Tuscany in Stillness | Intentional Living, Warm Tables and the Art of Being Still
We’ve just returned home from ten slow and beautiful days nestled in the rolling hills of rural Tavarnelle, in the heart of Tuscany. It’s the kind of place where the mornings are quiet, the meals start late and the birds seem to echo every thought you didn’t even know you were thinking.
Dolce Far Niente: The Sweetness of Doing Nothing
We came here to explore, yes—but also to pause.
There was pressure before we left home. You’re young- go see it all, as much as you possibly can but there is a rhythm in this region, a pace that has no interest in rushing. We planned our trip so that we could take a deep breath in and out, savoring each sight, taste, smell, and sound.
The sun warms the terra cotta rooftops as if it’s been doing it the same way for a thousand years. The olive trees are still, but not asleep. Everything feels like it’s just right now—and that’s enough.
Outline of our Itinerary
With our mix of exploring and relaxing in the countryside, we truly got to experience the magic of Tuscany!
Day 1: Spent the most fulfilling day cooking with Our Tuscan Farm! It was a day spent with new friends, learning how they live intentionally on their slice of countryside.
Day 2: Walked the cobblestone streets of Rome where every nook and cranny of this city is steeped in rich history and inspiring architecture
Day 3: Wandered the southern fringes of Tuscany in San Gimignano, a city that feels like we’ve stepped into the 13th century. We visited markets, walked through historic builds, and ended the day with pasta at sunset!
Day 4: We took our time in Ponzano and Siena, browsing the outdoor market and trying not to purchase every item in sight!
Day 5: After gazing at the hills of Tuscany for the first half of our trip, it was time to get adventurous, strap a helmet on, and start biking! We peddled through the countryside and ended at a winery with a private tasting and lunch – the best way to replenish!
Day 6: The beauty of the bigger city was something we knew we wanted to fit into our trip so over to Florence we went! I imagine the city smiling at us every time we came upon it’s unique features like a tiny door that gives out wine when you knock, and a theatre turned bookstore! So many hidden gems!
Days 7 – 9: After many wonderfully fulfilling days of exploring, we ended our vacation by enjoying “dolce far niente”, the sweetness of doing nothing. We took these days to relax in our own ways – for me this meant hanging by the pool and savoring quiet walks through the Tuscan landscape.
From Rome’s Roar to the Whisper of Tavarnelle
Our trip began in Rome, the eternal city where every stone tells a story and every piazza hums with motion. We walked the storied halls of the Vatican, craned our necks beneath Michelangelo’s ceilings, and stood still in the vast breath of the Colosseum.
It was grand and pulsing and full of awe—and we loved it.
But when we arrived in Tavarnelle, a softness returned. One that only the countryside can offer. We watched the wind roll over the vineyards like a second sky. We let ourselves settle into this new rhythm—the one with no clocks, no noise, no need to rush.
Inspired by Stone, Vines, and Lemon
Wandering the cobbled alleyways of the countryside, I found myself moved by more than just the scenery—like each time I visit Europe, I was drawn in by the ancient stone buildings, weathered and wise, as though they’ve held a thousand stories. Crawling jasmine vines stretched lazily over old wooden doorways, their scent lingering in the warm air. And then, there were the lemons—bright, plump, almost too perfect to be real—hanging from trees like little golden suns.
That kind of detail… it sinks in.
It reminded me why I love the way we build and design things on our farm—not for trends or quick fixes, but with the hope that they’ll look like they’ve always been there. Rooted. Timeless. Built to last.
There’s something sacred about creating with the long view in mind—about designing spaces and structures that feel like they’ve been passed down and will keep standing long after us.
That’s what I brought home with me.
A Table Set for Pause
One of the most memorable days was when we hopped on bicycles and pedaled down quiet, sun-dappled roads to a vineyard tucked just far enough away to feel like a secret. We tasted wines that told us everything the soil had been through. We ate slow lunches under olive trees. We laughed.
The Tuscan table doesn’t rush. It listens. It lets the flavors and speak. And we did the same.
Cooking with Our Tuscan Family
But the moment that made this trip something we’ll carry home with us forever? It was the day we spent cooking with our new Italian family at Our Tuscan Farm
Marco, Shannon and Nonna Barbara welcomed us with their beautiful red wine, flour-dusted hands and hearts wide open. We made pasta from scratch—kneading, rolling, laughing. There was no real measuring. Just the poke test, taste, and tradition. We folded our pasta, and enjoyed the homemade sauce that Nonna Barbara prepared for us! Get Nonna Barbara’s Pasta Recipe Here!
The kitchen was warm, not just from the oven, but from the stories. They told us about the house that used to be the village mill, the older couple who used to farm here, how they live nearby and still come to help with olive harvest, passing down generations of this farm’s knowledge with each interaction. We listened. We learned. And somewhere between the laughter and the lemon zest, we became family that day.
That meal wasn’t just food. It was belonging. It was the kind of connection you can’t plan for—and never forget. If you can’t get to see their farm in person, you can order their incredible olive oil and wine made in small batches, assembled only when you order and with the highest care and quality. We made sure to sign up for their monthly membership as soon as we got home!
Line-Dried Dreams & Sunset Stillness
Back at our farmhouse, we washed a little load of our traveling clothes and hung our clothes out to dry on the line—just like they do here. There are no dryers, no microwaves and very few places that have air conditioning. The linens came in at dusk smelling of hot sun and jasmine-scented wind. That night, bringing the crisp sun-dried laundry back in taking in the scent was like climbing into the quiet arms of the countryside itself.
It was the best night’s sleep money can’t buy.
A Life That Lingers
This trip reminded us what it feels like to live with the day instead of racing through it. To wake up with the light. To eat when you’re hungry, not just when the clock says to. To talk to strangers until they become friends. To linger longer at the table. To feel full—not just from food, but from being here.
And in a world that pushes us toward more, faster, louder—this place whispered something else.
Slow down.
Pay attention.
Let it be enough.
We could have rushed around, bought more train tickets, and planned more adventures, but this time around, we just wanted to take it in.
Things that made a difference when we travel:
Bags by Walker Family Goods. Lightweight, easy to pack compartments, and super super durable! Also easy to spot when piled up on a train with other black suitcases.
Jet Lag Remedy – this was the first time trying this. It came highly recommended, homeopathic and it worked well for us!
Hand Fan– I keep one of these in my bag at all times. Stuffy, non air conditioned trains, metros, planes, crowded areas or hot climates where a little air movement is welcomed. I have also used it a few times in some emergency situations when someone has passed out.
Cell Phone Lanyard– super handy in heavy-traffic areas when it’s easy to get pick-pocketed.
Sonos Noise-Canceling Headphones. I LOVE these headphones! I wear them through an entire flight. Aside from the cord that plugs into the airplane’s movie monitors, they keep the noise of chatty neighbors, upset kids, and hum of the plane out of my headspace.
Melatonin– when I get to a new place especially when there is a large time zone difference, I try to get on my new place time asap.
Air Tags– we put one in our rental car- so we always knew where we parked, one in our farm house rental- so we could find our new home, and of course in our suitcases, purses, and could easily be slipped into a younger kid’s pocket or sock to keep track of them in busy situations.
Earthen Harmony Shoes– I’d never traveled with my new grounding shoes, yet I wanted to test my Chukka Boots. I loved how they gave me energy during the day, kept me grounded while traveling, and never, ever made my feet ache or hurt. Plus, they went with about every outfit I packed. 10 out of 10 choice to pack them.
*Here’s my favorite long-travel hack. Take the pillow out of your neck pillow case, and fill it with your socks, tanks, and underwear. You never use your neck pillow once you arrive at your destination anyway, so why not fill it with something you will use, allowing more room in your suitcase.
If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Tuscany, let me tell you: it’s not just the places. It’s the people, the pace, the stone and the sun and the scent of jasmine. And maybe, just maybe, it’s the quiet nudge to start building a life that feels like it could last forever.
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This post may contain affiliate links from a paid sponsor, Amazon or other program. When you use these links to make a purchase I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This allows me to continue creating the content that you love. The content in this article is created for information only and based on my research and/or opinion.
Emily T.
DAILY INSPIRATION ON THE GRAM @hearty.sol
it's hip to be square!
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