I recently started a regular feature called “Canada Shorts” for people who want travel tips but don’t have a lot of time. I also posted a “Europe Shorts” item on the weekend that was focused on Lisbon, Portugal. Today I’ll start my “Florida Shorts” item with a look at the top things to see and do near Crystal River, a lovely, natural part of The Sunshine State. CRYSTAL RIVER, FLORIDA – The main attraction in this area a couple hours north of Tampa is the fresh spring water that bubbles up from the Florida limestone, creating crystal-clear creeks and rivers. Read more
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I’ve been posting a series of “Canada Shorts” that provide a glimpse into great destinations for people without a lot of time on their hands. Today it’s my first “Europe Shorts” item, looking at lovely Lisbon. The city is built on a series of small hills, so you’ll find great views almost everywhere you look. There are tons of terrific cafes, many of them situated in parks overlooking the city below. You’ll also get fab views from the top of the arch in the main Comercio Square near the Tagus River. Be sure to take the city’s famous No. 28 Read more
There’s something about folks who live in tough climates that I just love. They have a sense of independence and a do-it-yourself attitude I find highly appealing. And they don’t come much tougher — or more colourful — than in Dawson City. There’s a colourful history to Dawson City, thanks in part to the “women of the evening” during the gold rush. You can learn about some of the madams’ stories on a fun walking tour of the town offered by Parks Canada. At one point, locals ran the working women out of town. One enterprising madam set up shop Read more
A town where they make beauty products out of seaweed and pies the size of a basketball. A prairie city with great Shakespeare and a nude beach. And not one but two towns with potato museums. Americans know about Toronto. I think most of them know it’s in Canada. They’ve probably heard of Montreal and Vancouver. But there’s so much more to Canada, some of it wacky. Here’s a look at some of the lesser-known spots you should check out this summer. With the U.S. dollar buying about $1.36 Canadian these days, Americans also will find their dollars go a Read more
Europe can get mighty crowded in July and August. Solution? Go in May or June, when museum line-ups are shorter and restaurant reservations much easier to get. Here are four cities you should check out before the summer crowds arrive. LONDON This city can be frighteningly expensive. But I’ve found some fun and affordable neighbourhoods, including my new, favourite part of the city. The area around the Southwark tube station is a thriving region on the south side of the Thames River, but only a short walk or subway ride to the main attractions of London, including The Globe Read more
