Savannah is a compelling place to visit with your grandchildren because of its mixture of historical significance and modern amenities. –
It is not necessary to spend a lot of money in order to enjoy your visit, and that makes it a prime vacation destination for families that want a frugal trip. In fact, some of the best aspects of Savannah can be enjoyed without spending anything, including taking a stroll through the Historic District. –
Telfair Museums
Art Start: Stroller and Toddler Tours
3rd Thursday of Every Month
10:30–11:30 am
$5 per child
Adult members free / Adult non-members $12
Drop-In Studio
Daily | 1–4 pm
Jepson Center
FREE with museum admission
Unleash your creativity and join us in our studios every day for artmaking projects for all ages! Work at your own pace and comfort level through an array of creative mediums such as watercolors, collage, calligraphy, origami, coloring books (for adults, too!), and much more. Each month features a special project designed to connect with a specific exhibition at the museum. A studio assistant is always on hand to answer questions and assist guests. Drop-In Studio is open year round and perfect for all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
City Market
Although it might be difficult to look at all of the unique pieces of art without making a purchase, it is free for anyone to wander throughout the City Market. This favorite hot spot of both tourists and locals provides the perfect place to view art, get something to eat, and find unusual gifts. City Market also hosts several events throughout the year, and most of them are free.
Midtown District
This area provides travelers with a diverse selection of Midtown Savannah hotels to choose from that include something for every price range. In addition, minutes from this historic section is the Savannah Botanical Gardens, where access to all public areas of the garden is free. All ages are sure to enjoy the scenery and wonders of this natural beauty.
First Saturday on the River
River Street comes to life with entertainment and arts and crafts on the first Saturday of most months. This event is free to attend, and just like the City Market, it will provide visitors with the perfect place to pick up an unusual gift or keepsake. In addition to attending this free event, visitors can also enjoy the view of the Savannah Riverfront.
Cemeteries
History enthusiasts will definitely want to visit the area’s cemeteries. Colonial Park Cemetery is of special significance to war buffs because several war heroes, including Button Gwinnett, are buried there. If you are interested in literature, you might also want to schedule a visit to Bonaventure Cemetery to see the cover of “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” brought to life. Both cemeteries offer free admission, and older children are often fascinated by the experience.
Districts, Squares, and Parks
The city of Savannah is filled with history, and each of the 21 city squares, parks, and districts, including Midtown, has something to offer. The best part about visiting these areas is that you will be able to enjoy the architecture and view the interior of several historic buildings for free, including City Hall, the birthplace of Flannery O’Connor, Hodgson Hall, and King Tisdell Cottage.
Be sure to scour the Internet for coupons and discounts for several of the attractions that do have an admission fee. As you can see, it is easy to spend several days exploring Savannah without spending a lot of money. In fact, Savannah is one of the most cost-effective locations to visit for families who have an interest in history.
Hop-on Hop-Off Bus Tour of Savannah
Hop on and hop off this trolley tour at more than 15 stops to explore Savannah’s most important attractions. Get a comprehensive tour while listening to engaging narration about Savannah’s history, culture, and people. Hop on, hop-off trolley tour of Savannah’s Historic District Live commentary on board the trolley Hop off whenever you like to explore at your own pace Trolleys run every 20 minutes
Girl Scout First Headquarters is located at 330 Drayton Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401. This historic site is owned and operated by Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia and houses a museum and a shop. We offer tours and programming, which can be found on the Daily Programs page.. To see hours and program information, please take a moment to carefully read our FAQs and Daily Programs information.
Slavery and Freedom in Savannah
Savannah is the perfect place to develop an understanding of slavery and race to the national and world economy, The city was an important urban area to slave labor and slave ownership especially because it is a port city. Urban slavery was a central part of the slave-based economies in the southern United States
Start or finish your fun time in Chicago at the free play areas. O’Hare International Airport features the Chicago Children’s Museum satellite Kids on the Fly a free play area in Terminal Two. Kids can play with a giant Lego Sears Tower
Weekend Fun
On weekends ride a free weekend trolley for downtown. It provides service to major attractions in the city and makes sightseeing easy for even the littlest tourist.
Shopping
Chicago’s Magnificent Mile on Michigan Ave. is a shopping and entertainment center. It features kid-friendly places like the American Girl Store where you can plan a visit full of lifetime meories no matter if you choose dining with the dolls or a sleepover.
Chicago Museums:
The Field Museum is one of the world’s great museums of science, environment and culture. Inside our halls you can meet Sue, the world’s largest and most famous T. rex… unlock the secrets of 23 Egyptian mummies… stand toe-to-toe with the man-eating Lions of Tsavo… www.museumcampus.org. (800) FIELD-54e
Adler Planetarium The first planetarium in the Western Hemisphere, the Adler offers you a rare opportunity to learn about the history of astronomy along with a tantalizing glimpse into the future of space exploration. You can journey through time and space and be launched to the surface of a distant planet in the world’s first StarRider™Theater. www.museumcampus.org. , (312) 322-0995.
The Museum of Science and Industry has the first manned spacecraft to orbit the moon, a German World War II submarine, baby chick hatchery and a real coal mine (go early to avoid lines). Everyone will love the virtual reality games.www.msichicago.org, (800) GO-TO-MSI . https://www.shedd.org/ , (312) 939-2438
Chicago Children’s Museum is located on downtown’s Navy Pier, it is one of Chicago’s favorite tourist attractions., 50 acres of parks, Halloween fun, winter ice skating, street performers and a big indoor botanical garden. Hands on activities inlcude the new Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and a working art studio.www.chichildrensmuseum.org. , (312) 527-1000
The Nature Museum helps urban dwellers to connect to the natural world through scientific learning and environmental programs. https://www.naturemuseum.org
Art Institute of Chicago
The Kraft Education Center is a great place for kids.. You can pick up information at the desk, and on weekends there are drop-in art-making activities. You can also visit the Family Room, which holds over 1000 children’s books if you need a quiet break.
The exhibition is designed especially for kids, 11 art objects from the Art Institute’s collection in an interactive setting. The Kraft Center also features changing exhibitions of children’s book illustrations. to www.artic.edu, (312) 443-3600
Navy Pier
There is always something happening at Navy Pier, Chicago’s lakefront playground. Offering visitors more than 50 acres of parks, promenades, gardens, shops, restaurants and attractions, Navy Pier is host to an unparalleled array of family-oriented events and entertainment. For additional information about upcoming events, www.navypier.com. (312) 595-PIER or (800) 595-PIER outside the Chicagoland area.
Chicago City Pass
Get half-price tickets to six of the city’s top attractions ($30.50 and $22.75 for kids 3-11 and $25 for seniors) and enables you to avoid ticket lines. It includes the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and the Sears Tower. Order from the Web site at www.citypass.net or get it at any of the attractions. Link to the attractions you plan to visit. Look for special CityPass signs for quick entrance.
Falling leaves of red and golden brown. The smell of a fireplace burning as the almost cool wind touches your face. Pumpkins, ghosts and goblins visit porches throughout the neighbor. Fall is here!
Country rides to look at the trees rainbow of leaves.
Hayrides full of kids enthralled by the horse, the smells and sounds of fall.
Visits to the pumpkin patch to find the “best” pumpkin for your porch. The, oh- so- serious discussion of size and shape—must have a flat side to carve the most perfectly ghoulish face. Doughnuts and cider from the country store.
Poster paint to decorate pumpkins -— the pumpkin pie size are especially nice for this
Walk, or if paved paths, rollerblade or bicycle through the woods
The fall foliage color show in western North Carolina attracts visitors from around the world. With the 5,000-foot elevation change within 50 miles of Asheville, the lush Blue Ridge Mountain range puts on one of the longest-running color displays in the country.
Since the date for peak color changes each year due to varying weather patterns. October to Early November. No matter when folks plan an autumn visit in October or early November, they can take a short drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway to find the best color.
Elevation and weather are the biggest factors in the timing of the color show. Since leaf coloration is the result of pigment changes that are influenced by the weather, last-minute weather changes can speed or slow the process. During the last couple of autumns, the warmer and wetter than average conditions delayed the peak color for one or two weeks. Here is the current prediction of the progression of the color show.
Most Years Fall Colors Timing
October 5-15: Highest elevations north of Asheville above 5,000 feet show the most color, especially at Mount Mitchell, Craggy Gardens and Grandfather Mountain.
October 13-22: Color will increase in elevations greater than 4,000 feet, including the Mount Pisgah and Cold Mountain area, southwest of Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park .
October 19-28: Many of the surrounding mountains around Asheville should show plenty of color this week, especially in the 3,000-4,000 foot elevation range. Take the Parkway north or south from Asheville in the Pisgah National Forest.
October 24-November 3: The city of Asheville (2,000 foot elevation) and Biltmore Estate] shows the brightest colors this week, along with areas around Hendersonville and Brevard. This would be the perfect week for a waterfall hike in Dupont State Forest.
October 29-November 8: The color show will conclude in the Chimney Rock area (elevation of 1,300 feet). Ride to the top of Chimney Rock or take a boat tour on Lake Lure to enjoy the colors.
Here are some tips to help you plan an Asheville escape to enjoy the spectacular autumn colors:
To avoid the biggest crowds, stay on Sunday through Thursday nights. Saturdays during October are extremely busy at attractions such as Biltmore Estate, and highways and country roads will be more heavily trafficked.
Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway. With the varying elevations along the Parkway, this is the quickest way to find the best areas for color. The elevation of the Parkway around the city of Asheville is approximately 2,200 feet, and it rises to 5,000+ feet as you drive north or south. When you find a particular area of brilliant foliage, stop to walk along a trial or take a detour on one of the intersecting roads. Be patient and expect slow traffic, especially on Saturdays and Sundays. Parking at overlooks can be difficult.
See the color show from a raft on the river! You can take a calm float trip down the French Broad River through the Biltmore Estate. Or you can take an exciting whitewater rafting trip down one of four area rivers.
If you encounter fog (low clouds) on the Parkway, don’t despair. The weather can change rapidly. It could be very sunny an hour later. Fog is most frequent in the mornings, and it can create interesting photo opportunities.
Take a picnic or snacks for the Parkway. The few restaurants along the Parkway will be very crowded.
Fill up the gas tank before taking a scenic drive out of the city. Gas stations are sparse in remote areas and along the Parkway.
Bring a sweater or jacket. While it might be 70 and sunny in Asheville, it may be misty and 20 degrees cooler at the higher elevations.
Take your camera. The warm light of the early morning or late afternoon can create especially dramatic images.
Bring binoculars for bird watching. It brings a distant picturesque view a bit closer.
Longwood gardens are located in the Brandywine Valley of Pennsylvania. a beautiful area in all seasons: summer, spring, fall, and winter. . Longwood is a world-class garden and museum.
Be sure to visit both the Longwood Gardens and the Brandywine River Museum, located a few miles from each other.
Can you see Longwood Gardens and the Brandywine Museum in one day?
We spent a full day exploring the area. Longwood Gardens which is in the historic Brandywine Valley of southeastern Pennsylvania (PA) and northern Delaware (DE) was our first stop.
Pierre S. du Pont established and maintained the Longwood Gardens so it is often called the DuPont Gardens. The gardens were established in 1906. Today, hundreds of employees and volunteers work to keep Longwood beautiful and pristine.
There are more than 1,000 acres of both indoor and outdoor gardens featuring over 10,000 different varieties of plants, gorgeous fountains, and frequent events and activities for everyone in the family. Longwood is visited by almost 1 million people each year.
They feature everything in children’s programs, concerts, and gardening demos. Their famous fireworks displays will delight and always ends with applause from the crows attending.
Where do you see the most fountains in the US?
Longwood is famous for its fountains they have more fountains than any other garden in the US. Longwood fountains are much like European fountain displays. Pierre du Pont was passionate about fountains and water. Creating 3 unique fountain gardens and many smaller water displays makes Longwood Gardens very special indeed!
Over the years the fountains have been restored and some were enlarged. The fountain shows are some of the most visited parts of the gardens.
DuPont was also a gunpowder and fireworks enthusiast.
The DuPont company has been manufacturing gunpowder for close to 200 years. Pierre Dupont’s fascination with pyrotechnics and fountains lead to the creation of one of the best displays of fireworks and waterworks shows. They offer 3-4 shows per year so be sure to check the schedule when you plan your trip.
Don’t miss the fireworks or at least the fountain shows, new technology has been added to make the show outstanding displays.
Pierre du Pont was cutting edge in his time so I’m sure he would be pleased with the technological advancement made to show off his fountains and fireworks
Brandywine River Museum
Just down the road from Longwood Gardens is the Brandywine River Museum. It’s located in an 1850s grist mill that’s been transformed into a museum. This Museum has a stunning collection of Wyeth family paintings.
Surprisingly this rural setting has the largest and most complete Wyeth collections in the world. The exhibit changes frequently and features artwork from the Brandywine Valley area artist and other Pennsylvania artists.
Since much of the art features the local area you can pinpoint local sites. Many special events are held throughout the year, both indoor and outdoor, including concerts, slide shows, and crafts fairs.
Hungry after all these displays?
both restaurants at the Longwood Garden and Brandywine River Museum are excellent. There are also many other restaurants nearby.
You will be sure to enjoy this unique and beautiful area and glad you added it to your bucket list.
Ireland has been on our bucket list for quite a while. My husband is of Irish descent and I have always wanted to experience the Irish countryside. We chose to do a self-drive tour of Ireland traveling with a friend and my husband’s sister.
We flew into Dublin, Ireland to begin our adventure.
Dublin has old-world charm with a modern vibe.
The city truly is the heart of the Republic of Ireland. We started our visit in Dublin with a stay at the Fitzwilliam Hotel ideally located at Saint Stephen’s Green, a beautiful city park, in the heart of the city. The Fitzwilliam is located in Dublin City Centre, it has a modern flair and features the Citron Restaurant and a Bar – Coffee Shop.
The Fitzwilliam is a five-star hotel and offers all the amenities including an Irish breakfast. An Irish Breakfast includes eggs, sausage, bacon, mushroom, tomatoes, and black and white pudding and toast it is delicious and very filling.
You can also order other hot menu items, pancakes, French toast, eggs benedict, etc. off the menu or choose the breakfast bar which includes yogurt, fruit, cereal, bread, sweets rolls, and juice.
St. Stephen’s Green right across the street has a pond and walking trails and park benches to sit and enjoy the lush greenery and people watch right in Dublin City Centre.
Things to do in Dublin – Attractions and Sites
Day One
Kilmainham Gaol Head to Kilmainham Gaol first, early in the day, due to the limited number of tickets sold per day and the potential for long lines. The tour of the Gaol (jail) is very interesting and tells you a lot about the Irish Famine and most of all about the Irish fight to be independent from England.
Visit the interactive center to hear about prisoner experience at Kilmainham Gaol and go on a guided tour to see the cells and work yard and learn more about the Gaol. Kilmainham Gaol is the perfect way to learn about Ireland’s fight for independence.
The tour begins in the assembly room that was also used as a chapel. The guide tells a story about the 1916 rebel Joseph Plunkett who was condemned to death and was married to Grace at the prison right before his execution.
You might hear the song about Grace (see lyrics below) played at local pubs featuring traditional Irish music throughout Ireland.
Lyrics to Grace As we gather in the chapel here, in old Kilmainham [D]jail, I think about the last few weeks, Oh will they say we [Am]failed, From our school days, they have told us we must yearn for liber[ty, Yet all I want in this dark place is to have you here with me.
[Chorus] Oh Grace just hold me in your arms, and let this moment linger, They take me out at dawn and I will die, With all my love I place this wedding ring upon your finger, There won’t be time to share our love so we must say goodbye.
Now I know it’s hard for you my love to ever understand, The love I bear for these brave men my love for this brave land, But when Padraic called me to his side down I the G.P.O. I had to leave my own sick bed, to him I had to go.
[Repeat Chorus]
Now as the dawn is breaking, my heart is breaking too On this May morn,’ as I walk out, my thoughts will be of you And I’ll write some words upon the wall so everyone will know I loved so much that I could see His Blood Upon The Rose.
As we gather in the chapel here, in old Kilmainham jail, I think about the last few weeks, Oh will they say we failed, From our school days, they have told us we must yearn for liberty, Yet all I want in this dark place is to[A] have you here with[D] me.
Oh Grace just hold me in your arms, and let this moment linger, They[G] take me out at[D] dawn and I will die, With all my love I place this wedding[G] ring upon your [D]finger, There won’t be time to[D] share our love so we must say goodbye.
Dublin Castle
There were an amazing number of free things to do in Dublin. The Dublin Castle walking tour is one of these. Free walking tours are available at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. The Castle, located in Dublin City Centre, is mainly the State Apartments since most of the original castle burnt down in 1884. The Chapel Tower is the only remaining section of the original castle.
The complex is made up of beautiful Georgian buildings. You can tour the throne room, portrait gallery, Wedgewood room, and the St. Patrick’s Grand Hall. The guided tour of the castle provides information on Ireland’s history and struggles with the Vikings, Normans, and English.
Dublin Castle is built on a site where there has been a settlement for more than 1,000 years, well before the time of the Vikings. The castle was the most important fortification in Ireland for over 8 centuries. The castle functioned as the site of the colonial rule, until it was handed over to Michael Collins the first president of the Independent Irish Free State.
The castle originally had 4 towers and was surrounded by the Puddle River that is now underground. Meiler Fitzhenry first founded the Dublin Castle as a major defensive work on the orders of King John of England in 1204. This was sometime after the Norman invasion of Ireland in 1169. Until 1922 it was the seat of British rule on Ireland, now is used for ceremonial purposes.
Be sure to look for the Lady Justice Statue over the Gate. The Irish’s favorite saying about it when the British ruled Ireland was, The Statue of Justice, mark well her station, her face to the castle and her arse to the nation!
The rooms of the Dublin castle are now used for official functions and many are open to the public. My favorite was St. Patrick’s Hall which is a grand hall has a beautiful ceiling mural done by Vincenzo Waldre. Painted in the 1790’s it features banners of the Knights of St. Patrick.
Other rooms display wonderful art on the walls and period furniture along with long elegant corridors. Be sure to see the Battleaxe Landing with a 19th century cantilevered staircase. There you can see, above the large double doorway, the official symbol of Ireland ,the Gold Harp, set against a blue background.
Take a break after visiting the Dublin Castle at the Oak Pub across the street. It is a traditional Irish pub with wood-paneled walls and stylish mirrors, and mosaics. They have friendly bartenders, food and snacks, and of course Guinness and many other beers on tap. We had our first of many Guinness’ beers there. Visiting the many pubs in Dublin and throughout Ireland is a delightful way to hear traditional Irish music and meet the locals.
Christ Church Cathedral
Christ Church is located in the medieval city of Dublin. It is over 1,000 years old with a building beginning in 1030. Originally a Catholic Church under King James II of England. The church became protestant when King Henry VIII broke with the Catholic Church and founded the Church of England. Famous for being the burial place of Strongbow, Dermot MacMurrough, who was the King of Leinster during the twelfth century. He is most remembered as the man who invited the English into Ireland.
The Crypt is open to visiting and they offer a video presentation about the church’s history. We stayed for Evensong prayers and songs by the choir. The Christ Church Choir was the first to sing Handel’s Messiah in 1742.
Ireland is known for its seafood and the Cliff Townhouse Restaurant, 22 St Stephens Green, is one of the best. This easygoing restaurant has excellent service and a wide variety of Dublin classics including Galway oysters, native lobster, dressed Yawl Bay crab, wild sea trout, and posh fish and chips.
Day two
Trinity College Book of Kells
The book of Kells consists of 339 vellum leaves or folios with four gospels, Matthew, Mark Luke, and John plus the genealogy of Jesus Christ. The gospels are copied by hand and highly decorated in an ornamental manuscript. It has many evangelical symbols and depictions of the apostles beautifully drawn in color. The Book of Kells is believed to have been written at the Abbey of Kells by the Celts starting in 563. The Abbey was plunder and the book stolen and resold many times over the centuries until 1661 when Charles II presented to Trinity college where is remains.
When you visit the Book of Kells in the Old Library at Trinity college be sure to see the Long Room which is 65 meters in length. It is encircled at the top with a band of gold lettering commemorating the benefactors of the library from the 17th and 18th centuries.
The Old Library holds 200,000 books and important artifacts such as the 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic, which was read outside the General Post Office on 24 April 1916 by Patrick Pearse at the start of the Easter Rising. And a harp that is probably the oldest of its kind in Ireland dates from the 15th century. It is made of oak and willow with 29 brass strings. It is the model for the emblem of Ireland.. The dark wood paneling and tall book stacks of the Old Library make you feel that you have stepped back in time on maybe into a Harry Potter Movie
Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship
The Jeanie Johnston is docked at Dublin Custom House Quay along the Liffey River.
On the ship, you will experience what millions of people who immigrated to the New World did as they fled across the Atlantic from the Famine between 1845-55. As the famine gripped Ireland, Jeannie Johnston made 16 successful crossings of the Atlantic Ocean, taking 2,500 emigrants from Ireland to North America and bringing back timber bound for Europe. The ship is an authentic replica of the original.
Day Two
The James Joyce Centre
The James Joyce Centre 35 North Great George’s Street Dublin, Ireland Joyce’s major works include Dubliners, published in 1914, The Dead 1916, and Ulysses (1922). The library is a tribute to his works and the times he wrote them. It includes many wonderful quotes from his books and letters.
“He tried to weigh his soul to see if it was a poet’s soul.” (Dubliners)”[A writer is] a priest of eternal imagination, transmuting the daily bread of experience into the radiant body of everliving life.” (Selected Letters of James Joyce)”Why is it that words like these seem dull and cold? Is it because there is no word tender enough to be your name?” (The Dead)”When I die, Dublin will be written on my heart.” (Selected Letters of James Joyce)
The Guinness Storehouse
Learn to pour the perfect pint.
Since 1759 the Guinness Brewery in Dublin has been brewing pints. The Guinness Storehouse was once the fermentation plant of the brewery. Now the seven-story building is a visitor experience dedicated to the history of making Guinness beer.
We visited the Tasting rooms, which helped us helped appreciate the distinctive taste from the very first sip. then we learned how to pour the perfect pint in the Guinness Academy.
The advertising exhibit is fun and humorous. We especially enjoyed the beer and food on level five. Be sure to head up to the Gravity Bar, the ‘Head of the Pint”, where you can see panoramic views of Dublin city – the views are better with a complimentary pint in hand.
Day three
Phoenix Park Dublin
The Phoenix Park, the largest urban park in Europe, is the location of the official residence of the President of Ireland, Áras an Uachtaráin, and the residency of the US Ambassador. it is home to a large herd of deer which have lived there since the 17th century often hunted for sport by the nobility.
The park is open year-round. The Dublin Zoo is also located at Phoenix Park. the zoo is the home of the lion you see at the start of MGM movies. The zoo has over 400 species of wild animals featuring elephants, penguins, African savannah animals and wolves.
The Meer cat’s section was one of our favorite parts of the zoo. Another was at the Kaziranga Forest Trail where you might be able to catch a glimpse of a group of Asian elephants including elephant bull Upali, the matriarch Bernhardine, her sister Yasmin, their daughters Asha and Anak, and the calves Kavi, Ashoka, and Samiya.
Old Jameson Distillery
We visited the Bow Street Jameson Distillery in Dublin during the 40-minute tour we learned a lot about whiskey including an appreciation of whiskey production (and consumption). I finally know the difference differences between Scotch, American and Irish whiskeys.
Day 4
St. Patrick’s Cathedral The Nation Cathedral and Collegiate Church have stood on this site since the 5th Century. This church was originally built by the Normans in 1191 and then rebuilt in the 13th Century to be what is seen here today. St. Patrick’s has added much to Irish life. Jonathan Swift was the dean here from 1713-45. He arranged the first performance of the Handel’s Messiah here in 1742, sung by the St. Patricks and Christ Church Choirs.
The cathedral features beautiful stained glass windows, sculptures, artifacts, and a colorful tile floor. There is a display from silversmith Richard Willaims from 1779. The many memorials include one to Turlough Carolan, harper last of the Irish Bards, and Rt. Hon. John Philpot.
Pedestrian Bridge on the Liffey
“Liffey Bridge ” is the most famous pedestrian bridge, it was once known as “Wellington Bridge”, but more commonly is called the Ha’penny bridge. They used to charge a half a penny for pedestrians, it is free these days). Follow the small lane just opposite the Ha’penny into the Temple Bar District. Or turn right and walk to the new Millennium Bridge and re-cross the river.it’s an easy 10-15 walk to shopping and the City Center from here.
Dublin’s Temple Bar District
Temple Bar is Dublin’s entertainment, art, and culinary district. it is one of the best places to hear live Irish folk music. Definitely the place for ceol agus craic – time to have fun.
Art Galleries include home to art galleries and creative destinations such as the Irish Film Institute, the Project Arts Centre, the National Photographic Archive, and DESIGNyard.
Nightlife in Dublin
It was very crowded the evening we visited, there were large numbers of loud groups and serious partiers The prices were higher than in other parts of Dublin. It is wise to be aware of pickpockets in the area and it can be hard to find a taxi late at night, so plan ahead.
Irish Pubs:
Auld Dubliner: One of the relatively quieter pubs in Temple Bar, which hosts traditional music sessions upstairs.
Oliver St. John Gogarty: A pub popular with a young crowd because it also hosts a hostel upstairs. Porterhouse: It is part of a chain but serves its own house beers has a classic Irish menu, and live music seven days a week.
Quays Bar: Live music that starts at 3 pm every day. food is from traditional Irish fare to an international cousin.
Temple Bar Pub: One of the oldest pubs it dates back to 1840. It has one of the largest whiskey collections in Ireland, fresh oyster platers, and live music daily.
Onward and upward, next, we head north towards Belfast. Our friend and traveling companion was originally from England and a pro at driving on the left side of the road. We rented a car and started our self-driving tour, first stop along the way was Seafood Capital of Ireland: Howth
Things to do in Ireland – Our self-drive tour of Ireland:
Pella Crossing Loop Trail is a 1.4 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located just west of Longmont, near Hygiene. The area offers fishing and walking trails and beautiful views of Longs Peak. See the wetlands habitat which are nestled within the surrounding Great Plains. The trail is good for all hiking skill levels. It offers several activity options. Dogs are welcome on this trail but must be kept on a leash.
When fall colors are at their peak and snow kisses the Twin Peaks, Pella Crossing is the ideal location to view nature’s glory. The open space supports aquatic plant and animal life and draws large numbers of migrating birds. With grasses, wildflowers, and trees surrounding the wetlands, these areas are biologically diverse, both in and out of the water.
The Bachelor Loop Creede, Colorado
The Bachelor Loop, north of Creede, starts in the iconic cliffs at the end of Creede’s classic western Main St. It circles through some amazing mining ruins. Here is where a lot of the last Lone Ranger film was shot. The whole loop is very beautiful throughout the self-guided driving tour (maps at the Visitors Center/Chamber building). See the old town of Bachelor now a big meadow lined with lots of fall foliage, and many lovely aspens.
For incredible views with lots and lots of aspens head out to the Cumbres La Manga Pass and the Conejos Canyon, Hwy 17 going into New Mexico. It is right at the end of the Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic Byway and Forest Rd 250. Visit the mining town of Platoro very few have discovered it from the Colorado side, except for people in the San Luis Valley.
Open Lake Trail
Opal Lake trail, near Pagosa Springs, is a moderately easy 1.2 miles and takes about 45 minutes to complete. The trailhead traverses across an open meadow, with gorgeous high country autumn sights. Hikers can see several beaver dams, a mountain face, and the mineral deposits which give Opal Lake its milky color. The most impressive during the autumn season is the wooded hillside, complete with a color-changing aspen grove. Hiking in this area surrounds you with the beauty of one of the world’s largest connected living organisms.
Anderson Trail
Anderson Trail is about 9 miles in length from the trailhead to its junction with the Fourmile Trail. It crosses easily through steep terrain and goes across the eastern shoulder of Pagosa Peak. There’s a 2,349-foot elevation gain, which gives hikers a mountainous view of transforming colors from above. There are rock formations, aspen trees, and expansive fall views. The trail is open to hiking and horseback riding, and primitive camping spots are available throughout.
Fall Foliage Drives:
Rio Blanco County
Rio Blanco County has spectacular, lesser-known scenic drives. Including the Buford-New Castle Road, a gravel road connecting the only two towns within 42 Miles. There are camping spots along the way and amazing aspen trees in the fall to see. The area has an interesting history and an old western tradition that provide a unique look into the lifestyle of the old west. This is a great drive to check out at peak foliage season.
Highway of Legends Scenic and Historic Byway
This route wraps around two of Colorado’s burliest mountains, West and East Spanish Peak. Along the way, the highway passes beneath ancient volcanic walls that rise over tracts of pine, scrub oak and aspen. The entire route from La Veta to Trinidad on Colorado 12 is perfect for photography enthusiasts.
Guanella Pass Scenic and Historic Byway:
A rambling route south out of the historic town of Georgetown leads you to pockets of blazing aspen. Once you reach the town of Grant, turn right on US 285 and take the highway for 15 minutes to the top of Kenosha Pass. There you will see the aspen thriving on the rim of the gentle slopes that encircle South Park.
Then take the Colorado 17 from Antonito to the New Mexico border. Drive up the the serene Conejos River Valley, to see pinyon give way to the white trunks of aspen. Some of the oldest and tallest aspens in the state can be seen, photographed and enjoyed near La Manga Pass.
For an even more unique experience, ride the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad for views not seen on any highway.
Dallas Divide and Lizard Head Pass
Your journey begins in the town of Ridgway, then head west on Colorado 62 over Dallas Divide. Lining the route are unimpeded views of the Sneffels Range with an apron of aspen trees at its feet. At Placerville, head southeast toward Telluride on Colorado 145. All the way to Lizard Head Pass you will be in awe at the dense groves of white-barked aspens and panoramic views of Wilson Peak.
Fall is a wonderful time to take a scenic drive as you head out in search of seasonal color. Fall drives are also perfect for social distancing, and Arkansas’s lodging, dining, and attractions follow safety protocols so you can make the most of your route as you enjoy the beauty of The Natural State.
Best Sites to See Arkansas Fall Foliage
Little Rock to Lake Maumelle
From Little Rock, driving toward Lake Maumelle on Arkansas 10 is a pretty drive year-round but it can be a real standout experience in the fall months. This area in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains has rolling hills and plenty of trees that make up a good portion of the scenery you’ll find.
Perryville
Arkansas Highway 10 ends at Arkansas Highway 9 and if you head north from here, you’ll come to the town of Perryville, which is home to Lake Sylvia Recreation Area and Flatside Wilderness Area. While in Perryville, stop at Mustang Sally’s and enjoy a burger or one of their many signature dishes.
Petit Jean State Park
You can visit Petit Jean State Park while you’re in the area too if you want to get more road time in. This state park was Arkansas’s first state park and is around 20 miles from town. The venture there is a scenic drive and a standout spot to view fall colors from vantage points like Stout’s Point.
Talimena National Scenic Byway
With plentiful panoramic vistas that overlook the surrounding Ouachita Mountains, the Talimena National Scenic Byway in Mena is one of the most scenic drives around. From U.S. 71 in Mena, the route follows Ark. 88 into Oklahoma. A big chunk of the 54-mile route, 18 miles of which are in Arkansas, travels through the scenic Ouachita National Forest, which is filled with shortleaf pine and hardwood forests.
Rich Mountain
In Mena, the route climbs the 2,681-foot Rich Mountain, Arkansas’s second-highest peak, and journeys by Queen Wilhelmina State Park. The drive is beautiful year-round and tends to be spectacular during the fall with autumn foliage.
The area is home to many beautiful trails you can hike including the Ouachita National Recreation Trail and the Queen Wilhelmina State Park trails. The Earthquake Ridge Trail has 6.8 miles of singletrack you can ride if you are into mountain biking.
Boston Mountains region of the Ozark Mountains
The rugged and forested Boston Mountains region of the Ozark Mountains provides the setting for Pig Trail Scenic Byway/Ark. 23, which often runs through a tunnel of foliage during spring, summer and fall.
Spring wildflowers and brilliant autumn foliage make the route especially popular during those seasons. The route crosses the Mulberry River and the 165-mile Ozark Highlands Trail. Ark. 23 is 19 miles from the south boundary of the Ozark National Forest to its intersection with Ark. 16 at Brashears.
Ozark’s southern end
Shopping, lodging, and dining are available in Ozark near the southern end of the route and Fayetteville to the northwest. Cabins and camping are available on the byway at Turner Bend and nearby at the White Rock Mountain Recreation Area, which offers dramatic views of the surrounding Ozarks from atop the 2,260-foot peak. Other Ozark National Forest campgrounds in the area are Shores Lake and Redding.
Great River Road National Scenic Byway
Arkansas is a proud member of the 10-state Great River Road National Scenic Byway. This nearly 3,000-mile National Scenic Byway runs through 10 states, from Minnesota to Louisiana.
It is one of the oldest, longest, and most unique scenic byways in the nation, offering a gateway to the Mississippi River Valley’s great history and a host of recreational options to all visitors. Arkansas’s 362-mile section of the Great River Road National Scenic Byway winds its way through the state’s eastern Delta region along the mighty stream.
The waterway created a scenic and natural border that has beckoned people to its banks for centuries. Visitors can gaze upon acres of cotton, soybeans, or rice as they travel through some of the most fertile lands in the country.
Along the trek, numerous historical and cultural sites preserve the history of Arkansas and its people and welcome visitors to learn more about this remarkable region. And the section that runs through the St. Francis National Forest/Mississippi River State Park between Marianna and Helena-West Helena is beautiful for fall color outings.
Best travel destinations and adventures for retirees.
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