Travel plan idea blog

Visiting Croatia: Beautiful and Damned literary / movie tourism

Currently in film production is the "Beautiful And Damned," based on the book by one of the greatest American novelists, F. Scott Fitzgerald. This is the story of Fitzgerald and Zelda, his problematic wife, as seen in the characters of Anthony Patch and Gloria. They are two of the "Beautiful People," a part of the uninhibited class who entertained, traveled, and indulged in every frivolity and excess of life in the early 1900's. The well known British actress Keira Knightley as Zelda and Leonardo Di Caprio as Scott (if rumors are correct) should do a masterful job in portraying the intensity, the genius, and often harsh reality that characterize Fitzgerald's writing. Although few other details are available, the anticipated release date is some time in 2011.

Scenes are being filmed in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, and at the Opatija resort on the Adriatic Sea. There are just under a million people in Zagreb, once a familiar stop for the Orient Express, offering travelers a variety of things to see and do. Divided into Upper and Lower Towns, visitors will find an interesting contrast between the two. Below the hilly streets of old buildings, bars, and cafes, the Lower Town features more hotels, wider and pedestrian only streets, and a nice stretch of park grounds in the center, similar to Central Park, known as the Green Horseshoe.

Accommodations: Most hotels cater to business travelers; however, vacationers can find more luxurious places to stay. The Regent Esplanade and the Hotel Sheraton, both near the train station, offer 5-star amenities and prices to match. The Hotel Westin, part of the Starwood chain, has accommodations and facilities to please most tourists in an excellent location for sightseeing. Guest Rooms & Suites: $200 and up. For comfort and convenience, the Hotel Arcotel Allegra is near the train station, with rooms averaging $140, the Aristos by the airport, and there are several other good, but less expensive hotels in and around Zagreb.

Things to Do: Not far from the train station, travelers will enjoy the pleasant surroundings of the Botanical Gardens. Here you'll find a large area of trees, shrubs, a formal English garden, two ponds, and four rock gardens with over 10,000 native species of plants.
Hours: 1 Apr - 1 Nov, 7 days a week, 9am to 2:30pm Mon & Tues; open to 6pm the rest of the week. Admission is free.

Attractions: Highly recommended by art aficionados is the Strossmayer Gallery of Old Masters located in the old Academy of Science and Art palace, built in 1880. The Gallery on the 2nd floor of this Italian Renaissance palace opened to the public in November 1884 and features works by Bellini, Carpeaux, and Bruegel. The original 284 pieces created by Austrian, German, Dutch, French, and Flemish artists were donated by the Museum's founder, J.J. Strossmayer. Since then, the artwork in the Gallery has increased through the years to over 784 from individual and collector donations. In addition, there are over 4,000 exhibits of paintings, sculpture, and graphics with collections from Uzorinac, Csikos, and the contemporary art of Sebalj. On permanent display in the Gallery are 254, and the rest kept in storage or at other establishments in Croatia. One of the most interesting pieces in the Museum is the Baska stone slab of Croatia's ancient Glagolitic script, displayed in the atrium of the Gallery.
Hours: Tues - Sun, 10am to 1pm, & 5 to 7pm.
Admission: $5 - students & groups, $10 - adults.

Visitors will find fine examples of Croatian culture in folk costumes, tools, and handicrafts in the Ethnographic Museum. You can explore the Archaeological Museum, with its displays of artifacts and the oldest coin collection in Europe. Mimara Museum houses collections of the Far East, archaeology, and the European old masters (restoration, however, is not great, so authenticity has been questioned.)

Restaurants: Very reasonable, with lunch around $5 and a 3-course meal with wine about $15 to $20. Worth mentioning are the Boban for pasta, the Dubravkin Put for fresh seafood, and the popular Kaptolska Klet for traditional cuisine and friendly service.

(Note: Much of the information on museum and restaurant websites is in Croatian.)

Nightlife in Zagreb is inexpensive entertainment, popular from September to June, before the summer when travelers leave the city for the coast. There are bars, dance clubs, pubs, and live music in both the Upper and Lower towns.

Transportation in Zagreb: Besides walking, trams or buses are an option; taxis are usually too expensive. The best way to see Zagreb is by the tourist train, which is free and runs every hour from 9:30am to 7:30pm.

Opatija, a popular tourist spot on the Bay of Kvamer about 125 miles from Zagreb, was also chosen for scenes in the Beautiful And Damned. Easily accessible by car, train, or plane from several major cities in central Europe, Opatija is about 7 miles by bus from Rijeka, with connections to other cities and ferries to Italy. The mild climate, beaches, and gardens of this Adriatic Sea resort have lured travelers since the mid-1800's and the time of Austrian emperors. Besides people watching, sunbathing, water activities, and strolling along Opatija's boardwalk, the 8-mile Lungomare, the town offers an open-air summer theater of comedy, drama, and music, carnivals, and festivals throughout the year. Numerous business, sports, and cultural events are held here, as well as conventions on health and wellness therapy.

Attractions: Among the interesting 19th century buildings still standing is the Villa Angiolina, built in 1844 by a wealthy merchant and later changed into a hotel. As the railroad brought more travelers to the area, other hotels soon followed such as the Hotel Kvarner and the Hotel Imperial. Other attractions include the Maiden with the Seagull by Zvonko Car, overlooking the sea, and The Fountain - Helios and Selena by the Austrian sculptor Rathautsky in 1889 located near the Church of St Jakov on the grounds of an old Benedictine monastery. Opatija even has its own Walk of Fame, with 32 stars for prestigious artists, scientists, and athletes.

Accommodations: There are numerous hotels in the center of town and by the sea including the Hotel Ambassador with rooms and suites from $125 to $400, and the popular Grand Hotel Adriatic, with a casino, fully equipped spa, tennis courts, and convention facilities. Sample packages are reasonably priced at $135 p/p for double room, 4 hours daily at the spa, morning workouts, buffet breakfast and dinner, as well as entrance to the casino and hotel beach. Other hotels include the Bristol and the older Hotels Kvarner and Imperial. Visitors will find a good selection of villas, a few apartments, and hostels for budget travelers in and around Opatija.

Restaurants: Travelers can indulge in a wide variety of excellent seafood, Croatian dishes, Italian and Mediterranean specialties, wild game, and a fine selection of wine at Opatija restaurants. Many of these such as Bevanda, with its unique champagne, vodka, and caviar bar, Ika, Mali Raj, and the Yacht Club have open terraces and wonderful views of the sea. Smaller cafes offer less expensive pizza and pasta.

Entertainment: The Hemmingway Bar next to Angiolina Park is probably the most popular spot for nightlife in Opatija. Since many places close before midnight and drinking laws are strict, this is a good choice for after dark entertainment. Partygoers can find a few other places near the harbor, but Opatija is more about relaxation and leisure fun than the big party scene this Riviera resort might suggest.

Visiting Croatia is something you may not have considered before, but it does offer travelers something different in vacation destinations.

Sharon L Slayton

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Castles, Chateaux, & Chocolat

The movie Chocolat, released in 2000 and based on the book by Joanne Harris, is a story of a single mother, Juliette Binoche as Vianne and her young daughter, whose travels bring them to the picturesque French village of Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, only an hour from Dijon in Burgundy. The film and cast received numerous academy nominations and European awards from the Screen Actor's Guild, the British Academy, and Golden Globe.

In spite of the village mayor's beliefs and strong disapproval, Vianne opens La Chocolaterie Maya during Lent, a daring venture with no promise of success. At first, the devout villagers are only curious about this new arrival and the tempting display of chocolat in the shop's window. Before long, unable to resist this temptation, each one discovers a unique pleasure in chocolat, and word quickly spreads of its wonderful flavor and seemingly magical powers. Soon, romance comes to the village as news of Vianne's shop reaches the gypsy camp nearby, and a mysterious visitor Roux, played by Johnny Depp, is lured by the delights of the chocolaterie.

Tourism to this beautiful area of France has always been popular, yet Flavigny has remained relatively unspoiled and is not considered a touristy spot. No doubt with the filming of Chocolat, its quaint charm has brought more visitors to explore this interesting town of medieval architecture, winding streets, and old world appeal. If you do go to Flavigny, be sure and visit the Abbey of St Pierre, the Church of St Genest, and through the old entry gates to the Maison du Donataire. You won't want to miss seeing and tasting aniseed candy, Flavigny's main claim to fame and recognized by the government as one of the top tasting sites in France. Still being made at the Abbey, anise candy is believed to be the world's oldest type of confection with a history that began in Flavigny. Probably dating back to the time of the Roman emperor Flavinius in 50 BC to the founding of the Abbey in 718 AD, anise candy has tempted kings, queens, playwrights, and now the world, for centuries with its distinctive flavor. Today, aniseed candy is exported to over 13 countries and sold in flavors of violette, anise, mint, rose, orange blossom, cinnamon, jasmine, and coffee. Free samples of these delicious small treats are given out to visitors to the Abbey. Open: From 9 to 10:45 am, Monday thru Friday

About 3 miles from Flavigny, you'll find the Bussy-Rabutin Castle, built in 1649 by Roger de Rabutin, a famous author who spent 16 years in exile here writing about Louis XIV and his many affairs. Visit the warriors' drawing room and the King's gallery with portraits of his mistresses.
Hours: 15 May - 14 Sep, 9:15am & 2-6pm. 15 Sep - 14 May, same morning hours, 2-5pm. Closed: 1 Jan, 1 May, 1 & 11 Nov, 25 Dec.
Admission: $10 Concessions: $6

Accommodations: A few including Le Relais de Flavigny hotel, and three B&B's, Couvent des Castafours, L'Ange Souriant, and Béroubis.
Activities: Annual carnival in March, Sunday morning market Apr - October, and St Simon's fair in October.

Visitors to Flavigny will no doubt want to travel through the countryside to enjoy the pleasures of similar villages and attractions of the Cote d'Or, most within 30 miles or less. A short 24-mile drive will take you to Morvan Natural Park, where there's another choice of accommodation at the Chateau d'Island Vezelay, with prices averaging $150 for a double room.

Attractions: Fontenay Abbey, about 12 miles from Flavigny. Founded in 1118 by St Bernard of Clairvaux, the church, cloisters, prison, and kennels of this Cisterician Abbey were almost completely restored after the French Revolution, and it is now listed as a UNESCO heritage site. Fontenay provides a realistic view of monastery life, where visitors can watch demonstrations of old iron production at the forge, explore the dormitories and lodges, enter the church and cloisters, and stroll through the well-kept gardens. Café and gift shop on site.
Guided Tours: Apr - Jun, Sep - mid-Nov, Jul & Aug, 10am to Noon, 2 to 5pm. Price: $13 (Note: Prices and hours always subject to change.)

About 4 miles from Fontenay lies the village of Montbard, home of the 18th century scientist and writer, Georges-Louis, the Count of Buffon. A few things worth seeing are the Parc Buffon, the tower library, his clinic, and the museum.

Accommodations: There are numerous accommodations in the area, so we will only list a few.
Chateau De Malaisy - 17th century chateau, located on 37 acres in the Fontenay Valley. Prices: $140 - $160
Logis Hostellerie D'aussois - moderately priced, about 8 miles from Montbard.
Prices: $150
Hotel-Golf Chateau De Chailly - an authentic medieval Castle recognized as a National Monument, 24 miles from Montbard. Prices: $200

Scenes from Chocolat were also filmed at Beynac-et-Cazenac, another of the most beautiful villages in France. Located on the Dordogne River, this is a popular spot for tourists and artists, where the main attraction is the magnificent Castle built high above the riverbanks. With a history dating back to the 12th century, the Castle is one of the finest in France and has been a National Monument since 1944. Accessible by climbing a short, steep path, visitors will have a wonderful view of the river and village below. Completely restored in 1962 by its new owner, Louis Grosso, you'll find splendid tapestries depicting the lives of the Castle's lords, 17th century apartments with period décor, a large Renaissance fireplace in the main hall, and a small chapel filled with 15th century frescoes including Saint Christopher and the Last Supper. (Beynac Castle has been the scene for other films such as Les Miserables, Jeanne d'Arc, and Ever After.)
Hours: 10am - 6pm, Mar-Sep; Oct-Nov, 10am to dusk; Dec-Feb, Noon to dusk.
Admission: $10

Accommodations: Hotel Bonnet and Hotel Pontet in the village, rooms average
$50 - $75. Hotel du Chateau, located below the Castle, moderately priced with a good restaurant. Self-catering homes and holiday villas are also available, from $800 and up to $2,000 per week. Camping is also popular at Beynac, where campers can enjoy a range of amenities, fishing, rafting, and other outdoor activities along the Dordogne.

Restaurants: The restaurant at the Hotel Bonnet overlooking the river offers elegant dining, with a full gourmet menu of French cuisine from foie gras to dessert and wine, around $100 for two. Hotel Pontet offers a daily menu including wine, dessert, and coffee for less than $40 for two.

(Note: Flights, travel packages, and other information available online.)

Whether you are tempted by chocolate, anise candy, or other delectable sweets, you'll enjoy visiting the Burgundy region of France on your next vacation.

Sharon L Slayton

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Mamma Mia - Summertime Fun In The Greek Isles

You probably know the story from the movie, or the stage production in London and on Broadway, and are no doubt familiar with the unforgettable music of ABBA, but you may not have visited the Greek islands of Skiathos and Skopelos where filming took place. Starring Meryl Streep as Mamma, Amanda Seyfried as daughter Sophie, Pierce Brosnan, and Colin Firth, this romantic comedy was an instant success when released in 2008, and a welcome addition to tourism in Greece.

Open to the public, many of the scenes in the movie were filmed in and around the beaches and harbor at Skiathos. The locals and tourists joined in the fun of watching old taxi cabs and 4-wheel bikes careen through narrow cobblestone alleyways in a frantic chase to the overloaded ferry waiting to dock, while members of the cast were more than willing to sign autographs for the crowds.

Accommodations (used by the cast): 5- star Skiathos Princess - Rates: $182 to $364 deluxe rooms, suites $390 to $500. The Mandraki boutique hotel also received very positive reviews, as a less expensive, more family oriented place to stay. (Availability seems limited, however, probably evidence of its popularity). Of course, you can leave the main part of town and explore the side streets where you'll find accommodations at other hotels and small pensions, with prices to fit your budget.
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Be prepared to do some walking, mostly uphill, once you leave the market square of craft shops, tavernas, and restored seafarers' houses by the harbor, but the climb to the Bell Tower and the small St Nicholas church filled with Greek orthodox religious items is worth the effort. You'll be rewarded with an incredible panorama of white walls, red tile roofs, and the brilliant color of bougainvillea that clings to small verandas of houses on the hillsides above the sea. Returning to the streets below, you'll want to do some shopping, have lunch, or take a stroll across the walkway to the pines of Bourtzi Islet, with its own separate harbor (used primarily for pleasure excursion boats.) Here you'll find the cultural center of Skiathos, with a theatre and statue of Alexandros Papadiamantis, probably the most famous Greek novelist of the 19th century, who lived and died on Skiathos.

Restaurant Recommendations: The Windmill is considered top of the line, offering a fabulous view and a gourmet menu (prices not listed), ideal for special events and romantic evenings. In addition to less expensive and just as popular places, other restaurants recommended include Paraxenos for outdoor dining on Greek and international food, Elados Yefsis for traditional dishes of moussaka and spanakopita, and Portobello, a combination bar, café, and garden type restaurant.

Much of the movie was filmed on the island of Skopelos, or "Kalokari" (summer in Greek), the largest of the Sporades Islands, which include Mykonos and Santorini. Other than some fishing, herding, and production of honey, the overall decline in agriculture and wine production has led to a strong dependence on tourism to bolster the island's economy. Travelers from northern Europe have discovered the climate and beauty of Skopelos as an inviting retirement destination. Besides the wonderful music and great acting, the cinematography in Mamma Mia is spectacular, capturing the beauty of Skopelos, from the deep blue of the Aegean Sea to the dark green of pine forests and the silvery sheen of olive groves.

One of the main attractions on Skopelos is the wedding chapel rebuilt for the film on the site of the Agios Ioannis Prodromos Monastery, rising some 300 feet above the sea near the town of Glossa. A 45-minute ride on the local bus from Skopelos Town brings you to Glossa, situated in the highest altitude of the Sporades Islands. From here, you'll have a breathtaking view of Loutraki, the harbor just below the village, the sea, and rugged coastline

Sun worshippers will want to visit at least one of the legendary beaches of Skopelos, although most of these are pebbled and lack the fine sand of the ones on Skiathos. However, you can follow the steep, dirt pathway down to the sandy Kastani Beach, which was chosen for the majority of the beach scenes. You can catch a bus from town to Glysteri cove for somewhat secluded sun bathing. Stafylos is an easily accessible beach, about 3 miles from town by bus, and the beaches at Amarantos, used in some scenes from the movie, are a good place to soak up the sun and enjoy the natural beauty of your surroundings. Families will enjoy a short drive to Panormos beach, where you can find tavernas, mini-marts, and small boats for rent in the village nearby.

In addition to sightseeing, hiking, walking, and mountain biking for the more energetic, you may want to visit the Varvaras, Metamorphosis, or Prodromos monasteries, and the Museum of Cultural Heritage in Glossa, which opened free to the public in July 2008. Most shops are open until midnight, and bars even later. At any time of the year, you'll probably enjoy a village festival, which adds to vacation fun. There are endless opportunities for amazing photography, so a camera is a must.

Accommodations: Numerous cottages and villas on the hillsides overlooking the sea or nestled amid the olive groves are available for rent; prices range from $124 to $168 a day. For example, the Glysteri Pool cottage is located on the hills about a mile from the beach at Glysteri Bay, featured in the movie, and less than 2 miles from town. The cottage has 2 bedrooms, pool, kitchen, and twice a week maid service. Enjoy the open terraces, the nearby tavernas in the village of Agios Konstantinos, and shop at the small museum for local handicrafts.

Villas, sleeping up to 6, with private pools, fully equipped, and beautifully landscaped are available for $178 - $246 per day.
Suites rent for $250 and up at the Skopelos Village Hotel (used by many of he cast and crew), where the air is filled with the aroma of honeysuckle, jasmine, and lavender. The hotel offers numerous amenities including a private beach, two swimming pools, a tennis court, bar, and restaurant.
(Note: Rates fluctuate with on or off-season.)

Tavernas & Restaurants: Agioli (for Italian) at the Skopelos Village Hotel, Agnanti at Glossa, Anna's, Alexander's and Finikas, as well as several other reasonably priced establishments. The Ouzeria Anatoli taverna is popular for live music, dancing, and good food. Ouzo is a very strong type of aperitif, with a distinct flavor (which I never did acquire a taste for while living in Greece)! Good jazz can be found also at some of the tavernas on the island.

Transportation: Besides the local bus, you can rent a car, bike, or moped for sightseeing around the island.
Ferry service: High speed and catamaran ferries available to most of the Greek islands. About 1 hr from Skiathos to Skopelos. Slower ferries average $12 to $20 for pedestrians and $30 for cars, one way.
Flights: From Athens, Volos, and Thessaloniki to Skiathos.
(Holiday packages, tours, booking, prices, and other travel information available online.)

With a pleasant Mediterranean climate cooled by the northerly Meltemia breezes, the enchanting islands of Greece attract tourists everywhere. The filming of Mamma Mia brings renewed interest in visiting these beautiful places and experiencing year-round summertime fun.

Sharon L Slayton

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Italy: The Pleasures of A Simple Life

In 1994, Michael Radford directed the movie Il Postino, a simple, heartwarming story of friendship between the unassuming mailman and the Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, while living in political exile in southern Italy. A famous poet and an unsophisticated village mailman would seem to have little in common, but in time the two find much to share and learn from each other.

Filmed on location in Italy, Il Postino has a small cast that included Philippe Noiret as Neruda, Massimo Troisi as Mario the Postino, and Maria Garza Cucinotta as Beatrice, a waitress in the village and the object of the mailman's affection. Choosing not to follow in his father's footsteps as a fisherman, Mario gets a job delivering mail to a single customer, Neruda. Having little education and being none too clever with words or the art of courtship, Mario is eager to learn poetry as a way to woo and eventually marry Beatrice. As he explains to Neruda, "poetry doesn't belong to those who write it; it belongs to those who need it."

Il Postino is a romantic story, much of which was filmed on Salina, the greenest and perhaps the most beautiful of the Aeolian Islands off the coast of Sicily. Loyal fans of Troisi who died the day after filming was completed, a few celebrities, wealthy yacht owners, and tourists visit here, yet Salina has not become a playground for the rich and famous or a tourist trap for the international traveler. It has remained relatively unspoiled even after the worldwide success of the film, which received several academy nominations including best foreign language film. It is simply a great place to relax, enjoy the food and wine, the weather, and the spectacular view overlooking the bay at Pollara. With six volcanoes dormant for thousands of years and a mild Mediterranean climate, the island is rich in over 400 types of vegetation including ferns, pines, chestnuts, and oaks, as well as a home for rare cats, rabbits, and other small wildlife. Travelers can climb the hillsides, explore the caves, visit the black sand beach at Malfa, or take boat excursions around the island.
Accommodations: Small houses, fully equipped, can be rented by the week or longer from $400 to $1500, for two to six people.
Getting there: Ferry service from Naples and Milazo, hydrofoil from Palermo and Messina.

The picturesque island of Procida, the smallest in the Bay of Naples, is remarkably different from many of the better known island vacation spots. Because of its natural beauty, colorful architecture, and friendly villagers, it offered an ideal setting for filming some of the scenes in Il Postino (as well as for the movie The Talented Mr Ripley). Not far from Ischia and Capri, travelers will find Procida quiet and serene in comparison, although some celebrities have villas and a few artsy types live here. Many visitors come on daytrips from Naples, while others find inexpensive accommodations for longer stays. Cottages equipped with kitchenettes can be rented for $30 to $60 p/p; hotel rooms average about the same. Some families will choose the pleasant campgrounds not far from the beach, open from 1 May to 15 Sep. Prices: About $10 p/p, $10.per tent.

Strolling around the ports, travelers will find the scent of lemons fills the air, as the gardens in Procida are famous and celebrated each year in May with the Fiesta del Limone. Besides the market, there are several restaurants on the island such as Il Cantinone, which serves inexpensive good food. Open Monday and Wednesday thru Sunday from 12 pm to 3:30 pm, and 7 pm to Midnight. Full dinner costs around $20. For some fresh seafood, spaghetti or linguine, pizza or a panini, Graziella by the sea is open 7 days a week, Mar thru Nov, from 10 am to Midnight. Prices: Average $7 to $10. A popular attraction in Procida and an excellent place to eat is La Locanda del Postino, the same restaurant/bar where filming of Il Postino took place. Located near the Abbey of St Michael the Archangel, this might be your first choice for atmosphere, a refreshing glass of beer or wine, or a delicious pasta dinner. Open Noon to 4 pm, and 7 pm to 11 pm.

Travelers who like the sand and the sea will find several not too crowded beaches such as Ciraccio, Chiaiolella (considered the best), and one appropriately named Il Postino. Scuba diving is very popular here, as well, available Mon thru Sat, from 9 am to 1 pm, and 3:30 pm to 7 pm. Cost: One dive and equipment provided - $40, and lessons average $68.

The Abbey of St Michael on Terra Murata, the highest point of the island at 300 feet, is just one of many interesting attractions in Procida. Inside this 11th century Benedictine monastery, gold, marble, and lovely old artwork adorn the walls, the apse, and wooden ceiling. You can visit the museum and library or wander through the catacombs of the dungeon below. A very special religious event, a tradition from the 17th century, takes place on Good Friday in the Procession of the Mysteries of Procida. Village people of all ages (mostly males) carry the floats of papier-mâché statues of Christ and other religious figures, which represent the mysteries and depict chapters from the Old Testament.
Hours: Open daily, 9:45 am - 12:45 pm, and 3 - 5 pm. Admission is free.

A main attraction is the Vivara Reserve, a treasure for birdwatchers, naturalists, photographers, and archaeologists. Once connected to the mainland and first populated in the Mycenean Age, this carefully protected islet is now accessible by footbridge from Procida. If you are able to visit here, you will find small paths throughout the reserve, which is inhabited mostly by over 200 species of birds, rabbits, and small animals. The single building on the reserve offers a great view of the sea and coast from the terrace.
Hours: 8:30 am - Noon, Mon thru Sat. (There was conflicting information on this, whether open to all visitors, only those with permits, or closed.)

Other attractions for tourists include the 17th century Santa Maria delle Grazie church, the small fishing village of Marina della Corricella, the Avalos Palace or Castle, the Seafood Festival, and the mid-August Graziella folklife Festival. You can shop for handmade fine lace and embroidery items, stop at a bakery for foccacia bread, or just visit with the locals in the villages. Nightlife is rather laid back, except on the weekends with the younger crowd.

Transportation: Taxis, buses, and rickshaws manage to navigate the winding streets, and bikes and scooters are popular. A 3 to 4 hour boat ride around the island costs about $10, an enjoyable way to view the three separate harbors of Procida, each with its own quaint fishing village.

Ferry service runs at least 5 times a day, a one-hour ride from Naples, $11 p/p.
Hydrofoil service, 7 times a day, a 30-minute ride from Naples, $10 p/p.
(Note: Information and maps available at the Marina Grande where the ferry docks. Open 9 - 12 pm & 4 to 7:20 pm)

Consider adding this small part of Italy to your travel plans - pleasure is often found in the simplest things.

Sharon L Slayton

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Atonement - On Location In The UK

Tourists worldwide visit the UK each year to learn more about the famous people, places, and events that have played such an important role in history, literature, and the performing arts. Based on its appeal and popularity, it is not surprising that locations throughout the UK have been chosen for film production.

Starring Keira Knightley, Saoirse Ronan as the young Briony, Romola Garai as Briony age 18, and veteran actress Vanessa Redgrave as Briony age 77, the Tallis family lived a life of wealth and privilege. The movie also features Scottish actor James McAvoy as Robbie, the not so fortunate housekeeper's son, as well as hundreds of British extras from the town of Redcar where filming took place. Based on the book by Ian McEwan, Atonement directed by Joe Wright won an Oscar for the Best Musical Score in 2007 and Best Film of the Year at the 61st British Academy of Film Awards.

Grand English estates are often chosen as settings for British films as seen in Pride and Prejudice, Lady Chatterley's Lover, and Wuthering Heights. In the movie Atonement, both interior and exterior of the private estate of Stokesay in Shropshire, were used for the Tallis family mansion and the smaller Turner cottage for the housekeeper and her son. Purchased by John Derby-Allcroft, philanthropist and builder of churches in 1886, the mansion was completed in 1892, just 6 months before his death. Wanting to preserve the inherent charm and Victorian décor of an English gentleman's estate, yet abandoning the dismal atmosphere found in similar estates, Stokesay was designed by Thomas Harris to include modern electric lighting and heating. Built to last, Stokesay was used as a hospital and a home for evacuees during the war, as it passed on from generation to generation. By 1992, it became an English Heritage site, and most of the contents including over 60 bibles were sold in 1994 at a Sotheby auction, the proceeds used for much needed repairs. The filming of Atonement at Stokesay Court, occupied by cast and crew in the summer of 2006, has added another chapter to its historical significance and revival as a tourist attraction.

Group Tours: 20 or more - $22 p/p; 30 or more - $21 p/p. (Not recommended for children.) Tours last about an hour and can be booked Tuesday thru Sunday between 10 am - 3:30 pm. Includes coffee or tea and visitors can explore the grounds after the tour.

Individual Tours: In advance by appointment only - dates currently available this year - 6 & 17 Jul, 3 Aug.

(e-mail tours@stokesaycourt.com)

Literary Luncheon: Sponsored by Castle Bookshop, this is an opportunity to meet at Stokesay and visit with well known British authors such as Andrew Taylor, Judith Cutler, and Edward Marston in early fall of this year. Price - $60 p/p.
(Note: Concerts, private parties, and other special events can also be arranged.)

Scenes depicting the French countryside in the late 1930's were filmed from the poppy fields at Gloucestershire to Lincolnshire and the Ouse Washes in the Fens of Cambridgeshire. Avid birdwatchers and nature lovers will want to visit this area and the Nene Washes near Whittlesey, to view migrating birds, birds of prey, wading birds, and other waterfowl. Open 9 am to 5 pm, every day except Christmas and Boxing Day, admission is free.

Over one million pounds were required to construct the realistic settings for the beach scene of Dunkirk in 1940, which were filmed at the seaport town of Redcar. In comparison, the local townspeople were each paid a mere 50 pounds as the extras in the film who waited onshore for rescue ships and evacuation. Once a small fishing village in the 1300's, Redcar was named after the petrified redwood rocks along the shore. Fishing proved extremely profitable for the townspeople, and it soon became a favorite vacation spot for tourists to enjoy a variety of other water sports including sailing, windsurfing, and diving. Visitors will find miles of flat, sandy beaches, comfortable B&Bs, holiday cottages, and great seafood, as well as shopping at high end and specialty stores. Every Wednesday there are bargains in wine, clothing, or fresh fish at the outdoor market in the center of town. Besides receiving the UK Seaside Award for the past eight years, Redcar offers numerous other attractions for vacationers who have been coming here long before the filming of Atonement.

The Kirkleatham Old Hall Museum, opening in October 1981, has three floors of exhibitions of shipyard photographs, ironstone mining, archaeology, and history of the area. From April to October, families can reminisce with 50 years of toys and music on display, in addition to games available to check out and play in the gardens or picnic area outside. There are many activities for children including contests, treasure hunts, and family craft workshops during the year. The Museum has a café, gift shop, and small playground.

Hours: Summer 10 am - 5 pm, Tues thru Sun; Winter 10 am - 4 pm. Free admission. Handicap accessible.

For visitors interested in the maritime history of Redcar, the Zetland Museum features the world's oldest lifeboat, built in 1802 by Henry Greathead. With a crew of 13 to 20, it is estimated that over 500 lives were saved in 80 years. Other displays include a fisherman's cottage, lifesaving equipment, lifelike figures representing rescues off the northeast coast of England, and the Laurie Pickett Gallery of photographs of the old fishing village and crews during the Victorian era.

Hours: May - Oct, 12 Noon to 4 pm. Closed Monday. Free admission. Handicap accessible on ground floor only.

If you are a frequent visitor to the track, and for something different to do, you will enjoy the Redcar Racecourse, a popular destination in Yorkshire for racehorse fans since 1872.

Prices: $22 - grandstand viewing; $5 - closed enclosure. Private suites with all amenities, ideal for groups, are also available. Children under 16 are free when accompanied by an adult. Free parking, restaurants, bars, and snacks. Regular races and featured events are held several times a month from April to October.

The movie Atonement takes travelers past villages and towns to the marshlands and dunes by the sea, as well as to the distant London tourist attractions of Whitehall, University College, Bethnal Green Town Hall, and St John's Church.

Sharon L Slayton

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Travel To "Eat, Pray, Love"

With award-winning actress Julia Roberts and co-stars Jacques Bardem and James Franco, the film "Eat, Pray, Love" should be a box office success scheduled to release 13 Aug of this year. Based on author Elizabeth Gilbert's life story, the movie follows the young divorcee as she escapes the humdrum, familiar life in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, known for Italian meat markets and family owned shops, to the adventure and excitement of "la dolce vita" in Rome. This article will not include all the attractions in Rome or India where filming took place, as the spotlight will be on Bali.

After four months of fun, food, and companionship, a desire for spirituality takes her to the Hindu Ashram Hari Mandir in the suburbs of Pataudi near Mumbai, India. Yoga and meditation sessions taught by native gurus were filmed on the 25 acres of the retreat, as well as scenes from the local market, a Sanskrit school that houses 500 students, a hospital, and a home for the aged.

Visitors to this film location, about 40 miles from the Indira Gandhi International Airport, can indulge themselves with accommodations at the Pataudi Palace, featured in the movie. Built in 1935 by the Nawab Ibrahim Ali Khan of national cricket fame and the official home of the prince of Pataudi, the Palace has been fully restored as a world heritage site. Popular with travelers to this part of India, the hotel has kept much of its old world charm with spacious rooms and verandas overlooking rose gardens and cypress trees. In addition to dining on traditional, exotic Indian cuisine, the Palace provides a peaceful, romantic getaway from the noise of cities and crowded streets.
Rates: $250 double up to $450 single.

After four months at the Ashram, reality sets in, as some balance between earthly pleasures and abstinence is needed - what better place to find it than on the beautiful island of Bali. Travelers have always been fascinated with the customs and mysticism of Bali, a land of volcanoes, sacred temples, nature reserves, and a huge population of monkeys. Based on the movie, a large increase in tourism to the city of Ubud in the district of Gianyar is expected, as it was recently voted Asia's best city destination by Conde Nast. Visitors will want to sightsee, and "Eat, Pray, Love" tours offer interesting itineraries in and around Ubud (meaning "medicine"), considered the center of art and culture on Bali. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy the music and dance, the museums, and the shops filled with clothing, fine jewelry, paintings, and sculpture. You can practice yoga, visit the spas, and even learn from the local shaman that "the resting place of the mind is the heart," bringing you one step closer to nirvana.

A featured attraction in Ubud is the annual Gempita Gianyar festival, a gathering of environmentalists, to be held this year from 2-3 July. Besides dance and music performances, the "Ubud Street Bash" features a carnival and parade down main street, with over 25 fashion designers, 7 musical groups, and hundreds of other participants. Special guests will be honored at a royal heritage dinner, and students, ages 15-17, can attend a 5-day summer art camp as part of the festival.

While filming the movie, Roberts and Bardem stayed at the Puri Saren Agung near Monkey Forest Road on the palace grounds of the Ubud royal family. The B&B style of the hotel offers visitors comfortable, yet modest accommodations in a choice of several bungalows, with evening dance performances in the open courtyard. The landscaped grounds with ornate stone gates, wooden pillars, and statues of Raksaka, lions, and elephants are the main attraction of this colonial style hotel. The hotel is inexpensive, with rates averaging $60/night, but they will probably increase with the film's release worldwide.

A visit to Bali would not be complete without a guided tour that includes some of the ancient temples (over 15,000 on the island), where the Balinese people spend much of their time bringing flowers and food. A four-hour sunset tour includes the Tanah Lot temple overlooking the Indian Ocean, the Tamara Ayun temple, a bat forest, and the Alas Kedaton, a forest filled with hundreds of sacred Macaques monkeys. (Monkeys are considered holy if they live on temple grounds, but otherwise are considered a nuisance by most Balinese.)
Rates: $35 per car (up to 6 people)

The exclusive Pan Pacific Bali Resort, formerly Le Meridien Golf and Spa Resort, near the Tanah Lot temple offers garden and ocean view guest rooms with balconies. Suites, one, and two bedroom private villas, each with garden, pool, and pavilion, are also available. Set amid tropical gardens, terraced rice paddies, and coconut groves, the resort features a beautiful 18-hole golf course designed by Greg Norman. In addition to spa facilities, four pools, and a gym, visitors can enjoy dining at a half dozen restaurants, pubs, or lounges, some with live entertainment by Balinese dancers. Squash, tennis, cycling, and the outdoor seafood market nearby are popular, as well. With all the amenities and so many things to see and do, this would be a wonderful place for a wedding, a honeymoon, or a fabulous vacation.
Sample Rates: $666 - 2-bedroom villa; $604 - 1-bedroom villa, $460 - executive suite.
Golf packages: $400 - $800 for 3 nights, includes buffet breakfast, 2 rounds of golf, and a tour of the Tanah Lot temple.

Spirit Quest tours offer a great travel package for groups of 20 or more to Ubud, which includes round-trip airfare from several major cities, hotel accommodations for 6 nights, breakfasts, and entrance fees. Travelers stay at the Alila Hotel and Spa at the edge of the rain forest in rooms with balconies and private open air showers. You'll dine on Italian food at the Amanusa Resort in nearby Nusa Dua, fresh seafood at the Bali Beach Club, and Balinese at the Lotus. Tourists enjoy shopping at the outdoor market for jewelry, silk sarongs, and crafts, as well as browsing the paintings at the Ayumas studio or the Bali Budaya wood carvings. Your well planned itinerary will include a visit to the Besakih Temple, which is actually 5 temples in one, as well as morning yoga and prayer sessions. You can pamper yourself with a one-hour $50 spa treatment, or request a personal reading by Kitut Liyer, the Balinese spiritual healer featured in Gilbert's book.
Package Price: $3,000 (from Los Angeles). You can find more information on their website.

In her book, Ms Gilbert wrote," I crossed the street to walk in the sunshine," and travel to "Eat, Pray, Love" promises fun and laughter, and perhaps a different perspective on life along the way.

Sharon Slayton

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Scenes From "Australia"

After two years of filming, the much anticipated movie "Australia" was released in 2008. Baz Luhrmann, writer, producer, and director, has created a story of the outback in epic proportions, the largest in this country's film making history.

Starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, and a large cast of supporting Australian actors, the scenes were filmed in 4 of the 8 states or territories, including Northern Australia, Queensland, and New South Wales. This article will cover only a few of the many attractions from the movie. Travelers will want to visit some, if not all, the locations that are portrayed in the wonderful cinematography of the bush country, the coast, the waterfalls and rivers, and the rugged mountain ranges and deep ravines. Boosted by the millions of dollars spent in advertising by the Australian Tourism Commission along with the production of the film, the ongoing interest in Australia and Western Australia, in particular, has increased dramatically.

Much of the movie was filmed in Kimberley, the far northwestern wilderness area often thought of as the last frontier in the Australian outback. The buildings for the Faraway Downs homestead on the Ord River in Kimberley were demolished after the completion of the movie, since the area, as is much of Kimberly, is not accessible during the rainy season (December to April or May). While a replica of the homestead is planned, tourists can spend the day or longer at other cattle stations nearby.

Surrounded by the Cockburn ranges to the west and the Erskine on the east, Diggers Rest is a popular outback station about 40 miles from the town of Wyndham on the King River Road. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, camping, and horseback riding, as well as some of the best barramundi fishing in Australia. Seeing the outback by horseback or with a 4x4 is the best way to explore some of this vast territory and the land of the ancient boab trees, found only in Madagascar, parts of Africa, and this part of Australia. Horseback riding tours can be arranged at Diggers Rest, with rates at $50/hour, or at various rates for longer rides and more advanced riders. Bush country huts, air-conditioned bunkhouses with large porches, and camping sites are available. You can share the community kitchen or have meals prepared at reasonable prices from $18/breakfast to $30/dinner. At the end of the day, enjoy the camaraderie of your fellow travelers at the evening barbeques beside the billabong, or just relax on the front porch and watch the sun set over the splendor of Western Australia.
Rates: Bunkhouses - $150/night; Bush huts - $110/night.

For travelers interested in the aboriginal culture, an important aspect of the movie, the natural history, and looking for a good choice of accommodations, Home Valley Station provides an all weather airstrip for year round tourism. Air charter flights and 4WD vehicles for rent are available at the Kunumurra airport. In addition to horseback riding, guided tours, and scenic flights, as well as food and entertainment at Dusty's Bar & Grill, you'll see the Gibbs River Road crossing at the Pentecost River, featured in the movie.
Rates: Premium castle rooms @ $420 pp (includes 2 breakfasts), guesthouse rooms @ $230 pp, tents for up to 4 people @ $190, and camping fees are $16/adults and $5/children.

Over one million acres, now known as El Questro Wilderness Park, was once a cattle station that changed ownership many times and eventually opened as a park in May 1992. This might be a good place to spend some time while visiting some of the sights in Kimberley. Bushwalkers and campers will find safari style tents or air-conditioned bungalows along the Pentecost River, available from April thru October for around $200 U.S./night. Situated on the Chamberlain River, about 50 miles from Kunumurra, (domestic flights arrive daily), travelers will find the luxurious 5-star El Questro resort and lodge. Accommodations are ultra expensive, from $1300 - $2,000 U.S., which does include all meals, drinks, and guided tours in the area. Couples might consider the Chamberlain Gorge Suite here for a fabulous honeymoon.
Park Permit: $17/adult

(Detailed information on the above outback stations can be found online.)

Besides the opportunity for some great photography while hiking or riding through the rugged landscape along streams and estuaries in the Kimberley area, travelers may want to visit King George Falls. Located in a remote area of the northern coastline, accessible either by helicopter, charter plane, or by sea (best seen by air), these are the tallest falls in Western Australia.

For a change of scene, you could travel about 500 miles further north to the seaport of Darwin, where parts of the movie were filmed at Stokes Hall Wharf. Visitors will find great seafood, shopping, and other things to do while here. Of course, if your vacation takes you in the other direction as far as Sydney, you can visit some of the attractions that were included in the movie, such as the Strickland House, open to the public, and Camelot, a privately owned ranch. Bowen's Waterfront, on the Queensland coast, is another place to see and visit with the local townspeople, many of whom had small parts in the film, and are always glad to share some of their history with you over a piece of pie and a cup of tea.

The scenes in Luhrmann's movie will no doubt stir the wanderlust of any traveler to visit Australia, whether for the first time, or for those who can't wait to return.

Sharon L Slayton

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Visiting The Land Of Robin Hood

The release of the movie Robin Hood in May of this year, starring Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett and directed by Ridley Scott, promises a steady influx of travelers to the many film's locations and an exciting growth in tourism to the UK. Central to the film is the city of Nottingham where Robin Hood courted and married the Lady Marian in the Church of St Mary in the village of Edwinstowe, and formed his band of rebels to restore freedom and justice to the poor. Visitors can follow the Robin Hood Trail in Nottinghamshire, which features 12 sites along the way based on each of the different themes in the film.

Nottingham is famous for its 17th century castle, built on the same site as the headquarters of the notorious Sheriff. Once a prison for outlaws, quarters for the guards, and storage house for beer, the mansion today houses a permanent collection of art, ceramics, metal ware, and glass. In addition to the Sherwood Foresters Regimental Museum and a children's art gallery, visitors can enjoy the display of costumes, props, and memorabilia from the movie. Throughout the year, artists from the UK and other countries exhibit their work, and historical performances such as the annual Shakespeare Festival and Robin Hood Pageant are held here on the grounds. Tourists can take an interesting guided tour far below the castle through the winding passageways past the Duke of Newcastle's wine cellar, while reliving the shocking stories of King David's Dungeon and Mortimer's Hole. Tours are free, except on weekends and bank holidays when prices are under $5 for adults and half price for children, and operate from Mon - Sat, at 11 am, 2, & 3 pm, with Sunday tours during the summer at 12 Noon, 1, 2, & 3 pm. (Hours & prices may vary.) A narrated video is also available for those who prefer watching this to descending 300 steps to the caverns below on the walking tour.

Just outside the castle, you can stroll through the old market square past the famous 7-foot statue of Robin Hood, which the townspeople refer to as the "world's largest garden gnome," and step into Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem pub, an inn dating back to 1189, where tales were told and ale was shared in the quaint atmosphere of medieval times. The Galleries of Justice Museum nearby provides visitors with a history of the crimes and shocking punishments that existed at the time, where conviction, trial, and hanging on the front steps of the old courthouse and gaol is portrayed through actors and audio. Admission is about $7 for adults, and the hours are from 10:30 am - 5 pm, 7 days a week. The exhibition "Robin Hood: The Legendary Outlaw Returns" is free. In keeping with the theme of Robin Hood, you might want to reserve a place at the Sheriff's Banquet in the Museum. For approximately $65 pp, you get a full 3-course meal, with unlimited beer or cider, or a bottle of wine, along with lively entertainment by wandering musicians and serving maids. The Museum has a café and a gift shop filled with games, books, and Robin Hood and Victorian items for sale.

The towering oaks of Sherwood Forest where Robin Hood and his Merry Men could hunt deer and safely hide from the sheriff is now a Nature Preserve open for all to enjoy. Here you'll find seating in the midst of the forest in the old wooden cart used in the movie and watch the film exhibition (until October 2010), which follows the legendary hero. If visiting in August, join the crowds at the annual Robin Hood Festival for real-life demonstrations of sword fighting and archery. Located just north of Edwinstowe Village, the 450 acres of Sherwood Park are free to visit, with only a small parking fee. The Major Oak hideout of Robin Hood fame still stands among over 900 oak trees as perhaps the most famous tree in England. Trails are well marked, and information is available at the Visitors Center, in addition to two shops and a restaurant.

Besides visiting Hathersage, where Little John was buried, and Will Scarlet's grave at Blidworth (previously mentioned in this blog), you can drive into Yorkshire and Loxley, the birthplace of Robin Hood, and see the Kirklees Estate where it is believed Robin Hood died. If you're interested in the other film locations of Robin Hood, Dovedale in Derbyshire may be on your list. This peaceful place of green meadows, grazing sheep, steep ravines, and the sparkling River Dove running through it was chosen for a fierce battle scene in the movie. After a few hours of walking or cycling through this beautiful area, end your day with a visit to the Green Man pub nearby, just as Russell Crowe did, to join the locals for a pint or two.

Of course, everyone is familiar with the bright Lincoln green of Robin Hood's attire, named after Lincolnshire where the cloth was produced. Travelers will want to visit this historic place, known for its beautiful cathedral and library of famous documents including the schoolbook of 1410, containing the first and only written rhyme still in existence about Robin Hood, "Robin Hood in Sherwood stood, hooded and hated, hosed and shod." This is on display in each year's exhibition along with a copy of King John's (his arch enemy) Magna Carta. Since the city is only 6 miles from Sherwood Forest, it is thought that Robin Hood "robbed from the rich" who lived in Lincolnshire, where he would have gone frequently to seek company and participate in archery and jousting contests.

Ridley Scott spared no expense in filming the spectacular scenes of Robin Hood from Nottingham and Sherwood Forest throughout the countryside of England and Wales to the gardens, lakes, and woodlands of Virginia Water in Surrey. An amazing replica of the Tower Of London, with its fascinating history of notable prisoners and gruesome executions, was created for the film, but travelers to London can visit the real tower beside the Thames for a look back at one of the most horrific of times.

For many, seeing the film may be quite enough, but no doubt some of us will be further inspired to visit the land and legend of Robin Hood.

Sharon L Slayton

See also Mancunian's old article on Nottingham and my recent travel plan for Oxford & Nottingham.

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Blood Ties: TV show set in Toronto

I'm just wondering if anyone here has seen a TV show called Blood Ties? My wife and I got season 1 for Christmas and finished the DVDs a couple of weeks ago. It's a detective / vampire / supernatural magic show set in Toronto.

I thought that was interesting because I can't think of any other TV show I've seen set in Toronto. Seems like 50% are in New York, and then you got a few in DC, Miami, Vegas, or out in California somewhere. Then you've got ones set somewhere that's either fictional or if it is actually a town it never seemed important enough to even wonder if it was real, much less try to visit. I'm thinking specifically of TrueBlood, another vampire TV series though without the detective angle. That one is set in Bon Temps Louisiana.

Anyhow I was thinking I might be bale to fly from Seoul to Toronto and then from Toronto to JFK. This way I get to see friends and family in New York but also see Toronto. I did find a site that seems to specialize in airline tickets for flights departing from Canada.

I was afraid that this might be an expensive idea but it seems that we're talking about a flight just under 2 hours and the price is not too scary. I found this one in August: $228.44 + $100.19 taxes = $328.63 per person.

That's real money but not enough to make me abandon the idea... Interestingly I only remember two blog entries that talk about Toronto, the shopping travel plan and a brief mention of a Nuit Blanche art show.

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Sherlock Holmes movie (or still literary?) tourism

Mancunian wrote about Sherlock Holmes inspired tourism over 3 years ago. With the movie coming out, I guess we'll see an increase in Sherlock Holmes tourism and England seems to be making sure of that with their marketing efforts. Here's a press release:

VisitBritain Invites The World To Enjoy An Adventure In Sherlock Holmes' Britain

Celebrating the release of "Sherlock Holmes," the new action-adventure mystery starring Robert Downey Jr. as the legendary detective, national tourism agency VisitBritain has joined forces with Warner Bros. Pictures to invite tourists to discover Sherlock Holmes' Britain - Past and Present - with a new campaign and online movie map, visitbritain.com/sherlockholmes and a free Great British Film Locations iPhone App. The campaign, showcasing locations with links to Sherlock Holmes and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, comes as the new film premieres in London this week. As part of the partnership, VisitBritain will be working with the film's media and promotional partners globally to award Sherlock Holmes-themed trips to Britain that will include a stay at a luxurious Radisson Edwardian Hotel.

Guy Ritchie, the film's director, commented, "Sherlock Holmes is an iconic British character and bringing our story to life on the streets of London, Liverpool and Manchester was part of the fun of making this film. Given the 150th anniversary of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's birth this year, I'm excited to unleash our version of Sherlock Holmes to audiences in the UK and around the world."

Sherlock Holmes opens in cinemas from 25th December. Sherlock Holmes was filmed on location in London, Liverpool and Manchester with scenes shot at St Paul's Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament, Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, Manchester town hall, Liverpool Docks at Chatham Historic Dockyard in Kent.

Actor Robert Downey Jr added, "Sherlock Holmes has great pride in being English. London is an incredibly fascinating city and the centre of the world at the time our film takes place. Holmes knows every inch of it and feels it's his city. It was great fun filming throughout Britain."

The website features footage from the film, locations from the film and from across Britain linked to the great detective - including the Sherlock Holmes Museum at 221B Baker Street in London. Itineraries to London, Liverpool, Manchester and Edinburgh will help tourists enjoy a short break in Britain with a Sherlock Holmes theme.

VisitBritain's marketing director, Laurence Bresh says: "Today, VisitBritain increasingly uses the UK's world-renowned film and literary heritage - as well as music, fashion and culture - to raise awareness of the appeals of Britain and its destinations. Sherlock Holmes is known around the world as one of Britain's most iconic characters. Our partnership with Warner Bros. Pictures is a great way of helping people discover the secrets of our destinations and entice them into having a fantastic adventure here."

VisitBritain is raising awareness of the new film and Britain's popularity as a 'set-jetting' destination with limited edition Oyster card wallets, VisitBritain is raising awareness of the new film and Britain's popularity as a 'set-jetting' destination as international travel buyers arrive in London for the annual World Travel Market at ExCeL. The film's branding will also appear on limited edition Oyster card wallets distributed by VisitBritain throughout December and January from the Britain and London Visitor Centre and globally via visitbritaindirect.com. The campaign is supported by Radisson Edwardian Hotels, Visit London, Marketing Manchester and The Mersey Partnership.

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Angels and Demons / BA and AA Alliance?

No doubt the long awaited movie Angels and Demons will generate increased interest in traveling to Rome this summer. The movie, which opened in the US and around the world a few days ago, is a sequel to The Da Vinci Code and is set almost entirely in Rome. Tom Hanks reprises his role as Robert Langdon, a symbologist (is that a real profession?) who races around Rome in an affort to solve clues and thwart a diabolical plot directed against Vatican City (Still officially the world's smallest country, despite other contenders).

Several Rome based tour operators are already offering Angels and Demons themed walking tours of Rome, taking in such landmarks as the bustling Piazza Navona, the Castel Sant'Angelo and of course, St. Peter's Square itself. And some Rome hotels are also offering themed packages; the Westin Excelsior Rome, as well as the more famous (and more expensive) Hotel Hassler at the top of the Spanish Steps.

Although much of the movie was filmed in Rome, the Vatican doesn't allow filming in their country, so the production crew constructed a huge model of the façade of St. Peter's Cathedral for some of the exterior shots. I have been to Rome, although it was about 25 years ago (during my backpacking days!) and I'm sure that watching the film will just make me want to go again.

Speaking of evil and diabolical plots, American Airlines and British Airways are once again trying to merge to create one huge airline. The two airlines currently codeshare as well as allow frequent flyer travel on each other' flights. The last attempt by BA and AA to merge was back in 2002; the plan failed due to concern to access to slots at London's Heathrow Airport. Richard Branson, the chairman of Virgin Atlantic recently opposed the idea, saying that he could not guarantee his airline's survival if that happened. I personally don't think the merge would be a good idea; it seems as though it would just be too much of a monopoly with transatlantic flights. And what about all the words that are spelt differently in the US and the UK (color, colour, etc) - just how much confusion would that cause?

Guest entry by Mancunian

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Mexico, Canada, Hawaii

This article recommends a few Mexico family vacations. They have the usual resorts but also some more interesting ideas like jet boat tours along the Puerto Marques Lagoon "down the river where early Tarzan films were shot". I imagine kids would enjoy that kind of movie tourism.

North of the US, this article talks about Canada. Seems like Canada's image is changing to a cooler, more adventurous vacation destination:

The Calgary Stampede, the Montreal International Jazz Festival and the Ford World Men's Curling Championships are all listed as particularly outstanding activities. The book suggests trying out eco-tourist destinations in Churchill, Man., to see polar bears up close or to kayak down the rapid-filled Slave River in the Northwest Territories.

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Movie tourism with an Indiana Jones theme

It may be dorky, but I am a big Indiana Jones fan. I still use the opening scene from Raiders of the Lost Ark to work with my ESL students on active and passive voice (they describe what Indy does and what happens to him).

So anyway, this Kayak blog on Indiana Jones movie tourism obviously caught my attention. They mention some destinations Indiana Jones fans might appreciate a little bit extra:

Egypt - day trips from Cairo, the Egyptian museum, and ruins.

Jordan - the ‘Canyon of the Crescent Moon,’ the purported resting place of the Holy Grail was set in Petra (which hopefully some readers will remember).

Sri Lanka - apparently Temple of Doom was set in India but filmed here.

Nepal - great for trekking (we have a few blog entries about Nepal - I think this is the oldest).

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What books / movies have inspired you to travel?

Now that I think about it most of the movies that inspired me to travel have made we want to go places I haven't been yet.

Before Sunrise really showed some wonderful shots of Vienna. I haven't been there yet, but it has been very high on my list ever since I saw that movie. The sequel, however, Before Sunset wasn't nearly as inspiring for me even though it was set in Paris.

When I was in college I read Jack Kerouac's On the Road which inspired me to travel without a plan (funny considering the name of my blog here but hey now I'm old and like to plan stuff) and I did actually go on a 3-week roadtrip with a friend where our goal was to get to the youth hostel in Orlando. We didn't know it would take 3 weeks to get there but we definitely had fun on the way.

More recently, my wife and I saw Elizabethtown and now we really want to take a road trip - we did drive from New York to Algonquin Park to Ottawa and back but somehow that didn't seem like a real road trip - maybe because it was too scripted.

So what movies have inspired you?

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Hostel rooms in converted prisons

Does anyone here know the TV show, Redemption Hill. I've never seen it, but I learned about it by accident and was surprised to see it is closely related to travel.

Apparently it was filmed in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand at Napier Prison. Apparently travelers can spend the night there: "Accommodation includes converted cells (double rooms with loo and sink), comfortable dormitories, share rooms and original cells for the 'real experience'."

Thinking that some people might enjoy the prison experience without actually getting convicted of a crime I found a few other hostel / prisons:

Langholmens Vandrarhem STF/HI, Stockholm, Sweden

Renovated 1840's prison cells in central Stockholm, 500 meters from the subway. This used to be Sweden’s largest prison. The cafeteria is open 24 hours a day. Rates are cheaper if you are a Hostelling International member.

Jailhouse Accommodation, Christchurch, New Zealand

The old Addington Prison is not really in the city center, but the staff gets good reviews. Some people said that their room (cell?) was kind of loud...

Hostel Celica in Ljubljana, Slovenia

Lonely Planet says this is the hippest hostel in the world. It's in a good location in the center of Ljubljana, near the main station.

Hi-Ottawa Jail Hostel, Ottawa, Canada

Promises a realistic prison experience. They also play up the haunted theme with tours of the prison and its ghost stories.

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The Bucket List

One of our readers, Jill, found this article on The Bucket List, a movie in which Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman play cancer patients who end up traveling together.

According tot he article, if you and a partner were to imitate the trip it would cost the two of you $105,730. That includes $54,320 for 14 days on a private jet, $249 each for skydiving, $1,448 to $1,616 each for a night in Chateau de la Chevre d'Or, Eze, France, $10,465 per person for a safari, $1,299 each for China, $4,795 per person (first class) or $6,795 per person (deluxe) for India, $2,695 per person for Nepal, and $4,335 per person each for Egypt.

Now these are very expensive options. You could go to any of these places for a lot less (though the China price doesn't seem too bad because it includes airfare).

Posted by James Trotta at 7:29 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Botswana to benefit from movie tourism?

Here's an article on Oscar-winning director Anthony Minghella, famous for The English Patient, filming in Botswana. The project is a film version of The Number 1 Ladies' Detective Agency which is Alexander McCall Smith's best-selling novel.

The film should show us Gaborone, Botswana's laidback capital as well as Makgadikgadi Pans - huge salt flats in northern Botswana.

Botswana is known for spectacular wildlife, but certainly not for movie tourism.

Publicist Joey Sapieka said that visitors will be able to visit to the actual set after an agreement to keep it intact for the next decade.

"We have secured a 10-year license, which is also renewable, so people who watched the movie or read the book would still be able to tour the set for years to come," he said.

Botswana Makgadikgadi Pans (not English)

Botswana- Streets of Gaborone

Safari Zambia & Botswana

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Gettysburg Civil War Tourism in Pennsylvania

So I got an email from someone who read this old PA with kids travel plan, and had a slightly different plan. He asked for some advice specifically about Gettysburg, PA:

I was thinking of taking US 15 into Hershey PA this summer and saw it goes through Gettysburg. Is it worth a stop? I'm into all that history stuff but I'm not sure the wife and kids are...

Anyway, here's he plan: Gettysburg, Hershey, Dorney park, 4th of July BBQ and whitewater on the Lehigh. Good times. Didn't realized I'd be passing Gettysburg, so thats a bonus. Screw em! We're stopping. What should we do at Gettysburg?

1. Expect a lot of walking in nature since the land has been preserved. You can also do a car tour where you drive from point to point and listen to the tour guide tell you stuff but you are still just looking at some very nice landscape. If you kids like to play, take them to devels den at the base of litte roundtop, it's a giant rockmaze your kids can climb through.

Watching Gettysburg the movie first with the family could make the trip more meaningful. It is truly a solemn, goose bumpy kind of place. Beautiful and so quiet.

2. There are certified battlefield tour guides for hire at the visitor center. I highly recommend that you hire one. Your wife and kids will then understand a little better what happened there.

3. I have gone several times. Had the kids watch Gettysburg with me their first time...so they were thrilled to be where the 207 Maine charged down the hill...and at sundown we walked the route of Pickets charge together across the field, over the Emmittsburg Road fences and to the same Angle you see in the movie. You can even recreate Picketts charge if you like and realize exactly why it didn't work.

Almost no amenities for good food, or clean bathrooms, but the 'burg is an excellent place to go for the history. Rte 15 could not be an easier drive. The tour guides are great. The town a chotchke infested tourist trap.

4. Rent the audio / car tour... be prepared with water and a lunch. its an all day affair... there are a lot of ghosts there.. be respectful to the fallen. also hit the "Electric Map" place.. will give you a good overview of the battle... climb Little Round Top, walk through the Wheat Field, Devils Den, and go to the "High water mark of the Confederacy".. humbling place.

5. Every July 3rd our reenacting unit traces the steps of the 8th Virginia during Pickett's Charge. We start off from Seminary Ridge with full flags and battle gear, no musketts because the park won't allow it. It's an exhausting and sorrowful experience. By the time we get to the point where the 8th Virginia reached Cemmetary Ridge we are exhausted. You realize that even those Confederate soldiers that did make it to Cemmetary Ridge were probably exhausted by the time they got there.

A separate reenactment is scheduled for the weekend right after the 4th of July. It doesn't take place on the battlefield but at a local farm near by. You might find it interesting if you have never seen one. The reenactment has gone down hill over the years and a lot of reenactors like myself avoid this event which we call Goofysburg because of poor treatment by the organizers.

6. If you have time you may want to visit the Civil War Museum in Harrisburg. It is a few years old and gives you a first hand look at equipment and the military. Harrisburg was the big staging center for the Union when the trains came from the north. I could never imagine the march they had because there was only one train to Gettysburg for the troops.

The South came within the distance of the Susquehanna at Camp Hill of raiding Harrisburg, about 2-3 miles. The day they planned to go over the river was the day Lee called for the invasion of Gettysburg.

7. I love Gettysburg. I find it fascinating. Not sure how kids will react. Depending on how old they are, rent Gettysburg the film (based on The Killer Angels") and maybe that will get them psyched. Then go, hire a tourguide or do the driving tour (buy the CD or tape in the giftshop and drive it). You can do the cyclotron (360 degree painting) while you're there. Richard Dryfus narrates it, and they light up different parts of this massive painting. Kinda cool for setting the stage.

When you're at Little Roundtop, there's a good story I heard. When Chamberlain was Gov. of Maine after the war, he got a letter from an anonymous reb soldier who said he was on the hill that day. He had Chamberlain lined up, but for some reason couldn't pull the trigger. He cursed himself and lined it up again, but again didn't pull the trigger. He said he was now glad he didn't pull the trigger, but he wanted him to know: he had him!

Chamberlain was an amazing American. Wounded by bullet fire six times in the war. He served to the end, became Governor of Maine and later Professor and the President of Bowdoin College. What a life!

There's a nice campground nearby. I like to go camping there and then do the park.

Well that's what I was able to gather - would you like to share your Gettysburg experiences or travel tips?

Posted by James Trotta at 5:50 AM | Comments (5) | TrackBack

Harry Potter theme park, Charles Dickens theme park, religious theme parks, and your ideas

If you have been to Disney World, Universal Studios and Disneyland and are looking for something a little bit different, some interesting new theme parks have been in the news recently.

A theme park called the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will open in 2009 at the Universal Orlando Resort in Florida. The 20 acre park will feature rides and attractions based on the films, rather than the books and initial designs have apparently been approved by JK Rowling, the author of the hugely successful books.

I can imagine a Harry Potter theme park being successful – the books have sold an estimated 325 million copies around the world, and the movies have earned more than $3.5 billion at the cinema.

But I’m not so sure about this next park. A theme park that’s just opened in the UK is based on the novels of one of England’s most famous authors – Charles Dickens. Dickens wrote mostly about squalor, poverty and hardship in Victorian England – subjects that perhaps don’t immediately seem to lend themselves to a theme park.

But Dickens World, built at a cost of around $120 million, on a disused dock close to the town of Chatham, is expected to attract 300,000 visitors a year. The attractions at the park include a recreated jail, a schoolhouse and Ebenezer Scrooge’s haunted house. But the biggest attraction promises to be a boat ride through a recreation of the London sewers.

Religion doesn’t seem to be an obvious subject for a theme park, either. But plans have just been announced for a 25 acre theme park in Northern India, which will "recreate great moments in Hindu mythology" with a mixture of rides, museums, shows and other features. Vietnam already has a Buddhist themed park which, rather ambitiously I think, offers a recreation of heaven on earth as one of its attractions.

Religious theme parks are nothing new – Florida already boasts the Holy Land Experience and several other religious themed parks are being planned or have just opened. In Tennessee, Bible Park USA is in the works, costing $200 million and another religious theme park is proposed for Mesquite, Nevada – some 80 miles from Las Vegas.

A $27 million “Creation” museum opened in May 2007 near Cincinnati, telling the story of creation from the Biblical viewpoint, as opposed to a scientific one. Not surprisingly, the museum attracted thousands of protesters outside its gates – almost as many as the 4000 visitors who went inside on opening day.

I had no idea there were so many theme parks until I started to research this article. Personally speaking, I would be interested in seeing a James Bond themed park. Does anyone else have any other offbeat ideas for theme parks? Or has anyone visited an unusual one?

Guest entry by Mancunian

Posted by James Trotta at 12:27 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack

Pirates of the Caribbean movie tourism

A recent Kayak.com newsletter recommended some spots in the Caribbean for pirate fans:

Port Royal, in Kingston Jamaica: a setting for the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy that has some real pirate history including St. Peter's Church, Fort Charles, Gallows Point (where pirates were hung), Grogge Shop (where you drink), and Montego Bay (for a Calico Pirates Cruise).

Pirates of the Caribbean II and III were filmed in the Bahamas. Tourists can take a 25-minute boat ride to Blackbeard's Cay, visit the "slightly cheesy but very entertaining Pirates of Nassau Museum", and see Fort Charlotte's underground passages and dungeons.

St. Lucia has the Brig Unicorn, an authentic 140-foot replica of an 18th century ship which was featured in The Curse of the Black Pearl.

Dominica has Shipwreck Cove and a cruise up Pantano River where the Black Pearl anchored.

Posted by James Trotta at 1:02 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Whitewater rafting: Chattooga River and Deliverance movie tourism + Ocoee olympic rafting + more US rivers

The Chattooga River was in the movie Deliverance. Its lesser claim to fame was being the Chattooga was being the first river in the Southeast to be designated "Wild & Scenic" by Congress. The Chattooga is wild and beautiful - as you raft, the Sumter and Chattahoochee National Forests provide a great setting for your whitewater experience.

Cherokee National Forest has several whitewater rivers including the Nolichucky, the French Broad, the Tellico, the Conasauga, and the Hiwassee. However, the most famous is the Ocoee River, where the 1996 Olympic Canoe and Kayak Slalom events were held. Start at the Ocoee Whitewater Center.

Browns Canyon on the Arkansas River from Buena Vista, CO to Salida, CO is another nice run. Expect a full day trip with a lunch stop included. Some of the best water in the country, when the levels are right. The flows usually peak between the 1st and 3rd week of June Its a definite fun day, the most popular commercially run river in the United States.

I have some friends who are doing the Lehigh in PA for the 2nd time this summer. Last time they stopped halfway down in the mountains for a big BBQ picnic, then kept going. It was great. In the spring and fall they do a release on the Lehigh and you can get class 4 and 5 rapids. The various operations only bring out the 10 man rafts for such events. During the summer, you probably go on the 6 person rafts.

I have another friend who recommends the Nolichucky River near Erwin, Tennessee. The Nolichucky is a clean river that winds through North Carolina and Tennessee. There is a variety of whitewater rapids that cut their way through an awesome gorge.

Not far from Erwin, TN is Nantahala Gorge near Bryson City in the NC Smokies. It is good for beginners with a #3 rated difficulty. The water trip takes about 2 hours in a raft. It's a great introduction to whitewater rafting. It's said to be the most popular River in the Southeast - no surprise considering the beauty of Nantahala National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains.

Happy Easter everyone! If you're looking for some conversation ideas while you spend time with the family, ask them about a rafting trip one spring or summer weekend. It could be a nice family outing.

Posted by James Trotta at 2:51 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

Visiting cities from Constellation and Elizabethtown: road trip!

When I wrote about the Elizabethtown-style road trip, I mentioned that my wife and I are seriously considering a roadtrip of our own. We've started to plan things out some including a few ideas from the movie like Elizabethtown & Louisville, KY plus Memphis, Tennessee. But I didn’t mention exactly how I'd get from New York down to Memphis or what I'd do after. Well, I've looked at a few maps and I came up with this. I tried to keep the drives reasonable - I'm not as young as I used to be driving 18 hours straight no longer appeals. Anyway, here are the cities in order and the approximate times from one city to the next:

New York
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (3 hours)
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (3 1/4 hours)
Charleston, West Virginia (4 hours)
Louisville, KY (50 minutes)
Elizabethtown, KY (2 1/4 hours)
Nashville, Tennessee (2 hour drive)
Memphis, Tennessee (the link is an old blog about free things to do there - 3 hours to next city)
Huntsville, Alabama (the link is about tourism and the movie Constellation - 4 hours to next city)
Knoxville, Tennessee (6 hours) - Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Richmond, Virginia (2.5 hours)
Baltimore, Maryland (1 3/4 hours)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
New York (home)

Now there may be some great things to see that I don't know about so if I'm driving right by something cool, please leave a comment and let me know.

In the future I'll try to give you a more detailed idea of what we plan to do in each city. To be honest, some of these cities I chose because I recognized the name and they seemed to be in the right place when I looked at the map so I'm not exactly sure what I'll be doing in each city...

Posted by James Trotta at 4:22 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Casino Royale travel contest

Here's a travel contest aimed at promoting Casino Royale (I talked about Italian Casino Royale movie tourism a while back). It only takes a minute to enter and the prize sounds pretty cool:

One (1) Grand Prize Winner and guest will enjoy a 7 night trip valued at over $150,000 for two adults at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas. You'll stay at The Bridge Suite, the world famous $25,000 a night, 4800 square feet suite. In your suite, a 007 welcome arrival briefcase will be waiting, containing a trip dossier. A staff of butlers and personal concierge will be available.

Posted by James Trotta at 10:34 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Romance on the beach vacations

A couple of Filipino film stars I' had never heard of apparently shot a romantic scene in a resort called Matabungkay Beach Resort and Hotel(in Lian, Batangas). This article reads more like an advertisement but maybe the resort really does deserve all this praise.

The love between Sharon Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion may have faded, and the footprints they laid on the sun-kissed sands of Batangas may have long been washed out by the ocean, but the resort wherein they shot their romantic chase scene for the movie P.S. I Love You is still alive and kicking.

Don't go looking for luck though; apparently Cuneta and Concepcion had a very short marriage...

Speaking of romance and luck, if having a baby sounds lucky to you then you might be interested in a procreation vacation. This article will tell you about the "Stork Getaway Package" and a few other ideas.

If you're a babymoon critic like a commenter on this old entry about romantic vacations including babymoons, then maybe you can still enjoy the romance part without the procreation part.

Posted by James Trotta at 5:20 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Huntsville, Alabama: Constellation movie tourism

Constellation was filmed in Huntsville, Alabama. Now Huntsville plans to cash in on movie tourism by providing "self-guided 'Constellation Tour' maps that point visitors to sites that are shown in the movie". According to this article, Huntsville has more to offer tourists than just a few movie locations.

Chief among these is the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. It sounds pretty cool, with flight simulators that I guess people can experience. There's the Space Shot, a kind of ride that "rockets" you 140 feet into the air with four Gs. And then there's a roller coaster with Martians listening to country music - I guess you have to experience that one before you can grok it.

Alabama artist John Moore's mural was in Constellation and you can see it in EarlyWorks museum where you can also try on old costumes and blow up coal mines (simulations I hope).

This local article lists a few more places in Huntsville that were in the movie: "EarlyWorks Children's Museum, Huntsville Museum of Art, North Alabama Railroad Museum, State Black Archives and Museum, U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Melvin's BBQ, Humphrey's Bar & Grill, The Chop House and Glenwood Cemetery."

Digression: That last one, Glenwood Cemetery reminds me of what I wrote a few days ago when I blogged about Central Cemetery in Vienna, Austria. I said most people don't think of putting cemeteries on their travel itineraries, but here's another one. And then there's Pere Lachaise in Paris, a cemetery so cheerful that workers from nearby business go there for lunch.

Anyway, regarding Huntsville. The official Huntsville website has useful information for tourists. You can get discount coupons, sign up for good airfares delivered to you via email, create a travel itinerary online, find nearby golf courses, etc.

To me, Huntsville sounds good. There's stuff to do but it's not likely to be overly crowded with tourists. I don't know how hot it gets down there in the summer, but I'm definitely thinking that if I can't get to Europe (remember the airfares I was writing about a couple of days ago?) I might do a US city like Miami or Chicago and then something smaller, like Huntsville.

Posted by James Trotta at 11:49 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack

Boston trying to become more of a movie tourism destination

Here's an interesting article (though I found it when it was over a month old) about how cities are trying to attract tourism dollars by offering tours of movie scenes. Boston, for example, is getting in on the act:

Pop quiz: Name a movie or TV show shot or set in Boston. "Ah ... 'Mystic River'?" answers Matt Lambek of Cambridge, Mass., settling into his seat before a showing of "The Departed," the new Martin Scorsese juggernaut partially filmed here. " 'Good Will Hunting,' " adds his date, Alex Wenger.

Other movie patrons round up the usual suspects: "Boston Legal," "Ally McBeal," and that stranded-in- syndication favorite, "Cheers."

"You can argue that 'Lord of the Rings' was the best unpaid advertisement that New Zealand has ever had," remarks Bruce Lahood, US and Canada regional manager for Tourism New Zealand. "In the last decade New Zealand has been the most successful country to benefit from movie tourism. We've been looked at and case-studied from many angles."

Posted by James Trotta at 11:26 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Movie tourism in Italy: Casino Royale, Star Wars, and more

Here's an interesting blog entry on an Italian vacation that involved lots of movie-related attractions. I'm not talking about the famous places in Rome, but I am talking about places like Villa Balbianello on Lake Como (scenes in the upcoming Casino Royale were shot there). And places like Reggia Caserta where palace grounds, the waterfall, and buildings were used for the coronation scene in Star Wars: Episode One (computer modifications changed the look quite a bit apparently).

Anyway, for some interesting movie tourism ideas in Italy, follow the link above.

Posted by James Trotta at 12:22 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack

Movie themed tours

Here's an interesting article on tours that are designed for fans of a certain movie or TV show. Called movie vacation packages, the article mentions Harry Potter themed vacations, Pirates of the Caribbean tours, The Da Vinci Code scavenger hunt vacations, Pride and Prejudice tours, Sideways tours (wineries near Santa Barbara from the movie), Sex and the City lecture tours in new York, and other types of themed travel.

Of course not all themed travel has a movie theme. From farm tours in Iowa to California's old gold mines and ghost towns, there are tons of niche travel experiences waiting for us.

Posted by James Trotta at 12:56 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack