I recently finished reading Under the Tucson Sun by Frances Mays. I’ve always loved the movie and thought it would be great to read the real story – turns out it’s completely different from the film. The basic premise is the author falling in love with a villa in Cortona, a town in the province of Arezzo in Tuscany, Italy, and moving there to restore and live in it.
While I enjoyed the description of her experience and life in Italy, it made me think about how often we fall in love with a place when we first go to it and begin comparing it with our own reality. It’s so easy to fall into the “grass is always greener” mentality.
I’m happy that Ms. Mays had such a wonderful experience and could immerse us in this region in a gorgeous country, both on the page and screen. However, most of us can’t afford to pick up and move to an entirely different place. And many wouldn’t want to be so far away from family and friends.
What we don’t often realize is that every place has its good points and bad points. I’m sure not all is rosy in Cortona, just like Noblesville isn’t perfect.
I’ve often said that I could be happy living just about anywhere, as long as it’s not a place where it’s cold or dark most of the time. I think it’s important to remember and celebrate the amazing, beautiful things each city and town has to offer.
Even a small town can have magic. Take Arcadia, for instance. I fell in love with this little town when they became a client of mine over six years ago. If you haven’t been up there in a while, I’d encourage you to take a drive and enjoy it.
You’ll find a colorful mural, created by local students, serving as the backdrop for a fun little splash pad near town hall. A pocket park will take shape nearby in 2026 which will feature a lovely gazebo.
The town has slowly added new stores and restaurants in recent years, including Peekawhoo, a boutique featuring the cutest items for little ones, and Northbrook Brewing Company, a brewery with delicious food and great outdoor seating. And you won’t find friendlier people, as you’ll discover when you enjoy their farmers market on Thursday evenings.
My husband John will tell you that I often rave about my own town, Noblesville. (Yes, I call it a town, knowing full well it is a city with over 75,000 people.) After living here for 27 years, I still sigh and say “I love our town” when we sit and enjoy an ice cream cone from Alexander’s in our beautiful, historic downtown.
It’s terrific to travel and see places around the world. But it’s also important to look and appreciate what’s in our own backyard … which some people probably visit and fall in love with and think “boy, I’d like to live here.”
As we approach the fall season where the trees put on a spectacular show, let’s all enjoy the magic of our own Hamilton County towns and be grateful!
Amy Shankland is a writer and fundraising professional living in Noblesville with her husband John, two sons, two dogs, and a cat. You can reach her via email at amys@greenavenue.info.