My husband and I got married at a family friend’s house in nearby Brione Sopra Minusio and had our reception in nearby Ascona.

The entire region is absolutely gorgeous and a great blend of Swiss efficiency and Mediterranean beauty.

You can take a train into practically the center of town and walk around most of central Locarno. There are a ton of restaurants and places to grab a drink. If you want a water view, you’ll pay a little more.

The town square holds concerts and movies in the summer. I believe the film festival is in August and usually has a good line up of European and American films.

The Park Hotel Delta in Ascona is a great place to stay if you’ve got several hundred Euros burning a hole in your pocket. If you’d like more budget-friendly choices, the Hotel Dellavalle Best Western in Brione has spa facilities and great views at very affordable prices. And this isn’t your grandma’s mid-western Best Western! I’ve stayed at both and been very pleased.

For a yummy bite to eat, stop at the Bakery Marnin in Locarno and for a drink on the patio with mountain and lake views, try the Osteria Svanesc in Brione. The pedestrian shopping area in Locarno has lots of great gelato and nice spots for a glass of local wine outside.