So, we're finally here -- in the Garfagna, at an agriturismo near Bagni di Lucca, for a couple of weeks. We'll do a couple day trips to Lucca for sure, but we have no specific plans otherwise.

Since we have one year old twins in tow, our ideal day would likely involve driving to some lovely locale during the morning nap, walking around and eating a fabulous lunch, and then driving home during the afternoon nap. With lots of great little mountain villages to choose from, we're faced with an embarassment of riches.

Any towns you'd recommend over others? Any meals you've had in the area that were particularly memorable?

Thanks in advance...

{typo in title corrected}

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Jonathan,

Where are you staying? We will be in the area in another week. Can't wait. According to my notes: Circolo dei Forestieri--good food in a beautiful building with a columned terrace. Da Vinicio--pizza. Antico Cafe del Sonno--great pizza and dinners. Bar and Trattoria Borghese--best and most inexpensive lunch. These are all in Bagni di Lucca. Also in Barga is L'Altana on Via di Mezzo 1 on the left past the main city gate. I cannot vouch for any of the above, but gleaned this info from forums. Have a great time.

Following a Slowtrav recommendation (thanks, Gavin!) I ate wonderfully well at La Ceragetta a few years ago. Here's a previous thread, with links to their website, which has a map (of sorts!). Its location, on a wooded hillside not far from Castelnuovo di G, fits your bill perfectly.

Jonathan

I'll be there in 2 weeks and I do my grocery shopping in Bagni. Lunch is inexpensive and quite good at Bar Borghese in the center of the town on the right side going north.It's past the gelato place near the furniture store.
For really good gelato go back on SS12 going towards Lucca and opposite the YOYO disco is the Gelateria.
My cousin has a fantastic restaurant in my town of Vico Pancellorum. It's 15 min ride from Bagni going towards Abetone off SS12. They love seeing babies up there!
I'd recommend going to Barga,Abetone for the views, San Marcello,Montecatini Alto,Pisa for touristy things,Pistoia for the zoo.

Congratulations. You have found the best part of the world, IMHO. A site I am developing (www.garfagnana-food.com) will help you find suitable places to eat. In the links section also is various local tourist information.

(Kathy G -- We are at agriturismo La Torre, just outside Fornoli.)

Thanks, everyone! We appreciate the help -- we normally research our trips to death w/r/t food, but the babies sucked up a lot of the prep time...

We drove out to Isola Santa and ate at La Ceragetta yesterday. Holy moly, what a meal -- and what a view! I can't imagine anyone staying in this region and _not_eating there. Also tried the gelateria across from YOYO -- excellent.

Any other thoughts appreciated -- especially if (like La Ceragetta), they're an hour or so from Fornoli, since that gives the twins ample morning nap time in the car. We read somewhere about a pizzeria in Carregine, which may be our next destination.

I'm really glad to hear that Ceragetta is still as spectacular as ever! We'd love to have an up to date review of the place - it would be great if you could submit one when you're back.

Thanks,
Jonathan