If You're Ever There...Go Here!
 

Since we are in the middle of summer and people are likely travelling, I thought it might be fun if people posted about places they've been and things they've seen that might not be found in the regular tourist brochures. Perhaps you've found a great secluded beach, a funky restaurant, a cool club, an interesting museum....whatever.


One of my favourite places in the world is Vancouver Island (I lived there for a time, as a child). As you arrive at Departure Bay on the ferry from Horseshoe Bay you will find yourself in Nanaimo...home of the famous Nanaimo Bars and less famous Bathtub Races. Sure, Nanaimo may not be as beautiful or quaint as Victoria but it holds some hidden treasures.

PIPER'S LAGOON: When I was a child this lagoon was almost unknown to anyone but the locals. It still rarely gets too crowded and it's the perfect place to take children for a day's hike, swim, and picnic. From the many cliffs you are likely to see seals frolicking in the sea. It's an even better place for a romantic stroll and an intimate picnic dinner with that special someone. There are so many secluded little nooks and crannies, you are likely to find privacy.

The lagoon is fairly large and you will be able to find your own private piece of Heaven. You park at one end and walk along a narrow, straight dyke between the lagoon and the restless surf. The waves from the open water have created a marvellous pebbly beach with a great deal of mermaid's tears (a beautiful product of beach glass). Then it gets rocky; there is some non-technical rock-climbing for those who desire it, and one larger hill covered in arbutus and Garry Oak, eagles, driftwood and views of the Strait. Remember, this is not a California beach it's a typical PNW beach. Google Piper's Lagoon, Nanaimo BC Canada for map and directions.

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Piper's Lagoon




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The beautiful Arbutus tree

Louisville, Kentucky
 

Visiting Churchill Downs is one the most recommended places in Louisville. If the horses aren't running on the track, Churchill Downs has museum to visit for the horse racing enthusiast. Churchill Downs officially opened in 1875, and held the first Kentucky Derby and the first Kentucky Oaks in the same year. Churchill Downs has also hosted the renowned Breeders' Cup on eight occasions, most recently in 2011. Churchill Downs Incorporated owns and operates the racetrack. The capacity of Churchill Downs is 120,000.

Places I've been to while in the Military and Montana where I used to live before moving back to Florida
 

Here are a select few places I've been and will always remember and that hopefully you'll enjoy and go there also. South Korea, Hawaii, Japan, German, France, Ft Riley Kansas, and Ft Gordon Ga.





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The Bovine Sex Club 542 Queen Street West Toronto, ON Canada
 

I've never been much for the bar scene, but the Bovine Sex Club is one of my favourite local hangouts. Known as The Bovine to locals, this is a bar that's all about the music. This is the place to be to hear independent musicians and artists, playing everything from rock to punk to alternative to rockabilly. Bonus: It's in a cool part of town (and they still let me in). :)

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l1...g?t=1407623374

Kansas City, Missouri
 

Harley Davidson factory tours offer the chance to extraordinary people channel their pride and expertise into machines.

Lake Cumberland, Kentucky
 

A personal favorite of mine.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee
 

Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America's most visited national park.

Havana, Cuba
 

Cannot travel directly to Havana from the States. Had to go through Mexico after applying for a professional research license. It was worth the effort.

One of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean and the weather is perfect in the winter. Warm and breezy.

There's lots to see in Havana, but be sure to visit the gallery of artist José Rodríguez Fuster. He specializes in ceramics, painting, drawing, engraving, and graphic design. Through the sale of his paintings, ceramics and other works, Mr. Fuster has carried out many renovations and decorative art projects throughout the fishing town of Jaimanitas (on the west outskirts of Havana). His work has been compared to that of Gaudi in Barcelona.

This is the entrance to his gallery and workshops:

http://www.rbarnhill.com/Cuba/Images/211122-0495.jpg

Link with more photos:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos%C3%...Fuster_pic.jpg

Here's more about him on Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos%C3%...%ADguez_Fuster

Orema, it is incredible that you went to Cuba. I love the Gaudi buildings and church in Barcelona. As a one time collector of Outsider Art I appreciate this work. Thanks for sharing

If you're ever in NYC
 

Have brunch here: http://www.tartinecafenyc.com/menus/brunch/


Their Eggs Benedict will make your socks go up and down. But, it's all good there, all the time.

Bon apetit!

Athens, Greece
 

The Church of Panagia Kapnikarea or just Kapnikarea is a Greek Orthodox church and one of the oldest churches in Athens.



Athens is truly a beautiful city. I'm fortunate enough to mark this off My bucket list.

If you're ever in Toronto and you like doughnuts...stop by Glory Hole Doughnuts
 

Experience such flavours as Buttered Popcorn, PB & J, Toast & Butter, Nutella Puff, Rose and Hibiscus Flower....all the traditional flavours and twisted creations.

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www.gloryholedoughnuts.com

If you are ever in Amagansett (Between East Hampton and Montauk
 

http://www.lobsterroll.com/assets/splash.jpg
Best Lobster Roll, Steamers and blueberry pie (I could live here, lol)

If You're ever in
 

Davis Square in Somerville, MA and want to hang in a cool saloon, get a tasty cocktail and have a bite…

http://www.saloondavis.com


Cheers for Queers!

San Diego, California
 

http://extraordinarydesserts.com

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There's lots to see and do in San Diego, but if you're ever here you must stop for dessert at one of their two locations. They make a croissant/bread pudding that is absolutely delicious.

Oh my god ProfPacker, Barcelona, the Sagrada Familia and all those other crazy- looking buildings Gaudi built. Wow! I just went there on Friday and was completely gobsmacked. There's some amazing, inspiring genius right there.

If I had the first clue how to post a pic on here, I'd do it. Since I can't, I'd recommend everyone go to Barcelona as soon as they possibly can!

If you're ever in Tanzania...go to Zanzibar!
 

I was fortunate enough to spend some extended time in Tanzania. If you are ever there, try to make it to the island of Zanzibar. Now Zanzibar is a playground for the rich, but don't let that stop you from going if you are short on funds. You can always go there for the day. Take a boat over in the morning and return in the evening. That's what I did and I had a most memorable day. The beaches are gorgeous...sand as white as snow!

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Summer
 

If you're ever in the Vancouver International Airport....go see the Spirit of Haida Gwaii, the Jade Canoe
 

If you happen to be in the Vancouver airport in British Columbia, please take the time to go to the international terminal and view this beautiful sculpture by Haida native, Bill Reid (1920 - 1998). The sculpture is an impressive 20 feet long, 13.2 feet high, and weighs nearly 11,000 pounds. The Spirit of Haida Gwaii is intended to represent the Aboriginal heritage of the Haida Gwaii region in British Columbia Canada's Haida Gwaii, formerly called the Queen Charlotte Islands. The sculpture is located near the food fair and there is seating surrounding the sculpture. Grab a snack and take in this beautiful piece of art before your flight.

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This photo does not come close to capturing the magnificence of the sculpture.

If you're ever in San Francisco
 

Go see http://www.beachblanketbabylon.com

It's ridiculously campy and FUNNY!

Don't leave out Chinatown in SF either! EAT! EAT! EAT!

If you're ever through Little Rock, stop and see the Old Mill. If you've seen Gone With The Wind, the mill in the credits isn't in Atlanta or even Georgia-it's in North LR. It was moved and reassembled at the current park, but the flooring and wheel are authentic.

Actually, if you go to the Quapaw Quarter of historic houses, you will see Ville Marre. Those of you of a certain age will recognize it as the Sugarbaker house from Designing Women.

If you're ever in the Houston area. Check this out! The entire site, awesome stuff. http://hustletownbustle.wordpress.com/

In Mexico.....http://www.mexonline.com/maps/pics/gob-islamujeres.gif


Beautiful! Great food and entertainment. So much to see. Best part, you can walk out to the edge of the ocean on this rock with paths and stairs and stand where the sun first rises.

If you're in North County San Diego visit the CCA
 

If you're in North County San Diego and need a mid-week break, check out California Center for the Arts WOW first Wednesdays, a free community concert series that happens the first Wednesday of every month, September through June, with two showtimes to choose from: 4pm & 7pm.

Free general admission tickets are handed out on a first-come, first-seated basis, reserved seats are available for $12 ($10 for Center Members). Reserved seating must be purchased a minimum of 24 hours in advance.

From Country to Polynesian and everything in between. Shows fill up fast so arrive early.

http://artcenter.org/event/wow-first...ays-saxations/

If you're ever in Lake Louise, Alberta...go horseback riding!
 

Yes, Lake Louise has one of the biggest ski resorts in North America. Yes, there is the luxury resort The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. But after you have tired of trying to keep up with the rich kids, don a pair of jeans and go horseback riding along the trails encircling the lake. There are many packages available. Some packages include luxury end-of-ride pampering (pfft!) and other more hard core packages include a day long ride with a bbq lunch at the halfway mark. Don't be content to stare out the window of your luxury hotel room. Become one with the spectacular surroundings. If you are deathly afraid of horses, hike the darn trails. Just do it! :)


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If you're ever in Vienna...go to the Austrian National Library (Nationalbibliothek)
 

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Vienna is a sensory feast...the music, the architecture, the food, the history. If you have ever dreamed of travelling to Vienna, you know very well all the things it has to offer. However, you would be remiss if you neglected visiting the Austrian National Library. It is located in the Hofburg Palace. The library contains several museums, houses many and varied special collections, and hosts special exhibits throughout the year. Of course, you can google everything you need to know about this fabulous library. What I can tell you - standing in this opulent building which houses so many books, historical documents, and musical scores, is an experience you will never forget. If you love books, your heart will soar with satisfaction at the respect and reverence books receive in this library. You will not be allowed to touch much of the collection, but your eyes will admire the beautiful wood shelving and frescoed ceiling, your body will reel from the smell of the leather bindings, and your ears will delight in the music of footsteps on the marble floors. I have only enjoyed one library more - Trinity College Library Dublin. But, perhaps, that will be another post.

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Another Louisville, Kentucky must see...
 

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, one of the city's most popular attractions, is also housed with the corporate headquarters. The location is well-marked by the World's Biggest Baseball Bat that casually leans against the side of the building. Guests are invited to learn about the Official Bat of Major League Baseball–Louisville Slugger. Today, over 3-million people have enjoyed the museum and factory tour experience at this location.

While you're in Louisville seeing the sites, take a cruise and have dinner on the Belle of Louisville.


Today, Belle of Louisville is recognized as the oldest river steamboat in operation, placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1989.

If you're in San Diego this weekend...
 

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Check out Sacha and Salvador: The Art of Romance on November 22.

Taken from Convivio's website: A romantic Latin evening by candlelight with Grammy-nominated songstress Sacha Boutros and renowned baritone Salvador Padilla serenading with love’s most popular siren songs in their native French, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese languages.

From Bolero to Tango to Aria, you will be transported to Rome, Rio Di Janeiro, Paris, and Mexico after dark, with love, allure, and illustrious romanticism by beautiful old-fashioned candlelight.

Sacha Boutros is a renowned Jazz Singer recently given the honor of Jazz Musician of the Year by the SoCal Jazz Society. She has sung around the globe and had the honor of working with musical icons Julio Iglesias, Marvin Hamlisch, Red Holloway, Patti Austen, Frankie Laine, Red Holloway, and James Moody–just to name a few. Having produced several award-winning albums, she is presently writing and arranging the music for her fourth album, to be released in the spring of 2015.

Salvador Padilla is a renowned baritone who can easily crossover to Latin, bolero, and popular music. His international travels have taken him from opera theaters and concert halls from Buenos Aires to Tokyo and everywhere in between. He is best known for his charismatic and fun-loving personality, and that shines alongside his incomparable, rich baritone voice.

If you're in the San Diego area...
 

The Stone Brewey

If you're in North County San Diego, you might want to check out the Stone Brewey.

They serve dinner and lunch, have an interesting menu, and lots of beer.

http://www.stoneworldbistro.com/slideshow/dnorwood.jpg

From their web site: Join us for a meal or a pint in our Bistro’s dynamic and expansive interior, or venture out to our beautiful open-air patio and one-acre organic beer garden. We proudly specialize in locally grown, small-farm ingredients and feature an eclectic menu of world-inspired cuisine and our unique take on comfort food. As strong advocates for environmental responsibility and high-quality food, we are now the largest restaurant purchaser of local, small-farm organic produce in San Diego County. With 36 craft and specialty beers on tap, an extensive wine list, and distinctive banquet and wedding accommodations, our Bistro has become one of the premier culinary destinations in San Diego County...

te henga (bethells beach)
 

if you're ever in auckland...


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Chicago...
 

If you have any plans that may be taking you to Chicago, check out this hotel if you are looking for a fairly centralized location place to stay! This is my second favorite place to stay when visiting the windy city and for Chicago this isn't to bad of a deal price wise :hangloose:

http://chicagoathletichotel.com/

Chicago..
 

http://www.chicagotraveler.com/tour-chicago-by-bus.htm
http://www.chicagotraveler.com/tour-chicago-by-bus.htm


If you want to leave the driving to someone else while visiting Chicago, try one of the many bus tours that the city offers

Chicago
 

http://www.nutsonclark.com/store/gourmet-nuts/http://www.nutsonclark.com/store/gourmet-nuts/


If you feel like a nut, check out this place! EVERYTHING they sell is delicious!

Chicago...
 

http://www.pizanoschicago.com/
http://www.pizanoschicago.com/state-street.php


Don't miss this place if you ever find yourself in the Windy City!

If you don't like deep dish they have a thin crust as well!

If you visit Houston go to the Houston Zoo, they have meerkats!

http://www.houstonzoo.org/

https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=garnet+popcorn+

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This is addictive!

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So refreshing on a hot summer day!

If you're ever in Torrington Alberta, go to the Gopher Hole Museum

http://gopherholemuseum.ca


You won't regret it.

You won't even regret going to the website.