Bocce

Bocce, a ball sport belonging to the boules family, is a calm but strategic game with an ancient lineage. Probably dating back to ancient Egypt its popularity emerged with the Romans and Emperor Augustus.

Developed into its present form in Italy, bocce is closely related to the British bowls and French pétanque. It was first played as a modern sport in the 18th century in Italy. With the influx of Italian immigrants at the turn of the 20th century, bocce gained widespread popularity in the United States. 

Bocce is good clean fun and a relaxing way to spend time outside - or inside - with family and friends. It can be as competitive - or as chill - as you want. As with any game, it depends on the crowd.

I bought a hard ball set a few years ago for fun during a July 4th backyard gathering. It was a big hit and has been ever since. A set includes eight balls in two colors and a smaller ball called the pallino, which serves as the target. 

With a newly acquired indoor/outdoor soft ball set purchased at an LL Bean store in Wisconsin, I played bocce with my husband and kids last week while on vacation, a tournament my partner and I almost won, til we didn't.  

 The kids beat us, 2 games to 1. 

We'll get 'em next time!