Jenny Walton's Insider Guide to Tuscany: Top Pasta, Enchanting Coastal Villages, and Beyond

      Welcome to Locals Only. In this series, we are connecting with prominent local figures in the fashion scene to share a curated list of their top recommendations for sights, dining, and shopping in their hometown. They will provide lesser-known suggestions that are not found in standard guidebooks, creating concise mini guides that reveal where the city’s most stylish residents really spend their time.

      You may have started following Jenny Walton for her outstanding vintage fashion sense, her artistic illustrations and paintings, or her wardrobe reminiscent of the 1950s and 60s. However, at some point, this Italian transplant became a model for a lifestyle many of us aspire to: moving to Italy, embracing a slower pace of life, and ultimately purchasing a fixer-upper in a quaint town, living out scenarios akin to Diane Lane’s narrative in Under the Tuscan Sun. Now, with the release of her book, Jenny Sais Quoi: Adventures in Vintage & Personal Style, Walton's captivating story and unique fashion sense are transitioning from digital to print.

      For the artist and author, this dream began in Milan, where she resided for several years before settling in Tuscany. Naturally, we were eager to hear her favorite spots in the region that she frequently visits. Whether it’s the restaurant serving her beloved traditional Tuscan pastas, a hidden beach town that locals prefer over the crowded Cinque Terre, or the quaint villages she insists everyone should experience in Tuscany, discover this Italian region through 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 highlights you're excited for your readers to find?

      I’m thrilled for people to discover the various artistic ways to have fun with fashion. There’s a section titled “Clothes as Canvas,” focused on rediscovering the joy of dressing, reminiscent of our childhood days of playing dress-up. Our attitude toward dressing significantly influences whether or not we find joy in it.

      Having just purchased a home in Tuscany, what attracted you to this region after spending several years in Milan?

      I absolutely adore Milan and will always return there. It’s a city that inspires me greatly. However, after living in urban environments (New York and Milan) for over 15 years, I yearned for natural surroundings. I wanted a real yard for my dogs and a home I could furnish to my taste.

      What packing tips would you offer for someone visiting Northern Tuscany?

      In summer, it’s all about the beach, and the stone houses in the mountains stay cool both day and night. In winter, there might be some rain, so a rain jacket is wise. Given the narrow, old stone streets, I recommend practical walking shoes that can still look stylish. I tend to wear jelly gardening shoes out and about, much to the chagrin of some.

      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 offers fantastic traditional Tuscan cuisine, especially in the fall when everything features chestnuts," she enthusiastically shares. "They serve amazing pastas like testaroli al pesto, and necci con ricotta, which are delicious chestnut flour pancakes filled with fresh sheep’s ricotta, similar to crepes."

      "My favorite spot is by the sea, and Porto Venere tops my list. A few friends from Milan recommended it, and it’s simply perfect," she adds. "Avoid Cinque Terre and opt for this instead. Same stunning sea, but much fewer tourists."

      "Villa Petriolo was a delightful place to stay on a hillside, conveniently located for visits to Lucca or Pisa," Walton mentions. "They offer excellent wine tastings with aperitivo pairings, and nearby San Miniato is a charming town worth exploring."

      In the small town of San Miniato, known for its truffles, is a wine bar Walton loves. Enoteca Marilu, founded by cookbook author Emiko Davies and Tuscan sommelier Marco Lami, serves as a wine bar in the evenings and hosts cooking classes and culinary workshops during the day.

      If your ideal Italian vacation includes long, leisurely lunches with stunning views of the Mediterranean, Walton recommends Torre di Venere, a lovely venue in Porto Venere famed for its fresh seafood dishes.

      On her day off, Walton enjoys mornings in the garden with her dogs, reading or writing, followed by a beach visit. "I adore Baia Blu, which requires a walk through an olive grove and pine forest to reach," she shares. "I might end the evening with dinner in Lerici or a quaint town like Sarzana."

      "Caffè e Pasticceria degli Svizzeri knows my order by heart—it’s always a caffè macchiato," she