PARMA
Visiting Parma, makes for an ideal day trip, as it is only an hour and a half from Milan. Located in the Emilia-Romagna region, this elegant little city is made up of delightful cobble stone streets, making it easy to explore by foot. It is the land of prosciutto and parmagiano and birthplace of Giuseppe Verdi but also happens to be the home of two of my favorite perfumes, Parma violetta di parma and Aqua di Parma. (purchasing a bottle of the little sweet, Violetta di Parma, is a must)
SIGHTS
SIGHTSDuomo of Parma, where you will find one of Correggio's fresco masterpiece
La Collezione Borsari 1870 (The Borsari Perfume Museum) where the famous, Violetta di Parma is manufactured.
Via Trento 30A, (39-0521) 771011, fax (39-0521) 272953, is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 3 to 7 p.m. On weekends, call ahead; free.
Orto Botanico, is located in the historical center, about a 10 minute walk from Piazza Garibaldi. This is a gardens is a must for nature lovers, for more information go here. Address: Via Farnini, 90, Cost: Free Hours: Open Monday-Friday 8:30 -2:30 and Saturday 8:30 - Noon
La Collezione Borsari 1870 (The Borsari Perfume Museum) where the famous, Violetta di Parma is manufactured.
Via Trento 30A, (39-0521) 771011, fax (39-0521) 272953, is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 3 to 7 p.m. On weekends, call ahead; free.
Orto Botanico, is located in the historical center, about a 10 minute walk from Piazza Garibaldi. This is a gardens is a must for nature lovers, for more information go here. Address: Via Farnini, 90, Cost: Free Hours: Open Monday-Friday 8:30 -2:30 and Saturday 8:30 - Noon
Duomo of Parma
Orto Botanico
This Dixie band wandered around the garden playing wonderful jazz tunes, mentally transporting me from Italy to New Orleans, it was fantastic! all I needed was a beniet, cafe and the ny times, my ideal Sunday. 
Sorelle Picchi Trattoria & SalumriaSorella Picchi, Via Farini, 27, a delicatessen-style restaurant, food shop in the front with tables in the back, only open midday. It's a great way to experience a Saturday or Sunday leisurely family lunch, Italian style. Prepare yourself for a feast! Here are some of my food recommendations:
First and most importantly, the vino. Order a bottle of, Lambrusco, a red sparkling wine from Parma, that is served chilled. For your appetizer, try a plate of, Affettati Misti, this is a mix of coppa, procsuitto, culatello, salami di felino, salami di culatello and a plate of parmagiano. For your Primi, try Tortelli di Magro and for your seconds, you can't go wrong with the Osso Bucco. My mouth is watering as I write this..........
*on your way out make sure you purchase some food goodies at the deli.
Sunday flea market on via Farini
Turquoise beaded necklace, 25 euros that I purchased from, Regali del MareParma Color Viola
here you can purchase the little coveted bottle of Violetta di Parma and if your like me and love love love violets, this is your place. They have everything VIOLET!
Regali del Mare,
beautiful jewelry made of inspired by the sea
Greenery, natural interior design
Adriana Rosi ,beautiful table and house hold items
Rossana Campanini, Via Quingenti, 44 San Prospero, beautiful ceramics
SLEEP
Palace Maria Luigia
Tabiano Castello
MORE INFO.
Parma Tourism
How to get to Parma
{all photos by deirdre quinn}