Europe
Posted November 17, 2010 by Kate Hamman
York exudes English charm, especially along its winding medieval street called the Shambles. However, don't be fooled by its picturesque setting, as the city has plenty of secrets lurking in the shadows, including its reputation as one of the most haunted cities in Europe. Get to know the town by walking through its spooky history, dining with its ghosts, and drinking its tea inspired by an infamous ocean liner.
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The Ghost Trail of York: The Ghost Trail of York takes you along darkened streets at night, while you listen to tales of murder, plague, heartbreak, and revenge beyond the grave. A costumed guide waits in front of the York Minster every night at 7:30 p.m., regardless of weather, to reveal the gruesome and tragic events of York's past. Tickets cost £4.00 (about $6.00 U.S.; check XE.com for current conversion rates) and the tour lasts about one hour and 15 minutes.
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Golden Fleece: When you go to a pub for spirits, it's unlikely you're thinking of the dearly departed variety. The Golden Fleece, however, typically serves both. Built in 1503, you'll find York's most haunted drinking establishment across from the historical Shambles. Skip the drinks and go right to the main attraction of comfort foods, such as homemade Yorkshire pudding. Try not to be too alarmed if you catch sight of Lady Peckett, one of the five resident spirits. For a haunting good time, you can also rent one of the four rooms and spend the night with your newfound friends. Entrees start at £6.25.
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Bettys Café Tea Rooms: Bettys Café Tea Rooms on St. Helen's Square captures the elegance of afternoon tea with absolute precision. Inspired by the founder's maiden voyage aboard the Queen Mary in 1936, the ornate and extravagant interior is reminiscent of the grand ocean liner which, incidentally, is haunted. A cup of the Tea Room Blend costs £2.95, but order Yorkshire Cream Tea, served in a piping hot pot with two scones, preserves, and clotted cream for £7.95, for a truly authentic experience.
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(Photo: VisitYork.org)
Posted August 20, 2010 by Kate Hamman
With rainbow-colored fields of blossoming tulips surrounding the
city, Lisse, Netherlands, is an ideal place to be in the spring.
However, you don't have to spend a fortune to appreciate the beauty of
the season. Here, you can walk among the flowers at Keukenhof, dine and
dance the night away at a nearby restaurant, and stay at a hotel close
to it all.
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Keukenhof:
Spring puts its best colors forward at Keukenhof, one of the world's
largest flower gardens, where millions of bulbs blossom into a
kaleidoscope of flora everywhere you turn. Try your green thumb at the
Inspirational Gardens, where you're encouraged to grow your own tulips
at home. The flower shows are a particularly special treat, as blooms
from across the country are put on display and change weekly. You can
also purchase bulbs and freshly cut flowers from several sellers at the
park. Entrance costs €14.50 (about $18 U.S.; check XE.com for current exchange rates).
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Restaurant De Nachtegaal:
Located in the Golden Tulip Hotel, Restaurant De Nachtegaal offers a
varied menu that changes on a whim. From Monday through Friday, you can enjoy an array of different
dishes at the lunch buffet. On Saturday nights, the chef prepares a
special three-course prix fixe menu, and you may find yourself
dancing in between courses as live music fills the air.
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Hotel de Duif:
The Hotel de Duif's rooms may not be fancy, but the location and price
can't be beat. Situated in the center of town, not far from the fields
of bulbs, you'll be able to sit on the patio and smell the flowers. The
hotel's standard rooms come equipped with a shower and color TV, while
the suites offer kitchenettes.
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(Photo: HollandInformationStore.net)
Posted July 26, 2010 by Kate Hamman
With a knack for indulging in the sweet side of life, Brussels makes
for a romantic getaway any time of year—and it doesn't have to cost a
fortune to woo your honey. Come satisfy your sweetheart's chocolate
craving at a designer candy shop before heading out to a traditional
dinner of mussels and frites at a local eatery. Then at the end of the
night, you can return to an affordable and cozy hotel that will take you
both on a journey around the world.
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Wittamer:
When chocolate and style collide, you get Wittamer's delicious,
designer sweets. The sleek-cubed confections make the perfect treat for
that special someone. With two shops downtown, you can either sample the
homemade chocolates and pralines, or enjoy a decadent pastry with your
sweetheart while sipping tea in their cafe.
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Chez Léon:
Serving an array of homemade mussel dishes for more than 100 years,
Chez Léon is the place to go in Brussels for your mollusk fix. The
restaurant, however, serves more than just seafood, and you can find a
variety of traditional Belgian dishes, including Belgian waffles.
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Brussels Welcome Hotel:
With a name like Welcome Hotel, it's not surprising that this small inn
makes you feel at ease. Owners Sophie and Michel go to great lengths to
familiarize you with the city, offering insider tips and suggestions.
However, you can also travel around the world if you prefer to stay
indoors. Each of the 16 rooms is decorated to emulate a different
country, with representative items adorning the walls. The hotel is
ideally located in the middle of St. Catherine square, with a subway stop
literally across the street. Rooms start at €100 (about $129 U.S.; check XE.com for current exchange rates), and include breakfast.
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(Photo: PhotoDisc)
Posted June 23, 2010 by Kate Hamman
Take in the sights and smells of Amsterdam's sweeter side with a
dynamic chocolate shop and an array of pancake flavors. And the sugary
goodness continues as the scent of cakes and confections lulls you to
sleep.
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Puccini Bomboni: Charlie would abandon the Chocolate
Factory without a second thought for Puccini Bomboni's inventive
chocolates. Think tamarind, thyme, ginger, and fig. Everything is
handmade on the spot, and people claim to be drawn in off the street by
the scent of melted cocoa and spices. Browse the unique pyramid-style
display of chocolates, and sample the liqueur-filled and herb-flavored
treats.
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The
Pancake Bakery: When the griddle gets hot, the Pancake Bakery gets
hopping, with more than 75 different kinds of pannekoeken (a
combination crepe and an American pancake), including international
flavors such as Greenlandic, Egyptian, and French. For the more
traditional Dutch-style taste, you can pick from a range of sweet and
savory toppings such as apple and Grand Marnier, bacon and cheese, and
raisins in brandy.
Stay
Cake
Under My Pillow: Whoever coined the term "sweet dreams" must've
stayed at the Cake Under My Pillow. Here, the scent of cakes, pies, and
confections literally drifts through your window each morning, as
there's a bakery and cafe beneath the B&B. You will find
free coffee and tea service in the upstairs kitchen throughout your
stay.
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tool.
(Photo: Sebastian Duda/iStockphoto.com)
Posted May 17, 2010 by Jaclyn Liechti
Rome is one of the most popular destinations in Europe, and with so much to do there it might be difficult to squeeze it all into one trip. The jaw-dropping elegance of the Colosseum, the immense holdings of the Vatican Museum, and the delicate splendor of Trevi Fountain are well-known attractions, but in a city like this, it's easy to get off the beaten path, too. Tiny ristorantes and gelaterias can be found around every corner, and the gardens of Villa Borghese offer a welcome respite from the tourist strip.
Stay
Hotel Boccaccio: The Hotel Boccaccio is a charming apartment-turned-hotel in the heart of Rome, near the Trevi Fountain. From here, you can walk to most of the popular attractions in the city, or jump on the metro right around the corner. The 1937 building is also the living quarters of its proprietor, Pati, and guests will feel right at home in one of the eight spacious guest rooms. The hotel is a member of the first group of environmentally friendly establishments in Italy. Double bedrooms with a private bathroom start at €100 (about $124, see xe.com for current conversion rates).
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(Photo: courtesy of APT - Rome)
Posted April 12, 2010 by Jaclyn Liechti
With an enviable location in the south of France, Montelimar
offers visitors a charming escape from everyday life. Feast your eyes on the
12th century residential palace; take in the scents of thyme, rosemary, and
lavender at the Garden of Fragrances; or listen to the chatter of locals during
the Saturday market at Church Square. And you can’t leave the area before
giving your taste buds a treat by sampling some Montelimar nougat, the region’s
specialty.
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Arnaud Soubeyran Nougat Factory & Museum: Montelimar was
the first to replace the walnuts in nougat with almonds, and there’s no better place to
sample the sweet treat than the Arnaud Soubeyran Nougat Factory & Museum,
which is the oldest factory in the area. First, learn about the process and the
ingredients at the museum, then head to the kitchen to watch nougat being
made. Individual tours and tastings are free, but you don’t have to leave
empty-handed. You can purchase your favorite varieties, plus chocolate-covered
fruit, pralines, and more at the museum store.
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(Photo: iStockphoto/@laurent)
Posted March 24, 2010 by Amy Westervelt
As one of, if not the, most popular destinations in Italy, Tuscany can be fairly pricey. Still, if you follow the lead of Italians visiting the region and steer clear of the tourist traps, la Toscana can be downright affordable. There are numerous well-priced lodging options in the lesser-known villages of the region, and really no matter where you stay, you're always within close driving distance of the hot springs, vineyards, and amazing restaurants that have made the region famous.
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Le Ragnaie: Nestled in the hills of Montalcino, overlooking its very own vineyard, Le Ragnaie is a local farmstead that doubles as a B&B. Rooms in the stone farmhouse are simple and pleasant, with large windows opening out over the heated saltwater pool. The on-site restaurant and homemade wine are also fantastic, plus its location is ideal for exploring the rest of the region. Rooms start at &eur;90 per night and include breakfast.
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La Torre di Gnicche: To get a taste of the local wines and rustic fare Tuscany is famous for, head to one of the dozens of osteria (neighborhood restaurants) in the region, which typically serve up large platters of delicious local food for very reasonable prices. At La Torre di Gnicche (8 Piaggia di San Martino) in Arezzo, for example, you can pair one of the 800 area wines from its cellar with regional favorites such as crostoni (open-faced toasted sandwiches) and make it out the door for less than $30 a head.
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Fattoria dei Barbi: Wine tasting the way we do it in the U.S. isn't typical in Tuscany, but some of the larger vineyards do offer tours and tastings. They can sometimes get a bit touristy, but are worth it for the vineyard views alone. At the Fattoria dei Barbi vineyard, one of the oldest estates to make Brunello di Montalcino (one of the region's most famous wines), tastings are free and guided tours of the vineyard for groups of eight or more can be booked in advance.
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(Photo: Emma Lee)
Posted March 10, 2010 by Kate Hamman
Situated in the shadow of the 12th-century royal fortress where Joan of Arc first met the future King Charles VII, the city of Chinon exudes history everywhere you turn. Come immerse yourself in its past without paying a high price. Learn all about the city's fascinating history, taste regional wines in a cave, and stay in a surprisingly charming chain hotel.
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Royal Fortress of Chinon: Sitting high above the city, the Royal Fortress of Chinon stands as a reminder of the city's intriguing past. Today, visitors can immerse themselves in the area's history by learning about the lives of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, who lived and died here; seeing the Royal Lodge where Joan of Arc met the future King Charles VII; and touring the apartments filled with the Flemish tapestries and furniture of the castle's heyday. There is also a Joan of Arc museum, which offers insight to the life and death of this heroic woman. Admission costs €3 (about $4 U.S.; check XE.com for current exchange rates).
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Plouzeau Chateau de la Bonneliere: At Plouzeau Chateau de la Bonneliere's tasting cave, you won't have to dig too deep to unearth a wealth of wines. Built into the foundation of the fortress, the cellars are the perfect place to store and sample wines of the Chinon and Loire valleys. Open from April through September, the shop sells a variety of reds and whites.
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Best Western Hotel de France: It may surprise you to learn that this Best Western is more like a charming historic inn than a basic chain hotel. Located in a 16th century building in the heart of the city, Hotel de France transports you back in time. Enjoy the view of the famous fortress or listen to the fountain below your room's balcony. Rooms start at about €75 per night.
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(Photo: iStockPhoto/Jowita Stachowiak)
Posted February 18, 2010 by Kate Hamman
With a national park and England's four tallest mountains, Cumbria is a natural paradise waiting to be discovered. Since so much of the land is protected and properly looked after, it only makes sense that local establishments would follow suit with organic offerings. Come visit a dairy farm to taste freshly-made cheese, stop in a bakery for homemade breads, and then spend the night in an eco-conscious boutique hotel for less than you'd think.
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Low Sizergh Barn: Located in Kendal as part of the Soil Association's Organic Farms Network, Low Sizergh Barn is a must-stop for any eco-friendly farm lover. Come explore the 250 acres of land, where 150 cows produce fresh organic milk that is used to make cheese. Then stop by the store housed in an 18th-century Westmorland barn, where you can buy a variety of products from nearby farms. In the afternoon, have a cup of tea or a slice of pie in the tearoom, and watch the daily milking from above.
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The Village Bakery: Not only is everything at the Village Bakery in Melmerby made from organic ingredients, but the shop bakes with renewable energy. Choose from a range of items you can feel good about eating, including biscuits, cakes, snack bars, and the bakery's real show-stopper, its breads. Even Paul McCartney is an avid fan of the bakery's goods. Loaves of bread start at £1.05 (about $1.65 U.S.; check XE.com for current exchange rates), and a full menu is available.
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Moss Grove Organic Hotel: In Grasmere, you'll find a hotel with low-impact practices that will wow you almost as much as the surrounding fells. In its refurbishment, Moss Grove used many natural products, including organic clay paints, reclaimed stained glass, and thermafleece (sheep's fleece). Choose from its 11 unique rooms, each equipped with natural wood blinds, hand-screened wallpaper, and free Internet access. Prices start at £125 per night (about $197 U.S.), and include a Mediterranean buffet breakfast made with organic and local products.
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(Photo: iStockphoto.com/ Anthony Brown)
Posted February 17, 2010 by Amy Westervelt
Known for its striking mix of Spanish and Islamic architecture and its vibrant flamenco, Andalusia is one of the most interesting regions to visit in all of Western Europe. As luck would have it, it's also one of the most reasonably priced. The region's three major cities—Seville, Granada, and Malaga—are all worth a visit, but to quickly experience the juxtaposition of cultures and architecture that make Andalusia wonderful, head for Granada and its Alhambra.
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Alhambra: Built in the ninth century, the Alhambra is an Islamic palace that once housed Muslim kings and their courtiers. Although its architecture is predominantly Arabic, the Alhambra was changed a bit when the city was lost to Christian invaders. Holy Roman Emperor Charles V rebuilt portions of the palace in a Renaissance style in 1527. Today, you can tour the Alhambra's beautiful, manicured gardens, ancient courtyards, and palaces, but you must book well in advance to ensure you get both a ticket and a good deal (€12).
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Al-Andalus (this website is in Spanish only): Late-night happy hours and street parties are common in Granada, but the city's Islamic heritage and proximity to Morocco has also given rise to a number of charming Moroccan teahouses. Located in El Albaicin, Granada's "Muslim Quarter," the Al-Andalus (4 Calle Caldereria Vieja) is just such a place. Nip in on a cool night for delicious Moroccan mint tea and an Arabic pastry.
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Santa Isabel la Real (this website is in Spanish only): Thanks to its prime location in the charming old El Albaicin district, buses to the Alhambra stop directly in front of the quaint little Santa Isabel la Real hotel. Many of the town's other sights can be reached on foot. Situated around an interior courtyard like most old Spanish homes, the Santa Isabel has rooms on the small side, but they're absolutely darling, with crisp, white hand-embroidered linens and lovely carved windows that let in plenty of light. Rooms start at €85 per night.
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(Photo: Turismo Granada)
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