Travels in Italy: Amalfi Coast

 Travels in Italy: Part III  ~

Amalfi Coast

Planning to explore the intense beauty of Italy's Amalfi Coast? You are in the right place because The Red Balloon has just returned and what an absolute breathtaking experience it is! The photos do not do it justice. Within the Campania region of Italy lies the Amalfi Coast, a 50 kilometer stretch of land that is beyond compare. 

The coast is located between the Gulf of Naples and the Gulf of Salerno. Filled with gorgeous views, port cities, beautiful beaches, and pastel colored fishing villages. The beaches here are considered to be the best and most beautiful of the entire Tyrrhenian Sea. Tip: Check the weather since temperatures in some months (ie. summer) can get extremely hot. 

Whether you are seeking the posh life of Positano 

Or the artwork in Amalfi, the coast has it all!

The Amalfi Coast is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It officially earned its spot as a UNESCO world Heritage Site in 1997. 

Below see the inside of the Parrochia Di San Gennaro, the Church of St. Gennaro, built in 1589. The church is divided into three naves. The church is a site to behold. 

Throughout each town in the Amalfi Coast is no shortage of things to see and do. Il Sentiero degli Dei or the Path of the Gods, was once the sole connection between the 13 villages of the Amalfi Coast. What are the 13 villages of the Amalfi Coast? 

Glad you asked! They are: Amalfi, Atrani, Cetara, Conca de' Marini, Furore, Maiori, Minori, Positano, Praiano, Ravello, Scala, Tramonti, and Vietri su Mare. Each with their own unique and distinct ambience.

See a photo from the Path of the Gods:

Tip: Be sure to bring water with you on the trail. If you are traveling during a time of year when temperatures heat up, it is best to start early. 

Be sure to bring a camera. You will be glad you did.

Tip: While on the Amalfi Coast be sure not to miss a visit to Capri. The Blue Grotto is the most visited site in Capri and The Red Balloon took a boat from the town of Amalfi to Capri and then a second boat to then board a row boat into the Blue Grotto. Behold you will be entered into a whole new world!

Stay turned for more tips from The Red Balloon's Travel Series.

New England Boat Show: Record Attendance

 "You're gonna need a bigger boat!" The 2019 New England Boat Show helped participants to finally achieve the end goal of that famous quote! This year, the show charted a new course, breaking all prior attendance records. The exposition, which took place from February 9th through the 17th at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center featured something for all ages. There were family friendly experiences and countless opportunities to learn about local boathouses and set foot onto a variety of sailing vessels while at the show and finally find that "bigger boat."

   Participants could get their feet wet at the expo while never leaving dry land! Boats of a variety of sizes were featured, allowing for a fully immersive experience.

   New this year, the show expanded its Career Day for those interested in exploring jobs in the marine and boating industry. Anyone who registered on-line for Career Day was offered a free ticket to the show.

    For more information, feel free to check out the links below.

Website:  http://www.newenglandboatshow.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/NewEnglandBoatShow/?epa=SEARCH_BOX

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/neboatshow/

Odyssey Boston

Looking for a fun night out in the city of Boston?

Look no further than the Odyssey Boston. The boat offers everything you need: dinner, dancing, and a breathtaking view of Boston by sea. No matter the season, the boat provides a comfortable seat and a mouth-watering array of options from the dining menu. The Red Balloon highly recommends the Braised Short Ribs (pictured below.)

The Odyssey Boston sails year round and departs from Rowes Wharf. The Odyssey has a variety of specialty cruises and if you are able to, the fireworks cruise is not to be missed!

Happy Sails!

NYE: Celebrate 2016

The Red Balloon wishes you a very Happy and Healthy 2016!
We find ourselves on the precipice of a new year.
Here's to a New Year and all the great and wondrous things that go along with it!

If you haven't yet made plans for New Year's Eve in Boston, I've complied a few events to look into.

Spirit of Boston:
The boat anchors as close as possible to the barge where the midnight fireworks where be set off, allowing for quite the view. As an added bonus, champagne is included.

The Beat Hotel:
Located in the heart of Harvard Square The Beat Hotel is not an actual hotel, it's a restaurant. The food is exceptional.
Below is a photo from the what can only be called the "First Round" of the buffet table.

The Fireworks:
At 7 pm and midnight, there will be a fireworks display not to be missed.

Here's to a New Year!

~The Red Balloon