Lake Como Area - Your favorite Eateries and Experiences

Our favorite experience was renting a small boat and exploring the lake on our own. Easy and we did bring a picnic to enjoy along the way. The boat rental folks gave us a cartoonish map that points out all the amazing villas along the shoreline. We also had an overcast day - we spent hours taking the ferry that day. Decided Varenna was the best spot!
Also, one day as we returned to our rental apartment, we walked by a venue on the water, called Sporting Club Olivedo, where we heard the strains of Chick Corea. Suprise! - an amazing jazz trio was playing. Sat down and enjoyed a vino and some amazing music. Imagine an Italian singing "Englishman in New York"... This is supposed to be a private club, but we were welcomed with no questions asked. Paid for drinks and enjoyed a couple of light hors d'oevres being passed around.
Did you know there is a tiny beach in Varenna? It is called Bau Bau (Dog) Beach (our apartment was just across the road from it). We dipped our fannies in so we could say we swam in Lake Como!
So - get out on that water!
Enjoy!

thank you Joan!

I definitely want to get in that water!

Riva Gelateria for gelato
Macelleria salumeria lillia Pietro for picnic supplies.
Orrido di Bellano for an easy hike with great waterfalls and views.
La Vista for a nice view while dining (food is pretty decent as well).
Crott del Meo for a unique dining experience.

thanks all! Please keep those suggestions coming!

Restaurants in hotels are oftern not known for their great food. There are two exceptions in Varenna. Hotel Villa Cipressi and Hotel Montecondeno are both very good places to eat. Would eat at either of them again without any hesitation.