Daytrip from Madrid: Medieval City of Toledo
It’s been known as the jewel of Central Spain, as well as the medieval center of the country. Poised on a hilltop overlooking the surrounding valley, the city of Toledo is blessed with both history and natural beauty. As one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, Toledo is definitely a quintessential stop during any visit to Spain. What’s best is that it is located just 70km from the Spanish capital of Madrid, an easy 25-minute train ride away.
Toledo was proudly declared a World Heritage Site...
May 26th, 2010 | Nellie Huang | Read More | Comments: 1Filed under: Attractions, history, Scenic & Short Trips, top-feature
Farmyard Friends at Oakvale Farm and Fauna World
As a girl growing up in Newcastle, I remember many a school excursion to Oakvale Farm and Fauna World. I hadn’t visited since my early teens, so I couldn’t resist calling in on my way home from Myall Lakes. I was thrilled to find out that this place is just as much fun as an adult as it was when I was small.
I don’t ordinarily take travel photos featuring myself, but to remove me wouldn’t have been telling Oakvale Farm’s full story. This isn’t the kind of wildlife...
May 20th, 2010 | Lauren Katulka | Read More | Comments: 2Filed under: animals, featuredphoto, Scenic & Short Trips, zoos
Yummy Meals at Mumm’s on the Myall, Tea Gardens
I have fond memories of summer holidays spent at my grandma’s on-site van in Hawks Nest. My sister and I would play on the sand dunes, and Grandma would take us to look at the bargain shops in nearby Tea Gardens. I hadn’t returned to the tiny coastal town for several decades, and while it’s retained its small town feel I was stunned at the growth.
These days Tea Gardens is home to a host of cafes and restaurants which make the most of the views of Myall Lakes. During our visit we made a stop...
May 19th, 2010 | Lauren Katulka | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: dining, Restaurants, Scenic & Short Trips
Trade Sydney Traffic for the Green Tranquility of Bombah Point Eco Cottages
There’s nothing like a getaway to the country to recharge your batteries. Last weekend my husband I left the hustle and bustle of the city far behind for a stay at Bombah Point Eco Cottages.
The kitchen of our Bombah Point Eco Cottage
Bombah Point is just two and a half hours drive from Sydney, but it seems much farther from the big smoke. The air is clear, the cows stand by the side of the dirt roads, and the people are friendly. Nestled amongst the gum trees you’ll find Bombah Point Eco Cottages.
The...
May 18th, 2010 | Lauren Katulka | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: accommodation, eco-friendly accommodation, Scenic & Short Trips
Unusual Hotel Stay: Cappadocia Cave Hotel
Amidst Cappadocia’s magical fairy chimneys and unworldly landscape, you’ll find several cave hotels that are unique in design, decor and setting. Carved out of volcanic rocks, these hotels give you the rare opportunity of sleeping in an extraordinary setting. Imagine waking up to the view of mountain cliffs, bizarre rock formations and rose canyons and lounging around in your private rustic cave: Yunak Evleri gives you exactly that experience.
At Yunak Evleri, nature meets comfort. The cave...
May 1st, 2010 | Nellie Huang | Read More | Comments: 1Filed under: Hotels & Places to Stay, Scenic & Short Trips
Hot-Air Ballooning Cappadocia
Floating mid-air, we slowly rise above the sharp peaks of oddly-shaped fairy chimneys to find the rosy red sun in our faces. We are atop a hot-air balloon, flying above one of the best ballooning spots in the world: Cappadocia.
Cappadocia is known for its mystical landscapes dotted with over thousands of conical rock formations, making it a perfect spot for slow and relaxing flying. The sprawling area is legendary, nothing quite like this exists elsewhere in the world. More than 65 million years...
April 28th, 2010 | Nellie Huang | Read More | Comments: 7Filed under: Outdoors & Recreation, Scenic & Short Trips, top-feature
Day-trip from Madrid: UNESCO City of Aranjuez
Looking to escape the city this weekend? Those living in Madrid are in luck, as there are plenty of historical sites, charming cities and gorgeous countryside close enough to make an excellent day-trip.
Aranjuez, just 29 miles from the Spanish capital, lays claim as a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape site. The city might have tons of attractions and interesting sights, but it’s the journey there that makes the trip worth it. Expect to wind through meandering valleys, thick forests and...
April 15th, 2010 | Nellie Huang | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Attractions, museums, Scenic & Short Trips, top-feature
Escape from Madrid: Historical Town of el Escorial
With a whole week of Easter holidays approaching, it’s time to get out of the city to explore abit, leaving the skyscrapers and traffic behind. Just 45 kilometres away from Madrid stands the Spanish royal site of El Escorial.
Hidden obscurely in the town of San Lorenzeo de El Escorial, the royal site consists of two main complexes that function as a monastery, royal palace, museum and pilgrimage school. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984, and is extremely popular as a day-trip...
March 26th, 2010 | Nellie Huang | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: History & Information, Scenic & Short Trips, top-feature
Day Trip from Madrid: Skiing in Navacerrada
Spring might be here, but the snowy peaks of Navacerrada are still blanketed in white powder. Navacerrada (map), just 1 hour’s drive away from Madrid, is gorgeous especially at this time of the year. Ski season is almost over, the crowds are dissipating and climate’s at its best with pleasant temperatures and bright sunshine.
Cradled within the mountain range north of Madrid, Puerto de Navacerrada offers a panorama of the region and the neighbouring province of Segovia. Set amidst...
March 23rd, 2010 | Nellie Huang | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: featuredarticle, Outdoors & Recreation, Scenic & Short Trips
Off-the-highway beauty in Tallulah Falls
In 1970, people flocked to the little town of Tallulah Falls to see the Great Wallenda walk 1,200 feet across Tallulah Gorge on a wire. The Gorge, 1,000 feet deep and two miles long is breath-taking from the fenced-in lookout points — much less balanced on a wire above it. Then 65 years old, Karl Wallenda completed his walk successfully, even standing on his head on the wire. The towers that held the wire are still here, although one is on its side now.
In the early part of the last century,...
March 19th, 2010 | Linda Erbele | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Scenic & Short Trips, top-feature
Picturesque Sautee Nacoochee
Some places in Georgia don’t get much press yet are very special and rare. One of those special spots is the North Georgia community of Sautee-Nacoochee. Located between the Alpine Village of Helen and the historic town of Clarkesville, the community has personality, peaceful beauty and sights of interest that make it a wonderful getaway from urban life.
One of the icons for the community is the gazebo on the Indian mound. Located at the corner of Georgia highways 75 and 17, the gazebo...
March 7th, 2010 | Linda Erbele | Read More | Comments: 1Filed under: Attractions, Scenic & Short Trips, top-feature
Spring and Georgia’s Wine Highway Weekend
It’s time again for the Wine Highway Weekend. This will be a beautiful spring weekend, and North Georgia’s wineries are all in scenic areas — so a drive through the mountains along with visits to the wineries and tastes of food and wine is a combination that will make a weekend of very special memories.
Participants pay $20 at the first winery they visit and get a special glass – which becomes your admission to the other wineries for the weekend. Many of our wineries welcome...
February 27th, 2010 | Linda Erbele | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: featuredarticle, Food & Beverage, Scenic & Short Trips, wine
Last Minute V-day Plans
Book a last minute Valentines Day Tour through Chinatown and Little Italy to taste the best of both worlds and experience great food and romance with your loved one. If you already have V-Day plans, this tour will also be available throughout the month of February.
The Valentines Day tour will start in the most romantic area of San Francisco; Little Italy. The tour will not only allow you to try the best Italian foods, you will also learn how the food is made. You will learn skills of how to make...
February 10th, 2010 | Katrina Verweel | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: culture, dining, Scenic & Short Trips
10 Places to see Christmas Lights in and around Vancouver
The city is aglow with beautiful lights and decorations, setting a festive mood for the Christmas holiday season. There’s a lot to see and do and here are 10 suggestions where you’ll be able to view the lights and participate in holiday celebrations.
1. BRIGHT NIGHTS CHRISTMAS TRAIN to January 2. More than a million twinkling lights transform the forest, train and children’s farmyard. Visit Santa in his living Room at the train station.
Stanley Park For Info: ...
December 11th, 2009 | thevancouverguide | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Attractions, christmas, Events, Family Friendly, Outdoors & Recreation, Scenic & Short Trips
The View from the Lookout, Harbour Centre
Typically, when you live a long time in a city there are a great many places you may pass by nearly every day but never stop to explore. For me, it was The Lookout at Harbour Centre. I’d pass by there several times a week, look up at the circular top of the high tower and think to myself: “Gee, I ought to go up there one day!”
Well, finally this week, I did. In fact, I went up twice — once in the daytime and again at night. And I can tell you, if you live here in...
December 6th, 2009 | thevancouverguide | Read More | Comments: 1Filed under: Announcements, Attractions, Family Friendly, Restaurants & Bars, Scenic & Short Trips, top-feature
Hunting treasure in North Georgia
Some of the people on your Christmas list call for something completely unique — generally not available at a mall. Something Georgia-made is also a great way to show your out-of-state friends what we have to offer here. Priscilla Wilson of The Gourd Place in Sautee Nacoochee (see map) creates one-of-a-kind items from nature, often associated with gourds.
Since 9/11, Priscilla has been creating a specially-themed Christmas ornament every year. This year’s theme is “Sharing the Abundance,”...
December 3rd, 2009 | Linda Erbele | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Scenic & Short Trips, Shopping, top-feature
Georgia’s Winter Wine Highway Weekend
It’s surprising to many people to discover that Georgia has an award-winning wine industry. While many people still associate muscadine wine with the South, the Winegrowers Association of Georgia is developing a regional identity among wine fanciers throughout the world, with Georgia-grown French-American grapes. You will find very good Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Seyval Blanc and Viognier among the offerings at these wineries. The soil and climate in Georgia’s mountains are...
December 1st, 2009 | Linda Erbele | Read More | Comments: 1Filed under: featuredarticle, Food & Beverage, Scenic & Short Trips
Catching the Water Taxi on S. Florida’s Intracoastal Highway
Everyone notices south Florida’s long and winding Intracoastal Waterway as soon as they pass along north Miami Beach and following AIA northward. There are certainly places to stop and enjoy the views and activity in spots like Bal Harbour, but one way to get out on the waterway itself for an enjoyable ride that gets you around different points of interest is with the Water Taxi that runs up and down a considerable stretch of the Intracoastal in the Fort Lauderdale area.
Water Taxi (credit:...
November 28th, 2009 | themiamiguide | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Scenic & Short Trips, Travel Tips - General Information
Nacoochee Valley and its secrets
This is a story about a special place in Georgia – the little gazebo that graces the top of an Indian Mound in the Nacoochee Valley near Helen. It is said to be the second most recognized symbol in Georgia (Stone Mountain being the first.)
If you’ve ever seen it, you will not have forgotten it. In spite of the glaring irreverence of a white man’s frilly little hut built upon Native American ceremonial ground – there is a peace about this place that stays with you, even draws you back again...
November 27th, 2009 | Linda Erbele | Read More | Comments: 1Filed under: featuredarticle, Just a Bit Weird - Fun & Quirky Places, Scenic & Short Trips
Art tour offers miles of Georgia art
Twice a year arts and craftspeople in four Northeast Georgia counties get together and hold an open house — for miles and miles. They offer demonstrations, music, food and lodging specials and a great opportunity for you to get started on your Christmas shopping with some Georgia original artistry.
Mark of the Potter is located on the beautiful Soque River
Choose a county from the Arts Tour website and plot your weekend — it starts at 1 on Friday (Nov. 13,) 10 on Saturday and 1 on Sunday...
November 11th, 2009 | Linda Erbele | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Arts and Entertainment, Events, featuredarticle, Scenic & Short Trips
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