Secluded coves, towering cliffs, and the breathtaking scenery of Point Arena make this coastal California destination perfect for a long weekend. Rugged sea stacks, rock-strewn beaches, and windblown cypress trees are a dramatic setting for the historic Point Arena Lighthouse.

More than just a museum and a stop along the coast, Point Arena Light Station hosts overnight guests and weddings, is a whale-watching outpost, is a movie filming location, and still guides ships in the dangerous waters along the coast. The Point Arena Lighthouse, 115 feet tall, is the tallest lighthouse on the Pacific Coast.

Come with me to learn what I loved about staying at this unique destination. Unlike renting a motel room along the highway, staying in a lighthouse is a memorable experience.

How To Get To Point Arena Lighthouse

Point Arena is 134 miles north of San Francisco and 35 miles south of Mendocino on California Highway 1. While this is a beautiful and scenic drive, it will be quicker if you take Highway 101 and cut across to the coast at Santa Rosa, Cloverdale, or Willits. Major airports serve San Francisco and Santa Rosa, and having a vehicle for exploring the area is a must.

This historic lighthouse is located a few miles north of Point Arena on 23 acres of a peninsula that runs a half-mile out to sea.

History And Tradition Of Point Arena Lighthouse

The history of the Point Arena Lighthouse is a story about three light towers, three Fresnel lenses, two fog signal buildings, its lightkeepers and their families, and the great earthquake that changed it all.

The first tower, built of brick in a conical design, was first lit by a fixed first-order Fresnel lens in 1870. The first fog signal building, completed in 1871, added horns as a navigation aid for ships traveling in the fog. Due to erosion on the point, the fog signal building was rebuilt closer to the tower in 1896.

The San Francisco earthquake in 1906 destroyed the tower and Fresnel lens, and the keepers’ dwelling was severely damaged. A temporary tower erected in its place used a second-order Fresnel lens so the station would have light during the reconstruction. The new tower began operation in the fall of 1908 with a rotating first-order Fresnel lens.

Best Time To Go

The best time to visit Point Arena Lighthouse depends on whether you want to avoid crowds or want warmer weather. My husband and I were there in the fall and enjoyed clear skies. 

While the weather on the Mendocino Coast is generally mild, with temperatures in the 50s and 60s, it can be foggy and windy during the summer. The peak summer months of June through August can also be crowded with travelers.

Who Operates Point Arena Lighthouse

Point Arena Lighthouse Keepers, Inc. (PALKI) — a non-profit, membership-based organization — operates the lighthouse. Open to the public 7 days a week, about 40,000 people visit every year. The light station receives no government funds and is not part of the State or National Park system.

Mascots Of Point Arena Light Station

The staff takes great pride in caring for and maintaining the mascots at Point Arena Light Station. While I met Tesla, the dog mascot who barely raised his head to acknowledge my presence, I didn’t see Arena Mina lurking around nor escorting visitors into the tower.

Lodging At Point Arena Light Station

Seven rooms, apartments, and cottages are available to reserve, which require a 2-night minimum stay. All rooms have an incredible California Coast view, free tower tours, and access to the Light Station Store, and Indoor and Outdoor Museums.

Complete furnished kitchens in the Head Keeper’s House, the Assistant Keeper’s House, and the Keeper’s Apartment accommodate your onsite cooking and dining needs. The Keeper’s Room and Bookkeeper’s Room have a mini-fridge and microwave. Point Arena Lighthouse serves no meals.

We chose the modest Keeper’s Room because it has a direct line of sight to the tower. Our cozy room had an electric fireplace, a view of the tower, and a view of the ocean bluffs, with a very comfortable Tempur-Pedic mattress. The night view of the tower was spectacular.

Pro Tip: Some accommodations are pet-friendly and can be configured for ADA guests.

Dining In The Area

The closest restaurant, Rollerville Café (family-owned and -operated) is on Highway 1 at the intersection of Lighthouse Road. Their breakfast was so good that we ate there again the following morning.

Things To Do

The Site Visit Fee provides access to the Point Arena Light Station for guests 12 years and older. This $5 fee (as of Spring 2023) helps to fund the upkeep of this historic light station. It includes the Light Station Store, the Fog Signal Building Museum, and the 23-acre Outdoor Museum. 

Climb The Tower

Tower tours are available for guests over 6 years old for an additional $5 fee. Tours are conducted every 20 minutes, with the first at 10:15 a.m. and the last at 3 p.m. A guide is inside at the top of the tower to answer questions and share information. You can step outside on the balcony for a death-defying unobstructed view of the entire landscape below the tower.

Shop At The Light Station Store

The Light Station Store’s team of four experts has pulled together an impressive collection of memorabilia, clothing, books, and more that blend with the history displays and lore of the Light Station. Sales from this store also help fund the light station operations.

Indoor Museum

Docents begin the tower tour with a presentation through the Indoor Museum housed in the historic Fog Signal Building. The oldest structure on the light station property, the Fog Signal Building, also contains the Light Station Store.

The centerpiece of the museum is the original 1908 1st Order Fresnel lens that was removed from the Tower in 2008. This colorful, multi-faceted display includes lighthouse history and artifacts. The presentation is one of the most informative and well-researched displays I’ve seen.

Outdoor Museum

What I enjoyed most about the Outdoor Museum is that there is unrestricted access and I could visit it anytime. It’s worth visiting in the early morning and the late afternoon. The sun casts shadows differently and the lighting is magical.

Pro Tip: Watch your footing on unpaved grounds. Grass tufts and burrowing animals make the ground cover uneven.

1896 Fog Signal Building

Housing the Light Station Store, the Indoor Museum with the massive 1st Order Fresnel lens, and the Whale Watch Room Gallery, the Fog Signal Building is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Native Plant Garden

The garden showcases native plants that are found on the Coastal Prairie. Whale bones, skulls, and the 1800s-era sailing ship anchor and chain are displayed in the Native Plant Garden.

Picnic Area & Whale Trail Interpretive Panel

The Whale Trail panel is designed to help you identify what you see when the whales are migrating. 

Lighthouse Tower & Monuments

Monuments outside the tower’s base and the plaque on the right of the entrance door claim the honor of the National Register of Historic Places.

Coastal Prairie

Most native plants found between the tower and security fence, and outside the white perimeter ranch fence, were typical of the flora on the coast before cattle grazed here.

Gazebo, Trail, And Sinkhole

Now used as a favorite wedding spot, the gazebo was constructed for the final scene of the 1992 movie Forever Young. 

The sinkhole has eroded 2/3 of the bluff and is not accessible to guests.

Stornetta Perimeter Trail

The faint trail by the white perimeter fence defines the boundary between the Light Station and the Point Arena/Stornetta Lands. The trail takes you to the Druid’s Circle and Labyrinth.

Druid’s Circle

Five locally sourced Mendo Blue pillars, left over from the construction of the Stone Entry Fence, were placed here in homage to Stonehenge and Druids everywhere.

Labyrinth

The Point Arena Labyrinth is the westernmost installation of the Art Line — a series of walkable, interactive outdoor artworks across the heart of America along a 28-mile band centered on the 39th Latitude. Walking the labyrinth was a relaxing experience for me.

Tower Trail And Tower Trail View Bench

From the entry kiosk to the Fog Signal Building, experience the classic view of the lighthouse peninsula, which includes breathtaking coastlines, sea stacks, and ocean waves.

Stone Entry Fence

This one-of-a-kind fence features locally sourced Mendo Blue boulders used for the “posts” and mica schist from the Mojave Desert used for the “pickets.” The wall is free-standing. With the light play, it looks different from every angle.

The Point Arena Light Station is an active United States Coast Guard heliport and fueling station. The landing pad is on the grounds of the Outdoor Museum. 

Activities In And Beyond Point Arena

B Bryan Preserve is a private wildlife preserve on 110 acres in Point Arena. The staff is committed to breeding and maintaining African hoof stock like zebra, giraffe, and antelope. We took a self-guided car safari, drove our vehicle, and added the exciting experience of feeding a giraffe.

Mendocino and Fort Bragg offer picturesque landscapes, architecture, fine dining, health and wellness retreats, and historic train rides.

From castles to cities, forests to cliffs, and sea to shining sea, there are a myriad of people, places, and things to discover on this list. Some are man-made, while others are naturally occurring; read on to see if your favorite landmarks made the list!

1. The Grand Canyon (Winner)

Arizona, United States

President Theodore Roosevelt said it best, “In the Grand Canyon, Arizona has a natural wonder which, so far as I know, is in kind absolutely unparalleled throughout the rest of the world.” The views throughout its 1,904 square miles are unparalleled and incomparable. The dry climate has well-preserved fossils and five of the seven life zones are present in this one park. From hiking to white water rafting, fishing, and biking, there are as many things to do, learn, and see as there are acres in this beautiful natural wonder of the world.

Pro Tip: While the South Rim is open year-round, the North Rim is usually closed December to June each year because of the harsher winter conditions. Make sure to check the NPS website for up-to-date reopening information. For more insider information, check out what Grand Canyon Park Rangers recommend before planning your trip.

2. Niagara Falls

New York, United States/Ontario, Canada

Did you know that Niagara Falls is home to not one, but three waterfalls? They sit at the end of the Niagara Gorge, with Horseshoe Falls being the largest and most recognizable. Sitting at 167 feet high, the falls see millions of visitors each year. You can access them from Ontario, Canada, or Niagara Falls State Park in Upstate New York. There are a plethora of ways to access the moisture and views of the falls. From the Canadian side, there’s an elevator that can take you down behind Horseshoe Falls, a cliffside park with a multi-story boardwalk and amazing views, and of course, the boat rides. The U.S. side boasts an observation tower, a unique dining experience, and you guessed it, more boat rides.

Pro Tip: While the falls are accessible and open year-round, the best time to visit is June through August. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are typically the best days to visit as weekends are much more busy.

3. Cliffs Of Moher

Republic Of Ireland

For all the beauty there is to enjoy on the beautiful island of Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher is one of the most popular sights to behold. With views worthy of the silver screen, the cliffs are part of a UNESCO Global Geopark, a special protection area for birds and wildlife. Take in the views by land, air, and sea. Hours vary by the time of year you choose to visit and tickets are required for most visitors. From walks and birdwatching to shopping and dining, your time will be very well spent.

There are two beautiful walks to choose from: the Coastal Walk North (approximately 5 miles) and the Coastal Walk South (approximately 3.5 miles). Remember to leave no trace and dress for being seaside as weather conditions can change suddenly and drastically.

4. Eiffel Tower

Paris, France

There was a time when I would visit la Tour Eiffel each night on Google Earth before going to bed to satisfy my young wanderlust. Standing regally at approximately 905 feet, the Eiffel Tower was originally built for the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris. It took 2 years, 2 months, and 5 days to build. The tower was supposed to be torn down after only 20 years, but a radio antenna was installed on top, and it was too valuable as a radio transmission tower to be destroyed. 

Pro Tip: There are numerous accessibility options for exploring the grounds. Full access has you explore the top level first, then work your way down to the lower floors.

5. Neuschwanstein Castle

Germany

Some may recognize this Romanesque Revival castle as Walt Disney’s inspiration for Cinderella’s castle as well as King Stefan’s castle from Sleeping Beauty. Built in the 19th Century, Neuschwanstein Castle is nestled in southeastern Germany. It means “New Swan Stone.” Because of a forced alliance with Prussia, Ludwig II was no longer a sovereign ruler. He commissioned this castle as a kingdom where he could reign as king once more.

Pro Tip: The castle is undergoing major restorations that are slated to be completed in the spring of 2024, so some of the castle is currently inaccessible. The staff has put together informational videos about the rooms that are being restored so that you can still enjoy them digitally.

6. Statue Of Liberty

New York City, United States

The Statue of Liberty is the second landmark from the National Park Service on our favorites list. Lady Liberty was a gift of friendship from the people of France and was built there first to be dismantled and reassembled in New York City. The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World was finally unveiled to roughly a million people on October 28, 1886.

Pro Tip: There is only one officially sanctioned way to visit both Ellis and Liberty Islands, and advance reservations are highly recommended as access is limited.

7. Acropolis

Athens, Greece

Athens, Greece, is known as the birthplace of democracy and is home to oh so many incredible ruins. One of the best-known ruins is the Acropolis. Acropolis in Greek means “High City” and sitting atop said high city are several ancient buildings, including the Parthenon. Fun fact, my husband proposed to me at the foot of the Acropolis in 2009, a moment I will never forget. It was there that we learned the rule that visitors shouldn’t dance, jump, or be disrespectful on centuries-old religious sites. 

It may be the off-season for the Greek Islands, but the best time to visit is in winter. Temps are lower, crowds are smaller, and entrance fees are half-price. If you happen to visit near Christmas, the tree in Syntagma Square is beautiful!

8. Angkor Wat

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Angkor Wat is considered the world’s largest religious structure according to the Guinness Book of World Records, spanning about 400 acres. It was originally built and dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu but has slowly transformed into a Buddhist temple over the years. Not unlike most tourist attractions and landmarks, the pandemic had a drastic effect on visitors. While open again, crowds are much smaller than years before.

9. Petra Archaeological Park

Jordan

Petra Archaeological Park is considered by many to be one of the new seven wonders of the world, and our readers can’t get enough of it! The site is half-built and half-carved into the rose-red cliffs of southern Jordan. There was a span of 500 years that the city sat undiscovered, as access to the city runs through the Siq, a narrow gorge that opens right up to the treasury. There are quite a few other trails to explore that range in difficulty from easy to hard and showcase the various ruins as well as the beautiful and unique rock layers unearthed by the ancient stoneworkers.

Pro Tip: It is recommended to allow for 3 days to see as much of the grounds as possible. And, take care when booking your trip as only licensed professionals are allowed to give tours and talks.

10. Machu Picchu

Peru

There are a lot of unknowns about Machu Picchu. But, most historians believe that the ancient city of the Inca was erected in the 1450s, only to be abandoned a century later as a result of the Spanish conquest. 

Pro Tip: Getting here takes a train or a multi-day trek through the mountains. After a short stint of closure, Machu Picchu re-opened on February 15, 2023.

11. The Vatican

Vatican City/Rome, Italy

The Vatican resides in a city-state completely surrounded by Rome and is a sovereign territory of the Holy See. The Vatican is basically the most popular attraction in all of Rome, despite technically not being a part of the city. With sites such as St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, it’s no surprise why this small micro-state is so popular among tourists. Be prepared for long lines and lots of walking.

12. The Colosseum

Rome, Italy

When in Rome, it just makes sense to visit the Colosseum, originally called the Flavian Amphitheatre. Most important to note about the architecture of the columns is that they were made in three of the major styles of the time: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian.

Also of note is the hypogeum, the underground area comprised of 80 different tunnels and passageways that connected the barracks, as well as a private access tunnel for the emperor. This was not in the original design of the Colosseum and also made it impossible to flood.

13. Alhambra

Granada, Spain

Alhambra is a palace — which happens to be the most notable and “best-preserved palace in the historic Islamic world” — and fortress tucked in the Sierra Nevada on the Iberian Peninsula. The expansive complex covers about 26 acres and has multiple structures, including the Nasrid Palaces. As you can imagine, tickets are in high demand and advance reservations are required.

14. Taj Mahal

Agra, India

The Taj Mahal is a marble mausoleum that was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who passed away giving birth to their 14th child. He was buried next to her upon his passing, thus making Taj Mahal the romantic symbol of India.

Pro Tip: Tickets are required to visit the grounds. Five nights a month, there are full-moon viewings of the Taj Mahal (two nights before the full moon, the night of the full moon, and two nights following the full moon).

15. Stonehenge

England, United Kingdom

Coming in at 13 feet high, the Welsh sandstones known as Stonehenge were built in three stages. We may never know why this monument was built to begin with, nor the methods used to create the structure. It has been purported that it was used as an astronomical observatory or a religious site and that the stones came from as far as 240 miles away. While a million visitors make the trek each year, it’s plain to see that this marvel is quite the sight to behold.

The Silk Road is a legendary but very real 4,000-mile-plus-long trade route that connected Europe with China in a quest to not only buy silk but also shift plenty of other merchandise, such as spices and natural resources, along the way. Made up of many separate roads, including water routes across the Mediterranean from Venice or the Frankincense route from Oman, it used to take months and years to travel along the route. As a result, many cities and centers of learning sprang up along the way to help further the exchange, not only of goods but also knowledge.

I have been fascinated with the Silk Road ever since I read William Dalrymple’s In Xanadu: A Quest decades ago. But to travel along the many routes is not only extremely time-consuming but also a logistical nightmare due to conflicts, borders, difficulties obtaining visas, and a lack of connecting flights. So, instead, I bought a huge map and started to take shorter travels to some of the cities along the way, connecting the dots as I go.

I still have many places to see, some already booked, such as Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva in Uzbekistan later this year. Others are still in the planning stages, such as Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan, Xi’an in China, and the constant dream about visiting Iran one day. So, watch out for part II of this story.

In the meantime, here are some fabulous cities I have discovered so far — all offering a Silk Road connection and many legendary sights to see.

1. Istanbul, Turkiye

Istanbul, or Constantinople as it was then, was the official endpoint of the Silk Road, but I started my quest from Europe, so to me, Istanbul is the gateway to Asia and the Silk Road. Old Constantinople was not only the connection to the Mediterranean and Black Sea but it was a rich center of learning and a bustling trade hub. To get a feeling for what it must have been like in the Silk Road days, head straight to the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar, which opened in the mid-1400s. This was admittedly toward the end of the heyday of the ancient Silk Road, but it still would have welcomed traders from far away.

Pro Tip: The Silk Road then moved inland through the modern-day capital of Ankara toward the Caspian Sea, with many exciting stops along the way. To really get a feeling for the importance of the Silk Road in Turkiye, book a 10-day tour to find out more and stop in caravanserais along the way. (Caravanserais were roadside inns along the Silk Road for passing traders and travelers.)

2. Yerevan, Armenia

The capital of Armenia, Yerevan is not only one of the oldest inhabited cities on Earth but also a city that offers both ancient history and modern art, culture, and tradition as well as a palatable joie de vivre with cafés and terraces on every street. The best place to start your visit is at the Cascade Complex, a set of stairs leading from the sculpture park below, up 572 steps to a view across the city. With the mountains of Great Ararat and Little Ararat on the horizon, the Ararat Valley is also a major route through the region. Note that within the Cafesjian Arts Centre on the left of the steps is a series of escalators that save your legs on the way up. (I just wish I had found them before I climbed to the top!) The city itself is great to relax in, walk and explore, but it is also a perfect base for day trips to the many monasteries and Silk Road caravanserais located within the countryside. Armenia is a relatively small country, very mountainous, with lakes and valleys, and so much history, all quite easily visited during organized and guided tours.

Pro Tip: You can get a driver to take you from Yerevan all the way to Tbilisi, the next stop below, taking in some sights along the way. It is around a 5-hour drive from capital to capital but very scenic.

3. Tbilisi, Georgia

Tbilisi may not be one of the better-known stops along the main route, but it was an often-used detour to rest weary travel bones in the city’s famous hot springs. The ancient baths along the springs have not changed at all since the Silk Road days. And to get a feeling for where travel-worn merchants would have stayed, head straight to the Tbilisi History Museum. It’s set in an old caravanserai where there were rooms for travelers, spaces and food for camels, and a market spot to trade at while you’re there. Today, the open space not only holds the history and a museum but also, down in the basement, a wine museum complete with a wine bar. And that might well have been another reason to stop off in Tbilisi; the Georgian wine is rather good.

Pro Tip: To keep in with the theme, don’t miss the State Silk Museum to learn more about the material that bore the trade route.

4. Baku, Azerbaijan

On the coast of the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan’s capital city of Baku offers a superbly preserved look at Silk Road sights as they were when traders stopped to trade spices and cashmere on the way from India. The first stop should be the walled city of Icherisheher, with the Maiden Tower, its mosque, bazaar, and the wonderful Palace of the Shirvanshahs. There are also still many caravanserais dotted throughout the modern city, such as the lovely space around the Zoroastrian Fire Temple.

Pro Tip: To see more of the Land of Fire, where you find burning hills, petroglyphs, and mud volcanoes (all of which must have fascinated the Silk Road travelers even in the old days), book a private tour to Sheki.

5. Almaty, Kazakhstan

The first thing that struck me when arriving in Almaty was the snow-capped mountains that loomed on the horizon. They must have offered a mighty challenge to ancient merchants. Traveling through these mountain ranges hundreds, if not thousands, of years ago on camel or horseback must have been daunting. But they came and stayed a while in the green valleys around Almaty, probably gorging themselves on the plentiful apples that originate here. Here, there were craftsmen who mended armor and riding gear, and apparently, the jewelry trade was very popular. Something nice to bring back home after years on the road, I guess.

Pro Tip: Kazakhstan is a vast country and Almaty only offers a tiny glimpse. So, why not search out more Silk Road sights on a 4-day tour?

6. Fatehpur Sikri, India

Fatehpur Sikri — the City of Victory in the State of Uttar Pradesh’s Agra District in northern India — is often simply visited because it is close (ish) to the Taj Mahal. When I first visited this abandoned city years ago, I had no idea that it had a Silk Road connection. So, when I was putting pins into my Silk Road map, I was utterly delighted that I had stopped there.

Built in 1571 as the capital of the Mughal Empire, Fatehpur Sikri soon became a trading post for passing Silk Road routes because of the Mughal emperor’s patronage of the arts, crafts, and the court’s love of luxury goods, including silk. Abandoned by its emperor Akbar in 1585, Fatehpur remained a trading hub and center of craftsmanship. It still had one of India’s largest mosques and was a center of learning and religion. The city remained an important stop along the northern routes, so much so that in 1803, the trading giant East India Company settled there until 1850.

Pro Tip: When you find yourself in northern India, you will undoubtedly visit the Taj Mahal. Combine your trip with a visit to Fatehpur Sikri to marvel at this great abandoned city.

7. Beijing, China

While in ancient times, Xi’an was the last — or first — stop along the Silk Road, when the failing trade along the routes was restarted under Mongol rule in the 14th and 15th centuries, the route was expanded through China to eventually have Beijing as its starting point, or terminus. But even before then, intrepid merchant Marco Polo visited Beijing, or as it was then called, Dadu, the Great Capital, in the late 1200s. Giving you an idea of quite how long the Silk Road has been in operation, Marco Polo would have been in Beijing more than 100 years before the Forbidden City was even designed. But what he would have seen is the Pagoda of the Tianning Temple, the Great Wall of China, and, of course, the Marco Polo Bridge, which dates to 1189.

Pro Tip: Read The Travels of Marco Polo, but do it with a huge pinch of salt, as he is known to have made things up as he went. He was also not necessarily a good writer, but just the thought that he wrote those diary entries around the turn of the 13th century, and many of the sights he describes are still there, is quite mind-blowing.

One of the most recognized landmarks in Hawaii, Diamond Head State Monument in downtown Honolulu is my own personal Everest — one that I successfully summited! Climbing to the top of Diamond Head’s crater rim is a popular activity for visitors as well as a favorite workout loop for locals. It’s not every day that you can boast that you’re hiking up the side of a volcano in a capital city, let alone one with incredible panoramic views, but it happens every day here.

Diamond Head is part of the system of cones, vents, and eruption flows of the Honolulu Volcanic Series. Thankfully, there’s no chance of an eruption at this state park these days! But the long-dormant crater and crater walls offer visitors spectacular views and one of the state’s most rewarding hikes.

The curious name, Diamond Head, was given to the area by 19th-century British soldiers who thought the nearby sparkling calcite crystals were much more precious. But indigenous Hawaiians call the landmark Leahi, from lae for “ridge” and ahi for “tuna.” If you use your imagination, you can see how the crater rim resembles a tuna’s dorsal fin.Today, Diamond Head is protected as part of the Diamond Head State Monument. Encompassing approximately 475 acres, it is one of the largest green zones in an American state capital.

1. Arrive By Foot, Car, Or Public Transit

If you’re feeling ambitious, it’s entirely possible to hike to the gates of Diamond Head State Monument from Waikiki. Depending on where you start, it could take up to an hour — and then you still have to explore the park! But more people do it than you might think, especially fitness-oriented locals.

Most visitors, however, prefer to save their energy for the hike to the top of Diamond Head, and there are several ways to get to the park using other forms of transportation. For instance, the Waikiki Trolley blue line includes a stop at the gates of Diamond Head State Monument. However, it only makes financial sense to purchase a trolley pass if you plan to ride the trolley to other attractions and do some sightseeing.

The more frugal option is to take the city bus, which costs around $3 for adults. Bus number 23 from Kuhio Avenue (toward Diamond Head) is the most direct route via public transportation. While you’ll likely spot the State Monument sign, let the driver know where you’re headed to be on the safe side. Tickets are usually good for 2 hours, so if you’re a speedy hiker and a frugal traveler, hold on to your transfer stub, and your return trip through Waikiki might just be free.

Of course, you can always drive (there is ample parking) or catch a taxi or Uber. Diamond Head State Monument isn’t very far from the Honolulu Zoo, the Waikiki Aquarium, and Diamond Head Beach Park. If you’re planning to visit these attractions during your trip to Oahu, it makes sense to do so after your Diamond Head visit, when you’re still in the neighborhood.

2. Reservations Are Essential 

Diamond Head State Monument is open every day of the year, including holidays, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The latest you can enter the park to hike is 4:00 p.m. since the round trip takes between 90 minutes and 2 hours. On peak days, the park welcomes more than 3,000 people. As such, as of May 12, 2022, all out-of-state visitors must have an advanced reservation to enter Diamond Head State Monument.

Reservations can be made up to 14 days in advance for now, but the long-term plan is to change the system so reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance. Visitors are asked to arrive within 30 minutes of their reservation time. However, you must leave by the end of your reservation time. So if you are a slow stroller, make sure you’re there at the beginning of your time slot!

3. Best Time To Hike: Mornings

If you’re visiting Hawaii from mainland North America and jet lag has you awake bright and early, visit the park and hit the hiking trails before the crowds get there. We started our hike not long after the park opened, and I’m so glad we did. The temperatures were relatively cool, there weren’t many people (though we were far from alone), and it was neat to see so many locals getting their workouts in. It helped me realize that Diamond Head is so much more than a tourist attraction — it’s a beloved part of the community.

4. Pay Online — But Bring Cash

Prior to the new reservation system, admission to Diamond Head State Monument was $5 per car (no matter how many people were in it) and $1 for pedestrians, and it was cash only. But the new system changes everything! Now the reservation system means you pay $5 per person in advance online, via credit card. You can also pay the $10 parking fee if you wish to park. If you have ID that proves you’re a Hawaiian resident, your entry and parking costs are free.

I highly recommend bringing along some extra money to buy some refreshing shave ice after your hike. There’s usually a food truck selling it in the trailhead parking lot and, in my opinion, it’s the best way to treat yourself after your adventure.

5. Minimal Gear Needed

In addition to a bit of money, you should bring your own water bottles (there are fountains at the beginning of the trail, but none as you ascend), a hat and sunscreen, and good walking shoes. I have to say, I did see quite a few people wearing casual flip-flops, and they were undeterred by the loose gravel and switchbacks. To each their own, but I’m glad I had my sneakers with me on the hiking trail!

6. Expect Stairs And Gravel

The trail to the summit was built in 1908 as part of Oahu’s coastal defense system. The hike itself is only 0.8 miles each way, but you gain 560 feet in height along the way. The trail includes a concrete walkway, loose gravel and soil, a 225-foot-long tunnel (it looks pitch black as you approach it, but it is dimly lit inside), and many, many stairs. In addition to the loose gravel, there are several narrow and awkward parts of the trail, and your ankles will appreciate the extra support that tennis shoes provide.

Having not realized there were so many stairs involved — I assumed I’d be hiking up a slope, not steps — I have to admit I was worried that the Diamond Head hike would defeat me! The stairs themselves weren’t impossibly difficult, but they were harder on me because I hadn’t expected them. Now that I know what to expect, I don’t find the route nearly so intimidating. The hike to the top of Diamond Head is a workout, for sure, but it’s manageable and well worth it for the gorgeous panoramic views. A little pre-trip planning goes a long way.

7. Great Views And Incredible History

Without a doubt, the most spectacular thing you’ll see at Diamond Head State Monument is the incredible view. Locals like to say that on a clear day, there’s nowhere else on Earth where you can see so far overland. Based on my very unscientific observations, I concur! At the top of Diamond Head, all of Honolulu opens up to you. For early risers, I can’t imagine a more breathtaking place to enjoy the sunrise.

However, the land views pale in comparison to the ocean views. From crashing, deep navy blue waves to delicate shades of turquoise lapping at the shore, this is the Hawaii of your dreams — nothing but sun, sky, and surf. In the winter season, you might just see humpback whales frolicking in the distance. And at the base of Diamond Head, you’ll notice a jaunty white lighthouse. A facility of the United States Coast Guard, the lighthouse was built in 1917 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. If you think it looks familiar, that’s because it was featured on a postal stamp in 2007! Unfortunately, you can’t visit it, so you’ll have to enjoy the views you get from Diamond Head.

While I expected incredible views — and I was not disappointed — I noticed something else that I found equally intriguing. There are many objects along the way that point to the crater’s history as a military observation point. The land around Diamond Head Trail was part of a military base for decades, and artillery cannons, cement bunkers, and an observation deck were built on the crater. You can still see the remnants of Diamond Head’s past life as you complete your hike. With an odd mix of curiosity and sadness, I observed chunks of concrete and wire slowly disintegrating and rusting on the ground. How long will it be until Diamond Head swallows up its own history entirely?

If you’re interested in learning more about the fascinating history behind Diamond Head, you can visit the park’s interpretive kiosk. The staff members are extremely knowledgeable and are always eager to answer questions.

Rest assured that the trip down Diamond Head is faster and easier than the trip up, but you should still exercise caution around the steep areas and keep your eyes open for congested spots filled with tourists wielding rogue selfie sticks!

Planning a trip to Oahu? Check out the best things to do there, plus Honolulu’s best free and frugal activities. And be sure to make time for Pearl Harbor and the North Shore.

The music is hauntingly beautiful, the dances are expressive and energetic, and the food is traditional and hearty. The Navajo Nation experience offered at the Red Heritage Indigenous Entertainment Hall in Page, Arizona, virtually pulses with authenticity.

In everything from the rhythmic drum beats provided by a group of local musicians to the world-class dances presented by athletic performers, Red Heritage delivers on its promise of an artistic and educational experience to remember. In fact, short of attending a powwow event in a venue in the Navajo Nation, it is hard to imagine getting a better immersion into Native American dancing and music in a single evening than the one offered at Red Heritage.

One of the beauties of Red Heritage’s entertainment is that, unlike powwows, the shows take place almost every night, and the venue is located right in the middle of the northern Arizona town of Page. I recently attended an evening show at Red Heritage and I loved the multi-faceted approach that covered everything from food to art to music.

Here are seven things that bring Navajo culture to life at the Red Heritage Indigenous Entertainment Hall.

Information in this article was obtained during a sponsored press trip. All opinions are my own.

1. The Dancing Is Inspiring

The dancers at Red Heritage don’t just perform their numbers; they seem to live the stories that are integral to the origin of the dances. Red Heritage owner and master of ceremonies, Tomas Hunt, sets the stage beforehand by explaining how the dances came to be, helping the stories come to life.

For example, he told the audience about the origins of the Grass Dance, which originated with the Mandan People of the Great Plains. Pointing to the strands of ribbon on the dancers’ regalia, Hunt said, “This is very symbolic of the way the traditional Grass Dancer would get low to the ground, pull the grass out, and tuck it into their clothing. It also helps you visualize the fluidity of the grass and the gentle breeze and the harsh winds.”

The elegant and poignant Jingle Dress Dance, performed by two female dancers, focuses on the struggle that Native Americans faced with illnesses brought by European settlers. “When the Europeans first came to the Americas, there were illnesses that Native American people had no immunity to,” Hunt said. The dance symbolizes the story of a young girl who became ill but was healed when she danced in a Jingle Dress. “The Jingle Dress Dance is a wellness dance,” Hunt continued.

All of the dances in the Red Heritage program, including a spectacular Hoop Dance, are illuminated with colorful lighting, lending a lovely aura to the performances.

Hunt concluded the program by pointing out how the Hoop Dance reflects day-to-day struggles of real life. Picking up the hoops from the floor of the stage, he told the audience, “You have to pick up each of the hoops one at a time. We can apply this to our lives. We can’t let our problems pile up. Pick up these hoops, pick up these problems, and rebuild the world that we live in.”

2. Performers Are Local

Red Heritage takes pride in its local talent, and its website notes that the show “showcases local dancers talented in colorful powwow dancing, flute playing, and live drum music.”

Hunt introduced several of the dancers as members of his family and he told his own story of growing up in the Navajo Nation in the small town of Shonto.

3. The Business Is Navajo-Owned And Operated

Hunt and others emphasized that the Red Heritage Indigenous Entertainment Hall is Navajo-owned and operated. The authenticity of that factor is reflected in the dancing and regalia.

“If you look at the clothing we’re wearing, we do not refer to them as costumes,” Hunt said. “A costume implies that you are trying to be something that you are not. This is who we are. We’re Native Americans. We’re not pretending.”

He added that thought, prayer, and symbolism go into the regalia. “They’re all handmade by a family member or relative or ourselves,” he said.

4. Moving Native Music

Throughout the evening, the dances were accompanied by rhythmic drum beats and chants provided by a drum ring made up of four or five musicians. The music changed depending on the dance, but it always filled the hall with an authentic air, and it seemed to drive the dancing.

Another highlight of the show was a performance by a local musician on a native flute, the melodic and captivating music resonating through the hall.

5. Informative Stories About Navajo Rug Making

Red Heritage’s show started off with a presentation about the history and heritage of rug making in the Navajo culture. The weaving demonstration included a young girl sitting at a loom, along with a display of iconic Navajo rug designs, and an explanation of how the rugs are created.

Red Heritage’s head Navajo rug weaver, Charlene Hunt, led off the evening by telling the audience that while the Spaniards first brought sheep to the area in the 1500s, that was not the beginning of the story of Navajo weaving.

“The anthropologists will tell you that’s about the time we started to make our weaving,” she said. “But our story goes much further than that. Our first weaver, her name was Spider Woman. She taught her daughter how to do the weaving and it’s always been taught from female to female until about the 1900s.”

The presentation included fascinating details about gathering the wool, cleaning it with a soap made of yuca root, and weaving it on a loom. Several children in the audience were asked to volunteer to come on stage and help demonstrate the process.

6. Delicious Navajo Tacos

Upon arrival at Red Heritage, guests are directed to a traditional Navajo taco buffet, complete with a choice of meats including chicken, beef, and pork, and toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, and sour cream. Guests also have a choice between the classic Navajo fry bread for tacos or rice as a gluten-free option.

The buffet also includes a choice of desserts and soft drinks. For those who prefer a beer, a glass of wine, or a cocktail to go along with their dinner, the Blue bar is located right next door, and drinks can be taken into the adjoining entertainment hall. Billed as bringing the “big city” to Page, the Blue offers a range of local beers and cocktails, as well as traditional espresso and authentic French pastries.

7. The Location Is In Town And Convenient

Located right in the middle of Page, Red Heritage is wonderfully accessible and easy to find.

Because it is part of a shopping center that once housed a supermarket, parking is plentiful, and other restaurants, bars, and stores are nearby. Along with Red Heritage, the shopping center also features a popular sushi spot, Blue Buddha Sushi Lounge, as well as a steak, seafood, and pasta spot at the DAM Bar and Grille, and an outdoor clothing store, the Dam Outlet.

Pro Tip: Base For Antelope Canyon And The Wave

Owing to its location at the northwest edge of the scenic Navajo Nation — just miles from the Utah border and not far from several national parks like Zion, Grand Canyon, and Bryce Canyon — Page makes a great base for taking in the countless natural wonders in the region. Among the most iconic of the nearby features are the slot canyons of Antelope Canyon, picturesque Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River, the stunning Lake Powell in the Glen Canyon Recreation Area, and the pinstriped rock formations of The Wave (available by permit and lottery only).

The Hub

A wealth of information on Page-area attractions, including instructions for how to register for The Wave lottery, is available at Page’s official visitor center, The Hub.

Mother’s Day is just around the corner! Show appreciation for the woman who brought you (or someone you love) into this world with a bouquet of beautiful blooms. When it comes to ordering flowers, there’s no better place to turn than 1-800-Flowers — here’s why! 

1. A Brand You Can Trust

For nearly half a century, 1-800-Flowers has been the go-to and trusted source for providing an excellent Mother’s Day experience. Flowers are picked fresh on their premier farms around the world, cared for every step of the way, and finally shipped fresh to ensure lasting beauty and enjoyment.

2. A Plethora Of Options

If you’re not sure what to send, 1-800-Flowers has a wide variety of options to choose from. You can buy flowers and gifts like roses, orchids, gift baskets, bonsai trees, flowering plants, and more. Those who haven’t shopped 1800Flowers in a while may not realize that it isn’t just beautiful bouquets and flower arrangements. Shop sweet treats such as cookies and baked goods as well as chocolates, and choose from fruit baskets, coffee gift baskets, and even wine! Garden gifts are available for moms who have a green thumb. There are even spa gift baskets, candles, and jewelry to choose from, so you can really pamper that special woman in your life! Browse these Mother’s Day gift ideas to find the perfect present.

3. Live Shopping

Moms know best, which is why 1-800-Flowers looks to them to share a curated collection of the top gifts for mom’s special day. Mother’s Day Live Shopping lets you shop along with real moms as they share their story on video. For example, boy-mom Megan Pinckney Rutherford shared how she uses 1-800-Flowers to outsource pretty blooms for Mother’s Day brunch, or any other occasion to celebrate mom. Live shopping highlights products, like the Simply Chocolate® Mother’s Day Breakable Chocolate Heart, and makes them easy to shop for with just a click.

4. Free Shipping

In addition to their vast selection of flowers and gifts, 1-800-Flowers also offers free shipping when you join their Celebrations Passport Loyalty Program. This annual membership to the 1-800-Flowers family of brands could be a wise investment for those who enjoy the ease of online shopping.

5. Same-Day Delivery Available

One of the best things about 1-800-Flowers is their same-day delivery option. That means you can order your flowers as late as May 14 and still have them arrive in time for Mother’s Day. This is especially helpful for those of us who tend to procrastinate or have a busy schedule. 

6. Tulip And Rose Authority

1-800-Flowers takes the crown as the tulip and rose authority, offering a four-point approval system that exceeds industry standards. Every rose delivered is rigorously inspected at each stage of its journey from the farm to the door, ensuring that your mom receives the highest quality of blooms possible. 

7. Great Customer Service

Not only does 1-800-Flowers offer quick flower delivery, but they also pride themselves on great customer service. Their customer service team is standing by to help you with any gift or flower order. Let them help you find and deliver the perfect flowers, plants, or gifts for the mom in your life so you can focus on celebrating meaningful moments.

8. International Delivery

Need to send flowers internationally? 1-800-Flowers has got you covered. They deliver flowers across the U.S. and around the world. Because of their partnerships with local florists and flower growers, they are able to ensure that bouquets are delivered fresh from the field and on time. Their flower arrangements are artfully created and delivered perfectly arranged by professional florists.

9. Satisfaction Guaranteed

With 1-800-Flowers, you can rest assured that you’re getting fresh flowers guaranteed by trusted florists. Since 1976, their passion has been to help you connect and express yourself to the important people in your life by providing the finest selection of beautiful flowers and arrangements available for same-day or next-day delivery. The quality of everything, from flower arrangements, gift baskets, and gourmet foods to personalized presents and photo gifts, is supported by their 100-percent Satisfaction Guarantee.

10. Support Amazing Moms

This Mother’s Day, 1-800-Flowers is supporting amazing moms, from authors and florists to makers and bakers. Learn more about these extraordinary mothers and explore their top picks for Mother’s Day gifts. You can even nominate an amazing mom in your community!

11. They Can Even Write Your Card!

1-800-Flowers is no stranger to helping folks express their love, which is why they’ll even help you craft the perfect Mother’s Day message to put in her card! MomVerse uses AI technology to create personalized poetry, inspired by you. Simply select what type of verse you prefer (poem, limerick, haiku, rhyme, or song), select the recipient (grandma, mom, etc.), enter a few things she likes, and voila — a short message that is sure to bring a smile to her face.

Make this a Mother’s Day to remember with one of these best-selling gifts from 1-800-Flowers!

We visited Schwartz’s Deli several years ago during a family trip to Montreal. We thought it was hilarious that the Schwartzs could eat at Schwartz’s Deli. Little did we know just how much of a treat it would be.

The legendary Schwartz’s Deli has served its smoked-meat “sammies” to celebrities, locals, and tourists alike. The name “Schwartz’s Deli” is synonymous with overstuffed sandwiches and an old-timey atmosphere. Patrons start to salivate before they even look at the menu!

Here are five reasons you have to try Schwartz’s if you visit Montreal.

1. Legendary Smoked Meat

Schwartz’s Deli is something of a legend in Montreal. Founded by Reuben Schwartz, a Jewish immigrant from Romania, the deli is still in its original location, and the original recipe remains unchanged.

Today, the deli is an integral part of the Plateau framework. Local storefronts and boutiques populate the trendy neighborhood. Schwartz’s trademark experience includes simple ordering and a communal eating style. It was a novel experience for our American family to sit with people from all over the world. We marveled at the camaraderie and thoroughly enjoyed the food and the experience.

Schwartz’s prepares its preservative-free smoked meat the old-fashioned way. They prepare it on location, using a secret blend of locally produced herbs and spices. Then, it’s marinated for 10 days, smoked overnight, steamed all day, and sliced by hand just before it’s needed.

2. Mythical Founders And Famous Owners

There are several unbelievable stories about the origins of the restaurant. If you talk to three different people, you’ll likely get three different ideas of who founded the deli. One version is that a Russian composer founded it and tacked on the Jewish-sounding name “Schwartz’s” to make it seem more legitimate. Another myth is that two widows founded it. A third version claimed that the outcome of a poker game determined its ownership.

Schwartz’s Deli made the news in 2012 when world-famous singer Celine Dion became part-owner. She and her now-late husband, René Angélil, were part of a group of investors who bought the beloved shop for $10 million. Celine Dion and smoked meats? It’s not so far-fetched. In the early ‘90s, Dion was one of the founders of Quebec’s largest smoked meat outfit, Nickels Delicatessen.

3. Inspirational Books, A Documentary, And A Musical

As word has spread about its excellent smoked meat, Schwartz’s Deli has become internationally famous. The iconic establishment inspired a book, a documentary, and a musical. Anthony Bourdain featured it in his show, The Layover. In addition, Bill Brownstein, Canadian author and newspaper columnist, wrote an article for the Montreal Gazette in which he described Schwartz’s dilemma about the possibility of franchising (they ultimately decided not to franchise). Brownstein turned the piece into a book on Schwartz’s history. Then, he worked with Bowser and Blue, famous for their musical comedies, to write Schwartz’s: The Musical. There are 18 songs, including a gospel number that opens the show.

4. Famous Visitors

While enjoying a Schwartz’s smoked meat sandwich, you never know who you will meet. So many famous people have visited that the staff has to rotate the photos and newspaper clippings that decorate the walls. Well-known visitors include actor Ryan Gosling, comedian Chris Rock, late Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, late performer Jerry Lewis, actor Angelina Jolie, and the Rolling Stones.

The buzz about Schwartz’s Deli is not just hype. This deli is genuinely the “holy grail” of smoked meats. When you go, be prepared to stand in line. And, if you are a Schwartz, get one of their t-shirts like we did; we cherish ours!

5. The Neighborhood 

The Plateau, with its “boho-chic” charm and proximity to McGill University, has attracted young professionals, artists, and students. They come for the neighborhood’s upscale galleries, restaurants, nightclubs, and boutique clothing stores.

In the decades after Schwartz’s was founded, Greek Canadians set up many businesses in the Plateau. Vietnamese and Portuguese settlers led later waves of immigration. Now, you can visit Little Portugal to enjoy its specialty shops and eateries.

If you find yourself in Montreal’s Plateau area, stop by Schwartz’s Deli. You’ll know you’ve arrived by the mouth-watering aroma — and the line out the door and down the block.

Read these TravelAwaits articles to learn more about Montreal: 

• How To Do Montreal On A Budget
• Biospheres & Basilicas: 5 Things To Do In Montreal
• 10 Fantastic Things Not To Miss In Montreal, Canada

Once upon a time, there was a woman…

History is filled with stories that begin with a determined woman facing a seemingly insurmountable challenge and her tenacity to meet it head on. Thus is the case with Florence Griswold, the matriarch who shaped the very soul of Old Lyme, Connecticut. Griswold’s ability to rise above her economic downturn set Old Lyme on the path to a charming New England town with a well-defined artistic bent.

The financial downturn of the Griswold family, the arrival of artist Henry Ward Ranger, and the picture-perfect, bucolic landscape of Old Lyme was the perfect triumvirate. Griswold turned her family’s fine home into a boarding house, Ranger invited his artist friends to come and paint the verdant landscape, and the rest is history.

Note: Some information in this piece was obtained during a sponsored press trip, but all recommendations are my own.

1. Florence Griswold Museum

The Florence Griswold Museum is a dedication to her life and the artists that filled it with laughter, joy, and lots of color. The resorted Griswold home includes a first floor that has been renovated to reflect the halcyon days of a turn-of-the-century summer when the artists were in residence and the rooms were filled with fascinating characters.

Throughout the first floor, mostly concentrated in the boarding house dining room, are original painted door panels. The artists in residence painted stunning pieces on these panels that are part of a permanent exhibit In Situ: The Painted Panels. The 46-panel paintings were the artists’ gift to Griswold and depict a variety of subjects from far-flung places to local landscapes. The close relationship between Griswold and her boarding house guests is evident in the beautiful artwork of the panels. The second floor of the manor is a bright and airy gallery space that showcases works from the Lyme Art Colony and a variety of other brilliant artists.

The separate museum has several galleries to showcase paintings and sculptures in evolving exhibits. Take time to wander through the spacious galleries as you savor the experience of art immersion.

Pro Tip: You can visit the museum’s exhibits online with a free virtual tour, like Fresh Fields: American Impressionists Landscapes.

2 Lyme Art Association

The Lyme Art Association (LAA) was formed in 1914 as a gallery to showcase the works of the artists who called Old Lyme home. Florence Griswold donated property adjacent to her home for the gallery building and in 1921 the LAA celebrated its grand opening.

The gallery is a centerpiece of popular events and showcases revolving exhibits throughout the year. The LAA offers visitors a chance to explore a wide and varied range of artistic styles, mediums, and techniques. The association is composed of 650 member artists whose stunning artwork is displayed across seven different juried art exhibits annually.

Many days, you will see the easel-toting artists taking classes at LAA. The gallery’s lower level is a haven for art students of all levels. Drawing, sculpture, painting, and other art classes are open to non-members. One-day workshops exploring an in-depth focus on an artistic topic like color dynamics, composition, and more can be a fun, hands-on adventure during your artistic getaway.

3. The Side Door Jazz Club

Old Lyme Inn 

Dark and mysterious is the hallmark of every classic jazz joint. The Side Door Jazz Club is no exception. When you enter the club, it’s like stepping into the 1940s. The decor of small dark wood tables and straight-back chairs pushed right up to the edge of the stage makes you feel like you are part of the show. All you need is a short glass of amber liquid and a trench-coated, fedora-sporting man at the door — you know you are in for something special.

As musicians and songbirds crank out their personal bebop style and jazzy beat, you can feel your heart rhythm move along with the musical syncopation. One of the interesting things about jazz is the on-stage improvisational interludes. You are drawn into these seemingly private jam sessions and the solo performances keep the evening’s program mesmerizing.

Pro Tip: Check the website for upcoming artists. The performances change weekly so there is always someone new and exciting at the mic.

4. Lyme Academy Of Fine Arts

The Lyme Academy of Fine Arts is an art school for students who wish to explore and enhance their artistic talents. The academy also offers workshops available to artists of all levels. Immersing yourself in a medium you love or stretching your talents outside your comfort zone in a workshop is a unique way to explore this charming artist community. Find an intriguing workshop and schedule a hobby-focused getaway for some selfish time.

Pro Tip: The school offers a printmaking open studio to utilize the printmaking equipment. Open-figure drawing classes are also available on a regular basis.

5. Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds

Wander through Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds where massive contemporary artworks are displayed in a 4.5-acre, park-like setting. The grounds are the work of artist Gilbert Boro and showcase his art and other contributing artists. The sculpture grounds are free to enjoy.

“I believe that three-dimensional art should be handled, touched, and experienced in three dimensions,” says Boro. “I want people to not only view my art but touch and explore it. It brings me great joy to watch people of all ages interacting with my sculptures.”

The massive pieces are majestic, thought-provoking, and beautiful. It is a fascinating walk about on a beautiful Connecticut day.

Pro Tip: Park in the back of the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts and walk across the short path to access the sculpture grounds.

6. Ferry Landing State Park

The DEEP Boardwalk Ferry Landing State Park is a beautiful spot for a gentle stroll on a sunny day. Boaters, picnickers, and hikers love this hidden Connecticut gem. The quick 0.6-mile, out-and-back walk along the flat boardwalk is a beautiful way to get in your daily steps.

The boardwalk takes you out along the Connecticut River through the tidal marshes offering views of Osprey, turtles, and other water-loving creatures. The sweeping view from the high platform of the boardwalk showcases stunning water views.

7. The Cooley Gallery 

Visiting The Cooley Gallery — whether you are shopping for a beautiful piece of artwork or simply dreaming of owning an original — is a must-see during your stay in Old Lyme. Every American art collector will enjoy exploring the gallery in search of that perfect piece to fill a certain blank wall.

8. The Bowerbird

Old Lyme Marketplace

Every getaway requires even a short shopping expedition. The Bowerbird, in the Old Lyme Marketplace, offers “over 4,500 square feet of impulsive necessities.” It’s the perfect spot to buy your Old Lyme souvenir. You can shop for toys and games, home and garden, jewelry, stationery, gourmet foods, and other goodies. The Bowerbird is the quintessential country gift shop and worth a look-see; you’ll never know what you find that you didn’t know you needed.

9. Hangry Goose

Everyone in Old Lyme dines at the Hangry Goose. It is a comfy and casual towny spot that offers great food and a beautiful view. Open for breakfast and lunch, the menu is filled with hearty traditional dishes; perfect to fuel up before exploring the town.

Old Lyme Inn

In the middle of this charming artistic community is the Old Lyme Inn. Constructed circa 1865, the inn was originally the Champlain family estate and a 300-acre working farm. Around 1950, it became the Barbizon Oak Inn, named for the Barbizon School of painters and the stately 300-year-old oak tree standing tall behind it. Part of the beautiful landscape that attracted the artists to the area, the Old Lyme Inn sits in the heart of the arts district. It is within walking distance of the artist-focused attractions and perfect for your Old Lyme stay.

The charming boutique inn has 13 guestrooms, a wonderful restaurant, and is home to The Side Door Jazz Club. The Old Lyme Inn is more than just a spot to rest your head; it is a central hub where locals gather. You will find neighbors stopping by for a nightcap and some friendly conversation — the perfect way to learn about the comings and goings of Old Lyme. Their legendary Sunday Jazzy Brunch is a weekend tradition for romantic breakfasts and multi-generational gatherings.

Pro Tip: The piano in the lobby is always tuned and waiting for someone to tickle the ivories.

Artistic Old Lyme, Connecticut

Whether you are an artist, art connoisseur, or simply looking for an art-focused getaway, Old Lyme is a delightful option. It is situated between Boston and New York City — about 2 hours from either location.

Related Reading: 

• My 8 Favorite Experiences In Beautiful Hartford, Connecticut
• Forget NYC, Why These 6 Places In Connecticut Are Perfect For Pizza
• My 4 Favorite Restaurants In Stamford, Connecticut

Visiting the Ark Encounter is an unforgettable experience. Nestled in northern Kentucky, this biblical theme park is one of the most unique places to visit in America, regardless of your religious beliefs or background. The Ark Encounter offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of Noah and the Great Flood. The site features a full-size replica of Noah’s Ark, interactive exhibits, restaurants, and other attractions.

I visited the Ark Encounter with a group of six other people. We had all heard about the Ark and wanted to see and experience it for ourselves. One of the group members had been to the ark several times and acted as our guide. We found the experience fascinating and it far exceeded our expectations.

In this article, we cover everything you need to know about visiting the Ark Encounter, so read on if you’re looking for tips and advice on planning your perfect trip!

What Is The Ark Encounter?

The Ark Encounter is a one-of-a-kind theme park attraction that showcases a full-size replica of Noah’s Ark, the vessel that saved his family and all the animals during the Great Flood, according to the biblical story. The ark is an impressive sight to see. Built according to the specifications described in the Bible, it spans 510 feet in length, is 85 feet wide, and towers 51 feet high. The ark is the largest wooden timber frame structure in the World and an engineering masterpiece. 

The ark is a popular tourist attraction and a magnificent display of craftsmanship, as it was designed to be as historically accurate as possible. The inside of the Ark features multiple exhibits illustrating the story of the Great Flood and its aftermath. Visiting the Ark Encounter is a unique experience and a great way to learn about one of the most iconic stories in the Bible.

Whether you’re religious or simply curious about history, the Ark Encounter offers an unforgettable experience. Visitors can explore the impressive structure and learn how Noah and his family saved animals from the flood. There are also various theaters where you can watch movies about the ark and the Bible. It’s a fascinating piece of history and engineering that will leave you in awe of what humans can achieve.

But there is more! Besides the ark, there are several other attractions, such as the Ararat Ridge Zoo located behind the ark, a zip line, and a virtual reality experience, “The Truth Traveler’s A Flood of Reality.” I enjoyed the petting zoo and the virtual reality experience was great fun. It was like being in the ark during the flood.

Where Is The Ark Encounter?

The Ark Encounter is located in Williamstown, Kentucky, about 40 miles south of Cincinnati, Ohio, and north of Lexington, right off Interstate 75. The site is easy to reach by car and ample parking is available. 

The site is open year-round, but the hours vary depending on the season, so check their website before you go. Generally, the Ark Encounter opens at 9 a.m. and closes between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., depending on the season.

How Long Does It Take To Tour The Ark Encounter?

A common question that many visitors ask is, “How long does it take to tour the ark?” The answer to that question is, “It depends!” You’ll want to make sure you clear your schedule for a good chunk of the day! While the exact amount of time you’ll need will depend on your pace and level of interest in biblical history, most visitors spend around 4–6 hours exploring the various exhibits, shows, and activities.

The ark is a massive structure that’s over 500 feet long with multiple levels to explore. Many people spend the entire day there. We were there from the time it opened until evening, and we still missed a few things.

There are three decks to view. Deck 1 provides an overview of the biblical ark’s size and teaches where and how items were most likely stored on the ark and how the animals were cared for.

Deck 2 highlights the pre-flood world and focuses on Noah and how God may have prepared him for building the ark. 

Deck 3 shows plausible living quarters for Noah and his family, although I doubt they were as lovely as depicted in the Ark Encounter. It also reviews flood geology, what happened after the flood, and a Museum of the Bible exhibit.

There’s just so much to see, from the exhibits and petting zoo to the zip lines and dining options. They even give camel rides. One thing’s for sure — you won’t be bored at the Ark Encounter!

Admission To The Ark Encounter

To enter the Ark Encounter, you need a ticket, which you can purchase online or at the ticket counter on arrival. We bought our tickets in advance to avoid the line waiting to purchase. 

The ticket includes access to the Ark Encounter exhibits, restaurants, and other attractions. 

The prices vary depending on age, with discounts available for children, seniors, and groups. Kids under 10 are free for 2023. Some attractions like “The Truth Traveler’s A Flood of Reality” have an additional fee. 

Dining At The Ark Encounter

The Ark Encounter has several restaurants and food options, ranging from fast food to sit-down dining. You can find typical American fares, such as burgers, fries, and pizza, as well as healthier options, like salads and vegetarian dishes.

When I visited, we ate at Emzara’s Kitchen, a two-story family buffet-style restaurant. The prices were reasonable, and the food quality was excellent. There is also a snack stand near the Ark, where you can grab a quick bite. 

Be aware that the restaurants at the Ark Encounter tend to get crowded during peak hours, so plan accordingly.

Tips For Visiting The Ark Encounter

If you’re planning a trip to the Ark Encounter, you’re in for a treat! These tips will help you prepare and best use your time at the Ark Encounter. 

Plan A Visit During Off-Peak Times

Try to visit the Ark Encounter during off-peak times. Mid-week and off-season will help you avoid large crowds and make your experience more enjoyable.

Visit The Ark Encounter Website 

Before your trip, verify the days and hours of operation before your trip. Check for special pricing options and special events that might make the ark extra crowded on the day you plan to attend. 

Plan For A 4- To 6-Hour Visit

Plan to spend at least a half-day at the Ark Encounter. There is much to see and do with various galleries and exhibits, plus an outdoor area. You don’t want to rush through and miss things. We visited for an entire day. 

Purchase Tickets In Advance

Purchase tickets online to save time and money. 

Wear Comfortable Shoes And Clothes

Wearing comfortable shoes is a priority. You will be doing a lot of walking both inside the ark and outside. The Ark Encounter is wheelchair accessible. There are wheelchairs, scooters, and strollers available for rent. There is a lot of movement, so comfortable clothes are essential. 

Beat The Crowd

The Ark Encounter opens at 9 a.m., so arrive early to explore all the exhibits before they become crowded. We arrived around 9 a.m., and there was already a line, but we had purchased tickets in advance, so we didn’t have to wait. 

Download A Map

Download the Ark Encounter map (PDF) or pick one up when entering the ark. It provides helpful information and provides instructions for downloading their app. 

Bring A Camera 

The Ark Encounter has several great photo opportunities.

Bring Sunscreen, Sunglasses, And A Hat

If you plan to be outdoors in the zoo or ziplining, be sure to bring sunscreen and remember to apply it, and wear your hat and sunglasses when heading outdoors.

Consider A Combo Ticket 

Consider buying a combo ticket that includes access to the nearby sister attraction, the Creation Museum.

Pro Tip: I highly suggest the combo ticket. Go to the Creation Museum on the first day and then the Ark Encounter on the second. The museum lays the groundwork for the ark information. 

Have Fun!

Most importantly, remember to have fun! The Ark Encounter is a great place to learn about Noah’s adventure, ride the zipline, pet the animals, and spend time with family and friends. 

Visiting the Ark Encounter is an educational, engaging, and awe-inspiring experience. The site has something for everyone with its stunning replica of Noah’s Ark, fascinating exhibits, and diverse attractions. Whether you are a believer, a skeptic, or somewhere in between, the Ark Encounter offers a unique and thought-provoking perspective on one of the most intriguing stories in the Bible. So, pack your bags, gather your family or friends, and head to Kentucky for a memorable adventure at the Ark Encounter.

Related Reading:

• 7 Tips For Exploring The Kentucky Bourbon Trail From A Self-Proclaimed Bourbon Aficionado
• 10 Cozy Cabins Along The Red River Gorge In Kentucky
• 7 Experiences You’ll Love In Delightful Bowling Green, Kentucky

With its sprawling beachfront and wide, shady boulevards, Tel Aviv is a stunning city that never sleeps. But the White City offers more than just its good looks — it’s a”foodie-forward” city. Its diversity of fresh, flavorful, and fabulous food has resulted in being voted one of the top destinations for vegan travelers. From street food to top chefs, the cooks and kitchens of this city adopted a fusion of culinary traditions and cooking methods spanning 3,000 years of history all over the globe.

From the pedestrian streets of Carmel Market to the stone paths of Jaffa’s old city, I absolutely fell in love with the delicious dishes and food culture in Tel Aviv. I have listed some of my favorite foods in Tel Aviv, giving you a bit of background on what and how, as well as where to go and try each one.

Tourist Israel was my host for the Tel Aviv Food Tasting Tour of the Carmel Market which contributed to this article. However, all opinions are my own. 

1. Falafel

Hakosem Falafel

Falafel is a fried ball made of chickpeas, spices, and herbs; it is one of Tel Aviv’s most recognized street foods and is considered the national dish of Israel. Crispy and crunchy, it’s most often served in a fresh pita with a salad, pickles, and tahini. It’s one of Israel’s favorite street foods and vegetarian, perfect for everyone.

You can find great Falafel everywhere in Tel Aviv, from street stalls to markets. My favorite was Hakosem Falafel in the heart of Tel Aviv-Yafo. It’s a street food establishment that offers Israeli cuisine with good vibes and a bustling atmosphere.

2. Knafeh 

Yaffa Knafeh 

Knafeh is a fantastic traditional Middle Eastern sweet dessert of syrup-dipped pastry filled with cheese and often pistachios and other treats on top. Near the flea market, I passed Yaffa Knafeh on my bike and noticed a line of people wrapped down the street. I just had to stop and see what the fuss was all about. 

Watching the cooks put the knafeh pans on the hot coals, flip them, add a splash of sweet syrup, and listen to it sizzle — the best. If you eat dinner in Jafffa or are simply out for a stroll, do not pass up Yaffa Knafeh for dessert. Your sweet tooth will thank you.

Pro Tip: Top off the warm knafeh with goat cheese ice cream and chopped pistachios. 

3. Halva

Magic Halvah 

Halva is a confection made from sesame seed paste and sugar with a dense texture and a nutty aroma. It comes in different flavors, such as vanilla and chocolate, and is infused with nuts and other things.

Magic Halvah (Kesem Ha Halva) is a small shop in Levinsky Market offering a variety of halva and is a must-visit. My favorite is topped with pistachios. They will cut a whole slice for you, then you cut it into bite-sized pieces to savor along with coffee or tea.

4. Spices And Herbs 

Pereg Spices

Tel Aviv is famous for hard-to-find eastern spices and herbs. Pereg Spices in Levinsky Market is one of the hidden gems of Tel Aviv, loved by locals and tourists alike who quickly fall in love with its one-of-a-kind atmosphere and a plethora of local and Middle Eastern spices and herb blends, including za’atar. 

In the late 1920s, many working-class immigrants from Greece settled in the Florentin neighborhood in the south of Tel Aviv. Levinsky Market became the throbbing heart of this immigrant neighborhood, a reflection of the cultural melting pot where you could find spices and goods from around the globe.

5. Shakshouka

Dr. Shakshuka

This North African baked egg dish contains tomato, onion, cumin, chili peppers, and spices. It is served sizzling hot with sunny-side-up eggs on top. Traditionally eaten for breakfast, this one-skillet dish is best enjoyed with warm slices of thick bread to mop up all the flavors. It’s an Israeli staple and the ultimate comfort food.

Dr. Shakshuka is a well-known culinary institution in Jaffa. Founded in the ‘90s, this kosher establishment feeds hungry people who love this authentic food.

6. Druze Pita

Carmel Market

The freshly-rolled dough is stretched by spinning it between the hands and flipping it onto a dome-shaped oven on which it cooks. The pita, which is large and thin, browns and bubbles lightly. It’s folded and slathered with Labneh white cheese, za’atar spice, tabouli, and olive oil; rolled up; and sliced into pieces for easy eating. The Druze are a small ethnic minority in Israel, but their bread — and reputation for making it — is renowned.

Carmel Market is Tel Aviv’s largest and most-famous cultural melting pot. It was a popular stop on my food-tasting tour of the Carmel Market. Crowds gathered and watched the cook transform one giant pita after another, waiting for a taste.

This Yemenite flatbread has a touch of tang, similar in texture to Ethiopian injera bread, spotted with holes created by fermentation bubbles. Spongy like a crumpet on one side and smooth like a pancake on the other, it is served with tasty Yemenite sides like baked eggs, fresh tomato, and spicy green chile sauce called “zhug.” I recommend savoring the bread with delicious Yemini stews or soups.

Shaluf and Sons is an authentic Yemini eatery where you can eat on a budget in the Kerem Hateimanim neighborhood, outside the Levinsky Market. Stop for lunch, sit at a communal table, and the staff will assist with recommendations on all the delicious Yemenite delights.

7. Local Cheeses

Beit Kandinof 

Israel’s cuisine is heavily influenced by dairy, which plays a prominent role on most menus throughout the country, especially around the Festival of Shavuot. This delicious, grilled bryndza cheese is a sheep cheese swimming in a savory tomato cream, topped with mixed nuts and green chili oil. 

Beit Kandinof is a combination of an art gallery, bar, and restaurant with a fun atmosphere. Located in the Kandinov House, it was built adjacent to the walls of Old Jaffa and the port walls at the end of the 19th century. This satisfying grilled bryndza cheese was just one course of my favorite meal in Tel Aviv.

8. Hummus

Abu Hassan Restaurant

A plate of hummus is one of Israel’s most iconic dishes. Any rendition of Israel’s most iconic food you find in Tel Aviv will shame the supermarket version in the U.S. The simplicity of the chickpeas with fresh tahini scooped up with warm rounds of pita can’t be beaten.

Abu Hassan is said to serve the best hummus in Israel. This culinary gem is a tiny place with simple kitchen tables and a scarce amount of chairs; the long lines prove something special is done here. 

Pro Tip: You must go before 2 p.m. as they close after the daily batch finishes.

9. Shawarma 

Golda’s Deli

Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish featuring slow-roasted, mouth-watering meats, usually cooked on a revolving spit and shaved for serving. I had a turkey shawarma plate with burnt eggplant, onion in sumac, tomato, parsley, and sauerkraut tahini served with pita at Golda’s Deli in the Jaffa Hotel.

Named after Israel’s first female prime minister, Gold Meir, the deli-style restaurant features Israeli classics, a street-food-inspired menu, and fresh Mediterranean salads from an open kitchen. Dining in the lovely open courtyard of the hotel, choosing just one of the options was hard. I couldn’t resist adding a poppy-seed-covered bagel as big as the plate.

10. Kubbeh

Levinsky Market

Kubbeh is a popular dish in Levantine cuisine and is made of bulgur and minced onions with ground beef, lamb, or goat. Aromatic meat and spices can be fried, baked, or cooked in a broth. Proprietor Avi was surrounded by giant bubbling pots and everything smelled delicious.

Located at Stall 53 in the Levinsky Market, in the southern part of Tel Aviv, it brims with atmosphere and aromas. The Levinsky Market was founded by Greek immigrants in the 1920s, and later, welcomed an influx of Iranian, Persian, and Yemenite immigrants who shared their dishes and customs from home. 

Pro Tip: The market operates daily from Sunday through Thursday and closes early Friday afternoon through Saturday for Shabbat.

11. Kataifi

Carmel Market 

Kataifi is a popular dessert in the Middle East, Turkey, and Greece. The buttery, shredded dough and a mixture of coarsely-chopped nuts are generously soaked in cinnamon-flavored sugar syrup. Much like baklava, I loved the little bird nest shapes filled with pistachios.

This is one of many vendors in Carmel Market that first opened in 1920. I marveled at the sweet treats around every corner. This stall was overflowing with heavenly bites just waiting for passersby to try and take home. 

Pro Tip: Take the Tel Aviv Food Tasting Tour of the Carmel Market with Tourist Israel. The 2-hour tour is an introduction to the market and a delicious tasting opportunity.

The list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites includes significant historic, cultural, and natural sites worldwide that are worthy of preservation. I enjoy visiting World Heritage sites to learn more about the country I’m traveling in.

Japan has 25 World Heritage listings, some of them covering multiple locations, so there are a lot of places for lovers of history and culture to choose from. The sites cover history from prehistoric times, through the early years of Buddhism, to more recent history when the atomic bomb destroyed Hiroshima. There are temples, shrines, castles, industrial complexes, whole villages, and more. 

Here are some of my favorites that I’ve visited on trips to Japan over the years.

1. Toshogu Shrine

Nikko

Of all the shrines and temples included in Nikko’s World Heritage listing, Toshogu Shrine is the largest and most splendid. The shrine’s vivid colors contrast with the green forest and its buildings are covered with ornate carvings — the most notable being the three monkeys that inspired the saying “See no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil.” I loved the incredible details of animals, mythical creatures, and decorative flourishes that create an overall impression of opulence.

Nikko is a popular day trip from Tokyo, about 2 hours by train followed by a short bus trip up the hill to the shrine.

2. Mount Fuji

Yamanashi And Shizuoka

Mt. Fuji’s perfect volcanic cone has appeared in Japanese art for centuries. It has religious significance, with shrines dotted along the paths to the summit for the faithful to stop and pray.

When weather conditions are excellent, it’s possible to spot Mt. Fuji from Tokyo while traveling on the shinkansen train or while flying into Tokyo. The towns around Mt. Fuji have better views, and Hakone and Kawaguchiko are popular choices for a day trip from Tokyo, being only a couple of hours away by bus or train.

I prefer Kawaguchiko, which is quieter than Hakone. Staying overnight gave me enough time to see Mt. Fuji from the top of the ropeway on a lake cruise and while walking along the lake’s north shore. The views from there are excellent, and sometimes, Mt. Fuji is reflected in the water.

3. Shirakawago

Gifu

The traditional wooden houses of Shirakawago are known as gassho zukuri, or praying hands, because the steep pitch of the roofs resembles hands joined in prayer. The village was preserved thanks to its location deep in the mountains, and visitors can go inside some of the houses to see how people used to live and work.

While many visitors stop for just a few hours, it’s possible to stay overnight in one of the houses. I enjoyed eating dinner by an open fireplace, and after a good night’s sleep, waking up to a magical view over the rice fields.

Shirakawago is accessible via car or bus from Takayama and Kanazawa. No vehicles are allowed inside the village, so visitors need to walk up from the carpark and across a bridge.

4. Byodo-In Temple

Uji

The most well-known temples in Kyoto, such as Kiyomizudera and Kinkakuji, can get very crowded. Some other temples included in the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto World Heritage listing are much quieter, such as Byodo-in temple in nearby Uji, less than 30 minutes by train from Kyoto station.

Byodo-in’s main building, the Phoenix Hall, is about 1,000 years old and is featured on Japan’s 10-yen coin. Inside, there is a splendid gilded statue of Buddha, although there’s sometimes a queue as visits are done in small groups to preserve the interior. I loved walking around the garden, which felt very tranquil with the temple reflected in the pond.

5. Todaiji Temple

Nara

Many people visit Nara to see the sacred deer wandering the streets, but the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara are another attraction. Todaiji is the most impressive of these and its most-visited building is the Daibutsu-den, or Great Buddha Hall. It is over 300 years old and one of the largest wooden buildings in the world.

While the size of the building is impressive enough, I found entering the temple awe-inspiring. The Great Buddha gleamed in the dim light, a serene presence looking over the people below. This 50-foot-tall bronze statue is surrounded by other religious statues, making the interior a spectacular sight.

Nara can be reached in less than an hour by train from either Osaka or Kyoto.

Pro Tip: Going from the station to the temple, you are likely to encounter some sacred deer. While they are used to humans, they are still wild animals. It’s best to keep any snacks zipped away in your bag when they are nearby and be careful when holding maps or brochures. The deer have been known to eat those too!

6. Himeji Castle

Himeji

Himeji Castle is Japan’s largest and it is also an original construction, not a reproduction like Osaka Castle. While visiting the grounds is free, it’s worth paying to look inside the interior of this 400-year-old building. The dark timbers have mellowed with age, and information panels describe the traditional building techniques and how the castle defenses worked.

After climbing up the steep stairs, the attendant greeted me, saying “Congratulations! You have reached the top floor.” I took a much-needed break to enjoy the panoramic view over Himeji. Back on ground level, I strolled through the very pretty Koko-en garden next door, which is an ideal spot to get good photographs of the castle.

It’s an easy day trip by train from Osaka or Kyoto.

7. Atomic Bomb Dome

Hiroshima

The Hiroshima Peace Park is an open green space today, but it used to be a busy area where thousands lived and worked. The atomic bomb in 1945 destroyed almost everything, but the office building known as the Atomic Bomb Dome survived. 

While the park, with its museum and memorials, was designed to record history and inspire peace, I found the Atomic Bomb Dome a tangible and poignant reminder of the force of the bomb. It forms a backdrop to many views from the park, a stark contrast to the spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage.

The sightseeing loop bus from Hiroshima station stops at the Atomic Bomb Dome.

8. Itsukushima Shrine

Miyajima

Visitors get their first glimpse of Itsukushima’s famous torii gate as the ferry approaches Miyajima. Itsukushima Shrine is built over the water and, at high tide, the shrine and the torii appear to float on the water. At low tide, you can walk out to the torii. The shrine buildings are painted a vivid red, a striking contrast with the sea.

By staying on Miyajima, I was able to visit Itsukushima at dawn when it was tranquil and the reflections in the sea were undisturbed by the comings and goings of ferries. Because it’s so close to Hiroshima, Itsukushima can get crowded in the middle of the day.

9. Oura Church

Nagasaki

In a country of temples and shrines, Oura Church stands out in central Nagasaki. One of the Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki region, the church was built by French missionaries in 1864. Japanese Christians who had kept their faith a secret for hundreds of years were inspired by the sight of the church to come out of hiding.

The former seminary next door has an exhibit on the history of the Catholic Church in Japan. I found this fascinating as it covers the period when Japan closed its doors to the rest of the world for centuries and, despite persecution, Catholic communities remained in remote places.

Pro Tip: What’s the difference between a shrine and a temple? A shrine is a place of worship for Japan’s Shinto religion, and it can be recognized by the torii gate at the entrance. Buddhists worship in temples, and there are statues of Buddha inside the temple and also around the grounds.

Lots of properties boast ocean-view accommodations, but these nine Canadian destinations really go the distance. You won’t just be looking at the ocean, you’ll be perched right beside it! Staying in the lighthouse itself or the adjacent keeper’s cottage is one of the most memorable travel experiences you can have, complete with the chance to tap into local history, ecology, and culture while enjoying spectacular sunsets and delicious food. These nine spots are going to leap to the top of your travel bucket list.

1. Quirpon Island Lighthouse Hotel

Newfoundland

Located in restored lighthouse keeper’s quarters at the base of a lighthouse, this hotel is a registered heritage building that dates to 1922. The Quirpon Island Lighthouse Hotel features 10 rooms, a combination of en suite and shared baths, and superb ocean views.

You and the other guests will have the run of the island to explore, hike, and do some whale watching. Quirpon boasts the longest whale-watching season of any area in Newfoundland and it’s smack in the middle of “Iceberg Alley”. Transportation to and from the mainland and all meals are included with your stay.

2. Monroe Point Lighthouse

Nova Scotia

Some lighthouses are shoreline giants, massive monoliths that are both literal and metaphorical beacons. But others are more petite, keeping watch over quiet coves and little fishing villages. The Monroe Point Lighthouse is very much the latter. Constructed in 1905 and decommissioned in 1962, it’s situated in the village of St. Anns and part of the world-famous Cabot Trail. The lighthouse accommodates just two people in its small space but it’s comfortable, offering a king-sized bed, lots of light, and a gorgeous aqua and turquoise color scheme.

3. Cape D’Or Lighthouse Keeper’s Inn

Nova Scotia

Set among dramatic cliffs with unparalleled views of the Bay of Fundy, a visit to Cape d’Or may well be one of your most memorable moments in Nova Scotia. The Cape d’Or Lighthouse Keeper’s Inn features four rooms with double beds (one has an additional single bed) with a shared bathroom, kitchen, and living room.

However, the simple, comfortable accommodations aren’t the main attraction here. It’s the food! The casual, family-friendly dining room offers a $55 fixed menu with a choice of appetizer, main course, and dessert. With gorgeous views, a remote location, and incredible home-cooked food, Cape d’Or Lighthouse has been a regular feature in Where To Eat In Canada for years.

Pro Tip: If you want to eat here, you’ll have to make a reservation and bring cash. No credit cards are accepted.

4. West Point Lighthouse Inn and Museum

Prince Edward Island

Lighthouses keep much more than nautical lights. They’re also keepers of history and nowhere is that more true than at PEI’s West Point Lighthouse Inn and Museum. Dating to 1875 and towering at 69 feet tall (making it the province’s tallest lighthouse), there’s plenty of history to capture here and the lighthouse’s museum is spread out over five stories.

Guests have unlimited access to the exhibits during their stay but, happily, they won’t be sharing their bedroom with tourists! The private, guest-only spaces include bedrooms in the tower and the keeper’s quarters, plus 11 additional seaside motel units with balconies. Guests also enjoy continental breakfast, a gorgeous beach, a barbecue pit, and even free laundry services.

5. Swallowtail Lighthouse

New Brunswick

Getting to Swallowtail Lighthouse isn’t easy, and staying there is even trickier, but both are possible for dedicated travelers! Located on New Brunswick’s Grand Manan Island, you first have to travel to the rural mainland community of Blacks Harbour to catch a ferry (reservations strongly recommended) and then proceed to the lighthouse. Anyone can drop by to visit but to stay, you’ll have to make an application.

The lighthouse says: “We accept applications from individuals or couples to help preserve and promote the history of light keeping and to help run the light station. Individuals live on site from as early as late May until the end of September or even into October and may be involved in all activities to manage and maintain the property, buildings and activities. Applicants need to be physically fit, outgoing and able to work both independently and within a team during the summer when students are also working on the property.”

If you envision hosting a workshop or artist retreat or field course on Grand Manan and think that the lighthouse keeper’s home might be the perfect home base, that’s possible too! However, all programs are under threat because of the need for extensive repairs to the lighthouse and surrounding properties. Like many lighthouses in Canada, Swallowtail needs extensive support for repairs and restoration.

6. Auberge Du Phare Du Pot À L’eau-De-Vie

Québec

Part of an archipelago of three islands that are famous for watching seabirds, this lighthouse has been turned into a cozy inn by Société Duvetnor. A registered heritage building that was restored in 1989 after a period of being abandoned, it now features three rooms with a shared bath.

There are some important rules for visitors to take into consideration. You’re only allowed to bring one piece of luggage (as you’ll be taken to the island via a boat). Children under the age of ten aren’t allowed unless you reserve the entire lighthouse. Finally, you do have full access to explore the entire island but only after the seabirds have finished nesting, which is usually in late July.

7. Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve

Québec

The Île aux Perroquets lighthouse (part of the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve) likes to say that it offers “4-star accommodation in the heart of a lighthouse station.” The word “heart” is very apt! All of the rooms, set in the lighthouse keeper and assistant lighthouse keeper’s cottages, are named and decorated for the former staff and their family members.

Virtually everything you see is handcrafted by residents, from the decorative embroidery to the quilts to the lighting fixtures. Finally, you’ll be feasting on local food, including a welcome cocktail with appetizers and breakfast. If that wasn’t enough, guests have access to seabird watching, hiking, art activities, and even national park interpretation services from Parks Canada.

8. McKay Island Lighthouse

Ontario

Dream of sleeping in a lighthouse but not keen on taking a boat to get there? The McKay Island lighthouse might just be your perfect destination, as it’s the only housekeeping lighthouse in Ontario that’s accessible by car. Built in 1907 along the shores of Lake Huron, its future was uncertain after the last of the lighthouse keepers left in 1955 but thanks to the efforts of the Peterson family, the building was restored and given new life, first as a family cottage and now as an inn. The property can accommodate six people and has three bedrooms (including a set of bunk beds). With prices starting at $165 a night, this is one affordable adventure.

9. Porphyry Island Lighthouse

Ontario

Have you ever imagined what it was like to live and work in a lighthouse? If you visit Porphyry Island through a program with the Canadian Lighthouses of Lake Superior, you might just catch a glimpse of the experience. At select times of the year, the CLLS offers week-long opportunities for “Host Keepers” to live in a shared environment with a private bedroom. Couples, families, and individuals are all invited to apply for this unique experience that includes hiking around the island, working on volunteer projects, and more. There’s even an artist-in-residence program!

Honorable Mention: “Lighthouse” Glamping

New Brunswick

Canada has plenty of reproduction lighthouses serving as accommodations but none are so cute as the lighthouse-themed glamping cabin at Broadleaf Ranch. The lovely views include water, forest, and even an actual lighthouse off in the distance! You can also choose from a chuck wagon or covered bridge-inspired unit, making this a fun and imaginative destination.

Related Reading:

• 7 Beautiful Lighthouses To Visit On Cape Cod
• Gorgeous Lighthouses To Visit Along The Shores Of Lake Erie
• 9 Unique Lighthouses To See In The Midwest

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to step into a Bible-themed world and explore the history of creationism? If so, visiting the Creation Museum in Kentucky should be on your travel list. This one-of-a-kind museum offers visitors a vivid look at history, culture, and creation. 

I visited last year and found the museum to be fascinating. I loved how they compared creationism to evolution throughout the museum.

With towering dinosaur statues that open a window into Earth’s prehistory, dueling biblical texts, and impressive scientific displays, this place is guaranteed to leave visitors wide-eyed with amazement. Whether you’re a determined skeptic or a passionate believer, read on for everything you need to know before visiting this incredible museum!

What Is The Creation Museum?

The Creation Museum is an educational and entertainment facility built to promote the biblical account of creation, as seen in the book of Genesis. It also compares it to evolution and details both points of view. The museum offers a variety of interactive exhibits, lectures, films, and activities that explore the origin of life from a biblical perspective.

The museum’s primary focus is to show how science supports scripture from a creationist point of view. Visitors take an interactive journey back to creation and learn about prehistory, natural history, geology, paleontology, and more. Exhibits feature life-like dinosaur models, realistic scenes depicting biblical events, and hands-on activities that allow visitors to explore science from a biblical perspective. Many exhibits are interactive and utilize high-tech audiovisuals to enhance the visitor experience.

Through its displays and presentations, the Creation Museum seeks to demonstrate how a literal 6-day creation can be harmonized with scientific evidence. Its mission is to equip believers with evidence of the Bible’s accuracy and authority regarding topics such as history, science, and morality. Examples include fossils and other artifacts that show signs of rapid formation and explanations for why some animals are extinct or why some plants don’t exist anymore. Visitors also learn about ancient civilizations, their beliefs, and lifestyles while being encouraged to think critically about these topics in light of scripture.

Additionally, the 75,000-square-foot museum offers educational programs for both children and adults that provide detailed information about creationism. In this way, the Creation Museum provides a unique opportunity for visitors to gain insight into how God created the world we know today.

Guests can also explore outdoor botanical gardens and a petting zoo. For the more adventuresome, there is a zipline to enjoy. The Creation Museum also hosts educational seminars on various biblical topics as well as special events throughout the year.

Where Is The Creation Museum?

The Creation Museum is located in Petersburg, Kentucky, about 20 miles southwest of Cincinnati. Since its opening in 2007, the Creation Museum has welcomed over 8 million visitors from around the world.

How Long Does It Take To Tour The Creation Museum?

The Creation Museum offers a variety of ways to explore its exhibits, so it’s hard to say precisely how much time is needed for a complete tour. Generally speaking, visitors can expect to spend between 3 and 5 hours at the museum. When we visited, we were there for at least 5 hours. 

This allows time for various interactive experiences, including life-sized dinosaur models that show how these creatures could have coexisted with humans, a digital planetarium with 3D animations of creation stories, and an observatory where visitors can learn about the stars and planets in the night sky. Guests can enjoy live performances, participate in tours and workshops, and visit the petting zoo and botanical gardens. We spent at least an hour in the botanical gardens and another hour in the zoo area.

By taking advantage of all the Creation Museum has to offer, you can have an unforgettable experience with friends and family that will last a lifetime.

Tips For Visiting The Creation Museum

Visiting the Creation Museum is a great way to learn more about the Bible, creation science, and natural history. Here are some tips for planning your trip:

Plan A Visit During Off-Peak Times

Try to visit the Creation Museum during off-peak times, such as mid-week or the off-season. This will help to avoid large crowds and make your experience more enjoyable.

Visit The Creation Museum Website In Advance

Check the website for days and hours of operation before you go. Also, check for any special pricing or major activities that might make the museum extra crowded on the day you plan to visit.

Plan For A 3- to 5-Hour Visit

Plan to spend several hours at the museum; it’s an immersive experience with many galleries and exhibits. It would be best if you had enough time to see everything. When you go through the galleries, take your time and read each exhibit carefully; there is a wealth of information that covers everything from dinosaurs to dark matter. You don’t want to be rushed. We were there for a full day.

Buy Tickets In Advance

Plan your visit ahead of time and purchase tickets online for the best experience saving you time waiting in line.

Wear Comfortable Shoes And Clothes

The Creation Museum is wheelchair-accessible. It’s a good idea to wear comfortable shoes since a lot of walking is involved when exploring all the different exhibits. There is also a lot of movement, so comfortable clothes are essential.

Beat The Crowd

The museum opens at 9 a.m. every day, so plan to arrive early to explore all the exhibits before they become crowded.

Pick Up A Map Or Audio Guide

When you arrive, make sure to pick up an audio guide or map, which will help you navigate the museum more easily.

Check On Special Events

It’s also a good idea to check ahead if any special events are occuring during your visit. They often feature guest speakers, live performances, workshops, and more.

Take A Camera 

The museum has many great photo opportunities, including captivating sculptures and murals, a life-sized Garden of Eden, and a giant dinosaur. Be sure to snap some photos.

Immerse Yourself In Interactive Displays

Be sure to use the interactive displays throughout the museum, such as touch screens and simulators. They offer unique perspectives on some of the explored concepts.

Explore The Extras

While the exhibits themselves are interesting, remember to allow time to explore the botanical gardens, planetarium, petting zoo, zipline, and special events that may be going on during your visit.

Apply Sunscreen

If you plan to be out in the botanical gardens or the petting zoo, be sure to bring sunscreen and remember to apply it.

Visit The Bookstore And Gift Shop

The Creation Museum has an extensive bookstore with books about creation science, natural history, and Christian apologetics. The gift shop has many fascinating items related to science, faith, and culture that make excellent souvenirs.

Have Fun!

Most importantly, don’t forget to have fun! The Creation Museum is a great place to learn about God’s creation, ride the zipline, pet the animals, enjoy the flowers, and spend time with family and friends. 

Visiting the Creation Museum in Kentucky is sure to be a great experience, regardless of your beliefs. Not only can you find fascinating displays, interactive exhibits, and educational activities, but it’s also a great way to learn more about history and science.

The railway La Petite Ceinture, or Little Belt, was the brainchild of Napoleon III and Baron Haussmann, who together razed much of France’s capital to the ground creating what is now quintessentially Paris with its grand boulevards, butter-hued buildings, trees, and open spaces.

The idea was not only to have a means of carrying goods all around Paris without having to cross the busy city, but also to connect the outlying suburbs with central Paris’ grand railway stations.

In December 1851, upon Napoleon III taking office, the first section of this intramural rail track circling Paris was granted. At its peak, in its 1.5-hour-long circumnavigation of the city, the Petite Ceinture carried up to 90,000 passengers a day in six scheduled trains per hour, and tonnes of goods around and into Paris.

Alas, it was the metro, the first station of which was opened in 1900, that gave the Petite Ceinture the kiss of death. Soon most abandoned stretches started being reclaimed by nature, while a few cargo lines still continued on into the 1980s before being given up on.

Over the last few decades though, the old lines have been slowly rediscovered as vital green spaces, and many stretches are open to the public as walkways, making for a great addition to the more unusual sights in Paris. Of the originally 29 stations 17 remain, and a handful have been reimagined as cafes, restaurants, and music spaces.

When I lived in Paris, I walked the entire perimeter, roughly 20 miles, of the Petite Ceinture, discovering this old railway and stopping along the way at the various restaurants. Here are my favorites, as usual, in no particular order.

1. La REcyclerie

As you step out of the metro at Porte de Clignancourt, you look straight up at the gigantic Red Heart, an installation by Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos, a sparkling reminder of the cliché of eternal romance in Paris. On your left, you will see what was clearly a former railway station, very unromantically right next to a KFC.

La REcyclerie is one of the earliest reinventions of former Petite Ceinture stations, made, as the name suggests, mostly recycled bits and pieces. Inside, your eye is drawn not only to the enormous windows looking out across the railway tracks, but also to the right, where empty window and door frames make for superb wall decorations.

The seating is a mix of tables and chairs, as is the crockery, as recycled things tend to be. If the weather is good, head outside and try and get a seat by the limited outdoor spaces, which hem the tracks and extend into the restaurant’s own veggie plot complete with beehives further down.

This is a place to eat and drink, with coffee, beer and wine, sandwiches, cakes and plates of risotto, pasta, and a lot of vegetarian meals. Not fine dining, but great fun and a very quirky setting, and perfect for lunch or afternoon drinks outside.

Pro Tip: Cross the main junction and keep walking and you’ll get to the famous Puces de Saint Ouen flea markets.

2. ANDIA

Formerly the La Gare restaurant whose name is still emblazoned on the old building, this space is now occupied by the Latin American ANDIA. And it has a surprise in store. The pretty little station house simply does not look big enough for a restaurant, but step inside, and you head down to what formerly were the tracks and platforms, now making for a huge dining space under the high roof decorated with great light fittings. The venue is often used for large private bashes such as weddings because the space is perfect for larger groups. That said, you can find a cozy corner for your meal without problems.

The menu spans Latin America, from tacos and ceviche to fish, beef, and staples such as burgers — with guacamole, of course. A must-try, in my book, is the tuna & truffle ceviche, so good! Or, you could just sit by the window of the bar upstairs with a cocktail, and some snacks, popping out on the hour every hour, to catch the Eiffel Tower doing its twinkling thing just down the road, and easily seen from the entrance.

Pro Tip: If you happen to have lunch here, afterward, you can walk along a stretch of the Petite Ceinture starting right behind the restaurant (although the entrance is roughly 150 yards further on), through an enchanted forest, all the way to the next station, which has been turned into the Brasserie Auteuil, see next.

3. Auteuil Brasserie

This sprawling former railway station is a fabulous place to meet friends, sit outside in summer, dance the night away on the roof terrace, or enjoy the cozy interior, the mostly Italian food, and the extensive cocktail menu. Auteuil Brasserie is not a typical brasserie, being a jack-of-all-trades, from a great terrace in the summer looking out across the bustling square in the 16^th arrondissement, to its modern restaurant inside, with some lovely interior design notes, such as the leopard wallpaper in the bathrooms, and a hopping roof terrace in all seasons.

In winter, in addition to all the above, it turns itself into a ski chalet complete with snow, polar bear, and ski décor. In summer, try the burrata, between seasons you cannot beat the mushroom pasta with truffle, or the Auteuil pizza, and in winter opt for all the above, just with a glass of vin chaud in attendance.

Pro Tip: From here you have easy access to the Bois de Boulogne, the vast forest with several lakes and ponds, and great walkways. Cross the main boulevard and head past the horse racecourse via the Route d’Auteuil aux lacs to Lac Superior and Lac Inferieur, one of my favorite European lakes; by the way, the names imply upper and lower lakes, not better and less so.

4. Poincon

This gorgeous re-invention is one of the latest and one of the prettiest. And one of the furthest away from the center, but I will give you a few good reasons to head down to this spot. In the south of Paris, around Porte d’Orleans, is the station which is now home to Poincon, another multi-faceted venue.

The restaurant is in the open space that used to be the entrance to the station, complete with a mezzanine floor, and is lit through the enormous, floor-to-ceiling rounded windows. You come here for lunch (Wednesdays to Saturdays only), with a small set menu at a great price, or dinner, which takes the shape of sharing platters, little snacks, and bites to be nibbled with some drinks. But what you really come for is the Sunday Jazz Brunch. For 35 euros, you get a selection of breakfast plates, juices, hot drinks, and a lot of live music.

The atmosphere is great, and the setting is even better. There is a little history of the building and before and after pictures at the entrance, showing you just how well they have done to make this venue so nice after some 74 years of being abandoned.

Pro Tip: Poincon lies between Porte de Vanves, with its great weekend flea market along and around Avenue Marc Sangnier, a wonderful market with all sorts of treasures, and Parc Montsouris, one of my favorite parks in Paris. You can easily walk between the three venues, or hop onto the tram for a couple of stops. Did you even know that there are trams in Paris? And they pretty much follow in parallel to the Petite Ceinture as a more modern version. Normal metro tickets work with the trams.

5. Le Hasard Ludique

In the north of Paris, near the metro stop of Porte de Saint-Ouen, one stop anti-clockwise from La REcyclerie’s Petite Ceinture station, lies Le Hasard Ludique, a very different concept from Poincon, if also a brunch hotspot. A great place to grab some good food, just not necessarily in a fine dining setting. Instead, this mix of café, restaurant, and music venue, offers a hip, young vibe and is absolutely bursting at the weekend for Le Brunch and in the evening for light meals, drinks, and some live music.

Set in one of the smallest station buildings of the lot, the venue also uses the stairs down to the platforms, which offer additional space. And it is in this space that in December, a little Christmas market takes place. On the platforms of the former Petite Ceinture, making for quite a unique setting. The market is more alternative than traditional, more local arts and crafts than mass-produced, but, if you find yourself nearby around Christmas time, it’s worth stopping at.

Pro Tip: A brief walk away lies the romantic, and utterly hidden away Cité des Fleurs, a must-visit spot for a dreamy stroll while looking at some wonderful Parisian real estate that even comes complete with gardens. Right there in Paris!

Related Reading:

• 7 Reasons To Visit The World’s Oldest Department Store In One Of Europe’s Most Fashionable Cities
• 7 Unique Walking Tours Not To Miss In Paris
• 8 Fascinating Places To Visit In Paris For WWII History Buffs

Whether in chic museum galleries, glitzy casino hotels, or rugged desert gardens, the eye-catching works of world-famous glass artist Dale Chihuly never fail to dazzle. The glowing orbs, shimmering colors, and cascading blossoms manage to stand out as distinctively Chihuly, regardless of their setting.

I first experienced Chihuly’s work in an exhibition at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona, in 2008–2009. I was struck by the way the soaring installations perfectly complemented the garden’s spiky cacti. I had a similar sensation a few years later when I wandered through Seattle’s Chihuly Garden and Glass, where the spectacularly domed Glasshouse appeared to be the ideal showcase for the artist’s work.

While the Garden and Glass at the Seattle Center is perhaps the best-known of the Chihuly collections in the U.S., there are plenty of other places to take in the artist’s work as well. Here are eight of the best places in the U.S. to see Chihuly artwork outside of Seattle.

1. Oklahoma City Museum Of Art

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Known as one of the largest Chihuly collections in the world, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art first exhibited glass and drawings by Chihuly in 2002. Then in 2004, the museum purchased the exhibition, which featured pieces from Chihuly’s most popular series.

The centerpiece of the permanent collection was the Eleanor Blake Kirkpatrick Memorial Tower in the museum’s atrium. Standing 55 feet tall, the tower made up of swirling glass orbs continues to welcome visitors to the museum today.

Since its start in 2004, the OKCMOA’s permanent collection has grown to include gifts to the museum by Chihuly, and it now features more than 3 decades of Chihuly’s work, including iconic pieces such as Ikebana Boat, and the Oklahoma Persian Ceiling.

Pro Tip: The Chihuly Then and Now: The Collection at Twenty exhibition is currently underway at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, featuring new works on loan, as well as visitor favorites from OKCMOA’s permanent collection. The exhibition runs through June 2024.

2. Franklin Conservatory Park & Botanical Gardens

Columbus, Ohio

The Franklin Park Conservancy and Botanical Gardens in Columbus, Ohio, first hosted a Chihuly exhibition in 2003, becoming the second botanical garden to host the artist’s work. The nonprofit group, Friends of the Conservatory, later worked together to purchase most of the pieces in the exhibition.

Today, the Franklin Conservatory Park & Botanical Gardens is known as the largest private Chihuly collection in a botanical garden. The garden’s website describes the works by Chihuly as accenting the beautiful scenes of the interior conservatory.

The conservatory’s display currently features 18 installations of Chihuly artwork, placed throughout the garden — all perfectly highlighting the connection between art and nature.

The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens extensive collection of Chihuly pieces includes the soaring Sunset Chandelier, the vibrant Persian Ceiling and Persian Window, and the Neodymium Reeds & Green Grasses.

Pro Tip: The Franklin Conservatory & Botanical Gardens offers special after-dark events known as Chihuly Nights that allow visitors to view the illuminated Chihuly collection against the setting of the interior conservatory.

3. Tacoma Art Museum

Tacoma, Washington

Dale Chihuly grew up in Tacoma, located about 35 miles south of Seattle, and his career is showcased at the Tacoma Art Museum. Over the years, Chihuly has donated a retrospective collection of his work to the museum, and the works are on permanent display.

The collection includes a variety of pieces from the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, which feature colorful glass cylinders, baskets, and macchia. The collection also includes the Ma Chihuly’s Floats, a seasonal exhibit in the museum’s central courtyard.

Pro Tip: Chihuly’s pieces are on display in a number of locations in his hometown. For other spots to take in the art, see 5 Amazing Places To See Dale Chihuly’s Artwork In His Hometown.

4. Morean Arts Center

St. Petersburg, Florida

The Morean Arts Center in St. Petersburg, Florida, has the distinction of being the first Chihuly exhibition to be housed in a building designed specifically for the collection. The building’s architecture was crafted to work together with the art “to create an experience unlike any other exhibition of Chihuly’s art,” says the center’s website, adding that the collection’s entrance is marked by a 20-foot sculpture that was created especially for the space.

The Morean’s Chihuly Collection features a number of large-scale installations, such as the Ruby Red Icicle Chandelier and the Florida Rose Crystal Tower. The spaces were designed to complement each installation — a feature that produces unique visual experiences, according to the center’s website.

Pro Tip: Along with the Chihuly Collection, St. Petersburg also has a number of other not-to-be-missed art centers, museums, and gardens. For ideas on things to do in the Florida city, see 9 Fantastic Experiences In St. Petersburg, Florida Plus Where To Eat And Stay.

5. Virginia Museum Of Contemporary Art

Virginia Beach, Virginia

In a space that was built specifically to showcase the piece, Chihuly’s Mille Colori hangs as a permanent fixture in the sunlit Rodriguez Pavilion at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

The name translates to “1,000 Colors,” and the museum’s website says, “Mille Colori certainly lives up to its name.” It is a 14-foot-tall glass sculpture that is made up of 520 separate, multi-colored blown-glass pieces.

Mille Colori can be seen year-round at the museum.

6. Desert Botanical Garden

Phoenix, Arizona

The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona, has hosted a number of Chihuly exhibits over the years, most recently in 2022. While the large exhibits have been temporary, there is a Chihuly piece that remains at the garden permanently. The Desert Towers is a trio of tall, green, tree-like sculptures that stand at the garden’s entrance.

According to the garden’s website, the Desert Towers piece was first installed for the garden’s Chihuly exhibition in 2009. The installation was later purchased by the garden as a legacy to the exhibition. Today, it sits in a patch of agave plants, perfectly complementing the desert terrain.

7. Bellagio Hotel And Casino

Las Vegas, Nevada

Owing to its high-profile location, Chihuly’s gorgeous Fiori di Como which hangs from the ceiling of the Bellagio Hotel and Casino on the Strip in Las Vegas, Nevada, is surely among the artist’s most well-known pieces. The sculpture consists of 2,000 hand-blown blossoms with hues of red, blue, yellow, and green and is a showstopper in the casino’s lobby.

According to an article in the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the piece is a favorite among published lists of things to do in Las Vegas, and thousands of people visit the casino’s lobby every day to see the Chihuly sculpture. When I saw the creation a few years back, I was struck by how the enormous installation with its vibrant glass blossoms so perfectly sets off the opulent setting of the Bellagio lobby.

Pro Tip: Over the years, Chihuly’s glass sculptures have been shown in more than 240 museums all over the world. Along with the permanent collections, the artist’s pieces often appear at botanical gardens and museums for temporary exhibits. In 2023, for instance, the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis will feature Chihuly in the Garden from May through mid-October. 

Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Chihuly Sanctuary

Omaha, Nebraska

Note that as of March 2023, the Chihuly Sanctuary was still closed to the public because of COVID-19 masking restrictions, and a reopening date has yet to be announced. For updates, visit the Chihuly Sanctuary website.

Created to be a serene environment that would offer respite and reflection for patients, caregivers, and researchers at the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, the Chihuly Sanctuary features 10 site-specific art installations, including a Fiori Garden.

The Chihuly Sanctuary serves as a “cornerstone of the Cancer Center’s Healing Arts Program,” says the sanctuary’s website, noting that the sanctuary is located in the 10-story Cancer Center building designed in the form of a macchia, one of Chihuly’s signature series.

The colors of the sanctuary can be seen from many vantage points on the campus of the Cancer Center, “signifying to everyone that the space is something truly unique and special — a place where art and healing have come together to help make a difference in the lives of patients, researchers, and caregivers,” says the sanctuary’s website.

Pro Tip: Another future option for seeing Chihuly artwork in Omaha is at the community’s Joslyn Art Museum. Although the museum will be closed throughout 2023 for an expansion, its website reports that the Joslyn will reopen in 2024.

In case you missed it, here is more Chihuly artwork content:

• My 8 Favorite Chihuly Glass Art Pieces At Phoenix’s Desert Botanical Garden
• 5 Amazing Places To See Dale Chihuly’s Artwork In His Hometown
• Chihuly’s ‘Winter Brilliance’ Makes Garden And Glass A Must-Visit In Seattle This Winter — Here’s Why

One book in American literature that is required reading in most schools is the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, To Kill a Mockingbird by Nelle Harper Lee, or simply known as Harper Lee.

The fictional story takes place in the small Southern town of Maycomb during the Depression and explores the relationship between good and evil, racism, and justice as the town’s fictional attorney, Atticus Finch, defends a black man who was accused of attacking a white woman.

The town of Maycomb may be fictional, but it was based on Harper Lee’s real-life hometown, Monroeville, Alabama. Monroeville is a sleepy little town located on the backroads of south Alabama, but because of the book, it has become known as the Literary Capital of Alabama.

A trip to Monroeville is a fascinating look at the life of this incredible author, her childhood friend Truman Capote (author of In Cold Blood), and the history of this charming town. Here are seven reasons why you should visit Monroeville, Alabama. Or is it Maycomb?

1. Old Courthouse Museum

31 North Alabama Avenue

The center of attraction in Monroeville is the Old Courthouse Museum. The building was built in 1903 and served as the county courthouse beginning one year later. As a child, Harper Lee would sit in the balcony and watch her father practice law there.

The courthouse was moved to a new building in 1963, but soon after, the old building was converted into a museum that today houses exhibits tracing the courthouse’s history, the childhood of Truman Capote in Monroeville, and of course, a special exhibit dedicated to Harper Lee.

While the movie was not filmed inside the courthouse, you will definitely remember it if you saw the movie. Set designers took precise measurements and made one of the most accurate recreations in Hollywood history. Today, you can roam the courthouse to see the exhibits, sit in the balcony, and sit in the witness box and judge’s bench where the fictional story took place.

See the museum’s website for hours and admission prices.

2. To Kill A Mockingbird Play

Otha Lee Biggs Amphitheater / Old Courthouse Museum

It began in 1991 when a group of highly talented amateur actors first performed a stage adaptation of the book To Kill A Mockingbird. Since that time, performers have played in Israel, England, and Hong Kong, but there is nothing quite like seeing it performed at its home.

The two-hour-long play is in two acts, the first is performed outside at the back of the old courthouse in an amphitheater. The second act takes place inside the courtroom itself and is truly an exceptional experience. To keep with the time period of the story, any white male in the audience over the age of 18 may be called to be on the jury.

The play runs from April to May. A complete schedule of performances can be found online. Tickets are limited and sell out fast, so order yours in advance. 

3. Monroeville Literary Festival

Old Courthouse Museum

Monroeville becomes the center of the literary world the first weekend of March when the doors open of the old courthouse open for the annual Monroeville Literary Festival.

For 2 days, the festival celebrates Southern literature with a lineup filled wall-to-wall with fascinating discussions on the business of writing, presentations, book signings by famous and up-and-coming authors and poets, and more.

For ticket information and reservations, visit the festival’s website.

4. Literary Capital Sculpture Trail / Walking Tour of Monroeville

Historic Downtown Monroeville

The Old Courthouse is the starting point for a tour of bronze sculptures honoring not only the city’s literary history but also Alabama artists and singer/songwriters.

Along the route, you will see 14 bronze sculptures paying tribute to Truman Capote, Harper Lee, and even Hank Williams. There is also a bronze plaque that was erected by the local Bar Association honoring the message and ethics of Atticus Finch in the book and a life-size sculpture by artist Branko Medenica titled A Celebration of Reading that depicts three Depression-era children reading Mockingbird.

From there, make an easy walking 1-mile circuitous route around the square to view the remaining sculptures. The route also encompasses many historic buildings that made Monroeville what it is today and lent inspiration to Harper Lee and her novels.

A complete list of sites and tour routes can be found on the city website. Printed booklets with maps and stop descriptions are also available at the Old Courthouse.

5. Annual Fruitcake Festival

Historic Downtown Monroeville

Fruitcake always gets a bad rap and is usually re-gifted time and time again. But in Monroeville, the dense but tasty cake is celebrated each year at the end of November during the annual Fruitcake Festival.

The day is filled with music, readings by nationally recognized storytellers, and delectable homemade fruitcakes for sale. Plus, there is a live performance of Truman Capote’s heartwarming Christmas stories.

Contact the Monroe County Museum for complete details.

6. Harper Lee Gravesite

Penville And Baptist Cemetery 

Before leaving Monroeville, be sure to head north a half mile from the Old Courthouse on County Road 47 and pay your respects to Nelle Harper Lee at her gravesite in the Penville and Baptist Cemetery.

7. Dining In Monroeville

Downtown Monroeville around Courthouse Square has an eclectic array of dining options. Two of my favorites are located just south of the historic area on or just off of Alabama Highway 21.

Big D’s Butts and Stuff

Every town has its signature barbecue restaurant, and in Monroeville, it’s Big D’s Butts and Stuff. Come hungry, because the portions are generous. Their menu has a mouthwatering list of incredible barbecue sandwiches, paninis, and wraps, but a personal favorite is Big D’s Brunswick Stew with melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork, chicken, and loads of vegetables.

David’s Catfish House

David’s Catfish House is a staple of south Alabama with locations dotting the road map to the state’s Gulf Coast. Their location in Monroeville is just off of Alabama Highway 21 on US 84.

David’s serves up delicious steaks, hamburgers, and the like, but their specialty is delicious seafood dishes like their Firecracker Shrimp and a Southern tradition — shrimp and grits. When I stop at David’s, I always go for the stuffed crab plate with a side of their famous cole slaw. The best!

Where To Stay

Camping

Located only a short 20 miles west of Monroeville, nestled on a finger of land between the banks of the Alabama River and the Isaac Creek, there is a beautiful example of what camping should be. Here at the Isaac Creek Campground, quiet beauty literally envelopes you.

The campground has 60 sites in all for tent or RV camping. All are improved sites with power, water spigots, a picnic table, a lantern holder, and a fire ring with an attached grill. Many sites are right on the water with a small courtesy dock.

Each site has a cement drive for ease of parking and a level hard-packed gravel tent pad, and the amenities are top-notch with two bathhouses within the camp loops that are extremely clean with hot showers and laundry facilities.

Make your reservations online and early (it is a very popular campground) by visiting Recreation.gov.

Area Hotels

If you’re not into camping, then there are several hotels in the area that offer cozy accommodations — including breakfast — for your stay including Best Western and the locally-owned Mockingbird Inn and Suites.

Pro Tip

Since all of what there is to do and see is centered around the courthouse square, you will most likely find it difficult to find parking. Consider parking on one of the side streets just off the square. And remember, the town is abuzz with activity and visitors during the Literary Festival and when the play is being staged. Plan your accommodations and reserve tickets well in advance.

Related Reading:

• 9 Stunning Alabama Waterfalls, Plus 2 Not To Miss Just Across The State Line
• The Best Alabama Hiking Trails For Every Month Of The Year
• Why You Are Never Too Old For Spring Break — 2 Alabama Beach Towns Perfect For Mature Travelers

In my field of travel writing, I’ve heard many people dream of seeing historic sites in various parts of the world, especially places that are considered ancient and mysterious. I have been to many of them — the pyramids, Acropolis, Persepolis, Stonehenge, Mayan and Aztec ruins, Terra Cotta warriors and the Great Wall, Japanese gardens, Roman aqua systems and roads, and petroglyphs too numerous to count.

However, there are many legendary places in the United States that are not only worthy of a visit but are just as important to our planet’s history and rival any other ancient place in the world.

As a history buff, I gravitate to ancient sites and visited many places during my lifetime. Here are my favorite ancient places in the U.S., in no particular order.

1. Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks

Ohio

Built over 2,000 years ago, the Octagon portion of the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks is part of a larger network of five hand-built hills spread throughout central and southern Ohio. Steeped in mystery until now, recent studies have revealed the remarkable mounds are tied to the movement of the moon. The Ohio History Connection’s World Heritage Program is applying for the UNESCO designation, joining other World Heritage sites such as the Egyptian Pyramid Fields and Peru’s Machu Picchu.

My trip to this site was in the 1970s while attending the University of Cincinnati. Since then, I have seen numerous ancient mounds in the United States, but the Hopewell site is still the most impressive.

2. Chaco Culture National Historical Park

New Mexico

One of the few UNESCO World Heritage Sites in our nation, Chaco is also one of the least visited. I soon learned why. The dirt road leading to this much acclaimed site was potted with holes that threatened my tires every few feet. More than once I considered turning around and giving up. Once I arrived, all frustrations disappeared at the lovely Pueblo Bonito with its interconnecting rooms that seemed to never end. There are 35 kivas in the complex built in the Four Corners that drew thousands of the first Americans for sharing news, conducting spiritual gatherings, and trading.

Pro Tip: Check the weather before heading out because the rutted dirt roads become very muddy after a rainfall. Shade does not exist here, so bring sunscreen and plenty of water.

3. Mesa Verde

Colorado

Mesa Verde National Park is mainly known for Cliff Palace, ruins built in a large opening on the side of a mountain dating back to 1,300 A.D. However, many other ruins surrounding this site are much older! In total, there are 26 pueblos and different tribes that live in this canyon. The easy trails lead to numerous rock and clay residences built precariously on narrow cave openings hidden behind canyon curves. I extended my stay for a whole day, camping overnight in the very nice campground at the bottom of the mountain.

Pro Tip: The park is occasionally closed in the winter, so check their website for alerts before you go.

4. Aztec Ruins National Monument

New Mexico

This off-the-beaten place was a pleasant surprise. The Aztec Ruins National Monument was not on my list to see, but road signs intrigued my inner “should have been an archeologist” voice and made a detour.

The place is remarkable, and I spent most of an afternoon strolling through building after building, climbing down wooden ladders into kivas, and analyzing every artifact in this expertly designed museum. I lost a day but have never regretted dropping a stop in Durango to see this place well worth a visit.

5. Gila Cliff Dwellings

New Mexico

A new ruin adventure happened last year on a month-long exploration of western New Mexico during a trip to the Gila National Forest. Hidden behind trees in a secluded valley, the Gila Cliff Dwellings had the perfect security situation. This location has also kept thieves and tourist vandalism at bay: The dwellings are as if the inhabitants just left.

Artifacts are safe and sound with the National Park Service, but room layouts, storage place design, and fire smoke marks on the walls tell the story of the people who lived there. I followed a park guide who explained the suggested use of the rooms and what they have learned about the people who lived here.

Pro Tip: The winding switchback road climbing to the mountaintop from Silver City is not for the timid driver. Check the weather before going as the road will be slick when wet; there are few guardrails.

6. Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Texas

Evidence through artifacts prove that humans inhabited the canyon for over 12,000 years, which is displayed in the Palo Duro Canyon State Park’s interpretive center. Stop there first to view a nice video and explore the displays. Foot trails used by various ancient tribes for hunting, gathering plants, and trading among each other are today used as hiking trails.

I camp at this park almost every time I head to the Southwest from my home in East Texas and still have not seen the whole park. Palo Duro Canyon is over 200 miles long and is considered the second largest canyon system in the U.S. next to the Grand Canyon.

Pro Tip: Campgrounds and most trailheads are located at the bottom of the canyon and flood during spring rains. There is a good café in the Trading Post on the canyon floor.

7. Tonto National Monument

Arizona

The Tonto National Monument consists of two Salado cliff dwellings built around 1,300 A.D. The dwellings are not an ancient place themselves, but the history of the native people in the area is. Before the dam and Theodore Roosevelt Lake existed, ancient people relied on the Salt River for survival. Salado is Spanish for “salt.”

The CCC Navajo Mobile Unit projects built in 1940 are also interesting. Located in the Tonto National Forest, the drive on State Route 88 to the dwellings through the 40-mile scenic Apache Trail Canyon is awesome.

Pro Tip: Guided tours of Salado cliff dwellings are available from November–April, are almost 4 hours long, and must be reserved in advance.

8. Petrified Forest National Park

New Mexico

The very first time I visited this park was with my parents as a child. I love the Southwest, so it is no surprise I have been to this park more than once. As a National Park Golden Pass holder, the Petrified Forest is a nice economical stop along a much longer road trip to stretch legs, get a snack, and reminisce about what this area must have looked like so many years ago.

Archeological evidence has discovered six periods of people and cultures dating as far back as 13,500 B.C. — the Paleoindian Period also known as the Ice Age. Paleo Indians were drifters hunting and gathering food, moving from grasslands to forests. Evidence of many hunting tools and arrow tips found proves they stayed longer in the Petrified Forest area. As I walk among trees petrified to a colorful rock, it’s fun to imagine our nation’s ancestors walking the same path when the trees were young saplings.

In later years, ancestral Puebloan people used the petrified trees in the 1300s to make homes, with one still standing, called the Agate House.

9. Newspaper Rock

Utah

Sometimes, the best part of a road trip is discovering a place not on my radar. On my way to the Canyonlands National Park’s southern section one year, a little sign along Highway 211 announced Newspaper Rock. Being a writer, I was intrigued and pulled into the small parking lot.

Newspaper Rock State Historic Site is a lonely gigantic rock where a piece of ancient history unfolds in 650 petroglyphs. Each interesting marking was drawn at a different time during a 2,000-year period and the meaning behind the drawings are still debated today. There are many petroglyphs in Utah, but this rock is the most amazing.

Places I have not seen yet on my future radar of ancient places include the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site near St. Louis, Missouri — a pre-Columbian settlement of a complex chiefdom society covering 3,953 acres. I also plan to visit the Monumental Earthworks in the Mississippi Valley, created between 3,700 and 3,100 B.C.

For more on archeological sites in the U.S., check out these articles:

• The Thing That Surprised Me Most Visiting Petrified Forest National Park
• 7 Spectacular Ancient Ruins To Visit In Arizona
• 7 Incredible Ancient Ruins To Explore In U.S. National Parks

Unlike other ethnic groups, language drives Native American culture. Tribal language is often at the center of culture and traditions. From words for plants and animals to seasons, traditional language is key to a tribe’s story. Oral history carries on the legacies of ancestors.

From using tribal language during powwows to posting traditional words along with their English counterparts, visitors to Indigenous nations offer opportunities for visitors to learn a new language as they take in the sights and sounds of tribal land.

1. Frog Bay Tribal National Park

Wisconsin

The first tribal national park in the United States, Frog Bay covers 300 acres of beautiful scenery adjacent to Lake Superior. Frog Bay Tribal National Park, owned and operated by the Red Cliff Band Chippewa, features an endangered boreal forest. The natural hiking trails take visitors through tall trees, vibrant green vegetation, and in the end, offer immaculate views of Lake Superior. The Red Cliff Chippewa protects a 4,000-foot section of beach skiing the shoreline of Lake Superior. As people hike through the park, they’ll learn Chippewa words, such as Omakakii (frog) and Dagwaagin (autumn).

Located a few miles north of Bayfield, Frog Bay Tribal National Park is situated near Madeline Island, considered a sacred area to the Chippewa. Frog Bay is located near the scenic Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

2. Akta Lakota Museum And Cultural Center

South Dakota

Considered one of the best Native American historical museums in the United States, the Akta Lakota Museum (Lakota for “to honor the people”) showcases the story of the Oceti Sakowin (pronounced “Osheti Sack-o-way”) or the seven individual nations of the Great Sioux Nation. Covering history that spans from life on the northern Plains before European interaction to reservation life and beyond, the museum is located on the campus of St. Joseph Mission in Chamberlain. Mixing words such as Tatanka (bison) with their English counterparts, the Akta Lakota Museum and Cultural Center provides an accurate look into the stories of the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota people.

While in Chamberlain, visit the rest area off Interstate 90 to soak in the beauty of Dignity, a 50-foot tall statue representing the strength of Indigenous women on the Northern Plains. With a star quilt stretching 25 feet long, Dignity: Of Earth and Sky overlooks the Missouri River, which has long served as a transportation route for all people.

3. Grand Portage State Park

Minnesota

Located on Ojibwe tribal land, Grand Portage State Park (Gichi Onigaming in the Ojibwe language) hugs the U.S.-Canadian border in northeast Minnesota. Not far from the shoreline of Lake Superior, Grand Portage includes High Falls of the Pigeon River, the tallest waterfall in Minnesota at 120 feet, as well as impressive wooded trails. Beginning at the visitors center, visitors learn Ojibwe words such as Makwa (bear) and Giigoonh (fish). A colorfully painted turtle on the floor of the visitor center represents creation and migration. The center hosts a variety of Native American-led events throughout the year.

Historically, Grand Portage served as a trading center between the Lake Superior Ojibwe (Anishinaabeg or Chippewa) and European and Canadian fur traders. Grand Portage was created for people to avoid the waterfalls on the Pigeon River. While at Grand Portage State Park, look for wildlife and plan a little bird watching.

4. Black Hills Powwow

South Dakota

The third-largest powwow in the United States, Rapid City hosts the Black Hills Powwow each October. Drawing more than 1,000 dancers and even more fans, the wacipi (wa-chee-pee in Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota) is considered a gathering of the Oyate (O-ya-ta or family). The emcee intermingles Lakota words along with English phrases throughout the 3-day celebration. Rather than refer to the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota as Sioux (a term given to them by their enemies), use Oceti Sakowin (People of the Seven Council Fires).

As you enjoy the dances, from women’s jingle to young men’s fancy, the emcee provides a historical look at each one and their role in the Indigenous nations’ history, culture, and tradition.

While in Rapid City, honor the Lakota Chief Crazy Horse with a visit to the monument named in his honor. An ongoing construction project, each year brings the Crazy Horse Monument closer to completion, with Crazy Horse and his horse’s appearance coming more into focus.

5. Anchorage Museum

Alaska

Located downtown, the Anchorage Museum is home to one of the best Indigenous exhibits in the United States. Celebrating each of the Alaska Native communities, the First Peoples of Alaska exhibit encompasses the majority of its floor. With more than 600 artifacts and cultural objects from the Smithsonian collection, the display was created with cooperation from Alaska Native advisers.

Each exhibit features the traditional word, as well as its English counterpart. From Angnakgum salesguu (hunting hat) to Nigaugak (snow goggles), the Anchorage Museum takes care to ensure it shows the respect required to each Native community, as well as the accuracy of the items shared. You’ll learn that each Alaska Native community uses different clothing, hats, tools, and weapons based on their location in the state, as well as expected weather conditions.

Historical Importance

It’s important to understand the role of language in a tribe’s story. The generational trauma suffered at the hands of the United States and its allies during the boarding school era continues today. Being forced — sometimes physically — to surrender using the only language they knew, seriously affected children as they were forced to assimilate into a culture they didn’t know about or want. Having their hair cut and being required to wear “normal” clothing caused issues that have been handed down through generations.

Recent congressional action embraced Indigenous culture and traditions.

The first piece of legislation — the Native American Language Resource Center Act — establishes native language resource centers around the United States, able to create grants and offer other forms of support to groups that encourage Indigenous languages.

The second law — the Durbin Feeling Native American Languages Act — reviews assistance offered by federal agencies to ensure coordinated efforts to support the revitalizing of tribal languages.

While federal support is welcome, more and more Native American nations have taken control of their resources, including tourism, to include traditional language as part of the change.

Related Reading:

• 5 Things To Know About The Native American Occupation Of Alcatraz
• 9 Questions I’m Asked The Most As A Native American
• 9 Native American Dishes To Add To Your Thanksgiving Table

Fiesta, San Antonio’s 10-day spring festival, is back in full force this year. While many activities are geared toward families with children, the event has plenty to entertain grown-ups all week.

Fiesta dates back to 1891 — a simple parade to honor the memory of those who fought at the Alamo and in the Battle of San Jacinto. While the commemoration is still part of the festival, the event has morphed, much like New Orleans’s Mardi Gras, into a citywide party honoring the richness and diversity of cultures in the region. Today, Fiesta is full of spectacle and celebration, from colorful parades to fashion shows, live music, food and drink tastings, carnivals, golf tournaments, and more.

Events are planned and managed by a nonprofit volunteer organization, the Fiesta San Antonio Commission. By their estimates, it rakes in about $340 million per year. Some events are free, while others require tickets. Funds raised are earmarked for services for city residents, so you can feel good about where your vacation cash is going.

Here are some of the best experiences you’ll find at Fiesta San Antonio in 2023 from April 20–30.

1. Fiesta At HemisFair

April 20

The official opening ceremony to Fiesta is held at the HemisFair grounds — the farmlands of the Alamo in the 18th century. The property was transformed into a 92-acre park in the 1960s and it still features a number of historic structures.

As Fiesta’s kickoff party, this is a sort of sampler of individual events. You’ll find live entertainment, a parade, a military salute, and food and beverage vendors. A fireworks display closes out the event.

2. Fiesta Flower Show

April 21

The Woman’s Club of San Antonio has been organizing this loving ode to buds and blossoms for 107 years. The show features all manner of horticultural and floral design exhibits, from creative bouquets to artworks rendered in flowers. The event is held at the Woodward House, a Victorian mansion built in 1904 by Atlee Ayers, perhaps the best-known architect in Texas.

3. Fiesta Oyster Bake

April 21–22

Sponsored by the St. Mary’s University Alumni Association, and held on the college’s grounds, this is a don’t-miss event for foodies and music lovers. It features more than 50 bands and live entertainers representing a variety of genres. A small army of volunteers serve up 100,000 baked and raw oysters, plus San Antonio favorites like fried chicken breasts with jalapeno (served on a stick, of course), hamburgers, and street corn. Proceeds go toward scholarships and other programs at the university.

4. Taste Of New Orleans

April 21–23

Back for its 36th year, Taste of New Orleans brings a bit of the Big Easy to the Lone Star State. Held at the open-air Sunken Garden Theater of Brackenridge Park, the event benefits, among others, graduating high school seniors by funding college scholarships.

From boisterous brass bands to small jazz ensembles, Taste of New Orleans brings the spirit of this Southern sister city to vibrant life. You can try everything from staple New Orleans dishes like gumbo, red beans, and rice to shrimp Creole, soft-shell crab, Cajun catfish, alligator, etouffee, and beignets.

5. This Hallowed Ground

April 22

If “Remember the Alamo” is about all you remember from high school lessons about the historic battle, lace up your sneakers and join this free walking tour. Courtesy of local historians in period garb, you’ll learn about 12 key sites along Alamo Plaza, and the events that occurred at each.

6. Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil

April 22

The enchanting San Antonio Botanical Garden is the backdrop for this masquerade event. Don your best mask and join the party on the indoor/outdoor patio. Tickets include live music and entertainment, a silent auction, an open bar with specialty cocktails, and a Fiesta-themed menu. Proceeds go toward a San Antonio LGBTQ nonprofit.

7. Ford Mariachi Festival

April 27

Stake out your spot on the scenic San Antonio Riverwalk for this celebration of Mariachi music. As colorful, decorated floats bob along the water, you’ll get a taste of the talent to be found in student bands from local high schools and colleges. Some boats include costumed folklorico dancers and musicians.

8. Battle Of The Flowers Parade

April 28

You might expect the Battle of the Flowers Parade to be big, bold, and blooming. Now, multiply that expectation by 10. The oldest parade in the country produced entirely by volunteer women, it was founded as a commemorative parade back in 1891. The Battle of the Flowers benefits a variety of nonprofits through the sale of 45,000 parade seats. While marching bands play, you’ll be treated to the sight of dozens of floats — and people — decked out in fresh and artificial flowers.

9. King William Fair

April 29

Along 15 residential blocks, many lined with handsome Victorian homes, in the quiet King William neighborhood, you’ll find this quirky event. A smorgasbord of Fiesta celebrations, it features a 2-mile parade with everything from mermaids to live camels.

More than 200 arts and crafts vendors from Texas and beyond are featured, selling a range of wares like handmade leather sandals, jewelry, local honey, and more. Five stages are dedicated to live entertainment. And there’s food and drink galore, with 65 vendors representing an array of cuisine styles and beverages. Proceeds benefit the preservation of this historic district.

10. Annual Fiesta Concert

April 30

The San Antonio Symphonic Band will send you off in high spirits with a selection of traditional and new concert band music that celebrates the culture of San Antonio. They’re slated to play a range of styles, from military to movies and show tunes. The event is free and takes place at the St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Southside San Antonio.

If you’re looking to explore more of San Antonio, check out these articles:

• The Best Restaurants And Hotels On San Antonio’s River Walk
• My 8 Favorite Places For Mexican Food In San Antonio
• The Incredible Food Tour Not To Miss In San Antonio

I will be the first to admit it: I think I am a princess! So when the opportunity to visit Germany came along, I jumped. I knew Germany had a great collection of impressive castles, so I couldn’t wait to visit as many as possible.

While researching my trip to Germany, I quickly became overwhelmed by the sheer number of castles that dot the countryside of this magnificent country. Bound and determined to make the most of my time there, I set out to create an itinerary that included as many fairy-tale castles as possible, and I succeeded!

German castles have inspired fairy tales; one iconic castle even inspired Walt Disney to create his castle, so I knew I was in for a treat. I hope this list of fairy-tale castles in Germany will inspire you.

1. Neuschwanstein Castle

Fussen, Germany

If a proper fairy-tale castle is what you are searching for, Neuschwanstein Castle delivers! Located in the heart of Bavaria in a small town called Fussen, Neuschwanstein Castle is an absolute dream.

This 19th-century Romanesque Revival palace was constructed by King Ludwig II of Bavaria and was his home until being opened to the public in 1886 after his death. Neuschwanstein Castle paints the perfect postcard picture as it sits high on the hillside, surrounded by lush forest. The foothills and lake behind the castle help to complete the picturesque scene, helping to evoke that fairy-tale feeling.

You can only gain access to the castle through a private tour, and once inside, you will continue to be delighted. Seeing the Grand Hall, the Throne Room, and Ludwig’s bedroom are a few highlights of the tour. I especially loved the beautiful mosaics and murals that decorated the castle.

After parking in the nearby village of Hohenschwangau, you have three choices to get to the castle. You can walk the 1.5 kilometers (0.93 miles) uphill, take a horse-drawn carriage, or ride the shuttle bus. It is important to note that neither the horse-drawn carriage nor the shuttle bus gets you all the way to the castle. If you ride the carriage, you will still have to walk about 10-15 minutes uphill, and if you ride the shuttle bus, you will have to walk 10-15 minutes downhill to get to the castle entrance.

Pro Tip: Be sure to purchase your at the ticket office in Hohenschwangau before making your way up to the castle. If you forget to do this, you have to go back into the village to purchase a ticket before you are allowed to enter the castle.

2. Burg Eltz

Münstermaifeld, Germany

The enchanting castle of Burg Eltz is hidden deep inside a beautiful forest, perched high atop a 70-meter-high rock near the Moselle River in Germany. Having been in the care of the Eltz family for over 700 years, Burg Eltz boasts many of its original furnishings, pieces of artwork, and fine porcelain and silver, making this a unique castle in Germany to visit.

After hiking through the woodsy forest, I first looked at Burg Eltz from the forest floor below the rocky outcropping. The castle loomed over me with its many towers, pointed turrets, and high stone walls. It indeed was a scene out of a fairy tale! Of course, if you don’t want to trek through the forest to access Burg Eltz, you don’t have to. After parking in the designated area, visitors who arrive by car access the castle via a narrow cobblestone bridge that is highly picturesque.

During the guided tour of the castle, visitors are introduced to the history of the castle and the family through fascinating stories and artifacts. Learning that the castle has never been overtaken during times of war is incredible, given its long-standing history. As you tour the castle, take note of the original 15th-century kitchen and the suits of armor in the Knights’ Hall.

Pro Tip: Burg Eltz closes for winter break every year beginning in November. They reopen in April. Check their website before planning a trip to visit this fantastic castle.

3. Burghausen Castle

Burghausen, Germany

If sprawling castle complexes are your idea of the perfect castle, you need to add Burghausen Castle to your itinerary. Located in Upper Bavaria, this castle complex measures 1,051 meters long. The complex comprises the main castle, an inner courtyard, and five outer courtyards.

Visiting Burghausen Castle makes you feel like you have been transported back in time. From the almost fully intact ring of castle walls to the incredible towers and buildings within the castle walls, it is apparent that the duke of Bavaria, who designed the complex, wanted a true castle stronghold. A portion of the castle grounds is now dedicated to the castle museum, which houses numerous pieces of artwork. Be sure to check it out during your visit. I love that the castle offers several different themed tours for guests, and all are reasonably priced compared to other tours.

The castle grounds are accessible from the parking area by paved, mostly flat surfaces. Once inside, you can reach the museum ticket office and shop using a separate entrance to the left of the keep. Unfortunately, due to the historic nature of the building, there is no elevator to access the State Castle Museum in the Palas. You must climb a wooden staircase to access this area. Please visit the Burghausen Castle website for information on castle access, operating hours, and prices.

Pro Tip: During your visit, explore the working brewery and bakery on the castle grounds. Also, don’t miss the view from the platform on the castle’s roof!

4. Reichsburgh Castle (Cochem Castle)

Cochem, Germany

Reichsburgh Castle, also called Cochem Castle, sit high atop a hill overlooking the Moselle River town of Cochem, Germany. The origins of Reichsburgh Castle date back to the 1100s, but only portions of this original structure remain today. The castle has been rebuilt several times to arrive at the magnificent neo-Gothic building you see before you today.

Reichsburgh Castle offers visitors the opportunity to explore the castle thanks to various fun and unique tours. You can take the traditional castle tour, a lantern tour, or a servant tour. In addition to unique tour offerings, Reichsburgh Castle hosts numerous events throughout the year, including a Christmas celebration, a gourmet food festival, and a champagne gala.

You can take the Reichsburgh shuttle bus from the town of Cochem to get to the castle. It is important to note that due to the historic nature of the castle, there is no wheelchair accessibility. Access to the castle grounds does require visitors to be able to navigate uneven ground and stairs.

For more information on accessibility, tour prices, and operating hours, please visit the Reichsburgh Castle website.

5. Hohenschwangau Castle

Schwangau, Germany

Hohenschwangau Castle is another Bavarian castle that seems as if it was plucked from the pages of a storybook. The castle, which stood in ruin for many years, was acquired by King Ludwig’s father, Maximilian II, in the 1800s and transformed into the romantic castle you see before you today.

The historic castle walls tell stories of knighthood and chivalry thanks to the ornate paintings commissioned by Maximilian. The romance of the castle continues as you step into the grand halls and chambers, many of which contain the original furnishings that King Ludwig was surrounded by during his youth. I loved the beautiful swan fountain in the castle garden. Be sure to look for it during your tour!

The castle is only accessible via a guided tour that lasts about 45 minutes. You can purchase tickets to tour the castle in person at the ticket center or online. Purchase your ticket online to ensure you have a reservation for your desired tour time.

Pro Tip: You can tour Hohenschwangau Castle and Neuschwanstein Castle on the same day if you would like. Be sure to give yourself 2 to 3 hours in between tour times to ensure you have time to travel between the two castles.

6. Wernigerode Castle

Wernigerode, Germany

Wernigerode Castle is a medieval fortified castle that sits in central Germany near the town of Wernigerode. While the castle before you dates back to the 19^th century, the site has been home to fortresses dating back to medieval times. The castle is a mix of several architectural styles, each illustrating the modifications it has experienced throughout the years.

Stepping into the castle, you feel as though you have been immersed in history. The 2-hour guided tour takes you through about 50 rooms of the castle, all of which served their own unique purpose for the German nobility that called Wernigerode Castle home. Pay special attention to the timeless pieces of furnishing and art as you tour the historic castle. 

There is a train that takes visitors from town to the top of the castle and makes several stops in the town of Wernigerode. At the time of publication, the castle is not accessible to wheelchairs due to the historic nature of the building. Please visit the Wernigerode Castle website for more details and complete information.

Pro Tip: Take time to explore the town of Wernigerode while you are in the area. This picturesque village has a well-preserved medieval old town.

A day spent in Micanopy is like stepping back into another century. At over 200 years old, Micanopy claims the honor of being the oldest continuously inhabited inland town in Florida. Its oak tree-lined Cholokka Boulevard is home to dozens of antique shops and some unique dining spots. Micanopy is Florida’s self-proclaimed antique capital. The entire town, with a population of under 1,000, is designated a historic district and is on the United States National Register of Historic Places.

Cholokka Boulevard, the main street in historic Micanopy, is only a few blocks long and contains most of the places you’ll want to see. This is a very walkable destination. It’s also one of the most pet-friendly towns ever.

1. Herlong Mansion Bed & Breakfast

Herlong Mansion began as a simple two-story pine “cracker-style” farm home in 1845 when Zeddy Clarence Herlong and his wife, Natalie, moved from Alabama. When they built their original home, what is today Cholokka Boulevard was an Indian trading route. Florida was in between the second Seminole War, which ended in 1842, and the outbreak of the third war in 1855. Herlong became wealthy in the lumber business and transformed his home into the brick classic Greek-revival mansion there today. In the 1880s, it became a bed and breakfast and is now on the National Register of Historic Places.

The present owner, Kim Shore, is continuing the heritage. From the moment we entered the spacious parlor with its front-facing windows, wood-paneled walls, and hardwood floors, I felt we had stepped into the 19th century. There are 11 rooms (four are suites), along with Pump House Cottage and Carriage House. Each room is unique and has its own bathroom and shower. Many have ball-and-claw tubs for great soaking. The cottage and Carriage House are pet-friendly. Herlong Mansion has all the modern conveniences blended in.

We had a special treat when Shore took us for a spin in the mansion’s 1930 Ford model A.

2. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, with its 50-foot-tall observation tower, lets you see wild horses, wild bison, cracker cattle, and up to 300 species of birds in the park. This was Florida’s first state preserve in 1971 and is a National Natural Landmark.

A young deer greeted us in the middle of the road as we drove in. His mother was watching from the brush. We spotted a few wild horses in the distance from the observation tower. The visitor center is a mini museum worth a visit. If you are camping, the park has 50 RV spots with hookups and 33 primitive camping spots.

3. Micanopy Historical Society Museum

The first thing that drew my eye at the Micanopy Historical Society Museum in the old Thrasher warehouse was the 1930 Coca-Cola Mural on the north wall. The historic warehouse-turned-museum is filled with artifacts telling Micanopy’s early history. It was built in 1890 and used by J.E. Thrasher, Sr. as a warehouse of storage for his general merchandise business. When his original store burned in 1911, he used the warehouse as his own store until 1923 when it was rebuilt.

The Thrasher Store exhibit felt like I was buying supplies in the 1800s. Other exhibits, like the old round icebox and wash tubs with a washboard, reminded me that a woman’s chores were much harder back then.

It got into the politics of the day with the Seminole Wars exhibits. There’s a 6-pounder cannon used in the Second Seminole War at Fort Micanopy. So many exhibits fit into a building that’s a part of history itself.

4. Micanopy Native American Heritage Preserve

The town’s name comes from Seminole Chief Micanopy, so it’s only fitting that this preserve commemorates the Native American heritage. There’s a hiking trail and a mound structure dating to the Mississippian period (AD 750–1565). This was the site of the 1836 Battle of Micanopy, where the United States Army clashed with Seminole warriors. There is also a Mississippian-period Alachua Burial Mound here. Across the street is Tuscawilla Preserve, once home to native Americans. From the parking lot, I spotted one of Micanopy’s three Big Bat Houses. If you’re there just after sunset, watch for the bats to come swarming out.

5. Micanopy Historic Cemetery

The Micanopy Historic Cemetery was founded in the early 1800s by Dr. H. Lucious Montgomery Sr. He died in 1914 and he and his wife are buried here. James William Martin was the first recorded burial. He was born 1737 and died 1826. The moss-laden oak trees and azalea bushes make it a beautiful spot to relax.

6. Cholokka Boulevard

Cholokka Boulevard is filled with antique shops, making it a perfect setting for movies. Doc Hollywood was filmed here. There’s House of Hirsch Antiques, in what was the 1911 Fontaine home, that became the hospital in Doc Hollywood. Outpost Antiques, next to the tiny log house, was a garage in the movie. Delectable Collectibles, once Micanopy’s first bank, played the bank.

Parts of Cross Creek were filmed here, too. Wren Wood Antiques was the hotel in Cross Creek and the butcher shop in Doc Hollywood.

Many have their own story. The Little Story House, now Antiques Plus, was once the children’s section of the library. What was the Sherouse Garage in 1932 is now a shop called The Stagecoach Stop. That’s just the start of fantastic antique shops along Cholokka Boulevard.

7. Dining In Micanopy

Coffee n’ Cream

Many of the dining spots combine some antiques and art for sale along with delicious food. We had lunch at Coffee n’ Cream. Musician David Menefee played guitar and sang some memorable old songs. They share the building with Shady Oak Gallery and Studio.

My stuffed tomato with Aunt Sherry’s chicken salad was fantastic. My friend had owner Kelly Harris’s famous chicken n’ dumplings and loved it. 

Old Florida Café

We had an early dinner at Old Florida Café. At 30 years old, they lay claim to being Micanopy’s oldest restaurant. There’s a patio or inside dining. Inside is filled with art and antique glassware for sale along with the food.

Their claim to fame is their Ruben and Cuban, but what stole my heart was their original recipe key lime pie.

Mosswood Farm & Bakehouse

Mosswood Farm Store & Bakehouse is a good choice for a light afternoon snack or take-out. They have been housed in a 1910 cracker-style home next to the museum since 1907. They stress organic and have a full espresso bar and micro bakehouse. Seating is available in the patio outback. Be sure to check out the old stone oven in the back as well.

Other options: Blue Highway Pizza and Pearl Country Store and BBQ. A good nightlife choice with a nice drink selection, live music, and pizza, sandwiches, and snacks is Depot Restaurant and Speakeasy. It’s housed in a historic train station built in 1881. They moved here — outside the historic district — in 1978 from the nearby town of Reddick.

8. Micanopy Fall Festival

Each October (usually the last weekend), the tiny town’s population swells by the thousands during its free Fall Festival. There’s music, contests, and unique crafts.

The Festival has been entertaining families for nearly 50 years. It is a non-alcoholic event, but you can get your fill of sweet tea.

Related Reading:

• 6 Charming Small Towns To Visit On Florida’s Gulf Coast
• 11 Gorgeous Uncrowded Beaches To Visit In Florida
• 14 Best Things To Do In Beautiful Venice, Florida, Plus Where To Eat And Stay

If you love flowers, you will be especially delighted to hear that “Your Summer Fun Starts Here” at the 56^th South Carolina Festival of Flowers held the first weekend of June in Greenwood, South Carolina.

At this unique and wonderful event, there are thousands of colorful blooms in hundreds of fully landscaped flower beds and gardens around town. Amidst the bright snapdragons, daffodils, daisies, hydrangeas, mums, and other summer flowers and plants, visitors will discover the real stars of the festival: dozens of beautiful living topiaries.

Greenwood is located in the northwest Piedmont region, less than 1.5 hours from the South Carolina cities of Columbia and Greenville; just over 2 hours from Charlotte, North Carolina; and less than 3 hours from Atlanta.

SC Festival Of Flowers’ Humble Beginnings

Tired of the cold Pennsylvania winters, the George W. Park Seed Company moved south to Greenwood. The first South Carolina Festival of Flowers was held in 1968 in celebration of the seed company’s 100^th anniversary.

That first celebration became a yearly event that thousands of visitors look forward to each summer. In 2008, living topiaries were introduced at the festival for the first time. Drawing inspiration from Disney’s famous character topiaries, Greenwood’s master gardeners went to work creating dozens of gorgeous animals, school mascots, and other fun topiaries to be showcased at the yearly flower festival.

The Festival Today

13 topiaries debuted at the 2008 festival. This year’s festival boasts more than 44 live topiary figures! Visitors will find the living sculptures scattered around Uptown Greenwood and other spots.

The city of Greenwood’s horticultural supervisor, Diana Fetters, explained how much time and effort goes into each topiary.

“It is a lot of work,” said Fetters of the year-long effort by city staff members and dozens of volunteers, “but it is a labor of love. Our horticulture team loves what they do. The volunteers are excited to help. The whole community comes together and supports the project and festival.”

“Every year we try to do better than we did the year before”, explained Fetters. “We change the look of many of the topiaries every year and try to add different effects like spraying water, lights, baskets, and many other things. It’s so much fun to watch the changes the topiaries go through after we get them back to the greenhouse.”

Award-Winning Event

Greenwood’s South Carolina Festival of Flowers has been the recipient of many awards over the years. In 2013 and 2018, it was named the event of the year by the South Carolina Festival & Event Association. In 2020, Greenwood won the national America in Bloom Award as well as the Coolest Downtown Award.

“We are proud to receive these awards,” said Kelly McWhorter, executive director of Discover Greenwood, “but we are more proud of our community. The Festival of Flowers showcases not only our town, but who we are.”

Scheduled Events

The annual South Carolina Festival of Flowers runs the entire month of June, with the main weekend taking place early in the month. This year, the main weekend will run from June 8 to 10. The 3-day festival showcases the best of Greenwood and is filled with tons of fun for the whole family.

The signature topiaries are the star of the show. They are what attract thousands of people to travel from all over the South. Exciting news for this year: Greenwood is the host city for the America in Bloom Symposium at the end of September. For the first time, they will be keeping the topiaries out until the first week of October.

Other festival happenings kick off on Friday morning starting with the popular Juried Arts and Crafts Show held at the Uptown Market. At this exceptional artisan show, you’ll discover unique garden art, jewelry, pottery, and more, as well as food and concessions. It is open to the public with free admission.

This year, the Greenwood Railroad Historical Center will be offering tours all day Friday and Saturday. For a small fee, visitors can experience some of the most exquisite antique train car restorations in the Southeast, from the 1906 Baldwin steam engine to the bright red caboose and everything in between.

Friday night and Saturday and Sunday afternoons, the Greenwood Community Theater on Main Street will be performing the classic production of Guys and Dolls. Guys and Dolls runs through June 18.

Also on Saturday morning is the Flower Power 5-kilometer run/walk and a 1-mile fun run/walk. Compete for cash prizes or just for fun and exercise as the course this year is on the 5k Certified Course: Capsugel/LONZA Running Track & Greenwood Rails to Trails. Register early to receive a free T-shirt.

The Saturday morning lineup of events includes the fun-filled family favorite Kidfest ‘23 at Uptown Market and splash pad. This part of the festival features arts, crafts, demonstrations, robotics, fire trucks, Carolina Choo-Choo train rides, food trucks, and concessions. Performances will be featured as well, though they’re still to be added at the time of this publication.

New to the Festival this year are Garden Tours all day Saturday, featuring the area’s unique gardens. Enjoy the horticultural gardens and greenhouse at Piedmont College, the John and Elizabeth Holman Community Garden at Wesley Commons, the Greenwood Extension Rain Garden, and Dr. Benjamin E. Mays Gardens at the Gleamns Site.

Another festival favorite is the Saturday-evening Topiaries, Tastings, and Tunes event in partnership with Greenwood Performing Arts. Adults can enjoy a casual evening of wine tasting and music while strolling among topiary displays and Uptown businesses. A souvenir wine glass is included.

Other Festival Events

The festival is mainly a weekend event in early June, but there are many other events held throughout the month. These include a digital photo contest, aviation expo, Bee Buzzin’ Bike Tour, and men’s golf tournament. Oh, and did I mention that this year the topiaries will stay up for public viewing until October?

While visiting Uptown Greenwood for the Festival of Flowers, be sure to stop in at The Arts Center to see the BLOOM Art Exhibit and The Museum and Railroad Historical Center.

There is so much happening in Greenwood during the South Carolina Festival of Flowers. Be sure to check the festival’s website for details and a list of all events, locations, dates, and times.

Where To Stay And Eat

If you plan to stay awhile, the Inn on the Square is a charming, full-service boutique hotel conveniently located in Uptown. Housed in an early 20th-century building, the inn has a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The dramatic three-story lobby is impeccably furnished — a place where one actually wants to sit and spend time. The Inn on the Square is the official inn of the South Carolina Festival of Flowers.

There are several major chain hotels in Greenwood as well as many fabulous eateries.

Last August and September my wife and I had the pleasure of traveling throughout northern Greece on two wheels. We rented our BMW 310GS motorcycle, Max, in Romania, a few months earlier, and over the course of 31 days, we visited 15 different cities and walked in the footsteps of Alexander the Great, Aristotle, Paul the Apostle, and many others. As beautiful as every city was, I suggest these as the top five places in Northern Greece that you must visit.

1. Kavala

We spent our first night in Greece in this charming seaside town just 2 hours west of the Turkish border, and much of our route took us along what is called the Via Egnatia, which was the original super highway traversing Greece from east to west. It was built 2,000 years ago by the Romans and much of today’s highway follows the exact route.

Getting There: Since Kavala is a port city it offers several ferry routes to many different islands, including Mykonos and Syros, as well as into Athens, for those looking for alternative ways to traverse between the cities.

Kamares

I think the best preserved Roman aqueduct I have ever seen is Kamares. It is one of the prime attractions in this city with the intimacy of a small town but the attractions of a much larger one. 

Kavala Acropolis And Fort

The castle on the hill is called Kavala Acropolis and Fort, and it is a moderate hike up to the top of the hill, but well worth it. It offers a panorama of the harbor and the entire city, as well as views of the Kamares Aqueduct from a different perspective. You can walk from the port to the shopping areas to the fort in less than one hour.

Museums And Historical Sites

The Archaeology Museum of Kavala is worth a visit and is not overwhelming in size, yet can be toured in less than 90 minutes.

I recommend you drive just 30 minutes north to the Archeological site and Museum of Philippi, and The Holy Shrine of the Baptistery of Saint Lydia, which were amazing and historical. This was the site of the first Christian baptism in Europe by the Apostle Paul in the river Zygaktis. You can actually sit there by the stream, put your hand in the same waters, and visualize this event from two millenniums ago.

Pro Tip: Summer travel in Europe can be challenging since July and August are the prime holiday months. Even though we arrived in the third week of August, Kavala was easy to negotiate, and not overly crowded. Because of the port access, this would be a great place to visit for several days or more and then launch into your next location.

2. Thessaloniki

Even though Athens is the governmental capital of Greece, Thessaloniki, the second largest city, is considered to be the cultural capital. It has 15 UNESCO sites, the most in any one town internationally, and is also a college town, so it offers a great selection of music, the arts, and coffee shops. There are also so many tattoo parlors and funky boutiques it would take weeks to make a dent.

Aristotle Square

Thessaloniki was not crazy busy, and the waterfront is a terrific place for strolling and whiling the time. The city’s Aristotle Square is considered to be one of the landmark rendezvous places to meet for coffee or gelato. The city was founded in 315 B.C.E. by one of Alexander the Great’s generals named Cassander, who named it after his wife, Thessaloniki, who was also Alexander’s half-sister. Alexander’s footprints loom large in the town and there are statues of him as well as another Greek icon: Aristotle.

Church Of San Demetrius

On our first day in town, we walked 6.5 miles and had a chance to visit several noteworthy locations, including the Church of San Demetrius, which was stunningly beautiful with painted murals and artwork galore. It is the city’s largest church. Under the main floors are catacombs which have been remodeled and renovated over the many centuries since they were first built.

Other noteworthy stops include the Rotunda, which was built around 300 A.D. and is one of the city’s most recognizable sites due to its shape, and the White Tower, down on the harbor, which was built in the 15th century, and over history has been a lighthouse, part of a fortress, and a prison.

Museums

For museum lovers, the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki is a must-see as is Jewish Museum, which highlights the long and significant history of the Jewish population in the town, along with the atrocities they dealt with through the Holocaust.

Pro Tip: Thessaloniki and Athens go together like a burger and fries, and they are conveniently connected by rail for a cost of about $12 USD/€10. The trip takes 5 to 6 hours. It travels through the mountains near the town of Larissa and passes by the biggie: Mount Olympus. Driving time is about the same and covers just over 500 kilometers (300 miles).

3. Edessa

Karanos Waterfall

Edessa is called the City of Waterfalls, and the Big One, called Karanos, is as impressive as any falls I have ever seen. At 70 meters (230 feet) high, it is the highest in Greece, and though there are bigger waterfalls in the world, few of them are like this!

Pro Tip: It’s not a secret, but few people know about it or do it, but there is a path that takes you behind and below the Karanos Falls! We noticed a walkway below, but weren’t quite sure how to get to it, but if you walk to the left side of the falls there is a road going down to the hydroelectric plant, and if you continue onward you’ll find the walkway. Great pictures can be taken below, and you can walk back to the top through the falls, which is much more direct. It is not dangerous, nor particularly strenuous, but you will get soaked and you must watch your footing! 

Lamda Waterfalls

Though Karanos is the main waterfall, immediately adjacent are two more called Lamda, and what makes these waters unique is that they contain travertine minerals that actually increase the height of the falls and cause them to grow over time. And the flow of water ionizes the air which makes it refreshing to breathe.

Museums And Shops

In the downtown park, there is a reptile museum, craft shops, and a mill where you can learn about the history of the main crops in the area, including sesame seeds and cherries.

Just outside the city itself (a 15-minute drive) is the Ancient Edessa Archaeological Site of Longos, which you can walk through.

4. Meteora And Kalabaka

Some places in the world look surreal and make you question if they really exist: Meteora fits on that prestigious list. It combines the best of nature, carving out rock like a sculptor and rising hundreds of feet into the sky. The ingenuity and back-breaking work of man are also at play here, where churches have been built in places that seem impossible.

Meteora is about two things: Monasteries and views; and there are plenty to take in. When you first arrive you may wonder, “How do you get up there?” but the road up is almost effortless and can be enjoyed by walking, on a bike, via tour bus, or, in our case, on Max, our trusty BMW bike.

Getting There: There is a train from Athens to Meteora (Kalabaka) which would save driving time. It takes 4 hours and is quite scenic.

Great Meteoron Holy Monastery Of The Transfiguration Of The Saviour

The Great Meteoron Holy Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour or The Great Monastery, for short, is the one most people know, and one of the easiest to get to, but it does require you to climb quite a few stairs. It is not wheelchair friendly and you must know that it can be a strenuous walk. Inside is a museum with scores of exhibits from the Byzantine periods, and since these buildings were so inaccessible, many items that would normally have been destroyed during WWII were kept safe here with the monks. 

Monastery Of Varlaam

The Monastery of Varlaam was next on our list and was easier to access but no less inspiring. These monasteries were built in the 13th and 14th centuries, and there used to be 24 of them. As you walk through, it is pure evidence of the ingenuity of mankind that these structures were built so beautifully using primitive tools and by hoisting material from the bottom or using a cable across the ravine.

Pro Tip: These monasteries have strict dress codes, especially for women, and you must cover your hair and legs.

This area is a hiker’s paradise and worth at least 3 days or more to see it all. Even the less energetic could enjoy Meteora for several days and not get bored.

5. Halkidiki

More than a city, Halkidiki is actually a region and encompasses three peninsulas: Kassandra, Sithonia, and Athos. They jut out from the northern part of Greece like the letter M, and each landmass sticks out into the lovely Aegean Sea. Between the main body of land and the three fingers, Halkidiki has over 500 kilometers (300 miles) of coastline.

The entire Halkidiki area is a nature lover’s dream! It offers wooded forests, miles of water and coastline, fishing, and camping. But it also offers amazing history.

Olynthos

One of the best options for history lovers is the Archaeological site of Olynthos, which was a substantially large city, well laid out, and founded about 3000 B.C. It was advanced for its time and was built with efforts to make it energy efficient. It was home to a two-story design and advanced sewage systems.

The capital of this area, Polygyros, recently opened the Archaeological Museum of Polygyros, which was exquisite in its design and layout.

Pro Tip: For anyone who has time to take an extended vacation or getaway, the Halkidiki region would be a great place to spend most of that time. You’ll enjoy beaches galore, mountains, lakes, rivers, and everything in between.

Related Reading:

• 7 Reasons This Little-Known Region In Greece Needs To Be At The Top Of Your Travel List
• 10 Breathtaking Athens Vacation Rentals With Acropolis Views
• 7 Things That Surprised Me On My First Trip To Greece

New York City truly has something for everyone and is a fascinating place to visit. Every time I go, I see something new. Here are some of my favorite historical places to visit in New York City.

1. Trinity Church Wall Street And St. Paul’s Chapel

89 Broadway

Trinity Church is one of the most famous historical churches in the country. Known as the resting place of Alexander Hamilton and others, the grand Gothic Revival steeple of the church can be seen for miles. Trinity Church Wall Street Episcopal Parish was founded over 300 years ago and today has over 1,500 members. The original Trinity Church was destroyed by a fire in 1776 and was rebuilt on the site in 1790.

St. Paul’s Cathedral, built in 1766, is part of the Trinity Church Wall Street Parish and is located a few blocks from Trinity, on Broadway and Fulton. Many Revolutionary War heroes and historical figures are buried in the churchyard. It’s said that George Washington himself worshiped here. When the fire broke out in 1776 that destroyed the neighboring original Trinity Church, St. Paul’s Cathedral was saved by a bucket brigade.

In more recent history, the church suffered no damage during the 9/11 attacks, even though it sits directly across from the World Trade Center Site. Many of the 9/11 relief workers came here to rest, pray and get a meal as they worked through the aftermath of the attacks.

2. Fraunces Tavern 

54 Pearl Street

If you’re into history, food, and drink, then Fraunces Tavern is the perfect place for you to go in New York City. The oldest tavern in NYC, Fraunces Tavern is housed in a building that was built in 1719 and has been a tavern since 1762. This is the place George Washington and his troops gathered at the end of the Revolutionary War for Washington’s farewell speech. This old building oozes charm, and you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The tavern offers dining and a full bar downstairs, so grab a cocktail while enjoying your historic surroundings in NYC’s oldest operating tavern.

3. St. Patrick’s Cathedral

5th Avenue between 50th & 51st Streets

St. Patrick’s Cathedral is something any history lover will want to see. Located on 5^th Avenue directly across from Rockefeller Center, the largest Gothic-style Roman Catholic cathedral in the United States is in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. As you walk up the steps to the entrance, the magnificent neo-Gothic architecture style is on full display.

Construction of the cathedral was started in 1858 and the first mass was held in 1879. Featured in movies like The Godfather Part III and the site of celebrity weddings including multiple Kennedy family weddings, the church was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1976. St. Patrick’s Cathedral is open to the public so you can attend mass. Or sign up for a tour of the church.

4. The Strand Book Store

828 Broadway 

If you’re a book lover, New York City is the place for you. One of the most iconic bookstores in the city, The Strand, opened back in 1927. At one time, there were many other bookstores near The Strand in an area known as “Book Row.” Book Row covered six city blocks and contained almost 50 bookstores. Located in the East Village, The Strand claims to have over 2.5 million books!

5. Grand Central Terminal

89 East 42nd Street

Located at 42^nd Street and Park Ave in Midtown Manhattan, Grand Central Terminal is another world-famous landmark in New York City. In 1976, Jackie Kennedy and other prominent New Yorkers saved this NYC icon from demolition. Today, it’s one of the grandest public structures in New York City and is a National Historic Landmark. Grand Central is truly something to behold. 

We were true tourists and started our visit by snapping photos at the clock in the main concourse. You have to check out the incredible ceiling in the main concourse. It’s gorgeous, but not “astronomically correct.” Whether done on purpose this way or by accident, it doesn’t matter, because it’s iconic and there’s nothing like it anywhere else! You can spend hours here just wandering through the terminal. We had lunch downstairs at Prova Pizza Bar, where we split a piping hot, gooey Margherita pizza and did some serious people-watching.

6. The Dakota And Strawberry Fields

1 West 72nd Street

John Lennon was shot outside of his residence at The Dakota Building in 1980. The Dakota was built in 1884 and designed by architect Henry J. Hardenbergh, who also designed the Plaza Hotel. The building is still one of New York City’s most exclusive addresses, and many notable people have been turned down by the board when applying to live at this National Historic Landmark address. Central Park’s Strawberry Fields section, dedicated to John Lennon’s memory in 1985, is a short walk from the Dakota. This quiet area of the park is a moving tribute to Lennon and worth a visit.

7. New York Public Library Stephen A. Schwarzman Building

476 5th Avenue

You’ve surely seen pictures of the main New York Public Library. The majestic building with the lions out front has been featured in many movies and television shows through the years. Dedicated in 1911, the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building is known worldwide for its diverse collections.

The Historic Rose Main Reading Room draws a crowd with its magnificent ceiling. The celestial scene with puffy clouds floating against a baby blue background surrounded by gilded panels is awe-inspiring. The Rose Main Reading Room is massive in size — as large as a football field. And this is just one room in the ornate, landmark building. The library, designed by Carrere & Hastings, is said to be one the greatest examples of Beaux-Arts architecture in the U.S.A.

The iconic lions, named Patience and Fortitude, flank the main steps into the library on 5^th Avenue and are so loved and well-known that they have been trademarked by the library. The lions were most recently named by Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia in the 1930s when times were tough during the Great Depression. You can learn more about the lions and the entire NYC Public Library by joining one of the daily tours offered.

Pro Tip: Don’t miss the library’s gift shop. This is the place to go for not-your-run-of-the-mill souvenirs. We spent hours shopping here, browsing through books, leather notebooks, purses, blankets, and more. You can find so many cool things including your own Patience and Fortitude lions.

8. Brooklyn Bridge

Brooklyn Bridge Boulevard

The Brooklyn Bridge, which crosses the East River connecting Brooklyn and Manhattan, is a must-see in New York City. Whether you’re a history lover or not, you must walk the bridge. This magnificent suspension bridge designed by John A. Roebling took over 10 years to build, and at least 20 workers died in the building of the bridge.

At the time it was completed in 1883, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. The best way to walk the bridge is to walk over to Brooklyn, then walk back into Manhattan at dusk as the city lights up. The views are unbelievable. Walking the Brooklyn Bridge is one of my fondest memories of the Big Apple and it’s on our list every time we visit.

9. Radio City Music Hall

1260 6th Avenue

Radio City Music Hall is something I wanted to see for a long time. Like many NYC landmarks, I’ve seen pictures of it my whole life, and I wanted to see it for myself. It seems I’m not alone, as more than 300 million people have come to the Music Hall since its opening in 1932 when billionaire John D. Rockefeller decided to incorporate the theater into the Rockefeller Center complex he was creating. The Art-Deco building is incredible to see, and the sheer size is almost unreal. The marquee is a city block long. Inside, the theater can seat almost 6,000 people, but it’s cozy and doesn’t feel like a vast arena. The artists that have performed here are legendary: Elvis, Michael Jackson, The Grateful Dead, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Bruce Springsteen, and the list goes on! We saw the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. The legendary Rockette’s performance is as good as everyone says.

Pro Tip: You can buy tickets online for guided tours of Radio City Music Hall to go behind the scenes at this venue.

10. Federal Hall

26 Wall Street

The Greek-Revival style building with massive columns stands as an icon in New York City’s Financial District. According to the National Park Service, this is the site where the very first Congress of the United States met and wrote the Bill of Rights. In addition, George Washington was inaugurated here as the country’s first President on April 30, 1789. When the capital moved to Philadelphia in 1790, the original Federal building was demolished and replaced by the current building. The current Federal Hall building is a National Memorial and today serves as a museum.

If you travel anywhere in the West or Northwest, you’ll probably have an opportunity to see a rodeo. I live in Arizona and have been attending and photographing rodeos for 10 years. I see around two or three per season and often see people who are bewildered because they don’t know what to expect and don’t understand the events or the scoring. So, if you plan to go to a rodeo, here are some things to know to help you make the most of the experience.

1. Some Offer More Than The Main Event

Most rodeos offer entertainment leading up to and during the main event, such as a parade, carnival rides and games, a concert, an air show, or a dance. Many also include Mutton Busting, children’s rodeo events where kids compete to see who can ride a sheep the longest.

Annual rodeos like Cheyenne Frontier Days and the Calgary Stampede draw thousands each year and feature a parade, carnival, and musical entertainment from top acts like Garth Brooks, George Strait, Aerosmith, Luke Bryan, and Miranda Lambert. Cheyenne Frontier Days features an air show, and you can see a dog show at the Calgary Stampede.

La Fiesta de los Vaqueros in Tucson, Arizona, lasts for a week each February, and its rodeo parade is the longest non-motorized (horse-drawn) parade in the world. In Cave Creek, Arizona, a parade kicks off the week-long Rodeo Days festivities, along with a dance the same evening. There’s also a golf tournament during the week.

2. Dress Comfortably

Bust Out Your Western Wear

You can wear just about anything you want to a rodeo but err on the side of comfort. You’ll be doing a lot of walking on (sometimes) uneven terrain. So, comfortable shoes are a must. You’ll also be sitting on wood or metal bleachers.

If you identify with the Toby Keith hit “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” or need a socially acceptable reason to wear a cowboy hat, you’ll feel at home at a rodeo. Wear your cowboy hat, embroidered shirt, turquoise jewelry, and belt buckles with pride, and don’t forget your cowboy boots. If you don’t own any Western wear, there are always vendors who sell cowboy clothing and accessories.

3. Rough Stock Events

A professional rodeo includes rough stock and timed events. Official rough stock events include bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, and bull riding. To get a score, contestants must stay on a bucking bull or horse for at least 8 seconds.

Contestants are scored by two judges who award 50 points each — 25 to the rider and 25 to the animal. Horses and bulls are judged by their bucking action. Riders are judged on their spurring ability and how well they move with the horse and deal with multiple twists and turns. If a horse or bull isn’t active enough, the contestant is offered a “do-over” on a different animal.

• Bareback Riding: Contestants ride a bronc (unbroken horse) while holding onto a leather rigging that resembles a suitcase handle. Riders must pull their knees up and roll their spurs on the horse’s shoulders. They’re disqualified if they straighten their legs before the horse’s feet hit the ground.

• Saddle Bronc Riding: Contestants sit in a saddle on a bronc, hold a thick rein attached to the horse’s halter, and synchronize their movements with the horse’s. The rider must stay in the saddle and hold the rein with one hand. They’re disqualified if they touch the horse or their own body with their free hand.

• Bull Riding: Contestants hold a flat braided rope and must stay on a two-ton bull that bucks, turns, jumps, and twists while only using one hand to hang on. They’re disqualified if their other hand touches the bull.

4. Timed Events

Timed events include steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping, and barrel racing. Contestants race against the clock to get the shortest time.

Contestants pay to compete in each event, and every cowboy and cowgirl aspires to be one of the top 15 contestants in their event based on money won during the regular season so they can qualify for the National Finals Rodeo that’s held in Las Vegas each December.

• Tie Down Roping: A contestant chases and ropes a calf and dismounts while his horse stops. He picks up the calf, places it on the ground on its side, ties any three legs together, and throws his hands up in the air. Then he remounts his horse and rides forward to add slack in the rope. If the calf remains tied for 6 seconds, he receives a score. If the calf kicks free, he receives no time. If the contestant doesn’t allow the calf to get a good head start, he receives a 10-second penalty.

• Steer Wrestling: A contestant chases a steer, slides off a galloping horse, hooks the steer’s right horn with his arm, grasps the left horn with his left hand, and wrestles it to the ground. The steer must be on its side with all four feet pointing in the same direction. If he fails to allow the steer a good head start, he’s assessed a 10-second penalty. 

• Team Roping: Two cowboys or cowgirls who are skilled riders and ropers chase a steer. The first person (the header) ropes the steer around the head, neck, or horns and guides the steer to the left to expose its hind legs so the second person (the heeler) can rope them. Once both team members move so there’s no slack in the rope and their horses face each other, officials stop the clock and record the score. If the contestants don’t allow the steer enough of a head start, the team receives a 10-second penalty. The team gets a 5-second penalty if the heeler only ropes one of the steer’s feet.

• Barrel Racing: This is the only event where the ladies take center stage, and speed and horse(wo)manship are the name of the game. Contestants ride around three barrels placed in a triangle in a cloverleaf pattern and back to the starting point. Tipping a barrel is okay, but if a barrel falls over, the rider gets a 5-second penalty. An electronic eye marks when the race begins and ends, and times are recorded to the hundredth of a second.

5. Novelty Acts Between Events

Most rodeos feature novelty acts such as trick roping and riding between events. One or more clowns also banter with the announcers to entertain the crowd during and between events. However, rodeo clowns also have the much more important job of distracting angry bulls so they don’t attack contestants, workers, or field judges. During the bull riding event, they run after bulls to help guide them toward the exit and use large barrels to avoid being gored.

History Of The Rodeo

After the Civil War, Southwest ranchers organized cattle drives to train stations to transport animals east. Cowboys needed a wide variety of skills to wrangle cattle. So, they entertained themselves in their free time by competing against each other to see who had the best riding and roping skills.

By the late 19th century, rodeo was a popular spectator event throughout the American West. In 1945, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) was organized to monitor eligible events and standardize rules. Other rodeo associations, including the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA), were established midway through the 20th century to institutionalize and legitimize the sport.

Today, rodeos are serious sporting events, and human and animal competitors are seen as athletes on the same level as NFL quarterbacks and NBA pitchers. Fans have a deep knowledge of the events and come with scorecards and signs to support their favorite cowboys and cowgirls.

Rodeo is the official state sport of three states: Texas, South Dakota, and Wyoming. It is so important to Wyoming that a bucking horse and rider is the state’s registered trademark.

Where To See A Rodeo

Rodeo season runs from spring through fall and culminates with the National Finals in December. Check the schedule to find a rodeo near you or in the area you plan to visit. It’s also important to consider the time of year. Outdoor rodeos in Arizona and Texas are usually held in the spring before the weather becomes too hot.

• Fort Worth, Texas, hosts the world’s only year-round rodeo each weekend at the historic Fort Worth Cowtown Coliseum.
• Cheyenne Frontier Days and the Calgary Stampede are in July.
• Tiny Cody, Wyoming, hosts the longest-running and only nightly rodeo from June through August every year.

Next time a rodeo comes to your area, or you’re traveling in the American West, buy a ticket, don your cowboy hat and boots, and have fun watching the skill of both two- and four-legged competitors. Happy trails!

Related Reading:

• 16 Unique Towns To Visit In The Southwestern U.S. In 2023
• 12 Ways To Experience Authentic Cowboy Culture In Cody, Wyoming
• 8 Best Places To See Buffalo In Kansas

Cherry blossoms, or sakura, have a special place in Japanese culture. They usher in the arrival of spring, the beginning of the farming season, and a time to congregate with friends and family to enjoy the pleasant weather. Many Japanese hold parties to celebrate hanami, the practice of watching the blossoms and contemplating life.

I visited in April of 2019, just in time to see the cherry blossoms and decide for myself whether they were worth the hype. Spoiler alert: They are. In fact, you could visit Japan just to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom, provided that you know where, when, and how to plan your trip. Here’s everything you need to know about cherry blossom season in Japan.

1. Peak Season Is Late January Through Early May

Booking your trip for optimal cherry blossom viewing will require some planning since sakura season starts early in southern Japan and then gradually moves north. According to the Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC), in 2023 “Northern Japan and eastern Japan will see flowering earlier than normal, while western Japan will see flowering at the same level as normal.”

In the south, Okinawa sees its first blooms in late January while Kyushu cities such as Fukuoka will start to see blooms in mid-March. Around Tokyo, the sakura bloom in mid to late March, while the Osaka area sakura trees begin blooming at the end of March. In mid-April, head to Aomori in the Tohoku region to see Ashino Park’s cherry blossoms. Sapporo cherry blossoms are expected to bloom in late April, while other areas of Hokkaido pop in early May.

If you’re planning a trip to a specific city, check the Japan cherry blossom forecast when booking your trip. It has data for cities such as Yokohama, Nagoya, Kumamoto, Kanazawa, Kyoto, and Kagoshima listed by region, including the Shikoku regions (home to Hiroshima) and the Kanto region (home to Tokyo), and more. The first forecasts of the year are typically released in early January.

When in doubt, book a few days later than the expected bloom date. Cherry blossoms only bloom for a week or two, and you’ll want to land in Japan during the peak bloom period when most of the cherry blossom trees are flowering.

2. Different Varieties Bloom At Different Times

Because the cherry blossom season is fairly short, you might miss the peak bloom even if you plan carefully. The good news: Different varieties of cherry blossoms bloom at different times. Late bloomers and early bloomers aren’t too difficult to find, and if you head to an area with a large number of trees, you’ll still have a perfectly pleasant experience.

In Tokyo, for instance, Shinjuku Gyoen has more than 1,000 cherry trees of different varieties, so you’ll see at least some of them blooming for at least a week after the peak bloom. If you miss the bloom in Nagano, you can head to Takato Castle Ruins Park, which has about 1,500 cherry trees.

When in doubt, ask the locals where to go or head to the largest public park you can find. As long as you’re within a week or so of the bloom, you’ll find some cherry trees showing their colors.

3. Be Flexible When Booking Your Accommodations

One morning in Tokyo, I started my day with a walk through Shinjuku Gyoen. Rows of beautiful cherry trees waved in the breeze, and I finally felt like the trip was worth the jet lag.

That incredible experience was an accident; I booked the cheapest hotel room I could find, which happened to be a few blocks away from Shinjuku Gyoen. When booking your accommodations, exercise a little more planning than I did. Look for hotels near parks or public transit lines. Japan’s excellent public transportation infrastructure makes the latter fairly easy, but if you’re hoping to stay near a park, you’ll need to do some research.

More importantly, recognize that flexibility is key. You might need to change your flight or your hotel reservations to ensure that you actually arrive in cherry blossom season — a cold snap could delay your trip by a few days — so look for hotels that allow for late changes or cancellations. If your airline offers an add-on that allows you to change your flight for free, pay for it.

4. More Than 30,000 Cherry Trees Bloom On Mount Yoshino

Located in Nara Prefecture, Mount Yoshino is one of the most popular spots for cherry blossom seekers. More than 30,000 cherry trees bloom here each spring, covering the mountain in extraordinary color.

This is also a great place to try an onsen, or natural hot spring bath. The nearby town, Yoshinoyama, has quite a few hot spring hotels, and some allow travelers to use their onsen for a small fee. Take a stroll by the mountain, snap a few pictures, and then find a hotel with an onsen where you can relax and reset.

5. See Nakameguro Cherry Blossom Illuminations Mid-March Through Early April

Tokyo has plenty of beautiful outdoor spaces like Yoyogi Park and Shinjuku Gyoen, and if you head to the capital city, you’ll have plenty of viewing spots to choose from.

However, one of the best places to experience hanami is the Meguro River near Nakameguro. Each year, a small portion of the river is lit with red lanterns; the sakura reflect off the water, creating a truly enchanting sight.

Pro Tip: One of the best cherry blossom spots in Tokyo is Ueno Park, which is home to the Ueno Zoo, museums, and over a thousand cherry trees.

6. Expect Crowds At Takato Castle Park In Nagano

The ruins of Takato Castle in Nagano Prefecture are well worth visiting at any time of year, but they’re truly incredible in spring. Book in advance, since the castle is extremely popular during sakura season owing to the 1,500 blossoming trees that cover the trails.

You’ll also get great views of the ruins, and if you’re interested in Japanese history, you’ll want to stop by the Takioyagura drum tower and the Shintokukan, a former samurai house. There’s even an art museum onsite, so plan on spending quite a bit of time here.

Pro Tip: Takato Castle Park just has the remains of a castle, but Hirosaki Castle Park in the Aomori Prefecture, another popular place for cherry blossom viewing, boasts a three-story castle complete with petal-filled moat and a botanical garden.

7. Some Over-The-Counter Allergy Medicine Is Illegal In Japan

When you’re surrounded by thousands of blossoms, they can certainly irritate your allergies. Of course, you can simply load up on allergy medication before your trip, but be careful. Some allergy medicines — including over-the-counter medications — can’t be brought into Japan legally in large quantities. Check out the U.S. Embassy’s page on the topic before your trip, and be sure to declare any and all medications when passing through customs.

You could also buy over-the-counter products during your trip, but note that they won’t include stimulants like pseudoephedrine, so they may make you drowsy. This Japan Drugstore Guide has an overview of Japanese allergy medications, along with pictures of their packaging (extremely useful if you don’t speak Japanese).

8. Cherry Blossoms Make Sweet Treats

Given that Japan has something of an obsession with cherry blossoms, it should come as no surprise that sakura-flavored desserts are a big deal throughout the country. To truly embrace the spirit of the season (and satisfy your sweet tooth), stop by a bakery and look for items adorned with cherry blossom petals.

If you’re looking to try something you can’t find anywhere else, stop by a café that serves sakura yokan. Yokan is a jelly made from the sweet red azuki bean mixed with honey or sugar. It’s similar to gelatin but much, much more flavorful. Sakura mochi, or sweet rice cakes, are also fairly easy to find during cherry blossom season.

Wrap up your meal with a sakura sake or a sakura tea. Both have a light, fragrant quality to them, though sakura tea is a bit easier to find (and a bit easier to drink, if you’re not a fan of rice wine).

Pro Tip: Be sure to follow proper dining etiquette; try to clean your plate completely, and if you use chopsticks, don’t raise them above your mouth.

9. Cherry Trees Have Special Significance In Japanese Culture

Every city will have public celebrations of hanami, including cherry blossom festivals. Regardless of where you head on your trip, you’ll encounter plenty of locals enjoying the sakura season.

For the Japanese, springtime isn’t just a time to enjoy pretty views; it’s a time to think about change and the impermanent nature of life. It’s a bittersweet time; high school students are graduating and leaving for college, the winter is ending, and unlimited possibilities are on the horizon.

To put it another way, sakura season is a time to walk slowly, breathe deeply, and enjoy every moment. It’s a time to stop and smell the flowers, literally. Keep that in mind during your visit, and you’ll see why cherry blossoms are so enchanting — and why they’re such an indispensable part of Japanese culture.

Pro Tip: How To Get The Best Photos Of Cherry Blossoms

If you’re planning on photographing the trees — and you absolutely should, by the way — you’ll want to turn off the automatic option on your camera or smartphone. Cherry blossoms tend to be light pastel colors, and cameras have trouble distinguishing them from the sky. If the blossoms make up the majority of your shot, it might end up looking underexposed.

Use your camera’s manual exposure mode to change the aperture and shutter-speed settings. Generally speaking, a slower shutter will give you a better result. Consider picking up a tripod to accommodate the slower shutter speeds.

Experiment with different settings, but don’t worry about editing your photos onsite. Try to shoot as much as possible. Remember, you can always edit out the mediocre pictures on your (extremely long) plane ride home.

An Old West vibe, a location right along the Mexico border, and a mountainous setting all help to make El Paso, Texas, stand out among the state’s major cities.

While cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio may get more tourism and sightseeing hype, El Paso has a number of features that make it a unique Texas destination. For example, it is the only one of the state’s top cities to be situated along the Mexico border. It is also the only major Texas city that is surrounded by mountain ranges. And, located in the far western reaches of the state, El Paso is perhaps the Texas city that is most steeped in Western lore.

El Paso also is known for its extensive military history, which dates back to the U.S. Civil War era in the 1800s, and continues through today’s significant military presence at nearby Fort Bliss.

Adding another dimension to El Paso’s culture is the presence of the large University of Texas at El Paso, which sets itself apart as America’s largest Hispanic-serving university.

All of those features make El Paso a fantastically fun city to visit. The mountains provide a stunning backdrop and great hiking, and the proximity to the border guarantees that the Mexican cuisine is authentic and delicious. Also, while El Paso is large and sprawling with a population of nearly 950,000, the downtown retains a cool Western atmosphere.

Based on my experiences during a recent visit, here are 13 excellent things to do in El Paso, Texas.

1. Downtown El Paso

Downtown El Paso is wonderfully walkable, and I found that many of the main attractions are within an easy stroll from one another.

Located right in the midst of the Las Plazas Arts District is the picturesque El Paso Street, festooned with string lights and neon signs. In fact, the entire Arts District is a great place for a walk on a warm evening, and the area features a host of trendy places to stop in for a cocktail or appetizer, such as Anson 11 and Sabor.

Also nearby is Pioneer Plaza, with its statues, historic hotels, and the iconic Spanish Colonial Revival-style Plaza Theatre, which offers a regular schedule of live entertainment and Broadway productions. Once the center of downtown, Pioneer Plaza is still a vibrant spot, with groups of bicyclists on the streets and pedestrians filling the sidewalks.

2. San Jacinto Plaza

Just north of Pioneer Plaza is the San Jacinto Plaza, a lovely urban park at the corner of Oregon and Mills streets that features fountains, concessions, and sculptures.

Families gravitate to the plaza, which was refurbished in recent years and includes a splash pad, game tables, and a small open-air café. I recommend sitting at an outdoor table and trying one of the café’s specialties like cucumber lemonade (agua fresca de pepino), cucumber spears dusted with chile (pepinos con chile), or rolled tacos in red sauce.

Fun Fact: One of the fountains in the San Jacinto Plaza features a sculpture that commemorates the legendary alligators that once called the park’s pond home and were a major attraction for visitors in the early 1900s.

3. Dome Bar

Hotel Paso Del Norte, Autograph Collection

No walk through downtown El Paso would be complete without checking out the Dome Bar at the historic Hotel Paso Del Norte, Autograph Collection. With a circular bar and a 25-foot Tiffany-style glass dome as the centerpiece, the bar is a sight to see.

When I visited on a summer Friday night, the Dome Bar was buzzing with activity, with a piano player providing entertainment from the corner and customers chatting from the circular bar and surrounding booths.

Although all of the cocktails looked amazing, I loved the pretty pink-grapefruit mezcal paloma – especially after discovering that the El Paso-based founders of the mezcal, MaybeWest Mezcal, were seated next to me at the bar promoting their new label. It was fascinating to hear about the origin of MaybeWest’s product in the remote areas of the Sierra Madre in western Mexico, and then tasting the smoky woodfire flavor of the mezcal against the tart grapefruit juice.

4. Union Plaza District

For a bit of Texas railroad history, head to the Union Plaza District, the home of the El Paso Union Depot that was built between 1905 and 1906. The district is now a center for entertainment and nightlife downtown.

On Saturday mornings, stop by the Union Plaza area to take in the Anthony Street Downtown Artist and Farmers Market, where you’ll find a variety of local products like hand-painted metal mugs, paintings, and unique salsas.

5. El Paso Museum Of Art

A peek into the soul of the community awaits at the El Paso Museum of Art, a light-filled complex that houses a collection of more than 7,000 works of art – ranging from the Byzantine era to the present.

On the museum’s upper level, visitors are met with the gorgeous Beyond the Blue Door, a piece created by artist Sam Gilliam for the El Paso Museum. The billowing artwork combines various painting techniques of staining and splattering unique to Gilliam’s style. Exhibits inside include everything from paintings of the Madonna and Child to colorful El Paso street scenes to Mexican graphic art.

6. Additional El Paso Museums To Explore

Along with its active art scene, El Paso is home to a number of other worthwhile museums that help to tell the compelling story of the city that grew up along the U.S./Mexico border. Several of the museums worth checking out include:

El Paso Museum Of Archaeology

Billed as a place to “step forward into the past,” the El Paso Museum of Archaeology showcases 14,000 years of prehistory of the El Paso area, the U.S. Southwest, and northern Mexico. The museum tells a fascinating tale of the region through exhibits and dioramas showing the details of the lives of the Native American people, “From the Paleoindian hunters of the Ice Age to their modern descendants,” says the museum’s website.

El Paso Museum Of History

With a goal of preserving and presenting the border region’s “intercultural and multinational history, the El Paso Museum of History explores more than 1,000 years of history in the heart of El Paso’s Downtown Arts District. The museum is especially known for its unique interactive digital wall of history.

National Border Patrol Museum

Billed as the only one of its kind in the U.S., the National Border Patrol Museum illustrates El Paso’s unique place as an international border town. The museum covers a range of eras, including the Old West, prohibition, and World War II, and continues through to current operations. The museum’s exhibits feature weapons, paintings, documents, and photographs to tell the story of border patrol.

El Paso Holocaust Museum

Located in El Paso’s downtown museum district, the El Paso Holocaust Museum aims to teach the history of Nazi Germany’s horrific genocide of European Jews during World War II in an effort “to combat prejudice and intolerance through education, community outreach, and community activities,” says its website. The museum is one of 13 free-standing Holocaust museums in the United States, and it sets itself apart as the only fully bilingual Holocaust museum. Among the stories told at the museum are those of local holocaust survivors.

7. Concordia Cemetery

Gunfight Capital Of The World

With several of the Old West’s most notorious gunslingers buried in the Concordia Cemetery, it’s no wonder that El Paso claims the title as the Gunfight Capital of America. Among those buried in the graveyard is John Wesley Hardin, who “is said to have more than 30 notches on his gun, evidence that no more dangerous gunman ever operated in Texas,” says the Visit El Paso website.

The cemetery, located not far from Interstate 10 in central El Paso, is a Texas State Historic site. More than 60,000 people are buried there, including members of the Buffalo Soldiers’ 9th and 10th Cavalry – regiments that saw combat during the Indian and Spanish-American Wars.

Pro Tip: Located just across the street from the Concordia Cemetery is the L&J Café, a local favorite that is famous for serving classic Southwestern dishes like green chile chicken enchiladas and chile rellenos.

8. Mission Trail

Located in El Paso’s Lower Valley, the Historic Mission Trail dates back 400 years and features three beautifully preserved adobe churches from the 17th and 18th centuries. The Ysleta Mission, established in 1682, is the cornerstone of the Ysleta del Sur Indian Pueblo. The trail also includes the Socorro Mission and the San Elizario Chapel, which was established in 1789.

Described as “a nine-mile stretch across time in El Paso County’s Mission Valley,” the scenic drive features the oldest churches in the state of Texas.

9. Authentic Mexican Cuisine

El Paso bills itself as the Mexican Food Capital of America, and there are countless spots to check out authentic Mexican cuisine.

ELEMI

In the downtown area, head to ELEMI, a hip spot on Kansas Street dedicated to sourcing heirloom varieties of native maíz (corn) from sustainable farming communities in Mexico. ELEMI’s tacos are great, but I especially enjoyed the esquites, a deconstructed Mexican street-corn dish that includes white corn, herbs, chiles, and lime aioli.

Mamacitas

Also on Kansas Street, located at the street level of downtown’s Hotel Indigo, Mamacitas is a great spot for innovative and excellently prepared Mexican classics in a lively setting. Try the hearty and wholesome chicken tortilla soup, the shrimp tacos, or the Azteca rajas, a starter of layered corn tortilla, poblano peppers, corn, and Mexican cheese.

Fun Fact: A number of El Paso dining spots have been featured on Food Network programs. The list is featured on the Visit El Paso website.

10. El Paso Chihuahuas Baseball

When I arrived in downtown El Paso on a warm Friday evening in June, I was surprised to see the streets filled with people, many of whom were on their way to Southwest University Park, an outdoor stadium located in the middle of downtown.

I learned later that the stadium is the home of the El Paso Chihuahuas, a minor league baseball team of the Triple-A West and an affiliate of the San Diego Padres. It looked like the perfect activity as the sun was setting over the Chihuahuan Desert, and I wished I had planned ahead and reserved tickets.

Southwest University Park is also the venue for a variety of other sporting events and concerts, and the ballpark’s convenient location near hotels and restaurants makes it a great addition to a visit to El Paso.

11. Franklin Mountain State Park

Looming over El Paso to the north, the rugged Franklin Mountains serve as an outdoorsy playground for the city. The Franklin Mountains State Park features 125 miles of multi-use trails that are especially popular with mountain bikers.

Trails range from the easy Nature Walk, a three-fourths-mile loop in the Tom Mays Unit of the park, to the strenuous North Franklin Peak, an 8-mile trek to El Paso’s highest peak, ascending to an elevation of 7,192 feet.

12. El Paso Zoo

Home to exotic animals from around the world, the El Paso Zoo is known locally as among the city’s best spots for a family outing. The zoo sits on 35 acres of green space and features attractions like the African Star Train, the Hunt Family Splash Pad, Foster Treehouse Playground, and the Hunt Endangered Species Carousel. 

Pro Tip: Other fun things to do are available all over El Paso, including at the Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino, the El Paso Municipal Rose Garden, and the Western Playland Amusement Park with its popular steel roller coaster El Bandido. In addition, a variety of guided tours are available for exploring El Paso and the neighboring town of Juarez, Mexico.

13. Hueco Tanks State Park

Located about 40 minutes northeast of El Paso, the Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site makes a great day trip from the city.

Over the millennia, native people used the spectacular rock basins of the Hueco Tanks as a water source. Today, the region is a popular spot for hiking, rock climbing, bird watching, and stargazing. In addition, visitors can take self-guided or guided tours to view the rock imagery at the ancient pictographs.

When To Visit: Spring and fall months tend to be the most pleasant in El Paso, with March, April, September, and October posting average highs in the 80s Fahrenheit. Summers are hot, with average highs climbing well into the 90-degree range in June, July, and August, while the winter months are cool with average highs in the 50s and 60s.

Pro Tip: Located on the western edge of Texas, El Paso operates under Mountain Standard Time – the only Texas city to do so. That means that if you’re traveling virtually anywhere else in Texas you will need to switch from Mountain time to Central time.

For 50 years, the city of Mankato has been known as the summer home for the Minnesota Vikings, as the NFL team held its preseason camp at the Minnesota State University Mankato campus. The Vikings moved their camp to the Minneapolis area, but the Blue Earth County city is more than just football. 

The friendly community has a strong historical connection to Native Americans, with the Dakota as the dominant tribe in the area through the mid-1800s, when they were forcibly removed from the state and relocated to South Dakota and Nebraska following the U.S.-Dakota War. The Dakota honor their history and culture with an annual powwow here each September. From its role during the U.S.-Indian Wars to a vibrant art scene — including sculpture and poetry walks, and a riverfront walking trail — the city of Mankato is perfect for a weekend getaway.

1. Reconciliation Park

A black mark in the city of Mankato’s history was the site of the largest mass execution in American history when 38 Dakota Native Americans were hanged for their alleged roles during the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. It’s been a source of tension through the years for Native Americans and others.

In 1997, the city of Mankato, state leaders, and Dakota representatives worked to overcome issues. Reconciliation Park came about to help close that chapter in history. Located across the street from the actual execution site, Reconciliation Park honors the men by listing their names and a poem on a sculpture resembling a scroll. Other statues in the park include a bison. Ceremonies are held on the anniversary of the executions. While a library stands on the original location, the Dakota is also honored by a Native American sculpture — Winter Warrior — on the grounds.

Each September, the Dakota host a powwow at Land of Memories Park, a short drive from Reconciliation Park. You can learn more about the Dakota 38 as well as the area’s Indigenous history on a self-guided auto tour.

2. Minneopa State Park

Getting its name from the Dakota language for Water Falling Twice, Minneopa State Park is home not only to beautiful waterfalls but wildlife. The falls may be the main attraction, as Minneopa Falls entice you to walk the trail, including descending a Minnesota limestone staircase that takes you to the river valley. As you climb to the other side of the falls, you’ll enjoy a beautiful view of the waterfalls and park. During your hike around Minneopa Falls, visit Seppmann Mill, a German grist mill made from stone with a wooden dome. With a small herd roaming the park, you can catch a view of wild bison along Bison Drive Road. The park’s goal is to eventually be home to up to 40 bison. Bird watchers can enjoy views of several bird species, including western meadowlarks, red-winged blackbirds, red-tailed hawks, and bald eagles.

3. Public Art

Enjoy taking in the views of the CityArt Sculpture Walk, with statues rotated each year. Featuring more than 30 unique art pieces, you’ll find the sculpture walk in the City Center and North Mankato. Poetry enthusiasts will enjoy walking or bicycling the Southern Minnesota Poets Society’s Poetry Walk. Featuring 40 poems on easy-to-read signs, the walk celebrates local poets. Believing no canvas should be left blank, the city of Mankato’s latest art project celebrates its native history and influence. Australian Guido van Helten used 135-foot-tall silos at Ardent Mills in the Old Town District to create a breathtaking mural celebrating Native Americans at the Mankato wacipi (or powwow) to help celebrate the city of Mankato’s diversity. The artist has also created silo art in Faulkton, South Dakota, and Fort Dodge, Iowa.

Featuring monthly exhibits by regional artists, the Carnegie Art Center has sought to promote the area’s art scene for several decades, including offering studio space. Located inside a former Carnegie library, the art center attracts about 2,500 visitors each year, working with local schools and community groups. The 410 Project gallery offers space for local artists to showcase their art as well as special exhibits that rotate on a regular basis. The gallery works with local groups, artists, and schools to help promote the arts in the Blue Earth County community.

4. Betsy-Tacy House Tour

Maud Hart Lovelace was born and raised in the city of Mankato. After moving to Minneapolis at the age of 18 and later marrying a newspaper reporter, she wrote the Betsy-Tacy book series over 15 years. Her childhood home was the inspiration for Betsy’s story, and the house is open for tours. Appearing as it would have during the Harts’ time there, the Betsy House is a must-see when visiting ‘Kato. The Tacy House was actually the home of Hart’s childhood friend Frances “Bick” Kinney, whose family lived there from 1898 until 1911. The site of the Betsy-Tacy Historical Society, the Tacy House serves as an interpretive center, with historical pieces, such as her books, photographs, and manuscripts,inn on display. You can also visit the gift shop for souvenirs.

5. Red Jacket Trail

Walk, jog, or cycle the 13-mile-long Red Jacket Trail. A converted rail line, the Red Jacket Trail in Blue Earth County offers you impressive nature views, including possible wildlife sightings, such as deer and bald eagle. With trees along the sides of the paved trail, the scenery is beautiful any time of the year, but especially so during fall when leaves change colors to red, orange, and brown. You can enjoy the fresh air as you travel the woods, across open space, and over a bridge 80 feet above the Le Sueur River. Plan a picnic lunch at Red Jacket Trail Park, a day-use park featuring a picnic shelter, nature viewing area, and canoe launch to Le Sueur River.

6. Chankaska Creek Ranch Winery

You may not think Minnesota when it comes to wine, but the state has been home to vineyards since 1977. In fact, the University of Minnesota created the Frontenac grape to help find grapes that can succeed in a cooler environment with a shorter growing season. Chankaska Creek Ranch Winery opened in 2008 with 13 acres of vines to create its wine. Located on 25 acres in Le Sueur County, the winery’s tasting room offers beautiful views of the Minnesota River Valley as you sample a variety of red and white wines as well as dessert and specialty flavors. In 2014, Chankaska expanded to include spirits, such as apple brandy, whiskey, gin, vodka, and rum. Reservations are required, and the winery doesn’t allow outside food or other drinks.

7. Shopping

With several shopping options, you’re sure to find outstanding local outlets that help tell the city of Mankato’s story. Vagabond Village features vintage clothing and home decor and is just one of the unique markets you’ll find at Mankato’s city center. From clothing to home decor, Bella Nova Boutique is open Thursday–Saturday. Pick up your Minnesota-themed shorts, caps, and mugs as well as some of the latest clothing trends at Gallery 512 Boutique.

Dining In Mankato

A city of Mankato favorite for more than 50 years, Pagliai’s Pizza is hands down a must for great pizza in ’Kato. Making its own sauce, Pagliai’s also piles on the cheese on top of a ton of ingredients to ensure you experience quite possibly the best pizza of your life. While you can order the usual suspects on your pizza, the true pizza connoisseur will take on one of their specialty pies, such as the southwestern pizza. Made with chicken or steak, the pizza also includes barbecue sauce, bacon, and green pepper — all loaded with cheddar and mozzarella cheese.

Pagliai’s also offers cold and hot po’boys, with meats such as ham and salami, buffalo chicken, barbecue chicken or steak, and Philly-style steak. For American fare with a twist, head to Number 4, a gastropub where you can try nachos that include a cilantro habanero pesto cream sauce, or the classic burger with Number 4’s in-house seasonings, standard toppings, and butter lettuce rather than iceberg lettuce. The term “subtle” describes the menu. It may be home to some of the best pizza outside of Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Where To Stay In Mankato

While national chain hotels are available, you can enjoy a true city of Mankato experience by staying at local hotels, such as the City Center Hotel. Centrally located downtown, the contemporary hotel features rooms with poolside views or suites with king-size beds. The hotel also offers a complimentary deluxe continental breakfast. Located about 20 minutes north of the city of Mankato, a stay at the Konsbruck Hotel in St. Peter comes with a trip through history. Situated in a building dating back to the 1890s, the Konsbruck offers old-world charm with its five rooms. If you prefer the comfort of a bed and breakfast, the Mankato and North Mankato area have several properties available through Airbnb.

Related Reading:

• 9 Best Things To Do In Quaint New Ulm, Minnesota
• How To Spend A Perfect Long Weekend In Grand Marais, Minnesota
• 8 Fabulous Reasons Winter Is A Perfect Time To Visit The Brainerd, Minnesota Area

I moved to the Pacific Northwest about 10 years ago and I am still discovering gorgeous gardens here. From rhododendrons in the spring to dahlias and lavender in the summer, there is a variety of blooms to delight the senses. Visitors will find Japanese influences in many gardens in the area. Larger public gardens often have smaller Japanese gardens. Famed landscape architects Thomas Church, Richard Haag, Fujitaro Kubota, and the Olmsted Brothers influenced the design or consulted on many of these gardens.

1. Lakewold Gardens

Lakewood, Washington

In an area once roamed by the Nisqually Indians, the Lakes District became an area where the wealthy from nearby Tacoma had their summer homes. The lovely Lakewold Gardens was once a country retreat and the last owner Eulalie Wagner donated her estate to become a nonprofit public garden. At the time she said, “As we become more and more city creatures, living in manmade surroundings, perhaps gardens will become even more precious to us, letting us remember that we began in the garden.”

Rhododendrons and Japanese Maples are the main plants in the garden providing color in the spring and fall. Washington State Big Tree Program lists 1,000 trees from 800 species that are the largest in the state. Lakewold Gardens has eight of these massive trees.

Pro Tip: Make sure to visit the shop at Lakewold Gardens, which is in the original 1918 carriage house. Shoppers will find a variety of items from local artists and businesses.

2. The Bloedel Reserve

Bainbridge Island, Washington

The Bloedel Reserve is an incredible 150-acre property developed by Prentice and Virginia Bloedel. This land is the sacred ancestral territory of the Suquamish People. The Bloedels were passionate custodians, and their gardens enhance the Northwest forest on the site. There are a variety of different garden types on site, but my favorite is the Japanese Garden and the Japanese Guest House. The Sand and Stone Garden is simple but there is something so peaceful about it. Mr. Fujirtaro Kubota created the garden and it has twice been named one of the top ten Japanese gardens in the United States by the Journal of Japanese Gardening.

One thing that makes the Bloedel Reserve unique is its focus on wellness and the healing power of nature. One of the programs offered is Strolls for Well-Being, which promotes connection with nature with a series of 12 self-guided walks. Each participant receives a guidebook with instructions. There are 12 distinct self-guided walks during the program with themes such as gratitude, joy, and awareness. The program is very popular.

3. Kubota Garden

Seattle, Washington

The Kubota Garden is peaceful and well away from the hustle and bustle of Seattle. The moment visitors walk through the gate onto the 20-acre garden, a sense of peace envelops them. This began as the display garden for Fujitaro Kubota, a famed Pacific Northwest master landscaper. He blended North American plants and materials with Japanese design techniques. The garden is just stunning and a true reflection of Kubota’s skills. The rolling terrain and rock out-cropping contain 11 ponds and two red bridges that are interspersed with 140 maple and 30 hydrangea varieties. The peaceful trickle of streams and the gentle roar of the small waterfalls just beckon peaceful contemplations.

Pro Tip: Tours of the garden are self-guided but Kubota Garden Public Tours are available on the fourth Saturday of the month at 10 a.m. The tours are 2 hours long and visitors will walk 1.5 miles. Learn about the garden’s history, plants, and development of the site.

4. Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden

Federal Way, Washington

The Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden is in a Pacific Northwest Forest. Nestled among the Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar, and Hemlock trees visitors will enjoy the largest collection of Rhododendron species in the world. In addition, the famous Himalayan Blue Poppies and many other rare plants bloom throughout the year. The garden is so natural looking it is like hiking a forest trail unlike any you have ever been to. The Victorian Stumpery is the largest stumpery in the world. This magical fairyland is filled with over 140 stumps and logs and spills over with ferns. Its purpose is to provide a habitat for ferns and shade-loving plants while also using the unique features of the wood to create a pleasing arrangement.

Pro Tip: Located next to the Rhody garden is the Pacific Bonsai Museum. Look for the exceptionally large Bonsai. With the Japanese Internment during World War II, this tree’s owner was interned and a family friend took care of the tree but had no bonsai skills. So during wartime, the tree grew until it was eventually reunited with its owner.

5. Skagit County Tulip Festival

Skagit County, Washington

The Skagit County Tulip Festival takes place each year in April. Daffodils precede the tulips and only bloom once a year. Peak season varies every year based on Mother Nature. Print off a copy of the festival map and take the driving tour throughout the county to see all the sites. Tulip fields vary each year so make sure you have this year’s map. The tulips paint a wave of color across the Skagit Valley. Take time to explore the area including the charming small towns such as La Conner. Shop for bulbs for your garden or lots of tulip-themed souvenirs.

Pro Tip: Sign up for the new Passport Program in partnership with the Skagit Tourism Bureau. Explore the Skagit Valley and earn points for prizes. Discover the tulip farms, try local activities, and enjoy lots of delicious places to eat.

6. Yakima Area Arboretum

Yakima, Washington

Spring is a great time to visit the Yakima Area Arboretum. Set on 46 acres of land alongside Interstate 82, the arboretum grounds have 30 acres of grass lawn landscaped with a variety of natural and import trees and plants in display gardens and collections. From March through May, highlights include flowering trees such as the Magnolia, Red-Osier Dogwood, Contorted Filbert, and lots of flowering bulbs, one of the first signs of spring. A highlight for me is the Joyful Garden, which is a Japanese-inspired garden. On warm days it is a peaceful shady refuge from the heat.

7. The Oregon Garden

Silverton, Oregon

Unlike the above gardens that tend to have a more natural look to them, the Oregon Garden has 20 stylized specialty gardens that highlight the botanical beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Spread out over 80 acres with more than 4 miles of ADA paths and surprisingly pet friendly. Highlights include the Bosque Garden. It has four brick reflecting ponds and 40 planter boxes with Pacific Sunset Maples. The Silverton Garden Market showcases many of the 147 crops grown in the Willamette Valley and Oregon. The Wetlands is an environmental marvel where Silverton’s wastewater is used to create a vibrant wetland. Water is terraced through a series of ponds with plants before entering a holding tank that is then used to irrigate the garden.

Pro Tip: Stay at the Oregon Garden Resort for easy access when visiting the resort. The Garden View Restaurant has large picture windows overlooking the Oregon Garden. Also book a tour of The Gordon House, Oregon’s only Frank Lloyd Wright home. The tours are small and provide a unique insight into this famous architect’s work. The home is adjacent to the Oregon Gardens sharing the same entrance.

8. Portland Japanese Garden

Portland, Oregon

The Portland Japanese Garden is the most strenuous of the gardens on this list. It is amid Washington Park, which is incredibly popular, so parking can be a challenge with a long walk before you reach the Japanese garden. A visit begins with a hike up a hill through the Entry Garden, which is a series of cascading pools with a landscaped walk up a terraced stone pathway through a lush forest. I found it challenging but doable.

The gorgeous scenery sure helped as I took quite a few photo breaks. For those with mobility issues, there is a free shuttle that will take you to the Cultural Village. This is a space to learn more about Japanese art and culture. There are a total of eight garden spaces and each one represents a unique aspect of Japanese garden history and design. This is such a tranquil and peaceful place even with all the people who visit.

9. Deepwood Museum And Gardens

Salem, Oregon

The Deepwood Museum and Gardens are located near downtown Salem. The property features a five-acre public park that has gorgeous formal gardens, many of which were designed by Lord & Schryver Landscape Design, the Northwest’s first female-owned landscape architecture firm. Their style is evident throughout the grounds. Also on site are the original carriage house, a greenhouse, and nature trails. The Deepwood historic home is open for tours and visitors must make a reservation online.

10. Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm

Woodburn, Oregon

The Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm is home to one of the most popular spring events in Oregon, the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival. There are 40 acres of tulips for an incredible swath of color and 200 acres of outdoor space. Tickets must be purchased online to minimize the crowds. Multiple food venues are available and a well-stocked gift shop with a variety of tulip-themed items including cut flowers and potted bulbs. There is also a craft fair and a wooden shoemaker.

Pro Tip: The best way to view the tulips is with wine. Book a Farm Wine Tour. Enjoy a one-hour farm tour around the property and enjoy an estate wine tasting with pairings. It even comes with a wine traveler mug.

There is something so fascinating about grand palaces found all around the world. There is the history, glamor, size, glorious décor, and complete over-the-top designs of superb architecture set in usually equally splendid gardens. And then there is the thought that whichever palace we are currently admiring, was or sometimes still is, a family home.

Wherever there is a great palace, it tends to be that city’s main attraction, and draws countless international visitors, and trying to think of my options for this list, I was spoilt for choice. In Europe and Asia at least, nearly every large city has a palace, sometimes more than one. Wherever there is a royal family still in place, there is a plethora of royal residences, one often more magnificent than the next.

It is difficult to choose one magnificent palace over another, so here, I basically went through my previous vacations and trips and selected those that at least made me gasp in admiration, each for different reasons, and trying to limit myself to one per country selected. Here are some truly magnificent palaces, personal favorites in no particular order, which are worth putting on your itinerary. 

1. Forbidden City

Beijing, China

The Forbidden City in Beijing is not just a palace, but an entire palatial neighborhood. Covering some 7.75 million square feet, this “palace” was home to 24 Chinese emperors between the 15^th and early 20^th centuries. The largest imperial palace in the world, it is a mind-blowing step back into history, where you can spend days wandering around but will never see it all.

From dragons to tortoises, the décor is magnificent, and the intricacies of who lived where and their history even more so. When you look at any of the other palaces mentioned below, none are remotely similar to this one, built for one single emperor and his court.

Pro Tip: For your first visit, go with a tour guide to learn more about the history and significance of the palace, then come back on your own to just stroll and look more closely at leisure.

2. Château De Versailles

Versailles, France

It is practically impossible to narrow it down to one magnificent palace in France. While many visitors might opt for Chambord, I have chosen the most famous of them all, the Palace of Versailles but not necessarily for its main building, but for its extras. Yes, the main palace is wonderful, but, in my mind, even the famous Hall of Mirrors is overshadowed by the upper room in the Palais Garnier in Paris.

But what makes this palace wonderful for me is the addition of things such as the King’s Vegetable Garden outside of the main wall but connected by a gate. It’s the vast boating lake next to the forest which harks back to the château’s past as a hunting lodge. It is the private theater, Marie Antoinette’s rural hamlet, and the Grand as well as Petit Trianons. And that garden. Not necessarily the showy main path that spreads between the palace and the lake, but the intimate small side gardens, each one of which is different.

Pro Tip: I nearly chose Chantilly as my favorite French château. Not only is the château beautiful, as are its gardens, but I am forever enchanted with its magnificent library, and would very much like it in my house.

3. Topkapi Palace

Istanbul, Turkiye

Istanbul is one of my favorite cities in the world, it is not just full of wonderful sights to see, but I also love the watery setting. The juxtaposition of the old and new(er) city, and the various bodies of water just doesn’t get any better. Now imagine you could choose a perfect spot where to live and to look out across the water and the city, while still having plenty of privacy. Bingo: The Topkapi Palace.

I first came across the palace in the 1964 film Topkapi with Peter Ustinov, and later again in books such as Elif Shafak’s The Architect’s Apprentice. But there is nothing better than visiting yourself and meandering through the grounds and the different buildings while looking at the treasures and simply sitting on a bench or the wall overlooking the meeting point of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. You can see, but barely hear, the bustle and noise of the city below. A perfect spot for imagining this being your home. Minus the intrigue, maybe.

Pro Tip: Want more palaces? Hop on a ferry and head to the more European-looking Dolmabahce Palace, and stay in another just steps away, now turned into a luxury hotel.

4. Hawa Mahal

Jaipur, India

Looking up at the pink façade of Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Breeze, in Jaipur, Rajasthan — the name alone is so magical! — and hearing that it was essentially the porch of the much larger City Palace built for Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh behind it, is stunning. This intricate and delicately decorated façade was the women’s section of the palace, allowing the women living in the palace to sit in the windows of the enclosed small balconies, watching the world go by below, without being seen themselves.

So, really, listing this part as a palace is somewhat incorrect, as it was only part of the palace. Behind it, in the vast grounds, is a fascinating area filled with astronomical devices, other smaller palaces, many now museums, and ornate gardens.

Pro Tip: For a luxury stay, or simply lunch, head to Rambagh Palace a couple of miles south, once the home of the Maharaja of Jaipur. When I visited I spotted the former, and now late, maharani on the grounds.

5. Schloss Neuschwanstein

Schwangau, Germany

When you think Disney, you think of a certain turreted castle, and Schloss Neuschwanstein was Disney’s inspiration. Perched on a mountaintop looking out over the Alps, lakes, and forests, this delicate building is truly a fairy-tale castle, with its slender yet sturdy towers and pointy rooftops. It was built as a retreat for King Ludwig II of Bavaria, who reportedly emptied his kingdom’s coffers repeatedly to build pretty castles.

With this one he did very well, and he lived inside the castle in a make-believe world. Sadly, he was soon declared insane and reportedly committed suicide — even though that is still disputed — before even seeing the final version of this, his most magnificent castle.

Pro Tip: With King Ludwig II’s hobby being building castles, there is another one right next door: Hohenschwangau. Steps away as the crow flies, or the swan in this case, but on a neighboring mountaintop.

6. Reggia De Caserta

Caserta, Italy

This palace is an interesting one, as few people have ever heard of the Reggia de Caserta palace, nor of its former occupants: The Kings of Naples. Constructed in the mid-1700s by the House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies in the style of Versailles and Schönbrunn in Vienna, this is not only a pretty palace but also reportedly the largest royal residence in the world by volume. Its 1,200 rooms spread over five floors include a library, theater, and a chapel, not unlike Versailles. 

The tiered English Garden is one of the finest, oldest, and loveliest of its kind, and the grounds include a forest, a nearly 2-mile-long stretch of fountain — from the end of which you see the palace looming on the horizon and various outbuildings — and even a silk factory.

Pro Tip: Despite lying only 20 miles north of Naples, you can also get there on day trips from Rome.

7. Windsor Castle

Windsor, England

My last choice was a difficult one. I wanted to include the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, but decided against Russia. I wanted to include Schönbrunn in Vienna, but already mentioned it above, and thought about Potala Palace in Tibet and Pena Palace in Portugal. In the end, I opted for Windsor Castle, which is not really a palace, but a grand royal residence. Why did I choose it over the others? Because it is just so impressive, so imposing, and so much nicer than the official royal residence, Buckingham Palace.

So, there you have it. Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and has been the home of the kings and queens of Great Britain for some 1,000 years. It sits in the lovely suburb of Windsor, in a gorgeously huge garden and forest, and simply is a must-see when in London.

Fun Fact: My family history has it that I visited the castle when I was a toddler on vacation from Germany and decided I wanted to sit on the throne. So, I did… briefly, until my parents were severely reprimanded about letting me loose. Shame this was before the advent of cell phones; otherwise, I’d have proof to show you.

Let’s start this lineup of some of Europe’s nest archaeological sites with a look at what defines an archaeological site. One definition is simply, according to Science Direct: “Archaeological sites are locations where former human activity is manifested.”

So, basically any historic building or ruin could be classed as an archaeological site — and there are many of those in Europe. So here, I will steadfastly ignore many the amazing historical sites we have in Europe, from Rome and Pompeii, Italy to Athens, from Bath to the many Roman sites dotted around France. Instead, I will compile an interesting selection of sites of which a couple may be well known, but others will inspire you to search them out and learn more. From absolutely ancient prehistoric sights to slightly newer ones, there is something here for everyone.

1. Uffington White Horse Hill

Uffington, England

One of the most amazing sites in the area is the prehistoric chalk horse, one of England’s many gigantic chalk outlines, but the oldest of the lot. This abstract outline of a horse, 360 feet long and 130 feet wide, was carved out of the hillside, the trenches filled with white chalk rocks, contrasting nicely with the green grass. It dates to around 1,000 B.C. — ancient, yet very modern looking. The best view of the horse you’ll get from the Ridgeway Path, an 87-mile-long walking path along what is reportedly the oldest road in the world, passing by Uffington.

Pro Tip: Start with this one when coming from London, and on your way to Salisbury to see the henges, take in a few more chalk outlines within the county of Wiltshire. This must have been a favorite pastime, with plenty of horses and other outlines dotted throughout the countryside.

2. Lascaux Cave

Dordogne, France

The Lascaux Cave was found in 1940 by boys whose dog was interested in a “foxhole.” Upon examining the hole more closely, they found so much more: likely the most monumental discovery ever. Dating back to somewhere between 17,000 and 15,000 B.C., there are paintings on the cave’s wall that look as fresh as if they were painted yesterday. Showcasing sets of animals that were around at the time, such as horses, deer, bison, and many others, including some cats, the drawings are clearly done with skill, sophistication, and material that lasted through tens of millennia. While there exists a drone video of the original cave, the cave itself is far too precious and fragile to allow visitors in. Instead, you can see very good replicas in the visitor center by the original site.

Pro Tip: The Dordogne is riddled with troglodyte caves and dwellings hewn into the mountains, some natural, others enhanced. Base yourself at the charming Hotel Le Lascaux and explore the region from there.

3. Ggantija Temples

Gozo, Malta

Malta is a popular seaside destination. After all, you can’t beat an island in the Mediterranean. Add the capital city Valletta, and you’ll be forgiven to miss this gem on the neighboring island of Gozo. But in the calm and green landscape of the Xagħra plateau, there lie two 5,500-odd-year-old structures, the Ġgantija Temples. Snuggled into a hillside with a large stone wall surrounding them, the temples are not unlike a modern semi-detached house. There are two entrances, two separate rooms, and a shared wall between the two that seems to have once been painted.

The temples were reportedly used for sacrificial and ceremonial fertility rituals, and many small statues and figurines are displayed in the visitor center. It’s not the most exciting or significant archaeological site in Europe, but one most people pass by. A visit to Gozo is worthwhile when you find yourself in Malta, and this just adds that little something extra.

Pro Tip: The easiest way to see more of Gozo, including the temples, is either by renting a car in Valletta or nearby St Paul’s Bay or going on a day trip from Valletta. You’ll even get to go on a ferry between the two islands.

4. Maeshowe

Orkney Islands, Scotland

Off the northernmost tip of Scotland lie the Orkney Islands, and despite their remoteness, some several thousands of years ago, these islands were a hive of Neolithic activity. Listed as a UNESCO Site of Outstanding Universal Value, the islands hold many archaeological sites that are worth seeing including stone circles, old settlements, and burial grounds, all dating between the Neolithic period and the Bronze Age.

But I love the Maeshowe Chambered Cairn, a man-made memorial, reportedly one of the finest examples of a Neolithic building in Europe. You enter the mound that rises from a flat field through a door not unlike those of the pyramids in Giza, a small passageway lined with large stones so low that you have to duck. Then you enter the chambers, neatly done, and an astounding 5,000 years old. Move over, pyramids.

Pro Tip: Between the end of November and roughly mid-January, the setting sun aligns with the central chamber of the cairn, making it a rather special and unique experience. Book in advance to be able to see it.

5. Newgrange, Knowth, And Dowth

Meath, Ireland

In the county of Meath, just northwest of Dublin, lie three sites that already stood for 3,000 years before the pyramids were built. Accessible only from the Brú na Bóinne Visitors Centre and by guided tour are Newgrange and Knowth, two enormous Stone Age mounds that are older than Stonehenge and are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. The circular mounds with narrow passages into the central chambers are not unlike Maeshowe (see above), just on a larger scale. There is a third mound, Dowth, but you cannot enter this one.

Newgrange is undoubtedly the most interesting of the three. Similar to Maeshowe, there is a spectacle to be seen during the winter solstice. Between December 19 and 23 in Newgrange, the sunlight enters the passageway through a small opening at dawn and lights up the interior chamber.

Pro Tip: Only 2 years ago, a drone flight discovered a henge, or stone circle, in Newgrange. Archaeologists are in process of uncovering this.

6. Sutton Hoo

Woodbridge, England

If you saw the film The Dig (2021), then you will understand some of the background of this important archaeological find. If you haven’t seen it, do it now. It’s on Netflix, and even apart from the historic input, it is a good film.

Basically, in Sutton Hoo, in the east of England, two medieval burial sites were unearthed in the late 1930s, uncovering an enormous ship, some 89 feet long, which was the burial vessel for what is believed to have been a king, though the identity of the owner of this impressive grave is still unknown. It was filled with wonderful trinkets, ranging from a now famous full face and embellished helmet, jewelry, gold buckles, embroidered cloth, vessels, and other treasures.

But no body! It all dates back to the 6^th or 7^th century and was found, as so many archaeological treasures, by chance in someone’s field. Luckily, the owner was interested in literally digging deeper, and the rest is not only history, but also film history.

Pro Tip: While there is the dig site, a visitor center, and an exhibition at Sutton Hoo, most of the treasures were donated to the British Museum in London, so, for a well-rounded overview, you will need to visit both sites. But it is worth it.

7. Stonehenge And Avebury

Salisbury, England

You cannot possibly mention European archaeology and not include the neighboring, very different, and absolutely fascinating Neolithic stones of Stonehenge and Avebury. Stonehenge, for one, is so famous that I really very much wanted to dislike it, hoping the hype was exaggerated. But, alas, it is not.

Arriving at the monument first thing in the morning, without any crowds, and seeing the winter sunrise on the horizon, I was spellbound, and I recommend visiting to anybody. Not that I am one for frolicking around the stones at summer solstice, but I felt something. Probably the presence of very old history.

Next door is Avebury and its stones strewn around a field; it’s much less organized but no less fascinating. Not to forget Woodhenge, also nearby, making for three for the price of one, and very much worth searching out even if you are a cynic.

Pro Tip: Base yourself in lovely Salisbury, with its ancient cathedral holding a copy of the Magna Carta dating to 1215.

Spring is a gorgeous time to experience Washington, D.C., a city bursting with color.

Signs of spring in Washington, D.C., are usually marked by specific events, namely the day the nearly 1,700 cherry trees bloom around the Tidal Basin. The season is eagerly anticipated but hard to pinpoint due to weather inconsistencies. Wondrous blossoms are also observed from gardens all over Washington, D.C., especially on the National Mall, where there are 10 Smithsonian Gardens open to the public and free to explore. Each one has unique characteristics that make them worth a visit when in our nation’s capital.

The following list begins at The National Museum of African American History and Culture. It continues north up the National Mall (on both sides) toward the Capitol Building. This is only a suggested route; you can tour the gardens in any order and visit as many as you like. Each one is open daily, but check the Smithsonian website for any change in status or holiday closures.

1. National Museum Of African American History And Culture Landscape

In keeping with the green grass and sweeping, open vista of the National Mall, the designers of the National Museum of African American History and Culture Landscape wanted to embrace those views by incorporating meandering paths around the unique structure of the NMAAHC building. In the beds around the trails are plantings, including trees native to the Southeast and perennials in various blue, purple, and white hues. Most noteworthy is the lawn planted with over 450,000 purple crocuses that are breathtaking when in bloom, symbolizing hope and new beginnings.

Pro Tip: Visit the Sheltering Branches, an outdoor exhibit showcasing the live oak, an evergreen native to the Southeast. It is a habitat for living organisms and an enduring symbol for African Americans, representing safety, strength, and resilience.

2. Common Ground: Our American Garden

At the National Museum of American History, you will discover how plants play an essential role in America’s story. In Common Ground: Our American Garden, you will find a fascinating experience at the south entrance of the museum facing the National Mall. The raised beds feature flowers, herbs, and various plants to honor memory, healing, discovery, and ingenuity. In the Memory garden, the plants that natives and newcomers shared for food are presented as part of our collective heritage.

In the Healing garden, we learn how plants have been passed down throughout our collective history to craft medicines. We learn that many cultures brought plants to our shores in the Discovery garden, and botanists are still finding new species today. The Ingenuity garden focuses on plants applied in unusual ways to solve 21st-century problems. The beds include golden sedge, columbine, and sweet woodruff. There are also 500 Mexican feather grasses and more than 1,500 flowering perennials, such as Echinacea, bee balm, catmint, blanket flower, and butterfly weed.

3. Victory Garden

Just around the east side of the National Museum of American History is the Victory Garden, similar to those grown during World War II. The “heirloom” vegetables and flowers in the rotating beds come from species available during the 1940s. This carefully researched experience was implemented to reflect what would have been planted in window boxes and community gardens at the time.

Victory gardens were planted to support the food supply for civilians and troops during the war. It was a massive effort that involved the government, private industry, seed companies, schools, and the public, who learned how to plant and grow vegetables during the war.

Pro Tip: Visit the outdoor exhibit, We Need You! It showcases native wildflowers that attract pollinators to help us grow food. If you plan to grow vegetables in your own garden, learn which native wildflowers to plant in your beds.

4. Pollinator Garden

The Pollinator Garden can be found along the east side of the National Museum of Natural History. Its purpose is to educate us about how much we need pollinators to grow our plants. Insects such as butterflies and bees, as well as hummingbirds and small mammals, help our flowers and food grow. Flowering plants rely on pollinators for fertilization.

Once a butterfly habitat garden, the Pollinator Garden re-opened in 2016 with funds from the Garden Club of America. These funds allowed the garden to triple in size to showcase the diversity of pollinators. All of the plants, grasses, and trees are primarily native to attract these critical partners.

Pro Tip: Visit Bug BandB, an exhibit that combines larger-than-life sculptures to explain the vital role insects play in our ecosystem. The structures are made out of natural materials and are gorgeous as well as educational.

5. Enid A. Haupt Garden

Across the Mall between the Smithsonian Castle and Independence Avenue, the Enid A. Haupt Garden is three gardens that span four acres. The Parterre, the Moongate Garden, and the Fountain Garden combine to reflect the surrounding museums’ culture and architecture. The gardens are actually roofs of the National Museum of African Art, the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, and the S. Dillon Ripley Center.

The Parterre is a manicured, formal garden that changes shape every few years and is inspired by the Victorian era. The Moongate Garden, designed by Jean-Paul Carlhian, is inspired by the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, China. Its design uses water and pink granite to take visitors to a relaxing place. The Fountain Garden, also designed by Carlhian, is modeled after the Court of Lions at Alhambra, a 13th-century Moorish palace and fortress in Granada, Spain.

Pro Tip: Visit the Key to the Forest outdoor exhibit, which highlights tropical plants and feels like a world away.

6. Kathrine Dulin Folger Rose Garden

The Kathrine Dulin Folger Rose Garden offers a vibrant display in front of the Smithsonian’s Arts and Industries Building. It is a four-season garden that focuses on roses but includes other plantings that support relationships between pollinators and people. The garden was a gift from the Lee and Juliet Folger Fund and underwent renovations in 2016 to feature disease-resistant roses (all own-root) and companion plants.

7. Mary Livingston Ripley Garden

The Mary Livingston Ripley Garden is only one-third of an acre. Still, its quiet beauty has become a respite for many in the city. Architect Hugh Newell Jacobsen’s vision incorporated a curvilinear design with raised beds to feel informal and intimate. Mrs. S. Dillon Ripley proposed putting a fragrant garden on the Arts and Industries Building’s eastern border instead of a parking lot, and it was adopted. Today, people, plants, and pollinators mingle in perfect harmony, enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

Pro Tip: Visit the outdoor exhibit, Homes, to discover how you can create a habitat in your own garden. You will get fantastic gardening ideas for your own beds here too.

8. Hirshhorn Museum And Sculpture Garden

The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is actually two gardens. One is the landscape surrounding the Hirshhorn Museum; one is the backdrop for a rotating collection of modern art housed outdoors across Jefferson Drive. The sunken open-air gallery, cut into the National Mall, utilizes plants to provide a “lush backdrop” and divides Joseph H. Hirshhorn’s world-renowned collection of sculptures into “rooms.” This garden creates a peaceful place to contemplate the work 14 feet below the surface of the Mall. It is a beautiful place to visit in any season.

Pro Tip: One of the sculptures is actually a living tree. Yoko Ono’s Wish Tree for Washington, DC, a kousa dogwood, can be found along the sunken garden’s northern wall. Every summer, visitors may write wishes on tags and hang them from the tree. These tags are collected and sent to Ono’s Peace Tower in Reykjavik, Iceland, to join millions of other wishes from around the world to become part of Ono’s global peace project.

9. National Air And Space Museum Landscape

The Landscape at the National Air and Space Museum is incredibly diverse. It includes over 2.5 acres of trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals. As of this writing, the west side is open, but the east side will be closed for a couple of years. The Northside is right off the National Mall. It features the Flight Garden, an exhibit with various plants and flowers that attract pollinators. The garden also has descriptive panels that explain how birds, insects, and seeds have inspired flight.

Pro Tip: There are so many mature trees at this museum with lush shade gardens underneath them. These include varieties of hostas, hellebores, ferns, and hydrangeas. It may give you shade gardening inspiration.

10. Native Landscape At The National Museum Of The American Indian

The Native Landscape at the National Museum of the American Indian is an extension of the experience inside the building, meant to recall the time before European contact. The grounds include four distinct themes, including Woodlands, Wetlands, Eastern Meadow, and Traditional Croplands. These landscapes are set against the curved pathways that wind around the building and its gentle water features. The experience feels meditative.

More than 33,000 plants (150 species) native to the Piedmont Region were planted over 15 years ago. Now mature, they attract migratory birds and wildlife. The plantings demonstrate how Native Americans used each specimen for food, fiber, dye, medicines, ceremonies, and building materials.

Know Before You Go

The National Mall is flat, but it could take several hours and miles to complete the full tour with stops at each garden. If you stay for several days, you might want to break the itinerary up to visit a few each day. You could also visit the gardens that appeal to you. There are public restrooms and food trucks parked by the Washington Monument for breaks and refreshments.

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail, which covers a portion of western Kentucky, is not just for people who want to taste bourbon. Scattered through this bluegrass country are rolling hills with magnificent horse ranches, fabulous food, and music.

However, for people who appreciate bourbon, here’s an opportunity to expand your knowledge of the kinds of bourbon and even talk to the people who make their livelihood creating this spirit, which is growing in popularity. 

I was invited to the area by Chilled Magazine, so some of the information I provide below was learned from attending a conference in Louisville, Kentucky. 

2. Sip And Swish Like An Expert

Smiling, for who knew there was a way prescribed by bourbon experts? Okay, I have a lot yet to learn about bourbon. There wasn’t a day that went by that I did not learn more about the world of bourbon.

There you have it! The formula to help you make it look like you know what you are doing as you transverse this beautiful trail.

Pro Tip: Bourbon tastings range in price from $5 to $20. You must have a valid ID. Samples are 1.7 ounces.

3. Appreciate The Trail’s History

The history of bourbon-making goes back to the late 1700s. Thirsty travelers navigating the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers made stops here for this enticing beverage created by the locals. This county was Bourbon. Thus, the name, Bourbon, was given to this intoxicating beverage.

Seeing a need over 150 years ago, Stoneware & Co. started making stoneware vessels from local clay. Thus, visitors were able to fill the pots with bourbon for their journey. As the boats traversed the Mississippi and Ohio, people were introduced to bourbon, which varied according to the maker.

With ideal conditions and the market there, more and more people started making their own bourbon. Distilleries proliferated and sent their bourbon brand off to other places in the world.

Member distilleries of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association realized they had a unique visitor attraction if they banded together to promote the area. It would be good for all the distilleries, restaurants, and bed and breakfasts scattered throughout the area. Thus, the Bourbon Trail was established in 1999.

Pro Tip: I recommend you make a reservation and take a tour of Stoneware & Co.

4. Take The Trail Slow

Naïvely, before I went to Kentucky, I assumed that one could cover the Bourbon Trail in a couple of days. Then I learned it is 70 miles long and travels through the towns of Bardstown, Frankfort, Lebanon, Lexington, Owensboro, and Louisville. With 42 distillery stops with an average visit of 90 minutes, you see that navigating the trail in a couple of days is not doable.

Besides, after my experience of a couple of bourbon tastings, taking a tour of the distilleries, talking with locals, and browsing in their individual gift shops, the day is over before you know it.

The ideal way to explore is to plan to take a week. Enjoy the beautiful countryside, stop when you feel like it, and try wonderful Southern cuisine at the restaurants dotted along the trail.

5. Start At Frazier History Museum

If you are flying or driving into Louisville, I suggest you find your way to The Frazier History Museum, an affiliate of the Smithsonian. Located in the center of Louisville, this museum tells the story of Kentucky’s history and, thus, the bourbon industry for which it has become so famous.

Not only do you get a rich historic perspective, but you will also see before you in one room the breath of the kind of bourbon and whiskey that is now trademarked by various distilleries. I stood there in amazement as I viewed the hundreds of different types of bourbon and whiskey in bottles lit from behind.

This exhibit quickly brings into perspective that not only is this a serious industry — Kentucky has taken full advantage of its natural resources, a plentiful water supply, and limestone.

At the entrance to the museum, on the wall, is a giant map. Thankfully, the desk clerk is happy to hand you a pocketbook-sized map at the desk that will serve as your official guide to follow the trail.

6. Tour One Of The Oldest Kentucky Bourbon Trail Distilleries

Four Roses Distillery

At the Four Roses Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, you can witness the entire process of making bourbon. With its beginnings starting in 1888, it still only has 10 distinct bourbon recipes. These recipes are constantly rebalanced to create Four Roses, Small Batch.

The tour takes you into the single-story warehouse, where you can peer into vats where the base mixture is fermenting. A vat may have bubbles acting like they are vying for attention, and another one contains bubbles lazily spending their time surfacing — it depends on what stage of the process the mixture is at the time.

A large portion of Kentucky is on a bed of limestone. When it rains, the water filters through the limestone and adds nutrients like calcium and magnesium, both of which help activate yeast during the fermentation process. Plus, the limestone removes the iron from the water, considered an impurity that gives liquor a bad taste.

One of the fun aspects of this tour is that you can dip your finger into the vat and taste the fermenting liquid. From experience, I can tell you the mixture tastes different from each one of the vats — definitely a yeast taste at this step.

After the tour, you head up to their brand-new building, where the tastings are held. Here, you enter a large room, and one of the staff shares historical information about the distillery and its process for producing small batches and explains the attributes of the samples set before you in small glasses.

With all this new knowledge, you will find spending time in their expansive gift shop is truly a delight. Filled with recipe books and glasses of various sizes, bartending tools, and of course, you can purchase bourbon.

Pro Tip: Reservations are required for the tours and tastings. See the websites of the various distilleries for current prices and times.

7. Visit During Off-Season

With approximately 2.5 million people coming to Kentucky for tastings, you can imagine the narrow winding country roads can get a bit crowded. Locals recommend that November through March is a time when you can avoid the crowds. I went in December and found that the master distillers were not rushed for time, so they enjoyed sharing the specifics of their processes.

Here’s an interesting statistic: 95 percent of the world’s bourbon, approximately 9 million barrels, is aging at any one time. Thus, you can be sure that no matter what time of year you go, there will be things to see and experience.

I’ve covered probably 20 miles of the Bourbon Trail. Is it enough to quench my curiosity about the trail? No, it is not. If you have been to wineries, you know they are all different and have their own story to tell. The same is true of the distilleries. Remember you are also driving through bluegrass country, which is also known for its beautiful scenery, and we cannot forget its music.

If this area is not on your bucket list, I suggest you seriously consider adding it. It is not going away. However, I expect it will get even more crowded as people look for ways to get out in nature. Plus, you know old fashioneds are making a big comeback, and this aficionado was pleased to learn more about the spirit that is finding its way into more craft cocktails.

Update: As I was finishing this article, one more distillery, Whiskey Thief Distilling Co., has been added to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, which now consists of 43 distilleries.

Does the sound of roaring thunder zooming mercilessly along steep banks rocket your adrenaline to the stratosphere? Do you prefer the smell of burning rubber to sizzling bacon? Congratulations, gearhead! You’re amongst millions of die-hard NASCAR race fans who share that insatiable lust for speed.

There’s nothing that compares to feeling the thunder of a DAYTONA 500 race live from the stands, sharing the enthusiasm with over 100,000 zealous fans at NASCAR’s most prestigious event. The noise, and the smell — yes, the smell — of speed are only fully appreciated from the seats at stock car racing’s spiritual home.

NASCAR was born here in Daytona Beach, at a rooftop bar just a few blocks from the sandy beach where racers first assembled. Nowadays, world-class Daytona International Speedway, heralded as “the prettiest speedway in the world,” attracts millions of car-racing enthusiasts — including presidents, celebrities, and racing fans just like you!

Ready to make your heart-stopping dreams a reality? Read on, and let’s head to the races!

I was kindly hosted by the Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, but all opinions are my own.

Experience Daytona International Speedway 

Let’s go straight for the gusto. This is where it all happens: the speed, the noise…the passion. Here, speed is king, and noise is a welcome by-product. The louder, the better. Adrenaline surges as drivers whiz past the rumbling aluminum stands at speeds of over 200 mph. It’s an exhilarating, thrilling experience, even for those who aren’t fans yet.

All roads in town lead to Daytona International Speedway. In fact, it’s on International Speedway Boulevard (the same road as Daytona Beach International Airport) — so it’s impossible to miss. The stadium’s 101,500 seats rise triumphantly skyward, guiding fans toward its 2.5-mile landmark track. 

Speedway Tours

If you’re not able to make it to one of the Speedway’s big events, consider the next best thing: a guided, 90-minute, behind-the-scenes tour of racing’s mecca.

The tram tour rambles down Pit Road, circling Lake Lloyd (where famous drivers are often seen casting a fishing line!) as you soar along the track’s infield at a whopping speed of 15 mph. During stops, guests climb the 31-degree high bank at Turn 3 — high enough to allow cars to reach incredibly high speeds without — hopefully! — flipping over. (Sadly, this bend claimed the life of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt.)

Accessibility: The stadium is very ADA-accessible, with 40 escalators, 17 elevators, and plenty of wheelchair-accessible seats and bathroom facilities, but these banks may seem like Everest even for those without mobility challenges!

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to bring a Sharpie, since visitors are encouraged to scribble their John Hancocks on the Start/Finish line. Some cheeky messages read, “Slow down!” and “You’re going too fast!” (Sorry to burst your bubble, but the line’s repainted every day!)

Participants also venture through NASCAR garages and ascend the spectator stands while learning about the history of the Speedway — from its $2.5 million inception in 1957 to its mind-blowing, $400 million makeover in 2016.

The highlight of the tour is undeniably the opportunity to walk Victory Lane — where each winner celebrates his victory. For fans, it’s a surreal experience following in the footsteps of racing legends.

Tour Upgrade Options

VIP Tours: 2.5-hour VIP Tours (in comfortable buses) are available. These include a visit to the NASCAR Archives and Research Center and Houston Lawing Press Box. Offered Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1 p.m.; advance booking is recommended.

Race Car Ride-Along: For the ultimate thrill-seeking Daytona experience, don’t miss the chance to book a race car ride-along, or, better yet, race around the track yourself until the checkered flag drops!

Visit Daytona International Speedway’s tour page and NASCARracingexperience.com for pricing and booking information.

Pro Tip: Don’t dodge the ticket counter photo booth! All tour tickets include four free digital photos of your experience (although they try to upsell). Sure, they’re photoshopped using a somewhat tacky green-screen background, but it’s a fun memory regardless! 

How To Get DAYTONA 500 Tickets

If you’re anxious to join the 2 million pumped-up fans who converge here for the DAYTONA 500 each February, you had best plan early. Tickets routinely sell out a month in advance, hotels even sooner. The best way to secure tickets is by calling 1-800-PITSHOP or going to the official DAYTONA 500 event page.

The 300 or 400 levels provide better views of the track than lower levels. If it’s last minute and the race is sold out, try secondary sellers like SeatGeek. 

Pro Tip: Upgrade your experience by purchasing Fan Zone passes. These pre-race passes admit you to the Fan Zone area in the infield as well as the pre-race concert.

Other Daytona International Speedway Races

If you’re too late or too broke to score tickets for the big race, or if huge crowds dissuade you, consider other popular races hosted at Daytona. The Bluegreen Vacations Duel 150 qualifying races are held the Thursday before the 500. You’ll get two 150-mile races, featuring every 500 entrant, racing under the lights of Daytona. Night races in August are also very popular and far less congested. The Rolex 24 in January is another consummate fan favorite!

The Motorsports Hall Of Fame Of America

All Speedway tours include admission to the on-site Hall of Fame, home to every form of racing vehicle — stock cars, sports cars, trucks, motorcycles, powerboats, and planes! The building’s packed with tons of racing memorabilia and cup-winning cars — including Richard Petty’s 1972 NASCAR champion STP Charger. You’ll also get an up-close look at the reigning DAYTONA 500 Champion Car — in the same condition it left the track! With photo-ops galore, and plenty of knowledgeable volunteers, you’ll easily spend a couple of hours here!

Pro Tip: Don’t miss the commemorative statues of NASCAR founder, Bill France Sr., his wife and son, and race champ Dale Earnhardt, outside the building or the Champion’s Walk of Fame — featuring handprints, footprints, and cement autographs of past 500 winners. There’s also a wooden bench commemorating racing icon Richard Petty’s, 80^th birthday.

Off The Track: NASCAR Experiences Around Daytona

Streamline Hotel

Want to see — or even stay — where it all began? Then race over to the Streamline Hotel (roughly 10 minutes east). It was at the rooftop bar of this stylish Art Deco boutique hotel, a hangout of celebrities, race car drivers, and gangsters, that Bill France Sr. inked papers creating NASCAR.

The rooftop’s captivating 360-degree view of Daytona Beach stretches from the shores of the Atlantic, where the earliest races were held, to the towering stands of the city’s modern Speedway. Newspaper clippings and black-and-white framed photos cover the walls of the hotel’s NASCAR-themed lobby and rooftop bar, commemorating its historical significance. Ask to see their “Al Capone” safe door for another fun surprise!

Pro Tip: Many NASCAR-related meetings and events are still held here, so keep a sharp eye for visiting drivers and dignitaries! Bar opening hours vary, so call ahead.

Where To Eat

Racing’s North Turn

Long before cars raced around paved oval tracks of the Speedway, tires spun along Daytona’s sandy beach. From 1936 to 1958, cars thrilled and spilled along a 4.1-mile beach road course. They’d exit the beach, turning onto a stretch of the A1A at Ponce Inlet — the current site of Racing’s North Turn, a beachfront restaurant and bar popular with the racing crowd — and for good reason. Besides offering great food with an even better view, the NASCAR-themed décor and wall coverings pay tribute to the location’s unique history. Don’t miss it!

Brickyard Lounge

Be sure to hit up Brickyard Lounge, a classic American-style diner operated by Renny, a racing enthusiast who styled his digs to celebrate his passion. This hidden gem whips up the best sandwiches and burgers in town. It’s a pit stop you shouldn’t miss!

Pro Tip: Order their ribeye steak sandwich or regret it forever!

4 Rivers Smokehouse

Order the Burnt Ends (chopped brisket and pork) with three country sides and choice of bread at 4 Rivers Smokehouse, across from the Speedway, and eat like a champion. This family-owned barbecue emporium is committed to helping communities through the 4R Foundation and its 4Roots sustainable food initiatives. It’s a win-win!

Ormond Garage

Ormond Garage, a racing-themed craft brewery and eatery, pays tribute to the legendary building of the same name, that, in the days of yesteryear, housed race cars and their drivers and mechanics. Sadly, the original building burned down in 1976; there’s a historical marker at its former site on East Granada Boulevard, where a SunTrust bank now stands.

The Ormond Beach community, just north of Daytona Beach, is known as the “birthplace of speed” and was a gathering point for auto inventors and drivers in the early 1900s.

Pro Tip: When you visit the brewery, be sure to check out the cool mural out back!

Rose Villa Southern Table

Finally, for a truly nostalgic dining experience, head to Rose Villa Southern Table. This cranberry-and-apple-green building, originally home to a circa 1901 hotel (complete with Victorian wallpaper), invokes the charm of a bygone era.

Pro Tips: Order their Bourbon BBQ Pork Chop with goat cheese grits and thank me later. Don’t miss their vintage Bourbon Bar on the second floor, either!

Where To Stay

If you don’t opt for a room at the Streamline, these other Daytona Beach options deserve your consideration.

THE DAYTONA

THE DAYTONA (Autograph Collection), a 144-room luxury hotel, sits conveniently across from the Speedway at ONE DAYTONA (a shopping and dining complex). Racing-themed murals, race cars, and vintage gasoline pumps adorn their lobby as well as the adjacent Blue Flame lounge.

Max Beach Resort

Save some money without sacrificing luxury by driving 10 minutes to Max Beach Resort, a brand-new hotel, originally designed as condos, at Daytona Beach Shores. Large suites offer full kitchens and spectacular views. Enjoy oceanfront dining, too!

Is there any more gorgeous a flower than the riotously colorful tulip? We adore these cheery harbingers of spring, and it turns out there’s a charming, picturesque city in Michigan that loves them just as much — if not more — than the rest of us. So much so that it hosts an 8-day bash devoted to these beautiful blooms each year, and it might just be the perfect destination for your next weekend getaway.

Holland, Michigan, located on the state’s western shore near Lake Michigan, is a 3-hour drive from Detroit and has a long and rich Dutch heritage. It’s also crazy for the flower that first became popular in Holland, a region and former province of the Netherlands. Since 1929, the Michigan town has played host to Tulip Time, a festival that features millions of blooming bulbs, art, entertainment, food, and lots of Dutch-themed fun.

Here are the best things to do during this terrific event.

1. Enjoy The Magnificent Blooms

You just can’t escape the festival’s lovely namesakes — nor would you want to! They are everywhere, a delightful riot of color spread throughout town. Holland’s parks and recreation Department plants a whopping 5 million bulbs across town every autumn. Sourced directly from the Netherlands, these beauties are typically in their full, glorious bloom the first week of May, when Tulip Time is held. Everywhere you turn, you’ll see festive splashes of red, pink, orange, yellow, and even purple, and there are perfect photo opportunities around every corner. Take in the floral splendor in parks and public spaces and along the roadsides — or tulip lanes — everywhere in town.

Tulip Time also features flower-specific activities and events for festivalgoers, including several walking tours, plus organized photo walks through the most scenic floral stretches of town. Also, back by popular demand, visitors can also take part in a special tulip immersion garden, featuring 50,000 tightly packed and perfectly planted blooms, with expert explanation and commentary from an internationally-lauded horticulturist. Talk about the perfect Instagram moment… be prepared to be dazzled!

New in 2023, you can even name a tulip bed after your family or a loved one. Talk about the perfect Mother’s Day tribute!

Even if you’re prone to allergies, you’ll have a great time: It turns out that tulips are some of the most hypoallergenic blooms out there.

2. Tulip Time Run

Want to flower-power your way through a unique and unforgettable workout? Then consider the Tulip Time Run to kick off your Holland visit. The event — which is held the first day of the festival and features both a 5k and a 10k — welcomes all paces, and you can’t beat the gorgeous views.

The race kicks off and also ends at Holland’s Kollen Park, right on the lovely shores of Lake Macatawa. You’ll run right through the tulip-lined streets of Holland, there’s terrific runner support, and we’ll challenge you to find a prettier spring race! Hint: it’s not going to happen!

3. Floral Arrangement Courses

Creating dazzling floral bouquets is an art, and if you’re inspired by Holland’s tulips to try it out, you’re in luck! Tulip Time is offering several hands-on floral arrangement sessions during the festival. In this hour-long course, you’ll learn the basics from award-winning floral designers, and even create your own masterpiece to take home. Tickets include your lesson and all the supplies you’ll need to build our own beautiful, one-of-a-kind creation.

4. Art Exhibits

Celebrating the arts has long been central to the Tulip Time Festival.

The Art in Bloem Fine Art Showcase focuses on pieces created by local artists. Here you’ll find the top 20 finalists in the Tulip Time artwork competition, and you can even participate in the Viewers’ Choice Awards by voting for your favorite image at the exhibit!

The Tulip Time Quilt Show is also a fan favorite, with the difficult and increasingly rare art form taking center stage. More than 100 hand-stitched quilts are on display, in a variety of styles, colors, and designs. Visitors can also buy raffle tickets for the chance to win a very special quilt: one created specifically to celebrate Tulip Time!

If you want to try your own hand at creating tulip-centered visual art, be sure to check out the Tulip Time Photo Walks. There, you’ll get tips and tricks from professional photographers about how to get the perfect image of these iconic flowers, and even have the chance to submit your photo to be considered for Tulip Time social media posts during the festival.

5. Windmill Island Gardens

The Only Authentic Dutch Windmill Still Operating In The U.S.

To experience Holland’s tulips in a truly Dutch setting, walk the 20 minutes from downtown to Windmill Island Gardens. The focal point of this beautiful spot is DeZwaan, the only authentic Dutch windmill operating in the United States. When we say operating, we really mean it: The mill grinds wheat flour and cornmeal that you can purchase on-site.

Climb to the fourth-floor deck for a gorgeous view of the grounds and gardens, which are perfect for strolling when the 100,000 tulips scattered across the three lush fields are in full bloom. As you can imagine, the gardens are bustling during Tulip Time, and for good reason. Tickets cost $12.

6. Tulip Time Parades

Volksparade

You’ll want to make time for at least one of the parades that take place during Tulip Time. The Volksparade is a traditional Dutch march that encourages crowd participation. First, the mayor dons ceremonial white gloves to inspect the cleanliness of the route. If the streets need scrubbing (and they most likely will!), you’ll see folks in traditional Dutch costumes bring out buckets and brooms for the spring cleaning needed for the parade to step off. After that, you’ll be treated to dozens of bands, community floats, and other entertainment. There’s also a Dutch dance performance just prior to the parade kick-off. 

Kinderparade

The Kinderparade — or children’s parade — is a sweet Tulip Time tradition for Holland’s youngest residents. Elementary school children will line up with their teachers and school administrators in full costume and march together through downtown Holland. Each school and grade will have its own theme that celebrates Dutch heritage.

Be sure to head downtown early to claim a spot for whatever parade you choose to view.

7. Traditional Dutch Dancing

Dutch dancing returns in a big way during the 2023 Tulip Time festivities. Costumed performers will show off traditional Dutch dance steps at Centennial Park in the middle of town. Expect lots of clomping in those clogs! There are also performances featuring far younger dancers as children from 3rd through 8th grade will also show off their talents. There are dance demonstrations each day during Tulip Time; be sure not to miss them!

Eating In Holland

During the Tulip Time Festival, Dutch cuisine takes center stage.

DeBoer Bakery is locally owned, and the people who live in Holland know that its two locations are the best places to go for pastries sweet and savory, including buttery krakelingen filled with almond paste and saucijzenbroodjes, or Dutch pigs in a blanket. Russ’, another locally owned favorite, features Tulip Time’s favorite Dutch pea soup.

Of course, you can enjoy Dutch cheese, beer, and sausage from vendors in and around downtown. And if you feel like mashing up your Dutch and Italian food faves, head to Hops at 84 East. Located downtown, this spot bakes up wood-fired pizzas with crusts made by DeBoer Bakery from flour milled at the local windmill. It’s truly full-circle cuisine!

Shopping In Holland

The shopping scene in Holland during Tulip Time tends to focus on all things floral, with artwork, textiles, and other home goods emblazoned with the bright spring blooms the festival celebrates. You’ll find tulip-themed gifts in nearly every downtown Holland boutique. You can also take home some tulip bulbs to plant in your own yard or garden once fall comes around.

You’ll find special Tulip Time souvenirs and much more, at the Artisan Market on the grounds of Beechwood Church. More than 150 juried artisans will offer their wares for sale at the market. If you work up an appetite while shopping, no worries, as food trucks will also be on site. And as an extra bonus: Dutch dancing demonstrations will take place during the duration of the market!

Where To Stay In Holland

There are three downtown hotels in Holland, which tend to book up fairly quickly for Tulip Time: the newly revamped Haworth Hotel on the campus of Hope College, a Courtyard by Marriott property conveniently located along the main parade route, and the modern, chic CityFlatsHotel.

If you can’t snag a room downtown, don’t worry: There are 2,000 additional hotel rooms within 3 to 4 miles of downtown, with accommodations to fit every budget. Homesharing sites like Airbnb and Vrbo are other options to consider, especially if you’re traveling with a larger group.

What To Know Before You Go

There’s no getting around the fact that there will be crowds at Tulip Time, especially on the weekends. Saturdays tend to be the busiest. Be sure to pack your patience, and just focus on having a terrific time! 

Also, this should go without saying, but we’ll go ahead and mention it: Although it might be quite tempting to do so, do not pick or cut any of the tulips on display in Holland unless you have express permission. It’s the only way to keep the blooms beautiful for everyone who visits during this special event.

Related Reading:

• How To Spend A Beautiful Weekend In Charming Holland, Michigan
• The 8 Best Tulip Festivals In The U.S.
• How To Visit Washington’s Skagit Valley Tulip Fields
• 7 Gorgeous Gardens To Visit In Michigan

Twelve miles from Charleston, South Carolina, approximately 30 minutes by car, sits the largest live oak tree east of the Mississippi River. Angel Oak, located on Johns Island, is also known locally as “The Tree.” This historical site is considered a Low Country treasure. An estimated 40,000 visitors arrive each year to wander under its impressive branches and contemplate life in their shade.

It is reported to be anywhere from 300 to 500 years old, but many consider the tree to be ancient, claiming it’s 1,500 years old. This must-see tree continues to be popular because of its age, beauty, and the legends surrounding it. The weather is hot and humid during the summer in the Charleston area, so visit in the spring or fall to truly enjoy the majesty of Angel Oak. Here are seven things to know before you go.

1. It Is A Southern Live Oak

Angel Oak is a Southern live oak, or Quercus virginiana. Live oaks are evergreen, which means they remain green and alive throughout the winter. They do drop some leaves in the spring but tend to replace them quickly. They offer lovely shade. Native to the Lowcountry, the area along the South Carolina coast, they can live for hundreds of years, and most grow out wide rather than up. It is believed that this type of tree does not usually grow tall, but Angel Oak is so mature that it grows both up and out. Angel Oak’s branches reach in all directions; some even dive underground and then grow up again. The wood is so hard that the USS Constitution, which was built of Southern live oak, earned the nickname “Old Ironsides” because cannonballs bounced off its sides.

2. Angel Oak’s Namesake

The tree got its name from plantation owner Justus Angel. It was initially on the property of Abraham Waight, recorded in 1717 as part of a land grant. Mr. Waight held a lot of land and several plantations in the area. He was incredibly wealthy. Angel Oak was on the property for four generations of Waights but was transferred to Justus Angel, Martha Waight’s future husband, as a part of Martha’s wedding settlement.

3. Admission Is Free

Angel Oak Park is owned by the City of Charleston, and there is no charge to visit, but donations are accepted to help preserve it for future generations. There is a parking lot outside the fence and just a short walk into the park to see this natural beauty. It is open seven days a week (except for holidays).

A gift shop is located on the property and picnic tables are available around the park’s perimeter. The gift shop provides more information about Angel Oak and merchandise, including the gorgeous sweetgrass baskets handmade by local artisans. You are not permitted to take photos in the shop, but you are welcome to take pictures of the tree with hand-held cameras. Tripods are prohibited. Bring a picnic and sit at one of the tables. Visitors aren’t permitted to put blankets under the branches or have any food or drinks near the tree. Leashed pets are allowed in the picnic area.

Permits are required for weddings and photoshoots and are provided by the City of Charleston Parks and Recreation Department.

Pro Tip: The ground may be uneven around the trunk, so watch your step, look up, and marvel at her size and strength.

4. Angel Oak’s Impressive Size

Angel Oak has been growing for at least three centuries and has had a lot of time to mature. The tree is 65 feet tall and the trunk has a circumference of 25.5 feet. Dripping in Spanish moss, the canopy offers over 17,000 square feet of shade. The most extended branch reaches 187 feet from tip to end. There are supports under some of the most massive branches or wires attached to the tree to help keep the giant limbs from breaking. Typically, live oak branches will grow underground and then come back up and grow outward. Some of Angel Oak’s branches do this as well. This feature makes the tree look almost otherworldly.

5. It Has Survived Many Storms

Angel Oak has seen its share of storms, floods, and even earthquakes, and it has remained standing. The only hurricane to cause the tree damage in recent history was Hurricane Hugo. Hugo was devastating to South Carolina as it made landfall as a category 4 storm near Sullivan’s Island on September 22, 1989. The wind speeds were clocked at 140 miles per hour, and the storm surge pushed up the rivers, especially the nearby Ashley River, which is 12 miles away. The water flooded the lowlands. The damage caused by the storm exceeded $7 billion to property and agriculture. While many local trees were snapped in half or blown down by the winds, Angel Oak did not topple over.

Despite Hugo’s severity, the damage to Angel Oak was not severe, and the tree continues to thrive and grow. The most recent threat to the tree was a housing development planned in 2012. Luckily, a group called Save the Angel Oak and the Coastal Conservation League argued that the groundwater would be compromised if apartments were built near the site. In 2013, the Lowcountry Land Trust preserved 17 acres around the tree, which protected it from future development.

6. A Symbol Of Strength In Books And Television

Angel Oak was featured in a novel by author Emily Nelson entitled The Heart of a Child. It was also used as a backdrop for an Allstate Insurance television commercial during Hurricane Florence’s aftermath in 2018. The advertisement begins with a panoramic shot around the tree’s entire span. The voiceover speaks to the resilience of South Carolina residents, likening their strength to that of the Angel Oak.

7. The Tree Is Rumored To Be Haunted

It is no secret that there are ghostly stories that surround the tree. For her book Ghosts and Legends of Charleston, South Carolina, Denise Roffe interviewed an old African American woman, a descendant of slaves who once labored on the land near Angel Oak. She recounted a legend that the tree was home to giant vultures who feasted on the bodies of slaves who were hung from the branches. She said that the tree has a curse on it due to the violence that occurred there, and that slaves felt that the tree was a bad omen. She also claimed that Native Americans met underneath the tree and made it a sacred burial ground and believed it was the spirits of Native Americans that protected the tree and kept it alive and safe.

In recent years, reports of glowing lights and faces have been reported. In 2008, a couple was married under the tree and returned a few months later during a full moon to have a romantic moment where they were married. They reported seeing glowing human forms gathered around the trunk and some up in the branches.

Another couple visited the tree one evening. The husband tried to carve a heart into the bark as a symbol of their love but stopped when he heard noises nearby. The wife was feeling uneasy, and she asked him to put his blade away. She claims she saw a fiery face appear in the branches. She said she saw another anguished face in the surrounding trees. As they ran back to the road, they looked back to see a group of lighted souls gathered around the trunk.

Whether you believe the lore or not, one can’t visit the incredible Angel Oak without feeling something stir deep in their soul. I always feel a sense of peace there. I have been to see Angel Oak many times and it still overwhelms me. The sheer age and size of this natural specimen make it feel like you are visiting a sacred spot where all the earliest days’ knowledge is housed inside the trunk and limbs. I have never seen it during the evening, as the park closes at 5 p.m. Visitors are not permitted to congregate in the park after closing time, and signs remind people not to deface the tree.

Everyone plans on visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art when visiting New York City or The Art Institute when vacationing in Chicago, but some amazing art awaits in museums that may be off the radar. Whenever I travel around the United States, I spend some time exploring the local art museum and am frequently awed by the quality of the art and design of the buildings.

I often find myself entranced by an exhibit or two and surprised by the breadth of the collections. Many of these museums are the product of art lovers who yearned to share their passion with all. The following are collections that I have visited in the past year and I am sure I will find more in my future travels. 

1. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Boston, Massachusetts

Although the exterior of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is grand, it did not prepare me for the Venetian paradise within. After walking through the corridor, a lush, intimate courtyard drew me into the elegance and artistry of the place. On the ground floor, brick arches atop stone columns provide a view from the portico that surrounds the yard. On the second and third floors, tall arched windows open to stone railings to further enjoyment of the courtyard.

As I moved through the rooms, I was a bit overwhelmed by the opulence of the furnishings of the palace. No detail was overlooked. The artworks included not only paintings, sculptures, and furniture, but extended to the flooring, ceiling tiles, fireplaces, and wall dressings. Each room is named for the type of art and furnishings that compose it. 

As Raphael is my favorite painter, I was naturally drawn to the Raphael Room. The art and decor did not disappoint. The bright red damask wallpaper reflected the sunlight streaming in through the windows. The artwork reflected Raphael’s neoclassical style and included the first of his paintings brought to the United States. Isabella Stewart Gardner purchased the portrait of Tommaso Inghirami in 1898 and created a room around it.

Mrs. Gardner inherited a fortune from her father and used it to travel extensively and collect artwork and rare books. She planned a museum to showcase her treasures and was personally involved in the design. She gathered architectural fragments to include in the building. When the construction was complete in 1901, she moved into the fourth floor to direct the arrangement of the first three floors. At her death in 1924, she left an endowment to preserve the museum intact as she left it.

Pro Tip: You must buy tickets in advance for a timed entry. Thursday evenings, the museum stays open until 9 p.m.

2. Carnegie Museum Of Art

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

While visiting Pittsburgh for a conference, I snuck out to explore the Carnegie Museum of Art. I wandered into the Hall of Sculpture not expecting to find a devastating photo exhibit. Each frame of the Hiroshima Collection portrayed a personal item along with a description of the owner and where they were during the nuclear explosion. I couldn’t look away and was reminded of the ruin of the Genbaku Dome that I saw in Hiroshima.

The Hall of Architecture was filled with dozens of plaster casts of well-known monuments and statues. The museum has the largest collection of architectural casts in the United States. I enjoyed counting how many of the original masterpieces that I had seen on trips to Europe, such as the Winged Victory and the sculptures from the pediment of the Parthenon.

As I roamed the rest of the galleries, I found room after room of intriguing art. An exhibit of revolutionary journals used sound and visual projections to demonstrate the fight against colonialism, slavery, and genocide. The contemporary galleries included paintings and digital prints as well as a glass and aluminum sculpture that divided the room and a grouping of lava lamps, iron pots, and digital clocks. A room of impressionists included Water Lilies by Monet and Young Girl in Pink by one of my favorite artists, Renoir.

At the end of my journey, I moved around room-filling artworks that offered many perspectives. In Ruins of Two Cities: Mosul and Aleppo, 2019-2021, Iraqi artist Dia al-Azzawi portrayed the destruction of these cities. In Oyonik (The Calling), Edgar Calel has arranged 75 ceramic vessels filled with water, petals, and branches.

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, but is closed on Tuesdays.

3. The Ackland Art Museum

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

On the lovely campus of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a lightly adorned brick building contains a collection of over 20,000 pieces of art. William Hayes Ackland wished to create a place for Southerners to experience fine art and searched for a university to host it. The Ackland Art Museum opened in 1958, long after his death. However, it established his legacy.

Although the space is small compared to most museums, I was impressed by the art inside. The Asian Art collection featured gorgeous China ceramics and Japanese woodblock prints. A range of American and European art spanned the time from medieval to contemporary. African statues, masks, and jewelry boasted intricate details. The second floor contained works that students use as inspiration for their classes.

My favorite gallery was Peace, Power, & Prestige: Metal Arts in Africa, which illuminated the complex works of sub-Saharan Africa. These objects bound communities and improved ties with neighbors. The jewelry and ceremonial pieces demonstrated the strong yet malleable mystical power in people and their divine inspirations.

The museum is open Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

Pro Tip: Down the street you can refresh at a hip café and bookstore called Epilogue.

4. Legion Of Honor

San Francisco, California

The goal of my day was a hike on the Lands End Trail to view the Golden Gate Bridge. I assumed the Legion of Honor was a memorial that I would stroll past but was very pleasantly surprised by the amazing art collection inside. Marble Roman and Greek sculptures quickly drew me in. A range of European art from medieval times through the 19th century included an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures. A sculpture of Venus by Renoir rests near Monet’s paintings of water lilies and the grand canal of Venice. Rodin sculptures filled three rooms and The Thinker welcomed me in the entrance courtyard.

A special fashion exhibit accented many of the galleries with stunning ensembles. Guo Pei combined the traditional culture and craft of China with European fashion and art to create elaborate dresses, shoes, and headwear. Staging these pieces within French rooms loaded with accompanying furniture and in the art galleries filled with paintings highlighted their cultural significance.

Visit the Legion of Honor Tuesday through Sunday, 9:30 a.m to 5:15 p.m.

5. Blackhawk Museum

Danville, California

As I approached the Blackhawk Museum, a charging bull elephant statue appeared to dwarf the museum. I had read that the museum’s main appeal was its collection of unique classic cars and, not being much interested in cars, figured it would not be that enjoyable of a visit. I was blown away, however, by the elegance and charm of the cars shining in the light reflected off the black, polished floor. An array of over 40 vehicles spread out across the room, from the 1910 Stanley Steamer that didn’t look much different than a horse buggy with wheels to the 2017 Lamborghini that resembled a rocket ship.

Upon entering the Art of Africa gallery, I became engrossed in a ten-foot-tall piece of ebony intricately carved with dozens of Tanzanian species. Vietram Vicent Dila spent 33 years carving this piece that depicted the interdependence of animals. Farther into the space, drums and stringed instruments in various amusing and interesting shapes showed the importance of music in the culture of Sub-Saharan Africa. A display of masks sporting different expressions and adornments further revealed the spiritual practices and amazing artistry of African people.

The spectacular details of the works in Into China began with “Fortune Comes From Blooming Flowers” made of yak bones and rosewood. It was difficult to imagine how the artist could carve such a delicate, detailed piece. My awe increased as I surveyed Dreamland, a wall-length depiction of a fable, made out of fossilized wood. The exhibit continued with the golden Dragon Throne, a line of terracotta soldiers, and a room filled with a complete set of bronze chimes.

Blackhawk Museum is open Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m to 5 p.m.

6. Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum Of The West

Scottsdale, Arizona

When I first visited Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, I expected to learn about the history of the American West and see cowboy artifacts. The A. P. Hays Spirit of the West Collection certainly delivered that with 1,400 items, including saddles, spur, rifles, and facades of an old west town. The other galleries, however, feature paintings, drawings, sculptures, and pottery worthy of any art museum.

I lost track of time in the Canvas of Clay exhibit poring over the descriptions of the Hopi pottery that had been collected by Allan and Judith Cooke during their travels. The innovative geometric designs of Nampeyo of Hano led to the stunning colors and patterns in the works of her descendants.

In a gallery featuring Paul Calle’s portraits of history and stamps he designed, I enjoyed perusing his works depicting mountain men and Native Americans. The exhibit displays his drawings alongside the finished paintings in an interesting look into an artist’s process.

Western Spirit is closed on Wednesdays and the hours vary on the other days. Check the website for tickets.

Pro Tip: Through April 2023, a special show encompasses the life-long pursuit of Edward Curtis to capture the culture and history of the North American Indian. Over 30 years, Edward Curtis visited more than 100 tribes from Alaska to New Mexico and California to North Dakota. His portraits capture the spirit of his subjects and his other photographs reveal their living conditions and spiritual lives. 

The size of an art museum certainly doesn’t predict the quality of the artwork or the enjoyment of exploring the space. Many amazing museums await across the United States filled with paintings, sculptures, fashion, and furnishings from around the world. The next time you travel, check out which art museums are nearby to inspire and entertain you.

Tulips are some of the brightest, most beautiful harbingers of spring. When they start to bud — and then bloom — you know that warmer temperatures are right around the corner. Back in the 1600s, these flowers were so prized that in Holland, a single bulb could fetch the equivalent of thousands of dollars.

Today, tulips are celebrated across the country at festivals dedicated entirely to them. Usually held in cities or towns with a distinct Dutch heritage, these festivals are the perfect way to celebrate the end of winter.

Here are a few of our favorite tulip festivals across the United States — and the reasons why you should check them out.

1. Tulip Time

Holland, Michigan

It doesn’t get more Dutch than Holland, Michigan. The city, about a 3-hour drive from Detroit, is located on Lake Michigan and hosts one of the nation’s largest and best-known tulip festivals each year. Tulip Time is an 8-day celebration that features parades, traditional Dutch dance demonstrations, art installations, concerts, and five million blooming tulips planted by the Parks and Recreation Department across the city. New this year: You can even name a blooming bed for your family or loved one. Talk about the perfect floral gift!

Where To Stay

To be in the center of the action, consider staying downtown at one of several hotels there.

What To Eat

Nosh on Dutch favorites like buttery krakelingen, treats filled with almond paste, and saucijzenbroodjes, or Dutch pigs in a blanket. Locally-owned DeBoer Bakery has both.

Pro Tip: Weekends are typically the most crowded times. If you plan to visit then, be sure to book your accommodations far in advance. For more information and tips, see this piece.

2. Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

Mount Vernon, Washington

The fields near Mount Vernon, Washington — about 50 miles north of Seattle — have always been packed with tulips; the Dutch have planted bulbs in the area for more than 100 years. In 1984, after thousands began flocking to the town during bloom season, Mount Vernon leaders decided to add a series of events to the month, and the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival was born. It’s since grown to include art shows, concerts, farm tours, a fun run, bike rides, and the Downtown Mount Vernon Street Fair. Many events that require tickets will be available online; check out the festival brochure here. 

Where To Stay

For a charming bed and breakfast stay just a few minutes from the tulip fields, consider the Nantucket Inn in Anacortes, Washington. You’ll love the waterfront view from the front porch.

What To Eat

Make plans to visit Kiwanis Salmon BBQ in Mount Vernon for locally caught salmon and terrific sides. It’s open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. almost every day of the festival. The event is held at the Hillcrest Park Lodge; outdoor seating and to-go orders are available. It’s a delicious way to help support the local chapter of this charity group, which sponsors children’s programs locally and globally.

Pro Tip: The weather along Washington’s coast during the month of April can be rainy and windy. Make sure you pack a waterproof layer!

3. Wooden Shoe Tulip Fest

Woodburn, Oregon

Sometimes, growers host huge parties to celebrate their blooms, and that’s the case in Woodburn, Oregon, about halfway between Portland and Salem. Since 1983, the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm has raised and sold bulbs of all varieties. In 1985, the farm opened its fields on Easter weekend, and the Wooden Shoe Tulip Fest was born.

These days, the farm plants more than 40 acres of tulips and welcomes guests from the end of March until the first week of May. During the week, they sell cut flowers and bulbs. On the weekends, there’s plenty of family fun on the farm grounds, including shuttles to the flower fields, a children’s play area, and wooden shoe-making demonstrations.

Tickets must be purchased online.

Where To Stay

The Wooden Shoe Tulip Fest makes a terrific road trip from Portland; one of our favorite spots to stay there is the historic and funky Hi-Lo Hotel.

What To Eat

If available, try the fresh berry jam, jelly, or pie. Marionberries are the most famous — they are a cross between two native blackberries, and they were created in Oregon.

Pro Tip: Plan to stop in at the wine-tasting room to sample some of the farm’s vintages.

4. Tulip Time Festival

Pella, Iowa

The tiny town of Pella, Iowa, is about 40 miles from Des Moines; it was founded by immigrants from the Netherlands. Pella’s Tulip Time Festival began in 1935 as a small party to celebrate the town’s Dutch heritage. Since then, it’s become an entire long weekend featuring parades, performances, museum tours, a craft market, concerts, auto and tractor shows, and of course, several large tulip displays with hundreds of thousands of blooms in a whole host of colors.

Most events are free; tickets for others can be purchased on-site.

Where To Stay

While Pella has several charming bed and breakfasts, the Amsterdam Hotel is well worth your consideration with its luxe rooms and complimentary breakfast.

What To Eat

Street vendors sell traditional Dutch foods during the event, including delicious stroopwafels, or wafer-thin waffle cookies with caramel-molasses filling.

Pro Tip: Most of Pella’s Tulip Time sights are within walking distance, but paid golf cart rides are also available at the festival.

5. Holland Ridge Farms U-Pick Tulips

Cream Ridge, New Jersey

One of the youngest tulip festivals on this list is Holland Ridge Farms’ U-Pick Tulips Season in Cream Ridge, New Jersey, located between New York City and Philadelphia. In 2017, the Jansen family planted a million tulip bulbs on their farm in preparation for a festival to celebrate the flower. Thousands came out to enjoy the colors and, for a small price, pick some flowers to bring home. The festival has since become a popular place for families to take photos and have down-home farm fun. It’s also recently expanded its plantings — visitors may clip all the blooms they’d like for just $1 a stem. 

Where To Stay

There are a number of hotel chains and other accommodation options in nearby Hamilton, New Jersey.

What To Eat

The farm features a bakery barn for sweet treats; there are also food trucks on-site. While guests can bring their own picnics during the week, food and drink must be purchased on-site on the weekends. 

Pro Tip: Be sure to grab a bucket and clippers so you can snip your perfect bouquet.

6. Tulip Festival At Thanksgiving Point

Lehi, Utah

Thanksgiving Point is a nonprofit learning and recreation center that seeks to connect visitors of all ages with the natural world. And when it’s springtime, it’s Tulip Festival time at the destination, located just a short drive south of Salt Lake City. The park’s Ashton Gardens are awash with color from April through early May, with more than a quarter of a million bulbs blooming. Attractions include concerts, a children’s play area, and plenty of fresh-cut tulips to purchase and take home.

Where To Stay

If you don’t want to make the trek back to Salt Lake after tiptoeing through the tulips, there’s a SpringHill Suites by Marriott property conveniently located near Thanksgiving Point.

What To Eat

Try the pork osso bucco or prime rib at Thanksgiving Point’s Harvest Restaurant. Don’t just take it from us; here’s more on Thanksgiving Point’s dining options from the town itself.

Pro Tip: When you buy your ticket, keep in mind that you can also reserve a preferred time slot for your entry.

7. Albany Tulip Festival

Albany, New York

On Mother’s Day weekend, New York’s capital city of Albany comes alive with spring blooms, including more than 150 different varieties of tulips. For more than 70 years, the city has celebrated its Dutch roots at the Albany Tulip Festival that’s held at Washington Park. The fun includes fine arts exhibits, tulip tours, live music, and a street-scrubbing parade featuring participants in authentic Dutch costumes. More than 100 artisans sell their crafts in the park as well.

The best part? Admission to the event is free. The 2023 Albany Tulip Festival is scheduled for Mother’s Day weekend; the perfect opportunity to treat Mom!

Where To Stay

The Washington Park Inn is a turreted Victorian mansion located right in the park. Its five guest rooms are well-appointed and charming, but this spot books quickly for the Tulip Festival! This gorgeous spot is also pet-friendly!

What To Eat

You can’t go wrong with Dutch street food, but if you’re in the mood for something different, El Loco Mexican Cafe on Washington Park’s southeastern corner is convenient and delicious.

Pro Tip: When you’ve taken in your share of tulips, walk over to Center Square, a charming neighborhood chock-full of historic brownstones and boutiques.

8. Festival Of Spring

Nokesville, Virginia

Just 40 miles southwest of Washington D.C., you’ll find the small town of Nokesville, Virginia. It’s become a must-stop for the spring, thanks to Burnside Farms, a family-owned farm featuring more than 200 varieties of tulips at its Festival of Spring. More than two million bulbs are planted here each season! You can pick your own blooms, enjoy a picnic on the farm’s grounds, and take part in a whole host of activities, including wagon rides to the fields, cornhole games, and even wooden shoes so you can try out your Dutch dance moves! Tickets for all the fun are available online.

Where To Stay

You’ll find a whole host of lodging options in nearby Manassas; however, if you want to keep things cozy, check out the Inn at Evergreen, a stately inn dating back to the Civil War era. It’s located in Haymarket, about 16 miles north of Burnside Farms.

Where To Eat

For a quick bite (and brew!), head to Cedar Run Brewery at Evergreen Acres. It’s also located at a farm, and on the weekends, there’s a food truck parked to serve patrons. 

Pro Tip: Burnside Farms doesn’t put an exact date on its Spring Festival because, as they say on their website, “Mother Nature is in charge.” Check back with them in early spring for more information!

Related Reading:

• How To Visit Washington’s Skagit Valley Tulip Fields
• 7 Gorgeous Gardens To Visit In Michigan
• 5 Towns In Iowa Full Of European Charm
• 9 Wonderfully Warm Places To Visit In April

Every April, a kaleidoscope of color, in the form of tulips, emblazons the otherwise lush, green agricultural lands of the Skagit Valley in Washington State.

Located 60 miles north of Seattle, the Skagit Valley becomes a very popular destination spot for springtime adventures and day trips, with the Tulip Festival front and center as its main attraction. The festival is designed as a driving tour with the majority of flower fields situated between two small towns: Mount Vernon and La Conner.

And with this being one of the largest tulip festivals outside of Holland, there are activities specifically centered around the bloom. You do not have to travel out of the country to gaze upon this iconic spring flower.

Things To Do At The Tulip Festival 

The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival has been blooming for over 30 years, showing off its vibrant colors to thousands of visitors each year. The festival spans the entire month of April, from the 1st to the 30th. But of course, mother nature being mother nature, the bloom has its own special timing and can be seen in various stages during the month. Maybe more than one trip to the fields is something to consider.

If your springtime travels find you traipsing through the tulip fields, here are some gardens that are an absolute must to visit.

RoozenGaarde

RoozenGaarde Flower and Bloom is a multi-generational grower of tulips, irises, and daffodils. They are the oldest and largest producer of these flowers in the country. Every year they put out the RoozenGaarde® Bloom Map, which is a downloadable map displaying which tulip fields are currently blooming and at what stage they are in their growth. It includes many road names too, which makes finding these colorful fields a little easier.

At RoozenGaarde, there are over 5 acres of display gardens as well as 50 acres of farmland devoted to growing tulips and daffodils. Inside RoozenGaarde is a gift shop and greenhouses where visitors can purchase their own bulbs to take home. Select from the 150 varieties seen in the display garden and showcase your favorites in your own garden.

RoozenGaarde happens to be the largest wholesale and catalog retailer of tulips in the country. Thinking of buying a bouquet of tulips at your local grocery store? They most likely began at RoozenGaarde’s.

Admission to these spectacular displays is $15 for anyone ages 3 and up. The price includes parking and access to all the gardens and bloom fields. All tickets are general admission and can be purchased in advance online.

Pro Tip: Purchase tickets in advance for guaranteed entry.

Tulip Town

Tulip Town is the other major grower in the valley. During the festival, they are a great stop for families with a variety of activities for every age and interest. Most days they offer face painting, trolley rides, and a café with good old-fashioned churned ice cream. These are all in addition to their display gardens, indoor flower show, and local vendors set up to share their wares.

Tulip Town offers several ticket packages including general admission, a Photography Pass, and the Experience Pass touring the farm. Packages begin at $15 for ages 12 and up, $7 for ages 6–11, with kids under 5 free. General admission includes parking, entry, a trolley ride, and access to the bloom fields and display gardens.

Garden Rosalyn

A newer addition, Garden Rosalyn is smaller than Tulip town and Roozengaarde but has more to offer than beautiful tulip fields. The garden also features designed flower beds, a windmill that makes for great photo opportunities, and a lake inhabited by geese and ducks.

Helicopter Tour

If seeing the rainbow of color from the skies is on your bucket list, then consider taking in the scenery from above in a helicopter or charter plane.

San Juan Airlines offers tours over the tulip fields throughout the month of April as do Atomic Helicopters, offering scenic flights of the Pacific Northwest variety, and Bellingham Helicopter Services. 

Tulip Festival Street Fair

Taking place over three days in April, the Tulip Festival Street Fair in Mount Vernon is one of Northwest Washington’s largest outdoor art shows. Half a mile of artisan vendors line up for the “Street Fair” as locals call it. For a full list of events including concerts and fairs during tulip time, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Brochure has it all.

What To Pack

Pack for the day’s outing by dressing in layers for any kind of weather (it is the Pacific Northwest after all). Be sure to bring rain gear and boots as the fields can be muddy, even if the sun is shining.

Bring along a stash of snacks to keep hunger at bay while wandering around the beautiful gardens. And of course, do not forget your camera!

Skagit Valley Restaurants

After a long day tromping in fields, a delicious meal is in order. With Mount Vernon on one side of the bloom fields and La Conner on the other, these two cities serve up a smorgasbord of food options to suit any palette.

La Conner is a quintessential small town. With a population of around 900 people, it exudes that small-town vibe. But do not be fooled, it holds more charm than its size leads you to expect. It is situated on the banks of the Swinomish Channel waterway and was once a vibrant fishing town. Today the downtown corridor is home to an array of craft stores, art galleries, and eateries. Walk through town along the boardwalk for serene scenery of the water and an eye-catching glimpse of the famous Rainbow Bridge which arches itself gracefully over the channel, connecting the city of La Conner with the Swinomish Indian Tribal Lands.

Additionally, finding yourself in Mount Vernon for the evening might also find you promenading along the river walk. This pedestrian trail parallels the waters of the Skagit River through Mount Vernon’s artsy downtown district. Stroll through cobblestoned courtyards while browsing the various antique shops, art galleries, and eclectic mix of restaurants and breweries.

Snow Goose Produce

It’s almost tradition for many Pacific Northwesterners to stop at the iconic Snow Goose Produce. This seasonal, open-air market is worth the visit for a little shopping while noshing on the biggest ice cream cone in these parts. Other cool finds range from local, organic produce to artisan jewelry and woven baskets (purchase one to hold all your flowers and goodies). The market is located on the south side of the bloom fields making it accessible from much of the area.

Pro Tip: Several flavors of locally sourced ice cream are served in handmade waffle cones, but you better have cash if you want a scoop!

Nell Thorn Waterfront Bistro

While strolling through the town of La Conner, you can work up an appetite. When it is time for dinner, stop in at Nell Thorn Waterfront Bistro for an upscale bistro vibe, water views, and exquisite entrées like their Polenta with shiitake gorgonzola sauce or any of their handmade gnocchi dishes. At Nell Thorn, using regional ingredients not only supports local farms in the Skagit Valley but also supports their ethos of sustainability while nurturing the earth by developing a lighter footprint.

Call ahead for a reservation, especially during tulip season. This restaurant becomes popular for a little respite as well as sustenance. Nell Thorn is open for both lunch and dinner but is closed on Mondays.

Pro Tip: Nell Thorn has their own parking lot, which makes finding a space a little easier during the busiest of times.

The Calico Cupboard

Maybe a hearty breakfast is your thing — especially if a full day of walking through gardens is on your itinerary. The Calico Cupboard serves all-day breakfast from traditional plates or recipes with a more modern twist, including gluten-free and organic ingredients. Calico Cupboard has two locations, one in La Conner and one in Mount Vernon, making this an ideal stop along your tulip trail adventures.

Pro Tip: Calico cupboard’s gigantic cinnamon rolls are a well-known trademark. Pick one up to-go and snack on it later for a treat.

Trumpeter Public House

Situated next to the Skagit Riverfront trail in downtown Mount Vernon, find the Trumpeter Public House, an old-world English pub-style atmosphere with an elegant, warm, and relaxed feel. The Trumpeter is the place to kick back and imbibe a cocktail or local brew — they offer the largest selection of spirits in Skagit County. Pair any refreshment with their locally-sourced dinner menu and call it “the perfect ending to a perfect day.”

Reservations are highly recommended and seating is limited. The Trumpeter is open Tuesday–Saturday from noon–9 p.m.

Hotels In Skagit Valley

With so many sites to see, extending your Skagit Valley Tulip Festival experience into a long weekend is the perfect solution to take it all in.

While Mount Vernon hosts a number of chain hotels that can be well-suited for families, it is La Conner that offers a lovely variety of options when it comes to lodging. There are quaint bed and breakfasts, small hotels on the water, and private rentals available online, all depending on your need and desire.

Katy’s Inn

Located in the heart of La Conner, Katy’s Inn has early Victorian architecture. this quaint bed and breakfast is a favorite among visitors and locals alike for its friendly, family-oriented service and the romantic antiquity of the home. Every morning, a full complimentary breakfast is served in the dining room, a nod to a bygone era. One of the rooms is pet-friendly so furry family members can join you for a flower-filled weekend.

La Conner Channel Lodge

At La Conner Channel Lodge, look over the waters of the Swinomish Channel from your balcony while sipping a complimentary glass of wine. This boutique hotel is situated in the small downtown area and is within walking distance of all the shops and eateries in La Conner. From street level, its architecture is in the classic Pacific Northwest style with its Craftsman rooftop and cedar siding. A complimentary breakfast is served each morning, which you may also enjoy out on the veranda, making this the perfect spot for a couples weekend or quiet getaway relaxing and watching the sunset, all after visiting the tulip fields, of course.

Book early, as La Conner accommodations fill up quickly.

Pro Tip: For a treat, take home a piece of the festival with you in a wine bottle by visiting the official winery of the tulip festival, Pasek Cellars. They are a family-friendly tasting room and they offer tours of their winery and wine-making process. They call it “wine in motion.”

Related Reading:

• How To Visit Washington’s Skagit Valley Tulip Fields
• The 8 Best Tulip Festivals In The U.S.
• 7 Fantastic Experiences At Holland, Michigan’s Famous Tulip Time Festival

I was around 7 the first time I remember traveling. By today’s standards, it would barely register for most people — a simple day trip from Boston to Connecticut to visit a train museum my mom knew would interest me. Still, in the pre-smartphone, GPS, and internet days, the complexities of travel and logistics were mysteries. 

As I grew older, my desire to travel outpaced my ability to do so. However, as a kid who enjoyed literature and the arts, I was willingly whisked away by the stories of an imagined extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. The experiences of these African Americans opened my mind to traveling and imparted knowledge and wisdom that are at the core of how I approach travel today.

1. Josephine Baker

Singer. Dancer. Spy! I was still very young when I first learned about Josephine Baker. In fact, I remember being as scandalized by her stage costumes as I was amazed by her story. She was only a handful of years younger than my great-grandmother, which added to her mystique. I used to think, “How would my life be different if great grandma did what Josephine did?” Baker’s choices to move from Jim Crow America to Paris to pursue her career, and then to remain as part of the French Resistance during WWII, appealed to both my wanderlust and my little boy fantasies of becoming a spy. 

Josephine Baker inspired my first visit to Paris and introduced me to the concept of being an expat. Most importantly, she demonstrated that travel could be a means of reinvention. In addition to reinventing her career, Baker was at the forefront of pushing society to reinvent its notions of how a Black woman could use her agency to be successful, pursue joy, and build community.

Despite it being a vague concept at such a young age, I grew up believing that if one place or experience no longer offered what I wanted, travel could provide the opportunity to experiment and find new community elsewhere.

2. Langston Hughes

Contrary to Josephine Baker’s air of mystique, Langston Hughes pulled back the curtain. I was probably in my early teens when I read I Wonder as I Wander. Hughes was the first author I read whose anecdotes — globetrotting by sea and land in a time before air travel was common — didn’t make travel sound glamorous. His journeys included encounters with fierce storms, cumbersome logistics, hunger, illness, and isolation. 

Still, if Hughes’ sense of adventure was the force that kept me turning the pages, his sense of humor is what’s remained with me long after finishing the book. Despite all the obstacles and dangers, his relatively easy-going approach saw him through the challenges and endeared him to strangers, from Western Europe through Central Asia and into Japan.

Today’s modern comforts and conveniences mean I’m unlikely to experience much of what he endured. However, I learned from him that a good smile is often the best accompaniment to a sense of adventure. One may motivate you to seize a moment; but it’s the other that will see you through. 

3. Zora Neale Hurston 

Zora Neale Hurston and Jacob Lawrence (see below) were contemporaries of Langston Hughes, but I didn’t learn much about them until taking a college course on the Harlem Renaissance. Hughes’s worldly adventures captured the imagination of my younger self, but Hurston and Lawrence opened my mind to the power of domestic travel and exploring my own community. In today’s world, perhaps they would fall somewhere between heritage travelers and documentarians. During their era, however, their decisions to explore and elevate African American life were controversial and under-appreciated. 

I was initially perplexed by Hurston’s interest in leaving booming Harlem for rural Florida. My limited understanding of early-20th century Florida was of a hostile place for Black people, particularly women, and even more so for one with an anthropologist’s eye. While Hurston didn’t downplay any of the conditions, she was skilled at revealing the creativity, the love, and the imagination of her subjects. Her observations of and interest in listening to people from remote places illustrated the importance of community, shrank the distance and differences I felt, and led me on a path toward re-examining my beliefs.

4. Jacob Lawrence

Jacob Lawrence’s travels also took him to the rural South. Through a body of work known as The Migration Series, I had my first visual introduction to The Great Migration, a period of history that I had never before seen pictured. In 60 paintings, Lawrence illustrated the economic and social forces that motivated Black America to leave the South and move to cities in the North, Midwest, and West. Imagine, an estimated six million people using their agency to move and reinvent their lives!

To this day, I’m most drawn to a painting featuring a crowd, at an unknown station, preparing to board trains destined for Chicago, New York, and St. Louis. Every time I see it, I can almost feel the crush of people, the steady, energetic shuffle toward the platforms, and the heartbreak of community lost to disbursal.

Together, Zora Neale Hurston and Jacob Lawrence imparted the importance of learning from and listening to local stories. But, more importantly, they offered the lesson of observation and engagement without judgment.

5. Malcolm X

Malcolm X is ever present in my hometown, Boston. My neighborhood, Roxbury, hosts the family’s house; namesake Malcolm X Blvd; Masjid No. 11, where he was the first minister in 1953; and a mural with his image at 2385 Washington St.

I connect Malcolm X to travel due to his writings about the Hajj pilgrimage. In addition to describing Mecca, he shared the experience of being at an event that was personally transformative. In his autobiography, he expressed being moved by the global diversity and hospitality of the Hajj pilgrims and recalled how being immersed in that community challenged his thinking about belonging and pushed his ideas to evolve. 

Malcolm X’s descriptions were so vivid that, years later, I remembered bits of them when I visited Istanbul’s Blue Mosque, the first mosque I had ever seen inside. But, more than anything else, he presented me with the idea that travel is greater than a destination and a collection of sites. It’s also the doorway to transformative experiences that can be the start of new personal growth, sometimes in unexpected ways.

6. Nichelle Nichols (Uhura) 

Nichelle Nichols is on my list because of her role as Uhura in the original Star Trek. As the ship’s communications officer, Uhura had a useful, if somewhat underdeveloped role. But what I appreciated about the character is how she was poised, elegant, and occasionally entrepreneurial, particularly during encounters when the rest of the crew or the ship were in some sort of extraterrestrial mess. Over time and through various reboots of the character, Uhura was also revealed to be multilingual and adept at navigating various interplanetary cultures. 

I don’t think I’ve ever consciously thought about the lessons learned from that character. Yet, decades later, I aspire to improve my foreign language skills and the ability to transition comfortably between cultures and countries. Although there aren’t any places left to “boldly go where no man has gone before,” I travel with an open mind and remember that our shared humanity transcends our superficial differences.

My younger, pre-internet self would never have expected most of the travels taken in the more than four decades since that trip to Connecticut. Fortunately, I had the resources and the role models to stoke the continuous sparks of imagination that still power today’s explorations and moments of wonder.

The canons that dot the peaceful, rolling hills of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, have long been silenced, but the memories of the battle that took place here in 1863 lingers, echoing through the centuries via the hundreds of monuments and gravestones that have become permanent reminders. 

But the history of this charming eastern Pennsylvania town is much more than the famous Civil War battle. There was life here beyond the soldiers, beyond the booming canons, beyond the tragedy on the battlefield. Civilians attempted to continue with their lives the best they could as the war raged on around them. 

An exploration of this side of the town’s history adds a new dimension and understanding of the famous Battle of Gettysburg. The best way to do that is by visiting some of the town’s historic homes. Let’s explore five historic homes in Gettysburg that bring this side of its history to life.

1. Shriver House Museum

We often think of the Battle of Gettysburg in terms of the soldiers who lost their lives over those bloody 3 days in July 1863, but the civilian population also paid a heavy price. A visit to the Shriver House Museum re-opens the door to civilian life before, during, and after the battle.

The Shriver House was built in 1860 by 18-year-old George Shriver to not only begin a family with his wife Hettie, but also a new business, the Shriver Saloon and Ten-Pin (as in bowling) Alley. When the Civil War began, Shriver was called into service. As the battle in Gettysburg began, George’s wife Hettie fled their home with their two daughters for safety’s sake, only to find themselves right in the middle of the heaviest fighting at Little Round Top. When they finally returned home days later, they found it had been commandeered for use as a hospital.

Fast forward to the late 1990s, when restoration of the home began to bring it back to its original beauty. In the process, many fascinating artifacts were found and are now part of the museum’s collection.

Each room of the home looks like it has been frozen in time. Guided tours led by entertaining and informative docents dressed in period clothes take you through its history, including the basement saloon and the Confederate sniper nest in the attic. While the tour is only 30 minutes long, plan on spending at least an hour here to roam the 19th-century garden and museum.

The house and museum are closed in January for maintenance. They reopen on Valentine’s Day and President’s Day weekends in February, weekends only in March, then hours and dates vary for the remainder of the year. Visit the Shriver House website for a complete schedule and to purchase tickets. Be sure to book your reservation well in advance.

2. Farnsworth House Inn

The building that the Farnworth House Inn calls home pre-dates the Battle of Gettysburg by over 53 years. Construction began in 1810, with the now-familiar brick addition being added in 1833.

The inn is named for Brigadier General Elon John Farnsworth, who died along with 65 of his troops during the battle’s infamous Pickett’s Charge. During the battle, the house was used by Confederate sharpshooters to take down Union troops. Sadly, it is believed that 20-year-old Mary “Jennie” Wade was accidentally shot by these shooters, becoming the only civilian killed during the battle.

We’ll visit Jennie’s house in a moment, but right now, we are at the Farnsworth, where the event schedule is packed with fun and interesting experiences. Don’t miss the Haunted Cellar Presentation, where you will learn the history of the house and life in the mid-1800s. There are also spooky tours and presentations, like a reading of Edgar Allen Poe’s works, an exploration of the potential connection between Gettysburg and Jack the Ripper, and ghost tours and paranormal nights. Book your reservations online.

The Farnsworth is also a B&B. Visitors can spend the night in one of 10 authentically appointed rooms that will transport you back in time to the mid-1800s. Each room is double occupancy and well worth the experience. Reservations can be made online.

The Farnsworth also serves up incredible homestyle and fine dining. For the latter, enjoy amazing Pennsylvania Dutch–inspired dishes in the Meade and Lee Dining Room. The warm and comforting Maryland crab soup comes highly recommended as a starter, followed by the melt-in-your-mouth General Farnsworth’s Prime Rib served up with au jus and a side of horseradish aioli as the main dish. Everything is served by the wait staff dressed in period clothing. Reservations are required. Visit the Farnsworth website for information and hours of operation.

For something a little more homestyle, visit the beer garden and patio area or the family-friendly Sweney’s Tavern. Reservations are not required, but hours vary. Visit the website for the latest schedule.

3. Jennie Wade House

I mentioned 20-year-old Mary Virginia “Jennie” Wade earlier. She tragically became the only civilian killed during the battle when she was struck by a bullet while kneading dough in the kitchen. Jennie’s actual home, the Jennie Wade House, is a fascinating museum that takes you back to that fateful day.

The home has not changed much since the day Jennie died. It is decorated with historic artifacts and furniture of the period and is pockmarked with bullet holes from the battle. The only thing that has changed is that the home is now surrounded by modern buildings and a parking lot — but still, it is an interesting tour, brought to life by incredibly knowledgeable tour guides dressed in period clothes who know the history of Jennie, the home, and the events of the day inside and out.

There is a small admission fee.

4. Dobbin House Tavern

The Dobbin House Tavern is the oldest house in Gettysburg, dating back to 1776. Up until recently, the Dobbin House offered a fascinating 1-hour tour of the home, retelling almost 100 years of American history — from its earliest days to the Battle of Gettysburg, during which the home was used as a field hospital. A secret crawlspace was used to hide runaway slaves along the Underground Railroad. The tavern is hoping to restart the tours again in spring 2023 so you can once again roam through its authentically decorated rooms and antiques.

In the meantime, you can still experience the charm of the Dobbin House by dining in one of its two restaurants. For casual dining, try the stone-walled Springhouse Tavern for delicious sandwiches hot off the grill. I recommend the crabcake sandwich with Dijon balsamic mayo, lettuce, and tomato served on a brioche bun. Reservations are not required.

You can also experience fine Colonial-style dining at one of the candlelit tables of the Alexander Dobbin Dining Room. Hearty meals include the Roast Duck Adams County, which is roasted in Adams County apples and hard cider that warm the soul.

As with many restaurants around the country, staff shortages are causing increased wait times, and unfortunately, the Alexander Dobbin Dining Room has had to restrict the number of reservations they can take each evening. Make your dining reservation one week in advance at the very least.

5. Eisenhower National Historic Site

The 34^th president of the United States and World War II hero Dwight D. Eisenhower — “Ike” — found respite from the rigors of the office and Washington, D.C., at his farm nestled in the Gettysburg countryside, next to the battlefield. Ike would often retreat to the farmhouse on weekends with his wife, Mamie, or bring world leaders to this tranquil setting for important discussions.

Today, Eisenhower’s farmhouse and outlying buildings are operated and maintained by the National Park Service, which offers insightful tours of the farm and illustrates Ike’s service to the country. Tour schedules are variable and can be found on the Eisenhower National Historic Site website. Only 40 people are permitted per tour, and they are on a first-come, first-served basis, so meet the park ranger in front of the Eisenhower home early to make sure you get in. There is also a self-guided tour option.

Site admission and tours are free. 

Pro Tips: Visiting Gettysburg 

Any time is a great time to visit Gettysburg and its historic homes — except during the winter months of January and February, when many attractions have limited hours or are closed altogether. 

The most popular time to visit is during the battle’s anniversary weekend around the Fourth of July. There is so much to do and see, with dozens of reenactments, presentations, and special events, that it can be overwhelming, and if you are crowd averse, that’s not the time to plan your trip. The crowds are enormous. 

Visit Destination Gettysburg for tips on visiting the town during the anniversary, and be sure to get tickets for special events 2 or 3 months (at least) in advance. The website will also give you valuable tips on what to do and see in the town any time of year. 

While in Gettysburg, get to know the spooky side of the town by taking one of the many ghost tours offered by local paranormal organizations. Tours range from hour-long ghost walks down the darkened city streets to full-blown paranormal investigations.

Black history is more than the Civil Rights Movement. It encompasses a broad range of cultural and historical events and has formed the social and financial foundations of some of America’s most prominent cities.

You can learn how Black history and culture have shaped America. The Black Cultural Heritage Tours Collection, offered by Cultural Heritage Alliance for Tourism, Inc. (CHAT), immerses travelers in authentic, local Black cultural heritage experiences.

Stephanie Jones, CEO of CHAT, is at the forefront of this endeavor, working toward establishing a “global Black-owned tour operator” with many local Black business partners looking to increase tourism. This business model is a first for most Black-owned businesses, and it’s proving to be a catalyst for Black cultural tourism.

Why Take A Black Cultural Heritage Tour?

CHAT developed the tours for “culturally curious” travelers looking for a transformative experience. The tours help these individuals learn all aspects of American history by connecting them to people and places that have played significant roles in the growth of Black culture and communities. As participants connect, they gain an understanding of and empathy for those they meet — and they learn to see the world through others’ eyes.

Visitors gain insight, but locals also benefit. Remembering and telling their stories helps community members preserve their culture. As Lonnie G. Bunch III, Director of the Smithsonian Institution, said at the opening of Washington D.C.’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in 2016: “There is no more powerful force than a people steeped in their history. And there is no higher cause than honoring our struggle and ancestors by remembering.”

Tours

1. Charleston To Savannah — The Ultimate Gullah Geechee Experience

• Cost: $2,399
• Deposit: $250
• Duration: 5 days
• Group Size: 6 – 12
• 2023 Tour Dates: March 8, April 19, August 16, September 13

Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, Coastal South Carolina

Visitors enjoy a private, pre-opening guided tour of the new International African American Museum, built on the former site of Gadsden’s Wharf — the point of disembarkation for more than 100,000 Africans sold into slavery.

Next, visitors take an interactive bus tour of Charleston’s Black heritage sites, including the historic Mother Emanuel AME Church. Later, they explore James Island and Johns Island with a local Gullah Geechee guide and enjoy a traditional Lowcountry lunch.

Savannah

Participants visit the Pinpoint Heritage Museum, formerly a crab and oyster factory, now an education center. They learn about the Gullah Geechee culture from residents who grew up in the tiny, close-knit community. A picnic lunch and Black history tour of Savannah follow the Pinpoint visit.

According to Jones, one of the highlights of the Gullah Goochee tour is the story of “sweet grass weaving, told by ‘Miss Lucille,’ a third-generation descendant of Gulla Goochee slaves.” Another highlight on St. Helena Island is a storyteller who describes the experience of enslaved Africans brought to South Carolina. Music aids the sharing of this poignant story.

2. South Florida Tour

• Cost: $2,699
• Deposit: $250
• Duration: 6 days
• Group Size: 6 – 15
• 2023 Tour Dates: June 23, November 17

The beaches are warm and wonderful, but there is more to South Florida than surf and turf. Visitors gain an understanding of Black cultural heritage as they explore the great variety of cultures in West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Key West. In addition, there are many opportunities to talk to locals as they explore South Florida’s Black cultural heritage through food, music, art, dance, and storytelling.

Inspiring, interactive bus tours take visitors through heritage neighborhoods. Ms. Jones notes that the Little Haiti visit is one of the most inspiring experiences, as “visitors engage with local artists, who tell how their drumming and dancing styles have derived from Haitian culture.”

3. Sarasota To Amelia Island — The Unchartered And Unfiltered Black Florida Experience

• Cost: $2,999
• Deposit: $250
• Duration: 8 days
• Group size: 8-12
• 2023 Tour Dates: October 23, November 6

This journey through Central and North Florida takes visitors through historical sites and heritage neighborhoods in St. Augustine, Mims, Orlando, Sarasota, and Amelia Island. Visitors learn about Black civil rights activities, jazz heritage, and little-known places and people who have contributed to American history.

According to Jones, one history-filled (but little-known) stop on the tour is Eatonville, just outside of Orlando. She explained that Eatonville, incorporated in 1887, is “the first Black incorporated town in the U.S.” She said another highlight of the tour is the Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Art, where visitors learn about this world-renowned writer and anthropologist who often depicted African American life in the South. Finally, Jones highlighted the tour’s visits to beaches with a history of Black “wade-ins,” held on Sundays in Sarasota and other beachfront towns.

4. The North Carolina Cultural Heritage And Culinary Experience

• Cost: $2,999
• Deposit: $200
• Duration: 6 days
• Group Size: 8-12
• 2023 Tour Dates: August 29, October 10, December 5

Visitors are steeped in Black culture and food as they visit Charlotte, Winston-Salem, and Durham. They learn how Charlotte’s Black community has contributed to the soul and character of Queen City.

In the twin city of Winston-Salem, visitors explore more than 250 years of deeply-rooted African American history as they visit heritage neighborhoods, exciting attractions, world-class art galleries, and performance venues. In Durham, visitors meet and talk with community members and explore the city’s Black heritage, including its thriving Black businesses and delicious cuisine.

Jones says the Charlotte tour is “focused on contemporary culture, especially the ‘magnificent restaurants’ run by young Black Millenials.” She describes the Winston-Salem tour, where highlights include “a Black tour operator who converted a fire truck into a tour vehicle.”

Tour dates and booking information for all tours can be found here.

When you think of Mardi Gras, what comes to mind? Beads, floats, music, and a bit of debauchery probably top your list. Early French settlers knew they had one last blow-out before the dreary Lenten season, and they made the most of it with over-the-top parties that are still celebrated in places like Mobile, Biloxi, St. Louis, and of course, New Orleans.

However, there’s one carnival tradition that truly stands out. As someone who once lived in the region, I can personally attest that I have never seen a Mardi Gras like the one held each year in the tiny town of Mamou, Louisiana.

Get ready for a wild ride; here are the reasons this throw-down is a must-not-miss for Mardi Gras die-hards.

Saddle Up 

Mamou’s celebration is Courir de Mardi Gras, which loosely translates to Mardi Gras Run. It begins in the wee hours of the morning when the event’s capitaine greets costumed men — and only men as tradition dictate — from across the community. They arrive on horseback, foot, or even by truck. Once the capitaine gives the order, the adventure begins. The group travels through town, bellowing out an old French begging song as they go. They sing for supper, asking people to lend them ingredients — sausage, peppers, onions, and rice — for a Mardi Gras feast. The tradition dates back centuries; the fun and frivolity last all day.

Bring The Beer

What, you might ask, is all that fun fueled by? It should come as no surprise that the Mamou Mardi Gras participants come ready to party, with enough beer and other adult beverages to last them throughout the day. Bystanders either follow the group or watch from porches and other public places. It gets pretty raucous, especially as the crowd closes in on its final ingredient for the gumbo pot.

The Chicken Chase

In the midst of all that begging and singing, there is also a hunt underway. Of course, no gumbo is complete without a chicken… or a few. The roosters and hens of Mamou are the targets of the day’s quest. Residents of homes along the courier route release them and the revelers give chase throughout town, through fields, yards, and even up trees. Fortunate fowl escape; others are captured but don’t go into the gumbo pot. Instead, they’re rounded up and sold later.

Dance Moves, Acrobatics, And Tackles

Music is central to the celebration in Mamou, so it only makes sense that the crowd should bust out the moves as the day progresses. You’ll see all sorts of dancing and occasionally even some acrobatics on horseback. The race to scoop up a chicken is so serious you’ll see tackles and catches that could just as easily take place on the gridiron. It all adds up to an active and sometimes messy day on the Louisiana prairie.

Time For Gumbo

When the route’s been completed, expect a huge fais do-do, or Cajun-style party on 6th Street, in the heart of Mamou. There, at the American Legion where the antics began earlier in the morning, a communal gumbo is served to the crowd. It’s the perfect ending to a wild, unforgettable, and authentic way to mark Mardi Gras.

Pro Tip: Mamou is about three and a half hours northwest of New Orleans. You’ll likely want to stay the evening after all the Mardi Gras fun. Consider booking Hotel Cazan, a former bank-turned-historic hotel. This place once hosted Anthony Bourdain and its location is perfect for the courier as it’s right on 6th Street.

Worthy travel goals like learning new things, soaking up more culture, and saving money all come together in Seattle in February during a promotion that is sure to keep those 2023 New Year’s resolutions alive.

Seattle Museum Month, a value-packed offer in Washington State’s largest city, brings together a host of downtown Seattle hotels with more than two dozen of the city’s best museums — all intending to give travelers (and locals looking for a staycation) a fun and educational winter getaway while saving a significant amount of money.

As explained by Visit Seattle, Museum Month runs from February 1 to 28, 2023, and allows guests staying in one of nearly 70 downtown hotels to receive a Seattle Museum Month pass for up to four people, granting 50 percent off admission to all participating museums.

It’s A Bargain

Depending on how many museums visitors choose to see, the savings can be substantial. Consider that popular venues like Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), and Woodland Park Zoo each offer regular tickets in the $19 to $29 range. They are all on the list of discounted venues during February, so a couple could save upwards of $70 on those three attractions alone.

Visit Seattle notes that visitors who make the most of the Seattle Museum Month offers “can essentially recoup the cost of their hotel stay, making for an affordable, budget-friendly vacation.”

Mind-Blowing Array Of Museums

When it comes to opportunities for learning new things, the diversity is virtually endless. From science to pinball, from airplanes to wooden boats, and from bonsai trees to glass art, Seattle’s museum scene offers astounding variety.

Along with Chihuly, MoPOP, and Woodland Park Zoo, the list of discounted museums also includes popular choices like the Seattle Art Museum, Seattle Aquarium, The Museum of Flight, LeMay America’s Car Museum, The Wing Luke Museum, the Seattle Asian Art Museum, and the Pacific Science Center.

Unique venues like the National Nordic Museum, the Seattle Pinball Museum, and the USS Turner Joy Museum Ship are also included. The list of 26 participating museums also includes several venues that have free admission (some with a suggested donation), such as the Olympic Sculpture Park, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center, the Pacific Bonsai Museum, and the Center for Wooden Boats.

For a full list of participating museums, check out this website.

New Exhibits On Display

Visitors in February will be able to take in several new displays and exhibits, such as the Seattle Art Museum’s reinstallation of its American art galleries — the first in 15 years — called American Art: The Stories We Carry, which Visit Seattle says, “reflects on America’s complicated history and explores the multiplicity of American identities.”

Chihuly Garden and Glass also recently debuted a new light and music show, Winter Brilliance, which showcases artist Dale Chihuly’s fantastic take on fire and ice, while the nearby MoPOP offers the chance to take in the fascinating Contact High, an exhibit exploring the evolution of hip-hop music.

Featured Hotels Are Plentiful

The list of participating hotels is sure to offer something for everyone as well. Museum Month choices include the luxurious Fairmont Olympic Hotel and Four Seasons Hotel Seattle, as well as several Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt brand choices in a variety of price ranges and neighborhoods, and well-located boutique choices such as Kimpton’s Vintage Seattle and Monaco Seattle, and Staypineapple’s Maxwell Hotel in the Seattle Center, and downtown’s Staypineapple Hotel Five.

One thing the hotel choices all have in common is that they are relatively close to museums on the list. For instance, citizenM notes that its two hotels — in South Lake Union and Pioneer Square — “are located near some of the best museums in the city, including the Museum of Pop Culture, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center, and Seattle Pinball Museum.”

There’s no doubt that the Museum Month promotion makes February the perfect time for visitors to check off some of those bucket-list Seattle venues — all with the assurance that they are getting some of the best values of the year.

Stopping by a castle or palace on holiday in Italy is a great way to learn about the history of the region and the country, and it will often come hand in hand with some eye-popping views. Join me on a tour of some of Italy’s most spectacular castles, fortresses, and palaces, from the imposing mountaintop Rocca Calascio, the highest fortress in the Apennines, to the little-known Castello della Manta in the Piedmont region.

1. Rocca Calascio

Calascio, Province Of L’Aquila, Abruzzo

Castles and fortresses are a common sight in Abruzzo, a stunning region that remains firmly off the tourist trail, set to the east of Rome. It is a beautiful region to hike in, not least for the extraordinary number of medieval castles and impressive fortresses immersed in the greenery of the national parks and nature reserves.

Rocca Calascio is possibly the best-known and most striking of the region’s forts. If you think it looks familiar, it may be that you recognize it from the film The Name of the Rose. Initially built as a watchtower, the 13th-century fort is perched on rocky cliffs at a height of 1460 meters, making it one of the oldest standing forts in Italy. It was developed further in the 14th century, and again in the 16th century by the Medici family, but suffered considerable damage in an earthquake in 1703. To get there, park in the village of Calascio, where you will find several bars and restaurants, and follow the winding path to the castle (around 3.5 kilometers each way).

Pro Tip: After your walk, visit the neighboring town of Santo Stefano in Sessanio, a restored medieval village, and one of the most popular stops on our Wilds of Abruzzo tour.

2. Castello Piccolomini

Celano, Province Of L’Aquila, Abruzzo

Still in the Abruzzo, the enormous Piccolomini Castle sits in the historic center of the hilltop town of Celano, dwarfing the town below and set against the gorgeous backdrop of Monte Sirente. The location is perhaps less picturesque than Rocca Calascio but the imposing structure of the castle merits a visit in its own right. Built in the late 14th century, the vast rectangular castle is surrounded by massive walls, with large square towers at each corner, and is currently home to the Marsica Museum.

Pro Tip: Time to spare? Drive to the pretty town of Sulmona where colorful displays of sugared almonds (“confetti” in Italian) fill shop windows. Confetti production in the town began back in the 15th century.

3. Castello Malaspina

Massa, Province Of Massa And Carrara, Tuscany

Continue northwest to Tuscany where numerous castles and palaces are tucked away amid the familiar landscape of rolling hills intersected by lines of cypress trees. Many of the castles, originally built for protection, are an excellent way to delve deep into the region’s history and traditions.

Sitting on the border of Tuscany and Liguria, and one of the highlights of our tour to the area, Castello Malaspina di Fosdinovo is generally regarded as Italy’s largest and best-preserved castle. Built in 1340, the castle comes complete with crenelated round towers, and hanging gardens. Inside there are collections of art, ceramics, weapons, and — just what every good castle needs — a torture room! The castle is still owned today by the Malaspina family.

Pro Tip: Check opening times during the winter months on the Comune di Massa website.

4. Castello Monteriggioni

Monteriggioni, Province Of Siena, Tuscany

Built by the Sienese in the early 13th century in a strategic hilltop location just 20 kilometers from Siena, Monteriggioni Castle is more of a walled medieval town than a standalone castle, although it did start as a castle. Today, the 14 towers and two gates on the fortified wall remain intact and the towers can be spotted from miles away.

If you happen to be in the area in early July, it is worth stopping by for a glimpse of the town’s spectacular medieval festival, complete with craftsmen and others in full period costume, and entertainment in the form of music, live performances, duels, and acrobats. You can get more information on the festival here.

Pro Tip: Park in the main car park at the bottom of the hill in Monteriggioni, just after leaving the main road.

5. Rocca Manfrediana

Brisighella, Province Of Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna

If you are looking for a classic medieval castle, look no further than Rocca Manfrediana near Ravenna in the Emilia-Romagna region. The village of Brisighella is surrounded by three spurs, on top of which stand the castle (La Rocca), a charming clock tower, and the Monticino Sanctuary. Built in 1310 by the Manfredi family, the castle was ruled for a few years in the early 16th century by the Republic of Venice, eventually ending up under the control of the Vatican states.

Leave time to explore Brisighella’s colorful streets and tiny squares, fringed by pastel-hued houses. Also, check out the extraordinary “Donkeys’ Alley” (Via degli Asini), originally a military outlook and latterly used, and lived in, by those transporting gypsum from the nearby caves on their donkeys.

Pro Tip: Olives have been cultivated locally since ancient times. Be sure to stock up on some of the town’s award-winning olive oil which has a distinctive spicy flavor. 

6. Reggia Di Caserta

Caserta, Province Of Caserta, Campania

Get ready for grandeur on a whole different scale at the Caserta Royal Palace and Park. Situated to the north of Naples, the 18th-century palace was designed by the great Luigi Vanvitelli, under the instructions of the Bourbon king Charles III, to rival Versailles and the Palace in Madrid. Reputedly the largest palace in the world, the scale of the palace and garden is simply awesome. Exteriors include four courtyards, parkland, fountains, a waterfall, and gardens including the English Garden, which is recognized as one of the greatest of Europe’s gardens. 

The interiors are no less impressive, boasting an extraordinary 1200 rooms, including royal rooms, the Court Chapel, and a theater modeled on the Teatro San Carlo in Naples. 

Pro Tip: Allow plenty of time! You can easily spend a day here if you want to visit the palace and park without rushing. 

7. Castello Reale di Racconigi

Racconigi, Province Of Cuneo, Piedmont

Visiting a selection of castles and palaces in Piedmont is another giant history lesson. Before Italy’s unification in the 19th century, when it was ruled by numerous small principalities, Piedmont was the historical home of the Savoy family who left their mark in the form of turreted castles and glitzy palaces. 

The extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Royal Castle of Racconigi, a palace and 170-hectare park in the province of Cuneo, near Turin, was the summer residence of the Carignano line of the House of Savoy. The French influence is evident, most notably in the landscaped gardens. The gardens were designed in the 17th century by the Parisian André Le Notre who also designed the gardens of the Palace of Versailles. Other highlights include the Salone d’Ercole, the Gallery of Portraits, and the Chinese apartments.

Pro Tip: There are no independent visits — all castle tours are guided. 

8. Castello Della Manta

Manta, Province Of Cuneo, Piedmont

The Castello della Manta near the charming town of Saluzzo in Piedmont is rather more off the radar but a superb illustration of the power and wealth of the Saluzzo della Manta family.

The extraordinary 12th-century castle was enlarged and transformed in the 15th century into a lavish family home by Valerano, the ruler of the Marquisate of Saluzzo. With a backdrop of the Cottian Alps and spectacular Monviso massif, the castle is probably best known for its magnificent cycle of late Gothic frescoes in the Baronial Hall. Leave time to also visit the cellars and huge kitchen with its vaulted ceiling and vast fireplace. 

Pro Tip: Stay in nearby Saluzzo, one of Piedmont’s most atmospheric towns, with churches, castles, and historic arcaded streets. 

Paris yields fascinating places to explore for World War II history buffs. Some are specific museums about WWII and some are tourist destinations sitting in plain sight with ties to WWII. You may pass by or visit some of these without seeing any clues about their involvement in the war. So, the more you know about what to look for as you sightsee, the more you will understand what you see.

To you who are looking into how to follow a family member’s WWII steps, if your loved one was in Paris during the war years, these places may give you a good starting point. My father enjoyed his leave in Paris during his service, as so many did.

Whether you find traces of WWII as you stroll around Paris or head to one of the excellent museums, echoes of the past are all around. Here are a few places to consider when you visit.

1. Museum Of The Liberation Of Paris

This gem of a museum is a newcomer to Paris. It’s a must-see for anyone with an interest in WWII. A smaller version was previously located above the Montparnasse railroad station. The Museum of the Liberation of Paris now occupies spacious buildings in the heart of the 14th arrondissement. You will be immersed in the experiences of those in the French Resistance during the war. Follow the chronological events leading up to the German occupation of France. Celebrate the Liberation of Paris that took place in August 1944. Move through light and airy rooms as you learn about the everyday heroes who stood up to the occupiers.

The displays focus on the lives of two notable Resistance leaders, Jean Moulin and Philippe de Hauteclocque, better known as General Leclerc. The museum stands on top of the underground headquarters of Leclerc, and you can explore this area, too.

Allow at least two hours for your visit. Take in displays of artifacts, documents, newsreels, uniforms, and personal items of those in the Resistance.

2. The Invalides

The Invalides, famous for its glittering gold dome, houses Napoleon’s tomb, a superb collection of weapons, and museums featuring the history of France. One large section of the museum is given to the two World Wars, with a focus on the French army. You can go through this chronological presentation, spending as much time as you wish on both wars. You could also skip to the WWII area.

The WWII years are divided into three parts. The “black years” cover the defeat of France and occupation, the “gray years” are about the French Resistance and the French army in North Africa, and the “light years” begin with the D-Day landings in Normandy and carry through to the end of the war.

Also housed in the Invalides is the Museum of the Order of the Liberation. This intriguing part of the Invalides displays photos, documents, and memorabilia of the French Resistance. A ticket to the Invalides includes admittance to this museum.

3. Arc De Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe is on the itineraries of many visitors. Along with paying respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and perhaps a climb to the top of the monument for a sweeping view of Paris, the WWII buff will want to be aware of wartime history.

What took place during WWII at this monument, commissioned by Napoleon, that symbolizes French loyalty and valor?

The day after France capitulated to Germany in June 1940, Adolf Hitler toured Paris, his treasured new possession. His motorcade headed to the Arc de Triomphe, as well as to the Eiffel Tower and the Invalides. Hitler never returned to Paris.

Fast forward four grueling years to the Liberation of Paris. Two days after the Germans left the city once again to the French, General De Gaulle arrived. He and his procession made their way to the Arc de Triomphe, where De Gaulle placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Then he marched down the Champ Elysees to the Place de la Concorde as hundreds of French lined the streets and cheered wildly. Imagine that scene as you visit.

4. Jeu De Paume Library 

This unassuming library tucked into the Tuileries is easy to pass by without realizing the role it played during WWII. Here, a hero named Rose Valland served as an art historian and curator during the Nazi occupation of Paris. Hundreds of pieces of art circulated through the Jeu de Paume before being shipped to Germany for Nazi gain. Art taken from Jews ended up here, marked as “abandoned.” Notably, Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring used the Jeu de Paume as his collecting center.

Valland, actually just a volunteer curator, decided to do what she could to save as much art as possible. She kept meticulous records of art that passed through, noting which trains carried various treasures. After the war, this list was instrumental in returning many valuables to the rightful family owners.

Today, Jeu de Paume is an art center that holds exhibitions, classes, and workshops. You can enter the building and then make your way downstairs to the bookshop. You will be standing in a place where crucial spying took place during the war.

To learn more about stolen and recovered art during WWII, read The Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves, and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History by Robert M. Edsel.

5. Shoah Memorial Museum

In the heart of the Marais district of Paris, the Shoah Memorial Museum pays tribute to Jews who lost their lives in the Holocaust during WWII. The museum takes you through history and also provides personal stories of those who suffered.

As you move through the museum, the history of the Holocaust is presented on panels, windows, and interactive terminals. Short films, biographies, documents, and photos tell the stories. The purpose of the memorial museum is to allow visitors to reflect on what happened and determine to fight intolerance of all kinds in the present.

The last section you will tour is the Children’s Memorial, which features photos of 3,000 young people deported to camps during the war.

6. French Deportation Memorial

In a small park behind Notre Dame Cathedral, the French Deportation Memorial honors those deported in WWII. About 200,000 people were deported to German concentration camps. Enter the courtyard, then descend the steps to the crypt. Here is the Tomb of The Unknown Deportee. As you walk past the tomb into the darkness, 200,000 points of light line the way.

7. American Library In Paris

The American Library in Paris opened in 1920 and was immediately a popular hub for readers and researchers. When war broke out and France was occupied in 1940, the staff of the library made tough decisions. Director Dorothy Reeder kept the library open. She stated her view that the library “stands as a symbol of freedom and understanding, of service to all, a fine piece of democracy.” Through the war, people came to check out books, including Jewish people, who were forbidden by law to do so. Reeder served them all. Due to the upheaval in France, many folks were not able to return borrowed books. Reeder didn’t hesitate to keep on lending books anyway.

When the U.S. joined the war in December 1941, Reeder had to return to her home in the States. However, the library continued to function under other directors.

The American Library in Paris provides a lovely place to wander among the stacks of books, sit in a soft chair and read, and marvel that this library survived WWII and is still going strong today. The library, moved from its original location at 10 Rue de L’Elysee, is at 10 Rue du Général Camou, near the Eiffel Tower.

Pro Tip: Learn more about the 100 years of history of the American Library and read the excellent novel of the war years, The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles.

8. Vel D’Hiv Memorial

A memorial plaque stands at the site of the Vélodrome d’Hiver, also known as the Vél d’Hiv. Here the French police, in collaboration with Germans, rounded up Jews of all ages in July 1942. During this infamous rafle, more than 13,000 Jews were arrested and brought to the velodrome. The round-up was a first because not only men but also women and children were caught up in this sweep. From there, they were moved to the transit camp at Drancy, northeast of the city, and then by train to Auschwitz.

You can find the memorial plaque at 8 Boulevard de Grenelle. There is also a commemorative sculpture of the round-up near the river.

Commemorative Plaques

Before my first trip to Paris, I was unaware that the city displays more than 200 commemorative plaques dedicated to those who died in the week-long liberation of the city. These plaques hang quietly on walls of buildings around Paris. Some are in rows, but many stand alone in random locations. At times, the government decorates the plaques with small bouquets, which make them easier to spot. 

In all, the Liberation of Paris claimed more than 500 civilians and about 1,000 French Forces of the Interior (FFI), which represented different Resistance movements. A few days after the start of the fighting, French, American, and British soldiers arrived to join the battle for Paris. The sporadic street fighting claimed not only Resistance members and soldiers but also ambulance drivers, nurses, and police.

To read more about the commemorative plaques, visit the France24 website, which also provides a detailed map so you can set about looking for the plaques.

Final Thoughts

For anyone fascinated by WWII, Paris offers so much. The outside walls of the Hotel de Ville still sport marks of bullets that flew around during the Liberation. The elegant Hotel Meurice served as the Nazi general’s headquarters. The Police Headquarters across the street from Sainte-Chapelle was the scene of fierce fighting in August 1944 and also still shows bullet impacts. If you do some research and plan to spend time at different WWII sites, you will find plenty to make each day in Paris memorable.

Pro Tip: I went on an excellent Context Travel tour on the WWII Nazi occupation in Paris. I also recently booked a tour of WWII in Paris with Discover Walks and learned a lot.

Mexico City, the world’s fifth largest city and home to 22 million people, is one of my favorite cities in the world, but it’s also a great base camp to explore nearby towns a few hours away. If you feel a need to escape the city’s high-voltage electric energy, consider taking a day off to visit one of the many nearby smaller communities that offer history, natural beauty, and charm.

You can reach these places by bus from one of Mexico City’s four main bus terminals (one at each compass point of the city); by renting a car; or by Uber or taxi. You can even negotiate with an Uber driver or taxista to be your driver for a day.

Another option is to take a tour. Companies such as Viator, Get Your Guide, Airbnb Experiences, and Tripadvisor offer 1-day tours to many of the destinations listed below. However you get there, I recommend going during the week, as these areas are popular and can get busy on the weekends.

In no particular order, here are six places to put on your list:

1. Tepoztlán

The “Sedona Of Mexico”

This small, charming town has an artistic, hippie ambiance, and sometimes is called the “Sedona of Mexico.” It’s one of the country’s 132 pueblos mágicos, the governmental program launched in 2001 to promote tourism in towns that offer natural beauty, cultural richness, history, archeology, cuisine, and art. About 40 minutes south of Mexico City, Tepotzlán offers ethnic restaurants, temazcales (Native sweat lodges), and live music on weekends.

The village is famous for its small 30-foot-high pyramid that dates back to the 12th century, Tepozteco, built on a cliff above town. A 1,200-foot climb in less than a mile to the 6,800-foot summit is definitely a workout, though you see families with young children regularly climbing it. As with all the hikes I mention, be sure you’re acclimated to the elevation before undertaking a climb.

Just below the viewpoint, you may get lucky and see clusters of what look like monkeys, but are actually tropical raccoons, playing and hanging from branches. From the monolith, you can also explore a network of other trails within the Tepozteco National Park.

Back in town, you can see the pre-Hispanic art in the Carlos Pellicer Cámara Museum, which houses over 1,000 pieces of pre-Hispanic art; wander around the weekend market; or just enjoy the peaceful vibes of the town.

2. Teotihuacán

Largest Pre-Columbian Site In Mesoamerica

The largest pre-Columbian site in Mesoamerica, once a political, religious, and cultural power center, is located 30 miles northeast of Mexico City. Get there as early as possible to avoid crowds. There’s a shuttle bus to the site within walking distance of many Mexico City hotels.

The archeological site dates from around 600 BCE. You can’t help but be impressed by the sheer scale of the structures and the exceptional architectural skills required by the ancients to build them.

If you’re in reasonably good shape, you can quickly get your day’s workout by climbing the Pyramid of the Sun; at 216 feet, one of the highest structures of its type in the Western Hemisphere. The Pyramid of the Moon, at 140 feet, has a large platform at the top where rulers performed rituals and both humans and animals were sacrificed, while people down below watched.

A 2.5-mile boulevard surreally named Avenue of the Dead runs through the site, linking the pyramids to the Temple of Quetzalcoatl (Temple of the Plumed Serpent), the Citadel, and other structures.

3. Tepotzotlán

Cobblestone Village

Not to be confused with Tepoztlán, this is a charming cobblestoned village 25 miles north of Mexico City. On its main square, the Plaza Hidalgo, you can visit the National Viceroyalty Museum, a former monastery that houses some of the most extensive liturgical art in Latin America. This museum is considered the second most important in the country (after Mexico City’s Museum of Anthropology).

In the same complex, visit the 17th-century, Jesuit-built San Francisco Javier Church — a UNESCO World Heritage site — known as the best example of the ornate Baroque architecture called Churrigueresque in the New World.

Tepotzotlán even has that rare thing: a nearby aqueduct you can actually walk across. The four-level, 18th-century Arcos del Sitio is the highest aqueduct in Latin America.

4. Puebla

UNESCO World Heritage Site

For a UNESCO World Heritage site located only 2 hours southeast of Mexico City, the country’s fourth largest city is surprisingly unknown outside the country. You could easily spend a few days here. 

Many of the streets in el centro are lined with pastel-colored buildings, colonnades, and wrought-iron balconies dating to the late 19th century when the French occupied the city. The Cathedral, located on the zócalo (main square), is the second highest in Mexico, with 14 chapels and an octagonal altar. Visit the Capilla del Rosario, with intricate carvings covered in gold leaf, and the lacy white Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús.

Puebla is also the home of the oldest library in the Americas, the elegant Biblioteca Palafoxiana, built in 1846. Its collection includes 45,000 books, ranging from the 15th to the 20th century.

Talavera pottery, Puebla’s iconic export, is made from clay slabs that are baked, glazed, and hand-painted. For the best selection, visit the workshop Uriarte and the Parian Market.

Don’t miss tasting Mexico’s national dish, mole poblano, a thick succulent sauce which, according to legend, nuns created by accident in the late 1600s. It’s made up of over 20 condiments, mainly chilies, chocolate, cinnamon, and cloves, all served over rice or chicken.

5. Great Pyramid Of Cholula

The Largest Structure In The World

Not as well-known as it should be, the Great Pyramid of Cholula, located 20 minutes from Puebla, has a base four times larger than the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt and nearly twice the volume.

The structure has a curious history. After the Spanish conquered Puebla, massacring thousands of Indigenous people in the process, they constructed a church (now a pilgrimage site) on top of what they thought was a hill. Unbeknownst to them, beneath the tiny church was an ancient pyramid. Starting in the 1930s, archeologists dug five miles of tunnels through the hill to uncover what turned out to be the largest artificial structure in the world.

A tourist train leaves Puebla’s centro three times a day for the ruins, taking 40 minutes. You’ll be dropped off at the pyramid where your ticket allows you access to the tunnels, a must-see, and the museum.

After seeing the pyramid, visit the town of Cholula, a pueblo mágico and the oldest continually inhabited town in Mexico. It’s famous for its legendary 365 churches, one per day of the year. In reality, there are only 37, but who’s counting?

Some are highly unusual: The facade of San Francisco de Acatepec is red brick and talavera (a type of Spanish pottery) covered with wild colors and geometric patterns, while the style of the Santa Maria Tonantzintla is called “Indigenous Baroque.” Every inch of the interior is filled with wood-carved faces.

6. The Former Mining Towns Of Hidalgo

The pueblos mágicos of Real del Monte, Mineral del Chico, and Huasca de Ocampo offer not only natural beauty, but a mirror into an eccentric chapter in Mexico’s history — the settlement of Cornish miners who arrived in the 1800s to work the silver mines. Visit any of the three towns, or get an overview by taking a 1-day tour. Dress warm, as these towns are very high in elevation.

Real Del Monte

Real del Monte, at 8,900 feet, has a distinctly British flavor with its sloping roofs and manicured gardens. Like all immigrants, the Cornish diaspora brought their culture with them. Their favorite fast food, Cornish pasties, or pastes in Mexico, are now a defining mark of Hidalgo’s identity. These wildly popular flaky empanada-type pastries come with savory or sweet fillings; not just traditional potatoes and mincemeat, but Mexican flavors like mole, chorizo, salsas, and chili. The paste is so popular that the town has an international festival devoted to it every October and a dedicated paste museum.

On a more somber note, the poignant Panteón Inglés (the English Cemetery) is located in a fir forest on a hilltop above town. The 750 tombstones, all marked with epitaphs in English, face in the direction of Britain.

Mineral Del Chico

Less than half an hour from Real del Monte is the cobblestone village of Mineral del Chico, nestled within the forested El Chico National Park. It’s an ideal base for exploring nature and a center for adventure sports such as rock climbing and rappelling. A famous viewpoint, the Peña del Cuervo, offers vistas of the village.

Huasca De Ocampo

Huasca de Ocampo, Mexico’s first pueblo mágico, is a small town famous for its pottery and for the nearby geological balsamic prisms — pipelike structures formed millions of years ago by the slow cooling of volcanic lava. Waterfalls, a suspension bridge, and two haciendas add to Huasca’s charm.

If you’re like me, you may love urban energy, but you also need an occasional reset. A day or two in a tranquilo town offers just the medicine to refresh. Then, cheerfully head back to a pulsing, high-energy Mexico City.

Related Reading:

• 6 Experiences I Love In Mexico City — Plus 2 Still On My List
• 8 Fantastic Experiences In Historic Caborca, Mexico
• 10 Reasons To Visit The Adorable Coastal Town Of Sayulita, Mexico

Vibrantly colored walls filled with larger-than-life artwork, light and sound displays that tickle your senses, and interactive installations that immerse you in the artspace embody the essence of Wonderspaces.

Breaking the barrier of “Do Not Touch,” several exhibits at Wonderspaces invite you to be an active participant in the art-making process. They’re not just for kids, although kids will love it — Wonderspaces allow everyone to lean into their playful and artistic sides. When you interact with other people’s ideas, you share and grow; it doesn’t matter if you are 10 years old or 70 years young.

Wonderspaces, Explained

Wonderspaces began in 2016 with the goal of connecting artists and new-to-art audiences. They partner with talented artists and allow them to showcase their unconventional art for an extended time period in venues that are accessible to everyone.

“From day one, we’ve been on a mission to present art shows that serve as a safe, welcoming, and local destination for extraordinary creativity,” says Wonderspaces’ co-founder and president, Jason Shin. “We believe an art show can be a place to gather and connect with friends and family that is as accessible as the neighborhood movie theater.”

The shows present unique works that have been shown at the Sundance Film Festival, Burning Man, South by Southwest, and more. New art rotates into the galleries throughout the year. 

I visited Wonderspaces Arizona, and here are my takeaways on why you’ll love these unique art galleries.

Note: Information in this piece was obtained during a sponsored press trip, but all recommendations are my own.

1. Extraordinary Art

The Scottsdale, Arizona, show features 14 artworks in a 16,000-square-foot space. Housed in a former movie theater in the Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall, Wonderspaces Arizona is easily accessible.

As with all Wonderspaces, the artwork at Wonderspaces Arizona invites you to interact. Whether you are walking through an installation or viewing from afar, extraordinary art draws us in and challenges our worldview; it makes us think. 

2. Interactive Exhibits

An interactive exhibit where the public can participate in the creation of art is the epitome of art immersion. Adding your personal flair to a group creating modern art is exciting and a little intimidating. 

Before I Die is a global art project that invites the public to share personal aspirations. Created by Candy Chang, more than 5,000 Before I Die walls have been created in over 75 countries. Write your ultimate personal goal on the chalkboard, solidifying your intention. 

The Rules is a test — are you a rule follower or a rule breaker? Rolling carts filled with colorful tape sit next to an enormous white wall partially filled with tape strips. Visitors may or may not see, read, or adhere to the rules — it’s okay. You are invited to add your own colorful tape creation to this intriguing installation. The work of Paola Ibarra, The Rules may define your personal outlook.

3. Virtual Light Play

In 10 years, will we all have a virtual reality room in our home or school? Will our entertainment room house multiple digital screens showcasing evolving digital artwork? Perhaps virtual reality spaces will become the new way to enjoy television. Cutting-edge technology will eventually trickle down to individual consumers, allowing us to enjoy captivating artistic creations in our own homes.

Volumen is a three-screen, multi-dimensional audiovisual display that evolves and interweaves between the screens. Designed by media artist Filip Roca, this mesmerizing, flowing architectural work is a peek into the future of digital art.

The first time I tried virtual reality was at the Spheres exhibit at Wonderspaces Arizona. You enter a black room, dimly lit with rows of benches (I advise taking one by the wall, as you may want to lean back). After putting on the 3D virtual reality headset, I was transported to another realm. In this instance, to a black hole in space. Look left, right, up, and down — you are engulfed in space. A soft voice whispers in your ear with information and ideas. Directed by Eliza McNitt, Spheres is an interesting sensorial experience that lingers long after you remove the headset.

4. Stunning Artwork

The Border is a scenescape by artist Carolin Wanitzek. You wander through a paper forest, enveloped in a colorful landscape. The different shades of cooling hues set a beautiful backdrop for the fire-popping colors of the bugs, butterflies, and dragonflies. It was a challenge not to reach out and touch this one.

5. The Future Of Art

As art evolves with technology, the outcome will continue to surprise and amaze us. As beautiful and evocative as the Mona Lisa was in the early 1500s, today’s technologically integrated artwork is equally as poignant and powerful.

Light Leaks by Kyle McDonald and Jonas Jongejan is an intricately designed presentation that surrounds the viewer with an amazing display of lights and sounds. With the mirrored balls strategically assembled to play with light refraction, you are treated to a delightful magic show.

6. The Bar

Enjoy a beverage, adult or otherwise, and obsessively watch the painters change the numbers on the Analog Digital Clock. Projected on the wall over the bar, filmed painters shift the digital numbers as minutes fly by. You can’t help but become absorbed in the passage of time as the painter’s shape-shift 2 seconds to 3, then 4, and so on. Watching how they transition the numbers without totally erasing them is art in motion.

This fascinating installation is part of the Real Time series; the brainchild of Maarten Baas.

Wonderspaces Locations

In addition to Wonderspaces Arizona, there are other locations across the U.S. At the locations in Philadelphia, Austin, and San Diego, you will find more fun and interesting art installations that bring art up close and personal.

All tickets must be purchased online in advance and are for a specific date and time.

Wonderspaces Are Must-Visits

Whether you are artistically inclined, just appreciate great art, or are new to the art world, the way Wonderspaces displays extraordinary art in an accessible way makes them must-visits. Your experience will be filled with moments of wonder and beauty. The intricate details worked out for each installation are a testament to Wonderspaces’ expert team. You will quickly become an art lover and enthusiastic patron.

Pro Tips: After you have enjoyed the Wonderspaces experience, head outside to explore the wonderful outdoor adventures Scottsdale has to offer. And for your accommodations, consider the hip and retro Hotel Valley Ho — you will love the Mid-Century Modern throwback vibe.

Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is home to the pyramids and some mind-blowing ancient treasures. A city with a population of around 21 million, which makes it the second largest city area in Africa, it can be daunting at first glance. Smog hangs over the buildings, traffic is deadlocked, the noise can be deafening. Yet there is something about this city on the Nile that had me say “I could live here” on my very first visit.

Be it the mix of ancient and modern history, or be it the presence of the historic Nile river with feluccas sailing by even in the bustling city center. Maybe the thousand minarets (the skinny towers typical of mosques) sticking up from the city, or maybe the many small food carts serving up fresh delights every night alongside the quays of the Nile. There definitely is something very special about Cairo.

Cairo is the starting point for most visitors to Egypt because of the Cairo International Airport, the opportunities for interesting day trips (such as to Memphis, south of Cairo, or north to the Mediterranean) it presents, or the cruises that head up the Nile to Aswan. But the biggest draw for tourists is the nearby Giza pyramid complex, which includes the Great Pyramid of Giza. After all, coming to Egypt without seeing the pyramids is like missing the Eiffel Tower in Paris. But what else is there to do once you have clambered around the pyramids and marveled at the Sphinx? Plenty.

Read on for some great things to see and do while in Cairo.

1. Museum Of Egyptian Antiquities / Grand Egyptian Museum

Let’s start with a bit of an unknown. The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, or Cairo Museum, was once the oldest archeological museum in the Middle East, holding a collection of more than 120,000 artifacts from ancient Egypt. It is in downtown Cairo, a hundred-odd yards from the central Tahrir Square. It’s home to the shimmering Tutankhamun mask, mummies, colossi from ancient temples, golden jewelry, and tiny but perfect objects that once amused a pharaoh. 

Still open at the time of writing, this colossus of a museum on the banks of the Nile is due to be superseded by a brand-new museum near the pyramids, on the outskirts of Cairo: The Grand Egyptian Museum. This museum’s opening has long been delayed, but eventually, all the important artifacts will be housed in the modern complex, while the old museum will undergo restorations and face an uncertain future. Whichever will be open when you reach Cairo, put either on top of your to-do list, as the ancient treasures brought together here are truly unbelievable.

2. National Museum Of Egyptian Civilization

The second new museum added to Cairo’s must-see list is the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, which will go hand in hand with the above museums but will concentrate on the history, and the telling of it, rather than on the individual artifacts. That said, the pharaohs’ mummies were transferred with great pomp and circumstance during the Former Rulers’ Parade in early 2021.

Located in the old part of Cairo and overlooking Ain El Sira Lake, where replicas of pharaonic boats float, the setting is scenic and tranquil, considering the noise of Cairo steps away from there. A stunning modern building, the displays take you through the different eras of Egyptian civilization and don’t just concentrate on the ancient pharaohs, but also include stunning examples of Islamic art and the Middle Eastern and Arab world.

3. Old Coptic Cairo

The winding alleyways of so-called Coptic Cairo, or Old Cairo, are several centuries older than Islamic Cairo and are a delight to get lost in. And get lost you will. There is much to see, starting with the Coptic Museum, showcasing some 15,000 pieces of art, taking you through Coptic as well as Cairo’s history. 

The Saint Virgin Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church, or Hanging Church, is one of the oldest buildings in Coptic Cairo, and one of the oldest churches in Egypt, dating to the third century A.D. 

Dating to roughly the same age, the Mosque of Amr Ibn El-Aas lies just steps away from the church, showcasing the closeness of the religions in Old Cairo. The mosque is very picturesque with countless colonnaded walkways around a large expanse of marble courtyard.

4. The Khan El Khalili Bazaar

Since the 14th century, the old bazaar in Cairo, the Khan el Khalili (also spelled “Khan al-Khalili” or “Khan al Khalili”), has been drawing crowds. A warren of lanes filled with stalls, not unlike the Istanbul Grand Bazaar, the air is heavy with incense, the light reflected from many shimmering lanterns and mirrors, and anybody loving kitchen wares, be they bowls, pots, coasters other nice and useful items, will have to ask their airline for an extra baggage allowance. The atmosphere is buzzing. Yes, you do get asked where you are from, get stopped at every corner as soon as you dare to slow down, but this is part of the game. Look, haggle, and buy everything you can fit into your suitcase. I certainly did.

Rest for a tea on the terrace of one of the cafes alongside the Al-Hussain Mosque. Preferably around prayer time, watch the Muslim faithful congregate under the enormous umbrellas that give shelter in front of the mosque.

5. Al-Azhar Mosque

There are countless beautiful mosques dotted around Cairo, and during prayer time, the haunting calls to the faithful echo through the streets. One of the most beautiful mosques, though, is the Al-Azhar Mosque in the heart of Islamic Cairo, dating back to A.D. 972. The intricate Arabian architecture is just stunning, the courtyard is huge, and there are many small architectural details to be discovered. 

What makes this mosque even more special, though, is the fact that it is also one of the world’s oldest universities, established in A.D. 988 by Caliph El-Aziz. And those black, flowing gowns you wear when graduating from university? They originated right here and were inspired by the robes the students wore.

6. Salah El-Din Citadel

Salah El-Din Citadel, the Citadel of Saladin, was built around A.D. 1180 by Sultan Al-Nasir Salah al-Din Yusuf ibn Ayyub, better known simply as Salah ad-Din or Saladin, and the citadel became the seat of many rulers that followed him. 

The ancient fort looks across Cairo and is so vast that it houses a mosque and several museums within its sturdy walls. Its walls stretched so far that it once joined the city of Cairo with another old city called Ayyubid, protecting both cities from the Crusaders. But in 1798, Napoleon conquered Cairo and Alexandria and set up camp in the citadel, proving it was no longer invincible. Incidentally, while Napoleon was there, he also reportedly found the Rosetta Stone while digging near the foundations of another fort in the Nile Delta.

7. Saqqara Step Pyramid

Less than 20 miles outside of Cairo, toward the south, lies another pyramid, but one that is very different in design from the pyramids of Giza. The Step Pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara is not only the first known pyramid built by the ancient Egyptians, and thus Egypt’s oldest pyramid, but also Egypt’s oldest known stone structure, dating to around 2600 B.C. 

Standing in the middle of the desert in a ruined but still intriguing complex of other associated buildings, I first spotted this pyramid from the plane, coming in to land at Cairo International Airport. The complex is named after King Netjeryknet of the third dynasty, better known as Djoser, meaning Sacred or Holy One. He basically wanted a unique mortuary complex.

8. Cairo’s Necropolis

While the pyramids are the pharaohs’ necropolis, the more mortal peoples’ necropolis is right in the heart of Cairo: a vast cemetery filled with ancient graves dating back to the seventh century. But here, the necropolis is not merely a city of the dead, but very much of the living. Having turned into a settlement for the poorest of Cairo’s inhabitants, some of which have lived here all their lives, the necropolis today is a cross between a historic site and a slum. It is a fascinating outing to view the old mausoleums and tombs that survived the centuries, and you can go on a guided tour to learn more about the past while assessing the current situation for the residents of the necropolis.

9. Historic Hotels

As soon as the tombs of Egypt’s pharaohs were discovered in the late 19th century, tourism became a staple income for Egyptians, with travelers from around the world flocking to Cairo and beyond to experience what people then called The Orient. From Florence Nightingale to Agatha Christie, they all came, and they all wanted to stay somewhere stylish and comfortable.

Mena House

Many of the hotels that sprung up to cater to visitors are still going strong today. They make for great, historic stays. The most famous is probably the Mena House in Giza, with views across the pyramids. You have views from the old part, which is currently being restored, but also the more modern addition. It is a fabulous place to sit on your balcony and have the gigantic pyramids at the bottom of the garden.

Cairo Palace

For another great location, stay at the Cairo Palace, right by the Nile. The interior and the gardens are superb and offer an oasis away from the hectic city outside the front entrance.

Pro Tips: Cairo is easily and safely explored by metro, a much faster alternative to the taxis that get stuck in traffic all too often. 

Also, don’t forget, Cairo is a modern, bustling metropolis, with non-ancient sights, such as the Opera House or the Cairo Tower, well worth checking out if you have the time.

Ready to spill the tea on an amazing London travel destination? The Twinings tea company needs to be on your travel list — even if you don’t consume a lot of cuppas. 

When it comes to bragging rights, Twinings has a few boasts that are unbeatable. This beloved British company has the world’s oldest commercial logo in continuous use (sorry, budding graphic designers — this seems unlikely to change!). It’s also London’s oldest ratepayer, which means they’ve been dutifully taking care of business at the same location at 216 Strand since 1706. Depending on who you ask, this makes them London’s oldest business. Technically, a few banks have been operating longer, but I don’t really think of them as businesses — do you?

Editor’s Note: London’s banks do have a fascinating history, nonetheless, that involves the beverage industry. Donna Janke wrote more about London’s bankers and brokers.

As I learned on my recent visit, Twinings is also one of London’s most delicious and generous destinations. Here’s why you should visit.

1. Heaps of British History In One Tiny Space

Twining’s flagship store is often referred to as both a shop and a museum, thanks to the historic displays about both the company and the rise of tea as a consumer product. One of my favorite facts is that, before Twinings was in business, the shop operated as Tom’s Coffee House. Doesn’t that sound like it could be a modern hipster cafe serving up mochas and flat whites? The fact that Twinings is London’s oldest tea shop and that there were other stores in the beverage business before is quite the reminder of just how important hot drinks are in the British capital. 

Incidentally, Thomas Twining’s inspiration for starting a tea shop was the fact that there was stiff competition for male-dominated coffee houses. The tea market was extremely trendy with women, but it was underserved. It just made more economical sense to specialize in something other than coffee. However, opening a tea salon wouldn’t work. A proper lady of the day would never enter an establishment serving hot tea or coffee on her own. How scandalous! As such, the idea of a dry tea shop, for products to use at home, came to be. Personally, I hate to think of how my reputation would suffer if I were a lady in the 1700s, given how many coffee and tea shops I pop into on a typical travel day!

2. Classic And Innovative Teas

You don’t have to be into really unusual teas to enjoy this destination. I don’t have the most adventurous palate when it comes to tea, and I was happy to pick up a box of classic mint tea at about the same price point as I’d find in a supermarket. Other traditional options include camomile, English breakfast, Darjeeling, and Earl Grey — or, as an alternative, Lady Grey tea. Twinings is responsible for trademarking this name!

For those who take their tea seriously, you’ll be very satisfied with the selection of loose-leaf teas. Some of the varieties that caught my eye include Darjeeling Castleton Moonlight Oolong, High Grown Nilgiri, and Lapsang Souchong.

Non-tea drinkers will appreciate that you can also buy coffee beans, cocoa, and other hot drinks.

3. Fancy Tastings

Many coffee and tea shops offer free samples, usually in sad little paper cups, but Twinings takes things to an entirely new level. During my visit, four different teas were available for sampling. They were brewed in small batches in glass teapots so you could see the color and tone of the tea. Samples were offered in little white ceramic cups. Forget the blah tiny paper cups, this was fancy stuff! It felt like such an elegant setup. (In case you’re worried that you might not enjoy a particular sample, take heart. There is a special container to pour out any tea you might not want to finish).

Curious about the varieties on offer, I asked the staff how they decide what tea to sample. One of the blends during my November visit was Christmas-inspired, so I assumed that seasonality was an important factor. However, I was told that the season was only a small part of the process. The staff members base their teas in large part on the different blends and varieties they personally love. That way, they can really talk about the available selections with the highest level of passion and knowledge.

It’s also worth noting that the staff may be able to offer a sample of something that’s not part of that day’s selection. I overheard a customer asking some questions about different teas, and the staff volunteered to brew him a sample if it would help with the decision process. 

4. Tea Tasting Masterclass

If you’re serious about your tea or looking for a truly unique travel experience, sign up for a two-hour tasting masterclass at Twinings’ elegant tasting room.

You’ll find this by-appointment-only facility hidden away from the main store. The experience costs £38 (which is definitely one of the more affordable activities of its kind in London) and virtual options are available for those who can’t attend in person. Those who are truly passionate about tea can also sign up for a bespoke blending session to create their own custom Twinings tea. The cost is £250 and includes one kilogram of your own tea.

Pro Tip: Explore The Neighbourhood With This Great Tour

Twinings is surrounded by a really interesting neighborhood, full of academic, legal, and media buildings (plus pretty gardens). London Walks has several tours covering this part of London. 

The Inns of Court tour doesn’t include a stop at Twinings, but you could go there first, try some delicious samples, and get some dry tea to go (it’s light, so it won’t be a burden during a walking tour). 

Evening visitors will enjoy the Hidden Pubs Of Old London Town Tour, which takes place at 6 p.m. on select evenings. Twinings is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (11:30 to 6:30 on Thursdays), so the timing works out nicely to have a visit and then enjoy your walking tour.

If you can’t make it to London, consider Twinings’s online store.