Our friend, Guenda, works for our favorite hotel in Roma and she found a "not to be missed" deal in the Le Marche region.  She, her husband, Maurizio, Steve and I went on a grand explore of a new town for a novel experience.  We were not disappointed.

The weekend began with lunch in a café by the sea (we were so early in their season, we had to wait while they moved the tables outdoors...it was well worth the wait). We had aperitivi in an ancient church while tear-evoking music was played.  We strolled streets of famous poets, singers and the Saturday markets.  We basked in the sun of the Adriatic Sea (after placing my feet in its icy water).  We dined from delicious regional menus and sampled local wines.  We strolled until our legs hurt and enjoyed each other's company thoroughly.  It was a great escape.  The perfect way to conclude my birthday month!