There are places on earth that are just naturally beautiful. At the same time, there are some natural phenomena that are so unique that you can’t believe they are real. The Needles Highway in the Black Hills of South Dakota is a combination of both. It’s one of those places that you have to see for yourselves, in order to really appreciate how impossible of a geological phenomenon this was to create.
Natural environments frequently offer spectacular scenery but this stunning scenic byway takes this philosophy to the extreme. After taking this breathtaking scenic drive, it’s no surprise to hear that critics have claimed this is an impossible stretch and one that is unbelievable to the naked eye…nevermind thinking about taking a vehicle along this route.
Where is the Needles Highway?
Located at the western edge of Custer State Park in the Black Hills of South Dakota, the Needles Highway is an epic experience that you cannot afford to miss. Having spent the morning exploring Rapid City and Mount Rushmore, our plan was to head over to Badlands National Park.
However, when we researched scenic drives in and around Rapid City, the Needles Highway immediately sparked our interest…and we can certainly attest that we have zero regrets.
If you are approaching this drive from Mount Rushmore, you will take a winding drive through the scenic Black Hills and it is about a 30-minute drive to the entrance of Custer State Park from Mount Rushmore.
Admission
We were completely unaware that to take the scenic drive through the Needles Highway, you have to pay the $20 admission fee for Custer State Park. This temporary pass gives you access to the state park for 7 days but of course, we were solely interested in taking the scenic drive.
Is it worth $20 you may be wondering? YOU BET IT IS!! We were a little pessimistic as we handed over our money but that was short-lived. We immediately started the gorgeous drive passing by stunning spires, through intricate tunnels naturally carved into the side of the mountains and sharp turns that require meticulous care as you drive around.
As this drive is closed throughout the winter months, we strongly recommend you plan on visiting this part of South Dakota between spring and fall. We were a little disappointed by the weather conditions that we experienced given the heavy rainfall, but we weren’t going to let a little rain dampen our spirits and enjoy this amazing scenery.
Needles Highway – The Impossible Route
When you think about a 14-mile drive through pine and spruce forests with an array of geological formations surrounding this route, it’s inevitable that you will be intrigued by the potential of this scenic byway.
This roadway dates back to 1922 when construction of this carefully planned route was completed. Former South Dakota Governor, Peter Norbreck, marked the entire course on foot and horseback and after you drive this route I think we will all agree that it was worth the effort.
The Tunnels
On numerous occasions, we stopped before the tunnel because we couldn’t quite believe how narrow they were. I couldn’t begin to imagine a tour bus or larger vehicle navigating along this route but fortunately, we were able to enjoy the scenery and challenges without fearing for our cars safety!
For the bus drivers that drive this roadway, kudos to them for having little fear because you need to be confident and aware of your vehicle size before passing through some of these tunnels.
Here are the dimensions of the two ‘narrow’ tunnels you will encounter on this drive:
8’4″ Wide by 12′ Tall and 9′ Wide by 12’3″ Tall
It’s a cool experience though navigating through them and as long you don’t suffer from serious claustrophobia, you will be completely fine! The Needle’s Eye tunnel is the most famous but mainly because of what you see once you get through to the other side.
The Overlooks and Granite Spires
There are a number of overlooks where you can pull over and admire the panoramic views across Custer State Park. The granite spires are probably the most iconic of all the geological features here and of course help to give the name to this highway.
However, the most challenging and spectacular aspect of this drive are the tunnels that you have to carefully pass through.
Once you pass through the Needle’s Eye tunnel, be sure to check out the actual rock formation where ‘the eye of a needle’ gets its name from. Through the forces of nature, this geological phenomenon was formed and it really is a great representation of the Needles Highway.
The Cathedral Spires are also a popular formation in Custer State Park that can be seen from this scenic drive. For the adventurous folks out there that love hiking and rock-climbing, the Cathedral Spires are a true climbers paradise.
Summary
The beauty throughout Custer State Park and particularly along the Needles Highway may frequently be left in the shadow of nearby attractions like Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park but that shouldn’t take anything away from how breathtaking it is here.
Regardless of your appreciation of nature, just taking this drive to admire the beauty will surely inspire you to want to explore more natural landscapes. This was the perfect appetizer for the Badlands Scenic Drive which we experienced later that day. Both are epic drives and certainly South Dakota should now be on your radar for geological beauty!
Have you experienced the Needles Highway? Are the Black Hills of South Dakota an attractive area that you are inspired to visit?
When you visit Louisiana it’s inevitable that you will be sampling a myriad of delicious cuisine while perhaps stumbling across one or unique situations that would only happen in this state. The iconic city of New Orleans is so very different to any other city across the United States and typifies much of the culture and inherent beauty of the state of Louisiana.
It goes without saying that anyone visiting Louisiana will likely have NOLA at the top of their bucket list but we want to introduce a variety of other reasons why you should want to visit the Pelican State. We are delighted to introduce a Louisiana native, Nancie Clark from Aperture Of My Soul, who shares her top reasons for visiting this beautiful southern state.
Living in Louisiana for the past 12 years has given Nancie some great insights to the South, though she is still considered a ‘Northerner’ to her Louisiana friends. There have been times that she has felt culturally uneducated but over the years, she has come to appreciate the rich cultural heritage that is reflected throughout Louisiana. Let’s take a look at why she recommends everyone should head south sooner rather than later.
Plantations
Louisiana’s history is filled with controversial practices. Sugar and cotton plantations were abundant with the majority of the labor being done by slaves. Today, we view slave labor as inhumane. The architectural styles of the plantations vary equally as much as their sizes.
My idea that all plantations are large properties is a misconception. Passed down through the generations, some properties have hundreds of acres, while others only have a limited number of acres remaining of the original land.
Visiting plantations, like the famous Oak Alley Plantation, allows you to appreciate the beauty of the plantation and pay respect to those lives that were the foundation, albeit not of their free will, of Louisiana.
Swamps
I have to admit, my favorite aspect of Louisiana is the swamps. Mysterious, beautiful and wild, the swamps of Louisiana are filled with diverse plant and animal life. There are an abundant number of swamp tours available throughout southern Louisiana. Cypress trees filled with hanging Spanish moss bring out the romanticism of the swamp. With the sharp contrasting danger of alligators sunbathing on a log.
I have taken numerous swamp tours and each one has its own flavor. Riding through the swamps you will see the camps (homes) along the swamp banks and realize that nature and Louisiana culture are closely intertwined.
Parades and Festivals
Who doesn’t know that Mardi Gras rocks in Louisiana? Beginning Jan 6th on King’s Day, Mardi Gras runs through Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. Parades, large and small, fill the weekends and some weekdays throughout Mardi Gras. Every year, the Krewes crown Kings and Queens of their parade. Be prepared to yell “Throw me sumthing Mister” in your best ‘Nawlins’ twang. You’re guaranteed to go home with some Mardi Gras beads.
Louisiana is a festival wonderland. Crawfish festival, Boudin (a type of sausage) festival and Jambalaya festival are just a few. You can’t have a festival without some amazing cajun/zydeco music and dancing. Louisianians love to dance! I’ve grown to love zydeco music but have yet to kick up my heels in a Cajun 2-step.
Food
Food in Louisiana is known to be spicy. Tabasco and Tony Chachere’s are like salt and pepper on the table.
Cajun and Creole are often used to describe Louisiana’s native food. Similar in their flavors, Creole is known as “city food” and Cajun as “country food.” For seafood lovers, dishes like shrimp etouffee, charbroiled oysters, crab au gratin never end. Crawfish boils fill the spring months.
Po-boys are another Louisiana favorite. You can enjoy every kind of Po-boy imaginable, including a french fry and brown gravy Po-boy! Yum! On the sweet side, you can’t leave Louisiana without tasting the tempting beignets. Streaks of powdered sugar down the front of your shirt is like your rite of passage as an honorary Louisianan.
New Orleans
No one can visit Louisiana without spending time in New Orleans. An iconic symbol of fun and carefree living, your experiences in New Orleans are only limited by what your time and wallet allow. Walking through the French Quarter during the day, the history of New Orleans is revealed. Royal Street is the quieter art center of the French Quarter. Street artists fill the sidewalks, each with their special style of art for sale.
But when the sun goes down, a different French Quarter awakens. On Bourbon Street, music fills the air and the alcohol and people flow freely. For more music and food, Frenchman’s Street is where the locals hang out.
A trolley ride down St Charles Avenue, reveals a very different side to New Orleans. Beautiful mansions and oak trees are full of southern charm. City Park is the 7th most visited urban public park in the United States. Home to the Art museum, Storyville children’s park, Botanical gardens and many more activities, you can spend a day exploring.
A visit to New Orleans is not complete without a visit to St Louis Cemetery No. 1. Established in the 1700’s, it is the oldest existing cemetery in New Orleans. Other cemeteries like Lafayatte in the Garden District are equally as interesting to stroll around.
Visit Louisiana – Our Thoughts
We fall in love with New Orleans a little more each time we visit! Living in Arkansas, we are a relatively short drive away from a variety of delicious cuisine options that capture our imagination every time we head there.
Whether you want to sample some of the finest oysters from Acme Oyster House or prefer a po’boy from Mother’s, there is a little bit of everything in NOLA.
We loved taking different walking tours around the various districts in New Orleans. A French Quarter walking tour will introduce you to the Napoleonic history here along with the trade industry that once thrived around Jackson Square.
Alternatively, head over to the luxury side of New Orleans and take the Garden District Tour, where the likes of Sandra Bullock and John Goodman reside. It’s also the area where the house in the Benjamin Button movie was filmed. This is also an interesting spot to check out one of the infamous cemeteries (Lafayette) that Nancie mentioned.
I could spend all day sharing our favorite restaurants around New Orleans but be sure to check out our post on Where to Eat in New Orleans for a few of our top recommendations.
Summary
Although the focus of this post has primarily been about New Orleans and some of the surrounding neighborhoods, it’s inevitable that anyone interested in visiting Louisiana will be introduced to an incredibly unique experience. The cuisine is something else and although it may not have the aesthetic appeal that makes you want to dive in (though many would argue with this), I strongly encourage you to give it a try!
Thanks to Nancie for sharing their thoughts on why you should visit Louisiana. In addition to her website highlighted above, you can also follow Nancie on her travels via her social media networks:
Have you visited Louisiana before? Does the allure of New Orleans cuisine and French inspired architecture appeal? What are your top things to do in NOLA?
Home of the most famous horse race in the world and one of the best bourbons, Kentucky is a certainly a state that should be on your radar if it isn’t already. From the gorgeous and historic Churchill Downs racecourse to the iconic taste of Jim Beam, making time to visit Kentucky is certainly something you should be doing.
We are delighted to introduce Michelle Weigold from The Great Wide Somewhere, who has graciously offered to share her top reasons for visiting ‘The Bluegrass State’. Given that it’s her hometown state, we are fairly confident that we have an expert on board to share her top reasons for visiting Kentucky.
If you are not familiar with what Kentucky has to offer before reading this post, by the time you have followed Michelle’s recommendations, we are sure that you will be ready to book a trip to Louisville or another part of the state sooner rather than later.
The Kentucky Stereotype vs Reality
When most people think of Kentucky, usually the first thing they envision is horse races, big hats, and maybe some barefoot, overall-clad children running around a coal mine in the hollers of the Appalachians. While these images (however stereotypical) do represent portions of the beautiful bluegrass state, there is so much more than merely banjos and moonshine in the great Commonwealth of Kentucky!
As a born and raised Kentucky girl with a penchant for exploration, here are my top five epic reasons as to why you should visit my old Kentucky home.
Rolling Hills, Horses, Bluegrass, and Basketball
If you want to see the Kentucky that most people envision, take a drive near the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. The rolling bluegrass fields, white picket fences, and horses happily basking in the sun will make you feel like a character in a storybook.
Towns like Lexington (“The Horse Capital of the World”) provide ample opportunities for views and experiences of the horse industry. Take a drive down Lexington’s Old Frankfort Pike, and see grand horse farms and old southern mansions. Spend a day at the scenic Keeneland race track, admire the athletic beauty of these animals, and learn the art of betting.
Take a stroll across the campus of the University of Kentucky, and get a small taste of the state’s great appetite for basketball too. If you want to experience horses, history, and bluegrass- Lexington is the place to do it!
The Bourbon Trail
A simple truth: If you want true bourbon whiskey, you come to Kentucky. If you want to sample and try its many varieties and note its subtle differences, spend some time on the bourbon trail. The trail is a network of nine distilleries scattered throughout central Kentucky, providing guests the opportunity to visit these beautiful places, sip some bourbon, and get stamps on their “passport”.
Most of the stops offer tours, and the chance to learn the history as well as about the distilling process, all while enjoying gorgeous views. Particularly scenic stops include Makers Mark, Woodford Reserve, and Heaven Hill.
Mammoth Cave
Most people outside of Kentucky have no idea that the state is actually home to the world’s longest network of caves. Yes, you read that right- not just America’s longest cave network – the WORLD’S!
Stretching out over 400 miles of epic passageways, this National Park is mysterious, awe-inspiring, and truly fascinating. Visit the park to go on an underground cavern tour, try your hand at spelunking, or to admire the stalagmites and stalactites, all while dodging those pesky bats!
The Red River Gorge
Located in the mountainous central part of the state, The Red River Gorge is a canyon system near the Red River. It is a protected geological area attracting thousands of campers, rock climbers, and adventure seekers each year.
Natural Bridge State Park is adjacent to this area and is one of the most beautiful hikes in the American south. Part of the Daniel Boone National Forest, this part of the state offers stunning hikes, dramatic cliff-side views, pristine forest, and is a rock climber’s heaven!
Small Towns and Kentucky Hospitality
Kentucky is home to many small towns that epitomize the American south. Walk through any little “map dot” town and you can usually find an old town hall, ‘mom and pop’ restaurants, charming old barns slowly fading away, and friendly locals ready to serve you up some sweet tea and chicken.
Small towns like Rabbit Hash in Northern Kentucky (where a dog is the town mayor and the general store opened its doors in 1820), or Augusta and its picturesque Victorian homes, can give you a little taste as to what you can find in any small town you stumble upon.
The extremely charming and beautiful little city of Bardstown was recently named “the most beautiful small town in America”, and is the site of the official “Old Kentucky Home” – the inspiration behind the great state anthem.
Visit Kentucky – Our Thoughts
I honestly can’t believe that we haven’t explored more of Kentucky given the close proximity to Arkansas. However, our time visiting Louisville was amazing so we are excited to head back and explore more of what Kentucky has to offer. The stereotypical reasons for visiting Louisville were certainly attractive enough for us to head there.
The stereotypical reasons for visiting Louisville were certainly attractive enough for us to head there. After driving back from Cincinnati, Ohio we took an awesome guided tour of Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby.
I can just imagine the atmosphere inside this venue when the Derby is taking place. Our tour was awesome and we can highly recommend this to anyone, regardless of your interest in horse racing.
We spent a little more time in Louisville on our next visit when we headed to Valhalla for the 2014 US PGA Championship. We spent a day exploring downtown including the infamous Louisville Slugger Museum which provided a great deal of insight into the history of baseball and of course, the iconic bat that we are all familiar with.
But as you can see from Michelle’s review, there is so much to see in Kentucky than just visiting Louisville.
Summary
Who is ready to tackle the Bourbon Trail in Kentucky with us? After reading about all the bourbon spots around the state and the number of samplings you could experience, we are certainly ready to head back to Kentucky and find out exactly why this is such a popular spot for bourbon connoisseurs.
Meanwhile for horse racing aficionados, taking a trip to Louisville for the Kentucky Derby is surely the ultimate experience.
Have you visited Kentucky and if so, what are your must-see attractions around the state? Do you prefer to relax with your favorite bourbon or perhaps get out and explore the natural features of the state (Mammoth Cave and Red River Gorge for example)?
“Do you want to go camping this weekend?”…it’s a common question that many of us have been asked throughout the years! “Not in a million years!!”…and that’s a response we frequently hear! The sound of roughing it in the middle of nowhere with a leaking tent, critters wandering across your feet and searing hot temperatures in the middle of summer is understandably not an appealing attraction for everyone. But don’t worry we have a solution. Try camping in England!
The stereotypical camping experience is one that I just described above but when you experience camping around England, it’s a completely different scenario. In fact, if you are fortunate enough to find a campsite similar to ones we have experienced, it may well feel like luxury accommodation. We want to share a couple of our experiences and why camping in England should be on your radar the next time you take a holiday.
Camping in England – Why is it Different?
I want to start with a caveat that of course, not all camping experiences in England are going to be positive! It’s the nature of travel and I’m sure those of you that have camped around England will know where I am coming from.
But before you start associating all camping experiences with a negative connotation, let’s take a look at some of the reasons why we think it’s so different than anywhere else in the world.
Appearance
Campsites around England are generally very well maintained and manicured. Much of our camping experiences (more specifics on this later) has been in Devon and Cornwall and throughout these counties, campsites have a very welcoming appearance that makes you want to stay there.
A typical English campsite will have a shop on site where you can purchase essential food, drink, daily newspapers and basic camping gear if you forget something. Depending on the campsite, you will either have community bathrooms or if you are lucky, private bathrooms where you can enjoy a relaxing shower after a night under the canvas.
Availability
When you travel around England, there are always campsites readily available. Booking in advance is always recommended just like with any type of accommodation but if you prefer to travel spontaneously, you won’t struggle to find a campsite to pitch your tent.
There is a treasure trove of places to explore if you’re considering going camping in England (Visit England)
There are numerous websites available offering the best campsites available within a given location. UK Parks and Pitchup are two alternatives that we have used previously but if you prefer to go directly to the campsite, many have that option too.
Accessibility
If you have camped in other countries such as the United States, you will know that many of the campsites are sometimes difficult to find. Hidden off the beaten path can make it difficult to find but for the most part, you don’t have these issues in England.
As you drive along the motorway or main roads in England, campsites frequently have signs advertising their accommodation options and where you can find them. Alternatively, just use your GPS and the majority of campsites will already be in there.
Affordability
One of the biggest challenges for travelers visiting England is finding affordable accommodation. Well, camping is by far the cheapest option available! You can find high-quality campsites around England for £10-30 per night in the heart of peak season (June-August), with all amenities included.
Electric grass pitches are also available for a slightly higher rate if you need an electric hook-up but just having these various options is something that makes England’s campsites stand out from other countries.
Find the Perfect Tent
Hopefully, you are now convinced that taking a camping trip in England is a feasible option. However, the next step is to find that perfect tent that will be your home for the days and weeks ahead during your holiday. It’s critical that you find the perfect tent that is right for you, dependent upon the number in your party, your luxury desires and of course, your budget.
Whether you want a 2 man dome tent or perhaps a 4 man tunnel tent, the opportunities are endless. When choosing your tent, first choose a design based on your group’s size and whether you need additional space for travel gear or dogs.
It’s also important to consider ‘ease of use’. Remember, if you are road tripping around the country and plan on staying at multiple sites, you will quickly want to become an expert in putting your tent up and pulling it down.
Campsite Recommendations
Throughout my childhood years, we would take family vacations to campsites around England and stay in a caravan which is another awesome way to experience the UK. However, in 2010 I brought Heather over to England for the first time and we spent a month road tripping around and exploring the beauty that lies within this historic nation.
Camping with our trusty tent (though we did have a couple of nerve-wracking experiences when the infamous English rain started pouring in, or so we thought only to find out we didn’t have the door closed properly) was perfect for us providing enough flexibility to allow us to explore to our hearts content.
Here are three of our favorite campsites in various English counties based on our experiences.
Cornwall
Camping in Cornwall was one of the best experiences during our month long England road trip. We stayed at Trevella Holiday Park in the quaint village of Crantock, just outside of Newquay. It’s no surprise at all to hear that Trevella is an award winning campsite as the pristine condition of the whole park was a pleasure to be part of.
Facilities include a café servicing delicious cuisine, crazy golf course and heated outdoor swimming pool to make your stay memorable and relaxing.
If you are planning on visiting Cornwall, why not spend some time on the gorgeous English Riviera in Devon. We spent several days exploring the region while pitching our tent at another awesome campsite.
Ross Park Caravan Park is primarily for caravans but there is a leisure field where you can pitch your tent during the summer months. Located in the wonderfully named village of Ipplepen, it is just a short distance from Newton Abbot and Torquay is only about 20 minutes away.
Looking for a few days of solitude and relaxation away from everything? Ross Park is the perfect place for you! Don’t let the sound of pitching a tent on a field fool you because you are able to experience all of the amenities of the caravan site for less than £20 per night.
Address Park Hill Farm, Moor Road, Ipplepen, TQ12 5TT
It’s not just mainland England that has amazing campsites! Once you have figured out how to get to the Isle of Wight across the Solent, check out the amazing selection of campsites available. We stayed at The Orchards Holiday Caravan and Camping Park in Newbridge and had yet another great experience.
Image courtesy of Orchards Holiday Caravan & Camping Park
This was one of the ‘busier’ campsites that we stayed at but the high-quality facilities and high levels of cleanliness were second to none. You don’t even need to leave the park to enjoy Fish & Chips, as the food bar offers a variety of menu options available. I certainly agree with the campsite’s philosophy of having a ‘wide variety of amenities and activities to make your stay as comfortable as possible.’
Image courtesy of Orchards Holiday Caravan & Camping Park
Also, don’t just take our word for it that camping is the way forward in England! There are a myriad of resources available on the web and also at your local bookshop about camping in England.
I also recommend checking out the awesome Ultimate Camping Guide by Halfords. We recently stumbled across this guide while planning another camping trip in England and found this a great resource not only for beginners but also for those that are experts in the outdoor lifestyle.
Whether you are still searching for the perfect destination in England or just need a handy packing checklist, Halfords has produced a top quality book that is available as either a downloadable PDF or a printed version.
Summary
Camping in England is undoubtedly a unique experience and one that you just have to try for yourselves before comparing it with other countries around the world. Nowhere else have I seen campsites that are quite as luxurious so if you are looking for the luxury camping experience, well England is the country for you.
When Heather and I talk about our favorite trips around the world, we frequently look back on our 2010 camping experience around England. Not only because of the amazing locations and attractions we discovered but because of the overall adventure that we embarked on. Our philosophy for traveling around England is pretty simple now.
Camping + Road trip = awesome adventures
We hope that you are inspired to explore camping options in England and we would love to hear your experiences.
There are certain parts of the world that are just blessed to have an abundance of amazing architecture. If you are considering any form of travel to Eastern Europe in the near future, you will appreciate after reading this post why this is a real gem of a region for breathtaking forms of architectural brilliance.
Inspired by the various historic architectural periods such as the Rennaissance and the Baroque, many Eastern European countries can lay claim to having some of the best architectural structures not only across the continent but also around the world.
We are delighted to collaborate with a number of our friends from our across the globe who have shared some of their favorite Eastern European monuments, landmarks and other forms of architecture.
The Brest Fortress is located in Brest, the southwest corner of Belarus, minutes from the Polish Border. I really like this monument as it reminds me of an underdog winning, as they managed to repel the German invasion of the fortress in June 1941 for 8 days, much longer than anyone expected.
The monument is of an injured soldier, attempting to get water having survived days without food and water in the battle. There’s a reason the fortress was named a Hero Fortress in 1965.
Thanks to Jub from Tiki Touring Kiwi for highlighting why Brest Fortress is one of his favorite architectural structures around Europe.
Stari Most
Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina Address: Stari most, Mostar 88000, Bosnia & Herzegovina
The ‘Old Bridge’ or to give it the correct name Bosnia’s Stari Most, Mostar is just as stunning in the flesh as it is in the images online. This stone bridge sits about two hours outside of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital city, Sarajevo, and can be visited as a day trip or overnight (to avoid the crowds!)
The beautiful blue/green water which Stari Most is built on is the Neretva River. Mostar is not only famous for the bridge but also the divers who take the plunge, for money of course!
Thanks to Gemma and Craig from Two Scots Abroad for highlighting why Stari Most is one of their favorite architectural designs around Europe.
Europe is full of impressive architecture but I love discovering more off-beat surprises and Buzludzha, Bulgaria’s UFO-like, abandoned Communist headquarters is one of the most interesting, surreal and unique buildings that I’ve ever seen.
Buzludzha is perched eerily on a mountain top near the pretty medieval town of Veliko Tarnovo in Bulgaria and it isn’t officially a tourist attraction – I had to climb in through a hole to enter!
As well as being impressive and uniquely surreal from the outside, inside you can see interesting crumbling communist mosaics and even climb up the tower for amazing views across the mountains (at your own risk of course, as it is a derelict building!).
Buzludzha is quickly crumbling away with the elements so if you want to see a unique piece of communist history, go quickly before it is lost to the forces of nature.
The Hungarian Parliament Building in Budapest is by far my favorite landmark in Europe. The Neo-Gothic architecture is absolutely stunning. Every time I saw even the slightest view of this spectacular building, I would have to stop and stare, and since Parliament sits along the Danube River, there are plenty of places to catch a good view of it.
We too have visited the Parliament building while exploring Budapest in one day and we definitely agree with Sadie’s comments that this is one of the most spectacular buildings across Europe. I love the iconic location beside the Danube River and clearly, this is a focal point of Budapest.
Whether you are walking along the banks of the river or perhaps staring down from the Fisherman’s Bastion in the old city, the Parliament is certainly a landmark that you cannot miss…and why would you want to! It’s an amazing architectural design dating back to 1904 when it first opened.
Thanks to Sadie from Eclectic Trekker for suggesting the Hungarian Parliament Building in Budapest as one of the best structures in Europe.
Szechenyi Bath Complex
Country: Hungary Address: Budapest, Állatkerti krt. 9-11, 1146 Hungary
Everyone who visits Budapest can’t help talk about the city’s beauty. Known as the Paris of the East, Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The city is known for its many thermal baths.
From the early days as a Roman outpost, Budapest has welcomed visitors with natural hot springs to soak and relax. There’s nothing like visiting the massive Szechenyi bath complex and dipping into the hot waters for a few hours. Szechenyi is the most iconic hot springs in the world.
Thanks to Lance and Laura from Travel Addicts for their recommendation of Szechenyi Thermal Baths in Budapest.
Memento Park
Country: Hungary Address: Budapest, Balatoni út – Szabadkai utca sarok, 1223 Hungary
Do you remember the collapse of the Soviet Union with its nightly television images of jubilant crowds tearing down Soviet statutes? Not every statute was destroyed. Some, about 40, were saved and brought together at Memento Park in Budapest. Today they stand as a fascinating footnote to history – sad and almost forgotten.
My Tip: Don’t go on a sunny day, try to be there when it is grey and overcast and you might get a sense of the hopelessness felt by the millions who lived under the shadow of such symbols.
Prizren, the second largest city in Kosovo, is my favorite place in the Balkans. It retains a delightful village feel where life goes on slowly, except for the summer when Prizren hosts the Dokufest which attracts over 20,000 people from all over the world.
The old town, with Sinan Pasha Mosque and the Unesco-listed Church of the Virgin of Ljeviš among other important monuments, shows the important role played by the city during the Ottoman and Byzantine empires. Don’t miss the view of the city from the fortress at sunset time, it’s breathtaking.
Thanks to Stefania from Every Steph for her recommendation of visiting Prizren in Kosovo to appreciate a myriad of amazing architecture.
The Chuch of St. Sava is a beautiful piece of Serbian architecture and is one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. The church is located in the Vračar district of Belgrade and is hard to miss as it dominates the skyline. This Serbian Orthodox Church is St. Sava’s final resting place, who is the founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
It is relatively new to the capital of Serbia and is being completely financed by donations. This is the reason why the interior is still not complete, and perhaps never will be – who knows!
Thanks to Natasha and Cameron from The World Pursuit for their recommendation of the Church of Saint Sava in Belgrade.
In my opinion, what makes Istanbul the city I love, is its cultural diversity which has a history of more than 3000 years. The geographical uniqueness of Istanbul which connects Europe and Asia with its beautiful Bosphorus attracted many civilizations and they all left their marks in Istanbul, the heart of Turkey.
If you’d ask me to choose one building to explain this cultural diversity of Istanbul, no doubt I’d choose Hagia Sophia. When you enter Hagia Sophia, located in the heart of Istanbul’s historic center, you will see the history written on the walls. The former seat of the Patriarch of Constantinople was turned into a mosque by the Ottoman Conquerers to symbolize their power and take-over.
Today, Hagia Sophia is neither a church nor a mosque. It is a museum which symbolizes the modern Turkey, the country which has been combining both western and eastern cultures and religions for centuries, just like Hagia Sophia.
Thanks to Cansel from Citizen on Earth for her recommendation of the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.
Istanbul is one of our favorites cities in the world. The mix of culture, the people, the food, the architecture… a city that stole our hearts! There is a place that we absolute love to visit when we are in Istanbul. From the Istanbul’s Asian side (Istanbul is divided into both Eastern Europe and Asia) you get the best views of the Maiden’s Tower, a lighthouse turned into a museum.
Go there for the sunset, sit in one of the cafes, order a “çay”, relax and enjoy the view. The boats crossing the Bosphorus, seagulls flying over the vessels, the “simit” sellers yelling “Simit, Simit, Simit!!”, the silhouette of the tower reflecting on the channel, it’s everything like a choreography.
Thanks to Rob and Nat from Love and Road for their recommendation of the Maiden’s Tower in Istanbul.
Summary
When you travel to Eastern Europe, you are presented with a variety of unique, amazing architecture. Every country has something very different that helps characterize that particular nation but clearly, countries like Hungary and Turkey are popular spots. However, that should take nothing away from any of the other countries typically linked to the ‘Eastern Europe’ region.
If you read our post on a Bratislava walking tour, you will know that we enjoyed experiencing some gorgeous architecture around the Slovakian capital. We have had limited experience in this part of Europe but after seeing this collection of gorgeous architecture, we are ready to explore more!
We would like to reiterate our appreciation to all our fellow travelers who have graciously shared their awesome pictures of Eastern European architecture! We hope this inspires you to travel to a part of the world that frequently comes under scrutiny because of all the negative media it receives.
What is your favorite Eastern European country and why? Do you have an appreciation of architecture when traveling?
If you are looking for the perfect spot to experience the infamous Northern Lights or the midnight sun north of the Arctic Circle, there can only be one country that comes to mind – Norway. It is the epitome of breathtaking beauty and with so many things to see in Norway, it’s understandably a country that should be on everyone’s upcoming travel plans.
Despite the plethora of attractions in this country, we have yet to explore this iconic nation aside from spending a solitary night at Oslo Airport. After reading so many amazing stories and seeing spectacular images of the landscapes around Norway, we are ready to head back and experience everything ‘The Land of the Midnight Sun’ has to offer.
Why Visit Norway?
Let’s start with a pretty simple question. What do you consider to be the top reasons to visit Norway? Given the recent British exit from the European Union, Norway has become one of the hot-topic countries given their independence from the EU.
As part of Scandinavia, Norway has always been an attractive country for many visitors but let’s take a look at what makes Norway such an amazing place. I can quickly summarize three key areas that make Norway so popular before you even think about specific cities or landmarks.
Urban vs Rural – Whether you want to spend time exploring a city like Oslo or perhaps head out on a glacial expedition in the fjords, Norway has it all!
Epic Natural Experiences – There are not many places on this earth that have better opportunities to see natural phenomena like the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) and Midnight Sun than Norway!
Norway is Energy Efficient – The Norwegians certainly know all about renewable energy (perhaps other nations could take a leaf from their book) as hydropower is the largest provider of electricity production in the nation. It’s no surprise to see the UK collaborating with the Norwegians to import the use of this hydropower.
In our opinion, here are the 5 of the top places and things to see in Norway.
Is there any better place to start than the beautiful capital city of Oslo? Whether you want to experience fine architecture at the Oslo Opera House or perhaps just people watch and partake in a little retail therapy along the Karl Johans Gate, also known as the heart of the city.
Oslo is home to a variety of Nordic inspired museums, so if you are an avid historian or enthusiastic art critic, there are a number of options available to you. The Munch Museum is home to the world’s largest collection of works by Edvard Munch, while the Kon-Tiki Museum offers visitors the opportunity to learn all about the historic voyage that later became a well-renowned movie.
Take some time to head over to another of Oslo’s historic landmarks, the Holmenkollen Ski Jump Tower and Museum. Here you can learn all about the history of skiing while a visit to the observation deck at the summit of the jump tower offers panoramic views around Oslo.
After exploring the capital, you may be ready to head to the west coast and experience the underrated city of Bergen, the second most populous metropolis in Norway. Bergen’s historic quarter runs along the eastern shore and is known as Bryggen. This old wharf is characterized by colorful, vibrant architecture that is a representation of the trading empire that once thrived here.
Although Bryggen is a reflection of the rich cultural heritage in Bergen, a trip to the Bergenhus Fortress will give you a look back at life in the 13th century. The King Haakon’s Hall is the only surviving building of the royal palace that once stood on these grounds and along with the Rosenkrantz Tower, this is definitely an intriguing place to visit.
Tromsø
If you are thinking about experiencing the midnight sun effect, Tromsø is definitely a city you will want to visit. Located 217 miles north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is not only the largest city in Northern Norway and allows visitors the opportunity to have unlimited daylight for two months of the year, it is also a popular spot for those seeking out the Northern Lights.
From 20 May to 20 July the infamous midnight sun shines, so be prepared to get some rest before heading to Tromsø because during this timeframe it is well and truly a 24-hour city!
A lively nightlife scene makes Tromsø a popular spot for weekend getaways but it’s perhaps the delicious Arctic seafood that makes this such an intriguing destination for foodies and other cuisine connoisseurs. Meanwhile, a trip to see the epic sights of the Northern Lights is a popular excursion for folks visiting this city.
I am an avid golfer so when I heard that Tromsø is home to the world’s most northernmost golf course (Tromsø Golf Park), I was immediately sold and need to plan a trip where I can take my golf clubs along. Imagine playing golf at midnight and then heading to the 19th hole in the early hours of the morning!
Tromsø is home to a number of quirky yet brilliantly designed architectural structures. The Polaria is an aquarium designed in a shape that is supposed to represent ice flowing. The Arctic Cathedral is another gorgeous building that is in fact, a parish church rather than a cathedral as it is named.
Fjords of Western Norway
When thinking about stereotypical Norwegian landscapes, there is nothing quite like the breathtaking scenery created by the fjords that are scattered along the western coast of Norway. Norway fjords are unlike anywhere else in the world and it’s one of those unique experiences that you have to see in order to fully appreciate it.
The development of the Western Norwegian fjords dates back to the ice age but the iconography of these natural features today is such that they were granted World Heritage status by UNESCO in 2005. Although there are thousands of fjords throughout Norway, the iconic ones like the Nærøyfjord, Geirangerfjord, and the Sognefjord are located on the west coast.
Many of these fjords offer a perfect blend of incredible scenery, rich history and culture in the local towns that can be found along the banks and of course, a myriad of activities that visitors and locals alike can enjoy. If you are seeking a moment of pure relaxation, there are few places better than the Norwegian fjords to just get away and enjoy the intimate surroundings of these stunning natural landscapes.
Lofoten Archipelago
Interesting in taking a coastal voyage from Tromsø to appreciate some of Norway’s finest scenery from a boat? Head down to the Lofoten Islands, an archipelago characterized by gorgeous peaks, sheltered inlets, and largely untouched landscapes.
The beauty of this place is simply staggering (Lonely Planet)
Lofoten has a strong connection with the Viking age, so be sure to check out the Lofotr Viking Museum which offers a reflection of how life was like in the Viking years.
If you are arriving in Lofoten by boat, consider renting a car on arrival to fully explore the Lofoten Islands. Or perhaps you want to start exploring on foot and then go rafting in the Trollfjord to appreciate the panoramic bliss around you.
Henningsvær is a quaint fishing village with a population just over 400. However, this is not necessarily a place for people watching rather take a moment to appreciate the natural beauty both surrounding and within this small town.
We have briefly touched on a few reasons why Norway is such an attractive country that we should all consider visiting. When you start thinking about the best places to see in Norway, I’m sure you will have different opinions but the eye-catching geography of this nation means that there is something beautiful wherever you visit.
We are hoping to visit Norway in the near future to fully appreciate everything that we have covered in this post but I’m sure there will be one or two other hidden surprises waiting for us in the perfectly named Land of the Midnight Sun!
Have you visited Norway? What are your top reasons for visiting?
As you drive into the heart of the Black Hills of South Dakota heading towards the main attraction in this region, Mount Rushmore, it’s inevitable that you will stumble across another gem that you should take some time to explore. Keystone, South Dakota is a quirky town set in a valley of the Black Hills but is a great place to get out and explore before experiencing Mount Rushmore.
Where is Keystone, South Dakota?
Located about 25 minutes from Rapid City, Keystone is perfectly situated to capture all Mount Rushmore visitors. It’s feasible that you will pass through Keystone and just spend some time shopping, dining or simply wandering around exploring the quirkiness (more on all of these later).
However, perhaps you would prefer to use Keystone as your ‘base’ for taking day trips to other parts of the Black Hills. I can certainly see the benefit of using this as a place to stay overnight given the beauty of the natural surroundings you are in.
Day Trips from Keystone
Here are some of the trips you could easily take from Keystone. It’s plausible that you could combine several of these into the same day, for example, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park are all relatively close together.
Mount Rushmore – Keystone is literally on the doorstep of Mount Rushmore and is only a short drive to this iconic monument. Distance – 3-4 miles (5-10 minutes)
Custer State Park – There are various entrances to Custer State Park but if you are interested in taking the amazing Needles Highway which is the BEST way to introduce yourselves to Custer, this is only a short drive from Keystone. Distance – 14 miles (30 minutes)
Crazy Horse Memorial – If you love Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse is another iconic monument you have to experience! Distance – 19-20 miles (30 minutes)
Rapid City – The City of Presidents offers an amazing self-guided walking tour around the heart of downtown to learn about all 42 former presidents through amazing sculptures. Distance – 20 miles (25-30 minutes)
Wall Drug Store – One of the most popular attractions throughout South Dakota is Wall Drug Store. If you have heard the story about a store starting by offering free ice water…that’s Wall Drug Store! It is situated perfectly for those interested in taking a tour of Badlands National Park. Distance – 74 miles (75 minutes)
Badlands National Park – A great day trip from Keystone is to explore the Badlands. We strongly encourage you to take the Badlands Scenic Drive but just admiring the gorgeous geological formations around these landscapes is a rewarding experience. Distance – 80 miles (80-90 minutes)
Things to Do in Keystone
If you plan to spend some time in Keystone, which you most definitely should, here are some of the top attractions and reasons to explore this town in South Dakota.
1. Gutzon Borglum Historical Center
Regardless of your opinion on Mount Rushmore, if you are visiting this part of South Dakota, it is inevitable that pretty much everything you see and experience will be related to this iconic memorial. If you are interested in learning more about the history and story behind this creation, check out the Gutzon Borglum Historical Center in Keystone.
Borglum was the key architect behind the design of this memorial and for only $10, you can tour the museum learning about the history of Mount Rushmore along with Borglum’s life and family away from his most infamous work.
2. National Presidential Wax Museum
Another popular attraction in Keystone which is, of course, related to the popular presidential focus in this part of South Dakota, is the National Presidential Wax Museum. The history dates back to 1971 when this attraction was formerly known as the Parade of Presidents.
Visitors can explore the wax museum for only $10 ($7 for children) and since the turn of the century, the museum has undergone mass renovation to modernize the overall look and feel of this popular attraction.
Another popular nearby attraction for all the family to enjoy is the miniature golf course. The Holy Terror Mini Golf course is nestled on the side of a slope in Keystone, offering a challenging test for all skill levels. This is a great way to relax after an educational experience at the wax museum.
3. Souvenir Shopping
Need to grab a souvenir or two for your friends and family back home? Don’t worry, Keystone is the perfect place to find everything you may need! From souvenir magnets depicting those iconic four heads on Mount Rushmore to cuddly toys of your favorite South Dakotan wildlife, you can find it all here.
We wandered around the heart of downtown Keystone and checked out a couple of the souvenir stores. We always purchase a magnet and lapel pin from our travels so of course we were delighted by the selection available. We hoped that the prices were a little cheaper here than at Mount Rushmore but we found them to be pretty comparable.
4. Experience Local Cuisine
While you spend time exploring Keystone, it would be remiss of you to go without experiencing some of the local dining establishments. Whether you want to sample some of the finest pizza in South Dakota at Janes Boardwalk Pizza or perhaps appreciate the atmosphere and delicious food at Teddy’s Deli, there are plenty of options available to satisfy all appetites.
One of our regrets is that we didn’t have time to experience any dining options here because just walking by some of the restaurants, I have to admit the smell was pretty amazing and certainly captured our attention.
Grapes and Grinds is a popular spot to grab a pastry and a cup of coffee before heading out to Mount Rushmore or into Custer State Park for some outdoors adventure. Regardless of your taste, Keystone has plenty of choice for everyone!
Summary
Keystone South Dakota is a lively town that will immediately capture your attention as you approach either en route to Mount Rushmore or because you plan on spending some time here.
As you can see, Keystone is a feasible location to stay in the Black Hills of South Dakota if you plan on taking several day trips or perhaps you just want to get out and explore for a couple of hours before continuing on your journey around this part of the state.
Have you explored Keystone, South Dakota? Do you prefer to have a ‘home base’ when you are traveling and take day trips, or do you simply prefer to remain spontaneous and road trip around from one destination to another?
It’s not called the “Land of Fire and Ice” for nothing and after visiting Iceland for the first time, we can well and truly attest that this is one AMAZING COUNTRY that everyone has to experience. Once you have visited, trust me…you will want to keep going back! From breathtaking natural attractions such as active volcanoes and geysers to the relaxing solitude of coastal towns along the south coast, there are numerous places to visit in Iceland to keep you entertained.
Regardless of where you are visiting from, Iceland’s myriad of natural wonders is like nowhere else in the world. Whether you want to relax in the Blue Lagoon or perhaps be a little more adventurous and experience one of the infamous glacier walks, Iceland has it all. And we haven’t even mentioned the capital city of Reykjavik yet or the “Yule Lads” that have helped shape Icelandic folklore!!
We hope that this handy guide will give you a taste of the experiences you can expect when you arrive in Iceland and if you haven’t already planned a trip, well I’m convinced after reading this you will be raring to go. Be sure to check out this guide on travel tips for Iceland after you take the plunge and book a trip to the Land of Fire and Ice!
Tourism in Iceland
Iceland is undoubtedly a beautiful country but when you think about the most popular spots around the world, it is not at the top of this list. Why? That’s a great question because after exploring Iceland, you will be wondering the exact same thing!
Perhaps the harsh winter climates are what discourages many or even the location which unless you are flying across the Atlantic from North America and want a convenient stop-off (more on that later!), Iceland is not ideally situated to attract the large numbers of tourists like some of their European counterparts.
Tourism in Iceland is clearly an integral part of the economy just like any other country. But tourism has a flip-side and can actually hurt a country. When you read articles that suggest how much vandalism and disrespect many tourists cause, it’s not difficult to see why a country is a little apprehensive about encouraging more outsiders to come in.
The reality is that the minority of individuals that cause such problems have a domino effect with other tourists who actually want to explore and portray the country the way it should be. Iceland is spectacular. Iceland is beautiful. Iceland is a country we should all experience but most importantly, Iceland is a country we should respect!
Top Places to Visit in Iceland
For those of you wondering why Iceland is such a special place to visit, here are some of our top reasons for exploring this beautiful nation. Words and pictures will never do each of these locations justice but hopefully, we can inspire you to visit these for yourselves in the near future.
ICELAND WAS CREATED FOR THE EXTREME EXPERIENCE (Visit Iceland)
As you can see from the above quote taken directly from the nation’s tourism board, Iceland is all about having an extreme experience. That doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go ice caving (though by all accounts Iceland is an epic place to do this) or skydiving, instead it’s what I like to call an “ultimate experience where sleeping is never on your mind”
Of course, if you visit in the middle of summer the lack of darkness (the sun sets for only about 3 hours from May to August) will certainly give you ample time to explore everything this nation has to offer. A visit in winter will offer the exact opposite as you only have 3 or 4 hours of daylight but the beauty of Iceland is that you can appreciate it at any time of the year.
Here are the areas we are going to focus on:
Reykjavik – It’s the capital city and certainly a trip to Iceland wouldn’t be the same without exploring the heart and soul of the nation!
South Coast – A journey around the Icelandic Ring Road from Reykjavik takes you along the stunning black sand beaches of the south coast.
Vik – The most southerly point in Iceland.
Waterfalls – Thousands of gorgeous waterfalls make this a natural feature you will want to explore around Iceland.
Golden Circle – An iconic tour that takes in a variety of natural phenomena.
East Fjords – Explore the untouched panoramic landscapes throughout the east coast region of Iceland.
Reykjavik
Let’s start with the capital city. Take a stroll along the main shopping street known as Laugavegur and experience all of the local souvenir shops, boutique establishments and a plethora of fine restaurants that have located here. It’s the heart of Reykjavik but don’t let this fool you because there are plenty of other attractions in and around the city.
Known as the “church on top of the hill”, Hallgrímskirkja is a Lutheran church that is one of the most iconic churches across Europe because of it’s quirky yet spectacular design.
Take a trip to the top and experience the stunning panoramic landscapes across the city and beyond.
Music is a huge part of Icelandic culture so be sure to head down to the waterfront and experience Harpa, a modern concert hall that is a true reflection of modern architectural design.
Be sure to check out Icelandic Fish and Chips (that’s the name of the restaurant) and sample some of the finest seafood in Reykjavik (our opinion of course).
South Coast
When you think about all of the amazing natural phenomena around Iceland, beaches are probably not at the top of many people’s lists. However, when you head along Iceland’s south coast, you are rewarded with the stunning sight of beautiful beaches, albeit with black sand. But it’s this black sand that makes experiencing the south coast a must visit when exploring Iceland.
Tours are frequently available to this part of the island but is there anything better than renting your own vehicle and exploring the Icelandic ring road? Don’t worry, the journey gets even better as you continue around the island but take some time to check out the basalt sea stacks located at Reynisdrangar.
As you drive along the south coast, consider taking some time to head inland and hike one of the many glaciers in Iceland. Alternatively, be ready with your camera to capture an infamous shot of the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights.
We were incredibly fortunate to capture some awesome memories (and pictures) of the Northern Lights though you always need to have a little help from Mother Nature.
Insider Tips
Another reason to take this drive is passing by the historic volcano known as Eyjafjallajokull. Here’s your first challenge…try to say that! When the historic eruption started in 2010, this quickly became one of the most infamously named volcanoes around the world.
Vik
One of the most popular spots for visitors to stay overnight or at least grab a bite to eat is the quaint town of Vik. Located in a valley on the south slopes of Reynisfjall, Vik is the south point of Iceland and offers awe-inspiring views across the Atlantic.
Vik is located about 110 miles from Reykjavik so if driving the full ring road is not feasible, why not add this as a viable day trip from the Icelandic capital and experience some other amazing natural features along this scenic drive.
Insider Tips
Take a wander over to Vik Church perched on the hilltop overlooking the city. Not only is this an iconic spot given its location on higher ground, but the views across the Atlantic are worth the short hike.
Waterfalls
Iceland has so many amazing natural features but in my opinion, none of them match the spectacular array of waterfalls that are scattered throughout the island. I am a huge waterfall aficionado, so having the opportunity to explore Iceland’s finest waterfalls was at the top of my bucket list.
Although this is not a single location like many other top places to visit in Iceland, the geography of the nations waterfalls is such that we couldn’t help but include this in our Iceland guide.
We had the opportunity to explore Gullfoss which is the most famous of all Iceland’s waterfalls. Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss are two other iconic waterfalls that we were fortunate enough to explore during our south coast road trip. Regardless of which waterfalls you want to visit, when you hear comments that waterfalls outnumber people in Iceland, you know you are visiting a pretty special place.
Insider Tips
Take the Golden Circle to explore Gullfoss but we strongly encourage you to arrive early to beat the hordes of tourists and also perhaps capture a perfect ‘Golden Hour’ picture of the water falling into the abyss of the Hvítá river (White River).
Golden Circle
Iceland and geothermal activity go hand in hand. If you decide to take the famous Golden Circle tour (guided or self-guided), you will appreciate why this is true.
The geothermal park of Geysir is the most popular spot on this route with a variety of active geysers ready to erupt at any given time. Although Geysir is no longer an active geyser, there are plenty of others to provide entertainment.
The active Strokkur geyser erupts every 4-7 minutes and is certainly an experience you will cherish and depending on how much time you spend here, you will likely see Strokkur erupting along with other smaller geysers multiple times.
You will certainly know you are in an area of geothermal activity with the pungent smell that you will quickly become accustomed to.
As we already mentioned, Gullfoss is another of the iconic landmarks on the Golden Circle tour. But there are plenty of other waterfalls including the Faxi (or Vatnsleysufoss) waterfall which is smaller but equally breathtaking.
The final stop on the tour of the Golden Circle leads you to Thingvellir National Park, site of Iceland’s first parliament and today more commonly renowned as the location where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge sits. The lakes around this national park are a popular spot for scuba diving and fishing, while others simply enjoy hiking this eerily beautiful wilderness.
Insider Tips
Head inside the Geysir Visitor Center to grab a Golden Circle souvenir or two and sample some of the fine Kjötsúpa (lamb soup) which is a delicious local dish that you can enjoy all year round.
East Fjords
Iceland’s east coast is sometimes a forgotten part of the country but as you head along the Ring Road and approach the East Fjords region, it is certainly a beautiful area to explore. If you’re looking for a hiking paradise then Borgarfjordur is a perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing landscape and breathe in the coveted Icelandic air.
Meanwhile, the Icelandic puffin can be found on the island of Papey, also known locally as the “island of puffins”. For those that are more interested in improving their art skills, the town of Seydisfjordur is the place to be. The colorful facades of the wooden houses around this community help create a picturesque landscape and an artists dream.
The prime time for seeing puffins on the island of Papey is from Spring to mid-Summer so be sure to plan this into your itinerary if you want to see some of the finest wildlife Iceland has to offer.
Summary
Iceland is a breathtaking country of natural landscapes, spectacular geological formations, and much more. Regardless of your planned itinerary, the moment you arrive at Keflavik Airport you will know you have arrived in a pretty special place. Iceland is unlike any other place in the world, so take some time to appreciate everything this nation has to offer.
As you can see from our experiences, we were incredibly fortunate to explore a large amount of Iceland. However, the reality is that we have so much more to experience and we can’t wait to head back sooner rather than later!
Have you visited Iceland? What are your favorite landmarks and landscapes around the island?
Who would have thought that a drug store in the middle of nowhere could become such a popular tourist attraction for millions of visitors every year? That’s exactly what has happened to the wonderfully acclaimed Wall Drug Store in the heart of South Dakota.
Let’s start with the facts. Neither of us had ever heard of Wall Drug Store before visiting South Dakota but from the moment we hit I-90 driving west from Sioux Falls, we were immediately introduced to this tourist trap.
For over 250 miles, travelers along I-90 are reminded of Wall Drug Store and the apparent need to visit here with large signs on the side of the road advertising everything this place has to offer.
Is it really worth the time and effort to visit? Well, we were certainly drawn in by the huge marketing stunts that have taken place in South Dakota and we had to find out for ourselves exactly what Wall Drug Store was all about.
Location
WHERE THE HECK IS WALL DRUG STORE??? It’s a legitimate question because we honestly had ZERO clue about this before our epic road trip through South Dakota.
Ok, so we have established that Wall Drug Store is located along I-90, but for those of you geographically challenged, let’s take a look at exactly where it is located. In terms of convenience…well it’s not very convenient at all unless you are in the western half of South Dakota. But there are a couple of iconic reasons why you would be heading over to this side of the state – Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park.
If you plan to visit Mount Rushmore, the likelihood is that you will be driving along I-90 and past the town of Wall to reach Rapid City before heading up into the Black Hills of South Dakota to see this iconic monument.
Meanwhile, the entrance to the iconic Badlands scenic drive is at the same exit as Wall Drug Store, so it’s a perfect reason to kill two birds with one stone!
Exit 110 is the exit along I-90 that you need to be on the lookout for, but don’t worry if you forget there will be plenty of reminders in all directions. Rumors suggest that Wall Drug spends over $400,000 every year in billboard advertisements and they run all the way from Minneapolis to Billings, Montana.
History of Wall Drug Store
So you now know where Wall Drug Store is located but what is it all about? The history of this ‘drugstore’ is what makes this such an iconic location today.
It all started in December 1931 with something that none of us today would even turn our heads at…the promise of free ice water! Seriously, who would have thought that a glass of ice water would create such a huge tourist attraction in South Dakota.
No matter where you live, you can succeed, because wherever you are, you can reach out to other people with something that they need! (Ted Hustead)
Ted and Dorothy Hustead purchased the only drugstore in the quiet town of Wall on the edge of South Dakota’s Badlands National Park. They were trying to figure out a unique way of generating income and eventually had the crazy idea of giving away free ice water.
It wasn’t rocket science but what it did was create a revenue stream from visitors heading into the town of Wall to grab the free ice water and subsequently purchase an ice cream cone or other refreshments.
The Experience
When Bill Bryson wrote in his infamous novel, The Lost Continent, that Wall Drug was one of the world’s worst tourist traps, he was so right!
It’s an awful place, one of the world’s worst tourist traps, but I loved it and I won’t have a word said against it. (Bill Bryson)
Bryson loved Wall Drug and what epitomizes our experience because it really is a cool location that is uniquely different from anything we have visited before.
Imagine a modern day shopping mall but now consider what that would have been like 50 years ago. Wall Drug Store still offers free ice water today along with coffee for just 5 cents, but it is of course much more than that.
From delicious donuts to homemade fudge and a plethora of souvenirs, Wall Drug Store is a great shopping and dining experience for visitors. A drugstore wouldn’t be the same without a pharmacy and despite its size, it’s the only one within a 50-mile radius.
The peripheral amusements inside Wall Drug Store have taken over and now extend across a series of connected buildings.
Grab A Bite To Eat
We decided to spend some time wandering around before heading over to the restaurant for lunch. A wide variety of options are available on the menu, many of which are home cooked such as the iconic fresh pies that are a popular choice. We opted for a cheeseburger each and a maple donut which we ate later on our scenic drive around Badlands.
The food wasn’t the best and the prices were a little high, but they don’t pretend to offer luxury cuisine and it’s better to sample this than just dine at the local Dairy Queen.
We both couldn’t resist experiencing the free ice water in a souvenir plastic cup and just contemplating the simplest of offerings and how this created such an amazing experience in this small town is worth the visit. It certainly put both Wall and South Dakota on the global map!
Be sure to sample some of the fine local ice cream before heading out.
Summary
As the great Bill Bryson indicated, Wall Drug Store is the ultimate tourist trap but once you have visited here you will realize it is a great place worth all the hype. I love how the history of Wall Drug and how a local couple took this from a tiny drugstore to such an iconic tourist attraction.
The use of billboard marketing is also epitomized throughout South Dakota and regardless of your stance on how this impacts the landscape, it certainly works!
When you look at an attraction like Wall Drug Store, yes it is the ultimate tourist trap, but that doesn’t mean that the negative stereotype should apply here. In fact, on the contrary, this is a tourist attraction that has a rich history and one that I think we could all learn something from.
Have you visited Wall Drug Store in South Dakota? What was your experience? Do you believe in the term ‘tourist trap’ and do you generally agree with this stereotype?
If you have taken some time to visit Georgia, you will know that there is a lot to explore, whether you are interested in heading to the World of Coke in Atlanta or perhaps you have been fortunate to get the elusive Masters tickets at the highly sought after Augusta National.
Georgia is a hotspot for many reasons, none more so than the delicious peach (more on that later). Whether you have a keen interest in natural beauty or simply look forward to exploring arts and culture around major cities, Georgia is proud to excel in all these areas.
We have visited Georgia on a couple of different occasions, experiencing the gorgeous city of Atlanta and of course flying through the Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, renowned as the busiest airport in the nation.
However, before sharing our own thoughts on why you should want to visit Georgia, we are delighted to introduce Cheryl Rodewig from CherylRodewig.com who suggests why booking a trip to ‘The Peach State’ should be on your to-do list.
You can also keep up with Cheryl on Twitter and LinkedIn:
Georgia just might be the perfect destination, and I say this as a transplanted Northerner who’s fallen in love quite by accident with the Peach State. You can hike to waterfalls and build sandcastles in the same day. Or dive into Atlanta’s multicultural scene of fashion, art, science, and tech.
If it’s food you favor, well, let’s just say there’s more than sweet tea and biscuits here. Georgia chefs are reimaging Southern staples, from hyper-local eats to fusion cuisine.
And with the world’s largest airport, it’s easy to get here. These are the top five reasons you should visit.
Cumberland Island
You could say it’s a little off the beaten track, but all the better. A pristine undeveloped barrier island off the coast of Southwest Georgia, Cumberland Island is accessible only by ferry.
It’s not your typical island. Wild horses roam the dunes. Miles of flawless beaches stretch on end with no sign of human art or interference. Inland, the ruins of a Carnegie estate, Dungeness, have succumbed to vegetation overgrowth, but Gatsby-style magnificence, the sweeping arches, and grand entrance is still visible. It’s a place frozen in time — remote, wild and distractingly scenic.
Atlanta’s Art Scene
Atlanta’s eclectic art landscape matches its diverse population. It has a handle on the classics like opera and ballet. The downtown Fox Theatre hosts Broadway hits while originals from the masters — Monet and Pissarro — hang at the High Museum of Art.
But there’s no shortage of the unconventional. Case in point is the Goat Farm, a repurposed industrial site serving as an incubator for creativity. From mechanical puppetry to choose-your-own-adventure theater, I’ve seen it all there.
Or take GloATL, an innovative dance company that thinks it not unusual to dance through a city. Top that off with the Atlanta Fringe Festival each summer, and you have art for every style.
Savannah
If you had to sum up the South in one quintessential place, it just might be Savannah, Georgia. The city has all the elegance, indulgence, and warm Southern hospitality to make you fall in love. Stately live oaks drip with lace-like Spanish moss. Tea parlors serve clotted cream and strawberries. Secret gardens peek out from behind elaborate wrought iron gates downtown. They even have their own beach playground: Tybee Island.
It’s a historic city where you can commune with ghosts in ancient cemeteries or tour relics of the past like the one-time plantation, Wormsloe. Enjoy it at its own pace: slowly in a horse-drawn carriage, gently while dancing on a moonlight river cruise.
Gibbs Gardens
Gibbs Gardens was conceived as a pleasure garden, like the flower-filled parks of old Europe, where you would go to pass an afternoon long before TV or Internet. But gardens are timeless, and this one delivers on what was intended: truly contagious pleasure.
There’s an effusion of color in all seasons, from the creamy yellows of 20 million daffodils in early spring to the brilliant reds and golds of autumn. The 40-acre Japanese Garden is the largest in the nation, an absolute masterpiece of form and landscaping. Elsewhere, ferns, fountains, terraces and bridges ornament the estate and delight the senses.
North Georgia Mountains
Quaint mountain towns and unspoiled nature, Georgia’s Appalachian foothills are a welcome respite from everyday urban life. Choose a city as a home base for your rambles. Helen is restful, fashioned after a Bavarian Alpine village, yet a little wild once a year for Oktoberfest. Dahlonega is fun with its town square, old-timey General Store, vineyards and gold mines.
Nearby, state parks combine stunning scenery with plenty of activity: fishing, kayaking, rafting, and caving. They also preserve a treasure trove of natural wonders built on an epic scale. Climb the over 600 steps to the top of Amicalola Falls or descend 1,000 feet into Tallulah Gorge. Don’t forget your camera.
Visit Georgia – Our Thoughts
Although our experiences in Georgia are certainly not at the level of Cheryl’s, we have seen enough to inspire us to explore more. Simply driving from Arkansas to Atlanta through the scenic countryside along the interstate is an eye-opening experience and of course, once you reach Atlanta, there are plenty of reasons that will make you want to stay longer.
Atlanta is one of our favorite cities, especially at Christmas when the lights and magic in the air creates a wonderful atmosphere for all the family to relax and be part of the festive spirit.
The World of Coca-Cola offers a cool experience to learn all about the history of the world’s most iconic beverage and of course, the “Taste It” area allows visitors the opportunity to sample over 100 domestic and international Coke varieties.
Ok…so you are probably still wondering what all the fuss is about over the infamous ‘Georgia Peach’.
I read an article recently that stated the following about Georgia peaches.
Once you start eating them, it’s nearly impossible to stop.
It’s called the peach state for a reason and Georgia peaches live up to the hype. But just like many other states, as you can see there are plenty of other reasons that should entice you to the state of Georgia.
Summary
There is no question that Georgia is a beautiful state with an abundance of attractive reasons for visitors to choose this over alternative options in this part of the country. With the nation’s busiest airport in the heart of the state, it’s no surprise to hear that millions of visitors head to Atlanta and nearby destinations in Georgia to explore everything in “The Peach State”.
We want to reiterate our appreciation to Cheryl for sharing her favorite spots around the state of Georgia and if you feel like us, you will be raring to head back and explore more of this beautiful part of the States.
One final tip – don’t forget to sample those decadent peaches before leaving Georgia!
Have you explored Georgia? If so, where do you recommend we visit and if not, which spots are most appealing?
