Jenny Walton's Insider Guide to Tuscany: The Finest Pasta, Delightful Coastal Towns, and More

      Welcome to Locals Only. In this series, we engage noteworthy locals in the fashion scene to share a concise list of their top recommendations for sights, dining, and shopping in their hometowns. They’ll provide hidden gems that aren’t featured in typical guidebooks, creating manageable mini-guides that reveal the hangouts of the city’s most stylish inhabitants. You may have started following Jenny Walton for her exquisite taste in vintage fashion, her art, or her wardrobe inspired by the '50s and '60s, but at some point, this Italian transplant became the example of a life many of us aspire to: moving to Italy, adopting a slow pace of living, and eventually purchasing a fixer-upper in a quaint town, living out the narrative of Diane Lane's character in Under the Tuscan Sun. Now, with the release of her new book, Jenny Sais Quoi: Adventures in Vintage & Personal Style, the stories of Walton's cinematic life and unique style are transitioning from the screen to print.

      For this artist and author, her dream began in Milan, where she has spent the past several years before relocating to Tuscany. Thus, we were eager to hear her favorite spots that have become her essentials in the area. Whether it's the restaurant serving her favorite traditional Tuscan pastas, the hidden beach town that locals prefer over the well-trodden Cinque Terre, or the quaint villages off the main path that she believes everyone should experience in Tuscany, discover the Italian region from her perspective.

      **Jenny Walton**

      **Jenny Sais Quoi: Adventures in Vintage & Personal Style**

      Can you share a bit about what inspired your book? What are some exciting insights you hope readers will take away from it?

      I'm particularly eager for readers to discover all the various artistic ways to enjoy dressing. There's a whole section titled “Clothes as Canvas,” which encourages a playful approach to fashion, reminiscent of when we played dress-up as kids. The fun in dressing often depends on the mindset we bring to it.

      I know you’ve recently bought a house in Tuscany after several years in Milan. What attracted you to this part of Italy?

      I have a deep affection for Milan, and I will always return there. It's incredibly inspiring to me. However, after living in cities for over 15 years (New York and Milan), I craved a natural setting. I wanted a proper yard for my dogs and a home to decorate in my style.

      What packing advice would you give to someone visiting Northern Tuscany?

      In the summer, it’s all about enjoying the beach, and it’s lovely because the cool stone houses in the mountains help maintain a comfortable temperature. In the winter, expect some rain, so bring a rain jacket. There are many narrow, old stone streets, so practical yet chic walking shoes are a must. I might be that person who wears jelly gardening shoes out and about.

      **What to Wear**

      **Savette**

      The Symmetry Pochette

      **Michael Kors**

      Khloe Lace-Up Sandal

      **Mains de Vapeur**

      Jackie Pillbox

      **Jacquemus**

      The Berlingot Dress

      **By Malene Birger**

      Lumas Balloon Pants

      "Agriturismo Casa Turchetti serves wonderful traditional Tuscan cuisine (everything is chestnut-based and perfection in the fall)," she raves. "Their dishes include fantastic pastas like testaroli al pesto and the amazing necci con ricotta—chestnut flour pancakes filled with fresh sheep's ricotta, much like a crepe."

      "My favorite place is by the sea, and Porto Venere is my absolute go-to. A few friends from Milan introduced me to it, and it’s just perfect," she says. "Skip Cinque Terre and come here instead. You get the same beautiful sea but with fewer crowds."

      "Villa Petriolo was a delightful stay on a hillside, conveniently located for easy drives to Lucca or Pisa," Walton shares. "They offer lovely wine tastings and aperitivo pairings—there's also a charming nearby town called San Miniato that’s definitely worth a visit."

      In San Miniato, the small Tuscan town renowned for its truffles, Walton loves a wine bar that was established by cookbook author Emiko Davies and Tuscan sommelier Marco Lami. By night, Enoteca Marilu operates as a wine bar, while by day, it hosts cooking classes and culinary workshops.

      If your ideal Italian vacation consists of leisurely lunches with stunning views of the Mediterranean, Walton highly recommends Torre di Venere, a quaint spot in Porto Venere famous for its fresh seafood dishes.

      On her days off, Walton usually spends her mornings in the garden with her dogs, either reading or writing, before heading to the beach. "I adore Baia Blu and the charming walk through an olive grove and pine forest to get there," she