A gentle uphill walk from Lucerne’s Old Town will take you to the city’s impressive medieval ramparts, complete with wonderful views over the Old Town and the lake. You can walk between towers (enter via the Schirmerturm; other towers are the Wachturm, Zytturm and Männliturm), and while there’s very little to see inside, it’s worth a visit, especially at sunset. It’s open daily...
Crowning a bluff on DC’s west side, the Washington National Cathedral rises 701 feet above the city, its highest point the tip of the Gloria in Excelsis bell tower. The Washington National Cathedral, an Episcopal church that has welcomed people of all faiths throughout its history, serves as the country’s gathering place in times of national celebration and mourning. The...
The Independent Presbyterian Church is an imposing structure. After destruction by fire and a hurricane at different locations, the third time was a charm and the church has been on this site since 1819. President James Monroe, and future President John Calhoun were present at the dedication. The presidential relationship continued as Woodrow Wilson married Ellen Louise Axson in the...
The Eastman-Stoddard House, also known as the Philbrick-Eastman-Hull-Stoddard-Barrow House is as good an example of the Southern desire to know, “Who are your people?” as it is of Southern Greek Revival architecture. Construction began on the house for Daniel Philbrick and Moses Eastman in 1844, by Irish-born architect Charles B. Clusky. Philbrick was a mariner, and Eastman a jeweler and...
The South loves her cemeteries, and Savannah is no exception. There are several beautiful cemeteries in the surrounding area. One thing Colonial Park Cemetery has going for it in terms of visiting is that it is right smack dab in the center of the historic district. It is as easy to stroll through as any one of the squares. However,...
The Girl Scout First Headquarters is located in the carriage house of the Andrew Low House which was Juliette Low’s adult home. Upon her death in 1927, it was willed to the Girl Scouts of Savannah, GA. Between 1912 and 1985 the building was used for Girl Scout troop activities, administrative offices and adult training. Currently the building is open...
This beautiful home was built in 1880-1820 for James Moore Wayne. In 1831 he sold the house to Sarah Stiles, who was his niece, and her husband, William Washington Gordon, who was the founder of the Central of Georgia Railway. Furnished with many Gordon family pieces, the house opened in 1956 as an historic house museum and program center. The...
Dan and Louis Oyster Bar is the oldest family-owned restaurant in town. Since Louis C. Wachsmuth opened the doors in 1907, five generations have been involved in bringing seafood to Portland diners. It’s well known for its oyster stew, steamer clams, seafood entrees and platters of fresh oysters. Its oyster varieties change daily. Every summer, the restaurant closes down SW Ankeny...
Opened in 1896, Union Station serves as a transportation hub for the city. It is served by three Amtrak lines, MAX Light Rail, Tri-Met buses and it’s a short walk to the Portland Streetcar. The Greyhound bus station is next door. In addition to the ticket counters, passenger waiting areas and sandwich and souvenir shops, the station houses Wilfs restaurant...
The Friendship Arch is among the largest, single-span, traditionally constructed Chinese archways in the world. Designed by architect Alfred H. Liu, the arch, 48-feet high and 75-feet wide, employs duogong construction, an important traditional Chinese technique. Instead of using nails or other metal connectors, duogong relies on an interlocking system of carved wooden brackets to create and support the archway. When completed in 1968,...
Whatâs THAT Montreal building? The Aldred Building. Architectural style: Art Deco. How tall is it? 96 meters or 316 feet; 23 stories. When was it built? Completed in 1931. Claim to fame: It looks like a mini version of the Empire State Building, which was completed the same year. METRO: Place d’Armes Written by Steve Howell
One of Virginia’s oldest growers, Autumn Hill is capable of producing extremely complex reds with an ability to age for many years. Serious wine drinkers should make an effort to explore this winery. Be advised, however, Autumn Hill is only open a few weekends per year. “No sweet wines here” is the oft quoted Autumn Hill proclamation. In the foothills...
Triana was the center of the city’s busy ceramic trade. Mud from the river banks was used to create pots, tiles and more from Roman times. Virtually all the myriad colourful tiles you see in houses, palaces and churches around Seville were made here. Unfortunately fires from the kilns were a regular occurrence and as this side of the river...
What is it? Built in 1705, Château Ramezay once belonged to Claude de Ramezay, a former New France governor of Montreal. It now serves as a historical museum. Who goes there? History buffs. Why go there? The permanent collection showcases Montreal’s strategic place in Canadian – and American – history through books, coins, photographs and documents as well as highlights...
Call this visit Montreal City History 101. Local industry, lesser-known Montreal movers and shakers, and thematic history lessons are highlighted through an abundant collection of historical treasures and an impressive photo collection. CHM also provides guided thematic walking tours of the nearby area throughout the year. It’s appropriately housed in the refurbished Place D’Youville fire station, which dates to 1903....
If Place Jacques Cartier provides something of an Old Montreal mecca for locals and tourists alike – street buskers, outdoor cafes (somewhat pricey), and caricature artists abound – all eyes are no doubt drawn to the neighboring Hôtel de Ville or City Hall. Designed in the time-appropriate Second French Empire-style, the building dates to the 1870s. It’s one of Montreal’s...
The flag of the city of Montreal is based on the city’s coat of arms and was first used in 1939. The flag contains four equal quarters separated by a bright red cross. Each quarter highlights an indigenous flower or plant from the country of origin of the four largest groups of European immigrants to the city. A blue fleur...
You can tell right off that Mido Cafe has been here a while (since 1950, in fact), and once you’re inside, you’ll see that they haven’t done much to change the place either. Head straight upstairs for the best views of the Tin Hau Temple across the street, and then order from the limited English menu that offers a varied...
Until the 1990s, Freeport, Grand Bahama Island was a hot gambling and resort destination. The building of Lucaya’s harbor, marketplace, and resort scene in the 1990s changed Freeport’s fate. A hurricane delivered Freeport tourism’s final blow, just as it was being rejuvenated. It still struggles to regain its reputation. In the meantime the International Marketplace, a smattering of good restaurants,...
Écomusée du Fier Monde: A Museum of Industrial and Working-Class History was the former Genereux Public Bath, which was originally built during the 1920s when local Centre-Sud (now mostly the Gay Village) apartments lacked their own shower or bath facilities. The space was transformed into an art gallery and museum in 1996. It now houses exhibitions that highlight the area’s...