My wife and I have been "Googling" all the info we can find about the Bolsena area (incl. Montefiascone, Capodimonte, Marta, etc.) for about 6-8 months now, and are really getting excited about our trip there in fall 2008! I was there SEVRAL years back but only for a half-day (toured Italy just before going off to university). We are considering relocating, or at least visiting often, in Italy when we retire "down the road", so we will also be looking at properties to an extent. (Our plan is to go perhaps once a year, minimum.) On this trip we plan to stay in a hotel, but in the future will consider renting a home for our stay, especially as we have children and so forth...

So anyway, we have a pretty good handle on the "touristy side" of Lago di Bolsena. What we would love to know is if anyone has insights on where the locals eat, hang out, etc., and any handy tips for enjoying Bolsena as the Bolsenese (and their neighbors) do. We have always traveled as "non-tourists" as much as possible, and are not the (stereotypically) "fussy Americans" who need tour guides and Diet Cokes every 30 minutes. I am studying Italian as time allows, and plan to speak it as much as possible during our stay.

Thanks!

Bolsena - Video
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I gout on youtube the abve video, maybe i will do one myself next Summer.

As I mentioned in my blog I just bought a house in Bolsena. Bolsena lake is a very good place to spend some time with the kids, particolarly during the summer since the lake is so enjoyable. All the restaurants I went to were quite good and inexpensive ... as long as you like the fish from the lake you will do ok. Since you are going in 2008 - a year from now - I will try to compile a list of suggestioons by then. I will be staying there a month at least next summer and I am going there at the end of October 2007 as well ( I go 4 times a year )- I might ask my wife is she is ok about renting our house there or I can help you either buying or renting one. Since I do have friends who live in Bolsena I do have a better chance to find a good deal. However you should first see if you like the place and after Autumn 2008 you can go ahead and think of purchasing... my 2 cents of wisdom...
Ciao - speriamo di vederci presto a bolsena , dunque
Paolo

As I mentioned in my blog I just bought a house in Bolsena. Bolsena lake is a very good place to spend some time with the kids, particolarly during the summer since the lake is so enjoyable. All the restaurants I went to were quite good and inexpensive ... as long as you like the fish from the lake you will do ok. Since you are going in 2008 - a year from now - I will try to compile a list of suggestioons by then. I will be staying there a month at least next summer and I am going there at the end of October 2007 as well ( I go 4 times a year )- I might ask my wife is she is ok about renting our house there or I can help you either buying or renting one. Since I do have friends who live in Bolsena I do have a better chance to find a good deal. However you should first see if you like the place and after Autumn 2008 you can go ahead and think of purchasing... my 2 cents of wisdom...
Ciao - speriamo di vederci presto a bolsena , dunque
Paolo[/quote]

Grazie Paolo per vostra risposta. Our 1st trip together to Bolsena is indeed a "scouting mission", as you wisely advise... to see the area and gauge how comfortable we are there. I suspect we shall schedule at least 5-10 such visits in the area over the next few years -- need to visit for longer periods, different seasons, different locations and accomodations. We plan to shop the alimentari and patronize the local osterias/trattorias and so forth, and eat the foods of the area. (Am drooling over the prospect of some eel as we speak..... mmmmmm....) Do you have any favorite local places to dine/visit yet?

For anyone else looking to visit, you might want to pick up a copy of Fleur Kinson's "Bolsena: Everything You Need To Know" (if you can FIND a copy). Ms. Kinson is a contributing travel writer to Italia! magazine and has written many articles re the area and neighboring sites. Will attempt to attach one such article....

http://www.italia-magazine.com/zine/holidays/crystal-clea-lake-bolsena

Bolsena Books: there are several books about Bolsena - the Lake and nearby areas - the below book from publisher Bonechi is q uite good one - It is about Bolsena and the nearby town, lots of nice images -
Also there is a book written by Andrea Viaggiante about the activities in Bolsena and nearby areas.

I might bring a few book back with me next time I go to Italy

Paolo