Summer ’17 Coolest Florence Summer Spots, I

As the sun descends behind Florence’s renowned buildings, string lights illuminate tables of young couples and friends filling the space with lively conversation in the coolest venues — many of which are new including Molo 5 and Wood — along the Arno River.

Below is Part 1 of Magenta Florence’s top choices to relax after work or study hours.

MOLO 5

Lively and exciting, Molo 5 acts as both a sunset aperitivo haven, and a nightlife spot for dancing, music, and place to have a great time with friends and company. This multipurpose summer hangout is located conveniently on Lungarno Colombo, at #27, in close proximity to major roads, neighborhoods, and other popular locations.

Molo 5 has a high upbeat energy to it, and attracts a large variety of people, from those right out of work, to those ready to get the long night started. The main bar is surrounded by five food huts, all offering different options: traditional Italian dishes (crostini, tomato and mozzarella caprese, ravioli, and spaghetti), pizza, seafood, fried choices, and even Japanese cuisine (including gyoza and vegetable curry).

Situated between the huts and bar are tables and chairs facing the Arno River. The design of the hangout is like sitting in your backyard: wooden chairs, big tables, and lanterns. This helps make the spot feel homey, where it is easy to lose track of time.

The bar has many beer, wine, spirit, and cocktail choices ranging from the prices of €3-6. The drinks are served chilled, perfect for during hot weather months. Other soft beverages and water is available for purchase as well. Visitors have five huts to choose from when picking a meal.

This is not the typical tourist trap, and it avoids the congestion, spiked prices, and unoriginality that the center can offer. It is definitely worth the time and distance to take a look at, and sample the many flavors that Molo 5 offers.

WOOD

Just steps away from the shore of the Arno, WOOD Music and Garden bar serves as the perfect sunset location to enjoy aperitivo and music. Located on Lungarno Colombo and opened nearly a year ago, it is a short distance from the center and the neighborhoods surrounding it.

WOOD’s atmosphere is positive, uplifting, and extremely friendly, hypnotizing those who pass it to come in. The restaurant is completely outdoors, with an option to sit on their main floor, or get closer to the water. One aspect that makes this summer hangout unique is their decoration choices. The chairs and tables are made from recycled goods, and have a rustic appeal. For example, the stools at the tables in the center floor are empty beer kegs with cushions placed on top of them, surrounding tables made out of wood palates.

The bar is stocked with quality drink specials, both delicious and refreshing, making the summer heat a little more bearable. Beautifully presented cocktails, long drinks, beers, and wines compose the menu, destined to be paired with the hot weather of Florence. Typical aperitivo complements are served with the drinks, such as chips, but there is also an extended menu. This menu contains a number of different finger foods like crostini, bruschetta, and tartare. The prices for drinks range from €4-6, while the menu items are between €10-14.

Next to serving exceptional food and drinks, there is also live music, different for each day of the week. On Tuesdays, the restaurant offers a chill, relaxed lounge music arrangement, live music on Wednesdays, and Thursday- Sunday, a DJ collaboration with a local Florence label. Specific to Sundays, additionally, WOOD throws an after beach party. As one of their workers explained, the music changes with the changing seasons to constantly stimulate and entertain their customers.

WOOD is a perfect place to enjoy the view of the river with the company of friends and family, while savoring refreshments. Approachable workers, positive energy, a decadent menu, and lively music makes this restaurant a staple in the summer experience. It is a location to not miss, and definitely for one to put at the top of their list as a Florence “go-to” spot.

EASY LIVING

With a terrace hovering over the Arno and a lively beach just beneath, Easy Living is the perfect spot for a relaxing summer evening. Located on Piazza Giuseppe Poggi, the space is open to the public every day from 10 am until 1:30 am.

The warm wood décor of the terrace invites guest for a tranquil happy-hour after the heat of the day has passed. Then, after 7:30 pm, the space shifts from aperitivo to exclusively sit-down dining, but retains a cosy atmosphere. The kitchen offers a range of classic Italian dishes, made perfectly fresh and light for the hot summer evening. Prices on the menu range from 6 to 15 euros, and a variety of wines are offered at reasonable costs.

Contributing to the vibrant atmosphere, a small hut, open from 5:30 pm until 1 am, offers additional seating and numerous djs during the evenings. An extensive cocktail menu with prices ranging from 6 to 10 euros, suggests an innovative variety of drinks using refreshing ingredients such as lime and mint.

Just below, the urban beach has a smaller bar where visitors can grab something to drink prior to reclining into a beach chair which looks onto the glistening river. During the evenings, intimate concerts and dj-sets liven the atmosphere with light entertainment.

If you’re an athletic type, there are many activities to participate in during the day such as rugby and pétanque. Yoga lovers are offered classes along the water very Wednesday evening from 7:30 pm until 8:30 pm, free of charge. Additional unique events, such as vintage fairs and picnics, are hosted on the beach each month.

To view the menu, calendar of events, or book a private party see the website, www.easylivingfirenze.it.    (jennifer klammer)