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

      Welcome to Locals Only. In this series, we reach out to notable locals in the fashion scene to present a curated list of their top suggestions for sights, dining, and shopping in their hometown. They will share lesser-known recommendations that you won't come across in typical 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 exceptional vintage fashion sense, her artistic illustrations, or her wardrobe inspired by the 1950s and '60s. However, over time, the Italian transplant has become a representation of the life many of us aspire to: relocating to Italy, embracing a more relaxed lifestyle, and eventually purchasing a fixer-upper in a quaint town, living out the storyline of Diane Lane's character in Under the Tuscan Sun. With the launch of her new book, Jenny Sais Quoi: Adventures in Vintage & Personal Style, the story of Walton's cinematic journey and unique personal style is transitioning from the screen to the printed page.

      For the artist and author, her dream began in Milan, where she resided for several years before making Tuscany her home. Therefore, we sought her favorite spots in the region that have become her haunts. Whether it's the restaurant known for her preferred Tuscan pasta, the hidden beach town that locals favor over the well-trodden paths of Cinque Terre, or the lesser-known small towns she believes everyone should visit in Tuscany, experience the Italian region through her perspective.

      Jenny Sais Quoi: Adventures in Vintage & Personal Style

      Can you share a bit about the inspiration behind your book? What are some highlights you're eager for your readers to discover?

      I'm particularly excited for people to explore the various artistic ways they can enjoy dressing. There's a whole section titled “Clothes as Canvas,” which focuses on rediscovering the joy of getting dressed, much like we did when we were kids having fun playing dress-up. The enjoyment we derive from dressing is largely influenced by our mindset towards it.

      I understand you recently purchased a home in Tuscany. After several years in Milan, what attracted you to this region of Italy?

      I adore Milan, and I’ll always spend time there because it continually inspires me. However, after over 15 years in urban environments (New York and Milan), I sought a connection to nature. I desired a real yard for the dogs and a place I could decorate according to my tastes.

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

      During the summer, prioritize beach attire, as it’s quite pleasant, with cool stone houses in the mountains keeping things comfortable during the day and night. In winter, expect some rain, so don't forget a rain jacket. You'll encounter many old, narrow stone streets, so practical yet stylish walking shoes are a must. I might be that person who unashamedly wears jelly gardening shoes in public.

      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 excellent traditional Tuscan cuisine (in the fall, everything features chestnuts and is simply perfect)," she praises. "They serve delightful pastas like testaroli al pesto, and the necci con ricotta is amazing. These chestnut flour pancakes are rolled and filled with fresh sheep's ricotta, resembling crepes."

      "My favorite place is by the sea, and Porto Venere is my absolute top choice. A few friends from Milan recommended it, and it's simply exquisite," she shares. "Forget Cinque Terre and choose this instead. It has the same beautiful sea but fewer tourists."

      "Villa Petriolo is a lovely place atop a hill, conveniently located for easy trips to Lucca or Pisa," Walton notes. "They offer a nice wine tasting along with aperitivo pairings, and nearby San Miniato is a charming little town worth exploring."

      Nestled in San Miniato, the tiny town renowned for its truffles, is a wine bar Walton loves. Established by cookbook author Emiko Davies and Tuscan sommelier Marco Lami, Enoteca Marilu operates as a wine bar in the evening and hosts cooking classes and culinary workshops during the day.

      If your ideal Italian getaway includes leisurely lunches with stunning Mediterranean views, Walton highly recommends Torre di Venere, a delightful venue in Porto Venere specializing in fresh seafood.

      On her days off, Walton usually spends the morning in her garden with her dogs, indulging in reading or writing, followed by a trip to the beach. "I love Baia Blu, which requires walking through an olive grove and a pine forest to reach," she reflects. "I often wrap up the evening with dinner in Lerici or a quaint town like Sarzana."

      "Caffè e Pasticceria degli