Our final day in the Finger Lakes was spent in the picturesque Watkins Glen and Schuyler County, New York. Most known for the racing track around the south end of Seneca Lake, here is how we spent our day in this beautiful area. We began our day in the Finger Lakes National Forest is the only national forest in New York State with 30 miles of interconnecting trails that traverse gorges, ravines, pastures, and woodlands. The area is open to the public and is the perfect spot for a number of outdoor activities such as hiking, trail running, backpacking, biking, camping and horseback riding in the warmer months. The Finger Lakes region is home to a ton of award-winning wineries producing some of the finest vintages of Rieslings and other wines. We had the pleasure of touring the Chateau LaFayette Reneau nestled along the east side of Seneca Lake. Stop by for the chance to try their…
Driving through Cayuga County
During our second day of our Finger Lakes road trip, we drove further west to Auburn, New York. Located on the north end of Oswaco Lake, Aubrun is a quaint city that is home to some of the very famous residents in American history. Harriet Tubman’s house is located just a few minutes down the road from downtown Aurburn to help celebrate her contributions to the Underground Railroad and her legacy throughout American history. For the history lovers, be sure to visit the Seward House Museum in the home of William H. Seward, who served as NYS Senator, the Governor of NYS, a U.S. Senator, a presidential candidate, and then Secretary of State under Presidents Abraham and Lincoln and Andrew Johnson. The beautiful glasswork at the Willard Memorial Chapel allows guest to see some of the rare works of Louis C. Tiffany and the Tiffany Glass and Decoration Co. in what is said to be the…
The Azores: Terranostra
For a retreat outside of the city, look no further than the Parque Terranostra Hotel. Situated in the beautiful Furnas Valley, this hotel just steps away from the Terranostra Botanical Gardens and the Thermal Water Pool of Terranostra Park. This has been a popular destination for visitors and locals since the 18th century who are ventured to bathe in the mineral water to help treat health problems and other ailments. The pool was built in 1780 by Thomas Hickling (the American consul who had the original idea for Terra Nostra Park) who created the pool within the beautiful botanical gardens which is still open to this day for visitors of the park and guests of the hotel to enjoy. The Parque Terranostra Hotel was built in the 1930s and has preserved its original Art Deco decor to this day. While on-site, be sure to drop by the TN Restaurant within the hotel for a…
The Azores: Take a Journey Around Sao Miguel with Picos de Adventura
If you are looking for a little bit of thrill, Picos de Adventura is the perfect tour group for you. With adventure programs on land, sea and options for group, let them help you see the sights of Sao Miguel or go on a whale watching excursion. For our little adventure, we decided to go for a hike through Sete Cidades. Sete Cidades (which translates to Seven Cities) is located in a volcanic caldera with a village in the centre and a unique lake that is both blue and green. The legend behind this lake believes that the colour was caused by a beautiful princess fell in love with a shepherd, but they were forbidden by her father from marrying; he did, though, permit them to meet one final time. As they were saying goodbye, her tears ran blue, to form the larger lake; his were green, and created the smaller to…
The Azores: The Island of Faial
Either a short boat ride from Pico, or a flight on the Azores Airlines from Sao Miguel, the island of Faial is one of the three islands part of the central group of The Azores. This island is affectionately known as the blue island (named by Portuguese poet Raul Brandao) because of the hydrangeas that bloom throughout the island in the summer. While almost half of the population of the island left after the eruption of the volcano on the Capelinhos volcano in 1957 causing the communities on the northern and western coast to move and then subsequently immigrate off the island primarily moving to the United States and Canada. However, to this day, the island of Faial still remains to be a naturally beautiful destination and is considered the westernmost point of Europe. Characterized by the central Caldera as seen from the southern rim of Cabeço Gordo allowing for beautiful volcanic formations on…
The Azores: The Island of Pico
Pico is a charming island characterized its 2,350-metre Fuji-like volcano which gives the island its name. With a population cut in half after the eruption of the volcano on the neighbouring island of Faial, this island has been able to preserve much of its natural beauty. Only a short flight from the main island of Sao Miguel on Azores Airlines, this island is the perfect spot for adventurers to explore on their next trip. The centre area of the island is largely undisturbed as the Montanha do Pico takes up much of the natural landscape. Hikers from all over the world travel to Pico for a chance to climb to the summit of this volcano (three hours up and four down, for the record) and to hike around the islands natural beauty. Or, for the curious, climb underground a the Gruta das Torres to explore the world’s longest lava tubes that…
The Azores: Furnas in Sao Miguel and Beyond
Head north to explore the island of Sao Miguel to explore some of the natural wonders on the island. This Azorean islands were formed in the mid-Atlantic Ridge where Eurasian and North American tectonic plates collide. From this natural phenomenon, geothermal springs are found on the island of Sao Miguel has thermal pools set against lust tropical landscapes and steaming craters of the Caldeiras das Furnas. For those hoping to stay and enjoy the area, the Furnas Boutique Hotel allows you to relax in their thermal pools and enjoy spa services. This hotel also has an onsite menu serving mediterranean inspired tapas dishes in their modern dining room and patio area. Simple, yet beautiful, this hotel is a tranquil escape in the stunning valley. Sao Miguel is also home to the oldest tea plantation in all of Europe. The Cha Gorreana plantation is a national gem as it grows eco-friendly herbal teas known…
The Azores: Ponta Delgada in Sao Miguel
Over the next week, we will be touring the beautiful islands of The Azores. The Azores are a group of Portuguese islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Although Portugal has been increasing in popularity as a tourist destination, these islands still remain relatively unchartered, adding to their charm. Retaining an old world, quaint feel, the Azores are the perfect place for the explorer looking to hop from island to island. Plus, from Toronto, Azores Airlines offers two direct flights weekly to Ponta Delgada on the main island of Sao Miguel. Today we had the pleasure of exploring the quaint city of Ponta Delgada. Ponta Delgada is the largest city on the island with many tourist attractions in the city centre. From the historic Church of Sao Jose to the historic landmarks that surround it, Ponta Delgada centre core was first established as a small fishing village in 1450 that grew over the…
Small Luxury Hotels: Pousada de Lisboa – Praça do Comércio
No matter whether you are a avid or infrequent traveller, the one thing that we can all agree upon is that finding the right accommodation during your trip matters. After hours of touring around the city, this becomes your haven to relax and unwind after a busy day. But lucky for you, Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ (SLH) has done the research for you. Compiling a curated list of over 520 hotels in more than 80 countries around the world to offer guest the best locations and highest quality of service. And that is why for my latest voyage to Lisbon, Portugal, the Pousada de Lisboa – Praça do Comércio was the perfect choice when looking for somewhere to stay. Centrally located in the main square of the Praça do Comércio, this hotels is a tranquil haven just steps away from some of the most historic sites in the city. Located in what was…
Exploring Ottawa: Spend a night in the Hi-Ottawa Jail
For seasoned travellers, the allure of being able to stay somewhere out of the ordinary may be just enough to intrigue you to stay in a jail for the night. And lucky for you, it’s possible without breaking the law. The Hi-Ottawa Jail hostel (75 Nicholas Street) is set in the historic former Carleton County Gaol that has been restored and redesign as a hostel. Unlike anywhere you’ve ever stayed, along with their dorm room options, the Hi-Ottawa Jail hostel give you the chance to stay in an authentic jail cell overnight. Creepy stuff right? The Carleton County Gaol was first opened in 1862 and has a long history in our nation’s capital. Every day, they host a 30 minute free tour of the jail at 11:00 am to give you a historic look at the jail, the daily lives of the inmates and why it is considered one of the most…