A Rainy Week in the Dolomites

• First Impressions of Chies: A Peaceful Alpine Escape: As someone who thrives in the energy of big cities, I was surprised by how much I embraced the peace and tranquility of Chies, which served as my home base. This small village, tucked away in the Dolomites, offers a slower pace of life, making it an ideal place to disconnect and recharge.

• Exploring the Dolomites: Even with the weather challenges, I managed to explore some of the most breathtaking spots in the region.

• Belluno: Belluno is charming town that serves as a gateway to the Dolomites. Wandering through its historic streets, I was captivated by the blend of Renaissance and Venetian architecture. The highlight of my visit was Piazza dei Martiri, the town’s main square. This expansive, pedestrian-friendly area is lined with elegant arcades, bustling cafés, and vibrant shops. It’s a lively meeting point for locals and offers a great atmosphere for an afternoon stroll. In the center of the square, a green island adds a touch of nature, making it a pleasant spot to relax and people-watch.

• Lago del Mis: Located near Belluno, Lago del Mis is a peaceful alpine lake surrounded by mountains. The deep blue waters and lush greenery made for a stunning view, and despite the rain, it was well worth the visit.

• Lago di Misurina: Known as the “Pearl of the Dolomites,” Lago di Misurina is one of the most picturesque lakes in the region. Its mirror-like surface reflects the surrounding peaks, creating an almost dreamlike scene. This area is perfect for photography, leisurely walks, or simply soaking in the alpine atmosphere.

• Cortina d’Ampezzo: Another highlight was Cortina d’Ampezzo, the famed alpine town that hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics and is set to do so again in 2026. Even outside of ski season, Cortina’s charm is undeniable, with breathtaking mountain views, elegant boutiques, and a lively main street lined with traditional Italian cafés and restaurants.

Day trip

• I did a full day bus tour to Ljubljana, Slovenia, that left from Trieste, Italy. This city was part of Austria-Hungary until 1922, and its architecture still carries that influence. I had originally planned to spend a full day here, but the rain had other ideas.
  
  Exploring Ljubljana, Slovenia: Welcome to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia! This city has a rich and layered history, dating back to a Roman military encampment in the 1st century BCE.
  
  Though Ljubljana was completely destroyed by an earthquake in the 1800s, it was rebuilt in the Baroque style of Austria-Hungary. The result? A gorgeous and impeccably clean city with striking architecture. The canals running through the center were actually designed to mimic Venice.

• Lunch at Costina Sokol: I enjoyed a hearty Slovenian meal—ragout with traditional Slovenian dumplings, paired with a glass of rosé.

• Lake Bled: Facing a fear and rewarding myself. One of the highlights of my Slovenia trip was visiting Lake Bled—a picture-perfect alpine lake.
  
  I have a fear of water, but I didn’t let that stop me from taking a pletna boat to the island in the middle of the lake.
  
  My reward? Ice cream! I had an incredible orange kefir and lemon cake-flavored cone, reminiscent of the outstanding ice cream in Greece and way better than any gelato I had in Italy on this trip.

In Chies, one of the only eateries that was open at that time of the year was Teverone’s. Thank goodness, the pizza is amazing. You really can’t go wrong with any choice. They also have a nice selection of appetizers.

While in Cortina, I had lunch at El Bronsin, a cozy spot just off the main drag. I ordered their Porca pizza, a delicious pizza that featured, you guessed it, all things pork.

I ended my stay in the Dolomites on a culinary high note with dinner at Ristorante Locanda San Lorenzo, in Puos d’Alpago. A one-star Michelin restaurant that showcases the best of regional flavors.

Tasting menu highlights:

• Amuses-Bouches: Beet sorbet, local pancetta, trout taco.

• First Course: Handmade bigoli pasta in venison ragout, raspberry and onion sauce and berries, paired with a local Pinot Noir.

• Main Course: Alpago Lamb prepared seven different ways, paired with Valpolicella Ripasso.

• Dessert Board (complimentary): Chocolate ganache with passion fruit, puff pastry with custard paired with dried wildflower-infused grappa from the Dolomites.

Everything was perfectly executed, and it was a fantastic way to wrap up my time in this breathtaking region.