A weekend near Milan
 

Any suggesstions for a 3 day visit somewhere near Milan for the end of February? We are considering Lake Como, but aren't sure if it is too seasonal... Would it be good quiet or deserted with nothing to do? We've been to Venice, and would like something closer than Florence. Thanks!

If you're looking for something really close to Milan, how about Bergamo. Three days IN Bergamo would be really long, unless you just want to relax and soak in the atmosphere. another small city near Milan that would be interesting is Pavia. (I've never been there.) From there, you should take a 1/2 day trip to Vigevano. A little further away from Milan, and with more to see, and still pretty close, but NOT easily accessible by train, is Cremona.

The best weather in February will be where you can snuggle up to the south slope of the Alps to avoid the winter blasts. Not too far away from Milan, in my opinion, are some places whose climate benefits from that southern exposure. They include Verbania, Ascona, Cannobio, and Locarno on Lago Maggiore; Gravedona, Menaggio, Tremezzo, Como and Lecco on Lago di Como; and Lugano on Lago di Lugano. Driving time to several of these is only about an hour. Good luck.

February is not the time of the year to go to the lakes. A good number (maybe, most) of the hotels, restaurants and shops are closed in places like Bellagio.

A good option is Como, but you're right in the fact that it's going to be chilly.
Santa Margarita is out of season right now being on the riviera, but it'll probably be nice. Usually sunny, there are people who live there all year round. You'll find everything open and low prices in the hotels. If you stay at somewhere like the Excelsior, they have a full service spa, restaurant overlooking the water, and a place to take sun.
It's an option. It's a couple hours by train about the same by car.
Ciao, Melissa

I would suggest going to Lugano, Switzerland. It's less than an hour by train from Milan, and there should be plenty of activity, even in February. It's a beautiful city.