Just when I thought I didn't have any more questions to complete the planning for my fast approaching European adventure... I discovered a new one!

Some Fodorites may know I'm doing a day trip from Florence to Bologna, initiated because my husband is touring the Ducati factory and museum, and that they happen to be located just out of Bologna.

He has also made arrangements on another day to visit the Beta motorbike factory that is located just outside of Florence at Rignano Sull'Arno. I thought that the area would be industrial (like Ducati) so hadn't bothered to read anything about it till now...and it appears that there is more to this town than motorbikes!! So this sidetrip may have unexpected fringe benefits for me!!

While obviously I will conduct my own research, as I leave in 4 days time... I would appreciate some input from people who can offer their own personal gems.

P.S For those "concerned" that it's all about my husband...there will be lots of other times MY preferences will rule!!

Actually I've found next to no info about this region except for some ads for vacation rentals- 3 days now before I leave...
thought someone might have been there and can recommend something!! Nice place to eat maybe??

Have you tried their webpage? They have a list of restaurants. I don't think you can expect much selection in a tiny town.

http://159.213.91.53/territorio/rist...&n_categoria=1

They have an e-mail listed.
http://www.comune.rignano-sullarno.fi.it/

You have discovered the Mall and the Dolce & Gabbana store -- and Fendi has one there too, right?

If you don't want to go shopping for sunglasses or frames, the town looks very pretty.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/artisti...n/photostream/

Thanks zeppole and kybourbon- thought the Mall was a bit further out and read some mixed reviews about whether there are great bargains to be had- although a "bargain" is so subjective isn't it?

I'm not much of a shopper really- now if my daughter was with me, that would be a whole other story!!

For me, this Italian trip ( my 3rd) is about soaking up Italian life , and practicing a little Italian language that I've been studying, so I'm looking forward to a visit to this little town.

It does look very pretty- hope it's a sunny day on my visit. Thanks again for your thoughts.

I almost put this into my last post, but then I censored myself. But if your trip is really about "soaking up Italian life , and practicing a little Italian language that I've been studying," I bet it's a short taxi ride to this place, and you could taste olive oil and wine there.


http://www.fattoria-pagnana.it/ppl_eng/5b_museum.htm