99 Search Results for "quaint"

• Entering Villefranche, France

  • From: nancyb926
  • Description:

    Photographed as our cruise ship entered this quaint French Riveriera port. Rather than travel into Nice or Monaco, our group decided to wander the narrow streets of this town. It was an unexpected treasure filled with interesting architectue and amazing hilltop vistas of the Mediterranean Sea below.

  • 6 days ago
  • Views: 30
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• Our Budget Travel Trip to Irel

  • From: CliffK
  • Description:

     

    

    Tuesday it was time to say farewell to Kinsale and head west, to the fabled Ring of Kerry. Again, we had plans for spending the next two nights in one place: Kilarney. With an early-enough start, we were able to drive much of the Ring on Tuesday, traveling clockwise so as to avoid following the tour buses. Here it is time to point out that driving in Ireland is not for the faint of heart. The roads are very narrow, one lane in each direction hemmed in on either side by a stone fence or a hedge, yet marked as 100 km/h (about 60 mph). Often you have buses or trucks coming at you from the other direction that are wider than their lanes. I realized that this is why all the buses go the same direction around the Ring of Kerry (clockwise): otherwise, they would never be able to pass one another. Then there are driveways, and people come to a complete stop to turn left into a driveway and there is no way to go around them. I'm sure it does not help that so many of the other drivers are Americans, just as inexperienced as I am in driving on the left side of the road. There is no theme park ride as terrifying as taking one of those blind curves quickly and having a vehicle suddenly materialize, coming at you from the other direction, seemingly on the wrong side of the road. "EEEEP!" was a frequent exclamation on this trip. Anyway, the beautiful views of the fields and cliffs and sea were just incomparable, with yet another beautiful scene just around the next bend. Stopping for ocean vistas and to explore ring forts and castle ruins quickly filled the day, and it was after dark when we rolled into Killarney and checked into our hotel. A short walk brought us to the Danny Mann pub, just in time to get a great table for dinner and a live music performance by The Irish Weavers, a traditional Irish folk music group that puts on a very entertaining show.

     

    

    
    
    

    Wednesday we woke to beautiful blue skies and sunshine. This was our day to explore the Dingle Peninsula. We were scheduled to meet Tim Collins, who runs Sciuird Archaeological Tours, at 10:30 in Dingle. Thankfully we got an early start, as we were hardly out of Killarney when we ran into a road construction detour. Or at least a roadblock indicating that our chosen route was closed. We ended up driving here, there and everywhere on backroads trying to find our way back to the main highway, but eventually we made it with all of about three minutes to spare. Tim drives a sixteen-passenger van, so the group is small and flexible, and he gives a very informative and enjoyable tour, with time to get out and explore the sights and even stop for tea along the way. The sights on the Dingle Peninsula are every bit as beautiful as on the ring of Kerry, and it was great to be able to enjoy them with local commentary. We joined one of the other couples on the tour for lunch afterwards in Dingle and swapped travel stories. On the way back to Killarney, we had to stop at the Inch Strand, a beautiful and inviting stretch of beach that seemingly goes forever. It was the middle of October, but I rolled up my pants and waded into the surf and shared the scene with a sparse group of people playing on the beach and surfing the waves. The water was warm enough that I would have gone all the way in had it not been for the fact that I would still have an hour to drive in wet pants.

    Thursday was to be our last full day in Ireland. I woke up early enough to go for a run in Killarney National Park, part of which was just across the steet from our hotel. After breakfast we headed first on the road towards Kenmare, so we could stop and take the tour at Muckross House. Muckross is surrounded by beautiful gardens, and the tour and history of the house are very intersting. Stops at Torc Waterfall and Ross Castle allowed for more photo opportunities, and then it was time to head back towards Shannon.

     

     

     

    

    Along the way, we stopped in Adare to do a little exploring and enjoy another pub dinner. Adare is a quaint town with several picturesque thatched-roof buildings. We enjoyed a delicious Shepherd's Pie and a pint of Guinness, and then it was time to head towards the airport. Our final night was basic lodging at the Park Inn across from the Shannon airport terminal, which made our final departure much less hectic than other trips I've experienced.

    We are left with many wonderful memories of this trip, and are already wondering how quickly we can go again. Delicious food, beautiful sights, fun music, informative tours, friendly people, and learning about the history of this unique place. But one of the best experiences was also one of the simplest, as we got to listen in on two locals in a country store as they introduced themselves to each other. I just wish I had had a tape recorder with me, as these two women, formerly strangers, discussed the quality of products in the shop in language that was polite, respectful, and so musical in its quality that it could have been a song.

     

     

  • Blog post
  • 1 week ago
  • Views: 25

• Kinsale, Ireland

  • From: CliffK
  • Description:

    Kinsale, one of the Irish "Tidy Towns" is a quaint and easily-walkable city on the south coast of Ireland. Known as the Gourmet Capital of Ireland, Kinsale sits on a well-protected natural harbor.

  • 1 week ago
  • Views: 17
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• Lunch Break

  • From: horbinsr
  • Description:

    "Old" China was filled with small walled villages, or large neighborhoods, called hutongs. Unfortunately most of them are falling victim to progress, being demolished for high rises. Fortunately, tourism is allowing some to remain.They are filled with private courtyards, public areas and alley ways. While shopping in one quaint area I wandered into one of the alleys where I caught this delivery boy taking a lunch break and his bike waiting patiently for his return.

  • 1 week ago
  • Views: 64

• Restaurant with a view

  • From: jcjlkrebs
  • Description:

    This was a wonderful place to have lunch in Santorini in the Greek Isles

  • 2 weeks ago
  • Views: 68

• Provincetown Colors, Cape Cod

  • From: TTtravelers
  • Description:

    Tucked in my childhood memories I remember family vacations on Cape Cod. It took me years to return and when I did it was with my new husband of just a few years. It was a trip filled with romantic beach walks, amazing seafood, quaint scenery and vivid colors and memories to last a lifetime.

  • 2 weeks ago
  • Views: 22

• Monmarte

  • From: chelley
  • Description:
  • 2 weeks ago
  • Views: 41
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• A Weekend in St. Augustine: A

  • From: AmyCW
  • Description:

    Before “diving in” (pun intended) to describing my new favorite beach town, I’d like to share the update that several items listed in the “20 Ideas for Saving Money” post qualified as winning ideas for the local contest sponsored by frugal-columnist Ms. Cheap at the Tennessean, Nashville's daily newspaper.  I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Cheap last Monday at a brown bag lunch session where she announced the contest winners, who each happily received a signed copy of her new book, 99 Things to Save Money in Your Household Budget. 

    Ms. Cheap would certainly have approved of the frugal, excellent long weekend Adam and I took in Florida the weekend before – in which we drove from Nashville, stayed with friends, and avoided the expensive theme parks for two days of sun, swimming, grilling, and exploring (and of course, in my case, preparing homemade nectarine salsa and Carolina cole slaw to add some flair to the cookout).  One of the highlights of the weekend was the day we spent in St. Augustine, meeting friends at Anastasia State Park.  

    

    This was my second time to St. Augustine, but my first time to this particular beach – a private beach with $8.00 per car fee, but well worth the cost for the natural, clean, and minimal-tourist experience.  The water was warm, the white sand was soft, and the waves were perfect for bodysurfing, football, frisbee-throwing, and catching rays.  The facilities were particularly convenient, with outdoor sand showers, picnic tables, and a convenience store where I was able to find a pair of sunglasses, and Adam a pair of swim shorts, both quite nice, at the last minute and at a decent price.

    After a day at the beach, we were starving, and headed to the historic downtown St. Augustine to A1A Aleworks Brewery & Restaurant for some local brew and a meal on the second-level patio overlooking Matanzas Bay.  The restaurant, describes itself as a working brewery serving "New World Cuisine featuring Caribbean, Cuban and Floridian influences,” was everything I had anticipated.  We ordered a sampler flight of 2-oz. beers that we happily sipped, watching the sun set, with a basket of warm bread on the house.  Although we were not in lobster country, I was too intrigued by the lobster tacos (off the appetizer menu) which turned out to be amazing.

    Although I’m usually one to plan my vacations meticulously to put together a combination of the absolute best street ambience, restaurants, scenic areas, and quaint architecture, I came upon St. Augustine completely by accident this past April while traveling in Florida for work.  After following up the winter with a particularly draining work schedule, I was yearning for relaxation and the beach, and St. Augustine was the closest to my location.  One evening after work I drove an hour to the coast, and once I entered the historic downtown, I was hooked.  I entered a world of Spanish architectural style, from the Cathedral of St. Augustine, to Flagler College, to the narrow, cobblestoned streets dotted with boutiques, cafes, and restaurants specializing in international dishes ranging from French pastry, to Polish pierogi, to fish and chips, to Mayan cuisine.  Deep into the town were historic structures, beautiful private residences and B&B’s. 

    

    
    

    While the gulf-coast beach towns where I spent much of my youth had a laid-back, fishing-village, shanty-town feel (which is a great escape in its own right), St. Augustine offered more of a high-end atmosphere perfect for a more luxurious experience after a sun-drenched day, while having many diversions that were surprisingly affordable.  On my brief evening after work, I was entertained simply enjoying the street life while munching a pastry, peeking inside the Cathedral, and browsing the shops.  I made my only purchase at a store specializing in all things hot sauce, Hot Stuff Mon, I bought some specialty sauce made from locally-grown Datil peppers and an orange-and-Datil Minorcan spice mixture, which we are still enjoying here at home. 

    I topped off my evening with dinner at Casa Maya for authentic Mayan cuisine (from bottom left, clockwise): Pork marinated in sour orange juice and axiote basted in mayan spices, black bean soup, candied plantains, tortillas, and Mayan rice. 

    Returning for a second time in September confirmed my newfound love for this jewel of a town in northeastern Florida, where I hope to return again soon to continue exploring the culinary delights, museums, and historic structures between lazy days at the beach.   

     

     

    Where to eat:

    A1A Aleworks Brewery & Restuarant, 1 King Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084, (904) 829-2977

    Casa Maya Organic Mayan Cuisine, 17 Hypolita Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084, (904) 829-3039

    Denoel French Pastry Shop, 212 Charlotte Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084, (904) 829-3974

    What to see and do:

    Anastasia State Park, 200 Anastasia Park Rd, St. Augustine, FL 32080, (904) 461-2033

    Hot Stuff Mon, 34 Treasury Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084, (904) 824-4944

    Castillo de San Marcos National Monument (America’s Oldest Stone Fort), 1 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084

  • Blog post
  • 3 weeks ago
  • Views: 55

• Portofino, Italy

  • From: Buffalolady
  • Description:

    Portofino, Italy A quaint little fishing village along the Mediterranean sea

  • 3 weeks ago
  • Views: 30
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• The Bourdzi fortress Nauplion

  • From: kittyrn
  • Description:

    Nauplion was the first capital of the Greek state in 1828 through 1834.  Nauplion is situtated on the eastern shore of the Argolic Gulf and is protected from above by a Byzantine fort and another fortress located in the harbor.  A very quaint and delightful town.  I wish I could have stayed longer here.

  • 4 weeks ago
  • Views: 29

• LAND'S END TO JOHN O'GROATS

  • From: Jerry Dusterhoff
  • Description:

    Not for the faint of heart!  I have just completed the End to End (E2E) bicycle trip from the southwest tip of England to the northeast tip of Scotland.  It is something of a right-of-passage for British cyclists, but most of the rest of the cycling world have never heard of it.

     

    There is no set route, as long as you start at one end and finish at the other.  Therefore, you can theoretically plan a route that takes you to tourist attractions or quaint towns you would like to stay in.  Do that at your own peril.  Unless you are a resident and/or terribly intrepid, you had best go with a paid tour. 

     This is a ride for the veteran touring cyclist, but determined novices can complete it. By all means, use a quality bicycle with a wide range of gears. The hills are challenging and relentless. Some of the roads have deteriorated to the extent that a washboard would be a relief.  Riding the narrow country lanes provided new experiences, not all of which were pleasant.  Of course, the scenery is spectacular.  It helps if the weather cooperates.  Take your wet and cold weather gear, you will need them no matter what time of year you go.

     

    The day before the adventure started I stayed at the Hotel Penzance.  They were pleasant, helpful, and flexible; the room modern and clean, the view of the harbor and bay excellent.

     

    The day after spending three weeks in the saddle I needed a place to de-compress.  The Avalon Guest House in Inverness provided just the place.  It is neat and spotless, the breakfast choices superior to any I have had in the UK, and the location within walking distance of everything, especially the quiet, calming Ness Islands. Hostess, Jo, makes you feel welcome and doesn’t mind spending a few moments chatting and getting to know you just a little bit.  She is interested but not intrusive, a quality no longer found in many B&B owners.

     

     

  • Blog post
  • 1 month ago
  • Views: 59
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• Lighthouse Staircase

  • From: jeffok714
  • Description:

    In the event you ever decide that the view from atop that quaint lighthouse would be awesome, be prepared for an image similar to this one. The staircase leading to the observation deck at the St. Augustine lighthouse contains 219 stairs and several landings, but it's still worth the climb.

  • 1 month ago
  • Views: 59

• 6 minutes to 3 o'clock

  • From: GL Salava
  • Description:

    Photo was taken near the Collage of Charleston.  Charleston has so many interesting colorful homes and quaint side streets. It is a definately a walking town.  Spring is the time to visit with all the plants and flowers starting to bloom, especially the Azealeas.   The colors are fantastic.  Lots of history.  I was somewhat disapointed  with our visit to Fort Sumner.  I would like to see it reconstructed as it was during the Civil War.  The black concrete fortifications which were added later on add nothing to its ambience.  They are ugly!

  • 1 month ago
  • Views: 66
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• The Patio of The Orient Hotel

  • From: Nga Ton
  • Description:

    This colorful Orient hotel (B&B) located in the quaint seaside fishing village of Victoria -by -the Sea, on the Prince Edward Island's south shore.

  • 2 months ago
  • Views: 44

• Fishing Shacks

  • From: Nga Ton
  • Description:

    There are many colorful fishing shacks in the quaint and picturest villages on Prince Edward Island

  • 2 months ago
  • Views: 33
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• Quaint Normandy Town

  • From: yukonmom
  • Description:

    A street in Bayeux, France, in Normandy.

  • 2 months ago
  • Views: 98
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• Moonstone Beach Cambria, CA

  • From: SharlaCA
  • Description:

    The boardwalk on Moonstone Beach in Cambria, California offers stunning views of the central coast. Walk along the boardwalk taking in the beautiful scenery or pack a lunch and picnic on one of the many benches. The boardwalk makes these beautiful views accessible for everyone. Cambria, California is located 30 minutes north of San Luis Obispo and offers quaint bed and breakfast accommodations, antique shopping, and delicious restaurants.

  • 2 months ago
  • Views: 104

• Church of the Holy Cross

  • From: ymvasquez
  • Description:

    This church is perched within the red rock mountains of Sedona, Arizona.  The chapel is very quaint and tranquil, just right for a brief stop to say a prayer or two.  Also, look around to see if you can find the eagle's head that is carved within the red rocks. 

  • 2 months ago
  • Views: 19
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• St. Wolfgang

  • From: mikey1588
  • Description:

    the quaint town of St. Wolfgang in Austria

  • 2 months ago
  • Views: 100
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• Sunset Over Victoria, BC Harbo

  • From: CliffK
  • Description:

     

    Victoria is a beautiful walking city located on a well-protected natural harbor.  There are hanging flowerpots on seemingly every lamppost (seen in the silhouette in the foreground above) that give the city a quaint, European feel.

     

  • 3 months ago
  • Views: 138
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