Experiences to Try in Florence and a Personal Confession
Falling in love with Florence again through experiences and some honest conversations about life goals, work and seasons of life
I’ve lived in Florence long enough to know that the magic isn’t in the postcard views or museum ticket lines — it’s in the scent of handmade perfume on your wrist after a workshop above the Ponte Vecchio, in the clink of wine glasses during a supper club with strangers who suddenly feel like friends.
Today on the blog, I shared a guide to some of the most immersive experiences you can have in Florence — not the ones you’ll find on every itinerary, but the ones that make you feel part of the city.
If you’re planning a trip — or dreaming of one — I put together a full list of 10 of my current favorite immersive experiences in Florence and Tuscany on the blog. It’s packed with links, insider notes, and ways to make your trip unforgettable in all the right ways.
👉 Read the full blog post here
But here, I wanted to share the why behind the list — what these experiences taught me, what I return to again and again, and how they’ve helped me fall back in love with Florence when life felt flat or frantic.
The experiences I share are ones I’ve personally tried—whether it’s something I’ve done solo, with friends and family, or both. For me, it’s all about immersing yourself in something new and finding genuine joy in learning.
A perfect example? This past weekend, we took some visiting friends from Switzerland to a paper marbling workshop (linked in the blog post above).
From the moment we stepped into this creative little haven in the center of Florence, it was pure magic. We got to hear Jen’s story—how she evolved as an artist—and then she guided us through the ins and outs of marbling paper, Florentine-style. There are so many beautiful combinations you can create, and each one feels like a surprise.
At one point, I was standing there in an apron, wooden tool in hand, making swirling designs in pools of color—while my daughter beamed beside me, creating her own, Nico took a few turns as well. It felt like such a full-circle moment of why I love this city: the chance to learn, to be inspired, and to share that joy with people I care about. And maybe—just maybe—that spark of creativity doesn’t stop at the workshop, but follows us home.
I was also very moved by visiting the Minobossi showroom recently in the outskirts of Florence which is Made-in-Italy leather brand with the workshop and showroom all in one place where people can visit, ogle their beautiful bags and learn about how true leather artisan bags are made. It is getting harder and harder to distinguish quality from cheaper, flashier fare but I will die on the hill of buying less but buying better and supporting family businesses that actually give a shit about every single detail and lets you in on all of the secrets. These places should be cherished and celebrated!
On another note, since moving back in 2023, life has been a whirlwind of red-tape, catching up with friends and settling our family back in the city where Nico and I first met and spent most of our 20s and mid-30s.
There has been so much on my plate in so many ways and yet at the same time a fair amount of free time for my mind to spiral about what I plan on doing for the next 20+ years of my life.
Writing is a love I’ll never give up — no matter how many headlines shout about AI replacing us all — but if I’m being totally honest, something’s been missing. I crave being part of something bigger than myself: a team, a mission, a place where my passion for communication can make a difference in the real world. I want colleagues. I want a mentor. I want to put my skills to work for an organization whose values align with my own.
I want to always continue sharing what I love in an open and authentic way but as someone who grew up with financial instability, the need to not hustle is a strong one, especially in this season of life. I adore writing and connecting with readers like you. I don’t adore chasing algorithms or cranking out content that feels vague, transactional, or ultimately forgettable.
So, universe — if you’re listening — I’m ready. If there’s something/someone out there that needs a too-passionate communication wizard who also happens to be fun at aperitivo… I’m your girl. If I can help make life better for real people — through social impact, cultural preservation, sustainable tourism, community engagement, or amplifying underrepresented voices — sign me up.
In the meantime, I’ll keep showing up here.
As you might’ve noticed, I’m continuing to create content both here on Substack and over on my blog. Like many creators, I’ve learned that putting all your eggs in one basket — especially when you don’t own the platform — is rarely a great idea. So my goal is to use both spaces thoughtfully to share stories, tips, and all the things you love, in a way that feels sustainable for both of us.
And if you’re interested in more behind-the-scenes talk about writing, blogging, Substack, or social media, let me know. I'd love to open up more dialogue. It’s a bit of a Wild West out there — and you know I’ll always be honest about what it’s like to navigate this strange digital landscape as an OG content creator.
I certainly don’t have all the answers, but I’m happy to share what I’ve learned — and hear your thoughts, too. A big reason I started this journey, first on WordPress and now here, was to build community. That still matters to me — maybe even more so now, in a post-COVID world where connection often feels harder to come by or saturated in an online world that doesn’t always feel safe.
Paid subscribers ( I see you!)— I’ve put together a downloadable google map with my favorite artisans that I would love you to know about. You’ll find it linked below 👇
My favorite artisans in Florence, the full google map list here
Beautiful post, and I love this intention you've sent out into the universe! I have a good feeling for you and know the right org will find you and realize they were so lucky they did. Big hugs!
Loved reading this Georgette. I really have to make a Florence trip!
And I 1000% believe in telling the universe what you want. Anyone would be so lucky to have you on their team and I'm crossing my fingers and toes that the perfect opportunity comes your way. Thank you for being so open and honest about how, despite loving what you do, sometimes you need a new pace and direction. I think many of us relate there :)