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lethaderr-blog · 5 years

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Even with only one day in , you can cover a lot of ground.

One day in isn’t nearly enough, but isn’t that the case for most cities? Don’t worry, spending one day in is better than not going there at all. You can actually see quite a few tourist attractions, even with only 24 hours in the city. In our case, we visited for the first time from a cruise ship. Our sailing aboard Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam stopped for a day at the cruise port. This meant that we didn’t even have the opportunity to spend one day in – we actually only had about nine hours!

Whether you’re taking a day trip to , stopping in from a cruise ship, or you get to spend the night in the city, there are plenty of things to see and do there. With a short period of time, you won’t be an expert in the city by any stretch of the imagination, but you’ll get a good taste for it. I’m sure you’ll be left wanting more, just like we were.

I wasn’t even expecting to like as much as I did. I figured that I’d like the smaller towns in better than the bigger cities. However, was such a lovely surprise. The city was very quiet at the end of July, especially for the height of the tourist season. Perhaps many locals were on holidays at this time. Even if you visit during high season, don’t expect any major crowds. That can’t be said for most cities in Europe! Next, is such a clean city. I didn’t see any garbage around, and most properties and gardens were perfectly groomed.

The Best Things to Do in in a Day

Now, let’s get to all of the things to do in . If you’re looking for what to do in in a day, this is the article for you. Even though I’ll be writing from the perspective of someone traveling from a cruise ship, this can be applied to anyone visiting the city. Justin and I participated in one cruise ship excursion that you can easily book through the cruise ship. Otherwise, I’ll provide the details for you to plan this sort this tour activity independently.

In addition, I’ll write about attractions, ideas for coffee and lunch, sightseeing opportunities, and everything else that you can easily do within eight hours. Lastly, I’ll provide some alternative activities if you have 24 hours in (or 2 days in , or 3 days in ). These are the things we’d like to do when we return someday.

Take an Bike

If you only have one day in (and it’s your first time in the city), you’ll want to check out the best of the best. There won’t nearly be enough time for everything, but it’s a great opportunity to see the highlights and leave you longing to return. Justin and I embarked on an bike tour right from our cruise ship, Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam. We booked the tour, “Biking in – 3 Hours.” Here’s the official tour description:

Bike along car-free paths, parks, hidden back streets and the fjord. Discover the major sites in a fun and relaxed manner. Enjoy stops for pictures. The guides reveal the stories behind the monuments, such as the medieval castle, the Royal Palace and the world famous Frogner Sculpture Park. Note: Minimum age is 12.

Not traveling from a cruise ship? Of course, you can still take a bike tour in . You can book the exact same bike tour in that we took on your own. You won’t need to bring anything on the tour, other than a rain jacket, proper footwear (regular running shoes will do), and your smartphone or DSLR camera to take photos at each stop. Your tour guide will provide you with a bicycle, fitted properly to your height, as well as a helmet, if you choose to wear one. Many of the bicycles have baskets in the back to store your belongings.

Here are the stops on our bike tour, which you’re welcome to visit on your own. I do recommend having a guide so you can learn about the history and present day happenings in . If biking is not your style, you should take a small group walking tour in , or even consider booking the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus to get around town.

Akershus Fortress

Our verandah cabin on the Nieuw Statendam faced the Akershus Fortress, so we had a perfect view of this structure right from the cruise ship. Once we met our tour guide at the dock, we walked through the Akershus Fortress (also known as Akershus Castle) on the way to the bike shop. Anyone can visit this historic site as it’s free and open to the public from 06:00 – 21:00 every day.

The Akershus Fortress is a medieval castle built in 1299 under King Håkon V. It was a residence for the royal family, and it also protected them. The castle sits in a strategic spot high up on a hill, and it’s withstood a number of sieges over the years. Over time, the fortress was used as a military base, a prison, and today it is a museum. Feel free to wander around the castle grounds or visit the Fortress Visitor Centre to inquire about guided tours in the summer.

Christiania Torv

Christiania Torv is a historic city square in the old city center of . The square is most famous for its fountain with the statue of a hand pointing to the ground. This is the birthplace of modern . After a fire destroyed most of the city in 1624, the Danish-Norwegian King Christian IV rebuilt the city and named it after himself. The statue signifies that he pointed to this spot and declared that the new city would exist there.

When gained independence in 1814, the city of Christiania became its capital. In 1925, it was renamed back to . Today, this historic square is a wonderful gathering place with shops and patios. It wasn’t busy or bustling when we visited on a rainy weekday morning, but I can imagine that this town square is very popular on sunny weekends.

Rådhusplassen

Next, we rode our bikes to Rådhusplassen, a town square between City Hall and the fjord. It used to be a road, but it’s now a pedestrian zone and recreational space. You’ll find several classic sculptures in Rådhusplassen that were designed to contrast the modern buildings around it. There are also many flower beds and scenery of the waterfront to admire.

National Theatre

The National Theatre of , designed by architect Henrik Bull, has showcased stage productions and performances since 1899. There are statues of Henrik Ibsen and Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson, two famous Norwegian writers, on either side of its entrance. The theatre has featured Ibsen’s plays every year since its opening, and also hosts the International Ibsen Festival.

The Royal Palace (Det Kongelige Slott)

At the end of Karl Johans Gate and on a hill overlooking the city, you’ll find the Royal Palace (known in Norwegian as Det Kongelige Slott or Slottet). It’s a very large and stately building surrounded by the Palace Park and the Palace Square out front. The palace was completed in 1849 and was the residence of King Charles III, the ruler of and Sweden. It is currently the official residence of the Norwegian monarch, HM King Harald V and HM Queen Sonja.

You can take public tours of the Royal Palace and there are guided tours in the summer. The palace is protected by Hans Majestet Kongens Garde (His Majesty The King’s Guard, or the Royal Guards). You can watch the changing of the guards ceremony daily at 1:30pm. We learned a little bit about the history of and its monarchy from our informative guide on our bike tour. While we didn’t go inside the palace this time around, I’d like to do that upon our return to in the future.

Frogner Park and Vigeland Sculptures

Frogner Park is most famous for its sculpture installation by Gustav Vigeland, and it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions. The Vigeland sculpture park is free and open to the public (24 hours a day, 365 days a year), and it tops the list of things to do in . Even if you only have one day in , you must make the trip to Frogner Park to see Vigeland’s statues and sculptures.

Vigeland Park is the largest sculpture park in the world where a single artist created every single work of art. Gustav Vigeland made over 200 bronze, granite and cast iron sculptures for this permanent art installation. He also designed the architectural layout of the park itself. The sculptures are naked human figures, depicting a variety of poses, emotions, and situations that range from realistic to completely surreal. Not only is it one of the top attractions, but it’s one of the most popular in all of . If you’re seeking what to do in , you won’t be disappointed by the Vigeland sculpture installation in Frogner Park.

When you enter Frogner Park, you’ll see bright and beautiful flower beds all around, including roses and other colorful flowering plants. When we visited at the end of July, the flowers were all in bloom. Then, you’ll discover Vigeland’s statues, his life’s work. If you’re looking for what to see in , this is one of the highlights of the city.

Vigeland Park: The Bridge

The Bridge at Vigeland Park has 58 bronze sculptures dating back to 1925-1933. These are some of the first sculptures mounted at the park back in the 1940s. There are women, men, and children of all ages, playing on energetic themes. “The Angry Boy” is one of the most famous statues within the park, and you’ll find him on the bridge.

Vigeland Sculpture Park: The Fountain

Beyond a rose garden, you’ll reach The Fountain, one of Vigeland’s earliest sculptures and a focal point of the park. In the middle, giant men hold a saucer as water cascades all around them. There are also people intertwined with trees, representing the relationship between humans and nature.

Vigeland Park: The Monolith

Next, you’ll reach another primary focus of Vigeland sculpture park, The Monolith. It’s at the highest point of the park, and it’s carved out of one solid stone block. It stands 17 meters tall and features 121 human figures intertwined and spiraling upwards. There are men, women, and children at the top. This sculpture could represent our longing for spirituality or a portrayal of resurrection.

Tjuvholmen & Aker Brygge

We rode our bikes through quiet city streets to the neighborhoods of Tjuvholmen and Aker Brygge. Our small group stopped first in Tjuvholmen, breezing past several art galleries and unique architectural spaces. You could spend all day in Tjuvholmen discovering art at the Astrup Fearnley Museet, the Tjuvholmen sculpture park, and even its parking garage (there’s a giant decoration of a foot stomping through the ceiling called “One foot in the grave”).

We stopped at the end of the pier where we learned that many locals like to swim in the waters there. In fact, we saw a man strip down to his swimsuit and dive in the water, even though it was a rainy and cool day. Our guide explained that the water is often much warmer than the air temperature.

Aker Brygge is a region by the waterfront with many restaurants stretching along a large boardwalk. You can enjoy a meal or a glass of wine on one of many patios with beautiful scenery all around. There’s always lots of activity in this space with many tourists and locals going for a stroll by the water.

Rådhuset (City Hall)

’s City Hall building was built in the stark, Brutalist architectural style. On December 10th each year, the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony is hosted at City Hall (December 10th is the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death).

Lunch and Coffee Options

At this point, our bike tour came to an end. After taking the tour, it remains my top choice for excursions from a cruise ship or otherwise. By riding bikes around the city, we were able to explore what to do in efficiently by covering a lot of ground. Also, the tour was only three hours long, which left us with lots of time to keep exploring. You can see a lot in in one day! I also recommend breaking up your activities with a meal in the middle. Take a bike ride in the morning, stop for lunch, and head back out in the afternoon before the cruise ship departs.

Back on the Ship

The most cost effective lunch option if you’re visiting on a cruise is to dine back on the ship. It’s all included in the cost of the cruise. Justin and I went back on board the Nieuw Statendam for a quick bite at the Lido Market. Everything tastes so fresh and delicious, and the meals are prepared to order before your eyes.

The Fragrance of the Heart

If you’re looking for dining options near the cruise port, my top choice is the vegetarian cafe, The Fragrance of the Heart. I stopped there for coffee, but wished that I had more room in my stomach for a meal or a dessert. There are many vegan and gluten-free options at The Fragrance of the Heart. The man working there was so nice and welcoming, and I was surprised to learn that he recently visited Toronto and Justin’s home city, Etobicoke. It’s a small world!

Exploring on Foot

For the rest of the afternoon, I set out to explore on foot. There are many attractions and sights near the cruise ship terminal. It’s easy to walk all over within a couple of hours. If there’s somewhere you’d like to visit that isn’t within walking distance, their public transit system and buses are quite good and easy to navigate. Here is some sightseeing and things to do in that you can see simply by walking around.

Karl Johans Gate

Karl Johans Gate is the main city street in , named after King Charles III John (King Charles XIV John in Sweden). The Royal Palace sits at one end of King Johans Gate, and there are many other attractions and shops all along this street. You can see unique fountains, buildings, Central Station, the National Theater building, and more. There are also many restaurants, clubs, bars, and cafes in this lively area of the city.

Palace Park (Slottsparken)

Since we only briefly stopped at the Royal Palace on our bike tour, I decided to walk back up to the Royal Palace to visit the Palace Park. If you visit around 1:30pm, you can watch the changing of the guards ceremony, too. The Palace Park is a very green area of the city. I also admired a public art installation within the park itself, too. If you’re a fan of sculptures and public art, you’ll love to visit as there are so many all over the city. Even with only one day in , I recommend exploring the Royal Palace and the Palace Park as much as you can.

Quiet Neighborhoods and City Streets

If you have the chance, wander down the quiet side streets in . Observe the intricate details on the colorful homes in local neighborhoods. There really weren’t any other people around in the middle of the day, and it felt very safe to me. We caught some glimpses of these houses and streets on our bike tour, but I wanted to wander down some more streets after walking through the Palace Park. It’s a great little detour if you have the chance.

Street Art at the Ship Terminal

I’m always on the lookout for street art on my travels. There’s actually quite a bit of street art and murals right at the cruise ship terminal. If you take a walk along the pier and keep walking by the water near the Akershus Fortress, you’ll see lots of colorful art on the walls and buildings. It’s nice that there’s such a great collection all in one place.

2 or 3 Days in ? Here are More Attractions

All of the activities, attractions, and tours that I listed above will surely keep you busy throughout your stay in , whether you have one day in or even only a handful of hours. If you have 2 days in or even 3 days in , there’s plenty more to see and do. Here are some things to do in if you have more time. They’re definitely on our list for when we return.

Viking Ship Museum

’s Viking Ship Museum contains well preserved Viking ships that date back to the 9th century. You can see some of the world’s best preserved Viking ships. These ships also served as parts of burial mounds for their wealthy owners. Uncovering these ships has revealed skeletons and artifacts from the past.

The Fram Museum

The Fram Museum displays the world’s strongest wooden vessel, the polar ship called Fram. Visitors can go on board the ship for a tour to its various rooms, including cabins and the engine room. It’s a great way to explore ’s history of polar explorers and expeditions.

Nobel Peace Center

The Noble Peace Center is a space dedicated to winners of the Nobel Peace Prize. There’s a permanent display with details of Peace Prize laureates’ work and lives. There are also several other rotating exhibitions revolving around themes of people, nature, war, and climate.

Holmenkollen Ski Museum

If you love everything relating to skiing, the Holmenkollen Ski Museum will top this list of things to do in . You can learn about 4000 years of skiing history through the museum’s exhibitions and displays. Beyond the ski museum, the main attraction here is the Holmenkollen ski jump tower.

University Botanical Garden

Part of the Natural History Museum of the University of , the Botanical Garden is a peaceful and beautiful space within the city. Since 1814, the Botanical Garden showcases plant diversity and conservation through several different garden displays and greenhouses. There’s the Rock Garden, the Herb Garden, the Aromatic Garden, The Arboretum, and even a Viking Garden.

Where to Stay in

While we didn’t spend the night in as we visited from a cruise ship, there are lots of excellent choices for accommodations near the city center. While staying at an Airbnb apartment is a great choice, I’d compare those prices to hotels in that might offer just as much bang for your buck. The Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel offers a luxurious stay in an excellent location, just steps from Central Station. If you’re traveling on a budget, the Citybox provides a comfortable stay in a fantastic location (minus a few of the frills).

#Oslo #Norway #Travel #1Day #Itinerary #Cruise #Tour #Excursion #kt-info-box_58ab6b-7e #444;background:transparent;border-color:444444;border-width:0px #444;background:transparent;border-color:444444;}kt-info-box_58ab6b-7e #444;padding:0px #444;}kt-info-box_58ab6b-7e #ffffff;background:6c8dab;border-color:ffffff;border-width:0px #fff;background:6c8dab;border-color:ffffff;}</style>

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varmilya · 5 years

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lethaderr-blog · 5 years

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A Norwegian fjords cruise is an amazing way to absorb the stunning scenery of .

What better way to see the captivating beauty of than by taking a Norwegian fjords cruise? Wake up to stunning and wondrous views each day from a new Norwegian town. Sail past towering mountains and rugged cliffs. Spot the tiny, colorful houses that dot the rocky mountains as you drift by. It’s truly a magical vacation that you need to take in your lifetime.

Justin and I embarked on the 7 day Viking Sagas cruise with Holland America Line. We sailed aboard their newest ship, the Nieuw Statendam, from Amsterdam to four Norwegian port towns: Oslo, Kristiansand, Stavanger, and Flåm. There were also two days at sea where we had the opportunity to relax and enjoy cruise ship living.

Reasons to Take a Norwegian Fjords

There are many advantages to taking a Norwegian fjords cruise over a land trip. First, it’s an easy way to travel from one place to the next. You fly into and out of the same airport (in our case, Amsterdam), board the ship with your belongings, and you don’t have to worry about transportation between cities. You spend each night in a comfortable room, waking up in a new place each day. And you’ll be able to unpack and get settled for the week. This is such a wonderful perk as we’re used to taking road trips where we essentially live out of our suitcases.

The views from this Holland America cruise are nothing short of spectacular. To fully appreciate the fjords, it’s best to view them from the middle of the water. You’ll be able to walk around the ship for 360 degree panoramic perspectives of the scenery all around you. There are ample opportunities for scenic fjord cruising. I also loved viewing each port or town from the vantage point of our balcony cabin (or from the top decks of the ship). It’s almost like having your own aerial view – no drone required!

In addition, having traveled through a couple of Scandinavian cities in the past (Copenhagen and Reykjavik, for example), we know that these countries are expensive. Dining out, spending the night, and most other costs of traveling in are not cheap. Sailing aboard a Norwegian fjords cruise helps keep the cost down. It isn’t necessary to dine off the cruise ship when all the meals on the ship are included in the price. Taking a coastal cruise is one of the most cost effective ways of traveling around the country.

When to Take a Coastal

The summer months are the best time to visit , with the chances of having the best weather. The Nieuw Statendam cruises around from May to September. There are also opportunities to extend your cruise to lengthier expeditions, like cruising to Iceland, exploring more countries on a Scandinavia cruise, and even crossing the Arctic Circle. Justin and I sailed at the end of July and into the beginning of August, which I’d consider to be the best time for a Norwegian fjords cruise.

Packing for the Weather

isn’t known for having stable weather, so expect a little bit of everything. We had days with bright sunshine and hot temperatures. We also had days of rain, wind, and seasonably cool temperatures. Expect everything, even all in one day. I recommend bringing a good mix of clothing: shorts and tank tops for the hot days, jeans and sweaters for the cooler ones. Pack everything from sunscreen to a rain jacket and umbrella.

Why Holland America Line for a ?

This was our first cruise with Holland America Line, and we absolutely recommend sailing with this cruise line for your upcoming holiday. We were both super impressed with the quality of service, the friendly and helpful staff, the level of care, the quality of the food, the comfort and cleanliness of our room, the on board entertainment, and the ports / destinations for the sailing. I’m so pleased to write such a glowing review of our vacation on the Nieuw Statendam. You’ll truly feel refreshed, invigorated, and enlightened after your cruise to .

It’s a total breeze to book and plan your Norwegian fjords cruise. You can book everything directly through the Holland America Line website. Book your cruise, your shore excursions, spa treatments or dinner reservations in advance. You can print your boarding passes and luggage tags in advance of your cruise. It’s easy to arrange transportation from the airport to the cruise ship ahead of time. Then, the check-in process is easy-peasy. Cruising is such a stress-free way to travel where you can choose to do as much or as little as you like.

Perhaps you’d like to wait to book some activities until you’re on board? That works, too. Once you’re on the ship, you’ll have access to a range of activities in the daily “When & Where” guide. These details also appear on your stateroom TV and you can even look them up on your smartphone. The Nieuw Statendam is a cruise ship that focuses on music and art. Out of all the cruises I’ve taken, this one has the best nightly entertainment that I’ve ever experienced. Justin and I spent every night at the Music Walk on deck 2. We floated between the Rolling Stone Rock Room, Billboard Onboard, and B.B. King’s Blues Club where you could always hear live music all night long.

Ship Life on Nieuw Statendam

One of our favorite aspects of cruising is life on board the cruise ship. It’s like a little floating city, but it’s not really like any typical city I’ve visited. First, it’s common place to greet everyone as you pass one another down the hallway or have small chats on the elevator. It’s easy to get to know the cruise ship staff because you’ll chat to them everyday. You can make friends everywhere you go: on excursions, at the pool, and at the music venues.

The carpet in the elevator also reminds you what day it is!

Our Verandah Stateroom

Justin and I stayed in a Verandah Spa Stateroom on the Nieuw Statendam, cabin (category VQ). This balcony cabin features one queen sized bed (can be made up into two twin beds), a sitting area with a couch, a private verandah, a shower, and floor-to-ceiling windows. This room is located on the Panorama Deck (deck 10), which meant that our verandah had amazing views from high up on the ship.

The style of the room feels light and airy, and more open and spacious than our past cruise ship cabins. I love the lighter colored wooden furnishings and the shades of turquoise and lime throughout the room. It really presents a breezy vacation vibe. I highly recommend choosing a verandah room during a Norwegian fjords cruise. It’s possible to wake up and watch the scenic sailings through the fjords right from your own room. Order room service breakfast and you don’t even have to leave your cabin to dine and enjoy the brilliant scenery.

There are many modern amenities throughout the stateroom. First, we loved the big flat screen TV across from the bed with a video on-demand service. This not only beats the smaller TVs we’ve seen on other cruise ships, but we’ve never had this amount of new movies to watch from the comfort of our room before. It’s like having a mini Netflix, right in the room. If you have some downtime on a sea day or want to unwind at night, feel free to curl up in your cabin and catch up on some movies.

There are also plenty of outlets in the cabin, both North American and European. You’ll find USB ports above both bedside tables for your phones. We also found that the Wi-Fi was quite speedy from inside our cabin, more so than other public areas on the ship.

We were also super comfortable in our cabin each day and night. The signature Mariner’s Dream bed was the perfect place to drift off into sleep and allowed us to feel well rested upon waking each day. There’s also an in-room safe, a mini fridge, ice service, complimentary fresh fruit on request, a magnifying make-up mirror, a blow dryer, 100% Egyptian cotton towels, and a premium massage shower head.

The nightly turn down service each evening by our cabin steward was made extra special with a new origami towel animal each night. We loved the special touch of having a new animal on our bed when we came back from dinner and drinks each night. It was always a surprise to see which animal would appear. Our favorite was definitely the monkey, hanging out in the middle of the room on a clothes hanger!

Public Spaces on Nieuw Statendam

There are lots of public spaces, both indoor and outdoor, for various interests and activities. There are two swimming pools, a larger one in the middle of the ship and one at the back of the ship, as well as numerous hot tubs. The bigger mid-ship pool is beneath a retractable roof, which stays closed if the weather isn’t cooperating. You can take a dip in this pool if it’s raining or chilly outside, and the water is heated, too. You can even watch movies by the pool at night with popcorn and snacks. There are a variety of seating options near the pool like loungers, tables and chairs for dining, and even larger couches and chaise lounges that are totally appropriate for a midday snooze.

Nieuw Statendam has a bright and modern fitness center with loads of cardio machines, weight machines, free weights, yoga mats, and a separate room for spin classes. While we only managed to make it to the gym once, it was such an enjoyable experience. There are cycling machines with digital monitors offering virtual riding experiences, which almost makes you forget that you’re working out. The treadmills face directly out to the front of the ship, so you can absorb the soothing ocean views as you exercise. If you’d rather get your exercise outdoors, there’s an outdoor jogging track, outdoor exercise machines, and a basketball court.

This Nordic cruise aboard Nieuw Statendam has lots of bars and meeting spaces to gather with friends and loved ones. Meet over a drink while listening to a variety of music. There’s also a casino, on board shops, an art gallery, numerous dining venues, a full service spa and salon, and two coffee shops for your caffeine fix.

Entertainment Options

On sea days and at night on your Norwegian fjords cruise aboard Nieuw Statendam, you won’t have to worry about feeling bored. There are non-stop activities and entertainment throughout the cruise. However, it’s all up to you. If you feel like relaxing by the pool and reading a book, go for it!

We participated in a few of the entertainment options and activities on our Holland America cruise. One of our favorite things about cruising to on the Nieuw Statendam was the entertainment itself. In addition to performances and comedy shows in the theater, we spent most of our evenings at Nieuw Statendam’s Music Walk. There’s non-stop live music all night long.

In one space, there’s the Billboard Onboard bar and the Rolling Stone Rock Room. There’s a rock band that performs in the Rolling Stone bar, and there are a pair of dueling piano performers at Billboard. Each plays a set for about 45 minutes. When the band finishes playing at Rolling Stone, the music immediately starts up across the way at Billboard. When the pianists wrap up their set, the live music starts again at Rolling Stone.

And then there’s the band at B.B. King’s down the hallway. The musical act at B.B. Kings plays lots of pop hits, R&B, and blues music. In the band, there are vocalists, musicians on guitar, keys, drums, saxophone, and one of the most talented bassists we’ve ever seen. There’s a massive dance floor at B.B. King’s so you can shake what you’ve got.

On sea days, check the “When & Where” guide for daily activities. There are dance classes, ping pong tournaments, talks about history and nature, trivia and board games, and so much more. We took a tour of the kitchen one morning to gain insights into the behind-the-scenes operations in preparing the food on the cruise. Did you know that the average weekly consumption of melon on board totals a whopping 4000 lbs? And the total amount of fresh vegetables for the passengers on board for the week is 18,000 lbs? There are a lot of mouths to feed, and the kitchen staff runs a “tight ship” (pardon the pun!). There’s a huge focus on cleanliness, being quick and efficient, and following a set of protocols that even includes official guidelines on plating meals.

Another interesting activity for the wine fans on board is the intimate tasting and wine blending class, BLEND by Chateau Ste. Michelle. While Justin and I enjoy wine, we both like drinking beer a little bit more than wine. We headed to the European beer tasting at the Billboard Onboard one afternoon. We sampled a few different European beers in various styles and engaged in a small beer trivia session with the host.

Art on Nieuw Statendam

You won’t find the antiquated cruise ship art auction on Nieuw Statendam. Instead, the entire cruise ship acts like a floating art gallery. There’s a separate smaller art gallery on board, but the best art is spread throughout the ship. In every stairwell, you’ll find unique and impressive works of art that look straight out of a museum. When you get off the elevator, you’ll discover statues, sculptures, and other three dimensional art pieces in various styles.

The central atrium on Nieuw Statendam is an architectural marvel, too. With a dramatic sculpture at its center, the central atrium extends three floors up with winding staircases. At the top, there’s an impressive ceiling with changing colors and projections. You might see pastel colors, wispy clouds, or constellations up above when you’re wandering through the atrium.

Club Orange

Would you like to add a luxurious flair to your sailing? Club Orange is Holland America’s new exclusive program that offers an enhanced experience to your cruise. It’s a wonderful way to receive priority access, exclusive amenities, and escape the crowds during peak dining times.

Club Orange members can dine in the exclusive Club Orange dining room for breakfast and dinner. While it will feature the same menu as the dining room for dinner and the Pinnacle Grill for breakfast, there are some additional daily dishes added to the menu that you won’t find anywhere else.

Access to Club Orange also includes one of my favorite perks, priority check-in and disembarkation, as well as priority tender service (if your cruise uses tenders at the ports – ours did not). It’s a great feeling to skip the check-in line when you reach the cruise terminal. This really sped up the embarkation process and we were on the ship before we knew it. There are also lovely additional perks like a welcome glass of sparkling wine, premium bathrobes to use in the cabin, and a Club Orange tote bag.

The name pays homage to the rich Dutch heritage of Holland America Line as it’s the color of the Dutch Royal Family. For those booking the Neptune and Pinnacle suite categories, Club Orange is included in your sailing. For non-suite customers, Club Orange access is $50 per day, and both guests of the same stateroom are required to enroll. It must be purchased prior to sailing (you can’t upgrade once you’re on board).

Food on our to

On our Holland America cruise to , the food was top notch. Our dining experiences are different from the average cruise passenger as we both seek vegan and plant-based options on board. If you have a food allergy or follow a special diet, you don’t have to worry at all. You’ll find lots of delicious meals on board the Nieuw Statendam. The staff members will go above and beyond to ensure that you enjoy delicious and satisfying meals.

Vegan and Vegetarian Menu

When dining in the main dining room, you can request a vegan and vegetarian menu. You can order any dishes from this menu at any point in time throughout the cruise. There are appetizers, soups, salads, and entrees. Most of them are vegan, although there are a couple that are marked as vegetarian. In fact, there were so many options, we didn’t even have enough time to sample them all during our 7 day cruise. Some of my favorites included the Asian Noodle Soup, the Tempeh and Vegetable Kabob, and the Curried Cauliflower Steak. Justin really enjoyed the Grilled Portabella Mushroom with Zucchini Spaghetti.

There are also moments where some items on the regular dining menu are vegan or can easily be prepared vegan. There was a hearty tofu and coconut curry on the dining menu one night that was naturally plant-based. There’s also a few menu items at the Canaletto specialty Italian restaurant that are vegetarian and can be prepared vegan, like a tomato risotto dish. Some of the other specialty dining restaurants include the Pinnacle Grill, Rudi’s Sel de Mer, Tamarind, and Nami Sushi.

Lido Market

The Lido Market on Nieuw Statendam is not your typical buffet – it’s so much better. You don’t need to worry about picking through stale food, food that’s been manhandled by other passengers, or food that’s not at a good temperature any longer. The Lido Market has several individual stations where you’ll find freshly prepared food for many different tastes. The food is all scooped and served onto plates by staff members behind the glass. This prevents cross contamination and improper food handling that can often lead to outbreaks of illnesses on board.

We adored the salad station the most. I know, that sounds so typical for a pair of vegans, right? Well, you just needed to point at all the different veggies, toppings, and dressings that you wanted in your salad, and the staff will whip it up in a big salad bowl for you. I also loved the Asian food station where they always had some veggie and tofu sushi available, as well as some sort of vegetable noodle stir fry. In the evening, you can have a stir fry made to order with the protein, vegetables, and sauces of your choosing. It’s easy to order a tofu and veggie stir fry, prepared right before your eyes.

Dive In (Fast Food)

Craving something a little more sinful? Dive In has lots of fast food options, including burgers, hot dogs, and fries. There’s always a veggie burger on the menu, too. We dove right in to burgers and fries on more than one occasion!

New York Pizza & Deli

The New York Pizza & Deli was one of our favorite food stops on our Nieuw Statendam cruise. You can customize your pizza however you like it. I always ordered a pizza without cheese (there isn’t any vegan cheese on the ship) and with lots of vegetables. You can also get bagels in the morning (there’s more variety here than anywhere else on the ship!) and snacks at night, like kettle chips and popcorn. You can eat your pizza in the dining space near the pizzeria or take it away in a box back to your room. I absolutely love how New York Deli & Pizza stays open until midnight. Late night pizza, anyone?

Room Service Breakfast

I think we must have ordered room service breakfast every single day on the ship, including disembarkation day. Every evening, there was a card left in our room by our room steward with the turn down service. You choose a half hour window as to when you’d like your breakfast to be delivered. There are a variety of options on the room service breakfast menu. And like magic, the food appears on a giant platter at your door each morning. Justin and I enjoyed breakfast on our balcony, as well as breakfast in bed. We didn’t have to get dressed or face any morning breakfast crowds.

For vegan options, we often ordered bagels and bread with peanut butter and jam, bowls of cereal with soy milk, veggie sausages, fresh melon, fresh banana, coffee and tea. Up in the Lido Market, there are a few more options, mostly hot items like potatoes and hash browns. It’s amazing how dining in our cabin was one of the highlights of our Norwegian fjords cruise. It’s one of those things that you certainly miss once you’re back at home and you need to make your own breakfast. Room service is also available 24 hours a day. The menu is on every stateroom TV.

Where to Find the Best Coffee on Nieuw Statendam

If you read this blog regularly, I’m sure you’ve gathered that I’m a self-proclaimed coffee addict. I tend to write a lot of coffee guides and I’ve shared tips on making your own coffee on the road. Sometimes cruise ship coffee isn’t that great. However, you have no worries at all finding a great cup of coffee on Holland America cruises. Coffee culture in Europe is real, and Holland America doesn’t want to disappoint, I’m sure!

If you’re looking for delicious coffee on Nieuw Statendam, there are two great spots to find it. One is the Grand Dutch Cafe on deck 3. This Dutch coffee shop offers more traditional brewed beverages made with HAL’s Rotterdam 1873 coffee beans, which you can also purchase to bring home. There are also a few sweet treats to pair with your coffee. You can also buy beer and alcoholic beverages at the Grand Dutch Cafe.

On deck 12, the Explorations Central & Cafe at the Crow’s Nest offers another wonderful coffee experience. You can also order Americanos and lattes here, as well as iced coffees, frappuccinos, and other frozen concoctions. Enjoy your coffee in this room with a view at the top and front of the ship.

As a bonus for those who don’t drink coffee but love tea, why not head to Classic Afternoon Tea? It happens each day on Nieuw Statendam in the dining room on deck 3 from 3:00pm-3:45pm.

Ports on our Norwegian Fjords

One of the main reasons to sail on a Norwegian fjords cruise is for the ports. This 7 day Viking Sagas cruise has an amazing selection of ports that surely won’t disappoint. We sailed from Amsterdam to Oslo, Kristiansand, Stavanger, and Flåm. While I’ll be writing about each individual experience in port, here’s a brief overview of each of our stops.

Cruising to from Amsterdam

Cruising from Amsterdam on this Norwegian fjords cruise allows us to reach several ports in one week. Amsterdam isn’t too far from . I loved having the sea days to relax, acting as book ends to the ports. While the days in each town and city can be jam packed with activities, it’s great to have some time to unwind on either side of that. Cruising out of Amsterdam also has its perks. For us, the flights aren’t too long from Toronto to Amsterdam. Amsterdam is a pretty accessible location for those living in Europe, too. There’s also the option of extending your stay by booking a hotel in Amsterdam and exploring Amsterdam for a while longer.

Oslo

Oslo is such a fascinating city to explore, and it’s the largest city we visited on our Norwegian fjords cruise. While it’s impossible to see everything in Oslo in a day, it’s definitely the kind of city that will leave you wanting more. Justin and I booked the shore excursion, “Biking in Oslo”, which was a 3 hour tour along car free paths, parks, the fjord, and hidden back streets. We had a very informative and fun tour guide. Our small group made several stops along the way, learning about the history of the city. There were lots of opportunities to take pictures. We even got to visit the famous Vigeland park with over 200 sculptures by artist, Gustav Vigeland.

I loved taking the three hour biking tour in the morning, which allowed time for us to stop back at the cruise ship for lunch. Then, there were a couple of hours left to explore Oslo on foot and wander around the city. Once you’re back on the ship, enjoy the scenery of the fjords as you sail away from Oslo and towards Kristiansand.

Kristiansand

In Kristiansand, we booked the shore excursion, “Lillesand: The Jewel of Sorlandet.” First, we boarded a bus for a scenic drive to the village of Lillesand where he had some free time to explore. Next, we transferred to a boat for a ride along the coastline for scenic views of tiny coastal communities. Unfortunately, it poured rain for our entire trip, but that’s just how it works sometimes!

Thankfully, it stopped raining in the afternoon, just in time to explore the town of Kristiansand. There are lots of things to do in Kristiansand, including wandering through historic sections of town and down by the wharf. I discovered rows of white historic homes, checked out the Kristiansand Cathedral, walked up and down the main shopping street, found some colorful street art, and even had a yummy oat milk latte at a cafe.

Stavanger

Justin and I didn’t take any excursions or tours in Stavanger as the town looked rather interesting on its own. Instead, we walked all over town, visiting Gamle Stavanger (largest surviving wooden house settlement in northern Europe), the Stavanger Cathedral, a beautiful pond and park, a quirky and colorful row of buildings with restaurants and shops, and an industrial area turned into a playground. There are also walls upon walls of street art and murals to discover here, too.

Flåm

Saving the best for last, our day in Flam was quite possibly our favorite of our entire cruise. Sailing into and out of Flåm was such a treat, as we soaked up the most spectacular scenery of the entire Norwegian fjords cruise. To reach Flåm, our ship sailed through the Sognefjord, the largest and deepest fjord in .

Flåm also happens to be home to one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys. If it’s your first time in this Norwegian village, don’t miss riding the Flåm Railway. The journey and the destination are equally as beautiful. Mountains, valleys, waterfalls – the beauty was never ending! At our first stop, we admired a massive waterfall (Kjosfossen), and then soaked up the sensational scenery at our final stop (Vatnahalsen).

.kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap {background:rgba(206, 249, 248, 1);padding:20px 20px 20px 20px;border-width:0px 0px 0px 0px;} .kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap:hover {border-color:rgba(238, 238, 238, 1);background:rgba(206, 249, 248, 1);} .kt-blocks-info-box-media {color: 0px 0px 0px;padding:10px 10px 10px 10px;} .kt-blocks-info-box-media-container {margin:0px 15px 0px 15px;} .kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap:hover .kt-blocks-info-box-media {color:#444;background:transparent;border-color:#444444;} .kt-blocks-info-box-title {color: 0px 0px 0px;margin:5px 0px 10px 0px;} .kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap:hover .kt-blocks-info-box-title {color:#444;} .kt-blocks-info-box-text {color:#444;} .kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap:hover .kt-blocks-info-box-text {color:#444;} .kt-blocks-info-box-learnmore {color: 0px 0px 0px;padding:4px 8px 4px 8px;margin:10px 0px 10px 0px;} .kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap:hover .kt-blocks-info-box-learnmore {color: <div id="" class="wp-block-kadence-infobox"><div class="kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap kt-blocks-info-box-media-align-top kt-info-halign-center"><div class="kt-blocks-info-box-media-container"><div class="kt-blocks-info-box-media kt-info-media-animate-none"><div class="kadence-info-box-icon-container kt-info-icon-animate-none"><div class="kadence-info-box-icon-inner-container"><span style="display:block;justify-content:center;align-items:center" class="kt-info-svg-icon kt-info-svg-icon-fas_camera"><svg style="display:inline-block;vertical-align:middle" viewbox="0 0 512 512" height="80" width="80" fill="currentColor" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M512 144v288c0 26.5-21.5 48-48 48H48c-26.5 0-48-21.5-48-48V144c0-26.5 21.5-48 48-48h88l12.3-32.9c7-18.7 24.9-31.1 44.9-31.1h125.5c20 0 37.9 12.4 44.9 31.1L376 96h88c26.5 0 48 21.5 48 48zM376 288c0-66.2-53.8-120-120-120s-120 53.8-120 120 53.8 120 120 120 120-53.8 120-120zm-32 0c0 48.5-39.5 88-88 88s-88-39.5-88-88 39.5-88 88-88 88 39.5 88 88z"><div class="kt-infobox-textcontent"><h4 class="kt-blocks-info-box-title">Want to see more cruise photos?<p class="kt-blocks-info-box-text">Check out our entire travel photography album from our cruise to . You can also purchase prints, housewares and more from our photos. Click the ‘buy’ button by any picture!<div class="kt-blocks-info-box-learnmore-wrap"><a class="kt-blocks-info-box-learnmore" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=125747X1586856&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftravelphotos.justinpluslauren.com%2F&sref=rss">Learn More <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=125747X1586856&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftravelphotos.justinpluslauren.com%2F%2FNieuw-Statendam-2019%2Fi-7hc5cBn%2Fbuy&sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com//Nieuw-Statendam-2019/i-7hc5cBn/0/5d753bba/XL/P1420201-XL.jpg" alt="Nordic with Holland America Line - Sunsets - Norwegian Fjords "/> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=125747X1586856&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftravelphotos.justinpluslauren.com%2F%2FNieuw-Statendam-2019%2Fi-fTFt5WK%2Fbuy&sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com//Nieuw-Statendam-2019/i-fTFt5WK/0/9e2a4d66/XL/P1420206-XL.jpg" alt="Scandinavia to - Brilliant sunsets - Norwegian Fjords "/> <h2>In Summary <p>It was our first trip to , and it certainly won’t be our last. Our visits to the ports were highly memorable, and we loved the comfort and hospitality of cruise ship living. Nieuw Statendam is the perfect home away from home, from the food to the entertainment. We are so glad that our first experience in was aboard a Norwegian fjords cruise with Holland America Line. <ul class="wp-block-gallery columns-3"><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/--Pinterest3-683x1024.jpg" alt="Norwegian Fjords on the Nieuw Statendam: An Insider's Guide to a with Holland America Line data-id="18667" data-link="https://justinpluslauren.com/?attachment_id=18667" class="wp-image-18667" srcset="https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/--Pinterest3-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/--Pinterest3-200x300.jpg 200w, https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/--Pinterest3.jpg 735w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/--Pinterest2-683x1024.jpg" alt="Norwegian Fjords on the Nieuw Statendam: An Insider's Guide to a with Holland America Line data-id="18666" data-link="https://justinpluslauren.com/?attachment_id=18666" class="wp-image-18666" srcset="https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/--Pinterest2-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/--Pinterest2-200x300.jpg 200w, https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/--Pinterest2.jpg 735w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/--Pinterest1-683x1024.jpg" alt="Norwegian Fjords on the Nieuw Statendam: An Insider's Guide to a with Holland America Line data-id="18665" data-link="https://justinpluslauren.com/?attachment_id=18665" class="wp-image-18665" srcset="https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/--Pinterest1-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/--Pinterest1-200x300.jpg 200w, https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/--Pinterest1.jpg 735w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /> <div class="kt-simple-box" style="background-color:rgba(232, 232, 232, 1); min-height:1px; padding-top:15px; padding-bottom:15px; padding-left:15px; padding-right:15px; "><div class="kt-simple-box-inner"> <center><strong>Did you find this post useful? Show your appreciation with a small tip! <div id="JPL01" class="quid-slider" align="center" quid-currency="CAD" quid-product-id="JPL01" quid-product-url="https://justinpluslauren.com/norwegian-fjords-cruise-nieuw-statendam/" quid-product-name="Justin Plus Lauren" quid-product-description="A Tip for Justin & Lauren" quid-text="Tip Us!" quid-text-paid="Thanks!" quid-amount="1"> <p><em>A huge thank you to Holland America Line for hosting us on this cruise. We always provide completely honest reviews, and we were in love with this cruise adventure. This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. <h4>Have you ever traveled to or taken a Norwegian fjords cruise? <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://justinpluslauren.com/norwegian-fjords-cruise-nieuw-statendam/">Norwegian Fjords on the Nieuw Statendam: An Insider’s Guide to a with Holland America Line appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://justinpluslauren.com">Justin Plus Lauren.

#Norway #Travel #Cruise #HollandAmerica #NieuwStatendam #Fjords #10035 #kt-info-box_a8ab9d-36 #444;background:transparent;border-color:444444;border-width:0px #444;background:transparent;border-color:444444;}kt-info-box_a8ab9d-36 #444;padding:0px #444;}kt-info-box_a8ab9d-36 #ffffff;background:6c8dab;border-color:ffffff;border-width:0px #fff;background:6c8dab;border-color:ffffff;}</style>#Fjords"

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lethaderr-blog · 5 years

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Nothing beats fresh local produce!

As Canadians, I think we’re used to eating food that comes from across the globe. After all, our growing season is much shorter than other places due to the fact that we live through all four seasons. When I can get my hands on produce and food products that are grown close to home, I jump at the opportunity. It’s better for the environment, supports our local economy, and it just tastes better. Fresh local produce is the best, I’m sure you can agree.

Living in the city, it’s very easy to become disconnected from our food. We go to the grocery store and purchase whatever we need from the shelf. It might not be something that’s in season at home. It might not even be something that can be grown at home. Of course, there are many times where I’ll buy imported citrus fruits that just can’t be grown here. But, in the middle of the summer, I have access to fresh and local organic food in . Why buy berries or vegetables from across the globe when the best tasting ones are right in my own backyard?

Needless to say, when I visited the rural farming communities in Perth County, , I was excited to feel a little more connected with local food places. There’s so much fresh, local, and organic food in . You just need to know where to look. If you live anywhere near Perth County or you’d like to take a road trip there, I have the best places to visit for foodies. You’ll find an array of fresh local produce and locally produced food products.

McCully’s Hill Farm

McCully’s Hill Farm near St. Mary’s specializes in homemade preserves, maple products, prepared meals, baked goods, and garden fresh produce. Their retail outlet carries lots of delicious preserves and prepared goods made from locally grown ingredients. You’ll find yummy treats like pickles, various flavors of relish, maple mustard, salsa, various flavors of jams and jellies, and so much more. I love that there are so many maple flavored goods, even maple salsa!

Looking for fresh maple syrup in ? McCully’s Hill Farm uses traditional methods to collect their maple syrup, using the “tap and pail” method. They also use a wood-fired evaporator in their production of maple syrup, avoiding the use of fossil fuels. It’s not every day that you can buy maple syrup directly from the farmer. Go ahead and treat yourself! You’re not a true Canadian if you don’t eat maple syrup every day, right?

In addition to the farm and farm shop, McCully’s operates school tours for children, a fall harvest festival, and a maple syrup festival in the winter. It seems as though there’s always something fun and entertaining happening at McCully’s! It’s definitely one of my top picks for foodie places to visit in southern , especially if you’re planning a trip to Perth County.

Cowan’s Community Fresh

While some of the other stops on my tour of Perth County were farms and farm stores, Cowan’s Community Fresh is a more traditional grocery shop in Listowel, . This community grocery store focuses on farm to table prepared meals, organic whole foods, cooking tutorials, and more.

Cowan’s Community Fresh hosts their own CSA box delivery service. Each week, you’ll receive a box filled with fresh local produce from neighboring farms. The items within the box vary from week to week, as you’ll only receive fruits and vegetables that are in season. There’s also the option to personalize the box, so you can be a little more adventurous and try new foods, while leaving out the ones you know you don’t like.

Their grocery store is one of the best local food places where you’ll find a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. There are also lots of pantry items, and Cowan’s specializes in carrying lots of vegan and gluten-free foods. You simply must try the kombucha that’s on tap. Plus, they always have vegan prepared meals on hand. I loved how the employee was able to tell me exactly where each vegetable came from, down to the name of the farm. The only items not grown locally were the avocados, and the cashew cheese was made in British Columbia.

Oasis Farm Store

Oasis is truly an oasis for fresh local produce. I stopped by their farm store and took a small tour of the farm. I’m amazed by the vast array and variety of organic food in that I’d never see at the regular supermarket. Usually lots of the organic fruits and vegetables at the store are imported from the USA or beyond. Almost everything up for purchase at the Oasis Farm Store is grown on the property itself or sourced from nearby farms.

Here’s a sampling of some fruits and veggies that Oasis grows at their farm: greens, strawberries, asparagus, rhubarb, peas, beans, blueberries, beets, tomatoes, corn, carrots, potatoes, peppers, squash, pumpkins, broccoli, and cabbage. Everything is certified organic by EcoCert, and they do not use any chemical sprays or fertilizers on their products. Instead of spraying, they focus on fostering the health of the soil by using crop rotation, cover crops, mulch, and compost.

Almost all gardening at Oasis is done by hand by the whole family. This includes planting, weeding, mulching, and pest control. Oasis also has large greenhouses to extend the growing season. You can even purchase fresh local produce in the middle of the winter, thanks to the greenhouses.

food in doesn’t need to be overly expensive or difficult to find. Head straight to Oasis and you’ll be able to purchase the freshest, most local, nutritious organic food around. In the spring, there’s an annual seedling sale so you can grow your own organic veggies at home. I think I’m going to have to keep my eye on that event for next year!

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Farm Gates in Perth County

Did you know that there are over 50 listings of farm gate stores and pick your own experiences in Perth County? It’s a great way to meet the hardworking farmers of the region and enjoy fresh local produce straight from the farm.

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TNT Berries

TNT Berries is a sea buckthorn and blueberry farm where you can go blueberry picking in . Don’t feel like picking your own berries? You can also buy freshly picked ones, too. When I visited TNT Berries in mid-July, the blueberries weren’t quite ready yet. I sampled one or two fresh off the vine, and they were absolutely delicious. Nothing beats freshly picked berries.

While it varies year to year, the blueberries ripened towards the end of July this time around, lasting into August. The sea buckthorn berries ripen a little later in August. You can check the TNT Berries Facebook page for daily updates on when you can go blueberry picking in . TNT Berries also offers frozen berries outside of peak season. I had the chance to sample some frozen sea buckthorn berries. They’re a little tart, but actually quite good. I’d love to throw them into a smoothie. They’re orange when they’re ripe. The sea buckthorn berries I saw were still green because they weren’t quite ready to be picked.

Have you heard of sea buckthorn berries? They’re tasty little berries that are a little bit tart. They have high levels of vitamin C, antioxidants, 18 amino acids, omega 3-6-9 and 7, beta carotene, and over 190 phytonutrients! You can add them to smoothies, jams and jellies, or even as an extra flavor in your water bottle. I love that we can buy this super fruit berry so close to home in Perth County, .

Shakespeare Brewing Company

And yes, sampling the best from this food community includes beer, too! Shakespeare Brewing Company creates small batch beer from the village of Shakespeare, just outside of Stratford. The building was converted from an old school bus garage into a brewery, providing the perfect space to craft their specialty beers. You shouldn’t miss this craft brewery if you’re traveling through Perth County.

The Shakespeare Brewing Company is BrewON certified, meaning that their beer is brewed with 100% hops (as certified by the Hop Growers Assocation). This microbrewery aims to redefine the true meaning of local craft beer. By combining the local agricultural component ( grown barley and hops) and the support of other local small businesses, Shakespeare Brewing Company highlights the best of the region through the taste of their beer and events at the brewery.

For instance, they have a small produce stand out front on the weekend where you can also purchase local fresh food from nearby farmers. They also use fresh blueberries from TNT Berries (which is practically around the corner) for their Bumbling Bear blueberry wheat beer. Can’t get much more local than that!

Enjoy a flight at a few tables indoors or outside on their patio. You can also buy beer from the Shakespeare Brewing Company in cans, bottles or growlers. They also ship their beer within if you’re craving it, but can’t make it out to the brewery.

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You can buy prints, canvas art, housewares, and more of my photos. Click the “buy” button by any pic! <div class="kt-blocks-info-box-learnmore-wrap"><a class="kt-blocks-info-box-learnmore" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=125747X1586856&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftravelphotos.justinpluslauren.com%2F%2F%2FPerth-County-2019%2F&sref=rss">Learn More <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=125747X1586856&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftravelphotos.justinpluslauren.com%2F%2F%2FPerth-County-2019%2Fi-GwJwfN3%2Fbuy&sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com///Perth-County-2019/i-GwJwfN3/0/e068ef70/XL/P1400461-XL.jpg" alt="Forest Motel in Stratford "/> <p>I hope that I’ve convinced you to make the <strong><a href="https://justinpluslauren.com/road-trip-from-toronto-to-perth-county/">road trip to Perth County, . If you’re looking for where to stay in Perth County, I highly recommend the Forest Motel, just outside of Stratford. Everyone who stays at the Forest Motel receives free access to the property and its activities, including 32 acres of forest and trails, a private lake with canoeing and kayaking, lakeside bonfires, BBQ grills, and snowshoeing in the winter. <p>They also have modern amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi, flat screen TVs with premium channels, and Keurig coffee makers in each room. Breakfast is also included in your stay. Be sure to <strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://justinpluslauren.com/go/forest-motel-stratford/" target="_blank">book your stay at the Forest Motel for amazing service and a comfortable stay that has many booking this accommodation year after year. Don’t believe me? <strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://justinpluslauren.com/go/forest-motel-stratford-reviews/" target="_blank">Read more reviews by fellow travelers. <ul class="wp-block-gallery columns-3"><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Perth-County-Farm-Pinterest3-683x1024.jpg" alt="A Taste of Perth County : Fresh Local Produce, Farm Gates and the Scene data-id="18630" data-link="https://justinpluslauren.com/?attachment_id=18630" class="wp-image-18630" srcset="https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Perth-County-Farm-Pinterest3-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Perth-County-Farm-Pinterest3-200x300.jpg 200w, https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Perth-County-Farm-Pinterest3.jpg 735w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Perth-County-Farm-Pinterest2-683x1024.jpg" alt="A Taste of Perth County : Fresh Local Produce, Farm Gates and the Scene data-id="18629" data-link="https://justinpluslauren.com/?attachment_id=18629" class="wp-image-18629" srcset="https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Perth-County-Farm-Pinterest2-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Perth-County-Farm-Pinterest2-200x300.jpg 200w, https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Perth-County-Farm-Pinterest2.jpg 735w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Perth-County-Farm-Pinterest1-683x1024.jpg" alt="A Taste of Perth County : Fresh Local Produce, Farm Gates and the Scene data-id="18628" data-link="https://justinpluslauren.com/?attachment_id=18628" class="wp-image-18628" srcset="https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Perth-County-Farm-Pinterest1-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Perth-County-Farm-Pinterest1-200x300.jpg 200w, https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Perth-County-Farm-Pinterest1.jpg 735w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /> <p style="text-align:center">PIN one of the above images to Pinterest for future reference. Click the top left corner. <div class="kt-simple-box" style="background-color:rgba(232, 232, 232, 1); min-height:1px; padding-top:15px; padding-bottom:15px; padding-left:15px; padding-right:15px; "><div class="kt-simple-box-inner"> <center><strong>Did you find this post useful? Show your appreciation with a small tip! <div id="JPL01" class="quid-slider" align="center" quid-currency="CAD" quid-product-id="JPL01" quid-product-url="https://justinpluslauren.com/fresh-local-produce-perth-county-ontario/" quid-product-name="Justin Plus Lauren" quid-product-description="A Tip for Justin & Lauren" quid-text="Tip Us!" quid-text-paid="Thanks!" quid-amount="1"> <p>T<em>hank you so much to Perth County Tourism for hosting my stay. This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. <h4>Do you try to eat local or organic food more often? How about when you travel? <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://justinpluslauren.com/fresh-local-produce-perth-county-ontario/">A Taste of Perth County : Fresh Local Produce, Farm Gates and the Scene appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://justinpluslauren.com">Justin Plus Lauren.

#Travel #PerthCounty #Ontario #Canada #Organic #Food #Local #kt-info-box_a1b3cc-9d #444;background:fff;border-color:444444;border-radius:200px;border-width:0px #444;background:fff;border-color:444444;}kt-info-box_a1b3cc-9d #444;padding:0px #444;}kt-info-box_a1b3cc-9d #fff;background:6c8dab;border-color:fff;border-width:0px #fff;background:6c8dab;border-color:fff;}kt-info-box_a1b3cc-9d #kt-info-box_a54924-5d #444;background:transparent;border-color:444444;border-width:0px #444;background:transparent;border-color:444444;}kt-info-box_a54924-5d #444;}kt-info-box_a54924-5d #ffffff;background:6c8dab;border-color:ffffff;border-width:0px

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lethaderr-blog · 5 years

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The top things to do in on a day trip.

It was the final day of my Athos barge cruise on the Canal du Midi in the South of . We slowly sailed between tiny medieval towns, exploring each one along the way. These included Marseillan, Pézenas, Narbonne, Minerve, Capestang, and . Even if you only have a day, I’m going to outline all of the best things to do in during your stay.

Out of all the villages we visited, was the most famous, arguably the most noteworthy, and it was the busiest with tourists. After all, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its preserved and restored fortifications. My sister also let me know that is the name of a fun and popular board game that she’s played.

Visiting La Cite de

is actually quite large, consisting of the medieval village, the rest of the city down below the hill, some outlying areas, and even its own airport. I only visited La Cité de for the day, which is the old, medieval town up on the hill. If you’re going to visit for more than a day, I am sure you will have time to see the town down below, too. This travel guide will only go into detail about visiting La Cite de .

Even though La Cité de isn’t very big, there’s a surprising amount of things to do in . If you’re looking for precisely what to see in , you’ve come to the right place. I have five fantastic ideas of must see spots around the medieval old town. is one of the most special medieval towns in . Even though it’s going to be busier and more crowded than other lesser known spots, it’s definitely worth the trip. This is one of the South of destinations you’ll surely want to add to your bucket list.

Things to Do in : The Fortified Walls

If you’re looking for what to do in , you really can’t miss checking out its fortifications. After all, you must walk through the fortified walls to enter the old town center. However, I suggest that before you venture right into town, you take some time to walk along the fortified walls themselves.

A Brief History

Since the days of the Roman Empire, a fortified settlement has existed up on the hill where you’ll find present day . There’s 2500 years of history here. Over time, the city was occupied by Romans, Visigoths, Crusaders and Saracens, and it was once the largest fortress in . The citadel is encircled by double fortified walls about 3 kilometers in length. During the Crusade against the Albigenses in the 13th century, was captured by Simon de Montfort. He decided to construct the outer wall to strengthen its position.

After the town lost its military significance in the 1600s, ’s fortifications were abandoned. In 1849, the French government wanted to demolish the fortified walls, but there was a great opposition to this decision by the locals. Thankfully, the government changed their minds and decided to restore the walls.

Restorations of ’s Fortifications

The architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc started to renovate the ramparts around La Cite de . His work was met with some criticism as the restorations might not be that similar to the original structures. The pointed caps of the towers evoke architecture from northern and not those from the south of . Viollet-le-Duc wanted to completely restore each building for a feeling of completeness, although some believe that looks a little too “Disney-fied”.

Defenders of Viollet-le-Duc believe that he was only working with the knowledge he had at the time, and otherwise the buildings could have been lost completely. All in all, Viollet-le-Duc’s restorations only affect less than 20% of the monument. What do you think? I can personally see how the restorations look a little too “new” or not original, but I am certainly glad that we didn’t lose one of the most important medieval towns in .

Wandering the Walls

My first suggestion for what to see in ? Naturally, take a stroll between the ramparts. Don’t rush right into the old town. Take the time to admire the walls themselves. When you visit , enter through the Narbonne Gate and take a turn to your left rather than walking straight into town. There’s a large space where you can walk between the double fortifications. It’s different from other fortified walls that I’ve checked out in the past.

For example, Quebec City’s fortifications surround the old town and you can walk on top of the walls themselves. While the walls of aren’t designed for tourists to walk on, you can wander right between the walls, admiring the towers and stone walls themselves on either side of you. Wandering the walls is one of the top things to do in and shouldn’t be missed.

Explore Château Comtal, ’s Castle

If you’re wondering what to do in , don’t miss Chateau Comtal, the castle of . A trip to the castle is one of the top things to do in . There’s so much fascinating history to explore at the count’s castle. As a symbol of feudal and then royal power, the castle dominated the city and its surroundings.

The castle was constructed in the 1100s and improvements continued through to the 14th century. Additional buildings were added, stories were added to existing buildings, and the castle gained multiple functions. It was defensive (with its fortified walls), residential, housed the military, and was also a political center.

At the entrance of the castle, there’s a wide stone bridge, ending with a wooden drawbridge. There are also several towers lining the front entrance where guards could easily attack any foreign soldiers with bows and arrows or crossbows.

As you walk through the castle, you’ll notice courtyards, walkways, and incredible views of ’s lower town. There’s also an archaeological museum in the west wing of the castle for historic and beautiful objects from and the area.

No matter when you visit , the castle is going to be one of the busiest spots in town. A trip to the magnificent castle of the Counts of is one of the most important things to do in . I highly recommend that you buy a skip the line ticket in advance. It is not very expensive and it will save you lots of time. That way, you’ll be able to make the most of your day trips even if you have a limited amount of time in the village.

Visit the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus

Another main attraction is the St. Nazaire Basilica. The Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus is a national monument, constructed in the Gothic-Romanesque architectural styles. The original Visigothic church at the same site most likely dates to the 6th century, but no traces of it remain. Back in 1096, Pope Urban II visited the site and blessed the building materials for the construction of a new church. This cathedral was built between the 12th century and the late 13th century.

Don’t stop at the outside of the church without going inside. The most impressive features of the basilica are the glorious stained glass windows and the intricate carved decorations. The central stained glass window of the choir is one of the oldest in , from 1280.

Aside from several brilliant stained glass windows and sculptures, you can view the Siege Stone inside the church. It’s a 13th century relief that most likely illustrates a scene from the Albigensian Crusade. There are a couple of other artifacts in this same area: a large bell and an etched image of Simon de Montfort from his tomb.

Admire the Scenery from Various Vantage Points

As you take in the wondrous scenery from , you might feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Though some of the best views are from the castle, you can catch glimpses of lower town and beyond from various spot around town. You’ll see some great views as you wander around the ramparts at the edge of town. The cobblestone streets of are also rather postcard perfect, if you can manage to see them without too many crowds. Viewing the scenery of the medieval village and its surroundings was one of my favorite things to do in .

Stroll through Cobblestone Streets

As you wander through town, you might feel a little bit like Belle in Beauty and the Beast. The buildings are primarily from medieval times with Renaissance ornamentation. The best preserved building from the 13th and 14th centuries is the Inquisiton House at the corner of Rue du Four-Saint-Nazaire and Rue de la Porte-d’Aude.

Walking through town, you’ll also see houses with corbelled facades from the 16th and 17th centuries. These stand alongside facades from the late 19th and early 20th century. The restoration of the town impacted some of its inhabitants, as they wished to take part in the town’s revival. If you’d like to know more about the history, I recommend taking a walking tour with a knowledgeable guide.

Naturally, there are lots of little shops and cafes dotted through the old town of . You can find lots of interesting gifts and goodies to bring home with you. I even managed to find a candy shop in town that had a whole shelf of vegan candies!

Where to Stay

Inside the Cite de , there are only a few hotels where you can spend the night. There are hotels that vary in price according to their amenities and overall fanciness. Here are a couple to check out:

Hotel de la Cité : This is a very luxurious hotel with spectacular views. It’s an upscale, five star hotel right in the heart of old town. There’s even an outdoor pool, a spa with a hot tub, and sophisticated rooms. This is my top choice for best hotel in , budget allowing, of course! Book your stay at the Hotel de la Cite or view additional reviews by fellow travelers.

Best Western Hotel Le Donjon: This is a middle of the road, three star hotel in the middle of Old Town. The hotel is located within three medieval buildings inside the old town walls. Book your stay at the Best Western or view more reviews by travelers who have spent the night.

La Demeure De La Cite: For a bed and breakfast experience inside the fortifications of , check out La Demeure De La Cite. It’s a cozy and welcoming place to spend the night. Plus, you’ll have the town to yourself when all the tourists leave from their day trips. Book your stay at La Demeure or read more reviews by fellow travelers.

Most other hotels are outside of the city walls, near the airport, or you can find them in lower town. Here is a full listing of hotels so you can compare. You can also find Airbnb rental listings in (sign up with my link if you haven’t used Airbnb before and you can receive $60 off your stay!)

Getting There

It’s easy to reach , even if you’re not sailing aboard a barge cruise. There are direct trains from to from many French towns, including Arles, Beziers, Bordeaux, Montpellier, Marseille, Narbonne, Toulouse, and others. Book your high speed train trip to quickly and easily online.

You can also fly to from many cities in . Once you reach , you can rent a car to get around the South of or compare car rental prices online. There are parking lots outside the wall city (no cars are allowed inside the old town).

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You can buy prints, canvas art, housewares, and more of my photos. Click the “buy” button by any pic! <div class="kt-blocks-info-box-learnmore-wrap"><a class="kt-blocks-info-box-learnmore" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=125747X1586856&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftravelphotos.justinpluslauren.com%2F%2F-2019%2F&sref=rss">Learn More <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=125747X1586856&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftravelphotos.justinpluslauren.com%2F%2F-2019%2Fi-2pDFSFT%2Fbuy&sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com//-2019/i-2pDFSFT/0/0364b959/XL/P1380658-XL.jpg" alt="Things to do in - Day trips to "/> <p>Even though it can get a little crowded during shoulder and peak seasons, you definitely need to visit . Whether you’re booking day trips, spending the night, or visiting from a Canal du Midi barge cruise like I did, it’s worth the trip. 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lethaderr-blog · 5 years

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Sometimes you’ve just gotta get away from it all. Living in the city, you get used to the noise, the crowds, and the traffic. As much as I love cities, it’s a good idea to take a break from them, too. Well, if you live in and you’re looking for a road trip from Toronto, Hamilton, Kitchener, London, or any other city, I’ve got a plan for you. Head straight to Perth County, for a peaceful getaway where you certainly won’t have to deal with noise, crowds, or traffic.

Where is Perth County? A Perth County Map

Not to be confused with the town of Perth, , Perth County is a large land mass just west of Kitchener, Cambridge, and Guelph. It’s also north of Woodstock and London. If you’re planning a road trip from Toronto, Perth County is about 1 hour 30 minutes or 2 hours from the city, depending on where you’re headed.

Perth County has four townships or municipalities within it: North Perth, Perth East, Perth South, and West Perth. In this article, I’ll organize these places to visit in for the weekend under these four geographical categories to make your trip planning a little easier. Here’s a map to not only show you where Perth County is located, but also to provide the details of every stop I made on my trip.

Perth County: Perth East

At the heart of Perth East lies the village of Shakespeare, known as Perth County’s antique capital. While you’ll definitely want to hit up the shops in town, there are also opportunities to sample local produce, pints, and pristine nature.

Shakespeare Brewing Company

Who loves visiting local craft breweries? The village of Shakespeare is home to Shakespeare Brewing Company, owned by husband and wife team, Ayden and Katie. On their travels through Europe, the couple stayed at an old English farm with a microbrewery where Ayden learned how to brew beer. Before long, they started Shakespeare Brewing and the rest is history!

Staying true to the region, their beer is brewed with locally grown ingredients like barley and 100% grown hops. Shakespeare Brewing supports local agriculture, farmers, and small businesses, taking the concept of “locally made” to the next level.

Keeping with the Shakespearean theme, their craft beers are all named for animals and feature those animals wearing Olde English attire. The art on each tall boy can is quite visually stunning. While you should definitely take some cans home with you, I recommend sampling some freshly brewed beer on site. Ordering a flight is a great way to try a few beers to discover your favorites.

I tried the Reckless Rooster (an Pale Ale with a citrus hop aroma), the Bumbling Bear (a blueberry wheat beer) and a special one only available on tap, the Strawberry Vanilla beer. Ayden is always crafting new varieties, so there will always be rotating flavors to try every time you visit. My favorite of the three was the Bumbling Bear because I’m definitely a sucker for the fruity wheat beers.

Exploring the Village of Shakespeare

Though the village of Shakespeare is pretty small, it’s one of my new favorite places to go in . Its packed with unique shops with intriguing gifts and things for many interests. A stop in Shakespeare is worth the road trip from Toronto. Its main street has several diverse shops with a main focus on antiques. You can easily spend a couple of hours here browsing the shelves of enticing finds. Here are a few of the best shops in Shakespeare.

Harry Ten Shilling

Harry Ten Shilling is an adorable tea shop in the heart of Shakespeare. If you aren’t able to stay for afternoon tea, browse this store with several Instagrammable rooms and displays featuring local handicrafts, bath and body products, jewelry, gifts and more.

The British Touch

The British Touch features all things British, whether you’re seeking your gifts, tea, or your favorite grocery items that are only found in the UK. As we had recently visited Scotland this past year, I had a craving for some Irn Bru and couldn’t resist picking up a few cans of it!

Land and Ross Antiques

Land and Ross Antiques is packed with high quality antiques and treasures. They also specialize in custom furniture design and restoration. You’ll find many classic and rare items over a century old that will surely add a special flair to your home. Make sure to say hello to their adorable dog, too!

The Quilt Place

Are you into quilting or sewing? You won’t want to miss stopping by The Quilt Place! They have reams upon reams of fabric for every project, as well as hundreds of quilting books and patterns. Take a peek upstairs to see a few bedrooms adorned with beautiful quilts for extra inspiration. When making the road trip from Toronto to Perth County and Shakespeare, I’m certain that many quilting enthusiasts make an extra trip here as I haven’t seen a store quite like this one.

Shakespeare Conservation Area

After browsing the shops of Shakespeare, drive a minute up the road to the Shakespeare Conservation Area to soak up the sights and sounds of glorious nature. The Shakespeare Pond is a great spot for a picnic beneath its shaded pavilion or at a picnic table beside the water.

Then, take a stroll around the pond to go bird watching, get some exercise, or to simply snap a few photos. I managed to meet a couple of locals who were also having a picnic lunch. It was wonderful to engage in a great chat with them. After making the road trip from Toronto to the country, I thoroughly enjoyed this laid back approach to the day by taking stroll at the pond and leisurely chatting to area residents.

TIP: Be sure to bring your sunscreen and your bug repellent while going for a walk at the Shakespeare Conservation Area. It’s always a good idea to protect your skin from the sun and the bugs. Don’t forget to bring your refillable water bottle!

TNT Berries

TNT Berries is a sea buckthorn and blueberry farm where you’ll find the freshest and tastiest berries. They have a blueberry farm where you can pick your own berries when they’re in season (generally around mid-July to August). The blueberries were only starting to come into season when I visited. They tasted amazing right off the vine.

When I visited TNT Berries, the sea buckthorn berries were still green. When ripe, they turn a beautiful shade of orange. I recommend that you purchase some frozen berries from Nadia as they’re quite delicious when consumed frozen. When making the road trip from Toronto to the rural communities of Perth County, you’ll want to visit their farm gates and farm shops to sample farm fresh produce.

Organic Oasis

Organic Oasis is an organic farm and farm store, selling unique and locally produced goods. Owners Jessie and Adam Young come from a long line of farmers, and they continue to explore innovative farming methods for better yields. I went on a guided tour of the farm, including soaking up the breathtaking views from “Happy Hog Lookout.”

While the farm has animals like pigs and chickens, my main interest lies in their fruits and veggies, as I don’t consume animal products. They have large patches of land for fruits and vegetables in the summer, as well as large greenhouses to extend the growing season. There’s even flower gardens and spaces to encourage Monarch butterflies to survive and thrive.

The Organic Oasis farm store features locally grown produce straight from their farm, and it’s all 100% organic. You’ll notice signs and labels denoting the products and produce grown on site. There are a few things like avocados and citrus that can’t be grown in ; for the most part, everything comes directly from their farm or nearby local farms.

Where to Eat: Dave’s Diner in Sebringville

Dave’s Diner in Sebringville is a favorite restaurant among locals. I found a couple of items on the menu that were vegan and completely contrasted one another: a healthy garden salad and a big plate of French fries. It’s good to have a little bit of both healthy and not so healthy, right?

Regardless of what you order, you need to try their fries. They’re definitely some of the most delicious fries I’ve ever had! After chatting briefly with Dave, I discovered that he has a secret blend of spices that make those fries extra special. I asked if he could share his secret recipe with me, but he’s definitely keeping this one under wraps. You’ll have to head to Dave’s Diner to sample the fries and let me know what you think!

Perth County: North Perth

It’s time to swing up to North Perth for a taste of rural living in Perth County . North Perth has plenty of locally owned businesses in town, as well as a vibrant sense of community. Whether you take a stroll through town or take part in a local festival, you’ll enjoy the best of both worlds as urban meets rural. When making the road trip from Toronto or other nearby cities to Perth County, Listowel is a fantastic destination for exploring a town steeped in rural traditions.

Goats on 86

Goats on 86. This one is wildly popular with anyone traveling through the area. Just search for the hashtag and you’ll see what I mean!

Goats on 86 allows a local family to share their love for their pet goats and alpacas with the community. The animals live in a very large yard by their home. You’re welcome to pay the goats and alpacas a visit anytime you like. There are dispensers with corn if you’d like to feed them; make sure you don’t feed them anything but this corn. Though you have to pay a small fee for the corn, the family donates that money to a local charity.

Yarn Factory Outlet store for all the knitters and crocheters in the crowd. As you walk away from the Yarn Factory Outlet shop, you’ll see a couple of walls with spectacular street art / murals to admire.

When I visited Listowel, it was right in time for the 163rd Listowel Agricultural Fair. There was a tractor parade rolling through town, a classic midway, and an agricultural hall with various ribbons assigned to talented members of the community. I wandered through the fair for a slice of country living. It was also super cute to overhear some local children discovering that they won a prize for an art or craft project.

Where to Eat: Cowan’s Community Fresh

Cowan’s Community Fresh in Listowel is an independent, small business focusing on local and organic whole foods. They support local farmers, growers and producers in Perth County and . This small grocery store is very vegan-friendly with many vegan grocery and pantry items. There’s always a vegan prepared salad or meal available on hand. I highly recommend trying the avocado salad, which comes with a side of cashew cheese as a topping. Yum!

Perth County: Perth South

Perth South has an assortment of activities and attractions. Looking for something sporty? Head to River Valley Golf (which also doubles as a snow tubing attraction in the winter). Looking for history and culture? The Stratford Perth Museum has rotating exhibits highlighting local celebrities and lifestyle. And there’s lots of locally produced food in this farming region, of course. If you’re thinking about southwestern day trips or weekend getaways, don’t miss these spots in Perth South.

McCully’s Hill Farm

McCully’s Hill Farm is a farm shop that I really wish that I had closer to home. They specialize in homemade preserves, maple products, baked goods, prepared meals, and garden fresh produce. I was thrilled to see a vast assortment of pickles, flavors of relish, unique types of jam, fresh salsa, maple mustard, and many more drool-worthy products.

After chatting with the owner, Dennis, I could see his passion for his market fresh farm operation, as well as creating innovative products for those living in the region. In addition to the farm and farm shop, McCully’s operates school tours for children, a fall harvest festival, and a maple syrup festival in the winter. It seems as though there’s always something fun and entertaining happening at McCully’s! It’s definitely one of my top picks for foodie places to visit in southern , especially if you’re planning a trip to Perth County.

The Stratford Perth Museum

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I arrived at the Stratford Perth Museum. As I pulled into the driveway, I noticed that the museum was situated inside a historic home with a massive extension attached to it. What treasures would I find inside the Stratford Perth Museum? As it turns out, this museum has a slice of local life that suits many interests and tastes, including music, the arts, local history, oddities, war history, and so much more.

What makes the Stratford Perth Museum so intriguing? Their exhibits are continually rotating so the museum always stays fresh. You can visit year after year, enjoying entirely new exhibitions. There’s really so much that Perth County has to offer, and the Stratford Perth Museum emphasizes new details and aspects of that local history time and time again. For instance, there are ongoing exhibits illustrating Stratford’s Shakespearean Festival, including artifacts, props and costumes. The region’s railway history and glimpses into Perth County from the early 1800s are also prominently featured.

However, Perth County is a very important place in terms of Canadian music history. Did you know that three prominent Canadian musicians from Stratford and Perth County performed at the Woodstock festival? This exhibit includes personal stories and memorabilia from one of the most memorable and important music festivals in history.

And then there’s the exhibit that has drawn thousands upon thousands of visitors to the Stratford Perth Museum from all over the world. Justin Bieber: Steps to Stardom highlights Bieber’s humble beginnings, busking on the steps of the local Avon Theater through his rise to fame. There are hundreds of items, many donated from Justin Bieber’s family or the Biebs himself, including awards, drum sets, clothing, shoes, and even library cards. And in case you were wondering, there are even opportunities for selfies!

Where to Eat: River Valley Golf

By summer, it’s a beautiful golf course. By winter, it’s a snow tubing adventure park. River Valley Golf certainly has all four seasons covered for fun things to do in Perth County. Even if you aren’t partaking in a round of golf, their restaurant has a great selection of appetizers, burgers, and sandwiches. I ordered a veggie burger with a side of fries that was super yummy.

Perth County: West Perth

In West Perth, I explored the town of Mitchell. It’s home to a bustling historic downtown with many shopping options, as well as natural attractions with many parks, trails, and wetlands. If you’re taking a road trip from Toronto and you love adorable towns, you won’t want to miss a stop in Mitchell.

Shop at Jillian’s

Jillian’s is an absolute gem of a home decor store in Perth County. People travel from all over to shop at this boutique, and I can see why they come from far and wide. Jillian’s is such a beautiful store with home furnishings and decorations that I haven’t seen anywhere else. They have dozens of various displays featuring their one of a kind items to suit all styles. From colorful cushions to artsy pots and planters, you’ll be sure to find that special something that would look right at home in your home. It’s one of the best places to go in for home decor.

West Perth Wetlands

After you take a little walk around downtown Mitchell, make your way to the West Perth Wetlands, also in Mitchell. These 65 acres are a total paradise for nature lovers, including hikers, walkers, photographers, and bird watchers. There are 3 rehabilitated ponds, 10km of walking trails, and over 4700 different kinds of plants. A portion of the trails are accessible for wheelchairs, scooters, and baby strollers, while other sections are a little bit more rugged. When you enter the wetlands from the parking lot, there’s a fabulous wooden viewing platform where you can soak up the beautiful surroundings.

Most importantly, this is a natural habitat for many species of bird species and wildlife. You can find over 200 different species of breeding and migratory birds at the West Perth Wetlands. If you’re lucky, you might be able to spot some of them! The stunning nature in Perth County is totally worth the road trip from Toronto, Hamilton, and other cities.

Where to Stay in Perth County

My top pick for where to stay in Perth County is the Forest Motel, just outside of Stratford. I had an incredible two nights’ stay. This motel is a destination in itself for its natural surroundings and amenities alone. It’s the best place to stay when you’re taking a road trip from Toronto to Perth County for the weekend, a few days, or longer.

At the Forest Motel, you’ll stay in a warm and cozy private room with an en suite bathroom, flat screen TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, fridge, microwave, and Keurig coffee maker. Breakfast is complimentary each morning, too.

Everyone who stays at the Forest Motel receives free access to the property and its activities, including 32 acres of forest and trails, a private lake with canoeing and kayaking (I even saw a blue heron while kayaking!), lakeside bonfires, BBQ grills, and snowshoeing in the winter. The staff are lovely and very welcoming, and you might also be welcomed by the resident swan family, too! If you’d like to meet the swans, they waddle up around 5:00pm each day for their dinner, and I was lucky enough to arrive just as they were quacking for their meal.

Be sure to book your stay at the Forest Motel for amazing service, a comfortable stay, and to take advantage of the complimentary outdoor adventures. I chatted with guests who return to this accommodation year after year for one of the best southern getaways. If you’re looking for places to visit in for the weekend, plan your trip to Perth County and be sure to stay at the Forest Motel. Be sure to read more reviews by fellow travelers.

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Check out my whole collection of pictures from Perth County . You can buy prints, canvas art, housewares, and more of my photos. Click the “buy” button by any pic!

Learn More

I hope that I’ve inspired you to take a road trip from Toronto, Hamilton, or any other spot in and beyond to this gem of a region. Not only will you breathe the fresh air and reap the benefits of a less populated area, but you’ll also find so many unique things to do in Perth County.

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Have you visited any places in Perth County, ?

The post Road Trip from Toronto to Perth County: The Perfect Getaway for Small Towns and Beautiful Nature appeared first on Justin Plus Lauren.

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lethaderr-blog · 5 years

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As we drifted down the Canal du Midi, a collection of red roofed houses materialized in the distance. At their center, a stark set of pillars towered over the town. “Wow, what’s that?” I gasped to my fellow passengers on Athos, the hotel barge that I was fortunate to call home for a week. “That’s our next stop, !” someone explained.

As we rounded the curves and turns of the canal, we sailed into town where I encountered the most bustling port of our trip. And by “bustling”, I mean that there were a row of small boats on each side of the river. We typically docked where no other boats were in sight. While I adored the solitude of many points along the riverbed of the Canal du Midi, it was great to walk off the barge and right into a little village. While can be a lively spot, it’s not touristy by any stretch of the imagination. There are quiet spots around town where it’s easy to find peaceful solitude.

Do you want to know what makes such a special place to visit? Here are 5 reasons why it’s one of the most beautiful towns in , and why you need to head there as soon as possible.

It’s Right on the Canal du Midi

overlooks the Canal du Midi, and it’s a popular docking spot for many water vehicles. In fact, there’s a very narrow opening in the bridge right in . If you can drive your boat through this section, you can navigate anywhere on the Canal du Midi.

The Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a 360 km network of waterways linking the Mediterranean and the Atlantic through 328 structures, including locks, bridges, and tunnels. It’s home to one of the most fascinating lock systems in the world, like the Fonserannes Locks (9 staircase locks) near Béziers.

If you’re renting a boat, you can stop in to explore the town from the Canal du Midi. If you’re making the trip to spend the day or night in , be sure to walk down to the canal. You can walk along the paths that follow the entire canal from start to finish. It’s also a really popular place to go for a bike ride. I suggest walking beneath the trees of the Canal du Midi, soaking up the wonderful scenery.

Many of you won’t be staying on a hotel barge like I did. I suggest booking an accommodation in so you can spend the night and experience the town waking up in the morning. Be sure to read reviews of hotels in the area to make an informed decision.

Saint Etienne Collegiate Church

The Collegiate Church of St. Etienne was constructed on the site of an old Roman church in the 13th and 14th centuries. The same group who built the cathedral in Narbonne also built this church. And similarly, the church remains unfinished to this date. It had potential to be the largest church in the region, but sadly is not complete.

Despite the fact that it’s unfinished, the church itself is a brilliant architectural work. Not only is the exterior of the church absolutely stunning, but the choir of the church is decorated with beautiful stained glass windows. If you have the chance, climb the stairs to the top of the bell tower for brilliant views of and the surrounding countryside.

Visit the Castle in

Take a tour of the Castle of the Archbishops of Narbonne while you’re in . This gorgeous palace was the summer home for the Archbishops of Narbonne. It is right in the middle of town ( is not that big, so you’ll be able to walk everywhere quite easily). Unfortunately, we were visiting late in the day and barely squeaked in before closing. We only had time to view the highlight of the palace: the painted ceilings of the castle from the 15th century.

You aren’t allowed to take any photographs of the painted ceilings, most likely due to their fragility. But, it’s worth going to marvel at these antique works of art. You’ll see imagery of religious scenes, themes of love, animals (both real and imaginary), and more. It’s very amazing that these painted ceilings are still in tact after all of these years.

Enjoy the Lively Town Square in

At the center of town, there’s a bustling little square with restaurants, cafes, and patios. I saw many families and groups of friends enjoying a meal or a drink out on the patio. This is the perfect place to sip a glass of wine or savor a cup of coffee, watching the world go by. There are many restaurants offering traditional meals. I didn’t dine in so I’m not sure if there are any vegan-friendly restaurants, although I am sure you can request a plant-based meal without any issues (even if it’s pasta, pizza, or a garden salad).

If you love local markets, be sure to visit on a Wednesday or Sunday morning. The market is right in the main square, at the foot of the church. It happens from 7:00am to 1:30pm. You’ll find fresh and local produce, clothing vendors, and even a book seller. I hope to return to someday so I can experience the local market.

Wander the Village Streets

Out of all the things to do in , my favorite was simply wandering around the streets. Venture off the main street with the palace, or duck down one of the narrow alleys near the church. As you walk up and down each quaint street, you might not see another person in sight. On my jaunt around town, I saw one older gentleman walking slowly with a cane, and an adorable cat.

I love how many homeowners paint their doors and shutters in a variety of pastel colors. There are also flowers blooming everywhere, especially when I visited in late May. On your walk around , you’ll come across a beautiful painted mural that spans an entire two story wall. There are other memorable features around town, like beautiful water fountains.

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You can buy prints, canvas art, housewares, and more of my photos. Click the “buy” button by any pic! <div class="kt-blocks-info-box-learnmore-wrap"><a class="kt-blocks-info-box-learnmore" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=125747X1586856&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftravelphotos.justinpluslauren.com%2F%2F-2019%2F&sref=rss">Learn More <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=125747X1586856&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftravelphotos.justinpluslauren.com%2F%2FCanal-du-Midi-Day-5%2Fi-47KsCWs%2Fbuy&sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com//Canal-du-Midi-Day-5/i-47KsCWs/0/eaccc667/XL/P1380592-XL.jpg" alt="Sunset in at the Canal du Midi"/> <p>I hope that you get to also experience this delightful little village in the South of . It’s certainly one of the most beautiful towns in and you can easily spend hours alone simply wandering the narrow streets. Along with other small villages near the Canal du Midi, <strong><a href="https://justinpluslauren.com/minerve-france/">Minerve, <strong><a href="https://justinpluslauren.com/pezenas-france/">Pézenas and <strong><a href="https://justinpluslauren.com/marseillan-france/">Marseillan, it’s not really on the busy tourist circuit. Head here to escape the crowds and soak up a slowed down pace of life. <ul class="wp-block-gallery columns-3"><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest3-683x1024.jpg" alt=" : 5 Amazing Reasons to Visit this Delightful Village on the Canal du Midi data-id="18503" data-link="https://justinpluslauren.com/?attachment_id=18503" class="wp-image-18503" srcset="https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest3-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest3-200x300.jpg 200w, https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest3.jpg 735w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest2-683x1024.jpg" alt=" : 5 Amazing Reasons to Visit this Delightful Village on the Canal du Midi data-id="18502" data-link="https://justinpluslauren.com/?attachment_id=18502" class="wp-image-18502" srcset="https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest2-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest2-200x300.jpg 200w, https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest2.jpg 735w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest1-683x1024.jpg" alt=" : 5 Amazing Reasons to Visit this Delightful Village on the Canal du Midi data-id="18501" data-link="https://justinpluslauren.com/?attachment_id=18501" class="wp-image-18501" srcset="https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest1-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest1-200x300.jpg 200w, https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest1.jpg 735w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /> <p style="text-align:center">PIN one of the above images to Pinterest for future reference. Click the top left corner. <div class="kt-simple-box" style="background-color:rgba(232, 232, 232, 1); min-height:1px; padding-top:15px; padding-bottom:15px; padding-left:15px; padding-right:15px; "><div class="kt-simple-box-inner"> <center><strong>Did you find this post useful? Show your appreciation with a small tip! <div id="JPL01" class="quid-slider" align="center" quid-currency="CAD" quid-product-id="JPL01" quid-product-url="https://justinpluslauren.com/capestang-france/" quid-product-name="Justin Plus Lauren" quid-product-description="A Tip for Justin & Lauren" quid-text="Tip Us!" quid-text-paid="Thanks!" quid-amount="1"> <p style="text-align:left"><em>This post contains affiliate links. 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lethaderr-blog · 5 years

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is named one of the most beautiful villages in .

As I traveled by barge along the Canal du Midi, I had the opportunity to visit many South of villages that I’d never heard about in my life. was one of those small towns in that I didn’t even know existed. Maybe you’re in the same situation as I was, and you’re learning about for the first time through this blog post. Whether I’m introducing you to this spectacular medieval village or it’s on your bucket list, do yourself a favor and go there as soon as you can. You won’t regret it.

Brief History of

Herault is a village in the Occitanie region of southern . It’s strategically positioned high up on a hill, surrounded by fortification walls (many of which are still in tact). You’d never know while wandering around peaceful, quiet that it has such a violent history.

In 1210, a group of Cathars sought refuge in after the bloody Massacre at Béziers. Then, Simon de Montfort and his army besieged the city for six weeks before it surrendered. He set up four catapults to destroy the ramparts and the town’s well. After their water supply was cut off, finally gave up and surrendered to Simon de Montfort. When 140 Cathars refused to give up their faith, they were burned at the stake in the village square.

Even though this treacherous history is part of the town’s heritage, you’d never know it nowadays. It’s such a small, quiet town, surrounded by a beautiful gorge and rugged cliffs. The River Cesse only flows during the winter; the river bed is completely dry during the spring, summer, and fall. I recommend walking all over the village and the trails surrounding it.

Things to Do in

Looking to experience ? It’s all about exploring the town on your own two feet. Discover this magical medieval village by walking up and down every narrow street. Continue your explorations by venturing down below the town to view the cliffs and caves.

Walk Around Village

You’ll certainly want to wander up and down each narrow, cobblestone street and path. When you enter town, you’ll notice one tall, narrow column. That’s the Candela (castle) dating back to the 13th century, and only this solitary column remains. Another notable site is the Church of Saint Etienne, an 11th century Roman style church in the middle of town. Its altar dates back to the year 456.

If you’d like to learn more about , visit the tourist office for information. maps, guidebooks and pamphlets. If you’re a fan of museums and history, I recommend stopping at the Museum of Archaeology and Prehistory in . You can learn more about the history of the area, and check out their collection of fossils and tools used by ancient civilizations.

Hike the Trails of the Gorge

Part of ’s allure is its captivating nature. From up above in the village, you can enjoy stunning views of the treetops, cliffs, and canyons all around. But, don’t stop there. Continue your trek by walking down to the paths below the village. You can hike right to the riverbed below when it’s dry to explore the carved limestone caverns and rugged natural bridges.

Beyond the village of , you can explore this lovely landscape by foot or bike. If you continue your journey outside of the city, you’ll come across the vineyards of Minervois, as well as numerous other villages and hamlets.

Shopping, Restaurants and Cafes

As you wander around , there are many souvenir shops, restaurants, and cafes. Paroli is a delightful bookshop with new and used books, postcards, and art. Throughout history, is the capital of the Minervois wine region. As such, you’ll be able to sample local wines at many restaurants and cafes. Wine not your thing? Stop for a coffee as a pit stop on your journey around town.

Visit on a Tour

To gain the best understanding of a new place, I recommend traveling with an experienced tour guide. I was grateful to enjoy a guided tour by Matthieu of the Athos du Midi. He told us so many fascinating details about that I otherwise wouldn’t have gathered on my own.

However, if you aren’t visiting from a canal cruise, you might want to book an excursion yourself with a knowledgeable guide. On this tour, you’ll travel to , Carcassonne, and the Canal du Midi. If you’re into wine tasting, book this tour for a wine tour around the Languedoc-Roussillon region, including a stop in .

Helpful Tips While Visiting

Here are a few things to plan in advance of traveling to :

Cars aren’t allowed right in the village itself, but there are parking lots just outside of . It’s a short walk into town from the parking lot. You’ll be able to enjoy gorgeous views of and its natural surroundings as you approach the village.

Pack lots of sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. When you’re hiking around , especially by the cliffs, there really isn’t very much shade. You’ll want to protect your skin and avoid heat stroke by applying sunscreen and protecting your eyes with shades.

Don’t forget to bring a water bottle as you can easily get dehydrated walking around.

Never leave home without travel insurance. I recommend comparing travel insurance rates online to find the best plans and prices.

Where to Stay in

While I visited on a day trip excursion from my canal cruise aboard the Athos du Midi, you can most certainly spend the night in . While it’s not necessary to spend more than a few hours in , staying overnight always allows you to gain a better understanding of a place. It’s not always possible, but I recommend traveling as slowly as you can to fully experience and immerse yourself in each destination.

There are plenty of Airbnb rental rooms and homes in . Some of them look to be quite luxurious and even have a swimming pool. As village is very tiny, there really aren’t that many hotels or places to stay. However, you’ll find a couple of accommodations to book by clicking here. You can also read lots of hotel reviews from others who have stayed in .

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You can buy prints, canvas art, housewares, and more made from my photographs. Click the “buy” button by any pic! <div class="kt-blocks-info-box-learnmore-wrap"><a class="kt-blocks-info-box-learnmore" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=125747X1586856&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftravelphotos.justinpluslauren.com%2F%2F-2019&sref=rss">Learn More <p> is worthy of a half day trip when you visit the South of . It’s certainly one of the most beautiful places in . Be sure to check out some other small towns in that I visited on my cruise on the Canal du Midi: <strong><a href="https://justinpluslauren.com/marseillan-france/">Marseillan, <strong><a href="https://justinpluslauren.com/pezenas-france/">Pézenas, and <strong><a href="https://justinpluslauren.com/narbonne-france/">Narbonne. <ul class="wp-block-gallery columns-3"><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest3-683x1024.jpg" alt=" : Reasons to Explore this Beautiful Historic Village in the South of data-id="18457" data-link="https://justinpluslauren.com/?attachment_id=18457" class="wp-image-18457" srcset="https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest3-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest3-200x300.jpg 200w, https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest3.jpg 735w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest2-683x1024.jpg" alt=" : Reasons to Explore this Beautiful Historic Village in the South of data-id="18456" data-link="https://justinpluslauren.com/?attachment_id=18456" class="wp-image-18456" srcset="https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest2-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest2-200x300.jpg 200w, https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest2.jpg 735w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest1-683x1024.jpg" alt=" : Reasons to Explore this Beautiful Historic Village in the South of data-id="18455" data-link="https://justinpluslauren.com/?attachment_id=18455" class="wp-image-18455" srcset="https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest1-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest1-200x300.jpg 200w, https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest1.jpg 735w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /> <p style="text-align:center">PIN one of the above images to Pinterest for future reference. 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lethaderr-blog · 5 years

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I really didn’t know what to expect from my trip to . On road trips as a kid, I remember always driving through on our way to the USA, but we never stopped on the way. is known for its manufacturing and industrial heritage, and it’s called the “Automotive Capital of ”. So, would I be able to find unique things to do in that fit my interests? Is eco-friendly even possible in the country’s historic car capital?

is a city that will truly surprise you. Everyone that I met was really proud to call home. I could really feel the community vibes through every place I visited. It seemed as though everyone knew one another, even in a city of 200,000. There’s a lively vegan scene that even has its own VegFest (I sadly had just missed it). So, what are some places to visit in if you love outdoor adventures and eco-friendly activities? Here are my top five choices for a fun and memorable weekend in .

Spend the Night on a Sailboat (the Boatel)

I got to check an item off my bucket list in , : spending the night on my own private sailboat. You can book your stay at the “Boatel” through Airbnb (if you’re new to Airbnb, you can sign up through this link to receive an awesome discount!).

This 27-foot sailboat is aptly named, “Take-A-Chance”, and it seems rather fitting. I’m always taking chances on new opportunities as I find myself saying “yes” to adventures as much as possible. You’ll certainly have experiences at the boatel that you won’t have anywhere else. It’s certainly one of the best things to do in , and one of the most unique places to stay in the country.

The sailboat is owned by Chris and Danielle, an energetic couple who also own Urban Surf, an outdoor adventure company. Urban Surf is just steps from the boat, so you’ll easily be able to take advantage of the rentals, excursions, and classes at Urban Surf, if you choose. More on that shortly.

What It’s Like to Stay on a Boat

Back to the boat itself, you’ll feel right at home in this docked boat in the marina at East Pike Creek. In fact, I got to chatting with several local homeowners/boat owners, as they wondered what the experience was like staying in a rented boat hotel. If you’re expecting a luxurious, five star hotel, look elsewhere. However, what you’ll find here is an experience like no other.

The interior of the boat is decked out with bright decor and colorful throw pillows. There’s a bohemian, artsy vibe, complete with its own coloring book and crayons should you wish to relax and create some art of your own. I loved the little, thoughtful touches on the boat. There’s an air diffuser with essential oils, and a Fuji Instax Camera with a journal so you can leave a photo behind to memorialize your stay.

Amenities on Board

There’s a boat toilet on board, in case nature calls. However, it’s easiest and best if you walk up the block to Urban Surf to use their restroom facilities. While there aren’t modern amenities like Wi-Fi or air conditioning on the boat, there are several fans and a little port to open above your bed so you can gaze up at the sky. Even on the hottest days (and boy, was it hot when I visited!), it gets quite cool at night between the screen door and the fans. You will need the blankets that they provide!

The boatel has a cedar, outdoor shower, as well as a private deck with a bonfire and a picnic table. There’s ample space on the back of the boat to sit with your partner or your pals. While the boat ideally sleeps one or two people, families of four have stayed on the boat in the past.

An Eco-Friendly Accommodation Experience

It’s a fabulous opportunity to unplug, enjoy nature, and gaze up at the night sky. I saw so much wildlife sitting on the back of the boat. As paddle boarders drifted by, families of geese and swans paddled around the water, too (the baby swans were adorable!). When I was taking photos, I heard a little commotion in the water. I looked down and there he was: a little otter with a fish in his mouth, doing a mad doggy-paddle right past my boat. I didn’t even know that otters lived in our lakes!

Your stay includes two rentals: stand up paddle boards (SUP), kayaks, or canoes, so you can get out there and enjoy the lake. You’ll also receive a smoothie per person from Maverick’s Cold Bar (at Urban Surf), as well as complimentary bike rentals. It’s only fitting that an eco-friendly accommodation also offers adventures that are equally as kind to the environment.

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at this sailboat in Tecumseh (), . It’s truly a one-of-a-kind accommodation, and I’d take that over a run of the mill hotel when given the opportunity. Spending the night on a sailboat was one of my favorite things to do in . I loved very calmly drifting back and forth as I fell asleep at night. It was so quiet and peaceful out there. Book your stay on the boat today, and don’t forget my savings link for new Airbnb members!

Take a Sunset SUP Tour

Right on the edge of Lake St. Clair, it’s easy to enjoy water activities in . Every day in the summer, Urban Surf offers a Sunset Paddle at 7:30pm from Pike Creek to Lake St. Clair. They’ll get you outfitted with a stand-up paddle board and they’ll also let you borrow a waterproof bag for your phone throughout your journey. It’s certainly a good idea, just in case you fall in the water!

The sunset paddle is great for people of all ages and abilities, even if you’ve never tried SUP before. The creek is extremely calm, and you can paddle at your own pace. Two guides will paddle out to the lake with you, so you can always ask them for tips and advice on the way. It’s fun for families, friends, couples, and even those traveling solo, like myself.

Once you reach the lake, the water gets slightly more choppy. And there really aren’t many waves at all. Our group paddled out to the lake to watch the sunset together. At this point, feel free to sit down on your paddle board and relax. It’s all about soaking up the beautiful surroundings as you watch the sun go down. There’s nothing like taking in the views of an unobstructed, gorgeous sunset.

We paddled back before the sun went completely down, as it was best to have some daylight left as we navigated our way back. The sky was awash in pink, red, and purple. It was a calm and peaceful paddle back to land. After your paddle, why not try a treat at Maverick’s Cold Bar? They’ve got vegan ice cream and other snacks!

Urban Surf also has other special events in addition to their nightly sunset paddles. You can register for “Boards & Brews” to enjoy paddling, beer, and a bonfire at night. There’s also the “Light up the Night” event, which begins with a bonfire and continues with a moonlight paddle (spoiler alert: glow sticks are involved!). No matter what time of day you try it, a SUP trip is one of the best things to do in .

Go Cycling on Bike Friendly Paths

A bike ride along Lake St. Clair is one of the perfect activities in the spring, summer and fall. If you’re looking for what to do in , add bike riding to your list. Don’t have your own bike with you? You can rent a cruiser bike or even an electric bike at Urban Surf. I was thinking about taking the electric bike out for a spin. But, with thunderstorm clouds looming ahead, I decided it might be a bad idea to ride one of these for the first time through the rain. So, I opted for a cruiser bike instead.

On your bike ride in Tecumseh from Urban Surf, you can catch glimpses of spectacular estate homes, panoramic lake vistas, and hidden lighthouses. Enjoy the green spaces around the region as you bike along the trails, encountering small parks and even a sandy beach. Exploring the city by bike is one of the best things to do in .

Tip: If You Get Hungry

From Urban Surf, you can ride your bike along the paths for 15-20 minutes before reaching Healthy Mama. They’ve got smoothie bowls and healthy eats: the perfect fuel for your journey. Continue reading to check out the best vegan eats in !

With miles of trails and paths to explore, be sure to check out the Cycling Tourism Map on the official TWEPI website. There are six highlighted routes throughout the region, with gorgeous lakeside trails in Tecumseh and the Riverfront Trail in the city. There’s nothing like taking your bike out for a spin, feeling the wind in your hair without a care in the world. Whether you decide to ride an electric bike or a regular bike, cycling is one of the great things to do in .

Indulge in a Little Self Care

Now that you’ve embarked on cycling and SUP adventures, it’s time to relax and take care of yourself. Enter ShopEco. It’s an independent retail store with two locations in , focusing on clean and sustainable beauty products. I visited their location in Tecumseh and was immediately greeted by their knowledgeable staff.

Alright, I’m going to get real with you for a moment. Time flies and I’m not fresh out of college anymore. I’ve recently entered my late thirties, and I hadn’t given much thought to developing a skincare routine (aside from applying makeup before I go out, and removing it when I got home). I think it’s about time to start taking care of my skin properly.

Shop Local in

ShopEco specializes in local, Canadian products, which use the best ingredients that are also kind to the environment. The staff at ShopEco helped me develop my own skincare routine that will restore and rejuvenate my skin. Most of their products are also vegan, and they’re all cruelty-free and not tested on animals.

Shopping for beauty and skincare items can sometimes be overwhelming. There’s such a massive variety of products, and you don’t know which ones are actually good for your skin. There’s really so much marketing and you might be throwing your money away on products that don’t work, test on animals, or contain harmful chemicals and carcinogens.

You don’t need to worry about any of that when you visit ShopEco. Their staff will choose products that work perfectly with your skin type, and they only sell eco-friendly, clean beauty brands. The entire experience was relaxing, enjoyable, and one of the best things to do in . There’s such a peaceful and calming atmosphere in their retail store. So, indulge a little! As their sign says, “Self care isn’t selfish” and there’s nothing wrong with taking care of yourself.

Eat as Much Delicious Vegan Food as You Can

When you travel, do you plan your activities first, or do you plan the activities around your meals? One of my favorite things to do in was simply to eat all of the yummy food. I traveled a few hours away from home for the attractions that I mentioned above, but also for the amazing vegan food scene. has quite a few plant-based eateries or restaurants with vegan options. I was ready to sample as many of them as possible during my stay. Here are my recommendations for vegan food in .

Nooch

Nooch is a vegan restaurant in offering comfort food that both omnivores and vegans will love. They’ve got all of your favorite meals made from plants. You’ll find items on the menu like Buffalo bites (made from seitan), jackfruit tacos, poutine, caesar kale salad, a Reuben sandwich, and a Philly cheesesteak.

I opted to try the Detroiter hot dog (which really pleased one of my friends who lives just across the border in Michigan). It’s a Field Roast frankfurter topped with the most delicious chili ever. Then, there are mustard and onions on top of the chili. It was served with a mountain of fries. Seriously, I don’t think any more fries could fit on my plate!

They also have tons of desserts (I went away with a slice of their famous carrot cake), so you’ll have to save a little bit of room for something sweet.

Carrots n’ Dates

Carrots n’ Dates specializes in wholesome, gluten-free and plant-based food made with the freshest ingredients. Established in 2012, they now have two restaurants serving the area. I visited their location in Tecumseh, which also happened to have live music when I visited on a Friday evening. That was a lovely touch!

You’ll find healthy and delicious vegan meals here, like salads, soups, bowls, and burgers. It was really difficult to choose just one menu item for dinner as everything sounded so yummy. I tried the Buddha Bowl: warm brown rice, greens, grilled smoked tofu, red peppers, carrots, cucumber, sesame, and tahini dressing. Paired with a kombucha, it was absolutely delicious. I happily munched on my tasty Buddha Bowl while listening to live music in front of a colorful mural wall. It was blissful!

Healthy Mama

Healthy Mama is a relaxed, plant-based and gluten-free bistro in Tecumseh, . They’re also a small retail shop with many frozen meals, grab and go items, and interesting packaged foods that I hadn’t seen before. Everything is vegan and gluten-free, which certainly makes my dining and shopping experience a breeze because I can eat anything on the menu!

This restaurant and shop has such a warm and welcoming vibe from the staff. You’ll certainly feel right at home here, as I could tell that this establishment has many repeat guests. There’s a wonderful patio outdoors, perfect for warm, summer days. I visited Healthy Mama for breakfast, and couldn’t resist trying one of their smoothie bowls. I chose the Pink Pitaya Smoothie Bowl, basically for the fact that it was pink, but it also happened to be satisfying and delicious.

I’d love to return someday for lunch or dinner to try more dishes. Spicy sushi bowl, Crab Cake Po’ Boy, Mexi-Mac N Cheese? Yes, please! I feel like I’ll have many tough decisions ahead of me.

Thyme Kitchen

Thyme Kitchen is a chef driven restaurant, inspired by local ingredients, in the heart of . While they aren’t exclusively vegan or vegetarian, they do have plenty of options for those following vegan or gluten-free diets. It’s the perfect spot for weekend brunch, and I actually had a difficult time choosing which vegan meal to order.

I asked the staff for their recommendations, and they informed me that the Tofu Crunch Wrap was one of their most popular items. I was definitely not disappointed with this choice. The ingredients included: brown rice, tofu, tomato, avocado, peppers, spinach, vegan cheese, and crunchy tostada, wrapped inside a wheat tortilla. It was paired with a delightful chipotle aioli, as well as two sides of your choice (I selected potato hash and the pineapple coleslaw).

If I could eat this everyday for breakfast or lunch, I’d be so happy! The combination of the fillings with the crunchiness of the tostada, dipped in the chipotle aioli was absolutely divine. The side dishes were super yummy, too!

BONUS: Get Your Name Spelled in Donuts

Plant Joy also belongs in the vegan section of this article, but I thought it deserved some special attention. Yes, you can actually get your name (or any word or phrase, really) spelled out in DONUTS!

Plant Joy is the first vegan doughnut shop in . Its storefront only opened three weeks prior to my visit, though its owner started making donuts in April 2018. Jordynne couldn’t find a vegan doughnut in , so she decided to make her own. Plant Joy was born, and the city clearly cannot get enough. When I visited Plant Joy, there were an endless stream of customers, looking for their donut fix.

Plant Joy has many flavors of donuts. Some of them are around all the time, and some are seasonal. I was overjoyed that Jordynne spelled my name out of donuts! Not only did it look super adorable, but it also meant that I got to eat six doughnuts. I tried lemon lavender, chocolate, cinnamon sugar, strawberries & cream, raspberry, and vanilla frosted. It was hard to choose a favorite, but I think I’d have to go with the strawberries and cream. Yum!

You’ve simply gotta try these award-winning donuts. They’re light, fluffy, flavorful, and almost the size of my head, I kid you not. Plant Joy uses fair-trade, organic, and locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. When you travel to , you must stop by Plant Joy for one…two…or however many doughnuts you’d like. Surprise your loved ones by spelling out their name in doughnuts. It really brought so much joy to my life to see my name in donuts!

Getting There

I had a comfortable and relaxing journey from Toronto to aboard VIA Rail . Their trains travel from Toronto’s Union Station to . It’s definitely less stressful and more eco-friendly than driving down to on your own.

VIA Rail: Business Class

I was fortunate enough to experience Business Class travel on VIA Rail between Toronto and . As I arrived a little bit early to Union Station, I took advantage of the Business Class Lounge. Help yourself to complimentary coffee and beverages before your trip. Sit back and relax with free Wi-Fi in their spacious lounge area. When it’s time to board the train, someone at the front desk will announce it over the speaker. Then, when you walk down to the boarding area, you’re able to skip the line and board first.

On the train, I enjoyed a luxurious experience in their spacious and comfortable seats. As I wanted to work on my laptop computer, I sat at a large table and spread out all of my work and belongings. There’s free Wi-Fi on board, as well as places to plug in and charge your devices.

Business Class comes with a complimentary meal, which was breakfast in my case. I didn’t request a vegan meal ahead of time, though they can accommodate this request. Thankfully, they were able to cobble together a vegan breakfast without any difficulties: fresh fruit and a bagel with jam. Coffee was continually flowing while I was on board, too. All in all, I had a safe and relaxing trip with VIA Rail , and I highly recommend that you choose the train for your adventures.

Getting Around

When I arrived at the train station in , a representative from Enterprise Rent-A-Car picked me up. It’s nice that they offer this service. You don’t need to worry about how you’ll get to the rental car office when you arrive in the city. We went to their office to sign a few papers, and then I took off in one of their vehicles for the duration of my trip. Renting a car with Enterprise was so easy, and the car was practically brand new.

I do recommend renting a car, as you might find that your favorite attractions are across town from one another. It’s also wonderful to have a car, especially in those situations where you accumulate bags and boxes with all of the goodies you found shopping in .

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You can browse and even buy prints, housewares, and more – all made from our pictures!<div class="kt-blocks-info-box-learnmore-wrap"><a class="kt-blocks-info-box-learnmore" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=125747X1586856&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftravelphotos.justinpluslauren.com%2F%2F%2F-2019&sref=rss">Learn More <p>If you’re looking for a weekend getaway in southern , needs to be on your radar. Using the Via Rail, it’s easy to get to from Toronto or any other city in . There are so many things to do in , especially for those who love outdoor adventures, eco-friendly activities, and delicious vegan eats. I know I only scraped the surface of what has to offer, and I’d love to explore the city even more in the future. <ul class="wp-block-gallery columns-3"><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest3-683x1024.jpg" alt="5 Unique Things to Do in : An Eco-Friendly Guide to an Epic Tips Plans" data-id="18425" data-link="https://justinpluslauren.com/?attachment_id=18425" class="wp-image-18425" srcset="https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest3-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest3-200x300.jpg 200w, https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest3.jpg 735w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest2-683x1024.jpg" alt="5 Unique Things to Do in : An Eco-Friendly Guide to an Epic Tips Plans" data-id="18424" data-link="https://justinpluslauren.com/?attachment_id=18424" class="wp-image-18424" srcset="https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest2-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest2-200x300.jpg 200w, https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest2.jpg 735w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest1-683x1024.jpg" alt="5 Unique Things to Do in : An Eco-Friendly Guide to an Epic Tips Plans" data-id="18423" data-link="https://justinpluslauren.com/?attachment_id=18423" class="wp-image-18423" srcset="https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest1-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest1-200x300.jpg 200w, https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest1.jpg 735w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /> <p style="text-align:center">PIN one of the above images to Pinterest for future reference. Click the top left corner. <p><em>Thank you so much to <strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=125747X1586856&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ontariossouthwest.com&sref=rss" target="_blank">’s Southwest and <strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=125747X1586856&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fvisitwindsoressex.com%2F&sref=rss" target="_blank">Tourism Essex Pelee Island for hosting my visit. This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. <div class="kt-simple-box" style="background-color:rgba(232, 232, 232, 1); min-height:1px; padding-top:15px; padding-bottom:15px; padding-left:15px; padding-right:15px; "><div class="kt-simple-box-inner"> <center><strong>Did you find this post useful? Show your appreciation with a small tip! <div id="JPL01" class="quid-slider" align="center" quid-currency="CAD" quid-product-id="JPL01" quid-product-url="https://justinpluslauren.com/things-to-do-in-windsor-ontario/" quid-product-name="Justin Plus Lauren" quid-product-description="A Tip for Justin & Lauren" quid-text="Tip Us!" quid-text-paid="Thanks!" quid-amount="1"> <h4>What would you like to do most in , , ? <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://justinpluslauren.com/things-to-do-in-windsor-ontario/">5 Unique Things to Do in : An Eco-Friendly Guide to an Epic appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://justinpluslauren.com">Justin Plus Lauren.

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lethaderr-blog · 5 years

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Have I found the best carry on luggage?

I haven’t tested out every carry on suitcase in the world, but I know that this one is a keeper. When asked if we wanted to test out their lightweight carry on spinner luggage, I’m not sure if they knew how reckless I could be with my belongings. I took one of these hard shell bags on a recent trip, and I’m pretty sure I bashed it off random walls and hauled it up curbs. I can hardly believe my eyes that it still looks brand new. luggage is the real deal, and I’m going to show you why you need to pick up one of these for your next holiday.

is Durable and Functional

’s Minima lightweight carry on spinner luggage is the ideal travel companion for you and your belongings. It fits the standards and restrictions of every airline to travel as a carry on bag (it measures 21.5” x 13.5” x 8.5” and meets TSA and IATA cabin guidelines). Weighing in at only 7lbs, it’s more lightweight than aluminum. With a 38-liter capacity, you’ll have lots of extra room to store your things. Skip the extra baggage fees and travel carry on only!

Best Hardside

Even though it’s lightweight carry on luggage, that doesn’t mean that it lacks in durability. The exterior of the bag is made of 100% polycarbonate hard shell, meaning that it’s unbreakable and flexible to store all of your stuff. It’s military grade, water resistant, and it can even survive high falls.

The last thing you want is your hard shell luggage splitting open at the airport. Trust me, I’ve been there! I’ve arrived from a flight between Toronto and Auckland, New Zealand to discover a huge crack in my suitcase. It’s a little unnerving to have your belongings held together with duct tape for a couple of weeks, and keeping your fingers crossed that they survive the journey home. You won’t have to worry about that with luggage.

When purchasing a suitcase, you might wonder if it’s best to buy luggage with two wheels or four wheels. Four wheels is definitely the way to go. The luggage Minima has 360 degree silent spinner wheels that glide with ease, even over rough terrain. You’ll zip across the airport in no time with the Minima in tow.

Functional and Compartmentalized

Do you like to keep everything organized? I like everything to have its place. Keeping your belongings organized as you travel really makes it simpler to find everything and lose less of your things on your journey. For instance, you can keep your tech gear in one side and your clothes in the other.

The Minima lightweight carry on luggage has three interior pockets to store both large and small items. Every pocket has its own zipper to ensure that everything stays securely fastened. There’s also a small, water resistant pouch and a removable laundry bag to store your dirty clothes away from your clean ones.

It also comes in a range of colors: blue, dark blue, black, gray, light gray, pink, and sand. We chose the light blue and the dark blue Minima bag. Its telescoping ergonomic handle has two locking positions and its perfect for people of any height (like us – Justin is over a foot taller than me!).

Cabin Keeps Your Belongings Safe

The Minima is the best carry on bag for a woman or a man. No matter your travel style or purpose, whether for business or pleasure, you’ll love this suitcase. Everything you bring with you will be kept safe, and not only because it’s made of the toughest hard shell material.

Built in TSA Lock

Gone are the days where you have to attach your own TSA lock to your bag. luggage has the TSA lock built right into the bag itself. You won’t have to worry about anyone stealing from your bag or rifling through your personal belongings. Everything is safe and secure inside this cabin luggage.

Money Back Guarantee

luggage has a 30-day trial. If at any point during that 30 days you aren’t satisfied with your purchase, they will provide you with a full refund (no questions asked!). In addition, luggage has a 10-year limited warranty. If the suitcase or any pieces on the suitcase break, you can get it repaired or replaced by the company.

How to Buy the Best Carry On

You can buy the Minima Carry On directly through their website. offers free 2-day shipping and returns: all orders are shipped in two business days. They also offer a regular checked bag if you’d like something a little larger, too.

.kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap {background:rgba(206, 249, 248, 1);padding:20px 20px 20px 20px;border-width:0px 0px 0px 0px;} .kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap:hover {border-color:rgba(238, 238, 238, 1);background:rgba(206, 249, 248, 1);} .kt-blocks-info-box-media {color: 3px 3px 3px;padding:16px 16px 16px 16px;margin:0px 15px 8px 15px;} .kt-blocks-info-box-media img {border-radius:200px;} .kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap:hover .kt-blocks-info-box-media {color:#444444;background:transparent;border-color:#444444;} .kt-blocks-info-box-title {color: 0px 0px 0px;margin:5px 0px 10px 0px;} .kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap:hover .kt-blocks-info-box-title {color:#444444;} .kt-blocks-info-box-text {color:#444;} .kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap:hover .kt-blocks-info-box-text {color: <div id="" class="wp-block-kadence-infobox"><a class="kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap kt-blocks-info-box-media-align-top kt-info-halign-center" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://justinpluslauren.com/go/chester-luggage/"><div class="kt-blocks-info-box-media kt-info-media-animate-none"><div class="kadence-info-box-icon-container kt-info-icon-animate-none"><div class="kadence-info-box-icon-inner-container"><span style="display:block;justify-content:center;align-items:center" class="kt-info-svg-icon kt-info-svg-icon-fas_suitcase-rolling"><svg style="display:inline-block;vertical-align:middle" viewbox="0 0 384 512" height="70" width="70" fill="currentColor" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M336 160H48c-26.51 0-48 21.49-48 48v224c0 26.51 21.49 48 48 48h16v16c0 8.84 7.16 16 16 16h32c8.84 0 16-7.16 16-16v-16h128v16c0 8.84 7.16 16 16 16h32c8.84 0 16-7.16 16-16v-16h16c26.51 0 48-21.49 48-48V208c0-26.51-21.49-48-48-48zm-16 216c0 4.42-3.58 8-8 8H72c-4.42 0-8-3.58-8-8v-16c0-4.42 3.58-8 8-8h240c4.42 0 8 3.58 8 8v16zm0-96c0 4.42-3.58 8-8 8H72c-4.42 0-8-3.58-8-8v-16c0-4.42 3.58-8 8-8h240c4.42 0 8 3.58 8 8v16zM144 48h96v80h48V48c0-26.51-21.49-48-48-48h-96c-26.51 0-48 21.49-48 48v80h48V48z"><div class="kt-infobox-textcontent"><h4 class="kt-blocks-info-box-title">Get 10% Off!<p class="kt-blocks-info-box-text">Use the coupon code <strong>10AF at checkout to receive a 10% discount! <p>Plus, if you’re like me and you’ve got a couple of cats at home, they’ll love you for ordering …because they’ll get to play in the cardboard box! <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=125747X1586856&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftravelphotos.justinpluslauren.com%2FProduct-Reviews%2F-%2Fi-gtdTpJw%2Fbuy&sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Product-Reviews/-/i-gtdTpJw/0/57230212/XL/P1410113-XL.jpg" alt=" - Cardboard box for cats to play in"/> <p>For the savvy and seasoned traveler, you’ll want to invest in a durable and functional carry on that will withstand all of your worldwide voyages. So, what are you waiting for? Get your hands on the best hardside luggage I’ve ever come across. It comes in a range of stylish colors and will last you for years to come. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a<strong><a href="https://justinpluslauren.com/travel-gifts-for-frequent-flyers/"> frequent flyer for business, or a casual jet setter, <strong><a href="https://justinpluslauren.com/go/chester-luggage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)"> luggage is my top pick for the best carry on luggage. <ul class="wp-block-gallery columns-3"><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest3-683x1024.jpg" alt=" : Carry On for the Seasoned Traveler data-id="18552" data-link="https://justinpluslauren.com/?attachment_id=18552" class="wp-image-18552" srcset="https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest3-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest3-200x300.jpg 200w, https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest3.jpg 735w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest2-683x1024.jpg" alt=" : Carry On for the Seasoned Traveler data-id="18551" data-link="https://justinpluslauren.com/?attachment_id=18551" class="wp-image-18551" srcset="https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest2-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest2-200x300.jpg 200w, https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest2.jpg 735w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest1-683x1024.jpg" alt=" : Carry On for the Seasoned Traveler data-id="18550" data-link="https://justinpluslauren.com/?attachment_id=18550" class="wp-image-18550" srcset="https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest1-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest1-200x300.jpg 200w, https://justinpluslauren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/-Pinterest1.jpg 735w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /> <p style="text-align:center">PIN one of the above images to Pinterest for future reference. Click the top left corner. <div class="kt-simple-box" style="background-color:rgba(232, 232, 232, 1); min-height:1px; padding-top:15px; padding-bottom:15px; padding-left:15px; padding-right:15px; "><div class="kt-simple-box-inner"> <center><strong>Did you find this post useful? Show your appreciation with a small tip! <div id="JPL01" class="quid-slider" align="center" quid-currency="CAD" quid-product-id="JPL01" quid-product-url="https://justinpluslauren.com/chester-luggage-review/" quid-product-name="Justin Plus Lauren" quid-product-description="A Tip for Justin & Lauren" quid-text="Tip Us!" quid-text-paid="Thanks!" quid-amount="1"> <p><em>This post is sponsored by . It contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. <h4>Do you travel with a checked bag or carry on only? <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://justinpluslauren.com/chester-luggage-review/"> : Carry On for the Seasoned Traveler appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://justinpluslauren.com">Justin Plus Lauren.

#Chester #Luggage #Suitcase #CarryOn #Spinner #Lightweight #Shopping #Travel #kt-info-box_93f89a-d0 #444444;background:transparent;border-color:444444;border-radius:200px;border-width:3px #444444;background:transparent;border-color:444444;}kt-info-box_93f89a-d0 #444444;padding:0px #444444;}kt-info-box_93f89a-d0 #444;}kt-info-box_93f89a-d0 #444;}</style>#Travel"

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