After leaving the dreamy canals of Venice behind, I traded the gondolas for hiking boots and hit the road toward the Dolomites—my ultimate kind of place! Mountains are where I feel most at home, and the Dolomites did not disappoint. Renting a car gave me the freedom to explore this incredible region at my own pace, and as soon as I arrived, I felt the fresh mountain air revitalize me. I got lucky with my Airbnb stay, too—my hosts were an older local couple who had a cousin visiting from Canada. She not only spoke both English and Italian, making her my unofficial interpreter, but also invited me to tag along on their sightseeing adventures. It was such a joy to meet new people and it really made my Dolomite experience that much better. I even got to spend time with my hosts black lab, Tor. Since I lost Preston, my white lab, about 18 months ago, I have missed having a dog around, so this was a true treat!
Over the next three days, I packed in as much adventure as possible. We kicked things off with a hike to San Romedio Sanctuary, a hidden gem nestled on a rocky outcrop in the Val di Non. This unique site is a collection of chapels and small churches stacked along a steep cliff, connected by winding staircases and offering incredible views of the surrounding valley. The sanctuary is dedicated to Saint Romedius, a hermit who lived in the area over 1,000 years ago, and it’s still a place of pilgrimage today. Legend has it that Romedius once tamed a bear, and the sanctuary even has a bear enclosure in his honor. The peaceful atmosphere and history make it a must-see stop if you’re exploring this beautiful region.
Later that afternoon we hiked to an alpine lake, where the crystal-clear water perfectly mirrored the surrounding jagged peaks. There’s something magical about standing at the edge of an alpine lake, where the world feels so quiet and still. I enjoyed some down time laying on a dock to enjoy some late afternoon sunshine…heavenly!
The next day we took another hike, and afterwards treated ourselves to lunch on top of a mountain—a little cafe called Malga di Cloz perched right on the mountain at 1732m, offering one of the best views I’ve ever had, with a true meal of fresh wild venison and polenta. It was a true pinch-me moment!
My third day in the Dolomites took us on a walk down a lakeside trail at Lake Smeraldo to explore a small canyon, filled with hidden waterfalls and surrounded by towering cliffs, and abandoned mill, and a partially ruined stone home. The landscapes here are nothing short of cinematic—everywhere you look, nature is putting on a show.
But my Dolomites adventure wasn’t just about hiking and mountain views—I also got an unexpected lesson in agriculture with a tour of the Melinda Apple Processing Plant.
The Dolomites region is famous for apple growing, thanks to its ideal climate and fertile valleys. Apple production here dates back centuries, with orchards nestled between the mountains. The region is especially known for Golden Delicious and Red Delicious apples, but many other varieties are grown as well. Visiting the plant, I got to see how apples are harvested, washed, sorted, and packed for shipment across Europe and beyond. It was fascinating to learn how this region has become one of Italy’s top apple producers, and I even got to taste some of the freshest apples I’ve ever had…fresh off the tree. Also they grow their apples differently than in the states. They don’t have full grown trees, they have the trunk and just a few branches so all the apples get maximum exposure to the sun, and it also makes for easier picking.
The rich history of the Dolomites doesn’t stop with apples. This area is also dotted with historic castles and medieval towns, offering a glimpse into the region’s storied past. The Dolomites have been home to various cultures over the centuries, including the Rhaetians, Romans, and later the Austro-Hungarians before it became part of Italy. The castles here—like Castel Thun and Castel Valer—stand as proud reminders of a time when nobles ruled over the valleys. Exploring these fortresses is like stepping back in time, where you can almost imagine knights and royalty going about their daily lives in these stone strongholds.
Overall, my time in the Dolomites was a beautiful mix of outdoor adventure, cultural discovery, and culinary delights. Whether it was hiking to hidden alpine lakes, walking through the quiet halls of ancient castles, or learning about the region’s apple-growing tradition, every moment felt like a celebration of what makes the Dolomites so special. I absolutely fell in love with this corner of Italy. I am headed to Florence next, and looking forward to exploring another iconic Italian city.
