The owners of Villa rentals in Tuscany shared this ground breaking information while we enjoyed our winter break stay at La Collina del Sole a little gem among Holliday Villas in Lucca this is due to two reasons: ONE - when it is cold the body needs more calories to burn - a great excuse to indulge in GELATO, which is found in several fabulous gelaterias a stone’s throw away from our Lucca Villa Rental the other reason our charming hosts, from whom we rent a villa in Tuscany from, told us is that if you eat cold food when the weather is cold the body boosts its own central heating system naturally ! so if you enjoy Ice Cream a.k.a Gelato and Villas for rent in Tuscany we suggest you read on !
The best Gelaterias are :
Botega del Gelato in Piazza Umberto right in the middle of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, It is our favourite ! and very central on the main Piazza Umberto. It is the most established and yummiest Gelateria in town, offering sorbets and proper ice cream, favourites include grafepruit flavour, wild strawberry, dark chocolate and fresh whipped cream topping among their super fresh and concise selection of freshly made Gelati it has seats outside so you can chill and see the locals go by and you relax into your gelato.
Our next favourite has got to be
In... Gelateria whcih is within the heart of the old town, in 
the Piazzetta del Duomo, almost opposite the main church of Castelnuovo, their number is 349 425 48 02It has a super selection of delicious freshly made ice cream, frozen yoghurt, frappe, ice cream cakes or tortas, gluten free ice cream, brioches, crepes and waffles. They also produce soya based ice creams for those who are lactose intolerant, they also have 4 different varities of plain chocolate with varying intensities YUM !
the waffles brioches and crepes can be served with Gelato of course, this is closed Tuesdays during winter only.
A favourite with our children is
Fuori dal Centro which as its name suggests is on the outskirts of the centre of town, in Piazzetta O.Dini still within the walls of Castelnuovo. Located just inside the east side entrance to the fortressed part of Catelnuovo, and very close to the Aia di Piero our 
favourite delicatessen. Fuori dal Centro serve gelato and frozen yoghurt. They make Ice cream cakes and also make “Merangue” based ice cream which is lighter in weight and a different consistency to traditional “gelato” they have one seating bench which is fun to sit in if you are lucky enough to find it empty.
Enjoy your gelato and remember that in the winter it is wonderfully GOOD FOR YOU !