Page 14 – A Brit and A Southerner

Big Basin Hiking – How to Enjoy an Amazing Redwood Trail

California

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May 28, 2018

Big Basin Hiking – How to Enjoy an Amazing Redwood Trail

When you think about California, it’s fair to say that many will likely consider Los Angeles, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, San Diego or perhaps even Yosemite National Park. However, during our visit to San Jose and Silicon Valley, we would argue that in terms of natural beauty, Big Basin Redwoods State Park is even more majestic than any of the aforementioned attractions. If you love the outdoors, Big Basin hiking trails are some of the best in the state.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park can lay claim to being California’s oldest state park. The stunning sight of these majestic coastal redwoods that tower above the California landscape is a true sight to behold and once you begin meandering through this state park, you immediately realize the size of these redwood forests.

Depending on how much time you have to explore Big Basin will likely determine which of the various hiking trails you choose to experience. Regardless of your choice, all of the trails epitomize Big Basin’s natural beauty and you will be eager to experience more! Let’s take a look at our brief adventure through California’s majestic landscape of redwood forest.

Where is Big Basin State Park?

For those of you planning a visit to Big Basin Redwoods State Park, you will be pleased to know that this is perfectly located to experience some of California’s other iconic landmarks. Situated in close proximity to both San Jose and San Francisco, this is a perfect time to organize an itinerary where you can explore the home of Google, Facebook and Apple while taking a trip to the Bay Area to enjoy an Alcatraz cruise or of course, the breathtaking Golden Gate Bridge.

Visiting this area of California may usually encourage you to utilize the awesome public transportation system, also known as the BART, but in order to appreciate Big Basin Redwoods State Park, we highly recommend renting a car for the ultimate experience.

A word of warning, if you are prone to car sickness, be prepared for an extremely winding road trip through the mountains to reach this state park. Don’t worry though, it’s worth the suffering when you arrive and have the opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty around you!

Directions

San Jose International Airport to Big Basin Redwoods State Park – 29 miles (50 minutes) – Click here for directions using Google Maps
San Francisco International Airport to Big Basin Redwoods State Park – 48 miles (1 hour 15 minutes) – Click here for directions using Google Maps

Parking

If you are planning a day visit to this state park, be prepared to pay $10 for parking at the headquarters. We visited during the late afternooon, so $10 was rather expensive given that we only spent a few hours there. However, all proceeds go back into the park, so it’s all for a good cause to help preserve this gorgeous, historic environment. If you arrive early, $10 is definitely a bargain!

History of Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Although the history of the Big Basin Redwoods landscape dates back thousands of years, the “state park” status originated in 1902 which again, to reiterate what I referenced earlier, makes this the oldest state park in California.

The establishment of Big Basin as a “state park” marked the beginning of the preservation and conservation movement in California and inspired the vision of many of the other areas that have been defined as such in more recent years.

It’s no surprise to hear that these ancient coastal redwood trees that range from 1,000 to 2,500 years old are the undoubted main attraction in this state park. Many of these giant natural attractions stand as tall as the State of Liberty (over 300 feet in height) and up to 50 feet around.

“Imagine a time when the whole peninsula from San Francisco to San Jose shall become one great city; then picture, at its very doorstep, this magnificent domain of redwood forests and running streams, the breathing place of millions of cramped and crowded denizens of the city.” (Carrie Stevens Walter, Sempervirens Club, 1901)

For those of you willing to hike deep into this state park, you may encounter a myriad of wildlife species, awesome panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and of course, my favorite, various waterfalls…but we will save those for another trip!

Spanning over 18,000 acres, Big Basin Redwoods State Park covers a landscape with a diverse ecosystem and once you reach the entrance to this park, you know that a real adventure is about to start.

Big Basin Hiking Trails

It’s all about the redwoods in Big Basin, so depending on the length of time you plan on spending inside this state park will determine which of the following hiking trails suits your style. With over 80 miles of distinctive hiking trails, varying in length and difficulty, there is sure to be something for every aspiring traveler who visits this iconic state park. You will be sure to want to return again because there is just so much to experience!

Although much of the redwood forest doesn’t have a direct hiking trail through it, here are some of the most popular trails that you can enjoy.

Redwood Nature Trail (0.6 miles) – Renowned as the most popular trail, primarily because it’s the easiest to navigate. This is the trail we experienced given our time constraints and keep reading for some of the best highlights around this trail. Don’t let the short distance fool you…there is PLENTY to keep you occupied on this trail!
Sunset-Skyline Short Loop (2.9 miles) – For those that are looking for a 1-2 hour trail and don’t mind a little strenuous activity, this is by far the best choice. You move away from the busy park headquarters and into redwood uplands.
Slippery Rock (5.4 miles) – The name of this trail sounds worse than it actually is…it’s a relatively easy hike that can be experienced on a day hike with plenty of awesome scenery.
Berry Creek Loop (10 miles) – If you love waterfalls as much I do, this is certainly going to be a hiking trail that will remain on your radar! Yes, it’s a lengthy hike and will likely take all day but not only will you experience a myriad of amazing redwood trees, you will also enjoy numerous waterfalls along this trail. Berry Creek Falls is by far the most popular destination in Big Basin and although it’s best experienced in the heart of winter, the falls run all year round.
Sempervirens Falls (3.4 miles) – Do you really want to experience a waterfall while exploring Big Basin Redwoods State Park? For those that don’t find the thought of hiking for 6-8 hours along the Berry Creek Loop particularly appealing, this is a shorter trail with another gorgeous waterfall at the end. The main drawback of this trail is that much of it runs parallel to a road, albeit fairly quiet.

Plenty of hiking trails to be found and the above are just a few of the alternatives available. Be sure to hop inside the park headquarters before venturing out into the redwood wilderness to figure out which trail is best for your visit.

For us, we only had time to enjoy the Redwood Nature Trail but as I referenced above, this should take nothing away from the beauty throughout this short and easy hike.

these trees, because of their size and antiquity, were among the natural wonders of the world, and should be saved for posterity (Andrew Hill, 1899)

Redwood Nature Trail

The Redwood Nature Trail is the perfect introduction to Big Basin Redwoods State Park. It’s a short trail that is less than one mile in distance and meanders through the redwood forestry by the park headquarters. At the beginning of the trail, you can collect a map that highlights a number of iconic points scattered around the trail and each one is numbered as you begin your journey through the forest.

The moment your journey deep into the forest begins, you quickly realize how you are dwarfed by the size of the redwoods surrounding you. Take a moment to peer up and the imposing sight of trees that have been present for thousands of years immediately points to the history in this area.

The beginning of the trailhead starts as you walk alongside Opal Creek (depending on which direction of the loop you choose to take) before encountering some of the best redwoods in the state park.

The Chimney Tree is one of many redwoods that are either hollow or have an opening large enough to fit a vehicle inside them and you can either walk through them or admire the breathtaking landscape around you.

The Mother and Father of the Forest trees are two other iconic landmarks that are unmistakeable and it’s through their sheer size (height and diameter) that makes these such an integral part of the California landscape.

Summary

If you are thinking about taking a hiking adventure around California, we would strongly recommend adding Big Basin Redwoods State Park to your itinerary. With a variety of challenging hiking trails to choose from, there is something for every level of expertise here and without doubt, the sight of those towering redwoods will leave you wanting to explore them further on a return trip.

The sight of a tree may not seem like much but when you explore Big Basin you will understand why admiring the beautiful components of a redwood forest are so much more than just your every day tree that we all take for granted.

And I think that’s where the reality hits home! We take trees and other natural habitats for granted and it’s only when you are encapsulated among this maelstrom of beauty that you realize the integral role they play in the landscape we live today.

Have you explored Big Basin Redwoods State Park? Are there other “redwood forests” that should be on our radar? Share your thoughts below!

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Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon – How to Enjoy Iceland’s Crown Jewel

Iceland

Chris Boothman

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May 21, 2018

4

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon – How to Enjoy Iceland’s Crown Jewel

There are certain landmarks around the world that perfectly represent the nation where they can be found. Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is a stereotypical example of this and perfectly represents Iceland, not only because it is a lagoon full of glacial ice fragments but also as it offers a breathtaking landscape that will hopefully entice visitors to explore more of the country.

Chunks of ice break off the Vatnajökull glacier and make their way into Jokulsarlon lagoon presenting a landscape unlike anywhere else that we have visited. Frequently renowned as “Iceland’s crown jewel,” Jokulsarlon is an attraction that offers a unique look at nature in action as you can learn all about the process of how the Vatnajökull glacier has helped shape the Icelandic landscape.

Jokulsarlon is a glacial lagoon in front of the Breiðarmerkurjökull glacier and part of Europe’s largest glacier, the Vatnajökull glacier. Let’s find out why Jokulsarlon will literally leave you speechless and gain a greater appreciation of Icelandic natural beauty (not that Iceland needs to offer this given that Jokulsarlon is just one of many amazing natural hotspots scattered across the island).

Where is Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon?

Like many other amazing natural attractions, Jokulsarlon Lagoon can be found along the south coast of Iceland. If you are raring to experience the best things to do in south Iceland, of course, places like Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, Vik, the Golden Circle (Geysir, Gullfoss, and Thingvellir National Park) and the nearby Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon will spring to mind.

But arguably the pièce de résistance of all natural attractions in south Iceland is Jokulsarlon! If you choose to visit Iceland in the heart of summer, you will be able to enjoy Jokulsarlon at any time of the day as you will benefit from the “Midnight Sun” experience. However, if you opt to visit in the winter, you will want to carefully plan your itinerary to ensure you can visit Jokulsarlon during the 3-4 hour window of daylight.

In terms of location, Jokulsarlon can be found in the south-east corner of Iceland, approximately 4 1/2 hours from Reykjavik and 2 hours from the southern town of Vik (the closest town is actually Höfn which is only 1 hour away!)

Vik to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon – 192 km (2 hrs 25 minutes)
Hofn to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon – 80 km (1 hr 5 minutes)
Reykjavik to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon – 371 km (4 hrs 45 minutes)

Explore Jokulsarlon Lagoon

The moment we arrived at Jokulsarlon we knew that it was going to be a pretty spectacular experience. We visited in July and during our 7-day Iceland road trip we enjoyed great weather and relatively warm conditions for Icelandic standards.

However, as we pulled into the gravel parking area at Jokulsarlon, we knew that this was going to be anything but warm! It was FREEZING but when we captured a glimpse of the glacier lagoon at Jokulsarlon, we immediately forgot about the cold weather.

We thoroughly enjoyed walking along the banks of the lagoon and admiring not only the huge glaciers that were quietly floating around but also the wildlife that was enjoying the surroundings, despite the obvious frigid conditions in the water. The icebergs slowly make their way to the Atlantic Ocean and of course, you will want to wander along the wonderfully acclaimed Diamond Beach to see some up close and personal ice fragments.

There are various viewpoints that you will want to check out, some from the edge of the lagoon and others from a higher vantage point that put the overall area into perspective as you gain a greater appreciation of the natural surroundings at Jokulsarlon.

Please be careful as you make your way around the edge of the lagoon and DO NOT attempt to climb on any icebergs that may be floating around the edge. There have been countless reports of folks making crazy attempts to take the “perfect” selfie but given the depth of this lagoon, it’s just not worth it!

Another incredible sight at Jokulsarlon is the majestic ice cap and glacier that stands at 3,000 feet above the Icelandic landscape. This provides the perfect backdrop to a glacial lagoon filled with freezing water and broken icebergs.

Are you a fan of James Bond? If so, the opening scene to “A View To A Kill” may be familiar as the glacial lagoon was used to represent Northern Siberia. Jokulsarlon has also been used in several other iconic movies such as “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider” and in yet another 007 feature, Pierce Brosnan’s “Die Another Day!”

Jokulsarlon Boat Tours

For those of you that want to enjoy an exhilarating experience on the glacial lagoon, if you visit between May and October you can enjoy a boat tour which is a great way to not only enjoy epic close-up encounters with the glacial ice but also learn all about the geological phenomenon that is Jokulsarlon.

Glacier Lagoon is a tour company that offers two alternative options depending on how adventurous you want to be.

Amphibious Boat Tour – The cheaper option and more “relaxing” experience is on board one of the four amphibian boats. During the 30-40 minute tour of Jokulsarlon, visitors pass through huge icebergs throughout the breathtaking landscape. Tickets are available at the time of publication for ISK 5700 / $57 USD. Be sure to check out the website for latest prices and availability.
Zodiac Boat Tour – Ready for a little more adventure? Consider taking the Zodiac boat tour where you can get even closer to the icebergs and cover a larger distance around Jokusarlon. Although the Zodiac tour is a little more expensive than the amphibian, the experience lasts around one hour and is well worth the extra cost. Tickets are available at the time of publication for ISK 9,800 / $97. Be sure to check out the website for latest prices and availability for the Zodiac boat tours.

Summary

Iceland is spoiled for choice when it comes to attractions that reflect the overall natural beauty of this nation. However, if you are looking for one particular landmark that perfectly highlights everything we love about Iceland, I would argue that Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is perhaps the best example.

Be prepared to visit one of Iceland’s most crowded attractions. Like many other iconic spots around Iceland, Jokulsarlon is a popular stop for tour buses but regardless of the number of visitors, there is plenty of space to ensure everyone can capture that perfect photograph to reminisce in the future of your visit to this breathtaking attraction.

If Jokulsarlon was named a “natural wonder of the world,” I don’t think anyone could actually argue with this given the beauty here. Whether you choose to visit Jokulsarlon in summer or winter, it’s inevitable that you will fall in love with this attraction and will look forward to a return visit.

Diamond Beach, Iceland – How to Enjoy This Unique Landscape

Iceland

Chris Boothman

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May 14, 2018

5

Diamond Beach, Iceland – How to Enjoy This Unique Landscape

Iceland is a magical landscape for so many reasons. Whether you fall in love with the best waterfalls in Iceland or perhaps the unique volcanic landscape that typifies the heart of the nation, it’s fair to say that Iceland has a little something for everyone. For those of you that have never visited Iceland, you would be correct in thinking that this country is full of “ice” and snow. Although the towering glaciers covered in ice are iconic locations around Iceland, you may not realize that even the beaches are at times home to ice fragments. Intrigued? You should be! Welcome to Diamond Beach, Iceland!

It’s crazy to imagine taking a stroll along a beach and stumbling across a gorgeous piece of ice. We are all familiar with the gorgeous, white sandy beaches that we associate with the Caribbean islands but what about when we present you with a black sandy beach full of intricately sculptured ice fragments? Sounds absolutely crazy and ultimately it’s an experience you have to see with your own eyes to actually believe it.

Let’s take a look at our experience visiting Diamond Beach.

When to Visit Diamond Beach Iceland?

I want to start by adding the caveat that we visited Diamond Beach in the heart of July during our epic week-long Iceland road trip! To put that into perspective for a second, July is the time of the year when Iceland is supposedly in the heart of summer and yet, you can still see fragments of ice floating out into the ocean along the shoreline of Diamond Beach.

Can you imagine what this location looks like in the middle of winter? Our previous visit to Iceland was in December but unfortunately, we only made it as far as Vik along the south coast, so missed out on the opportunity to explore Diamond Beach. That’s definitely another bucket list item for us!

Where is Diamond Beach?

First-time visitors to Iceland will be all too familiar with recommendations to explore the Golden Circle with iconic attractions such as Geysir, Gullfoss, and Thingvellir National Park. Thoughts of also heading further south along the Ring Road to visit Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls may be your radar but we would argue that you need to keep driving a couple more hours to really enhance your Icelandic itinerary.

Located directly in front of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and a short drive from Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach is a real “gem” of an attraction that we are convinced you will be inspired to visit.

If you visit Iceland during the summer, you can enjoy a day trip to explore Diamond Beach, simply because there are 24 hours of consecutive daylight. However, if you visit in the winter months, you will likely want to find somewhere to stay nearby, either in the nearby town of Höfn or if you are ok with a slightly longer drive in the morning, Vik is only 2 to 2 1/2 hours away.

From Reykjavik, you are looking at around 4 1/2 hours to cover the 372km and it’s likely to take longer if you visit in the winter due to the potentially adverse road conditions.

Jökulsárlón to Diamond Beach

Renowned frequently as the “jewel in the crown” in terms of the best things to do in south Iceland, Jökulsárlón is the lagoon that feeds the large chunks of ice along the narrow waterway and into the Atlantic Ocean. Take a stroll along the gorgeous black sandy beach and see the various shapes and sizes of ice that are washed up on the shore throughout the day. Admiring the ice “diamonds” (hence the name!) glistening on the beach is a real sight you won’t want to miss.

Without going into too much detail on Jökulsárlón as you can read all about our experience there, this glacier lagoon only appeared around 1935 and has since grown to over 20 square kilometers due to the melting of glaciers, particularly the Vatnajökull glacier which feeds into this lagoon.

The “waterway” that connects Jökulsárlón with the Atlantic Ocean used to be around 1.5km in length but visitors today will notice that it is much closer. It’s always intriguing to see which pieces of ice (large and small) will make their way along the river before heading out into the Atlantic.

Explore Diamond Beach

Once the ice reaches the Atlantic, many of them are shaped due to the erosion of the waves and when they reach “Diamond Beach”, they are left with a polished appearance that just adds to the aesthetic appeal. If you are an avid photographer, this spot is undoubtedly one of the best locations in Iceland to create amazing pictures.

Take a moment to browse around not only at the various shapes but also the diverse blend of colors that you will see in the ice fragments. Many of them are perfectly clear and look like glass or “diamonds” while others have a blue appearance.

The beauty of visiting Diamond Beach is that each time you visit, it will be different. Just like any other natural landscape that is constantly changing, Diamond Beach never looks the same twice!! It’s perhaps this aspect that makes visitors want to return time and time again to see something new.

Summary

We have literally fallen in love with everything about Iceland! When you stumble across attractions like Diamond Beach among everything else there is to explore in the Land of Fire and Ice, you can quite easily see why this nation has quickly become the most coveted tourist spot in the world. I hope that as tourism continues to flourish in Iceland, this doesn’t have a detrimental impact on the overall natural landscape because places like Diamond Beach are what makes this such an appealing destination.

Whether you are inspired to visit solely because of the unique aspects associated with Diamond Beach or perhaps this just adds to your wanderlust and desire to explore everything Iceland has to offer, we hope that you will remember to add this to your next Icelandic itinerary. You may still be trying to decide the best time of year to visit…from our experience, there is no bad time! It’s such a unique opportunity at both times of the year so we would argue that you can go anytime and you will have an amazing trip.

Let’s hear your thoughts and experiences visited Iceland. Have you visited Diamond Beach?

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5 Best Coffee Shops in Memphis You Need to Experience

Tennessee

Chris Boothman

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May 7, 2018

5

5 Best Coffee Shops in Memphis You Need to Experience

Regardless of where we are traveling to, we are always on the lookout for a great local coffee shop. This is true wherever we are across the globe and of course, this starts in our local city of Memphis. Given that we visit Memphis several times every month, we have been fortunate enough to experience some of the best local establishments. This post is focused solely on the best coffee shops in Memphis and hopefully, you will be inspired to check out some of these for yourselves when you next venture to western Tennessee.

Whether you are a Starbucks fan or prefer the local coffee scene, you can be assured that there is something for everyone in Memphis. Let’s take a look at where we think you need to visit for your all-day caffeine fix. That’s right, coffee is a great idea at any time of the day and in many of these local coffee shops, you will find that they are open until late in the evening!

Black Coffee vs Creative Espresso

What type of coffee do you prefer? Are you a plain, black coffee type of individual? Or do you prefer something a little sweeter with a little flair and creativity thrown into the mix? We have found that many of Memphis’ local coffee shops offer the perfect blend of both. This is what local coffee spots do so well.

The need for locals and visitors alike to be able to enjoy a traditional morning coffee versus the desire to sample a macchiato mixed with espresso, caramel, and other delicacies mean that local establishments need to ensure their menus are diverse, yet maintaining the high quality that helps them stand out from the threat of chains such as Starbucks.

Why Coffee Shops?

You may be wondering why we opted to focus our attention on coffee shops in Memphis. Surely there are many other interesting things to do in this part of Tennesse? It’s true, Memphis is not short of things to do but finding a great local coffee shop is one of our passions.

if you are looking to enjoy a relaxing afternoon to catch up on some work, read your favorite book or simply have an engaging conversation with a friend, there is really no better place than a coffee shop.

Best Coffee in Memphis

So where exactly can you find the best coffee in Memphis? The reality is that if you are visiting Memphis for the first time, you are in luck! There are A LOT of options available to you and regardless of which location you are staying, there is likely a local coffee shop not too far away.

Our journey has seen us visit a variety of areas, many of which are in Memphis neighborhoods that you may not normally consider visiting. Frequently we hear about downtown Memphis because of Beale Street and Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid or perhaps the Graceland area of the city because of the late Elvis Presley.

But when you start thinking about neighborhoods such as South Main, Midtown, and Cooper-Young, perhaps these are not necessarily areas that are top of your radar…until now that is!! Below is a map of the coffee shops we are covering, putting into perspective exactly why we think Memphis is fortunate to have such a plethora of awesome spots that cover such a wide geographic area.

Bluff City Coffee and Bakery

Although downtown Memphis is undoubtedly a popular spot for visitors, we always encourage folks to hop on the local trolley and head to the South Main Arts district. Not only can you experience the Civil Rights Museum and the Lorraine Motel where MLK was fatally shot, you also can visit the amazing Bluff City Coffee and Bakery.

If you love high-quality Italian style espresso beverages, Bluff City Coffee and Bakery is definitely going to satisfy your palette. It’s all about the creativity and distinctive combinations that create delicious drinks when you visit Bluff City as there is no brewed coffee here.

A few of our recommendations include the following, though I would argue that you cannot go wrong with any of the options here. Don’t forget to sample one (or more) of the appetizing and freshly made pastries:

Caramel Macchiato – It may just be a “standard” espresso beverage but there is something extra special about the way Bluff City Coffee makes their caramel macchiatos. Definitely one of my favorites here!
Haley’s Comet – Espresso, milk, chai and caramel/apple flavor – sound appetizing? It should because this combination works really well! Not too sweet but you can certainly appreciate the flavors as you enjoy this unique concoction.
Raspberry Smoothie – Visiting a coffee shop but don’t particularly like the taste of coffee/espresso? Don’t worry, Bluff City Coffee and Bakery accommodates everyone! Heather falls into this category and opted for the raspberry smoothie and can attest that it was a great choice.

Signature espresso beverages are what make Bluff City Coffee such a popular option. Each time we have visited, we have thoroughly enjoyed “hanging out” in this trendy neighborhood, enjoying the awesome drinks. If you are staying downtown Memphis, Bluff City Coffee is going to be an option you won’t want to miss out on!

For those of you that cannot get enough of Bluff City Coffee, you will be delighted to know that as of October 2017, a second location has opened in the Cooper-Young neighborhood of Memphis. Although we haven’t tried this alternative spot yet, we are convinced it will be just as good as the original along South Main.

Information

505 S. Main Street,
Memphis, TN 38103
Tel: (901)405-4399
Website: Bluff City Coffee and Bakery

945 S. Cooper,
Memphis, TN 38104
Tel: (901) 249-3378

Cafe Eclectic

Venturing into the Midtown neighborhood of Memphis will open up the opportunity to visit Cafe Eclectic. As the name suggests, you can experience an “eclectic” variety of not only delicious espresso beverages and pastries but also a diverse menu that ensures this is truly a cafe to satisfy everyone’s needs.

Whether you are planning a visit to Cafe Eclectic to enjoy your morning coffee or perhaps intrigued by the breakfast or lunch menu, be prepared to experience a vibrant, trendy location that always seems to be bustling with locals and visitors alike that cannot resist the temptation on offer.

Located just one block from the Memphis Zoo, visitors to Cafe Eclectic can enjoy an “eclectic” (sorry, I couldn’t resist!) variety of menu options accompanied by Illy coffee. You may be a little surprised to hear that a local establishment uses a “chain” style coffee blend but I’m not going to lie, it really does produce a great beverage!

Ready for a bite to eat at lunch? Local favorites such as the Marlimu Farms hamburger on a homemade egg bun or “chicken-n-waffle” are popular choices but it’s one of those places that regardless of what you choose, you can’t really go wrong.

If you want something a little sweeter, consider one of the delicious pastries such as the blueberry lemon scone or the delectable cookies that have plenty of curb appeal with their whimsical designs.

Here are our top recommendations:

The Karamel Sutra – I can’t resist sampling caramel inspired espresso drinks and the Karamel Sutra was definitely one that I was looking forward to experiencing…it didn’t disappoint. The drink combines steamed & frothed milk, sweetened with vanilla and caramel sauce and finished with two shots of espresso.
London Fog – For those of you that are like Heather and prefer non-coffee drinks, the London Fog latte is the perfect option at Cafe Eclectic. An Earl Gray latte sweetened with vanilla is a great way to start the day!

Information

603 N McLean Blvd,
Memphis, TN 38107
Tel: (901)725-1718
Website: Cafe Eclectic

Ugly Mug Coffee

Are you ready to sample something away from the norm when it comes to coffee shops? If so, you have come to the right city! Memphis is home to Ugly Mug Coffee and to be fair, it’s the epitome of a unique coffee establishment…so it’s no surprise that we absolutely LOVE it there!

Focused on providing excellent customer service along with a distinctive blend of locally roasted coffee beans, Ugly Mug Coffee is actually far from the concept the name may suggest. “Ugly” in terms of coffee could be used to describe the taste given that it’s so unique and unlike anywhere else that I have experienced.

We only roast coffee that’s traded and grown in a way that benefits the growers and the environment. (Ugly Mug Coffee)

If the above philosophy doesn’t inspire you to pop in the location along Poplar Avenue, well you need to start considering it!

Ok, so once you figure out that this place is worth experiencing, you can then start embracing the diverse collection of “coffee mugs” that line the interior. But the real experience starts when you gaze up to the menu behind the counter…and trust me when I say, there is A LOT to choose from!

Recommendations at Ugly Mug Coffee include:

Blue Suede Macchiato – Why not wear your blue suede shoes like Elvis and head to Midtown Memphis to sample a delicious “Blue Suede Macchiato?” Before purchasing this drink, I knew the Blue Suede blend included a smooth caramel taste mixed with a hint of nut and a “special ingredient.” Banana may not be the first thing you think about adding to a coffee blend but let me tell you, it works well!
Butterfinger Frappe – Of course, Heather opted for the non-coffee beverage and Ugly Mug is proud to have several delectable variations. The Butterfinger frappe tastes just as good as it sounds but perhaps the Heath or Oreo will be more appealing.

Information

4610 Poplar Ave,
Memphis, TN 38117
Tel: (901)552-3165
Website: Ugly Mug Coffee

Otherlands Coffee Bar

The Cooper-Young neighborhood of Memphis is a thriving and trendy community for local musicians and artists to promote their work. What better place to showcase their talents among locals than at the eclectic Otherlands Coffee Bar.

This local establishment is more than just a coffee shop and is certainly the most unique of all that we visited around the city.

Arguably, Otherlands Coffee Bar is perhaps the best place to relax for several hours. Spacious, comfortable, a relaxing ambiance and most importantly, a delicious collection of menu options to choose from, creates the perfect place to catch up on work or simply relax with friends.

Otherlands Coffee Bar and Exotic Gifts is not only a coffee shop, it’s a cultural oasis in a plastic wasteland. (Otherlands coffee bar)

Renowned as a “funky, artsy” coffee shop, Otherlands is definitely the perfect fit for the Cooper-Young district. Whether you choose to visit first thing in the morning or late in the evening (we learned that between Monday to Thursday, if you visit between 5-6PM, you can enjoy “happy hour” where all coffee drinks are 1/2 price!), you will see locals and visitors alike networking and relaxing in this coffee shop.

Let’s take a look at the menu and of course, starting with coffee. The standard espresso beverages can be found here and you can always add your favorite syrup to customize your drink. The affordability of these drinks is certainly something worth noting but for those that are a little more adventurous, the selection of “alternative” beverages will surely spark your interest.

Heather opted for her namesake, “Heather’s Ale.” Lemonade mixed with fresh orange juice, served over ice is definitely a refreshing start to the day. If you are ready for a bite to eat, a variety of breakfast and lunch items are freshly prepared to order.

Information

641 South Cooper Street,
Memphis, TN 38104
Tel: (901)278-4994
Website: Otherlands Coffee Bar

Java Cabana

Ready to experience one of the oldest and well-recognized coffee shops across Memphis? Java Cabana is another trendy and vibrant coffee shop in the Cooper-Young neighborhood that is perfect to enjoy your favorite espresso while mingling with young locals.

Dating back to 1992 when the doors first opened, the history of Java Cabana is all about Elvis! Various wedding ceremonies took place in the back with Elvis impersonators at the forefront of those sharing their wedding vows at this location.

If you love “hipster” style coffeehouses, Java Cabana is a no-brainer if you are looking for the best options in the Memphis area. Whether you are looking to relax on one of the couches or perhaps enjoy life passing you by outside among the floral collections, Java Cabana is a perfect choice and definitely worth experiencing regardless of your coffee shop preference.

I’m not going to lie, Java Cabana is not going to be for everyone but the unique style and charming character is what is going to attract you to this location. And all of that is before you salivate over the various beverages available.

Recommendations on what to sample at Java Cabana include:

Sweet Jane – That’s right, you guessed it…another caramel inspired drink! Java Cabana’s Sweet Jane combines the smooth and sweet taste of caramel with a hint of vanilla. A double shot of espresso ensures you have plenty of energy to explore the Cooper-Young district after sampling this delicacy.
Raspberry Mocha Iced Drink – The distinctive blend of mocha mixed with raspberry flavoring is a combination you may not initially think about but on a hot summer’s day, this is the perfect choice to keep you refreshed. Heather was a little skeptical, particularly by the appearance, but soon realized that looks can be deceiving and loved this choice!

Information

2170 Young Avenue,
Memphis, TN 38104
Tel: (901)272-7210
Website: Java Cabana

Summary

Memphis is home to a plethora of inviting coffee shops. Whether you are looking to find a place to catch up on work or simply relax among locals while enjoying your favorite coffee, you can be sure that pretty much every neighborhood around Memphis will have a coffee shop worth experiencing.

We have only covered five coffee shops in Memphis but there are plenty others that we are eager to sample. We are always looking for recommendations so please feel free to share your experiences on the best spots to enjoy a cup of Joe in Memphis.

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Dubai to Abu Dhabi – Enjoy the Best Things to Do in 72 Hours

United Arab Emirates

Chris Boothman

-

Apr 30, 2018

20

Dubai to Abu Dhabi – Enjoy the Best Things to Do in 72 Hours

From the tallest building in the world to an incredible ultra-modern Formula One circuit, the United Arab Emirates is undoubtedly a destination that should be on everyone’s radar. Whether you are road tripping from Dubai to Abu Dhabi or vice-versa, or perhaps heading out to explore some lesser-known spots in the UAE, this is definitely a destination you can quickly fall in love with.

During our visit to the UAE, we experienced the cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi and want to share an itinerary on how you can enjoy the very best of both in only a few days. It’s definitely plausible that you would want to spend your whole trip in one of these cities but as is the norm with how we travel, we wanted to make the most of our visit and experience some of the best attractions in both cities.

The UAE is frequently renowned as being a “layover” spot for visitors flying on to other parts of the world such as Australia or South Africa but we would argue that this country should be considered as your final destination rather than just “passing through.”

Fly to UAE – Dubai or Abu Dhabi?

By the end of this post, we are convinced that you will be raring to book a trip to the UAE! You may have heard that Dubai, for example, is referenced as the “Las Vegas of the Middle East” or even “Las Vegas on steroids but without the gambling and Hangover-style drunken antics” (we can thank the UK newspaper, the Daily Mirror, for that particular quote!) while Abu Dhabi on the other hand, is a little quieter yet still offers a plethora of amazing things to do.

More on that later…but first, you first need to decide whether you want to fly into either Dubai or Abu Dhabi. The reality is, it really doesn’t matter! Both are well-acclaimed international airports with leading Middle-East airlines Etihad and Emirates flying into both. It’s ultimately going to be down to where you are flying from, which airline you prefer and which offers the best deal.

Our trip saw us fly with Etihad from Chicago to Abu Dhabi but regardless of where you start, the distance between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is only 139km (86 miles) and it’s easy to commute between the two cities.

For those of you that follow our lead and opt to fly into Abu Dhabi, if you choose to fly Etihad, you have the opportunity to take advantage of their awesome luxury coach service where you can be transferred, FREE OF CHARGE, from Abu Dhabi to Dubai! We took advantage of this and we will be sharing more information on this later when we discuss the various options of traveling between each city.

As we started our adventure by spending 48 hours in Dubai, let’s start by taking a look at how you can maximize your time in the Las Vegas-esque city! By the way…I want to EMPHASIZE that based on our experiences, although I can see certain similarities between Vegas and Dubai, there is a lot more to this UAE city than the glitz and glamor of the Vegas Strip (including delicious cuisine)!

48 Hours in Dubai

When you first arrive in Dubai, you immediately notice the amazing skyline and myriad of skyscrapers that dominate this city located in the heart of a desert. For those of you intrigued by modern day architecture, Dubai is certainly one of the top cities in the world to explore the very best in terms of ultra-modern design. But visitors to Dubai can enjoy so much more than just architecture, though you would arguably miss out on part of the experience if you attempt to avoid places such as the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab.

We stayed at the amazing Shangri-La Dubai Hotel which was perfectly located in the heart of the city just a short walk from the metro and gave us easy access to all of the below attractions that we explored during our short trip.

Here are some of our top recommended spots worth visiting in Dubai if you only have 48 hours to explore the “City of Gold.”

Burj Khalifa

Let’s start with the iconic skyscraper which is currently the world’s tallest building – the Burj Khalifa. It’s certainly not for the faint-hearted if you choose to take a tour to the highest platform but if you are looking to overcome any fear of heights, this is arguably the best structure in the world to accomplish this.

The view from the top of the Burj Khalifa is beyond breathtaking. Not only can you gain a birds-eye perspective of the city of Dubai, you are so high up that you can beyond the city and appreciate the beauty throughout the United Arab Emirates. Towering above the Dubai landscape at 829.8 meters (2,722 feet), the Burj Khalifa is a landmark everyone should have on their bucket list.

Take a moment to contemplate that height and put into perspective just how tall this structure is. If you have visited New York City, you may think the Empire State Building (1,454 feet) or even the new World Trade Center (1,792) are tall. When you compare them to the Burj Khalifa, they are dwarfed by the height of this architectural masterpiece.

Tickets are available to either level 125 or level 148 and regardless of which ticket option you choose, you will leave with amazing memories of the panoramic views that you enjoy. The challenge will be making yourself come down from the summit realizing that you have so much more to experience around Dubai.

Burj Al Arab

For many of us, contemplating a stay at the world’s only seven-star hotel is highly unrealistic. The Burj Al Arab is not only famous for this high-end luxury accolade but also because of the unique design that helps it stand out from fellow counterparts on the Arabian Peninsula and around the world.

Hop on a local bus and take the short walk to the gates of the Burj Al Arab to admire this stunning hotel. If you plan your trip in advance, perhaps you could enjoy breakfast or afternoon lunch in one of the various restaurants.

If you are really fortunate and want the ultimate UAE experience, be prepared to spend quite a substantial amount to stay one night in a luxury room at the Burj Al Arab.

Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates

Looking for a little retail therapy while in Dubai? Honestly, it’s pretty difficult to avoid it with the amazing Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates likely attracting your attention as you consider things to do around the city.

The Dubai Mall – A place like no other. A new day, a new dawn.

The Dubai Mall is one of the world’s largest and most-visited retail and entertainment destinations. With a plethora of global fashion brands housed inside this mall and a number of restaurants available, this is a great spot to enjoy an evening before heading back to the Burj Khalifa to enjoy the light show.

Gold and Spice Souks

Ready for a truly authentic Arabian experience? Be sure to head to the center of “local” commerce by exploring the gold and spice souks in the heart of Dubai. While modern, global conglomerates can be found in the high-tech super-skyscrapers that are scattered across the Dubai landscape, local traders can be found selling their spices, gold, and textiles in the markets that make up the “souks”.

Dubai souks are vibrant, colorful and noisy just like any other marketplace that you have likely experienced around the world. Dubai is unlike any of the other emirates in Middle-East primarily because it has become wealthy through trade rather than the stereotypical oil industry that we associate with this part of the world.

The Gold Souk is certainly the most popular as it consists of covered walkways lined with many jewelry shops selling pieces crafted from gold, silver, and other precious gems. Be prepared to have your best haggling tactics on hand when you visit these souks because you can definitely enjoy some pretty good savings if you play your cards right!

How to Get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?

After an epic 48 hours exploring the very best that Dubai has to offer, you will be raring to take the short journey to Abu Dhabi to experience another unique variety of attractions. For those of you that opt against renting a car while in the UAE, you have a couple of options available to you.

Airline Luxury Coach Transfer

If you fly into either Dubai or Abu Dhabi with the leading Middle-Eastern airlines, Etihad and Emirates, you can take advantage of the luxury coach service that will transfer you between the cities.

As we mentioned, we did this when traveling from Abu Dhabi and Dubai but the problem is that you can only return using this service on the day that you fly out of UAE which unfortunately won’t work if you are trying to explore both cities on the same trip.

Public Bus Service

Our method of transportation to travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi was to utilize the public bus service that runs between the two cities. Travel time is around 90-120 minutes and we can attest that it is definitely a comfortable experience with plenty of space and a relaxing atmosphere.

Depending on which part of Dubai you are staying will determine which bus service you take. If you are located in the older part of Dubai, E100 bus will take you straight to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station from the Al Ghubaiba Bus Station.

However, given that we stayed at the Shangri-La Dubai Hotel across from the Burj Khalifa, we hopped on the metro line to Ibn Battuta Metro Station and boarded the E101 bus direct to Abu Dhabi’s central station.

Tickets cost 25AED (approximately $7) each way between Dubai and Abu Dhabi and can be purchased from inside the Ibn Battuta Metro Station.

24 Hours in Abu Dhabi

When you first arrive in Abu Dhabi, you will immediately realize that this city is completely different to Dubai. If you are looking for a more relaxing visit to the Emirates, Abu Dhabi is certainly a better option than the “flashy” glitz and glamor we associate with Dubai. As you can see from this post though, given their geographic proximity, you can enjoy the best of both cities and make your mind up as to which you prefer.

Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the UAE and the seat of the government, therefore it’s no surprise to hear that it is much more conservative than Dubai. However, don’t let this stereotype fool you because based on our experiences, we would argue that there are even more things to do in this capital city than in Dubai.

As with Dubai, there is no shortage of amazing hotels to choose from. We highly recommend staying in a hotel that has direct beach access to the gorgeous Arabian Peninsula and based on our experiences, the gorgeous Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana is definitely a choice you won’t regret!

Be sure to read our post on where to stay in Abu Dhabi for a detailed review of this hotel.

Ready to head out and explore what Abu Dhabi has to offer? One of our recommendations is to take the Big Bus Tour so that you can “hop on and hop off” if you want to experience one of the following attractions. The two routes take you to Abu Dhabi’s iconic landmarks as follows:

Red Route – This incorporates a “city tour” and passes landmarks such as the Marina Mall, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and Dhow Corniche Cruise. Click here for detailed times and stops on the Big Bus Red Route.
Green Route – Hop on the green tour to venture across to Yas Island where you can experience the Yas Mall, Yas Marina Formula One Circuit and of course, one of the pièce de résistance attractions in Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World! Click here for detailed times and stops on the Big Bus Green Route.

Here are a few spots along both routes that we don’t think you will want to miss!

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Regardless of your religious affiliation, the breathtaking sight of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a real sight to behold and definitely an attraction you should want to visit during your trip to UAE. Whether you choose to hop off the Big Bus red route line and explore inside this mosque or perhaps just admire the architectural ingenuity from the outside, you cannot help but appreciate the grandeur and size of this amazing construction.

The “Grand Mosque” as it is more commonly referred, was designed by a Syrian architect by the name of Yousef Abdelky and constructed between 1996 and 2007. During the religious festival of Eid, more than 40,000 visitors will enter the Grand Mosque, reiterating just how large this place of worship is in comparison to other churches and religious buildings you may be familiar with.

With over 80 marble domes held aloft by 1000 pillars and accented with four 107m-high minarets, the Grand Mosque is a true masterpiece of modern, Islamic architecture. The pure white marble exterior is what makes this landmark stand out, while the positioning ensures that you can see from several miles away while approaching Abu Dhabi.

Visitors are welcome to enter the Grand Mosque except during prayer times, though it’s worth noting that you should be prepared with appropriate dress code prior to visiting. As with all mosques, it is typical etiquette that females will wear a headscarf when visiting the Grand Mosque, while everyone is required to wear long, loose-fitting, ankle-length trousers or skirts and long sleeve shirts.

For those of you that visit wearing inadequate attire, don’t worry, after passing through security, you can find hooded “abayas” (cloaks) and “kandouras” (male equivalent) that can be borrowed for free.

A free 45-minute guided tour provides visitors with a brief history of the Grand Mosque along with pointing out some of the intricate details of both interior and exterior. You will also learn some of the brief fundamental characteristics associated with the Islamic religion!

Ferrari World

Are ready to experience the world’s fastest roller-coaster? Head to Ferrari World to sample the Ferrari Rossa to enjoy a top speed of 150 mph. Although the ride around the 2.2km track only lasts 1.32 minutes, it’s the ultimate “thrill a minute” experience!

But if you prefer to enjoy something a little more relaxing and leave the rollercoasters for those adventurous folks out there, Ferrari World is home to an abundance of attractions that will keep you occupied throughout the day. From the intense G-Force, you can experience from these state of the art rollercoasters to a family fun go-kart experience, you cannot help but fall in love with Ferrari World.

If you are ready to purchase a Ferrari inspired gift for a loved one (particularly if the thought of purchasing an actual Ferrari is a little too expensive for your budget!), head to the shopping experience to enjoy a myriad of Ferrari memorabilia and souvenirs.

Five on-site restaurants ensure that you won’t leave hungry and proving that anyone visiting Ferrari World can truly make this a full day experience.

Summary

It’s fair to say that we enjoyed our fast and furious (sorry for the Ferrari World pun there!) visit to the United Arab Emirates. If you are raring to enjoy an action-packed itinerary during your visit, regardless of the amount of time you spend in either Dubai or Abu Dhabi, you can be assured that there will be plenty to keep you occupied.

Visiting both cities on the same trip is definitely our recommendation given that they are so unique and “different.” When you are an architecture aficionado like myself, it’s hard to look beyond the Burj Khalifa and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque for the highlight attractions in UAE but there is certainly something for everyone to enjoy.

Have you visited either Dubai or Abu Dhabi? What would you recommend to someone visiting either or both these cities?

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Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour – How to Enjoy an Epic Visit

Florida

Chris Boothman

-

Apr 23, 2018

5

Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour – How to Enjoy an Epic Visit

There are certain places around the world that leave you speechless and it’s fair to say after visiting the Kennedy Space Center in Florida that this attraction certainly fits into this category. Whether you are an avid space lover or simply have an inquisitive mind about extra-terrestrial life, there is something quite magical about the space center in Cape Canaveral. Although there are many amazing experiences to enjoy, the Kennedy Space Center bus tour is undoubtedly the pinnacle highlight when visiting, given that you have the opportunity to get an up close and personal view of the launchpads and control center.

Having previously visited the Johnson Space Center in Houston, we were excited to see what the Kennedy Space Center had to offer. We quickly realized that Florida’s equivalent space center literally took the concept of astronomical exploration to another level. Unsurprisingly, we immediately fell in love with this attraction and knew that spending only one day there wasn’t going to be enough time to explore everything.

Although each of the NASA space centers across the United States offers a distinctive look at the history and future of space exploration, Kennedy Space Center is the ultimate location to visit if you have any interest in learning more about this intriguing topic.

I am not going to lie, after spending a full day at Cape Canaveral, I have suddenly become even more interested in upcoming rocket launches and future plans of implementing the concept of “space tourism”…who knows, we may be future “space travel bloggers!” Let’s take a look at why we quickly became so obsessed with everything the Kennedy Space Center had to offer. We are 100% convinced that you will be too!

Kennedy Space Center Information

The Kennedy Space Center is perfectly located to enjoy a day trip from Orlando. Forget about Disney World and Universal Studios for the day and head east to experience an amazing journey to the center of space.

Location

Kennedy Space Center is located in Central Florida just over one hour from Orlando. If there is one tip we can give folks before heading to NASA’s flagship space center, “arrive early for a full-day experience at the greatest space adventure on Earth.”

The beauty of visiting Kennedy Space Center is that it’s so much more than just learning about space. With so many other attractions in the nearby vicinity, visitors may consider spending a few nights around Cape Canaveral, and just a short drive from Cocoa Beach and Daytona Beach.

An intriguing feature of Kennedy Space Center that is frequently forgotten is that this is actually based on a nature preserve. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge covers 140,000 acres and just a small portion of this is utilized for the space center and visitor complex.

The rest of the space…well folks, that’s a natural habitat for an array of amazing wildlife including alligators, bald eagles and many other species that find this the perfect environment to call their home!

Distances from Nearby Locations

Orlando to Kennedy Space Center – 43 miles (45-60 minutes)
Fort Lauderdale to Kennedy Space Center – 198 miles (3 hours)
Tampa to Kennedy Space Center – 126 miles (2 hours)
Daytona Beach to Kennedy Space Center – 63 miles (1 hour)

Click here for directions from Orlando International Airport to Kennedy Space Center using Google Maps

Ticket Prices

Daily admission at the time of publication of this post was as follows:

Adults – $50
Children (Age 3-11) – $40

But the best deal if you are planning multiple visits is the annual pass option! Trust us when we say that you can easily get great value out of the following because there is no way you can experience everything in a single visit.

Adult Annual Pass – $75
Child Annual Pass (Age 3-11) – $60

Other pass options are available and we always recommend visiting the Kennedy Space Center website for the latest availability as prices are subject to change.

Parking

Cars – $10
Motorcycles – $5
Oversized vehicles, motorhomes and RV’s – $15

Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour

Let’s start our adventure at the Kennedy Space Center by highlighting why hopping on the bus tour is the best way to start your experience while visiting Cape Canaveral.

After passing through a quick security check, we took the short walk over to the “bus tour” entrance and soon realized that this was obviously the highlight experience.

Be prepared to wait patiently because regardless of when you visit, there is always likely to be a sizeable queue. We had to wait over one hour before boarding our NASA inspired bus to begin our adventure to the launch pads and Vehicle Assembly Building. Is it worth the wait you may be wondering? 100% YES!!!

The drive out to the “secure” area offers the bus driver the opportunity to be your tour guide for the next 20 minutes. All drivers are knowledgeable and have insider knowledge of the best locations to spot wildlife.

There is a pretty strong chance that you will see an alligator or two wandering along the edge of the road and keep your eyes peeled for the bald eagle’s nest which will be on your left as you make your way out to the launch pads.

Don’t worry if you miss it on your journey out because you will have an even better sight on your return journey to the Visitor Complex, particularly if you sit on the right side of the bus.

Our tour guide did give us a little bad news as our journey started as she indicated to us that we wouldn’t be able to go all the way to the launch pads. She wasn’t “in the know” as to why and simply relayed that the powers that be told all drivers that day they could only go to the Vehicle Assembly Building. I did later find out the following given that we visited just a few days prior to the SpaceX Falcon 9 launch:

Now that rocket launches are once again taking place from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center, safety protocols require an alternate tour bus route during days leading up to a launch. The alternate route includes viewing the Vehicle Assembly Building and the future mobile launcher of NASA’s Space Launch System. (Kennedy Space Center)

However, we were able to see both launch pad 39A and 39B from a couple of miles away and of course, the highlight experience was driving by the Vehicle Assembly Building where the shuttles are constructed before making their final journey to the launch pad.

Listening to our driver share stories about how long it takes to move these “vehicles” really puts into perspective the magnitude and scope of the many projects that has seen us go deeper into space.

Apollo/Saturn V Center

When you think about the history of space exploration, it’s fair to say that the Apollo missions will likely be at the forefront of many of your thoughts.

Whether that’s because of the initial failures or the tragic deaths of Virgil “Gus” Grissom and Ed White II during pre-flight testing of Apollo I, this series of missions is certainly iconic not only in space exploration but also the history of the United States.

Visitors to the Apollo/Saturn V Center have the opportunity to experience historic moments with Apollo 8 and the Firing Room and listen to the moments when “lift-off” successfully occurred. Take a stroll into the main area and appreciate the size of Saturn V, the largest rocket ever flown.

Saturn V is a 363-foot rocket that transferred astronauts from earth to the moon and is one of only three remaining in the nation. It’s no surprise that this is the focal point of the center and you can easily identify the three distinctive features that collectively make up the Saturn V rocket.

After spending time learning about the history of both the Saturn V and Apollo missions, head over to the Moon Rock Cafe where you can enjoy lunch from a variety of options.

With plenty of seating indoors and outdoors, this is definitely a great place to grab a bite to eat while sitting under the towering Saturn V rocket…it’s not every day you get to experience this as a backdrop for your lunch!

Other Attractions at Kennedy Space Center

Hopping on the bus to explore the Vehicle Assembly Building and get “up close and personal” with the area where these rockets take-off into space isn’t the only attraction at Kennedy Space Center. In fact, this is only one of many cool things to do and once you see all the other options, you will quickly realize why this place is somewhere you will want to revisit multiple times.

Heroes and Legends

Can you imagine having the opportunity to step inside one of the Apollo spacecraft or Saturn rockets and venture outside of planet Earth? There are very few people that have ever had this opportunity, many have sacrificed their lives while others have been fortunate to return.

All of these “heroes” can be honored inside the “Heroes and Legends” exhibit featuring the “US Astronaut Hall of Fame by Boeing”.

IMAX 3D Theater

Renowned as being the “next best thing than being in space,” the IMAX 3D Theater experience at Kennedy Space Center is the ideal opportunity to grab your favorite drink, a box of popcorn and relax while enjoying a journey into outer space.

Learn all about the projects the Kennedy Space Center is working on and how realistic it is to imagine life on another planet. Will we reach Mars by 2030? What is the “future” of space exploration? All of these questions and many more can be answered during one of the IMAX movies.

The times and movies will vary depending on when you visit but we had the opportunity to see either “Journey to Space”, “Journey to Mars,” or “Planet Earth”.

Atlantis Experience

Perhaps the most iconic space vehicle to date is the Atlantis Space Shuttle. It ventured into outer space like a rocket and returned to planet earth like a gliding plane. This combination created an amazing vehicle that allowed us to make several trips to the International Space Station and secure the future of the Hubble Space Telescope.

Be prepared to wait for quite some time before entering the Atlantis experience. We queued for around one hour before having the opportunity to watch a series of videos about the history of Atlantis.

As you move from one room to the next learning about Atlantis, the pièce de résistance occurs at the end of the second short film when the front door opens up revealing the Atlantis Space Shuttle.

A number of interactive exhibits can be found inside the Atlantis experience, notably the “Fiery Ride Home,” a slide allowing you to find out the angle at which the Atlantis returned to space. There is plenty here for all the family to enjoy and you could easily spend your entire visit to Kennedy Space Center inside the Atlantis building.

Summary

If you have any interest in learning about the future of space exploration or perhaps want to revisit the history of this topic, visiting the Kennedy Space Center is undoubtedly the best place to experience this.

Whether you are intrigued by the thought of taking a bus tour to enjoy behind the scenes access to the launchpads or perhaps you prefer to stay near the Visitor Center to enjoy the history of the Atlantis Space Shuttle, you can be sure there will be plenty to keep you occupied during your visit to Kennedy Space Center.

Our final tip before visiting Kennedy Space Center is to be patient! Be prepared to wait because there are frequently A LOT of visitors wanting to experience the same exhibits. Don’t worry though because this is well and truly an experience that is worth the wait!

Have you visited Kennedy Space Center or any others around the United States?

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Epcot Flower and Garden Festival – Enjoy the Best Things to Do

Florida

Chris Boothman

-

Apr 16, 2018

5

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival – Enjoy the Best Things to Do

It’s crazy to think that you can reach your thirties and yet still never experienced Disney World…it’s true, both Heather and I can attest that we hadn’t been there until we reached this milestone decade. But as soon as you visit Disney World once…well folks, it’s fair to say, you will want to go back again and again! After our action-packed first visit to Disney World in Orlando when we visited three parks in one day (I still think we must be crazy for attempting that), we headed back to experience the wonderfully acclaimed Epcot Flower and Garden Festival.

Whether you are an avid world traveler, have a fond desire to sample global delicacies or perhaps enjoy a myriad of spectacular floral displays, visiting Epcot during the International Flower and Garden Festival is one of the highlight experiences throughout the year.

Of course, Epcot quickly became our favorite of all four parks (Heather would argue that the iconic Magic Kingdom is her “real” favorite but I think we can both agree that at the current stage of our life, Epcot is the park we can really relate to!) so it was a no-brainer for both of us to take a return trip to experience this event. Did we mention that we will be experiencing Disney World at Christmas also? We will save that for another story!

Celebrating a milestone 25th anniversary of this event in 2018 meant that this was the perfect time for us to experience Epcot in all its floral beauty. Let’s take a look at our insider’s guide to this awesome festival.

When is the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival?

One of the main benefits of choosing to visit Epcot during the Flower and Garden Festival is that you can experience this over a period of three months. That’s right, the festival runs between February and the end of May (in 2018 for example, Feb 28 to May 28).

Whether you choose to take a trip at one of the busier times during this timeframe, such as Spring Break or simply want to venture down to Disney World at a quieter time (is there ever really a “quiet” time at Disney?), the Flower and Garden Festival is certainly a great time to enjoy the very best of Epcot.

Are there additional ticket prices? Don’t worry, your daily park pass will give you access to both Epcot and the festival itself that takes part inside the park. If you are truly visiting Disney World for this festival, I think it’s great value to just buy a single day pass for a single park, rather than having the possible temptation of venturing elsewhere if you purchase the “hopper” option.

Although ticket prices increased slightly in early 2018, it’s fair to say that if you were willing to pay the price before, this minor change is unlikely to deter you. Plus, after reading this post, you will be convinced that purchasing a ticket to Epcot is money well spent! Arguing over the value of ticket prices for Disney World is another topic for another day folks.

Gorgeous Floral Masterpieces

Be prepared for an array of floral beauty! But it’s not just gorgeous floral displays that you can appreciate at Epcot, rather it’s an opportunity to admire the creativity that has gone into the production of the various features scattered across the park.

From a selection of your favorite Disney characters, each of which are perfectly manicured and aesthetically pleasing to the eye, to a diverse array of flower beds that immediately make you realize that the spring season is here.

Disney Character Topiaries

For those of you that have attempted any form of landscape gardening where you prune a tree or bush in an attempt to create an artistic masterpiece, you will know that this is a challenging task.

It’s only when you see the breathtaking designs at Epcot that you quickly appreciate the landscaping marvel in front of you. They truly are a majestic sight and regardless of your interest in the flora and fauna of the world, it’s something worth admiring while visiting Epcot.

Epcot is in our opinion, the adult theme park at Disney World! Yes, you can meet your favorite characters but ultimately it’s about the World Showcase and learning about the cultures and cuisines of the nations represented at Epcot.

But visiting Epcot during the Flower and Garden Festival offers visitors the opportunity to rekindle their childhood memories and see some of their favorite Disney characters courtesy of these amazing topiary designs.

Let’s take a look at the uniquely creative topiaries that are on display throughout Epcot. The moment you walk into this theme park, you will notice a “Welcome to Epcot” from your favorite characters, Mickey and Minnie Mouse accompanied by some of their favorite Disney friends.

I’m sure I don’t need to tell you who they are but for those of you not au fait with every Disney character, there is just a little reminder as to who and where you can see them during your visit to Epcot!

Anna and Elsa – Frozen

Location – Norway Pavilion

Beauty and the Beast

Location – France Pavilion

Bromeliad Dragon

Location – China Pavilion

Lady and the Tramp

Location – Italy Pavilion

Simba and Friends

Location – The Outpost Shop

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Location – Germany Pavilion

The Three Caballeros

Location – Mexico Pavilion

Tinker Bell

Location – United Kingdom Pavilion

Winnie the Pooh and Friends

Location – United Kingdom Pavilion

Woody – Toy Story

Location – The American Adventure

Indulge in the Outdoor Kitchens

If you thought that visiting Epcot during the Flower and Garden Festival was about the plethora of floral displays, think again! This is the perfect time to explore the World Showcase and experience the myriad of outdoor kitchens that offer a selection of delicacies representing that nation.

Affordable, delicious, unique and appetizing can all be used to describe the variety on display throughout the Showcase. We couldn’t resist trying several of the options but the tough decision is trying to figure out which samples you cannot resist. Alternatively, you can always try a little bit of everything for the ultimate foodie experience!

Each year, a selection of “fan favorites” can always be found scattered around Epcot but you never know what new kitchen will pop up. In 2018, 15 different booths were set up for visitors to enjoy these appetizing delicacies. First stop…Canada!!

Canada – Northern Bloom

“Northern Bloom” is located in the Canada pavilion and you can choose Seared Scallops, Beef Tenderloin Tips or for those of you that want to go straight for the sweeter option, how about Griddled Maple Pound Cake with Warm Peach Compote and Sweet Corn Gelato.

A selection of accompanying beverages are available but if this doesn’t sound too appetizing…well, this is just the start.

United Kingdom – Cider House

Our first tasting experience arrived in the UK pavilion where we had traditional Fish and Chips from the ever-present Yorkshire County Fish Shop before heading to the “Cider House” pop-up kitchen for dessert.

How does this sound… a freshly baked Lemon Scone with Crème Fraîche and Mixed Berries? Trust us when we say, it tastes even better than pictures can ever do it justice and it’s also gluten free which is an added bonus!

Heather couldn’t resist ordering the Apple and Orange Mimosa and it was certainly the perfect way to cool down while contemplating our next stop.

Germany – Bauernmarkt (Farmer’s Market)

From Potato Pancakes with home-made Applesauce to Toasted Pretzel Bread topped with Black Forest Ham and Melted Gruyère Cheese, Germany’s Farmer’s Market is the place to go if you cannot the resist the temptation of German cuisine.

A Warm Cheese Strudel with Mixed Berries will surely entice you to this pavilion but regardless of your choice, exploring this part of Epcot is always a fun and colorful experience.

Italy – Primavera Kitchen

If watching a passionate Italian performer (or comedian you may think!) isn’t enough to justify a visit to the Italian pavilion, perhaps the thought of sampling Frittata di Asparagi (Asparagus Frittata, Mixed Greens, and Citrus Dressing) or even Panna Cotta al Melone (Cantaloupe Panna Cotta) will entice you.

Other Kitchens

This is just a small selection of our favorite Outdoor Kitchens but we are convinced that you will find something to satisfy your palette. One thing is for sure when you visit Epcot, the amount of exercise you do will certainly ensure you have an appetite.

Summary

Visiting Epcot is always a fun experience with so many cool things to do and enjoy during your visit. However, we would argue that visiting during a timeframe when a festival is taking place is undoubtedly the best time to go.

For the price of admission, why not visit when you can experience more epic encounters and this is exactly what we did during the Flower and Garden Festival. Even if the floral displays around Epcot doesn’t sound too appealing, the uniqueness of the topiaries will surely capture your attention.

Figuring out which is your favorite design may be a challenge but why not discuss this with the family while sampling one of the various Outdoor Kitchens that will keep you occupied throughout the day.

Have you visited Epcot during the International Flower and Garden Festival? Have you visited during any other festival?

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How to Enjoy an Amazing Whale and Puffin Tour in Iceland?

Iceland

Chris Boothman

-

Apr 9, 2018

11

How to Enjoy an Amazing Whale and Puffin Tour in Iceland?

Iceland is home to a plethora of amazing natural attractions but perhaps the best reason to visit the Land of Fire and Ice is to enjoy up close and personal wildlife encounters. One of the highlight experiences for anyone heading to Iceland should be a whale and puffin tour! Iceland is home to a myriad of whale species and if you are heading to Husavik, well you should be aware that this is renowned as the ultimate whale capital of the world. Throw 250,000 puffins into the mix that migrate here every year and I think it’s fair to say you have a haven of wildlife waiting to be discovered.

For those of you that have enjoyed some epic wildlife experiences around the world, perhaps taking an African safari in the Serengeti or stumbling across wildlife in Yellowstone National Park, it’s inevitable that Iceland will be on your radar as a hotspot for more encounters with species you may not see in your own backyard.

Whales and puffins are perfect examples of wildlife that you are not going to see every day, so heading to Iceland and having the opportunity to see these in their natural habitats was a once in a lifetime experience we weren’t going to let slip by.

Husavik – Whale Capital of the World

Let’s start at the beginning of our visit to Husavik. When you think about experiencing the best things to do in North Iceland, Husavik surely has to be on your radar…it was certainly on ours!

Having spent an enjoyable morning exploring the spectacular Godafoss waterfall, we headed to Husavik mid-afternoon with every intention of just strolling around the town and “hopefully” capturing a glimpse of a whale or puffin from the shoreline. That’s right, we were visiting Husavik with no excursions booked and honestly, no real intention of experiencing one.

After arriving in Husavik and immediately falling in love with the quirkiness of the architecture and harbor front, we parked our vehicle and started doing a little research on the best things to do in the town renowned globally as “the whale capital of the world.”

When you start researching the best things to do in Husavik, it seems everything revolves around one topic – whales! Numerous tour companies offer daily excursions, each with something unique that helps differentiate it from the competition.

So…I am sure you have probably figured out by now that our decision to NOT take an excursion quickly changed. I started doing a little further research and stumbled across North Sailing, renowned as the number one of things to do in Husavik!

I will add that it was about 3:40 PM when I was conducting my research and when I found the last available tour with North Sailing at 4:00 PM, I realized that we had to act pretty quickly. Needless to say, I booked the ‘discounted’ whale and puffin tour and after taking the short walk to the North Sailing Visitor Center, we were told that the excursion was delayed until 5:00 PM.

North Sailing Excursions

Who exactly are North Sailing? Since 1995, this company has been offering daily excursions to explore Husavik’s renowned coastline.

Why Choose North Sailing?

I think the best way to assess why you should choose North Sailing as the best option, is to take a look at a few factors that this company uses to promote their daily tours:

Eco-friendly since 1995.
Focus on sustainability – North Sailing has been awarded for their excellence in sustainability and innovation.
Offering Carbon-Neutral excursions.
Great levels of respect for whales, nature, and wildlife. No electric sonar or other devices to locate the wildlife, simply tour guides using their eyes.
Responsible whale watching.

Ok, so we always hear companies that drive home their desire to be sustainable and create a “green” environment with their responsible eco-tourism approach. However, the only way you can really make a judgment about this is to take a tour for yourselves.

Tour Options and Prices

North Sailing offers a wide variety of tours and “authentic adventures” as you have the opportunity to enjoy a cruise around the arctic waters of Skjalfandi Bay.

Here are the various options along with the latest prices at the time of publication of this post. As always, we recommend visiting the North Sailing website for the latest prices and availability.

Husavik Original Whale Watching

3 Hours
Adults – 10,500 ISK ($99 USD)
Youths (Age 7-15) – 4,500 ISK ($42 USD)

Silent Whale Watching

3 Hours
Adults – 10,500 ISK ($99 USD)
Youths (Age 7-15) – 4,500 ISK ($42 USD)

Whales, Puffins, and Sails

4 Hours
Adults – 14,500 ISK ($137 USD)
Youths (Age 7-15) – 6,500 ISK ($61 USD)

Whale Watching and Puffins

3+ Hours
Adults – 12,500 ISK ($118 USD)
Youths (Age 7-15) – 5,500 ISK ($52 USD)

Whales and Sails

3+ Hours
Adults – 12,500 ISK ($118 USD)
Youths (Age 7-15) – 5,500 ISK ($52 USD)

Northern Lights Sailing

3 Hours
Adults – 10,500 ISK ($99 USD)
Youths (Age 7-15) – 4,500 ISK ($42 USD)

Hjalteyri Whale Watching

2+ Hours
Adults – 9,900 ISK ($93 USD)
Youths (Age 7-15) – 4,000 ISK ($37 USD)

We opted for the Whale Watching and Puffins tour which offers a nice blend of everything. For three hours, you are whisked away by an awesome North Sailing captain and crew members, to enjoy a myriad of amazing wildlife and an unforgettable experience.

Purchasing any of these tours in advance on the North Sailing website will enable you to take advantage of a 5-15% discount, so be sure to book online before heading to the visitor center. Even booking about 20 minutes prior to departure online allowed us to take advantage of this discounted rate!

If you purchase a ticket, you also have the opportunity to enjoy the following benefits on other spots around Husavik:

20% discount at Husavik Whale Watching Museum
10% discount at Restaurant Gamli Baukur
10% discount at Cafe Hvalbakur
10% discount at Restaurant Fjaran
10% discount at North Sailing’s Souvenir and Clothing Store

Contact Information

Address – Hafnarstétt, Húsavík, Iceland
Tel – +354 464 7272
Website – North Sailing

Whale and Puffin Tour

Prior to boarding the gorgeous traditional wooden oak boat named Bjössi Sör, we were given a short briefing by our tour guide who pointed out the overalls that would be provided to each of us if we wanted some additional layers.

Given that it was a gorgeous early evening and the prospects were for excellent weather during our tour, we opted again wearing these.

What we didn’t realize is that we would be the only ones NOT to wear them! There is always someone right. However, in hindsight, we didn’t need them as it was a pretty comfortable temperature throughout the three hours at sea.

Our guide told us that we could find a seat anywhere on the boat so we opted for the back but throughout the tour, we moved around and even headed to the very top to admire the breathtaking views across Skjálfandi Bay.

The typical safety briefing followed to ease everyone’s nerves about possibly being thrown overboard but I think we all had the same motive for this trip – a desire to see whales and puffins!

Shortly after 5:00 PM, our captain lead the Bjössi Sör out of port and into the open waters of the Bay. The view looking back to the town of Husavik was breathtaking but we immediately focused our attention on the water to try and spot our first wildlife sighting…we didn’t have to wait long!

Minke Whale Sightings

We had only been sailing for about 20 minutes when our guide pointed out a whale sighting in the distance. As we all scrambled to the front of the boat, we caught a glimpse of not one but two whales. Our guide let us know that these were “minke whales” and as we approached the area, we were fortunate to see further sightings of the pair.

Minke whales are a type of baleen whale and in comparison to other species are relatively small. We felt honored to get several sightings of these whales because our guide told us that these are generally pretty elusive whales and rarely stay on the surface for long, particularly when tour boats approach. We were hoping that this was going to be a good omen for the rest of our excursion!

One of the challenging aspects of taking a whale sighting tour is trying to take pictures. You quickly realize that you have several factors working against you. Firstly, you are on a moving vessel which can be pretty challenging to stay upright once you are in the heart of the open water. Secondly, you have no idea when or where the whales are going to appear!

Puffin Island

I think it’s fair to say we were all pretty ecstatic at seeing those two minke whales within the first few minutes of our excursion. We shifted focus for a while as our vessel headed for the wonderfully acclaimed Puffin Island.

The Whale and Puffin tour is a relatively new tour offered by North Sailing and the decision was made to add this to their schedule when they considered how they could make the Husavik Original Whale Watching tour better. By adding a visit to Puffin Island of course!

Our guide shared some pretty impressive statistics about this island as over 250,000 puffins migrate here every year to use this as a nesting ground. This is undoubtedly a great opportunity for visitors to enjoy amazing sightings of these puffins, both on the island and flying around.

It’s not just puffins that you can see either. A variety of other bird species can be seen enjoying Skjálfandi Bay, including guillemots, gannets, fulmars and many others. But it’s the puffins that the majority of visitors are interested in admiring and for good reason! Puffin Island is such a popular hotspot for puffins because they nest in colonies on the grassy areas of the island before heading out to feed in the ocean, mainly on small fish.

In hindsight, it would have been great to have a 600mm lens to get some really cool shots of the puffins but we had an amazing experience seeing these gorgeous birds in their natural habitat.

Humpback Whale Sightings

We always like to save the best experience until last and perhaps our captain and his crew knew this when he chose to head away from Puffin Island into the heart of the Bay and give us the opportunity to find more whales.

We didn’t have to wait long despite experiencing some pretty choppy waters and we soon stumbled across a humpback whale which was at the very top of everyone’s bucket list for this excursion.

For the next hour, we sailed around in search of whales and I think by the time we headed back to port, we had experienced about 6 or 7 sightings.

Again, trying to capture pictures was difficult but we managed to take a few, perhaps because those humpback whales enjoyed having their pictures taken! I finally figured out it was easier to video our experience so hopefully, you will enjoy this as much as we did.

The Northern Atlantic humpback whale migrates to the Caribbean every year before returning to the Icelandic waters in time for us to enjoy this amazing experience.

It is estimated there are about 1500-1800 humpback whales in this area and although they are pretty elusive creatures, we felt pretty fortunate to see several of them surfacing.

Summary

What an incredible experience! If you have the opportunity to visit Husavik, you would be CRAZY to not enjoy the whale and puffin tour. Whether you choose to go with North Sailing or one of the other tour operators, I am convinced that you will have a memorable experience that you will always cherish.

When you start looking at the prices, you could be forgiven for thinking it’s pretty expensive. Let me tell you, it’s well worth the price! We were a little skeptical because of course, they cannot 100% guarantee any sightings but the reality is, they have been doing this for a while so know pretty much which areas are likely to have whales.

Have you experienced an excursion like this? Are you inspired to visit Iceland and enjoy this epic experience? Let us know your thoughts!

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How to Enjoy the Best Free Oslo Attractions in 24 Hours

Norway

Chris Boothman

-

Apr 2, 2018

4

How to Enjoy the Best Free Oslo Attractions in 24 Hours

Is there anything better than being able to explore a city knowing that you can do so on a pretty tight budget? When you think about destinations across Europe where you can achieve this, it’s unlikely that the Scandinavian nation of Norway (or any of the other countries in this part of the continent) will be very high on your list. However, during our recent visit to the Norwegian capital of Oslo, we challenged ourself to experience the very best of this city without breaking the bank. We want to share how you can experience the best free (or budget-friendly) Oslo attractions if you only have 24 hours in this part of Norway.

Oslo, in much the same manner as fellow Scandinavian capital cities Stockholm, Helsinki, and Copenhagen, is a city full of rich history, modern culture and a plethora of attractions that will keep you occupied throughout your visit.

Just like most other European cities, 24 hours in Oslo is barely enough to touch the surface but if you are experiencing a whirlwind trip throughout Scandinavia or perhaps enjoying an epic Eurail adventure, you have to be prepared to make the most of your limited time in the city.

Let’s take a look at how you can explore Oslo on a budget. We are convinced that after your trip, you will be raring to head back to Norway to explore more…I know we are!

How to Reach Oslo City Center?

Ok, let’s start with the first challenge…how to actually reach Oslo! If you are traveling around Europe via train, this is actually going to be an easier and more affordable option than if you are flying.

This may sound a little strange given that flying into a European city with low-cost airlines in today’s era is the norm but the reality is, it’s not the cost of the flight that you need to be worried about…it’s the location of Oslo’s international airport – Oslo Airport Gardermoen.

Gardermoen is located 45 km from the city center and unless you plan on renting a car, your best option is going to be to take the train. Here are the options available to you:

Flytoget

Known as the “shuttle train,” this is the quickest way to reach Oslo’s city center from Gardermoen airport. Hopping on the Flytoget shuttle is a 20-minute journey and except for a taxi, this is going to be the most expensive option. A one-way ticket (at the time of publication) costs 190 NOK (24 USD).

Check out Flytoget’s website for the latest prices.

Regional Train

The most “cost-efficient” method is the regional train that takes longer (25-30 minutes) but is certainly cheaper. A one-way ticket is 101 NOK (13 USD).

Check out the NSB website for the latest prices.

Taxi

Taxi service is available between the airport and city center but you are looking at somewhere in the region of 600 NOK (76 USD) for this method of transportation. If there are multiple in your party, this may be a more cost-effective method.

Of course, if you are confident enough to drive in Norway, a rental car may be the best option but if you are only planning on staying inside the city center, we highly recommend taking the regional train.

Given that we only had 24 hours in Oslo, we actually booked our hotel by the airport and opted to travel into the city via the regional train before returning at night. It was approximately 40 USD combined for the two of us (round-trip) and if you have an early flight in the morning, staying at a hotel near the airport is definitely a wise move!

Best Free Oslo Attractions

You have figured out your best way to reach Oslo city center, so now it’s time to head out and start exploring! What better way to achieve this than your own two feet.

It’s true, exploring any European city is better when you take a self-guided walking tour given that you can wander down different streets, explore hidden neighborhoods and have better interactions with locals who will always point out the best “local spots” that you cannot afford to miss.

The beauty of exploring Oslo in only 24 hours is that you can accomplish a lot given that there is a lot to see and experience in the central business district by the harbor. Oslo is a port with plenty of cruise liners and cargo ships frequently entering and leaving the area.

Whether you have any time to admire the vessels passing through is entirely your choice but after reading our recommendations, we think you will have enough to keep you occupied and your eyes away from the port.

Here are 5 awesome FREE things to do when you next visit Oslo.

Akershus Fortress
Karl Johans gate
The Royal Palace
Aker Brygge Wharf
Mingle in Local Markets

A stay in Oslo doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, there is a lot you can do for free in the Norwegian capital. (Visitnorway.com)

Although Oslo may no longer be considered as the world’s most expensive city, it’s still in the higher echelons in comparison to others across the globe. But as with any city in the world, you can always find something that is free and for those of you that tend to travel on a tight budget, these attractions will keep you occupied for at least 24 hours!

Akershus Fortress

If you are ready to learn all about Oslo’s rich history, there is no better place to start than at the iconic Akershus Fortress which dates back to the late 13th century when construction first started following the instruction of King Håkon V. This medieval castle was originally built in the strategic location at the end of the headland overlooking the bay.

It’s no surprise to hear that this castle has withstood various battles over the centuries and today, it’s been transformed into a stereotypical Renaissance castle and royal residence. Guided tours are available (at an additional cost) if you are interested in heading inside the residence but we think that exploring the grounds and imagining life here over the last 700 years is equally rewarding.

It’s also worth noting that Akershus Castle was formerly used as a prison prior to World War II and has housed many famous prisoners, including early Norwegian socialists.

You can easily spend several hours walking around this part of Oslo. Although Akershus Fortress is the focal point of this area, there are other attractions that may catch your eye as you explore. The Armed Forces Museum, for example, is a great spot to learn all about Norwegian military history dating back to medieval times and up until World War II.

Akershus Castle Church is located in the castle at the very top of the fortress. Public services are available and offer locals and visitors alike the opportunity to experience a peaceful atmosphere in a place of worship.

Karl Johans gate

Ready to experience the heartbeat of Oslo? Take a stroll over from Akershus Fortress to the city center to enjoy Karl Johans gate which is renowned as the main street. The street was named in honor of King Charles III John.

Karl Johans gate was formerly a series of separate older streets but was collapsed into one to create the iconic thoroughfare that we see today. This main boulevard leads all the way from the Central Station where you will likely arrive for your visit to Oslo, to the Royal Palace and measures a distance of just over 1,000 meters.

Whether you are interested in enjoying a little retail therapy (not going to focus on the plethora of retail outlets that are available given that we are primarily interested in FREE attractions) or simply admiring the Norwegian architectural ingenuity on display along this street, Karl Johans gate is undoubtedly the place to be to enjoy a little bit of everything.

Nightclubs, bars, hotels, cafes, chain stores and boutique establishments can all be found along Karl Johans gate but it’s when Oslo prepares to celebrate with a street parade or at Christmas when you really get to experience the very best along this street.

Our visit to Oslo was a few weeks prior to Christmas and everything was preparing for the holiday festivities with a Christmas market at “Jul I Vinterland” (Christmas in Winterland).

The Royal Palace

The Royal Palace in Oslo dates back to the first half of the 19th-century when this was initially constructed as the royal residence for King Charles III of Norway. Today, it is home to HM King Harald V and HM Queen Sonja. This gorgeous structure is perfectly situated at the end of Karl Johans gate and towers above the main thoroughfare in Oslo.

For those of you interested in European architectural styles, the Royal Palace is stereotypical of the neo-classical design with a facade of stuccoed brick. If you can arrange your Oslo itinerary to accommodate the changing of the guard, this takes place every day at 1:30 PM and well worth experiencing if you want to see how the Norwegians perform this tradition.

Guided tours are available throughout the Royal Palace in the summer months but regardless of the time of year you visit Oslo, you can be assured that this residence is a landmark you won’t want to miss.

Aker Brygge Wharf

One of our favorite neighborhoods that we explored was Aker Brygge. We took the short walk from the Royal Palace to head down to the Aker Brygge Wharf and were immediately impressed by the eclectic blend of restaurants, shops, bars and other spot were locals and visitors alike could mingle together. This commercial district is also a popular spot for visitors that want to take boat tours out into the bay.

In comparison to many other attractions around Oslo, the Aker Brygge Wharf is relatively new given that this it only became prominent in the 1980s and 90s. This area was formerly a shipyard until it ceased operations in 1982.

The Aker Brygge neighborhood is a popular and vibrant commercial district and frequently plays host to photography exhibitions, concerts and pop-up events for fashion, art and culture. We spent a couple of hours exploring this neighborhood and although our visit to Oslo was only short, this was definitely a spot we are already looking forward to returning to.

The relaxing atmosphere was evident as you stroll along the Wharf and whether you are just grabbing a cup of coffee or enjoying dinner with a gorgeous view overlooking the bay, this is a part of Oslo perfectly situated to reflect on your visit to the Norwegian capital.

Local Markets

The street market culture in Oslo is definitely a popular experience that you will want to participate in during your visit. Depending on the time of year you visit Oslo will determine the style of markets available.

Visiting in November or December will give you the opportunity to experience the best Christmas markets and we can well and truly attest that Oslo has some of the best markets across Europe. If you are contemplating where to visit for the best Christmas market breaks in Europe, Oslo should definitely be on your radar!

For those of you interested in experiencing a stereotypical Norwegian fish market, head to Fisketorget on City Hall Pier for a truly immersive experience. Be prepared for a pretty strong smell but that’s part of the experience!

An alternative market is Mathallen Food Hall which is a little further outside of the main city center in the heart of the Grünerløkka district but well worth the effort to visit. This market offers a variety of locally produced cheese, chocolates, meat, fish, and vegetables.

Summary

Oslo is a beautiful city and definitely, somewhere you should have on your radar regardless of your budget. Just like any other city, you can spend as much as you want but hopefully, we have highlighted some attractions and neighborhoods that you can thoroughly enjoy exploring without putting too much of a dent on your credit card.

Each of the above-listed experiences can be enjoyed at no extra cost or alternatively, you can spend money in each spot and add an extra layer to the experience. It’s personal preference folks! We had an amazing 24-hour visit to Oslo and look forward to returning in the future.

Our intention was to explore Oslo using the Visit Oslo Pass but unfortunately, some technical issues prevented us from using that. However, that did allow us to spontaneously put together our very own self-guided itinerary and experience everything we listed above. We hope you have a similar positive experience when you next visit the Norwegian capital.

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How to Enjoy the Drive from Banff to Kootenay National Park?

Canada

Chris Boothman

-

Mar 26, 2018

2

How to Enjoy the Drive from Banff to Kootenay National Park?

The Canadian Rockies is blessed to have a spectacular array of national parks worth exploring. Inevitably, visitors will head to this part of Canada in hope of experiencing the amazing natural attractions throughout Jasper and Banff National Parks but we would argue that there is a third option that you cannot afford to miss out on – Kootenay National Park. After spending an amazing few days in the aforementioned parks, we opted to take the drive from Banff to Kootenay National Park to enjoy a day trip exploring British Columbia.

drive from banff to kootenay national park

If you read our recent post on the drive from Jasper to Banff National Park, you will know that this region of Alberta isn’t short of natural beauty. In fact, it’s blessed to have a myriad of amazing attractions waiting for you to discover. The same can be said when you head across the border between Alberta and British Columbia to explore Kootenay National Park.

The Continental Divide bordering the two provinces may be an imaginary line but it’s certainly a significant location for more reasons than you may know…more on that later! Hopefully, after reading our post, you will be inspired to add Kootenay National Park to your itinerary.

Kootenay National Park – A Hidden Gem

Let’s just face the facts, if you asked anyone to name a national park in the Canadian Rockies, the likelihood is that 99.9% of responses would contain the names Banff or Jasper National Park. How many would realistically name Kootenay National Park when asked this question? Kootenay National Park is located in southeastern British Columbia and covers an area of over 540 square miles.

Kootenay National Park is located in southeastern British Columbia and covers an area of over 540 square miles. Established in 1920 when an agreement was made to form a road across the Rockies connecting British Columbia with Alberta, Kootenay offers a distinctive blend of unique contrasts, ranging from gorgeous panoramic vistas to breathtaking icy mountain rivers.

Drive from Banff to Kootenay National Park

The start of the drive from Banff to Kootenay National Park is relatively painless (unless you stumble across a burning vehicle as we did after leaving the Trans-Canada Highway 1) and it doesn’t take long before you arrive at a plethora of amazing spots you will want to explore.

We will share a few of the attractions that we experienced during our road trip but how much time you have to spend here will determine just how much of Kootenay you want to explore. The drive from Banff to Kootenay National Park along Highway 93 leads all the way to Radium Hot Springs, before connecting with Highway 95 that heads north-south through southeast British Columbia.

Whether it’s the Continental Divide where you can capture a selfie at a spot that marks the divide between two drainage basins or a variety of overlooks that you cannot help but fall in love with when you see the beauty in front of you, this part of the Canadian Rockies is an untouched wilderness that is the epitome of breathtaking elegance.

Click Here for Directions from Banff to Kootenay National Park using Google Maps

Although driving through Kootenay National Park is an incredible experience, we strongly encourage you to spend some time enjoying the various hiking trails throughout this landscape.

There is so much to see along the way, you can’t help but get out and stretch your legs! (Parks Canada)

Let’s take a look at some of the iconic spots you can enjoy along the drive from Banff to Radium Hot Springs.

Continental Divide

How cool is it to stand at an invisible location knowing that you are at a point where the water starts flowing in different directions? The Continental Divide is a point from which water flows to both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans and as you approach the entrance to Kootenay National Park, you have the opportunity to grab a quick selfie and also learn more information about the history and geology of this landmark.

The Continental Divide is also commonly referred to as the “Great Divide” and the Canadian Rocky Mountains is the perfect spot to learn about this geological phenomenon because of the height of the land.

continental divide kootenay national park

Visiting this landmark is a cool experience but don’t worry, you likely won’t need to spend much time here because the beauty of Kootenay National Park awaits!

Marble Canyon

Marble Canyon offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the geological development of this area in addition to a microcosm of the Rocky Mountains in general. For over 500 million years before the Rocky Mountains formed in this region, a shallow tropical sea covered this part of Canada. The carbonate sediments deposited during this time are what we now see forming the limestone and dolomite rock formations throughout the canyon.

Learning about the history not only puts into perspective the beauty of Marble Canyon but it also enables you to have a much greater appreciation of your surroundings. Take a moment at the start of the trailhead to relax by the banks of the Kootenay River and enjoy the spectacular landscape in front of you.

If you are brave enough, take this opportunity to remove your socks and shoes and feel the arctic cold glacial water flowing downstream. It will certainly awaken your sense!

The round-trip walk along the self-guided trail takes around 30 minutes though you may want to spend longer here if you find spots to enjoy the scenery. Although it’s a pretty popular spot in Kootenay National Park, you certainly won’t have to deal with the number of visitors that you likely experienced at attractions in Jasper and Banff!

Numa Falls

Numa Falls is a controversial location in Kootenay National Park that I contemplated not mentioning simply because of the dangers associated with this spot. However, the beauty of this spot is such that I felt everyone deserves to know about it and you can all make your own judgment as to whether it’s worth experiencing.

Let’s start with the dangers associated with this location. When you see Numa Falls, you will know exactly what I am referring to. The power of the water flowing down the gorge is such that any slip could be costly.

The trail to reach Numa Falls was closed during our recent trip because of the bridge crossing the river was washed out. Signage around the trail indicated that “Numa Creek Trail was closed because of a bridge wash out.”

However, despite the sign showing the obvious dangers, the trail wasn’t actually closed and we soon entered an area of forest that was easy to navigate. As we approached the end of the trail and noticed the bridge was washed out, we realized exactly why the sign was there. The drop off the edge of the rocks was pretty intense but even from a safe distance, you can enjoy stunning views of Numa Falls.

Effective May 1, 2017, until further notice…

The Numa Trail is not accessible for use from either the lower or upper access points due to the bridge being washed out over the Vermilion River. (Parks Canada)

***We are NOT encouraging you to dismiss the above notice and you should always follow the guidelines and signage.***

Hopefully, this area of Kootenay National Park will be renovated in the near future and Numa Falls will be accessible from the trail. If you visit Kootenay National Park in the near future, please let us know if the Numa Falls trail is reopened by commenting below!

Kootenay River

The drive from Banff to Kootenay National Park is predominantly alongside the Kootenay River and you will stumble across several opportunities to enjoy the beauty of this natural attraction. Our final stop before heading back to Banff was a gorgeous picnic area on the banks of the Kootenay River.

A bridge crossing the river provided a perfect focal point for pictures of the river and also enabled us to explore the other side though it’s the amount of gorgeous scenery surrounding you that makes Kootenay National Park such an amazing destination worth visiting.

Other Areas to Explore

Regardless of which spots you choose to visit, simply exploring Kootenay National Park will leave you speechless. When you have the opportunity to admire stunning panoramic scenes such as the one below, it’s difficult to leave this behind.

Rather than driving all the way to Radium Hot Springs, we actually turned around and headed back to spend more time at Marble Canyon and enjoy the gorgeous Kootenay River. There are plenty of spots along this drive that you may want to revisit or simply enjoy lunch before continuing your journey.

Here are some other spots that we would love to explore the next time we experience Kootenay National Park:

Radium Hot Springs – At the south entrance of Kootenay National Park, Radium Hot Springs is a small village that is predominantly renowned for the natural hot springs that visitors can enjoy. The world-famous mineral pools are surrounded by natural rock walls and are the perfect place to relax. Arriving in Radium Hot Springs, visitors are greeted with the following and I think it’s fair to say, Kootenay National Park certainly achieve this goal.

The mountains shall bring peace to the people

Olive Lake – An impromptu visit to Olive Lake as you approach Radium Hot Springs will offer a rewarding experience with an easily accessible trail taking you to an overlook across the lake.
Sinclaire Canyon – The hike to Sinclair Falls is a short trail from the Juniper Trail that is within the Sinclaire Canyon. A number of switchbacks make this a relatively easy and accessible trail.
Kootenay Valley Viewpoint – A visit to the Kootenay Valley Viewpoint offers a stunning panoramic view across the national park. If you driving through Kootenay National Park in the opposite direction, you will likely catch a glimpse here of everything you will enjoy later.

Summary

I am sure you will agree that Kootenay National Park will never have the same appeal as Jasper or Banff but that should take nothing away from the beauty this part of the Canadian Rockies possesses. If you have time while exploring Banff, we strongly encourage you to consider taking a day trip or even just a few hours, to enjoy the drive from Banff to Kootenay National Park.

We opted to drive about half way into Kootenay and this was sufficient for us to capture a sense of the beauty throughout the park. Aside from Numa Falls which is potentially still inaccessible for visitors, the beauty throughout Marble Canyon and along the Kootenay River is something you cannot afford to miss.

Our adventures in Kootenay National Park support our claims that the Canadian Rockies is an unbelievable destination that should be on everyone’s radar. We are already planning a return trip to this part of Canada and we hope you will too!

Have you experienced the Canadian Rockies and in particular, Kootenay National Park?