The Italian “Lover’s Path”
The famous Via dell’Amore, or “Lover’s Way”, is a romantic, cliffside path in Cinque Terre on the northern Italian coast. The unassuming secret path runs high up between the hilltop towns of Manarola and Riomaggiore.
Originally created in the early 20th century, when the railway reduced the towns’ isolation, locals claim its sole purpose was to help couples from the two towns to meet secretly for romantic encounters. Rather tricky to traverse, its claim to fame was the top of the cliff views of the sea and its propensity of quiet, secluded spots along the way.
The nine-hundred metre Via Dell’Amore was restored after WW11 but closed again for safety reasons a number of years later. Apparently, there were a number of dangerous landslides that blocked the narrow pathway for at least a decade. However, lovers and locals were celebrating in 2024 when the Via was re-opened once more.
Today, the trail is both a one-way walking path from Manorola to Riomaggiore and, naturally, a secret path for amante. (unmarried or courting lovers), As the story goes, the historic cliffside walls are still decorated with modern day graffiti notes, hundreds of initials and tiny hearts—continuing the tradition of sharing tales of love, lust and heartbreak. The only difference is, a visit today is not so private. The local tourism authority requires guests secure a timed entry ticket in addition to a Cinque Terre Trekking Cared or the Cinque Terre MS Card.
Source: viadellamore.info
Arabian Distance Nationals
Returning to Huntersville Hundred Ride site, the Arabian Horse Association’s Distance Nationals are the premier multi-breed endurance and competitive trail riding championships. Known worldwide for its distance heritage, the Arabian breed is said to love the trail and consistently recognized for leading the pack in Open Rides.
Held annually, the one-of-a-kind event in the national circuit brings a unique variety of riders and the six types of Arabian horses together in a 3-day event of unmatched stamina, athleticism, dedication and partnership. The Distance Nationals feature 100-mile, 50-mile and 25-mile events that highlight the dedication of the riders, care of the horses and the passion that brings the community together year-after-year. More than 1,700 horses are expected to compete for national titles in this the ‘Year of the Horse’ where the elite endurance and competition as well as the incredible versatility and heart of the breed are on show.
In support of the next generation of riders, juniors ride free in all distances, lowering the barrier to participation and members of the public who love horses are welcome to attend and witness both horses and riders close up as well as the exceptional standard of equine care demonstrated by riders, ride management and veterinarians.
The late October championship in Menahga, Minnesota is run by the Arabian Horse Association a non-profit breed group that administers approximately $1 million dollars in annual prize money through its events and competitive programs and is celebrating its 60th anniversary.
Source: arabianhorses.org
The Vale at Silverstone
Thrilling days, electric nights. Silverstone is a 4-day celebration, where racing and high-end hospitality collide. With a price tag that starts in the £6,390 range and already waitlisted for 2027, the exclusive new VIP lounge experience that opened at The Vale, the Formula 1 Pirelli British Grand Prix this year was a definite winner. Presenting unrivalled trackside views at the Club Corner (the final corner at the Silverstone Circuit), The Vale is positioned right at the entrance to the pit lane, offering direct views of the track where cars compress under braking and begin the final stretch toward the start-finish line.
In the past Silverstone chefs have served a more traditional set three-course lunch at the Vale but new for this year was a more relaxed dining experience. Created by Labombe by Trivit that’s led by Jonny Lake a three-star Michelin chef, the 2026 Vale foodie experience was a fan favourite. Each guest or private party had the chance to graze all day with a rotating choice of dishes and sharing plates from live cooking stations making for an easy-going atmosphere that allowed for flexibility.
Live talks continue to be rare, behind-the-scenes Vale insider experiences. This year’s celebrity guests included: Natalie Pinkham a British television presenter and Formula One pit lane reporter for Sky Sports F1 and Otmar Szafnauer a prominent Romanian-American motorsport executive, best known as the former Team Principal of the Alpine F1 Team, Force India, and Aston Martin.
Source: silverstone.co.uk
Images: Arabian Horse Distance Nationals. silverstone.co.uk. iStock.
