The Splendid Lake Como

Theyre simply arent enough pages to describe Lake Como. A childhood wonder for me and a place that I hold so close to my heart. I am a long time New Yorker but growing up in this place has made me who I am. Spending all day lounging at the lake, countless gelato, getting in trouble for smoking cigarettes at 13 with my mischievious friends. My nonnas polenta, riding on the back of my papas moped which I loved (and later inherited...and shorter after totaled...), the local pub where we played pool and watched soccer. I have memories for days and days and if you can only go one place in your entire life...go here.

Theres a reason why Como is a top wedding and honeymoon destination. It oozes romance, class and its where fairytale realities come to life. On the foothills of the Alps and stunning views of the Dolomites Lake Como deserves its reputation as a playground for the wealthy. I won't say its a cheap trip, but its one worth doing.

Fun fact: Como was established by Julius Caesar as Roman holiday resort in the 1st century BC.

History Lesson: The magnificent scenery of Lake Como  has enchanted artists and travelers for centuries: from French novelist Flaubert to musicians of the caliber of Gioacchino Rossini, Giuseppe Verdi, and Vincenzo Bellini; it was here that he composed his opera Norma. The Lake was also the birthplace of illustrious personages such as Italian physicist Alessandro Volta, inventor of the first electric generator

This is Bellagio, Italy :)

Do you think my papa could use a tan?

Cobble streets of Bellagio

Bellagio is a town in the Province of Como. So legendary that when Steve Wynn, the owner of the iconic Belaggio casino in Las Vages, first visitied he HAD to replicate it for his next hotel venture (not that Bellagio could ever be replicated)

Always a campari in my hand...or on my lap

I can't even think of a caption for this because it is THAT unreal

Lake Como is the most spectacular of the three major lakes. Shaped like an upside-down Y, measuring around 160km in squiggly shoreline, it's littered with villages, including exquisite Bellagio and Varenna.

Dream worthy villas litter the shore line

Waterfront Villa Carlotta sits high on Como's must-visit list. The botanic gardens are filled with color from orange trees interlaced with pergolas, while some of Europe's finest rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias bloom. The 8-hectare gardens also contain a lush fern valley, a bamboo grove, a Zen-style rock garden, towering cedars and a high-up lookout fringed by olive trees. The 17th-century villa is strung with paintings, sculptures (some by Antonio Canova).

The wealth of the silk industry paid for dozens of palazzi and Stile Liberty (Italian art nouveau) villas in Como which you see everywhere as well as in COUNTLESS movies. Directors love this place and after shooting Oceans Twelve in Como George Clooney even bought a villa there and till this day its where he spends all his vacations.

Pop loves an Aperol Spritz

Lunching on the water edge

Best Pizza in the world. No exaggeration

Sunnies

All I can say is GO. GO NOW!!!