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The Italian region of Tuscany has taken on legendary status for travelers – it’s an absolute must on everyone’s list, whether they love wine, food, history, art or the simple beauty of nature. But with so many attractions, it’s easy to end up feeling like you’re rushing – and still not getting a complete experience. However, savvy travelers know that there are strategies to ensure that you’re maximizing your time while minimizing your stress. One of the best of those strategies is to go on an expertly planned Tuscany tour.

Italy has a spellbinding effect on travelers; they fall in love quickly and deeply with the landscapes, the food and the culture. While that can happen virtually anywhere you go in Italy, the ultimate experience comes with traveling around the country, taking in its surprising diversity and depth. If you’re eager to travel Italy, there are five key places that should be on your itinerary.

Italy has been a hot travel destination since the age of the "Grand Tour." Its allure hasn't faded at all, thanks to the country's astonishing natural beauty, cultural diversity, historical riches, delectable cuisine and welcoming people. But for travelers who want to really get in touch with the country, and experience the lifestyle on a deeper level, it's important to seek out an Italy tour that takes you beyond the usual checklist of "must-sees."

There are many tasks in life people feel obligated to do, like tax returns or household chores. Then, there are those activities done for pure enjoyment, to create something new, solve a problem, or to express one’s strong interests and passions. The activities people do because they are highly motivated to do them are worth paying some extra attention. Whether it’s painting, renovating, building, cooking, genealogy, singing, playing with children, gardening, or something entirely different, the joy that comes from creative expression can reduce stress and anxiety, sharpen the brain, boost self-confidence, and improve overall health and well-being.

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AAA Insurance: Fireworks spark safety concerns

Thursday, May 5

Thursday, Nov. 12

Thursday, Oct. 8

Thursday, Aug. 13

Working with family can be a tough proposition. Sustaining a business over decades with siblings and parents tending shop side-by-side may be worthy of a grand prize.

A compilation of upcoming business activities and events in the area.

A listing of upcoming business events in the area.

Saturday, Oct. 4

Some of Jeri Thorpe’s oldest memories involve horses.

If you want a taste of the Old Country — fine cheese, olive oil and spirits from a well-stocked wine cellar — you can find it right at home. And you don’t even have to be Italian.

Events for the coming week

A listing of upcoming business-related events and meetings.

One of the Museum of Modern Art’s latest film acquisitions isn’t an art-house experiment by Andy Warhol or Michelangelo Antonioni. It’s the spy-action blockbuster “The Bourne Identity” and its sequels.

A listing of area business events and activities for the week of Thursdsay, June 5, through Thursday, June 12.