Page 24 – A Brit and A Southerner

How to Enjoy an Awesome Weekend in Nashville? 48-Hour Guide

Tennessee

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Apr 20, 2017

How to Enjoy an Awesome Weekend in Nashville? 48-Hour Guide

Nashville, Tennessee…when you hear those two words, what’s the first thing that pops into your mind? The home of country music probably isn’t too far away from your thoughts and for good reason! But the beauty of Nashville ensures that there is so much more to experience regardless of your interest in the country music scene. A weekend in Nashville is certainly a great way to expose yourself to the inherent beauty of this city and is just long enough to leave a tantalizing feeling that you can’t wait to return and explore more!

From the bars along Broadway where many of the country legends were born to the iconic Country Music Hall of Fame, downtown Nashville is the ultimate country music neighborhood. However, as I mentioned, a visit to Nashville doesn’t just have to be about country music but why not embrace it if you cannot avoid it! Nashville is equally beautiful during the day and at night so be prepared to have an actio-packed itinerary when you visit Music City.

If you are considering heading to the wonderfully acclaimed Music City for a weekend getaway, we have a perfect 48-hour guide just for you! Whether you are looking for the perfect place to stay in the downtown district, the best local food spots to enjoy stereotypical Nashville cuisine or just the best attractions to enjoy your weekend break, we will cover everything you will need to make your visit to Music City the perfect experience.

Where to Stay in Nashville

A weekend in Nashville deserves the full experience so what better way to accomplish this that by staying in the heart of the downtown area. The main benefit of this is that you can enjoy the Broadway experience without having to worry about finding your way back to your hotel in one of the many suburbs around the city.

The Omni Nashville Hotel

We have stayed both downtown and outside and depending on exactly what you want to experience will likely determine where you should stay.

However, given that we recently stayed at the spectacular Omni Nashville Hotel, we can highly recommend this as a viable accommodation option if you opt for the downtown choice.

The Omni Nashville Hotel is created specifically to be an authentic expression of the city’s vibrant music culture.

There are always pros and cons to staying downtown, budget being one of the obvious components that we need to consider. Nashville, in general, is a relatively expensive city to stay, or at least that is what we have noticed over the last couple of years, so staying downtown is actually fairly comparable to many of the hotel options further outside of the CBD.

The Omni Nashville Hotel isn’t cheap but if you are looking for the ultimate Nashville experience, this is definitely the option to consider! We certainly enjoyed a luxurious two-night stay at this hotel and would return here in a heartbeat (as our finances allow!).

For those of you looking to enjoy a weekend in Nashville just like a country music artist, why not treat yourself to a luxury accommodation option like the Omni.

Luxury Accommodation

Walking through the lobby, you immediately realize that you are in a high-class establishment.

The breathtaking decor epitomizes the modern design of this hotel and some of the amenities including a library, variety of restaurants and easy access to the Country Music Hall of Fame make this an obvious choice.

But all of these amazing amenities cannot compare to the amazing experience once you arrive at your room (or suite as we did).

Incredible views of the Nashville skyline combined with a gorgeous living area separate from your bedroom immediately captured our attention and made us realize that we were experiencing “ultimate luxury.”

We have stayed at a number of stunning hotels around the world but the Omni Nashville is definitely near the very top in terms of luxury!

Useful Tips

If you follow our advice and choose to stay at the Omni Nashville Hotel, you may find the following tips beneficial.

Parking – To save on parking, rather than using the valet service that will cost $36 per night, opt for the self-parking option in the Music City Center parking garage that is just a block away. Overnight parking is only $18 and if you time your visit perfectly and are explore Nashville away from downtown, you can park for 10 hours for only $12.
Bongo Java Breakfast – Enjoy a light breakfast in the Bongo Java coffee shop located on the ground floor. This local coffeehouse experience is the perfect environment to start the day and again, epitomizes the feel throughout the Omni Nashville Hotel. I can highly recommend the “Broadway” specialty drink which is advertised as “Whisper Creek Tennessee sipping cream caramel, espresso, and milk”…I will let you determine how good this sounds!

Where to Eat in Nashville

It’s a million dollar question whenever you visit any city and Nashville is no different…where are the best places to eat in Music City? Any visit to Nashville means that you have to try the local cuisine and everyone references this city is home to “hot chicken”. If this doesn’t sound too appealing, there is pretty much a variety of every cuisine type that you could imagine.

Let’s take a look at some of our favorites, starting with, of course, the BEST hot chicken spot in town!

Hattie B’s

Why not start your cuisine experience in Nashville by visiting Hattie B’s, famous for their hot chicken selection! The most difficult choice will be determining just how hot and spicy you dare to pick. Be prepared to wait in line outside this local establishment but don’t worry, it’s well worth the wait.

I love spicy food but decided to stay relatively safe this time with “hot” and Heather opted for the “medium” sauce. The “damn hot” and “shut the cluck up” will be saved for next time but if you are the adventurous type, why not go all out and try this on your first visit!

I have to admit, this place came with a pretty high reputation but it certainly lived up to and in many ways, exceeded our expectations.

Hattie B’s will definitely be on our list of restaurants worth visiting every time we visit Nashville.

McNamara’s Irish Pub

Looking for a little Irish cuisine while spending the weekend in Nashville? Don’t worry, we have found the perfect place at McNamara’s Irish Pub.

Located on Old Lebanon Road, McNamara’s offers a delicious selection of authentic Irish dishes such as Fish and Chips, Bangers and Mash and of course, a typical Full Irish Breakfast.

Great Food, Great Music, Great Craic

McNamara’s is also home to some of the best Irish music in the area and whether you are looking to sample some of the appetizing cuisine options or simply want to enjoy your favorite beverage, you can be sure that a live performance will entertain your visit.

The interior of McNamara’s offers a stereotypical Irish tavern feel with plenty of decorative memorabilia representing the Irish culture. If you are willing to take a short drive out of the downtown Nashville area, this Irish pub is one of our favorite spots in the city!

Cool Springs Brewery

The town of Franklin is just a short drive south of Nashville along I-65 and if you are interested in learning about the Civil War and the iconic Battle of Franklin, this is definitely the place to go!

However, perhaps a weekend getaway in Franklin would be more suitable for this but if you are contemplating visiting the area, why not head to Cool Springs Brewery to enjoy another “pub” experience.

Craft Beer… NY style Pizzas… Good Times!

We enjoyed a late lunch here before starting our journey back home and whether you are looking to sample more cuisine from across the pond (the UK) or prefer some typical American classics, there are plenty of options available.

There is also a lunch buffet that serves a variety of pizza, pasta, salad bar and sandwiches for those that prefer the buffet experience.

Calypso Café

Let’s head back to the heart of Nashville along Charlotte Avenue for a healthy alternative. Calypso Café is Nashville’s number one healthy restaurant and has a real Caribbean feel and style to it with a number of dishes that reflect the cuisine we associate with the beautiful islands.

Helping Nashville EAT BETTER and BE BETTER for over 25 years!

I can strongly recommend one of the rotisserie chicken dishes, perhaps the Jamaican Curry or even the spicy Barbecue Chicken option. The Cuban black beans provide a perfect accompaniment to any entree you choose while the spiced sweet potatoes topped with a hint of coconut are always a local favorite.

Mike’s Ice Cream

After experiencing a local favorite, delicious Irish and British cuisine or perhaps a healthier alternative, it’s time to sample a sweeter option and what better way to do this than by visiting Mike’s Ice Cream in downtown Nashville.

Formerly located on Broadway, Mike’s Ice Cream is now conveniently situated on 2nd Avenue just a few meters from the main street downtown.

This local ice cream parlor offers visitors the opportunity to sample handmade flavors in a variety of options ranging from a shake to a malt or perhaps a waffle cone.

Recommended flavors? You can’t really go wrong with any of them but I have a soft spot for the white chocolate banana pudding and the caramel cone which are a great combination in a double scoop!

Weekend in Nashville – Top Attractions

A visit to any city for only 48 hours will leave you with limited options, so it’s critical that you experience the top attractions before leaving and contemplating a return visit. The beauty of Nashville is that there is a myriad of things to do throughout the city regardless of whether you opt to stay in the downtown vicinity or prefer to go further afield to explore.

We covered a plethora of attractions during our recent weekend in Nashville, so we want to give a few of our top tips on places worth visiting around the city. However, if you are opting to stay downtown, perhaps our guide to the best downtown Nashville attractions would be more suitable!

Country Music Hall of Fame

What better way to start your tour of Nashville than by visiting the most iconic spot in the downtown area – the Country Music Hall of Fame. Only the iconic legends of the country music industry are inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Just setting foot inside this iconic museum sends a chill down your spine as you realize only a select few individuals have made it all the way to the top echelon by being part of this elite group.

From Dolly Parton to Johnny Cash and from Elvis Presley to Glen Campbell, the Country Music Hall of Fame is the place of legendary artists and visitors have the opportunity to experience a myriad of memorabilia from these different country music eras.

An interactive exhibit toward the end of the museum tour enables all of the family to participate in a variety of activities including recording your very own performance inside a recording studio.

We don’t want to give away too much information as we will be putting together a more complete and informative post specifically on this awesome experience. The Country Music Hall of Fame is just one of those attractions that you have to visit to gain a greater appreciation as to why Nashville is renowned for the country music industry.

Belle Meade Plantation

Did you know that Nashville was once the home of a historic stud farm that bred and trained some of the best horses to run in the world’s iconic races such as the Epsom Derby in England and the Kentucky Derby?

Belle Meade Plantation is today a historic mansion that has been transformed into a guided museum tour where visitors can learn about the rich heritage here.

A guided tour of Belle Meade Plantation is not only informative but also gives visitors the opportunity to sample four delicious wines in the Belle Meade Winery.

The blackberry dessert wine is by far the most popular, though there is a wide selection to choose from if you prefer a Chardonnay or dry alternative.

Opry Mills Mall and Grand Old Golf

A visit to Nashville wouldn’t be the same without attending a performance at either the Ryman Auditorium or Grand Ole Opry.

If you are planning a visit to the ‘new’ venue at the Opry, be sure to spend some time at the Opry Mills outlet mall which offers anyone interested in a little retail therapy the opportunity to find some great discounted bargains from designer brands.

If shopping isn’t really your thing, head over to the Grand Old Golf and Go-Karts experience to challenge yourself on three different putt-putt courses.

It’s a fun-filled activity for all the family but be prepared to have a pretty lengthy wait as it’s a popular attraction.

The Parthenon

Did you know that you don’t need to travel all the way to Athens to experience the Parthenon?

That’s right, Nashville is home to the world’s only true full-scale replica of the Parthenon and dates back to 1897 when it was constructed as part of the Tennessee Centennial Exposition.

A 42-foot Statue of Athena is an impressive sight inside the Parthenon along with a variety of historic paintings that portray the construction process.

However, capturing various angles of this architectural masterpiece throughout Centennial Park is equally rewarding and I think it’s fair to say that this is one of the iconic structures throughout the city of Nashville.

The Parthenon in Nashville may not offer the same amount of history and overall beauty as the original in Athens but it’s a pretty good alternative.

We realize that not everyone is fortunate enough to be able to travel the world, so I think it’s great when there are full-size replicas that allow folks to appreciate what it would be like to visit the former temple on the Athenian Acropolis.

Summary

48 Hours in Nashville…it’s time to prepare yourselves for an action-packed itinerary and get ready to find the country inside you because this is a city that will immediately capture your imagination.

A weekend in Nashville is a great way to catch a glimpse of what there is to do here and of course, sample some of the finest cuisine options in the southern half of the United States.

Our recommendation of staying in downtown Nashville at the Omni Nashville Hotel is definitely the best way to enjoy the Broadway experience which we barely touched on this post. However, I’m sure you can use your imagination as to what it’s like on a Saturday night here! It’s a bustling hotspot of prospective country music legends and you just never know which performance you are watching will later become the next iconic superstar to reach the Country Music Hall of Fame.

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

Adventures in Canada – A Travel Guide That Will Inspire You To Visit

Canada

Chris Boothman

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Apr 17, 2017

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Adventures in Canada – A Travel Guide That Will Inspire You To Visit

If you are looking for a destination that is filled with a plethora of spectacular natural landscapes combined with a number of urban environments, Canada is definitely a place that should be on your radar! We have been fortunate to visit Canada on several occasions and look forward to exploring many more times in the near future. We hope this guide to our adventures in Canada will give you some inspiration to book a trip to the Maple Leaf nation sooner rather than later.

As we return to Canada in the future, we will continue to update this page to provide further information about our experiences so that you can choose to either live vicariously through or us as we hope, plan a trip for yourselves to this beautiful country.

Adventures in Canada

Let’s start out by taking a look at a map of Canada and where some of the iconic locations can be found. If you are unfamiliar with the geography and overall magnitude of Canada, well it’s a pretty large nation…in fact, it’s the world’s second largest behind only Russia!

In a similar vein to Australia, much of Canada is uninhabitable but those areas that are populated are certainly some of the most spectacular we have visited.

[show-map id=’7′]

We have been fortunate to visit the following Canadian provinces and here are some of the highlights you can experience in each of them!

British Columbia

Be sure to check out our top 10 reasons to visit Vancouver. Whether you are intrigued by the amazing FlyOver Canada experience, ready for a relaxing stroll around Stanley Park or considering a short drive outside of the urban landscape to check out the beautiful Capilano Suspension Bridge, you won’t be short of things to do.

Quebec

Inspired and influenced by European heritage, it’s no surprise to hear that wandering around the historic streets of Quebec City has a real European feel to it. If you love Europe but don’t have the opportunity to cross the pond, don’t worry, Quebec City will give you a real taste of what to expect!
Montmorency Falls may not have the reputation of Canada’s infamous Niagara Falls but it’s still a spectacular attraction worth experiencing.

Ontario

Toronto is the largest city in Canada and with iconic attractions like the CN Tower and the Hockey Hall of Fame, it’s no surprise that this city attracts visitors from all corners of the globe.
If you are visiting Canada from the United States, consider taking a road trip from Buffalo to Toronto while exploring both sides of the spectacular natural attraction that is Niagara Falls. It’s probably the most iconic waterfall around the world and for good reason!

LATEST CANADA ARTICLES

How to Enjoy an Amazing Battle of Franklin Tour in 24 Hours?

Tennessee

Chris Boothman

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Apr 13, 2017

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How to Enjoy an Amazing Battle of Franklin Tour in 24 Hours?

The American Civil War had many iconic battles such as the Battle of Gettysburg and Battle of Shiloh among many others. There is perhaps one battle that you may not be familiar with unless you are an avid history buff that follows the timeline of the Civil War until its conclusion in 1865. The Battle of Franklin played a critical role in the eventual outcome of the Civil War. Today, if you plan on visiting this beautiful town just south of Nashville, you can enjoy an awesome Battle of Franklin tour and quickly realize how important this was in the context of the War Between the States.

Whether you are visiting Franklin for a long weekend or just passing through this historic town, there are plenty of civil war sites open to the public that you can experience and gain a greater understanding as to how this key battle unfolded. From the Carter House to the Carnton Plantation, Franklin has embraced this history and through exceptional guided tours, visitors can learn everything there is to know about this key battleground.

Having spent a weekend experiencing some of the best things to do in Franklin, we want to share some of our favorite spots and hopefully inspire you to learn more about the Battle of Franklin that took place on November 30, 1864.

Battle of Franklin Tour Information

If you are visiting Franklin to learn more about the American Civil War, there are a variety of tours available. If you have limited time, perhaps the best value is the “Value Ticket” which gives you access to all three of the historic house museums that I am going to share more information on later.

Alternatively, if you are visiting Franklin between Tuesday and Saturday, you will have the opportunity to purchase a “Battlefield Tour” ticket where you are taken on a comprehensive walking tour of the Franklin battlefield passing by at least six locations on the field where crucial portions of the battle unfolded.

Admission Prices

Here is a quick breakdown of the pricing at the time of publication.

Classic Tour (at each of the three historic homes)
Adults – $18
Children (Aged 6-15) – $8

Value Ticket (guided tours of all three homes)
Adults – $35

Battlefield Tour (Available only Tuesday – Saturday at 11:00 AM)
Adults – $25

Opening Hours

All three sites operate the same opening hours but are of course subject to change in the future.

Monday to Saturday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Sunday – 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM

The sites are closed on the main public holidays and as we always encourage folks, please be sure to check out the Battle of Franklin trust website for updated prices and opening times as this may be different throughout the year.

Other Important Information

***Photography is allowed throughout the grounds of all three historic homes and you can take as many pictures as you want as you explore outside. However, as soon as the guided tour inside the homes starts, no photography or video is permitted.***

It’s an unfortunate reality that when you explore attractions with such history and heritage that you will be mandated to leave your cameras behind. However, this does encourage you to listen closely to your tour guide as you are not distracted by trying to capture those perfect images as you wander around the inside.

As you will find out throughout this post, many of the objects inside are originals and it’s critical that the amount of light is controlled throughout the homes to ensure they stay preserved over time.

Carter House

Our Battle of Franklin tour started close to the historic downtown area with a visit to the Carter House. Before we started our tour, I have to admit that neither of us knew much about the battle so we were eager to learn. The Carter House was the first landmark we visited and many will argue that it’s the most iconic spot in the Battle of Franklin given its location in the town.

Despite the chilly weather and snowy conditions, we braved the elements along with a couple of other hardy souls and prepared for our tour of the Carter House to begin. As you will see from our various images, we also returned the day after when the weather had drastically improved to capture some alternative images.

We hoped that our guide would be knowledgeable and share some background information on the battle in addition of course, to the Carter House itself and the relevance to the Civil War.

Fortunately, she didn’t disappoint and if anything, she gave us way more information than we could have expected. Her desire to share knowledge and the passion you could hear in her voice was apparent throughout the 60-minute tour.

Whether you choose to spend some time before or after the guided tour exploring the grounds of the Carter House, there are plenty of buildings and iconic remnants that tell their own story of the Battle of Franklin.

Gunshot holes can be seen scattered throughout the smaller buildings as well as the main residence. The Farm Office was certainly the building that came under the most attack during the battle and all of the bullet holes are a clear indication as to the intensity of the fight in 1864.

The construction of the main house was completed in 1830 by Fountain Branch Carter and for many years until the Civil War, it was a regular family house for the Carter family. This all changed on November 30, 1864, when the Union forces led by John Schofield had positioned themselves on the southern edge of Franklin as they ventured toward Nashville.

Many locals believed that both sides would simply bypass Franklin given the small size and lack of importance in comparison with the greater goal of capturing Nashville.

However, it soon became a key battlefield when Schofield’s army bypassed John Bell Hood’s Confederate army during the night, only to have their progress halted at the Harpeth River. Hood realized that the only way he could possibly regain control of Nashville for the Confederates was to beat the Union forces and this is where the bloody Battle of Franklin commenced.

What does all of this have to do with the Carter House? The key location of this house just inside of the Union defensive perimeter meant that forces both sides of the Columbia Pike fought throughout the evening and night in and around the grounds.

The fighting in the Carter yard and beyond to the east to the Carter Cotton Gin quickly became savage and bloody.

Meanwhile, despite lasting only five hours, there were 9,500 casualties (2,000 dead, 6,500 wounded and 1,000 missing) in this battle. The Carter family remained quietly housed in the basement of their home while Union forces and Confederate soldiers fought above them and lost their lives.

The moment the battle ended, our guide told us how Fountain Branch had to move bodies off the basement steps so that his family could climb out to see the horrific sight of what had occurred just hours previously.

Throughout the tour, our guide spent the majority of the time depicting the horrific battle and I have to admit just listening to her detailed portrayal was enough to make me realize just how awful it must have been for the Carter family to suffer through this experience.

I can only imagine what the aftermath was like trying to deal with thousands of bodies in their house and yard.

A tragic ending but definitely an iconic location in not only the Battle of Franklin but also the American Civil War!

Lotz House

Just a few steps across the Columbia Pike from the Carter House is another important location in the Battle of Franklin – the Lotz House. In a similar fashion to the Carter family, the Lotz family lived in this gorgeous residence and never felt any need to move away despite the imminent arrival of the armed forces en route to Nashville in 1864.

However, on the morning of November 30 when the Federal line had essentially been formed in their front yard, the Lotz family opted to head across the street to the Carter House given that they didn’t figure their wooden house would survive the onslaught of the battle that was about to commence.

For 17 hours while the battle raged all around them, the Lotz along with 20 other people remained safe and survived.

Thousands of dead bodies were scattered across the Columbia Pike the following morning as they made their way across the street to assess the damage to their home. Despite the numerous blood stains and bodies throughout the house, the Lotz family was surprised to see it still standing, albeit with a large hole in the roof after a cannon crashed through.

Can you imagine the work that was required to get the house back to a livable state? Or can you envision the heartache of having to deal with hundreds of corpses and limbs scattered throughout your living quarters?

Carnton Plantation

After spending the morning exploring the heart of historic downtown Franklin where the heat of battle took place, we took a short drive to the Carnton Plantation to explore another site which played an integral role in the Civil War.

Dating back to 1826 when Randal and Sarah McGavock built this property, and ironically the name “Carnton” derives from the Gaelic word “cairn”, which means a pile of stones raised to mark a memorable event or to honor a fallen hero.

When you stand on the grounds of the Carnton Plantation today, whether you are paying your respects in the McGavock Confederate Cemetery or simply getting ready to take the guided tour of the house, it’s certainly an appropriate name to give this residence when you hear the history surrounding the location.

In 1864, when the right wing of the Confederate army headed towards the historic battle with the Union army in the heart of Franklin, the decision was made to utilize the Carnton residence as a field hospital. Throughout the night of November 30th, over 300 injured soldiers were brought into the Carnton house to be treated by surgeons and volunteers.

Our tour guide shared a number of stories with us including how the McGavock family helped treat the wounded soldiers and Sarah offered a motherly shoulder for the young men to lean on as they would have been fighting for a prolonged period of time without any contact with their mother.

As we walked around the Carnton house, blood stains were apparent where the soldiers had either bled to death or recovered from their injuries.

Thinking about a family trying to go back to living a relatively normal life after these tragic events is certainly unimaginable but this is what the McGavock household faced. It was a surreal experience walking outside and around the Confederate Cemetery as you think about all of those bodies that were laid to rest.

Summary

It’s an incredible experience to take the Battle of Franklin tour around three historic homes that played such a crucial role on that tragic day in 1864. If you have any interest in history, paying a visit to Franklin, Tennessee should certainly be on your radar because the community has done an amazing job emphasizing the history and heritage present throughout their town.

We have a much greater knowledge of both the Battle of Franklin and also the Civil War in general. I think this location alone helps inspire you to learn more and when you have such knowledgeable guides as the Battle of Franklin Trust does, it’s definitely the best way for everyone to learn about this history.

Disclaimer – We would like to thank Visit Franklin for hosting us on this trip and providing us with two Value Tickets to experience these historical sites. These are solely our personal opinions/experiences and we were not financially compensated for this post.

How to Experience a Perfect Weekend Getaway in Dallas?

Texas

Chris Boothman

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Apr 10, 2017

3

How to Experience a Perfect Weekend Getaway in Dallas?

If you are heading to Texas, why not consider spending the perfect weekend getaway in Dallas before exploring the rest of the Lone Star State. Whether you are an avid historian that loves the history of JFK or a fanatic football fan that wants to experience the Cowboys, Dallas is the place to be. Don’t worry though, we haven’t even touched the surface of the myriad of reasons to visit the third largest city in Texas after Houston and San Antonio.

We want to share an itinerary that hopefully will inspire you to pay a visit to Dallas and experience all of the history, culture and fine cuisine that we all associate with this part of the States.

From the best place to stay to some of the finest restaurants, this guide will give you a few ideas to help as you plan a trip to Texas. Dallas is not just famous for the iconic TV soap opera that coined this name, rather it’s a booming metropolis with plenty of attractions and cultural experiences that attract visitors from across the globe.

A weekend getaway in Dallas may incorporate many themes – history, sport, luxury relaxation, delicious cuisine among many others. How about a combination of all the above? Come on folks, by now you have to realize that we LOVE to enjoy an action-packed weekend when we travel and it’s about making the most of our time in a destination.

Weekend Getaway in Dallas

Having visited Dallas on a couple of different occasions, it’s fair to say that every time we return we find something unique and awesome to experience. We will share some of our favorite attractions later but we want to give a quick background on why Dallas is a great option for a 48-hour trip. Sure, you could easily spend longer exploring the city and surrounding suburbs but our time is precious and a weekend is a great length of time to get a taste of what the city has to offer.

Whether we are exploring the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza or relaxing by the lake admiring the gorgeous floral collections at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Dallas is frequently popping up in our mind as the perfect city to visit for a weekend getaway.

One of my favorite reasons to visit Dallas is to experience the myriad of suburbs that are scattered around the downtown area. We have spent some time downtown but many of our visits have seen us head to the nearby suburbs of Plano, Arlington, Allen, Frisco and McKinney (among others). It’s in these spots where you can experience the ‘real’ Dallas rather than the tourist driven attractions that can be found downtown.

Here is what we are going to cover throughout the remainder of this post:

Where to stay in Dallas? Our review of the Home2 Suites by Hilton Dallas-Addison hotel.
Where to eat in Dallas? Whether you love experiencing local cuisine or simply prefer to stick to chain restaurants, Dallas has it all!
Things to do in Dallas? This is one area that we could easily write a novel on because Dallas is not short of attractive reasons to visit.

Where to Stay in Dallas?

You will never be short of accommodation options in a city like Dallas so trying to filter through the variety of choices can certainly be overwhelming. We think that we have found the perfect solution that takes into consideration location, price, amenities and most importantly, overall comfort!

The Home2 Suites by Hilton Dallas-Addison is a brand new hotel that has just recently opened to focus on attracting the attention of “travelers looking for a fresh, new stay experience.”

After spending two nights here during our recent visit to Dallas for the Travel and Adventure Show, we can attest that this hotel is definitely the epitome of a fresh, trendy accommodation option.

Home2 Suites by Hilton is a mid-tier, extended-stay hotel concept designed to offer stylish accommodations, flexible guest room configurations and inspired amenities for the cost-conscious guest. (Home2 suites)

We have always been fond of hotels that incorporate the ‘suite’ style hotel room because it allows you to be much more flexible in terms of enjoying your “home away from home.”

Having a kitchen and living area in addition to the standard bed and bathroom is certainly additional features that help you enjoy your experience. This offers you the option to dine in rather than always feeling like you have to pay for meals when you are on the road.

Do you love trendy hotels that epitomize the modern culture through technology, decor, and furniture?
Do you want to be able to entertain the idea of dining in after a long day exploring Dallas and the surrounding area?
Do you want to enjoy a fresh, complimentary breakfast buffet before heading to the modern gym/swimming pool for a workout?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, the Home2 Suites by Hilton Dallas-Addison is definitely a place worth considering.

We would stay here again in a heartbeat and in terms of affordable options, this has to be one of the best value hotels in the Dallas area. In terms of convenience, it is ideally located next to the Dallas North Tollway providing simple and quick access to the downtown area.

In less than 15 minutes, you can be on your way to learning about the tragic events of JFK’s assassination on November 22, 1963, or alternatively visit the Perot Museum of Nature and Science to enjoy hands-on experiences with everything you ever wanted to know about science.

We spent some time relaxing in the lobby area while other guests were outside in front of the hotel on the patio area in front of a fire that provided the perfect ambiance. After enjoying a perfect night’s sleep, we headed downstairs to experience the breakfast buffet.

Whether you are satisfied by cereal and a yogurt or perhaps want to sample one of the various breakfast sandwiches, there is enough choice to satisfy everyone’s appetite.

If you are ready to book your stay at the Home2 Suites by Hilton Dallas-Addison, check out their website for more details and the affordable rates you can expect during your next visit.

Address

4875 Belt Line Rd,
Dallas, TX 75254
Tel: (972) 980-4816

Where to Eat in Dallas?

There is no shortage of amazing restaurants and cuisine options throughout Dallas so trying to figure out which are the best spots to recommend is a near impossible task. Rather than solely giving our own recommendations which are limited given that we have only experienced a few differents spot, we have asked some of our friends from the travel blogging world to share their favorites.

A trip to Dallas doesn’t mean that you are forced to eat barbecue or Tex-Mex. Instead, there are plenty more options to choose from, including the following, all of which are recommended by either ourselves or our fellow friends in the travel industry.

BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse

Let’s get the chain restaurants out of the way given that it’s always nice to experience some local spots whenever you travel to a new destination. If you follow our advice and stay in Addison and you prefer to stick to a chain style restaurant, BJ’s Brewhouse is a great choice.

We really enjoy BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse not only because of the atmosphere and great food but because of the wide selection of brews that you can sample. After a seven-hour drive from Arkansas, a refreshing beer and food were definitely welcomed!

Did I also mention the delicious, signature pizookie desserts? I don’t think I need to say anything else to describe this salted caramel delicacy.

Address

4901 Belt Line Rd,
Dallas, TX 75254
Tel: (972) 392-4600

Enough of the chain restaurants…let’s look at the local spots you cannot afford to miss. Texas is understandably popular for barbecue so it would be remiss of us to avoid recommending a BBQ restaurant.

Let’s hand it over to the experts in Dallas and see what they recommend.

Pecan Lodge

If you are looking for something in the downtown vicinity, Pecan Lodge is an award-winning Dallas BBQ favorite. Located on Main Street, it’s the perfect place to drop in for your smoked meat hit!

You can find Pecan Lodge at the following address:

2702 Main St,
Dallas, TX 75226
Tel: (214) 748-8900

Truck Yard

Love the experience of sampling delicious cuisine from local food trucks? Head to the Lower Greenville area of Dallas to experience the wonderfully named Truck Yard – it is too unique to miss!

If you are wanting to have a good time without blowing the budget, Truck Yard is perfect for you. It is a bar that plays host to a collection of different food trucks and local musicians – all of which are delicious!

Be sure to head to the following address to find out why the Truck Yard is so popular:

5624 Sears St,
Dallas, TX 75206
Tel: (469) 500-0139

Thanks again to Vicki from Make Time To See The World for recommending both the Truck Yard and Pecan Lodge as awesome places to grab a bite to eat while exploring Dallas.

Main Street Bistro & Bakery and Dr. Sue’s Chocolate

Just minutes from Dallas, you’ll find two great eateries in Grapevine, Texas. For breakfast or lunch, head to Main Street Bistro & Bakery, where you’ll find a varied selection of homemade entrees and desserts.

Try the almond croissant for breakfast, and, at lunch, get the grilled cheese sandwich and tomato basil bisque.

If you don’t mind the short drive to Grapevine, you can find Main Street Bistro & Bakery at the following address:

316 S Main St,
Grapevine, TX 76051
Tel: (817) 424-4333

Then head to Dr. Sue’s Chocolate, and indulge your sweet tooth in all-natural chocolate that is unlike any other you’ve tried before.

Check out Dr. Sue’s Chocolate by adding the following to your itinerary:

417 S Main St,
Grapevine, TX 76051
Tel: (817) 416-7667

We would like to thank Karon Warren from This Girl Travels for recommending these alternative options that will surely entice anyone with a sweet tooth.

Norma’s

Norma’s in Oak Cliff is a wonderful old diner always filled with neighborhood locals, serving up southern comfort food. Portions are massive, prices are not!

You cannot go wrong with anything on the menu, but our favorites are biscuits and gravy, chicken fried steak (for breakfast of course) and a key lime pie for desert. Be careful, you might just need someone to roll you out!

Norma’s can be found here:

1123 W Davis St,
Dallas, TX 75208
Tel: (214) 946-4711

Tex-Mex

Mexican aka Tex-Mex is undoubtedly a staple option not only in Dallas but throughout Texas.Growing up in Dallas means that Tex-Mex is a mainstay in one’s diet. With an abundance of choices, it’s never easy to pick a favorite. However, Manny’s Uptown Tex-Mex continues to be one of the best Tex-Mex restaurants around.

Serving all the staples like enchiladas, chimichangas, fajitas, and chips and dip, the hardest part will be deciding what to order. With a variety of queso options, enchilada sauces and a massive menu, you should probably arrive with a good appetite as you won’t be leaving hungry!

Ready for the ultimate Tex-Mex experience? Check out Manny’s Uptown here:

3521 Oak Grove Ave,
Dallas, TX 75204
Tel: (214) 252-1616

Thanks to Karilyn Owen from No Back Home for sharing her favorite dining spots in Dallas. Norma’s sounds like a great local hotspot and of course, you cannot visit Dallas without sampling some authentic Tex-Mex cuisine!

Things to Do in Dallas

After all that amazing food, you better be ready to head out and explore Dallas because there are plenty of amazing things to do! Here are five of reasons that Dallas should be on your radar in terms of awesome attractions in and around the city.

We strongly encourage you to purchase a CityPASS Dallas ticket if you are visiting for the first time because it’s a great way to experience some of the best attractions with huge savings!

Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

Dallas is famous for many things but perhaps ironically the most famous of all reasons is because of JFK’s assassination here in 1963.

Taking a tour of the Sixth Floor Museum is an informative experience as you are taken on a guided audio tour of JFK’s history, starting out from the moment he was elected as the 35th President to his tragic death that took place outside the building you are touring.

Throughout the tour, there is a distinctive sense of poignancy surrounding the museum and certainly as you walk outside and cross the ‘X’ that signifies the exact location where JFK was shot to the grassy knoll at Dealey Plaza.

It’s one of those iconic attractions that everyone has to experience at least once in order to gain a greater appreciation of the history and tragedy that took place here.

As I mentioned, in many ways it’s sad that Dallas is renowned for this reason but taking a tour here today is definitely a great way to start your visit to the city.

AT&T Stadium

Home of the Dallas Cowboys NFL team, AT&T Stadium is a state of the art complex that first opened to the public in 2009. With a capacity of 100,000, this is undoubtedly an iconic sight located in the suburb of Arlington.

Even if you are not fortunate enough to grab a ticket to watch the Cowboys, walking around outside the stadium is still an awesome experience. Stadium tours are also available if you want an up close and personal experience of the world’s largest domed structure.

Dallas Arboretum

There is something quite peaceful and relaxing about walking around a perfectly manicured botanical garden. This is exactly what you can expect if you visit the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden and why we now consider it to be one of the best botanical gardens around.

Overlooking the nearby White Rock Lake, Dallas is home to a spectacular array of floral displays and a natural environment that any avid botanist will surely appreciate.

We spent several hours wandering around the 66-acres and it’s one of those fun-filled family attractions that you could easily spend all day at while enjoying a picnic. For those of you that love nature, this is definitely a place you cannot afford to miss!

Reunion Tower GeO-Deck

Just like another city, Dallas is home to a number of spectacular high-rise structures and although the skyline may not be as impressive as some, it’s definitely worth experiencing from the summit the Reunion Tower in the heart of the downtown area.

The GeO-Deck is an observation platform that offers stunning 360-degree views of downtown Dallas and surrounding area. It may only stand 470 feet above ground level but the views across Dallas are well worth the admission fee and if you follow our advice and purchase a CityPASS, it’s part of the deal!

Walking Tour of Downtown

We always love to find something that is FREE when we visit a new location and the best way to explore any new city is to grab your favorite walking shoes and just starting wandering.

Downtown Dallas is a great city to walk around and stumble across some hidden gems.

If you love architecture and history, there are a myriad of structures and historic stories to be found throughout the downtown vicinity. City Hall is undoubtedly a 21st-century design but dates back to the mid-1970s.

The Dallas Courthouse is the exact opposite and looks like a stereotypical historic building with the red-brick (sandstone) facade and clock tower. Dating back to 1892, this governmental building is located across from Dealey Plaza so anyone visiting the Sixth Floor Museum should certainly take a wander across the street to experience the rich history here.

The JFK Memorial is another poignant location that is worth visiting as you continue your walking tour around downtown but rather than detailing every attraction you can stumble across, we want to allow your spontaneity to take over and appreciate the beauty that you find.

Summary

Who is ready to pack their bags and experience an awesome weekend getaway in Dallas? We have only just returned home after an action-packed weekend where we visited the Travel and Adventure Show while also exploring several of the attractions mentioned above, and we are already raring to head back!

Dallas captures your imagination in so many ways and regardless of whether you choose to follow our advice and stay at the Home2 Suites by Hilton Dallas-Addison, there are plenty of accommodation options within easy access of all the aforementioned attractions. Dallas may be known for its barbecue and the Cowboys but we challenge you to find out some other reasons that will inspire others to visit this beautiful city!

What are your experiences in Dallas? What are your favorite restaurants that we haven’t mentioned here?

Disclaimer – We would like to thank the Home2 Suites by Hilton Dallas-Addison for offering us a discounted rate for two nights in exchange for consideration of a review. These are solely our personal opinions/experiences and we were not financially compensated for this post.

Travel and Adventure Show – How to Inspire Your Wanderlust?

Travel Tips

Chris Boothman

-

Apr 6, 2017

8

Travel and Adventure Show – How to Inspire Your Wanderlust?

If you have been reading our blog for a while, we hope that you are already filled with wanderlust to inspire you to book a trip in the near future. But let’s be honest, we can never get enough inspiration when it comes to amazing destinations around the world. We are always looking for new ideas, new places that perhaps we weren’t familiar with and helpful hints and tips to kick start us into booking a new trip in the near future. This is where the Travel and Adventure Show comes in real handy.

You don’t have to be a travel blogger.
You don’t have to be a frequent traveler.
You don’t have to be aware of all 197 countries around the globe.
In fact, all you need is a desire to want to learn more about traveling the world.

The Travel and Adventure Show is an awesome place to find out a plethora of information from tourism boards, tour companies and some of the world’s most inspiring travel writers to inspire you to grab your passport and book a trip.

Over the last few years, we have been avid attendees of the TBEX conference which is primarily for travel bloggers. Having heard about the Travel and Adventure Show from a couple of our friends in the blogging industry, we decided to check out their website and noticed they have a bunch of these shows scheduled throughout the country.

Dallas, Texas was the closest for us so we figured it was time to pay a visit and see what this was all about.

Travel and Adventure Show Information

The Travel and Adventure Show is primarily for YOU…meaning the regular person off the street looking to get some ideas on where you should travel in the next 12 months! It’s not for bloggers looking for a freebie, instead, it’s an opportunity to connect with destinations across the globe and find out exactly why these spots are so intriguing and attractive to travelers.

Plus you have an awesome opportunity to listen to some iconic travel writers such as Rick Steves, Peter Greenberg, Patricia Schultz among others. Throw in the mix a myriad of awesome activities and you have the perfect weekend getaway for someone looking to be inspired to travel more. We didn’t need a second invitation to attend the event in Dallas!

Over 13 years and 68 events, the Travel & Adventure Show Series has connected over 1.25 million travel enthusiasts with over 3,100 unique travel marketers in a professional setting that facilitates face-to-face conversations and has impacted over $2.4 billion in travel bookings. Each year, America’s most avid travelers flock to their favorite travel show to find, plan and book their dream vacation. (travelshows.com)

The beauty of the Travel and Adventure Show is that the events are generally scheduled during the first quarter each year so that you have ample time to plan and organize a trip later in the year. Here are some of the locations where you can expect to find a show:

Chicago
Dallas
Denver
Los Angeles
Philadelphia
San Diego
San Francisco
Washington DC

Be sure to check out the website for more details on upcoming events and you can already start planning to attend one in 2018!

Learn From The Best Travel Writers

After spending some time walking around the show picking up a bunch of flyers, we headed to the ‘Travel Theater’ stage to listen to Rick Steves give the opening session on travel in Europe. For anyone that is unfamiliar with Rick Steves, he is the highly acclaimed author of the travel guidebooks around the world.

I will admit that the first few minutes of his speech, I had a bad feeling that it was going to be a sales pitch about why you should purchase one of his tour around Europe (sorry Rick!!).

I soon found out this was far from the truth as he started to share stories of some of his favorite spots around Europe and in fact, highlighted some of the key differences between taking a guided tour of Europe versus touring on your own.

The pros and cons are clearly something everyone should consider but the moment he started talking about ‘safety’ in light of the current terrorist threats in Europe, that’s when I really started to resonate with his philosophies. He quoted lines such as “it’s safer to travel to Europe today than ever before” and “those that fear traveling to Europe are those that don’t have a passport”.

We have traveled more in the last few years than ever before and this is during a time when we are all on high terror alerts. Unfortunately, the media is to blame for this portrayal but it’s our job as travel bloggers to continue to push this message that Rick alluded to that no one should fear travel because anything can happen in your own backyard!

At the end of his session, Rick spent some time signing autographs of his guidebooks that were available for purchase at a discounted rate inside the Travel and Adventure Show or you could always grab one of his European tour itinerary guides and have him sign that!

Whether you are a Rick Steves fan or instead want to listen to some other inspiring travel writers such as Peter Greenberg or Patricia Schultz (author of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die and 1,000 Places to See in the United States), there are sessions available across both days of the show.

Inspire Your Wanderlust

If you are visiting the Travel and Adventure Show for the first time as we did in Dallas, the likelihood is that you are preparing to be inundated with information from various destination across the globe. Don’t worry, you won’t leave disappointed!

We left the show with a number of bags packed full of information and in many ways we left feeling like we had an information overload of breathtaking destinations that we need to visit.

You can never have too much information though when it comes to appealing pictures of pristine colored beaches in Jamaica or backpacking through the beautiful natural environments in Thailand or Cambodia.

We spent a couple of hours walking around meeting folks representing each of the various tourism boards. Even if you are not adventurous enough to visit China or South Korea just yet, there are plenty of US domestic destinations raring to attract your attention.

Utah’s San Juan County, home to the infamous Monument Valley, was one of the most intriguing spots that we discovered after realizing that despite visiting most of Utah’s Mighty Five National Parks, we somehow missed this area.

The list goes on with destinations that were present in Dallas and although many of these can be found in all the Travel and Adventure Shows across the States, each one will likely offer a unique selection of destinations depending on the region.

Embrace International Culture

Throughout the event in Dallas, we had the opportunity to watch a variety of performances from around the globe on the Global Beats Stage.

Whether you love the traditional Chinese dances or perhaps prefer a little Indonesian flair, we were treated to these cultural performances that epitomized the philosophy of the Travel and Adventure Show.

Meanwhile, if you are a foodie and love to experience different local cuisines whenever you travel the world, why not head over to the Taste of Travel Theater and watch various events including the awesome Culinary Fight Club where contestants have just one hour to create a magical dish from a limited number of ingredients.

The beauty of this event is that pretty much anyone can participate. You don’t have to be a world-famous chef, rather if you can cook, you can play!

Summary

The Travel and Adventure Show is an awesome event for anyone with an interest in travel. For only a small admission fee, you can literally be blown away with a wealth of valuable information pertinent to your favorite travel destinations across the globe.

We have been incredibly fortunate to travel as much as we have done over the past few years but when you attend an event like this, it makes you realize just how much there is to see.

Our wanderlust has well and truly grown and I’m convinced that yours will too if you choose to attend the Travel and Adventure Show when it’s next in your city!

Have you visited one of these Travel and Adventure Shows across the United States?

Disclaimer – We would like to thank the Travel and Adventure Show for providing us with two Press tickets to this event. These are solely our personal opinions/experiences and we were not financially compensated for this post.

Main Street Brew Fest – How to Enjoy the Best Beers in Franklin?

Tennessee

Chris Boothman

-

Apr 3, 2017

2

Main Street Brew Fest – How to Enjoy the Best Beers in Franklin?

If you love sampling local craft beers, we have the perfect event for you to attend! The Main Street Brew Fest in Franklin, Tennessee is an annual event that takes place in March every year and offers visitors the opportunity to sample some of the finest local brews. For those of you that are not particularly fond of craft beer, don’t worry as there are plenty of alternative beverages available, including flavored cider and even sparkling water with a slight kick!

Franklin is a town located just south of Nashville but despite its relatively small size in comparison to the nearby Music City, it certainly offers a myriad of amazing experiences that will help justify a visit here. When you throw in an annual event like the Main Street Brew Fest, it’s an ideal way to explore Franklin for a weekend getaway!

Did you read our post on the top things to do in Franklin? If not, Franklin is renowned for being a historic location in the American Civil War. Visitors to Franklin today have the opportunity to experience a variety of civil war sites located in and around the town but even if American history doesn’t really spark your interest, there is plenty more to do here.

We want to focus on a very different experience in this beautiful part of Tennessee – the Main Street Brew Fest where you can sample as many craft beers as you wish. Let’s take a look at what we now consider to be the best event in March! Forget March Madness and instead head to Franklin to enjoy the festivities.

14th Annual Main Street Brew Fest

Our visit to Franklin gave us the opportunity to experience the 14th Annual Main Street Brew Fest event that takes place in the heart of downtown. Every year, the Downtown Franklin Association offers visitors from around the state and further afield (we drove in from Arkansas but I can only assume there are folks that traveled much further for this awesome event!) the chance to sample some of the best local, national and international brews.

Tickets were available for $55 if you purchased online or $65 if you opted to purchase on the day of the event. These prices are subject to change each year so be sure to check out the Downtown Franklin Association website for the latest prices. This may sound a little expensive but when you realize that you can sample as many of these brews as you want, it’s actually a pretty good deal.

The beauty of this event is that it takes place regardless of the weather! We actually experienced a few light snow flurries during the morning and even into the evening as we eagerly anticipated the start of the event. Parking is relatively easy with a large parking garage located in the heart of the downtown area and just a short walk from the main square where the Main Street Brew Fest was taking place.

Check-in is available at the local City Hall where you are given a small glass commemorating your participation in the event and of course, to sample the fine variety of brews. 80+ craft beers are available from over 35 different vendors from Franklin and beyond.

Tents are set up throughout ‘The Square’ and for 3 hours (5:00 PM – 8:00 PM), beer lovers can wander around and sample these delicious brews.

I’m convinced that if you take part in this event, you will likely stumble across at least one or two brews that you will LOVE! Heather is not a huge fan of IPA’s or craft beers but she was able to find several that she loved.

The Best Craft Beers in Franklin

Although the focus on the Main Street Brew Fest event is local vendors showcasing their best craft beers, there are a number of brews from further afield that you may already be familiar with.

For those of you that are familiar with Icelandic beer, Einstock was present offering a fine ale and porter. It’s really not for that prefer a lighter brew but this unique taste is definitely worth sampling.

There is no place like Iceland. There is no brewery like Einstök.

Located 60 miles south of the Arctic Circle in the fishing port of Akureyri, Iceland, I am sure that many locals were intrigued to sample the distinctive taste of these craft brews.

Hap and Harry’s was one of the first tents we visited and this was definitely one of our favorites.

Renowned as producing fine craft beers that help folks revisit times when local breweries created the finest brews rather than competing with global conglomerates that they are faced with today.

Louisville’s Goodwood tent was a popular spot at the event given the hint of bourbon that is mixed into their beverages.

Both the Louisville Lager and Walnut Brown Ale were two of my favorites but I think the combination of beer and bourbon was a little too much for Heather’s tastebuds.

Asgard Brewing Company probably had the most innovative sampling experience.

Their van had taps connected to the side making it easy for them to provide samples. Conveniently located next to the Einstock tent, Asgard is another brand with an Icelandic heritage.

Asgard Brewery brings the cool, smooth beers of the Icelandic region to the Middle Tennessee area.

Looking for Beer Alternatives?

As I mentioned earlier, if beer just isn’t your thing, there are plenty of alternatives waiting to be discovered at the Main Street Brew Fest.

Flavored cider may not sound the most appealing beverage but after sampling a few alternatives courtesy of Woodchuck and Ace Cider, we can attest that adding a different flavor such as pear or pineapple works really well.

How does Pomegranate Ginger sparkling water sound? We were intrigued to visit the Press tent to sample some of this alcoholic water and we both have to admit that we were pleasantly surprised at just how refreshing this was.

Succulent superfruit with a snap of fresh ginger

I can certainly imagine drinking one of these on a hot summer’s day. It may not sound like the best combination but it works!

How about the sound of a delicious root beer? Head over to the Abita tent and sample some of their beverages that are flavored with pure Louisiana cane sugar. The goal is to create a root beer that has a typical flavor of a drink from the 1940s or 1950s before bottlers turned to corn sugar and fructose.

While Heather was sipping one of these root beers, I couldn’t resist the taste of the Sweet Orange Lager. If you love the taste of adding an orange slice to a Blue Moon or Shock Top, the taste and aroma of this lager will certainly make you want to purchase a case or two!

Enjoy Live Entertainment

The Main Street Brew Fest in Franklin is more than just an excuse to drink a variety of beers. The event offers live entertainment and this year we were entertained by Boomerang, a local band that rocked out 60s and 70s tributes all night to keep everyone warm despite the chilly conditions.

Whether you are looking to put on your dancing shoes and rock to your favorite artists from the rock n’ roll era or just enjoy a few beers with your friends while listening to this lively entertainment, the Main Street Brew Fest event is definitely the place to be.

Devour Tasty Cuisine

With all the alcohol around Franklin’s Square, I am sure that you will need a little nourishment to accompany your favorite brews.

Three different food trucks offered a variety of delicious cuisine options, ranging from local southern fare to typical Tennessee barbecue.

Music City Brisket, Puckett’s and Califarmia were the food trucks present and I have to admit that all of these were tempting. The finest brisket in Nashville was perhaps the most intriguing but I don’t think you could go wrong with any of the menus available.

The beauty of having the Main Street Brew Fest in such a central location meant that the plethora of downtown restaurants available was just a short walk away. From local pizza joints to an Irish pub, historic downtown Franklin is the place to be for “foodies” looking to sample some fine Tennessee cuisine.

Summary

It’s fair to say that we had an absolute blast at Franklin’s Main Street Brew Fest. This was our first experience at this event and we are already excited about returning next year to celebrate the 15th anniversary of this awesome festival.

I think it’s more appropriate to refer to this as a “festival” because it feels more than just a ‘one-off’ event as you are able to interact with the local breweries and find out where you can purchase these awesome brews.

We definitely fell in love with several of these craft beers and look forward to sampling them throughout the next 12 months as we eagerly anticipate any new concoctions that these brands create.

Be sure to grab a commemorative t-shirt before leaving the event! I’m sure it will help bring back awesome memories from your experience.

Hopefully, after reading this post you will feel inspired to take a trip to Franklin next year for the 15th Main Street Brew Fest. If you can’t wait until March, be sure to visit many of the local breweries in the Franklin area and be prepared to purchase several to take home with you!

Have you experienced a beer sampling event or a “Brew Fest” before? Do you have a preference over craft beers, cider, IPA’s or another brew?

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

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

Georgia

Chris Boothman

-

Mar 30, 2017

8

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

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

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

Where is Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park?

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

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

Click here for directions to Ocmulgee National Monument using Google Maps

History

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

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

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

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

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

Ocmulgee Hiking Trails

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

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

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

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

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

Earth Lodge

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

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

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

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

Impact of the Railroad

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

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

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

Great Temple Mound

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

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

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

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

Summary

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

5 Things to Do in Franklin for an Amazing Weekend Getaway

Tennessee

Chris Boothman

-

Mar 27, 2017

14

5 Things to Do in Franklin for an Amazing Weekend Getaway

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Franklin?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Things to Do in Franklin

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

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

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

Battle of Franklin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Explore Historic Downtown

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy The Factory at Franklin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visit Leipers Fork

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Main Street Brew Fest

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

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

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

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

Summary

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

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

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

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

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

10 Best Places to Visit in Canada for an Awesome Weekend

Canada

Chris Boothman

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Mar 23, 2017

19

10 Best Places to Visit in Canada for an Awesome Weekend

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

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

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

Best Places to Visit in Canada – 150 Years

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vancouver

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

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

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

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

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

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

Quebec City

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

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

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

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

Jasper

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

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

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

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

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

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

Montreal

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

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

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

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

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

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

Riding Mountain National Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

Toronto

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bay of Fundy

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

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

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

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

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

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

Calgary

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bruce Peninsula National Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ottawa

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

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

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

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

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

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

Summary

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

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

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

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

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

Product Reviews

Chris Boothman

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Mar 20, 2017

36

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

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

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

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

The Zero Grid Brand

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

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

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

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

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

Frequent Traveler Problems

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

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

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

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

Compression Packing Cubes

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

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

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

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

THE COMPLETE TRAVEL ORGANIZATION SYSTEM

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travel Toiletry Bag

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

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

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

Electronics Travel Organizer

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

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

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

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

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

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

RFID Passport Holder and Travel Wallet

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

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

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

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

Travel Umbrella and Flash Light

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

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

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

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

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

Summary

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

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

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

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

WIN Zero Grid Package

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

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

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

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