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achliegh · 3 years

Text

Golden

Yeehaw Leo… it's all because this song came on one day (I don’t even really listen to country anymore so it really is fate). Leo is based off that song, each chapter is going to be based off a yeehaw song too.

Characters belong to @lumosinlove

Beta: @the-most-slytherin-hufflepuff & @punkkkkboi

TW/CW: Smut, terrible yeehaw sayings and jokes, injuries, mentions of past death/suicide, minor character death, underage drinking, mentions of past arrests, cringe

Chapter Songs (listening in order is recommended):

Chapter 16:

Hours after Noelle Landed in Montreal, Thomas and Clay landed in New Orleans. A few hours ago Clay’s parents dropped his truck off at the airport so he could take Thomas around the city to see his favorite places. They didn’t bring much just carry on backpacks, so walking out the door and feeling the heat was what they did next.

“It’s Winter!”

“It’s so warm, I missed it.” Clay sighs happily and grabs the little dangly adjustment strap to Thomas’ bag and starts leading him to where his parents said his truck was following the directions on his phone that his mom typed out. It stayed in daily parking so they didn’t have to go inside the parking garage. Thankfully. Thomas was expecting Clay’s truck to be just like his one in Gryffindor, large bright red and loud, but to his surprise they start walking over to a teal blue old truck. It must have been from the 70’s or something. Thomas stopped a couple feet back just taking in the scene.

Clay, glowing under the sun just in a shirt and jeans standing next to a light blue truck making this all seem like a picture on one of those tiny calendars with old cars on them. The concrete around them was a bit off but he didn’t mind.

“What? Something wrong?” Clay looks at him from the other side of the truck after finding his keys in his bag and tossing it into the bed of the truck. “You can toss your bag in the back if you want, there isn’t a ton of room in the front.”

“I was just looking at something pretty is all.” Thomas acts all nonchalant as he tosses his bag in the back next to Clay’s and climbs in the now unlocked vehicle. Clay gets in on the driver's side and gives him a confused look, turning his head in the direction of where Thomas was just looking.

“All I see are cars, was there a cool one I missed?” He looks back at Thomas only to find his boyfriend a good inch from his face. He feels his cheeks heating up and hopes Thomas can’t tell. “What?”

“I was staring at you, Stupid.” Clay feels his cheeks get even more red and glares at Thomas a bit. Thomas has definitely stuck to his words recently in telling Clay he is ‘Pretty’ and ‘Beautiful’ all the time but Clay still doesn’t know how to react. Recently it has been smacking Thomas upside the head… then usually smooching him but that's besides the point. He has grown up his whole life being criticized for how he looks, then suddenly girls were throwing themselves at him and calling him ‘Hot’ and ‘Sexy’ but never the things Thomas or Noelle says.

It makes him feel vulnerable when they say stuff like that.

“Shut up.” Clay gives him a quick kiss and goes to pull away but Thomas holds him by his shirt to deepen the kiss, Clay doesn’t even try to fight against it. He smiles and kisses him more sweetly before they actually pull away. “I’m hungry, let's go eat!” He smiles a bit as Thomas laughs and buckles up, pulling out of the parking lot he starts to drive further into the heart of the city. Thomas watches all the old and new buildings mix together to make a wonderful blend of modern and historical.

It was so amazing, beautiful and fun.

He notices the buildings are getting more off the ground and raises an eyebrow, he goes to ask Clay what the houses are doing on stilts but the NOLA Native beats him to the punch.

“They are for when it floods during storms. Like hurricanes and flash floods, we have a flood wall as well but they don’t always hold up.” Clay has put on his dark wire framed sunglasses, driving with one hand on the wheel and his other elbow resting on the open window seal of the car, wind blowing through his hair. Just looking so in his element. “We are headed towards the harbor because they have the best seafood boil restaurants. My favorite is Mama Junes but Leo’s is Olive and Otto’s. So we tend to fight about where we want to go.” Clay glances over to Thomas who is just soaking everything in. Looking relaxed and calm.

They pull into the small broken concrete parking lot and park right in front. There are old buildings lining the narrow sidewalk just feet away from the docks. The sidewalk was poorly taken care of but it added character. Clay hop out of the truck and wanders over to Thomas side and opens the door bowing to him.

“Your highness.” Then he trips him on the way out making him stumble causing Clay to laugh hard enough he has to lean against the truck so he doesn’t fall over. Thomas rolls his eyes smiling and closes the door. Looking out at the docks he notices all the people doing their jobs and wonders what it would be like to be on a massive ship. He is knocked out of his thoughts by being hit in the side of the head by a pen.

“Where did you even get a pen!?” Thomas picks up the pen from the ground and starts chasing Clay around the truck for a good few minutes before he finally catches him from behind and wraps his arms around his waist picking him up, swinging him around to the other side of him, both laughing uncontrollably. Thomas' stomach lets them know that it senses food is nearby by rumbling loudly.

“That was weird I could feel your stomach growling, we should go eat before the fishermen get off work for the night.” Clay turns around in Thomas arms and just looks over his face for a moment, running his fingertips over the side of his face. He loves Thomas…

He should tell him soon and Noelle, of course Noelle. She is everything, beautiful, smart, sarcastic, and treats him like a real person. Clay didn’t know if he was ever going to date another woman after Ashley, hell, he didn’t even know if he would ever get away from Ashley. But he never expected to get so lucky. He never in a million years ever expected to be loved like two people.

Well, he hopes they love him.

They pull away after just looking at each other for a solid thirty seconds before Clay leads Thomas down the street a bit to a restaurant that looks straight out of the 60’s. Thomas was picking up a theme of stuff Clay likes… the theme is old. Doesn’t help that he and Noelle are older than the southerner either. They get a table, order food, and people just keep coming up to the table to talk to Clay like old friends. Men, women, old and young everyone wanted to talk to him.

When their food does show up it is something called a ‘seafood boil’. Thomas has heard of it before but always thought it was boiled right in front of you, which it is not. It also shows up in a plastic bag for some reason. Clay teaches him how to crack crab properly, only ending in one thumb being cut open by the sharp shell. Whose thumb?

Clayton London Bruss’ and he was annoyed about it.

They finish up eating and paying, Clay gives the young waitress a 50% tip because he can and wants to. They head out the door full and happy, walking past a group of old women who are playing poker at one of the tables out front.

“Well if it isn’t Mr. Bruss himself! Long time no see, Sugar.” The woman the farthest away from Clay smiles at him and Thomas is worried this is going to go bad. “Looking mighty handsome there young man, be careful one of these days I’m gonna leave my husband for you.”

“Mrs. Bell! You can’t say stuff like that!” He laughs and walks over to give her a kiss on the cheek, giving Thomas time to take a good look at her. She was an older looking black woman who has definitely lived a full life, she was wearing a lot of blush and eyeshadow but her ruby red lipstick is what really stood out. Especially when she gave Clay a kiss on the cheek.

“I’m old, I can say what I want, within reason. Now tell me where you have been these last few months! We miss you and Leo on Fridays.”

“You here to stay for a while before you take off and get yourself hurt at those rodeos?” The woman across from Mrs. Bell spoke up, she was a white heavy set woman with a shirt that has two hurricanes on the boobs of her shirt that say ‘Lily’ and ‘Katrina’. He doesn’t know how to respond to that.

“I assure you Miss Lila, I am only here for a day or maybe two.”

“Who is this hunk that with you Clayton, I wouldn’t mind getting my hands on him.” Clay smiles brightly and walks back over to Thomas’ side. Ignoring the hungry stares pointed in Thomas' direction by all four women.

“Sorry but he is off limits.” All the women make a mock sound of disappointment. “He’s my boyfriend.” They are stunned for a moment before they all gasp in delight and congratulate them.

“You always knew how to pick them, I always thought Your friend Leo and you would end up together. But I am so happy for you.” Mrs. Bell smiles at them.

“Everyone always thought Leo and I would get together but honestly, he's not my type.” Clay winks at the ladies who all giggle as they walk past, saying goodbye to one another. The ladies pick up their game from where they left off. Thomas was still in shock. Those elderly ladies.. Congratulated them! He was not expecting that. He was expecting to be chased off with a purse or something. Then again, Clay does seem rather close to them.

“How do you know them?” Thomas looks at Clay who is saying hello to the people he knows that pass them on the way to the restaurant. He apparently knows everyone.

“Well, they have a poker tournament every Friday at Mama June’s so Leo and I would volunteer there for fun. Other people would work to get paid but we never needed the money, instead we were the two who would lose on purpose just to give the people their money. Most people who go to the tournaments are on the poorer side of town and we always tried to give back. So that's what we did. We would bet obscene amounts of money just to make sure people could pay their rent or bills or do whatever they do to relieve stress after a long week of working.” Thomas stopped walking, Clay didn’t notice for a few steps and then turned but to look. The sun was sinking down behind him and it made him glow. Thomas has known he has loved Clay for a while now but Noelle and him had a plan to tell Clay together. But at this very moment in time, his heart was so full of adoration he couldn’t help himself.

“I love you.”

Noelle watched, she watched the entire interaction her father had with Leo. She knew it wasn’t going to be good. She had listened to his insult Leo while she was in the kitchen with her mother and honestly it made her feel sick with anger. Leo was exactly what they wanted for Logan. Yet, they brush him off because of something stupid. She was pissed, helping her mother get ingredients out for dinner but decided she didn’t want to help. She was exhausted mentally and physically. So she decided to go take a nap, walking out of the kitchen and up the stairs to her childhood room.

The biggest bedroom in the house. It was painted seafoam green because that was her favorite color in secondary school, posters of her favorite bands and pictures of her friends all over the walls. Little origami birds made by her best friend hang from fishing line over her king sized bed with pristine crisp white matching bedspread, pillows and sheets. Her full length mirror was next to her large white desk with a lamp that cost forty dollars on it. Her bean bag chairs of varying sizes and colors on the corner next to her TV and PlayStation.

She never noticed how spoiled she was. But being in this room and then thinking about her sisters and Logan’s room, it made her ears ring with guilt. She started going to therapy after she got out of the house because she didn’t understand why she would just be consumed by guilt or sadness whenever she was around Logan. They never had a good relationship when they were younger fighting all the time, Noelle just saying really nasty things that she regrets and now they are pretty much each other's best friends. Her therapist told her that it was because her father was a narcissist and raised her to believe she was better than all her siblings but as she grew older she knew that it was wrong.

After that appointment she called Logan to apologize for everything over the phone, he was confused but still listened and let her get everything off her chest. Then he invited her and their sisters to family skate. There is where she met Thomas, she was uncomfortable around him for a while but she couldn’t understand why. Then it hit her.

Her father would speak poorly of any person of color any chance he got… and she believed him when he said all those terrible things. Things that should never be said. So she erased everything he ever said from her morals and continued to hang out with Thomas, when he asked her out it was a no brainer to say yes.

Her father wasn’t happy but it's not his life to live, she paced up and down her dorm on many nights when she should have been studying worrying about what her dad would say but in the end she understood that none of it mattered… By then she knew she was in love.

Months later she started going to the Godric University in Gryffindor to continue her masters degree she told her parents it was to keep an eye on Logan, she moved in with Thomas but never told her parents. Logan was ecstatic. She hadn’t seen him that happy in… well, when their dad told him he was proud of Logan for getting drafted and “doing something with his life”. It stung but Logan couldn’t stop smiling.

Then there was Clay. Stupid, Charming, Challenging, Beautiful Clay.

He waltzed into their lives like he was meant to. Stumbling once but never stopping. She wasn’t expecting to get a text from a random number saying “Hi, My name is Clayton and I have been talking to Thomas over the phone for a few months. He mentioned he had a girlfriend but I think we have started flirting and I wanted to let you know, because I know Thomas talks about you all the time and is madly in love with you. I just wanted to let you know that… I think I have caught feelings for him and if you would like me to stop talking to him I will.”

It scared her at first not answering the message for days, letting it hang over her like a storm cloud, Thomas had never mentioned an interest in the same sex before and she was worried she would lose him. So they talked about it, Thomas showed her the messages willingly and hadn’t noticed the flirting until she pointed it out. She started messaging Clay. They got on really well and before she knew it, he was all her and Thomas talked about.

They both realized they liked him, together.

Meeting him in person for the first time was intimidating because how do you balance a relationship already formed and stable, to a relationship with a new person at the same time? Would they get jealous? Would they fight? Would they end up splitting up?

But instead, Clay made them stronger, happier. They were happy before but sometimes it felt as though something was missing. Noelle didn’t really know or care about Polyamrous relationships until Logan started talking to her about how it feels to love two people.

“It hurts sometimes but it is also something I can’t live without. One being wild and free and the other grounded and calm, sometimes they switch or we all switch in dynamics but… I wouldn’t trade either of them for the world. It's the most I’ve ever loved and been loved in my life.” and she wanted that as well but never thought she could do it.

Then it happened, she felt like she was on the edge of a cliff ready to dive off at any minute but she was worried she would regret it. She eventually jumped, landing in the water below of safety and love, never looking back. She never would.

Her and Thomas told each other they loved one another on the same day at the same time. A day she would never forget. They were stuck in traffic arguing about something stupid, probably about schedules because that was their main issue always missing each other on the way out the door, they stopped for a moment. Noelle was still fuming but Thomas was calm, he was always calm, he put his hand on her leg and she looked at him. They held eye contact for a few seconds before they said at the same time.

“I love you.”

Clay was stunned. He stared at Thomas letting the words he just spoke sink in. He never expected to be told that by someone other than his parents, Leo, Reg and Eloise. His heart suddenly started aching and his throat became tight as he felt a drop of something on his cheek. Looking up to see if it was raining he only saw a clear blue sky beginning to tint purple. Then he felt a strong arm wrap around his waist and a hand cup his cheek, turning his head to meet those soft dark brown eyes.

“Is it raining?” Thomas smiled a bit at him and wiped his cheek.

“You’re crying. Are you okay?”

“You love me?” Thomas smiles so bright, so calm and so lovingly at him that it makes him feel like he is about to burst with emotions.

“Yes, I do.” Clay puts his hands over his own overworking heart and squeezes.

“Why?” Thomas is a bit taken back by this question, his expression changes a bit to concern for a moment. Wiping away another tear that has fallen.

“Because, you make me happy. You are caring, sweet, kind and…” Clay squeezes his eyes shut listening to Thomas list off things about himself that he couldn’t believe were true. “You are beautiful.” Clay lets out a strangled sound from his throat and turns to bury his face in Thomas’ chest hoping he could hide. “You are so so amazing Clayton, I just wish I could show you what I see, what Noelle sees too.” Oh god, they have talked about being in love with Clay and he didn’t even know! Noelle wasn’t with them but it felt as though she was everywhere. She was in the blue of the ocean, the sound of it hitting the shore. The beauty of the city just so alive yet caring. She was everywhere and not there at the same time.

“Noelle loves me too?”

“Yes, but don’t tell her I confessed for her. She will kill me.” This makes both of them chuckle. Clay pulls away enough to look Thomas in the eyes once more and he says back.

“I love you.”

Judy was waiting by the door, the food for dinner was in the oven staying warm, Garland was outside on the porch smoking a cigarette waiting for the boys to arrive. It would be any minute now. Clay says they just ate but Judy isn’t one to let her guests get hungry. She remembers Thomas from when the team was down at the Knut’s ranch for a week. She remembers him being polite and helping her move the chair around the table to make sure everyone would fit for the meals.

He was also a very good looking man, he was tall, dark and handsome as Clay would say. She never in a million years would have thought that that would be the man Clay ended up with. There was also Noelle who she spoke with when some of the team was at the bar, she was so very sweet and funny as well. But again, never someone she thought Clayton would end up with.

She saw the dust down the driveway and knew the boys were moments away, Clayton knows she doesn’t like him driving at night. She remembers when Clay was just a young little boy, coming home after driving in the dark crying because he almost hit a possum. He was always emotional. She knows people like to take advantage of his kindness and use it against him, his vulnerability showed everyone he has ever met his flaws.

She can only hope that her son is being treated well up north. She prays they aren’t like Ashley.

The truck pulls up, parking in his normal spot across from the door, hopping out of the truck Judy watches as her son and Thomas link hands as they walk towards the door. Garland stands up slowly, his back and hips have been bothering him as he gets older, shaking Thomas hand after stubbing out his cigarette he leads them inside.

“Ma!” Clay runs over to hug her and lifts her off the ground making her laugh, he seems to be in a wonderful mood. “I missed you.” He starts sniffing the air and making his way towards the kitchen knowing his favorite is somewhere to be found. He was always reminding her of her puppy. Judy places her hands on her hips and shakes her head at him. She looks at Thomas and notices the absolutely love sick face he has on as he watches Clayton leave the room. She smiles. That was something she only ever read about in her romance novels, she wonders if Garland ever looks at her that way.

“Hello Thomas, it's good to see you again.” She watches as he smiles at her and extends his hand for her to shake, she playfully swats his hand away and pulls him into a tight hug. It takes him a minute to hug back but when he does it is tight. Clayton was in good hands.

“Long time no see.” He smiles at her as they pull away, a bit pink in the face. “You look stunning as ever, I might add.”

“Stop hitting on my mom! You’re gonna make my dad jealous.” Clay smiles at Thomas from the doorway of the kitchen with an oven mitt on one hand holding a large bowl of what looks like red beans and rice. Something he always tries to replicate at home but can never get it right. A spoon on the other hand and eating straight from the bowl. Judy laughs for a second.

“Clayton, please use a plate. How many times have I told you that you can’t just eat from the bowl.” Judy takes the towel from over her shoulder and takes the bowl from him, walking in the kitchen. A few minutes later they all sat around the table eating and chatting.

“I think I’m going to bring Noelle down for the two weeks we are back here before we leave for rodeo this summer.” Clay talks with his mouth full and Thomas rolls his eyes a bit. Smiling. Sharing a look with Judy.

“Clayton, have I taught you no table manners over the years.” Judy smiles at him and Garland snorts.

“Nope!” He laughs but moves to the side so Judy can’t smack his arm. “Okay, okay. You have but this is who I am mother goose. I can’t change it.”

Garland actually laughs at this. Thomas has noticed that Garland is a rather soft spoken man, old with a round beer gut but still jolly. Kinda like Santa with the beard, but he doesn’t think Santa wears work overalls. Thomas also notices a bisexual flag pin on his old beat up hat. That must be the pin Clay talks about sneaking onto his dad's hat that he ‘never noticed’ Thomas suspects he did notice. But wants to support his son in any way he can. That makes Thomas feel so happy that he can’t explain it.

Later in the evening before the sun has fully set but the stars are out and bright, plus there is a full moon tonight lighting up the area with ease, Clay had excused himself to the restroom to clean the lipstick off his face while Garland and Thomas went outside to chat.

“Has Clayton told you anything about his last relationship?” Thomas shakes his head no watching as Garland sits down in an old rocking chair and lights a cigarette. Offering one to Thomas. He declines. “Well, she got him into a lot of trouble. Being the Sheriff daughter and all. Plus she had a temper and if I’m being honest I don’t think she ever actually liked Clayton.” He takes a drag and Thomas furrows his brow listening intently. “She only dated him for status, he was one other the only people targeted by the sheriff and he is black so she thought of him more as a chess piece to her rebellion than anything. She is pregnant now and I have a terrible feeling that…” Garland shakes his head, deciding not to tell Thomas what his theory is.

Clay walks out the door and finds them chatting.

“Not giving him the shovel talk are ya, Pa?” He smiles at Thomas and puts out his hand for him to take. “I’m gonna take him on a tractor ride because he has never been before.”

“I wasn't giving him no shovel talk but I am telling him he best respect you.” Clay smiles at his dad and nods. “Go on! I’m not keeping you from counting the cattle.”

“Ha Ha.” Clay rolls his eyes and drags Thomas over to the old looking tractor sitting by the entrance to the gate to the pasture. “Come on! There is somewhere I want to show you!” Clay got them settled, the tractor wasn't very large and it was old so he sat on Thomas’ lap as he started driving in the pasture.

“Comfy?”

“You are a very nice cushion.” Clay smiles as Thomas scoffs and wraps his arms around his waist pressing the side of his head to Clay back. He was having a great time but he was getting a bit uncomfortable from the old seat… and Clay’s ass bouncing up and down on his lap. The drive from a bit before his hard on became noticeable.

“Thomas… are you hard?” Clay can feel his cheeks heating up as he feels Thomas dick under him, ever since Thomas told him he loves him he has been wanting so have some passionate lovemaking… not necessarily on a tractor though. “Please don’t tell me tractors are you new kink.”

Thomas laughs into Clay back and smooths his hands down Clay's abdomen to rest on the top of his thighs. “Maybe not tractors but you bouncing in my lap sure does get me going.” He laughs as Clay pulls off into a grove. Trees surrounding a pond or lake, just a body of water. Wildflowers everywhere, not blooming but he could still smell them. Clay turns the tractor off and stands up doing his best to turn around to face Thomas and not trip on the petals.

“Want to do something about it? We are in a place that Leo and I call ‘Secret’ so we might as well.” Clay straddles Thomas, his arms resting on his shoulders as their faces are just inches apart, only the light of the moon is making them visible to each other. Thomas wastes no time gripping Clay ass and pulling him in for a ferocious kiss. They made out for a while, Thomas smirking into the kiss every once in a while from when he grabs Clay’s ass making him gasp a bit. Normally Clay was very pliant when kissing, very submissive and soft, today he was fighting Thomas for dominance over the kiss and it was incredible.

Thomas felt Clay’s hand slowly fall from his shoulder down to his waistband, unbuttoning his pants with one hand and unzipping them. Thomas rarely ever wore jeans but he felt it was appropriate for meeting parents. Clay ran his finger up and down the bit of Thomas’ underwear that was just behind where the zipper was, teasing him. Feeling his breath hitch Clay smirks, pulling away from the kiss.

“You gonna fuck me or do I have to do it myself?” Clay barley finished the sentence before Thomas somehow maneuvered him so he was on his knees on the tractor seat, resting his chest over the backrest making an ‘oof’ when his diaphragm hit the rest. “Hand me my phone.”

“Think you are gonna get bored?” Thomas raises a questioning eyebrow but hands Clay his phone from the cup holder.

“No… just thought Noelle would Like a video of us.” He smiles looking back at Thomas with a mischievous glint in his eyes. Thomas is stunned for a moment, suddenly whipping out his own phone and pulling up snapchat.

“You’re so smart.” Clay’s smile goes from mischievous to soft in a second, just before Thomas yanks down his pants. “Wait… We don’t have any lube.”

“Check my front pocket, I’ve been carrying it around all day.” Clay is poking around on his phone looking rather uninterested but below the surface he was the most excited he has been in a long time, his dream was to have someone love him, fuck him, and want him in Secret. It’s finally happening.

Thomas reaches into Clay's front pocket, placing a couple small kisses on his back as he does, pulling out a packet of lube he is a bit worried. “Is this gonna be enough to prep you and fuck you?” Clay doesn't answer, just whistling as he kicks his feet a bit, then Thomas sees it, a glint in the moonlight. He looks down and notices… Clay was wearing a plug. He loudly groaned and pressed his forehead to Clay's back. “You’re gonna kill me!” Clay laughs a bit.

“I actually would rather keep you alive for now.”

“For now!?” Clay laughs again.

“As long as I’m alive at least.” Thomas smiles and shakes his head, slowly pulling the plug from Clay. He watches the screen of his lover's phone how his face looks tense but relaxed at the same time. Thomas pulls his own pants down his thighs and tears open the packet of lube with his teeth and pours it onto his cock. Clay zooms in on him.

After spreading the lube on himself he wipes the extra off on Clay’s shirt who is about to protest but gasps as Thomas pushes into him in one smooth glide, not moving just waiting for Clay to adjust. Holding his shirt between his teeth Thomas opens his phone and starts recording with the flash as he starts moving in and out of Clay, slow but deep. Clay’s own recording is on his front facing camera on his face with flash, he actually forgets he is holding his phone for a moment and closes his eyes just enjoying the jolts of pleasure through his body. His phone dips a bit so it isn’t on his face anymore and Thomas stops moving altogether.

“Phone Clayton.” Clay swallows because Thomas never calls him by his full name unless he is in trouble, he fixes the angle without complaining and is rewarded with the deepest thrust yet. Moaning loudly he pushes back onto Thomas a bit and feels him start to speed up. Punching sounds out of him as his diaphragm hits the seat and Thomas’ cock knocks the wind out of him. He is making sure to put on a show as he starts sending the videos to the groupchat of him, Thomas and Noelle.

Thomas’ video also start sending, he is making sure the angle in the video is right to see him fucking clay, sometimes pulling out slow and fucking in fast. Sometimes pulling out fast and pushing in slow. He was taking Clay apart in ways he didn’t know possible.

Clay was getting close, after his third video to Noelle he starts getting shaky, he eyes are rolling back and his mouth is constantly slack. He is used to Thomas tossing out degrading shit when they fuck, and he loves it, but tonight Thomas was completely silent and it made Clay realize just how loud he is. Thomas drives a good three more hard thrusts right into Clay's prostate and then on the fourth he says pressing on it and grinds into it causing tears to fall from Clay’s eyes for the second time today. It sends Clay over the edge, cumming harder than he has in a while and that says a lot because he usually cums hard when he is with his partners.

Clay clenches around Thomas as he starts cumming and it sends him over the edge as well, sending the last video he leans forward and grips Clay's hips tightly as his body tenses. Once he is finished he slowly pulls out, neither of them being a fan of over stimulation, they both wince a bit.

“We don’t have anything to clean up with.” Thomas is thinking about using his shirt but that might be obvious to the parents.

“You could.. Put the plug back in, then use the dirty rag in the bottom of the cup holder for the seat.” Clay isn’t looking at Thomas, he probably thinks it's weird that Clay wants the plug back in. “Just… Just til we get back home.” Clay's face is burning with how embarrassed he is. Thomas thinks for a moment feeling his own face heat up, Clay wants everything he just put in him to stay in him… it was extremely hot but he didn’t know if that's how Clay saw it, taking the plug from his hand that was holding his phone, he help it between his ring and middle finger to make sure they didn’t lose it. He gulps down all his excitement that is threatening to make him hard again and watches closely as he uses his free hand to pull Clay open again. He slowly inserts the plug back into his boyfriend and lets out a shaky breath. How is he supposed to talk to Judy if he knows Clay is walking around with his baby juice still in him.

Oh god.

Clay slowly sits up and rolls his shoulders out, they are a bit stiff. Thomas wraps his arms around Clay's middle after they both pull up their pants and wipe off the seat, Clay’s head falls back on his shoulder, smiling sleepily.

“Hey,” Thomas pokes Clay’s cheek with his nose in a way of telling him he wants a kiss, turning his head Clay gives him a sweet chaste kiss smiling when they rub their noses for a moment. “I love you.” Clay turns around in the seat clumsily, just about falling off but thankful Thomas catches him by his belt loops and pulls him back onto the seat both laughing wildly. Smashing their lips together they are still laughing playfully biting each other's lips and noses.

“I love you too.”

Noelle woke up from her nap in one of her bigger fluffier bean bag chairs, it held her and probably would hold Thomas as well. Her phone was going nuts, sixteen snapchat notifications from Clay and Thomas. She sighs happily, still having an hour until dinner she was excited to talk to her boys, opening her app she clicks on that little purple square and it's a video of Clay's face, but then it zooms in on Thomas… lubing himself up. Sitting up a bit too fast and making herself dizzy, thanks anemia, she starts watching closer. Watching all the videos in full she is incredibly hot and uncomfortable, she curses as she tries to take a screenshot of Clay’s face and accidently closes her phone.

She watches closely at all of the videos, Thomas’ of his cock fucking Clay and Clay’s reaction to this on his own videos. She scrambles to her bag to pull out the gift Clay had gotten her from a fucking tiktok video. It was a rose toy, the first time she used it she came in a minute and a half, crying from how good it was at the same time. She decided to take a video of herself getting off to them… they would appreciate that.

Stripping out of everything except for the hoodie Thomas gave her over a year ago she gets to work. Setting the phone up on the fancy footboard of her bed she gets a bit camera shy, sitting there for a moment thinking about how bad she wishes she was with them. She also was nervous to use the rose on her own because it was really powerful and she didn’t know if she could actually keep it on herself long enough to actually finish.

Then she starts thinking about how Clay and Thomas will react to the video, definitely would get them going again and she would love to hear or maybe even see what they did. She is starting to think she is a bit of a voyeur… She take a deep breath and starts the video, She awkwardly waves at the camera, noticing how her hair is poking out of her hood over her head and she laughs, taking a deep breath she holds down the button on the rose for three seconds and she feels it turn on, buzzing in her hand. She spreads her legs and places the rose onto herself, instantly she knocks her head back on her headboard. Putting her free hand over her mouth to keep her from making noise she scrunches her brows and squeezes her eyes shut. Pressing harder she feels her legs start to shake and her abs clenching. Her toes start to curl and her eyes roll back as she already starts to fall off the edge, already being so turned on and the power of the rose being too much she cums taking the rose off her and curling forward as she shakes, shivering violently. She is breathing hard and feels around for her phone. Stopping the video she sends it to them with a little heart emoji. She looks at the time and smiles as she still has twenty minutes till dinner, she cleans up and gets dressed in something a bit nicer. Her face is still red and glowy but she doesn’t mind. She gets a notification and it's from Thomas in the chat, three drooling emojis and

‘I love you’.

Later on in the night after Judy and Garland have gone to bed and Thomas was on his phone just scrolling on tiktok, Clay got him addicted, the man himself walks into the room with arms full of snacks, placing them on the table in his room. His room was the size of the living room in the apartment, it had two red walls and two white. It seems like Clay has never been one for monogamy in any sense of the word. It had a large king size bed, on a fancy mahogany bed frame with fancy sheets and bedspread that don’t match in the slightest. A walk in closet that was full of clothes and trophies along with a gaming system and boxes with names on them full of little trinkets that Clay has found. Leo and Eloise's boxes are the only boxes left in there because Thomas, Noelle and Reg have all taken their boxes with them. Judy and Garland have a room full of things Clay has collected for them over his whole life.

“Did you get cleaned out? I want to make sure we pack the plug for home, I think we could have some good fun with that.” Thomas moves to the edge of the bed to sit with his feet touching the ground, about to get up to get some pretzel sticks. Clay had gone quiet, he was just chatting about how he was upset that his favorite heifer was sold and his parents forgot to tell him.

“Ummm… yeah.” Thomas senses something is off and motions for Clay to come over to him with his finger, Clay shuffles over to him between his legs, Thomas rests his hands on Clay hips and looks up at him. Clay is looking anywhere but him.

“Clay, what's wrong?” Clay sighs and looks down, Thomas ducks his head a bit to look Clay in the eyes, he looks worried. This made Thomas worry as well.

“I just- it's embarrassing.”

“What's embarrassing?” Clay starts to fidget, pressing the tips of his fingers in between his other fingers. Thomas takes his hands and gives them a squeeze.

“I still have the plug in… because I want you in me. Always.” Clay feels his cheeks heat up and he is waiting for Thomas to get grossed out but instead Thomas smiles at him.

“I don’t think that’s embarrassing, I think that's actually pretty hot.” Clay looks deep into Thomas eyes before moving onto the rest of his face just to see if he is lying, he realizes he is being truthful and tackles him back onto the bed. They eventually stop rolling with Clay on top of Thomas, they are both only in their boxers so there wasn’t much between them. Clay grinds down on Thomas as he feels him getting hard. Thomas goes to put his hands on Clay's hips but is stopped short, Clay pins his hands above his head smirking down at him.

“I’m in charge tonight, keep your hands here. I’m gonna undress us.” Clay shimmies down the shocked Thomas’ body, yanking his boxers off and tossing them over his shoulder, doing the same with his own. He lays down and slowly takes the plug out of himself after scurrying over to get the lube causing Thomas to laugh.

“You’re so cute.” Thomas lays there buzzing with excitement, He jumps a bit when the cold lube hits his way to hard cock and makes a sound of offense when Clay snickers at him. Swinging his leg over Thomas and not even pausing as he sinks down on him. Humming happily. Thomas can’t help it when he goes to move his hands again but Clay pins them back to the bed.

“You should learn to- listen” Clay is moving his hips not even stopping to take a breath. Thomas was groaning under him. Clay has not ridden him yet and it is so different, Thomas was definitely not in control and Clay was so hot being so bossy. Noelle is teaching him things. He was the one gasping and begging for more and Clay was the one giving yet receiving at the same time. He was in his own state, yeah Thomas could put him into a submissive mood with just a simple gesture but he was enjoying this. Clay eventually lets go of his hands but Thomas keeps them there as he watches Clay just focus on fucking himself. His arms stretched over his head, one coming down to glide down his chest and to tug his own neglected cock every once in a while but he was dragging this out because he was in control.

Eventually Clay takes one of Thomas' hands and moves it to his dick, Thomas starts to jerk him off causing his rhythm to stutter. He was moaning and his head was falling back, Thomas started meeting his thrusts and he groaned. He was getting close, he was about to tell Thomas this when he suddenly felt a heat filling him up, his eyes snapped open and he saw Thomas’ mouth open and his head tipped back.

He just came… before Clay did! That never happens!

The feeling of Thomas cumming in him, and the thought that Clay made him come first for the first time ever. He spurts onto Thomas’ stomach, flopping forward and putting all his weight onto Thomas.

“We” Clay was still catching his breath as Thomas kissed all over his face, sweaty and breathing hard he smiled. “We can clean up, but I want you in me when we fall asleep.” Thomas’ heart soared at the thought, this new kink of Clay’s was quite nice, not gonna lie. They clean up and snuggle into bed in a spoon position, Thomas hard and in Clay as he falls asleep, driving him mad!

After Thomas is positive Clay is asleep and he has gone soft he pulls out and rolls over so his back to Clay and calls Noelle. A couple of rings and she answers sounding groggy.

“Noelle! So much just happened! Clay has a fucking warming kink! A WARMING KINK!” He whispers yells as she snorts at him but tells him to go on. “He just pinned me to the bed after having a plug in after we fucked on the tractor! He fucked himself on me! I Came BEFORE him!”

“And I missed all this just to see my dad kick Leo out of the house! That’s dumb! You guys better do it again when I’m home because I was to see that! Anyways I need to rest because tomorrow will be long and boring and tense. Goodnight I love you.”

“Good luck and Goodnight Sugar Tits.” Noelle laughs at him.

“I love you too.”

#leo knut #logan tremblay #finn o'hara #james potter #thomas walker #Clayton Bruss #o'knutzy #o’knutzy #lumosinlove #sweater weather #coast to coast

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bobbinonthetundra · 3 years

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A Weird Couple of Days

Maybe it was because it was getting too close to our Canada departure to really focus on the journey at hand; maybe it just was general weirdness… This double-day post covers a couple of odd days…. Woke up in Door County to an amazing sunrise over Lake Michigan. After our last in-room lattes (packing up the Nespresso until after Canada), we kicked around Bailey’s Harbor a bit. It was surprisingly mild. Checked out the lovely fire pit behind our hotel, a local knitting store, and a few local shops. Then headed a bit north and to the west coast, where we stopped in the likes of Sister Bay, Fish Creek, Egg Harbor and Sturgeon Bay. Interesting collection of nice shops- including a few showcasing products from Scandanavia, clearly an influence on the area. By the last town, we were “done” so stopped at a park to eat the last of our nibbles so we could leave the cooler empty at the Minneapolis airport. Door County was about what we expected — lovely homes, beautiful waterfront parks and quaint towns.

The drive across Wisconsin seemed endless – almost 5 hours of nothing-much exciting except The Help, our new audiobook, and picture perfect farms. At long last, arrival at the Hewing Hotel. Ok, so not everything about these two days was weird. FAB hotel – charming with an classy, industrial vibe, and excellent meal in the hotel restaurant! It was perfect decadence at the right time! Next, you can imagine the scene: the contents of Jillebob’s two duffels spread out on her bed and Sarah’s duffel and suitcase on hers, to sort and organize for the smaller, more winter-y set of stuff to bring to Canada. The ability to organize like this, of course, was one of the plusses of a road trip.

Thursday morning, it was up early with the prospect of our pre-Canada covid tests booked at the airport. So sad to check out of our totally cool room but off to the airport we went. We snuck in earlier than our appointments – yay. And even more exciting…. NEGATIVE. Never were we so excited about a negative diagnosis ;-) Then there was about an hour of connectivity angst as we dealt with the arrive Canada app, issues with Jill’s VPN, a typo that left our approval to enter Canada in limbo for a while. Yikes. Very grateful for the help of Montreal, a VERY patient and helpful @delta ticket agent, and the fact that we got this all sorted before afternoon when we had to come back to the airport for our flight.

We uber’d back to our hotel and got a couple of recommendations of areas of Minneapolis to kick around for a few hours. Alas – the sole complaint about the hotel: the concierge mis-judged us. She recommended two areas, one verging on seedy and one in the heart of UM, and both were a bust for anything interesting to see. But we at least got a little exercise and settled instead on what turned out to be a great pizza restaurant for our only/main meal of the day.

Got back to the airport and found a nice wine bar to settle in for a bit and catch up on…well, the likes of writing a blog post!! Ha. Later tonight, Winnipeg; the day after tomorrow, off the grid with our furry, white friends!!

October 27 and 28, 2021

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memoryonrepeat · 6 years

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Happy Friday everyone! I finally put together this quick travel diary from my weekend trip to Montreal a few months ago. We were in town for a friend’s wedding, and had a great time. I love Montreal so much, and it’s definitely at the top of the list when it comes to favourite cities in Canada.

Along with a great food scene, the city has so much history and plenty to explore. I wish we could have stayed longer!

We took an evening flight out of the Toronto City Airport, which if you ever get the chance to fly out of, is my favourite airport in Toronto. It’s so convenient because you don’t have to worry about traffic to get there, and because it’s a local airport, it usually isn’t as busy. Even without Nexus, you can easily get through the security line in a matter of minutes. Plus, you get to see the beautiful view over the lake when you fly out!

We stayed at Le Méridien Versailles, and it was my first time staying at this hotel and also in this area. Overall, I really liked it. The hotel itself is on the small side (more like a boutique hotel), but the rooms are large and have a great view of the city. It’s also in a very convenient location if you plan to walk to restaurants or take the subway.

Since we were in town for a wedding, we didn’t have much free time, but we made the most of the free time that we did have. First on the list was brunch at Faberge. This spot is such a gem. The decor is cute and welcoming, and they make an amazing eggs benny. Highly recommend!

Wearing: Floral bomber jacket from a stall in Thailand (similar here, here, and here), Uniqlo tank top (sold out, similar here), H&M skirt (similar here), Alexander Wang Gabi boots, Gucci Soho bag, Quay sunglasses, Michael Kors watch, Necklace from a boutique in Calgary (similar here) - full look here

Of course, no trip to Montreal is complete without a stop to pick up Montreal bagels. St-Viateur is always my go to, and I walked away with plenty to bring back home to Toronto.

That’s it for this quick recap of Montreal! If you guys are looking for tips or more recommendations for a weekend there, let me know in the comments.

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jkottke · 6 years

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My media diet for Spring 2018

I've been keeping track of every media thing I "consume", so here are quick reviews of some things I've read, seen, heard, and experienced in the past month or so. I went to Florida with my kids and we did the Harry Potter thing at Universal & visited the Space Coast. I stopped watching Mr. Robot s03 after two episodes. Still making my way through Star Trek: Voyager when I want something uncomplicated to watch in the evening. (Ignore the letter grades, they suck.)

The Americans. This season, the show's last, has been fantastic. It's idiotic to say The Americans is the best show on TV with like 50,000 shows on Netflix alone, but after five strong seasons and this finish, they've earned it. (A)

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: The Podcast. I wrote an appreciation of this a few weeks ago. (A-)

Am I There Yet? by Mari Andrew. I love Andrew's Instagram feed but even so, her book surprised me with timeless and universal themes woven into her life story. (A-)

The Handmaid's Tale. The first season of this show was great and season two picks up right where it left off. I binged the first six episodes of this across two nights and came away shellshocked. (A)

Wild Wild Country. Not sure why anyone followed the Bhagwan anywhere, but Sheela on the other hand... There were several interesting threads in this documentary that didn't quite get pulled together in the final episode. (B+)

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Florida. The tickets for this were incredibly expensive and worth every damn penny. This was very nearly a religious experience. (A+)

Downsizing. I wanted more from this about the implications of the evolution of humans into nano sapiens. Still, better than many critics & audiences suggested. (B)

Brain It On. I saw my daughter playing this physics puzzler on her iPad and basically grabbed it away from her and played for 24 straight hours. (A-)

Westworld. Watching this every week feels like a chore. Even though the safeties are off, everything that happens in the parks feels consequence-free. I don't care about the robots. Should I? (C+)

Fantastic Mr. Fox. Stop-motion animation might be Anderson's natural medium because he can shoot everything *exactly* like he wants. (A-)

Isle of Dogs. Loved this. The style of it made me want to design something amazing. I could have watched the sushi-making scene for like 15 more minutes. (A)

On Margins - The Making of Rebel Girls. Craig Mod talks to co-creator Elena Favilli about how Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls came about and came to be so successful. (B+)

L'Express. A classic Montreal restaurant. Best steak frites I've had in a long while. (A-)

Babylon Berlin. Super stylish. The dance scene in the second episode is amazing. The best things about the show are the music and the world-building in the first few episodes. (B+)

Death of Stalin. I love that people still make films like this. Most of the audience I saw this with had no idea what to make of it or why a few people were laughing so hard at some parts. (B+)

Kennedy Space Center. The solar eclipse last summer awakened the space/astronomy nerd in me, so this visit was incredible. We saw a Space Shuttle, a Saturn V rocket, the VAB, and a whole mess of other great things. Thinking of going back for their Astronaut Training Experience. (A+)

Avengers: Infinity War. The ending of this left me stunned...it broke the fourth wall in a unique way. (B+)

A Quiet Place. This entire movie is a metaphor for trying to keep small children quiet on a long plane flight. (B)

Broad Band: The Untold Story of the Women Who Made the Internet by Claire Evans. This book demonstrates that telling the story of technology, programming, and the internet mainly through the many women who helped build it all is just as plausible and truthful as telling the traditionally women-free tale we've typically been exposed to. (B+)

Songs of the Years, 1925-2018. So glad this playlist is back in my life. (A-)

The Avengers. I'd forgotten where all the Infinity Stones came from, so I've gone back and watched this, Avengers: Age of Ultron, and the first Thor movie. Fascinating to see the changes in the filmmaking and pacing. If Infinity War had been made with the pace of Thor (directed by Kenneth Branagh!), it would have been 5 hours long. (B+)

Caliphate. Gripping and disturbing and very nearly a must-listen. But I keep showing up places shellshocked after listening to it in the car. (A)

AWB OneSky Reflector Telescope. When I looked through this for the first time at the Moon, my first thought was "WHOA". My second was "I should have bought a more powerful telescope". Luckily I can just buy more lenses for it... (A)

I've been doing this for more than a year now! Past installments of my media diet can be found here.

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wazafam · 3 years

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It's huge news when a new city joins the popular Bravo Real Housewives world. Reality TV fans began watching the franchise when The Real Housewives of Orange County premiered first in 2006, and soon there were several places being represented, from NYC to New Jersey, Beverly Hills, Potomac, Atlanta, Miami, and the short-lived Real Housewives of D.C.

RELATED: 10 Biggest Celebrities Cameos On The Real Housewives

There are many cities that the Real Housewives hasn't ventured into. Since fans are always eagerly awaiting news of additions, it's fun to think about what places could find new casts and feature the dramatic storylines that viewers have become so engrossed in.

10 Denver

via Flickr/salty chip

Dallas is one of the most recent additions to the Real Housewives franchise, and it's been entertaining, as the cast members have hilarious taglines and it's exciting to see what life in wealthy Dallas circles is like.

Denver, Colorado is another city that the franchise could add. The city is known for beautiful mountain views and being a hub for good food and healthy living, as residents love the parks and outdoor spaces. It seems like Denver could find a great cast.

9 Austin

via flickr/Jonathan Cutrer

What about filming the city of Austin, Texas? Austin is famous for great barbecue, gorgeous weather, and having a funky, cool vibe.

The motto is, after all, "Keep Austin weird," and there is so much to do here, as it's a hub for festivals and live music. Since Dallas is already a Real Housewives city, it would be awesome if fans got to see another city in the state. There is a hot real estate market with houses that cost millions, which suggests that there's wealth here that would be interesting to explore as part of this franchise.

8 Whistler

via flickr/GD Taber

The cast of RHOC vacationed in Whistler and it was so entertaining watching them in this beautiful, wintery location.

RELATED: Every Season Of The Real Housewives Of Atlanta, Ranked

This would also be a perfect place to film another season of the Real Housewives franchise. This would be a super unique location: it has 10,000 residents and a "small town" feeling. The cast could be a mix of people who live here year-round and maybe some friends who are regular vacationers. It seems like Whistler would feature a lot of fun outdoor activities, as the area is known for snowboarding and skiing.

7 Chicago

via Flickr/Adam Courtemanche

Real Housewives producer Andy Cohen has said that perhaps the franchise could have filmed in Chicago when Tinsley Mortimer from RHONY was living there, but he said, "I think we're good."

Although it doesn't seem like the franchise will move into Chicago, it would definitely be a great spot for the show. It's a beautiful city known for its amazing restaurants and waterfront views, along with gorgeous architecture, and it would make for some great establishment shots.

6 Montreal

via Flickr/Doug Kerr

There have been two Canadian cities in the popular Bravo franchise, as The Real Housewives of Vancouver aired for two seasons and the Real Housewives of Toronto got one. What about adding Montreal, Quebec?

Montreal is a beautiful city full of culture, incredible food, and lots of history. It's easy to imagine establishment shots in Old Montreal and downtown, and if the franchise chose this city as its next filming location, it seems like it would be popular as it's a favorite tourist destination.

5 San Diego

via Flickr/J Philipp Crone

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills has dramatic plotlines and also a perfect setting. Reality shows that take place in gorgeous warm places tend to work well, as viewers love looking at serene and pretty places, so San Diego, California always seems like a good contender for a new Real Housewives setting. Since both RHOBH and RHOC are so popular, why not find another warm-weather location that fans can swoon over?

RELATED: 10 Best Real Housewives Couples, Ranked

It turns out that the franchise did think about a San Diego show and it didn't work out, but maybe it will become possible in the future. It does seem like a great idea.

4 Philadelphia

via Flickr/Peter Miller

If the Real Housewives is looking for another east coast city, what about Philadelphia?

Philly has so much to offer, from its history to its sports scene and food. There are also several areas that are considered very affluent so it seems like it would be possible to find a fabulous cast here. The cast members could go to baseball games together and have a blast!

3 Portland

via Flickr/Chris Yunker

Portland, Oregon doesn't really show up on reality TV, so it could really make the Real Housewives franchise stand out even more.

RELATED: 10 Best Reality Podcasts To Listen To After Watching The Real Housewives

Portland is a beloved tourist spot for its coffee culture and outdoor spaces, and it seems like it would be a cool background for this franchise to move into.

2 Los Angeles

via Flickr/KDZ.Photo

While RHOBH exists, what about expanding the show to the greater area of Los Angeles?

This seems like it would be a great idea for the franchise, as L.A. is a very diverse and culturally rich place, which would allow the franchise to become more diverse. Andy Cohen said he's glad to make RHONY more diverse, and there is definitely room in every city for new cast members from different backgrounds. L.A. also works as there are many wealthy neighborhoods, as proven on Selling Sunset.

1 Anchorage

via Flickr/Chris Yunker

In an article from USA Today about the 25 wealthiest American cities, Anchorage, Alaska takes the number six spot. According to the publication, $82,203 is the median household income.

Since there is so much wealth there, this would be another fascinating city to add to the popular reality TV franchise. The environment alone is so beautiful that it would be a lot of fun to watch.

NEXT: Real Housewives: 10 Biggest Controversies

10 Cities The Real Housewives Franchise Doesn't Film (But Should) from https://ift.tt/3bFhhdx

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torontotravelblog · 3 years

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The Best Things To See and Do in Downtown Toronto

Heading to Toronto for the first time? Canada's a lot of culturally diverse city has something to offer every sort of tourist. Whether you remain in community for a week or a weekend break, below are the leading tasks to include in your Hogtown pail list.

As far as cities go, Toronto has a great deal to supply. The city's varied populace has produced unlimited foods to enjoy as well as social tasks to experience-- think about it as a means to see the world without leaving the city. What's more, as a result of its large population of artists and young specialists, Toronto has actually ended up being a hub for advanced art as well as design, hip neighborhoods as well as wonderful buying, all within the downtown core, an area that can quickly be discovered walking. Below's a guide to a few of the best things you can do in downtown Toronto, for the time-strapped traveler looking for to take advantage of their time in the city without leaving its Bloor Road borders.

Spend the day obtaining lost in Victorian commercial architecture at the Distillery District

The pedestrian-only Distillery Area is a terrific place to escape the bustle of the typical midtown destinations. Right here, you'll locate stylish restaurants, art galleries and boutiques good to go along a cobblestone street and housed in charming 19th-century buildings that once comprised a big bourbon distillery. The charming town resembles it's straight out of a Victorian story, yet the ambience, which straddles sophisticated and also bohemian, is a fantastic area to experience Toronto's up-and-coming art and also food scenes.

Deliberate art, background, style as well as scientific research at Toronto's best galleries

Toronto is residence to handfuls of wonderful museums-- from art galleries and also style centers to science and natural history landmarks. A lot of the city's museums have discount rates for families in addition to complimentary days on a weekly or monthly basis. The top institutions in the city consist of the Royal Ontario Gallery (ROM), the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) and also the Bata Footwear Gallery-- which, yes, is a museum devoted to all points shoes.

Network your internal hippie at Kensington Market

Kensington Market is a long-standing modern area with an one-of-a-kind place in the textile of Toronto. In November 2006, it was assigned a National Historic Website of Canada-- and also for good factor. Right here, you'll find every little thing from homemade empanadas as well as third-wave vegan coffee shops to classic apparel boutiques and even marijuana cafés.

Go browsing on the Mink Mile

The Mink Mile is an upscale buying area along Bloor Street in the well-off Yorkville area, comparable to New york city's Fifth Opportunity or Chicago's Amazing Mile. Here you'll discover premium shops like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci and so on. Make certain to enter Holt Renfrew, a unique-to-Canada outlet store that rivals Bergdorf Goodman. While strolling through the upscale area, maintain your eyes peeled off for familiar faces-- many stars have actually been seen purchasing Mink Mile.

Drink noodles at one of the city's world-famous ramen bars

If you're in the mood for noodles, Toronto might simply be the very best Canadian city in which to tuck right into a steaming bowl. The city has recently experienced a ramen-noodle boom, providing some of the very best noodles outside Japan. Below you'll discover classics like David Chang's Momofuku and hard-to-find products like tsukemen noodles from Ramen Isshin.

Commute to Chinatown for low-cost beer and also decadent dumplings

Toronto's Chinatown may be little compared with those of other large cities, yet it's loaded with genuine treasures-- particularly if you get on a budget. Head to Mom's Dumplings, which continues to top checklists in Toronto for its scrumptious steamed and also pan-fried dumplings (regarding $11 for a loads). Dumpling House Dining establishment also does a mean pan-fried dumpling as well as will just run you regarding $6 for a plate of 12.

Shop 'til you go down at Yonge-Dundas Square

Yonge-Dundas Square can seem like entering a miniature Times Square thanks to the flashing advertisements, unscripted street performances as well as pedestrians milling about. After you have actually taken it all in, head south along Yonge Road to the CF Toronto Eaton Centre, where you'll discover countless stores and stores, from GAP to Canadian-made brands like Frank as well as Oak.

Catch a fly ball at the Rogers Centre

While Canadians far and wide have actually been celebrating the success of the Toronto Raptors, ask any Torontonian as well as they'll quickly profess an equal amount of love for the Toronto Blue Jays, the city's baseball group. Head to the Rogers Centre to catch a video game and take pleasure in a day in the sunlight. Tickets will only run you regarding $20 Canadian, which will leave you with adequate to guiltlessly delight in a classic ball park hotdog as well as beer.

Take pleasure in a real-time show at Horseshoe Tavern

Toronto is house to many wonderful music venues, but one of the best, and best-known, is undoubtedly the Horseshoe Tavern. The well-liked songs venue has been entertaining citizens since 1947, and while it stays wildly unpretentious, it has actually seen the similarity the Rolling Stones, Game Fire, The Strokes as well as more elegance its phase. The schedule at Horseshoe Pub is pretty loaded, with programs virtually every night of the week. Note that a lot of programs are ages 19 and over, as well as ID is required.

Purchase tasty foods at St Lawrence Market

The city's biggest market boasts over 120 food vendors, selling every cuisine you can want, from Montreal-style bagels and vegan tacos to handmade, small-batch mustard as well as fresh fish sandwiches. Keep in mind that the marketplace is closed on Sundays and also Mondays.

The article “ The Best Things To See and Do in Downtown Toronto “ was seen originally on The Culture Trip

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tourismonline · 4 years

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Tourist trip to Canada

If you have not traveled to Canada before, we suggest that you make this your next destination. Every year, many tourists or even immigrants choose Canada as a destination for tourism or living. Canada is a country of pristine and spectacular nature, beautiful and vibrant cities and warm and hospitable people.

To travel to Canada, you need to take steps such as obtaining a Canadian tourist visa, which we will mention in the following, and we will also introduce some of the best attractions in Canada.so join us.

Obtaining a Canadian tourist visa

A Canadian tourist visa is a visa that allows a person to enjoy temporary residency for a tour of Canada. This visa is an official document issued by the Government of Canada and affixed to your passport, indicating that you are eligible to enter Canada.

Most tourists can stay in Canada for up to 6 months with this visa. Once in the country, the border guard can issue a residence permit for more or less than 6 months, and this time will be stated on the passport. The best time to travel to Canada

Tourists can travel to Canada at any time and enjoy their stay in Canada, but generally the best time to visit this country is from early to mid-spring as well as late summer and early fall. At this time of year, most tourists prepare to travel to Canada.

At other times, you can travel to this country and there are no restrictions. For example, some tourists travel to this country in winter and enjoy skiing on the mountains. Canadian tourist attractions

After obtaining a Canadian tourist visa, the next steps in the trip must be taken and the trip started. Canada is the second largest country in the world with many tourist attractions. In this article, we will mention some of the best attractions in Canada. Niagara Falls

This famous waterfall is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Canada, which attracts millions of visitors from all over the world every year. Part of this waterfall is also located in the United States. This waterfall is also known as Horseshoe Falls and its height is about 57 meters, which is very amazing to watch. Banff National Park and Rocky Mountains

Banff National Park is located right in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, where you can watch the turquoise lake, snow-capped peaks and beautiful glaciers and enjoy the religion of these landscapes. The most attractive part of this area is Lake Louise, which reflects the Rocky Mountains in the turquoise waters, creates an amazing view and creates an attractive scene for the photo vote. CN Tower

The tower is located in Toronto, on the shores of Lake Ontario. The tower has become one of Canada's most famous landmarks and is one of Canada's top tourist attractions. The CN Tower is 553 meters high and has facilities such as a 360-degree restaurant, telescopes with high zoom power and glass chambers will also make for an exciting experience. The lighting of this tower at night and changing it to different colors, has made it very attractive and lovely. Old Quebec

The city of Quebec is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A mountainous city located in the heights and has the most historic buildings in the city. This place has many other treasures in its heart. The mountainous part of Quebec is located on high ridges that reach a height of 100 meters above the ground and is a tourist attraction in Canada. Jasper National Park

Jasper Park is the largest national park in the Rocky Mountains in Canada, with an area of about 11,000 square kilometers. This park is located in the state of Alberta. Jasper National Park is one of Canada's top tourist attractions, attracting millions of visitors each year from around the world. City of Whistler

The city is located among the unique coastal mountains of the state of British Columbia. This area is one of the tourist attractions of Canada. The city has a unique ski slope and snowboard, great golf courses, the best mountain biking park in the world, luxury shopping malls and great restaurants to suit every taste. It does not matter in which season you travel to this region because you will see amazing fun and entertainment in this region in every season.

City of Montreal

Montreal is the largest city in the province of Quebec, the second largest city in Canada after Toronto, and the seventh largest city in North America.

Montreal has access to open waters and is a multinational city with 67% of its inhabitants speaking French. The island of Montreal is the main part of the city and looks like a canvas that stretches from northeast to southwest. The island is surrounded by two huge rivers, the Saint Laurent and the Ottawa.

Yoho National Park

Yoho National Park is the third largest national park in Canada, located in British Columbia. This park is one of the tourist attractions of Canada and you will be amazed to see the rocky cliffs and beautiful waterfalls. This park was established in 1886 and is smaller than Banff Park.

Mountains, waterfalls, rivers, icy lakes and other recreational and welfare facilities are the prominent attractions of this park.

In this article, you will learn about Canada's tourist attractions as well as how to obtain a tourist visa. In the following articles we will explain about the types of Canadian tourist visas. We hope you enjoy this article.

Source

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attractions-g153339-Activities-Canada.html

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cristinagooge · 4 years

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15 Reasons We Love Canada - Qualico® Communities

Advantages Of Living In Canada: Newcomers Share Their

Canadians want to know how bad this ...

Canada enjoys it some amusing! Some individuals think Canadians aren't funny, but that's just since we've been so good about our total domination of humour! If we may issue a courteous reminder of our stars: Leslie Nielsen, Stephen Leacock (Groucho Marx was a fan), Seth Rogen, SCTV, Jay Baruchel,,, the Kids in the Hall, Jonathan Goldstein, Lorne Michaels, Russell Peters, Martin Short and not to discuss Drake and his humorous undercover streeters.

Canada is a fantastic nation and it has a lot to provide tourists the most lovely landscapes, tasty food, incredible wildlife, fantastic breweries, distinct Canada cruises and above all, the terrific locals. Do not just take our word for it though as we have actually asked some canucks to tell us what they love about their own nation. Jeff Neinstein.

Unsurprisingly Canada's breath-taking landscapes are likewise enjoyed by locals and Leigh McAdam, who runs the travel blog Walking Bike Travel and is author of Discover Canada: 100 Inspiring Outdoor Adventures, is among them. She says, "I love Canada for its exceptionally diverse landscapes, multiculturalism and friendly individuals (Duncan Embury). As one who appreciates wild and untamed wilderness I feel lucky to reside in a nation that is house to range of mountains, numerous rivers, thousands of lakes, 36 national parks, eight national forest protects, and several hundred provincial parks.

I think Canadians are compassionate ...

I have access to a series of accommodation alternatives from wilderness outdoor camping to backcountry lodges to 5 star hotels. And a fantastic glass of Canadian white wine is never far away. Life is awesome here!" Canada is home to some of the world's greatest untamed lands and its vast hinterlands are fortress for some of the most unbelievable wildlife in the world.

Its rich waters off the coasts of Newfoundland and British Columbia are chock filled with whales and dolphins. Canadians Dave and Deborah, who run the widely known travel blog site The World D, say, "We like Canada since experience can be found in every corner. It is so huge and varied - Sonia Leith. As outdoor enthusiasts we can't get enough of it.

love shows why people choose Canada ...

However it's our wildlife that actually gets the blood pumping. Canada is an amazing safari location where we have strolled with polar bears, canoed through peaceful lakes to spy on moose, kayaked with beluga whales and listened to the cry of the wolf. Canada is amazing." Canadian's love their beer, however they're more than just consumers they are the creators of some mouth-watering beers themselves.

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Parallel 49 Brewing Business, a Vancouver-based brewery that produces some extremely popular beers such as the pale ale Unsteady Pop, states, "We enjoy Canada for all the incredible craft breweries in the Pacific Northwest. We like our juicy, hoppy IPAs and prefer to enjoy them outdoors." Whilst Banff National Forest is a terrific location to go to anytime of the year, with Lake Louise and Moraine Lake being just 2 of the top tourist attractions, the national park is a popular destination in winter.

Canadian blog writer Cameron Wears, who in addition to his other half Nicole runs the Taking a trip Canucks blog site, has previously gone to Banff in the height of winter and highly suggests it. He states, "We like winter locations and ski resorts so we believed it would be enjoyable to trade the sand for snow this year.

" Our journey began in Calgary after a short 1 hour flight from Vancouver. We got incredibly lucky with the presence as we passed over the Canadian Rockies, which gave us the opportunity to catch some incredible aerial pictures of the endless rows of glaciers and snow-capped peaks." During winter season you can go snowboarding at the Lake Louise Ski Resort, take pleasure in a pet sled tour through the Kicking Horse Pass at the Continental Divide and play ice hockey on the frozen Lake Louise.

It is going to be incredibly hard to top this one. in Canada. Snowshoeing, snowboarding, pet sledding, ice walking at night, first-class dining experiences, rustic mountain lodge in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, en-suite Jacuzzi, crackling fireplaces, hot springs, no television shall I go on, or is all this gushing making you sick?" Idyllically set between the Pacific Ocean and the Coastal Mountain range, Vancouver is unsurprisingly a popular vacation destination.

Will Woods, founder and chief storyteller for strolling tour operator Forbidden Vancouver, says, "Canada is tremendous bigger than any one person could ever know. However my love for this grand nation is regional. My life and my work are in Vancouver on the patched streets of Gastown, among the big firs of Stanley Park, by the glowing waters of Coal Harbour.

She says, "Vancouver's food truck scene began years earlier, and has actually blossomed into a delicious variety of regional flavours and all at a sensible price. "And the very best part is that our mild winters enable food trucks year-round. Mom's Grilled Cheese Truck (at Howe and Robson), and Tacofino (at Burrard and Dunsmuir) must be a great place to start." The appealing Canadian capital with its Gothic Parliament structures and culinary scene is rupturing with variety.

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He includes, "What I like about Ottawa is the large diversity of alternatives offered to locals and visitors alike. If you are into history and culture, examine out the many national museums and federal monuments. "Are you an art and indie fan? Then numerous galleries and public art screens are discovered throughout the city centre.

Travelling with a family? Ottawa has everything you require for family enjoyable from water parks to hands-on activities for the kids. "Ottawa, in my viewpoint, is Canada's a lot of under-rated city. I started Ottawa Strolling Tours 13 years earlier as a way of revealing visitors just how much the Canadian capital needs to use.

I discover families and senior citizens specifically value Ottawa's laidback technique to life with its numerous walkway cafes, courtyard restaurants, stunning buildings and cultural attractions. Jeff Neinstein. "You have the ability to be treking in the Canadian wilderness in the early morning, gazing at a creative masterpiece in the afternoon and after that consuming at the 4-star bar or restaurant or capturing the symphony, ballet or jazz concert at night (and all for less than it will cost you in the bigger cities).

Ottawa Strolling Tours' Craig MacDonald, states, "Last but not least what I love about Ottawa is its European city feel and yet being so close to the Canadian wilderness we are popular for. Toronto lawyers. Within a 15-minute drive of the downtown core, you can be surrounded by freshwater lakes, hiking tracks, dense forests, white-water rafting, hot air ballooning, or in the winter season pet sledding or skiing either alpine or cross-country.

Craig MacDonald shares some expert information about where you must head to. He says, "As a trip guide for over 20 years I get this question A LOT! "My answer has actually changed in time today I suggest 2 specific establishments: The Buzz on Bank Street and The Manx on Elgin - personal injury lawyers in Toronto.

The Manx has actually developed a strong reputation on serving a great breakfast (try the goat cheese frittata) at a sensible price and is likewise tied at the top of my list." Tracey Pictor, who resides in Toronto and is the author behind the Journal of a City Lady blog, states one of the things she most loves about Toronto are its individuals.

Immigrants Love Canada, Too ' Niagara News

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Canadians are unapologetically regretful and measure up to their offered stereotype of being the friendly nation. It is not at all unusual to have a thorough discussion with a total stranger on where you are from and how you are delighting in the current summer weather condition or with a server about how heaven Jays are performing this season." Toronto has actually become a significant style destination with lots of high-end style outlets discovered around every corner and more classic shops turning up.

Tracey Pictor adds, "All the time benefit stores, grocery shops open till midnight, coffee and dessert bars open till all hours, these are the little high-ends I love about huge city living." In case you have not heard, Montreal likes it food. As Canada's foodie capital it is unsurprising that the city boasts an abundance of high-end dining establishments and an enviable selection of regional fruit and vegetables.

He adds, "Whether it's the baguettes at a regional pastry shop, fresh veggies from the Jean-Talon Market, a tasty late night supper at Van Horne or a 2am poutine at La Banquise. Montreal is jam-packed with amazing restaurants, bars and delis. You could spend a whole summer season in Montreal and hardly scratch the surface of the Montreal food scene.

Walking around Old Montreal is an excellent method to check out the city as the historical location is house to some iconic sights. The likes of Place d'Armes, the Basilique Notre-Dame, the Montreal City Center and Saint-Paul Street are simply a few of the terrific tourist attractions you can see. Rose Leto. Corbin Fraser, says, "Between the numerous patios and dining establishments, the fresh air, the open park space, the gentle breezes rolling off the Fleuve Saint-Laurent, or the stable buzz of individuals unwinding and talking, it's easy to see why many fall for this city." Image Credit: GoToVan, The Planet D, Traveling Canucks.

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In a last-ditch effort to convince Canadians that their public health care system ought to be privatized, Canadian Medical Association (CMA) President Robert Ouellet has guaranteed to "pull out all the stops" throughout the association's annual conference next week. Trouble is, Ouellet's objective to lead the modification to privatization is exactly the opposite of what 86 percent of Canadians desire.

" With more than 8 in 10 Canadians supporting public options to make public healthcare more powerful, there is compelling evidence that Canadians throughout all demographics would prefer a public over a for-profit healthcare system," said Nik Nanos, president of Nanos Research study. Nanos Research study was commissioned by the Canadian Health Coalition (CHC), a nonpartisan group that supports Canada's public health system, to conduct a random telephone survey of 1,001 Canadians in between April 25 and May 3.

9 Reasons To Love Canada - Westjet Magazine

Meanwhile, Canada's federal government simply launched a report titled "Healthy Canadians A Federal Report on Equivalent Health Indicators 2008." Its findings nearly identically mirror the CHC polling results. In that report, a leading sign points to the fact that "Most Canadians (85.2 percent) aged 15 years and older reported being 'extremely satisfied' or 'somewhat pleased' with the way overall health care services were offered, the same from 2005." Michael McBane, nationwide planner of the CHC, commented: "Throughout our campaign, Canadians have actually informed us they wish to keep our health care system public and to enhance it with made-in-Canada services.

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Ouellet's proposition to provide us with American-style, two-tier medication. This poll definitely highlights that for us. Eighty-six percent is a substantial portion of the population. It stands out that Dr. Ouellet could be so out of touch with the pulse of the majority of Canadians." McBane warned that Ouellet's most current effort to replace public health care with a personal system utilizes language that is misleading.

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Benefits of Living In Canada Sun Life

Ouellet's concepts about activity-based funding, 'competitors' and more private delivery would not yield European-style care, but rather would lead us down the roadway to U.S.-style care." McBane continued: "At the CMA's annual conference later on this month, you will hear Ouellet speak about 'patient centered' care, however he actually implies 'profit-centered' care.

He will also unveil outcomes of a CMA study that he claims shows support for his brand-new privatization scheme. In truth, the language used in the CMA study was so unclear and deceptive that its outcomes can not possible be interpreted as support for more for-profit medication." McBane stated that Ouellet, who owns or handles 5 personal, for-profit diagnostic clinics, has a history of deceptive Canadians.

" Dr. Ouellet requires to stop misguiding Canadians and begin informing them what he's really as much as privatizing our health care system," said McBane - Rose Leto - Toronto lawyers. "His 'transformational change' program is his last kick at the can in the past becoming the CMA's past-president. Dr. Ouellet's privatized, for-profit vision won't fix a single issue of our public health care and more importantly, Canadians do not want it.

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topfygad · 5 years

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Things To Do In Montreal In Winter

From skating in the old port to relaxing on a spa boat and exploring the city through its cuisine, these are the best things to do in Montreal in winter.

Earlier this year we spent a magical few days in Montreal, Canada. It’s a city I’ve always been intrigued by, with its fascinating French Canadian mix. I knew it was arty, cultural, pretty, and had the best foodie reputation in Canada. Needless to say – I couldn’t wait to get on the plane!

Then I realised we’d be there in peak winter. Not just any winter, this was a Canadian winter. I feared the temperatures might prevent us from really getting to know the city. I’d seen -16 on the forecast, a temperature that I could only imagine enjoying if I was curled up indoors under several blankets.

But no!

It turns out, there’s absolutely loads to do in Montreal in winter, and it’s not all outdoors (so don’t panic about the cold!) Oh and even when you do venture out, it’s really not as painful as those temperatures sound, provided you’re wearing the right clothes.

So, tale a look at the highlights video, then scroll down for a quick rundown of some of the amazing things to do in Montreal in winter…

Play In The Snow On Mount Royal

If you love the great outdoors, Mount Royal (the mountain that gave the city it’s name) is THE PLACE TO GO! It’s super close to the city centre, so just hop on a bus up to the top of the mountain and enjoy some winter fun.

The day before we arrived in Montreal, winter had hit the city with all its might. 30-40cm of snow fell in just 24 hours – one of the city’s biggest snowfalls in a long time. It meant that we were spending our time in the ultimate winter wonderland, which was PERFECT for a day at Mount Royal. After checking out the cityscape from the viewpoint, it was time for the part I was looking forward to most – playing in the snow!

Mount Royal viewpoint

We layered up in ski gear (salopettes, thermals, ski gloves) and spent half a day enjoying the winter activities on offer. You can ice skate on Beaver Lake, try some cross country skiing, or hire snowshoes and head off on an adventure through the beautiful forests. It’s a great place for families too; we saw lots of kids relishing being out in the snowy environment.

Ice skating on Beaver Lake, Mount Royal, Montreal

Snow shoeing in Mount Royal Park, Montreal

One of my favourite things to do in winter in Montreal? SNOW TUBING! Yup, grab a rubber ring, make your way to the top of the slope at Mount Royal, and whizz down picking up some serious speed along the way. You won’t be able to stop yourself from screaming, smiling… and making your way to the top to do it ALL OVER AGAIN! What a buzz!

Find out more about visiting Mount Royal Parkin Macca’s helpful guide to all the winter activities on offer.

Snow tubing on Mount Royal

Relax With A Spa Day At Bota Bota

Bota Bota is an old ferry that’s been converted into a unique spa experience. It’s moored on the St Lawrence River close to Old Montreal. On our visit the water around it was totally frozen, with several inches of snow layered on top. It definitely wasn’t sailing anywhere soon!

The spa is famed for its water circuit, which encourages you to go from warm experiences (sauna / steam room) to cold (plunge pools) and then to relax somewhere comfortable. This process aids circulation and reinvigorates your body.

Bota Bota spa boat, Montreal

With temperatures of -16 outside, I never made it to a cold plunge pool (WIMP!) but I did enjoy the rooftop Jacuzzis a lot. At one point my eyelashes and hair froze. Something that’s really unique, and only for the bold, is the small opening to the frozen river, which you can access as one of the cold plunge activities. Obviously my fiance Macca couldn’t resist that one, while I was much happier watching from the sauna!

Bota Bota offers a range of treatments, plus there’s a small restaurant on board – perfect if you want to spend a whole day there. While I imagine Bota Bota is a lovely place to visit all year around, there’s something particularly special about getting cosy in a sauna and looking out at the snowy landscapes around.

Take a Trip On Montreal’s Ferris Wheel

A trip on La Grand Roue is definitely one of my top things to do in Montreal in winter. What could be more magical than catching sunset from Montreal’s illuminated ferris wheel?

Montreal ice rink and ferris wheel

Located in the old port area, overlooking one of the city’s winter ice rink, the trip on the wheel takes around 20 minutes. As Montreal is pretty flat it’s a great way to see the entire city, along with some key landmarks like Notre-Dame Basilica, Montreal Biosphere and the peak of Mount Royal.

Ice Skating In Montreal

This has to be one of the most popular activities in Montreal in winter. While you can go ice skating up on Mount Royal (mentioned above) I’d recommend visiting the Natrel Skating Rink in Old Montreal by the ferris wheel.

The setting is really picturesque, and along with a main rink, there’s also a track that goes round in a loop, taking you under a bridge and closer to Old Montreal. I’d never seen an ice skating experience like that before, and loved how pretty it all looked with so much snow around. It was even prettier at sunset with a pinky sky enveloping the city.

Sunset over the ice rink in Montreal

Eat Your Way Around The City On A Montreal Food Tour

On one of our first days in Montreal, we headed off on a food tour around Old Montreal with Local Montreal Food Tours. If you read this blog regularly you’ll know I’m a massive fan of food tours. I find they’re a great way to get to know a new city, teaching you not only about the region’s cuisine, but also about the history, the architecture, the local people and more.

Sparky and engaging guide Kim introduced us to some great spots in Old Montreal, including Crew Collective – a very grand bank that has been converted into a café and workspace, and Restaurant Taberna, which serves up a Portuguese take on the Quebec classic poutine. More about this in my food guide to Montreal, which is coming soon.

Poutine on the Montreal food tour

Visit Notre-Dame Basilica

A visit to the city’s spectacular cathedral is one of the best things to do in Montreal in winter, summer or whenever you choose to visit! I can genuinely say Notre-Dame Basilica is one of the most stunning cathedrals I’ve ever ventured inside.

Notre-Dame Basilica, Montreal

The outside is quite plain, so it’s surprising to walk inside and see the incredible painted roof, ornate architecture and beautiful decorations. It really is awe inspiring. There’s a fee to go inside, but that includes a free tour which will teach you all about the cathedral’s history and design.

Notre-Dame Basilica, Montreal

Play Crazy Golf In Montreal

If you’re struggling with the winter temperatures, warm up at Putting Edge – Montreal’s indoor crazy golf club. It’s one of the most fun indoor activities in Montreal right now!

As you venture down the stairs, you’ll be surprised to see it gets darker and darker, as everything is illuminated by UV lights. The 18-hole course literally glows in the dark, so I’d encourage you to wear white or neon so you stand out too.

We spent around an hour playing crazy golf here, putting our way from luminous flamingos to neon dragons and fluorescent palm trees. It was such a fun activity.

Putting Edge Crazy Golf, Montreal

Unwind at A Chic Wine Bar In Montreal

One of the locals recommended we stop by Pullman if we had time. We ended up visiting on a Sunday night, craving a simple dinner of wine and cheese. It was the perfect spot. Romantic with its flickering candles and dim lighting, and beautifully cosy, with a casual sophistication. We loved it!

Our waitress let us taste a few options before we decided on a bottle of red. Even better, on Sundays the entire wine list is half price, meaning we could select a bottle in a slightly higher league than usual.

The food was divine too. Our favourite dishes were the flavoursome tuna tataki and the winter beet salad. The Quebec cheese board was great too, and exactly what we left our hotel in search of.

Explore Montreal’s Neighbourhoods

Like many major cities, Montreal feels like a big city made up of small towns and villages, each with their own unique identities. I really enjoyed getting to know the different neighbourhoods.

There’s up and coming Saint-Henri, trendy The Plateau, foodie mecca Little Burgundy, hipster Mile End and mural-covered Saint-Laurent Boulevard. My favourite was probably the latter – I’m a sucker for colourful places and the street art there was some of the best I’ve seen on my travels.

Street art in Saint-Laurent Boulevard, Montreal

Spend The Evening At A Concert

Montreal is an extremely cultural city, with a plethora of top orchestras, pop stars, actors and dancers passing through on a regular basis. During out visit we were lucky enough to see critically acclaimed British contemporary dancer Akram Khan perform at Théâtre Maisonneuve. Meanwhile, at the symphony hall next door they had a classical concert that evening, an opera the next week and ballet the week after.

I was also desperate to check out Montreal’s jazz scene on my trip, but simply ran out of time. Next time I return, I’ll head straight to the ironically-named Upstairs – a basement jazz bar with an excellent reputation.

Challenge Yourself With An Escape Room

There are plenty of indoor activities in Montreal, perfect for cold winters in the city. If you’ve never done one before, definitely squeeze in an escape room. It’s a challenging hour of code cracking, riddle solving and observation activities, which will hopefully lead to you escaping from the locked chamber.

We attempted Amaze Montreal’s Mad Scientist Laboratory, which with only two of us was a little too challenging, but would be great in a group of four. It was still a lot of fun, and thankfully they still let us out after the time ran out…!

Enjoy Montreal’s Eclectic Food Scene

Montreal’s foodie reputation preceded it, but to be honest, I was surprised (and impressed) by what I found in the city. I expected tasty but slightly unrefined dishes like poutine and smoked meat sandwiches. Yet I found a city brimming with multicultural restaurants and exciting gastronomy.

In just a few days we ate an amazing bowl of pho at I Am Pho, juicy steak frites at Brasserie T, bagels fresh from the oven at St-Viateur Bagel Shop, Quebec cheese at Pullman, tangy ceviche at Tiradito, vegan delights at LOV, healthy poke at Le Poke Bar, and enjoyed a meal with an incredible view of Montreal’s twinkly lights at Les Enfants Terribles. Plenty more about the best places to eat in Montreal coming up in my next post about the city.

I knew I’d enjoy Montreal’s restaurants, but I hadn’t expected the offering to be as diverse and sophisticated as it is. Let’s face it, what better way to enjoy Montreal in winter, than to eat your way around the city?

Check Out Some World Class Art

One of the best Montreal winter activities? How about warming up in one of the city’s top galleries? As you’ve gathered, this is a seriously arty city, so don’t miss a trip to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. It’s the city’s largest museum and is spread across five pavilions, featuring paintings, sculptures, furniture and fashion.

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

We were lucky enough to catch the Alexander Calder exhibition during our visit, but there are plenty of great shows on throughout the year, so check the website before your trip. I should also add, this is one of my top free things to do in Montreal. Access to the main collection is free for the general public on the first Sunday of each month.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to some of the top things to do in Montreal in winter! Big thanks to Destination Canada, Quebec Original and Tourisme Montreal for inviting us to explore this beautiful city. Lots of great info on their sites if you want to find out more. As always, all opinions are my own.

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source http://cheaprtravels.com/things-to-do-in-montreal-in-winter/

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lethaderr-blog · 5 years

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Here’s a weekend itinerary for eco-friendly, sustainable, and kind adventures in Dutchess County, New York.

Looking to spend two days wandering around adorable towns, spending time in quiet nature, and sampling delicious food and drink? You’ll want to run, not walk, straight to Dutchess County, New York. It’s less than two hours from New York City and three hours from Boston. If you’re a curious Canadian like myself and looking for a new place to explore, it’s about 4-5 hours from Montreal and Ottawa, and 7.5 hours from Toronto. Trust me, it’s worth the drive. There are so many fun things to do in Dutchess County.

Thanks to the knowledgeable folks at Dutchess Tourism, I ventured off the well trodden tourist path to the lesser known gems of the region. Even though I was visiting on weekdays, there were so many occasions where there weren’t any other travelers in sight. So, if you’re looking for a peaceful place away from the crowds, I’m going to show you exactly where to go.

Natural wonders like the Dover Stone Church will make you feel like you’re in New Zealand, not the Hudson Valley. There’s castle ruins that make you feel like you’re in the middle of Scotland. Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue is such an amazing cause and could really benefit from an increased amount of visitors. And with the Culinary Institute of America in Dutchess County, you’d better bet that you can find an incredible culinary scene.

Whether you’re visiting over the weekend or spending 2 days in Dutchess County , prepare to be charmed by this beautiful section of the state. Let me show you exactly what I did when I was in Dutchess County, which emphasized eco-friendly travel, vegan travel, and combating overtourism by visiting the lesser known spots.

DUTCHESS COUNTY TRAVEL GUIDE

WHERE TO STAY IN DUTCHESS: I loved staying at the Inn at Pine Plains in Pine Plains, New York. You can read my review a little further down on this page. Book your stay at the Inn at Pine Plains or read more reviews by fellow travelers. There are a great variety of small hotels, B&Bs and inns throughout the region. Feel free to check out hotels in the towns of Rhinebeck, Beacon, or Poughkeepsie if you’d like to stay in a larger city. To have your own place in Dutchess, browse the available listings on Airbnb.

GETTING AROUND DUTCHESS: I recommend having access to a car when you visit Dutchess County. A lot of the places on this particular itinerary can be far apart from one another. It’s possible to take the train into towns like Beacon and Poughkeepsie, and even continue by bus up into Rhinebeck. However, having a car makes it so much easier to visit to these off the beaten path spots that I recommend. If you don’t have your own, consider renting a car for this trip.

MORE THINGS TO DO IN : For all of the best things to do in New York State, check out all of my other blog posts.

PHOTOS OF DUTCHESS: Check out our entire photo album of pictures from Dutchess County to inspire your trip. You can also purchase prints, housewares, and all sorts of gifts made from any of our photos – just click the “buy” button on any picture.

Day 1 in Dutchess County

For your first day, you’ll be exploring the finer side of things to do in Dutchess County. First, you’ll be visiting a tea room (and tea factory), beautiful gardens, and a vineyard with an impressive history. Top it all off with one of the best views in Dutchess County , followed up by some of the best Indian cuisine I’ve ever tasted.

Tour at Harney & Sons Fine Teas

It’s not everyday that you get to go behind the scenes at a tea factory. You might have heard of Harney & Sons. Their tea is so popular for a reason – it’s absolutely delicious. There’s really a variety and taste for everyone as they serve over 250 varieties of tea. I recommend browsing their collection online where it’s easy to place an order (or you can always order it on Amazon, too).

Harney & Sons is a family owned and operated business. Back in 1983, John Harney began his journey to master the art of tea blending in his basement, serving his tea to inn guests. This home-run business has vastly expanded to their headquarters in Millerton, New York. They have a 90,000 square foot warehouse there, a bottling plant in Hudson, and two tasting rooms in Millerton and SoHo, New York. Sadly, John passed away in 2014, but his two sons, Mike and Paul operate the company along with other family members. Harney & Sons Tea employs over 200 people.

John’s grandson, Alexander offered to give us the Harney & Sons factory tour. He is so full of knowledge about everything relating to tea. I could really sense his passion for tea, especially when it came to traveling the world to source rare varieties. He’s visited Taiwan, China, Japan and India to find the best tasting teas.

As we toured around the factory, we could see that the company sources, blends, and packages their tea from start to finish, keeping full control over all aspects of production. They are committed to making and selling the finest tea possible and have strict quality control measures. If the tea bags aren’t filled to a certain weight or standard, they aren’t sold to the public. It was really fascinating to see the huge pieces of equipment to blend and package the tea. They even make some of their own tea bags at the factory.

One of my favorite parts of the tour was smelling all of the tea. The tea sits in giant barrels before being packaged and shipped off to a store near you. We walked around and smelled the various fragrances of each tea blend. From smooth vanilla scents to bright floral ones, I could certainly get used to smelling all of the tea. Is there somehow a way that I could pivot being a professional blogger into being a professional tea tester?

I quickly discovered that the one that smelled the best was a tea blend called Paris, with scents of Earl Grey, black currant, vanilla, with a hint of caramel. It’s inspired by Mike Harney’s visits to Paris and enjoying pots of tea at Parisian tea shops. I knew that I had to buy some of that at their tea room. If you’re interested in taking a factory tour at Harney & Sons, please reach out to their headquarters via email or phone.

Lunch at Harney & Sons Tea Room

After the factory tour, head down the road a short distance to the Harney & Sons Tea Room in Millerton. You can sample teas in their tasting room, browse the shop for your favorite blends, and sit down for a full meal. And it’s not only a tea room. It’s one of the best Dutchess County restaurants, too. I was very impressed that all of the vegetarian and vegan menu items were clearly marked, which always make it so much easier. There’s also the massive tea menu to peruse, and it’s insanely difficult to decide on just one tea to order. You can order it iced or hot, whatever you choose from their huge variety of over 250 teas. There’s something for everyone!

For food, I chose the hummus and veggie platter, which is always one of my favorite things to eat. For my main course, I tried the mushroom risotto (brown rice risotto topped with sauteed mushroom of the day and balsamic reduction, served with greens), just remember to ask for the vegan version without cheese. And there’s even a vegan choice of dessert, a rice pudding made with plant-based milk topped with fruit. Yum! For those compiling a list of Hudson Valley vegan options, add Harney & Sons tea room to your vegan restaurant bucket list.

Innisfree Garden

Innisfree Garden is one of the world’s 10 best gardens, and it’s right here in Dutchess County . It’s unlike any garden I’ve ever visited before. Innisfree Garden is an American stroll garden, all about the individual’s experience in nature. It combines the essence of Modernist and Romantic principles with traditional Chinese and Japanese design. Using water, rocks, wood, and of course, plants, the result is a naturalistic landscape that isn’t immaculately groomed.

At Innisfree, it’s almost as though you’re strolling from one landscape painting to the next. It’s designed around the notion of a “cup garden”, a Chinese garden concept that draws attention to something beautiful in the scene. It might be a lotus pool or a single rock covered with succulents and lichens. Wander around Tyrrel Lake to discover native plants, waterfalls, and magnificent trees. Follow the path across streams using tiny bridges and wooden footpaths. I am certain that every person who visits notices a different detail, having new experiences with each visit.

While I went to Innisfree Garden in late April just at the start of spring before the first bloom, I am sure that it looks even more lovely throughout the prime of spring, summer and fall. I’d love to return again in the future to see how Innisfree Garden changes with the seasons.

Clinton Vineyards

Clinton Vineyards is called a, “jewel in the crown of Dutchess County”. Established in 1976 by Ben and Phyllis Feder, Clinton Vineyards is inspired by the stunning wineries and vineyards in France. The 100-acre Clinton Vineyards is modeled after the European tradition of specializing in a single grape. He chose the Seyval Blanc, a hardy grape that can survive the weather of the Hudson Valley. Going for a wine tasting at Clinton Vineyards is one of the best things to do in Dutchess County.

We met with Phyliss at Clinton Vineyards for our wine tasting. She is such a fascinating woman with so many stories to tell. You could spend an entire day with Phyliss, learning about how she and Ben were pioneers of the New York wine industry. I love that she is a champion for women’s rights and equality. She’s paved the way for so many other women in the wine industry, becoming the first female president of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation. You’ll notice photos all around the tasting room with notable people like Hillary Clinton. There are also several letters from the Queen of England after receiving and tasting wines from Clinton Vineyards.

The other thing you’ll notice are all of the awards. Each type of wine in the tasting room has at least one medal or ribbon hanging from it. I’m sure that Phyliss has lost track of just how many awards their wine has won. Whether it’s their Seyval Blanc, Riesling, Rosé, Pinot Noir, or Methodé Champenoise sparkling wines, I’m sure that you’ll quickly fall for the wine at Clinton Vineyards.

We got to sample a variety of wines, including my personal favorite, Romance, a late-harvest Seyval Blanc. They have a series of dessert wines that you simply must try. Clinton Vineyards also makes a Cassis, a black currant wine and the only one produced in the USA that has won gold medals at international competitions. Oh, and you can be sure that all of the wine at Clinton Vineyards is 100% vegan!

The tasting room and retail shop are inside a 19th century Dutch barn. It’s unlike some of the stark and minimalist tasting rooms that I’ve visited in the past. The tasting room at Clinton Vineyards feels as though you’re welcomed into someone’s home. With framed pictures covering every surface of the wall and wine displayed proudly on barrels, it feels so much more personal and inviting. So, why don’t you stay a while, sample some of the wine, and bring a few bottles back to enjoy in your own home.

Ferncliff Forest Fire Tower

It’s time to get back out into nature for another one of the best things to do in Dutchess County. On the National Historic Lookout Register, it’s only a short hike through the forest to reach the Ferncliff Fire Tower. The lookout is open all day, every day, and provides an exceptional view of the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains. The Ferncliff Fire Tower is a 1933 International Derrick Fire Tower and it’s about 80 feet high.

The history of lookouts and fire towers at this site is quite fascinating. At first, people created a lookout made out of trees, which was used to assist map makers. In 1912, the Astor Family created a stone lookout. Next, in 1942, Army engineers created a 40 foot wooden tower to protect the president during the war. Finally, in 2007, the International Derrick fire tower was moved to the forest for tourists and locals alike. While it might seem like quite a few stairs to climb, it’s always worth it when you reach the top. It’s windy up there, but the surrounding scenery is breathtaking. Enjoy 360 degree panoramic views of the entire region, including the bridge and the mountains.

Dinner at Cinnamon Indian Cuisine

I’ve eaten a lot of Indian food throughout my lifetime as a vegetarian and last 10+ years as a vegan. I’m even co-leading a trip to India this September where we’re going to eat all of the vegan food (you’re invited to join me!). Anyway, I’ve tried my fair share of Indian food and Cinnamon Indian Cuisine ranks up there at the top of the list.

Their menu has all of the vegan items clearly marked with a “V”. There’s even an option to make a dish vegan if it’s possible, and that’s marked, too. It’s very easy to dine at Cinnamon Indian Cuisine if you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet. Furthermore, 95% of the menu is gluten-free. And there’s no reason why you shouldn’t go as it’s one of the best Dutchess County restaurants, right on the main shopping street in Rhinebeck.

They serve items that are fresh and local, so the menu changes according to the seasons. To start, I tried a vegetable samosa, crispy cauliflower, and a traditional street food on the side. Next, it was a plate of crispy spinach with chickpea flour that tasted a little like kale chips, but way more flavorful. And I also sampled one of the best lentil soups I’ve ever had, perfectly spiced.

Then, I tried a whole feast of vegan delights, including a chickpea and asparagus dish (typically made with cauliflower, but asparagus was in season), fried okra, spinach and corn mixed with turmeric and spices, plain dosa, lemon rice, and mango chutney. To drink, I drank a hibiscus, white tea, ginger, and peach beverage. For dessert, there was a vegan rice pudding with rose water, cardamom and saffron alongside a mini scoop of mango sorbet.

Coffee at Samuel’s Sweet Shop

After your Indian feast, walk across the street to Samuel’s Sweet Shop. This cafe and sweets shop happens to be co-owned by Paul Rudd and Jeffrey Dean Morgan. Unfortunately, there weren’t any Paul Rudd sightings, but I did savor a delicious Americano while I was there. If you’ve still got room for more dessert, you might want to indulge in some unique sweet treats that I haven’t seen anywhere else.

Where to Stay: Inn at Pine Plains

The drive from Rhinebeck to Pine Plains was an interesting one, to say the least. Navigating the winding roads through the forest at night was one thing, but it was so incredibly foggy. At times, I could barely see at all and had to trust that I wasn’t going to drive off the road. I breathed a sigh of relief once I arrived at my home for the next two evenings, the Inn at Pine Plains. I felt right at home at this comfortable and quaint accommodation where I felt like I had my own little apartment in the house.

My Room

My room at the Inn at Pine Plains had a separate bedroom, living room, and kitchenette. With beautiful 19th century original hardware flooring, lots of framed pictures, and even a few books to read, it’s easy to feel cozy and relaxed here. The bed features a firm, Euro top mattress with 100% cotton bed linens. The kitchenette has a small fridge, microwave, a kettle, and a coffee maker. And the bathroom is perfect for those who prefer to have a bath or a shower, the best of both worlds.

I loved the special added touches, like plenty of complimentary water, sparkling water, and other beverages in the fridge.There was even a little basket of snacks should you feel hungry at night. You can make your own coffee with the provided Keurig coffee pods. In addition, there’s complimentary Wi-Fi and lots of channels on the flat screen TV. You’ll find it easy to get some work done, whether you’re using the wooden desk or you like to use your laptop while sitting on the couch like I do.

Breakfast

There’s a complimentary breakfast buffet each morning and I found it to be quite vegan-friendly. You have got to try the avocado hummus spread onto a bagel, bread, or rice cakes. It’s delicious! I also helped myself to some fresh fruit, and it was the perfect way to start the day. Be sure to book your stay at the inn or read more reviews from fellow travelers.

Day 2 in Dutchess County

Ready for your second day in Dutchess County ? We’ve got a unique castle to visit (yes, there are castles in the USA!), as well as an island tour. There’s a gorgeous natural attraction – a waterfall inside a cave. And we’ll also visit a horse rescue center that’s just as healing for you as it is for the horses. Sound good? Let’s go!

Bannerman’s Castle and Island Tour

On Pollepel Island in the Hudson River, you’ll find the ruins of an abandoned castle with an intriguing history. Castle ruins and an interesting story? Yes, please! We embarked on a tour of the island and Bannerman’s Castle from Beacon, New York. There’s a small boat to transport passengers across to the island for a short tour. It’s also possible to book a tour from Newburgh, New York, and the experience lasts about 2.5 hours in total.

Bannerman’s Castle has Scottish influences, but you’ll only see the crumbling remains nowadays. The family purchased the island in 1900 as a safe storage site for ammunition and equipment from the US Army. Bannerman designed the buildings himself, which mostly consisted of storage for his vast inventory. The large castle by the water has the words, “Bannerman’s Island Arsenal” on the side of it. There was also a smaller castle built at the top of a hill to serve as a summer home. Mrs. Bannerman decorated the garden with flowers and plants, a tradition that continues today.

After Bannerman died in 1918, any further construction halted. Just two years later, there was a massive explosion on the island, nearly killing Mrs. Bannerman. The family used the island until about 1930. After 1957, the island’s last superintendent retired and the property was abandoned for the next three decades. The state purchased the island in 1967, though it remained in ruins. Both vandals and negligence are responsible for its dilapidated state. However, since the 1990s, the Bannerman Castle Trust started to preserve the island and its buildings. They’ve stabilized the remains of the castle for your viewing pleasure, and they’re currently reconstructing the family home. It’s a wonderful little piece of New York history that’s certainly one of the most unique things to do in Dutchess County.

Lunch at Vegetalien

There’s a vegan restaurant in Beacon, New York that you need to check out. It’s called Vegetalien and they’re serving up meals and beverages made from locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. This plant-based cafe has smoothies, build your own Buddha bowls, acai bowls, salads, BBQ jackfruit tacos, paninis, avocado toast, and so much more. I couldn’t resist trying the “Tun’ah Sandwich” made out of chickpeas, slaw, lemon vinaigrette on harvest grain bread. Paired with a purple haze smoothie (blueberry, banana, apple and mint), it was so yummy, filling, and nutritious. Also pictured, the avocado and black bean toast.

Coffee at Trax Espresso

Looking for a caffeine boost? Head right across the street to Trax Espresso. It’s a bright and airy cafe in Beacon, serving up rich brewed coffee and espresso beverages. I even picked up some of their coffee beans to bring home with me. It’s that good! And they’ve got several varieties of plant-based milk, including oat milk. Huzzah!

Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue

Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue in Dover Plains is a sanctuary for abandoned, neglected, and abused horses. They save so many of these beautiful creatures, rehabilitate them, and provide them with a forever home. While the goal is to enable horses to trust people again, it works the other way around, too. The horses can help people overcome their own struggles, build trust, and work together. These horses provide therapy for children and adults alike. All in all, the sanctuary aims to strengthen the relationship between people and animals for a compassionate and kind community. Their slogan is, “People helping horses heal people.”

Owner and founder, Deanna Mancuso, shared her story with us. She had a turbulent relationship with her grandfather who struggled from PTSD, alcoholism, substance abuse, and domestic abuse. Shortly before his death from pancreatic cancer, Deanna formed a wonderful relationship with him as he worked through many of his personal struggles. Her grandfather bought her a horse before he passed away to remember him by; he taught her that horses bring peace. Sadly, the horse was badly abused and he was not well behaved. When she almost gave up the horse, her father reinforced the message that we shouldn’t give up on animals. This paved the way for Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue, which Deanna founded in 2008.

While everyone is welcome to visit the sanctuary, their primary goal is to assist those struggling with mental health issues, domestic violence, PTSD, substance abuse, and family problems. There are numerous programs and events at the farm, including horse yoga. Participants lay their yoga mats down in the stables, and the horses decide whether or not they want to engage with everyone. For those interested in visiting, you can check out the farm daily from 9:00am – 3:00pm, and be sure to follow along their updates on Facebook. Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue is one of the most peaceful and therapeutic things to do in Dutchess County.

Dover Stone Church

The Dover Stone Church is a spectacular ancient cavern in Dover Plains, New York. Hiking there is one of the most fun things to do in Dutchess County. There are several hiking trails at the site, but the main attraction is the Dover Stone Church. You’ll see a waterfall cascading inside a cave, dubbed the “Stone Church” for the pointed arch formation of the rocks.

Local legend states that the rock formations were a refuge for Pequot Sachem Sassacus and his warriors from the English army in the 1600s. The Town of Dover, the Dutchess Land Conservancy and the Friends of Dover Stone Church purchased the property in 2004, and property owners donated additional land for the creation of hiking trails for everyone to enjoy.

It might be a little difficult to find the Dover Stone Church. Look for the blue and yellow sign at its entrance in Dover Plains. Please note that there is no parking in front of the trail entrance, but you can park at the school when it isn’t in session (or at the Freshco 22 plaza). Descend down to the trails and walk through a path lined with trees. Then, you’ll get to a spot with trail markers for hiking to your left. You’ll want to keep to your right if you want to see the Dover Stone Church. It isn’t a very long walk until you’ll reach this amazing triangular rock formation.

The short trek to reach the stone church is lovely. There’s a gently flowing brook, lots of trees, and moss covered rocks everywhere you look. When I visited, it was after a lot of rain so the river was flowing quite rapidly. I got up as close as I could to the Dover Stone Church, peering inside to the waterfall. When the water level is much lower, you can even venture inside the cavern itself. It’s such a brilliant site and one of my favorite things to do in Dutchess County.

Dinner at Oakhurst Diner

It’s time to refuel at Oakhurt Diner in Millerton, New York. While it might not seem like a “greasy spoon” diner would have many vegan options, they’ve got a really delicious one on the menu. It’s pretty much the opposite of a greasy spoon dish, too. They have a healthy Macrobiotic Plate: steamed broccoli, carrots, acorn squash, black beans and organic brown rice with tahini dill dressing and seaweed. It’s absolutely delicious and more filling than it looks. The diner itself is a total 1950s throwback and oozes with charm. You’ve gotta check out this Dutchess County restaurant when you come to town.

Day 3 in Dutchess County

Here’s a couple of places in Red Hook, New York, that you’ll want to check out before you leaving Dutchess County. They’re right next door to one another, sharing the same building space. And they’re both kind to animals, too!

Wildflower Cafe

You can’t visit Dutchess County as a vegan and not dine at Wildflower Cafe. It’s one of the yummiest vegan restaurants in Dutchess County . And I could really feel the passion for veganism and plant-based living from its owner. Try one of their burgers: I’m convinced that you won’t be able to tell that it’s vegan, and it’ll be one of the best burgers you’ve ever had.

From burgers to tacos, flatbreads to desserts, Wildflower Cafe has something for every taste. It was really difficult to choose what to order, but I went with the Onion Lover Burger (Impossible burger patty, a toasted pretzel bun, lettuce, caramelized onion, onion rings, and signature sauce). We also sampled a Greek flatbread with seasoned meat and feta cheez. The food was so satisfying, tasty, and I’d love to visit again to try even more food. To top it all off, there were decadent milkshakes for dessert, and I couldn’t resist trying one made with Oreos.

Living Eden

If you’re passionate about helping animals, eco-friendly living, or a sustainable lifestyle, you’re not going to want to miss shopping at Living Eden. It’s a conscious and compassionate store that’s connected to the Wildflower Cafe. It’s definitely worth popping over before or after your meal. Every product in the shop is rooted in good intentions, whether it’s handmade, recycled, upcycled, eco-friendly, or cruelty free. There’s women’s clothing, accessories, jewelry, shoes, housewares, and so much more at this eco chic boutique.

If my wallet allowed for it, I would have bought one of everything! However, I settled on buying a super adorable purse with a squirrel on it. It’s hard to find vegan purses sometimes, and this one is exactly my style. I also really loved the pillow stating, “No couch is complete without cat hair.” Welcome to my world!

Bonus: A Cup of the Valley

Now, this might be a long shot, but if you happen to be in town during A Cup of the Valley, you should check it out. In 2019, this coffee and tea festival happened at the end of April, taking place at the Culinary Institute of America. You’ll find locally made products, local coffee roasters and tea blenders, and lots of other delicious food and drink. I loved sampling coffee, tea, and kombucha while I was there.

We spent most of our time at the Greenwood Lake Roasters craft coffee booth. As we waited for the coffee to brew, the owner was a wealth of knowledge relating to all things coffee. It was quite fascinating to listen to him speak about the roasting processes for my favorite beverage. Also, I made sure to pick up some coffee infused maple syrup and horseradish maple mustard from Soukup Farms. There were also some delicious vegan treats by Emy Desserts, which I didn’t have the opportunity to try at the festival, but later sampled at Vegetalien. So good!

Even if you aren’t a fan of coffee or tea, there’s plenty to sample and taste at A Cup of the Valley. I missed the latte competition and the Japanese tea ceremony though, which I’d love to check out next time I’m in the region.

PLANNING A TRIP TO NEW YORK STATE?

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Things to do this week in Toronto

What's happening in Toronto April 15-19, 2019

MONDAY, APRIL 15

3rd Monday Nights Free at the Royal Ontario Museum: Bring family and friends to the ROM on the 3rd Monday Night of each month and enjoy free admission from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

Education Town Hall with Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath: Discuss the impact of Doug Ford’s education changes. This is a free event and the venue is accessible. Light refreshments will be served.

TechTO April Edition at RBC WaterPark Place: Join the TechTO Community to meet and learn from Toronto’s technology leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts.

Pop Music : Better Now or Better Then? Is music better now or was it better back in the day? We play a new number one hit, then pick a random year out of a hat and play the number one hit from that year and let the audience decide: better now or better then?

Etobicoke Camera Club presents Rob Stimpson: The Challenges (and Rewards) of Travel Photography: professional photographer, Rob Stimpson, will discuss capturing images on the go focussing on the challenges and rewards of travel. Guest fee of $10.00 in effect for non-club members.

Jaymz Bee's Caravan of Music at Old Mill Toronto: Jaymz Bee’s Caravan of Music is a four hour event where you can explore the various rooms at Old Mill Toronto. Experience 20 bands in 10 rooms. Proceeds will support the Unison Benevolent Fund.

Eric Andersen and Scarlet Rivera: Performing at Hugh's Room Live. Doors open at 6 p.m., concert at 7:30 p.m.

'This Is Me' at Fairview Library Theatre: showcases talented artists from Centennial Colleges PAFS before they make their leap into stardom.

TUESDAY, APRIL 16

Humber Docs Film Screening at The Assembly Hall

Humber College School of Media Studies and IT would like to cordially invite you to the annual Humber Docs Screening, showcasing the documentary film work of the Third Year Bachelor of Film and Media Studies Students. Free admission.

ALSO ON TUESDAY

Toronto Lit Up: Alexandra Kimball at The Ossington: Alexandra Kimball is releasing The Seed: How the Feminist Movement Fails Infertile Women and will be celebrating its publication with a Toronto Lit Up book launch.

Canadian Children's Opera Company's Junior Open House: Does your child love music, drama, and theatre? The CCOC is just who they're looking for. Join them to find out what a CCOC music education looks like and learn about our programs for kids aged five and up.

F*ck Sh*t Up: Trans + Non-Binary Cabaret: A night of performances by trans and non-binary artists and performers! Featuring M A N G O S A S S I, Ravyn Wngs, Robbie Ahmed, Ben Agiter and Velvet Earl. Hosted by Babia Majora and Fluffy Soufflé.

Pro-Case Tuesdays at Absolute Comedy Toronto: Event features headliner Tommy Savitt and host Alastair McAlastair, with Joe Vu, Noor Kidwai, Perry Perlmutar, Rhiannon Archer and Sam Feldman.

Kelvin Wetherell at Cafe Mirage: Cafe Mirage Grill and Lounge presents Kelvin Wetherell on Nov 6. The performance runs between 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm in the evenings with a 15 minutes break in between. Cafe Mirage is one of the leading restaurants in Scarborough.

Hot Breath Karaoke at The Handlebar: Ridiculous game show style karaoke, with prizes.

Westway Christian Church Food Bank: The Westway Christian Church Community Food Bank is open for clients to receive food on Tuesday evenings from 5-7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17

Caught in the Net by Ray Cooney

Teens Gavin and Vicki happen to meet surfing the internet. They are attracted to each other and yet are amazed by all the coincidences — each having a father with the same name, same age, and same occupation. Why? Find out in this farce.

ALSO ON WEDNESDAY

2019 Cannabis Capital Conference: Benzinga is the go-to source for investors who need the latest news in the cannabis sector. This is the event that connects companies with investors.

Coloured bodies: Material Moves by Dori Vanderheyden: Dori Vanderheyden’s work layers and enfolds themes of sexuality, the body and colour as a way to evoke questions of what it means to be a human in the universe at this time.

OCAD University’s President’s Speaker Series presents: Burton Krame: Kramer was a professor at OCAD University for over 20 years and in 2003 was one of the first to receive an honorary doctorate from the institution.

'My Father's Son' releases new single at The Dakota Tavern: Montreal's 'My Father's Son' releases his new single, "Ribbon in the Wind", ahead of his second full-length album, The Greatest Thaw.

Who run the world? QTBIPOC: A free drop-in workshop series on relationships for youth. Learn skills and connect with other 2SLGBTQ Black, Indigenous and youth of colour (16-29) at this Beyonce-themed workshop series on relationships-- with pals, family, partners and yourself.

Off The Rails Comedy Competition at Comedy Bar: 'Off The Rails Comedy' is an interactive, improvised stand up show where Toronto's bravest comics make up their acts based on your suggestions! You have the power!

Christian Bernard Singer and Heidi Leverty: HABITAT: In this exhibition we bring together two artists whose artistic practice embraces our relationship with our Habitat, the exhibited works create a striking narrative between the chaotic and the sublime.

The Liveable City? Transportation: As Impressionism in the Age of Industry takes viewers on a journey through a period of immense change in 19th century Paris, we invite speakers across various disciplines to enter into conversations around urgent issues facing Toronto today.

Chocolate Groove: A weekly social dance celebration featuring Toronto’s best DJ’s in one of the most visionary alternative venues in Canada: Alternity.

THURSDAY, APRIL 18

Great Art: Rembrandt in Black and White: The Printmaker

Art historian Anne Thackray shows how Rembrandt’s immensely creative and fertile imagination embraced the expressive possibilities of prints, the most widespread art form of his times.

ALSO ON THURSDAY

Toward environmental rights in Canada: A panel discussion: To mark Earth Week, educators, activists and thought-leaders will convene for a half-day symposium on environmental rights. The event will map a rights-based approach to climate, water and health challenges in Canada.

The Experiment at Comedy Bar: Come see a hilarious improv show featuring performers from CBC's Workin' Moms, Baroness Von Sketch, Sunnyside, and Netflix's Umbrella Academy!

Sketch Swap Showcase: The best of Toronto's Sketch Comedy Scene will be performing the best sketches seen on Toronto stages in the last year and they're not allowed to do their own material! A fun night full of laughs, drinking, and stupidity!

Casual Chess Club at Beaches Library: Join other chess players in a friendly and welcoming environment for casual play. All ages and skill levels are welcome.

Online Reputation Management with Veronica Chail: The CEO of VC Strategies examines the current online culture and provides tools to help you: Curate content that aligns with your brand; Build trust with your audience; Monitor your reputation; and React promptly to avoid crises.

Rock for Dimes Toronto 2019: The annual fundraiser supports MODC's After Stroke suite of programs. Acts include Fresh Water Sharks, Oui B. Jamon, Bit o' Brit Collective, Martha Rocks and Envy & The Cants. Maie pauts of boom 97.3 will host.

Earth Love & Learn - Yoga, Meditation & Earth Talk: Join Irina Andreea and Cassidy Thedorf for this celebration of earth day. A portion of proceeds will be donate to One Tree Planted to help support global reforestation.

RuPaul's Drag Race Viewing Parties: Fans of the hit reality television series can watch new episodes every Thursday at several spots around the city, including The Gladstone Hotel, The Beaver and Striker.

FRIDAY, APRIL 19 (GOOD FRIDAY)

The Toronto Passion Play at Church on the Queensway

The Christian Performing Arts Centre presents 'The Toronto Passion Play' this Easter Season. This spectacular musical depicts the life of Christ, in a brand new riveting story that is sure to delight and please audiences of all ages. April 19-21.

ALSO ON FRIDAY

Mike Rita's 'Pot Comic' album release party: A fresh voice in a haze-filled room, Mike Rita's Pot Comic riffs on being at the forefront of the “weed generation”, how his mom came to love pot, and the hilarious ways in which legalization has changed Canadian lives.

Hey Girl Hey: Bad Friday! Come get bad with us at The Baby G at your fave queer hip-hop and r&b dance party celebrating female and non-binary artists.

International Fan Festival Toronto at Metro Toronto Convention Centre: International Fan Festival Toronto is the newest Anime Convention in Toronto. IFF Toronto is a multi-day, multi-fandom, Japanese focused event. Our featured events include, exclusive Fate/ stay night talk shows with the main casts of the series.

Kidnetix 13th Annual Easter Egg Hunt: Egg-citement for the whole family! Hunt for thousands of Easter candies in our indoor playground. Free photo booth with the Easter Bunny. Crafts, fun interactive petting zoo, and video game theatre.

Friday Night Jazz at Ripley's Aquarium of Canada: Explore the waters of the world the second Friday of every month with live jazz music as you sip on a drink (alcoholic and non-alcoholic available) under the sea.

C'mon, Angie! at The Assembly Theatre: Told with humour, heart, and unflinching honesty, C’mon Angie! is a new play by Amy Lee Lavoie that dramatizes a difficult and all-too familiar situation, as two character navigate consent and sexual assault following a one-night stand.

Brooklynn Bar Comedy: We’ve put together some of the best Pro Comedians in the city with help from 'Perfect 10 Comedy' for a VIP comedy show.

Redwood Comedy Cafe: A weekly comedy showcase featuring Canada's top comedians at the intimate Redwood Cafe in Little India.

After Hours: Comedy Bar's beloved late night ensemble party show returns with a fun lineup of some of Toronto's favourite stand ups.

ONGOING

Annual Beaches Easter Parade Weekend: Easter weekend celebration includes: Good Friday Easter Egg Hunt at Kew Gardens, which includes children's entertainment and a meet and greet with Peppa Pig. Easter Sunday Parade on Sunday at 2p.m. along Queen Street East.

Neighbourhood Trust at Lakeshore Arts: A collaborative project examining the state of affordable housing in Toronto through the lens of those directly affected. Runs until April 18.

Angélique at Factory Theatre: Inspired by historical transcripts from the infamous trial, Angélique is a moving account of Black Canadian history beyond the Underground Railroad.

Winter Stations 2019: Featuring six unique art installations. Runs until April 21.

Art Show & Sale by Marley Berot at Starving Artist Restaurant: Trini-Ja Canadian Marley Berot is opening her first show at the Starving Artist Restaurant and Gallery at 467 Danforth Avenue. Her acrylic paintings will stay on the walls until May 18th.

PRECIOUS: An Exhibition of Contemporary Art and Jewellery: By creating precious artwork and art jewellery from everyday and discarded items, Micah Adams, Christine Dwane and Lawrence Woodford remind us that our world is shaped by the decisions we make. Whether disposable or sustainable, beauty is everywhere. On display through May 23.

Being Japanese Canadian: Reflections on a Broken World at the ROM: Explore the original exhibition through the eyes of curators Bryce Kanbara and Katherine Yamashita. Runs until May 25.

The post “ Things to do this week in Toronto “ was originally seen on toronto.com by Whatson

IV Vitamin Drip Therapy Toronto Clinic - The IV Lounge

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The Top 5 Lesbian Travel Destinations in 2019

Posted: 2/21/2019 | February 21st, 2019

We want to speak to a wide range of voices on this website so have added an LGBTQ column to talk about travel issues that are important some of our community members. This month, Dani, one of our LGBT columnists, shares the top five lesbian travel destinations in 2019.

I have told you everything you need to know about traveling as a lesbian and how to plan the perfect lesbian-friendly trip, but what about lesbian-friendly destinations? What are the greatest locations for an unforgettable lesbian vacation — where you don’t have to be afraid to get weird stares or have to be careful with PDAs if you’re with your partner.

There are dozens of spots that fit the bill, some of which became more interesting at certain times: Lesbos became popular with gay women when the Sappho Women’s Festival was created in 2000, Los Angeles saw an increase in lesbian travelers when The L Word first aired in 2004, and Madrid was particularly popular with queer visitors during 2017 WorldPride.

So which destinations are having their “lesbian moment” in 2019?

Here are five that welcome LGBT travelers and have something that makes them particularly interesting for lesbians now, no matter if you’re solo or with your significant other. Read on for why I think you should hit up one of them this year:

1. New York City, USA

Why go?: New York City is not only known as one of the gay-friendliest cities in the world and the top-ranked LGBTQ destination in the US but it is where the Stonewall riots kicked off the modern gay liberation movement in 1969.

2019 marks the 50th anniversary of this significant event in LGBT culture, and to commemorate, New York City will host WorldPride in June — the Pride of Prides, a full month of festivities, with over 50 events. It’s the first time in its 20-year history that WorldPride is being held in the United States, and many celebrities are expected to join the festivities, including Madonna, who rang in the 50th anniversary year with a surprise performance at the historic Stonewall Inn bar on New Year’s Eve.

While this is a great excuse to visit NYC this year, there are many more things that make the city attractive for lesbian tourists — from world-class art museums to stunning Broadway productions and dozens of neighborhoods to explore, New York City is always worth a visit. In the summer, you will get to enjoy free performances by the New York Metropolitan Opera and the Philharmonic in the city’s parks, free outdoor movie screenings, and weekend flea markets and food markets. Check out Matt’s 3-day NYC itinerary that covers all of the city’s famous sights and museums.

You’ll also want to check out New York’s lesbian nightlife, including the iconic Cubbyhole Bar and Henrietta Hudson in the West Village, the popular Hot Rabbit party, and a number of Pride parties exclusively for women, such as the Femme Fatale rooftop party.

If you want to learn more about the LGBT history of New York, I recommend this informative LGBTQ History Walking Tour of Greenwich Village.

When to go: June. The biggest event, WorldPride, takes place on Sunday, June 30, 2019.

Before you go: Check out the lesbian events calendar before you visit NYC. There are regular lesbian stand-up comedy shows, dance parties, and exquisite drag shows. Events like lesbian speed dating or a comedy show are especially great if you are traveling solo.

2. Montreal, Canada

Why go?: Canada legalized same-sex marriage in 2005 and has been a popular destination for LGBT-travelers ever since, and while cities like Vancouver, Toronto, or Quebec are all LGBT-friendly , Montreal is known as the city with the biggest LGBT nightlife scene and is particularly lesbian-friendly (unlike most other popular LGBT destinations, which usually focus on male clientele). The favorable exchange rate of the Canadian dollar right now also means that a trip there is not too expensive.

Rue Sainte-Catherine is where most of Montreal’s gay nightlife is centered, and it’s the center of “the village,” Montreal’s gayborhood. Sadly, the infamous Le Drugstore, a lesbian bar on eight floors, closed down, but there are still plenty of amazing destinations. Don’t miss Complexe Sky, the biggest gay club in all of Canada, whose four floors each have different styles of music; the terrific rooftop terrace includes a pool and hot tub.

No matter if you make it to Montreal in time for Pride or not, I do recommend visiting in the summer, since the city prides itself on an abundance of outdoor activities during the warmer months. The streets are decked with outdoor seating, and you can relax on Jean Dore Beach on the shores of St Lawrence River, just minutes from downtown. Climb up to the top of Mount Royal for sweeping views over the city, marvel at the murals on Boulevard Saint-Laurent, and swing by lesbian-owned industrial warehouse-meets-beer garden Bar Alexandraplatz in the up-and-coming Mile-Ex neighborhood for a cold beer.

When to go?: No dates have been released yet, but there will hopefully be another edition of the popular Slut Island Festival, a feminist-queer DIY music festival that was founded in Montreal in 2013 mainly for performers and audiences who identify as women, trans*, gender-fluid, nonbinary, or people of color. The festival usually occurs in July.

Montreal Pride 2019 happens August 8–18, 2019.

Before you go: LezSpreadTheWord, an organization that publishes the feminist LSTW magazine and created the popular queer web series Féminin/Féminin, hosts the bimonthly girls party “Où sont les femmes?” — try to plan your trip around one of their awesome parties.

3. Mallorca, Spain

Why go?: Mallorca has been a popular holiday destination with Europeans for decades, but in 2012, the Spanish island popped up on the lesbian travel map for the first time thanks to the inaugural Ella Festival in Palma, Mallorca’s capital. In August, the festival celebrates its seventh edition, and no matter if you identify as lesbian, bisexual, queer, transgender, or intersex, every woman is welcome at Ella! You’ll get to enjoy beach parties, concerts, and a number of activities, from paddleboarding to beach volleyball, as well as island excursions.

While most of Mallorca’s LGBT nightlife happens in Palma, I recommend exploring the rest of the island as well. The easiest way to get around is by car, but you can also reach many beautiful beaches and little towns by bus. There are over 260 beaches in Mallorca, but make sure to visit the picturesque small bays of Cala Formentor and Cala Pi, and Cala Mesquida and Playa de Muro for wide sandy beaches. Also worth a visit: the Cap de Formentor lighthouse on the northern tip of Mallorca, and as many as you can of the charming little villages that dot the island, for example, Sóller, Fornalutx, Valledemossa, and Deià.

When to go?: The Ella Festival is August 30–September 6, 2019. Add on a week of island exploration before or after the festival.

Before you go: Check out Lesbian Mallorca, the “lesbian lifestyle directory” of the island, has a great overview of lesbian bars and lesbian-friendly and lesbian-owned restaurants, hotels, and shops.

4. Provincetown, Mass., USA

Why go?: Provincetown, often referred to as P-Town, is a small fishing town at the northern tip of Cape Cod, and it has long been a favorite with LGBT travelers. The charming little seaside destination is a fantastic vacation spot for anyone — straight or gay — with over 200 independent shops, plenty of art galleries, delicious restaurants, and great beaches, but its focus on lesbian travelers and the celebration of freedom of expression are what makes this open-minded community so attractive for girls.

Provincetown has more lesbian-owned businesses per capita than anywhere else in the US, the highest concentration of same-sex households in the US, and many LGBTQ-owned B&Bs and inns. No matter if you are solo or with your partner, there’s something for everyone: Provincetown is home to the oldest gay bar in the US, the A-House; the gayest main street in the world, Commercial Street; one of the top ten gay beaches in the world; and the East End Gallery District, offering world-class art. No matter what time of year you’re visiting, you’re likely to stumble upon one of the town’s many themed weeks or weekends (see below).

The daily tea dance (4–7pm) at the Boatslip, an expansive deck that overlooks Provincetown’s West End Harbor, is something you have to experience once — expect a packed dance floor and great people-watching. You’ll make new friends there for sure.

When to go: Try to plan your visit around one of the many women-focused events, depending which one best fits your preferences and interests: Women’s Media Summit (April 5–7); Single Women’s Weekend (May 17–19); Womxn of Color Weekend (May 30– June 2); Pride (May 31– June 3); Girl Splash (July 23–27); Family Week, the largest annual gathering of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer-identified families in the world (July 27–August 3); the incredible Carnival, which attracts 90,000 visitors (August 15–25); Women’s Week (October 14–20); or the weeklong transgender celebration Fantasia Fair (October 20–27).

Before you go: Since there are so many events year-round, make sure to check what’s going on in P-Town during the dates of your visit. If they happen to be during Carnival, for example, be aware that the town turns into party central. Never arrive without having accommodation booked in advance — B&Bs and hotels tend to fill up quickly.

5. Puerto Rico

Why go?: Just over a year after devastating Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico with full force in September 2017, the island is bouncing back. Almost all hotels are open again, the New York Times just awarded Puerto Rico the #1 spot on its popular 52 Places To Go in 2019 list, and thanks to its status as a United States commonwealth, the legal rights of LGBT citizens (same-sex marriage has been legal since 2015) have had a great influence on Puerto Rico, which is now the gay-friendliest of all Caribbean nations. Especially for Americans, Puerto Rico is an easy getaway: there are plenty of direct flights from East Coast airports (and other US hubs), you don’t need a passport, and it’s a fantastic winter escape, with temperatures around 81° Fahrenheit (27° Celsius) in January.

Both San Juan, the capital, and Ponce, the island’s second largest city, have several gay and LGBT-friendly bars and nightclubs, and last year’s Pride Parade in San Juan attracted more than 5,000 people. Most gay bars are in San Juan’s vibrant Santurce neighborhood. Circo Bar is the most popular, and Oceano is a sophisticated, gay-owned, open-air beach bar across from Condado Beach. While there aren’t any lesbian bars per se (the last one, Cups, closed a few years ago), the go-to place for lesbians is El Cojo Bar (in the Hato Rey district), but all of Puerto Rico’s gay bars welcome women. Also worth a visit are Tía María Liquor Store and Splash Lounge.

While San Juan is the best base during your Puerto Rican gay-cation, don’t miss out on the rest of the island. The jungles of El Yunque National Forest will wow even avid hikers, the underground caves of Río Camuy Cave Park are spectacular, and of course there are dozens of picture-perfect Caribbean beaches all over the island.

A quick ferry ride brings you to Puerto Rico’s hidden gems: the island of Vieques, which is famous for Mosquito Bay and has the most bioluminescent bays in the world, and Culebra Island, where the turquoise waters at the stunning Playa Flamenco makes all your Caribbean beach dreams come true.

Vieques, a small dreamy island largely untouched by tourism, is especially popular with lesbian travelers. Don’t expect any LGBT nightlife there, but instead serene beaches, unspoiled nature, and even wild horses that roam freely in some parts. TripAdvisor listed Vieques as one of Top 25 Beach Destinations in the world, because the island has “more than 40 beaches and not one traffic light.” If you’re looking for a relaxing hideaway or a lesbian-friendly wedding spot—the W Resort offers same-sex ceremonies—Vieques is the place for you.

When to go: Puerto Rico is a wonderful beach destination during the winter months in the northern hemisphere. Mid-April to June, before the summer rainy season starts, is also a good time to visit — you’ll encounter less crowded beaches and fewer tourists. The gayest event of the year is Puerto Rico Pride, but the date for the 2019 edition has yet to be announced; it usually happens on Memorial Day Weekend.

Before you go: The upscale beachfront Ocean Park area of San Juan is where most LGBT travelers tend to stay. Not far from there is Condado, a pedestrian area with a gay-friendly beach (the stretch facing the gay Atlantic Beach Hotel). TripSavvy has a list of gay and gay-friendly hotels in San Juan.

***

Of course, these are not the only places that are worth a trip this year — there are hundreds of others around the globe. You don’t have to trek halfway around the globe to discover new amazing destinations. Why not plan a lesbian break during Pride weekend in a city nearby? But, out of all the places I’ve visited, I’ve found these had some of my favorite welcoming and vibrant Lesbian communities! They shouldn’t be missed.

What are your favorites? Leave a comment and let us know.

Dani Heinrich is the vagabonding writer and photographer behind GlobetrotterGirls.com. Originally from Germany, she has been nomadic since 2010, when she quit her corporate job and embarked on a round-the-world-trip. She has traveled through over 60 countries on four continents and has no plans to stop any time soon! You can also follow her adventures on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hotel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

World Nomads (for everyone below 70)

Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!

Photo credits: 3, 5

The post The Top 5 Lesbian Travel Destinations in 2019 appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

source https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/lesbian-travel-destinations/

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