A Brit and A Southerner

Ocmulgee Mounds – Explore One of the Best Things to Do in Macon

Georgia

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Mar 30, 2017

Ocmulgee Mounds – Explore One of the Best Things to Do in Macon

Who would have thought that an area of historic Native American mounds would be such an interesting experience? That’s exactly what we thought before heading to Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park (formerly Ocmulgee National Monument) in the heart of Macon, Georgia. If you are looking to find the best things to do in Macon, this is certainly one of the more popular choices and with good reason.

When you first hear about a bunch of grass mounds providing an intriguing spectacle, you could be forgiven for wondering why on earth you would waste your time here. After spending some time exploring the area it’s certainly an interesting reflection on American history that has been preserved.

Where is Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park?

You may be wondering how we stumbled across the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park? After leaving Atlanta en route to Jacksonville, Florida, we headed down I-75 knowing that we would pass through the city of Macon, GA.

A quick Google search led us to believe that Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park was worth exploring so we took the short drive from the interstate to find out what this was all about.

Click here for directions to Ocmulgee National Monument using Google Maps

History

The history of Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park is what makes this such an intriguing place to explore. When you hear that this place dates back 17,000 years and is a prehistoric American Indian site, if you are an avid historian or archaeological guru, this place is certainly an attractive spot to visit.

Ocmulgee National Monument protects and preserves “Lands commonly known as the Old Ocmulgee Fields”

There have been four different prehistoric cultures that have resided on the Ocmulgee land until European settlers set foot on this part of the world. Ocmulgee is the ancestral homeland of the Muscogee tribe which now resides in the state of Oklahoma.

When you visit Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park today, you can set foot on this hallowed ground and learn all about the history of the tribes and different cultures that resided here.

Meanwhile, the visitor center includes an informative museum with a variety of ancient artifacts found during the mass excavations of the Macon Plateau.

Ocmulgee Hiking Trails

There are several distinctive mounds that you can explore throughout the landscape. A designated walking trail has been created and if you are really adventurous you can experience the full 3.25-mile loop (there are up to 6 miles of different trails around Ocmulgee) that also takes in some of the forest and wetland environments.

For those of you just interested in learning more about the American Indian settlers here, take a short 1/2 mile trail from the Visitor Center to the Great Temple Mound. This trail leads to three of Ocmulgee’s most popular landmarks –the Earth Lodge, the Trading Post site, and the Greater and Lesser Temple Mounds.

You also have the opportunity to cross over the iconic railway that leads to the unfortunate demise of Ocmulgee Mounds as settlements for local tribes. Here are is a list of the various trails you can experience here:

Dunlap Trail – 1/4 Mile
McDougal Trail – 1/2 Mile
Heritage Trail – 3/4 Mile
Opelofa Trail – 1 Mile
Bartram Trail – 3/4 Mile
Visitor Center to the Great Temple Mound – 1/2 Mile
Southeast Mound Trail – 1/4 Mile
Hitchiti Village Site Trail – 1/2 Mile
River Trail – 1 Mile
Funeral Mound Trail – 1/4 Mile
Corn Field Mound Trail – 1/4 Mile

As you can see, there are plenty of ‘short’ hikes available so if you are planning on staying in the area and want a variety of things to do in Macon, be sure to check out a variety of these trails. A word of warning, if you plan on taking the River trail, be sure to watch out for alligators and other wildlife that are frequently spotted along this route!

Earth Lodge

The first mound we stumbled across with any significance was the wonderfully named ‘Earth Lodge’. As we approached this mound, we had no idea that as we went around the side we would have the opportunity to crawl (unless you are only 5ft tall, you will be crawling!) inside and explore.

The central chamber can be accessed through the narrow tunnel before you can then stand upright and appreciate the interior.

A smoke hole is the only other form of access for light to enter the tunnel though today the air-conditioned museum display offered a moment of respite from the searing hot weather outside.

Historians and archaeologists have researched the Earth Lodge and after uncovering this mound during excavations in 1938, it soon became apparent that this was a unique structure with nothing else like this in the surrounding area. Research also suggests that the tribes guilty of creating this Earth Lodge were inspired by the Pawnee tribes who followed similar design features when creating these types of structures.

Impact of the Railroad

In 1843, the Central Georgia Railroad constructed a railway line that ran through the heart of Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park. It’s no surprise to hear that this had a detrimental effect and in fact damaged many of the iconic mounds that are in close proximity to the present day railroad tracks. It destroyed a portion of the Lesser Temple Mound and the great prehistoric town that was once on this site.

Today, as you walk along the trail, crossing over the bridge gives you time to reflect on the history of this landscape and how human intervention helped cause the demise of a natural habitat used by prehistoric tribes.

I’m glad that this location has been designated as a National Monument and will be preserved in the future because these types of locations are becoming less prevalent in today’s society. Reading about the prehistoric tribes is one thing but there is nothing quite like investigating their roots and how they survived in communities like Ocmulgee.

Great Temple Mound

After crossing the railroad tracks, you can immediately see the magnificent sight of the Great Temple Mound in the distance. This is the largest mound at the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park site and is well worth the short hike from the visitor center. The mound stands at 55ft and is located on a high bluff overlooking the floodplain of the Ocmulgee River.

A walkway and steps are located at the side of the Great Temple Mound and provide easy access for visitors to climb to the summit.

You are well and truly on top of the world, well at least in Macon, Georgia when you reach the top of the mound and the panoramic views offer stunning scenery across the surrounding countryside.

Visitors are not allowed on the slopes of any of the mounds but the Great Temple Mound is one that is large enough for you to walk around the top before heading back along the trail.

Summary

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park is certainly a gem worth visiting if you are in this part of Georgia. When it comes to the best things to do in Macon, Ocmulgee is definitely near the top of that list especially if you have any interest in American history, prehistoric cultures or gorgeous panoramic Georgia landscapes.

5 Things to Do in Franklin for an Amazing Weekend Getaway

Tennessee

Chris Boothman

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Mar 27, 2017

14

5 Things to Do in Franklin for an Amazing Weekend Getaway

Located in the heart of Tennessee, Franklin is a historic town that is frequently left in the shadow of nearby Nashville. Having spent an amazing weekend exploring this beautiful city, we can well and truly attest this should be on your radar if it’s not already. Franklin, Tennessee is rich with history and culture, while offering plenty of other reasons to inspire a return visit to this beautiful area. If you are looking for the top things to do in Franklin during an amazing weekend getaway, keep reading!

Have you ever visited a “smaller” town just outside of the hustle and bustle of a major city and realized that life there is just so much better? That’s the exact feeling we had when we visited Franklin. We love to explore and experience as much as we can during a weekend but when you are heading to a city, it’s frequently difficult given that you are faced with challenges such as heavy traffic, inadequate public transportation or simply an overwhelming list of attractions that you don’t know where to start.

But Franklin isn’t a high profile metropolis and instead, it’s a quirky and beautiful town where you can experience A LOT during 48 hours! Let’s take a look at how we enjoyed our recent weekend break in this part of the Volunteer state.

Before venturing out into the top things to do in Franklin, I’m sure you may be interested to find the perfect spot to stay overnight while in this area.

Where to Stay in Franklin?

Franklin may not be the high-profile destination like other parts of Tennesse such as Memphis or Nashville but there are still plenty of places to stay. Whether you are looking for a spot close to historic downtown or prefer to enjoy somewhere closer to Cool Springs (a suburb of Franklin renowned for plenty of places to dine and to sample retail therapy), you won’t be short of options.

Our weekend accommodation was the spectacular Marriott Franklin Cool Springs which has recently undergone renovations and is certainly a gorgeous option in a great location.

Just a few minutes from Cool Springs Galleria and a myriad of local and chain restaurant options, the Marriott is a hotel we can highly recommend if you plan a trip to Franklin.

your travels begin with energy, style, and luxury (Marriott Franklin Cool Springs)

I LOVE the philosophy advertised by the hotel on their website! I certainly agree after staying at this location that your experience in Franklin is certainly energized and you are raring to get out and explore the inherent history throughout this town.

I have to admit, given the luxurious accommodations available at the Marriott Franklin Cool Springs, it’s tough leaving your hotel room or the myriad of amenities available.

Things to Do in Franklin

Please let us take you away from the luxury lifestyle of the Marriott Franklin Cool Springs and head into Franklin to find out more…don’t worry, there are plenty of “luxury” hotspots around this town to entertain yourselves!

Here are some of the key reasons to visit Franklin but as always, there are plenty of other things waiting to be discovered.

History buff? Franklin has you covered with the history surrounding the Battle of Franklin!
Architecture aficionado? Franklin has you covered in Historic Downtown!
Love local coffee shops and boutique shops? Franklin has you covered at “The Factory at Franklin!”
Ready to experience a quirky town, home of many iconic country stars? Franklin has you covered at Leipers Fork.
Enjoy sampling craft beers from local breweries? Visit Franklin in March to enjoy the Main Street Brew Fest.

Battle of Franklin

Even if you are an avid historian familiar with the American Civil War during the 19th century, you may not be aware of the historic Battle of Franklin that took place on November 30, 1864. The nearby city of Nashville had been taken over by Union forces and the Confederates knew that in order to have any opportunity to reclaim a grasp of the Civil War, they had to retake this key location.

Many believed that Franklin was a ‘safe haven’ given that there was no real need for either side to fight for this location. It’s proximity to Nashville meant that it was a spot that both forces would have to pass through as they made their way north.

However, as the race to Nashville intensified, Franklin became the historic spot where battle commenced, primarily because of both sides having to cross the Harpeth river.

When the Union forces arrived and tried to cross, they realized that all the bridges were destroyed so had to set up their base and prepare bridges for the thousands of troops and vehicles to cross. This allowed the Confederates time to arrive and subsequently, the bloody battle commenced.

Today, Franklin offers an opportunity to take a look at several iconic locations that were at the heart of the “Battle” and guided tours of these, provide an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of why this town quickly became an integral part of the American Civil War.

There are actually three different civil war sites that can be toured including the Carnton Plantation, Carter House, and Lotz House. We opted to experience just two of these by visiting the Carter House and later in the day, the Carnton Plantation.

If you have more time in Franklin, be sure to visit all three in addition to other spots that are scattered around the town that played an important role in the Battle.

As you can see from our pictures, we saw the Carter house twice during a light snowstorm and then the following day when the weather was perfect. Can you imagine fighting a battle in snowy conditions?

Explore Historic Downtown

Having spent our first day in Franklin learning about the history surrounding this town, we decided to head to the renowned historic downtown vicinity to walk around and explore some of the fine architecture that lines the streets.

Not only can you stumble across some gorgeous architectural designs, you will find a number of boutique establishments, a variety of local restaurants and even the vibrant sight of the legendary Franklin Theatre.

Be sure to check the theater listings ahead of your visit because it’s well worth considering spending an evening watching a production in this historic venue.

Our journey around downtown Franklin started at the corner of Main Street and 5th Avenue as we admired the gorgeous sight of the Historic Franklin Presbyterian Church.

You will find plenty of free parking on Main Street or alternatively, there are parking garages that offer free parking. It’s a refreshing sight to visit a location that offers this, as frequently you are trying to find somewhere that is affordable and secure.

Why not start your morning by heading to the wonderfully named Frothy Monkey to sample your favorite espresso before heading to Main Street to enjoy a couple of hours exploring the finest local merchandise?

Walking along Main Street, we visited a couple of stores that offer quirky souvenirs and gifts to remind you of your visit to Franklin. One of the best has to be White’s Mercantile which is described by owner Holly Williams as, “a general store for the modern-day tastemaker”.

A fun fact that you may not be aware of is that Williams is the daughter of country legend Hank Williams Jr. Heading inside you may be forgiven for expecting a plethora of country inspired merchandise but instead, it’s a blend of “modern-day chic simplicity fitted for shoppers around the globe.”

Another store along Main Street that may capture your attention include Seersucker Candy Co. where you can enjoy local, handmade candies. Advertised as selling “classically curious confections”, it’s no surprise that visitors to Franklin always find time to pay Seersucker’s a visit.

If you are ready to enjoy a bite to eat, Gray’s on Main is a popular restaurant with a vast menu to choose from to satisfy all appetites. Perhaps a little Irish cuisine at McCreary’s Irish Pub is your preference or maybe you are salivating over the various pizzas available at either Mellow Mushroom or Pieology Pizzeria. Regardless of the choice you make, I think it’s fair to say you won’t be leaving Franklin hungry!

Enjoy The Factory at Franklin

When you start discovering the beauty throughout Franklin, you will notice that there is a quirky side to this town, especially if you choose to visit The Factory at Franklin.

What was once an old, dilapidated factory has since been transformed into a large retail space and is a real focal point of Franklin that attracts visitors from all corner of the globe.

Whether this is because it is the home base of global travel brand, Lonely Planet or perhaps just because of the really cool experiences you can have inside “The Factory.”

A visit to The Factory wouldn’t be the same without sampling Franklin’s iconic donut shop – Five Daughters Bakery.

Forget the traditional donuts that you can buy anywhere and instead sample one of the infamous “100-layer donuts.”

Admittedly, at $4.50 each, they are not cheap but as a luxury delicacy, they are worth indulging over at least once during your visit to Franklin.

Meanwhile, a short walk from this bakery offers visitors the opportunity to sample a fine coffee house.

Honest Coffee Roasters is a trendy spot to just ‘hang out’ and enjoy a freshly brewed coffee or latte before spending more time exploring the boutique establishments scattered throughout The Factory.

Visit Leipers Fork

Ready to explore a different part of Franklin? Just a short drive into the Tennessee countryside from downtown Franklin is the rural village of Leipers Fork.

When we first arrived here, I have to admit that both of us were a little surprised at just how small Leipers Fork really is.

However, after parking in front of one of the local stores, we quickly found out that despite the small size, this town certainly offers a lot for visitors to the area. The popular hangout spot for visitors and locals alike is Puckett’s of Leipers Fork.

This local grocery store is more than just a place to grab a loaf of bread or soda. Instead, it’s a restaurant where you can grab a quick meal and also a popular hotspot for live performances on the stage inside.

Many famous artists that live in the region have been known to pop into Puckett’s and perform a number or two to the delight of visitors. Visiting on a Sunday morning meant that it was relatively quiet apart from a few locals and bikers that were passing through Leipers Fork.

Puckett’s may not be the most aesthetically appealing sight when you enter the store but don’t let this fool you! Delicious food accompanied by a variety of drinks make this THE place to visit when you are in Leipers Fork.

I can’t imagine that you would need more than a couple of hours to explore everything that Leipers Fork offers but as you are heading back to Franklin, be sure to check out Leipers Fork Distillery to sample some local whiskey.

Main Street Brew Fest

Our main reason for visiting Franklin was to experience the 14th annual Main Street Brew Fest event that takes place in the heart of downtown. Over 80 local craft beers are available for sampling from more than 35 different vendors aiming to attract your attention and inspire you to drink more of their beverages.

Main Street Brew Fest is more than just a craft beer drinking experience. With a number of local food trucks offering a plethora of delicious cuisine, along with music and entertainment (Boomerang were the entertainers in 2017), Franklin hosts an annual event that I am convinced will continue to grow in the future.

We had an awesome time sampling some of Franklin’s finest local brews and we will be putting together another post focused specifically on this event as we can’t wait to share many of our favorite brews with you.

Just to let you into a little secret, not only were the craft beers amazing, the various ciders and even sparkling alcoholic water were not to be missed! Be sure to check out our post on the Main Street Brew Fest in Franklin to get some more inspiration on Franklin brews you have to try.

Summary

Yet again we experienced a hectic but enjoyable weekend and I am sure you will be ready to add Franklin, Tennessee to your list of destinations worth visiting. We have been frequent visitors to Nashville and although we have spent some time at Cool Spring Galleria, Franklin has frequently fallen under our radar as I am sure it does with many others.

However, having spent the weekend experiencing everything we shared above, I think it’s fair to say that Franklin is now right where it needs to be on our radar and we are already raring to head back and experience more of this historic town.

Franklin is obviously famous for the historic battle and I love how the community has embraced this through the various civil war sites that are open to the public today. But as we noticed, it is more than just a historic location and there are plenty of things to do in Franklin regardless of your interest in civil war history.

We hope that you are inspired to visit Franklin in the near future and perhaps we will see you at the 15th Main Street Brew Fest in 2018 as we already can’t wait to sample more of those delicious brews!

Disclaimer – We would like to thank Visit Franklin for hosting us on this trip. These are solely our personal opinions/experiences and we were not financially compensated for this post.

10 Best Places to Visit in Canada for an Awesome Weekend

Canada

Chris Boothman

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Mar 23, 2017

19

10 Best Places to Visit in Canada for an Awesome Weekend

What better way to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Canada than by exploring some of the best spots worth visiting around this beautiful nation. We have been fortunate to visit several of Canada’s most iconic locations over the last few years and after collaborating with some of our travel blogging friends, we are eager to head back and explore more! Identifying the best places to visit in Canada for a weekend getaway isn’t easy and this list is far from exhaustive, but hopefully it will give you some inspiration for an upcoming trip.

Featuring both the best urban areas of Canada and even some of the remote rural areas, we are delighted to introduce Canada’s finest hotspots and after reading this, I’m sure you will be ready to do your part in celebrating the 150th anniversary in fine style.

Our lifestyle means that much of our travel is done over the weekend and what better way to continue this theme than by sharing some of Canada’s best spots to visit for a long weekend getaway.

Best Places to Visit in Canada – 150 Years

How do you plan on celebrating Canada’s 150th anniversary? I am sure you all have your own ideas but why not follow our recommendation – EXPLORE THIS BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY! After visiting Canada on a couple of occasions, we have arrived at the realization that you should NEVER need an excuse to return to the Maple Leaf nation to explore more.

In fact, there is such a plethora of natural beauty mixed in with some delightful urban environments, that Canada is perhaps the finest example of a nation that possesses everything a modern day traveler could wish for.

If you are not familiar with the many things that Canada will be doing in 2017 to celebrate this event, the most intriguing is perhaps the offer of FREE entrance to all of the national parks scattered around the country.

We are particularly excited about this and already have our pass (you can apply online for free and within a few weeks you will be mailed a pass along with a map of all the parks) ready to start exploring in the next few months.

But if you don’t have the time or desire to visit these national parks, well you must be CRAZY! In all seriousness, there is so much more to Canada and visiting iconic locations such as Quebec City, Toronto and Vancouver will surely spark your interest.

Let’s take a look at the best places to visit in Canada according to our blogging friends from around the world based on their experiences.

Vancouver

Before we hand this over to our blogging friends, we want to share our favorite spot in Canada – Vancouver! Road tripping from Seattle, we were able to experience Vancouver for a long weekend by exploring all of the downtown hotspots and also a couple of places just outside the city center including the spectacular Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Vancouver is an urban delight with plenty of attractions to keep you occupied for much more than a weekend getaway. We strongly encourage you to check out attractions like FlyOver Canada, BC Sports Hall of Fame and Chinatown.

There is a strong multi-cultural vibe throughout Vancouver and regardless of your cuisine preference, you can be sure that this city will have something that intrigues you.

Perhaps the most relaxing part of Vancouver is Stanley Park. Located in the heart of the city, this is a great place to just ‘get away’ from the hustle and bustle of city life.

With gorgeous scenes across the lake, particularly when the fall colors are in full bloom and plenty of history to learn with the totem poles that are located inside the park, this is probably our favorite spot from our trip to Vancouver.

If you need a little more convincing that Vancouver is worth experiencing, be sure to check out our post on the top 10 reasons to visit Vancouver. What other reasons would you add to this list?

Quebec City

A haven of French culture in North America, Quebec City’s European charms are enough to draw any traveler.

Spend your day exploring the cobblestone streets of the historic Petit-Champlain district, the heart of Old Quebec since 1608, where you’ll now find independent shops and cafes in view of the grand Hotel Chateau Frontenac.

Gorgeous any time of year, Quebec City celebrates winter with a joie de vivre like nowhere else. Each winter locals and visitors celebrate all things snowy with the Winter Carnaval and live out their Frozen fantasies at the Hotel du Glace, Canada’s only ice hotel.

Thanks to Brianna Simmons from Casual Travelist for highlighting some of our favorite spots around Quebec City. We would also add Montmorency Falls as a great spot that you HAVE to experience when you are in this part of Canada.

Jasper

Jasper is the dream destination for a weekend getaway! It perfectly combines mountains, a cute ski city, outdoor activities, and more. Jasper is very busy and popular in the summer, but even more magical in the winter!

During the winter months, the snow blankets the mountains and the rivers and lakes turn to ice. If you visit during the winter, make sure to explore the Maligne Canyon. The water in the river freezes and becomes 1-3 meters thick! The waterfalls freeze and the canyon becomes a glittering ice palace!

If you want to hit the slopes, Marmot Basin is THE place to ski. If you are a newbie, they have a ton of ‘easy’ runs so you can get in on the fun too. If you are a pro, the black diamond and double black diamond runs will be right up your alley!

Regardless of the time of year you visit, make sure to take some time to drive the Icefields Parkway. It is one of the premiere drives in the world and runs from Jasper down to Banff for over 3.5 hours. During your drive, you may be fortunate enough to come across wildlife such as wild sheep, elk, coyotes, wolves and maybe even a moose!

Jasper is the perfect way to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary nestled among the Rocky Mountains.

Thanks to Victoria Yore (and Terrence!) from Follow Me Away for sharing some eerily beautiful pictures of Jasper. This is definitely a destination worth visiting at any time of the year. I am sure many of you are familiar with the iconic landscapes of Jasper and Banff in the heart of summer but as you can see from these pictures, it is equally spectacular all year round. Jasper is definitely on our list of destinations to visit in 2017!

Montreal

Montreal was our choice to have a romantic European-style getaway closer to home. Aside from the relatively close location to our home in New Hampshire, Montreal had everything we wanted. Awesome attractions, plenty of shopping, and of course, chocolate…I mean food.

The attractions throughout Montreal are numerous and so close together. Art of all descriptions is everywhere, even on the alley walls.

Museums, festivals (there are over 100+ yearly), and countless other activities are literally minutes away. There’s an amazing underground tunnel system connecting to most locations that will keep you warm and secure.

Although we are not big shoppers, we couldn’t help but be lured into the many wonderful shops and boutiques lining Old Montreal’s shopping district. You’ll feel like you are walking down a quaint European cobble-stoned street in France as you pass many interesting shops and bakeries.

Speaking of bakeries, the food is fantastic. Montreal caters to all cuisines and all budgets, but be sure to save room for dessert. If you are a chocolate lover Cacao 70 is your Nirvana, and you can thank me later for the suggestion.

Thanks to Cathy and Frank from RoarLoud for inspiring us to want to visit Montreal again. Although we have spent a few hours here exploring some of the iconic attractions, I think it’s fair to say that we are raring to head back after reading this inspiring review! Are you ready to see this part of Canada?

Riding Mountain National Park

Riding Mountain National Park is located a few hours away from Winnipeg in the southwestern region of Manitoba. You will find endless nature and a small, adorable lakeside town, called Wasagaming. The park is home to four distinct ecosystems: rough fescue grasslands, upland boreal forests, eastern deciduous forests and marsh wetlands.

All of this landscape diversity creates a fantastic array of outdoor adventure opportunities. Our favorite adventures consist of kayaking, hiking, taking a sunset cruise on Clear Lake, and spotting bison on a driving safari at the Lake Audy Bison Enclosure.

Stay at either the cozy Lakehouse Boutique Hotel in Wasagaming townsite or for a more rustic experience try camping in an oTENTik at Wasagaming Campground just on the edge of town.

In addition to the abundance of nature, there are also several great restaurants to eat at, as well—a few great options are The Whitehouse Bakery for the famous cinnamon rolls, Foxtail Café for stone fired pizza, and the create your own ice cream sandwiches at the Lakehouse Ice Cream shop.

The unique mix of both outdoor adventures and small town charm make this spot the perfect weekend getaway!

Thanks to Jenna Kvidt from Wander The Map for highlighting a “lesser” known area of Canada that is still a breathtaking part of the nation that we all need to be aware of. If you are heading to the Winnipeg area of Canada, be sure to add this to your itinerary as we are sure you won’t regret it!

Toronto

It may not be the capital of Canada, but Toronto is the heart and soul of the “Great White North.” Extremely diverse and surprisingly easy to get around, your biggest question is simple: What do you want to do first?

A few of my favorite attractions around the city are as follows:

Hockey Hall of Fame – The largest collection of hockey memorabilia in the world. If you’re a hockey fan, you’ll recognize the great names of the sport’s history. If you’re only vaguely familiar with how the game is played, consider this your chance to get up to speed.

A 22-minute film shows some of the finest plays in playoff history, but the highlights are easily the interactive games blending screens and real hockey equipment. Shoot at a virtual goal, or put on a goalie’s gloves and try to block shots from virtual players.

MZTV Museum of Television – This low-key museum focuses on the television sets (not television programming) to show the history of the boob tube. The one-room museum starts with a few examples of mechanical TV’s, which used a light source and a spinning, perforated scanning disk to create an image.

A highlight is a unique RCA-made device used during the 1939 World’s Fair – people were given the opportunity to wave to their friends and family back home in front of a live camera

The Monkey’s Paw – Specializing in antiquarian books and offbeat titles, it’s a great introduction to some Canadian humor and fun. The highlight here is the vending-machine-sized ‘Biblio-Mat’ you see in the picture below.

Insert a “toonie” (a $2 CAD coin) or some combination of coins, and this unique machine will offer up a random ‘old and unusual’ book complete with a wrapper.

Thanks to Chris Backe from One Weird Globe for sharing a few of the iconic and “off the beaten path” attractions around Toronto that create the perfect itinerary for a weekend getaway. Any visit to Canada wouldn’t be the same without sampling something associated with hockey right!

Bay of Fundy

The perfect weekend getaway from Halifax is a trip to the Bay of Fundy, home to the world’s highest tides! There are many ways to experience the force of the Bay of Fundy from adrenaline activities, to relaxed walks or active getaways.

For thrill seekers, we recommend tidal bore rafting the Shubenacadie River you ride the waves ride the waves as the tide comes in with brute force. Pack your nerve as you feel the pure power of 160 billion tons of water rush in.

If that’s a little too much for you, make your way to Burnthead Coat Park where you can walk on the ocean floor when the tide is low. Every 13 hours the tide goes out and visitors have the chance to experiences this natural phenomenon seeing the formations from below.

Our favorite activity was an overnight kayaking trip to where we paddled through the famous Three Sisters stacks. Making our way from Advocate Harbour to seal cove, we camped on the beach witnessing the tide flow in and out where one minute we could paddle through sea caves and the next, be walking inside.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Bay of Fundy is truly a world wonder. Burnthead Coast and Shubenacadie River are 1:15 minutes from Halifax and Advocate Harbour is a two-hour drive from the city.

Thanks to Deb and Dave from The Planet D for sharing their experiences in this part of Canada. If you are in and around the Halifax area, the Bay of Fundy looks like a gorgeous area worth exploring. We cannot wait to add this to our list of growing destinations we need to visit across the border but for now, we will sit back and appreciate the beauty through the eyes of Dave and Deb!

Calgary

Located in the heart of the foothills and next to the Canadian Rockies lies Calgary, Alberta. Canada’s fourth largest city is world famous for the Calgary Stampede, which takes place every July. If you’re looking for a citywide party with hundreds of concerts and cowboy hats, this is the time to come.

However, Calgary is much more than partying in cowboy boots. One of the best free local summer activities is taking a raft down the Bow River for a relaxing float or taking a stroll around the beautiful Prince’s Island Park.

If you’re looking to explore inner-city nature further, Calgary is also home to Fish Creek Park, which is one of the largest urban parks in North America. This is a great place to peddle a bike or go for a jog, or you can stop by Glenmore Reservoir and rent a sailboat.

Even in the winter, Calgary has plenty of fun activities ranging from an Olympic bobsleigh track where you can experience feeling like a speeding bullet, Zoo Lights if you’re into epic displays of Christmas lights, or inner-city skiing at Canada Olympic Park.

Whether you visit Calgary in the warmer months or the colder months, there’s plenty of things to do. Plus, if you get tired of exploring the city, you can take a side-trip to Banff National Park and experience Canada’s top tourist attraction.

Thanks to Matt Bailey from Live Limitless and Must Do Canada for sharing a few reasons why Calgary needs to be on your radar. I think the skyline alone is enough for me but perhaps that’s just because I love architecture!

Bruce Peninsula National Park

One of the best places in Canada is without a doubt Ontario’s Bruce Peninsula. Located 300 kilometers north-east of Toronto, the peninsula is flanked on one side by Lake Huron and the other Georgian Bay. And lover of the great outdoors will be in their glory as they explore the Bruce Peninsula.

The Bruce Peninsula is full of natural wonders, epic cliffside views, the infamous Grotto, and surrounded by crystal clear blue waters that will make you think you’re in the Caribbean.

The Peninsula is home to amazing parks, fantastic hiking trails – including the Bruce Trail, plenty of picturesque lighthouses, and a scattering of charming small towns like Lion’s Head and Tobermory.

Don’t forget to explore its surrounding waters. Great for divers, with its over 20 shipwrecks just off the shore. And also, Flowerpot Island, a mecca for nature nuts, wildlife, and natural rock sea stacks known as flowerpots.

I highly recommend a visit to the Bruce Peninsula, it will leave you wanting to return!

Thanks to Stephanie Mayo from The World As I See It for sharing this gorgeous part of Canada. It may not be the first destination you think of visiting but I know we are inspired to add this to our bucket list after reading these recommendations.

Ottawa

Ottawa, the capital of Canada, is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway. There’s always a festival or an event happening in the city.

For instance, you must travel to Ottawa during the Winterlude festival in February to see spectacular ice sculptures designed by artists from all over the world. Missed Winterlude? Don’t fret, you can skate on the Rideau Canal throughout the entire winter season. Skate on the world’s largest skating rink that also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For a dose of Canadian history and politics, take a tour of the Parliament Buildings. I highly recommend that you take a trip to the top of the Peace Tower for one of the best views of the city.

A trip to Ottawa wouldn’t be complete without stopping at the ByWard Market. There are over 600 restaurants, shops, and stands featuring goods by local farmers and artisans. Within this four-block neighborhood, you’ll discover cafes, museums, boutiques, galleries, pubs, and more.

Ottawa could quite possibly be the best city to celebrate Canada Day. The party will start early on July 1st and continue all day and night. From musical performances to a massive fireworks display, you’re not going to want to miss it.

Thanks to Lauren from Justin Plus Lauren for sharing her favorite reasons to visit the Canadian capital. Ottawa is one of the main cities in Canada that we have yet to visit and after reading Lauren’s inspiring review, I think we need to book a trip here in the next year or two…perhaps to celebrate Canada Day!

Summary

We want to start by thanking all of our friends for sharing these amazing experiences around Canada! I think it’s fair to say that we all have enough ammunition here to justify booking a trip to Canada to celebrate the 150th anniversary. Whether you want to visit one of the many national parks or simply head to a historic city, finding the best place to visit in Canada has just been made a little easier.

I think it’s incredibly difficult to pick ‘one’ place worth visiting because we all have very different opinions on what we enjoy experiencing on a trip. However, I think when you look at places like Quebec City and Toronto, it’s fair to say that they pretty much have it all when it comes to history, culture and delicious cuisine!

This was an extremely difficult post to put together because trying to limit this to just ten spots around Canada was almost impossible. Places like Banff, Winnipeg, and many other national parks didn’t even make the cut. However, I don’t know about you but I am ready to sample some more maple syrup and head to Canada sooner rather than later.

What are your favorite places in Canada and are you planning a trip to celebrate the 150th anniversary this year?

Why Zero Grid Will Solve All of Your Crazy Packing Needs?

Product Reviews

Chris Boothman

-

Mar 20, 2017

36

Why Zero Grid Will Solve All of Your Crazy Packing Needs?

Is there anything more frustrating than trying to figure out how to stay organized when packing for an upcoming trip? We frequently face the same challenges as everyone else when it comes to keeping everything organized but we have recently found the perfect solution to overcome this recurring issue. Zero Grid is a relatively new brand that many of you may not be familiar with but after reading our review of some of their products, I am convinced that you will be raring to add these to your packing list.

Whether you are a nomadic traveler that needs to stay focused on carrying the essential items everywhere they go or perhaps a weekend traveler that prefers to stay in high-end luxury hotels, Zero Grid have products that will meet all types of travelers.

On our recent round the world trip spanning across three hectic weeks, we had a serious challenge trying to figure out exactly what to pack and how to stay organized without carrying too much luggage. Zero Grid made all of these decisions easy for us, so let’s take a look at some of their products that will make packing easier for you in the future.

The Zero Grid Brand

Before spending well-earned money on new accessories that are marketed as being “the next best thing” to solve all of our packing needs, we always like to do some research on the brand to see if they are producing high-quality products.

Zero Grid is a travel accessories company that makes it easier for travelers like you to pack less.

Zero Grid has a mission to develop products so that we can all “pack less and travel more.” Already, that is the sort of philosophy that appeals because let’s be honest, it’s a difficulty that we all face and wouldn’t it be awesome if we didn’t have to worry about packing and instead focus all our attention on actually traveling the world.

However, perhaps that still doesn’t answer the burning question about the Zero Grid brand in terms of the quality of their products. When reading about Zero Grid both on their website and through product reviews on other sites, it’s noticeable that this brand is truly determined to create high-quality accessories that will not only provide effective solutions for travelers but also be durable and pass the test of time!

Every item that is sold by Zero Grid is thoroughly tested before release and to echo their statement that they have an “uncompromising dedication to product quality,” this is enough for me to go ahead and try out their product line.

Frequent Traveler Problems

Zero Grid believes that travel should be about enjoying your experiences on the road which we 100% align with. Here are some of the catchphrases that this brand is focused on achieving through their product line:

“Over-packing ruins more trips than anything else” – We can all certainly relate to this! I am sure we can all remember those last minute packing decisions and ultimately regretting taking everything except for the kitchen sink on a trip!
“Memorable experiences are more important than material possessions” – This is certainly a philosophy that we are focused on promoting to our readers. As travel bloggers, we appreciate traveling the world but all too often people that don’t travel frequently prefer to have those meaningless possessions that they ‘hope’ will improve their lives.
“Technology should elevate our capabilities rather than lowering us with irrelevant and distracting features” – Technology and travel go hand in hand and we should be embracing this rather than fighting against it.

You can read all of the other areas that Zero Grid are aiming to resolve through their products on their About Us page.

Let’s take a look at the products we sampled on our recent trips and at the end of this post, you will have the opportunity to WIN your own set of these!

Compression Packing Cubes

We are all familiar with the struggles of packing all of your clothes into a suitcase. I am sure you have probably experienced having to sit or stand on top of your suitcase and try to zip it up before it explodes everywhere, only to arrive at your destination and the moment you start finding your clothes all of the organization is lost.

Don’t worry, Zero Grid’s answer to this exact problem is the collection of amazing compression packing cubes.

The packing cubes collection comprises of three separate packing cubes (one large and two small) and a combination laundry and shoe bag.

When you first open this product, you would be well within your right to think there is NO WAY that your clothes will fit inside the cubes. This was exactly what went through our mind as we contemplated the thought of packing three weeks of clothes into these small cubes. Keep the faith!

THE COMPLETE TRAVEL ORGANIZATION SYSTEM

If you are traveling as a family, consider purchasing two of these compression packing cubes to create your perfect, complete travel organization system!

You will be surprised at just how much can fit inside these compression cubes. We used the largest cube for our shirts and shorts and easily packed 8-10 garments inside this with a little room to spare. Each cube is breathable and flexible, so it’s no issue at all to try and cram all of your items into this small area.

There are A LOT of packing cubes on the market but one competitive advantage that Zero Grid has over its rivals is the breathability factor. You don’t have to be concerned that after a long flight your clothes will have a bad odor, instead, you can enjoy the pleasant clean smell of your clothes due to the design of these cubes.

Keep your clothes folded and ensure that everything is exactly where you packed it upon arrival at your destination. These small cubes pack easily inside your suitcase and leave ample room for other travel essentials around these.

Here is how we used the various packing cubes for our trip:

Largest Packing Cube – Shirts/Shorts
Small Sized Cube – Smaller shirts/Swimsuit/Underwear
Small Sized Cube – Underwear/Socks
Laundry/Shoe Bag – We only took one pair of shoes each but the Zero Grid laundry bag came in useful to keep our dirty laundry separated from our clean clothes.

Travel Toiletry Bag

At first glance, the Zero Grid travel toiletry bag doesn’t appear to be anything spectacular as it’s a pretty simple design. However, it’s what’s in the overall construction of this bag that makes this one of the best options on the market.

I am sure we have all experienced the unfortunate accident of seeing toothpaste leak inside your toiletry bag or even worse, shampoo and conditioner. The key benefit of Zero Grid’s toiletry bag is that it is 100% water-resistant and machine-washable.

There are two key compartments that help keep all of your bathroom and grooming products organized. The main area is large enough to hold a full-size bottle of shaving foam, toothpaste, toothbrush, soap and of course, travel sized products. The smaller compartment can be used to keep your razor or other essential bathroom products separated.

Electronics Travel Organizer

It’s inevitable that as a 21st-century traveler, you will be inundated with cables and tech gadgets. We frequently experience the problem of having to pull a huge collection of cables out of our bag after they have been mixed together but this is no longer going to be an issue.

Welcome to Zero Grid’s electronics travel organizer! This handy pouch is not only capable of holding some small electronic device such as an iPod or iPhone but it has a network of inner elastic straps where you can feed your cables and ensure they remain perfectly organized and easily accessible.

The Zero Grid Electronics Travel Case is a flexible storage solution that can keep your entire tech arsenal organized.

The main compartment is suitable for carrying SD cards, USB memory sticks, smaller cameras and even laptop chargers. It’s the perfect accompanying case in conjunction with your packing cubes and toiletry bag.

Another great advantage of this case is that it can be used even when you are not traveling. What better way to keep all of your electronics and cables organized than inside one case that you can take anywhere you go.

Whether you enjoy heading to your local Starbucks for your favorite espresso while you catch up on work or simply prefer to head to your home office, this case is the perfect way to achieve the organization your products deserve.

RFID Passport Holder and Travel Wallet

Have you ever considered the consequences of identity theft? It’s not necessarily something we want to think about but it’s the reality of modern day technology and we have to face the reality that there are hackers out there that will go to extremes to collection your valuable information.

Passports contain a plethora of secure information that hackers are ready to pounce upon given the opportunity. It’s our job to keep these secure but since the updates of most passports around the world to help expedite processing through security, it’s left us all vulnerable to identity theft.

The RFID passport holder and travel wallet is a great way to ensure your passport and other secure documents are kept 100% secure. Not only is it a deterrent from aspiring hackers out there, it’s a great way to keep your all important travel documents organized and in one secure place.

We enjoyed using this to not only store our passports but also our travel SIM cards that we used on the trip courtesy of KnowRoaming.

Travel Umbrella and Flash Light

When you come from a country like England where it’s pretty rare to have days where there is no rain, it’s no surprise to hear that I am always looking for a trendy looking umbrella to keep me dry.

You can’t let the weather stop you from getting out and exploring on your travels but you can certainly utilize a product that will keep you dry. There is nothing worse than heading out for the day only to be drenched within the first few hours and then have to walk around with your clothes soaked.

The Zero Grid umbrella is not only the “trendy” option that I referred to, it is also versatile enough to handle a variety of situations.

It’s “functional”, it’s “fashionable” (to coin the two words that Zero Grid are using to promote this awesome product) and it’s compact enough to throw into any bag without thinking you are carrying around extra weight. I haven’t even mentioned the built-in flash light yet!

This product is the perfect option for those that enjoy camping or venturing out late at night in locations where there is very little light. The LED flash light can pierce through the darkness and provide ample light to ensure you can walk home safely while at the same time staying dry in stormy conditions.

Summary

We are under no illusions that the travel accessory domain is a pretty saturated market with plenty of brands competing for your dollars. Having experienced a number of other travel brands products in recent years that failed to live up to our expectations, I have to admit we were both a little skeptical about Zero Grid’s product line. We soon realized we had nothing at all to worry about because all of their products are amazing and align perfectly with what we look for in organizing our travel gear.

Regardless of the type of traveler you are, Zero Grid has products to fit all of your needs and we are delighted to have used these on our last two trips around the world and to England. Not only are they perfect for a short weekend getaway, we have found that they work just as effectively for longer trips.

We wish you the best of luck in our giveaway below and if you choose to use Zero Grid, we look forward to hearing your feedback on these accessories.

***Be sure to subscribe to Zero Grid’s newsletter to get all of the latest updates on new product releases and giveaways.***

WIN Zero Grid Package

Enter below for a chance to win your very own collection of Zero Grid gear. We have partnered with this awesome brand to offer you the opportunity to win all of the above products that we experienced. After using these on our recent trips, we can well and truly attest that these are life-changing products that you will LOVE!

***THE DEADLINE FOR THIS GIVEAWAY HAS NOW PASSED***

CONGRATULATIONS TO JANE BRANSON FROM PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA ON WINNING THIS SET OF TRAVEL ACCESSORIES.

Disclaimer – Zero Grid provided us with samples of these products for our round the world trip for consideration of a blog post. The views contained within this post are entirely our personal opinion/experience and we received no final compensation for this.

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Summary

The Zero Grid Brand

Frequent Traveler Problems

Compression Packing Cubes

Travel Toiletry Bag

Electronics Travel Organizer

RFID Passport Holder and Travel Wallet

Travel Umbrella and Flash Light

Summary

WIN Zero Grid Package

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