The capital of Valencia province pre-dates the common era and has districts with narrow streets built by the Romans and Moors. Valencia’s Ciutat Vella is indeed a prominent tourist-centric quarter but by no means the city’s only gem. Distinct architecture, museums, festivals, restaurants and nightlife in the Barrio del Carmen are the hallmarks of the standout Spanish city on the Mediterranean Sea. Here are ten of the best must-see attractions in vibrant Valencia.

10. Baños del Almirante

The Baños del Almirante complex dates back to the early 14th century, some one hundred years after the expulsion of 50,000 Moors from Valencia. Yet the landmark is distinctly Arab in form and function and has been meticulously restored.

9. Museo de Bellas Artes

Valencia’s fine arts museum is one of the most important in Spain. Established at the turn of the 20th century, the museum’s prolific collection is housed in the historic El Colegio de San Pío V. The grand late 17th century landmark is also home to one of the oldest art schools in Spain.

8. IVAM

As fine and ancient art has a notable home at the Museo de Bellas Artes, contemporary art has a world-class home in Valencia at IVAM. The Instituto Valenciano de Arte Moderno boasts a comprehensive and avant-garde collection of some of the late 20th century’s most influential artists.

7. Centro Cultural la Beneficencia

Just next door to IVAM is another major cultural institution in Valencia. The significant Centro Cultural la Beneficencia is actually three museums in one. The Instituto Alfonso el Magnánimo (literature, history, art, philosophy), Museo Valenciano de Etnología and Museo de Prehistoria de Valencia combine with IVAM to make Calle de Guillem de Castro one of the most important cultural thoroughfares in Spain. The city’s superb botanical garden and the best restaurants and bars of Barrio del Carmen are a short walk away.

6. Mercado de Colón

Catalan culture and architecture made notable impressions on Valencia throughout the 20th century. Stroll through the Mercado de Colón and you’re sure to glean a palpable sense of UNESCO World Heritage designers Gaudi and Montaner in the air.

5. Las Fallas

Valencia’s most infamous and popular festival is a colourful flourish of traditional folklore that whips the entire province up in a frenzy. Five days of papier-mâché parades, nocturnal revelry, food, drink, dance and song punctuate the massive March event.

4. Saint Mary of Valencia Cathedral

The see of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Valencia was built in the early 13th century after the exodus of the Moors from the city. Construction took place on the foundation of a grand mosque, which in turn was built on top of a Visigoth cathedral. Clearly, Saint Mary of Valencia Cathedral sits on venerable ground. The mostly Gothic masterpiece is a major symbol of the city.

3. Mercado Central

Valencia’s other Modernist, turn of the 20th century market is a marvel. The Mercado Central is not only must-see for all your comestible requirements but the quintessential place to be to mingle with locals.

2. Llotja de la Seda

The Silk Exchange, or Llotja de la Seda, is Valencia’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built from 1482 to 1548, the landmark’s late Gothic design is almost without peer.

1. Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias

Valencia’s most conspicuous and must-see point of interest is without question, the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. The multi-purpose development took the architectural world by storm at the turn of the current century. The cultural complex features many remarkable attractions, with progressive facades that have already become iconic. Put the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía opera house, L’Oceanogràfic, L’Hemisfèric and the Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe at the very top of your Valencia list.

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5. Niagara Falls, Ontario

We all know you can access Niagara fall from both the United States and Canadian sides but a trip to Niagara Falls in Ontario is one you’ll always remember. Hotels in Niagara Falls range from affordable motor inns to high end hotels and bed and breakfasts.

Once there, you’ll find plenty to do both in and around the falls. The Maid of the Mist boat ride is astonishing and the Journey behind the Falls tour will take you “behind the scenes” to see the falls from the other side. When you’re done watching the falls themselves you’ll enjoy the nearby Criminal Hall of Fame, the Ripley’s Believe It or Not museum, and Madame Tausaud’s Was Museum.

4. Canadian Rockies

True lovers of adventure can certainly find romance in the outdoors. The Canadian Rockies make a spectacular vacation destination for anyone who loves seclusion, fresh outdoor air, and stunning scenery.

A trip to the Canadian Rockies has a number of benefits. First of all, it’s incredibly affordable, especially in today’s economy. You can go hiking, mountain biking, hang gliding, kayaking, golfing, skiing, fishing, and do so much more. In between outdoor adventures you can either camp or book a room in a hotel near the vacation center Banaff or around Lake Louise. A romantic getaway to the Canadian Rockies is sure to be memorable.

3. Vancouver, British Colombia

Vancouver is a popular destination amongst those looking for a quick romantic getaway as well. The area is infused with fresh ocean air, surrounded by gorgeous mountains, and is full of quaint shops and amazing restaurants.

While in Vancouver you’ll want to spend some time exploring the inner city. A carriage ride through Stanley Park will offer you astounding views of the entire city, including the Lions Gate Bridge and the coast. Robson Street, on the other hand, is perfect for dining, shopping, and people watching.

2. Victoria, British Colombia

Victoria has a reputation for being one of the most romantic destinations in Canada, and rightfully so. The weather in Victoria is gorgeous all year – even in the winter when temperatures are cold but there is rarely much snow.

So what will you do after you check into your hotel in Victoria? Start with a romantic stroll through the Inner Harbor’s Undersea Gardens or with a trip to the Wax Museum. Break up the day with a charming afternoon tea at one of the area’s finest tea rooms and then head out for a horse-drawn carriage ride around James Bay or a walk along Dallas Road.

1. Whistler, Vancouver, British Colombia

Whistler is going to be one of the hottest destinations in Canada in early 2010 because of the Winter Olympics. Unless you’re lucky enough to have passes to the Olympic Games you may want to book your visit before or after to avoid the crowds and higher rates for accommodations.

Nearby, however, you’ll find some of the finest ski slopes and resorts in the country. You’ll enjoy skiing, visiting the local falls, touring the BC Mining Museum, exploring the city of Vancouver, dining in some of the area’s hottest romantic restaurants, and cozying up by a fire in your hotel room or cabin at the end of a long, enjoyable day.

There is so much to see and do throughout Canada so choosing just one for a romantic vacation getaway may seem a daunting task. Start with one of these and then plan to return for a longer vacation when you have more time. You’ll enjoy Canada so much you’ll never regret returning again – and again – and again!

With that in mind, here’s a guide to some of the more unusual regional delicacies in America. Dishes that came out of a certain state, town or city. Dishes that inspire fierce loyalty and culinary protectionism from locals and indeed, count as part of some nebulous cultural identity. For potential U.S. road trippers, this list of edibles should keep you well-fed and in good stead.

Scrapple

If you ever find yourself in Philadelphia or Pennsylvania Dutch country – there’s certainly no shortage of reasons to visit – and hunger strikes, try this porky staple. Scrapple is essentially a meatloaf-type mush of pig offal and scraps, which, when combined with cornmeal or buckwheat flour, spices and then pan-fried, is pretty tasty. Served with eggs, on toast, with ketchup, mustard, jelly or maple syrup, scrapple is also popular in Delaware, Maryland and New Jersey.

Carolina Gold Barbecue

South Carolina has a legitimate claim as the barbecue capital of the world. After all, the state is the only one in the union that embraces all four major sauces: vinegar, light tomato, heavy tomato and mustard. A by-product of German immigrant cuisine, “Carolina Gold”, as South Carolina’s unusual mustard sauce is otherwise known, is unlike any other barbecue application in America. You can get exceptional barbecue in North Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, Texas and well, even California and New York City nowadays. But for an exceptional treat, head to the Midlands area near Columbia, South Carolina for that “Carolina Gold”.

Glorified Rice

Minnesota’s Scandinavian heritage offers visitors the chance to try a completely different type of cuisine. Norwegian staples like lutefisk, krumkake and “hotdish” casseroles (not sure what the Nordic connection is there) are popular in the Lutheran state. But glorified rice has to be one of the strangest dishes in Minnesota. The throwback dessert salad concoction is a strange amalgam of rice, eggs, pineapple, sugar, flour, whipped cream and maraschino cherries. If you’re ever stuck in Saint Paul in the middle of a blizzard, head to a diner and order it up.

Shrimp DeJonghe

You could spend two weeks eating your way through Chicago’s buffet of distinct culinary contributions. Steakhouses, Chicago-style hot dogs, deep-dish pizzas, jibarito sandwiches, flambéed saganaki – hey, it’s one helluva food town. The oldest food tradition in the Windy City may be shrimp DeJonghe however. The casserole features shrimps coated in garlic and Sherry-laced breadcrumbs.

Spam Musubi

Hawaii’s food heritage is a delightful fusion of American, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and of course, Polynesian. The state is not without some unfortunate food accidents however, that now have a permanent place on menus from Maui to Oahu. The ubiquitous “plate lunch” for example, is a carb-centric staple that combines a protein with two scoops of white rice and one scoop of macaroni salad. Hawaii’s most infamous culinary shame is Spam. Aside from Guam perhaps, the canned precooked meat product is more popular in Hawaii than anywhere else on the planet. McDonald’s franchises in the state feature Spam concoctions. Head to a sushi bar in Honolulu and you’re sure to see Spam musubi on the menu – a kitschy mockery of authentic Japanese cuisine.

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Over time, settlers from around the world, including Ireland, England, Scotland, Austria, Italy, and several other countries, began to flock towards this stunning city’s shores. Today the city presents a sophisticated face to visitors – full of southern charm and hospitality, old colonial architecture, and dozens of historic and cultural attractions.

When to Visit Savannah

Located along the southern section of the east coast of the United States, the city of Savannah is generally warm throughout most of the year. There is a joke that says that Savannah’s seasons are “warm and hot” but there are four seasons when it comes to times to visit.

The spring months, between March and May, are very busy and are relatively expensive times to visit Savannah. This is because the dogwoods and azaleas blooming during the spring months are gorgeous and people flock south to see them in bloom every year. The Savannah Music Festival is usually held during this time of year as well.

The summer months, between June and August, are usually very warm and very busy but there are tons of things to see and do. You’ll find that the city is usually overrun with young travelers during June and July as Savannah is a favorite destination for Girl Scout troops visiting Juliette Gordon Low’s birthplace.

The fall months are a great time to visit as temperatures begin to drop, but October is very busy. If you visit during September of November you’ll have an easier time finding a Savannah hotel at a discounted rate.

If you’re only going to visit for a couple of days, consider visiting mid-week. Hotel rates skyrocket on the weekends as people flock to the city to enjoy Savannah’s hot weekend nightlife.

Transportation throughout Savannah

The city of Savannah is gorgeous and you’ll find that most of the area’s main attractions are within walking distance of your hotel. This southern town is relatively laid back, despite its big city façade, so there’s no reason to rush from place to place. Pedicabs, small driving tours, and trolley rides are popular methods of transportation as well.

The Savannah River ferry is another great way to see the city. The 20 minute ride up the river will give you stunning views of the city and, best of all, is free. Taxi cabs and paid trolley tours are available as well. You could easily rent a car but it might prove a waste of your hard earned money.

Tipping Etiquette in Savannah

Tipping is a confusing thing, especially in the United States. Some states require restaurant owners to pay their service staff the same minimum wage that all workers earn while others let restaurants pay a considerably lower wage to their workers. This means that in many places your service staff will rely on your tips for survival. They even pay taxes on what you give them as a tip.

The average tip in any restaurant is 10 – 20 % depending on the time of day and the level of service you received. The average tip is around 15% and you can decide whether to pay more or less depending on how happy you are. If you’re with a large group of people the restaurant may add a “gratuity” to your bill. If this is the case you do not need to leave an additional tip. You are not required to tip in fast food restaurants, even if you do see a tip jar on the counter.

Visiting Savannah for St. Patrick’s Day

Despite not receiving a lot of public recognition, Savannah is an incredibly popular city for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, second only to New York City, NY. If you plan on visiting during the month of March, but don’t care about this particular holiday, you may want to arrange for travel during a different time of the month. Hotel rates will double or triple and you’ll be required to book a minimum 2-3 night stay.

Almost 400,000 people will flock to the historic district of Savannah on St. Patrick’s Day for the parade and celebration. It is always held on March 17^th, unless the 17^th is a Sunday, in which case it is celebrated on the 16^th.  There is a parade, lasting 3 ½ – 4 hours, and you’ll find hundreds of people camping out along the parade route, some as early as 2 days in advance.

The city of Savannah is historic, cultural, sophisticated, and fun. Visit any time of the year for a fun and exciting adventure in one of the country’s oldest and most respected cities. You’ll never forget your trip!

There is quite a bit to see and do in Munich but if you’re trying to figure out where to start you’ll want to make a few stops at some of Munich’s finest museums. You’ll be amazed at just how much you learn.

9. Jewish Center Munich

Towards the center of the city you’ll find the Jewish Center Munich in Jakobsplatz square. Inside you’ll find a museum outlining how Jewish history has evolved in Munich as well as a kosher restaurant and a synagogue. You can get a free guided tour of the synagogue but it is very busy so you’ll need to make a reservation as far in advance as possible.

8. Buchheim Museum

Located on the shores of the lake, the Buchheim Museum is home to an incredibly large collection of expressionist artwork. Inside you’ll find dozens of watercolors, prints, paintings, and drawings created during the Brucke movement which occurred between 1905 and 1913. You’ll also find some stunning examples of African and Bavarian artifacts and artwork. Artists featured inside this museum include Karl Schmitt-Rotluff, Otto Dix, and many others.

7. Museum Villa Stuck

Museum Villa Stuck is actually a house in the Royal Munich section of the city. The villa was once the home of Franz von Stuck, a well known artist who lived from 1863 until 1928. During your tour you’ll see his home as well as some of his humorous and erotic pieces of artwork.

6. Haus der Kunst

Haus der Kunst is also located in the Royal Munich section of Munich and is a stunning example of the architectural style that existed during the Hitler era. Fuhrer Hitler himself opened the gallery and only allowed works that reflected the Nazi mindset to be shown there. After the war, the museum made itself popular by creating a collection of artwork that had previously been banned.

5. Neue Pinakothek

The gorgeous Neue Pinakothek museum opened in 1981 at the request of the royal family. The previous home of the royal art collection was destroyed during the war and the new building was designed to mimic the older, Italian style building. The museum is home to dozens of French impressionist paintings, including those from Monet and Degas, as well as the works of several 19^th century German artists.

4. Glyptothek

The Glyptothek gallery is located in the Maxvorstadt section of the city and is home to one of the finest collections of Green and Roman sculptures you’ll find in the city. After touring the gallery you might want to take a few minutes to sip a cup of coffee in the adjacent courtyard while watching young artists practice their handiwork.

3. BMW Museum

The BMW Museum is a fun stop for car lovers, especially since Munich is the home of the famous automobile manufacturer. The museum features a large collection of old and new vehicle as well as displays outlining the history and development of the automobile and the company itself. If you visit during the week, make sure you make advanced reservations to tour the actual BMW factory plant as well.

2. Alte Pinakothek

Alte Pinkaothek is considered one of the most treasured art galleries in the world. The enormous brick building was built in the early 1800’s by Leo von Klenze, originally to house the massive collection of artwork that Duke Wilhelm IV was gathering. The collection here includes works from Rembrandt, Rubens, Murillos, Durer, and Titian, amongst many others. A trip to this museum will be your only opportunity to see many of these incredible pieces.

1. Deutsches Museum

In the center of Munich you’ll find the astounding Deutsches Museum. The museum features more than 12 miles (or 19 km) of hallways spread out over 6 floors and sorted into 30 different sections. The Deutsches Museum is home to one of the best planetariums in Europe, an amazing Kinderreich for children, and a stunning collection of exhibits outlining the development of the transportation industry.

The city of Munich is overflowing with stunning museums. Ask your Munich hotel concierge for information on how to get to these and others throughout the city. You’ll enjoy the time spent exploring.

While far from small, Utrecht is nonetheless quite manageable at close to 100 km². The city has several notable claims to fame. First and foremost, Utrecht is home to Utrecht University, with 30,000 plus students. The academic institution ranks as one of the best in Europe on a fairly consistent basis. Student life permeates the cityscape and all in all, makes Utrecht a lively place to visit.

Tourists to Utrecht may want to focus their time on the city’s heritage architecture. Though immediate points of interest outside the central train station scream modern, avant-garde Dutch all the way, medieval landmarks in and around Utrecht remind visitors that the city is indeed one of the oldest on the continent. The future European Capital of Culture is a veritable gem, with these ten must-see attractions to explore.

10. Pieterskerk

At close to a millennium old, the Pieterskerk is a significant and still active church. The landmark was a focal point in Utrecht’s initial kerkenkruis layout, or cross-shaped town plan.

9. Museum voor het Kruideniersbedrijf

Part throwback relic, part museum and all confectionery, the Museum voor het Kruideniersbedrijf is a rather unusual yet worthwhile point of interest in Utrecht. A good place to score Dutch treats and sweet souvenirs in a typical, old-school backdrop.

8. Centraal Museum

The dean of municipal museums in the Netherlands was established on the top floor of Utrecht’s town hall in the early 19th century. The Centraal Museum has since grown in size and scope and today, is one of the most important museums in the country. A vast collection of Dutch art and artifacts spans every era of the nation’s history.

7. Rietveld-Schröder-Huis

The Rietveld Schröder House is easily one of the most eccentric UNESCO World Heritage Sites to ever earn inscription. The indefatigable Utrecht landmark is a brilliant beacon of that iconic Dutch design style known throughout the world simply as De Stijl. UNESCO and indeed, architects everywhere, consider the house a model icon of the Modern Movement.

6. Utrecht University Botanic Gardens

As the nerve centre of city life in Utrecht, a visit to the university campus is a must. This includes a stop in the historic Utrecht University Botanic Gardens, which is not only one of the best in Europe but has a history that dates back to the 17th century.

5. De Uithof

The main campus of the university is known as De Uithof and is a notable district of Utrecht. Not only is it a hub of student life but perhaps most importantly, De Uithof displays the unusual design ethos that so many of us associate with the avant-garde Dutch. With that in mind, it should come as no surprise that the campus’s Educatorium is a product of Rotterdam native and Pritzker Prize laureate Rem Koolhaas (see Casa da Musica, Porto and Seattle Central Library).

4. Stadion Galgenwaard

If you visit Utrecht, you simply must attend a football match at Stadion Galgenwaard, where home side FC Utrecht sells out every time.

3. Dick Bruna Huis

The creator of “Miffy” is perhaps the most famous Utrecht native of all. While many may not recognize illustrator Dick Bruna by name or face, they certainly know his body of work. The Dick Bruna Huis is a wonderful tribute to the artist.

2. Oudegracht

Utrecht’s Oudegracht, or “old canal”, is the ideal spot for a bicycle ride or stroll through the city.

1. Domtoren

The most conspicuous landmark in Utrecht offers views of Rotterdam and Amsterdam on clear, cloudless days.

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10. Iglesia de Santo Domingo

In the center of Oaxaca City you’ll find the Iglesia de Santo Domingo. The gorgeous baroque style church features two prominent bell towers, a dome decorated with medallions representing more than 100 martyrs. When you walk in the front door and look up you’ll see a large depiction of the Santo Domingo family tree. The building is considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing in the city.

9. Museo de las Culturas

Just the design of the Museo de las Culturas, laid out around a series of labyrinths known as the Ex-Convento de Santo domingo, is unique. Inside you’ll find a series of galleries and exhibits featuring antique books, indigenous artifacts, and the history of Oaxacan music. Most of the signs in the museum are written in Spanish but you can get an English audio tour.

8. Zocalo

Zocalo is one of the most heavily trafficked squares in Oaxaca City. The quaint, traditional square is well loved – so much so that the public revolt over McDonald’s bid to build a store there brought their plans to a grinding halt back in 2002. Walk through the square, lounge on its gorgeous wrought-iron benches, take in some of the evening mariachi bands, or simply people watch.

7. Palacio de Gobierno

The Palacio de Gobierno was built during the 19^th century on the south side of the Zocalo square. Around the government building you’ll find a varying collection of painters, fruit merchants, and musicians. There are, unfortunately, a number of protests staged in front of the Palacio de Gobierno on a regular basis and if there is one in progress you won’t be able to go inside.

6. Termazcalli

All work and no play doesn’t exactly make for a great vacation. If you’d like to spend a day relaxing in style, venture out of Oaxaca City and head towards Puerto Escondido for a day in the spa at Termazcalli. The treatments combine wood, rock, fire, and old cultural pre-Columbian medicinal and herbal techniques to cleanse and pamper the body and soul.

5. Bahia Chahue

If you’d like to spend a day lounging on the beach in Oaxaca you’ll need to head out of Oaxaca City and venture towards Bahia Chahue in Huatulco. Once there you can lie out on the white sandy beaches, explore the 88-slip marina, or swim in the public pool. The area around Bahia Chahue is still under development so you won’t find a ton of modern amenities but you’ll still enjoy the blue waters and cool breeze.

4. Architos de Xochimilco

At Architos de Xochimilco, in Oaxaca City itself, you’ll find three stone arches that were built during the 18^th century. During that time the arches were part of the aqueduct system that brought water to city’s inhabitants. Today you can walk through the plazas and streets surrounding the arches, considered some of the prettiest neighborhoods in Oaxaca.

3. Casa Juarez

Benito Juarez, one of the Mexican presidents, moved to Oaxaca City when he was 12. He had been orphaned and when he went to Oaxaca he was taken in by Antonio Salanueva, a book binder. The home where Juarez lived with Salanueva is now a museum filled with artifacts and information about the president and life in the 19^th century.

2. Catedral Metropolitana de Oaxaca

The Catedral Metropolitana de Oaxaca is another stunning religious site you won’t want to miss. Legend has it that a wild mule found its way into a mule train on its way to Guatemala. The mule died in front of the site where the cathedral was built and inside its pack was found a statue of the Virgin of Solitude. Because the Virgin of Solitude is Oaxaca’s patron saint, the people considered it a miracle and built the church in 1682 in order to honor their healing saint.

1. Instituto de Artes Graficas de Oaxaca

The Instituto de Artes Graficas de Oaxaca is a prominent gallery found in the center of the city. The gallery is small but regularly features a variety of different graphic art and design exhibits, from both national and international artists and designers.

Oaxaca City, and the state of Oaxaca itself, is brimming with cultural, historic, and artistic attractions. Spend a few days or stay for a week – either way, you’re bound to be captivated by all the area has to offer.

This got me thinking recently about local fast food chains that are only found in certain countries or regions around the world. While not always purely reflective of the best local cuisine, they do at least provide a mild sense of a place and hold a mirror up to the regional culture – to a certain degree. Indeed, there’s something fascinating about local fast food chains, namely in how they differ from the big boys (i.e. McDonald’s) aesthetically and from an alimentary standpoint.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best fast food chains by country and region of origin (look for a distinct article on regional U.S. chains in the near future).

Oporto – Australia

This Portuguese-style chicken chain is by all accounts, the hottest fast food empire Down Under. With a location in London and soon, the United States, the New South Wales company is primed to deliver grilled galinha goodness beyond the borders of Australia. Oporto operates more than 100 locations in the country and in addition to chicken, serves burgers and breakfast.

Lafleur – Quebec, Canada

If you must eat fast food in Canada’s restaurant capital of Montreal, head to Lafleur. The small local chain serves up a famous La Belle Province (ironically the name of another Montreal fast food empire) staple: “steamies”, as in steamed hot dogs. French fries are famously hand cut and the chain’s “Michigan hot dog” is a classic menu item. The Quebecois classic “poutine” -  french fries with hot gravy and curd cheese – is a favourite as well.

Hesburger – Finland

When a local chain repeatedly triumphs over McDonald’s, I rejoice. Such is the case with Hesburger in Finland. The fast food empire is a huge deal in the Nordic nation, with more than 4,500 employees and locations all over Finland, not to mention Germany, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. If you head to the city of Turku, you can even stay at the Hesburger Hotel. While the chain’s burgers look suspiciously like Big Macs, the Pork Fillet on Rye sandwich is pretty original.

Supermac’s – Ireland

Ireland’s answer to McDonald’s and Burger King sprang out of County Galway in 1978. The rest is history: Supermac’s now operates over 90 outlets across The Emerald Isle. All standard fast food fare is available but for a quintessential Irish experience, try the cod burger.

Sukiya – Japan

One of Japan’s most popular homegrown fast food chains first set up shop in Yokohama, decades ago. Sukiya is part of the massive Zensho restaurant group and serves millions of gyudon, or “beef bowls” every year. The chain has more than 1,000 outlets across Japan and features other menu staples like Japanese curry rice and donburi.

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The Chicken Rice Shop – Malaysia

Hainanese chicken rice is perhaps the most famous dish to ever come out of Malaysia and Singapore. While the relatively new Chicken Rice Shop chain exploits the specialty’s incredible popularity, the company’s slogan is hilariously “Not Just Chicken Rice”. There are more than two dozen Chicken Rice Shop outlets throughout Malaysia.

Jollibee – Philippines

The Filipino love affair with American culture is nowhere more evident than at a Jollibee franchise. The massive chain operates close to 2,000 outlets in the Philippines and throughout Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Maybe not one of the best chains in the world but certainly one of the most popular.

Mr. Bigg’s – Nigeria

The most blatant aesthetic homage to the home of the Big Mac features a menu that is entirely distinct from McDonald’s and clearly built to accommodate local tastes. Nigeria’s Mr. Bigg’s chain has a major presence in the country, with regional menu items like Moin Moin, Farm House Beans & Dodo, Jollof Rice & Fish and Heritage Pottage.

Something tells me this topic could take off, so stay tuned for another fast food chain installment.

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7. Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day) – Ireland

If you head towards Ireland, and to several other European countries, you’ll find celebrations of Shrove Tuesday. In the old days, Christian families often gave up egg and dairy products throughout Lent. As a result, they had to use up these products before Lent began and did so by making pancakes.

Today Shrove Tuesday is more of a public celebration than the private one it once was. Held the day before Ash Wednesday, there are sometimes parades, pancake races (where women flip pancakes in a pan while running), and carnival fun.

6. The Quebec Winter Carnival – Canada

The Quebec Winter Carnival is held in Canada during the early part of February each year. Residents use the festival to shake off the winter blues, hitting the streets to party with the more than 1 million visitors who flock to the area.

You’ll find a mammoth ice palace, several incredible ice sculptures, music, parades, and much more. The Quebec Winter Carnival is an incredible way to honor the winter season.

5. Mardi Gras for Families – New Orleans, Louisiana

We know what you’re thinking. Mardi Gras, held the Tuesday before Lent, is not exactly the most appropriate place to take a child, right? The truth is that the concept of Mardi Gras as an event for scantily clad drunks is a bit off target.

You can certainly enjoy a Mardi Gras celebration, with the kids, as you tour the city. Check out the French Quarter (during the day), the Audubon Park Zoo, and watch the parades on both St. Charles Avenue and on Canal Street. Stay out of the French Quarter at night and the kids will have a great time!

4. Outhouse Racing – Michigan

If you head towards Trenary, Michigan during the last weekend of February you’re bound to see a site or two that will give you cause for pause. When indoor plumbing was originally created, residents used to take their old outhouses, tie them to skis, and push them down a hill. Back in 1993, residents decided this was a pretty interesting sport and decided that teams of three should work together to see who can make it to the bottom first. One person rides in the outhouse and two people are allowed to give it a push. The winners get bragging rights until the next year’s event.

3. Naked Men Festival – Japan

The Naked Men Festival, also known as Hadaka Matsuri, is held in Okamaya, Japan every February. The festival occurs at the Saidaiji Temple and is supposed to bring good luck to participants. The 10,000 men participating are, fortunately, not completely naked. All participants wear a loin cloth and some even wear tabi socks. They then wrestle for control of the shingi, representative sacred sticks. The one who ends up with them in the end gets all the luck!

2. Groundhog Day – Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania

On February 2^nd of each year, without fail, folks will gather in Punxsutawney, PA for an important event. Pennsylvania’s most famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, will come out of his burrow to check out the weather. If he’s scared by his shadow he’ll run back inside, indicating 6 more weeks of winter. If he hangs around, they assume spring will come early. Supposedly Phil has had a 100% success rate when it comes to predicting the change of seasons.

1. Polar Bear Plunge – Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey

There are events similar to the Polar Bear Plunge in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ every year but none are as original as this. The event is held every February in order to raise money for the Special Olympics. Every participant has to raise at least $100 to participate and, on that special day, will dive into the 36 degree Atlantic Ocean (and hop right back out). The largest event ever held was back in 1998, with 1,200 participants raising more than $154,000. Now that’s dedication!

If you’re looking for something a little bit “different” to do than you should certainly head towards one of these festivals this winter. You’re guaranteed to have fun and will make some incredible memories in the process!

Here are some destinations and points of interest that best capture the spirit of Black History Month. As we shall see, not all of them reside in North America.

Ghana

President Barack Obama paid a very public visit to Ghana in 2009, where he spent some time at former slave trade sites on the Atlantic coast. The West African nation has made efforts to transform several landmarks contingent on the Atlantic slave trade into solemn tourist attractions – perhaps in the same vein as former concentration camps in Poland and indeed, throughout Europe. Notable reminders of Ghana’s slave trade legacy include Cape Coast Castle and Museum, St George’s Castle and the former slave market in Salaga.

The Gambia

Anyone familiar with Alex Haley’s epic novel Roots will well remember that his ancestor Kunte Kinte began his transformative journey in The Gambia. The narrow country and virtual enclave of Senegal has several grim points of interest pertinent to Black History Month. James and Albreda islands were prominent slave ports for the French. Visitors can also take “Roots” tours through The Gambia and meet actual members of the Kinte clan in Jufureh village.

Other slave route tours focus on former slave trade sites throughout West Africa, in Benin, Burkina Faso, Togo and Mali. All told, a powerful and emotional variety of tourism.

Congo Square, New Orleans

Exceptional talent is imperative to capture the emotive spirit of a specific time and place in music and song. Wynton Marsalis and Yacub Addy did just that in the 2008 collaboration Congo Square. Our humble advice? Take a stroll through the historic New Orleans landmark in Louis Armstrong Park with the album on your digital music device and let yourself go back in time. Congo Square is where the seeds of early African American music were sown by slaves hundreds of years ago.

The Caribbean

The trade winds and coastal beaches of the Caribbean draw millions of holiday travelers every year. While idyllic, the islands of the Antilles were notable focal points of the triangular Atlantic slave trade. Haiti, Jamaica, Antigua, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Barbados and the Bahamas contain numerous reminders of the past. From plantations to forts and other notable landmarks, the Caribbean is a superb place to commune with history in the month of February.

Similarly, Central America is full of colonial slave trade era landmarks, from Belize to Honduras.

Civil Rights Districts and Landmarks

Black History Month is a relevant time to get in the car and take a family road trip to various Civil Rights era points of interest throughout the South and indeed, America. For us, it begins in Birmingham, with the Alabama city’s vital Civil Rights District. Atlanta’s Martin Luther King, Jr., National Historic Site is a must and includes the late Nobel laureate’s childhood home and tomb, in addition to the King Center and International Civil Rights Walk of Fame. Lyceum-The Circle Historic District in Oxford, Mississippi contains several Civil Rights monuments and landmarks in the heart of the Ole Miss campus.

Harlem

The surge of creative and intellectual expression in the 1920s and 1930s that came to be known as the “Harlem Renaissance” was without precedent. A result of the Great Migration at the turn of the 20th century, a demographic shift that made Harlem, New York the capital of black America, the Renaissance gave rise to names like Du Bois, Garvey, Ellington, Hughes and Baker. From the Lenox Lounge to the Apollo Theater, the Manhattan ‘hood is a suitable place to commemorate Black History Month.

Check out great hotel deals in New York City.

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6