When it comes to savoring the essence of Italy in the heart of American cities, several vibrant neighborhoods stand out, each with its unique charm and traditional gastronomic treasures.
From the oldest Italian enclave in Boston to the thriving communities in San Diego, Providence, and New York, these Little Italy neighborhoods buzz with flavors and traditions. Let’s get to it.
Boston, Massachusetts
Nestled in the oldest neighborhood, Boston’s unofficial Little Italy North End is a haven for pastry enthusiasts, with Mike’s Pastry and Modern Pastry enticing visitors with coveted cannoli and delectable pastries.
Other food-focused folk can extend their adventure at Antico Forno, offering Southern Italian-inspired dishes. For authentic Italian festa, plan your visit during the last Sunday in August for St. Anthony’s Feast. Deliciousness all round.
San Diego, California
San Diego’s Little Italy, born from the aspirations of Italian fishermen, has evolved into the most expansive Little Italy in the entire U.S! The renowned Little Italy Mercato, a sprawling farmers market, is a highlight, spanning a whopping six blocks, every Saturday.
Delight in an authentic Italian coffee experience at Pappalecco and get a mouthful of artisanal gelato at Bobboi Natural Gelato. Isola Pizza Bar and Civico 1845 also beckon, with delectable bruschetta, pizza, and pasta.
Providence, Rhode Island
Providence’s historic Federal Hill boasts a Little Italy that has embraced Italian immigrants since the early 1900s. Atwells Avenue and Spruce Street host a vibrant community featuring specialty stores like Venda Ravioli and Tony’s Colonial Foods.
Scialo Brothers Bakery, offering traditional pastries, and Il Massimo, serving Italian favorites, are other excellent options.
New York
While the Feast of San Gennaro (see below) remains a cherished tradition on Mulberry Street, Arthur Avenue in the Bronx is hailed as the “real” Little Italy by many. Arthur Avenue is home to authentic establishments like Mike’s Deli, Egidio Pastry Shop, and Mario’s Restaurant. For a chic stay near Manhattan’s Little Italy, The Beekman offers historic architecture and modern flair
Meanwhile, check out The Dominick Hotel. It has breathtaking views and is conveniently located within a mile of Mulberry Street.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
In the heart of South Philadelphia, the Ninth Street Italian Market stands as Philadelphia’s cherished Little Italy. For an authentic Italian-American marketplace experience, Di Bruno Bros. beckons with a splendid array of high-quality meats, cheeses, and imported specialty foods!
Angelo’s Pizzeria awaits with piping-hot, delicious pizzas, and a visit to the landmark Sarcone’s Bakery is a must for freshly baked bread. Wander along Ninth Street, lined with family-owned shops, to complete the immersive Italian Market experience. We’re full just reading this list!
Head to These 4 Places in North America for a Ski Trip With Your Girlfriends
Girls’ ski trips are a perfect way to spend time with your girlfriends. Whether it’s sharing the slopes or a night out on the town, girls’ ski trips can be a lot of fun. If you and your gal pals are also planning a ski trip this year, here are the four best places in North America to go.
Breckenridge, Colorado
This is one of those places that has it all for a snowy girls’ ski trip. Breckenridge is located in the Rocky Mountains and has many other activities to do besides skiing. There are several places around the town where you can go skiing, including Copper Mountain, Vail, and Keystone Ski Resort. If you’re looking to do something else during your trip, there are also plenty of things to do, like hiking and mountain biking.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
It’s one of the most popular destinations for a ladies ski trip. The town is filled with luxurious lodges and resorts, as well as some of the best ski runs in North America. If you’re looking for an epic girls’ ski trip destination, we recommend Jackson Hole because it’s located right on the Continental Divide in Grand Tetons National Park — home to spectacularly beautiful peaks like Grand Teton and Mount Moran!
Mammoth Mountain, California
Mammoth Mountain is located in Southern California and offers some of the world’s best backcountry skiing and snowboarding. Mammoth Mountain opened in 1967 and has since been a popular destination for skiers from around the world. The resort boasts over 1,000 acres of terrain, including several runs that are rated among the steepest in North America. Mammoth Mountain also offers a wide variety of ski programs for all levels of skiers, including lessons, group courses, and private lessons.
Whistler, Canada
Whistler is a winter wonderland with all the snow sports you could hope for. There are over 100 ski lifts in Whistler and the longest run on Blackcomb Mountain is almost 16 kilometers. The area offers a wide variety of terrain, from groomed runs to backcountry powder, and there are tons of options for activities like après and nightlife. The town itself is small enough that you can walk everywhere, but it’s also big enough that there’s always something new to discover if you spend some extra time exploring! If you want to get out of town for a day or two, we recommend hiking up Blackcomb Mountain or taking a short scenic drive up Highway 99 through Osoyoos Lake Provincial Park.