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Indoor Attractions in Ottawa
I just went on my first international business trip! I had a training in Gatineau, which is just across the river from Ottawa. Gatineau is part of the Quebec province, while Ottawa is part of Ontario. Despite one side being francophone and the other side being anglophone, you will find both French and English speakers on either side! November is not the most ideal time to visit this area, because all the summer/fall attractions have closed but the winter attractions like skating in the canal don’t begin until December.Β Already in the first week of November, the weather was FRIGID!Β It’s nice to walk around and explore Ottawa, however, I…
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Fall Foliage on Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park
One of my favorite fall activities is to visit Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah National Park! Skyline Drive is a scenic route atop the Blue Ridge Mountains, stretching 105 miles long. This is the only public road through the park. Not only does Skyline Drive boast stunning views from Front Royal to Waynesboro, it also offers access to hiking trails, camp sites, picnic areas, and cabins. Β There are four entrances to Skyline Drive: Front Royal Entrance (off of 66 in Front Royal, VA) Thornton Gap Entrance (off of 211 near Sperryville, VA) Swift Run Gap Entrance (off of 33 near Harrisonburg, VA) Rockfish Gap Entrance (off of 64/250 near…
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Virginia Horseback Trail Ride
For my fiance’s birthday, I surprised him with a horseback trail ride in Front Royal, Virginia!Β There are a lot of stables in the DC area, but I decided to book with a stable in Front Royal so we could enjoy the mountain views without driving all the way to the Shenandoah area.Β Β I looked at several different places before deciding on Double H Stables.Β There are a lot of great options and each have pretty affordable prices for hour or 90 minute rides.Β I mainly chose Double H for the convenient location off the highway and I thought the trails would offer great views.Β Β I was nervous that the…
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The Bone Church: Sedlec Ossuary
“The Bone Church,” or Sedlec Ossuary, is one of the most unique attractions in the Czech Republic and an easy day trip from Prague. Located on the grounds of a former abbey in KutnΓ‘ Hora, the church is just a 50-minute train ride from the Czech capital. Train tickets are inexpensive, and local buses connect the train station with the ossuary and the rest of the historic city, making it easy to visit without a car. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply seeing one of Europe’s most unusual landmarks, KutnΓ‘ Hora is a worthwhile addition to any Prague itinerary. This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a…
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I Love Paris in the Fall: Three Best Autumn Activities
I love Paris in the springtime.I love Paris in the fall.I love Paris in the winter when it drizzles,I love Paris in the summer when it sizzles. My Grandfather used to sing me this song and replace Paris with Shelby. π Just as the song says, I love Paris all times of the year! It is my absolute favorite city. Until my teaching assignment, I had only visited Paris during the other three seasons of the year. Exploring Paris in the Fall with the beautiful changing leaves is something else entirely! Autumn provides great weather for exploring the city on foot (with a jacket of course), with significantly less tourists…
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Day Trip to Medieval Saint-Γmilion: Wine, Cobblestones, and Culture
As I mentioned in my previous blogΒ post, Bordeaux is a famous wine-growing region in southwestern France. You can’t visit Bordeaux without sampling some wine!! My friend and I booked a day trip through the Tourist Office to visit a nearby vineyard and the medieval town of Saint-Γmilion. The day trip only cost 30β¬ and included two glasses of wine at the vineyard! Saint-Γmilion is a World Heritage Site named after a monk who settled there in the 8th century, though the history of the town goes beyond that. Romans planted vines in this area as far back as the 2nd century!Β The city is well worth a visit and I…
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Best of Bordeaux, France: A Walking Guide
Bordeaux is situated in Aquitane, the South-western region of France. This is a prominent area for the wine industry – the region began producing wine in the 8th Century! Bordeaux is a beautiful city to visit, with tons of wine-tasting opportunities for my fellow vinos.Β This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. If you’re planning a trip, check out my hotel recommendations for some great places to stay in Bordeaux. Now grab your walking shoes and come for a tour of Bordeaux with me! This city has the second-highest number of preserved historical buildings of any city in France, behind Paris!…
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Following Paul CΓ©zanne’s Footsteps in Aix-en-Provence, France
Aix-en-Provence is a beautiful town in the Provence-Alpes-CΓ΄te d’Azur region of France. It’s about 20-30 minutes by train from Marseille, with tickets averaging $15 one-way. Aix-en-Provence (or Aix for short) is the home town of Paul CΓ©zanne and offers many attractions relating to the artist and his paintings. Aix-en-provence is incredibly charming with a wonderful small-town feel, very contrasting to the large city of Marseille. The word Aix originates from Aqua + Sextius. Sextius was the name of an important military figure in the area, and water is very important and prevalent in the city. Aix-en-Provence was at one time part of Catalonia, and they still fly the “blood and…
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5 Can’t Miss Attractions in Marseille, France for First Time Visitors
Marseille is the oldest city in France and the second largest city, behind Paris!Β Founded by Greek settlers around 600 BC, this vibrant Mediterranean port has a diverse culture and breathtaking coastline. From the colorful Vieux-Port to the dramatic limestone cliffs of the Calanques, Marseilles is one of the most stunning coastal cities I have ever visited!Β Β While the city has a reputation for being a bit rougher around the edges than other destinations in France, I found the history and scenery made the city a memorable place to explore. As with any large city, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and plan your visit accordingly. This post…
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Nice, La Belle: Exploring the Jewel of the French Riviera
In my recent post about Monaco, I mentioned that it is an easy day-trip from Nice! It only seemed natural then to write about Nice as well.Β Nice is a beautiful coastal town in CΓ΄te d’Azur, the French Riviera. There is so much to do and see in Nice, from it’s pebbled beach up to the MonastΓ¨re de Cimiez!Β This is the first place that I ever took a solo overnight trip!Β There are cheap TGV tickets using Ouigo if booking ahead of time with flexible dates. Β Throughout my stay, I met many generous and kind locals who gave me great advice and directions! This post contains affiliate links. I…
