This is my classic, can't-go-wrong aperitivo. Spritz at the Lido Baveno on a Friday afternoon after a long work week. No better way to get in a weekend mood. Lido is a popular beach all day long, and becomes  louder and club-like late in the evenings on the weekends, but in between is just perfect for me. 

Via Piave, 66   28831 Baveno (VB)

0323 922856

www.lidobaveno.it



The beautiful glass of white wine that I enjoyed in Cannero Riviera at the restaurant at the Park Hotel, with a late lunch, after a day of hectic shopping at the giant Wednesday market in Luino. It is right near the boat dock on Cannero's lovely lungolago. This was definitely the transition back into relaxing mood variety. Perfect...

Lungolago delle Magnolie, 19   28821 Cannero Riviera (VB)

0323 788488

www.parkhotel-cannero.it

And, although I'm not often a beer drinker, I tried this giant German beer at Bar Verbanella. The terrazzo on the lake behind Verbanella is quite bright and refreshing, with its somewhat incongruous but fun tropical umbrellas. Every early evening it fills up here, and stays busy as the sun sets across the lake. The specialty at Verbanella are their Bellini, and their bartender is known for mixing some of the best cocktails in town. Keep Verbanella in mind for Thursday evenings in the summer too, when there is free Jazz all evening long.

Corso Umberto 1, 2   28838 Stresa (VB)

0323 30212

verbanella-stresa.com