Surround yourself not only with sights, but with sounds, for a magical, musical stay in Stresa. If you're in Stresa this summer, or will be, here are three more melodic events that you should know about:

Concerti Al'Antica Cava di Ornavasso: Already underway, and running until August 18, these are a series of concerts, focusing on jazz, that take place in a most unusual venue -- 200 meters below the ground at the marble quarry at Ornavasso. A working quarry since Roman times, the marble from here has been used for some very well known buildings, most notably the Duomo di Milano. Concert goers will enter the theatre through a long quarry tunnel, wearing hardhats, and sit in a small underground chamber. In addition to the music most performances are multimedia events, with light shows or projections on the back stone wall. There are a number of various ticket offerings; some include dinner at a local restaurant. Basic admission to the quarry and a concert is 10 euro.

Ornavasso is about 20 minutes north of Stresa. You will need a car, or arrange for a ride, to reach this location. For complete information, and tickets, visit the official site here:  www.anticacava.it/eventi

Are you thinking about where to eat this weekend? If you were in Stresa you could be having this plate of frutti di mare at Ristorante Il Portico. And, this photo is only half of the platter. So, bring your appetite and a friend!

Grazie to my friends D & B who sent me this delicious photo! Fa venire l'acquolina in bocca... it makes my mouth water...

Here is a little local curiosity that makes me smile every time I see it. The photo above is of the official town statue in the center of the tiny village of Brovello Carpugnino. Yes, it is an adorable cat holding an umbrella over his head. Why did Carpugnino do this?

Da non perdere! That's how to say DO NOT MISS THIS! in Italian. I have just added these dates onto the Stresa Sights calendar for this summer's World Championship of Fireworks, the Fiori di Fuoco. This year marks the 13th edition of the unforgettable battle in the skies. The program begins on July 23th, and it ends on August 28th. Five pyrotechnic companies, from three different continents, competing in a fierce battle in six (no! now seven!) incredible locations, starting with ... Wait. You know what? Better to just watch the video...  :-)

It's been a good week! It was very exciting to have been asked by Susan Van Allen, the author of the great travel book 100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go, to write a guest post for her blog. This book is a must-read and a must-gift! While it is aimed mainly at women, there is much wisdom inside for all travelers. And the fascinating stories and information, which do focus primarily on interesting women in Italy both past and present, make a visit to the locations Susan writes about more intimate and real. But there are also the more comfort-based reasons that women like this book... the list of spas, special shopping and yoga and cooking classes for example. Then, for each area, Susan describes a 'Golden Day,' a how-to guide for a perfect little day in some of these places.

And that brings me back to her blog, because it is called Golden Days in Italy. Here, Susan visits interesting locales all over Italy, and describes in detail what to do if you have but one day to spend in them. It's all spelled out... what you should see, the best routes to take and what to look for, and restaurant suggestions. Susan contacted me a little time ago and asked me to provide a Golden Day in Stresa. And so, we are very proud to be Golden Day number 54: Dreaming of Stresa on Lago Maggiore.

Writing about a Golden Day in Stresa is easy, of course... I have had many, many such days here. But I had to think, what if I only had one? Or, better, if I were showing a friend around here in only one day, where would I take them? Here's what I decided I would do, where I would take you, in your one day in Stresa:

Let’s start with the lake. We’ll walk along the Lungolago, the pink paved path that runs along Stresa’s lakefront. On the other side of the path are Stresa’s famous old hotels, like the Hotel des Iles Borromees and the Regina Palace. Let’s stop for a cappuccino and a brioche at Gigi Bar (Corso Italia 30), across from the ferry. The Liberty-style bar has been here serving cappuccinos since the 1800s, and they still bake their own brioche on the premises.