I found a terrific small boutique hotel in Venice (only 7 rooms) in a great location. The Charming House DD724, (a perfect name, as it was very charming), is located in the Dorsoduro area, a lovely, quiet, neighborhood far from the madding/maddening crowds of the Rialto and San Marco. The hotel was also right down the street from the Peggy Guggenheim Museum, one of the best museums in Venice and former home of Peggy Guggenheim and also a two minute walk from the Accademia Bridge and vaporetto stop. Our modernly decorated room was quite spacious for Venice with a queen sized bed and ample enough room to do my yoga. It had a small terrace that overhung a tranquil, lush garden. The service was very helpful at the front desk and they couldn’t have been more patient and accommodating.
On our first day we explored the Dorsoduro, which had art galleries, great shops with handmade stationary, and affordable, non-tourist trap restaurants. I also found a mom and pop shoe store where I scored a smart pair of black suede shoes for only 49 euros.
After we visited the Fondazione Prada, we spent the rest of the afternoon in the Santa Croce area, probably our favorite place we visited in Venice. Very much off the beaten path, it was a true neighborhood where only Italian was spoken. We saw the residents grocery shopping, sipping espressos at cafes,walking their dogs, and kids playing in dark alleyways. We came upon a square where they were setting up a concert stand for a live performance along with picnic tables and a food buffet. We found a wonderful shop where the owner handmade Carnivale masks and Vincent bought some as gifts. I spotted a simple but fabulous black leather mask, which the owner told us, was used in the Commedie dell-arte, and it’s now the centerpiece on my dining table.
We had nearly perfect weather the whole time with temps in the mid-70s, sunny and not too humid. However one night we were sitting in a restaurant under big white canvas tents in an open piazza and there was huge thunder and lighting storm. It was so romantic sitting under the tent watching the sky turn from pink to an ominous blue gray and the lightning hitting the ancient buildings lighting up the sky.
Our last afternoon we strolled through the area in between the Arsenale and San Marco, and discovered yet more art in small galleries. Not only did we feel so fortunate to see all the incredible art all over Venice but we also had access to unbelievable architecture, which we probably wouldn’t have seen if we weren’t there during the Biennale.
Charming House DD724
http://www.dd724.com
I am pleased as punch to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I will personally be leading. The Eye Prefer Paris Tour includes many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes & food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks, and much more.
Tours cost 210 euros for up to 3 people, and 70 euros for each additional person. I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you my insiders Paris.
Check it out at www.eyepreferparistours.com
Click here to watch a video of our famous Marais tour
New! Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes
I am happy to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes. Come take an ethnic culinary journey with me and chef and caterer Charlotte Puckette, co-author of the bestseller The Ethnic Paris Cookbook (with Olivia Kiang-Snaije). First we will shop at a Paris green-market for the freshest ingredients and then return to Charlotte's professional kitchen near the Eiffel Tower to cook a three-course lunch. After, we will indulge in the delicious feast we prepared along with hand-selected wines.
Cost: 185 euros per person (about $240)
Time: 9:30AM- 2PM (approximately 4 1/2 hours)
Location: We will meet by a metro station close to the market
Class days: Tuesday,Wednesday, Thursday,Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Minimum of 2 students, maximum 6 students.
Click here to sign up for the next class or for more info.
New Eye Prefer Paris Photos for Sale
I am happy to announce the sale of a new set of prints of my Eye Prefer Paris Photos. I am offering 20 of my most popular and iconic images for sale including my doors, architectural details, statues, and monuments. They will make great gifts for all your Francophile friends, relatives, and colleagues but don't forget to buy some for yourself.
Click here to see photos and for full details including sizes, prices, and shipping. Here is a sample of some of the photos.
New to your blog--by way of Paris Breakfast. You're a great addition to my morning news. Your photos of Venice give a very personal, enticing viewpoint. Thank you.
Posted by: Marielle | September 11, 2013 at 02:06 PM
Really beautiful photos of crumbling Venice! Your mask is nice!
Posted by: Kay | September 11, 2013 at 06:34 PM
ALL THE PICTURES OF VENICE WERE BEAUTIFULL I JUST LOOKED AT THE ONE YOU SENT TODAY
OF DOSODURO SANTA CROCE THE BOTH OF YOU LOOK GREAT IAM SO GLAD YOU BOTH HAD A WONDERFULL TIME.
Posted by: Lee | September 11, 2013 at 06:34 PM
Italy calls. These are some of the best pictures of yours I've seen. The colors! The perspectives! Fabulous.
Posted by: Lynn | September 11, 2013 at 06:35 PM
I have been thoroughly enjoying your blog. With your latest Venice series I am compelled to say thank you!! I have been to Venice and stayed near your hotel suggestion, ours was Pension La Calcina, now must definitely go to The Biennale.
Posted by: Corinne | September 11, 2013 at 06:37 PM
I feel as tho I have been to Venice myself . Thanks so much for the beautiful scenery.
Posted by: ginny | September 11, 2013 at 06:38 PM
Love the pix!!!!!
Posted by: sarah | September 11, 2013 at 06:40 PM