Marble and lardo in Carrara
2010-10-04
Once a couple's kids have moved on to college, so-called "empty nesters" will have some extra time on their hands. This is a great chance to explore some regions of the world that require a bit more of an investment and relaxed pace to fully appreciate.
For this reason, many empty nesters choose to head to Italy and explore some of the lesser-known regions and towns. One area that they may want to schedule for a visit, according to the New York Times, is the town of Carrara.
This village is mostly known for the marble contained in the mountains surrounding the main town, which is where Michaelangelo got the white marble used to make his famous "David" sculpture. These days, tourists can visit beautiful marble caves. They can also take in various artwork at the Biennale Internazionale di Scultura di Carrara, an annual festival running through October that showcases statues made with marble from the region.
Another reason to visit is the food, according to the news source. The nearby village of Colonnata is famous for producing a delicious food called lardo, used in charcuterie plates and paninis.
Carrara may not boast the big attractions of Florence and Rome, but for travelers who take the time to discover its strengths, it makes a strong choice for a vacation.
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