Lena is a village in Stephenson County, Illinois. It has a population of approximately 2,772 as of the 2020 census. For visitors to the area, there are several things to see and do. Whether you are interested in art, history, or culture, Lena is a great destination for your next vacation.
Villa Lena
Villa Lena is a 19th century villa located atop a hill in the Tuscan countryside, surrounded by 500 hectares of woodland. This romantic retreat is the perfect getaway for Slow Luxury Travel enthusiasts. The property combines the arts and nature to create a unique experience, with the five senses taking centre stage. From the spontaneous scents of blossoming flowers to the sounds of birds, this retreat is a sensory delight.
If you’re staying in Villa Lena, make sure you plan to visit some of the local landmarks. The area is rich in history, dating back to the Etruscans. In the Roman period, it became an important colony and was on the Via Francigena, a road that connected Rome to northern Europe. The villa is set on the highest hill on the estate, called Toiana Vecchio, so you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the region.
Villa Lena’s rooms start at 89 Euros per night, which includes breakfast, Wi-Fi, and dinner. Guests can use the property’s cooking facilities and attend culinary workshops scheduled at the villa. Culinary workshops are also reasonably priced. Guests may even decide to stay at Villa Lena for a longer period of time. While staying here, you may even wish to participate in one of its artist-in-residence workshops.
If you’re planning a trip to Tuscany, you can spend your days exploring the local culture. Villa Lena’s cultural landscape offers many places to dine and drink. The historic hillside location and medieval castle makes for a unique getaway. The estate’s 500 hectares are an ideal setting for a retreat, and its lovely, creative owners are happy to welcome guests to their ateliers. Visitors can watch artists paint sitting subjects in the garden, or listen to music performed by resident musicians.
The Villa Lena Foundation provides support for artists working in many different fields. Its residency program aims to foster a creative environment, and over 200 artists from around the world have exhibited their work in the hotel and villa. Their pieces of art are on display throughout the hotel, creating a constantly changing gallery of work.
In addition to its beautiful grounds, Villa Lena also offers its guests the chance to enjoy a relaxing pool. Its pool has a stunning view of the Tuscan countryside, and the pool house also features a pool bar and a variety of activities for children. There is even a dedicated toddler pool. The villa has also teamed up with a socially responsible organization, Oppidan Education, to offer educational opportunities to children.
For those who love to eat, Villa Lena’s restaurant offers a great menu of traditional Tuscan dishes and specialties. The kitchen uses ingredients from the estate’s garden and local organic markets. The restaurant also offers special dinners featuring chefs from other regions of Italy. Guests can also enjoy a pizza and pasta night here.
Agriturismo-style hotels like Villa Lena are a haven for creative minds. Located outside of Florence, this estate celebrates the local culture and history while encouraging artistic expression. The hotel hosts artists from all over the world and encourages their creative efforts. Guests can also enjoy culinary classes and communal dining experiences, and enjoy art exhibitions and events.
In addition to the main pool and restaurant, the Villa houses artists-in-residence. Each resident stays for a month and leads talks and workshops. The villa also features a spacious piano room and a main restaurant. Both of these areas are the heart and soul of the Villa. The restaurant is a meeting place for artists and hotel guests alike.
Guests can also participate in foraging and cooking workshops offered by the chef in residence. This unique experience allows guests to take advantage of the rich landscape and local food. Guests can take home a recipe from their foraging expedition. If they have a passion for art, they can even take their passion to the next level by taking part in a weekly art workshop.
Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap
Spiffy spot with wood-fired pizza, Italian dishes, and drinks. Also serves cocktails, beer, and wine. Casual yet elegant, this spot is the place for you if you’re craving a slice of pizza in the middle of the city.
Lena’s Wood-Fired’s design features two separate dining areas, including a bar and interior dining area. There is also a small outdoor plaza, “The Garden”, which is perfect for enjoying a meal outdoors. In addition to wine, guests can sample 16 craft beers and craft cocktails. Guests approaching Lena’s can watch the dough being made right before their eyes, as the dough room is situated right near the front windows.
The restaurant is located in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria. The new eatery will serve dinner only at first, but is expected to offer lunch service next week. It is located at 401 E. Braddock Road in Alexandria. The restaurant is operated by Alexandria Restaurant Partners, the same company behind Virtue Feed & Grain and Palette 22 in Shirlington. Besides serving pizza, Lena’s will also serve a selection of salads and sandwiches.
Lena’s Wood-Fired Pie & Tap is a restaurant designed to be a destination for families and friends in the area. The space is decorated in a retro style that blends the interior with the exterior. The interior includes carefully chosen decorative fixtures and Yates family photos. Lena Yates, the restaurant’s namesake, is an Italian immigrant who wanted to make a place where people could come together and eat great food in a comfortable environment.
Lena’s Wood-Fired Pie & Tap is located in the Del Ray/Rosemont neighborhood of Alexandria. Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizzeria & Tap has a full menu available online, and Uber Eats Alexandria offers pick-up and delivery services.
Lena’s also has an outdoor beer garden, which can be dog-friendly. There’s also a tented area for warmer weather, called The Loft. Lena’s offers several dining options, including a themed dining experience. The Loft at Lena’s is another seasonal option, and it can be reserved ahead of time.