138 • Regions of Italy - Veneto
PLACES: Asolo: If you drive to the pretty town of Asolo, also be sure to visit (or at least drive through) Castelfranco Veneto, Cittadella, and Bassano del Grappa. Asolo is perched on a hill and is every bit as picturesque as the books say it is. For lunch, go to the Hosteria Ca’ Derton (Piazza D’Annunzio 11; Tel. (+39) 042 352 9648). If porcini is in season, order the porcini alla griglia con polenta (grilled mushrooms with polenta). A memorable dish! Markets held the first Saturday and second Sunday of each month (except July and August). Lake Garda: For a spectacular drive, take the road around the lake, beginning at the north end. You will be amazed at the changes in the landscape as well as the character of the towns as you drive from north to south. The east side of the lake is said to be slowerpaced and less expensive than the west side. Marostica: This is the town of the human chess game (Partita a Scacchi) that is staged every two years (even numbered years in September) in the main piazza. Marostica is a charming medieval town, complete with old walls and a castle atop the hill (worth a hike for the views). A great place for lunch is the Pizzeria-Trattoria All’Alfiere (Piazza Castello 16, on the main piazza). If you’re there on Sunday, be sure to visit the museum in the castle on the square, where costumes used in