"TENERO-Uomonatura-Villa Favorita-WINE" Lugano Local Custom Tip by nygaston

Tenero . . . This, a village of about 2,000, is just a short hop from Locarno on Lake Maggiore. Reportedly, it has the mildest climate in Switzerland, what with the mountains of Val Verzasca protecting it from northerly winds. Its setting, surrounded by hills with flowering trees and vineyards, blue lake, and an abundance of Mediterranean vegetation, contributes to Tenero's ever-increasing popularity as a year-round vacation and camping destination.

Uomonatura . . . The environmental center in Acquacalda (at the foot of Lucomagno) has reopened with a series of events and trips helping to guide people toward a deeper knowledge of nature and the enivronment. For more information: Centro Uomonatura, CH-6718 Acqucalda, Switzerland. Telephone 41 91 872 26 10; fax: 872 26 20.

Villa Favorita . . . This museum in the Castagnola section of Lugano, houses the world famous art collection of Baron von Thyssen-Bornemisza. In 1992, the Old Masters of the collection were transferred to Spain, but what's left behind is well worth the 10-franc admission price. It's an easy walk from downtown Lugano, or you can take a boat or No. 1 bus.

Wine . . . The most popular varieties here are merlot, produced with grapes from vines imported from Bordeaux at the turn of the century, and nostrano, a red obtained from different types of grapes. The locals drink from small bowls called boccalinos. Grappa and Ratafia (a walnut liqueur) are usually sipped at the end of a meal. Lugano's annual ``Wine Harvest Festival'' is scheduled for Oct. 2-4.

X . . . Xtreme sports bring the Swiss to the edge, whether it be racing motorcycles, rock climbing, white-water kayaking, para-gliding, etc., but they all pale in comparison to bungee jumping from the Centovallina Bridge at Intragna or from the dam on the Verzasca River near Vogorno where it takes 7.5 seconds to plunge 220 meters for 255 francs (roughly $200). James Bond fans will remember the Verzasca jump in the opening scene of ``Goldeneye.'' Believe it or not, it is necessary to book in advance.