Finger Lakes’ Lifepath Spa: A Total Experience

It’s not often when I, as a writer, have nothing to say. During my visit to Canandaigua and the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, I had the opportunity to visit the Life Path Spa at Bristol Harbor (map). It was such a moving experience – not just a spa, but an experience – that I have found it difficult to put into words exactly how special this establishment is. It’s part of the Bristol Harbour resort, which is both a golf course, hotel, and cafe/restaurant Despite...

July 22nd, 2010 | Luxury | Read More

Edinburgh Butterfly and Insect World

If you’re looking for an offbeat adventure that’s fun for families and outdoor lovers, then I’d like to suggest to you to checkout the Edinburgh Butterfly and Insect World, just south of Edinburgh. Butterflies Who doesn’t love a good butterfly? There are hundreds here at the centre, in their own custom-designed tropical jungle. Your visit to the greenhouse will vary with the time of year, as different breeds are more active at different times of year. If you look close,...

July 21st, 2010 | Edinburgh | Read More

Another Edinburgh Secret: The Caiy Stane

Hidden away just south of Edinburgh City Centre is another offbeat historical sight that few know about, and even fewer have managed to find. It’s the oddly named caiy stane: Where Is It The Caiy Stane is near the intersection of Caiystane view and Oxgangs Road (map). It’s a residential neighbourhood – the most unlikely place for a historical monument. Lothian Buses do service this area, Fairmilehead, though if you have a car during your stay you’ll probably find it...

July 19th, 2010 | Edinburgh | Read More

Choosing your French Ski Style

France has long been one of Europe’s hot spots during the ski season. You might have visions of the Eiffel Tower in your head, but did you realize that France has some of the most diverse set of ski runs and is one of the more reasonably priced areas for ski in continental Europe? When deciding where to go and what to do for a French ski getaway, there’s a lot of choices. So, to help you narrow down and find the perfect spot for you and your family (or special someone), here...

July 18th, 2010 | adventure, Ski & Snowboard | Read More

The Best of Canandaigua

I’ve been in touch for a few years with a couple of very close friends based in New York’s Finger Lakes region, in upstate New York south of Rochester. I’ve always envied them – they seemed to live in a peaceful idyll despite a harsh winter. I’d visited Corning, in the southeast corner of the Finger Lakes, a place filled with rolling green hills and streams. So when I had the opportunity to spend some Canandaigua, I was excited to find out more about why this area...

July 17th, 2010 | On The Road | Read More

Edinburgh Photo Friday: St John’s Church

Today’s photo friday is a true relic – one that is a sight you’ll probably walk by during your Edinburgh visit but you could easily pass it by, St John’s Church (map): Now THAT, my dear readers, is a church. This is the breathtaking nave of St Johns Church, the gorgeous building that you’ll find at the west end of Princes Street. Standing from the opposite corner (in front of Ryans), or perhaps as the bus makes its first turn and entry into the street and you get...

July 16th, 2010 | Edinburgh | Read More

Fun for the Family in Rochester, New York

Recently, my travels took me to the offbeat and unlikely upstate New York stop of Rochester. Few tourists get far beyond the reach of New York City, and who can blame them – it’s got a little something for everybody. But those looking for a change of pace should head North and West, as the rest of New York state couldn’t be more different. It’s rolling green hills, clear streams, and lots of hospitality. And you’ll get exactly that in Rochester, New York’s...

July 14th, 2010 | On The Road | Read More

Edinburgh Architecture: What is Georgian?

I’ve always wondered the question, what exactly makes a Georgian building, well, Georgian? I’ve heard lots of little snippets and clips on tours and in articles, so I did a little investigation and wanted to share with you my thoughts on this topic. It isn’t as simple as it seems. Why ‘Georgian’ So, this one is an easy one. Georgian architecture is called Georgian because it was popular during the reign of the Georgian Kings – specifically George I, II,...

July 14th, 2010 | Baby Boomers, Edinburgh | Read More

Edinburgh’s Craigmillar Castle

Did you know Edinburgh has more than one castle? There are several stately homes (mansions) which are also called ‘castles’ but the city does have another proper castle on the south side, in the neighbourhood called Craigmillar. And the castle is, of course, also called Craigmillar Castle (map). Getting There Craigmillar Castle is three miles out from the city centre, and is easy to reach via Lothian Bus – just jump on any bus labelled Royal Infirmary, including the 48, 38,...

July 12th, 2010 | Edinburgh | Read More

Edinburgh Photo Friday: Craiglockart Hill

Today’s Photo Friday takes us up to a new heights and one of Edinburgh’s seven hills; this time, we head to Craiglockart Hill, with a fantastic view over the city: Craiglockhart is an Anglicised version of the Gaelic phrase Creag Loch Àrd, which translates as rock of the high loch. There’s no loch here now though they say it was once where the golf course is today. The area of Craiglockhart is well known as being the home to Napier University, and what a gorgeous campus it...

July 9th, 2010 | Edinburgh | Read More

Whisky Tasting in Edinburgh

I recently had some friends wanting to do a whisky tasting in Edinburgh, and they’re real whisky connoisseur (while I would class myself as an amateur at best), so I’ve been on a search for all the options. I thought you might find them of interest as well. Slainte! Tastings at Tempting Tattie by Cadenheads This is the only tasting in the list I’ve experienced, and I can highly recommend it. It’s run by Cadenheads whisky shop, one of the oldest establishments on on...

July 7th, 2010 | Edinburgh | Read More

Edinburgh Neighbourhoods: Newington

As the summer crowds stream into Edinburgh for their fix of festivals, architecture, and pub food, you might be asking yourself: where can I do WITHOUT the crowds? Well, apart from chartering a boat and mooring off shore, I’m afraid there isn’t anywhere too close that is totally a stone unturned. But I’d like to highlight a few great options in one of my favourite Edinburgh neighbourhoods: Newington. Where Is It? Newington is basically where you end up if you head south...

July 5th, 2010 | Edinburgh | Read More

Edinburgh Summer

Edinburgh is a UK hotspot during the summer – not necessarily in terms of temperature, but atmosphere and festival events for sure. From the Edinburgh Fringe to film festival and loads of visitors hoping to savour the flavour of Scottish hospitality, Auld Reekie is hopping. Here’s what you can expert to see during your visit. Your sightseeing tour will likely start or end at Edinburgh Castle (map) – and why not, it’s one of the most iconic castles in the world and simply...

July 4th, 2010 | Edinburgh, Photo Highlights | Read More

Edinburgh Photo Friday: Newhaven Harbour

It’s Photo Friday and today we leave the city centre to head towards Leith, Edinburgh’s harbour. There’s loads of great things to see and do in Leith, and one you should have a wander to if you have time is Newhaven Harbour: Old Beginnings It’s hard to believe that this quiet harbour, now home to a nice fish restaurant and a couple of cozy pubs had such a fortuitous beignnings. You see, this was Edinburgh’s shipbuilding port, and not just shipbuilding but warship...

July 2nd, 2010 | Edinburgh | Read More

Edinburgh Daytrip Idea: Stirling Highland Games

This summer, if you’ll be in Edinburgh Sunday the 11th, I’d love to suggest to you to take a daytrip to Stirling (map) for the annual Stirling Highland Games. It’s a fun, rowdy festival and great fun for visitors to Scotland. What’s Going On Well, if you haven’t been to a highland games, the Stirling Games is a great way to experience them. The community is quite active in promoting the contest, so you’ll be mingling with lots of locals and visitors during...

June 30th, 2010 | Edinburgh | Read More

Tips for Saving on Scottish Rail Travel

Rail is often a great choice to get around Scotland or to extend your trip down into England. London, Glasgow, Aberdeen are all simple and no hassle train journeys from Edinburgh Waverley Station (map), and it’s a far better alternative for those who don’t live in countries who drive on our side of the road and are feeling a little intimated by hiring a car. However, railway travel in Scotland is not cheap – particularly compared to our continental friends. Not is the railway...

June 28th, 2010 | Edinburgh | Read More

Edinburgh Photo Friday: National Gallery of Scotland

Today’s photo Friday is a beautiful panorama of the National Gallery of Scotland, right at the centre of the city: The building is technically neoclassical, though often called Georgian or “Greek-influenced” (a tourist word, not a real one). It opened in 1859 amid much fanfare, and underwent significant reconstruction in 1912 to what resemble more of what you see today. The main galleries are free to tour (enter via Prices St Gardens) while special exhibitions have a charge...

June 25th, 2010 | Edinburgh | Read More

Edinburgh Outdoors: The Union Canal

Another one of my favourite places to enjoy the Edinburgh Outdoors is the Union Canal. Not everyone even knows or realises that we have a canal here in the city. It’s not as grand or glamorous as, say, Amsterdam or Venice, but I do think it has its own particular charms and always recommend it for folks who have a few extra days to say in the city. The thirty mile canal was built in the early 1800s as a transportation canal. As other more cost effective and efficient options came into...

June 23rd, 2010 | Edinburgh | Read More

Edinburgh Outdoors: The Pentlands

Edinburgh’s Pentland Hills are just on the outskirts of the city, and are the perfect place for visitors who want to stretch their legs and get some quality hiking in without having to travel long distances. They’re particularly well placed for visitors who don’t have a car as well, and with a number of trails, you can visit a number of times and not cross the same tracks twice – the range is about 20 miles long and the park itself covers about 55 square miles. From...

June 21st, 2010 | Edinburgh | Read More

Edinburgh Photo Friday: The Hub

It’s Photo Friday and what better time than to take a stroll down the Royal Mile for today’s picture postcard shot: The Hub. The hub looks simply like a beautiful old church, but it’s actually a bustling multi-purpose facility. The gothic spire at the top is Edinburgh’s tallest point (one for your next pub trivia night, folks), and was built by the Church of Scotland between 1842 and 1845. It was a church-owned/related facility in one way or another until 1995, when...

June 18th, 2010 | Edinburgh | Read More