Home Page - Hoblets On The Go

Sri Lanka

Feb 5, 2020 Mark Hobbs

Sri Lanka: Sigiriya Rock Fortress

The Sigiriya palace and fortress complex in central Sri Lanka is recognized as one of the finest examples of ancient urban planning, which has resulted in it being recognised in 1982 as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Versailles, France

Aug 5, 2022 Mark Hobbs

France: Paris, Versailles

The Palace of Versailles was the principal residence of the French kings from the time of Louis XIV to Louis XVI. Embellished by several generations of architects, sculptors, decorators and landscape architects, it provided Europe with a model of the ideal royal residence for over a century.

Malaysia, Penang

Dec 15, 2023 Mark Hobbs

Malaysia: George Town, Penang

George Town is the colorful, multicultural capital of the Malaysian island of Penang. Once an important Straits of Malacca trading hub, the city is known for its British colonial buildings, Chinese shophouses and mosques.

Costa Rica

Dec 15, 2023 Mark Hobbs

Costa Rica: Limon Province - Ara Manzanillo

Once prevalent throughout the entire Costa Rican Caribbean, Great Green Macaw populations have declined alarmingly in recent decades. The Ara Manzanillo project is one of the programmes aiming to reverse the decline of these beautiful birds.

South Africa:

Dec 15, 2023 Mark Hobbs

South Africa: Kruger National Park

The world-famous Kruger National Park is South Africa’s largest game reserve and one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries on the planet. The Kruger has nearly two million hectares of unfenced wilderness, in which more mammal species roam free than in any other game reserve.

No post found

About Mark & Karen

We have always had itchy feet and loved to explore both close and far. What we’d like to do is spend even more time traveling and finding out more about the fantastic and diverse world in which we live!

As part of our mission we actively working on developing our lifestyle to reduce our footprint and impact on the resources of the planet and at the same time free up more of our time and money to use for traveling.

Initially, we sold our house and moved full-time into an RV. In 2022 we cut loose and hit the road.

We have always tried to be conscious of what we put into our bodies which has eventually led us on a path to veganism. Beyond this we are trying to be greener and are adopting a minimalist lifestyle (living in an RV forces you to live with less).

Blog Posts

France: Paris – Palais Garnier, Opera House

The Palais Garnier, also known as Opéra Garnier, is a 1,979-seat opera house at the Place de l'Opéra in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, France. It was built for the Paris Opera from 1861 to 1875 at the behest of Emperor Napoleon III. It is also famous due to its use as the setting for Gaston Leroux's 1910 novel The Phantom of the Opera.

France: Paris – The dome of the Galleries Lafayette

Created by master glassworker Jacques Gruber in the “Art nouveau” or “Art déco” style, the dome ceiling of the Galleries Lafayette is a incredibly beautiful as we as being functional (it lets in lots of light) and has been attracting visitors to the store in its own right for over 100 years.

France: Paris – The Louvre Museum

The Louvre, or the Louvre Museum, is the most-visited museum in the world, and a historic landmark in Paris, France. It is the home of some of the best-known works of art, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.

The Basilica de Sacre-Coeur, Monmatre, Paris, France

France: Paris – Sacré-Cœur & the Monmartre

The Sacré-Coeur, consecrated in 1919, is one of the most iconic monuments in Paris. At the top of the Butte Montmarte, it has one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the capital, from 130 metres above the ground. In a Roman-Byzantine style, the Sacré Coeur is recognizable by its white colour. Inside the building, the ceiling is decorated with the largest mosaic in France measuring about 480 m². The crypt is also worth a visit. And to go even higher up, visitors can access the dome where the 360° view of Paris is magnificent.

France: Maison la Roche – Le Corbusier

Designed and built between 1923 and 1925 by Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret, the Maison La Roche was widely photographed and admired from the end of the 1920s. Like all the Purist villas, it helped to establish Le Corbusier as the master of modern architecture. The use of new building materials such as reinforced concrete allowed Le Corbusier to implement for the first time what he called in 1927 "the five points of a new architecture": the free facade, the free plan, the long windows, the roof-garden and the pilotis.

The replica of the Statue of Liberty on the Île aux Cygnes, Paris, France

France: Paris – Statue of Liberty

The original Statue of Liberty sits prominently in New York Harbour, a gift from the people of France. The American community reciprocated in 1889 by giving a quarter-sized replica of the Statue of Liberty to the city of Paris to commemorate the centennial of the French Revolution.

France: Paris – Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles was the principal residence of the French kings from the time of Louis XIV to Louis XVI. Embellished by several generations of architects, sculptors, decorators and landscape architects, it provided Europe with a model of the ideal royal residence for over a century.

France: Paris – Musee D’Orsay

Housed in a train station built for the 1900 World's Fair, the Musée d'Orsay is known throughout the world for its rich collection of Impressionist paintings including masterpieces as iconic as the Bal au Moulin de la galette from Renoir or The room at Arles de Van Gogh. Its collections include works of architecture, decorative arts and photography in addition to traditional artistic fields (painting, sculpture, graphic arts). They thus draw a broad panorama of French and European art from 1848 to 1914.

France: Paris – the banks of the Seine

The banks of the River Seine through the heart of Paris are listed as UNESCO world heritage site due to the incredible architecture of buildings such as Notre Dame, the Louvre and the Grand Palais and the examples of outstanding town planning.

Oregon: Silverton – The Gordon House; Frank Lloyd Wright

The Gordon House is located just outside the Oregon Garden, close to the small town of Silverton, Oregon, about 42 miles south of Portland. It is the only building designed by the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright in the State of Oregon. It is an example of Wright's Usonian vision for America. It is one of the last of the Usonian series that Wright designed as affordable housing for American working class consumers.

The Gum Wall along Seattle's Post Alley - a most unique attatction

Washington: Seattle – The Gum Wall

Seattle Gum Wall is covered in thousands of pieces of chewing gum that have been placed on the side of the Post Alley's Market Theater (now Unexpected Productions) since the early 1990s.

Washington: Seattle – Giant Red Popsicles

“The Red Popsicle” by Catherine Mayer is one of the most recent additions to Martin Selig’s art collection. Acquired in 2011, and it is now located at Fourth and Blanchard.

Oregon: Silverton – The Oregon Garden

The Oregon Garden is a stunning botanical garden encompassing over 80 acres and featuring more than 20 speciality gardens showcasing the diverse botanical beauty of the Willamette Valley and the Pacific Northwest.

USA: Oregon – Erickson Aircraft Collection

Located in the small town of Madras in Central Oregon, the Erickson Aircraft Museum holds a private collection of World War II military aircraft. The collection is very impressive and even more so when you realise that most of these aircraft are still airworthy.

A spider monkey swinging acrobatically through the trees at Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

Costa Rica: Puntarenas Province – Corcovado National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park (closed on Mondays) contains three beautiful beaches, casual forest trails, and a dense rainforest teaming with animal life. In 2011, it was named by Forbes as one of the world’s most beautiful parks.

The bar at Finca Exotica in Carate, Osa Penninsula, Costa Rica

Costa Rica: Carate – Finca Exotica Eco Lodge

The community of Carate is located in a remote part of Osa Peninsula, bordering on the incredible Corvocado National Park. It is a hard place to get to and when you get there it is largely undeveloped.

Costa Rica: Finca 6 Sphere Museum

The exact purpose and natue of the near perfectly spherical pre-Colombian Diquis stones is not known but they are undoubtedly an important part of Costa Rican culture. They largely disappeared, hidden from site buried under soil, until they were rediscovered during the clearing of land for banana plantations. Many spheres were damaged and had to be restored before being preserved for posterity.

Costa Rica: Puntarenas – Drake Bay

Drake Bay is a small community located on the beautiful and remote Osa Peninsula on the southern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Its name came about after, as legend has it, Sir Francis Drake the great English sea captain from the time of Queen Elizabeth I.

Costa Rica: Manuel Antonio – Peace of Paradise

Peace of Paradise is a small hotel loctated in a small community on the outskirts of the small town of Quepos, between the main centre of the town and the stunning and popular Manuel Antonio National Park.

Costa Rica: Puntarenas Province – Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park (closed on Mondays) contains three beautiful beaches, casual forest trails, and a dense rainforest teaming with animal life. In 2011, it was named by Forbes as one of the world’s most beautiful parks.

Costa Rica: Puntarenas – NATUWA Wildlife Sanctuary

NATUWA Wildlife Sanctuary provides refuge and protection to the wild animals that have been victimized by human actions, such as hunting, removal from their environments, and deforestation.

Costa Rica: Puntarenas – Monteverde; Don Juan Coffee Tour

The climate in the central mountains of Costa Rica is ideal for growing coffee, so there are numerous coffee plantations scattered around the area, many of them small holdings.

Costa Rica: Monteverde – Jaguarundi Lodge

Jaguarundi Lodge is located outside the main town area of the small town of Santa Elena, the gateway to the cloud forests, but is close to the central bus station and a small shopping mall that has a supermarket, a bank, shops and some cafes and restaurants.

Costa Rica: Puntarenas – Monteverde Cloud Forest

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve was established in 1972 and initially covered some 810 acres (328 ha) of forested land. Nowadays, its protective reach extends over 35,089 acres (14,200 ha) and encompasses eight life zones atop the Continental Divide.

Costa Rica: Puntarenas – Monteverde; ziplines and hanging bridges

One of the most popular activities in the Monteverde region of Costa Rica is to enjoy the rain forests by exploring the canopies by crossing hanging bridges or zip lining. There are several adventure parks in the area that make this possible.

Costa Rica: Alajuela – Ten great things to do in La Fortuna

La Fortuna is about 2.5 hours from San Jose. It’s known as a gateway to Arenal Volcano National Park, comprising 2 volcanoes. Active Arenal Volcano is still laced with lava flows. Hot springs dot the foot of the volcano, on the thermal Tabacón River.

Costa Rica: Alajuela – The Best Hot Springs in La Fortuna / Arenal

The Arenal Volcano eruption of 1968 changed the topography of the area around La Fortuna / Arenal. It created a new natural resource for the town of La Fortuna: thermal hot springs. There are dozens of hot springs in La Fortuna, which range from luxury to completely free.

Costa Rica: La Fortuna – Hotel Arenal Xilopalo

Costa Rica's Central Mountains are a tourist haven with stunning scenery, beautiful rainforests, lakes and volcanos. We decided to base ourselves in the town of La Fortuna during our stay in the area.

Costa Rica: Alajuela – Volcan Arenal

Located 15 kilometres from Fortuna between the foothills of the Cordillera de Tilaran mountain range and the San Carlos plains, Arenal Volcano National Park covers 12,124-hectare and is one of the most visited destinations in the Northern Zone.

Costa Rica: Tortuguero – Buddha Home

There are not a lot of options of where to stay in Tortuguero, but after a bit of research we settled on the Buddha Home, which is located in the heart of the village on the main thoroughfare.

Costa Rica: Limon Province – Tortuguero National Park

Created in 1975, Tortuguero National Park is the most important green sea turtle nesting ground in the Western Hemisphere. Each year between June and October, tens of thousands of green sea turtles returned to the dark sand beach to lay their eggs.

Costa Rica: Limon Province – Ara Manzanillo

Once prevalent throughout the entire Costa Rican Caribbean, Great Green Macaw populations have declined alarmingly in recent decades. The Ara Manzanillo project is one of the programmes aiming to reverse the decline of these beautiful birds.

Costa Rica: The Jaguar Rescue Centre

The Jaguar Rescue Centre covers an area of approximately 22,000 square meters and is capable of housing up to around 160 animals temporarily. Tours are run daily at 9:30 am and 11:00 and last for about 90-minutes.

Costa Rica: Limon Province – Moin to Tortuguero National Park

Getting to Tortuguero National Park on Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica is not easy as you cannot drive there. Most people travel by boat from La Pavona, but we decided the longer, 3.5 hour route from Moin further down Costa Rica's Carribbean coast. It was an adventure in its own right!

Reproduction of the Temple of the feathered serpent in Teotihuacan - National Anthropology Museum in Mexico City

Mexico: Mexico City – National Anthropology Museum

We spent a day visiting Bosque de Chapultepec, one of the largest urban parks in the Western Hemisphere, in the heart of Mexico City. As well as walking through the shady paths of the park we also took time to visit the amazing National Anthropology Museum and the historical Chapultepec Castle

Costa Rica: Limon Province – Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a small town in southeast Costa Rica, on the Caribbean coast. It’s known for the Salsa Brava surf break and beaches like black-sand Playa Negra.

Costa Rica: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca – Villas del Caribe

Villas del Caribe is a hotel at the south end of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, near the border with Panama. The property is made up of 2 storey buildings that have rooms that look out across beautifully landscaped gardens to the sea.

Costa Rica: Limon Province – Cauhita National Park

Cahuita National Park was established in 1970 to protect a large coral reef off the Caribbean coast. Unfortunately, the reef is struggling for survival. An earthquake in 1991 lifted a large portion of the coral by about three metres (10 feet), exposing it to the air and sun at low tide making it rapidly perish.

Costa Rica: Parque Nacional de Irazú

Located in Central Costa Rica, Irazú is an active volcano. Its maximum elevation is 11260 feet (3432 m) above sea level making it the highest volcano in Costa Rica. It used to have a spectacularly blue lake at the bottom of its crater, but an earthquake several years ago reorganized the mountain's plumbing and it drained away.

Marble House, Newport, Rhode Island

Rhode Island: The Newport Mansions

During Gilded Age at the turn of the 20th Century the rich and famous flocked to Newport, Rhode Island to spend the summer months partying and enjoying the fresh sea air. Here they built marvellous mansions, which they referred to, rather amusingly, as cottages, styled on those that are dotted across Europe.

Oregon: Portland – Portland Art Museum

The Portland Art Museum is the largest art museum in Oregon and one of the oldest in the country. Located in two historic buildings on Portland’s South Park Blocks, the museum is central to the city’s cultural district and houses a large and wide-ranging collection of art.

New York: New York City – Central Park

Central Park is familiar to many people, even if they have never been to the City. It has been the location for many TV series and movies. To the locals, it is an escape away from the concrete and noise of Manhattan and to visitors, its lakes, bridges and hidden paths are a welcome change.

New York: New York City – The High Line

From 1934 to 1980 an elevated rail line, now called the High Line, connecting the rail yards of mid-town Manhattan to an industrial district along the lower West Side of Manhattan. Constructed 30 feet above the ground, it avoided dangerous street crossings and routed between 10th and 11th streets in its more northern sections the railway avoided association with the unpopular elevated sections of New York's subway system. Completed in September 2014, the third and final section loops around the Hudson Yards located between West 30th and West 34th Streets. The aerial greenway now measures 1.45 miles

The South Pool, sitting on the site of the South Tower of the World Trade Center - 9/11 Memorial, New York City

New York: New York City – 9/11 Memorial & Museum

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum lay in the footprint of the twin towers of the World Trade Center that was attacked by terrorists deliberately flying aircraft into these buildings on September 11, 2001. Two additional aircraft were hijacked, one crashing into the Pentagon and the second brought down in a field by the brave efforts of the passengers on board. In total, nearly 3000 people lost their lives. The memorial and museum provide a place to contemplate and document what happened on that tragic day in 2001.

An iconic view of the Statue of Liberty - New York City

New York: New York City – Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

"The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World" was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States and is recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. The Statue of Liberty was dedicated on October 28, 1886. It was designated as a National Monument in 1924.

Statues at the New York Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

New York: New York City – The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

The New York Museum of Art was established in 1929 with an initial gift of eight prints and one drawing. Today, the collection has grown to approximately 200,000 paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, photographs, media and performance artworks; including works from the greatest contemporary artists, including Van Gogh, Matisse, Picasso, Dalí, Warhol, Hockney and Pollock to name but a few.

Lyndhurst a mansion on the Hudson River in Tarrytown, New York

New York: Lyndhurst

Lyndhurst Mansion sits on the Hudon River in Tarrytown just north of New York City. Set in stunning grounds it is one of the best examples of Gothic revival architecture in the United States. You can take tours of the mansion and its garden through most of the year and it is particularly beautiful dressed in seasonal decorations around the holiday period. It has always been one of our favourite historic houses to visit along the Hudson Valley.

The Enid A Haupt Conservatory at the New York Botanical Gardens

New York: The New York Botanical Gardens

New York botanical gardens is an oasis in the city of skyscrapers and brownstone tenements. Whatever time of year you go you're in for a real treat - even in the dead of winter. There are regular events that run through the year including some special exhibitions of art installations set throughout the gardens.

New York: The Bronx Zoo

The Bronx Zoo was a favourite family haunt for us when we lived in New York, so when we decided to revisit without our kids who have long grown up and left home we were not sure what we'd feel about this place - but we loved it still - and enjoyed revisiting the parts of the zoo we hung out in most.

North York: Albany – The last remaining giant Nipper

Located in New Salem, North Dakota, Salem Sue stands a mighty 38 feet (12 m) high and 50 feet (15 m) long and can be viewed from several miles around. (Roadside Attraction / USA / United States)

Massachussetts: 10 Great Things to do in Boston

Boston is an interesting city with a rich culture and a fascinating history. It was the seat of the events that ultimately led to the Revolutionary War and the independence of the United State of America. Walking along the 2.5 mile 'Freedom Trail' will take you through the oldest, and prettiest parts of the city and see some of the key sites associated with the uprising against the British. As well as being steeped in history, Boston has several museums of national significance and cultural iconic places to visit, such as Fenway Park and the Samuel Adams Brewery. There is something for everyone to enjoy in this great city.

The USS Constitution moored in Boston - Freedom Trail, Boston, Massachussets

Massachussetts: Boston – The Freedom Trail

Freedom Trail takes you on a 2.5 -mile journey through the streets of Boston past 16 notable historical sites with a close connection to the events leading up to the start of the Revolutionary War. It is an easy walk, apart from spending hours trudging on concrete, and a prominent red line has been laid down along the whole route so it is a challenge to get lost. Many of the sites can be entered (for a fee) so you could easily spend a day if you wanted to exploring all this trail has to offer.

The spectacular interior courtyard of the Isabella Stewart Garnder Museum in Boston, Massachussets

Massachussetts: Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Isabella Stewart Gardner was a Boston socialite who loved to travel and collect art. When her husband died she threw herself into building the museum they planned together on the fens on Boston. Her love of Italian design resulted in a Venetian style palace being constructed that would house the extensive art collection that she would spend several decades building up. Today, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is a unique art collection in a stunning setting. We loved our visit here and I would love to go again in the future and spend more time exploring.

Boston Tea Party Museum

Massachussetts: Boston – Boston Tea Party Museum

In December 1773 a group of men dressed as Native Americans boarded some ships moored in the harbour of Boston, Massachusetts and proceeded to through bundles of tea over the side and into the water. This would become known as the Boston Tea Party and was one of the first actions that ultimately led to the Revolutionary War and the formation of the United States of America. Today, there is an interactive Museum in Boston where you get to learn more about the events surrounding the tea museum - it is a lot of fun for adults and kids alike.

New Hampshire: Canterbury Shaker Village

A delightful place to visit in rural New Hampshire. A taste of what the simple and pure lifestyle of a largely extinct social order.

The impressive windows of Castle Tucker, Wiscasset, Maine

Maine: Wiscasset & Castle Tucker

Wiscasset, Maine is one of the prettiest villages in the State with great restaurants and interesting shops. If you like Maine lobster then this is a great place to check out. The town has a long and proud history and saw it as one of the early contenders to be the State Capital of Maine, driven by its marine industry. Once the winds of changes drove this business back to a cottage industry, Wiscasset returned to a sleepier state. In the time of the town's great wealth some large houses were built, some of which are now in the hands of a trust and can be visited.

The pallisades at Old Fort Western in Augusta, Maine

Maine: Augusta – Old Fort Western

Augusta is the State capital of Maine. It is quite a sleepy city but we decided to head there to check out Old Fort Western which was established in 1754. Today, it is a living museum and National Historic Landmark. Located in downtown Augusta it is the oldest surviving wood fort in New England,

New Hampshire: Mount Washington

Located in New Hampshire's White Mountains, Mount Washington is the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi. The summit is extremely exposed which results in some wild and unpredictable weather. Even in the summer, it can be very cold and windy on top of Mount Washington. For many years the highest measured wind speed record was held by the weather station on the mountain's summit! This is a very accessible mountain and you can get to the top several ways; on foot, by road or take the cog railway. The latter is an great experience and in our opinion the most fun (hiking would be good too but I am not sure we're up for it these days)

Avalanche Falls - Flume Gorge - Franconia Notch State Park, White Mountains National Forest

New Hampshire: Franconia Notch State Park – Flume Gorge

The White Mountains of northern New Hampshire is incredibly beautiful. One of the highlights of the area is Flume Gorge, State Park. There is a 2-mile self-guided nature walk through the Flume Gorge, a spectacular natural chasm. Along the way, there are covered bridges, amazing waterfalls, a scenic natural pool, and gorgeous mountain views.

New Hampshire: Sugar Hill – Polly’s Pancake Parlor (Eatery Review)

Whilst we follow a mainly plant-based diet we are occasionally tempted to stray. Back in 2007 (prior to changing our diet), I had visited Polly's Pancake Parlor with the children, but Karen missed our visit. So, when the opportunity arose to visit again 14 years later it was too good an opportunity to miss. Much had changed about the Parlor itself - but the food was still amazing!

Vermont: Waterbury – Ben & Jerry’s Factory

We have had the great opportunity to twice visit the Ben & Jerry's factory in Waterbury, Vermont. A lot had changed in the nearly 15 years between our visits! The second time around was during the Covid-19 pandemic so we couldn't go and see the production lines but it was great to visit the 'flavour graveyard' and see the place where it all began - sort of!

Vermont: Burlington – Knead Bakery (Eatery Review)

Knead Bakery is located fairly close to downtown Burlington, Vermont. It is a great place to grab some takeout baked items or simply sit down and enjoy the ambience of this converted industrial space and sample their delicious plant-based food.

The pathways of Ausable Chasm's riverwalk are very accessible for most people - New York

New York: Adirondacks – Ausable Chasm

Looking for a family day out that works for those simply wanting to go for a stunning hike but also for the more adventurous then Ausable Chasm in upstate New York is an ideal destination. Labelled the 'Grand Canyon, just a few miles from Lake Champlain offers hiking & biking trails, tubing/rafting and a heart-stopping adventure trail that takes you on rope bridges a few feet above the boiling waters of the Ausable River as it thunders through a narrow canyon.

The ceremonial canon firing - Fort Ticonderoga New York

New York: Ticonderoga – Fort Ticonderoga

Fort Ticonderoga in Upstate New York has a long and colourful history and was at different times occupied by the French, British and American Revolutionary forces. Its position overlooking Lake Champlain, a significant waterway connecting the St Lawrence River to the Hudson River system made it a strategic location to control the movement of goods and military during times of war. Today, it is a beautifully restored museum and tourist attraction for history buffs and families alike.

A model of the Enterprise on in the lobby of the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour - Ticonderoga New York

New York: Ticonderoga – Star Trek Set Tour

If you are travelling through upstate New York you might want to take a trip into the small town of Ticonderoga to visit the Star Trek Original Series Set-Tour. You might ask why is it in Ticonderoga - and you'll need to go for yourself to find out! This is not just a place for Trekkies to visit it is a fascinating insight into TV history. its authenticity has been confirmed by members of the original cast, including William Shatner (Captain James T Kirk) who makes regular visits here.

New York: Clayton – Wooden Boat Inn

If you are visiting the Thousand Islands region of New York and looking for somewhere affordable to stay then the Wooden Boat Inn is Clayton is a good option. There are a handful of rooms and a cottage. The rooms are cosy (i.e. small) but comfortable. There are common areas, including a kitchen to prepare food. The Inn is centrally located and is within easy walking distance from the main downtown where there are plenty of shops and restaurants.

The Powerhouse and Clock Tower at Boldt Castle, Thousand Islands, New York

New York: Thousand Islands – Visiting Boldt & Singer Castles

The Thousand Islands region of New York is located in the far north of the State bordering Canada. The border runs through the St Lawrence River which runs from Lake Ontario out to the North Atlantic. There are over 1800 islands in the channel, ranging from tiny to large ones. The area was popular with the rich at the turn of the 20th Century. There are two castles on these islands which are open to the public.

New York: 14 fabulous things to do in New York’s Finger Lake’s Region

New York's Finger Lakes Region is a beautiful part of upstate New York, with eleven lakes that run roughly north to south framed by lush green rolling hills. The area is famed for its wines and natural beauty. There are many things to see and do in the area including some amazing State Parks with incredible waterfalls and several cultural highlights including the Corning Museum of Glass and the Rockwell Museum.

New York: Women’s Rights National Historic Park, Seneca Falls

In July 1848 a group of 300 people gathered in the city of Seneca Falls, New York for a convention on women's rights. At the end of this convention 100 people; 68 women and 32 men signed the Declaration of Sentiments which laid out how society, in particular men, subjugated women and what the reformists would like to see change. Unfortunately, it took another 70 years for American women to get suffrage with the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 2020.

New York: Syracuse, – Razzle Dazzle, “Our Vegan Corner” (Eatery Review)

We arrived in Syracuse hungry and ready to start knawing our own legs so we were happy to discover there were a couple of vegan restaurants to choose from. After a bit of umming and ahhing we decided on Razzle Dazzle, 'Our Vegan Corner' to try out their vegan soul food offerings

Ling-Temco-Vought A-7D (Corsair II) at the Wings of Eagles Discovery Center in Horseheads, New York

USA: New York – Wings of Eagles

The Wings of Eagles Discovery Centre in Horseheads, New York is a small aerospace museum and education centre. If you love aircraft and science then this is a great place to spend and hours two. It is family-friendly, especially if your children are a little older.

The upside-down traffic lights in Syracuse, New York

New York: Syracuse – Upside-down traffic lights

When the city of Syracuse, New York started installing traffic lights in the 1920s the Irish community didn't take kindly to the set of lights put up on a busy intersection on Tipperary Hill. They did not like the fact that the 'red light', which they associated with the British, was above the 'green light' - green being the colour of the Irish. So, some youths in the area threw stones, breaking the red lamp. The city replaced the lamp only for it to be smashed again. The city eventually gave up flipping the light so the green light was at the top. These upside-down lights remain until this day and have become a local attraction.

New York: Gourdlandia

If you are in the Finger Lakes Region near Ithaca then you might want to check out Gourdlandia. This is the storefront and workshop of Graham Ottoson, a former mid-wife turned gourd artist. She takes gourds grown in her garden, dries them out and turns them into beautifully carved lamps, bowls and other gourd oddities.

A typcial scene of bicycles and canals in Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Netherlands: Amsterdam – Two Day Itinerary

Prague is a fascinating place to visit and there are so many things to do and see. We were lucky enough to be able to spend 2 days exploring this amazing city. Luckily, the city has survived many of the ravages that have befallen many other cities in Central Europe, so it retains much of its original charm and beauty.

The amazing power of the waterfall - Watkins Glen State Park, New York

New York: Watkins Glen State Park

Watkins Glen is a small town on the bottom tip of Seneca Lake in New York's Finger Lakes region, known for its outstanding beauty and winemaking. Watkins Glen draws people to the area as the location of the Watkins Glen International Raceway which often hosts NASCAR events. Our reason for visiting was nothing to do with racing - we were in search of natural beauty in the form of the amazing Watkins Glen State Park and its nineteen waterfalls

Karen stands by the locomotive to provide scale - Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, Pennsylvania

USA: Pennsylvania – Steamtown National Historic Site

I love trains, especially steam locomotives so I was totally thrilled to find out that our New England road trip took us through Scranton, Pennsylvania home to the Steamtown National Historic Site which is full of old locomotives & rolling stock.

USA: Pennsylvania – Electric City Trolley Museum

The Electric City Trolley Museum in Scranton is a tribute to the first mass transit systems that enabled people to move from their homes in suburbs into American cities, enabling their meteoric growth. Eventually, the trolleys were replaced as automobiles became mass-produced. This museum preserves the history of this gentler form of transport, offering a chance to see some restored trolleys and also the opportunity to take a ride through Scranton and see some of the important historical sites there.

Pennsylvania: Bushkill Falls

Known as the 'Niagara of Pennsylvania, Bushkill Falls is a set of eight unique waterfalls. the tallest of which is over 100 feet, which are accessible through a series of trails. The water of the Little Bush Kill and Pond Run Creek descends the mountain, toward the Delaware River, forming Bushkill Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Bridesmaid Falls, Laurel Glen Falls, Pennell Falls, and three additional, unnamed falls.

Tiffany glass display - 35 Centuries of Glass galleries - Corning Museum of Glass (CMOG), Corning, New York

New York: Corning – Museum of Glass

The Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, New York is one of the largest museums in the world dedicated to the art of glass making and design. As well as galleries of glass art there are also live demonstrations of glass blowing and classes where you can make your own glass.

New York: Taughannock Falls State Park

Taughannock Falls State Park is located on Cayuga Lake, 10 miles north of Ithaca, in New York's Finger Lakes Region. From the parking lot, it is a short and easy 3/4 mile walk along the Taughannock Creek Gorge to the falls which plunge 215 feet from the top of the gorge. This waterfall is 33 feet taller than Niagara Falls and is the tallest single-drop waterfall east of the Rocky Mountaions

(V) Pennsylania

Pennsylvania: Scranton, – Eden Cafe (Eatery Review)

A light and airy vegan cafe serving a selection of bowls, juices and smoothies. (Restaurant / Dining / Cafe)

The horse sculpture in entrance of the Rockwell Museum, Corning

New York: Corning – Rockwell Museum

The Rockwell Museum (nothing to do with Norman) in Corning, New York is an interesting and diverse collection gifted by local business owners Bob and Hertha Rockwell. The Rockwells had keen eyes for art and exquisite taste. They owned a department store in the area and used their store as a venue to display their remarkable collection of American art and artefacts, Carder Steuben glass, classic firearms, and antique toys. Today, the Rockwell Museum is a centre for the local community and has achieved prestigious status as a Smithsonian affiliate.

Czech Republic: Prague – Lesser Town; Malá Strana

The Lesser Town, (Mala Strana) also known as the Lesser or Little Quarter, clusters around the foothills of Prague Castle, across the Vltava River from the Old Town. Here you will find delightfully cobbled streets, cosy bars and restaurants and brightly painted stucco buildings. The atmosphere is less phrenetic than the Old Town and if you are looking for some peace and quiet head to Prague's Mala Strana.

The Basilica of St George - Prague Castle, Prague, The Czech Republic

Czech Republic: Prague – Prague Castle

Dominating the skyline of Prague is Prague Castle which has been an important symbol of the Czech state for more than a thousand years. It was founded in the 9th century and became the seat of Czech rulers and later presidents. The castle, one of the largest complexes in the world, is made up of historical palaces, offices, church and fortification buildings, gardens and picturesque spots

Teotihuacan, Mexico

Mexico: México – Teotihuacan

If during a visit to the Mexico City area you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city then you should consider a day trip out to pre-Columbian ruins of UNESCO listed Teotihuacan.

Mexico: Colonial Cholula & Puebla

Due to its history and architectural styles ranging from Renaissance to Mexican Baroque, Puebla was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. The city is also famous for mole poblano, chiles en nogada and Talavera pottery.

Humayuns Tomb, Delhi, India

India – New Delhi – Humayon’s Tomb

Our first day in India was an exploration of New Delhi visiting the UNESCO sites Qutab Minar and Humayon's Tomb. It was a public holiday so things were pretty busy.

The Franz Kafka Museum entrance - Prague, Czech Republic

Czech Republic: Prague – The Franz Kafka museum

Franz Kafka was born in Prague to a middle-class Jewish family, in what was then the Kingdom of Bohemia a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. His passion was writing and he penned many novels and short stories in his short life and became widely recognized as a major figure in 20th- century literature. The museum is dedicated to life and works of the legendary Kafka.

10 Great things to do in Barcelona

Barcelona is one of our favourite cities to visit. It has a fascinating history and culture, as well as some of the greatest architecture in Europe, if not the World. We are huge fans of the works of Antoni Gaudi, so we loved visiting Casa Mila, Park Guell and in particular La Sagrada Familia. Beyond Gaudi's works, the city's Gothic Quarter is a great place to wander and explore with its cobbled street, squares and amazing gothic cathedral. Of course, there are the museums, the restaurants, bars and the beach. Something for everyone!

California: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

High-up in the California's Sierra Nevada Mountains are two of USA's most spectacular National Parks, Kings Canyon and Sequoia. Sequoia National Park gives you the chance to get up close to the largest trees on the planet whilst in Kings Canyon you can explore the most incredible alpine scenery with the backdrop of some of the tallest peaks in lower 48 States.

Forky's vegan cafe

Czech Republic: Eatery Review – Forky’s Prague

We recently spent 3 days in the amazing city of Prague. During our time there we decided to check out what the city had to offer in term of vegan eateries. There were two we really liked; Forkys - a fast food place with burgers and bowls and Vegan's - a restaurant with great views of the castle from its terrace serving traditional Czech food as well as International options.

The Old Town Square of Prague

Czech Republic: Prague – Three Day Itinerary

Prague is a fascinating place to visit and there are so many things to do and see. We were lucky enough to be able to spend 2 days exploring this amazing city. Luckily, the city has survived many of the ravages that have befallen many other cities in Central Europe, so it retains much of its original charm and beauty.

Off The Griddle, Vegan restaurant, Portland, Oregon

Oregon: Portland – 6 great vegan / vegetarian places to eat

We often travel to Portland, Oregon for weekends and as we follow a plant-based diet having places to go that are vegan-friendly is very important to us. Luckily, there are plenty of great places to try out as vegans. Here are 6 places we have found on our trips to Portland.

Czech Republic: Prague – Old Town

Prague has many fascinating places to visit, none more so than Old Town Square. Here you will find some incredible buildings from municipal offices to churches to stunning palaces. It is also where you will find the famous astronomical clock. This is the heart of the city, hosting many public events throughout the year.

Casa Milà, roof terrace - Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

Spain: Barcelona – Casa Milà (La Pedrera)

UNESCO has recognized the works of the great architect Antoni Gaudí (1852-1926), in particular, seven properties in or near Barcelona, which are a testimony to Gaudí’s exceptional creative contribution to the development of architecture and building technology in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Sagrada Familia is a beautiful and creative an unlike any other cathedral in the world

UNESCO has recognized the works of the great architect Antoni Gaudí (1852-1926), in particular, seven properties in or near Barcelona, which are a testimony to Gaudí’s exceptional creative contribution to the development of architecture and building technology in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Park Güell is a wonderful example of the creative genius of Antoni Gaudí

UNESCO has recognized the works of the great architect Antoni Gaudí (1852-1926), in particular, seven properties in or near Barcelona, which are a testimony to Gaudí’s exceptional creative contribution to the development of architecture and building technology in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The hot pools at Summer Lake Hot Springs resort, Oregon

Bend / Central Oregon

Oregon: Summer Lake Hot Springs a fun weekend getaway (Review)

Summer Lake Hot Springs is a rustic resort located deep in the central region of Oregon known as the "Oregon Outback'. It is located about 90 minutes from Bend, Oregon. This is an ideal place to escape for a couple of days of relaxing; walking, hiking and of course soaking. There is no Wi-Fi here and the cell service is patchy - so it is real getaway from the daily routines.

Bend / Central Oregon

Oregon: Fort Rock State Park set in the Oregon ‘Outback’

Fort Rock State Park – Like a desert mirage, this National Natural Landmark rises huge out of the barren, immense flatness of Oregon’s high desert. An enormous near-circle of towering jagged rock walls make it seem like a fort. Hike around and you’ll soon realize it’s even bigger than it looks! It’s an old tuff ring set in what was a shallow sea in prehistoric times.

The Roman Bridge of Cordoba, Andalusia, Spain

Spain: Andalusia – Córdoba

The City of Córdoba is the capital of the province of Córdoba and has a colourful history. It also has the highest temperatures in Spain and Europe, with average high temperatures around 37 °C (99 °F) in July and August. When we were there it was indeed hot, not quite to those levels, but still toasty.

← Newer Posts

Older Posts →

PHP Code Snippets Powered By : XYZScripts.com