As the crisp air of autumn rolls in and leaves blanket the ground in shades of gold and amber, a new trend is sweeping across social media, encouraging people to slow down and embrace the cozy side of fall.
It’s called “Strega Nona Fall,” and it’s inspired by the charming main character from the 1975 children’s book Strega Nona, written by Tomie dePaola. Strega Nona, meaning “Grandma Witch” in Italian, is a wise, gentle woman who lives in a small Italian village, known for her magical ability to make endless pots of pasta.
This fable is more than just a nostalgic tale. It’s become the blueprint for a deeply comforting way of experiencing the season.
A Welcome Invitation to Slow Down
The Strega Nona Fall trend encourages embracing a simpler, more soulful way of life. Imagine warm kitchens filled with the scent of simmering sauces and the meditative practice of kneading dough. Long, leisurely meals shared with loved ones add to the magic. It’s all about connecting to food, community, and the comfort of tradition—just like Strega Nona herself.
This trend has sparked a longing for an autumn that’s different. It’s not about pumpkin spice lattes or Halloween parties but is rooted in home-cooked meals, rustic surroundings, and simple pleasures. Whether harvesting seasonal produce, rolling out handmade pasta, or enjoying a meal by the fire, Strega Nona Fall embraces the authentic coziness of autumn.
If you’re looking to channel this nostalgic and heartwarming energy, we’ve gathered nine incredible properties. These destinations allow you to fully embrace a “Strega Nona” fall. Each place offers a taste of old-world charm, culinary immersion, and a chance to reconnect with a slower, more meaningful pace of life.
From rustic farmhouses tucked away in the Italian countryside to cozy bed-and-breakfasts where you can learn the art of pasta-making, these places invite you to experience fall through the lens of Strega Nona’s magic.
1. Barnsley Resort | Adairsville, GA
Layer up and gather around the fire—Strega Nona Fall is in full effect at North Georgia’s Barnsley Resort. Nestled on 3,000 acres of peaceful countryside, this luxurious retreat offers 39 newly renovated cottages. Each cottage is perfect for channelling your inner Strega Nona.
The cottages, ranging from one to seven bedrooms, all feature rich heritage hues—deep blues, greens, and rustic earth tones. Snuggle by the en-suite fireplace, soak in a clawfoot tub, or sip wine on your porch swing. The resort’s spa adds its own healing touch with the Barnsley Tea-LC body treatment. This soothing blend of herbal teas and classic rituals is a guest favorite.
What would a Strega Nona-inspired stay be without pasta? At Woodlands, the resort’s restaurant, indulge in the Barnsley Beef Bolognese. After dinner, toast s’mores at the Village Green fire pits, wrapped in a cozy blanket beneath the stars.
2. The Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa | Jackson, WY
With its grand staircase and antler-clad chandelier, The Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa feels like a rustic mountain hideaway that invites guests to embrace the slower rhythms of Strega Nona Fall. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Jackson, WY, and flanked by two national parks, the lodge is a peaceful retreat away from the summer crowds.
Sip a cup of hot tea as you curl up with a book in the Lodge’s cozy library, where freshly baked cookies are a daily treat. From the heated rooftop deck known as “the Perch,” take in the golden hues of fall foliage glistening against the rugged mountains.
Dine at the on-site Wild Sage Restaurant, where comfort food takes center stage—think rabbit pappardelle and autumn-inspired poutines that will fill your belly and warm your soul, no magic needed.
3. AC Hotel Columbus Dublin | Dublin, OH
As the vibrant colours of fall settle over Ohio, the AC Hotel Columbus Dublin provides the perfect setting for a Strega Nona-inspired escape. At VASO, the rooftop restaurant, enjoy views of the orange and amber trees while savoring small plates. Shared dishes encourage slow, meaningful conversations.
For extra coziness, book a heated igloo with soft blankets and your favorite fall playlist. Afterward, wander Dublin’s cobblestoned streets, dotted with fairy villages and tree-lined paths. It feels like stepping into a whimsical fable.
This cozy Midwest gem is all about slowing down and savouring the season, one meal, one moment at a time.
4. Villa Bokéh | Guatemala
Step into the enchanting world of Strega Nona Fall at Villa Bokéh, a former private estate turned boutique hotel nestled in Antigua, Guatemala. Surrounded by romantic plazas, secret gardens, and a tranquil lagoon, Villa Bokéh feels like a hidden world straight out of a fairytale.
Book the Siena Suite, where earthy tones and pumpkin-coloured terra-cottas set the mood for a cozy fall evening by your private outdoor fire pit. Sip a glass of wine or whip up your own Strega Nona-inspired brew while enjoying the crisp evening air.
Savour autumn flavours with the on-site restaurant’s signature dish, Milpa—a velvety butternut squash soup topped with roasted pumpkin seeds and a hint of chilli heat, perfect for warming the soul.
5. Renaissance Tuscany | Tuscany, Italy
A fall escape to the Tuscan countryside offers a chance to live like Strega Nona herself. Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa invites guests to bask in the simple pleasures of slow living.
Perched atop rolling hills, this serene retreat offers panoramic views of the Sercchio Valley and the medieval town of Barga, where local nonas still hand-make pasta. Sip a bold red wine by the fireplace, or treat yourself to a rejuvenating spa session that feels straight out of a fairytale.
And what’s more quintessentially Strega Nona than pasta? Here, guests can learn to hand-roll their own pasta during an immersive class, crafting a rich and hearty meal that feels straight from Strega Nona’s cauldron.
6. The Meritage Resort and Spa | Napa, CA
As the vineyards of Napa Valley turn golden with the changing leaves, The Meritage Resort and Spa becomes the perfect destination to experience Strega Nona Fall in all its rustic glory.
Wander the vineyard-covered hills, gathering herbs—or perhaps a bottle of wine—like Strega Nona herself. Indulge in farm-to-table dining at Olive & Hay, where handmade pasta and hearty dishes await. Each dish pairs perfectly with Napa’s finest local wines, creating a sensory feast.
After dinner, retreat to your suite, where a warm fire and glass of wine beckon. Slow down and savor the magic of fall in one of the most enchanting places on earth.
7. Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club | Cape Cod, MA
If Strega Nona sought a fall escape, she’d surely head to Ocean Edge Resort on Cape Cod. With its historic fireplaces, quiet beaches, and peaceful charm, this year-round retreat offers the perfect blend of nature and coziness.
Spend your days exploring the scenic Cape Cod Rail Trail, where crimson foliage flutters in the breeze, or take a leisurely stroll along Bay Pines Beach at sunset. After a day of adventure, unwind with a sound bath at the resort’s floating meditation sessions, or enjoy live music at Bayzo’s Pub over a plate of Autumn Harvest Pasta.
It’s the perfect blend of magic, stillness, and seasonal indulgence.
8. Argos in Cappadocia | Turkey
Imagine waking up in a cave room, the ancient landscape of Cappadocia glowing with the colours of fall outside your door. Argos in Cappadocia is a destination where time slows down, and the magic of Strega Nona Fall takes hold.
Surrounded by fairytale-like chimneys and historic stone houses, this rustic escape offers fireside picnics overlooking the breathtaking valleys below.
Wander the cobblestone streets, explore the hotel’s hillside gardens, or join a Turkish Testi Pottery Kebab-making class. In the evening, sip Turkish coffee and read your fortune from the grounds, embracing the whimsical charm of this ancient land.
9. Hotel Rangá | Iceland
Hotel Rangá, nestled on Iceland’s South Coast, offers a celestial twist on Strega Nona Fall.
Cozy up in snowsuits under the northern lights with a ‘Starry Night’ cocktail. Let the hotel’s resident astronomer guide you through constellations. The Ultimate Starbath package blends rustic charm with cosmic wonder. The night sky becomes a peaceful retreat from everyday life.
Hotel Rangá’s Analog Menu adds nostalgic touches like disposable cameras and folklore-inspired colouring books. This autumn retreat transports you into a season of simplicity, coziness, and star-filled wonder.