Tourism

A Taste of Iced Tea: Visiting Chattanooga

January 22, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

Chattanooga has more than once been listed as the friendliest town in America. Not only is it full of that Southern hospitality, but its sites and culture make it one of the best places to visit. Here are some of the attractions of this city.

The Aquarium. Hailed one of the top aquariums in the nation, this facility features two enormous buildings—one dedicated to freshwater life, one dedicated to saltwater life. A bridge between the two allows visitors to easily see both sections.

The North Shore. As Chattanooga is divided by the Tennessee River, make sure to visit both sides of the city. The north shore boasts plenty of famous and incredible restaurants, lots of shoppes, and the beautiful Coolidge Park, complete with a fountain for frolicking, and a carousel to ride for old times’ sake.

The Walking Bridge and the Hunter Museum of American Art. This beautiful classic building is full of American treasures. After perusing the pleasing array of beauties in the Hunter Museum, head outside to the Walking Bridge, easily visible from the front of the museum. This ancient bridge is no longer used for cars, but crosses over the river for pedestrians, making it the perfect way to explore the city, take some pictures, and feel a little more old-fashioned.

Market Street. This street is full of restaurants and shops. If you want to go out on the town, market street is the perfect place to begin your night. With a mystery dinner theater, a sushi house, as well as several local wonders, you are sure to love what Chattanooga can serve you.

Rembrandts Coffee House. Located off the beaten track by the Hunter Museum, this place is the most beautiful and quaint place for a cup of coffee. Once you get your coffee, take a walk along the beautiful old streets for a view of the river. Beautiful views, bed and breakfasts, and lovely buildings make this place absolutely perfect.

Filed Under: Tourism Tagged With: Tennessee-Chattanooga

The Sites of Edinburgh

January 20, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

Edinburgh is the beautiful capital city of Scotland, filled with history, and located on the sea. If you are planning on visiting, make sure to do some online research first. Like anything from purchasing a new television to buying a new watch from JRDunn.com, by doing some research and getting some tips you will save money and time. So with that in mind, here are a list of some of the places to visit.

Edinburgh Castle. This is where the last freedom fight of Scotland was fought, and where the royal jewels of Scotland were rediscovered years later. These treasures can now be viewed at the castle. Also in the castle is a chapel, the armory, the battlements, and a scheduled cannon demonstration.

Holyroodhouse Palace. This is where the royal family still spends part of the year, and so it is not able to be toured year-round. Here you can see the old receiving room, read the tragic story of Mary, Queen of Scots, and see the old, ruined cathedral that the palace is based next to. Filled with ornate decorations and British history, this gem is worth the ticket price.

Arthur’s Seat. Of all the sites in Edinburgh, Arthur’s Seat is the most breathtaking and unique. It is a rocky hill that looks over the city and the surrounding sea. After an energetic hike, travelers are rewarded with spectacular views of the city, the sea, and the distant Highlands. Make the trek at the right time, and a bagpiper may be playing to his nation’s honor, creating an incredible experience that should not be turned down.

The Royal Mile. This is the road that stretches from the castle down to near the palace. It is loaded with vendors, shoppes, cafés, as well as alleys and old closes (covered alleys) that cross the road or open into it. The people, shops, and interesting sites and architecture make this stretch a must-see of Edinburgh.

National Museums Scotland. These museums are located a little bit off of the beaten path, and contain many interesting displays of history and art. Well worth a tour, these stops are a good place to get out of the weather and into the history and culture of Scotland.

Filed Under: Tourism Tagged With: Royal Mile, Scotland

Four Ways to see England Like a Local

January 18, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

Rent a Car. Renting a car allows you to take an adventure off of the highways and main streets of buses and city life, and to experience the country roads that are lined with hedges and which curve around the old farmhouses. Renting a car also gives you the driving experience of the local—on the other side of the car! If you can retrain your brain for a week or two in order to drive on the other side of the road, you will be rewarded with a unique experience.

Stay at farmhouse bed and breakfasts. The countryside is filled with old farmhouses and working farms that double as a bed and breakfast. Usually complete with a full English breakfast, you can spend the night or the week coming and going at British home, where a family is going about their everyday farm life. These hosts are also excellent resources for great restaurants in the area, directions, or things to do.

Make friends with a local. While this may sound unlikely, asking someone on the bus, or the host of your accommodation where the best places are may be the best way to see the sites from the eyes of a native. This is a valuable trait to have in any city, but particularly in smaller cities where travel guides don’t bother giving any advice. Every town has its jewels and its quirks, and asking around may be the best way to experience these. Where’s the best place to get this kind of advice? A local pub, of course!

Take a walk. In fact, take lots of walks. After all, this is primarily how the locals get around, especially in cities like Oxford and London. Do not limit yourself to walks strictly to get from one place to another, but take a stroll around and you may find an interesting shop or café you would not have noticed before.

Filed Under: Tourism Tagged With: London

Experience the Sublime in North Wales

January 15, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

A trip to North Wales is ideal for vacationers who are eager to see rolling hills, ancient castles, sheep paddocks, and the quaint landscape and lifestyle of the Welsh. This tips can help give you the most authentic and beautiful Welsh vacation.

Stay in the country. While you could find a main city and put up in a hotel, the real charm of Wales is seen in its countryside, so why not stay in the midst of it? There are many different bed and breakfasts you can stay at in the towns that sprawl across this region, and several websites can help you search the many different options you have for accommodations, including bed and breakfasts, self-catering cottages, hostels, and local hotels.

Tour the Castles. There are five major castles in the province, all unique in their own way, and all players in the long history of Wales and the United Kingdom. Several of these castles are on the coast, making for beautiful views of the sea, and all are surrounded by the gorgeous terrain of the countryside. Getting a ticket into the castle allows you to peruse inside the castle, its ruins, and its on-site museums. Visiting these old and majestic beauties is well worth your time if you want to understand Wales’ rich history.

Go on lots of walks and hikes. The beautiful terrain of North Wales will practically drag you out of your cottage and into its sublime air. Rolling hills, streams splashing down moss-covered boulders, tall trees, old stone fences, and mountain views are what makes North Wales such a breathtaking adventure. Taking a walk outside of your accommodations may make you feel like you belong in The Lord of the Rings, and the many old fences and pastures filled with sheep may seem like they belong in a Jane Austen novel. After a week of living in the daily beauty of this region, you may come home a new person.

Filed Under: Tourism Tagged With: North Wales, Wales

Westward Expansion

January 13, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

If you are looking for a trip out West, consider using this trail guide to hit the important stops. Begin in Keystone, South Dakota, to see Mount Rushmore. Stay in the area to see the Black Hills of South Dakota, the most beautiful stop in the state. With museums and trails and historical markers, as well as plenty of adorable and chubby prairie dogs to feed, this place is ideal for the explorer and history buff.

Move even further west through Wyoming to experience Yellowstone National Park, the first national park ever created in 1872 by President Ulysses Grant. It is the home of dozens of famous geysers, including Old Faithful, as well as numerous hot springs. This area is also perfect for experiencing wildlife. Wake up early one morning before the sun is up, hop in your car with a cup of coffee, and drive around the beautiful countryside to see antelope, dear, moose, and even a bear or two. Just be sure you stay in your car!

Just a little south of Yellowstone is the Grand Teton National Park, a place known for its beautiful and majestic mountains, as well as plenty of great hiking, trails, and wildlife. An early-morning ride here, or even an afternoon trip, may find you taking pictures of several moose and bears (not seen together, of course).

Lastly, head further south to Estes Park, Colorado, a place known for its views and cabins and local life. With is world-renowned views, it is well worth a few nights’ visit. Of course, while in Colorado, you can always hop over to Pikes Peak to drive up or hike this famous mountain of Colorado, known because it is so visible out of all of the Rocky Mountains. All of these landmark sites are only a few hours from each other, making them the perfect trail to hit of you are looking for some of the most beautiful sites of the West.

Filed Under: Tourism Tagged With: Yellowstone National Park

Luxury and Relaxation in New York City

January 9, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

If you are planning to visit New York City for the first time or the hundredth time, why not visit New York City in the lap of luxury by staying at one of the finest hotels in town? While you are enjoying your stay in a luxury hotel in New York City, you will also want to take in some of the sights, sounds, and tastes of the Big Apple. You may want to see a Broadway show, visit an art museum, take a tour of the Statue of Liberty, go to a comedy club, sample some unique cuisine, or spend the day shopping at Bloomingdale’s. Whatever you choose to do while you are there, you can relax and unwind in your luxury hotel at the end of the day.

Jumeirah Essex House. This property is located at Central Park in Manhattan and has been a choice for world leaders and celebrities. You will be treated like royalty at Jumeirah Essex House with special concierge services. You’ll also be pampered in the private spa.

Smyth TriBeCa Hotel. If you are looking for a quiet, elaborately decorated, modern luxury hotel located in the cobble stoned area of Tribeca in Manhattan, you will want to seek out the Smyth TriBeCa Hotel, a Thompson Hotel. This hotel not only offers luxurious accommodations but also has an incredible restaurant that serves French Riviera-inspired cuisine.

The Plaza Hotel. Located in Central Park, Fifth Avenue, amongst the amazing art and thriving culture of NYC, you will find a top-notch hotel that offers over 100 luxury suites. You will be pampered with “white glove service” including butler service. When staying at The Plaza Hotel, you will also have access to world-class shopping, a Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa, and a Warren-Tricomi Salon.

Discover for yourself the best luxury hotel New York City has to offer by staying at these fine properties.

Filed Under: Tourism, Travel Tagged With: Central Park, Hotel, Jumeirah Essex House, New York City

Fort Collins Adventure

January 8, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

If you are looking for a environment that is care free and full of sites to see and things to do, taking a vacation to Fort Collins is the best thing you can do. One of the lesser known cities of Colorado, this town boasts a beautiful Old Town, and several excellent microbreweries.

Old Town is an old and beautiful part of the city with many original boutiques and shops, not to mention beautiful public spaces with sculptures and fountains. The main street of the city has several shops and restaurants that merit a visit or two. Most notable of these is Wear it Again, Sam, a antique clothing and costume boutique.

This college town also boasts many cafés and coffee shops, from the classy and clean café to the old book store with comfy couches and good hot drinks. If you are looking for a trip filled with excellent lattes, good food, and a lot of old books to peruse, make sure you take the time to pencil in Fort Collins.

What Fort Collins may be best at, however, is not cafes, shops, or books. Instead, they focus on making some really good beers and ales. There are several microbreweries in Fort Collins, including New Belgium (which is known for its beer Fat Tire), O’Dell, and Fort Collins Brewery. While there are many other breweries in the town, including a Budweiser plant, these three are fairly large and located extremely close together. At these breweries and at most others, you can usually take a tour of the place and try different samples of what they make.

Numerous hotels in Fort Collins, and its location as under an hour from Denver, make Fort Collins a unique place to vacation. Visitors can walk around and shop in Old Town, spend afternoons in coffee shops, take a drive to Denver for the city life, or head out to the mountains, which are visible from Fort Collins as well.

Filed Under: Tourism Tagged With: Fort Collins Colorado