Luxury and log rides in Lake Garda

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We parted ways with the beautiful scenery of the Dolomites and headed west to Lake Garda. Less well known and more family friendly than Como, Lake Garda has stunning lakeside restaurants, amusement parks, water activities, and a laid back vibe. We upgraded our accommodation at the last minute to a place with a pool, and just as well! A heat wave had hit northern Italy causing multiple days of 30+ degrees in a row. We appeared to be almost the only people staying in a small gated community which shared a large 25 metre pool. The owners of the apartment thought we had timed it perfectly: perfect weather, no crowds. 

After a day lounging around the pool we were ready to take on the local amusement park - Gardaland. Kel had done the deep dive and the research paid off with online (cheaper) tickets and a strategic plan of attack resulting in pretty reasonable queues. Some other ingenious work by kel (using heal lifts in Addy's shoes) meant she made the all important 100cm mark and could actually enjoy some decent rides. She proudly displayed her > 100 cm stamp whenever an attendant would question her height. Favourites were the log ride and the particularly exciting roller coaster (where I miraculously caught my glasses as they flew off my head during a particularly agressive loop the loop). 


Other days at Garda were spent dining at an excellent restaurant recommended by the owner of Langs lake house (albeit in 35 degree heat), lazing around our pool, or visiting the local water park. Unfortunately we didn’t manage to get out on the lake which seems like a bit of an oversight. We did enjoy lake views from the restaurant and on morning runs. Unfortunately the restaurant was perhaps our first clear mistake. While the food was excellent the 1 Michigan star meant the mark up on wine (and water) was outrageous. The extreme heat, coupled with 3 tired kids and very slow service made for a tedious afternoon. We had relearnt an expensive lesson: leave th kids at home for fine dining, and feel free to skip it altogether for a good mid range place with a decent wine list.

Stayed: Padenghe sul Garda


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