Just in time for Fathers Day shopping, we’re launching The Travelers Way online store, full of gift suggestions for the Dad who loves to travel. And even for the Dads who are reluctant or armchair travelers.

Take a moment to browse a few of our recommendation – from guidebooks to electronic gadgets to practical tools – or search for what’s right for the dad in your life. While you’re at it, don’t forget to look for something for all those Dad stand-ins, the brothers, uncles, sons, and siblings who honor the title of Dad even when they aren’t one.

Happy shopping.

NOTE:  The Travelers Way online store includes affiliate links. Any purchases made help to fund and sustain our online travel magazine.

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Dating back to the early 1900s, the second Sunday in May has been set aside as a day to honor  mothers and motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society.

We celebrate that spirit today, by wishing all moms, moms-to-be, and those standing in for moms, a very special day.

Photo credit:  Courtesy of Mary Jo Manzanares

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Toronto is Canada’s largest city and as diverse as any I’ve seen. With it’s ethnic neighborhoods, impressive architecture, charming shops and markets, and interesting history – combined with its easily accessible international airport  and plenty of flights to Canada– make it a perfect weekend getaway for couples looking for an urban experience.

My weekend getaways usually include at least one or two museums, so here are 10 museums in Toronto worth a visit:

1. Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) – The Frank Gehry building has 100 separate galleries and over 4,000 works of art on display, yet despite its size, still manages to create an intimate experience. Take a look at the dramatic glass and wood façade on Dundas Street – it’s modeled after the shape of an overturned canoe. If you need a respite, grab a coffee or bite to eat at the Frank, the museum’s restaurant.
2. Royal Ontario Museum – This family friendly museum features over 40 galleries, featuring over 6 million natural history and world culture objects exhibited on four floors.  During summer time there’s often a line up, as families enjoy a day of educational and culturally enriching fun. Check out the impressive dinosaur collection, it’s a visitor favorite.
3. Hockey Hall of Fame – Combining both a hall of fame and a hockey museum, this is the sport for sports fan and lovers of Canada’s national past time. The museum houses exhibits about the NHL, its teams and players in 15 exhibit areas. Be sure to get a look at the impressive Stanley Cup.
4. Gardiner Museum – The specialty museum features a 3,ooo-piece collection of ceramic art that dates back 11,000 years. From European perfume bottles to contemporary teapots, it’s a look at how every day items can be curated with appeal. Take a look at the Canadian teapots. And then head off for an afternoon tea.
5. Bata Shoe Museum – For a bit of the eccentric, a stop off at the Bata Shoe Museum will give you a look at history through shoe fashion and the people that wore them. The permanent collection spans 4,500 years, from Egyptian sandals to modern footwear. Don’t miss the pumps worn by Marilyn Monroe.
6. Spadina Museum House and Historic Garden – Step back in history to the 19th century at this historic home of Canadian financier James Austin. This 50-room mansion was home to four generations of Austins, and it still contains original Art Deco furnishings and decorations. Tours are offered.
7. Museum of Inuit Art & MIA Gallery – Devoted to ancient as well as contemporary Inuit art, the museum has the city’s largest whale-bone sculpture. After learning more about this First Nation’s art, stop by the adjoining gallery to look at (and perhaps buy) something from one of the many featured emerging Inuit artists.
8. Ontario Science Center – With more than 800 interactive science exhibits, this museum charms adults and well as children, proving that education and learning really can be fun. If your home town has a science museum, it may offer reciprocal admission as part of the membership package.
9. Casa Loma – This castle was once the home of financier Sir Henry Pellatt, until a reversal of financial fortune forced him to abandon it. Today it’s a children’s attraction and museum that celebrates the the age of knights and ladies. It features impressive architecture, but I leave it to you whether it’s fabulous or touristy.
10. Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art – Located in Queen West, the museum promotes innovative contemporary art with notable artists and quirky themes. The group show on street culture and food was a big hit in a city that’s proud of its rich culinary heritage.

And a bonus recommendation:

Toronto Sculpture Gardens – Who said museums had to be indoors? This small urban park, across from St. James Cathedral, features an ever-changing look at contemporary sculpture installations. While perhaps not technically a museum, I like to think that nature provides the equivalent of brick and mortar.

Photo credit: ocad123 via flickr

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Drive through Anytown, USA and you are bound to notice some local color: a someone famous slept here sign, Home of the World’s Largest something or-other, or the world’s capital of something. So what do you get when you visit Little Rock, Arkansas? The Little Rock neighborhoods create a rich patina of cultural, heritage, and community pride that blend together to create the epitome of Southern charm.

Let’s take a look at the Little Rock neighborhoods to find the one that speaks to your travel style.

River Market

If you are in downtown Little Rock, you are close to what is perhaps the most popular spot in town – the historic downtown River Market District. This area has been part of a revitalization of the riverfront for over the past decade.

The River Market includes an outdoor farmers’ market, with all types of fresh, local produce being offered on Tuesdays and Saturdays, late April through October, and an indoor market where shopkeepers offer everything from gourmet coffee to fresh sushi. The area has become a center of activity, which is continually fueled by the addition of new restaurants, hot local bars and unique shops.

Events like Arvest River Market on Ice, the annual Riverfest (in the Riverfront Park adjacent to River Market), and Cruisin’ in the Rock bring people down to the area. These events boast live music, great food and a carnival-like atmosphere.

Quapaw Quarter

Just a short distance from the River Market is the area of restored 19th-century homes around MacArthur Park and the governor’s mansion known as the Quapaw Quarter. This area is nine square miles of beautiful antebellum and Victorian homes included in the central business district. This site is famous for the preservation of these historic homes.

Most of the homes are privately owned, so access is limited mainly to walking and driving tours. However, twice a year, many homes in the quarter are opened for tours under the direction of the Quapaw Quarter Association. There is the Annual Quapaw Quarter Spring Tour the first weekend in May and the Christmas Open House the first weekend in December.

The Villa Marre, dating from 1881, now a private residence, was the home used as the Sugarbaker Design Studio on the TV show Designing Women. The Empress Bed and Breakfast, Trapnall Hall, Old State House Museum and the Little Rock Visitor Information Center at Historic Curran Hall are open for tours and are available for special occasion rentals.

Hillcrest and Heights Neighborhoods

The area west of downtown along Markham Street is known as the Hillcrest Historic District. This is a National Register of Historic Places collection, being one of the earliest residential areas of the city, featuring beautiful turn of the century homes and cottages dating back to the early part of the 20th century.

The Heights is a trendy, upscale area on the northwest side of town with its own particular flavor. Here you will find quaint gift shops, exclusive boutiques, restaurants, cafes and antique shops, mixed into a residential neighborhood. This is north of Hillcrest and dates from the 1920s and 1930s. Many of the houses overlook the Arkansas River, built high up on the bluffs – hence the name. You’ll find leafy, well kept lawns, small cottages, interesting shops and peaceful streets.

Riverdale

This scenic area is home to the headquarters of Verizon Corporation, as well as apartments, condos and luxurious modern housing. It also has some of the city’s most popular restaurants and nightspots. It’s on the river so it has beautiful views and is just a few miles west of downtown. There’s also a harbor here in case you have a spare yacht you want to launch. Many residents of this neighborhood do.

Midtown

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock, home of the UALR Trojans, is located in an area west of downtown. The Arkansas Razorbacks play at War Memorial Stadium, and, housed on the campus south of there, you will find the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Planetarium, the art gallery in the Fine Arts Building, and the Stella Boyle Smith Auditorium. The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is the home of Arkansas’ only academic medical center, with clinics covering every medical specialty and a staff of more than 1,100 doctors.

North Little Rock

North Little Rock is a separate city with its own personality. Formerly known as Argenta, this municipality has preserved its own local history.

The Old Mill, famous for being the backdrop to the opening credits in Gone With the Wind, is open for tours. The Argenta Historic District is a large area that includes city hall, churches, and a military post. North Little Rock is also the site of Verizon Arena and hosts conventions, concerts, rodeos, and performances of all kinds.There are many smaller neighborhoods. Each area of town has its little bustling corner, and civic pride is evident in the growth and vitality of North Little Rock.

West Little Rock

If you drive west on Interstate 630 from the downtown area, you’ll soon find yourself on Chenal Parkway. After crossing Shackleford Road, you are greeted by a seemingly endless string of restaurants, hotels and shops, all the way to Chenal Valley, one of the newest residential developments in the city.

The Chenal Country Club and Pleasant Valley Country Club are located here, and are beautiful, top-rated golf courses in the area.

Bowman Road, Bowman Curve and West Markham, all in West Little Rock, offer more shopping, dining and entertainment. Arkansas Hwy. 10 takes you to Lake Maumelle and Pinnacle Mountain State Park, two of Little Rock’s most popular outdoor recreation areas.

Photo credits:  Courtesy of Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau (via TravMedia)

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Pacifica, a beach-front community just 10 minutes south of San Francisco, is a charming town and recreational playground. It’s a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring everything from world-class surfing, mountain biking and hiking to fishing, scuba diving and hang gliding.

Offering great leisure time activities, at an easily accessed destination, Pacifica sometimes gets overlooked in the vacation planning. Take a look at what you’ve been missing:

Surfing

Pacifica is home to some of Northern California’ best surfing beaches. Linda Mar State Beach (in top photo) is one of the most popular beginner surfing spots in the San Francisco area. A mile-long stretch of beach just north of Pedro Point Linda Mar is very picturesque and somewhat protected from the wind. The break is usually fairly forgiving and, on a nice weekend, the beach can attract a fair number of novice surfers. However, Linda Mar can also produce a fun and challenging wave with a bigger swell. The outer peaks tend to be the best shaped and often produce the longest rides. Longboard and funshape are the best boards.

As a contrast, Rockaway Beach and Sharp Park Beach are not for beginners. These two beaches are considered advanced surfing beaches due to their strong rips and big swells.

Pacifica has surf shops on Crespi Boulevard and Pedro Point, where the surfer can find wetsuits, surfboard rentals and surfing lessons. In addition to the recreational components of surfing Pacifica, the destination also features a series of annual surfing contests including Kahuna Kapuna (August), Pedro Point Surf Club’s Big Chill Out (September), and Uncle Dick’s Surf Fest (November).

Biking

Pacifica is known in the bike community for its network of trails that overlook the Pacific Ocean. You’ll find everything from leisurely rides along the paved coastal trail to ascending the flanks of Montara Mountain, towering 2000 feet above Pacifica.

The Old San Pedro Road in the Linda Mar district, once the lifeline between Pacifica and all points south, is a great way to explore the Pacific Coast above Devils Slide and beyond. This formerly paved route serves as the gateway to some of the best mountain bike riding in San Mateo County.  The road has a maximum 6% grade.

For a cardio testing route, try pedaling past the Nike Missile Control site on the Mori Ridge trail above Shelldance Nursery in Pacifica’s Fairway district. The Mori Ridge trail mirrors the route that Gaspar de Portola walked on by pedaling up and around Sweeney Ridge to the Discovery site. A humble plaque sits atop the ridge showing where the Portola expedition first caught sight of the inland bay eventually to be known as San Francisco Bay.

Hiking

For nearly a century, Mori Point served as a haven for settlers, travelers, bootleggers and diners. Today, this spectacular place serves as a haven for walkers and wildlife. A recent addition to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Mori Point is considered the natural coastal extension of the National Park’s Sweeney Ridge property located due east across the Pacific Coast Highway. On the Mori Point property, visitors can stroll along paths through wildflower fields, visit restored habitat for threatened species or marvel at the dramatic coastline from the upper trail that extends all the way to the western edge of Mori Point. From the coastal bluff top you can ogle the dramatic coastline, stretching north beyond Pacifica to the Marin Headlands and, on a clear day, Point Reyes. The top of the point is a great whale-watching location and sunsets from Mori Point are spectacular.

From the Sweeney Ridge, a scouting party led by Gaspar de Portolá in 1769 became the first Europeans to see San Francisco Bay. A monument marks the approximate location. This ridge top is a federally protected hiking area of ridges and ravines between San Bruno and Pacifica, overlooking the San Francisco Peninsula, San Andreas Lake and the Pacific Ocean. The ridge’s 1,200-foot-high summit, covered with coastal scrub and grassland, slopes down to the bay on one side and to the Pacific on the other. Wildlife includes hawks, deer and a plethora of spring wildflowers.  On a clear day, hikers will see the City of Pacifica and the Pacific Ocean and coastline. In the springtime, the hills turn gold with California poppies and other wildflowers. A nearby granite monument directs hikers to views that include the Farallon Islands, Mt. Tamalpais, Point Reyes, Mt. Diablo, Montara Mountain and San Pedro Point.

Milagra Ridge’s scrub-covered ridgeline runs east to west, offering impressive views of the city of Pacifica, the ocean and the coast. This protected ridge is the focus of community efforts to restore the wildlife habitat and help ensure the survival of a number of rare and endangered species found within this national parkland. The ridge is a critical habitat for the endangered Mission Blue butterfly and home to Red-tailed Hawks, often seen spiraling overhead. Visitors are required to stay on trails and pets must be leashed. Bicycles are permitted on the paved trail only. The hiking is mostly level and mostly paved.

Fishing and Crabbing

From the last week of June into the first week of August, some of the best fishing in the United States can be had in the inshore waters off Pacifica. The rocky coast is made up of a series of small bays where salmon are the most sought-after catch. In addition to the salmon, striped bass often frequent the surf along with kingfish, sharks and perch. Although rare, sturgeon, barracuda and bonito have also been caught—even a 60-pound white-sea bass was landed.

Pacifica Pier offers the only pier in the Bay Area where the public can crab for free. During the winter, Dungeness crab, which are not available elsewhere in the Bay Area, are abundant off the pier; in the spring, catch perch at Linda Mar Bay; in the fall, go rock fishing off Pedro Point.

Pacifica has bait-and-tackle shops located on Francisco Boulevard, Palmetto Avenue and at the Pacifica Pier. No license is required at the pier.

The Pacifica Pier is located in Sharp Park with access two blocks west of the Pacific Coast Highway. The pier is open daily from 4 am-10 pm (note that the pier closes during rough weather).

Scuba Diving and Spear Fishing

Linda Mar Beach is an intermediate-to-advanced beach entry scuba-dive site with a diverse aquatic life, including seals, fish and rays. In May and June, halibut come into Linda Mar Bay, which attracts many divers spearfishing for this prize fish.

At Pedro Point, two wrecks lie on the ocean’s bottom in approximately 30 to 40 feet of water. In 1906, the Drumburton, a 266-foot, four-mast sail cargo ship hit the rocks at Pedro Point due to thick fog and high waves. Just four years later, in August 1910, the James Rolph, a 169-foot, four-mast schooner cargo ship was swept by the current into the rocks and went down in the vicinity of Drumburton. Remnants of these two ships remain on the ocean floor; however, the swim makes this a difficult dive.

Conditions can be unpredictable and it is best to dive the southern part of Linda Mar Beach during calm, flat conditions. Visibility averages 5 to 20 feet most of the year, with 40-foot visibility on a great day. Water temperatures average mid-50 degrees year-round, so plan appropriately for a warm and safe dive.

Hang Gliding

Hang gliding in Pacifica is some of the best in the world.  The flights start from Mussel Rock at the north end and can go all the way to Pedro Point, the southern-most point in Pacifica.  Regularly occurring smooth west winds blow from the Pacific Ocean and gently push the hang gliders “wings” up.  These winds flow over the coastal cliffs and hang gliders ride the wind much like surfers ride waves.  Tandem flights are available.

Golf

The 18-hole Sharp Park Golf Course is located just off the Pacific Coast Highway at the intersection of Sharp Park Road and Francisco Boulevard. The historic clubhouse, built in 1932, houses the starter/golf area, lounge, large main dining room and private dining room.

Archery

San Francisco Archers is a non-profit organization that promotes archery at all levels of ability and age. The club is open to the public every day. Non-member adults pay $5 and children under 13 are admitted free of charge.

Horseback Riding

There are several horse trails around the foothills and mountains of Pacifica, and several private ranches and horse parks also allow riding. In San Mateo County, horse riding is allowed in the Crystal Springs Reservoir. There are two horse-riding trails: the San Andreas Trail and the Sawyer Camp Recreation Trail. Both are wide, flat, paved trails winding around the eastern shore of the Crystal Springs Reservoir.

Segway Tours

The many well-maintained and level trails along Pacifica’s beautiful beaches lend themselves to Segway rides. Begin your ride at Rockaway Beach and the trail wends through a rock quarry to climb up 12 scenic switchbacks over Pacifica’s Strawberry Hill to Linda Mar Beach and beyond. Along the way, enjoy spectacular views, beautiful wildflowers, historic sites and sights of the world’s best surfers. Riders may even see whales, seals and birds.

Beaches

Pacifica features seven miles of spectacular Pacific Ocean beaches that are perfect for a whole range of recreational activities.

Linda Mar Beach is the southernmost of Pacifica’s large beaches. This picturesque, crescent-shaped beach is located at the mouth of the San Pedro Valley, off the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, and is the northern gateway to the coastline stretching south of San Francisco. It is widely regarded as the best beach for surfing, kayaking and playing in the Bay Area. A variety of retailers offers surfboard and kayak rentals and lessons all year around. Private surf camps for children and adults operate during the summer. Linda Mar Beach also offers a bike and walking trail along the ocean, restrooms and showers and whale watching in the spring. It is also very popular with dog owners (dogs must be on leash).

Rockaway Beach is located south of the Pacifica Pier along the Pacific Coast Highway. Its narrow strand, crashing surf and dramatic headlands make it a popular walking, dining and hotel destination. Offering the only beachfront hotels between Pacifica and San Francisco, several lovely properties offer comfortable, attractive rooms and suites where guests can hear the sound of the ocean’s rolling waves. On Rockaway Beach, visitors can find hotels, restaurants, quaint shops featuring the work of local artisans, scenic walking trails and the Pacifica Visitor Information Center, which provides maps, directions, brochures and postcards.

Sharp Park Beach is the location of the famous Pacifica Pier – the only pier in the Bay Area open for crabbing during Dungeness crab season. After visiting the pier, continue south along Sharp Park Beach, watch the shorebirds and then go up the trail leading to the top of the Mori Point Headlands, where you can enjoy spectacular ocean views. Sharp Park Beach has picnic facilities, a café, fishing, a walking promenade, vista point parking and nature trails.

Mussel Rock Beach is just west of the Pacific Coast Highway and Skyline Blvd. between Pacifica and San Francisco.  The beach offers a stunning vista across the sea cliffs to the Pacific. It is a striking configuration of one large rock and numerous smaller ones. A rocky path leads from the parking area to an easy descent to the water where visitors can watch paragliders sail across the sky. The area is also home to raptors, which enjoy the currents and thermals as much as the human gliders. In the spring, gorgeous wildflowers are a colorful backdrop to ocean views.

Parks

In addition to the many breathtaking beaches, Pacifica is also home to two public parks.

The San Pedro Valley Park is nestled amongst the Santa Cruz Mountain range and the foothills of Pacifica. The park offers group picnic areas, family picnic sites with barbecue pits, a self-guided nature trail, hiking trails, a visitor center and views of the seasonal Brooks Water Fall. San Pedro Valley Park is a walker’s paradise. There are trails for all ages and fitness levels, ranging from the Valley View Trail to the wide vistas of San Pedro Valley and the Pacific Ocean from the top of Montara Mountain. The facilities at San Pedro Valley are primarily for day use only. A visitor center near the park entrance displays exhibits about the ecosystem of San Pedro Valley and its plant and animal species. Some are live exhibits. The center is open weekends and holidays from 10 am to 4 pm. No dogs allowed in the park. Bicycles are allowed only on Weiler Ranch Road. The park is open from 8:00 am until dusk.

The Frontierland Park, tucked away on a Pacifica hillside in Park Pacifica, is one of those little-known Bay Area spots. Most notably, it sports a massive sloping lawn, well-kept amenities and one of the nicest children’s playgrounds in the Bay Area. The park is extensive with forest, open space, a horseshoe area and a barbecue/picnic area. This is also the site of Pacifica’s annual Fourth of July celebration.

Photo credits:  All via flickr. Surfers (top) by surfcrs; bay by Vards Uzvards; trail view by Tom Hilton; Pedro Point by Vicki Moore; Sharp Park Beach by surfcrs

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Hot Browns, Derby Pie, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Bourbon — what do these things have in common?  They are all culinary delights that claim Louisville as their birthplace.  While these regional favorites may be the first things to come to mind when you think of dining in the Derby City, food enthusiasts will devour a complement of independent restaurants serving the fresh flavors of locally grown food.  The locally grown trend has pushed Louisville into the food world prime time, with Southern Living Magazine ranking Louisville as one of the Top 10 Tastiest Towns.

Enjoying a recent weekend in Louisville, I marveled at the abundance of dining options throughout the city.  While wishing that I had more time, I decided to jump right into the food scene, and began exploring the dining options centered in the downtown Louisville and surrounding areas.

In a diverse,  reemerging  neighborhood (just East of Downtown) known as NuLu sits Toast on Market (620 E. Market St.). Open for breakfast and lunch only, this charming spot was created by merging two well-aged storefronts, and offers such an ample and creative menu, that I could scarcely decide what to order.

Breakfast started with cocktails – a crisp Apple Cider Mimosa for me and a spicy Cajun Bloody Mary for my dining companion – followed by a delightful plate of Lemon Souffle’ pancakes with warm vanilla custard and blueberry compote. While I was concerned that the dish might be too sweet, one bite of these airy cakes and I knew why they are a customer favorite.

Opting for something a little more savory, my companion dove into a Greek omelet loaded with spinach, olives and feta cheese.  The food is paired with helpful and friendly service – the mere mention of wishing I could recreate the Mimosa at home prompted the return of the handwritten recipe from the bartender.

Walking through the NuLu area, we found lots to catch our attention, more restaurants and cafes, eclectic shops, and a real standout, Muth’s candy store (630 E. Market St.).  Established in 1921, Muth’s is famous for their irresistible Bourbon Balls made with 100 proof Very Old Barton bourbon and hand dipped in Dark Chocolate.  Greeted by the original owner, I was encouraged to sample many of the stores offerings, the tastes convincing me that I could not leave without purchasing another Louisville classic, the sinfully rich Modjeskas.  Created in the 1880s and named for a Polish actress appearing in Louisville at the time, a Modjeska is a butter cream caramel wrapped around a creamy marshmallow center. Simple deliciousness.

Near the end of the NuLu district is Cake Flour (909 E. Market St.), a natural baking company that has been featured on Food Network’s The Best Thing I Ever Ate.  Cake Flour creates sweet indulgences using organic, and whenever possible, locally produced ingredients. I fell in love with the adorably decorated bourbon ladybugs, part cake ball, part bourbon ball, all totally delicious. The tiny shop offers a rotating variety of cookies, pastries, muffins, sweet and savory scones, breads, and quiche. While there are a few outdoor tables, most confections are grab and go.

In case you were beginning to think the NuLu district was filled with only sweet retreats, be sure not to miss the award winning Harvest Restaurant  (624 E. Market St.).  Harvest serves regionally inspired, seasonal dishes in keeping with the trendy farm-to-table movement.  Even the decor seems straight from the farm with log base tables and re-purposed wood.

For lighter fare,  Garage Bar (700 E. Market St.) features Wood-fired pizza, craft beer and southern snacks like boiled peanuts and pimento cheese sandwiches.  Housed in a former gasoline service station that served as a saloon in the early 1900′s, Garage is the fun and funky cousin to another Louisville stand-out, Proof on Main.

For a classic Louisville dining experience, head to the legendary English Grill restaurant in the historic Brown Hotel (335 W. Broadway St.).   It is at this hotel, in 1926, that late night revelers were served a new creation, an opened faced turkey sandwich, covered in a rich sauce with broiled cheese, then topped with bacon and tomatoes. It has become famously known as a Hot Brown.

With rich oak paneling and antique brass light fixtures setting the mood for a special dining experience, The English Grill adheres to a dress code of business casual, no shorts, t-shirts with writing, flip-flops or cell phone usage is allowed.  It is open for dinner only. Be sure to save room for the hotel’s signature delight – the Chocolate Striptease – chocolate cake with chocolate mousse covered in ganache and chocolate shavings doused in 151 rum and served flaming. Like its name, it is truly something to be experienced — at least once.

Photos credits: All via flickr. Cake Flour: Hello Louisville, Muth’s Candies: Hello Louisville,  Hot Brown : Pete Karl II

NOTE: While a portion of the author’s trip was sponsored by Go Louisville, the opinions expressed are strictly her own.

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Fine dining is about a lot more than the simple act of eating. It is about the experience, as a whole, how each course guides you through your meal, like plot points in a book. How the setting creates a mood and an atmosphere. How your waiter helps you along this journey like a familiar literary friend.

Here are five of my favorite fine dining restaurants Johannesburg, South Africa

Pigalle

Pigalle is a series of restaurants that are based in Sandton, Bedfordview, and Melrose Arch each with their own unique atmosphere. Enter the Sandton Pigalle for dinning in a luxurious setting overlooking Nelson Mandela Square. Alternatively, eat at the trendy and elegant Melrose Arch Restaurant with a view of the metropolitan piazza. If you enjoy the old world charm of colonial comfort, eat at the Bedfordview Pigalle.

To begin, taste Pigalle’s traditional Portuguese Chouriço, prawns a Guilho, calamari, or Venison Carpaccio.

For the main course, explore Pigallo’s three realms of expertise, Fish, Shellfish and Meat.

Taste the complex and unique flavors of the Mozambican prawn curry, the delicate deliciousness of their Yellow Fin Tuna or the home-grown marbled quality of their Balsamic Fillet.

To end, savor the seductive tastes of a variety of Crème Brulées or a decadent Chocolate Fondant.

Browns

Browns is a restaurant that brings the Cape Wine lands to Johannesburg. It boasts one of the finest wine cellars in the country, along with an impressive French cheese room. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of Brown’s a large dining area and their airy yet intimate patio.

To begin, start with the unique Bobotie Won-Tons or the Springbok Carpaccio.

For the main course, devour a delicious Impala Loin or the Ostrich Potjie.

To end, order the Mrs. Beatons’ Berry Pudding, or the distinctly African, Amarula Tiramisu.

Thava

Thava is a restaurant with its roots based in the Kerala province of India and has a warm, friendly atmosphere. The owner’s passion for the different cultures of Kerala is infused into Thava’s food. They provide something rare in South Africa, Indian Tapas.

To begin, order a selection of Tapas dishes to sample sheer variety of the tastes of Kerala’s cuisine.

For the main course, order a selection of Vegetable, Chicken, Beef and Seafood dishes to share. Do not forget to select delicately flavored Naan Breads and Rice to go with your selection.

To end, taste the Gulab Jamun, fried balls of Cardamom, milk powder and sugar syrup, or Soorje, a Semolina pudding served with a Strawberry Coulis and Vanilla ice cream.

Linger Longer

This is a journey to one of the classics. Linger Longer is a stately restaurant that has been running for over 50 years with an old world feel. Dark wood and genial bow–tied waiters give an atmosphere of times gone by. But luckily it is far from a stiff upper lip restaurant from the past. Set in a residential house it provides a comfortable, and elegant atmosphere.

To begin with, try the selection of carefully cured raw seafood, including Namibian oysters, Tuna Carpaccio as well as a Cerviche of salmon and prawn.

For the main course, choose from a selection of Impala Venison, or classics like the Lamb Rack, Roast Beef Fillet, Lobster Bisque, and Foie Gras.

To end, devour a perfectly prepared Crepe Suzette.

Wombles

Wombles is a Steak Restaurant based in the cosmopolitan neighborhood of Parktown North. It has a classy yet comfortable, plantation-style feel and has won a Gold Plate Award, the highest honor a restaurant can receive, for its melt in the mouth food.

To begin, try the Marrow Bones, Duck liver pate or Cajun Style Calamari tubes.

For the main, Eat Steak! Wombles is renowned for having some of the juiciest steaks available to meat lovers. Pick your cut, your sauce and how you would like your steak cooked. Be prepared to wait and salivate because great care is taken in the cooking of your steak at Wombles.

To end, enjoy a glass of wine or whiskey with a cheese board.

It’s often hard to find the perfect fine dining spots, but you can’t go wrong with one of these culinary temples and restaurants in Johannesburg.

Photo credit:  Evan Bench via Twitter

Guest author bio:  Daryl Van Der Merwe, AKA The Book Wookie, is a passionate student of the written word and a love of travel, exploration, new technology, new experiences, books and film.

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As all mothers know, a weeknight out of the house can be too few and far between.  So when the chance for me to let the dust lie, the laundry pile up and the kids settle their own squabbles, I shouted “Thank Heavens!” and headed to the theater.

Quite an appropriate response really, as the performance I was headed to see was Sister Act.  As part of the Broadway Across America series, the touring show is based on the popular movie that starred Whoopi Goldberg.  The stage version follows very closely to the storyline portrayed in the film as a flamboyant disco singer witnesses a murder and must take shelter in the most unlikely place, a convent.  As the musical diva comes to accept the unconditional friendship of the nuns, she sees the opportunity to use her talents to bolster their choir and infuse new life into the struggling church they serve.

Set in the 1970′s, and featuring a score written by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater, the musical comedy offers a blend of musical stylings including Motown, soul, gospel, disco, and even one number that pays homage to the one and only Barry White.  The multi-talented cast made this a fun, enjoyable evening to laugh, clap and enjoy the company of other hard working women. Check the Broadway Across America site to see when Sister Act will be touring near you.

To enjoy a full night, I have a few recommendations for pre and post theater stops in Indianapolis. Sister Act was performed at Murat Theatre located in the Mass Ave District of downtown Indianapolis, so the options in the area are vast.  Established in 1820 as one of the main diagonal streets leading into Indianapolis, Massachusetts Avenue is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Anchored by two buildings steeped in history, The Athenaeum, established in 1894 and The Murat Shrine built in 1909, the district is now a thriving art, theater and dining center.

Ethnic options like Chatham Tap and Ball and Biscuit (British Pubs), Rathskellar Biergarten & Kellerbar (German) and MacNiven’s Restaurant and Bar (Scottish) offer authentic food, beverages and atmosphere.  Inventive American classics are the order of the day at Bru Burger Bar, Bazbeaux Pizza and Old Point Tavern.

One of my favorite dining spots in the Mass Ave District is Mesh on Mass.  Mesh serves innovative twists on American classics in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.  Looking around I noticed business men conducting a dinner meeting seated next to a couple sharing a romantic dinner and more than a few tables of friends enjoying a meal together.

While the entrees and nightly specials served at Mesh are outstanding, one of my favorite menu items  is The Cheese Board (listed under the appetizers).  Chose a selections of three or six varieties of cheese, there are many to choose from, and be sure to ask your server to make recommendations. Add a glass of wine and you have the perfect start to your evening.

A popular dining spot, Mesh can be quite crowded, especially when events are being held at the Murat.  Consider grabbing a quick bite at the bar while enjoying hand-made cocktails and select items off the $2 bar menu served before 6:00 pm and again late-night.  Since the Murat is within walking distance and with convenient street parking, why not return for dessert and a night-cap?!

If you are in the mood for bar food, I suggest a visit to MacNiven’s Scottish-American Restaurant and Bar.  Housed in a 100 year old building with exposed bricks and hard-wood floors, this bar might seem a wee bit manly for a ladies night out, yet the friendly staff made us feel more than welcome.  Serving American bar staples and classic Scottish fare including Scotch Eggs, Whiskey-laced Onion Soup and Belhaven Beer-battered Fish and Chips, what visit to a Scottish bar would be complete without a sampling of Haggis?!

Sticking with a lighter fare, I opted for a cup of the Beer Cheese Soup.  Warm and creamy with a sharp after bite of the beer, it was the perfect thing to take off the evening’s chill.  When my dining companion ordered the Seared Ahi Tuna, it took all of my will power not to say out loud, “Seriously, Ahi Tuna in a Scottish bar?”.  Yet, to my amazement it was perhaps one of the best Ahi Tuna I have ever experienced – perfectly seared with a peppery outer crust.  With large garage style windows that roll up to expose bustling Mass Ave, I cannot wait to return to this charming spot once the weather warms.

Window shopping while walking to the Theatre made me wish I had more time to enjoy the offerings provided by local merchants. Inviting shops like Silver in the City, Mass Ave Toys and The Best Chocolate in Town beckon me to return for my next Ladies Night Out.

While the author was given complimentary tickets to the performance for the purpose of a review, the opinions expressed are strictly her own.

Photo selections: Courtesy of Visit Indy,  flickr: Sergi Melki Murat Theatre

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Diving with sharks, helping with a cattle round-up, watching a battle reenactment, and attending pow wows aren’t the first things that come to mind when someone mentions New York. However, just a short drive from the skyscrapers and bustle of the nation’s most populated city, the state of New York has glorious white sand beaches, vast farmlands and the Adirondack Park, the largest park outside of Alaska, with mountains that peak at more than a mile above sea level.

Whether you want to step back into the 16th century at the Sterling Renaissance Festival, bask on an award-winning beach, or race around the mountains at adrenaline-pumping speeds, look no further than New York State.

Here are ten exotic family getaways in the Empire State:

1.  Watch out for flying Cannon Balls. Cannons and muskets are actually fired at Revolutionary and Civil War re-enactments around the state, such as at the Civil War Heritage Days at Schuyler Flatts (August 16-18th) and at the Civil War encampment at Congress Park in Saratoga Springs (September 13-15th). General and Mrs. Ulysses Grant, General Robert E. Lee and President Abraham Lincoln are expected to attend.

While you’re in the Capital-Saratoga region: Canoe and swim at one of the area’s lovely lake beaches, pan for gemstones and drink fresh-pressed cider at Eagle Mills, bask in the fresh Saratoga Mineral Spas, enjoy the planetarium and hands-on science at the Schenectady Museum, and discover historic Albany on an amphibious Aqua Ducks Tour.

2.  Go for the Gold. Lake Placid has become a prime year-round training ground for athletes thanks to facilities built for the 1980 Winter Olympics. Throughout the year, your budding skating Olympian can work at perfecting their own triple Lutz on the indoor Olympic Center rink and watch the next crop of champion hopefuls practice their soaring jumps on simulated snow at the Olympic Jumping Complex. Not to be missed, for those four feet and taller, is the terrifying thrill of bobsledding — on wheels in warm-weather months — with a professional driver down the Olympic track. Survivors are rewarded with a bobsled lapel pin and membership in the U.S. Bobsled and Skeleton Federation. And after all that excitement, nothing beats a dip in the lake!

While you’re in the Adirondacks region: Choose from 3,000-plus lakes and ponds and thousands of miles of mountain biking, hiking and canoe trails, splash into Great Escape and Splashwater Kingdom, take a steamboat cruise at Lake George, follow the scenic Lakes to Locks Passage along Lake Champlain and explore Fort Ticonderoga.

3.  Create your own fish stories. The Thousand Islands-Seaway region offers rare opportunities to catch trophy-sized fish, including lake trout, king salmon and walleye on Lake Ontario and Muskie, northern pike, native wild carp, bass and the renowned Lancaster Perch on the St. Lawrence River. Go with a local guide, or better still, rent a fishing skiff, pontoon or runabout and stop at secluded beaches, restaurants, resorts, campgrounds, museums and parks, many accessible only by boat. Among the many lovely beaches are those along the warm water inlet of Lake of the Isles, Sandy Island Beach and Robert Moses State Park Beach. Along the 500-mile coastal drive or cruise while counting the nearly 2000 islands, large and small.

While you’re in the Thousand Islands-Seaway region: Enjoy the excitement of both whitewater and calm rafting on the Black River, see historic 1812 military sites in Ogdensburg, Sackets Harbor and Oswego, visit a true American “hunting lodge” castle and stay in historic lighthouse.

4.  Play like it’s 1585. Shoot a crossbow, wield an ax, ride a horse, a carousel or an exotic camel, and participate in enforcing justice by hurling tomatoes at a restrained rogue as you relive 16th century English village life. It’s all part of the Sterling Renaissance Festival, held every weekend from July 6 to August 18 in Warwick, in the Finger Lakes region. At any moment, a sword fight might break out, a sheriff and his henchmen might begin harassing bystanders or a group of pirates might break into a bawdy song. Traditional music, plays, crafts demonstrations and food are also on tap. Dress your family in period garb — you won’t be the only ones — to really get into the spirit.

While you’re in the Finger Lakes region: Watch glass blowing demonstrations at the Corning Museum of Glass, enjoy the interactive exhibits and marvel at the toy collections at Rochester’s Strong Museum of Play, and step back to the 19th century at the Genesee Country Village living history museum.

5.  Ride America’s longest, fastest zipline. The SkyRider at Hunter Mountain in Hunter traverses almost five miles of Catskills forest at speeds of up to 55 miles per hour and heights up to 600 feet off the ground. This is designed for thrill seekers over 10 years old, who weigh at least 100 pounds. The five ziplines run in pairs, encouraging participants to interact and race. The zipline course, the largest in North America and second largest in the world, takes about three hours from start to finish. Families who haven’t tried ziplining before may prefer the mid-canopy tour, which includes six shorter ziplines, rope bridges and a thrilling rappel and runs at about 60 feet off the ground.

While you’re in the Catskills area: Ride the thrilling Black Vortex at the Zoom Flume Water Park in East Durham, go tubing down Esopus Creek (in photo), or take a scenic ride on the Catskill Mountain Railroad in Mt. Tremper.

6.  Make like a monkey. In the Central New York town of Howes Cave, Howe Caverns, known for bringing visitors 156 feet below the Earth’s surface to witness a fantastic world of stalactites and stalagmites, now has above-ground thrills. The Sky Trail, a ropes course resembling a giant 30-foot tall jungle gym, challenges kids (at least 48 inches tall) and fit parents to scramble like monkeys through more than 25 challenges. While there’s no danger of falling—you’re clipped onto a sliding track—you might be embarrassed if you haven’t been doing your pull-ups! Less challenging physically, but equally thrilling is a four-station zipline.

While you’re in the Central New York region: Cruise or bike along the Erie Canal. In Cooperstown, pay homage to your favorite team at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, then ride the Empire State Carousel and see the twin Merino lambs born this spring at the Farmers’ Museum, a recreated 19th century village and farm.

7.  Attend a real Pow Wow. Dancers come from across the country to compete in authentic and colorful Native American Dance and Drum Competitions at the annual Seneca Allegany Veterans Pow Wow. Native American art, craft and food vendors are also featured. This year’s gathering will be held on July 20 and 21 at Veteran’s Park in Salamanca, and as always, families are welcome. Nearby, the Seneca-Iroquois National Museum displays traditional clothing, a reproduction of a traditional longhouse and paints a picture of pre-contact Native American life in the region.

While you’re in the Chautauqua-Allegheny region: Explore Amish country, where your kids will marvel at life without computers or cars, thrill to the Aerial Park and zipline at Holiday Valley, catch the Ellicottville Championship Rodeo July 4-7, and attend a free lakeside show at Chautauqua Institution.

8.  Feel the power of Niagara. The thunderous power of these renowned falls is astounding. Kids will enjoy cruising right up to the cascade on the Maid of the Mist and walking to the base on the Cave of the Winds walk. And they’ll rave about the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour, which leaps, pirouettes and bounces its way to the Niagara Falls whirlpool and through the Class V rapids of the Niagara Gorge at speeds up to 55 miles per hour. Kids need to be 44 inches tall for this adventure ride, rated among the top five in North America. A covered jet boat accommodates smaller and less adventurous travelers.

While you’re in the Greater Niagara region: Splash into the water park and wild rides at Darien Lake Theme Park, the state’s largest; see why Letchworth State Park is called the “Grand Canyon of the East;” and on May 10-12, 17-19, Thomas The Train fans can hop aboard in Medina for a 25 minute ride with all of their favorite characters.

9.  Feed the chickens, milk the cow. In the Hudson Valley, less than an hour by car from midtown Manhattan, tenant farmers and other residents of Phillipsburg Manor in Sleepy Hollow transport families to the year 1750 to help with chores such as milking cows, collecting eggs, threshing wheat and shelling beans. For example, in the working gristmill, Caesar, an enslaved African, teaches the art of milling corn and shares the seldom told story of enslavement in the colonial north. Even the animals wear period garb since they’re authentic historic breeds of oxen, cows, sheep and chickens.

While you’re in the Hudson Valley region: Try blacksmithing, brick making, spinning, weaving and other 18th century activities at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-On-Hudson, teen and parents can share their passion for cooking at The Culinary Institute of America, earn a Junior Secret Service Badge (7 to 12 year olds) while touring the Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site in Hyde Park, and enjoy “Irving’s Traveling Totes” bag of games, scavenger hunt and picture book at Sunnyside in Tarrytown, Washington Irving’s landmark home.

10.  Build a Sandcastle to the Stars. Its warm waters and seven-miles of pristine, dune-backed, powder-soft sands earned Coopers Beach in Southampton the top spot on Dr. Beach’s list in 2010 (which means Dr. Beach retires it from future consideration). As might be expected in a haunt of the rich and powerful, there are great eateries, a well-maintained bathhouse, and parking just a few steps from the shore, making this a hassle-free, spot to build sandcastles, soak in the surf and just maybe, spot some of your favorite celebs.

While you’re on Long Island: Try surf fishing at Montauk Point State Park, relive rural 18th century life at Old Bethpage Village Restoration, catch the waves–and a concert—at Jones Beach, and, at the Atlantis Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead, train seals and sea lions and view predator sharks from the safety of a shark cage.

Where’s your favorite New York family vacation destination?

Photo credit:  All via flickr. Lake Placid region (bobsled track); Amish Patel (fishing); Scuba Bear68 (tubing); Scazon (Niagara Falls); Daniel Huggard (beach)

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Planning a vacation in Britain can be daunting for even the most veteran travelers. Most vacations in  Britain start in London, which is not only a political hub, but is also well known for its powerful world influence on fashion, entertainment, and the arts. In the midst of the trendy and hip, however, London is also a city of tradition and culture. Combine the modern with the historical to get the best of London and a great start on what a vacation in Britain has to offer.

Here are UNESCO World Heritage sites in London worth taking the time to to see:

Tower of London

The Tower of London is located on the north bank of the Thames in central London, and is a compound of multiple buildings with a moat.  It’s currently the oldest British governmental building and has an impressive history as a fortress, palace, prison, and place of execution and torture.  Must see sites there today include the Crown Jewels, the White Tower, the Ravens, and the Medieval Palace.

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is made up of nearly 300 acres in southwest London, and is generally referred to as Kew Gardens. The grounds includes gardens and landscaping that demonstrate traditions and styles dating from the 18th century to the present.. Beautiful outdoor gardens along with indoor botanicals make a great place for a sunny day.

Three-in-One Location on the Thames

• The Palace of Westminster sits on the north bank of the Thames and is home to three significant historical sites. The Palace is usually referred to as the Houses of Parliament, and is home to the House of Lords and the House of Commons. This hub of U.K. politics is also home to Big Ben, one of Britain’s iconic skyline attractions.
• Westminster Abbey is probably best known as the church where royal coronations occur and as the church where Princess Diana’s funeral was held.  This house of worship is open to the public.
• St. Margaret’s Church is an Anglican church that is the parish church of the Houses of Parliament.  The church is generally open to visitors.

Maritime Greenwich

This group of buildings includes a park, the former Royal Naval College, and the Royal Observatory, and is home to the Greenwich Meridian (0 degrees longitude) and Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Everyone has their own special memory or ideas on how to have a great vacation in Britain. What’s yours?

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