Travel Stories with Christina Rondeau
by
The Review Guru​​​ 
World Famous Reviews

Earth Angels of Peace

Trast Italian Clothing

If you are looking for something unique and authentic to bring home from your trip to Italy you must check out Trast Italian Clothing Workshop! Trast is a locally made clothing line with four locations in Italy, you can also visit their website and online shop. Some of the proceeds are donated to cat and dog shelters in Lazio.

Misticoteca

We found this little gem in Panzano while exploring the Chianti region of Northern Italy. Misty is an upbeat and welcoming woman who puts out a lovely spread of meats and cheeses to make your wine tasting experience amazing! She is also well versed on paring and on all of the products she offers. What fun we had with Misty!

Ristorante Le Grazie

While exploring the streets of Sorrento Italy's nightlife and trying to choose between all of the amazing restaurants one stood out from the rest. It stood out due to the welcoming personality of the people who work there. Alberto was the first to greet us on the street and was so friendly with a huge smile on his face that we knew we had found the perfect place to rest our tired feet. Of course it didn't stop there. Our servers Ivan and Ciro had just as much personality and hospitality!

Hotel Eden Sorrento, Italy

Natural Arch Capri, Italy

While exploring the island of Capri Italy, which we hiked, we could not miss the beautiful and breathtaking Natural Arch. You can enjoy this gorgeous sight on a boat tour of the island but actually hiking it on the manicured trails really allows you to really enjoy the many nature made attractions.

Massullo Grotto Capri, Italy

You can view the Blue Grotto in Capri by boat, but you can't enjoy this little gem unless you trek down on foot to the Mermaid grotto. There is even a hidden temple along the way. The stair climb up and down the coast is blood pumping but so worth it!

Tenuta San Francesco Vineyard

The holy grail for wine lovers!!!!! One of the oldest vineyards located deep in the mountains of Tramonti Italy is also home to one of the oldest grape vines in the world! Gaetano Bove was so gracious to give us a tour and amazing wine tasting experience complete with a freshly prepared salad and fresh cut cheese provided from local farms. This particular winery is an exclusive one that has had many famous patrons such as Toni Braxton, Justin Timberlack and Jessica Biel.

....gustiAMO Sorrento

Positano, Italy

While exploring the beautiful Amalfi Coast you must stop in Positano. The pebble beach is the perfect place to enjoy the beauty of this mountain side coastal town. Don't forget to experience the gorgeous ocean even if you just dip your feet in it is something not to be missed. The restaurants and shops are fantastic.

Marina Grande, Sorrento Italy

The coastline and marinas in Sorrento are as beautiful as the city itself. Be sure to venture down to the Marina Grande. 5 Sister's restaurant is an excellent place to enjoy a relaxing coastal view and some really amazing fresh fish meals.

Pompeii, Italy

The Pompeii Ruins are breathtaking. To see this amazing city that was frozen in time is such a gift. Plan to be there for a full 5-6 hours. A walking tour is highly suggested. The maps given for the audio tours and the maps in general are not accurate. Don't miss the tour to Vesuvius and the hike up to the crater.

The Gardens of Villa Cimbrone

The Gardens of Villa Cimbrone is located in Ravello, Italy. This absolutely gorgeous villa is a must see. It can be a little difficult to locate, but once you are there you are in for an amazing treat! Enjoy walking through lush gardens while taking full advantage of the picturesque views and statues that surround you. Be sure to stop in the Café Cimbrone and sit on the quaint two seater balcony and enjoy a glass of wine, that is graciously served with assorted Italian olives or gelato.

Garden of Cataldo, Sorrento Italy

Upon entering the Garden of Cataldo you will be greeted by the sweet aroma of fresh growing lemons. The lemons grown in this garden are used to make the lemon cello that Sorrento is famous for.

Star Pub, Sorrento Italy

The Star Pub located in beautiful Sorrento Italy. The food is just amazing!!!! The "chips" are cut fresh to order and you can also choose your size cut. The gourmet burgers are mouth watering and made with fresh meat from Northern Italy. The atmosphere is upbeat and fun and the owners are extremely personable.

The Niagra Gorge Trail

There is nothing like seeing Niagara Falls but there is also a less populated place to take in the beauty of the falls. The Niagara rim trail is a great way to get a little closer to the raging waters of the falls.

Penobscot Bridge

Black Bird Cider Works

If you like hard ciders than you have to check out Black Bird Cider Works in Barker NY. They have a cider for every palate, dry, semi sweet, sweet, organic and more. The tasting room is quaint and personal. They are open every day of the week for tastings and tours.

Russell Orchards

Savage Oakes Vineyard and Winery

This quaint winery located in Union, Maine has extremely flavorful wines. The tasting room is very inviting and warm. The views of the vineyards are beautiful. It's a must visit!

Blue Hill Mountain

Blue Hill Mountain in Maine offers 5 moderate trails with breath taking views. The hikes are easy and not too long. The fall is the perfect time to experience the views from the summit.

Owl's Head Lighthouse

This beautiful lighthouse is located in Owl's Head Maine. It offers gorgeous ocean views and is great for taking amazing pictures if you make the climb to the top of the lighthouse. Whether you are a lighthouse enthusiast or not this is a great stop along your journey if you are traveling along the coast of Maine.

Breakwater Vineyard and Farm

This amazing vineyard and farm is located in Rockland, Maine. The beautiful white farm house complete with rockers on the porch makes for an inviting visit inside where the gorgeous tasting rooms are located. The wines are fantastic and their welcoming and friendly staff are very knowledgeable.

Cellardoor Winery

We cannot say enough about this extraordinary winery! It is just gorgeous inside and out! And the wines are amazing!!!!! Cellardoor Winery is located in Lincolnville, Maine. It is also available for private venues as well as regular tastings. Make sure you also stop into the little market shop and test some of the flavored oils and vinegars.

Castine Inn Bed and Breakfast

If you've never been to or heard of Castine, Maine you absolutely have to check it out! This bed and breakfast is located a stones throw from the harbor and has amazing views from all around. The rooms are beautiful and very clean. Breakfast in the morning is delicious! The staff are super friendly locals of the historic town and can make suggestions for any activities you might be interested in during your visit.

Fort Knox

This place is so cool!!!! It's not just a state park but a fun place to enjoy all types of events that they host. Fright Night at the Fort is by far the scariest and fun Halloween event we have ever been to! The fort itself is beautiful with amazing views during the day but to experience the fort at night after it has been transformed is an entirely different encounter. If you can't get there during the fall they host multiple events all year long.

Owen's Farmhouse

Henry VIII Carvery

Located in Kittery, Maine this deli offers fantastic hand carved sandwiches for any appetite. Whether you are a vegetarian or a meat lover this place has a deli sandwich for you. Choose your own or choose from the creative menu they offer. Outside picnic style seating is a great place to enjoy your lunch.

Guac-n-Roll Burrito Grill

Guac-n-Roll Cantina is located in York Beach, Me and offers some delightfully tasty Mexican food and delicious drinks. You can dine outside and people watch or you can dine inside and take in the authentic and festive atmosphere.

Posillipo Italian Restaurant

We cannot say enough about this hidden gem located on Waterman Ave in North Providence. They offer amazing, made to order, authentic Italian food, the owners are so welcoming and friendly as well as everyone who works there. The hospitality is as amazing as the food and the homemade lemon cello is perfect after your delicious meal.

DiMillo's Restaurant

This unique"floating" restaurant is actually located on a boat in Portland Harbor Maine. It has two outside decks as well as indoor seating. No matter where you choose to dine here it's beautiful. The food is simple and outstanding. The service is efficient and friendly.

Black Willow Winery

This winery located in the Finger Lakes of NY has a unique twist on wine pairing. They offer traditional wine tastings but the chocolate pairing wine tasting is a must! The winery supplies you with the wine and chocolate list and suggested pairings. The pours are hefty and the chocolate is as rich as you like it.

Whirlpool Park and Devil's Hole

If you are visiting Niagara Falls on the American side you cannot miss this gorgeous trail. The park offers both and easy rim trail or a up close and scenic hike closer to the water. Either way is breathtaking and beautiful. The hike contains many "stairs" and narrow paths complete with openings to the water below.

Buttonwood Farm

Buttonwood Farm located in Griswold, Ct is quiet a sight to see especially if you can make it during the peak of the sunflowers blooming. During the two weeks in July when the sunflowers are in full bloom you can stroll through the fields or take a hay ride. Sunflowers are sold in bunches for $5 each to benefit the Make A Wish foundation. Don;t forget to try their homemade Sunflower ice cream during your visit.

First Crush Winery

This winery is one of the few located on Cape Cod. If you aren't paying attention you might miss it, however if you are fortunate enough to keep looking you will enjoy a cozy tasting room and some delicious wines. Make sure you call before venturing to this winery because the tasting hours are limited and it is open seasonally.

Watkins Glen State Park

Ember Fire Grilled Pizza and Wings

If you don't mind waiting around a gorgeous fire pit on the patio then this is the place to eat when you are in Harwichport, MA. The food is great, the pizza is hot and the atmosphere is awesome. There is seating inside and out. If you don't like it too busy then get there early!

Cape Cod Beer Company

Take a tour of the brewery while sipping on you choice of 5 of beers made by Cape Cod Beer. A tasting only cost $5 and you can keep your class! They offer retail beer by the bottle as well as growlers that can be refilled. Don't forget to check out the gift shop filled with unique locally made gifts as well as apparel.

Cape Cod Potato Chip Factory

Waterfall NY