Guest Post: Traveling Off the Beaten Path – 3 Reasons to Visit Sicily

By: Alexandra Tyson

Visiting Sicily is still regarded as a travel experience off the beaten path for non-European adventurers.  Due to years of Mafia control, visitors have shied away from this Italian island; however, a resurgence in tourism is making Sicily a top destination in the Mediterranean region. Sicily will welcome you with warmth and a passionate sense of pride.  Its people are notoriously gestural, yet gentle and hospitable.  For instance, the family who owned the apartment where I stayed cooked multiple authentic Sicilian meals for me–gratis!  This same family’s next door neighbor took me around Palermo on the back of his Vespa, allowing me to see breathtaking views of the city, mountains, and sea.

There are so many more wonderful things to say about visiting Sicily, but here are the top 3 reasons why I think you should:

AFFORDABLE CUISINE & SPIRITS

Food and drinks are very affordable! Sicilians pride themselves on being able to enjoy artisan cuisine and spirits without breaking the bank.  If you are a seafood enthusiast, this is the place for you! Generous plates of the freshest seafood prepared in a variety of ways will never exceed $30.  Pizza, homemade pasta, and other traditional dishes cost even less! Wine is mainly served by the half-bottle (wine-by-the-glass is foreign to Sicilians) and is sometimes cheaper than bottled water! Cocktails are always prepared with the freshest ingredients, such as the Sicilian version of a mojito, which includes rosemary instead of mint and a purée of the island’s indigenous melon.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

Each area of this small island is different, offering attractions and activities that cater to a variety of interests.  In Palermo, you will experience a unique mix of European, Arab, and African culture against the backdrop of the Tyrrhenian Sea.  Other notable towns include Catania, Mount Etna, Aeolian Isles, and Taormina.  Buses and trains throughout Sicily are quite efficient and inexpensive, making travel between its cities very easy.

AMAZING BEACHES

The beaches could rival many Caribbean destinations.  The water is calm and crystal clear with a temperature that is significantly warmer than most Mediterranean beaches.   I ventured to Mondello which is fifteen minutes outside of Palermo and accessible by public bus.  This beach of powdery white sand is open to the public, but the private beach clubs are well worth the price.  For $25 a day, you get a cabana or set of sun lounges that can be shared between four people.  These clubs have amenities such as bathrooms, cocktail service, and security workers who look after your belongings as you take a dip in the refreshing sea.

English is not widely spoken so asking a Sicilian for assistance is an experience in itself–you may find yourself surrounded by five or six people all trying to help you locate the right street or cafe!  So be open to its boisterous magic and let Sicily awaken you as it did for me!

D.C.’s 2nd Distillery, One Eight Distilling, to Open in the Fall

I had the opportunity to meet with co-founders and friends Alex Laufer and Sandy Wood of One Eight Distilling (1135 Okie St. NE) last week, a new D.C. distillery that will produce vodka, gin, and whiskey.  It was great meeting with them to discuss how they left their full-time jobs to focus on their new business and passion to become a force in the craft market, both nationally and internationally.

About the Owners
Alex and Sandy met at Vassar College.  Sandy left a position as an immigration attorney, while Alex worked in biotechnology and neuroscience, which is proving quite helpful in their new endeavor. They began this journey over a year ago; finding a space, applying for licenses, buying equipment, amongst a host of other tasks.  In order to prepare themselves for their new business venture, Lauder and Wood apprenticed at Smooth Amber Spirits in West Virginia.

About One Eight Distilling
The name One Eight Distilling comes from Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution, which established the District of Columbia as the U.S. capital. Laufer and Wood want their spirits to represent The District because they love the city and hope that One Eight Distilling’s products will tie consumers back to Washington, D.C.

Products
One Eight Distilling has recently released the bottles for their Ivy City Gin, District Made Vodka and Rock Creek Whiskey.  Because the distillery is still under construction, they haven’t finalized their recipes yet.  But they plan on producing a smooth, hearty vodka that stays true to vodka’s roots, unlike many vodka products currently saturating the market.  Laufer and Wood are also excited about their gin and whiskey and plan on releasing products that will make D.C. proud.

Distillery Operations
Renovations on the distillery are still underway, but they hope to have operations up and running by the Fall. The distillery will be open for tours and tastings, and will also be available to host outside events. They’ve already had someone reserve the space for a wedding reception in the Fall.  How fab!

Favorite Spirits
Both Sandy and Alex are fans of most spirits and make it a priority to try native spirits whether they are traveling in the U.S. or abroad.  They visit other distilleries and breweries to learn as much as possible before they begin creating their own.

The Future of One Eight Distilling
Wood and Laufer hope to create infused vodkas as well as develop bourbon and other speciality whiskey lines. They plan on experimenting with various types of barrels and finishes for new products.  Laufer and Wood have their eyes on international expansion within the next three to five years, with One Eight’s products across the United States as well as in European and Asian markets.  The future looks very bright for One Eight Distilling. I look forward to returning for a tour and tasting once they’re open in the Fall.

Follow One Eight Distilling on Twitter (@OneEightD) and like them on Facebook.

Photo Credit: popville.com