Page 38 – A Brit and A Southerner

How to Enjoy On Location Tours in New York at Christmas

New York

Dec 14, 2015

How to Enjoy On Location Tours in New York at Christmas

Who can forget that romantic scene in Serendipity when John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale strolled onto the ice at Wollman Rink in Central Park? What about Macaulay Culkin and the pigeon lady in Home Alone 2? Regardless of your movie taste, when you think about movies during the Christmas season, there is really only one location that stands out – New York City! How does taking a tour of all these amazing movie sites sound? Well, thanks to On Location Tours in New York, you can now experience all of your favorite movies and much more on the one and only Holiday Lights and Movie Sites tour!

As you prepare for the holiday season, if you are looking for something to get you in the festive mood, visit New York City and be prepared to be whisked away in a sea of Christmas cheer. The Big Apple is the ultimate 24-hour city all year round, and the Christmas season is certainly no different.

Thanks to On Location Tours, we were able to experience an amazing tour of various parts of the city, in particular, those iconic locations and attractions specific to your favorite movies and TV shows.

What You Need to Know

On Location Tours was established in 1999 and offers a wide variety of guided tours around both New York City and Boston.

If you film it, they will come

The Holiday Lights and Movie Sites tour is one of On Location Tours seasonal offerings and runs from November 27 to January 1 on a daily basis. Two different times are available at both 3:00PM and 5:30PM so hopefully there will be one that fits your schedule (if not, I strongly encourage you to make time in your itinerary because it is well worth it).

At $36 for adults (plus $2 ticket fee) and $26 for children (plus $2 ticket fee), many may consider this to be an expensive tour but when you realize that this is a 2.5-hour tour of New York City, hopefully, you will be convinced that you get ‘plenty of bang for your buck’.

Tours begin at The Shops at Columbus Circle and before taking the tour you will receive a VIP discount booklet with a number of offers to persuade you to indulge in a little retail therapy before hopping on the bus tour.

Holiday Lights & Movie Sites Highlights

Central Park

The tour started out by the gates of Central Park and our tour guide highlighted some of those key scenes located inside this park that I am sure we are all familiar with. From Home Alone 2 to Serendipity and Love Story, Central Park has proven to be one of the most stereotypical movie locations not only in New York City but throughout the world.

As the tour continued, we were treated to several impromptu movie clips onboard the bus followed by a number of questions from our awesome guide.

Those that provided the right answer received a special treat (don’t want to give too much away but if you have a sweet tooth, you will enjoy it!) and certainly kept everyone entertained while cruising down the streets of downtown Manhattan.

Lincoln Center for Performing Arts

We passed by the Lincoln Center for Performing Arts and this was one of our first stops of the evening as we all had the opportunity to capture a few pictures of this stunning building. Movies like Ghostbusters and West Side Story have featured scenes with the Lincoln Center as the main focal point.

The plaza in front of the Center contains a gorgeous fountain that provides a relaxing addition to the architectural masterpiece that is the Lincoln Center.

Upper East Side

After leaving the Lincoln Center and passing back by Central Park, we headed to the Upper East Side to the restaurant which is most famous for the hot chocolate scene in Serendipity (unsurprisingly the restaurant is named Serendipity 3).

A short drive from here saw us park beside Bloomingdales and an opportunity for everyone to capture some memorable shots of the seasonal window displays.

This is one of the real highlights of this tour because when it comes to stereotypical window arrangements, there is no other location quite like New York City!

A short drive over to Barney’s saw another short stop to take in the detailed displays that oozed elaborate design and flair. From the gigantic owl to the psychedelic ‘love mixtape’ boom box, this was a perfect example of New York City creativity at its finest.

Fifth Avenue

The final stops on our Holiday Lights and Movie Sites tour saw us venture along Fifth Avenue to view more amazing window displays.

The Lord and Taylor department store was celebrating their 100th anniversary for their iconic location on Fifth Avenue. The window displays depicted a whimsical journey through an enchanted mansion.

Regardless of the theme, you can be sure that Lord and Taylor will be one of the most creative throughout New York City and definitely one of the highlights on this tour.

Saks Fifth Avenue is another store that really promotes the holiday season much like the rest of the city. The art deco culture of the 1920s was stylistically portrayed in a modern setting through the Saks window displays.

Tour Finale at Macy’s

What better way to end the tour than by making a final visit to the infamous Macy’s store. When you think about department stores in New York, there are probably none more famous than Macy’s so this was a perfect place to show our gracious appreciation to our tour guide while at the same time enjoying the amazing displays on offer.

The theme at Macy’s was ‘Santa’s Journey to the Stars’ and depicted an animated story of a young boy with a magic telescope enjoying Christmas on a variety of different planets.

I loved this theme as it portrayed how children can still enjoy the dreams that Christmas brings along with the modern era of technology.

Summary

If you love the Big Apple and you love movies, then taking a tour with On Location Tours in New York City is a no-brainer. Our tour guide was knowledgeable, friendly and provided a great experience for everyone while touring this beautiful city.

All of the components of the Holiday Lights and Movie Sites tour make this a worthwhile experience, and definitely a great way to spend a couple of hours on a cold, Winter’s afternoon in New York.

The epic window displays throughout New York City are a sight to behold, but of course, we will all have our favorite locations on the tour depending on personal taste. Whether it’s an iconic movie scene or perhaps peering at the famous Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center, this tour of New York City will provide something for all the family.

Disclaimer – We would like to thank On Location Tours for providing complimentary tickets for the Holiday Lights and Movie Sites tour. These are solely our personal opinions/experiences and we were not financially compensated for this post.

10 Best Places Where to Spend Christmas in Europe

Travel Tips

Chris Boothman

Dec 10, 2015

With the holiday season right around the corner, if you are like us, you will be itching to get on the road and experience Christmas in another part of the world. From Christmas markets to alpine ski slopes, Europe is a haven of breathtaking destinations. The million dollar question you may be asking is where to spend Christmas in Europe this year should you decide to pay a visit there? The Christmas season frequently brings the best out of many locations around the world, even if the weather does not always cooperate.

Christmas in Europe

If you follow Bing Crosby’s dream of enjoying the holiday festivities during a White Christmas, there are many parts of the world that may offer the perfect getaway. Or perhaps you are content taking a stroll around the idyllic Christmas markets while being serenaded by the sound of Christmas carols echoing around the village surroundings of a European mountain town. Whatever your preference, Europe has it all!

We want to share with you a collaboration of our best-recommended locations throughout Europe, both in terms of destinations we have experienced and experiences of some of our friends in the travel community.

Perhaps traveling during the Christmas season is not something you have considered before, but after reading this post maybe you will be inspired to visit somewhere a little more extravagant to celebrate all that Christmas cheer.

Gressoney Saint Jean, Italian Alps

Samantha from The Wandering Wanderluster suggests that the Italian Alps with the ‘fluffy snow’ and breathtaking scenery is the best place to spend Christmas. Let’s find out more!

What more could you want at Christmas than heaps of fluffy snow and spectacular mountain scenery to add to your festive cheer? One of my favorite places to spend Christmas or New Year is in the Italian Alps. To be more specific, I actually love Gressoney Saint Jean, a small alpine village in Aosta Valley.

As a big lover of winter, nothing makes me happier than to celebrate the festive period with my family and pair it with a snow adventure, an afternoon of ice-skating on the frozen lake or a romantic stroll through the snowy footpaths to a picturesque castle. Every year it is full of families and couples who seek the fresh mountain air, the community and festive spirit and the fantastic skiing in the area.

And I almost forgot…to warm you up there are tons of cafes that serve delicious hot chocolate. It may be cold outside, but the hot chocolate here is worth wrapping up and heading out into the cold for!

Follow Samantha at The Wandering Wanderluster

Hamburg, Germany

The theme of German-inspired destinations continues with Hamburg courtesy of Nic and Paul from the Roaming Renegades. Whether it’s the traditional Christmas markets or perhaps something uniquely different, Hamburg is certainly worth considering as a viable Christmas option.

The best place to celebrate Christmas has to be Hamburg in Germany. Not only is it a totally unique place to visit, being full of tradition and grand buildings but also bohemian and alternative. The markets here are some of the biggest and most diverse we have ever seen, the atmosphere these markets creates is what could only be described as magical.

Spending Christmas in Germany is to come home to many of the traditions we take for granted in the UK and USA; it is the most authentic Christmas you could ever have…plus, Hamburg is one of our all-time favorite cities! It’s lively, energetic and youthful when you want it to be, but also chilled out, reflective and easy going at the same time!

Follow Nic and Paul at the Roaming Renegades

Lille, France

Lille is a small city in Northeast France, only two hours away from Paris and less than an hour away from Belgium. It’s got the functionality of a big city with traditional architecture that reveals its position as a city on the border between two beautiful countries. It also has small town charm, which makes the Christmas market there such a treat!

Lille is easily accessible by train, and you can get to the market on foot. Christmastime there is a family event, and it’s rare to come across tourists from other countries. I was so excited to try the traditional

Christmas foods like Raclette, which is basically a small bowl of steamed potatoes smothered in cheese and mixed with bits of meat, and “vin chaud,” which is hot spiced wine. Both are winter staples in France and you can find them here for as little as 5 euro, and I promise both are delicious!

When you finish walking through the market, make sure you hop on the giant Ferris wheel for a panoramic view of the city!

Follow Francesca at One Girl:One World

London, England

Who doesn’t love England? A trip to the capital is a great experience at any time of the year, so trying to find a reason to visit London at Christmas is not particularly difficult.

When you see the amazing festivities that take place here every year, most notably the Winter Wonderland experience in Hyde Park, you will surely be convinced that London is a must-see for the Christmas celebrations.

We have experienced London on several occasions and just strolling around Knightsbridge taking in the beautiful window displays at Harrods is an eye-catching experience.

Listening to the old Christmas classics that are popular throughout England such as Wizzards “I Wish it Could Be Christmas Everyday” is a familiar sound as you explore London’s iconic neighborhoods and of course you will always find a Christmas souvenir in every other store.

The friendly nature of locals will ensure that you are welcomed in open arms and can always expect to hear a “Merry Christmas”, especially if you decide to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in England’s capital.

It’s all over right after Christmas Day? Not in England, because Boxing Day is when all the Christmas sales start in the stores so be sure to save a little cash to make the most of the good old British retail therapy!

Nice, France

Did you think that visiting Europe in Winter meant experiencing those frigid winter days? Think again because Anda Galffy from Travel Notes and Beyond shares her thoughts on Southern France, in particular the capital of the French Riviera – Nice!

If you want to enjoy Christmas in Europe but fear the dreadful winter chill, then Southern France may be your ideal destination. Nice is the capital of the French Riviera, an area that enjoys plenty of natural beauty and a mild Mediterranean climate.

Nice began building its reputation as a winter retreat around the 18th century when an increasing number English aristocrats began spending their winters there, hence the name of the city’s main seaside promenade, the Promenade des Anglais (‘the Walkway of the English’).

And if you are concerned that Nice may look a little abandoned in winter, fear not. The city is still vibrant and full of life even during the cold winter season. The cafés and the restaurants across the Promenade are filled with people sipping their drinks and contemplating the beautiful bay. Nice is really busy over Christmas, so there is no shortage of things to do.

With all the museums, shops, art galleries and an opera house there is a lot to keep you busy, besides sipping vin chaud and watching people pass. And if you get bored of spending your days in Nice, there are lots of great places to visit along the coast. Just think about it: the fancy Monaco is just a stone’s throw away from Nice!

Follow Anda Galffy at Travel Notes and Beyond

Nuremberg, Germany

Christmas wouldn’t be the same without taking in the beautiful Christmas markets in Germany, and thanks to Clemens Sehi from Anekdotique, we can now see why Nuremberg is such a great option to sample fine German markets and cuisine.

The city of Nuremberg in Franconia, South Germany probably is the most famous Christmas spots of the country. Mostly because of one big event: the original Christkindlesmarkt that is one of most beautiful German Christmas markets and probably the most famous one.

Every December the whole Franconian city is almost bursting with Christmas spirit. With 180 traditional red and white decorated wooden stalls, with bright lights garlands everywhere and an old carousel that moves so elated while you can hear the bells of the old stagecoach from afar.

Go there for some hot mulled wine, for delicious Elisen-Gingerbread and the one and only Nuremberg roast sausages.

Follow Clemens at Anekdotique

John Roberts from In The Loop Travel also shared his experiences in Nuremberg…if you are not convinced by now to visit Germany, you should be!

Christmas markets throughout Europe exude the truest sense of the holiday spirit, bringing a sense of warmth and joy to travelers regardless of religious persuasion. And Nuremberg, Germany, features one of the most festive markets in the world.

Join the crowds roaming the square, shopping for hand-crafted gifts and filling their bellies with warm gluhwein and delicious sausages and sweets. This year, the Nuremberg Christmas market runs from November 27 to Christmas Eve.

Follow John Roberts at In The Loop Travel

Paris, France

After the tragic events that recently took place in Paris, many people around the world may be skeptical about traveling to this beautiful city. But after our trip to the French capital in 2013, we want to share why we believe this city should still be at the top of your radar.

Paris is such a breathtaking city on a number of fronts. From the historic architectural brilliance of Notre Dame to the quaint, idyllic side streets in many of the Parisian arrondissements, this is a city that should be visited at any time of the year.

We love the sense of elegance and sophistication that is emitted throughout the city yet at the same time a welcoming feel by everyone as you enjoy lunch in one of those picturesque cafes.

But Christmas is a time when Paris really shines. The markets along the Avenue des Champs-Elysées and in La Défense are spectacular and there is nothing quite like enjoying a glass of ‘vin chaud’ while browsing around a plethora of stalls offering home-made Christmas gift ideas.

Rome, Italy

Perhaps an Italian celebration in the heart of Rome is more appealing? Lyn Lindfield from The Travelling Lindfields shares her thoughts on why Rome is a perfect getaway this Christmas.

You don’t have to be Catholic to appreciate Rome at Christmas time. History and tradition permeate the air as you visit the sights, wander through the Christmas markets (they seem to pop up everywhere), admire the beautifully lit up streets and join in the frenzy of pre-Christmas shopping.

On Christmas Day, there is nothing in the world quite like joining the crowds in St Peter’s Square to receive the Pope’s blessing. Head to Vatican City in the late morning and mix with locals and travelers from across the world to hear the Pope’s message and feel the spirit of Christmas in a way you have probably never felt it before.

Follow Lyn at The Travelling Lindfields

Tallinn, Estonia

Europe is a popular spot for many tourists all year round, but thanks to Stefan and Sebastien from The Nomadic Boys, we are now able to learn a little more about one of the lesser-known countries – Estonia. Let’s find out why they enjoyed Tallinn so much and why Christmas here is a picture-perfect fairytale experience!

We spent one Christmas in Tallinn – the very picturesque capital city of Estonia.

The old town of Tallinn was made a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in 1997 because unlike any other capital city in Europe, it has managed to wholly preserve its medieval structure and is nicknamed “the medieval pearl of Europe”.

The cobblestone streets are all originals, which along with the medieval churches, grandiose merchant houses, barns and warehouses, date back as far as the 11th century.

And, going in December time when it’s all covered in snow makes it that little bit more special, like something from a fairytale. It’s that perfect ideal Christmas image you dream of.

Follow Stefan and Sebastien at The Nomadic Boys

Zagreb, Croatia

With so many European destinations to choose from, it is difficult to choose where to visit at Christmas. Thanks to Mate Begonja from Chasing the Donkey, perhaps you will consider heading over to Zagreb, Croatia.

Christmas in Zagreb is a magical time of year. This city has an amazing Christmas spirit and Zagreb celebrates Advent for the entire month of December and part of January. In preparation for Advent, the city is transformed into a winter wonderland ready to spread Christmas cheer to the masses.

Stages and performances spaces are erected in all the major squares and parks in Zagreb where daily performances are held. These vary from musical to theatrical performances. The city is also beautifully decorated in lights with the highlight being the tree-lined Zrinjevac Park.

Christmas markets line all the streets surrounding Ban Jelacic square where you can buy street food, Christmassy souvenirs and of course, mulled wine. Oh and I should mention there is even a live nativity scene.

If you ever in Croatia for the Christmas holidays, head to Zagreb where you will experience a wonderful Christmas.

Follow Mate and Sarah at Chasing the Donkey

Summary

If you are not inspired to travel after reading this amazing list of European destinations for Christmas…well you should probably just stay at home curled up in front of the fire. That’s perfectly fine, but you will be missing out on an opportunity to experience a myriad of cultures and awesome festivities that only the locals in these destinations know how to celebrate.

Whether you are looking for an alpine skiing adventure or a Christmas market extravaganza hopefully, there is something here to inspire you to find where to spend Christmas in Europe this year and in the future.

We would like to thank all of our contributors from around the world for sharing such magical experiences. I know that we are inspired to keep traveling and look forward to spending Christmas in many of these gorgeous spots in the near future!

Don’t worry…there is more!! If Europe doesn’t tickle your traveling tastebuds, perhaps USA or the rest of the world will. Keep an eye out for our upcoming post on the Best Places to Spend Christmas That Are Not in Europe.

How to Make the Most of 48 Hours in Dublin

Ireland

Chris Boothman

Dec 7, 2015

How to Make the Most of 48 Hours in Dublin

If you are looking for a city around the world that truly reflects the nation’s heartbeat, look no further than Dublin, Ireland. Everything about this gorgeous city reflects the typical Irish culture we all love and associate with the Emerald Isle. Of course, our short visit to Dublin meant that we had to embark on one of our stereotypical ’48-hour’ dashes to try and see as much as possible in such a short time. Let’s take a look at how we made the most of our 48 hours in Dublin.

Hopefully, this guide will provide a little information on exactly the sort of attractions and landmarks you can expect to see regardless of how much time you have to spend here.

Dublin’s Rich History

Dublin is steeped with history dating back to the Viking era and of course the battle with the English and eventual independence. As you wander around this city, you will see remnants and memories of these historic battlegrounds and perhaps allows you to contemplate how this city and nation as a whole, has recovered and developed into such a popular destination for historians, culture enthusiasts, dining connoisseurs among others.

Whether it’s taking a stroll around the Temple Bar neighborhood, or perhaps visiting the home of arguably the world’s most famous (and ‘best’) beer to sample a perfectly poured Guinness, Dublin is an iconic reflection that will not only attract you to Irish shores but inspire you to book a return trip in the near future.

After visiting Dublin, I would strongly encourage you to allocate more time in this breathtaking city so that you can not only experience everything we recommend but also head out to some of the nearby neighborhoods and towns that are within reach of the city center. However, we realize that spending a week or longer while traveling is not always feasible, hence the reason for our quick-fire guide to Dublin in 48 hours!

An Itinerary for 48 Hours in Dublin

Developing any itinerary is very much dependent on personal taste, but just like most visits to a new city, we generally like to visit at least the top recommended attractions and landmarks.

But let’s not forget those impromptu visits to back alleys and ‘off the beaten path’ experiences that allow you to fully embrace the real city you are visiting. Dublin was no different and thanks to Visit Dublin, we were able to experience a myriad of attractions that they recommended.

If you are visiting Dublin, in addition to this guide, we strongly recommend you visit one of their tourist information centers to find more information. For those of you that only have 24 hours in Dublin, check out this great guide by Justin Plus Lauren who made the most of a short visit to the Irish capital! Don’t worry, there are still plenty of options because this is such a walkable city.

Day 1

St. Stephen’s Green Park
Trinity College including Campanile, Book of Kells and Historic Library
Dublin Castle
Irish Pub Food

Day 2

Dublinia
Christ Church Cathedral
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Guinness Storehouse Tour

St. Stephen’s Green

We stayed at the Doubletree Burlington Road hotel which was a short walk outside of the main city center, but allowed us to throw on our hiking boots and take a leisurely stroll to experience everything Dublin had to offer. After crossing The Grand Canal, our first stop was St. Stephen’s Green which is Dublin’s equivalent of Hyde Park or Central Park.

A hub for visitors and locals alike to relax away from the hustle and bustle of city life, this is the perfect spot to enjoy the gorgeous Autumn colors with a number of lakes providing a backdrop that will enhance any pictures taken here.

Trinity College

At the heart of Dublin’s rich history is the gorgeous campus of Trinity College. Globally renowned for academic excellence, this collegiate experience offers students from around the globe the opportunity to study a myriad of domains in a perfect mix of history and ultra-modern technologies.

The campus itself is steeped with history dating back to the late 16th century, in particular the iconic Book of Kells which is one of Ireland’s most famous landmarks and of course the ‘Old Library’ which is a must-see attraction on your self-guided tour of the campus.

The focal point of the campus is the Campanile of Trinity College, also referreed to simply as the ‘bell tower’.

We walked through the main archway to the central campus and then started walking around taking in the rich history here, it’s a real sight to behold and one of our favorite memories from our short trip to Dublin.

Dublin Castle

A short walk from Trinity College along the south bank of the River Liffey, known as the Temple Bar area, takes you to another of Dublin’s finest historic attractions – Dublin Castle. We arrived just in time for the final guided tour of the day, a hour long experience that takes you in and around some hidden spots that you wouldn’t be able to see if you simply visited on a self-guided tour.

The tour is divided into three different sections as you are taken through the various eras of the castle. Much of Dublin Castle today is in ruins, but the medieval history dating back to the Vikings invading the city in the 9th century are still apparent in the South-East Record Tower which is the only remaining piece of the medieval castle that stands.

Our tour guide led us underground to show further remnants of Dublin Castle’s medieval past, and to this day the Liffey’s tributary, the River Poddle, still passes through underground and is viewable on this tour.

After a shortened version of the history of Dublin, we headed back outside and into the Chapel Royal which is a gothic revival inspired architectural masterpiece.

The final part of the tour takes us back inside the main part of the Castle to explore the State Apartments that are still used to this day for private functions and large celebrations, including the inauguration of the Irish president.

Irish Cuisine

Heading to Dublin for the first time, we were both excited about sampling some of the fine, local cuisine. We love visiting Irish pubs on our travels especially here in USA, so given the opportunity to finally experience the ‘real deal’ we were more than ready for it. But with so many amazing restaurants, bars and pubs to choose from, where do you start?

We asked a couple of locals for their recommendations and immediately were told about O’Neill’s which was located around the corner and just a short walk from both Dublin Castle and Trinity College. O’Neill’s is the perfect setting especially if you are looking for the stereotypical Irish pub with plenty of nooks and crannies, gorgeous interior and a vibrant atmosphere to enjoy a pint of Guinness or sample the fine cuisine.

The menu at O’Neill’s was of course all about Ireland. Forget burgers, pizza or hot dogs and think about traditional Irish stew, Shepherd’s Pie or even a full Irish breakfast at any time of the day. I opted for the Shepherd’s Pie and Heather chose the Irish stew and both were great options. The portion size provided great value for money and accompanied with a Shandy, this was a great way to end our first evening in Dublin.

If you want Irish cuisine (and visiting Dublin, why wouldn’t you?), look no further than O’Neill’s!

Address and Other Information

O’Neills Bar and Restaurant
2 Suffolk Street,
Dublin 2,
Ireland
Tel: (01) 679-3656

Looking for a couple of alternative options? Check out this awesome guide on where to eat in Dublin! You can be sure to find something that will satisfy your appetite.

Dublinia

Day 2 started with us rising early and heading into the city center to explore more of Dublin’s highly acclaimed heritage. One of the best places to learn more about the Viking invasion and medieval history in Dublin is a museum called Dublinia.

It provides a historical and unique reenactment of Dublin’s rich history and as you walk through a self-guided tour, there are a number of interactive experiences for all the family to enjoy.

Try on Viking clothes or perhaps you would rather see what life was like on a Viking warship. All this and more are available inside Dublinia and you could easily spend a few hours here. What better way to learn about Dublin’s history than by allowing yourself to be a part of the history too!

The tour culminates in St. Michael’s Tower, which is a late 17th century viewing tower providing gorgeous views across the city of Dublin and beyond. After a swift 96 steps, you reach the summit and admire Dublin’s fine scenery before walking out into the hallway of Christ Church Cathedral.

Christ Church Cathedral

If you experience Dublinia, the exit from the gift shop leads you directly into Christ Church Cathedral. Founded in 1028, this breathtaking cathedral of the United Dioceses of Dublin and Glendalough is one of the most sought after attractions throughout the Irish nation.

The exterior of the church is just as exquisite as the interior, though the ornate and intricate designs of the furnishings inside the church are what really set this aside from other cathedrals in Dublin. Much of the exterior still reflects the Norman English design though of course there has been much renovation here in order to preserve the originality and beauty of the cathedral.

Do you appreciate architectural beauty? If so, Christ Church Cathedral is not only a must-see attraction in Dublin, it is probably one of the first places you will want to consider visiting. It’s landmark location at the brow of a hill ensures it is easily spotted from a distance and within short walking distance to a myriad of other iconic attractions.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Although Christ Church Cathedral may be the most coveted and iconic of churches throughout Dublin, St. Patrick’s Cathedral can lay claim to being the largest. Dating back to it’s construction in the late 12th century, it also is the final resting place for one of Ireland’s most famous individuals – Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels.

The ornate furnishings throughout St. Patrick’s Cathedral are truly spectacular and certainly some of the most impressive that I have seen in churches around the world. The stained glass windows in particular are a breathtaking sight.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral may be full of ancient heritage similar to many of the other parishes in Ireland, but another intriguing aspect here is the ‘modern’ day and innovative use of interaction throughout the church.

For example, visitors can experience brass rubbing here along with learning more about the history and construction of the Cathedral through iPads and other touchscreen displays.

Guinness Storehouse

Our final stop on our intriguing tour of 48 hours in Dublin saw us venture to the imperious Guinness Storehouse for a self-guided tour of one of the world’s most popular beers.

The tour itself offers a detailed history of this iconic beverage, but ultimately everyone is waiting for the end of the tour…your very own pint of perfectly poured Guinness served at the perfect temperature!

Experience this at the top of the Storehouse in the Gravity Bar while appreciating more stunning views around Dublin, or perhaps head to the fifth floor and learn how to pour the perfect pint. Either way, this is the perfect way to end your experience in Dublin. As they say in Ireland, sláinte (cheers)!!

You may be surprised to hear that the Guinness Storehouse isn’t necessarily the best spot to sample Ireland’s finest beverage. Locals recommend visiting John Kavanagh (“The Gravediggers Pub”) as it comes with a fine reputation for having the best pint of Guinness in Ireland! If you are interested in hearing a couple more fun facts, check out this post by Valerie and Valise on curious things about Dublin.

Summary

48 hours in Dublin is ultimately not enough time to see everything this beautiful city has to offer…in fact some might say this length of time is just a tease as it gives you enough time to see some of the most iconic attractions yet leaves you grasping for more!

With so much history to uncover and Guinness to drink, Dublin has quickly risen to near the top of our favorite cities in the world. We already can’t wait to head back there and see what the Emerald Isle’s capital has in store for us!

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

How to Enjoy A Walk in the Beautiful and Historic St Charles

Missouri

Chris Boothman

Dec 3, 2015

How to Enjoy A Walk in the Beautiful and Historic St Charles

When Lewis and Clark started their epic adventure across the United States, it’s no surprise that they started out in historic St Charles, Missouri. After spending a couple of hours in St. Charles during one of our weekend trips to St. Louis, we certainly can appreciate why Lewis and Clark would have chosen this location as the perfect spot to embark on their journey across the country (of course the geographical proximity to St. Louis and the fact it is on the Missouri River helped make the decision for them).

We love exploring new locations that we visit and what better way to do this than by parking our car and walking around to see exactly what St. Charles had in store for us. While we only spent a short time there, we learned enough to suggest that the relaxing atmosphere that oozes through the cobbled streets would warrant a return visit and certainly deserves to be recommended to our readers around the world.

If you plan on visiting St. Louis or the state of Missouri in general, I would strongly encourage you to take some time to pay historic St. Charles a visit.

Where is St. Charles?

Located on the banks of the Missouri River, St. Charles is now a historic landmark for many reasons, not just because of its association with Lewis and Clark. This quaint town is located just a short 20 minute drive from the heart of downtown St. Louis.

As you pass through the neighborhoods before reaching Main Street you immediately notice that everything here is so much calmer and relaxing than the hustle and bustle of nearby city life.

It’s no surprise to hear that many people travel to St. Charles to simply spend a day here relaxing away from the hectic lifestyles and enjoy the welcoming local feel that is stereotypical of this river town. Dating back to 1769 when St. Charles was founded by a French-Canadian fur trader, this is one of Missouri’s oldest towns.

As we walked along the ancient cobblestones on Main Street, it is great to see how the local community has preserved the rich history and heritage that has been present here throughout the centuries.

Historic St Charles Main Street

After driving around the rest of St. Charles to try and get an idea of what to expect, we were left a little disappointed prior to visiting Main Street. We found very little else in St. Charles but perhaps this was because much of the town has seen modernization which is to be expected.

However, this is opposite to what we experienced once we drove along the cobbled street and passed by the sign indicating we had reached ‘Historic Main Street’.

Downtown St. Charles on Main Street…it’s the place to be!

After parking on the side of the road, we started walking past a number of whimsical looking stores selling souvenirs, food and stereotypical merchandise from around the world (yes England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales I am talking about you because the British were very well represented in historic St Charles…and rightly so I may add!)

The idyllic tea shops and restaurants that I would typically associate with a Yorkshire town like Haworth was very apparent in St. Charles. Whether you want to sample some fine German or Italian cuisine, or just grab an ice cream while you stroll along Main Street, there is plenty of choice available.

One restaurant that particularly caught my eye simply because of its novelty was the Mother-in-Law House restaurant. As the sign on the side of the building shows, this was the first brick house to be constructed in St. Charles in 1866 and today offers a wide menu selection for both lunch and dinner.

Frontier Park

The walk along Main Street is not particularly long but we encourage you to experience many of the shops and boutiques available. However, if retail therapy is not really your thing, perhaps taking a stroll down to Frontier Park that runs parallel to the Missouri River will be more interesting.

Frontier Park is home to a number of special events throughout the year and offers panoramic views across the river and the nearby bridges that head back towards St. Louis.

The old rail tracks provide an opportunity for reflection as you think back to when the rail industry was more prevalent and you can imagine rail and river transportation being key industries along St. Charles.

The Jaycee Stage in Frontier Park is a cool looking platform that is a perfect venue for concerts, weddings and other celebrations.

If you are considering a location for a fun-filled event in the near future, perhaps St. Charles, Missouri should be on your radar as this venue along the banks of the Missouri River would surely be a popular choice for your guests.

Feel the International Culture

The international feel of St. Charles is present throughout the town, not only with the various cuisines from around the world to satisfy your tastebuds and the souvenir/gift shops, but through the clear advertisement that this town has sister cities across the globe.

Although the sign only indicates St. Charles is connected with Ludwigsburg, Germany, a local kindly informed us that there is a distinct Irish connection here also (no surprises when you see the Irish flags and shamrocks strategically scattered along Main Street) through the connection with Carndonagh, Ireland.

Just like any other sister city program, the idea behind this collaboration is that it increases mutual understandings and appreciation of different cultures and nations. At the same time it creates potential for business ventures and educational programs that interlink between St. Charles and its sister cities.

Both cities were strategically selected; Cardonagh primarily because of its rural setting and being the exact opposite of St. Charles it will allow exchanges of students to experience both lifestyles; Ludwigsburg is comparable in size and being close to Stuttgart, Germany it has a similar relationship as St. Charles does with St. Louis.

Summary

After walking around St. Charles, I am glad that we took the time to visit this town despite it frequently lying in the shadow of St. Louis. There was a real relaxing ambiance throughout the town and the way Main Street has been preserved over the years makes this an attractive tourist destination.

Don’t be fooled when visiting St. Louis that you have to stay within the city limits. Of course there is plenty to see and experience but be willing to get out and explore because you will stumble across picturesque towns like St. Charles. If you are British and miss some of the experiences and delicacies from across the pond, St. Charles may just provide a little home comfort.

We look forward to returning to St. Charles again and just strolling along Main Street taking in the scenery and enjoying a bite to eat in one of the local establishments.

An InLinkz Link-up

10 Cool Attractions on the New Orleans Garden District Tour

Louisiana

Chris Boothman

Nov 30, 2015

10 Cool Attractions on the New Orleans Garden District Tour

Have you ever wondered what those celebrity mansions really look like? Perhaps you were under the impression that these lucrative residences were located behind private gates with very little opportunity to see how these high-profile celebs live. Well, that’s exactly what I thought until we took the amazing New Orleans Garden District tour and was able to see a close-up look at some of these gorgeous mansions…and let me tell you they are pretty spectacular! But when money is not a problem, you can quite easily purchase breathtaking properties in and around New Orleans.

The beauty of taking a tour of the Garden District though is that it is not all about scoping out celebrities. Sure it’s nice to stumble across a celebs mansion or perhaps you will be fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of your favorite movie star, but there is so much more to this tour. We want to share some of the best attractions and landmarks that you can expect to see while taking a New Orleans Garden District tour.

Where is the Garden District?

The Garden District is located west of the French Quarter and can be accessed either by taking a pretty long walk (we experienced this first hand!) or by hopping on the New Orleans streetcar that will take you from Canal Street along St. Charles Avenue and into the heart of this neighborhood.

We opted for the streetcar on our return trip and this is a really cool experience in itself and for only $1.25 each way or a $3 one-day Jazzy pass, it is well worth riding.

Of course walking throughout New Orleans is the best way to get around though I have to warn you if you decide to take the 2 mile stroll from the Convention Center as we did that there are a couple of spots along this route until you reach Prytania Street that you will want to be fully aware of your surroundings and keep your wits about you.

Any fears you may have will quickly dissipate though as you wander into the Garden District and notice the gorgeous architecture all around you.

Historic New Orleans Tours

Thanks to Historic New Orleans, we were able to take a guided tour of the Garden District. Regardless of whether you take a guided tour or simply explore this neighborhood at your own leisure, this is definitely a part of the Crescent City you will want to walk around. The beauty of taking a guided tour is that your tour guide will point out all of those infamous mansions plus give you a variety of intriguing stories to keep you entertained on the walk.

If you read our recent post on the French Quarter walking tour, you will know that Historic New Orleans offer high-quality tours with very knowledgeable guides. This is exactly what we experienced a couple of days later on the Garden District tour.

We would like to give a special thanks to Dave, our tour guide from Historic New Orleans, who was AMAZING and a really down to earth local who shared experiences ranging from the tragic events surrounding Hurricane Katrina to stories of him taking tours inside some of the iconic mansions we saw on the tour.

Admission – $20 for adults; $15 for Seniors and Students (ID required); $7 for children

Location and Times – The Garden District tour starts at the Garden District Book Shop located at 2727 Prytania Street starting at 11:00AM and 1:45PM daily (each tour lasts around 2 hours)

Landmarks Around the Garden District

Before taking the tour for yourselves, here is a glimpse of what you can expect to find on your tour of the Garden District.

1. Lafayette Cemetery

Our tour started in the Lafayette Cemetery which for many may seem a little strange but as we walked around and heard the history and reasoning behind the above ground tombs, it actually resonated well with everyone in the group.

It was a little strange walking around the cemetery with so many of these tombs just out in the open, especially when Dave shared some of the stories of grave workers in New Orleans and how different it is from anywhere else in the country.

With New Orleans being below sea level, any attempts to dig six feet under the ground are fruitless given that you would immediately hit water. I wondered if the above ground tombs had some sort of religious connotation behind it, but the harsh reality is that if you are buried in New Orleans…you have very little option but to be buried in an above ground tomb or simply be cremated.

Did you know that some of these tombs have 30-40 corpses inside them? I can’t imagine what it must be like to work with human remains like this…just thinking about it sends chills down my spine.

I am not a huge fan of cemeteries, but I have been in several before that are clearly well maintained with gorgeous floral displays and apparent celebrations. The Lafayette Cemetery was far from this, in fact, it doesn’t surprise me to hear that this was the setting of several movies including ‘Double Jeopardy’ and ‘Interview With The Vampire’.

Be careful as you walk around this cemetery because the walkway is highly uneven and a couple of times we both lost our footing and stumbled a little. I think Heather and I were both happy when we headed out of the cemetery and continued on the Garden District tour.

2. Commander’s Palace Restaurant

Since the latter part of the 19th century, Commander’s Palace has been an iconic restaurant throughout the city of New Orleans. A number of famous chefs have plied their trade inside the doors of Commander’s Palace, most notably Emeril Lagasse and the late Paul Prudhomme.

The vibrant colors of the exterior make this restaurant easily identifiable and of course, the amazing creole cuisine makes this an incredibly popular spot for visitors from all corners of the globe.

3. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

If you are a movie aficionado, you may recall Brad Pitt starring in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Much of this movie was filmed in New Orleans in particular, the house on Coliseum Street which was a short walk from Commander’s Palace.

This 7,800 square foot mansion is a stunning piece of architecture and it’s no surprise to hear that this recently went to auction for a little under $3 million.

I fell in love with the place! You know, the people, the bourbon, the music… it’s in the air. It’s something you can’t describe on camera. (Brad Pitt)

When Brad Pitt shared his thoughts on New Orleans, he epitomized the culture and opinion of many celebrities in this part of the nation. Whether it’s because New Orleans has become such a popular spot for movie scenes, or perhaps because of the warm, temperate climate that the city endures all year round, it is undoubtedly the ‘Hollywood of the South’.

4. Sandra Bullock’s Mansion

As we continued walking along Coliseum Street, we marveled at the beauty of many of these mansions. A couple of blocks down the street Dave pointed out another house and shared a story before unveiling that this was the residence of Sandra Bullock. 2627 Coliseum Street is the address if you choose to take a self-guided tour rather than with Historic New Orleans.

Bullock chose this mansion as her home primarily for her and her adopted son who is from New Orleans rather than Bullock’s home city of Austin, Texas.

New Orleans is his city, and he is going to know it inside and out (Sandra Bullock)

Referencing her son, she purchased this $2.25 million mansion in 2010 and frequently can be seen in the Garden District with Louis Bardo (her adopted son).

5. Anne Rice’s Home

If you have read any of Anne Rice’s inspired vampire books, you will know that the Garden District in New Orleans is where it all started for Rice. Her childhood home is located in the heart of this neighborhood, but it is Magnolia Mansion on the corner of Chestnut Street and First Street that immediately grabs your attention with the eerie looking appearance.

The vampire stories you may be told by your tour guide as you walk past this residence (or sprint if you happen to have a little trepidation building up inside you) will resonate much more as you imagine if all the stories told here are true. Back in the 19th century, both of the original owners of this house allegedly died from yellow fever within a 24-hour period.

Today, this mansion is home to an award-winning bed and breakfast but would you be happy staying in a home that has years of terrifying history?

What inspired Rice to write such detailed vampire stories? Was it the Garden District or something much more sinister that happened inside the Magnolia Mansion? I will let you decide but with the proximity to Lafayette Cemetery, perhaps you will have your own thoughts on this.

6. John Goodman’s Mansion

By the time you reach John Goodman’s residence in the Garden District, you will be marveling at the wealth of architectural beauty that you are now apart of. Everywhere you look there is a stunning mansion waiting for you to explore.

Goodman is well-known throughout New Orleans, not only because he is such an advocate of the Crescent City but also because he is one of the celebrities that can be frequently seen by visitors to the Garden District.

7. The Home of the Manning’s

Familiar with Archie Manning? How about his more famous Superbowl winning sons – Eli and Peyton? The Manning household is located at 1420 First Street and frequently one or more of the family can be seen here. Perhaps Archie taught his two sons all they know today on the hallowed turf of the Manning residence.

8. Nicholas Cage’s Former Mansion

As we walked along Prytania Street on our final stretch of the tour, we stumbled across a breathtaking mansion that was the former residence of Nicholas Cage. Despite losing this property to foreclosure in 2009, Cage owned this for the four years prior to this. If you love European inspired architecture, you will notice that this is a true reflection of Greek Revival design and dates back to the mid 19th century.

For many years, this was the home of a Catholic chapel until 1996 when Anne Rice purchased this property and used it as inspiration for many of her novels. At over 13,400 square feet, it is now used as part of the St. George School.

9. Antebellum History

Let’s take a moment to forget who actually lives inside many of these mansions scattered throughout the Garden District. If you love antebellum history, then this part of New Orleans is just for you. The pristine preservation of all the gardens in addition to the Greek revival and neoclassical design of the mansions makes this tour a no-brainer.

The intricate details throughout the neighborhood (the exception being the quality of the sidewalks which are honestly a huge disappointment and need some attention!) are a sight to behold and really add value to the overlook appearance.

10. New Orleans Streetcar

Walking to the Garden District from the New Orleans Convention Center was a pretty long trek.What we didn’t realize was that the awesome public transportation system in New Orleans, also known as the Streetcar, provides a direct route from Canal Street to St. Charles Street.

From here you are right on the doorstep to the Garden District. As we rode the streetcar back to Canal Street, we were able to catch glimpses of plenty other gorgeous properties along St. Charles Street, though they were clearly not in the same price range as the mansions discussed earlier.

Summary

You may be wondering why you would want to explore so many of these celebrities mansions because once you have seen one, surely they are all very similar. However, each one of these mansions is unique and offers something with a slight twist that will make you purr with envy.

We want to reiterate our gracious thanks to Historic New Orleans and in particular, our tour guide Dave, who provided a wealth of information that really enhanced our experience in the Garden District.

Disclaimer – We would like to thank the New Orleans CVB for hosting us on this trip, and Historic New Orleans for providing complimentary tickets for the Garden District Walking Tour. These are solely our personal opinions/experiences and we were not financially compensated for this post.

Why Laumeier Sculpture Park is Weird and Wonderful

Missouri

Chris Boothman

Nov 26, 2015

Why Laumeier Sculpture Park is Weird and Wonderful

Have you ever walked away from an attraction wondering if you are incredibly confused or maybe you were just blown away with the beauty in front of you? This is pretty much how we both felt as we left the Laumeier Sculpture Park in St. Louis, Missouri after spending a couple of hours wandering around this amazing yet weird collection of exhibits.

We have traveled to St. Louis on numerous occasions and visited all of the mainstream attractions along with many off the beaten path neighborhoods. However, this was our first time visiting Laumeier Sculpture Park so it was nice to experience something new. I love architecture and Heather loves history, so when you throw a number of weird and wonderful sculptures in front of us…well you would think this is right up our alley!

laumeier sculpture park st louis missouri

Let’s take a look at what we experienced and share a few of our thoughts on why this place could be classified as ‘weird’ or ‘wonderful’ depending on your impression of Laumeier.

Visitor Information

Address

Laumeier Sculpture Park
12580 Rott Road
Saint Louis, Missouri 63127

Hours and Admission Prices

Open daily from 8:00AM to 30 minutes past sunset, one of the real attractive benefits of visiting Laumeier Sculpture Park is that it is FREE! It is open to the public year round though this venue is frequently used for special events.

During our visit we were among a large number of visitors who were clearly preparing for prom but this location does offer attractive backdrops for senior pictures, family portraits and engagement pictures so it is no surprise to see these types of events.

Navigating Around Laumeier Sculpture Park

After parking close to the Northern Grove and Museum Circle, we headed out and followed the trails around the park. You will find that this is the easiest and best way to ensure that you experience all of the exhibits. The paved pathway to see everything inside Laumeier will total around 1.5 miles round trip so not only will you experience some cool sculptures, it’s a perfect way to get your exercise in for the day!

Feel free to head off the beaten path, aka wandering across the grass, but be aware of your surroundings because there may be a sculpture waiting for you around the corner.

Laumeier Sculpture Collection

As you stroll around the 105 acres of Laumeier Sculpture Park, you will notice over 60 weird and wonderful sculptures on display. Depending on your personal interests and tastes, there will likely be something here that intrigues you, though of course you are well within your right to visit here and leave thinking this was a boring and pointless attraction.

Please note, we are NOT architectural/sculptural connoisseurs and the following are simply our opinions. Please visit Laumeier with an open-mind and we welcome all comments below on what you thought about your experience

We want to share some of our favorite exhibits along with some that we just thought we just a little weird.

Bornibus

The first sculpture we stumbled across was Bornibus by Mark di Suvero. You really can’t miss this sculpture given it’s size and magnitude located in the heart of the Museum Lawn. This is an interesting piece given that it’s a real reference to the urban vs rural landscape discussion that we see frequently in many cities.

This made me think of all the ‘green spaces’ we have in cities around the world such as Central Park or the High Line in New York City, and how for a moment you can just getaway and relax in a rural setting. This sculpture has the perfect backdrop with the rurality of the gardens yet the steel structure maintains the realization that you are still within the city limits.

Treetent

A short walk from Bornibus is the wonderfully designed Treetent sculpture that is dangling on the side of one of the giant trees in the lawn. How cool is this? Designed by Dre Wapenaar in 2005, this is real iconic resemblence of how we live in today in conjunction with how many animals and wildlife live.

Of course this type of sculpture is one of the most popular especially for children as it is similar to stereotypical treehouses and other designs that we all dream about throughout our childhood years. A ladder allows visitors to climb up and enter the treetent and for a moment reminisce on camping holidays of years gone by.

This is definitely one of our favorite sculptures out here especially given that it is so different and in my opinion not really a sculpture given it’s functional use. Maybe we will see something like this in camping stores such as Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid in the near future!

Eye

If you are looking for something a little spooky while exploring Laumeier Sculpture Park, you don’t have to look far with the iconic Eye staring right at you in the heart of the Museum Lawn. Alongside the Treetent and Bornibus, the Eye by Tony Tasset is a gigantic eyeball that stares across the landscape and keeps a watchful ‘eye’ on everyone that walks by.

Do you believe in the “Someone is always watching you” statements? Well, you better believe it now as you explore Laumeier because this is one really cool sculpture! I love the details of the eyeball as you can see the veins and deep blue iris that immediately grabs your attention.

I have to admit the overall feeling of someone or something watching you is a little creepy but cool at the same time (maybe I am weird or perhaps just realistic…we are NOT going to get into the topic of governments and what information they have on all of us!)

Ball? Ball? Wall? Wall!

Ok so the first three sculptures that we experienced were all pretty cool but as we continued walking around the gardens, we stumbled across Ball? Ball? Wall? Wall! which is a series of 55 steel marine buoys located in the middle of a forest! The actual location is just beyond the Emerson Children’s Sculpture Garden.

Before finding out what these objects actually were, I wasn’t sure if they were oversized cannonballs or something creating a giant centipede! We found out these were formerly sea-worthy buoys yet we still were a little confused as to their purpose when you throw 55 of these together in a line.

Each object weighs 650 pounds and when you combine all of these together I am sure designer Donald Lipski had a deep underlying reason as to why creating such a bizarre sculpture was a reflection on his creativity.

Sugabus

Our journey around Laumeier continued with a visit to the wonderfully named Sugabus by Robert Chambers. I immediately told Heather that this reminded me of a dog, only to be proved right as I looked at the description and history behind this sculpture designed in 2004.

I find the name of this object particularly intriguing given that Sugabus is derived from the words ‘Sugar’ and ‘Cerberus’. What’s the relationship? Well, cerberus is a three headed dog in Greek and Roman Mythology. Throw in the interlocking elements that we associate with sucrose (namely hydrogen, carbon and oxygen) and there you have it!

Maybe Chambers is also trying to sweeten us into thinking this dog is not a fierce three headed creature, instead perhaps it’s a sweet canine waiting to be taken home! We will let you devise your own theories on Sugabus.

Recess

Another of the interesting sculptures is a dilapidated ruin in the Southern Woodland known as Recess. Designed by Geoffrey Krawczyk in 2014, this structure reflects the urban decline and decay of many areas within St. Louis.

It is specifically referring to the Cahokian settlements which was one of the most influential Mississippian cultures until the late 18th century.

Recess is a perfect depiction of not only St. Louis but any major city around the world that suffers from neighborhoods seeking gentrification to hopefully thrive once more.

Summary

We have shared just a few examples of the sculptures on display at Laumeier Sculpture Park. This is a highly recommended park to just walk around and enjoy the scenery and perhaps you will learn something out of the ordinary that will inspire you to explore other parts of St. Louis.

Researching all of the sculptures that we experienced has actually provided a better appreciation and allowed us to gain a better understanding as to what the designers were trying to achieve when constructing these masterpieces.

Do I still think Laumeier Sculpture Park is weird and wonderful at the same time? Of course…but I think you should decide for yourselves which side of the fence you want to lean on!

Why Northeast Arizona Needs to Be on Your Radar

Arizona

Chris Boothman

Nov 23, 2015

Why Northeast Arizona Needs to Be on Your Radar

Stereotypically known as being home of Navajo and Apache Indian reservations, Northeast Arizona is a part of the Grand Canyon state that is well worth exploring. During our trip earlier this year where we spent a couple of days exploring the stunning landscapes from the best Grand Canyon lookout points, we then made the drive north to the Utah border before experiencing the Mighty 5 national parks.

The drive took us through the edge of Northeast Arizona and gave us an opportunity to experience some of the ‘off the beaten path’ attractions and natural landscapes that make this such an attractive part of the state to explore. I can only imagine what it is like driving through the heart of the Indian reservations but just spending some time on the edge was a real eye-opener…more on that later!

The Grand Canyon State

Arizona is not dubbed the Grand Canyon state just because of the Grand Canyon itself. Of course a trip to Arizona wouldn’t feel the same without a trip to this breathtaking canyon, but as we made the drive out of this national park we were treated to a myriad of other stunning landscapes with canyons and other natural phenomena waiting for us to uncover.

Northeast Arizona is a vast land covered in towering buttes, winding canyons and a plethora of other spectacular sites that we were fortunate to experience some. We want to share just a couple of our favorite spots on the drive from the Grand Canyon to the Utah/Arizona state-line in Page.

Navajo Indian Reservations

Located on the Colorado Plateau like the rest of Northeast Arizona, the Navajo nation is an intriguing part of USA to explore. Whether you want to explore some of the Navajo’s ancient ruins or perhaps just stop by on the side of the road and purchase a souvenir from a typical market stall, visiting this part of Arizona will really help educate you on how others live.

Typified by trailer homes and horses roaming around the landscape, Navajo country is more than just the home of the ancient Anasazi people. With a perfect backdrop of stunning red sandstone among the other natural features that we have all come to admire in Arizona, the Navajo nation will openly welcome you to their lands.

We pulled over on the side of the road a couple of times to check out some of the Navajo craft and art stalls which really have some cool hand-made souvenirs. The locals are always welcome to talk to you and answer any questions you may have on the history and culture of the Navajo nation.

Whether the Navajo reservations receive as much respect as they deserve I am not sure, but as you pass through these landscapes you may gain a much greater appreciation of how these communities survive.

Little Colorado River Overlooks

After leaving the breathtaking scenery throughout the Grand Canyon, you may be forgiven if you think that nothing else can quite compare to what you have previously experienced.

However, the Little Colorado River offers dramatic scenes and panoramic landscapes that you will appreciate if you take time to stop and explore the variety of overlooks available while driving along Highway 64.

A word of caution because depending on the time of year you visit, there may be a few creatures wandering around the sandy landscapes that you will want to avoid…hence the signs that are clearly warning you what to look out for!

Horseshoe Bend

One of the most beautiful locations we visited during our trip around Northeast Arizona was Horseshoe Bend just south of Page, Arizona. A short hike from US Route 89 leads you to gorgeous views over the Colorado River.

A 1,000 feet drop is what faces visitors from the top of the overlook, and despite having no safety railings it is well worth the risk. Be careful of your surroundings and you will undoubtedly cherish the memories and images you see around Horseshoe Bend.

You can read more about our awe-inspiring experiences during our Horseshoe Bend hike and how we feel that those that are fearless will be rewarded with lifelong memories!

Glen Canyon Dam

Located in Page, Arizona close to the state-line with Utah, the Glen Canyon Dam is a concrete arch design crossing the Colorado River. Functioning in the same capacity to it’s more infamous counterpart on the Colorado, the Hoover Dam, Glen Canyon provides hydroelectricity to nearby communities while at the same time controlling the volume to the lower Colorado River basin.

Construction of the dam finished in 1966 and its reservoir, Lake Powell, is the second largest artificial lake in the nation.

We parked on one side of the dam (access to the dam is easier than the Hoover Dam as there is no security point to pass through) and then walked across taking in the stunning architecture and of course peering up and down the Colorado River canyon.

The Colorado gorge is breathtaking and just like other Arizona canyons that we experienced earlier in our trip, offers a real unique beauty unlike anything else we have seen on our travels around USA.

Antelope Canyon

One of the most popular attractions in Northeast Arizona that is located in Page is Antelope Canyon. We originally had a tour booked but given the length of time it took to drive from the Grand Canyon, we had to cancel at the last minute.

However, thanks to Abbie Synan from Speck on the Globe, we can now see exactly what we missed as she shares her experiences of exploring the Upper and Lower canyons.

The Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons located in Page, Arizona are a unique set of slot canyons unlike any rock formations I’ve ever seen. The gradient of color is only made more dramatic as the day progresses, the light forces its way through the small openings above you and pours down in small beams. Sinuous, narrow dirt pathways create the perfect opportunity for shadow to cast on the smooth curved rock walls.

The Upper Canyon is more popular with tourist crowds, as it is the place where you can find those elusive light beams easier because of the larger gaps in the canyons top. The canyon entrance is accessible at ground level and the pathways are wider than the Lower Canyon.

Lower Canyon access is sets of steep stairs and the pathways are significantly narrower making it a little more challenging for the less fit and claustrophobic. There are several tour operators at each location, and since both natural wonders are found on reservation ground, a day pass on the property is required.

I’d recommend staying over night so you have the time to tackle both without feeling rushed, they offer two completely different perspectives.

Monument Valley

Although we didn’t have time to visit Monument Valley, this is another of the iconic landmarks that makes Northeast Arizona such an attractive part of USA. Thanks to Gemma Orrock from Two Scots Abroad for providing her experience on visiting this gorgeous landscape.

Burnt orange, black sky and sparkling stars. That’s what first springs to mind when I think about Monument Valley, Arizona. Its no wonder that this place has been the backdrop for many cowboy and space films!

During my coast to coast trip around America, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to sleep under the stars at Monument Valley with the Dene tribe, which you may known as the Navajo natives. We fell asleep after sunset and rose early to watch the sunrise.

Our guide, Carlos, answered all of our eager questions about weddings, education and the tribes views on life after death. He painted a realistic yet sad description of what life is like for the Dene tribe today.

Summary

Northeast Arizona is the perfect environment to explore a myriad of natural landscapes combined with the cultural experiences of mingling with the Navajo communities. When you have natural landmarks such as Horseshoe Bend and of course Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona this is always going to attract visitors.

We are both really looking forward to returning to this part of the Grand Canyon state again in the near future to hopefully uncover some more hidden gems.

Have you explored this part of the country? If so, what would you recommend visiting here?

VIDEO BLOG – Why the Zoo in St Louis Is the Best Attraction!

Missouri

Chris Boothman

Nov 19, 2015

VIDEO BLOG – Why the Zoo in St Louis Is the Best Attraction!

If you have visited St. Louis before, you will know that one of the main attractions there is the zoo and certainly for good reason. We have experienced the zoo in St Louis on numerous occasions, not only because of the wide variety of animals on display but because of its main attraction for many visitors – free admission!

During our recent visit to St. Louis Zoo, we decided to shoot a few videos to put together a montage summarizing the experience inside what we both consider to be the best zoo in the world. Obviously we can’t speak for every zoo because we have only visited a select number, but I would argue that anyone who visits the zoo in St Louis would be impressed and not leave disappointed.

Video Summary

From the Lichtenstein Penguin Cove to the African elephants strolling around their near natural environment, St Louis Zoo has a myriad of wildlife for visitors to explore. We spent almost three hours inside the zoo and could quite easily of spent a full day here. Whether it’s a full family day out or simply you and your better half spending some time exploring Forest Park, St. Louis Zoo is an attraction not to be missed.

What are your favorite animals in a zoo? As you watch our video you will likely gain a better idea as to what our favorite animals are…a little clue, the introduction may just give it away!

Frequently zoos are the topics of controversy because of the poor quality of environments in which the animals have to experience. I am 100% convinced that the animals at St. Louis Zoo are well taken care of and as you walk around the animal exhibits you will notice just how content the animals are. Of course there is nothing quite like the natural habitats that the animals are used to in their homeland, but those zoos that make every effort to recreate the landscapes generally are those that get my full appreciation.

Another great reason to visit St. Louis Zoo is the location within Forest Park. If you read our post on how to find cheap attractions in St Louis, you will notice that Forest Park has a multitude of reasons to encourage you to spend time here. The St. Louis Art Museum has a number of free exhibits along with seasonal options that may intrigue you, while the World’s Fair Pavilion is a pretty spectacular venue overlooking the fountains directly in front and beyond across the park.

Comments and Feedback

Please share your comments and thoughts on St. Louis Zoo. While we believe this is a great zoo, we would love for you to share other zoos around the world that you have experienced so that we can hopefully check them out in the future.

Are you ready to go on a journey with us to St. Louis Zoo and experience all of the wildlife on display?

An InLinkz Link-up

How to Make the Most of TBEX? A Beginner’s Guide

Blogger Tips

Chris Boothman

Nov 16, 2015

How to Make the Most of TBEX? A Beginner’s Guide

If you are a travel blogger looking to make some headway in a pretty saturated market, this post will likely either intrigue you or be a life-saver as you consider whether attending TBEX is right for you. If you are an avid traveler but currently have no blog, after reading this post you will have a greater appreciation of what we do and why we are so inspired to share our stories with everyone. Our TBEX review will hopefully share some insight into the benefits of attending what has now turned into a truly global conference.

We arrived in Fort Lauderdale, Florida heading to our third TBEX conference so in many eyes we were now considered to be experts. This is far from the truth as we still believe we have a lot to learn in terms of managing our time, getting the best out of this conference and of course, meeting a myriad of new people from around the world.

However, we now feel like we have a better grasp as to the whole purpose of TBEX and we want to share what we consider to be ‘A Beginner’s Guide’ to the experience and hopefully provide a few useful hints and tips that you can take into future conferences.

What is TBEX?

Before attending TBEX Cancun in 2014, we had no idea what TBEX was all about. So you are right to be questioning…what on earth are they talking about here with this weird acronym TBEX?

TBEX IS THE WORLD’S LARGEST GATHERING OF TRAVEL BLOGGERS, WRITERS, NEW MEDIA CONTENT CREATORS, AND SOCIAL MEDIA SAVVY TRAVEL INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS. (TBEX)

Quoted directly from the TBEX website, this emphasizes the importance of such a gathering and a way in which people from all corners of the globe can network together to help promote this industry we all love…travel!

Let’s take a look at 5 different components that will help you make the most of your future TBEX experience. I want to add the caveat right now that not everything about TBEX is perfect, but we will go into a little more detail later on that.

The format of TBEX is pretty much as follows:

PreBEX Tours – Offered prior to the two days of conference
Opening Keynote Session – Both days generally offer an intriguing topic relating to the travel industry and frequently a recognized travel blogger will present their opinions.
Breakout Sessions – two sessions in the morning before lunch and another after. Each last 50 minutes and there are four distinctive tracks (Content, Community, Commerce and TBEX Business) with different topics available.
Speed Networking – A period of two hours in the afternoon is allocated for bloggers to meet with DMO’s, tourism boards, CVB’s, travel brands etc. Each meeting is segmented into 10 minute intervals.
Post-TBEX Tours – Frequently available depending on the host location and what they offer. TBEX Fort Lauderdale preceded TBEX at Sea, the inaugural event where bloggers had the opportunity to take a cruise and continue the networking.

Networking with Fellow Bloggers

I want to start with what we both believe to be the best aspect of TBEX – the networking with fellow travel bloggers. As bloggers, we are always networking virtually through the vast array of social media platforms we are accustomed to but actually meeting these individuals in person is what really helps you take your blog to the next level.

Co-mingling with fellow bloggers is a great way to share ideas, learn the newest and greatest technologies that will help advance your blog and find out some of the most beautiful destinations around the world that you never even knew existed.

TBEX Fort Lauderdale certainly didn’t disappoint and we were fortunate to meet a variety of bloggers from around the world that we had previously only connected with online. Individuals like Lauren from Justin Plus Lauren, Brianna from Casual Travelist and Brian and Amanda from Eat-Work-Travel were all great folks to chat with.

The list is endless and we apologize to everyone else for not naming them but we appreciate all of the networking opportunities we had.

TBEX offers ample opportunities to network. Whether you are networking over the luncheons provided during the conference, bonding with your fellow bloggers during a preBEX tour or enjoying a couple of late night beverages at one of the after-parties, you will always find time to meet new friends.

Travel bloggers are a friendly bunch…as you are walking around the convention center snacking on one of the delightful delicacies (how cool are those cookies and milk), there is always someone willing to say hi or welcome you into their networking circle. Even some of the top echelon of travel bloggers that are sometimes renowned as being difficult to approach, offer their expertise and show a willingness to offer advice.

TOP TIP – Even if socializing is not your strongest asset, be friendly and show a willingness to want to get to know everyone. It will definitely prove fruitful in the future.

Speed Networking with Brands

For many ‘newbies’, the most nerve-wracking aspect of TBEX is the speed networking where you have just ten minutes to sell yourselves and your brand to tourism boards and other travel entities that are in attendance.

As this is our third TBEX, we are both pretty comfortable now but I will say that every meeting is different. We generally find that the opening two minutes is our intro spiel where we try to ‘sell our brand’, the next two minutes will be the brand sharing their position on working with bloggers along with their destination/product and then the rest of the time is an interactive conversation depending on if either of you have questions.

Each meeting is unique, but you can frequently get a solid idea as to the potential of the partnership and whether there will be opportunities moving forward to work together.

Please DO NOT visit with a brand expecting to receive something for free! I can’t emphasize this enough that as a travel blogger, you should not be expecting to receive ‘freebies’, instead if an opportunity arises where a press trip/FAM (familiarization) trip becomes available, you are expected to provide a substantial ROI (return on investment) to the brand you are working with.

All too often travel bloggers are stereotyped as just seeking free hotel nights, free products etc. when the reality is we are working incredibly hard to provide coverage with whomever we are working alongside.

A final tip I would add here when going through the speed networking phase is that there will always be further opportunities to meet with brands. Just because you didn’t get an appointment with the brand you really want to work with on Bloggerbridge, that doesn’t mean you can’t setup an impromptu meeting.

Perhaps during one of the coffee breaks or if you choose to leave lunch early, you can hop over to the speed networking booths and grab your chance at forming a partnership.

TOP TIP – Be yourself and remember, the DMO’s/travel brands want to work with you just as much as you want to work with them. Don’t undersell yourselves.

Breakout Sessions

After attending three TBEX conferences, I have to say that the breakout sessions are a little ‘hit and miss’ though the sessions offered at TBEX Fort Lauderdale were the most beneficial so far. We have found that many of the sessions are repetitive which is understandable given that each TBEX welcomes a large number of first-timers.

We learned about the best productivity tools available, how to use audio books to improve your blog and how to build a high-traffic blog! Whether TBEX has received enough presentations for the breakout sessions, I am not sure but overall it was probably the least beneficial aspect of the overall conference.

We also found that sessions vary in terms of quality. Many of the presenters are well prepared and offer interactive sessions, whereas others appear to be poorly prepared which makes it difficult to take anything positive from the session.

TOP TIP – Topic headlines are not always the most helpful as sometimes the content of the sessions are different.

Self-Organization

There is a lot of scheduling and planning that goes into the organization of any conference so TBEX is certainly no different. However, I would strongly encourage all attendees to be prepared to be well organized prior to attending because sometimes the organization at the conference is lacking.

Here is a quick 10 point checklist that you should consider following:

Bloggerbridge – Setup your speed networking schedules before TBEX using the Bloggerbridge website. If you have any issues creating your schedule, reach out to founder Chris Christensen.
Business Cards – take plenty for both speed networking and passing around to fellow bloggers.
Chargers – Be sure to bring a charger with you for both your laptop and phone because you will be tweeting, snapping and periscoping the whole time you are at TBEX. By the way, the official hashtag is #TBEX.
Dress Code Attire – Business casual is generally the recommended attire at TBEX. You will see both ends of the spectrum, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and be confident in your attire because at the end of the day you are there to sell yourself and your brand.
Elevator Pitch – How well do you know your brand? You need to be prepared to give a shortened version to really sell you and your brand.
Hotels – We have had a couple of issues with booking hotels using the TBEX discount code that is offered (i.e. hotels not always familiar with TBEX). Do plenty of research in viable hotels and check to see what rates are available and whether the TBEX rate is the best option.
Media Kits – Consider (not necessarily mandatory) taking a printed media kit. Be prepared to e-mail post-TBEX.
Statistics – Know your numbers in terms of unique views, total page visits etc. to your website. Google Analytics will be your friend.
TBEX Tours – Communicate directly with the host of the TBEX tour if possible because sometimes the arrangements (times, location etc.) can be a little disorganized.
Transportation – Be prepared to handle all your own transportation to and from the conference especially if you choose to stay at a hotel outside of the convention center.

TOP TIP – If you follow our handy checklist of items, you should have a great time at TBEX.

Enjoy the Entertainment

TBEX really knows how to throw some great parties! From Cancun to Lloret de Mar to Fort Lauderdale, we have been fortunate to experience some awesome parties with a wide variety of local cuisine available. Entertainment and buffet style cuisine is generally available along with an open bar (yes, you read that correctly).

Unfortunately, we missed the opening night party at the Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale, but the party we attended on the second night at the Diplomat Resort in Hollywood was amazing.

Despite the adverse weather conditions which ensured the extravaganza was moved indoors from the planned event by the infinity pool, we all had a great evening.

Being in South Florida, Cuban cuisine was at the forefront accompanied by Indian and Mexican flavors to satisfy everyone’s pallet. A delicious looking ceviche bar, a huge dish of seafood paella and an intriguing dessert bar with enough selection to keep you salivating for days was waiting for everyone to indulge.

We even had the opportunity to experience Cuban cigars being rolled and take one away with us as a souvenir.

TOP TIP – Make the most of the parties and use these as another opportunity to network. Have a few beers and let your hair down because the events are over before you know it.

Summary

TBEX is a great event with a number of positive aspects that will make you want to return. Of course, there are areas that could be improved but we have noticed over the last year vast improvements on the three TBEX’s that we have attended. Each venue is different and definitely has an impact on your overall experience. Hopefully this TBEX review will help you as you decide whether this type of conference would be beneficial.

TBEX Fort Lauderdale, held in the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention Center, was by far the best that we have attended. We are already looking forward to TBEX North America 2016 to be held in Bloomington, Minnesota at the Mall of America between May 28 – 31.

Hopefully we will get to see you there but if not, here are the upcoming TBEX conferences that have been announced for 2016 around the world.

Future TBEX Venues

TBEX North America 2016 – Bloomington, Minnesota (May 28-31, 2016)

TBEX Europe 2016 – Stockholm, Sweden (July 14-16, 2016)

TBEX Asia 2016 – Manila, Philippines (October 13-16, 2016)

Desegregation of Central High School – Discover the Truth

Arkansas

Chris Boothman

Nov 12, 2015

Desegregation of Central High School – Discover the Truth

Who would have thought that Little Rock, Arkansas would have played such an integral role in the topic of desegregation? During a recent day trip to Arkansas’ capital, we took some time to visit Central High School which is renowned as being the first public school to initiate desegregation in 1957. 58 years later, this public school is now a National Historic Landmark and so we wanted to find out everything there is to know about the desegregation of Central High School!

Early History

Little Rock Central High School dates back to 1927 when the initial construction was first completed. As you walk around the campus today, it’s no surprise to hear that this was dubbed as one of the most beautiful high schools in the nation.

I was honestly shocked as we parked inside the visitor center and I caught glimpse of today’s school because it was certainly not what I was expecting. Let’s say I was pleasantly surprised by the magnitude and beauty of this campus!

Of course renovations have taken place, but the $1.5 million initial cost which was of course a substantial amount of money in the 1920s clearly had a lasting effect on the design of this beautiful institution.

Located on Park Street in Little Rock, Arkansas, Central High School also colloquially known as ‘The Tigers’ did not start receiving the attention of current day times until the 1950s when history changing events took place here.

The Little Rock Nine

There are many iconic dates in history but one in particular for Central High School will remain more important than anything else – September 23, 1957. After the Supreme Court ruling in 1954 that declared public school segregation unconstitutional, schools around the nation began putting together policies and strategies to continue resisting desegregation.

Little Rock Central High School, however indicated they would comply with the ruling and began interviewing potential students.

Nine African-American students had previously been denied admission into Little Rock Central High School, but on the morning of September 23 ‘The Little Rock Nine’ as they are now commonly known, made their way up the steps to the entrance of the school.

Of course this wasn’t without mass protests given that Central High School was an all white school since opening in 1927 and thousands of white students, parents and local citizens voiced their anger and concerns as these nine African-Americans enrolled in classes.

With help from the military, the students were escorted inside the school and the start of ‘integration’ of white and African-American students began.

Over the next few years, the successful integration was seriously tested and in some cases it completely broke down due to the ‘pressure of public opinion’ but as we have seen this date in history is what led public schools around the nation to accept desegregation.

The most famous students in Central High School’s history are of course those known as ‘The Little Rock Nine’. Minnijean Brown, Elizabeth Eckford, Ernest Green, Thelma Mothershed, Melba Patillo, Gloria Ray, Terrence Roberts, Jefferson Thomas and Carlotta Walls were the distinguished nine. Green was a senior at the time and civil rights leader, Martin Luther King attended Green’s graduation at Central High School in May 1958.

Capitol Building Memorial

Our visit to Little Rock started at the State Capitol and as we were exploring the grounds we stumbled across the monument for the Little Rock Nine. This is undoubtedly an iconic and important part of Little Rock’s history and this memorial is a tribute to years of hatred and fighting that took place before desegregation was accepted.

Regardless of your age, ethnic background or race, this is a moment in history that should be recognized and appreciated all around the world so that we are all treated equally. I really enjoyed walking around the memorial and reading all of the quotes from the students themselves and how they felt about the historic day in 1957.

Minnijean Brown echoed Gandhi’s words when she spoke about change.

We have to be the change we want to see in the world

Carlotta Walls emphasized that it was through sheer hard work and determination by all concerned that allowed this integration to successfully take place.

Hard work, determination, persistence, and faith in God were lessons learned from my parents, Cartelyou and Juanita Walls. I was only doing what was right.

Meanwhile Gloria Ray suggested that only those people that dare to challenge norms and policies will achieve change.

Dare to object to prejudice and injustice

As an individual, I think we can all learn from these quotes. No one is perfect and we all make mistakes but when you read the heartfelt quotes of individuals that literally initiated such a dramatic change in how we perceive racial discrimination, it really helps us to become better individuals in a society where we all face challenges on a day to day basis.

Magnolia Gas Station

Visiting Central High School for the first time, we noticed an old yet preserved gas station named Magnolia across the road from the campus. Just like most other visitors to this historic landmark, we were curious as to the significance of the gas station in relation to the school. Constructed in the 1920s around the same time as Central High, this served as a hangout spot for students along with its primary purpose as a gas station.

However, the real significance relates to the 1957 events as reporters from all around the world used this gas station as a spot to transmit information to their respective countries. Many businesses did not have pay phones available, so given that Magnolia was one of the few that did, it was a popular spot for reporters to feature live footage to their networks around the world.

Summary

The desegregation at Central High School in 1957 has ensured that this campus will live long as an integral part in the history of civil rights. Although the campus was closed for tours (actually several class reunions were taking place during our visit), we were able to experience from the outside the beauty of this high school.

All of the memories and history that lie within these walls will likely prove to be more influential to certain people than others, but one thing that we can all agree on is that Central High School provided the first moments of treating everyone with equality and that is something that should be respected.

As you walk around various parts of Little Rock, Arkansas, you will be reminded of Central High School’s role in desegregation and the pinnacle of this can be found at the State Capitol building with The Little Rock Nine memorial.

Have you visited Little Rock Central High School? Do you have any experiences with other locations around USA that have similar impacts on the concept of desegregation?

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