Lake Como
"This lake exceeds anything I have ever beheld in beauty."
-- Percy Bysshe Shelley
After visiting Lake Como for the first time, I understood why the poets were inspired. Lake Como is a beautiful and romantic lake. And with the backdrop of the Alps, it is truly awe-inspiring. It has the kind of beauty and majesty that would inspire great art. In fact, the story of the writer Mary Shelley and her husband Percy Shelley gathering with their friends on a dark and stormy night on another lake (in Switzerland) in 1816 and creating the tale of Frankenstein was never far from my mind. I could imagine it happening in Lake Como, especially with scenic views such as the one above. (Go here to read more about the creation of this gothic horror story.) As I was soon to discover, Switzerland was only thirty minutes away.
I loved being at Lake Como in October. Because the weather was cool and the skies were often cloudy, the views of the lake were dramatic and magnificent. The cool weather and gray skies created the kind of atmosphere that made it easy to imagine the presence of the poets. And I loved wearing a sweater and jacket to go exploring each day. Bundling up at night and going to cozy restaurants for dinner overlooking the lake was the perfect ending to our days. Our favorite restaurant was Il Gatto Nero.
Bellagio
There was fall color and inspiration everywhere. We took a boat trip around the lake and enjoyed the spectacular views. We would be stopping at Villa Carlotta and the picturesque village of Bellagio.
Gorgeous views along the way
Old and colorful buildings on the lake
Privately owned villas
Villa Carlotta
Villa Carlotta's spectacular gardens
The climb up affords beautiful views
On the way to Bellagio
The village of Bellagio
Narrow cobblestone streets took us to shops and restaurants
Shutters, awnings and window boxes add to the charm
The legendary Villa d'Este
Villa d'Este
Just a short drive and we arrived at Lake Lugano
The charming town of Lugano
The open-air market was filled with fall produce. Just gorgeous.
Look at those porcini mushrooms!
Walnuts
A giant squash
Lovely chestnuts
Chrysanthemums in fall colors completed the scene
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My trip to Italy contained so much beauty and inspiration. The gorgeous fall produce I saw in Italy and Switzerland was impressive. Since returning home I have been going to farmers markets and cooking with seasonal produce whenever I can. I made this Quinoa Salad with Sweet Potatoes and Apples from Food and Wine magazine. Filled with fall vegetables and fruit, it is perfect for this time of year. And it is delicious and healthy.
Go here for the recipe. Enjoy!
There was fall color and inspiration everywhere. We took a boat trip around the lake and enjoyed the spectacular views. We would be stopping at Villa Carlotta and the picturesque village of Bellagio.
The following day we took a day trip to Lugano, Switzerland which was just thirty minutes away
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My trip to Italy contained so much beauty and inspiration. The gorgeous fall produce I saw in Italy and Switzerland was impressive. Since returning home I have been going to farmers markets and cooking with seasonal produce whenever I can. I made this Quinoa Salad with Sweet Potatoes and Apples from Food and Wine magazine. Filled with fall vegetables and fruit, it is perfect for this time of year. And it is delicious and healthy.
Go here for the recipe. Enjoy!
