#actually the whole art museum is excellent and I highly recommend visiting it if you can

[disredspectful]

As requested by @angryqueercrypted, here are my pictures of Padme Amidala outfits (and I think also some other senator outfits)! So I took these pictures at the Detroit Institute of Arts when I was passing through in 2018. Sorry for the absolute potato quality, this is what I get for buying a cheap mobile phone and trying to take photos in the dark.

I do have more pictures than this, but would you believe they’re less in focus than these. Anyway, each piece also had a great explanation of the thoughts on  the design, there was a lot of discussion of the inspiration for Padme’s outfits. 10/10 exhibition, would recommend time travelling to Detroit in July 2018 and checking it out.

[dokidokivisual]

Gochiusa BLOOM episode 3 impressions

Previously: episode 2, episode 1 (seriously, the number of notes on ep 2 review is too low...)

Welcome to another review of Gochuumon wa usagi desu ka? BLOOM. In this episode, the series explores a topic it rarely touched previously, which is school life. Unlike many similar slice-of-life series, Gochiusa rarely concerned itself with such a mundane setting, preferring the ambience of cafés and cobblestone streets. There were a few exceptions, such as the first half of season 2 episode 10, but this is the first episode fully dedicated to a school setting.

Another distinguishing trait of Gochiusa is that the group of main characters attends not one, but several different schools. In particular, there are two high schools: a “normal” one attended by Cocoa and Chiya, and an “elite” one attended by Sharo and Rize. Moreover, there’s a group of middle school characters on the verge of graduating. As such, the question of which high school will Chino, Maya and Megu eventually choose was bound to come to the forefront at some point. And that’s exactly what happens in this episode.

There’s a lot of interesting stuff to discuss, so let’s get down to business...

The episode opens with a shot of Aoyama Blue Mountain on a boat, which also appears in the beginning of season 1 episode 1. By the way before COVID you could totally ride a boat like this in Colmar. Just watch your head...

Yeah, this is under the bridge from season 2 ED. Filmed by me.

Anyway, I’m being sidetracked. What’s important is that this is the only shot where you could tell it’s morning, because of the angle of the shadow from the bridge. It is indeed morning, and we see Cocoa and Chino walking down to school. Seems the summer vacation is over and it’s already September? Cocoa, the self-described pikka-pika no onee-chan, tries to coerce Chino into committing to enter the same high school as her, while Chino is not sure about that. We’ve seen Chino being unsure about her future as recently as this season’s episode 1, and in regards to the high school choice the time for a decision is quickly approaching.

Soon we see Maya and Megu who are facing the same decision. Megu seems to have already decided on what Maya derisively calls the gokigenyo school. The greeting gokigenyo (ご機嫌よう) comes from the word “kigen” (機嫌) which means “mood”, and can be literally translated as “how do you do”. However the same word is also used as farewell, which often causes troubles for translators.

The concept of “gokigenyo school“ has been popularised by the light novel and anime series Maria watches over us (Marimite), which is also one of the most influential works of the yuri genre. This concept has also been parodied a number of times, for example in the excellent episode 5 of Flip Flappers.

Megu manages to convince Maya and Chino to come with her to a tour of this school, and we get a close-up of Maya hinting that she’s definitely hiding something.

Meanwhile at Cocoa’s school, the class president declares the theme of the cultural festival being “cafe”, and puts Chiya and Cocoa in charge of it, because they work at a cafe. It seems that Chiya is considered to be more dependable than Cocoa by her classmates, since she got a higher rank. Nevertheless, it is Cocoa who mostly delivers the speech to fire up the other students.

Note the usage of Chinese tally marks to tally the votes. The five strokes comprising the character 正 (”truth”) equate 5 votes. This method is popular across East Asia, even in Korea where Chinese characters are no longer used.

Also I’ve seen a lot of people were confused by the inclusion of “sex museum” as one of the proposals, which is how 秘宝館 (hihokan) has been translated by the official subtitles. This word, which literally means “the hall of hidden treasures” has been used by various establishments of this type in post-war Japan, however only few of them remain open now. I think “sex museum” is a bad translation because, while technically correct, it breaks mimesis, or in simpler terms, immersion. The English translation is so blatantly inappropriate that it would never make it onto this blackboard, whereas the Japanese word is obscure and innocent-looking enough that it just might. A better translation would be “adult museum”, in fact that’s what the most well-known hihokan, Atami Hihokan uses for its English title.

As proof of each other’s ability, Cocoa mentions Chiya’s triple tray wielding skill (お盆三刀流 obon santoryu) which has been demonstrated in season 2 episode 1. Chiya brings up Cocoa’s “basking in the sun” (日向ぼっこ hinatabokko) attitude which supposedly makes her popular among customers. This is a reference to season 2 episode 5 where Rize says Cocoa always either practices latte art or basks in the sun.

On the way back from school, we learn that Chiya is actually scared of the responsibilities placed on her, and her dream of becoming the president of Ama Usa An franchise (which has been mentioned in s2e1, s2e9 and maybe other episodes I forgot) might be ruined because of this. Cocoa consoles her, again showing her motherly side.

Back at Rabbit House, Cocoa explains how the upcoming festival will be exciting (wakuwaku) and fluffy/cuddly (mofumofu). This is one of several times Cocoa uses silly onomatopoeia to describe something in this episode (aforementioned pikkapika onee-chan and describing her school also as mofumofu in a latter scene). Interestingly, all of these lines are anime-original, and at this point seems like an intentional effort to make Cocoa speak in a more eccentric manner.

In the next scene Sharo becomes angry at Chiya for keeping secrets from her, and blows her cheeks, which makes her turn into a Fugu fish, according to Chiya. Fugu is famous in Japanese cuisine for being a highly poisonous but sought after delicacy, however in this case the comparison has to do with the tendency of a live fugu (as well as other pufferfish) to inflate its stomach, giving it an almost spherical appearance to deter predators.

Next there’s another anime-original CocoChino scene where Chino asks Cocoa about what her school is like. This is my favorite part of the episode because it’s just so adorable. Like, even the fact that Cocoa is drying Chino’s hair with a towel after bath shows how close they became. The direction and the delivery of the dialogue is masterfully executed. Cocoa would be really hurt if Chino chooses any other school, and Chino knows that. But Chino can’t admit she’ll choose her next school because of Cocoa, at least not yet.

Now we move on to the main plot of the episode, which is Chimame visiting Rize and Sharo’s school. Like I said in the preview, this episode covers chapters 10 and 11 of the volume 5 of the manga, which in-universe occur at the same time. However while it fully covers (and has the same title as) chapter 10, only the first half of chapter 11 is included. So about 2/3 of the episode are dedicated to the story of chapter 10.

Chimame attend a speech by “OG” Mate Rin. OG in this case doesn’t mean “original gangsta”, but “old girl”, which is a Japanese term for female alumni of some school (there’s also OB for men). Chino recognizes Rin as the editor of Aoyama Blue Mountain, and I’m not sure if Maya and Megu ever met her, so they don’t. When Rin recalls a senior who turned her life around, Chino recalls her chance meeting with Cocoa. In particular the phrase deai ga taisetsu (”chance meetings are to be cherished”) sticks with her. On the other hand, Maya seems to be interested in the fact that Rin was recommended for scholarship. Interestingly in the manga, Maya slept through most of the speech. 

The senior Rin was talking about was obviously Aoyama and we see that there’s actually a huge bounty placed on her. The currency sign consisting of combined letters G and U wasn’t seen before, with prices usually displayed in yen, but there was a Euro-like sign at an open market at the beginning of season 2 episode 1, which might be a shorthand way to write GU. Either way this currency must have a serious hyperinflation problem as the reward for finding Aoyama exceeds 10 billion GU. In countries affected by hyperinflation, a stable foreign currency is often used to perform economic transactions, which might explain why most of the prices are in yen.

But is there some significance to this exact number? Why, yes, 10/27 is Aoyama’s birthday! It is also the start of “reading week”, which actually lasts 2 weeks, until November 9.

After the speech Megu gets separated from the rest of the group, and the other two also get lost in the vast campus of the school. As seen from the above interior shot of the school, it is also inexplicably rabbit-themed (or maybe just this particular hall is), with golden rabbit statues and also a picture on the left wall with the kanji for rabbit (兎).

Through a series of misunderstandings Chimame end up infiltrating the school with Sharo and Rize providing uniforms for them to blend in. Despite having trouble to behave “ladylike” before, Maya naturally blends in once she treats it as a game, and even gets invited to a tea party. She makes a mistake though by mentioning moyashi (bean sprouts) which is considered a cheap and low-class food, but she’s saved by the fact that the rich girls don’t even know what that is, and Sharo explaining how to prepare it in a fancy way.

Eventually the groups meet each other and Maya reveals she has been recommended for scholarship due to her good grades. Perhaps she also treated her school grades as experience points to gain, as the title of the episode (and the manga chapter) ”The whole world is my experience points” seems to suggest. This is the idea behind a real concept of gamification, by the way.

There’s also a callback to the season 2 episode 8, where Maya asks Rize for advice while Chino and Megu are spying on her. It is worth to rewatch that scene, because it’s full of foreshadowing for this episode. Back then Maya thinks she’s the only one of the three to go to this school, but now she thinks there’s a good chance all three will still go to the same school. Chino doesn’t seem to feel this way though.

In the end we see Cocoa and Chiya joining the group, also wearing the elite school uniforms, which is briefly explained by them gathering supplies for the cultural festival. I guess the next episode will explain how they ended up there. In the manga even the fact that they have a cultural festival wasn’t revealed until this point. Also in the manga fukiya club president, Karede Yura, inexplicably appears for just one panel so that Cocoa and Chiya could thank her, without any lines. In the anime she appears just as (if not more) suddenly, however there’s some foreshadowing with her inviting Rize to a tournament earlier, and she gets quite a few speaking lines.

If you listen closely there’s a funny sound effect as she looks at Rize, and then at Sharo. I really liked her design since her first appearance in the manga, and Koi probably does too, as her role has greatly increased in the recent chapters. Consequently her single-panel background appearance has been expanded as well in this episode, she got her full name mentioned in the credits, and there’s even a Karede Yura character song included on the second BD volume (which includes this season’s episodes 3 and 4). All things considered, I fully expect Yura to appear in the episode 4 as well.

The episode ends with Chino looking at the sky with a worried expression. It just hit her that both Megu and Maya are going to a different school than she is expected to go to. As Megu and Maya have a clear path forward, Chino’s future has become even more uncertain, and she feels like the odd one out in the group. Now the part of the ending where Chino is suddenly alone makes sense:

this is basically her imagining the future where Maya and Megu leave her. The coffee cup transition symbolises Chino waking up and seeing that MaMe are still her friends and aren’t going anywhere. We’ll see though...

This time it’s Megu doing latte art in the ending, and the picture is of Chino and Maya dancing. The weird thing is, Megu wasn’t even present at this scene, so how did she draw it in such detail?

Also another random fact I noticed: Chino’s Alice costume actually appeared in the opening of both season 1 and season 2. Here’s a comparison for reference:

Anyway, that was the third episode of Gochuumon wa usagi desu ka? BLOOM and I hope you enjoyed reading my review. See you next week... or so.

[nicolinocolino]

ciao sarah! i'm about to move to rome for some months and i'm a bit anxious. the city is so big and full of history and people i don't know if i'll be able to make it feel "mine" because i only know it as a tourist. so i was wondering if you could rec places/museums/churches that are a bit less known and experiences/things to do/places to eat. you can make it as long as detailed as you want, go off really! thank you in advance

Ciao!! 😍gosh, lucky you!! I won’t lie, I’m so jealous! I could ramble about Rome forever, I’m so honored you want my advice 💛 I’ll put this under a cut because surprise surprise, it got long haha.

(I’m going to apologize in advance that a lot of these things are located in Trastevere — that’s where I lived and spent the majority of my time.)

I tried to keep this list low-key. There are tons of things I love about Rome that are definitely “must sees” on my list that are, ya know, still touristy. Like Piazza Navona and the Pantheon and Piazza di Spagna blah blah blah. So! I kept those off, but if you’re till curious to know my favorites just ask :)

I’ll start with the food, because duh.

Restaurants/bars/bakeries/gelato/etc.:

Carlo Mente — super cheap restaurant in Trastevere that’s also very good. I happened to go here a lot because of how cheap it was… I think like, 3 euro pizzas and 5 euro plates of pasta. That’s very good for a sit down place you can spend all night at in Rome unless you wander far on the outskirts hahaha. They have a nice outside sitting area too, and they heat it up in the fall/winter so you can even sit outside then!!

La Botticella — another restaurant in Trastevere if you want something intimate and casual. It’s soooo small, it only has like 10 or less tables and the woman who runs the place was our waitress and our chef and I think she only had one other person helping her. But GOD it was good. I had one of the best dinners of my life there.

Il Portico — located in the Jewish ghetto (just north of Tiber Island) has some damn good carbonara. Also the best greek salad I’ve ever had. AND the ravioli con zucchine crema is to dieeeeee for. (I like pasta, lol.)

Kosher Cakes — same area, right by Il Portico. Suuuuuuper good Jewish bakery.

Chakra — my favorite nighttime bar. (Also in Trastevere lol.) It has a great selection of craft beers, the music is awesome and the interior is soooooooo cozy!! It’s a very chill atmosphere. I couldn’t recommend this place highly enough, I love it so much and it’s where my friends and I always ended our nights out.

8 Millimetri — another good place to go at night (in Trastevere, sorry!). It’s kind of expensive but their aperitivo is a steal for 5/6 euros. (So I’d only go then if I were you) AND they have tons of vegetarian options. The atmosphere is really cool, too.

Bar del Cappuccino — okay so I only tried a few places to get coffee before I found this place and made it my regular but DAMN. SO GOOD. Please do yourself a favor and have the best cappuccino freddo of your life here. They also make delicious pastrami sandwiches… I would seriously cut off my thumb for one right now they are so good.

Corono — Gelato!! Along Via Arenula, very small and tucked away amongst the shops, you’ll blink and miss it but SO GOOD. All homemade (which can be so hit or miss in Rome because half of the places are just trying to make some tourist money, I don’t blame them) and they have super unique flavors I didn’t see anywhere else like lemon basil and orange chili.

Frigidarium — more gelato. They dip your whole cone in chocolate and it’s so good. Next to Piazza Navona.

Quieter/maybe less known/less touristy things to do/see?:

The Porta Portese market — happens on Sunday and is an excellent thing to do if you can restrain yourself from spending any money. Idk where you will be located but the #8 tram headed south should drop you off right in front of it. It’s HUGE and you can literally walk up and down the streets of it for hours and hours just looking at all the junk.

Janiculum hill — I feel like I never shut up about this place but it is magical. And I still stand by it being the best free view of Rome you can get. It’s rarely ever crowded and I think most tourists don’t know about it or don’t want to hike up it (because it is kind of a trek). Get to the piazza on top and treat yourself with something from the little snack cart up there, and on your way up visit the Fontana dell'Acqua Paola which was actually the muse/inspiration for the Trevi Fountain! Enjoy the view!! It took my breath away the first time I saw it, and it a great place to just chill.

Torre Argentina — If you’re an animal lover like I am and am missing some furry friends, you can visit Torre Argentina, aka the cat sanctuary. Fun fact: you can actually go down the stairs into the ruins and go inside the sanctuary building they’ve built into the side to see more cats and pet them and love them free of charge 💛💛💛💛💛

Testaccio market — lots of good, cheap, and local food!!!

Museums/churches/art:

*Just a note that I 10000% didn’t make it into every church in Rome. There are....... so many. You can stand in one and spit into another istg. But honestly every one I did go in was breathtaking. If you are an architecture/art nerd like I am church wandering is such a nice, free thing to do. (Free!!!! Literally you can walk into San Luigi dei Francesi and see some beautiful Caravaggios for FREE!!!)

Chiesa del Gesù — the most beautiful ceiling I ever did see. It uses the trompe l'oeil technique and is impossible to describe. You just have to see it in person. I still don’t know how it works lol.

Villa Borghese Gallery — this isn’t an unknown place, obviously, but is hands down the best museum (subjective, but whatever) in Rome. The palace is gorgeous, the art is phenomenal and it’s located in a beautiful park with a beautiful garden outside. Love love love love love this place with all my heart. I want to live in here. The history is really neat, too.

One of the best things to do, honestly, is just explore. It’s such a great city and you will just bump into everything. The first time I saw the Pantheon I wasn’t even looking for it. I just turned a corner and it was there. I think that’s one of my favorite things about Rome — masterpieces are just tucked into everyday life. It’s also such a low city, you won’t find skyscrapers or tons of modern buildings. And it’s hilly, so you can always find a nice view. I think that’s how I made Rome feel “mine” when I was living there. Just explore! I hope you have the best time ever 💛

[thetraveljedi]

Trip Report Chapter 1: Days 1-4, Amsterdam and Kinderdijk, Netherlands

Days 1-4: Amsterdam, Netherlands

I’ve finally arrived in Amsterdam for my next adventure: 17 days exploring the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, and Hungary, 15 day of them aboard the Viking Mimir for a river cruise. I extended my trip to enjoy some extra time in Amsterdam, and I’m so happy I did- there’s so much to see there!

I arrived early in the morning and checked my bags at the Hotel Pulitzer, which I booked through Viking. I loved the hotel. Situated in several historic canal houses in the quieter Jordaan neighborhood, it was close to everything to see in Amsterdam while still being a peaceful respite after a long day of touring. I also really enjoyed the fact that that each room provided a brief history of the particular canal house you were staying in; I stayed in a silk merchant’s house. I love anything history, but this provided a nice personal touch to the hotel room you occupied.

I started my first day as I do with all of my extended stays in cities; very little actual planned sites, and a lot of walking around and getting a feel for the city. I began at Amsterdam Centraal, the major train station of Amsterdam at the north end of the historic town center. Many people arrive to Amsterdam through this station, and it’s truly a work of beauty. From there I wandered down to the Royal Palace and the Amsterdam Museum. The Royal Palace was a lovely way to get insight into the Dutch Royal Family, while the Amsterdam Museum gave a thorough overview of the history of the city of Amsterdam and its place in the history of the Netherlands. I also walked briefly through De Wallen, aka the Red Light District, mostly because it’s the oldest neighborhood in Amsterdam and the home of the oldest church, Oude Kerk. Maybe it was because it was the middle of the afternoon on a Wednesday. when I was there, but I thought it was pretty tame. I saw some windows with women showing off for potential customers, but that was about it.

The Amsterdam Museum and Royal Palace

For dinner, I chose to eat at Envy based on a recommendation from a friend who had been to Amsterdam. Because this was going to be the one “splurge” dinner of my trip, I went all out and did the Chef’s Table, an 8 course tasting menu. I’m going to write a separate entry about the experience, because it was that good, and surprisingly inexpensive.

The next day, I started bright and early at the Anne Frank House. I reserved this ticket back in April for June, and I highly recommend doing the same; tickets go on sale 60 days in advance and they sell out pretty quickly, especially during peak tourist times like the summer. I happened to be there on the 75th anniversary of D-Day, which I didn’t realize until reading the text accompanying an exhibit showing where Anne’s father Otto documented the Allied forces advances into German-Occupied Europe. I grew up reading Anne’s diary and seeing the house really helped me visualize and feel her story on a whole new level. I left feeling very sad about Anne’s fate, along with the rest of victims of World War II, but very grateful to her for keeping such a thoughtful recollection of her experience. It’s through reading these accounts that we truly materialize that what happened during World War II must never happen again.

I spent the rest of my day looking at some exquisite Dutch art, first through Rembrandt and Vermeer’s eyes at the Rijksmuseum- which has two delicious cafes, by the way- and then at the Van Gogh Museum. Van Gogh is a favorite of mine and I’ve seen a lot of his art at various art museums throughout the world, but hearing details about his life and seeing a timeline of it through is art was truly the most unique and fulfilling Van Gogh art experience I’ve ever had. I left feeling like I understood one of my favorite artists more than I ever had before.

I knew I wanted to do a canal boat cruise during my time in Amsterdam, and I recommend all visitors of the city do the same, but I wanted to do an evening experience in a smaller group with a less formal and touristy atmosphere. I was so thrilled to discover Those Dam Boat Guys and see all the positive reviews, and even more so that they lived up to the hype. I had been chugging down endless amounts of Dutch history, but hadn’t spent any time relaxing and enjoying the scenery. This allowed me to do just that, while also learning more about the amazing city of Amsterdam.

The beautiful canals of Amsterdam

The next day, I was due to check in for my Viking River Cruise, so I got up early and headed to the Waterloopein district of Amsterdam to see what I think was my favorite history-related museum in Amsterdam- the Verzetsmusuem, aka the Dutch Resistance Museum. Like most of the rest of Europe, Germany took over the Netherlands during World War II, but in true Dutch spirit, much of the people of the Netherlands resisted their Occupiers demands, while others feared they awaited the same fate of the Nazi’s persecuted populations if they did not conform. This museum does a great job of portraying both facets of Dutch life during this time period, while also providing some personal stories and memories of Nazi-Occupied Netherlands.

After the Verzetsmuseum, I visited some of the other important Jewish historical sites of Amsterdam that are nearby; the Jewish Historical Museum, which is the house of the “New” Great Synagogue, and the Portuguese (Sephardic) Synagogue. Not only were both synagogues beautiful, and a welcome site after seeing such a vast amount of churches in Europe (all beautiful of course but plentiful compared to remaining synagogues), but the museum excellently details the rich and later sad history of Jews in Amsterdam.

The Portuguese Synagogue

After an amazing day of learning, at 3:30pm it was time to meet the transfer to the cruise ship at the hotel and board the Viking Mimir. I was expecting the long process of embarkation you see on ocean cruises, but I walked right onto the boat and checked in rather quickly. My stateroom was ready, my luggage brought down quickly, and I was unpacked and eating dinner in no time. We also had some time to say goodbye to Amsterdam before disembarking for the night, so I was able to go watch some football/soccer before heading out. I was especially grateful for that given the lack of the video streaming the Internet, and no places to watch sports on board (even the one sports channel on our TV didn’t work) during the Women’s World Cup.

I had to be up early the next morning for the Viking Mimir’s stop in Kinderdijk, Netherlands. As a big fan of cheese, I chose to do the optional excursion that included not only a tour of Kinderdijk’s UNESCO-protected Windmills but also a visit to a Dutch cheese farm. I’m so happy I did this particular excursion, because I got to see more of the incredible country that is the Netherlands and see and taste some amazing cheese.

We boarded the boat on the earlier side in the afternoon, cruising along the Waal River in the Netherlands and crossing the border into the Rhine River of Germany during dinner, surrounded by cows, horses, and sheep enjoying their own dinner of grass along the river banks.

So far I’m really impressed with Viking and the River Cruise experience- I’ll be writing about that experience separately, and will include lots of tips to maximize your river cruising experience.

Next up: Köln (Cologne), Germany and the Romantic Rhine! Stay tuned for more from my trip!

[larrytcamp]

Traveling: What To Do In Toronto

I love being a traveler.

Sure, when we're taking a trip, it's wonderful to go to the off-the-beaten-path, less jampacked places. In Japan, we stayed in AirBnBs that were in peaceful household neighbourhoods where we can see kids walking to institution in the morning. We ate at a tiny ramen restaurant at the end of the block and also did our laundry at the laundromat around the corner. That's all really good.

Yet I definitely wish to see the landmarks of a city we're checking out. I absolutely wish to take a trip if there is one-- to find out about the history of an area. I recommend heading to a crowded "tourist trap" due to the fact that hello, there's a reason the place is bring in travelers !!

Even in Edmonton, I love being a "visitor" in my own city. It's a great mentality to enter, to explore and discover the important things that make a place so terrific.

To ensure that was my method this summer when Mike and I saw Toronto, Ontario for the very first time.

We existed to celebrate the marriage of our two excellent close friends, but additionally there to eat consume eat (certainly-- see my article of Where to Eat in Toronto!) and also tourist hard.

Below is a wrap-up of What We Carried out in Toronto, that hopefully assists you decide What To Do in Toronto when you go! Mike as well as I allowed fans of this gorgeous, bustling, multicultural city, and also we can not wait to return!

What to do in Toronto, Ontario

1. Take the City Sightseeing And Tour Toronto Double Decker Trip Bus

Taking the red double decker City Taking in the sights Toronto tour bus was among our favorite things we did during our trip. This hop-on, hop-off bus tour gives you accessibility to the bus for 48 hours, and is a fantastic means to check out as well as learn more about several of the city's most popular and earliest neighbourhoods. With your ticket, you obtain access to 21 quits across the city, AND ALSO a totally free Harbour as well as Islands Watercraft Cruise The buses go to all the crucial Toronto places-- the CN Tower, Yonge-Dundas Square, Kensington Market, the Entertainment Area, as well as a lot more. If you remain on for the whole trip, it has to do with 2 hours long however if you decide to get on and also off, there's generally an additional bus that comes over every 15 mins, so if you want to quit at Kensington Market for a visit, you can proceed your scenic tour after because there's constantly mosting likely to be a trip bus coming to choose you support!

My favorite component of this scenic tour is the history that you learn from the tourist guide. Mike and I just got on and off twice, but both the tour guides we obtained were really amusing as well as shared some of one of the most fascinating facts. For example, through the City Taking in the sights Toronto trip, I discovered that the co-creator of Superman, Joe Shuster, was birthed in Toronto and in fact created for the Toronto Daily Star! He's claimed Toronto's downtown/skyline provided him motivation for Superman's City. AMAZING right! We additionally found out that Yonge Street was the longest street on the planet (up until the Guinness Book of Globe Records removed them of that title due to the fact that Yonge really develops into Ontario's Highway 11 (and is as a result not called Yonge Road any longer) lol. We discovered that film staffs from the UNITED STATE get some rather excellent tax breaks if 51% of their movie staff are Canadians (we already knew that the popular show Matches is shot in Toronto so it was also cool driving down the streets where Matches usually shoots). As well as we found out about Toronto's Lieutenant-Governor John Graves Simcoe, that renamed the city to York, however then the city obtained called 'Little York and also Dirty York' due to the fact that there was clearly a larger York at the time (New york city) as well as Torontonians waited up until years after Simcoe passed away prior to transforming the name back to Toronto (an extremely respectful thing to do lol).

We really delighted in the City Sightseeing and tour Toronto scenic tour and also would highly suggest it from a traveler standpoint, from a seeing and also finding out a lot concerning the city in a short amount of time standpoint, as well as also simply from a transportation viewpoint. We walked a whole lot in Toronto, however were thankful to be able to utilize the bus as a way of transport every now and then also!

2. Get on the Harbour and also Islands Watercraft for a Cruise.

As component of the City Sightseeing Toronto scenic tour, you also break out admission onto the Harbour and also Islands Boat Cruise Ship. The boat anchors at Toronto's Harbourfront Centre pier and makes it way via Toronto Inner Habrour and its 14 islands. The 45 min scenic tour offers some rather outstanding photo opportunities of the Toronto horizon. Similar to the bus excursion, the boat tour guide likewise shares excellent info (with a terrific sense of humour)! You discover as an example that Hanlan's Factor Beach, one of the Toronto Island beaches, is clothing-optional. lol.

We didn't obtain an opportunity to go to any of the islands however I have actually also been told by a couple of Torontonians that doing an excursion out on the islands (renting a bike as well as striking the beaches) is additionally a truly remarkable thing to do in Toronto. Next time!

3. Walk the Toronto Harbourfront

While you're near the Harboufront, you need to have a look at all the tasks around here! In the summer season, the Harbourfront Centre hosts free live music shows. There's a selection of vendors and the Amsterdam Bridge (called after Toronto's sister city-- Amsterdam, which we found out on our bus scenic tour!) There's also the Purina PawsWay at the Harbourfront, a terrific museum-like space with a pet-friendly cafe, Purina's Family pet Hall of Fame, and different pet tasks throughout the day. Regrettably the PawsWay closed this September 2017, but I think of whatever they put in its place will still be worth a visit.

Likewise at the Harboufront-- this interesting art slash slide point!

4. Consume at allllllll the Toronto restaurants

I indicate, I assume even if you lived in Toronto it would be impossible to consume at ALL the Toronto dining establishments but male-- what a wonderful objective that would be. On our visit to Toronto we consumed a lot. I attempted to press in second lunches and also 3rd dinners and also truly that still had not been sufficient-- there are a lot of unbelievable dining establishments in this multicultural city, I can't wait to come back and consume some even more! Take a look at my article summarizing the 20 Places We Consumed in Toronto and also use that as your guide of where to consume. Still, we really did not even make a damage. Terroni was my favorite, for incredible, home made pasta. Asian-Caribbean at Patois was superb. Lee Susur Lee is a must-visit (their cheeseburger springtime rolls!) Something interesting we learnt more about Toronto is that there are a lot of Jamaican-inspired dining establishments and also food, and also a lot of dining establishment shower rooms lie in the cellar of buildings! (It's a little an expedition to get down to those shower rooms, lol). I now recognize I 'd been seriously missing out-- Toronto food is simply sensational as well as it simply felt like every place had an impressive vibe. We enjoyed it.

5. Walk through Graffiti Street

I seem like there's an Instagrammable Wall on every edge in Toronto however there are likewise committed areas for some actually awesome mural walls as well as road art. Graffiti Street, in Toronto's "Fashion Area" is one of them. I guess this is also where Rick Mercer does his well-known tirades! Graffiti Alley runs west from Spadina Ave. to Portland St. (however feels like it's continuous). There are actually vibrant, outstanding artsy walls here that make for terrific photo opportunities. When we went, the alley was loaded! It was truly great to see and entirely enhances my love of these Instagrammable Walls. All walls should make people want to stop and take a picture! You need to get your own taken at one of Toronto's incredible artistic wall surfaces. I love them so much I need to share a couple of more right here:

6. Choose a hotel midtown for very comfort

We remained in two hotels during our Toronto journey-- the initial part of the journey we stayed at the Fairmont Royal York and the 2nd part of the trip went to the store Templar Resort. We had pretty good experiences at both hotels, however actually the very best component to both stays was their area and proximity to, well, so many things! We really did not rent out a cars and truck on this journey to Toronto since we chose hotels that were right in the middle of all the action. We were essentially able to walk all over we wanted to go! Selecting a resort downtown, near King as well as Queen Road, John Road, Adelaide Street, Spadina Method, for example, was possibly the best Toronto decision we made. Our feet were eliminating us throughout the trip (since we strolled so much) however it was rather phenomenal having the ability to leave of our resort space as well as stroll 5 or 10 minutes to a dynamic area full of things to see and also do.

6. Walk King and Queen Road

Mentioning walking ... you should ensure strolling down King and Queen Street gets on your Toronto travel plan. Well, not just walking but eating also (naturally!) I can not count how many dining establishments there get on these 2 streets. Originating from Edmonton, I would certainly relate King and also Queen Road to Whyte Ave and also 124 Road for the sort of walkability, shops, dining establishments, and total vibe (yet much longer, as well as far more stuffed with services!).

Plus there's a great deal a lot more Instagrammable Walls on these streets ...:D.

7. See Chinatown/ Kensington Market.

And the strolling continues! We additionally enjoyed our stroll down Toronto's very large Chinatown as well as via the fashionable Kensington Market. I've actually heard other Toronto-area Chinatowns are far better than Toronto's actual Chinatown, but in terms of size and shops, we really did not feel like it was lacking anything. Kensington has a pretty diverse ambiance, and comparable to King/Queen, is simply one more really walkable area with a range of stores and restaurants!

8. Take an image with the Toronto Indication.

If you're touristing hard, you have to make a quit at the Toronto Indication situated in Toronto's Nathan Phillips Square. I do not understand if there's anything more I can see concerning this than that, lol. It's simply a must-check-off-your-list, however depending upon when you go, they do hold events at the Square, as well as there is additionally a Farmers Market at the Square too!

9. See the Love Locks at Distillery Area.

Clearly there is more to the Distillery District than the Love Locks however among the primary factors I wanted to visit this area was to take an image with this gorgeous art setup. I think love locks at various other public spaces in Toronto had actually been hacked off so this was erected type of in response to that. It's a truly excellent art piece and I like the picture we obtained taken there. There's also nice stores and also dining establishments to check out in this district, which has a number of old heritage buildings and also is really a historic site (and also at one point back in the 1860s, was house to the world's biggest distillery).

10. Catch a Comedy Show.

Mike and I like an excellent comedy show as well as it so happened that our buddy Drew Behm had actually relocated to Toronto to do funny around (make it big!) so we were delighted to be able to capture one of his shows at The Corner Comedy Club throughout our go to. This teeny, tiny club is so tiny, it's funny (that's really the club's tagline however it's so true lol). As a rule of thumb, similar to just how I'm constantly looking for a Vietnamese restaurant to consume pho at no matter where we take a trip, catching a funny program is additionally an advantage to do in a city you have actually never ever been in. Laughter is quite universal.

11. See a Themed Shop/ Bar/ Restaurant.

There's a lot of fun themed stores, bars as well as restaurants in Toronto. We intended to reach The Lockhart (a Harry Potter themed bar) and also Curiosa (a Harry Potter themed boutique) yet we weren't able to reach it. There was also a Tiki themed restaurant that was suggested to us (The Shameful Tiki Space) that we would certainly try on a return journey to Toronto. And Mike had the ability to check out Rotate-- a Ping Pong Bar as well as Medieval Times (a medieval-style supper theatre) during the bachelor party as well as assumed both were lots of fun!

12. Go to a Big League Baseball (the Blue Jays!) Game.

We were quite excited to take a look at our very first Big league Baseball game ever before-- watching the Toronto Blue Jays versus the Boston Red Sox during our journey to Toronto. Although heaven Jays lost, I did have fun with my very touristy Blue Jays foam finger as well as it was cool to see the dome open throughout the game! We got a pretty pleasant sight of the CN Tower and the groom's sibling also leased a Field Room at the Renaissance Hotel Toronto (which becomes part of Rogers Centre) so we reached look out onto the field during their warm-up before the game started, right from the convenience of his hotel area!

The couple we were commemorating are huge Blue Jays/baseball followers so this was obviously a must-do with them as well as I'm so delighted we did!

13. See Toronto from the Sky at the CN Tower.

What's even more touristy than rising an actually high tower as well as keeping an eye out onto the city below you? We appear to do this almost all over we travel and it's worth the views every time. In Toronto, we took a 58-second glass lift up 1,136 feet (346 metres) to the CN Tower's Search Level, to keep an eye out over gorgeous Toronto.We also We additionally stopped on the Glass Flooring and looked into the Exterior SkyTerrace (it's rather gusty up there/out there!) I couldn't encourage Mike to do the EdgeWalk with me (that's the destination where you walk and also lean out on the edge of the tower, eep!!!) but possibly that's something we can try on our return see.

14. Obtain Lost at Casa Loma, Toronto's Castle.

Ever before want to live in a castle? Or visit one in Canada? Toronto's Castle-- Casa Loma-- was once residence to Sir Henry Pellatt and also Woman Mary Pellatt. Casa Loma took three years and also $3.5 million to construct from 1911 to 1914. It's a Gothic Revival style castle with massive yards and also is now a museum as well as also prominent shooting place! In the cellar of Casa Loma they highlight all sorts of films that have actually been shot in Casa Loma's spaces. There was a wedding event taking place when we visited, and also they were establishing for a Halloween occasion in the tunnels underneath the castle (which you can additionally explore). It's quite amazing and also is a stop on the City Sightseeing excursion so if you're into background, old structures, and also scary (but awesome) castles (as well as not planning a trip to Europe anytime quickly to see their castles) then you must see Casa Loma!

15. Attempt a Secret City Adventures Retreat Area.

As escape area aficionados below in Edmonton, we were really delighted to try a room in Toronto. The business Secret City Adventures came highly recommended (many thanks @britl!) and also are recognized for their live stars as well as immersive narration. We tried to escape from The Secret of Fire Station No. 4 and were possibly a min or more away from resolving the space (yet alas, we failed). We were put in the area with complete strangers but the team was really excellent and it was really fun in spite of not fairly resolving it! Often I assume escape areas with live stars can be truly hit-or-miss (yet primarily miss) however in this case, it was a significant hit. I extremely recommend a Secret City Adventures escape area if you're into getaway areas!

16. Take the Niagara Falls Hornblower Cruise + Trip Behind The Loss!

We had the ability to press in a fast field trip to Niagara Falls throughout our Toronto visit and also had such an outstanding time, we intend to return once more and invest more time in Niagara as well as go to Niagara-On-The-Lake (which we've heard resembles the Kelowna of Ontario). In Niagara Falls, we took the Voyage to the Autumns Watercraft Tour, which is a 20-minute ride that let us stand up close and also personal to the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, as well as the magnificent Canadian Horseshoe Falls (which is the most effective of the Niagara Falls!) It was a complete 'Mist Experience' (we obtained rather wet right up under the Horseshoe Falls!) and had so much enjoyable.

Then after we were done, we strolled down the major Niagara Falls strip (kind of like a more serene Las vega strip lol), obtained a bunch of pictures and also different angles of the falls, and afterwards took in a 'Journey Behind the Falls' Niagara Parks experience where we reached stroll in the passages behind the Horseshoe Falls. It was fantastic exactly how close we were to the drops. These water drops are genuinely extraordinary to see personally, and I could not think that it's not an All-natural Wonder of the World since seriously-- it's remarkable. It's a have to see!

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The IV Lounge - IV Therapy Toronto Drip Clinic

[topfygad]

The Best Weekend Road Trips From Denver

If you are one of the nearly 700,000 people who live in Denver, it may just feel like a good place to live. You have beautiful surroundings, top of the line shopping, and there is something to do year round. But what people don’t realize is the easy accessibility to short weekend road trips from Denver.

The homes are lovely and the school systems rank highly. Another attraction, Medical care, is readily available with doctors, hospitals, and every kind of specialist you need is at your disposal.

For example, you can find the best physical therapists in Denver or visit many of the medicinal marijuana dispensaries to take care of your every need. Denver makes everything easily accessible – whether or not an expert is needed.

If you ask someone who lives here, what the draw to Denver is, you will probably hear skiing, hiking, fishing, and they could go on and on. But the locals know this is just the tip of the iceberg. What visitors fail to understand is there are fantastic weekend road trips from Denver.

You will have a completely unique experience visiting cities, 8 hours from Denver. Take a look at our favorite Denver road trips below!

We are going to list our opinions of the best road trip out of Denver, but we encourage you to do your own research. You will notice we have added a few locations much closer than 8 hours away. This is to show that even if you only have an extra day to set out on an adventure, You still have many options.

8-hour road trips from Denver

Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs is only about 156 miles from Denver. While it doesn’t exactly fit in our 8 hours away point, it is worth mentioning.

Steamboat Springs has family and private ski lodges. Steamboat Springs is known for their natural hot springs with soaking pools as well as pools with slides. This city features mountain and wall climbing,  There are bike parks, gondola rides, mini-golf, and a whole lot more.

Places to eat in Steamboat Springs:

There are dozens of restaurants to select from and the majority are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free friendly. My favorites are:

I Egg & I Restaurant for breakfast

Johnny B. Goods for lunch or dinner

Winona’s for a great lunch and upper-level family meal

Cafe Diva’s is the place to go for an elegant dinner and fine dining.

Road trip to Aspen, Colorado

Aspen is only 158.5 miles from Denver, but it is a year-round destination. It is a ski resort in the winter and a wicked mountain town in the Summer. You have a very good chance of seeing a celebrity or two since several own vacation homes there.

Aspen has the best high-end shopping in the area. If you are looking for class and elegance, then this is the best road trip out of Denver, for sure. Learn more about this famous city with some of my posts below:

Places to eat in Aspen:

Aspen caters to the rich and famous. This means there are great places to ship and excellent restaurants, with excellent service. But, let’s not forget the celebrities that are in Aspen are vacationing. They want to wear their jeans and let their hair down.

This is where they want rest, relaxation and recovery. So, even though Aspen is fit for a king, if you see one, he will probably be kicked back with a beer in front of a roaring fire. Aspen has the most beautiful mountain areas in the world. You will be able to get from place to place via ski lift. There are more than 150 miles of trails and Snowmass is a mountain that has been a skiers dream site since 1947.

Hickory House They also have great lunch and dinner. Good atmosphere

Poppycocks Actually, Poppycocks is famous for their breakfast, brunch, and lunch. It is a tiny place and always packed so get there early – It’s worth it.

The Red Onion You simply must eat at The Red Onion. This establishment was built in 1892. It is still as good now as it was then. This is good food, moderately priced, eaten in a historical landmark.

You said 8-hour day trips!

Yes, we did. The above-mentioned towns were just too good to pass up. So let’s head 8 hours away from Denver. There is no bad time to go. This beautiful and sunny area is a year-round playground.

Road trip to Salt Lake City, Utah

The first adventure that we recommend is Salt Lake City, Utah. Salt Lake is 8-hours by car from Denver. Along the way, you will see some fantastic scenery including the infamous Arches National Park. It is almost like crossing into another country instead of another state.

You will notice a lot of tour companies in Salt Lake. This is because there is so much to see, you can rarely see everything from just one tour. For the mild at heart, there are museums, art galleries, historical sites, and first-class shopping. If you are a bit bolder than that, try a river rafting tour. There is one river rafting excursion that lasts ½ a day! If that doesn’t get your adrenaline pumping, stick around for an after dark Ghost Tour.

Places to eat in Salt Lake City

A quick search online can bring up pages of restaurants. If you are watching your money, there are plenty of fast food places that are actually good. If money is no object, you will find the finest restaurants, with famous chefs. But we are going to give you our favorite middle of the road restaurant. These are family-friendly places that will not break the bank.

Bruges Waffles & Frites – Great waffles, Belgian fries, and fantastic sandwiches.

BGR (or Burgers Grilled Right) – Seriously the best burgers…the BEST.

Ice Haus – A German-inspired pub filled with burgers and brats with loads of domestic and imported beers.

Conclusion – 

This is just a small sample of the wonderful places you can visit during a weekend road trip from Denver. The small 8-hour road trips from Denver are well worth the drive. Want more?  Discover these other places and adventures you can have in Colorado:

There are many more cities and towns that you can experience on your way. The natural evolution of the earth makes this part of the country unique and beautiful. The people make it welcoming and fun. Just try this once, and you will be hooked. We will see you there!

Would you like to take any of these weekend road trips from Denver, Colorado?

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[beardedd0nut]

It's like a fucking fairytale

Alrighty let's pick up where we last left off.

I wound up getting to a hipster pizza place (they seem to find me more than I find them) where a few tasty beverages were had along side a nice classic Margherita pizza. After that I wandered on up to hotel diligence where the infamous midget scene was filmed, I got one gay beer but had alas no manky hookers or racist dwarfs.

The next morning it was up and at em to get to the groeninge museum. This contains several important pieces from the Flemish natives, as I found they were called, including the eerie one of a man being flayed for not upholding the justice system. The images within the museum are amazing. I've seen old pieces befor, but none like this. From just a few feet away some of these paintings look like photographs. The detail held within them is astonishing and it's easy to see how and why these people are renowned masters of their craft.

Once again the history of the town came through as many of the pieces were commissioned by the noblemen of the times. The prosperity that the noblemen had brought these talents to the city and it's why there is such a rich world of art hidden just below the surface. Even the chapels and mini cathedrals have so many little pieces of beauty within that it's really hard not to get stuck in each and every one staring into the brickwork and being sucked into the history of it all.

After the groeninge museum I moved on to the Bruges beer experience. And what an experience it is. I was expecting like a funky little museum with a few facts about the local breweries and the Belgian beer world as a whole but no. This is a an interactive self guided fountain of knowledge depending on just how deep into the rabbit whole you want to go.

The experience starts you off where it all begins. Brewing. It takes you through the ingredients used, the ways the smell and taste, the effects they have on the process of brewing, hell even the process itself. There's a room full of bottles of beer that even described each style of beer that's been created and the time frame it came from. If you like beer, or dare I say love it, then this is somewhere you do not want to miss out on. It is an amazing experience, and with the right ticket it includes beer tastings at the end.

It was during these tastings that I met the lovely Jam and Michael. Great people travelling from England, and I'm ever jealous of the fact they are only like a 3 hour train ride from here. But we shot the shit and had such a good time doing it that they kindly offered me to join them later in the evening for dinner and more bevs. So we split ways and I headed off to the diamond museum for a little history lesson about how dimaonds are cut and made. Apparently the art of diamond polishing started here in Bruges, and while I missed the show the diamonds next door looked mighty polished to me.

Dinner with jam and Michael was at a really nice rib place called bones, tasty ribs and a potato in a jacket with the best sauce ive tasted in some time. We kept the evening going with beers at a pub and I once again send my thanks to them both for being nice enough to put up with my shit talking for so long. If you're reading cheers guys, it was a great afternoon and night.

I awoke slightly thick this morning but that hasn't stopped anything. A refreshing shower and it was down to the canals to see the city by boat. It was a nice way of almost recapping all I had seen over the last few days but from a different angle. The little bits of information I got filled in a couple of blanks and we passed under bridges from all ages, including the oldest in the city dating back to the 13th century.

I decided to keep the history flowing and went to historum bruges. It uhh it was not good. Kind of like pissweak world. I mean the intention is there to try and transport you back in time to see the city as it was but I would have rather it just been a big museum, although I probably just went to the wrong place as I later found out. But it was alright, the best part was the building had a great vantage point over the market square so that was nice to see.

Lunch consisted of chips and a 12% beer at the beer wall. Yes the beer wall, the place is wall to wall bottles of beer. And the chaps I was sat next to made me a substitute for their bitchout mate who didn't want his glass of the 12 % so I got one for free 😁

The slightly inebriated Sam then continued on to a medieval walking tour of the city. Angela my guide was phenomenal, her passion for the cities history was excellent and I'm glad to have done the tour. She showed me places I had seen but put context to them, like how the town hall had been partly destroyed by the French when they left and now the statues are replicas but the original chunks lie in the town hall museum. Every guide here, at least the good ones, have so much to pass on about this city. I feel like you could spend decades just going into to the people and the places and events that have shaped the town into what it is now. It's a truly amazing city and so much more than just the film 😂

I rounded out the day with a quick visit to the torture museum. Some great replicas of actual torture methods that have been used. Humans are fucked. We have a penchant for destruction, be it buildings or nature or as this museum showed people. The most interesting was probably the satan cradle, give it a look, or the metal "pears". You don't eat them, but they do expand and do some damage that I would not want to be on the wrong end of.

All in all the last 4 days here in Bruges have been amazing. I've fallen in love with the city and would gladly return If given the chance. I wouldn't change a thing, except maybe the fucking cobblestones, and I really have to agree with the Ralph Fiennes character in the film because it really is like a fucking fairytale. From the bells chiming nearly all day today to how the city lights up at night, to the history and stories that are covered across every street and alleyway. It's a magical city and I highly recommend seeing it if you have the chance, I know I'm going to miss it that's for sure.

So relctantly this is the last Bruges sign off, but I will be back for more beer and history and beer and film nostalgia and beer. It's been wonderful Bruges, please don't ever change.

Bearded donut

[xoxoholla-blog]

Better Late?

Hear ye! Hear ye! Here’s your Danish round-up! I am only one month in, and already three weeks behind in blogging, so LET’S. GET. INTO. IT.

To be perfectly honest, Denmark was a bit of a blur of old host families, friends, language, and memories. The weather was tremendous for my first week, and after a night out celebrating with my dear friend Eva (and perhaps a bit too much wine), the two of us took off the next morning for Aarhus, back in Jylland. There, we stayed with her mother (the lovely Berit) by the sea, and even got some sunbathing and swimming in. Eva was singing at a confirmation the second day, so I got to sit in on a very common Danish practice for teens making the commitment to Jesus (pronounced YAY-Suess). It was nice, if that’s your thing. What I was more tickled with, was the harbor-side lunch the three of us had afterward, during which I got a sunburn (in Denmark!). The next day, we drove back to Copenhagen and met the rest of Eva’s family on the beach for a barbecue. The weather was lovely, the company even more so. 

Unfortunately, Eva had to work much of the time I was visiting, but the plus side was that I got to explore Copenhagen on my own and do all the touristy things my heart desired. My first move was to take a canal tour, which strangely, I had never done, and which gave me a better sense of the layout of this beautiful city. Beer in hand, I took in every canal dotted with Danes with such wonder--people live like this! There is a concept in Denmark that strictly belongs to the Danes called “hygge.” To “hygge” is to spend quality time, or roughly translated, “cozy” time, with others, though that is a simplification that only scratches the surface. But to paint the picture, it was thirty degrees (Celsius, people), and Danes were out in droves drinking beer, talking, taking in the sun. It was delightful, not least because everyone in Denmark looks like a supermodel. 

After my canal tour, I wandered around Christiania, a self-sufficient city within the city that was originally re-appropriated by ex-cons and the homeless population almost forty years ago. Formerly empty military barracks, this part of the city is now a free society that is totally self-sufficient due to these overlooked Danes that had some wherewithal. Thank you, socialism. After strolling through what seemed like a little chunk of the Oregon-Country-Fair-In-Denmark, I climbed the famous Vor Frelsers Kirke (Our Savior’s Church), whose spiral staircase takes you all the way to the top, with magnificent views of Copenhagen. I then treated myself to ice cream. 

I allowed myself to wander, and in doing so, found Kongens Have, or the King’s Garden, a beautiful, ambling green space that, yes, used to be the King of Denmark’s garden. Gorgeous. By that time though, the sun was waning, and I had blisters, so I made my way home to Eva in Kongens Lyngby. 

The following day, it was time to head to Sweden to see my darling Kielmanns. My second host family had moved up to their summer house full-time since last I’d seen them, and after a six hour bus ride from Copenhagen, I was in Tanum, Sweden. Their home was a beautifully updated turn of the century traditional Swedish farmhouse set amidst lush nature, a little more wild than pristine Denmark, and Kirsten and Jan and Signe were gracious hosts, as always. Our first day was spent down by the lake, where Jan and Kirsten kindly gave me a tour of their ample inland sea, and then relaxing on the porch with a cup of tea and a good book. Perfect. The following day was for history, as was Kirsten’s and my tradition, but not before they took me to their little town center and showed me around. Strangely, Swedish people love American culture. I wandered through a store that was eerily identical to Bi-Mart, which are few and far between in Europe. A store where you can by potting soil, doilies, blue eyeliner, AND underwear? Talk about one-stop shopping. I think it’s because Sweden has much more space to work with, meaning much of their population is spread out and rural, that these Scandinavians feel a kinship with this idea of the Wild West. I could be wrong, but I did see a lot of dirt bikes.

Side note: when we stopped at a shopping center for groceries (Jan is the most excellent cook), I started buzzing upon entry and got pulled to the side where I was made to empty my whole purse and walk through the alarm system SIX TIMES. Even when I stopped buzzing and it was determined that I hadn’t, in fact, stolen any of their precious moments knock-off figurines, I still got Swedish side-eye and no “sorry.” Hmph. 

The more culturally significant stop was to see the petroglyphs near Tanumshede that have been there since approximately 1800-500 BC. The rock carvings are multitudinous and far-spread (covering 126 acres), and truly a sight to behold, though they are eroding at a dangerous rate due to tourism and acid rain. The truly curious thing is that we can only guess about their meaning. Are they recitations of Bronze Age lore? Information for travelers? Even the scientists studying them can’t be sure, but they are there for us to wonder at.  

It was wonderful to see the Kielmanns again after seven years, and after a brief two days, I was back on a bus for Copenhagen. Of course, the trip was overshadowed by the loss of Kirsten and Jans’ son Kaare, a wonderfully gentle and gracious man who is greatly missed. 

But my trip down memory lane did not stop there! The next day I caught a bus to Vejle, back on Jylland where I first spent time as an exchange student. My first host father, Ove, was there to greet me, and he promptly whisked me away to the family’s summer house. This house is like something out of a Hans Christian Andersen fairytale, all gingerbread trimmings and birdhouses, and loft beds and playrooms. It was always a special place for me, and I’m so grateful to be welcomed there still, as it was here I chose to bury a time capsule from that first year in Denmark. Ove pointed out where it was, but I think I’ll wait a little longer before I unearth that buried treasure.

The next day, we drove back to Ejstrupholm, the village where I lived ten years ago. Reentering that first home was odd--familiar but smaller, much like returning home always is. It was emptier, too, as Ove’s wife Susanne, who always filled the room with her smile, had also passed away in recent years. 

But Ove, not one to waste a moment, made an excellent tour guide and drove me back to Aarhus to see the Aros Museum of Art, with a fabulous color wheel installation that you can walk around to see the city, literally, in different lights. From there, we had lunch with his lovely daughter Anne and her family, and carried on to Moesgaard Museum, home of the Bog Man, and a startlingly huge collection of artifacts from throughout Denmark’s history. I could have spent three days in the museum--there was just so much to look at! I highly recommend a visit, should you find yourself in that particular corner of the world. On the way home, we drove past a deer park, and yes, it is what it says: a park, with no guards or rangers, that the public can enter, AND PET DEER. This sort of thing would never--could never--exist in America. Someone would try to shoot Bambi and it would all be over before it began. But this place was such an amazing sanctuary where nature and man commingled and agreed not to fuck with each other. Of course I made Ove stop.

I spent the following day with my fourth and final host family, the Christensens, and man, nothing makes you feel older than seeing the nine-year-old you remember asking you to play on the trampoline as a full-fledged man, driving you around in his convertible. I also spoke mostly Danish for seven hours, which was quite gratifying. 

On our last full day together, Ove drove me down to SønderJylland, the Southwest part of Denmark, and we stopped in Viborg (fairytale city), Tønder (which strangely boasts a huge collection of Henry Moore in a museum that also has a large Danish furniture wing, a teaspoon collection, and used to be an 18th century prison), and Rømø (a thin island that draws staggering amounts of kite and windsurfers, and people who just like kites). But the main attraction for me was actually the Emil Nolde museum, which is located in northern Germany, close to the border with Denmark. I hadn’t known much about the artist before, and though I don’t enjoy all of his work, most of it, I really did, not to mention his home, surrounded by gardens was some of the loveliest scenery I’ve seen in a while (see: Aventoft). It was an exhausting, but beautiful day.

I saw my third host family, the Kristoffersens, on my last day in town, and they, as always, had put out the best spread. We caught up and laughed, and promised to Skype. The only other thing I did that day was walk around Ejstrupholm Lake, thinking about the ground I’ve covered in ten years, everything that led me back to this place. And, corny as it sounds, I thanked this ground--thanked it for challenging me, pushing me out of my comfort zone ten years ago, and instilling in me a sense of strength in wanderlust as I step out into the world again. 

My few remaining days in Denmark were, luckily, spent with Eva. She and her lovely boyfriend, Nick, and others, took me out in such style and with such aplomb, that I remember only slivers, but I know we laughed a lot. The one afternoon she did have to work, I walked around her neighborhood and found--you guessed it!--another palace. I wandered around the grounds with classical music gently guiding my steps, as though I were a lady-in-waiting in the 17th century, and thought myself so lucky to be amidst such beauty. I spotted another palace up ahead, but as soon as I got up close, it was simply someone’s home. It seems my whole time in Denmark, I was exclaiming to myself: “People actually live like that!” I don’t think I will ever tire of the rich history and culture that surrounds most other places in the world. Having grown up in a place with a rich natural beauty, I do appreciate home, of course, but there is something more--a different smell, a feeling that seeps up from the ground that reminds one how transient we are in the grand scheme of things, but how grand man can be all the same.

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25 Best Things To Do in Mexico City

Vibrant, enormous, and exciting. Mexico City boasts numerous historical sites, delicious traditional food, and endless things to do. The capital city of Mexico is easy to access and incredibly affordable.

There are many things to do in Mexico City, but above all, it’s a city of surprises.

While it’s known worldwide for its enormous urban sprawl and troubles with pollution, what often gets left out of the story are the city’s lovely parks, friendly people, easy-to-use metro system, and quirky highlights — like being home to the only castle in North America that ever housed actual sovereigns.

There are many places to visit in Mexico, with Mexico City being a top choice.

Here are 25 exciting and unique things to do in Mexico City that you won’t want to miss!

1. Visit the Zocalo

There’s no better place to start a trip to Mexico City than in the Zocalo, the city’s main square and the heart of the Centro Historico neighborhood.

What you find in the Zocalo will depend on when you visit Mexico. When I travelled to Mexico City in December, I was greeted with a giant Christmas tree and an ice skating rink, but regardless of when you go, you’re guaranteed to find the Zocalo teeming with people.

2. Check Out the Metropolitan Cathedral

One of the first things you’ll notice in the Zocalo is the Metropolitan Cathedral, which dominates the square and immediately draws the eye.

Opulent on the outside and gilded in gold on the inside, the Metropolitan Cathedral is (unsurprisingly) reminiscent of the cathedrals in Spain.

Going inside is definitely a must, and if your Spanish is strong enough to listen to a tour in the language, definitely consider taking a rooftop tour of the cathedral. The tour will allow you not only to admire the beautiful rooftops but to see the Zocalo from above.

The cathedral is open from 8am – 8pm, and is free to enter. There is a small additional charge to visit the rooftop. A visit here is one of the top things to do in Mexico City.

3. Step Back in Time at Templo Mayor

Everyone knows about Teotihuacan (and you should definitely add it to your list of things to do in Mexico City!), but you don’t need to head outside the city center to admire Aztec ruins.

What we now call Mexico City was once called Tenochtitlan by the Aztecs, and as the modern Mexico City, Tenochtitlan was the capital city and the center of their society.

Templo Mayor was destroyed by the Spanish in order to make room for the Metropolitan Cathedral that now sits next door to the ruins. It was a central religious point for Aztec society and made up of two temples that sat side-by-side.

Today, it’s fascinating to walk among the ruins of the Aztec temples, especially as you can see the passage of time by looking up at the Metropolitan Cathedral and hear the hustle and bustle of modern Mexico City beyond the complex walls.

Templo Mayor is open from 9am – 6pm every day except Mondays, and costs 70 pesos ($3.75) to enter.

4. Visit the National Palace

The seat of Mexico City’s government has sat on the site of the National Palace dating back to the Aztecs. In fact, much of the modern palace is built from materials that were previously part of the former palace used by Moctezuma II.

Dramatic history aside, there’s another reason to visit the National Palace while you’re in Mexico City. The palace houses several murals by famous artist Diego Rivera that depict the history of Mexico in vivid detail.

The National Palace is free to enter and is open from 9am – 5pm, every day except Monday. Find it on the map, here.

5. Spend a day at Teotihuacan

When travelling to Mexico, you won’t want to miss the ancient city of Teotihuacan, which is best known in the English-speaking world by the nickname that the Aztecs gave it: The City of the Gods.

Carefully laid out, mysterious to behold, and dotted with several pyramids, Teotihuacan is not to be left out on any list of things to do in Mexico City.

Visit to admire the archaeological history, to marvel at the architecture, or simply to climb a pyramid. The Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon can both be climbed, though prepare yourself for the heat and challenge!

My favorite part of Teotihuacan is a piece of its history — or rather, a missing piece of its history. Though today we associate the city with the Aztecs, it was built a full thousand years before the Aztecs ever got their hands on it.

As for who built it in the first place… well, that remains a mystery.

Teotihuacan is easily reached via buses leaving from the Autobuses del Norte station in Mexico City. The bus ride takes about an hour each way. The complex is open every day from 9am – 5pm, and costs 70 pesos ($3.75) to enter.

However, the best way to visit is to join a tour which includes transport, entrance fee, and a guide. This way, you won’t have to sort out your transportation and you will learn about what you’re looking at!

A visit here is easily one of the top things to do in Mexico as a whole, and is one of the top Mexico City tours. Find out more about the Teotihuacan tours here, or click one below:

6. Wander Through Chapultepec Park

Covering nearly 1700 acres and housing everything from museums to a castle to the world’s friendliest squirrels, Chapultepec Park is a shady, green oasis that is the perfect spot to retreat from the densely populated urban areas that surround it in Mexico City.

Many popular sights and cool things to do in Mexico City are located inside the giant park, including Chapultepec Castle and the Anthropology Museum.

☞ See Also: Things To Do in Isla Mujeres: Mexico’s “Island Of Women”

7. Soak in Views of Mexico City 

Located inside Chapultepec Park, Chapultepec Castle boasts the curious designation of being the only castle in North America that was ever lived in by actual sovereigns.

Though the castle itself is pretty in its way (to me, it has quite a modern feel, though construction began in the last 18th century), it’s the views that are the real showstopper.

Set at the top of Chapultepec Hill, you can stand on the grounds of the castle and admire the wide swath of green that is Chapultepec Park, plus you’ll get amazing views of the skyline of Mexico City, skyscrapers and all, that rise up beyond the trees. Chapultepec Castle costs 59 pesos ($3.15) to enter.

⇒ See Also: 21 Top Things To Do in Mazatlan

8. Visit the Anthropology Museum

Often touted as the best museum in Mexico City, the Anthropology Museum holds the triple threat of being set in a lovely location (Chapultepec Park), impeccably designed with captivating architecture, and stuffed to the brim with fascinating exhibits.

Focused on pre-Columbian civilizations in what is today modern Mexico and the southwest United States, visit the Anthropology Museum to get a taste of what Mexico was like before the Europeans ever arrived.

The Anthropology Museum is open from 9am – 7pm every day except Monday. There is a 70 peso ($3.75) entrance fee. Even if you’re not into museums, don’t miss this one. It’s one of the top things to do in Mexico City for good reason. Find it on the map here.

☞ See Also: Things To Do in Guadalajara: A List Of The Top 21

9. See the Independence Angel

Built in 1910 as a celebration of the centennial of Mexico’s declaration of independence from Spain, the golden independence angel is one of the most recognized symbols in Mexico City.

You can visit the angel for an up-close look on Paseo de la Reforma (the statue is placed on a roundabout in the middle of the street), but you can also catch a glimpse from the veranda of Chapultepec Castle and admire it from above.

☞ Are you planning to visit other places on your Mexico travels? Check out our articles: Things To Do in Cancun (including ideas for things to do away from the beach), Things To Do in Playa del Carmen, Things To Do in Cozumel – Mexico’s Top Island and Things To Do in Tulum.

Also, have a look at the awesome things to do in Puerto Vallarta, La Paz, Cabo San Lucas and San Cristobal de las Casas.

10. Embrace Your Inner Tourist at Xochimilco

Unapologetically touristy and over-the-top amusing, Xochimilco is covered in canals that serve one main purpose today: carting drinking tourists around in colorful boats while they let loose and have an excellent time.

Hire a boat, pack a cooler of snacks and drinks, or just pick some up on the way.

Be warned that the vendors onsite will charge predictably high prices given the area’s tourist status. Grab some friends, and you’ll be able to kick back and have a delightful time in Xochimilco.

You can reach Xochimilco via public transportation by taking the Tren Ligero, which runs all the way to Xochimilco. The Tren Ligero can be picked up at the end of the Blue Line 2, at the Tasqueña station.

A ride up and down the river on a shared boat runs about 40 pesos ($2.14) per person, or you can rent an entire boat with a group for about 350 pesos ($18.70) /hour. You can also join a tour, which takes in other sights of the city, provides transportation, plus the Xochimilco boat ride.

11. Check out the Soumaya Museum

Focusing almost entirely on European and Central American art, the Soumaya Museum in Mexico City is distinct for a few reasons.

Its impressive 66,000 piece collection was donated entirely by one man (Carlos Slim), the building itself is bizarre and worthy of photographing, and admission is always free.

⇒ See Also: 21 Things To Do in Oaxaca City You Don’t Want To Miss

12. Visit The Palacio de Bellas Artes

Though it is home to Mexico’s premier fine arts collection and regularly hosts operas and theatre performances, the Palacio de Bellas Artes is primarily known for one thing: the building’s impressive and beautiful facade.

Though I highly recommend stepping inside and admiring the art, definitely plan on being distracted on the palace’s exterior for a bit.

The Palacio de Bellas Artes is open from 10am – 6pm every day except for Monday, and it costs 60 pesos to enter.

13. Stroll Through Alameda Central

Located right next door to the Palacio de Bellas Artes, Alameda Central is a beautiful, shaded park, perfect for walking around or resting on a bench in the shade.

Alameda Central is impeccably and purposely laid out, and as it was founded in 1592, also boasts the distinction of being the oldest public park in the Americas!

14. Admire Mexico City From Above 

The observation deck of Torre Latinoamericana is home to the best view of Mexico City. It’s on top of this tower that I was first able to fully appreciate the sheer size of the sprawl that makes up Mexico City.

Definitely make sure you add this to your list of things to do in Mexico City — even with only a few days in Mexico City, it’s a must-do while you’re there.

The Torre Latinoamericana is open every day from 9am – 10pm, and costs 70 pesos ($3.75) to enter.

15. Visit the House of Tiles

Built as a palace in the 18th-century, today the House of Tiles is a restaurant and is known for its facade that is covered entirely in tiles from Puebla on three sides.

Blue and white and beautiful to photograph, the House of Tiles is worth a stop whether or not you plan to eat there. The exterior alone (plus its close proximity to the Torre Latinoamericana) is enough of a reason to visit.

16. Devour Some Street Food

No trip to Mexico City would be complete without plenty of street food. And, if you’re backpacking Mexico on a budget, you’ll definitely eat your fair share of it – which is a good thing!

Mexico City is known for its vibrant street food scene, and you’ll find everything from freshly fried potato chips to tamales available from tiny stalls that will beckon you with each sizzle of the stovetop.

My personal favourite street food in Mexico City is tacos al pastor.

Made of meat similar to a Turkish kebab or Greek gyro (tacos al pastor were actually invented by Lebanese immigrants to Mexico that brought shawarma with them), these inexpensive and delicious tacos are typically served up on corn tortillas and topped with chopped red onions and lime juice.

Sampling local food is definitely one of the best things to do in Mexico City. If you’d rather head out on a food tour with a local who knows the best spots, click here. 

17. Walk Through Roma & Condesa

If you’re looking for trendy cafes and cups of coffee galore, you need to add visiting Roma & Condesa to your list of things to do in Mexico City (in fact, you might even want to pick a hotel that is in that area).

These neighborhoods are known for their hipster vibe, a plethora of cafes, tree-lined streets, and excellent coffee.

⇒ See Also: Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca – A Guide For Travellers

18. Check out Frida Kahlo’s House

If you’re a fan of the history of Frida Kahlo or her husband Diego Rivera, don’t miss a visit to the Frida Kahlo house while you’re in Mexico City!

Also known as “The Blue House”, the home tells the story of Frida Kahlo (she lived there most of her life, including her childhood), and though not much of her art is on display here, her history is. You can find it here on the map.

19. Visit the Home of Leon Trotsky

Just a short walk away from Frida Kahlo’s house sits the former home of Leon Trotsky, where he lived, was assassinated, and where his ashes (along with those of his wife) are now interred.

Though the house-turned-museum is small, it provides a look inside the personal life of Leon Trotsky. A visit here is one of the more offbeat things to do in Mexico City.

☞ See Also: Things To Do in San Miguel de Allende: 21 Things You Don’t Want To Miss

20. Visit The Witchcraft Market

Looking for a market experience that goes beyond fruits, vegetables, and souvenirs?

Head to the Mercado de Sonora – also known as the witchcraft market. A visit here is one of the weird things to do in Mexico City you won’t want to miss out on.

While typical wares are available here, so are all manner of goods associated with spells and rituals intended to alter your world through witchcraft. Several religions are represented in the market, including Voodoo.

⇒ See Also: 10 Things To Do in Guanajuato

21. Peruse The Books at Cafebreria el Pendulo

One part bookstore, one part cafe, Cafebreria el Pendulo is a must-see for book lovers visiting Mexico City.

Decorated with living plants, the shop manages to feel pristine, modern, and also a little bit wild all at the same time. Come to enjoy a cup of coffee, read a book, or both. If you’re wondering what to do in Mexico City for a relaxed, chilled out afternoon, this is it. 

22. Have a Fabulous Meal at Pujol

After all the street food you have (hopefully) been consuming in Mexico City, definitely consider mixing it up and going in the opposite direction for dinner one night.

Pujol is one of Mexico City’s top restaurants, and though it’s not inexpensive by Mexico City standards, it’s worth the money considering it’s listed as one fo the World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Image Credit: Pujol

23. Step Inside the Post Office

Mexico City’s Palacio Postal (also known as its Main Post Office) is known for a few things: its incredible beauty, its unique architecture, and the fact that – even through a couple of sizable earthquakes – it has operated continuously for more than 100 years.

Step inside to fully appreciate the pedestrian, everyday business of a post office set against a gilded, golden interior that seems like it would be better suited for a palace than for something as mundane as sorting mail.

24. Watch a Lucha Libre Match

Whether you like wrestling or not, a night of Lucha Libre should be high atop your list of things to do in Mexico City. It’s an important part of the culture, and the luchadores sure put on an amazing show! 

The best place to see a match is in the capital at the Arena Mexico on Tuesday and Friday nights, as well as on Sunday afternoons. Fridays are the most exciting matches, because, well, it’s the weekend!

Click here to book a tour to a night of Lucha Libre, including tequila, ringside seating, a Lucha libre mask, transportation, and guide! This is one of the more unique things to do in Mexico City, don’t miss it.

25. Explore the Markets

Mexico City is home to many markets that are filled with locals going out their day, purchasing goods for the week. From the butchers and bakers to the produce vendors, these markets can be a one-stop-shop.

For tourists, visiting the markets can give you a glimpse into the everyday life of a Mexican, and can be a very interesting experience. You can also purchase some items for the day, or if you’re living in Mexico, for the week. 

La Merced is one of the city’s most bustling, local, and hectic markets. But, that’s what makes it so amazing! Join the walking tour with Eat Mexico and discover this market, which includes food tastings along the way. 

Now You Know What To Do in Mexico City!

As you can see, Mexico City is a place you could spend a while…there’s just something about the exciting vibe here that will have you coming back for more.

Although a bit intimidating at first due to its size, you’ll soon realize that the city is actually quite manageable. With fantastic dining options, wonderful architecture, ancient sites, and a vibrant atmosphere, give yourself at least 5 days to enjoy all that Mexico City has to offer.

Images in this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.

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2 Days in Seattle: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary

Wondering what to do with 2 days in Seattle? Read on for a detailed look at how to spend the perfect weekend in the Emerald City!

First of all, let’s talk about the nickname. It’s not that Seattle is full of shiny gemstones, but rather that it’s surrounded by evergreen forests and mountains. 

Located in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is nestled between Puget Sound and Lake Washington. With views of both the Olympic and Cascade mountains, this is definitely one of the most scenic cities in the United States.

You don’t have to go very far to enjoy nature here, though. There are plenty of beautiful green spaces right in the middle of the city. With a weekend in Seattle, you’ll be able to explore some of them along with iconic attractions like the Space Needle.

As an avid music fan, I’ve always known Seattle as the birthplace of grunge. This is where bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden got their start. Jimi Hendrix was born here, too. There are many things to see and do in Seattle — no matter what your interests are.

Here’s a look at how to spend the perfect weekend in Seattle!

Day 1 in Seattle

With just a weekend in Seattle, you’ll want to take in some of the sights in the city and also get out in nature. On the first day, we’ll take care of the sightseeing aspect and dive into the local culture a bit.

Morning

A busy 2 days in Seattle kicks off at the famous Pike Place Market. This historic farmers’ market has been in business here for over 100 years and is a Seattle institution. 

While we’re on the topic of Seattle institutions, this is where the original Starbucks first opened back in 1971. It actually moved a few blocks away 5 years later to its current location. 

Seattle is known for its coffee, so if you’re more into finding a local gem that doesn’t have a line of tourists out the door, there are dozens of cafes to choose from in downtown Seattle. Around the market, a few solid choices are Storyville Coffee and Ghost Alley Espresso.

With a nice caffeine buzz, you’re ready to explore this bustling market. There’s a lot to see and do here, so be sure to check out their website in advance to plan your visit.

One thing the market is famous for is its flying fish. The fishmongers working there are known to throw the massive fish to each other across the shop.

You may recognize these flying fish from the intro to the “Real World: Seattle.” It’s quite the sight and a very Seattle thing to see.

You can try to figure out where to eat on your own, or you can just leave it up to an expert.

The fine folks at Eat Seattle have a 2-hour culinary adventure called the Pike Place Market Chef Guided Food Tour. Be sure to come hungry for this one, as you’ll stop by ten different vendors for samples!

In addition to the markets, shops, and restaurants, Pike Place has a lot of positive local initiatives. From a food bank to a pre-school, it’s a big part of the community. You can show your support by making a donation at Rachel the Piggy Bank.

Afternoon

Following a busy morning at Pike Place, you have a few options for how to spend your afternoon. With just 2 days in Seattle, you’ll have to make some important decisions!

If it’s a nice day, I recommend heading to nearby Waterfront Park. This is the perfect place to enjoy the views of the Olympic Mountains on a clear day. If you have some change in your pocket you can get a closer look with the coin-operated telescopes.

While you’re over here, you may want to take a ride on the Seattle Great Wheel. Regular tickets are $15 for adults or you can splurge on a glass-bottom VIP cabin for $50. It comes with a t-shirt, a drink, and a photo as well as line-skipping privileges. 

Have a look at this highly rated, 3-hour tour which takes in many of the sights I list. Transportation and guide are included in the rate. Find out more on Viator, here.

The views from land are great and all, but they’re even better out on the water. Argosy Cruises comes highly recommended for trips around Elliot Bay and Puget Sound. 

You can choose from their 1-hour harbor cruise ($34) or 2.5-hour cruise of the Ballard Locks ($47). Both are excellent choices and afford some fantastic views of the city and its surroundings.

On the budget end, you can simply head down to the Colman Dock to catch the local ferry. It heads over to Bainbridge Island and only costs $8.50 for a return ticket. 

If it’s raining on your weekend in Seattle (which is quite possible), you might tuck into a museum for a few hours. The Seattle Art Museum boasts an impressive collection and is well worth a visit.

The SAM has upwards of 25,000 different artworks here so it’s easy to kill some time on a rainy day! Tickets are $29.99 for adults and free for kids 14 and under.

Evening

I didn’t give a specific recommendation for lunch as I’m encouraging you to go big at the market in the morning. Plus it’s not hard to find a quick bite to eat when you’re out and about in downtown Seattle.

Whether it ends up being a late lunch or early dinner, it doesn’t matter. It’s worth it to head back to Pike Place to get a table at Matt’s in the Market. 

They’re known for classic Pacific Northwest fare, such as oysters on the half shell, king salmon, and seared scallops. Here’s a pro tip — between 5 and 6pm you can enjoy an excellent Happy Hour menu if you’re OK with a barstool.

If it’s a craft cocktail that you seek to get your evening going, head over to Zig Zag Cafe. It’s a bit tucked away down a long staircase and definitely has that speakeasy vibe. Just be careful going back up if you decide to have a few drinks here!

Here’s one more solid recommendation for a night out in Seattle. Can Can Culinary Cabaret is a dinner theater below the market and is tons of fun. Click here to check out their schedule and grab your tickets online.

Seattle is definitely a unique city, and it shows in the many interesting things you can get up to on any given evening. Love dogs and craft beer? Then check out this cool Airbnb experience by Dog Gone Seattle. 

This only happens on the weekend in Seattle and it’s a fun way to support a good cause. Your ticket includes your first drink and 100% of the proceeds go to the non-profit organization. 

While Seattle may not be known for its nightlife like New Orleans or Los Angeles, you can still find plenty to do once the sun goes down. 

If you just want to bounce around and check out different bars and clubs, then Pike/Pine is a happening place to go. This area is home to places like Unicorn (a carnival-themed bar) and Rock Box (a late-night Japanese karaoke bar). 

There’s nothing quite like drunkenly belting out some nostalgic tunes to end the first of 2 days in Seattle!

Day 2 in Seattle

Let’s hope the weather is on your side and it’s a beautiful weekend in Seattle. The plan for day two is to spend a lot of time outside, but don’t worry — there will be a backup plan. Let’s start day two off with the most iconic landmark in the city.

Morning

If you’re looking for a place to grab a bite and some coffee, there are a few good spots on the way. Tilikum Place Cafe is a solid choice for a full meal, while Uptown Espresso works for a strong coffee and something light. 

You won’t need directions to our first stop of the day as you can see it from all over the city. I’m talking of course about the Space Needle. 

This funky looking tower has been the symbol of Seattle since its construction back in 1961. Originally built for the World’s Fair, it has received some pretty sweet improvements in recent years. 

Way up at 520 feet (158 meters), the observation deck provides some epic views of the Emerald City. The Space Needle now features The Loupe, which is the first rotating glass floor in the world.

Tickets range in price from $32.50-37.50 for adults. You can also pick up combo tickets that get you access to other Seattle attractions, so check their website for all the info.

Alternatively, you can consider saving your visit to the Space Needle for the evening. It stays open until midnight, so you have all day to figure it out!

Another option is to join a day tour of Seattle, which takes in many sights in the city, including the Space Needle. Transport and guide are included in this highly rated tour. Find out more on Viator, here.

Perhaps you’d rather ditch the city and get out in the mountains. There are plenty of options for doing just that in Seattle! Check out this Meditative Mountain Hike Airbnb experience with a local ecotherapist, for example.

There are also two National Parks within reach of Seattle. Either one will take up the entire day, but it’s worth it for those who really want to see the natural beauty of the area. Check out these two tours – one to Mt. Rainier and another to Olympic National Park.

Afternoon

While it’s definitely the most famous building there, the Space Needle is just a part of the larger Seattle Center complex. There’s so much to see and do that you could spend your whole 2 days in Seattle trying to take it all in.

Some of the highlights include the International Fountain, which is synchronized to music at different times of the day. Another must-see over here is the Chihuly Garden & Glass Museum.  

Featuring the work of renowned artist Dale Chihuly, it’s spread out over three different areas. There’s the garden, an indoor exhibit area, and the stunning glasshouse.

Tickets cost $32 and you can take a free audio tour or sign up for one with a guide. Head over to their website to see all the options and book in advance.

If it’s a typical rainy day in Seattle, there’s lots of fun to be had indoors over here as well. I personally recommend the Museum of Pop Culture. It’s worth heading over there just to check out the building, designed by world-famous architect Frank Gehry.

Inside, there are exhibits dedicated to some of Seattle’s biggest music legends like Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana. It’s far more than music, though — it also covers science fiction, comedy, video games, and more. This just might be the coolest museum I’ve ever been to!

Tickets for MoPOP cost $30, and you can save a few bucks by booking them online. Rain or shine, I think this place is a fantastic addition to any Seattle 2 day itinerary.

There’s always something cool going on at the Seattle Center, from festivals to concerts to fitness classes. Check their event calendar to see what’s happening during your stay.

If you’re traveling in a small group, one way to make your weekend in Seattle just a bit more fun is to try a scavenger hunt. It’s basically a mix of the Amazing Race and a sightseeing tour that you do from your smartphone.

This awesome challenge from Urban Adventure Quest is for a group of up to 5. It starts at the Seattle Center and takes about 3 hours to complete. Click here to check it out!

Finally, if the above options don’t appeal to you, you can visit the Olympic Sculpture Park, the Washington Park Arboretum, or Discovery Park in the north of the city to enjoy trails, beaches, sand dunes, and more. 

Evening

It’s been a pretty huge two days in Seattle, regardless of which options you chose! After covering so much ground in the Emerald City, it’s time to enjoy a nice dinner and maybe an adult beverage or two.

One fun area to check out for dinner and drinks is Belltown. It’s conveniently located between downtown and the Seattle Center and has lots of options for wining and dining. 

Seattle has some pretty fantastic Asian cuisine and Belltown is a great place to try it. There’s Umi Sake House for Japanese, Green Leaf for Vietnamese, and Bangrak Market for Thai. 

Chances are you’ll be feeling a bit worn out after such a jam-packed weekend. Who knows when you’ll make it back up to the Pacific NW, though. It’s time to power through and go out for one more night.

My recommendation goes to catching some local live music. With just two days in Seattle, you have to rock out a bit and honor the city’s musical history. Click here to see what shows are in town.

Insider’s Tips for a Weekend in Seattle

That’s a pretty solid plan for how to spend 2 days in Seattle. You’ll have an even better time if you follow these tips:

Try to visit when the weather is nice – While the weather in Seattle is known to be gloomy and rainy, the city sees plenty of sunshine in the summer months.

As you might expect, these are definitely the busiest months in terms of tourism. Consider planning your visit in May or September to enjoy pleasant weather with smaller crowds.

Be prepared for unpredictable weather – One minute you’ll be comfortable in a t-shirt and shorts, while the next you’re wishing you had brought a sweater. Then it starts to rain and you wish you had a raincoat or umbrella. Be prepared for all kinds of weather.

Have an outdoor and indoor plan – It’s best to have a backup plan if the weather turns on you, which is quite likely in Seattle. Hopefully, you can enjoy the great outdoors, but it’s not a bad idea to have a list of museums or other indoor attractions to fall back on.

Book tickets online – With only a weekend in Seattle, you don’t want to waste time. Decide which attractions you want to visit and book those tickets online in advance. You can also save money on combo tickets if you plan to visit places like the Space Needle. Find out more about the top tours on Viator here.

Getting to Seattle

If you’re flying into Seattle, you’ll arrive at the Sea-Tac International Airport (SEA). It’s about 15 miles south of the city and is a major transportation hub with direct flights all over the world.

By Metro

One great thing about Seattle is that it has a solid public transportation network. You can easily get from the airport to downtown by hopping on the Link Light Rail. 

A one-way ticket costs just $3.00 and it takes about 40 minutes to reach downtown. It runs every 10 minutes during the day on the weekend so you won’t have to wait around too long.

By Taxi

There are also flat-rate and metered taxis at the airport. The flat-rate ones are two colors and give you a set price depending on the area you’re headed to. Metered taxis are a solid color and charge per mile and/or time.

By Rideshare

Three different rideshare apps work in Seattle. You can catch Uber, Lyft, or Wingz from the airport on the 3rd floor of the parking garage. 

Renting a Car

Renting a car is also an option but isn’t really necessary for a weekend in Seattle. As I said, the city has great public transportation. There’s really no need to worry about finding and paying for parking.

By Train

If you’re traveling to or from Seattle via other American cities, you may want to consider taking a scenic train. The Amtrak Cascades, Coast Starlight, and Empire Builder lines all pass through Seattle. Click here to read about your options.

Where To Stay for a Weekend in Seattle

For such a short trip to the Emerald City, you’ll want to stay in a central area. For a weekend in Seattle, it’s best to stick to downtown or the adjacent neighborhoods. 

Staying here gives you easy access to and from the airport via light rail. It also puts you within walking distance to Pike Place Market and Waterfront Park. Public transportation makes it easy to get up to the Seattle Center as well.

Of course, downtown Seattle is also home to a wide range of hotels, restaurants, shops, and bars. This makes it a super convenient place to stay for a short trip.

Here are a few recommendations for downtown Seattle accommodation to suit all budgets:

Budget: Green Tortoise Hostel

Mid-Range: Residence Inn by Marriott 

Luxury: Fairmont Olympic Hotel

If you don’t want to be right in the middle of the city, you can look for options in nearby Pioneer Square, Belltown, or Pike/Pine. There are some awesome places on Airbnb as well, so it’s worth doing a quick search on there.

Enjoy Your Trip to Seattle

I’ve had a lot of fun writing this guide, so I hope you’ve enjoyed it. Seattle is a fantastic choice for a weekend getaway and it’s definitely one of my favorite American cities. If you’re wondering if 2 days in Seattle is enough time, the answer is yes. 

As with anywhere, you could always spend longer, see more, do more, or travel slower. But, if you just have a weekend available, it’s possible to enjoy a fun itinerary.

There aren’t many destinations that have such a wide variety of activities, restaurants, events, and bars on offer. There really is something for everyone in Seattle. Enjoy your trip.

Images in this post are sourced on Shutterstock, a website for finding beautiful royalty-free videos and images. Find out more, here. 

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15 Best Places To Visit in Nova Scotia, Canada

Scenic drives, hiking opportunities, fresh seafood, and colourful fishing towns are just some of the many things you can expect to experience on your trip to Canada’s second-smallest province.

With so many things to do and places to visit in Nova Scotia, if you’re on time constraints, choosing the must-sees can be a bit of a challenge. 

We spent 15 days on a Nova Scotia road trip exploring Halifax, Cape Breton Island, the South Shore, Yarmouth and Acadian Shores, Bay of Fundy, The Annapolis Valley, and Northumberland Shore.

Yet, there are so many more places to see and things to do in Nova Scotia that we missed! Nova Scotia may be small, but it has a lot to offer travellers.

Check out our video: Best Places to Visit in Nova Scotia

In this post, I’ll list the top attractions, things to do, points of interest, and the best places in Nova Scotia to help you plan your trip. 

1. Halifax

The capital city of Halifax is one of the best places to visit in Nova Scotia — it’s also likely the first place you’ll see when you arrive. It’s a quick 30-minute drive from the Halifax Stanfield Airport to Downtown Halifax and the vibrant Waterfront area. 

Halifax is small enough that you don’t feel overwhelmed, yet has enough on offer to keep you busy for a few days.

There are lots of neighbourhoods here as well, so if you have time, get out of the downtown area and explore a bit further. Dartmouth, for example, is just a 5-minute ferry ride ($2.50 CAD) across the bay. 

The city is home to green spaces, historical sites, pedestrian-only walkways, events and festivals, galleries and museums, and of course, tasty restaurants! There are numerous things to do in Halifax to keep you busy.

Where To Stay in Halifax

Halifax has so many areas you could stay in, but if you want to be near the waterfront, great restaurants, and many of the tourist sites, then you’ll want to be around the Downtown area.

This is a busy part of the city, but it’s an excellent location for some spending a few days in Halifax. 

We stayed at the historic Westin Nova Scotian (in their newly renovated rooms) and enjoyed the view of the harbour. The staff are very friendly, there are lots of onsite amenities, parking is available, and the breakfast omelette and waffle station was a nice bonus. Click here to see the latest room rates and reviews. 

During our second stay in Halifax, we chose an Airbnb in a historic home near the Waterfront. If you’re interested in booking an Airbnb, don’t forget your coupon.

Where To Eat in Halifax

With a mix of seafood, international cuisine, and vegan-friendly options, Halifax is one of the best places to visit in Nova Scotia for foodies. Here are a few great options:

Piatto Pizzeria – Italian style, wood-fired pizzas

The Bicycle Thief – Excellent location, staff, and food. Try the lobster roll and rigatoni pasta with ragu sauce.

The Five Fishermen – Although not located on the water, the dining area is lovely and the food is very good. Try the tenderloin steak and the lobster.

The Wooden Monkey – We didn’t eat here, but it’s highly rated as a great place for vegetarians and vegans.

Johnny K’s Donairs and Pizza Corner – This is the late-night hangout spot. When the bars let out, you’ll find party-goers snacking here!

Smoke’s Poutinerie – Located on the waterfront, in the cluster of colourful food buildings, this is a good shop to sample poutine. 

2. Peggy’s Cove (and nearby coves)

One of the most popular places to visit in Nova Scotia is Peggy’s Cove, but I had to put it on the list — it’s a must-see for good reason!

It’s about a 45-minute drive from Halifax along the Lighthouse Route to reach Peggy’s Cove, making it an easy day-trip from the Capital, or a great stop if you’re on a longer Nova Scotia road trip. 

The community is set right on the ocean, with massive boulders offering viewing points of the Atlantic. The lone white and red lighthouse is one of the most photographed spots in the country.

Spend some time exploring the slow-paced community, including the inlets — look for jellyfish in the calm water.

There are so many nearby bays and coves that you could visit, either before or after Peggy’s Cove. Have a look at the Polly Cove hiking trail, Shad Bay and the other little spots along Prospect Road. 

3. Mahone Bay

Continuing along the stunning Lighthouse Route, you’ll arrive at Mahone Bay (if you have a chance, check out Chester on the way), which is known for its iconic 3 churches, relaxed atmosphere, and small-town hospitality.

Visit one of the many shops making textiles, jewelry, and art, or check out the mobile library bus! 

The locally-sourced food at the restaurants is divine (we had coffee at the Barn Coffee and Social House, and lunch at Circa 1860), and if you’re not driving, check out the Saltbox Brewery for some beers.

Mahone Bay is a great place to spend some time and is definitely one of the Nova Scotia attractions you don’t want to miss.  

If you’re feeling more active, or have extra time, there’s actually a trail that connects Mahone Bay with the town of Lunenburg (below). This 10-kilometer pathway is called the Bay To Bay Trail, and you can join it at various points, or just hike a portion of it, rather than the whole trail. Click here for details.

4. Lunenburg 

The whole town of Lunenburg is a top Nova Scotia attraction! This fishing village, turned UNESCO listed town, is a picturesque place you won’t want to miss.

Many people opt to do day trips here from Halifax, but I recommend spending the night to see the town when it’s not so busy. 

With its British colonial grid-style streets, Victorian and Colonial architecture, and harbour-side restaurants, wandering around by foot in Lunenburg is an enjoyable experience.

I recommend joining the 1.5 hour long walking tour to get a lay of the land and to learn about the interesting history of the city (and the unique homes that line the streets). 

Also, don’t miss the Ironworks Distillery tour ($15 including tastings and a gift). Even if you’re not a booze drinker, the building its set in is worth a visit itself.

Built in 1893, it used to be a blacksmith’s shop that made ironworks for the shipbuilding industry in Lunenburg.

Where To Stay in Lunenburg

There are lots of inns and hotels here in Lunenburg. We stayed at the Brigantine Inn, and enjoyed the harbour view from our room. The staff are friendly and the Grand Banker restaurant and bar is below (we had no issues with noise). Click here to see the latest prices and reviews.   

Where To Eat in Lunenburg

The Savvy Sailor Cafe has tasty breakfasts and huge portions. The Grand Banker is highly rated for food and drinks, and so is the Salt Shaker.  

5. Blue Rocks (one of the best places to visit in Nova Scotia for kayaking)

Located just a 10-minute drive from Lunenburg, you’ll find the community of Blue Rocks. This aptly named place is another photographer’s dream destination.

Small fishing shacks and boats are set next to blue shale rocks, with the thundering Atlantic Ocean on one side, and the calm inlets protected by small islands on the other. 

Many people come here to wander around, take photos and simply enjoy the quiet of it all. However, this is also one of the best places to visit in Nova Scotia if you want to go kayaking!

Meet up with the guys at Pleasant Paddling for a day on the water. You’ll kayak through calm channels and narrow passageways between islands while learning about the flora, fauna, and history of the area. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot some seals.

If you don’t want to stay in Lunenburg and day-trip to Blue Rocks, you can stay in one of the guesthouses here. We spotted some yurts that we’d love to stay in next time. 

6. Shelburne

This oceanside town on the Lighthouse Route is where thousands of Loyalists fled the United States during the American Revolution. Still loyal to the British, they were enticed to move to Shelburne with a promise of land and provisions.

These days, Shelburne still has British flags flying, and there’s even a UK flag painted on the street. Here you’ll also find a shipbuilding facility, farmer’s market, cafes and restaurants, and the Bowers Meadows Wilderness Area — which is a great place for fishing, canoeing, hiking, and camping. 

We didn’t actually eat here as we just visited on a day trip, but I do recommend continuing to Barrington and Captain Kat’s Lobster Shack for a tasty lobster roll or fish n’ chips.

7. Kejimkujik National Park 

You’re probably wondering how to pronounce this park name! It’s “keji-ma-ku-jik”…just say it fast and you’ll be fine. 

This National Park is a beautiful place to do some hiking, geocaching, canoeing, mountain biking and camping. Plus, you can stay in one of the cool forest cabins (something we want to do next time we visit Nova Scotia).

There are 15 hiking/biking trails, plus 2 backcountry trails that you can embark on. We chose to hike the “Hemlocks and Hardwoods” trail which was an enjoyable 5km loop through the forest.

Some of the hemlocks here are around 400 years old! A portion of the hike is on a natural trail, while part of it is on a boardwalk to protect the tree roots. 

The funny thing about this NP is that it’s actually split into two separate areas — inland Kejimkujik NP and the Kejimujik National Park Seaside, which is on the Atlantic.

The seaside park is just 25 minutes from the popular Whitepoint Beach Resort, which has been a Nova Scotia vacation staple since 1928.  

We stayed at White Point for two nights and drove to the Acadian Coast and Liverpool as day trips. We then crossed the province north and made our way to Kejimkujik National Park (1 hour from White Point). Sadly, we didn’t have a chance to visit the seaside national park. 

With natural sites and towns less than an hour away, the White Point Beach Resort is a great place to base yourself. Plus, the resort itself has numerous activities and facilities on offer — walking paths, ocean swimming, pool, bonfires, SUP, kayaking, dining, live music…and more. 

8. Digby Town and Digby Neck

Known for being the scallop capital of the world, Digby is a place seafood lovers won’t want to miss. Pan-fried, deep-fried, sauteed, raw, bacon-wrapped, grilled, ceviche…the list of scallop preparations is endless!

After walking around the town of Digby (and looking for treasures at low tide), we sat down for a scallop-forward meal at the Shoreline Restaurant. Not only was the food tasty, but the setting was stunning — we even saw seals popping their heads up in the water.

An evening stroll along the docks to see the fishing boats, and locals spin casting off the wharf before the sun goes down is a great way to end the day in Digby. 

About 45 minutes from the town, is the Digby Neck. This peninsula is actually composed of the mainland, and two islands — Long Island and Brier Island. One side of the “neck” is the calm St. Mary’s Bay, and on the other is the large Bay of Fundy. This is the spot to do some whale watching.

We joined the morning tour with Petit Passage Whale Watching (there are 2 per day) and were lucky to spot a humpback whale and 2 finback whales, which are the second largest in the world!

The boat was large enough that it was comfortable, not cramped, and the staff members were knowledgable about the ocean and the marine life. 

There’s something magical about seeing wildlife in its natural environment. 

We stayed at Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa, which is a member of the Historic Hotels Worldwide.

Set in a lovely old building with sweeping views across the Bay of Fundy, here you can golf 18 holes, spend a day at the spa, swim in the outdoor heated pool, or simply relax on the patio with a beer in hand. The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle to and from the town center, which is a nice touch. 

9. The Annapolis Valley (the best place to visit for wine lovers)

This stunning valley is located between two mountain ranges on the shore of the Bay of Fundy. Home to agriculture, farming, towns, and vineyards, this is one of the most scenic places to visit in Nova Scotia.

From farmers markets and U-pick Fruit & Veg, to wineries and orchards, this valley has lots to discover. Plus, the Annapolis Valley is home to numerous communities, I recommend visiting Wolfville and Annapolis Royal — the latter is where you’ll find Canada’s oldest National Historic Site (Fort Anne), and one of the oldest streets in all of North America.

Wolfville is an excellent place to base yourself when touring the vineyards around the valley.

In the town itself, you’ll find a great walking trail, boutique shops, a cidery (made with local apples), and lots of fun pubs and restaurants. Don’t miss Church Brewing — built in a converted church, this is a very unique place to grab a craft beer. 

Surrounding Wolfville is where you’ll find the 11 established vineyards — which make some crisp white wines and some reds as well. Taking a winery bus tour with a designated driver is the best way to explore the vineyards.

We went with Grape Escapes, a tour that actually originated in Halifax but picked us up in Wolfville. We visited 3 vineyards – Benjamin Bridge, Luckett and Gaspereau – and enjoyed a fabulous lunch with our wine at Luckett Vineyards.

*Insider tip, try the Marquette red at Luckett, it was my favourite Nova Scotian wine.

Not only is the Annapolis Valley picturesque, but there’s also a UNESCO Heritage Site here (the Grand Pre National Historic Site), fruit and herb gardens, and one of the best winery restaurants in the world, Le Caveau.

For those who love fresh and locally grown produce, and supporting small businesses, you’ll definitely want to add the Annapolis Valley to your list of places to visit in Nova Scotia.

We stayed at the historic Blomidon Inn, which is a stunning hotel in an excellent location in Wolfville. The property is surrounded by pretty gardens, and there’s an onsite restaurant and fitness center. 

10. Pictou

Nova Scotia translates to “New Scotland” in Latin, and Pictou was the first place the Scottish settlers landed when they arrived in Nova Scotia. These days, you’ll still see Scottish tartans on the light posts, and there’s a replica of the ship (Hector) that they arrive on in 1773. 

Colourful homes and shops line the water, and the overall feel of the town is pretty relaxed. We stayed at the nearby Pictou Lodge Beach Resort which is right on the Northumberland Strait, looking across to Pictou Island and Prince Edward Island beyond.

The wooden cottages here are cozy and comfortable and there are lots of activities on offer like kayaking, pedal boats, and SUP. The onsite restaurant serves up tasty food — don’t miss the seafood linguini and the brie cheese starter.

11. Inverness 

Crossing the 2 kilometer Canso Causeway from the mainland of Nova Scotia, you’ll arrive on Cape Breton Island. Likely, if you’re taking the Ceilidh Trail clockwise, your first main stop on the island will be Inverness.

This town and the surrounding area is one of the best places to visit in Nova Scotia for golfers, fishermen, and those who want to do some camping. 

The town itself is home to the oceanfront boardwalk, the Cabot Links golf course, Route 19 Brewing, some churches, and a campsite with nice views over the water. Do as the locals do and scour the beach for sea glass — which they call “mermaid tears”. 

A 10-minute drive from Inverness is the Glenora Inn and Distillery — the longest-running producer of single malt whiskey in North America.

In fact, there are only two on the continent! Take a tour of the distillery, sample the whiskey, eat a meal at the restaurant, listen to live music and spend the night in one of the rooms there. The grounds here are stunning and it’s a great place to stay. 

12. Margaree Forks

Just outside of Inverness is Margaree Forks, which is the best place in Nova Scotia to do some fly fishing where 40-pound salmon run the Margaree River.

Get a fishing license for around $62 and some flies and head out to the river. Check out the Tying Scotsman for a license and flies, and A Great Day Fishing for reputable guides. 

There are lots of places to stay right along the river, Forks Pool Cottage, Cajun Cedar Log Cottages or Margaree Riverview Inn, to name a few. We chose to stay outside of Inverness in Lakeland cottages (in the chalet), but they have other options here. 

13. The Cabot Trail

This isn’t so much a “place” as it is a drive, but I had to add it to the list. At Margaree Forks, the 298 km (185 mile) Cabot Trail begins. You can choose to drive clockwise or counterclockwise (we did the former).

This route meanders along the coastline of Cape Breton Island, and high up into the plateaus of the aptly named Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Enjoy views of the wild, rocky coastline, the Gulf Of St. Lawrence, and the beautiful forest.

Take your time (and lots of photos) during this drive. The Cabot Trail is one of the most amazing places to visit in Nova Scotia, and one of the best drives in North America.

13. Cape Breton Highlands National Park 

If you’re driving the Cabot Trail, you’ll cut through this National Park. After paying $7.80 (for adults), you’re free to enjoy the natural beauty of this part of Cape Breton Island. 

Lace-up your hiking boots and wander down one of the 26 trails in the park, find a hidden cove all to yourself and enjoy a snack, or do some camping, fishing, and kayaking! There are endless things to do here.

We hiked the Skyline Trail, which can be done as a return trip, or a loop. We opted for the 9.2 km (5.6 mile) loop walk through the forest.

At the end, the trail opens up and you’re greeted by the vast Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Cabot Trail winding through the mountainside, and Cheticamp Island. 

We enjoyed this walk, but it was quite popular — for good reason. Your best bet would be to get there early and enjoy the quieter trail — you may even spot a moose.

There are lots of pull-offs and points of interest, but I recommend Lakie’s Head, which is a beautiful spot where you could potentially see whales.

Another quirky place is Groovy Goat, which is a family-run goat farm and soap company, and the Dancing Moose, which is a cafe that serves up tasty Dutch-style pancakes.

14. Ingonish (one of the best places in Nova Scotia for golfing, hiking and camping)

Of all the places to visit in Nova Scotia, this was one of our favourites for sure. Ingonish is actually an area of 6 different communities — Ingonish ferry, harbour, beach, centre, and North Ingonish.

This area offers hiking, camping, swimming, whale watching offshore, and more.

Depending on the tides, Ingonish Beach is either rocky or sandy and even though the water was chilly when we visited, Nick still went for a dip in the ocean!

There’s a freshwater lake at Ingonish Beach and you can camp here as well. If you’re not into camping, check out the Keltic Lodge At The Highlands which has the most picturesque surroundings of any accommodation we’ve had.

With sweeping views of the ocean and the craggy cliffs, even if you’re not staying here, definitely come by for the view. 

The Middle Head Trail starts here at the Keltic Lodge. It’s an easy, 1.5-hour loop that takes you out to the end of the point for a fantastic view. This hike is short but sweet.

Another more challenging option is the nearby Franey Mountain trail, which takes around 3 hours and has a 300m ascent, but offers incredible views from the top. 

15. Baddeck 

Last, but not least on my list of best places to visit in Nova Scotia is Baddeck. Set on the gorgeous Bras d’Or Lake (Alexander Graham Bell had a family estate home here), this town is a great place to chill out for a while.

Enjoy water sports (kayaking SUP, jet skis, etc.), go on a boat tour to see puffins, visit the Alexander Graham Bell museum, enjoy a leisurely coffee in town, or check out the nearby Usige Ban Waterfall.

The trail to reach the falls is around 3 kilometers long and should take about an hour to complete. 

We stayed at the Inverary Resort which had the perfect setting right on the lake. Enjoy late afternoon paddleboarding, kayaking, jet-skiing, or boat riding here — or just relax with a beer in hand!

10 Things To Do in Nova Scotia

You now know the best towns and places to visit in Nova Scotia, but here are the top 10 activities and things to do in the province that you won’t want to miss!

1. Experience Tidal Bore Rafting 

If you’re an adventurous person, tidal bore rafting should be firmly placed on your list of things to do in Nova Scotia. 

Two times a day, the tides in the Bay of Fundy rise and fall (between 3.5 meters (11ft) and 16 meters (53ft)). When this massive influx of water meets the Shubenacadie River, the two collide to create rapids, waves, and a whole lot of swells. 

Of course, rather than just watch this natural phenomenon, it’s far more exciting to hop on a zodiac and launch over the waves! Tidal bore rafting tops my list of Nova Scotia activities for sure. Hang on tight and enjoy the ride.

Where’s the boat?! Tidal bore rafting was so much fun

But, it’s not all about the crazy adventure on the river, you’ll also enjoy a quiet boat ride before the tide comes in, while spotting bald eagles high in the trees. After a few rounds of flying over rapids, release your inner child, and do some mud sliding on the banks of the river.

There are numerous companies to choose from, but we went with Tidal Bore Rafting Resort out of Urbania who have been in business since 1985.

Mud sliding was a great way to end the day

Tips: Make sure to wear clothing that you don’t mind throwing out afterward, or wear black (the titanium in the mud will stain your clothes). Leave your sunglasses and hat behind, and wear water shoes. Bring a change of clothing and towel — there are basic, hot showers available. 

2. Drive the Cabot Trail (one of the most popular things to do in Nova Scotia)

Touted as one of the most scenic drives in North America, this 297 km (185 mile) route offers a stunning journey.

Located on Cape Breton Island which is an island connected to the mainland by a 2 km causeway, the Cabot Trail is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Nova Scotia.

It’s a great place to drive, cycle, or experience the curvy road by motorbike. 

I recommend taking Route 19 (Ceilidh Trail) as you cross the causeway to Cape Breton Island. This is a picturesque route with nice places to stop along the way — Mabou, Glenora Distillery, Celtic Music Interpretive Center, Inverness, and Margaree Forks.

At Margaree Forks, the route splits and you start the Cabot Trail.

Depending on your travel plans, you can choose to drive clockwise, or counterclockwise. The whole trail could be done in a day, but a more enjoyable way to experience it is to drive for a little bit, hop out of your vehicle and go for a hike, a swim, and a meal before spending the night somewhere along the trail. 

The Cabot Trail winding through the mountainside

3. Hiking in National Parks

There are some great trails in the province and after driving, it’s always nice to get out and stretch your legs. Nova Scotia is home to two National Parks, one National Park Reserve, and numerous Provincial and Historic Parks. 

When you’re travelling along the Cabot Trail, it cuts through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park ($7.80 CAD park fee), which is home to 26 hiking trails.

The most popular is the Skyline Trail, but if you enjoy hiking by yourself, this trail isn’t for you — at least not in the summer months when it’s quite busy.

However, it’s popular for good reason!

At the end of the loop, you’re rewarded with vast views out to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and many people encounter moose on this trail (sadly, we didn’t). 

*Tip: While the hike to the end of the Skyline Trail was busy with other hikers, it seemed as though many people didn’t complete the 8.2 km (5.1mile) loop, but instead, backtracked on the same path making the hike shorter (6.5 km / 4 miles). If you want to enjoy some quiet on this beautiful trail, I recommend doing the loop — we pretty much had the way back to ourselves.  

Enjoying the serenity on the back half of the Skyline Trail loop

Another great hiking opportunity is the Middle Head Trail which starts at the stunning Keltic Lodge at Ingonish. This 1.5-hour peninsula hike is more rugged than the Skyline Trail and offers incredible views on both sides of the peninsula. Look for woodpeckers, squirrels, and seabirds. 

Nearby, you’ll find the Franey Mountain Trail, which is more challenging than Middle Head. It’s about 3 hours long, with a 300m ascent. Bring adequate food, water, and clothing for the hike. 

Nova Scotia’s other National Park is Kejimkujik, which is home to some great hikes as well. If you have the time and the ability to do so, you can embark on one of the backcountry trails (4 days long), or if you’re looking for a day hike, there are plenty of those as well ranging from 0.2 km to 5 km in length.

Hemlocks and Hardwoods trail in Kejimkujik National Park

We chose the longest of the day hikes, Hemlocks and Hardwoods, and basically had the trail to ourselves.

Outside of the national parks, you’ll also find some great hiking. Check out the Celtic Shores Hiking Trail, the Bay to Bay Trail, and Polly Cove trail — to name a few. 

*Tip: Make sure to wear bug spray and thoroughly check yourself for ticks when you leave the park, as they carry Lyme disease. 

4. Take in a Festival

If you’re looking for things to do in Nova Scotia year-round, take in one of the many festivals! Whether you’re into music, food, crafts, art, history, or sports, there will be a fun festival that interests you. 

While you’ll definitely find events happening year-round, the vast majority happen during the summer months when the weather is warmer and you can enjoy the outdoor venues. 

Don’t miss the TD Halifax Jazz Festival, Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, Pride Parade, Lobster Crawl, Ribfest, Wild Blueberry Festival, Busker Festival…and more!

Try to time your visit for the Halifax Jazz Festival!

5. Eat Seafood

Known for its abundance of seafood, eating freshly caught shellfish is one of the things to do in Nova Scotia you don’t want to miss.

Each part of the province has a different lobster season, but you can find lobster practically any time of year.

Don’t miss a lobster boil, dining on 1.5 pounds of lobster at a nice restaurant (Five Fishermen’s in Halifax), sampling a lobster roll (Capt. Kat’s Lobster Shack, or The Bicycle Thief), or simply enjoying bits of lobster in a chowder or a pasta dish.  

Once you’ve had your fill of lobster, head to Digby which is known for its world-class scallops! Choose your preparation (grilled, pan-fried, deep-fried, bacon-wrapped, ceviche, raw, etc.) and dig in.

If lobster and scallops aren’t your thing, you can always find mussels, Atlantic salmon, halibut, haddock, and oysters readily available on most menus. If you’re wondering what to do in Nova Scotia on a rainy day, eating excellent seafood is my recommendation!

Tasty Digby scallops

6. Follow One Of The “Trails”

A really cool thing to do in Nova Scotia that I haven’t seen anywhere else is to follow one of the food and drink trails around the province. 

Basically, you pick up a “passport” from a participating vendor, or you can register online for a digital passport. In this passport, you’ll find a list of tasty restaurants, bars and distilleries to sample the best food and drinks in Nova Scotia.

Once you’ve visited one of the stops, you get a stamp in your passport and once you have 3 stamps, you can enter to win prizes.

There are 3 trails:

Lobster Trail

Chowder Trail

Good Cheer Trail

With so many amazing restaurants and bars to enjoy, trying to figure out where to eat and drink is the hard part!

Ironworks Distillery is located in Lunenburg, and is on the Good Cheer Trail

7. Go Camping 

Since this post is about a Canadian province, it’s no surprise that camping makes it on this list of things to do in Nova Scotia. Blessed with nature, and almost completely surrounded by water, this is a great place to do some camping.

Either pitch a tent in one of the many campsites or spend the night in a unique oTENTik. If you’re pulling a trailer or driving an RV, there are lots of spots you can stop that have adequate amenities. 

Cape Breton Island has numerous campsites available around Ingonish, Meat Cove, Broad Cove, Inverness, and more. 

For other camping opportunities, check out Ovens Natural Park campground, Thomas Raddall Provincial Park, Kejimkujik National Park, Murphy’s Camping on the Ocean…to name a few. For a full list of campgrounds in Nova Scotia, click here. 

Camping is one of the top things to do in Canada in the summer, and Nova Scotia has some great spots!

8. Tour Vineyards

Although the provinces of British Columbia and Ontario produce the most amount of wine in the country, little Nova Scotia has some vineyards worth visiting and unique grapes varietals worth sampling — especially if you like white and sparkling wines.

Nova Scotia is known for its Tidal Bay wine — the first wine appellation given in the province. Since the province is known for its seafood, ties with the ocean, and cool weather, the winemakers wanted to create a wine that reflects that — something cool and crisp.

In order to get the stamp of approval for a Tidal Bay wine, all grapes must be grown in Nova Scotia, be no more than 11% alcohol, and have a certain flavour profile (minerals, acidity, and green fruit).

While grapes are grown in many areas of the province, The Annapolis Valley is known for being wine country and with stunning views of the Bay of Fundy and 11 wineries to visit, it’s a place you’ll want to spend some time. 

The stunning Luckett Vineyard

Base yourself in Wolfville (we stayed at Blomidon Inn), or out in the valley, and hire a driver (or join a tour) for the trip so that you can fully enjoy the wine tastings!

While there are many vineyards to visit, I recommend Benjamin Bridge, Luckett, and Gaspereau. All three have gorgeous surroundings and tasty wines. 

Make sure to have lunch at Luckett Vineyards, the food is fabulous. Oh, and don’t forget to make a call from the red phone box  

9. Do Some Kayaking

Being surrounded almost completely by water, and home to numerous coves, bays, and islands, kayaking is one of the top activities in Nova Scotia.

There are lots of places you can go paddling, but I recommend Blue Rocks, which is a community just outside of Lunenburg.

Many people come here to photograph the pretty blue shale rocks, or to stroll around the quiet community, but the best way to see the natural beauty of the area is to hop in a kayak. We paddled through narrow passageways, and alongside rock islands, all while enjoying the calm water.

Even though the Atlantic Ocean can be incredibly rough and wild, the rock islands here provide protection for kayakers. To learn more about kayaking at Blue Rocks, click here.  

Kayaking around Blue Rocks — calm water!

10. Go Whale Watching 

You’ll find excellent whale watching opportunities in the Bay of Fundy just outside of Digby on the Digby Neck (peninsula) and off of Cape Breton Island.

The whales start arriving in early spring and stay until fall, but typically, the humpbacks don’t show up until mid-June. 

Having said that, we went whale watching in the Bay Of Fundy in mid-July and only spotted 1 humpback whale. The crew said that this year the whales were late arriving. So, it’s the luck of the draw!

Both whale watching spots in Nova Scotia offer the chance to see humpback, fin, and minke whales. The Bay Of Fundy also has Northern right whales, while Cape Breton offers the largest of them all, the blue whale, as well as pilot whales.

Our trip took us around the Digby Neck, past Brier and Long Island, and into the Bay Of Fundy. Even though we only spotted 1 humpback whale, we ended up seeing 2 fin whales (which are the second largest whale in the world!). There’s something magical about seeing wildlife in its natural habitat.  

The boat we went out on to the Bay of Fundy

To learn more about whale watching in the Bay of Fundy, click here. 

*Tip: Even if it’s a sunny day, make sure to bring some warm clothing. The weather can change in an instant, and it’s always chilly out on the water. Also, bring a hat, sunscreen, water and of course, your camera.

Now You Know What To Do and Where To Visit in Nova Scotia

Depending on the length of your trip, you might not be able to see all of the places to visit in Nova Scotia that I listed. So, just choose the ones that stand out to you the most, or pick an area of the province and work your way around there.

The good news is that Nova Scotia is quite compact, making getting around and visiting numerous towns a breeze.

Of course, this list of activities and places to see when you visit Nova Scotia is just the tip of the iceberg. There are numerous other spots that we didn’t have a chance to get to!

I hope you enjoyed my list of 15 recommended best places to visit and the top 10 things to do. Enjoy your stay in Nova Scotia and check out our videos here:

A special thank you to the Nova Scotia tourism board for making this trip possible. As always, all thoughts and opinions remain our own. 

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Weekend in Philadelphia: The Perfect 2 Day Itinerary

Planning a quick getaway to the City of Brotherly Love? Read on for a detailed look at how to spend a weekend in Philadelphia.

If you’re interested in American history, there’s perhaps no better city to visit than Philadelphia. It was here that the founding fathers wrote the Declaration of Independence and created a new nation in 1776.

With 2 days in Philadelphia, you can visit some of the most important historical sights in the country, watch a professional sports game, peruse public markets, check out the excellent museums, go bar-hopping or stuff your face with cheesesteaks!

For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s the scenic Penn’s Landing and the massive Fairmont Park. Depending on the time of year, you can enjoy hiking, kayaking, cycling, ice-skating, and more. 

I spent my younger years living in Philly with my family and have fond memories of the city. I’ve been back several times over the years and discover something new every time.

I’m excited to share some insights into one of my favorite American cities with you in this post.

Let’s get to it and see what you can get up to with a weekend in Philadelphia!

Day 1 in Philadelphia

With just two days in Philadelphia, you’ll want to get out there and make the most of your short time. For the first day, we’ll focus on the city’s rich history and dabble in the culinary and nightlife scenes. 

Depending on how many Philadelphia attractions you want to see, you might want to consider getting the Sightseeing Pass, which includes entrance to 35+ attractions and costs $59. Click here for details.

Morning

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and that’s definitely true when you have a big day of exploring a new city ahead of you!

Breakfast

One place I recommended for breakfast is FRIEDA, a European-style cafe with a killer weekend brunch menu.

If you’d rather just grab a cup of coffee and something light to start the day, La Colombe Coffee Roasters and Old City Coffee Inc. are both solid choices.

With a full belly and a nice caffeine buzz, you’re ready for a big day in Philly.

Visit Independence Hall

Start your journey back in time by visiting Independence Hall, also known as “America’s birthplace.”

Both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed in this historic building. One could make the case that it’s the most important building in the history of the United States!

To visit Independence Hall, you’ll need to jump on a guided tour. These run every day of the year except Christmas from 9AM-5PM. They’re totally free if you sign up in the visitor’s center. You can also reserve online in advance for a $1 fee.

The hall is actually just one part of a much larger national historical park. There’s lots more to see here, including the famous Liberty Bell. 

This gift to the US from Great Britain arrived way back in 1752. It cracked, had to be reformed, and then cracked again. The bell has remained silent ever since!

If you’re wondering where the name comes from, it’s because of the quote that is etched into the side: “Proclaim Liberty throughout the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.” 

For more info on Independence Hall and all that it offers, check out the National Park Service website.

If you’d rather join a fun, 2-hour walking tour that includes a visit to Independence Hall, check out this experience. The tour includes a beer at the end from the guide’s favourite brewpub.

Afternoon

How you decide to spend your first afternoon on a weekend in Philadelphia depends largely on your interests and the weather. Here are some suggestions:

See Some Museums

Should you want to keep the history lesson rolling and/or experience inclement weather, there are lots of museums to choose from in the Old City.

There’s the National Constitution Center, which is an interactive museum that’s fun and informative for all ages. Tickets cost $14.50 and include a screening of the inspiring “Freedom Rising.” Head to their website to read all about the various exhibits. 

Another great option in the area is the Benjamin Franklin Museum. Here you can learn all about one of the most influential Americans through five different rooms, each focused on a different character trait of his. Tickets cost just $5 for this excellent museum!

There’s also the Museum of the American Revolution, which features in-depth exhibits about this pivotal time in the nation’s history. Tickets cost $21 and you can buy them online here. (This museum is also included in the Sightseeing Pass).

Lunch Break

For lunch, in keeping with the day’s historic theme, you can pop into City Tavern. Order off their 18th-century inspired menu in this classic restaurant where the founding fathers once dined. 

Visit Penn’s Landing

Walk a few blocks to Penn’s Landing. Located on the Delaware River, this is the place to be on a nice summer day.

Enjoy a stroll along the tree-lined promenade or go out for some fun on the river. It’s possible to rent kayaks and paddleboats or you can just hop on the ferry over to New Jersey to enjoy the views of the skyline.

During the summer months, Penn’s Landing they frequently show movies and have concerts. I wouldn’t personally recommend spending 2 days in Philadelphia in the winter, but if you do, you can go ice skating here.

Join a Segway Adventure

Another fun way to see a lot of the city in a short time is by hopping on a 2-hour Segway adventure. Cruise along the river, pass through historic districts, and explore a bit of Philly’s Chinatown. Tours run at 12:30 and 3 and cost $55.

Evening

After a huge day, it’s time to celebrate a little! This is a beer-loving city, so sampling a few of the local suds definitely needs to be on your list of things to do.

Beer, Brewery and Food Experiences 

On this Philly beer tasting experience and tour, you’ll get to visit some of the most unique bars in the city. This includes the oldest continuously operating bar, which dates back to 1860.

Those interested in brewing may want to check out this highly rated brewery experience of Dock Street Brewery’s South Philadelphia location. You’ll learn all about the brewing process and history and get to sample six different beers.

Speaking of South Philadelphia, there’s a “No Reservations” food tour that follows the footsteps of the late, legendary TV host Anthony Bourdain. Be sure to come hungry for this one, as you’ll do lots of eating on the 3-hour tour!

If you just want to do your own thing, I recommend starting out with a drink at the outdoor Independence Beer Garden. They have an excellent Happy Hour menu as well as some reasonably priced all-you-can-drink packages if you’re really looking to party!

For a more swanky atmosphere, there’s the Stratus Rooftop Lounge. Located atop the Hotel Monaco, this is the place to see and be seen in downtown Philly. 

Watch a Professional Sports Game

As I mentioned in the introduction, this is a city that absolutely loves sports. Philadelphia is home to the Eagles (NFL), 76ers (NBA), Flyers (NHL), and Phillies (MLB), so there’s always a game going on.

Check the calendar to see if one of the home teams is playing during your weekend in Philadelphia! Seeing a major sporting event in this city full of passionate fans is definitely an experience.

Day 2 in Philadelphia

Hopefully you didn’t go too hard on night one, but that’s totally understandable if you did. Philly is definitely a fun city to visit on the weekends! 

Since there’s too much to do here to cram it all into one weekend, I’ll give you a few different options for how to spend your 2nd day in the city. 

Morning

Start your day with a combination of history and donuts!

Visit The Market

A great way to start the day is on a trip to Reading Terminal Market. As is the case with so many places in Philly, there’s a lot of history here. 

The market has been operating since way back when in 1893, making it one of the oldest public markets in the country. It almost had to shut down in the ’70s but thanks to a boost in public funding it was saved. 

There are around 80 merchants here including several bakeries and restaurants, so you can easily find something for breakfast.

Donuts For Breakfast!

One of the best places in Reading Terminal Market is Beiler’s Bakery for their scrumptious donuts.

If you’re not that into the market but still want your fill of Homer Simpson’s favorite dish, head to Federal Donuts instead. 

For the ultimate donut experience, check out this awesome Airbnb experience. It’s called the Philadelphia underground donut tour and it’s as fun and delicious as it sounds.

Get Some Exercise (“Rocky” Style)

After you’ve satisfied your craving for fried dough, it’s time to work it off with a little exercise — Philly style! One must-do on any weekend in Philadelphia itinerary is running up the famed “Rocky” steps to the art museum.

Get pumped up by putting on “Eye of the Tiger” and doing a bit of air-boxing and then run up the steps just like Stallone did in the movie. Is it a super touristy thing to do? It sure is. Should you still do it? Of course!

Those who are really into the classic film and want to take it to the next level can check out this Rocky movie locations tour. You’ll travel to four different sights that were used in the series, including the Italian Market. 

Visit The Art Museum

If you’re going to run up all those stairs, you might as well go into the Philadelphia Art Museum at the top. It has a massive collection and is one of the best art museums I’ve ever been to. 

Tickets for the museum cost $25. Click here to book them online before you go. You can easily spend the whole day here so you’ll have to move quickly if you want to see all the rooms.

Afternoon

You’ll be hungry again after climbing all the stairs and exploring the museum. Time to grab some lunch. 

Lunch Break

No Philadelphia weekend trip would be complete without sampling the city’s iconic sandwich — the cheesesteak. There are tons of places to try it, but first-timers should go try out the original.

Pat’s King of Steaks claims to be the inventor of the famous sandwich, which is made with thinly sliced steak and melted cheese on a roll.

American and provolone cheese are both common, but the most popular choice is Cheese Wiz. That’s right, the gooey, cheese-like substance that really isn’t cheese at all. Hey, it’s delicious!

Right across the street is their biggest rival, Geno’s. It’s kind of like the Coney dog challenge in my hometown of Detroit. You’ll just have to try them both and see which one you think is best.

Explore The Magic Gardens

After all that meat, cheese, and bread, you might need a walk. Good thing it’s just 15 minutes to the next destination on the itinerary, the Magic Gardens.

It’s the brainchild of Isaiah Zagar, an award-winning mosaic mural artist and native Philadelphian. Known as an “immersive mixed media art environment,” it’s a stunning place to visit.

Tickets are just $10, but you should grab them online in advance as it often sells out. You can also sign up for this South Philadelphia walking tour that includes a visit here.

Go On A Walking Tour

Those interested in getting a bit more out of their weekend in Philadelphia can check out this highly-rated Founding Fathers Historical Walking Tour.

The tour visits many of the places I’ve covered so far and also includes a beer in a local brewpub. Tours run at 11:30, 2:30 and 5:30 and cost $45.

Evening

Unless you decide to join the walking tour, wrap up a big weekend in Philadelphia with a stroll along the hip South Street.

Wander Around South Street

South Street It’s the perfect place to do a bit of window shopping and snap photos of vibrant street art.

There are so many choices for restaurants along South Street that it’s kind of overwhelming. You can find cuisine from all over the map here, from Thailand to Morocco and everywhere in between.

South Street is also home to a wide variety of bars, from classic Irish pubs and hookah lounges to hipster bars with names like Tattooed Mom. It’s easy to choose your own adventure and have a fun night out here, especially on the weekend.

Listen To Live Music

If you were hoping to squeeze some live music into your 2 days in Philadelphia, you can see what’s playing at the Theater of Living Arts. Another option is the nearby Twisted Tail, which usually has live blues and also has an open jam session on Sunday.

Whatever you decide to do, give yourself a pat on the back and order up your favorite drink. You’ve earned it for completing this massive itinerary for a Philadelphia weekend trip!

Insider Tips for a Weekend in Philadelphia

Following this itinerary will guarantee a good time in Philly. You’ll have an even better time if you follow these tips as well:

Diet later. Spending a weekend in Philadelphia is best when it includes the finer things in life, like cheesesteaks, donuts, and craft beer. Save that diet for after your trip and enjoy yourself. The quinoa will still be there when you get back.

Walk or use public transport. Philadelphia is one of the most walkable cities in the US. Getting around on foot ensures you take in the surroundings and also burn off some of those calories!

When your feet get tired, the city has a pretty solid public transportation system. For just a 2 day trip, you can rely mostly on the Philly PHLASH Downtown Loop bus, which costs just $2 per ride. 

Skip the winter. I grew up between Detroit and Philly and lived in Beijing, so I’m no stranger to cold weather. If you’re traveling to the city for the first time and are looking to enjoy yourself, I recommend giving winter a hard pass. Philly is much more enjoyable when you can walk between attractions and enjoy the riverfront. 

Go to a ballgame. I know I mentioned this a few times already but it’s worth repeating — Philly is a sports city. It’s a big part of the local culture and something you should experience, even if you’re not a huge fan. 

Drink local. It should come as no surprise that a city that loves its sports team also loves beer. Don’t come to Philly and order a Heineken or a Corona. Go with the local stuff instead. I recommend reading up on the craft beer trail before traveling there.

Getting to Philadelphia

Most travelers will arrive at the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). It’s located 7 miles (11 km) from downtown and there are several options for traveling there.

By Rail

The regional rail network known as SEPTA provides an efficient and economical way to travel downtown from the airport. It only takes 25 minutes to get there and trains run every half hour.

A one-way ticket costs $8 if you buy it on board but just $6.75 if you book in advance. 

By Taxi

Taxis are also readily available at the airport. It’s a flat-rate charge of $28.50 to Center City, where you’ll likely be staying for your weekend in Philadelphia.

Rideshare

Both Uber and Lyft also operate at the airport and are also good options for getting around the city during your 2 day stay.

By Train Or Bus

If you’re already traveling in the US, especially from other big cities on the East Coast, you can easily get to Philly by train or bus. The city is a major hub for Amtrak on the Northeast Corridor and Keystone lines. 

There are trains coming into Philadelphia from Washington DC and New York every hour during the day, for example. They arrive at the 30th Street Station and you can transfer to the SEPTA for free to get to Center City.

Several companies also operate bus routes in and out of Philly, including Greyhound, BoltBus, and Megabus. I only have experience with the latter, traveling in from Pittsburgh and out to NYC. Tickets can be super cheap if you book well in advance.

Best Places to Stay for a Weekend in Philadelphia

With just a weekend, you’ll want to maximize your time spent enjoying the city and minimize time spent moving around. The best way to do that is by staying in either the Old City or Center City area.

They’re right next to each other and either one puts you in close proximity to the best sights like Independence Hall and Penn’s Landing. It’s also super easy to come and go from the airport or train station, making your travel days less stressful.

Being in the center of Philadelphia also means you’ll be spoiled for choices when it comes to shopping, dining, and nightlife. You also have plenty of options for accommodation.

Here are a few of the best to suit all budgets:

Budget: City House Hostel

Mid-Range: Aloft Philadelphia Downtown

Luxury: Le Meridien

If you want to be near the action but not quite in the middle of it, you can look to neighboring areas such as Logan Square or Society Hill.

It’s also definitely worth it to do a search on Airbnb as there are some pretty nice places available in Philly. Don’t forget to grab your $55 discount coupon.

Now You Know What To Do With 2 Days in Philadelphia 

That about does it for an epic weekend in Philadelphia. I hope you enjoy your trip to the City of Brotherly Love so much that you want to come back. It’s definitely a city you can return to again and again and always discover something new. 

As you can see, while Philly may live in the very big shadow of New York, it has plenty to offer travelers! Book your trip and enjoy your 2 days in the city.  

Have you been to Philadelphia? Got a great attraction, restaurant, or bar to recommend? Drop a comment below!

Images for Philadelphia in this article are courtesy of Shutterstock. 

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The Best Weekend Road Trips From Denver

If you are one of the nearly 700,000 people who live in Denver, it may just feel like a good place to live. You have beautiful surroundings, top of the line shopping, and there is something to do year round. But what people don’t realize is the easy accessibility to short weekend road trips from Denver.

The homes are lovely and the school systems rank highly. Another attraction, Medical care, is readily available with doctors, hospitals, and every kind of specialist you need is at your disposal.

For example, you can find the best physical therapists in Denver or visit many of the medicinal marijuana dispensaries to take care of your every need. Denver makes everything easily accessible – whether or not an expert is needed.

If you ask someone who lives here, what the draw to Denver is, you will probably hear skiing, hiking, fishing, and they could go on and on. But the locals know this is just the tip of the iceberg. What visitors fail to understand is there are fantastic weekend road trips from Denver.

You will have a completely unique experience visiting cities, 8 hours from Denver. Take a look at our favorite Denver road trips below!

We are going to list our opinions of the best road trip out of Denver, but we encourage you to do your own research. You will notice we have added a few locations much closer than 8 hours away. This is to show that even if you only have an extra day to set out on an adventure, You still have many options.

8-hour road trips from Denver

Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs is only about 156 miles from Denver. While it doesn’t exactly fit in our 8 hours away point, it is worth mentioning.

Steamboat Springs has family and private ski lodges. Steamboat Springs is known for their natural hot springs with soaking pools as well as pools with slides. This city features mountain and wall climbing,  There are bike parks, gondola rides, mini-golf, and a whole lot more.

Places to eat in Steamboat Springs:

There are dozens of restaurants to select from and the majority are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free friendly. My favorites are:

I Egg & I Restaurant for breakfast

Johnny B. Goods for lunch or dinner

Winona’s for a great lunch and upper-level family meal

Cafe Diva’s is the place to go for an elegant dinner and fine dining.

Road trip to Aspen, Colorado

Aspen is only 158.5 miles from Denver, but it is a year-round destination. It is a ski resort in the winter and a wicked mountain town in the Summer. You have a very good chance of seeing a celebrity or two since several own vacation homes there.

Aspen has the best high-end shopping in the area. If you are looking for class and elegance, then this is the best road trip out of Denver, for sure. Learn more about this famous city with some of my posts below:

Places to eat in Aspen:

Aspen caters to the rich and famous. This means there are great places to ship and excellent restaurants, with excellent service. But, let’s not forget the celebrities that are in Aspen are vacationing. They want to wear their jeans and let their hair down.

This is where they want rest, relaxation and recovery. So, even though Aspen is fit for a king, if you see one, he will probably be kicked back with a beer in front of a roaring fire. Aspen has the most beautiful mountain areas in the world. You will be able to get from place to place via ski lift. There are more than 150 miles of trails and Snowmass is a mountain that has been a skiers dream site since 1947.

Hickory House They also have great lunch and dinner. Good atmosphere

Poppycocks Actually, Poppycocks is famous for their breakfast, brunch, and lunch. It is a tiny place and always packed so get there early – It’s worth it.

The Red Onion You simply must eat at The Red Onion. This establishment was built in 1892. It is still as good now as it was then. This is good food, moderately priced, eaten in a historical landmark.

You said 8-hour day trips!

Yes, we did. The above-mentioned towns were just too good to pass up. So let’s head 8 hours away from Denver. There is no bad time to go. This beautiful and sunny area is a year-round playground.

Road trip to Salt Lake City, Utah

The first adventure that we recommend is Salt Lake City, Utah. Salt Lake is 8-hours by car from Denver. Along the way, you will see some fantastic scenery including the infamous Arches National Park. It is almost like crossing into another country instead of another state.

You will notice a lot of tour companies in Salt Lake. This is because there is so much to see, you can rarely see everything from just one tour. For the mild at heart, there are museums, art galleries, historical sites, and first-class shopping. If you are a bit bolder than that, try a river rafting tour. There is one river rafting excursion that lasts ½ a day! If that doesn’t get your adrenaline pumping, stick around for an after dark Ghost Tour.

Places to eat in Salt Lake City

A quick search online can bring up pages of restaurants. If you are watching your money, there are plenty of fast food places that are actually good. If money is no object, you will find the finest restaurants, with famous chefs. But we are going to give you our favorite middle of the road restaurant. These are family-friendly places that will not break the bank.

Bruges Waffles & Frites – Great waffles, Belgian fries, and fantastic sandwiches.

BGR (or Burgers Grilled Right) – Seriously the best burgers…the BEST.

Ice Haus – A German-inspired pub filled with burgers and brats with loads of domestic and imported beers.

Conclusion – 

This is just a small sample of the wonderful places you can visit during a weekend road trip from Denver. The small 8-hour road trips from Denver are well worth the drive. Want more?  Discover these other places and adventures you can have in Colorado:

There are many more cities and towns that you can experience on your way. The natural evolution of the earth makes this part of the country unique and beautiful. The people make it welcoming and fun. Just try this once, and you will be hooked. We will see you there!

Would you like to take any of these weekend road trips from Denver, Colorado?

source http://cheaprtravels.com/the-best-weekend-road-trips-from-denver/

[topfygad]

The Best Weekend Road Trips From Denver

If you are one of the nearly 700,000 people who live in Denver, it may just feel like a good place to live. You have beautiful surroundings, top of the line shopping, and there is something to do year round. But what people don’t realize is the easy accessibility to short weekend road trips from Denver.

The homes are lovely and the school systems rank highly. Another attraction, Medical care, is readily available with doctors, hospitals, and every kind of specialist you need is at your disposal.

For example, you can find the best physical therapists in Denver or visit many of the medicinal marijuana dispensaries to take care of your every need. Denver makes everything easily accessible – whether or not an expert is needed.

If you ask someone who lives here, what the draw to Denver is, you will probably hear skiing, hiking, fishing, and they could go on and on. But the locals know this is just the tip of the iceberg. What visitors fail to understand is there are fantastic weekend road trips from Denver.

You will have a completely unique experience visiting cities, 8 hours from Denver. Take a look at our favorite Denver road trips below!

We are going to list our opinions of the best road trip out of Denver, but we encourage you to do your own research. You will notice we have added a few locations much closer than 8 hours away. This is to show that even if you only have an extra day to set out on an adventure, You still have many options.

8-hour road trips from Denver

Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs is only about 156 miles from Denver. While it doesn’t exactly fit in our 8 hours away point, it is worth mentioning.

Steamboat Springs has family and private ski lodges. Steamboat Springs is known for their natural hot springs with soaking pools as well as pools with slides. This city features mountain and wall climbing,  There are bike parks, gondola rides, mini-golf, and a whole lot more.

Places to eat in Steamboat Springs:

There are dozens of restaurants to select from and the majority are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free friendly. My favorites are:

I Egg & I Restaurant for breakfast

Johnny B. Goods for lunch or dinner

Winona’s for a great lunch and upper-level family meal

Cafe Diva’s is the place to go for an elegant dinner and fine dining.

Road trip to Aspen, Colorado

Aspen is only 158.5 miles from Denver, but it is a year-round destination. It is a ski resort in the winter and a wicked mountain town in the Summer. You have a very good chance of seeing a celebrity or two since several own vacation homes there.

Aspen has the best high-end shopping in the area. If you are looking for class and elegance, then this is the best road trip out of Denver, for sure. Learn more about this famous city with some of my posts below:

Places to eat in Aspen:

Aspen caters to the rich and famous. This means there are great places to ship and excellent restaurants, with excellent service. But, let’s not forget the celebrities that are in Aspen are vacationing. They want to wear their jeans and let their hair down.

This is where they want rest, relaxation and recovery. So, even though Aspen is fit for a king, if you see one, he will probably be kicked back with a beer in front of a roaring fire. Aspen has the most beautiful mountain areas in the world. You will be able to get from place to place via ski lift. There are more than 150 miles of trails and Snowmass is a mountain that has been a skiers dream site since 1947.

Hickory House They also have great lunch and dinner. Good atmosphere

Poppycocks Actually, Poppycocks is famous for their breakfast, brunch, and lunch. It is a tiny place and always packed so get there early – It’s worth it.

The Red Onion You simply must eat at The Red Onion. This establishment was built in 1892. It is still as good now as it was then. This is good food, moderately priced, eaten in a historical landmark.

You said 8-hour day trips!

Yes, we did. The above-mentioned towns were just too good to pass up. So let’s head 8 hours away from Denver. There is no bad time to go. This beautiful and sunny area is a year-round playground.

Road trip to Salt Lake City, Utah

The first adventure that we recommend is Salt Lake City, Utah. Salt Lake is 8-hours by car from Denver. Along the way, you will see some fantastic scenery including the infamous Arches National Park. It is almost like crossing into another country instead of another state.

You will notice a lot of tour companies in Salt Lake. This is because there is so much to see, you can rarely see everything from just one tour. For the mild at heart, there are museums, art galleries, historical sites, and first-class shopping. If you are a bit bolder than that, try a river rafting tour. There is one river rafting excursion that lasts ½ a day! If that doesn’t get your adrenaline pumping, stick around for an after dark Ghost Tour.

Places to eat in Salt Lake City

A quick search online can bring up pages of restaurants. If you are watching your money, there are plenty of fast food places that are actually good. If money is no object, you will find the finest restaurants, with famous chefs. But we are going to give you our favorite middle of the road restaurant. These are family-friendly places that will not break the bank.

Bruges Waffles & Frites – Great waffles, Belgian fries, and fantastic sandwiches.

BGR (or Burgers Grilled Right) – Seriously the best burgers…the BEST.

Ice Haus – A German-inspired pub filled with burgers and brats with loads of domestic and imported beers.

Conclusion – 

This is just a small sample of the wonderful places you can visit during a weekend road trip from Denver. The small 8-hour road trips from Denver are well worth the drive. Want more?  Discover these other places and adventures you can have in Colorado:

There are many more cities and towns that you can experience on your way. The natural evolution of the earth makes this part of the country unique and beautiful. The people make it welcoming and fun. Just try this once, and you will be hooked. We will see you there!

Would you like to take any of these weekend road trips from Denver, Colorado?

from Cheapr Travels https://ift.tt/2KC1O0U via IFTTT

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15 Best Places To Visit in Nova Scotia: A Guide For Travellers

Scenic drives, hiking opportunities, fresh seafood, and colourful fishing towns are just some of the many things you can expect to experience on your trip to Canada’s second-smallest province. With so many places to visit in Nova Scotia, if you’re on time constraints, choosing the must-sees can be a bit of a challenge. 

We spent 15 days on a Nova Scotia road trip exploring Halifax, Cape Breton Island, the South Shore, Yarmouth and Acadian Shores, Bay of Fundy, The Annapolis Valley, and Northumberland Shore. Yet, there’s still so much more to see!

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In this post, I’ll list the top attractions, points of interest, and the best places to see in Nova Scotia to help you plan your trip. 

15 Places To Visit in Nova Scotia

1. Halifax

The capital city of Halifax is one of the best places to visit in Nova Scotia — it’s also likely the first place you’ll see when you arrive. It’s a quick 30-minute drive from the Halifax Stansted Airport to Downtown Halifax and the vibrant Waterfront area. 

Halifax is small enough that you don’t feel overwhelmed, yet has enough on offer to keep you busy for a few days. There are lots of neighbourhoods here as well, so if you have time, get out of the downtown area and explore a bit further. Dartmouth, for example, is just a 5-minute ferry ride ($2.50 CAD) across the bay. 

The city is home to green spaces, historical sites, pedestrian-only walkways, events and festivals, galleries and museums, and of course, tasty restaurants! 

Where To Stay

Halifax has so many areas you could stay in, but if you want to be near the waterfront, great restaurants and many of the tourist sites, then you’ll want to be around the Downtown area. This is a busy part of the city, but it’s an excellent location for some spending a few days in Halifax. 

We stayed at the historic Westin Nova Scotian (in their newly renovated rooms) and enjoyed the view of the harbour. The staff are very friendly, there are lots of onsite amenities, parking is available, and the breakfast omelette and waffle station was a nice bonus. Click here to see the latest room rates and reviews. 

During our second stay in Halifax, we chose an Airbnb in a historic home near the Waterfront. If you’re interested in booking an Airbnb, don’t forget your coupon.

Where To Eat

With a mix of seafood, international cuisine, and vegan-friendly options, Halifax is one of the best places to visit in Nova Scotia for foodies. Here are a few great options:

Piatto Pizzeria – Italian style, wood-fired pizzas

The Bicycle Thief – Excellent location, staff, and food. Try the lobster roll and rigatoni pasta with ragu sauce.

The Five Fishermen – Although not located on the water, the dining area is lovely and the food is very good. Try the tenderloin steak and the lobster.

The Wooden Monkey – We didn’t eat here, but it’s highly rated as a great place for vegetarians and vegans.

Johnny K’s Donairs and Pizza Corner – This is the late-night hangout spot. When the bars let out, you’ll find party-goers snacking here!

Smoke’s Poutinerie – Located on the waterfront, in the cluster of colourful food buildings, this is a good shop to sample poutine. 

2. Peggy’s Cove (and nearby coves)

One of the most popular places to visit in Nova Scotia is Peggy’s Cove, but I had to put it on the list — it’s a must-see for good reason! It’s about a 45-minute drive from Halifax along the Lighthouse Route to reach Peggy’s Cove, making it an easy day-trip from the Capital, or a great stop if you’re on a longer Nova Scotia road trip. 

The community is set right on the ocean, with massive boulders offering viewing points of the Atlantic. The lone white and red lighthouse is one of the most photographed spots in the country. Spend some time exploring the slow-paced community, including the inlets — look for jellyfish in the calm water.

*There are so many nearby bays and coves that you could visit, either before or after Peggy’s Cove. Have a look at the Polly Cove hiking trail, Shad Bay and the other little spots along Prospect Road. 

3. Mahone Bay

(Click here to find Mahone Bay on the map. 

Continuing along the stunning Lighthouse Route, you’ll arrive at Mahone Bay (if you have a chance, check out Chester on the way), which is known for its iconic 3 churches, relaxed atmosphere, and small-town hospitality. Visit one of the many shops making textiles, jewelry, and art, or check out the mobile library bus! 

The locally-sourced food at the restaurants is divine (we had coffee at the Barn Coffee and Social House, and lunch at Circa 1860), and if you’re not driving, check out the Saltbox Brewery for some beers. Mahone Bay is a great place to spend some time and is definitely one of the Nova Scotia attractions you don’t want to miss.  

*If you’re feeling more active, or have extra time, there’s actually a trail that connects Mahone Bay with the town of Lunenburg (below). This 10-kilometer pathway is called the Bay To Bay Trail, and you can join it at various points, or just hike a portion of it, rather than the whole trail. Click here for details.

4. Lunenburg 

The whole town of Lunenburg is a top Nova Scotia attraction! This fishing village, turned UNESCO listed town, is a picturesque place you won’t want to miss. Many people opt to do day trips here from Halifax, but I recommend spending the night to see the town when it’s not so busy. 

With its British colonial grid-style streets, Victorian and Colonial architecture, and harbour-side restaurants, wandering around by foot in Lunenburg is an enjoyable experience. I recommend joining the 1.5 hour long walking tour to get a lay of the land and to learn about the interesting history of the city (and the unique homes that line the streets). 

Also, don’t miss the Ironworks Distillery tour ($15 including tastings and a gift). Even if you’re not a booze drinker, the building its set in is worth a visit itself. Built in 1893, it used to be a blacksmith’s shop that made ironworks for the shipbuilding industry in Lunenburg.

Where To Stay:

There are lots of inns and hotels here in Lunenburg. We stayed at the Brigantine Inn, and enjoyed the harbour view from our room. The staff are friendly and the Grand Banker restaurant and bar is below (we had no issues with noise). Click here to see the latest prices and reviews.   

Where To Eat:

The Savvy Sailor Cafe has tasty breakfasts and huge portions. The Grand Banker is highly rated for food and drinks, and so is the Salt Shaker.  

5. Blue Rocks (one of the best places to visit in Nova Scotia for kayaking)

Located just a 10-minute drive from Lunenburg, you’ll find the community of Blue Rocks. This aptly named place is another photographer’s dream destination. Small fishing shacks and boats are set next to blue shale rocks, with the thundering Atlantic Ocean on one side, and the calm inlets protected by small islands on the other. 

Many people come here to wander around, take photos and simply enjoy the quiet of it all. However, this is also one of the best places to visit in Nova Scotia if you want to go kayaking!

Meet up with the guys at Pleasant Paddling for a day on the water. You’ll kayak through calm channels and narrow passageways between islands while learning about the flora, fauna, and history of the area. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot some seals.

If you don’t want to stay in Lunenburg and day-trip to Blue Rocks, you can stay in one of the guesthouses here. We spotted some yurts that we’d love to stay in next time. 

6. Shelburne

This oceanside town on the Lighthouse Route is where thousands of Loyalists fled the United States during the American Revolution. Still loyal to the British, they were enticed to move to Shelburne with a promise of land and provisions.

These days, Shelburne still has British flags flying, and there’s even a UK flag painted on the street. Here you’ll also find a shipbuilding facility, farmer’s market, cafes and restaurants, and the Bowers Meadows Wilderness Area — which is a great place for fishing, canoeing, hiking, and camping. 

We didn’t actually eat here as we just visited on a day trip, but I do recommend continuing to Barrington and Captain Kat’s Lobster Shack for a tasty lobster roll or fish n’ chips.

7. Kejimkujik National Park 

You’re probably wondering how to pronounce this park name! It’s “keji-ma-ku-jik”…just say it fast and you’ll be fine. 

This National Park is a beautiful place to do some hiking, geocaching, canoeing, mountain biking and camping. Plus, you can stay in one of the cool forest cabins (something we want to do next time we visit Nova Scotia).

There are 15 hiking/biking trails, plus 2 backcountry trails that you can embark on. We chose to hike the “Hemlocks and Hardwoods” trail which was an enjoyable 5km loop through the forest. Some of the hemlocks here are around 400 years old! A portion of the hike is on a natural trail, while part of it is on a boardwalk to protect the tree roots. 

The funny thing about this NP is that it’s actually split into two separate areas — inland Kejimkujik NP and the Kejimujik National Park Seaside, which is on the Atlantic. The seaside park is just 25 minutes from the popular Whitepoint Beach Resort, which has been a Nova Scotia vacation staple since 1928.  

We stayed at White Point for two nights and drove to the Acadian Coast and Liverpool as day trips. We then crossed the province north and made our way to Kejimkujik National Park (1 hour from White Point). Sadly, we didn’t have a chance to visit the seaside national park. 

With natural sites and towns less than an hour away, the White Point Beach Resort is a great place to base yourself. Plus, the resort itself has numerous activities and facilities on offer — walking paths, ocean swimming, pool, bonfires, SUP, kayaking, dining, live music…and more. 

8. Digby Town and Digby Neck

Known for being the scallop capital of the world, Digby is a place seafood lovers won’t want to miss. Pan-fried, deep-fried, sauteed, raw, bacon-wrapped, grilled, ceviche…the list of scallop preparations is endless!

After walking around the town of Digby (and looking for treasures at low tide), we sat down for a scallop-forward meal at the Shoreline Restaurant. Not only was the food tasty, but the setting was stunning — we even saw seals popping their heads up in the water.

An evening stroll along the docks to see the fishing boats, and locals spin casting off the wharf before the sun goes down is a great way to end the day in Digby. 

About 45 minutes from the town, is the Digby Neck. This peninsula is actually composed of the mainland, and two islands — Long Island and Brier Island. One side of the “neck” is the calm St. Mary’s Bay, and on the other is the large Bay of Fundy. This is the spot to do some whale watching.

We joined the morning tour with Petit Passage Whale Watching (there are 2 per day) and were lucky to spot a humpback whale and 2 finback whales (which are the second largest in the world!). The boat was large enough that it was comfortable, not cramped, and the staff members were knowledgable about the ocean and the marine life. 

There’s something magical about seeing wildlife in its natural environment. 

We stayed at Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa, which is a member of the Historic Hotels Worldwide. Set in a lovely old building with sweeping views across the Bay of Fundy, here you can golf 18 holes, spend a day at the spa, swim in the outdoor heated pool, or simply relax on the patio with a beer in hand. The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle to and from the town center, which is a nice touch. 

9. The Annapolis Valley 

This stunning valley is located between two mountain ranges on the shore of the Bay of Fundy. Home to agriculture, farming, towns, and vineyards, this is one of the most scenic places to visit in Nova Scotia.

From farmers markets and U-pick Fruit & Veg, to wineries and orchards, this valley has lots to discover. Plus, the Annapolis Valley is home to numerous communities, I recommend visiting Wolfville and Annapolis Royal — the latter is where you’ll find Canada’s oldest National Historic Site (Fort Anne), and one of the oldest streets in all of North America.

Wolfville is an excellent place to base yourself when touring the vineyards around the valley. In the town itself, you’ll find a great walking trail, boutique shops, a cidery (made with local apples), and lots of fun pubs and restaurants. Don’t miss Church Brewing — built in a converted church, this is a very unique place to grab a craft beer. 

Surrounding Wolfville is where you’ll find the 11 established vineyards — which make some crisp white wines (and some reds as well). Taking a winery bus tour with a designated driver is the best way to explore the vineyards.

We went with Grape Escapes, a tour that actually originated in Halifax but picked us up in Wolfville. We visited 3 vineyards (Benjamin Bridge, Luckett and Gaspereau), and enjoyed a fabulous lunch with our wine at Luckett Vineyards.

*Insider tip, try the Marquette red at Luckett, it was my favourite Nova Scotian wine.

Not only is the Annapolis Valley picturesque, but there’s also a UNESCO Heritage Site here (the Grand Pre National Historic Site), fruit and herb gardens, and one of the best winery restaurants in the world, Le Caveau.

For those who love fresh and locally grown produce, and supporting small businesses, you’ll definitely want to add the Annapolis Valley to your list of places to visit in Nova Scotia.

We stayed at the historic Blomidon Inn, which is a stunning hotel in an excellent location in Wolfville. The property is surrounded by pretty gardens, and there’s an onsite restaurant and fitness center. 

10. Pictou

Nova Scotia translates to “New Scotland” in Latin, and Pictou was the first place the Scottish settlers landed when they arrived in Nova Scotia. These days, you’ll still see Scottish tartans on the light posts, and there’s a replica of the ship (Hector) that they arrive on in 1773. 

Colourful homes and shops line the water, and the overall feel of the town is pretty relaxed. We stayed at the nearby Pictou Lodge Beach Resort which is right on the Northumberland Strait, looking across to Pictou Island and Prince Edward Island beyond.

The wooden cottages here are cozy and comfortable and there are lots of activities on offer like kayaking, pedal boats, and SUP. The onsite restaurant serves up tasty food (don’t miss the seafood linguini and the brie cheese starter).

11. Inverness 

Crossing the 2 kilometer Canso Causeway from the mainland of Nova Scotia, you’ll arrive on Cape Breton Island. Likely, if you’re taking the Ceilidh Trail clockwise, your first main stop on the island will be Inverness. This town and the surrounding area is one of the best places to visit in Nova Scotia for golfers, fishermen, and those who want to do some camping. 

The town itself is home to the oceanfront boardwalk, the Cabot Links golf course, Route 19 Brewing, some churches, and a campsite with nice views over the water. Do as the locals do and scour the beach for sea glass — which they call “mermaid tears”. 

A 10-minute drive from Inverness is the Glenora Inn and Distillery — the longest-running producer of single malt whiskey in North America. In fact, there are only two on the continent! Take a tour of the distillery, sample the whiskey, eat a meal at the restaurant, listen to live music and spend the night in one of the rooms there. The grounds here are stunning and it’s a great place to stay. 

12. Margaree Forks

Just outside of Inverness is Margaree Forks, which is the best place in Nova Scotia to do some fly fishing where 40-pound salmon run the Margaree River. Get a fishing license for around $62 and some flies and head out to the river. Check out the Tying Scotsman for a license and flies, and A Great Day Fishing for reputable guides. 

There are lots of places to stay right along the river, Forks Pool Cottage, Cajun Cedar Log Cottages or Margaree Riverview Inn, to name a few. We chose to stay outside of Inverness in Lakeland cottages (in the chalet), but they have other options here. 

13. The Cabot Trail

This isn’t so much a “place” as it is a drive, but I had to add it to the list. At Margaree Forks, the 298 km (185 mile) Cabot Trail begins. You can choose to drive clockwise or counterclockwise (we did the former).

This route meanders along the coastline of Cape Breton Island, and high up into the plateaus of the aptly named Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Enjoy views of the wild, rocky coastline, the Gulf Of St. Lawrence and the beautiful forest.

Take your time (and lots of photos) during this drive. The Cabot Trail is one of the most amazing places to visit in Nova Scotia, and one of the best drives in North America.

13. Cape Breton Highlands National Park 

(Click here to find the Cape Breton Highlands NP on the map.)

If you’re driving the Cabot Trail, you’ll cut through this National Park. After paying $7.80 (for adults), you’re free to enjoy the natural beauty of this part of Cape Breton Island. 

Lace-up your hiking boots and wander down one of the 26 trails in the park, find a hidden cove all to yourself and enjoy a snack, or do some camping, fishing, and kayaking! There are endless things to do here.

We hiked the Skyline Trail, which can be done as a return trip, or a loop. We opted for the 9.2 km (5.6 mile) loop walk through the forest. At the end, the trail opens up and you’re greeted by the vast Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Cabot Trail winding through the mountainside, and Cheticamp Island. 

We enjoyed this walk, but it was quite popular — for good reason. Your best bet would be to get there early and enjoy the quieter trail (you may even spot some moose.)

There are lots of pull-offs and points of interest, but I recommend Lakie’s Head, which is a beautiful spot where you could potentially see whales. Another quirky place is Groovy Goat, which is a family-run goat farm and soap company, and the Dancing Moose, which is a cafe that serves up tasty Dutch-style pancakes. 

14. Ingonish

Of all the places to visit in Nova Scotia, this was one of our favourites for sure. Ingonish is actually an area of 6 different communities — Ingonish ferry, harbour, beach, centre, and North Ingonish. This area offers hiking, camping, swimming, whale watching (offshore) and more.

Depending on the tides, Ingonish Beach is either rocky or sandy and even though the water was chilly when we visited, Nick still went for a dip in the ocean!

There’s a freshwater lake at Ingonish Beach and you can camp here as well. If you’re not into camping, check out the Keltic Lodge At The Highlands which has the most picturesque surroundings of any accommodation we’ve had. With sweeping views of the ocean and the craggy cliffs, even if you’re not staying here, definitely come by for the view. 

The Middle Head Trail starts here at the Keltic Lodge. It’s an easy, 1.5-hour loop that takes you out to the end of the point for a fantastic view. This hike is short but sweet. Another more challenging option is the nearby Franey Mountain trail, which takes around 3 hours and has a 300m ascent, but offers incredible views from the top. 

15. Baddeck 

Last, but not least on my list of the places to visit in Nova Scotia is Baddeck. Set on the gorgeous Bras d’Or Lake (Alexander Graham Bell had a family estate home here), this town is a great place to chill out for a while.

Enjoy water sports (kayaking SUP, jet skis, etc.), go on a boat tour to see puffins, visit the Alexander Graham Bell museum, enjoy a leisurely coffee in town, or check out the nearby Usige Ban Waterfall. The trail to reach the falls is around 3 kilometers long and should take about an hour to complete. 

We stayed at the Inverary Resort which had the perfect setting right on the lake. Enjoy late afternoon paddleboarding, kayaking, jet-skiing, or boat riding here (or just relax with a beer in hand!). 

Have Fun in Nova Scotia!

Depending on the length of your trip, you might not be able to see all of the places to visit in Nova Scotia that I listed. So, just choose the ones that stand out to you the most, or pick an area of the province and work your way around there. The good news is that Nova Scotia is quite compact, making getting around and visiting numerous towns a breeze.

Of course, this list of places to see when you visit Nova Scotia is just the tip of the iceberg. There are numerous other spots that we didn’t have a chance to get to. Based on what we saw, however, these are my 15 recommended places to visit. Enjoy your stay in Nova Scotia!

A special thank you to the Nova Scotia tourism board for making this trip possible. As always, all thoughts and opinions remain our own. 

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