One of the unexpected highlights of our European trip was our spontaneous visit to Switzerland. The charming lakeside town of Ascona, just across the Italian border on Lake Maggiore, became a place we returned to several times during our stay. It’s one of those towns that instantly feels special — clean streets, friendly people, and views that make you stop and just take it all in.
The Quest for Shoes
Our first trip to Ascona actually started with a mission: Justin forgot his shoes in the United States. We were on the hunt for a pair of simple tennis shoes, something like Adidas, and figured it would be an easy find. Our first stop was Manor, a local department store that I assumed would be similar to the big department stores back home. It wasn’t. We quickly learned that in Switzerland, “department store” doesn’t necessarily mean a shoe section full of sneakers.
After wandering around for a bit, we finally asked someone for help, and they kindly pointed us toward Bolotti Sports in nearby Locarno. The drive was short, but what a drive it was — winding streets, narrow cobblestone roads, and picture-perfect architecture that made us feel like we had driven straight into a postcard.
When we pulled up near the shop, the street was so small that we honestly weren’t sure if cars were even supposed to be there. We spotted a small space that looked like a parking spot and decided to risk it. Justin ran into the store and, thankfully, came out a few minutes later with a brand-new pair of Puma shoes — success! We jumped back into the car just as a trash truck turned down the same tiny street, and let’s just say… our timing couldn’t have been better.
The Beauty of the Waterfront
Of course, Ascona isn’t just for errands. The town’s waterfront promenade quickly became one of our favorite places to unwind. We spent a few afternoons there, walking along the lake, stopping for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and watching boats and ferries glide across Lake Maggiore. The view at sunset was absolutely stunning — soft light on the water, mountains in the distance, and the perfect calm that only a lakeside town can offer.
Ascona’s streets are lined with boutiques, cafés, and gelaterias, and it’s the kind of place where you can wander for hours without getting bored. One moment you’re grabbing a cappuccino, the next you’re strolling past colorful shutters and window boxes overflowing with flowers. Every detail feels intentional — and clean. Everything in Ascona is spotless, beautifully maintained, and welcoming.
Our Takeaway
Our time in Ascona and Locarno ended up being one of the most inspiring parts of our trip. What started as a quick errand for shoes turned into discovering a place we can’t wait to return to. The combination of Italian charm and Swiss precision makes this little corner of the world truly unforgettable.
Next time, we’ll go back without the shoe emergency — but with just as much excitement to soak in the beauty, sip cappuccinos by the water, and maybe even hop on one of those ferries to see where else Lake Maggiore can take us.
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