Page 44 – A Brit and A Southerner

Why Visit Barcelona? Beauty in the Catalan Capital!

Spain

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May 9, 2015

Why Visit Barcelona? Beauty in the Catalan Capital!

With such a plethora of history and Gaudi inspired architecture, it may be surprising to hear that Barcelona is also home to a modern era of both architecture and cultural phenomena. So why visit Barcelona when we constantly hear claims that this city is trying to cut down on the amount of tourism being driven here? During our recent visit to Spain’s second largest city, we enjoyed a 48 hour tour of strolling the streets taking in a mixture of both modern and contemporary Barcelona architecture. This on it’s own was enough to convince me that experiencing the Catalan capital is a must on everyone’s bucket list!

If you have the chance to stay in Barcelona for longer, your best option is to book your new place on HousingAnywhere.

Walking around Barcelona, it is hard not to be impressed by the contrast of modern day design and well-maintained history. The beauty of Barcelona is that you can be walking along the Passeig de Gracia taking in the ritzy designer stores and modern renovation, yet at the same time probably not knowing that the hexagonal tiles you are walking along on the pavement are a tribute to Gaudi’s influence on the city.

Take a few more steps off the Passage de Gracia and you are in the Gràcia neighborhood which offers a very distinctive blend that typifies this ‘modern’ vs ‘contemporary’ feel we refer to.

Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus

Courtesy of our partnership with the local Barcelona tourism board, we had access to the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus which is a great way to see this city. Three distinctive lines (green, blue and red) that provide access to different suburbs and regions of Barcelona, purchasing a daily or two-day pass is a perfect option if you are seeking convenience in exploring some of the key tourist attractions.

In our opinion, the beauty of this pass is that not only can you see gorgeous attractions such as Park Guell and La Sagrada Familia, but you can also hop-off the bus and explore some of the hidden gems around Las Ramblas and other medieval parts of the city.

Contemporary Barcelona

When you start exploring the real Barcelona away from the tourist traps, this is when you find the contemporary architecture and heritage that continues to thrive through local patriotism. Two distinctive areas that we really enjoyed walking include the Gràcia neighborhood and the Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter).

Antoni Gaudi played a key role in designing what we now classify as ‘contemporary’ Barcelona but the narrow streets and idyllic squares are what really make this city an intriguing one to explore. The charming squares of Plaça de la Virreina and Plaça del Diamant ensure that Gràcia continues to be a thriving community for locals to hang out and sip a glass of vermouth at the 1:00PM hour.

Perhaps taking a walk along Carrer del Bisbe under the neo-gothic style bridge is needed to sway your opinion that Barcelona is well and truly established as a contemporary metropolis. After leaving the Passeig de Gracia and heading away from the Las Ramblas boulevard, you are immediately enclosed by the medieval feeling of the Gothic Quarter.

But rather than fearing your surroundings, instead there is a surreal feeling that encapsulates you as you peer around the stunning architecture and essentially try to get lost among the hidden streets of this neighborhood.

The abundance of tightly enclosed side streets may leave you wondering about safety, especially at night, but at no point while we were exploring this part of Barcelona did we feel uncomfortable. Many of the local tapas bars and restaurants are hidden around these street corners, one in particular being El Guindilla along Carrer de l’Argenteria that we would highly recommend.

Roman walls surrounding the Barcelona Cathedral present the entrance to the Gothic Quarter. As we explored the market stalls in front of the cathedral, we noticed the bronze letters that spell the word ‘Barcino’, a tribute to Colonia Iulia Augusta Faventia Paterna Barcino (origin of the present day city name – Barcelona).

Another of the contemporary areas of the city can be found close to the neighborhood surrounding the Plaça d’Espanya and Palau Nacional. The infrastructure here is breathtaking with huge columns serving as an entrance to the road leading to Palau Nacional.

In many ways this is equivalent to the Champs Elysees in Paris, but in my opinion Barcelona wins this battle with such a gorgeous construction at the end. Numerous waterfalls and fountains are directly in front of this museum, yet the real beauty lies within the construction of the building.

Modern Design

Modern architecture throughout Barcelona is becoming more apparent, as architects are inspired to challenge native locals to appreciate other constructions away from Gaudi. Although much of the modern day design is very unlike anything Gaudi designed, there is enough in the vibrant color choices to ensure his inspiration lives on.

Whether it’s the remarkable design of Jean Nouvel’s Agbar Tower in the heart of the city, or perhaps you are intrigued by the construction of the Estadi Olímpic de Montjuic, there is plenty to see around Barcelona to prove that this city has successfully blended old with new!

The ‘Camp Nou’ stadium, home of the mighty FC Barcelona football team, is another impressively structured design. The Hop-On, Hop-Off city tour bus takes you directly past the stadium and after changing from the blue line to the red line on Avenue Diagonal, there are a number of gorgeous spots on this route worth experiencing.

As you leave the confines of the city center, head towards Olympic Park and the home of the 1992 Summer Olympics. The scene is set with the gorgeous Olympic stadium but another impressive structure is the weird yet wonderful design of the Torre de Calatrava, a telecommunications tower that is inspired by the idea of an athlete holding the Olympic flame.

Summary

Looking at reasons why you should visit Barcelona, I really could have given recommendations from a variety of angles. Cuisine, culture and of course architecture are all eye-catching reasons to explore this beautiful city. We spent a hectic 48 hours exploring Barcelona, trying to find some of the hidden secrets that lie within the medieval walls, but of course the beauty lies everywhere you look as you explore every part of the city.

We are both really excited about re-visiting Barcelona to hopefully find some more hidden gems and spend more time taking in the stunning architecture that fills the entire city.

Disclaimer – We would like to thank Turisme de Barcelona for providing us with 2 press cards for our trip. These are solely our personal opinions/experiences and we were not financially compensated for this post.

A Guide to Gaudi Architecture in Barcelona

Spain

Chris Boothman

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May 4, 2015

13

A Guide to Gaudi Architecture in Barcelona

When you think about some of the finest architects from around the world, we may all have different names that spring to mind. However, if your background is associated with Spanish history, there is likely only one name on the tip of your tongue – Antoni Gaudi. Gaudi architecture is stereotypically represented throughout Barcelona and as you explore this beautiful city it is hard to avoid seeing his iconography depicted throughout the neighborhoods.

In his prime during the late 19th Century, Gaudi has almost single-handedly produced a myriad of fine architectural buildings and constructions throughout the heart of Spain, most noticeably in the city of Barcelona.

History of Gaudi

Antoni Gaudi was a Spanish Catalan who became famous for his focus on Catalan Modernism. His individualistic, unique approach of designing buildings around Barcelona are clearly influenced by his key interests – architecture, nature and religion.

Gaudi’s work is typified through the vibrant colors and unique variation he incorporated into the design of his work. As we contemplate why and how Gaudi separated himself from his fellow architects during this era, it is noticeable through every intricate detail that he meticulously designed and implemented.

However, this methodical approach didn’t come without a major flaw that is still noticeable to this day as you explore one of Spain’s major cities – his failure to complete the most iconic landmark, La Sagrada Familia. But of course, this was no fault of his and to this day we are still seeing modern day architects attempting to complete his most famous legacy!

It’s no surprise to hear that seven of Gaudi’s works have been declared as UNESCO World Heritage Sites over the last few decades.

Let’s take a stroll around Barcelona and explore some of Gaudi’s finest masterpieces and you will soon find out why visiting Barcelona is all about Antoni Gaudi on every other street corner.

Park Güell

During our recent visit to Barcelona, our first stop was to see Park Guell. After passing by the infamous La Sagrada Familia (more on that later!), we started the hike along Carrer de Larrad which gets gradually steeper but is well worth it. Passing by a number of gift shops and local side streets that provide ample ‘off the beaten path’ photo opportunities, we arrived outside the gates of the gorgeous Park Guell.

Park Guell is one of Gaudi’s most decorative and extensive developments. The construction of this public park was directed by Gaudi in the early 20th century for Count Eusebio Güell and even outside the gates you can see Gaudi’s finest work on show. His iconic colorful tiles line the exterior walls with a decorative Park Guell logo intricately designed with equally beautiful tile-work.

As you walk through the gates, you are presented with a steep, winding staircase though the iconic landmark here has to be the dragon. Known as ‘El Drac’, this colorful creature provides a memorable, symbolic representation of Park Guell and in many ways of Barcelona in general.

The upper plaza of Park Guell is a mingling point for visitors to relax and observe the stunning views across Barcelona’s finest landscapes.

Casa Batlló

As you move towards the center of Barcelona’s thriving business district, you can wander along the Passeig de Gracia and stumble across several of Gaudi’s impressive designs. In the heart of this street is Casa Batllo which attracts attention in much the same fashion as the other Gaudi inspirations around the city.

Constructed in 1877, this building (at least the interior) was far from what we can see today. In many ways, this was originally just a standard design with very little in terms of Gaudi’s flair and flamboyancy to show. However, when this was purchased by Joseph Battlo at the turn of the 20th century, he hired Gaudi to renovate and provide a more personal touch to the design.

Casa Milà/La Pedrera

The second Gaudi design along the Passeig de Gracia is Casa Mila or more commonly referred to as La Pedrera. A direct comparison with Casa Batllo makes this a lot less aesthetically pleasing, that is if you are looking for typical Gaudi vibrant color scheme.

However, what makes La Pedrera unique is the size and scope of this building as it stands out on the corner of the street.

The exterior has a real subtle way of standing out among a crowd of more modern designed constructions. Just as with all other Gaudi designs, it is easy to spot La Pedrera from a distance. A gorgeous spiral staircase inside is an added feature making this an extremely worthwhile visit and entrance fee (a little expensive at 27 Euros but is likely to provide more value than many other Gaudi designs).

Casa Vicens

Casa Vicens is a notable building in Gaudi’s fine portfolio of constructions because it was his first commissioned design throughout the city of Barcelona. Unlike many of the other architectures mentioned here, Casa Vicens is located along Carrer de les Carolines which is one of those stereotypically hidden side streets that you stumble across wandering around Barcelona.

Dating back to the 1880’s, Casa Vicens was designed as a private residence and only until recently this has always been the case. It is now currently being transitioned into a public house for visitors and it is hoped that by 2016, people will be able to appreciate the detailed design of the interior as well as outside.

But for now, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of a residential home that is far different to anything you would ever imagine living in! Gaudi was a perfectionist and Casa Vicens is an example of how this approach shines through with all his constructions.

La Sagrada Familia

Of course we had to save the best until last! The most popular landmark not only in Barcelona but also the whole of Spain, Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia is a stunningly beautiful piece of architectural genius. However, the beauty of the Sagrada Familia is even more magnified given that it is still unfinished.

Whether this be one of Gaudi’s late regrets following his death in 1926, it is unbelievable to think that construction is still ongoing to complete this gorgeous basilica. The problem was that following Gaudi’s death when only a quarter of La Sagrada Familia was complete, continued construction relied solely on private funding and much of this dried up during the Spanish Civil War.

The projected completion date is 2026 to celebrate Gaudi’s centenary and I am convinced that this will be an extremely hectic location once finished. Even from the outside, La Sagrada Familia is unlike anything else in the world that I have seen, so it will be interesting to see how construction evolves and whether the modern day architects can mirror the hopes and everlasting dreams of the late Antoni Gaudi!

Summary

Five very different architectural designs but one common theme – Antoni Gaudi! As you wander around Barcelona, Gaudi’s constructions are easily visible. These are just a very small number of buildings constructed by Gaudi but I think they provide a nice blend of contrast, primarily because of how Gaudi envisioned they would be used.

From the hustle and bustle of queuing for hours to catch a glimpse of the interior of the unfinished La Sagrada Familia to the quiet back streets that surround Casa Vicens, Gaudi has undoubtedly left his mark in Barcelona. He will always be an iconic figure in global architecture and honestly, a trip to Barcelona or Spain in general wouldn’t quite be the same without exploring his finest works!

You can see more pictures of our experiences exploring Gaudi’s fine architecture here: Barcelona Photo Gallery.

Disclaimer – We would like to thank Turisme de Barcelona for providing us with 2 press cards for our trip. These are solely our personal opinions/experiences and we were not financially compensated for this post.

Delicious Sweet Treats in New Orleans: Beignets & More!

Louisiana

Chris Boothman

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Apr 27, 2015

5

Delicious Sweet Treats in New Orleans: Beignets & More!

New Orleans is stereotypically known as a city of decadence, with self-indulgence a huge attraction for visitors to the Crescent City. When you think about the quintessential culinary cuisines associated with New Orleans, you are apt to mention delectable dishes such as Louisiana alligator, po-boys and of course the cajun and creole seafood extravaganzas that we all love to devour! But the beauty of New Orleans is that the amazing cuisine does not stop at the main course. Instead we are all presented with a number of iconic desserts and delicious sweet treats in New Orleans that will make you salivate just at the sound of them.

With such a plethora of desserts to choose from, there are a number of restaurants, cafes and local establishments seeking your business. During my recent visit to New Orleans, I stumbled across several locations that will entice you to sample their mouthwatering offerings.

Café du Monde

It’s all about the beignets when you are in New Orleans for breakfast! That’s the one piece of advice I was given by several people I spoke to prior to traveling south. If you are looking for the true, authentic experience of the New Orleans beignet, head over to the French Market district on Decatur Street and discover the original Café du Monde.

Early Sunday morning we left our hotel close to the Riverwalk district in torrential rain! Heading along N. Peters Street, we caught a glimpse of a line forming outside a cafe. We immediately knew we were in the right spot.

After a short wait, we were seated inside Café du Monde and in front of us was a short menu to choose from. If you are visiting Café du Monde, there are only a couple of options to choose from – beignets and a small beverage collection!

The original location of Café du Monde on Decatur is truly an experience with a really cool atmosphere typifying the French style coffee shop that we all love to associate with New Orleans. Aside from the beignets, coffee made with chicory and served either au lait (mixed half and half with hot milk) or black. You may be wondering what chicory is, because that is the question I was asking? A traditional favorite of New Orleans coffee, it is a ground plant that is mixed with coffee and served best with the au lait style.

Back to the beignets! If you haven’t figured out yet what a ‘beignet’ is, basically it is a square, French doughnut covered with powdered sugar and served warm. Trust me, the taste is just as good as the build up to this appetizing pastry.

I’m not sure if it is the powdered sugar or perhaps the uniqueness of eating a beignet in an authentic, French looking establishment. Either way, it’s worth the journey down Peters and Decatur to find the original Café du Monde!

If you don’t want to trundle all the way into the French Quarter to sample beignets, there are a number of other Café du Monde locations available throughout New Orleans, including several in nearby malls as well as the Riverwalk Outlet Mall.

Wink’s Bakery

Have you ever wondered how delightful a buttermilk drop tastes? The moment you experience this at the world famous Wink’s Bakery on Decatur Street, you will know exactly what it means to be in culinary heaven!

More commonly known for his role as a film star in the New Orleans favorite, Beasts of the Southern Wild, owner Dwight Henry shares his passion for creating culinary delicacies with visitors from all around the world with this amazing buttermilk drop.

So what exactly is the buttermilk drop? In simple terms they are a donut ball but the taste is very different to what you associate with a Krispy Kreme or Dunkin’ Donuts! Inside the ball tastes like cake batter, and combined with the golden brown texture and buttermilk icing, it is a perfect compliment to your morning stroll exploring the historical French Quarter.

Aunt Sally’s

Another New Orleans favorite sweet treat has to be the praline! What better way to sample some of Louisiana’s finest than by heading over to Aunt Sally’s. Here you can see the pralines created from scratch, taste a sample of the various flavors, and of course purchase a box or two to help reminisce your experience in New Orleans.

Pralines may not be the healthiest choice, but visiting New Orleans I highly doubt that watching your diet is a feasible option! A stereotypical ‘praline’ consists of almonds and caramelized sugar combined together to make a perfect sweet delight.

The history of pralines in Louisiana has an interesting twist to it. One of the most popular recipes dating back to the old French tradition, it soon became apparent that with such a shortage of almonds, an alternative substitute would be needed to continue the growth of the praline. With such an abundance of pecans, this became a natural alternative that soon became the modern day pecan praline!

The smooth, sweet texture of Aunt Sally’s pralines is a real mouthwatering treat. A variety of flavors including bananas foster, cafe au lait and triple chocolate are available, though at $14.99 for six pralines they may be a little expensive to purchase more than one of these.

Summary

New Orleans is famous for having a wide variety of savory cuisine options, but as you can see there is also a number of locations to meet the needs of those with a sweet tooth. Three unique establishments that offer a stereotypical New Orleans sweet treat! If you read our recent recommendations on where to eat in New Orleans, you will know that even the mainstream restaurants offer delicious desserts.

sWhether you want to try a caramelized bananas foster from Red Fish Grill, or an authentic powdered beignet from Café du Monde, New Orleans inspires visitors to indulge in this assortment of confectionery bliss!

Where To Eat in New Orleans – Cajun & Creole Cuisine

Louisiana

Chris Boothman

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Apr 23, 2015

15

Where To Eat in New Orleans – Cajun & Creole Cuisine

When I think about New Orleans, of course the first thing that springs to mind is the amazing cuisine! Whether it’s the delicious local alligator or perhaps a stereotypical crawfish boil, New Orleans is a melting pot for awesome dining options. So the million dollar question is – where to eat in New Orleans? To be honest, you are spoiled for choice and it would take countless trips to the The Big Easy before you could establish a real top list of restaurants worth revisiting.

“New Orleans food is as delicious as the less criminal forms of sin.” (Mark Twain)

Having visited New Orleans on two separate occasions, both primarily for work, I am now able to put together a nice selection of local establishments that I would highly recommend. Of course just as with all cuisine types, New Orleans food is all about personal preference! During our recent visit, we had the opportunity to spend three days in New Orleans and of course, sample a variety of delicious cajun and creole cuisine.

What I like may not tickle your taste buds, but I can honestly say that the following two locations both provided a memorable experience and everlasting memory of the cuisine options available. Rather than giving a typical long list of choices, I want to give you two options that I don’t think you will be disappointed with either if you decide to dine there!

Cajun vs Creole

Before looking at the specific restaurants, I want to share a little bit of information I found from a few locals while experiencing New Orleans for the second time. Do you have any idea what the difference is between cajun and creole cuisine? Or do you think these words are interchangeable?

Again, it all depends on how you use this lingo, but in terms of the locals, creole is stereotypically referred to as urban food while cajun is more of the local, country Louisiana cuisine. Confused? Me too! Either way cajun and creole are both two types of Louisiana fare that you have to try while in the New Orleans area.

“In New Orleans…..You can’t separate nothing from nothing. Everything mingles each into the other…until nothing is purely itself but becomes part of one funky gumbo.” (Dr. John)

The beauty about cajun vs creole is that the only place to try both of these authentically is in the state of Louisiana…so this is where you get the ‘Welcome to New Orleans’ feel! You know you are truly in the NOLA lifestyle when you sample both cajun and creole cooking. Here are a few recommendations that I encourage you to try at least once if you are looking for an authentic New Orleans inspired dish.

Mulate’s

Welcome to my favorite New Orleans restaurant – Mulate’s. Famous throughout the world as the ‘King of Cajun and Dance Halls’, Mulate’s is a must try option if you want a fun-filled experience while sampling some awesome menu items. The traditional cajun cuisine is matched with a lively atmosphere, making this a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.

Every night of the week, visitors are treated to local zydeco and New Orleans style music with accordions and fiddles customary accompaniments to this entertainment. One thing is for sure, if you are visiting Mulate’s for a true, authentic musical experience, you can be sure that you won’t leave disappointed!

On both occasions that I have visited this restaurant, I have been treated to an entertaining display of musical brilliance along with a diverse variety of folks daring to let their hair down and leave their mark on the Mulate’s dance floor. But what better way to experience New Orleans entertainment, than by actively participating and this is all possible in Mulate’s.

Enough about the entertainment because I am sure you are interested in the menu available here. If you are a seafood connoisseur, then the selection available at Mulate’s will certain strike the right chord! I will be the first to admit that I don’t usually experiment too much when it comes to dining options but the menu at Mulate’s just has a way of enticing you out of your comfort zone.

A trip to New Orleans wouldn’t be the same without trying alligator. I have never tried this before and honestly never thought I would but after sampling the blackened gator from Mulate’s I am sold on this new meat! Gator has a really chicken like taste but with a little added kick to it.

We tried the calamari which was also a great choice, but after sampling this and the gator you better make sure you save enough room for the main course as entree’s at Mulate’s are equally as appetizing.

I opted for the Catfish Mulate’s which is Louisiana farm raised catfish fillet, lightly floured and grilled to perfection, topped with crawfish etouffeé. It is accompanied by jambalaya, sautéed vegetables and a twice-baked potato (I was not a huge fan of the potato but the rest certainly made up for it!)

My co-worker decided to go with the cajun seafood platter which had a nice blend of everything you associate with New Orleans cuisine. From stuffed crab to crawfish tails, this dish has it all.

With so many menu items to choose from, just like restaurants in NOLA, you are really spoiled for choice. But with an amazing atmosphere and a fine dining experience, this location is a great spot to spend a few hours to really help you become acclimatized to the New Orleans ambience.

Mulate’s Cajun Restaurant
Address: 201 Julia Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Opening Times: Lunch (Monday – Sunday) 11:00AM – 3:00PM; Dinner (Sunday – Thursday) 3:00PM – 10:00PM; (Friday – Saturday) 3:00PM – 11:00PM

Red Fish Grill

Visiting New Orleans would not be the same without a trip to the exotic and flamboyant neighborhood of Bourbon Street. For many reasons, this street is one of the most iconic locations in the southern half of the United States. Whether it’s all positive, I will leave that judgement up to you but regardless of your viewpoint on Bourbon Street, there are some awesome restaurants worth visiting. One in particular that I recently experienced was Red Fish Grill which is located just off Canal Street at the start of Bourbon.

Prior to visiting Red Fish Grill, I headed over to their website and browsed around the menu. I was not overly impressed. In fact, I was a little concerned that heading there I would struggle to find something on the menu. However, this restaurant was highly recommended by some of my fellow co-workers so I headed there with an open-mind and after experiencing the cuisine available here, I am certainly glad I did!

The atmosphere in Red Fish Grill is a more upmarket yet relaxed feeling. The architecture inside the restaurant has a real New Orleans feel to it with the seafood theme throughout, even to the intricate details of the oyster mirrors on the ancient brick walls that provide a facade to the vibrant bar scene inside the restaurant.

After the Mulate’s alligator experience, I had no hesitation in ordering another gator dish! The alligator and sausage gumbo was a perfect appetizer and provided subtle tastes of New Orleans yet leaving you with enough of an appetite to enjoy your main course.

Red Fish Grill has a number of really interesting seafood dishes but despite my initial concern, I opted for the signature Wood Grilled Redfish and Crabmeat. For $33 this is not for the faint-hearted but let me tell you that it is worth every penny! Another concern with Red Fish may be the portion size but this restaurant is all about culinary quality and aesthetic presentation rather than quantity.

This was my first experience of red fish but I would highly recommend this to anyone trying it for the first time. Combined with tasso, wild mushroom Pontalba potatoes and a smooth lemon sauce, I can definitely see why this is a leading signature dish for Red Fish Grill.

DRUM ROLL PLEASE…After reading about all this delicious food, perhaps you are already convinced! But wait, there is more and by that I mean the dessert menu. Two options that stand out are the Double Chocolate Bread Pudding and the Bananas Foster Ice Cream Cake.

I love caramel and ice cream so I went for the latter of these two but I have to say that the bread pudding was clearly a popular choice among others in the restaurant.

The bananas foster is not just a delectable dessert. Instead it is an experience worthy of the $9 it costs to sample this sweet treat. Our waitress brought the dessert and flambéed this table side with a 151 proof rum. Flaming hot and providing a perfect caramelized topping to the ice cream cake, this is definitely a table pleaser with everyone grabbing their phones for the perfect shot!

Red Fish Grill
Address: 115 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Opening Times: Lunch (Daily) 11:00AM – 3:00PM; Dinner (Sunday – Thursday) 5:00PM – 10:00PM; (Friday – Saturday) 5:00PM – 11:00PM

Summary

Two great restaurants that I highly encourage you to visit during your next trip to New Orleans. Rather than recommending one over the other, I suggest you sample both and let us know which is your favorite. If you are looking for an entertaining atmosphere, then Mulate’s is the perfect spot for you. However, if you are looking for a higher quality culinary experience, head down to Bourbon Street to sample Red Fish Grill.

Regardless of your preference, these are just two excellent restaurants to answer that common question about where to eat in New Orleans!

An InLinkz Link-up

Walking Tour of the French Quarter in New Orleans

Louisiana

Chris Boothman

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Apr 20, 2015

4

Walking Tour of the French Quarter in New Orleans

From the Mardi Gras festivals to a little ‘Je ne sais quoi’ flamboyance, New Orleans is certainly very unique in comparison to other cities around the United States. What better way to experience this diversity than by taking a self-guided walking tour of the French Quarter in New Orleans (NOLA), ultimately the focal point of this beautiful city. Having visited New Orleans in 2011 but rarely ventured out to explore the true vibrancy in ‘NOLA’, I was excited to head back here despite this being a trip primarily related to work. There is always time to explore a city regardless of whether you are going for business or pleasure right!

Let’s face it, New Orleans has it all! And by that I mean a distinctive range of attractions, highlights and landmarks for every (and I mean EVERY!) cultural dimension. The French Quarter is a perfect district within New Orleans to stereotypically identify this cultural diversity, plus enhancing the French style and suave that we all associate with a Parisienne landscape. Perhaps the Paris of days gone by can be compared with New Orleans as you wander along the streets and capture the distinctive architecture that is still a key component of NOLA’s infrastructure.

French Quarter Architecture

Walking through the French Quarter, the most noticeable feature that dominates the landscape is the intricate details of the architecture. Balconies are prevalent features on the majority of buildings around the French Quarter, with the detailed ironwork providing an iconic representation of the French flair and ornate culture that we all adore.

I enjoyed spending an afternoon ‘getting lost’ along the side streets off Decatur and Canal Street, as this provides the real French Quarter exuberance that is iconically referenced throughout the architectural genius.

Whether it’s a French inspired restaurant or a bar along Bourbon Street, the architecture surrounding the French Quarter is everything you would associate with European grandeur. Another feature which seems to be on every street corner is the myriad of courtyards that are kept in pristine condition providing a reflection on local business and home owners who want to portray their French panache.

The vibrant choice of color schemes is another feature only a city like New Orleans could successfully achieve. Strolling along Decatur Street, I took a moment to try and count the number of bold colors used in the architectural design, yet despite my efforts the best way to summarize is that the French Quarter has managed a true multi-color facade that again reflects French style.

French Market

If perusing architectural masterpieces is not really your idea of a fun afternoon, perhaps taking some time to experience the local offerings available at the French Market will entice you to explore more of the French Quarter. The French Market is located on North Peters Street and actually is in a perfect location to visit much of the French Quarter.

The French Market dates back to 1791 and is the oldest public market across the States. Yet another perfect example of quintessential New Orleans, this open-air market scene is reminiscent of many markets you would generally associate with across the pond.

The main market area provides visitors with a variety of local cajun and creole dining options, along with a myriad of stalls selling local produce and stereotypical New Orleans memorabilia.

The community style flea market is a great spot to find a real gem of a souvenir. Perhaps an alligator head would be a great gift for a loved one or maybe a Mardi Gras mask would be appropriate. Whatever New Orleans delight interests you the most, there is likely to be something that will perfectly represent this inside the flea market.

New Orleans’ Finest Cuisine

New Orleans may be famous for many reasons, but the cuisine available here has to be near the very top of the list! I can honestly attest that if you do nothing else in NOLA apart from sample the amazing cuisine, you will have a memorable experience that will make you want to return. Yes…IT’S THAT GOOD!

The French Quarter is a perfect focal point to visit in order to sample some of the finest cuisine. Without giving too much away, the French Market is a great spot to sample ‘gator on a stick’ or perhaps ‘roasted corn on the cob’.

Oysters, crawfish and many more seafood delights are all available inside the confines of the French Market but to start your day, you need to head down N. Peters Street and sample the authentic Café du Monde and their amazing beignets.

Don’t let the beignets completely fill your sweet tooth fix for the day, because later you can experience an extremely tasty buttermilk drop from Wink’s Bakery on Decatur Street which runs parallel to N. Peters St.

Summary

The melting pot atmosphere that we all associate with New Orleans is typified throughout the French Quarter. From the bohemian royalty portrayed along Royal Street, to the exuberant lifestyle exuded by locals and visitors experiencing Bourbon Street, the French Quarter is a hub not to be missed on your next trip to New Orleans.

Historic Haymarket District in Lincoln, Nebraska

Nebraska

Chris Boothman

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Apr 16, 2015

8

Historic Haymarket District in Lincoln, Nebraska

Driving through the barren landscape of the Nebraska Great Plains, it may be difficult to imagine there are cities such as Lincoln or Omaha right around the corner. Ok so I may be doing Nebraska a little injustice here because the reality is there is much more beauty to be had in the Cornhusker state than you may know. After spending a couple of hours in Omaha, we stumbled across what we now consider to be one of the focal points of this unheralded state – The Haymarket District in Lincoln, Nebraska.

If you need to figure out a reason to visit Nebraska, this may be the perfect catalyst to justify a trip!

The Haymarket District

After passing Memorial Stadium, home of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, we made our way to the hub of historic culture in Lincoln – The Haymarket District! Once a booming focal point of Lincoln’s retail and wholesale industry, the Haymarket District is now a cultural and entertainment gem worthy of spending some time to explore.

We parked behind the Lincoln Railyard and wandered back toward the heart of the Haymarket. It is no surprise to see that this area is now a booming part of Lincoln, with bars and restaurants on every street corner providing Husker fans and visitors a relaxing haven.

Historic Railyard Renovation

A historic Haymarket tour is available but I think exploring this part of Lincoln is much more fun on your own. Spontaneity is always a winner in my opinion, so the sound of exploring every nook and cranny in the Haymarket District has a certain appeal to it.

We started our own personal tour at the old Railyard and Burlington Northern Lincoln Station. The Railyard on Canopy Street has been transformed into Lincoln’s premier entertainment district. Whether you consider this to be a majestic renovation, this is certainly an intriguing landmark with plenty of history.

But it’s the exterior of this building and the old railway lines with the locomotives still standing that are the real attraction here. Imagine these old trains chugging their way across the country, with Lincoln providing a moment of respite amidst a forlorn Nebraskan landscape.

Iron Horse Park

Situated directly adjacent to the Lincoln Railway Station and old railway lines, Bill Harris Iron Horse Park is a great spot to relax among Lincoln’s finest culture and historic Haymarket District.

A newly constructed clock is at the heart of Iron Horse Park, despite it being situated just outside the gates.

This provides photographers a picture perfect moment to capture this along with the gorgeous park and stereotypical Haymarket District in the background.

As we walked around Iron Horse Park, I noticed a tribute on the wall of the Lincoln Station that denoted “Iron Horse Legacy: Nebraska Landscape 1871-1872”. It’s only when you glance up and notice the huge mural on the wall that you realize this tribute by Jay Tschetter references an earlier era of the Haymarket district.

The mural is of a locomotive passing through the Nebraska landscape in the late 19th century, a vivid contrast to today’s society as you look to your right and see the locomotive standing motionless after years on the open tracks.

The Restaurant Scene

The Haymarket District is now renowned as a fine dining haven with a myriad of restaurants and bars available to satisfy your culinary needs. There is a nice blend of cuisines available so regardless of your preference, there is likely to be something here to intrigue your tastebuds.

Walking around we noticed that the Irish presence in Lincoln was prevalent with McKinney’s Irish Pub and McFarland & Son’s Authentic Irish Pub both really appealing options. Large selections of craft beer and Irish whiskeys are available at both of these pubs, so it’s no surprise that these are two of the more popular spots in the Haymarket District.

If you prefer to stay with a more stereotypical American dining experience, Lazlos Brewery and Grill appears to be a highly recommended option with fine steaks and seafood available plus much more. However, as we continued to explore the restaurant scene I was most intrigued by the wonderfully named ‘Brewsky’s’. This is a really casual dining option but still offers a wide selection of food and beverages.

Mexican, Italian and seafood establishments can all be found with a little further exploring around the Haymarket District. I would highly recommend making a loop around the Haymarket District by taking 7th street parallel to Lincoln Station, walk by the iconic clock before making a right up Q street, another right on 8th street and finally taking P street back to 7th.

Gift shops, restaurants and bars are scattered all along these streets so if you don’t find anything here that intrigues your pallet…well you should probably stick with McDonalds!

Summary

I love stumbling across historic downtown areas like the Haymarket District. It’s refreshing to see when these once booming districts have now been renovated into a real iconic part of the city. All too often you see old, manufacturing districts become neglected areas of urban space, but credit to Lincoln for making the Haymarket District a real focal point of Nebraska’s state capital.

We spent a very enjoyable couple of hours exploring the Haymarket District and I would love to return here to sample some of the fine cuisine clearly available. Nebraska may be famous for their steaks but with such a wide variety of cuisine to choose from, you won’t go hungry in Lincoln for very long!

An InLinkz Link-up

Travel Tech 101- Keep Well with Wellograph

Product Reviews

Heather Boothman

-

Apr 13, 2015

0

Travel Tech 101- Keep Well with Wellograph

The million dollar question that I always hear is just how far will technology go! Long gone are the days where we just wear an analog or even a digital watch. Nowadays it’s all about the ‘smart watch’. But what on earth is the smart watch? Thanks to the amazing Wellness Watch by Wellograph, we are now able to see the ultimate smart watch design.

As one of the pioneers in the smart watch category, Wellograph won the CES 2014 award for innovation with this wearable device and is one of the market leaders in this rapidly expanding domain. Wellograph have focused their attention on ‘ease of use’ and the ‘compatibility’ with their dedicated users. The sleek design has set this smart watch apart from any other similar products. The creative geniuses behind this one-of-a-kind smart watch have literally thought of everything to make you not want anything more out of a smart watch!

Frequent travelers will find the Wellograph to be a perfect companion on their wrist because this is something you wear and everything is tracked for you! We frequently take walking tours around a new location and probably never realize just how far we walk. You no longer have to worry about this and you can even sync this with your smartphone or other device to really track your fitness and personal health.

What’s in the Box

Opening the perfect packaging with the words “Welcome to Wellograph” beside the gorgeous glass smart watch, I was instantly excited to wear this watch with pride. Having sapphire glass with a 1.26” display and an integrated backlight with a striking leather band makes this the perfect piece of wrist candy!

There is a 210mAH battery that could last up to 7 days which makes it convenient when you are connecting to Bluetooth. The smart watch also has a tri-LED HR sensor to monitor your Heart Rate and can store 4 months worth of all your personal data. Your watch will charge with a micro USB cable that comes with the magnetic charging dock.

Features

Heartfelt Progress

Wellograph reads and analyzes your pulse and is able to show the progress of your fitness level over time.

Tracking your Moves

Pedometers have been popular for a while but having a precise 9-axis accelerometer that can track your steps and even the slightest movement, is certainly an advanced feature that this watch has to offer.

Sleep with Peace

Getting a goodnight’s sleep is what we all strive for and having Wellograph keep track of your wake time and the duration of your sleep gives you the opportunity to have that all important peaceful night’s rest.

There’s an App

Wellograph has an app that you can download for iPhone, Android and Windows that acts as the dashboard for your watch. Having an app makes it very easy to update any and all information on your smart watch.

Connecting with friends

Having live broadcast allows you to share your steps and encourage your friends to participate with real time Bluetooth connectivity.

Mix and Match

Wellograph provides an easy way for you to stay fashionable with the variety of choices of bands and watch faces.

Pros

Waterproof up to 50 meters/165 feet and you can wear it in the shower
Impressive selection of accessories
Sleek design
Live pulse rate
Updates to keep you at the top of your game
Wellograph frequently releases new updates to enhance the already awesome features of this watch

Cons

Magnetic charger dock is hard to hit the sensor, sometimes making it difficult to keep your Wellograph smart watch fully charged
The sapphire glass is gorgeous, however I am always self-conscious of cracking the screen
Expensive at $299

Summary

What sets Wellograph apart for the rest? The design of this smart watch is the best that I have seen. Most wearable devices have predominantly the same information, however if you are looking for a sleek and clean look then there is no other option than the Wellograph.

The company has separated itself from the rest of the market by constantly listening to feedback from customers. Wellograph are constantly releasing new updates with added features and improvements on their previous versions, ensuring they remain the leading trend in the smart watch category and helping you ‘Keep Well with Wellograph!’

*Disclosure of Material Connection: A Brit & A Southerner was not financially compensated for this post. We received a free sample from Wellograph for consideration of review purposes only. This is solely our personal opinion/experience*

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Des Moines, Iowa

Iowa

Chris Boothman

-

Apr 9, 2015

22

Iowa is recognized predominantly as an agricultural state and probably not one of the first states you would consider visiting when traveling around USA. However, I am a strong proponent of giving every destination an opportunity to shine and following our recent weekend visit to the Hawkeye state, I can well and truly confirm that Iowa blossomed far more than I could ever have imagined. However, I want to concentrate your attention on the real focal point of Iowa – the capital city of Des Moines!

In the short time we spent in this city, we found a number of key reasons to visit Des Moines convincing us that a return trip here is a definite possibility.

Heading to Iowa, our primary goal was to reach Des Moines though of course the experiences we encountered along the way were an added bonus. Whether it’s the small town European atmosphere in the likes of Pella and Elk Horn, or perhaps the natural scenery noticeable as you drive all around the state, Iowa has a nice variety of attractive reasons for visiting this part of North America.

Expectation levels were low with regards to Des Moines because I honestly expected something comparable to Little Rock, Arkansas or Wichita, Kansas.

As we left the barren landscape of stereotypical Iowa agriculture, we were both pleasantly surprised to see a nice skyline along with a number of key landmarks dotted across the landscape. Hopefully after reading our top 5 reasons to visit Des Moines, you will be inspired to give Iowa’s capital a chance to shine!

Iowa State Capitol

Have you ever noticed when you visit the capital city of a state that the State Capitol building is really impressive? Visiting Des Moines, we immediately noticed the stunning architectural design of the Iowa State Capitol. The golden dome immediately made me think of an Indian Taj Mahal style design though on closer inspection you almost feel like the European influence is present throughout the infrastructure.

Regardless of the history behind such a design, this is one impressive building and though our initial plan was to head to the Principal Riverwalk, the towering presence of the Capitol led us to the grounds of this landmark building.

Iowa’s State Capitol is home to the governor’s office, legislature and other typical offices but it is the exterior that makes this a must-see location when visiting Des Moines. The primary gold dome that stands tall in the center of the Capitol is surrounded by four smaller domes.

I read an article that indicated the main dome typifies Iowa’s prodigious flair and culture, and I can certainly see how this is true. After visiting this landmark, you will no longer see Iowa as just a agricultural community rather this centerpiece will leave you with lasting memories of a cultural haven.

Historic Memorials

If you take the time to visit Iowa’s State Capitol, you will hopefully stumble across the variety of historic monuments and memorials that stand proudly in the grounds of the Capitol. I always enjoy wandering around these types of landmarks as they provide a true representation of the state’s heritage and patriotic remembrance of those lost in the various wars fought both on US and international soil.

As you approach the area where many of the memorials stand, the towering Soldiers and Sailors monument that stands at over 130ft tall is an eye catching visual. The Grand Army of the Republic bronze sundial dates back to 1938 yet still keeps perfect time to this day.

I think my favorite of all the memorials here is the Korean War Memorial. The memorial has a focal point with a 14 ft central obelisk structure surrounded by 6ft tall structures. Each of these plaques combine to tell the tragic story of the Korean War.

The Lincoln and Tad Memorial offers a slight variation to the other war memorials in this part of the Capitol grounds and is thought to be the only monument around with Lincoln depicted as a father figure.

Principal Riverwalk

After spending some time walking around the State Capitol and really getting a feel good factor about Des Moines, we headed down to the Principal Riverwalk. I didn’t think my impression of this city could get any better but after seeing this walk that runs parallel to the Des Moines River, I was well and truly sold that this city is a great place to explore.

Aside from providing a perfect spot to capture the Des Moines skyline, the extraordinary design of the Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge is a highlight landmark in this part of the city. We walked along the riverwalk before crossing over the bridge directly in front of the Wells Fargo Arena.

If you are visiting Des Moines on the weekend, there are several spots on the east side of the river (opposite side to the Wells Fargo Arena) to park your car for free and explore.

The Chinese riverfront gardens are another iconic landmark along the riverfront, emphasizing Iowa’s position on diversity in the community.

Wells Fargo Arena

Before we visit any major city, we are always intrigued by what sporting events are taking place. Des Moines may not be the first city you think of when it comes to sport, but with the Wells Fargo Arena the locals have a great venue to visit. Des Moines is home of the Iowa Wild ice hockey team. The Wild play in the AHL (American Hockey League), a step down from the NHL and are actually the minor league affiliate of the Minnesota Wild.

With tickets available for only $10, we decided that this was too good of an opportunity to turn down so we headed to the Wild vs Charlotte Checkers match up. Even if you are not a hockey fan and don’t really understand all of the intricate rules such as ‘icing’ and ‘hooking’, I can attest that this sport provides an evening of high value entertainment. You may even be fortunate enough to see one or two fights on the ice! And trust me, those boys are passionate sportsmen!

Farmers Markets

Ok, so our time in Des Moines only allowed us to experience the aforementioned landmarks and venues! However, if there is one other attraction I would have loved to experience, that would be the famous farmers markets here. We all know by now that Iowa is famous for agriculture. With that comes the opportunity for these local farmers to market their products, hence the reason why Des Moines offers a number of farmers markets on Saturday mornings.

Forget the reputation that Iowa is just a bunch of flat farmland…in fact, why not reap the benefits of this rich farming community by taking a trip to one of the local farmers markets. I know we intend to on our next trip to Des Moines!

The Downtown Farmers Market on Court Avenue is a perfect location to visit if you are experiencing all the above attractions! Open every Saturday morning from 7 A.M. to Noon, this provides the rural locals the opportunity to connect with the urbanized part of Des Moines and also offer visitors to the area the chance to sample their finest produce.

An InLinkz Link-up

Travel Tech 101 – Trendy Traveling with TYLT

Product Reviews

Chris Boothman

-

Apr 6, 2015

0

Travel Tech 101 – Trendy Traveling with TYLT

Whether we like it or not, technology is advancing at a rapid rate of knots making it near impossible to keep up with the latest gadgets available to us. If you are a frequent traveler like us, you will understand how important it is to have an organized list of in-flight essentials. Do you take your iPad or iPhone with you? Perhaps you prefer a MP3 player to listen to your favorite music or a Kindle to read your favorite book?

Whatever device you choose to take, they need charging and at 35,000 ft that is not always easy! However, thanks to TYLT there are a few products that I can highly recommend trying especially if you are heading on a long haul flight in the near future.

Trendy Travelers

From charging cables to earphones, TYLT has an array of products available and certainly their marketing strategy is focused on the ‘trendy travelers’ around the world. Even the packaging that TYLT uses to sell their products is very different and unique to anything else on the market. Vibrant bright colors that collaborate perfectly with the trendy names TYLT uses to identify each of the product lines make them a company that really focuses on a specific target market. However, the beauty of these products is that anyone can use them and certainly reap the benefits!

We are inclined to innovate. Our goal is to connect to you and to your devices. Our focus is innovation in the mobile world.

TYLT was created in 2011 and immediately set out to focus on high tech products while providing exceptional value to their targeted customers. As you hear about how TYLT identified their market in between the computer and mobile device, you can immediately reference this with our concept of in-flight essentials. Mobile phones and tablets are no longer focused on call hungry devices, rather their primary focus now is data intensive applications that make it difficult to keep these devices fully charged.

We have used a variety of TYLT’s products and I am delighted to say that each of these has made a difference while traveling and helped continue our philosophy of remaining tech savvy travelers! Let’s face it, we all want to look cool when we travel (ok so maybe not everyone agrees but after you see the following products, it will make you a cool individual even if you don’t know it!)

Energi 2K

The Energi 2K battery pack is a must-have when heading on your next flight! Why? Well, this product rapidly charges your device and can almost double your battery life. A built in USB port allows for the charging of most smartphones. Not all flights provide access to charging ports, so it’s essential to have an external battery pack to keep all your devices connected.

I love the design of the Energi 2K product. Simply plug this in and allow it to fully charge before your next flight. After that…well this battery pack does the rest and before you know it, your smartphone will be fully charged and ready to go! There is no need to worry any more about your device going dead and another great aspect of this is the compact design, making this a perfect travel companion.

If you don’t think the Energi 2K will provide enough charging capability, there are additional model on this same product line that offer multiple USB outlets and extra charging power.

Syncable-Duo

So you have the battery pack with the Energi 2K but now you will need a cable to actually charge your device. Of course you could always use the standard cable that you get with your iPhone or other smartphone, but if you are like us you are always misplacing them!

The Syncable-Duo is the perfect companion for the Energi 2K if you have a device with a lightning cable. Not only does this cable have a lightning adapter, it also has a built-in micro-USB outlet that may come in handy for your other devices. I know there are a myriad of lightning to USB cables on the market but the Syncable-Duo really has a nice, solid feel to it.

Tunz

All set with your devices fully charged? If you have both of the above products, you should be ready to go. Perhaps you are reading your favorite novel and want to listen to some soothing music in the background. Don’t worry, TYLT has you covered with the awesome Tunz Stereo headset/headphones. Although this pair of headphones is designed for the active athlete, they are a perfect option when traveling as they are comfortable, lightweight and offer a secure fit.

The Tunz headset is boxed with three active gels that provide comfort options for all users. The multi-functional design of the Tunz makes this a perfect option for everyday use as they include a microphone emphasizing the hands-free technology we all expect.

I love the sound that the Tunz headphones provide. The rich bass alongside the crisp clarity generated from these headphones certainly make these a viable option in an otherwise saturated market.

N-Flight

Is there anything worse than those free headphones that airlines provide you? If you don’t use headphones very often, you probably don’t notice the difference but let me tell you – those free headphones are awful! You decide to bring your brand new pair of Tunz headphones with you only to find the outlet on the plane will not fit the standard headphone jack!

TYLT has every angle covered thanks to the N-Flight airplane headphone adaptor. On our recent trip to Europe, we found the N-Flight to be a life-saver. Taking a transatlantic flight with those standard airline headphones would have been a disaster but thanks to the ingenuity of the N-Flight adapter, we were able to enjoy the flight with our very own headphones! Trust me, this helps the 8 hour flight pass much quicker.

Summary

Technology is everywhere you look so finding affordable yet trendy products to take on your next flight is not always the easiest task. Thankfully, TYLT thrives on the trendy traveler and each of the products I have reviewed here really do make a difference.

The beauty of this selection of products is that they all work effectively together. The Tunz headphones and N-Flight adapter are a perfect combination, while the Syncable-Duo and Energi 2K ensure you are never left with a device bereft of charge! I am now officially a HUGE fan of TYLT and cannot wait to sample many of their other products that I am convinced will continue to revolutionize how we travel the world.

What are your in-flight essentials? Are you a ‘trendy traveler’ when it comes to technology gadgets?

*Disclosure of Material Connection: A Brit & A Southerner was not financially compensated for this post. We received free samples from TYLT for consideration of review purposes only. This is solely our personal opinion/experience*

Discover Danish Influence in Elk Horn, Iowa

Iowa

Chris Boothman

-

Apr 2, 2015

13

Discover Danish Influence in Elk Horn, Iowa

Stumbling across iconic villages and towns are what makes spontaneous road trips even more rewarding. During our short yet enjoyable time in Iowa, we discovered two quaint towns that really enhance the topic of European influence still impacting the American lifestyle in many societies around the nation. We all know the rich history that the British had on American settlers but what about some of the other European nations? Danish influence for example may not be the first nation you think about when exploring some of the melting pots across USA, but hidden in the heart of Iowa is the town of Elk Horn that may just sway your opinion.

Iowa is a great example of how other European settlers flourished across the Atlantic Ocean and even to this day are still reaping the benefits of locals continuing this rich heritage. Holland and Denmark are two examples of European countries that are iconically represented in Iowa and after reading this post I am convinced that you would struggle to know which side of the pond you are on!

Location of Elk Horn

After leaving the gorgeous capital of Des Moines, we headed west toward Omaha, Nebraska and saw several signs advertising a Danish windmill. Our trip earlier in the weekend to Pella, Iowa proved to be a huge success so we figured why not take a detour fifteen minutes out of our way to explore the metropolis of Elk Horn, Iowa. Ok, so maybe ‘metropolis’ is a little too extravagant to describe Elk Horn but either way it’s a gorgeous little town that I’m glad we stumbled across.

Unearthing a gem like Elk Horn is what road tripping is all about. Of course we missed the hustle and bustle of every day life by visiting on a Sunday morning but we still had the opportunity to explore every nook and cranny this town had to offer.

Located about 10 miles north of I-80 between Des Moines and Omaha, Elk Horn is a perfect place to take a break from interstate driving. With a population of just over 650, it is no surprise that a town like Elk Horn goes under the radar but when you spend time here, you soon realize it is well worthy of a visit.

Stereotypical Danish Heritage

As we approached the town, we were immediately taken back to our time in Copenhagen, Denmark as the first building we saw advertised Tivoli Inn and Suites. Referencing the amazing Tivoli Gardens theme park in Copenhagen, this is a great spot to stay in Elk Horn if you wish to fully experience the Danish influence in this town.

Directly across from Tivoli Inn is the Danish windmill which stands proudly in the heart of the town. Elk Horn boasts the only authentic, fully functioning Danish windmill across the States and was purchased in 1976 from Norre Snede in Denmark before being transported across the Atlantic and constructed in it’s current location.

Danish signs are everywhere and I really want to emphasize that as you stroll around this small town, you really have to think twice about whether you are in USA or Denmark. Everything in Elk Horn typifies Danish culture. “Velkommen” greats visitors as they pass by the windmill and a number of inviting Danish looking restaurants, gift shops and restaurants are in the near vicinity.

Take a moment to stand by the Hans Christian Andersen statue that is a stereotypical focal point of Denmark’s rich history. Although the statue only provides a head shot of Andersen, it immediately takes you back to your childhood days and many of those infamous fairy tales!

VikingHjem and Immigration Museum

If taking a tour of the Danish windmill doesn’t satisfy your appetite of having a true experience of Denmark’s culture, why not head over to the VikingHjem barn that dates back to 900 A.D.

Technically this was a Viking Smithy’s home but from the exterior, this has all the appearance of what we would call a barn.

Although we were not able to go inside as everything was closed, this is a lively spot with demonstrations and lectures frequently available in both the blacksmith and woodwork area of this ‘hjem’ (Danish for ‘home’).

Elk Horn is also home to the Danish Immigrant Museum which provides a self-guided experience and history of the original Danish immigrants that made their way across the pond and settled in this very town.

Find out why they made this move and take a look at some pretty cool exhibits such as an original piano from one of the very first Danish settlers in Elk Horn.

Downtown Elk Horn

After wandering around many of the key landmarks in Copenhagen…sorry Elk Horn, we headed to the main downtown area that still exudes Danish iconography.

The Danish ‘Dannebrog’ (flag) can be seen on almost every post in the town, along with the storefronts that either portray Danish representations or provide visitors with the opportunity to purchase something that you would typically buy in the heart of Denmark.

Elk Horn’s historic train station even has a real European feel to it, whether it’s because of the color scheme or the archaic appearance, it just emanates Scandinavian architecture.

Summary

If our weekend visit to Iowa has shown us anything, it is that European culture is certainly thriving in certain parts of the United States. From tulips and windmills in Pella to the Danish influence here in Elk Horn, we have certainly been sold on everything Iowa has to offer.

Just to add a little extra incentive to this part of Iowa, just a few miles up the road from Elk Horn is yet another town with Danish settlers – Kimballton! We decided to leave this town for a future visit but if it is anything like Elk Horn, it will be well worth your time. Did someone say the Little Mermaid? I don’t want to give too much away but I have heard that Kimballton has a pretty cool statue similar to the one on the Langelinie promenade in Copenhagen.

Although there is nothing that compares to visiting the original Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen or seeing the home of Hans Christian Andersen, Elk Horn offers a pretty cool representation and the locals are clearly proud to maintain this rich Danish heritage.

An InLinkz Link-up

Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus

Contemporary Barcelona

Modern Design

Summary

History of Gaudi

Park Güell

Casa Batlló

Casa Milà/La Pedrera

Casa Vicens

La Sagrada Familia

Summary

Café du Monde

Wink’s Bakery

Aunt Sally’s

Summary

Cajun vs Creole

Mulate’s

Red Fish Grill

Summary

French Quarter Architecture

French Market

New Orleans’ Finest Cuisine

Summary

The Haymarket District

Historic Railyard Renovation

Iron Horse Park

The Restaurant Scene

Summary

What’s in the Box

Features

Heartfelt Progress

Tracking your Moves

Sleep with Peace

There’s an App

Connecting with friends

Mix and Match

Pros

Cons

Summary

Iowa State Capitol

Historic Memorials

Principal Riverwalk

Wells Fargo Arena

Farmers Markets

Trendy Travelers

Energi 2K

Syncable-Duo

Tunz

N-Flight

Summary

Location of Elk Horn

Stereotypical Danish Heritage

VikingHjem and Immigration Museum

Downtown Elk Horn

Summary

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