Artichoke Festival? We're in!!

This week there are a zillion festivals going on around here. It's a four day holiday, and everyone is tired of winter and needing to get out and party down. Johnny and I included!!

We've been to this particular festival in the past, but it's been several years, and we decided it was time to take the long, long drive into the back hills of Tuscany so we could eat some crispy fried baby artichokes!! Why not?!?

First thing I want to say...it was a really gorgeous day, and the drive , as always, was beautiful...

We drove and drove and drove....and then drove up a very long small road through the hills...to the tiny village hosting the Festa del Carciofi (artichoke festival). We left super early, because this festival is really popular, and we wanted to get in and out before the hoards arrived. Which they certainly did.

We had time to walk around the village and enjoy the spirit of the carciofi...

The mascot, I assume...

One of many artichoke planters around town...

We just cruised around the village until things got going...

The views from this village are spectacular!

A lovely shrine in the local park.

These artichoke planters are all over town...
I want one!

Just a couple of goofballs goofing off...
A very cute bicyclist took our picture, bless his heart.

I loved these cypress with the blue skies.

Boy, oh boy...we were so glad we arrived early! The line to get your ticket for food started early, and it was insanely long within a few minutes.We grabbed a spot pretty quick, so it was only about a half an hour wait. We filled out our order before, so we just had to wait in line and pay. Then we went to a second line to get our lunch and vino...

We got in line early!

There were several tents set up to sit in and eat.

Looking back at the very long line...We were glad to be in the front.

Getting ready to pay up!

The awesome view down the valley...

Mr. J waiting for lunch...always in style!
Look at that line...

So, once you got your order in, you were handed a receipt that you took to the next spot. There, you waited for your food... then we found a spot to sit and totally enjoy!

Deep fried artichokes with vegan artichoke soup and fry bread.
Yes. Fry bread.

I liked the soup, but it needed salt. They never have salt or pepper at the tables here...
I need to remember to carry some with me...

.

The fried artichokes were really good.

The fry bread was beyond good. It was crispy, salty, oily....oh, yum.
I can't wait to come back next year just for this fry bread!

The tables filled up pretty fast, and as we sat enjoying our meal, we watched the line to get in grow and grow...

The line to order food.
This is a popular festa, and you either get in and out early, or you spend the day in line.

Random tent shot...This is very typical for this kind of festa.

We had a great time eating, drinking and people watching. As we headed out to go home, I took pix of the line to get in...

Johnny is so glad we are leaving, not arriving!

Yikes!

We got our car and hightailed it outta there as the hoards arrived! So glad we got an early start to the day. It was a fun and enjoyable afternoon, but a very long drive and a very long day. 

Cars parked all along the road to get in.

 

We'll go back, but we'll go early and get out before it gets crazy! A good time, for sure. 

Just another fun festa day in Italy. Always an adventure...