Travel and Getaways

Nestled in the quiet pine forests along the peaceful Harrison River is one of the most romantic getaways the Fraser Valley has to offer. Located two hours east of Vancouver, Pretty Estates Resort, quite possibly one of the best-kept secrets the areas has to offer, especially during the winter months.

The resort property is home to a lovingly resorted Victorian home and a small group of luxury log cabins.The log cabins are located adjacent to the fairways of the 18-hole golf course and overlook the Harrison River. Each log cabin offers the essential amenities for a romantic weekend getaway for two.

Inside guests are welcomed to a beautiful, warm wood-paneled walls and beam rafters reaching to the peak of the cabin’s roof. A river-rock wood-burning fireplace becomes the centerpiece of the cabins interior, perfect for a cozy night relaxing by the fire enjoying a bottle of wine.

A king size poster bed sits high above the wood floors. The crisps white sheets and fluffy duvet are warm and inviting.

Even the bathroom has been carefully designed for romance. A two-person jetted soaker tub sits above the heated slate floors. The wood beam detail continues to the vanity area, framing the mirrors. The slate and glass shower is bright and has a wonderful rainfall showerhead.

There’s no need to worry about fussing over the cooking either. Right on the property is a restaurant serving up all the classic Canadian favourites including roast beef and Yorkshire, prime rib, and salmon. During holiday’s the chef’s go to work putting out traditional seasonal meals such as roasted turkey dinner with all the fixings. The kitchen staff works hard to source items produced in the Fraser Valley and from BC like local herbs and greens, cheeses, seafood and wine.

In the morning, guests staying in the luxury cabins receive a basket full of breakfast treats and hot coffee. The morning breakfast changes throughout the year and can include potato hash browns, warm fresh baked muffins, and smoked thick cut bacon.

In addition to the log cabin accommodation, the resort also offers guests the option to stay in the original home of the Pretty family, one of BC’s founding entrepreneurial families that helped build the economy throughout the 20^th century. The home, which has been converted into an Inn, is filled with family history, beautiful antique furniture and wonderful collection of artwork from around the world.

While at the resort, guests are encouraged to make full use of the property. Early in the winter is the annual Eagle Festival. The area is home to the most concentrated group of bald eagles in the world. Over 1,000 people will come to the resort the third weekend in November to watch the birds soar overhead, roost in the trees and feast of the salmon from the river. The property is also home to an eagle nest, located in one of the tallest and largest Douglas Fir trees on the 18 hole golf course.

Sandpiper Golf Course is open year-round. Guests are welcome to walk along the pathways around the perfectly manicured course. At almost every angle, there are picture-perfect scenes, from the rugged snow covered mountainsides to the panoramic views of the Harrison Valley.

Getting to Sandpiper is easy. It’s located 2 hours east of Vancouver (25 minutes from Abbotsford) along the Lougheed highway. The resort welcomes overnight guests from February through December.  For romantic weekend vacation packages, visit their website.

It might be early in the ski season, but it’s definitely mid-winter ski conditions at Big White Ski Resort, located in the Thompson Okanagan. The resort has been blessed with over 150cm of snow and the base just keeps building!

It’s the snow! Not kidding you. In the winter the coastal precipitation cools as it comes inland, which falls as dry, powder snow. The abundance of snow is incredible. Over 750cm each year!

Variety is a good way to describe the 105 marked runs. From glades and powder filled bowls, to perfectly groomed cruisers and black-diamond chutes, there’s every kind of skiing and snowboarding your heart desires. The longest run stretches over 7km (4.5 mi)!

You won’t be waiting in line either like you do at other large ski resorts. There are 16 lifts including a six-person chairlift, five quad chairs and seven other types of ski lifts. The 60 acre TELUS Park has terrain features for beginners, all the way up to professional.

If you don’t ski – don’t panic! You have options. There are snow limo’s that can take you on a tour of the mountain so you can experience the entire resort. Or spend your day relaxing at the spa, having coffee overlooking the spectacular Monashee mountains, skate on Canada’s highest outdoor skating rink, or take a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride.

Once you’re off the slopes, the fun continues in the ski-in/ski-out village. There are almost 30 restaurants and bars on mountain for après-ski entertainment. From grab-and-go and casual dining, to small plates and thick steak dinners, chances are you won’t go hungry.

After dinner relax with a glass of Okanagan wine at the Kettle Valley Steak House or get a group of friends together at the Bull Wheel for drinks. As the night goes on, you’ll find a lot of the locals and younger crowd partying at Snowshoe Sam’s.

If you’re travelling as a couple, or a small group, there are 17,000 beds on mountain. While hotel rooms are obvious choice, there are plenty of other options including townhomes and luxury log cabins.

Big White Ski Resort is located 56km (23 mi) from Kelowna, BC. If you’re traveling from Vancouver there are a few options. Driving is pretty easy – take the Coquihalla (Highway #5) to Merritt and then the Connector to Kelowna (Highway 97C). It’s about a 4.5 hour drive in the winter. Just remember to drive slow. Another option is to jump aboard a charter bus line, like Destination Snow, where you can just relax and enjoy the time hanging out with friends and not have to worry about the driving part. Finally, the fastest option is aboard WestJet, offering multiple non-stop daily flights to Kelowna International Airport.

For more information and travel packages visit the Big White Ski Resort website.

Gay is the key word that bonds the two types of people who stay at the Warwick Melrose Hotel in Dallas, Texas. Half smell like Bengay, and the other half are amazingly fabulous.

Located in the Oak Lawn district, the Warwick Melrose is a popular choice for many seniors visiting Dallas. This is because they enjoy the history of the building and because it is central to many of the city museums and attractions.

But the hotel is also located smack-dab in the middle of the gaybourhood. It is the only hotel in the area, making it the best choice for gay men wanting to stay close to the bars and night clubs, just steps away.

It’s not just the seemingly odd blend of customer demographics that has this hotel property confused. Apparently their designs are too. Many of the rooms are decorated in a French Empire theme, but Dallas doesn’t have a history of French settlement or influence. The odd vintage theme no longer fits in with the cosmopolitan neighbourhood that has grown up around it.

The hotel also underwent a number of upgrades and renovations. Many of these updates were cosmetic and done without preserving the true history of the building or without attention to detail. Doors and doorjams were not sanded before being painted, cheap imitation fixtures were poorly installed, and the beautiful elevator, original to the building, hasn’t even been adjusted to come to rest even with the floor when it opens in the lobby.

As if that wasn’t enough, the hotel staff, who are super friendly, are certainly not the best trained in the tourism industry. While they mean well, they lack basic skills of customer service and essential knowledge of the local attractions. It’s probably best to bring your iPad with you to do your own research and mapping – at least the hotel offers free WiFi!

If you are hungry, there is a lovely looking lobby bar and restaurant on site. Again, bring your iPad because it’s super dark and you might not be able to read the menu. Then again, if you can’t read the menu, then you probably can’t read the dinner bill, so you’ll probably under pay for dinner… which could save you a few bucks!

In all fairness, if you are going to Dallas and are looking for a half-decent place to stay  that is inviting, offers a relatively safe environment and is easy on the pocket-book, the Warwick Melrose is a good choice. Just don’t go getting in an argument with one of the seniors over gay-marriage in the hotel lobby.

Guest Room: ★★★

Bedding: ★★★★

Towels and Toiletries: ★★

Restaurants / Amenities: ★★★

Customer Service: ★★

Overall Experience: ★★★

On November 23, 1963, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the 35^th President of the United States, was visiting Dallas, Texas. At approximately 12:30pm, as the Presidential motorcade made it’s way through the city, rifle shots rang out, and the area known as the grassy knoll would become a national historic landmark.

The Presidential motorcade travelled north on Houston to Elm Street, then turned West on Elm. The area is called Dealey Plaza, and it was built in the 1930’s and named after George Bannerman Dealey. The plaza is located on Houston Street between Elm and Commerce. The grassy knoll is located on the north side of Elm Street.

Today, the plaza has many points of interest and plaques describing the events that took place. The exact location of the assassination on Elm Street is marked with a large white “X”.

Overlooking Dealey Plaza is the building famously known as the Texas School Book Depository, now known as the Dallas Country Administration Building and the home of the Sixth Floor Museum. It was built in 1901. This is the location where investigators found evidence they believe prove the fatal shots were fired.

The museum takes visitors through an audio tour, recounting the history leading up to the fateful day, chronicling and reconstructing the assassination events in great detail through film footage, photographs, and artifacts.

On the sixth floor, visitors can see the exact location where there sniper, accused Lee Harvey Oswald, was perched. The entire scene is preserved exactly as it appeared the day of the shooting.

The museum also presents the findings of the Warren Commission, addresses conspiracy theories, and the legacy of President JFK.

An entire city under one roof. That pretty much sums up the Gaylord Opryland Resort near Nashville, Tennessee. The Gaylord Opryland, now part of the Marriott portfolio of properties, is the largest non-casino hotel in continental U.S. It’s a fantastic year-round vacation destination, especially when visiting Music City.

Inside there are 2,881 guest rooms, including 174 suites and 757 rooms overlooking the atrium gardens. Each room is individually climate controlled and has complimentary high-speed wireless internet. The contemporary styled rooms are spacious and offer all the amenities you would expect from a high-end resort property.

There is over nine-acres of indoor atrium space filled with gardens, water features, shops, restaurants, lounges and activities. You could easily spend a week and never have to go outside. Start the day with coffee at a garden coffee shop, relax in the afternoon on an indoor riverboat ride, have a romantic dinner for two in an American steakhouse, and end the night off dancing at one of the many night clubs.

It’s so gigantic inside, you’ll need a map or a smartphone to get around! It’s well worth the stay when visiting Nashville!

Guest Room: ★★★★★

Bedding: ★★★★★

Towels and Toiletries: ★★★★★

Restaurants / Amenities: ★★★★★

Customer Service: ★★★★★

Overall Experience: ★★★★★

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A fun, vibrant, American city that is rich in history. It’s Chicago, Illinois, and if you’re never been, you have to put this city on your to-visit bucket list. From the roman-gothic architecture to the historic and modern landmarks, there are so many great things to do.

When arriving in Chicago by air (WestJet now offers daily flights from Canada), you land at O’Hare International Airport. It takes about 45 minutes to get downtown aboard the “L Train”. The L Train has been features in many popular movies, including The Fugitive, which was filmed and set in Chicago.

Once downtown the best place to start is the Magnificent Mile. There are blocks after blocks of shopping and sites to see. Located just off the Magnificent Mile are other landmarks including the Chicago Theatre and the Plaza of the Americas.

To get a true understanding of why they call it the Windy City, head over to the Navy Pier. You’ll be blown away (quite literally) by the wind coming off the lake, and because it’s a very cool visitor attraction. There is a long pedestrian walkway, boat tours, a massive vintage ferris wheel, and a giant indoor kids mall with restaurants, games, toy stores and souvenir shops.

It’s easy to get around on the L Train lines to explore the entire city. Outside of the downtown area there are a number of neighbourhoods, including Boystown, the gay area of the city. Just a few minutes further away is the world-famous Wrigley Field.

A trip to Victoria, BC is like taking a step back in time. All across the city there are signs of their proud Victorian history, including horse-drawn carriage rides, wonderful rose gardens, red double-decker busses, cobblestone walk-ways, brick and stone heritage buildings, beautiful and beautiful Victorian homes.

One such Victorian home, the Gatsby Mansion, has been converted to a lovely Inn. Located at Bellville Park, the traditional 19^th century home overlooks the Victoria harbour and captures all the charm and splendor of the era.

The outside remains true to its heritage with traditional English gardens, cobblestone pathways and ponds, and a white picket fence.

Inside there are elegant crystal chandeliers, stunning stained-glass windows, hand-crafted wooden handrails, and wonderful pieces of antique furniture. The Victorian-style rooms have modern conveniences including ensuite bathrooms, cable TV, coffee makers and twin or queen size beds. The largest suite offers a king size bed and overlooks the harbour.

On site there are two restaurants. Just down the street are the BC Legislature Buildings, Ogden Point, Beacon Hill Park and many other major visitor attractions.

In the heart of old Montreal stands the Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum and Notre-Dame-De-Bon-Secours Chapel. For over 350 years, the heritage landmark has played a central role for Montreal.

Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys, who lived from 1620 – 1700, was the founder of the Notre-Dame-De-Bon-Secours Chapel and the Congregation of Notre-Dame. As an educator, she founded the first school in Montreal and became the first teacher in the city.

Today, the chapel and museum allows visitors and guests to take a step back in time to discover the life and accomplishments of Saint Marguerite. Her remains are buried on the left side of the chapel.

The original chapel, funded by Saint Marguerite began construction in 1655. It was completed in 1678, and would be destroyed by fire in 1754. The stone and mason chapel and museum that stand today was build in 1771. The building features beautiful plaster work, made-made stain-glassed windows and wonderful carvings.

The tour passes through the ruins of the original 1675 chapel, the 18^th-century stone crypt, and to the tower overlooking the St. Lawrence River, Old Montreal, and the city centre.

Over the years, archaeological digs have uncovered artifacts dating back over 2,000 years, when First Nations people settled the area. There are also still remains of the wood palisade that once protected Montreal.

The chapel and museum are open daily from early March through mid-January. During the Christmas season there are special events and concerts to celebrate the holidays.

Joan-E will be one of four drag queens hosting the Priscilla Queen of the Desert road trip to the Okanagan. Photo contributed.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert is an iconic movie about a group of drag queens that board a bus and go on an adventure through Australia’s outback. The Shooting Star Foundation, Good Life Vancouver and Walnut Beach have come together to create a tour package to the Okanagan for a memorable trip celebrating the movie in a uniquely local way.

The Okanagan is a vacation destination boasting award-winning wines, spectacular weather, spectacular scenery and locally sourced ingredients creating amazing meals by top-notch chefs.

The special trip, departing Vancouver at noon on Friday, October 19, will include Vancouver drag queen’s, Joan-E, Devanna DeMille, Iona Whipp, and Oddree Mayormaynot.

Throughout the three-day journey, there will be wine tastings, wine masters dinners, drag performances, and an auction featuring rare Okanagan wines. Accommodations are at the Walnut Beach resort. Wineries on the tour include Tinhorn Creek, Hester Creek, and Black Hills Winery – although many other Okanagan wineries will be represented.

Three-day packages including transportation, meals, accommodation and entertainment are $640, based on double-occupancy. For more information, or to book a package visit the event website.

One of the most notable and iconic buildings in Montreal is the Notre Dame Basilica. Located at 110 Notre-Dame Street, at the corner of Saint Sulpice Street in Old Montreal, the gothic revival cathedral is a must-see for any visitor to the city.

The exterior is beautiful masonry, statues, and towers. The interior is elegantly decorated with detailed woodcarvings and exquisite religious figures. The deep blue ceiling has golden stars. Rich azures, reds, purples, silver and gold colours add to the regal interior.

The giant stained glass windows depict scenes from the religious history of Montreal.

High above, at the rear of the sanctuary is a Casavant Freres pipe organ from 1891. It has four keyboards, 92 stops, 7,000 individual pipes and a pedal board.

Notable and high profile events to take place at Notre Dame in recent memory include the October 3, 2000 state funeral of Pierre Elliot Trudeau, the 15^th Prime Minster of Canada, and the December 17, 1994 wedding of Canadian singer, Celine Dion, to Rene Angelil.

Entry to Notre Dame Basilica is $5 per person. It is free to attend mass.

A special sound and light show detailing the history of the cathedral is held Tuesday through Thursday evenings. Tickets are $10 for adults.

Photo contributed

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The Okanagan Valley is home to beautiful lakes, world-class ski resorts, award-winning wineries, and championship golf courses. But did you know it’s also home to a $122 million resort development outfitted with over $10 million in Swarovski crystals?

The 187-acre Sparkling Hills Resort is located in Vernon, BC, and is home to a 149-room hotel and wellness spa. From the moment of arrival, guests will be in awe over the stunning property, located adjacent to Predator Ridge Resort.

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Guests of Sparkling Hills have the choice of one king or two queen beds.  The rooms also have soaker tubs for two, a sitting area overlooking the spectacular views of either Lake Okanagan or the Monashee Mountain range, and complimentary breakfast, valet parking and wireless internet.

All hotel guests receive access to the KurSpa amenities, the highlight of Sparkling Hills. Offering over 100 treatments to rejuvenate and refresh the body, the KurSpa goes beyond traditional pampering. Treatments include massage, mud wraps, reflexology, aesthetics and aromatherapy.

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What makes Sparkling Hills unique is their signature cold sauna. Featured in The Real Housewives of Vancouver, the cryotherapy treatment is the first cold sauna in North America. There are three chambers. The first is at -15’c, the second at -65’c, and the third at -110’c. Cold sauna guests wear shoes, swimsuits or shorts, and protective covering for the head, hands and face. This treatment is particularly effective for people suffering from inflammation, arthritis and joint pain. It would also do wonders for marathon-runners, post-race!

Guests are also welcome to enjoy the two salt-water swimming pools. The 14m X 8m indoor pool has underwater lights and music, and overhead the ceiling is decorated with crystals giving a magical starry sky effect. The outdoor 17m X 8m infinity pool overlooks Lake Okanagan.

There are also three restaurants located on site offering everything from breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.

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Fast Facts:

• 3 million Swarovski crystals
• 1.3 million Swarovski gems backed by silver to reflect light
• Over 1529 metres of crystal chains
• Over 750 metres of crystal strands
• 1 four story tall crystal built on site
• 3 crystal chandeliers hanging from the bridges of the lobby cost over $600,000
• The feature crystal weighs 300kg (661 pounds)

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The tourist neighbourhood of St-Jean-Baptiste in Quebec City has generated a lot of excitement since the opening of Un Style de Vie, a mens underwear store featuring premium Canadian and international underwear brands.

The living showcase has become a tourist attraction over the spring and summer months as tourists stop to take photos of the live models located in the windows on the upper mezzanine.

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Each day, 50 to 200 photos are taken of the store and models which have been posted on social media sites including Facebook, Twitter, blogs and Instagram. The unique viral campaign has give Quebec City a new positive image.

Throughout the fall and winter months the living showcase models will be on display Friday evenings, Saturday’s and Sunday’s. Un Style de Vie is located at 833 rue Saint-Jean, in Quebec City, Quebec.

Photo contributed

They say everything’s bigger in Texas, right? Well, what’s certainly true is that in Dallas, they will build it, and build it big! Dallas is the third largest populated city in Texas and the ninth largest city the United States. The architecture throughout the city of Dallas ranges from the late 19^th century through the 21^st century

One of the oldest buildings in Dallas is the Dallas County Courthouse, built in 1891. Built of red sandstone, the government building operated until 1966 as the courthouse. From 2005-2007, the building underwent renovations and is currently the Old Red Museum, a museum of local history.

The Wilson Building is a 12-story building located in downtown Dallas, and from 1904-1909, was the tallest building in the city. Throughout the decades the building was home to various department stores, retail outlets and offices. In 1979 the building was boarded up, until 1999 when the City of Dallas purchased the heritage building and converted it into 143 loft apartments.

The first skyscraper to be built in Dallas was in 1909. While the city grew substantially over the decades, the city saw a surge of large towers built in the 1970’s and 1980’s.

From 1988 until 2006, there were no major high-rise projects completed in the city. In the past six years, only a few major buildings have been in the works, the most recent to be completed is the Museum Towers, the second tallest residential building in Dallas, located in the Arts District.

Other notable buildings along the Dallas skyline include the J. P. Morgan Chase Tower, which is the 91^st tallest building in the United States. It’s iconic for it’s seven story hole towards the top of the tower and curved glass windows at the top.

The 60-story, Fountain Place tower is the 106^th tallest building in the United States. It is the home of Tenet Healthcare. This building is also notable from the hit 1980’s TV show, Dallas, as the home of Ewing Oil.

The Hyatt Regency Hotel makes an impression with its distinct silhouette next to Reunion Tower. The 30 story building has a 32,000 sq ft ballroom, which was added in 2000. The buiding was also featured in the opening credits of the hit TV series, Dallas, for its entire run from 1978 until 1991.

Dallas certainly has an eclectic array of buildings spanning the decades. It’s a great city to tour if you have a true appreciation of both heritage and modern architecture.

Dating back to the 19^th century, the Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe is a rare and historic jewel located in the modern Arts District in downtown Dallas, Texas. The Gothic Revival Catholic Church is one of only a handful of buildings left in Dallas from the era.

Located at the corner of Ross and Pearl Streets, the Cathedral, with is beautiful architecture and stunning stained glass windows, offers visitors a glimpse into the past.

Nicholas J. Clayton designed the Cathedral at the end of the 19^th century. The property was purchased for $30,000. On June 17, 1898, the cornerstone was laid, and on October 26, 1902, Bishop Edward Dunne formally dedicated the building.

Starting in 2000, the Cathedral began to undergo a series of major renovations at a cost of over $20 million USD. First was a new image of the Virgin of Guadalupe, then the sanctuary, side altars and floors were restored, followed by the construction of a new alter. The interior was painted in 2002.

In 2005, more than a century after the building was originally designed and opened to the public, the addition of a 224’ bell tower  featuring a 49-bell carillon was completed. The tower was designed by Clayton, but was never built as part of the original construction

Today, the Cathedral is one of the finest examples of Victorian gothic architecture in Dallas, and is one of the last remaining examples of Clayton’s works in the city.

With the largest Latino parish congregation of 25,000 registered households and an average Sunday attendance of 11,200, the Cathedral serves the largest cathedral congregations in the United States. It is also the mother church of 630,000 Roman Catholics in the nine-county Diocese of Dallas.

One of the most recognizable buildings in the Dallas skyline is Reunion Tower. Standing at 561 ft (171 m), the observation tower opened in 1978 as part of a renovation to Union Station.

The tower is the 15^th largest building in Dallas. The tower has a central shaft with a stairwell and mechanical equipment, and three rectangle shafts, each containing an elevator. The 68-second ride up the glass-walled elevator offers spectacular views of the city.

At the top of the tower are three circular revolving floors. The first level is the observation deck, the second a restaurant, and the third a club lounge. The outside of the top of the tower is surrounded by a geodesic dome, with LED lights flashing at each of the 260-strut intersections.

Over the years Reunion Tower has undergone multiple renovations including 2000 when the tower was connected to the Hyatt Regency Hotel, and from November 17, 2007 – February 9, 2009 for renovations. The observation desk is scheduled to reopen in the fall of 2012 once the latest renovations are complete.

There are plenty of hotel options in Chicago. But if you aren’t too fussed about location and want spectacular value, check out the Westin O’hare.

From crisp, clean, white sheets and duvets, to fluffy white Heavenly towels nicely folded in the bathroom, the rooms are comfortable and welcoming. As you can expect from any Westin, they have the wonderful selection of white tea tree bath products.

The spacious rooms feature sound-proof glass, so you won’t be disturbed by the large jets taking off and landing. There is complimentary wired in-room internet and complimentary WiFi in the hotel lobby.

The Westin now also offers guests use of NuBalance gym clothing and shoes for a nominal $5 fee – so you don’t have to worry about bringing extra clothing for the gym, and you can still work out in their fantastic fitness facilities.

The hotel has a small café, perfect for a morning coffee and to-go breakfast, and a full-service restaurant for lunch and dinner. Room service is also available 24 hours / day.

In the lobby, there is a large real-time flight schedule, so you’ll know if your flight is still on-time as you depart the hotel.

The service and staff at the property are fantastic. Very friendly and accommodating – exactly to the Starwood standard.

It’s easy to get to the Westin O’hare. The hotel is a safe and easy three-minute walk from the Montrose station on the blue “L” train line, which is one stop from the O’hare International Airport. Getting to downtown Chicago is an easy 40-minute train ride. The train runs 24/7 – so you never have to worry about getting back to the hotel. The hotel also offers a complimentary hotel shuttle to/from the airport every 20 minutes.

Next time you visit Chicago, relax and enjoy the city, and let your pocketbook have a bit of a break – rest easy and comfortably at the Westin O’Hare.

“Pray that none will be offended if I make the Christian religion an inn where all are received joyously, rather than a cottage where some few friends of the family are to be received.” – Richard Hooker

The proudly hung rainbow flag in the Christ Church Cathedral on St. Catherine’s Street in Montreal welcomes the LGBT community with solidarity. The Church is a community that celebrates diversity and strives for justice for all.

The neo-Gothic building, completed in 1859, was designed by British architect Frank Wills. The historic and opulently decorated Church is open daily and hosts’ regular church services. The cathedral is located at 635 West Ste. Catherine Street in Montreal.

Country music is what Nashville, Tennessee is most famous for. Some of the biggest names in country music started their career in Music City. But there’s more than just country music rooted in the bustling mid-western city.

Nashville has great dining choices – primarily barbeque. Fall-off-the-bone pork ribs, baked beans and ‘slaw are the traditional choices.

Three percent of the total land area in Nashville is dedicated to parkland. Centennial Park is home to the Parthenon; an exact replica of the original building in Athens, Greece. It’s open to the public and features the largest indoor statue in America.

Other parks in the area celebrate the rich history – from Civil War memorials to music and mid-western culture. A variety of art installations can be found around the city and in the parks.

The architecture throughout the city ranges from historic to modern. Broadway, one of the main streets in the downtown core, is lit up at night with neon signs for the many shops, bars and restaurants. The streets bustle with activity and music every night of the week.

There are countless country bars too. The most famous and popular is the Wildhorse, which offers free line dancing lessons for beginners.

For a fun, authentic, mid-west experience, check out Nashville. It’ll surprise you!

A botanical garden is a living museum. Botanical gardens are a collection of plants that have been carefully documented and scientifically organized and presented in a beautiful display for visitors to enjoy. Vancouver is blessed to have a 55-acre site dedicated to preserving the wonders of nature, just moments from downtown.

The site of the VanDusen Botanical Gardens has a rich history. Orginally owned by the Canadian Pacific Railway, the area was logged at the turn of the 20^th century, harvested for its valuable timber. The Shaughnessy Golf Club took over the site from 1912 until 1966. For five years the Province of British Columbia, City of Vancouver and the VanDusen Botanical Gardens Association worked together  to preserve the site and secure it to become the home of a special garden. In 1975, the first visitors were welcomed and it’s been open to the public ever since.

The gardens are open year-round, and change with the seasons. During the summer months visitors to the gardens will find summer perennials at their peak, tranquility in the woodlands, a bounty of vegetables and herbs and a wide variety of usual annuals throughout.

There are both guided and self-guided tours, or just wonder where your senses take you.

Montreal is home to many beautiful buildings of historical significance. One of which is home to the Studio de Musique Ancienne de Montreal, an organization dedicated to performing musical works written prior to 1750.

Located at 2310 Rue Sainte-Catherine Est, near the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, the breathtaking stone and brick masonry building with its tarnished copper steeples is a sight into itself.

Inside, the professional vocal ensemble presents a series of concerts throughout the year. The Studio de Musique Ancienne plays an important role in preserving ancient music and offers a unique experience through it’s open environment.

Season and individual performance tickets are available online.