A Selection of Charming Destinations in Tuscany

Since founding Valley Ridge Roofing and Construction in 2010, Randy Eastburg has grown the Flower Mound, Texas-based business from finishing 20 residential roofs per month to 60 roofs per month. Responsible for generating around $7 million in sales annually, Randy Eastburg enjoys spending his leisure time riding his motorcycle and traveling in Italy’s Tuscany region.

Tourists can find many interesting and historic places in the Tuscan valley. For instance, the medieval town of Montepulciano brims with elegant Renaissance palaces, ancient churches, and picturesque squares. Perched 2,000 feet high on a limestone ridge, visitors to Montepulciano can enjoy striking panoramas of the nearby valleys, Val di Chiana and Val d’Orcia. 

Peppered throughout the beautiful Val d’Orcia area are charming villages, medieval castles, hamlets, and farmhouses. The entire valley is a protected national park whose crown jewel is the small village of Pienza, which is known as the “Ideal City.” Those who prefer to spend time on the water may enjoy traveling off the Tuscan coast to the island of Elba, Italy’s third largest island, with its 150 beaches.

The Lampredotto Panino - A Staple Tuscan Street Food for Centuries

A respected Flower Mound, Texas entrepreneur, Randy Eastburg guides Valley Ridge Roofing and Construction where he meets the needs of residential and commercial property owners. Passionate about travel and international cuisine, Randy Eastburg particularly enjoys trips to Italy and had the opportunity to visit his son there, who studied at a college in Tuscany.

One of the most popular local dishes in the agriculture rich region of central Italy is the lampredotto panino, which has been savored by generations of Florentines as the “king” of street foods. Lampredotto utilizes the cow’s fourth stomach, the abomasum, which is boiled in a broth of tomatoes and herbs before being cut into strips and served in a semelle bun. As a finishing touch, olive oil and salsa verde are added on top and half of the sandwich is dipped in the beef broth.

The history of lampredotto in Florence extends to the 15th century, when leftover cuts were put to creative use to feed a growing population. By the 19th century, panino sellers in wooden carts were firmly ensconced in the city, with the carts being joined with bicycles at the dawn of the 20th century.

The Village of Bolgheri in Tuscany

Randy Eastburg is the owner of Valley Ridge Roofing and Construction in Flower Mound, Texas. Away from his professional responsibilities, Randy Eastburg enjoys travel and has spent time in Tuscany.

A region in central Italy, Tuscany has a rich history stretching back to ancient times. Famous for its art, wine, and olive groves, Tuscany is the birthplace of the Renaissance movement, the revival of the classical influence in art. Tourists flock to the Tuscany region throughout the summer months to tour architectural landmarks, experience the Tuscan countryside, and sample local wines.

The small village of Bolgheri, located approximately six miles from the sea, is a charming example of Tuscan life, culture, and cuisine. The village’s only entrance is lined with ancient cypresses that inspired a famous poem by Carducci, entitled In Front of San Guido. 

At the end of Cypress Avenue, visitors find themselves in front of the Castle of Bolgheri, a fortification that has been owned by the Gherardesca family since the year 1200. One of the country’s most respected wine zones, the Bolgheri area is home to numerous estates that produce noteworthy wines.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations in Tuscany

The owner of Valley Ridge Roofing and Construction in Flower Mound, Texas, Randy Eastburg leads a company that grossed $4 million in sales in 2015. A traveler in his free time, Randy Eastburg has visited the Tuscany region of Italy.

Although Tuscany is a well-traveled region of Italy, it offers a number of places off the beaten path, including the following:

-Lucignano. A medieval village located between Siena and Arezzo, Lucignano overlooks the Valdichiana Valley and features both medieval buildings and Renaissance palaces. 

-Fosdinovo. Located between the mountains and the sea, Fosdinovo offers visitors views of Portovenere and the Magra River, as well as the islands of Gorgona, Capraia, Elba, and Corsica on clear days. The village’s architectural attractions include St. Remigius Church and the Oratorio dei Bianchi. 

-Bagno Vignoni. While most towns have a central square, Bagno Vignoni stands out with a 49-by-29-meter pool in the center of the village. Visitors can also bathe in hot springs at nearby Parco dei Mulini.