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Tropical Magic at the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

19/1/2023

 

When you visit the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, winter blues melt away.

This post contains affiliate ads and links, which means we may get paid a small commission if you make a purchase. My time in Key West was in conjunction with a press trip.

A black butterfly with white and red spots sits on a red piece of ornamental glass
There's magic in the air in Key West.

In the United State's southernmost city, you'll find a tropical paradise at the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. Inside this tropical greenhouse beautiful little birds, two sassy flamingos, gorgeous jungle plants, and butterflies - hundreds and hundreds of them, representing about 50 to 60 species from around the world - are just waiting to say hello. Once you step inside, I feel confident that you'll agree with my assessment. It's pure magic. 

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Fun, Funky, Frugal: The Best Things To Do In Zürich West

19/9/2022

 

The best things to do in Zürich West: All the fun, funky, and frugal things to do in Zürich's trendiest neighbourhood.

This post contains affiliate ads and links, which means we may get paid a small commission if you make a purchase. Note that my time in Zurich was in conjunction with a press trip.

Things to do in Zurich: A blue and green badminton hall at dusk
Checking out this awesome Badminton hall is one of the coolest things to do in Zurich.
The Yonex Badminton Halle in Zürich West is home to cheap beer, fierce gameplay, and a FABULOUS Dolly Parton cardboard cutout mascot. In many ways, it’s a most unusual site to stumble across in the heart of Europe’s financial capital. But it’s also emblematic of Zürich West’s remarkable transformation from what was once primarily an industrial site to the fun, funky neighbourhood it is today. I’ve had the chance to explore the neighbourhood with a private guide who lives there and I can attest to what an amazing travel destination it is. 

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My Favourite Cozy Things To Do In Yarmouth Nova Scotia

12/9/2022

 

My favourite cozy things to do in Yarmouth include watching artists work by the seashore, visiting a lovely cafe, and shivering over ghost stories.

Some of my experiences in Yarmouth were provided at no cost as part of a conference. This post might contain affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission if you make a purchase.

Best things to do in Yarmouth: Four weather beaten grey wood chairs rest in front of a red painted wood wall.
One of the best things to do in Yarmouth is simply admired the area's connection with the sea, like with these old, weather-beaten chairs at a lobster pound.
The small town of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, seems purpose-built for coziness. Between the delightful views of the harbour, the fresh seafood served in local restaurants, and the area's strong cultural connections, you have a recipe for a snug visit and amazing travel memories. I had visited the area before as many people do, during a short stop after taking the ferry over from Maine. I had never spent significant time in the region until this summer when I attended a conference in Yarmouth. It was the perfect way to check out the community's homiest spots and I'm happy to share my favourite cozy things to do in Yarmouth so your visit can be equally as nice.

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How To Explore Georges Island National Historic Site, Halifax, Nova Scotia

8/8/2022

 

If you want to explore Georges Island National Historic Site, here's how you can do it on your own, with a tour, and even with a picnic! Plus: What to expect on the ferry.

My visit to Georges Island was provided at no cost as part of a conference. This post might contain affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission if you make a purchase.

Woman dressed in olive green World War II era uniform and helmut explaining history to a group while standing in front of grassy fortifications.
When you explore Georges Island National Historic Site, it feels like you're stepping back in time.
Once upon a time, Halifax, Nova Scotia, wasn't just known as a lively city for music, travel, and seaside fun. It was first and foremost a military port. Halifax was on the frontlines of defending Canada from foreign attack. It's a role that thankfully never had to be enforced but for centuries the city has been soaked in military preparations. Now one of Halifax's oldest fortifications, Georges Island National Historic Site is open to the public and I was fortunate to explore it myself.

Georges Island sits in the middle of Halifax Harbour. You can see it from almost any point in the city - I had superb views from my room at the Westin Nova Scotian- but visitors were prohibited until 2020. My friends and family jumped at the chance to visit when the Parks Canada site opened during the pandemic and their reviews were GLOWING. Locals absolutely love this destination and they're extremely proud of their city's history. As they should be! 

The main attraction on Georges Island is Fort Charlotte. Fortifications here date to 1750 and include an underground tunnel system. While Georges Island has never been attacked, Fort Charlotte and the surrounding area has been used for important military operations over the centuries. Two thousand French soldiers were imprisoned here during the Seven Years War and an estimated 1,660 Acadian civilians were detained during the Expulsion. During the American Revolution, privateers were held prisoner in Fort Charlotte and, during World War II, an anti-aircraft was stationed there. 

Visiting today is decidedly peaceful experience and a wonderful way to get to know Halifax better. Here's what to expect and how you can explore Georges Island National Historic Site.

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Tales From The Anti-Adventurist: Vanessa Goes Axe Throwing in Shelburne, Nova Scotia

21/6/2022

 

Axe throwing in Shelburne, Nova Scotia, is easy for everyone.... except maybe not for anti-adventurists like me. This is what happened when I stepped on the axe throwing platform at the Boxing Rock Brewing Company.

My visit to Shelburne was included as part of a press trip during the TMAC conference. ​​​​This post contains affiliate ads and links, which means we may get paid a small commission if you make a purchase.

Axe throwing in Shelburne, Nova Scotia - Vanessa throws an axe while a friend and employee look on
Axe throwing in Shelburne, Nova Scotia, looks easy enough. But how did I actually do?
Have you ever signed up for an activity you're a little unsure about it and the organizer tells you not to worry, that they've never lost someone/ had someone capsize/ had someone utterly fail? It's a heartening speech designed to bolster low confidence and soothe the very nerves that lead to shaky performance. And thus far, it's proven true for me.

Until now, folks. Until now.

This is what happened when a confirmed anti-adventurist (that's me) took on one heck of a crazy challenge (that's axe throwing in Shelburne, Nova Scotia) and utterly failed. 

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20 Cozy Things To Do in Charlottetown PEI

4/4/2022

 

These are my favourite cozy micro-adventures and things to do in Charlottetown, PEI's capital city and all round amazing travel destination. 

This post contains affiliate ads and links, which means we may get paid a small commission if you make a purchase. Note that my most recent trip to Charlottetown was part a press trip. 

Things to do in Charlottetown Harbour front marina shops and buildings and dusk
One of the nicest things to do in Charlottetown is to spend a quiet evening strolling by the seashore. Image from Wikimedia Commons under Creative Commons licensing.
As Canada's smallest provincial capital city, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, is just made for cozy adventures. But it's not just the size of this 40,000 strong city that makes it so snug and inviting. Charlottetown's pretty seaside location, impressive architectural history, and prominent place in Canada's political, cultural, and social fabric make for an irresistible combination for visitors. This is where you want to be if you'd like to celebrate the meetings which led to Canada's confederation in 1867, to honour the artistic legacy of Anne of Green Gables author L.M. Montgomery, or simply feast on homemade ice cream, rich lobster rolls, and damn fine coffee. With no shortage of things to do in Charlottetown, I've focused on the coziest experiences I've enjoyed in more than 30 years of visits and I have a feeling you'll love them just as much as I have.

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Exploring Montana's Tippet Rise: Music, Art, Adventure

23/2/2022

 

If you're in southern Montana, you'll want to check out Tippet Rise. Music, art, and outdoor adventure await at this incredible working ranch.

My visit to Tippet Rise was part of a conference I attended. Note that some ads and links here are affiliate, which means I may be paid a small commission should you make a purchase.

Tippet Rise music, art, adventure: Several people are dwarfed by the large grey stone columns of a piece of outdoor art.
At Tippet Rise, music isn't the only activity. You can also check out sculptures!
What do you call a piece of art that doubles as an impromptu concert venue and a scratching post for itchy cattle? Well, the artists call it The Domo and it’s one of 12 enormous sculptures on 12,000 acres of ranch land at Montana’s Tippet Rise Art Center. 

Tippet Rise, not far from Billings, Montana, is a working ranch, an open-air sculpture park, a fantastic spot for hiking and biking and - most notably - a world-class classical music venue. The music barn (yes, barn!) has acoustics designed to mimic Mozart’s favourite concert halls and it may just be the finest intimate classical music venue in the world. Artistic ambitions extend to the spectacular sculptures, including The Domo, which welcomes human, animal, and musical interaction. And if that wasn’t enough, Tippet Rise is now one of Montana’s greenest destinations. ​

I was fortunate to visit in 2019. It was a rainy, windy day but the dramatic weather conditions only made my visit all the more atmospheric (if you'll pardon the pun...) I was also treated to a short performance in the Olivier Music Barn and enjoyed its wonderful warm acoustics first hand. You don't often see destinations that combine rugged outdoor fun, exquisite classical music, and commanding modern art in one package but after my visit, I can't imagine it any other way.

In 2022, four new sculptures will be calling Tippet Rise home and in-person music will be back after nearly three years. There's never been a more exciting time to visit! Here are the different ways you can explore this memorable destination.

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How To See Ancient Hawaiian Petroglyphs in Volcanoes National Park

30/7/2021

 

Ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs are more accessible than you might think at the Big Island's Volcanoes National Park. This is what it was like hiking to see the Pu'u Loa site.

Note: My trip was partially sponsored by Go Hawaii. All research, writing, and opinions are my own. This trip may contained affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, this blog may receive a small commission. 

Hawaiian petroglyphs: Carvings in black lava rock
Exploring Hawaiian petroglphys means appreciating remarkable sites like this.
You may have come to Volcanoes National Park to satisfy the child within, to hunt down fiery lava and stalk ancient eruptions. But it’s your inner artist who will be squealing with glee if you’re fortunate enough to explore the legendary ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs at the Pu’u Loa site.
​
Roughly translated as “the hill of long life”, the archaeological site of Pu’u Loa contains over 23,000 petroglyph images, carved into lava bedrock and dating back centuries. With a keen eye, you’ll see a feathery cape, the billowing sail of a canoe, and the squiggly flash of a lizard.  But even if your imagination is a bit rusty, you’ll have no problem deciphering many human forms. And there’s no way you can miss the thousands of ‘dimples’, little cups carved into the rock, which served as repositories for umbilical cords. With the promise of blessings and a long life for a new baby, it’s easy to see why ancient Hawaii families considered the Pu’u Loa such a precious spot.

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The Coziest Things To Do In Ogunquit, Maine

21/2/2021

 

My list of the best things to do in Ogunquit, Maine, includes lots of cozy, affordable microadventures - plus plenty of foodie fun.

​This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, we may be paid a small commission. Note that I first visited the Cliff House resort and Ogunquit Playhouse in 2015 as part of a press trip.

Things to do in Ogunquit Maine: Visiting Cape Neddick Lighthouse, situated on a rocky island with a lighthouse keeper's home and small out buildings.
Visiting Cape Neddick Light is one of the essential things to do in Ogunquit, Maine.
There’s nothing like the sound of the waves, the smell of salt spray, and proverbial long walks on the beach to make you realize just how much you love oceanside travel. The tiny town of Ogunquit, home to less than 900 people, stands out as one of my favourite seaside escapes in southern Maine. I promise it will check every box on your cozy wish list, but this is no place to simply be idle. There are plenty of things to do in Ogunquit, Maine to fill a long weekend - or maybe even an entire week.

​These are some of my absolute favourite places to stay, spots to eats, and things to do in the Ogunquit area.

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