tours Archives — Thrifty Mommas Tips

A Self Guided Edinburgh Literary Itinerary

Paula — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 14:22:32 +0000

The towering aging Sir Walter Scott Monument is the first thing you see, like a signal you have arrived in Edinburgh, a UNESCO City of Literature. Completed in 1837, second largest monument to a writer in the world, we catch the first glimpse of the monument upon arriving by train from Glasgow. It’s one of those moments that travel and culture hits you in the best way, reminding you that you are definitely not at home anymore. On one of the days you visit Edinburgh, if you are a literature loving guy or gal like me, you might wish to build a day in for exploring all of the literary landmarks and haunts dedicated to a love of the written word. Sir Walter Scott and perhaps also J.K. Rowling are the most well known writers globally to have strong ties to the city. But there are so many more. There are 63 UNESCO Cities of Literature worldwide. Some are known for their ties to publishing industry and others are true literary destinations. Turns out Amsterdam is also on that list which I didn’t know when we visited the city. Here’s a Look at an Easy Edinburgh Literary Itinerary Take a day and make it literary. You are, after all, in a UNESCO City of Literature. 1. Visit the Writers’ Museum The Museum is free and easy to find – it’s just off Lawnmarket, a part of Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, in Lady Stair’s Close. There are low ceilings and narrow staircases. It’s more than worth the visit but note it’s an old building and not accessible. Pay attention to the surrounding area. There are several adorable Instagram photo spots and winding closes that are gorgeous to stroll on the way there from the Royal Mile and also on the way to your next spot. What’s Inside? Situated within the 17th-century walls of Lady Stair’s House, the Writers’ Museum serves as a sanctuary for the stories of Scotland’s literary titans. These three are key: Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. Beyond a remarkable collection of rare manuscripts and portraits, the museum offers an intimate look at these authors through personal items, such as Burns’ writing desk and the very press that gave life to Scott’s Waverley novels. 2. Scott Monument Sir Walter Scott was widely considered the founder of the literary scene in Edinburgh. Scott’s writing drew attention to Scottish culture and then fell out of favour before his writing a reputation surged yet again in the 20th century. Obviously he is a necessary stop in any Edinburgh Literary Itinerary. Standing proudly in the heart of Edinburgh’s Princes Street Gardens, the Scott Monument is a striking Victorian Gothic tribute to one of Scotland’s most celebrated authors, Sir Walter Scott. Completed in 1846, this 200-foot-tall statue was designed by self-taught architect George Meikle Kemp and remains one of the largest monuments dedicated to a writer anywhere in the world. The structure is adorned with 68 figurative statues of characters from Scott’s novels, while its base features a magnificent Carrara marble statue of the author accompanied by his faithful hound, Maida. 3. Greyfriar’s Kirkyard Find the inspo for many Harry Potter characters here. I have another post about Greyfriars on Thrifty Mommas Tips. Don’t miss it. This is the old moody and historic cemetery which gave JK Rowling some of the ideas for the names of characters. All of the Memento Mori art details on several headstones and tombs reminded me thematically of the series. 4. Stroll down Diagon Alley and browse literary spots Find the Harry Potter themed stores that remind you of the series. There are many used book stores in the city and a couple of them are extremely well known. For instance, walk down Diagon Alley – Elizabeth Street – and locate the Museum Context, which will have a lineup. It is always busy so plan ahead. If you are a diehard fan and need to go inside prepare to wait. There are great souvenirs inside if you are willing to wait. Down the street just a little, you will find John Kay’s Shop. 5. Peruse the National Library of Scotland The National Library of Scotland hosted a one-day pop-up display in November 2025, focused on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and we happened upon it on the last day in Edinburgh. Highly recommend visiting to see what they have in store when you are in town. This is a great last stop in an Edinburgh Literary Itinerary. Held at their George IV Bridge building in Edinburgh, this popup featured rare letters, including one where Shelley corrected Sir Walter Scott on the book’s authorship. ‘It was me who wrote it and not my husband.’ If you know me at all, you know why this hooked me and my daughter Payton. The library is a marvel of architecture and accessibility and frankly more like an art gallery than a library in that it had some insanely impressive exhibits including one about disability. Edinburgh is one of the most walkable cities we have ever visited. Take advantage and explore on foot. You can easily turn any afternoon into a self guided tour if you do some research first and bookmark the locations you want to see. Enjoy this gorgeous UNESCO city of literature. What other UNESCO heritage spots have you visited?

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All the Best Things to Do on a Girl’s Trip to New Orleans

Paula — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 13:11:00 +0000

We are sipping bottomless mimosas watching a burlesque dancer tastefully strut through a New Orleans restaurant. Not your average Sunday morning, but then again nothing is ordinary about this city as we are discovering on our girl’s trip to New Orleans. I recently took a 12-day girl’s getaway Gulf Coast media fam trip. We started in New Orleans. Today started with Legs and Eggs, burlesque breakfast at Sobue, a restaurant named for its location, south of Bourbon Street (Sobue). This decadent brunch features a burlesque performer called Bella Blue, and today, it will end with us driving to North Shore Louisiana and then Coastal Mississippi to stop for two days in Ocean Springs. My first ever visit to New Orleans has been eventful, as well as satisfying. New Orleans is a full sensory feast you won’t soon forget. Our Girl’s Trip to New Orleans I am here with three friends and travel writers and together we are doing a 12-day trip up the Gulf Coast starting in New Orleans and ending in Gulf Shores Alabama. From our base in the Dauphine Orleans Hotel, in the French Quarter, we’ve been able to cover a huge amount of territory, walking for hours, hitting Bourbon Street, Canal Street, Conti Street, Decatur Street and the Warehouse District too. Together, we hunted down multiple versions of beignets, devouring muffuletta sandwiches and some of the richest, freshest, seafood I’ve ever had in the United States. Where Should You Go on Your First Night in NOLA? On the night we arrive, our driver gives us the low down on all the best places to eat. The Ritz Carlton lounge, for beignets, she says. It’s simply the best because of the dips. So, we tuck that information away deciding to visit later that weekend. Of course no trip to New Orleans could ever be complete without that mandatory stop at Café du Monde. These two restaurants are high on our list of spots we have to stop on our girl’s trip to New Orleans. Bar Marilou Speak Easy Bar Marilou is not an overly taxing walk from the French Quarter to the Warehouse District. Located in the former library of the City Hall Annex, Bar Marilou, is the perfect spot to celebrate the launch of our 12-day girl’s getaway. Our first three days will be spent here in New Orleans. The plush red velvet and rich brocade fabrics create a speak easy atmosphere inside the lounge, which is tucked away from the street. Enter through the side door. Look for the neon sign. It’s impossible not to feel mysterious and cool here. Order appetizers and drinks and admire the decor as well as the stunning speak easy attire on all of the bespoke employees. Traveler Tip: I recommend the liverwurst paté appetizer, which was delicious! Bourbon Street in New Orleans is iconic. Day 1 in New Orleans – Segways, Food and Jazz Court of Two Sisters Jazz Brunch In the morning on our first full day in NOLA, we walk to Court of Two Sisters for their daily jazz brunch. Eggs, bacon, smoked salmon, King Cake and Andouille sausage capped off with a made to order omelette bar, bread pudding and so much more. A Jazz trio sits in the corner of an ornate open courtyard behind the restaurant and they periodically move inside the restaurant to play for the patrons and tourists indoors. After a hearty leisurely breakfast and ample amounts of caffeine, we walk over to New Orleans Segway Experience Tour with City Segway Tours for a quick lesson before taking to the streets of the French Quarter. The New Orleans City Segway Tours This is the third time I have done a Segway tour when traveling and I highly recommend it as a great way to see any city you visit. It’s not too hard and is basically all about moving the pressure of your feet and back and forth on the sensors. Once you figure out how to start and stop and whether the instructor/guide is helping you or not, it’s smooth sailing and a fun part of any girl’s trip to New Orleans. The Perfect Way to See More of a City After dodging cars, delivery trucks and a staged parade that was part of a Netflix series filming in town that day, we weaved through the streets, noting the locations of spots like Café du Monde and Jackson Square for later. This is the perfect way to get your bearings learning all about New Orleans history and architecture early on your trip. After exploring on our Segways, we were ready for lunch at the famed Napoleon House. Traveler Tip: Do the Segway Tour early on in your visit to get your bearings in the city. Napoleon House What to Order Here Napoleon House is iconic and an essential part of any girl’s trip to New Orleans. Head to Napoleon House for a Pimms Cup, a cocktail made with Pimms, a British gin-based liqueur with lemon-lime soda, and a slice of cucumber, which is über refreshing, then add a Muffuletta sandwich. A Muffuletta sandwich is a made with cured meats, cheeses and olive spread served on a warm seeded bun. Insanely delicious when done well, and Napoleon House does these extremely well. I dream about this sandwich even still, a month after returning from this adventure. Also loved the shrimp po’ boy sandwich. Traveler Tip: if you take a New Orleans food tour make sure Napoleon House is included on the itinerary. I found two foodie tours on Viator that include this historic restaurant. One is a NOLA cocktail tour. Famous TV Shows and Movies Here Napoleon House has been featured in many movies and TV series. The cupola at the top of the buildings was part of the first season of NCIS New Orleans in an episode called Red Dress Run. Several other episodes of the show have been filmed inside the building. A room upstairs is also available for weddings. The house itself is a National Historic Landmark. In fact, part of Oliver Stone’s JFK was filmed downstairs and so was a Super Bowl commercial. Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture Fuelled by all of the outrageous food, we raced over to see if we could still take a quick tour of the Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture. The staff were extremely gracious and walked us through the museum giving a detailed history of who wore the costumes, and how the museum came to be. All of the costumes were donated. Desire Oyster Bar After exploring the French Quarter, and freshening up back at Dauphine Orleans hotel, we walked to dinner at Desire Oyster Bar. These oysters were the best of the entire 12-day road trip through NOLA and the Gulf Coast. Get the grilled oysters if you are an oyster fan. The raw fresh oysters schucked nearby at the oyster bar are fantastic. The menu is HUGE and there’s a lot to choose from, but nothing beats their oysters. View this post on Instagram Oh my! Of course everyone has heard of how legendary the food is in New Orleans with French, Spanish, Italian and Irish influences as well as Vietnamese, the range of flavours and tastes is unlike anything else you’ll find anywhere in the world. Last night, we went to desire oyster bar in the French quarter of New Orleans. The oysters were unbelievable. They shuck them fresh right there at the oyster bar. The grilled oysters were seasoned to perfection. I will dream about that appetizer. #yum #onetimeinnola #travel #travels #wanderlust #neworleans #nola #hosted #canadalovesgulfshores #canadiangirlsgetaway #food #foodie #seafood #travelwriter #appetizers #frenchquarter A post shared by Paula Schuck (@inkscrblr) on Nov 16, 2019 at 6:09am PST Take in a show at the Jazz Playhouse while here because it’s literally less than two minutes away from Desire Oyster Bar. The Jelly Roll cocktail, had bourbon in it and hit all the right notes for this gal. If you are in New Orleans doing a girl’s getaway build in time to explore Frenchmen Street. It’s a compact musical district where the locals hang out. Day 2 – The Perfect Itinerary in NOLA Breakfast Beignets and Lattes On Day 2, we start at the Ritz Carlton for beignets because we’ve heard they have sauces and are spectacular. TRUE story. These beignets are affordable, scrumptious and they come with caramel, chocolate and also vanilla sauce. Byron, our server was exceptional. They also have fantastic lattes and you don’t have to be staying there in order to dine at the restaurant. Don’t forget to look for Byron! He has a huge amount of knowledge on all the best places to dine in New Orleans. St. Louis Cemetery #1 Tour One of the most entertaining things we did while doing our girl’s trip to New Orleans was the St. Louis Cemetery #1 Tour. This was our first excursion of the day, after a short walk to a nearby café where we met Loretta of Two Chicks Walking Tours. Loretta, from the start, was a kick, dramatizing some of the famous NOLA history and characters buried in the cemetery, and providing several educational tidbits. Look for Nick Cage’s oddball pyramid tomb which has been struck by lightning three times! Why Two Chicks? Be warned! This cemetery is extremely busy and there’s a lot to know about the tombs within. Also be respectful. Going with a guide from Two Chicks is highly beneficial. The one-hour tour is fast paced, but you also get enough of the meat and potatoes. Loretta Adkins launched our tour with a whole lot of humour and immediately advised: “Let’s not sully our vibration by talking politics.” What to Expect on This Tour Learn why New Orleans bury their dead above ground. The space where the cemetery is was once a trading post and the land was swampland. You can’t bury bodies underground in a swamp. Did you know that Yellow Fever in the 1700s killed a lot of people in Louisiana? Or that multiple people are buried in one tomb? In Louisiana, the heat creates a sort of sped up organic decomposition process. One year and a day after the burial, a worker goes into the tomb and uses a tool to push the remains into a section called the caveau. That makes room for more bodies. Roughly 50,000 people are buried in St. Louis Cemetery #1! Treme Creole Gumbo Festival Every weekend there are numerous festivals in New Orleans and many revolve around food. We started at the Treme Creole Gumbo festival for lunch, listened to some music in Louis Armstrong Park, browsed the artisan wares and sampled a couple of different beignets then headed over to Fêtes des Fromage and ate every variety of cheese we could find. Cheese Wheel at Fêtes des Fromages Seven different types of cheeses spin around on a pretend ferris wheel, while people reach for one of each to sample with crostini and small cranberry breads. Inside the Vermont tent a man uses a small butane torch to melt sugar onto local Vermont goat cheese. The sweet layer of sugar dusting the top of the melted cheese is the perfect compliment to the creamy taste beneath. Find the Festivals Fêtes des Fromages takes place each November featuring world-renowned and local cheeses. The French American Chamber of Commerce transforms the grounds of the New Orleans Jazz Museum and people wait in line to pair wines with hundreds of cheeses from around the world. The fall festival features international, domestic and Louisiana cheese samples. Red, white, and rosé wine imports from Europe are on offer for pairing with craft beers, ciders and water. Traveler Tip: Check the Visit New Orleans web site and find a festival worth exploring. Stay for the cracking of the wheel competition or wander consuming one of everything before starting all over again. The Fêtes des Fromages is a must do for any cheese lover visiting the city in November. Café du Monde We made it our goal that day to sample many different beignets and no NOLA experience would be complete without a stop at Café du Monde. Expect lineups and don’t skip the coffee. It has a hint of chicory which makes it rich and full bodied, sort of grounding the sweet powdery taste of the beignets. The outdoor market atmosphere adds to the experience. Sazerac House Whiskey and spirit lovers will love the brand new Sazerac House, which just opened in October 2019. There are free tours daily and samples of cocktails, bitters and whiskey too. Ideally, here you learn a bit about the history of whiskey in New Orleans, taste a few samples of the spirits and cocktails and then stop by the distillery. New Orleans School of Cooking After a busy day of walking and chewing up all the steps goals on our apps and Fitbits, we headed back to the New Orleans School of Cooking in the French Quarter for what would be one of the highlights of our New Orleans girl’s getaway. Our hands on cooking class started with a little bit of information about the cooking school, the chef and the range of dishes we were going to make. Much Cajun food derives from Acadia and relies on flavours layered in one pot. We started with a Shrimp and Tasso Maque Choux, a Duck and Andouille Gumbo and then finally moved on to Bread pudding. In fact, it was my first time making a roux ever, even though I have heard a lot about it. So being able to learn here and build gumbo from start to finish was a dream scenario for me. Frankly, I had no idea I liked bread pudding until I made one of my own in New Orleans! Roughly ten of us took part in the New Orleans Cooking class. We paired up with partners to execute all three of our dishes following the chef’s instructions. There were many couples taking part in the class. Sharon Mendelaoui of Daily Dream 360 and Merry Spooner-Kuchle or Merry About Town worked together. Margarita Ibbott of DownshiftingPro and I cooked at our station. It was incredibly satisfying watching that roux turn from light beige to peanut butter to a chocolate brown shade. Thankfully, this city is very walkable, because wine and beer were part of the New Orleans School of Cooking experience. NOLA Ghost and Haunts Nighttime Bus Tour As if that were not enough, after eating all the amazing food that we made, we hopped onto a bus for a ghost tour. This tour started at Washington Artillery Park and led us to another cemetery. Hear stories of murder, betrayal and the haunted hotels and landmarks in the city! But, be warned you may not sleep after hearing some of the creepiest stories. Our final day in NOLA ends with the burlesque brunch at Sobue and then off we go for a short drive across the causeway to North Shore Louisiana. Take a New Orleans Girl’s Trip With international influences, British, Italian, Irish, Scottish, Spanish, French of course, and even Vietnamese, the city’s food and flavours are unmatched. New Orleans food is a celebration and some of the best cuisine I’ve ever had, anywhere. The food, plus the culture, and history here make the perfect recipe for a memorable girl’s trip.

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Eastern State Penitentiary Tour Philadelphia – Where the Walls Talk

Paula — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 12:28:47 +0000

Our trip to Philadelphia was sponsored by Visit Philly and we were hosted while in Philadelphia. My opinion is truthful. If only walls could talk. Well, actually at Eastern State Penitentiary, the world’s first and most historic penitentiary, they do. Numerous multi-media and art installations, coupled with a brilliant audio tour, make history come to life giving walls a voice inside this historical Philadelphia landmark. During a recent mother daughter trip to Philadelphia we had an extra day to explore. When flights are cancelled last minute what do you do? Well, you explore more of the history in this rich city. And you jump at the chance to take the Eastern State Penitentiary tour. Visiting Philadelphia It’s possible to enjoy Philadelphia in 2-3 days, but you can’t begin to see everything in that time. Build in an extra day if you can. On our bonus day in Philadelphia we took a Hop on Hop Off Big Bus tour and set out to see all the things we missed. Time to squeeze in more museums and historical sites. When our bus tour guide mentioned “Scarface” Al Capone was once a famous inmate at the Eastern State Penitentiary we jumped out of our seats. My daughter Ainsley was game for an adventure and the penitentiary sounded gothic and haunting. Just right for teenage travel companions. A Haunting and Memorable Tour From the outside, the penitentiary is an imposing and awesome structure. High, cold, stone walls still intimidate from the outside in. An extremely narrow corridor spills out into a courtyard where the audio tour begins. Narrated by actor, director Steve Buscemi, who became interested in the Eastern State Penitentiary when scouting locations to film in, the audio tour is dramatic and comprehensive. Buscemi leads you through time as the audio directs you around the property. Curators and historians spent hours interviewing former inmates and guards. The result is compelling and educational. Architecture and Historical Significance Built by famous Pennsylvania architect John Havilland, the penitentiary hatched out of an idea that reportedly occurred at Benjamin Franklin’s house in 1787. When the penitentiary opened in 1829 it was an architectural marvel and the most expensive public structure in the country at the time. Purposefully imposing, the penitentiary existed to deter people from committing crimes. Gothic Revival architecture of the 1740s in England was associated with churches. Havilland borrowed heavily from that style and the Eastern State Penitentiary is Neo-Gothic. You can easily see church influence throughout the penitentiary. From above, the prison layout looked like the spokes of a wheel with a guard tower at the centre. This tour, and this building, feel extremely authentic. Atmosphere is intense with purpose. Even the spots near the cells where the brick flakes off lend to the effect. Hands on History The history of the Philadelphia prison system is extensive and interesting. In fact the US prison system story starts here at the Eastern State Penitentiary. Alongside the details of famous former prisoners, the Eastern State Penitentiary tour offers fascinating insight into politics and the business of crime. The tour ends near the baseball diamond and some solitary cells. Before you leave, take a moment to read historical accounts from prisoners. While learning about the history of the prison, its role in the Philadelphia prison system, and the surrounding area, you can’t help but learn about its approach to incarceration too. This was the first true penitentiary and a model for many other prisons eventually. The goal was inspiring regret for crimes committed and rehabilitation rather than incarceration and revenge. So much history here. So glad our flight was cancelled so we could see this! Eastern State Penitentiary has an incredible audio tour. #visitphilly❤️ ad💕🚌 did you know Al Capone stayed here? We could have spent hours more here. Amazing! #travelblogger #travels #traveling #travelers #motherdaughtertrips #history #ifwtwa #crime #penitentiary A post shared by Paula Schuck (@inkscrblr) on Jul 22, 2018 at 10:22am PDT When it was originally built prisoners were brought to the facility with hoods over their heads so they wouldn’t recognize anything or anyone. And in the beginning they were truly in an enforced state of solitude with no conversation allowed. Small rectangular slots in cell walls were for food and materials. A Prison Tour You Won’t Forget Even if you’ve been on a prison tour in the past, the Eastern State Penitentiary Tour is like nothing you’ve ever experienced. The history of this place is truly unique in its construction, approach to incarceration, and ideology. Such a powerful learning experience. History buffs will appreciate the authenticity and architecture of the facility. Planning a trip to Philadelphia? Here, just like every museum we visited in Philadelphia, the hands on parts of the attraction lend added dimension to the experience. Loved being able to walk the grounds and the cell blocks while hearing from prison guards and inmates via the audio. By the 1930s the Eastern State Penitentiary was out of date with no air conditioning and outdated plumbing. It closed in 1971. At one point the prison was almost demolished, but preservationists stepped in to keep it. A Few More Facts About the American Justice System The US prison system has undergone extreme changes over the decades. Right now more than 2 million people are in jails in the United States. One in three Americans will be arrested by the age of 23. At least 70 million Americans have a criminal record. Powerful Lessons at the Eastern State Penitentiary What an original experience and a remarkable slice of history. Make note of their exciting Halloween tours. If you go to Philadelphia, the Wyndham Historic District, is an affordable family friendly place to stay.

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The Story of Quebec City Art and Architecture

Paula — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 10:43:05 +0000

Quebec City has a remarkable story written on its streets via the statues, public art and beautiful landmark buildings. The city is a slice of Europe and nowhere is that more apparent than in the magnificent Quebec City art and architecture punctuating the dramatic landscape. With strong Catholic influence, British and French flavour mingled with aboriginal traditions, this city is one of a kind. Quebec City art and architecture tells a rich story of the city, how it started, the many challenges faced here, and of course how it evolved to be a popular heritage and cultural hub, as well as an international travel destination. Old Quebec City has been a Unesco Heritage site since 1985. It is distinctly an area that sprang from the St Lawrence River and is clearly still divided into old and new Quebec by the stunning wall that surrounds Old Quebec. Recently I had the chance to visit the city for WITS 18 (Women in Travel Summit). We stayed at the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac for a couple of days prior to the start of the actual conference. Over the course of a chilly and rainy two days in May I took part in five incredible walking tours of the city. The Fairmont Chateau Frontenac proved to be the ideal base from which to explore everything this city has to offer. One day after a truly enjoyable Quebec food tour we embarked on a Quebec City Art and Architecture walking tour with Tours Lévis Québec. Over the course of roughly 3 hours we covered many kilometres with our professional guide Judith. While I have been to the beautiful province of Quebec many times I had never visited Quebec City and this tour was an excellent way to gain insight into history and heritage there. As a school child I remember well studying Quebec and Samuel de Champlain’s legacy. The walled city was interesting but the history lessons were lost on me then. Visiting the city in person as an adult to see how everything here has been shaped by Samuel de Champlain, along with French, British and aboriginal influences is a magnificent experience. Quebec City is a destination every Canadian should see to fully understand our history. It is as close to Europe as we get in Canada. [tweetthis]Did you know Quebec City is the only fortified city north of Mexico? #travel #quebecoriginal #IFWTWA Read More…[/tweetthis] From outside the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, we learned of French influence and Louis the X1V’s plans to turn the city into a small Versailles. Quebec City is the only city in Canada developed as a French city. But there’s not much of that influence left. One single red brick in the foundation of the Chateau is all that’s left there that is truly French. Departing from the Chateau Frontenac and heading straight to the Samuel de Champlain statue overlooking the St Lawrence river, this tour gives the foundations of history and it covers a lot of ground too. Old city, new city, lower city – you will visit them all in the Quebec City art and architecture tour. Did you know Quebec City boasts over 40 museums and cultural centres? Four hundred public works of art adorn the city streets. Climate was the main issue here when settlers first arrived. Many went to the south. Others stopped in Quebec City, but geography and weather were huge factors inhibiting success. Historically, the St. Lawrence River was vital to success and settlement. While The Great Lakes are pretty much positioned in middle of the continent and were vital to exploration in North America, the route there was up the St Lawrence. If you arrived in Quebec City in spring or summer and missed your boat out in September you were stuck. Ice forms quickly on the St. Lawrence and boats couldn’t leave after the ice formed. The first attempt at civilization was death by scurvy often. Samuel de Champlain was first to work with the aboriginal population. That’s how colonization succeeded finally in Quebec City. Work with aboriginals was vital but nobody until Champlain understood that. He promised to protect them in exchange for them teaching him how to hunt and survive in the harsh new climate. The Quebec harbour became a major trade spot. The layout of the city, that recently celebrated its 400th birthday, was established where the Samuel de Champlain statue is now. In 1800s Quebec City decided it was important to maintain the footprint of the French. But much of the French influence had been dismantled but that time. The streets of Quebec City are very much a living breathing museum of all the factors that commingled to forge the city itself. Church of course remains a major factor in Quebec City history and there are so many worth visiting here. The art, architecture and stained glass windows are memorable. One of the beautiful things about travel to Quebec City is the fact that it is a human scale city designed so you can see the landscape from almost all vantage points. It is incredibly walkable and almost impossible to get lost. Follow the wall and you will return to the centre of the city. All the streets are parallel to the cliff wall. Find your way to Rue de Tresor, street of treasures, Artist’s Alley, originally named because it was the street you would walk down to get to the treasury. Visit artist’s alley. I wish I’d had time to buy some pictures. At some point most of Quebec buildings were white with walls of limestone. There are several examples of this nd one of the most noteworthy is Restaurants Aux Anciens Canadien, the oldest home in Quebec. This is a lovely restaurant we went to one night. It features several traditional dishes such as tortiere and French Onion soup. Windows were often all lined up. Houses were built tight together so nobody could fit between houses and hide. So many remaining elements and features in this city will remind you it was a fortress. In the lower city cannons still exist and in fact you can see them throughout Quebec City, making great spots for photos. The Chateau Frontenac is an example of Medieval style architecture. There are many influences on the streets surrounding the Frontenac. You will find copper rooftops on a few of the old buildings, especially the ones that had a government or public service function at one point. Quebec City is a piece of Europe. If you haven’t been here you need to put it on your bucket list. The Art and architecture tour this week was well worth the time. Great way to see the city. #wits18 #travel #travelblogger #ifwtwa #wanderlust #architecture #art #history #canada🇨🇦 #quebeccity #quebecoriginal #quebecregion A post shared by Paula Schuck (@inkscrblr) on May 6, 2018 at 6:07am PDT You might think that the people here were shorter than average Canadians are these days, because the ceilings are so low in some buildings. But, in fact the low roof was intended to keep heat in. The best place to be a woman in Canada is Quebec. Historically the city and province were very matriarchal. Nuns came here years ago as young women and they took a vital role in health and wellness of everyone. Here nuns were cloistered until the late 60s. Church up until 1968 controlled their life, school, religion. Louis XIV wanted to be remembered as a king who promoted art and architecture. He was also one of the first to allow women to own property. In the early 1800s Quebec City women could vote in elections because they owned land. Some time after Louis, when leadership changed they declared only men with land could vote. Women’s right to vote was revoked and they did not get it again until the 1940s. Near the monastery on the tour, there’s a beautiful monument with hand and quill that represents gift of education. Nuns were instrumental in education. When nuns were uncloistered in the late 1960s it was traumatic. Many women chose cloistered life at 15/16 then were suddenly released to live in society. The history of nuns and monasteries here is a compelling topic too. Seeking a health and wellness style weekend? Or a longer visit? Book Le Monastere Des Augustines, a renovated monastery you can stay in. If you visit the city, be sure to do a tour or two. Book in advance because they are popular. On this Quebec City Art and Architecture walking tour you will be sure to see the School of Architecture, Seminaire de Quebec, a huge white building towards the end of the morning or afternoon. It is breathtaking and photographs extremely well so get your cameras ready. This tour ends in the charming lower city, which feels a lot like Paris. Walk up the stairs or take the Funiculaire which is $3 and a fun ride. But first spend an hour or two in he lower city shopping at the one of a kind Quebec City shops and restaurants. We picked up insanely good salads at one of the small grocery shops. Quebec City Art and Architecture Tour Quebec City art and architecture tells the story of the city and parts of the province too. It is stunning and well worth exploring. This Quebec City art and architecture tour was educational and a great way to get a window into the history of the area. Tours Lévis Québec offers a History Walking Tour which sounds equally educational and informative. What you need to know: WEAR good walking shoes. There is a lot of walking on this Quebec City art and architecture walking tour. Bring money for tips. Tours run all year round Bring some money if you wish to take the Funiculaire at end. (a fun lift back up to the Frontenac that is $3 (2018) per person) Tour ends in lower city. Camera of course, and water bottle as well. Dress accordingly. Umbrella if it is rainy, and gloves, plus winter coats if it is snowing. For more details about the Region and all there is to do and see check the Quebec City web site. When you visit stay at the Fairmont Le Chateau. Book the Fairmont Quebec City stay here with TripAdvisor. The post may contain affiliate links as a service to my readers. This is the Quebec Art tour we did. Ours was a small group tour provided for WITS attendees, but there are private tours too. It was exceptional. If you make a purchase via one of the links here, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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Ring of Kerry – A Must See in Ireland

Paula — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 11:06:43 +0000

Ring of Kerry. Remember the name of this spot when planning your trip to Ireland. Tuck it away for later. There’s something magical about Ireland as a whole. But there are some areas that are dramatic, outstanding examples of nature at its best. Places you cannot and should not miss. Killarney, Dublin, Dingle, and the Ring of Kerry are pure magic. If you ever find your way to Ireland promise me now you will see all of the above and be sure to visit Ring of Kerry. In October I went to Killarney for TBEX, Travel Blogger’s Exchange conference. The location was a huge draw for me and there were some great sessions, wonderful tours and networking opportunities too of course. But towards the end of the conference when I still had not seen Ring of Kerry I was honestly feeling a bit heartbroken. So I woke up early one morning and raced down the street to Deros Tours. Happily, they had space and together with Margarita Ibbott and her oldest daughter we boarded a bus for a day of sightseeing. It was truly one of the highlights of my trip to Ireland. Ring of Kerry Tour Ireland consists of 26 counties divided into 4 provinces. It’s not a small country at all. The country boasts rolling pastures, towering cliffs, crashing coastlines, small hamlets, and large cities. It is a place full of storytellers and characters and stunning architecture too. While I started in Killarney and truly loved my experience there in this charming city, I took a quick one day trip to Dingle to tour a distillery and search out a famous dolphin named Fungie. Then I was scheduled for a familiarization tour in Dublin. SUPER exciting! On my first day in Ireland, on a lengthy bus ride to Killarney from the Dublin airport, I heard all about Ring of Kerry from another passenger. “God’s country,” he called it and warned me not to miss. My schedule was tight and Dublin was pending. Ring of Kerry was also calling. What to do? Happy to report I did get to see “God’s country” and much more. The crashing waves, idyll tiny villages and lush vegetation coupled with friendly people along the way, made The Ring of Kerry a great experience. This scenic drive around the Iveragh Peninsula in southwest Ireland’s County Kerry is the best way to see some of the most beautiful scenery you can find in the country. The Ring passes through Sneem, Waterville, Cahersiveen, and Glenbeigh before returning to Killarney. Major attractions along the ring are many. Sneem was a sweet little spot and there are many great Instagram worthy photo spots there. Of course the Skelligs are otherworldly and infamous for being a big piece of two of the most recent Star Wars movies. You will see the Skelligs from a distance. Loved seeing it even from a distance but wish we’d had more time to pause and capture more photos there. Each spot or stop along the Ring of Kerry seems more dramatic than the last one. These are a few of the quaint stops we made: Gap of Dunloe Bog Village Dunloe Ogham Stones Kerry Woollen Mills, Rossbeigh Beach Cahersiveen Heritage Centre Derryname House Skellig Experience Staigue Fort Kenmare Lace Ladies View Torc Waterfall Muckross House The Blue Pool Ross Castle St. Mary’s Cathedral Muckross Abbey Faranciscan Friary Kellegy Church O’Connell Memorial Church Skellig Michael Like I said, the Ring of Kerry covers A LOT of ground and some of the most famous sites in all of Ireland, and we got to see much of it with Deros Tours. The trip was 26 Euros, which was a steal in my opinion. The tour took us all through most of the spots noted above. It was one of the few sunny days we had while in Ireland and the coastline was gorgeous. At Kerry Bog Village I had the best Irish Coffee of my life. On this particular tour we had a quick introduction to everything the Ring had to offer. It’s enjoyable leaving the drive to someone else when in a country you aren’t familiar with where people drive on the opposite side of the road. The tour guide and staff were friendly, taking our photos sometimes and answering questions on the way. At each stop along The Ring of Kerry, we learned the history behind some of the most famous spots in Ireland. Midway through the trip, there was also a sheepherding demonstration. The shepherd talked a little about what he did, and he gave us a demonstration of how his dogs herd sheep. That was a quirky experience that cost an extra 5 Euros but was well worth it. This is a seasonal attraction. If you have the chance to witness this then take it. There’s a chance to ask questions at the end of the sheepherding demonstration. There’s more to know about this lifestyle than you can imagine. In Sneem we stopped to look around at the shops and grabbed an ice cream before heading on to Ladies View. The gorgeous greens and blues are sharper than any artist’s palette. Even the rocks and craggy coast are cut from something a little otherworldly. It’s easy to see why this area captivates tourists and has served well as a make believe setting for movies like Star Wars and series like Game of Thrones. The natural terrain, the greenest moss and grasses trailing right into the the sapphire blue waters making each feature seem that much brighter. Experience the Ring of Kerry by Tour I had a lot of amazing experiences in Ireland, and each one was memorable and educational too. The Ring of Kerry was well worth the extra time. The staff were incredibly friendly, and so were the people. No matter where you stop in Ireland you will be made to feel welcome. It was an incredible experience from start to finish, and I recommend Deros Tours if you ever tour the Ring of Kerry. Do It Yourself Want to stay in a castle in Ireland? Read Hannah Logan’s post – > 9 Affordable Castles in Ireland. This is an excellent package, which will get you most of what we saw while in Ireland. Killarney, Dingle, Dublin and Ring of Kerry Tour! A 9-day tour of Ireland, including accommodations and breakfasts – this is a steal at $1060 Canadian. Disclosure: This tour was not sponsored. This post contains affiliate links as a service to readers. If you make a purchase via one of the links I make a small fee at no extra cost to you.

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My Seven Favourite Dublin Experiences

Paula — Tue, 26 Dec 2017 11:54:36 +0000

I had so many amazing Dublin experiences recently when visiting the city in the Fall. Dublin is a creative, amazing city that recently earned National Geographic’s Best of the World distinction and it’s easy to see why. If you have not been yet I strongly suggest finding a way to visit. It’s more than worth the time and energy to get there. Stop and savour the Dublin food scene. So many Irish Showstoppers that are memorable and truly well done. Stroll the city by foot, and take a tour while you are there too. Consider this Game of Thrones and Giant’s Causeway Tour! Also this private tour of Ring of Kerry from Sneem. You shouldn’t miss Ring of Kerry Explore the many landmarks, historical sites and museums and of course go to the theatre. Dublin is culturally brilliant and a feast for the eyes and tastebuds. There are more than enough Dublin experiences to last a lifetime. Here are my favourites. My Seven Favourite Dublin Experiences. Lazy Bike Tours – Have you ever been on an electronic bike? If the answer is no then it’s time to give it a shot. These bikes are fun to ride and a great way to see the city. You need not worry too much about overexerting yourself. They are fairly simple to operate. But they also aren’t as lazy as the name implies. Owner Hugh, is extremely knowledgeable about the city of Dublin which makes this one of my top Dublin experiences. He adds a lot to this fun eco-friendly sightseeing adventure. A stop at Chester Beatty library. And so many more stops along the way. We visited St. Patrick’s Cathedral for a moment from the outside and then on a different day as a group we went indoors. But here you see Hugh telling us about the area near the library and several public art pieces and buildings. His anecdotes about famous Irish people were memorable too. If you think that museums are dry, even you, or especially you, will be amazed and generally overwhelmed by EPIC, the Irish Emigration Museum. My favourite of all the museums or theatres or libraries visited in Dublin. For me this is one of the things you simply cannot skip when visiting Dublin. Epic – The Irish Emigration Museum THIS is everything. One of my top 5 museums that I have ever visited anywhere globally. Epic lives up to its name and then some. Epic, The Irish Emigration Museum is new and it was built with backing of a private funder. In fact it almost didn’t come about because it was to be a publicly funded build and then funding fell through. Thankfully, a visionary private funder backed the museum and built it into this incredible work of art. Are You one of the 70 million? There are 70 million people globally in the world right now who claim Irish heritage. You will see yourself reflected in this experience somewhere both physically and symbolically. LOVED the genius integration of technology and creativity to bring history to life. So incredibly grateful we had the chance to see this. Epic is moving and emotional. This museum is family friendly, but I think to get the most out of it I would recommend bringing older children, 9 and up. For me, the museum was the intersection of art, poetry, history, culture and technology all woven intricately together. Beyond impressive how every single period of time, or topic I could have imagined is dealt with here. The Talking Statues More creativity on stage here throughout the city of Dublin. Throughout the city of Dublin there are numerous talking statues voiced by famous Irish actors and actresses. When you are sightseeing or visiting a museum and you spy one of these talking statues, you download an app to scan the QR code and take a picture of it. Moments later your phone will ring and it will be Oscar Wilde or James Joyce, or George Bernard Shaw. I was standing beside someone when they received a phone call from Oscar Wilde. It was both hilarious and awesome. Imagine James Joyce phoning you. Wait, you don’t have to imagine – in fact you can make that happen in Dublin. Many cities have tourist attractions and many have museums and history on display. Not many take all of this and turn it on its head with interactive cultural and historical displays, that make history relevant even for digital natives, breathing life into Irish figures. Trinity College Wow. Just wow. Check this out from outside while doing the Dublin Literary Pub Crawl or visit it on your own during daytime. They don’t build colleges like this anymore. This is the college that many famous Irish authors attended, including Oscar Wilde. Dublin Castle If you visit Dublin, or any spot in Ireland, and don’t see a castle then you must have been sleepwalking through the visit. There are castles all over Ireland. Dublin Castle is gorgeous inside and out. Stop by and take pictures. I loved the incredible details here. The architecture is stunning all over Ireland. Dublin castle is one of my top Dublin experiences. The Dublin Literary Pub Crawl This might easily have been number one or maybe two on my list. The Dublin Literary Pub Crawl is dramatic and educational and downright FUN! Loved this. These two actors made the pub crawl come to life. We followed them around the city one night. The pub crawl begins in Duke Pub on Duke Street. Good thing the city is so walkable. They created historical narrative experiences that were like mini plays all over the city. Magical. My final favourite of all my Dublin experiences was this incredible photo walk with Photographer Darren McLoughlin. Let me just say here though that everything in Dublin was remarkable. The food scene is vibrant and really a shocker because it is unexpected. Scenery of course is historical and stunning and the museums are well worth a stop, especially EPIC. But I had never done a photography tour and this was a gorgeous way to end my time in Dublin. Panoramic Ireland photo walk Many influencers have done these many times in different locations. However I had never done one so I was really keen to pick Darren’s brain and just observe while hopefully picking up a few pointers. I’d like to think that my photos got better as our tour went on throughout the day. That is a wonderful gift. All the Dublin Experiences Dublin is culturally and historically relevant even still and such a creative city to visit. I can’t simply say these are the only Dublin experiences to do when there because there are so many more. These were my favourites of all the incredible spots we visited and tours offered while there. For a comprehensive look at Dublin read my Drama of Dublin tour guide. Many thanks to Failte Ireland and TBEX for offering such a great adventure to travel influencers. I was part of the Drama of Dublin Tour and as such was provided with accommodations, meals, transportation and activities while in Dublin. My opinion is all my own and it is always truthful.

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Eco-Tour by Airboat in the Florida Everglades #Travel

Paula — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 10:34:40 +0000

I am whipping through the Florida Everglades by airboat. Up until now my closest experience with an airboat and an alligator was in the movies, as in me watching them race by on Miami Vice, or in the movies. Or me laughing or scoffing at TV shows like The Gator Boys. In all honesty, this is a tiny bit of why I decided to do this today. My kids are massive fans of the show The Gator Boys. I know they will be impressed with this adventure and I have never been in an airboat, so this feels like it will be an exciting way to spend a Fall day. Also, why not? Despite half a dozen trips to Florida this year, and a couple of family trips to Orlando area over the years, I have never seen the Everglades. At least not until now, up close and personal inside an airboat which is at once both bigger, and strangely more fragile looking, than I ever pictured. There really isn’t that much to this thing they’ve dubbed a state of the art boat. I am the tiniest bit nervous at the start of this adventure because the boat seems so light and open and honestly I know nothing of alligator behaviour. Aren’t they man-eating monstrosities? Earlier in the morning I joined a group of travel bloggers from around the world who descended on Fort Lauderdale this weekend to do excursions and meet with travel brands at a conference called TBEX (Travel Bloggers Expo). Together we took a bus trip from Broward County Convention Centre to Everglades Holiday Park. We take a quick group picture and capture a few individual shots and selfies and then line up ready to board the boat. There are signs all over comically reminding people not to feed, or molest, the alligators. I had to take a picture near one of the signs, of course for Instagram. It boggles the mind sometimes when these things are not obvious. Since then, I have also recently spotted a sign reminding people not to stick their hands in a shark tank. Seems like that’s a no brainer, right? Wrong. I am a little relieved when the boat starts slow and we glide across the water. There is a bit of a roof over the boat and it’s raining slightly so the roof makes a difference, just as it would if it were a super sunny day. Our driver is dressed like Crocodile Dundee and he’s sporting a Gator Tooth on his light khaki clothing. He starts with a strenuous reminder about keeping all body parts inside the boat at all times and paints a bit of a picture of alligators potentially lurching into the boat. I am nearest the side of the boat and I begin to wonder if that was a wise choice, but I am hoping to snap some decent pictures and I know this is the location for that. I’m sitting next to Sandi Allen from Canadian Blog House, based out of Ottawa. Beside me, she periscopes the tour, but the motor of the boat is extremely loud and it’s challenging to talk over the whirring sound. Our first alligator sighting is exciting. The boat slows to a crawl and the alligator gets up close within five feet of the boat. We circle him and he circles us back. Eyeing us up for dinner, I think. The captain of this particular boat fuels the fire of my overactive imagination spinning stories about alligators. Another blogger reaches over the side to adjust her GoPro. I envision it falling into the water and being consumed by a gator. But she seems unconcerned, adjusting it several times. When my kids both got wind of this Everglades Holiday Park excursion they almost tried to stowaway in my suitcase. They love the Animal Planet show, also available on Youtube, called Gator Boys. They know every type of gator behaviour. My kids both can identify when the gators are spinning into a death roll. But oddly there isn’t much authentic to find about the Gator Boys inside this natural preserve. For that one reason my kids would have been disappointed with this excursion. The tour is educational, entertaining and fun on its own. But The Gator Boys are really nowhere to be found despite promise of a show after the one hour tour. Gators really aren’t that interested in humans according to several people at Everglades Holiday Park. Not really the man eating monstrosities I anticipated. Mostly gators would like to keep to themselves. But occasionally people do foolish things like jumping into water at feeding time ( dusk ) when gators are known to live nearby. Or feeding gators occasionally. When you feed a gator they come to expect it and will return to that area looking for food. If they don’t find food then you or your small pets and children could be in trouble. Common sense, people. The Everglades in Florida is a sprawling area of open wetlands, with over 1.5 million acres of land that is home to many interesting species of birds and marine life. Alligators, manatees, dolphins and crocodiles can be spotted in the Everglades. At Everglades Holiday Park we spy at least one dozen American alligators and several species of unique plants and birds too. It’s educational and a tour worth doing. My only disappointment was the Gator Boys Animal Rescue show after the airboat tour. There are no Gator Boys here. This is the alligator rescue facility where nuisance alligators are brought and cared for. So alligators found in someone’s backyard where they should not be, might have been rescued and brought here. They are not forced to perform and seemed to be quite content to rest in the sun which is nice to see. There are more gators here than I would have imagined. This alligator Gator Boys inspired show is informational mostly, which is great, but I anticipated seeing the Gator Boys and even getting autographs. That was not the case. This is a volunteer who helps out at the rescue area show above. She was totally brave and fierce to step into a space with 18 or so live alligators, many of which were huge!! There will be some time to pose with a baby alligator and get a picture after for $5. So Everglades Holiday Park tour was educational and enjoyable and worth it so you can say you have done the Everglades and that you rode in an airboat. But the show part after might not be what you expected if you are hoping to see Gator Boys. [tweetthis]Have you ever taken a tour of the Florida Everglades by airboat? #travel[/tweetthis] I was a guest of Everglades Holiday Park while visiting south Florida, Fort Lauderdale area. This is my honest opinion.

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