The geographical, spiritual, and historical heart of Beijing, Tian’an Men Square and the Forbidden City together represent a yin and yang arrangement; one is a mind-bogglingly vast, empty, rectangular public space, the other is an even more massive, rectangular walled private enclosure. One represents modern China, complete with its Socialist monuments, refrigerated Great Leader and … Read more
It is well known to oenologists, but a little surprising to the rest of us, that the region is not only by far Portugal’s prime producer of plonk, but increasingly the source of some genuinely classy and sophisticated wines. The headquarters of the local wine authority, Vinhos do Alentejo, on Praca Aguiar, is a good … Read more
Garfield Park Conservatory Beneath glass-domed roofs, flora from around the world thrives in spacious greenhouses. Information panels give the lowdown as you stroll through the conservatory’s six indoor areas that include a Children’s Garden and the Sweet House (containing plants such as cacao, sugar cane, etc). 300 N. Central Park Ave. 312 746 5100 El … Read more
Evora managers to be not only an outstandingly beautiful and well-preserved city, but also functional and user-friendly. Almost everything worth seeing lies within the ring of fortifications, and nothing is further than a half-hour walk from anything else. So it makes sense to leave your car in one of the various car parks outside the … Read more
For more tours and maps visit www.muenchen.de
An elegant and unspoilt walled town in the heart of the Alentejo wine country, Evora is an ideal destination for lovers of culture and cuisine, says Paul Richardson. The motorway powers out of Lisbon, heading east towards the Spanish border, through countryside as unpopulated and as little messed about with as any in Europe. The … Read more
For suggestions about child-friendly city tours and adventure walks, visit www.muenchen.kinder-stadt.de More and more restaurants are offering family-oriented service with children’s menus, booster seats, and even babysitting. Olympiapark From beach volleyball and basketball or skiing and boat rides to climbing tours on the world-famous tent roof at the largest sport, fun and fitness complex in … Read more
An Art Walk Morning Start at Commerce Court North to admire the stunning lobby. Walk west to Bay St and the TD Centre , noting the Wall and Chairs sculpture in the plaza and Joe Fafard’s life-sized bronze cows lounging on the lawn behind 77 King St W. Just around the corner at 234 Bay … Read more
Mount Rainier This silent, snowcapped sentinel, the centerpiece of Mount Rainier National Park, is an awe-inspiring active volcano rising 14,410-ft (4,392-m) above sea level. Since the cataclysmic explosion of Mount St. Helens in 1980, the Grand Dame of the Cascades commands new respect for its potentially devastating force. View of Mount Rainier Hikers at Paradise, … Read more
Parc d’Atraccions del Tibidabo With its old-fashioned rides, the only surviving funfair in the city is a delight for children of all ages. The attractions include a House of Horrors, bumper cars, a ferris wheel and the Museu dels Autòmates, with animatronics of all shapes and sizes. There’s also a puppet show, picnic areas, playgrounds … Read more
Sunbathing & Swimming Head to the city beaches to cool down and escape the stifling heat. Barcelona boasts a wide range of fabulous beaches, from Barceloneta, lined with bars and restaurants, to the reclaimed beaches of Vila Olímpica, Bogatell and Mar Bella. Sunbathers, Platja de la Barceloneta Watersports A wide variety of activities is on … Read more
The plan to build a copy of Angkor Wat in India caused shock and dismay. Why asks David Robson, when replica buildings are such a familiar phenomenon? Buildings at the Wild West-themed Jackson Hole development Thanks to the Beijing Resplendency Great Exploit Real Estate Company Ltd, second-homes from China’s capital need only drive two hours … Read more
3. From St Tropez to Cassis Where to stay La Suite, Cassis hotel born from the French dream of a German stylist, Herbert Hufnagel The most striking thing about this three-bedroom guest house, which opened in July 2009, is the stunning geometrical mastery of indoor/outdoor space, designed to make the most of its views of … Read more
2. From Cannes to St Tropez Where to stay Les Rosées, Mougins Manager Kilpérick Lhobet has renovated the 400-year-old mas with his mother. Danièlle, a talented upholstery designer. Mougins may be an overly picturesque ProvenÇcal village, but there’s nothing remotely twee about this sumptuous, four-suite guest house, tucked away on a country lane outside town. … Read more
A hub of the super wealthy and fashionable jet set, the south of France also offers quieter; more affordable pleasures. Côte d’ Azur resident Lanie Goodman shares her address book. And while it’s true that the coastal Riviera is still a show-off’s paradise, inland the region is also home to quieter, more authentic pleasures. Henri … Read more
For more information on Cape Cod contact the Chamber of Commerce at 1 508 362 3225 or go to www.capecodchamber.org Bay State Cruise Co. operates a ferry to Provincetown (mid-May–mid- Oct) from the World Trade Center, Boston, 617 748 1428 Cape Ann Thirty miles (48 km) north of Boston, the granite brow of Cape Ann … Read more
Hot pot: Soggy Dollar Bar, Island Jost Vandyke Its was once accessible only by water ( there is now a rough road, though most visitors still arrive by boat ). Do thirsty sailors would brave the waters of the British Virgin Islands to make it ashore, and pay with wet dollar bills. Many were on … Read more
Along with the first hints pof warmer days to come, spring is one of the most beatuful seasons of the year. Travel editor David Wickers suggests a variety of places where you will find spring at its seasonal prime- both close to home and further afield Summoned by bells Blickling Hall in Norfolk There are … Read more
Peter Pan Bus Lines (800 343 9999) and MBTA commuter rail (617 222 3200) operate to many of these destinations from South Station Costumed re-enactors dramatize the 1775 Battle of Lexington and Concord each year on Patriots Day (the third Monday in April) Lexington Peaceful, leafy Lexington Green marks the first encounter of British soldiers … Read more
Asia VietNam: Take the Coast Road The sinous coastline of Vietnam provides a natural haven of calm with spas nestled amongst bays, forests and beaches ConSown Island Even those who normally prefer to limit their holiday adventures to sunbathing and spas will want to climb the stone steps at one end of Six Senses Con … Read more