Bologna, Modena or Parma for a base?
 

Hi Guys! I already tried this under a different title but didn't get too many responses so I will try again.

My husband and I will be in Emilia-Romagna Oct 2-6 (for 4 nights) and we are going strictly for the food and to see Bologna. We will be arriving from Montepulciano in Tuscany and then going to Piedmont afterwards. I've read that the best restaurants can be found in the hill towns of Modena. Parma appeals to me mostly but I don't think it makes sense to drive past bologna, then back to see it one or two days. We definitely don't want to stay in the city centre of Bologna and don't want to go to Ravenna. Would Modena make the most sense? We will have a car so we can drive to bologna (I realize not directly into) and to Parma for day trips or even take a train.

A base for what? That's the question!

To enjoy Bologna, Modena and Parma.

I think 4 days would be about 3 too many for staying in Parma. Why don't you want to stay in Bologna? That would be the logical base, for me.

Hi there - I have the same question! What did you and your husband end up doing?

I have stayed in all three of those cities. It's been about 10 years since our 5 night stay Parma but we're planning to return there next year.

If you are really just going for the food, stay in Modena.
Hosteria Giusti, Osteria Francesca, Franceschetta58, the amazing Albinelli market, the cottechino sandwiches at the small bar inside the market and more and more.
Also you can explore the balsamic vinegar places, some right in town.

The duomo and the surrounding piazza are gorgeous, too.

You can take a day trip to either Bologna or Parma by easy train rides.

When stayed in Bologna and took trains to the towns you mention. We stayed at the Porta San Mamolo which was very charming and may suit your needs since you will have a car. While we loved the hotel we did not find the location convenient for making day trips by train - it is at the opposite end of the train station and cabs were not easy to find but people who have cars love the location.
Early October is a great time to visit Bologna. Realize that most of the center is a pedestrian zone so be prepared to walk from wherever you are staying.
We had a great time even without a car. We took the train to Parma, Modena, Ferrara, Ravenna... Bologna is a city with a lot of character. Having a car will give you more access to some of the better restaurants. Enjoy your trip. Here are my pictures if you are interested.
https://flic.kr/s/aHskWerYuP