyone can build their own. Start by spreading Greek yogurt over a lettuce leaf for a creamy base. Top that with some of the carrots, which have been roasted with warm spices — cumin, coriander and ginger — until tender and fragrant. Then layer buttery slices of avocado, a generous sprinkle of toasted sunflower seeds and some of the carrot greens (which have a beautiful carrot-y aroma); finish with a squeeze of lemon and a dash of hot sauce; and take a bite. Once you're done eating a wrap, make another (and another, and another) for a satisfying vegetarian meal that's creamy, crunchy, savory, fresh and just right for the season. Get the recipe: Roasted Carrot Lettuce Wraps With Avocado
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Local farm opens in time for strawberry season
POLAND, Ohio (WKBN) — A local farm is open just in time for strawberry season. Molnar Farms opened its farmer market on Saturday in Poland. They shared the news on Facebook on Friday. You can buy pre-picked strawberries in the market. Customers can also buy plants, vegetables and other groceries. The farm will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on Sundays. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBC
16-05-2025
- Climate
- CBC
Cows running loose on Highway 400 in King Township, causing traffic chaos: OPP
Several cows are running loose on Highway 400 in northern King Township on Friday, causing significant traffic delays, Ontario Provincial Police said. Around six cows are "running up and down" the highway between Aurora Road and Highway 9, OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt said in a video posted on X on Friday. Police are working with the owners to get the cows back into trailers, but he said the cows are "not too cooperative at this time." Schmidt told CBC Toronto the cows came from a local farm in Aurora and appear to have been spooked during a thunderstorm. They have been running along the highway for around five hours, he said. The owners have successfully caught one cow, but there are still five in the fields next to the highway. Officers are trying to contain them in the fields, he said. Animal welfare teams are also on scene, Schmidt said. Schmidt said traffic in the area is a "disaster."
