Unforgettable Tours: From Los Angeles to San Francisco

BY  sagnika May 28, 2024

Are you planning to go Venice beach? Do you have any plans to explore the place more thoroughly? Most articles cover areas that are quite popular. However, I have created a list that is a mix of things to do in Venice Beach, both popular and a little unique.   If you plan a two-day visit to Venice Beach, you can cover all these places simultaneously. Venice Beach is a world-famous bohemian Los Angeles beach enclave that is popular not just among celebrities but also among the natives.   It might be the same name but if you want to visit Venice, how many days in Venice? Let me share with you the details in another blog.  Read About 10 Things to Do in Venice Beach and Plan!   If you are planning to visit Venice Beach, here are 10 things to do if you do not plan to ride the waves all day long. There are several alternative things to do if you want to discover Venice Beach, California.   Yes, it is in California even when the name is relatable to a European place, the actual Venice. Did you know the best places to go in Italy? If not, I can share with you several other features. In this article, I will share various activities that will encourage you to plan your own trip. In addition, you can explore various shops and eateries that will give you a vibe about the culture and how diversity is a thing here.   1. Venice ‘Walk Streets’ This is one of the coolest and most unique sets of pedestrian-only streets located inland from the beach. When you decide to go for a walk, you can check out these ways, thus visiting different restaurants and places to eat.   These streets date from the 1900s and were part of the plan of Abbot Kinney, the tobacco tycoon. Across the system of charming canals, these streets are all around, creating a network across Venice, Italy. Initially, the streets were perfect because people on low salaries could regularly walk through them.   However, with time, Venice has become affluent, with its people, culture, and vibe. Yet these beautiful streets with elaborate gardens, kitschy artifacts, and gateways have maintained their charm. You can start from Lincoln Boulevard and then go on to Nowita, Crescent Place, Marco Place, and Shell Avenue.  2. Mosaic Tile House If you want to experience the quirky spirit of Venice, I have just the place for you! Mosaic Tile House is a perfect physical representation. Artists Gonzalo Duran and Cheri Pann created this place. They have transformed their home painstakingly into a beautiful fairy vision. A collaboration of clay, stone, and mosaic tile, the beauty highlights the soul of Venice. If you love checking out new and unique places, you can make an appointment via email! It is open from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.  You will be surprised to see that in this single-story 1940s house, not a single place is empty of mosaics. The colorful collections will be a treat for your eyes—one of the coolest things to do in Venice Beach! 3. Venice Canals The Venice Canals Historic District was part of the project when Abbot Kinney had the idea to recreate the city! When you visit, you will see the six man-made canals across three blocks in an exclusive neighbourhood: Carroll, Howland, Sherman, and Linnie stretch east to west.  There are Grand and Eastern canals that run across the north-to-south section of the city.   4. 6 El Bordello Alexandria Apartments and Il Bordello The apartments are just one block from the Venice Beach boardwalk, decorated with statues and murals. Artist couple Brittany Stevenson and Tony Wells have created this beautiful place; it is more of a vibe.    You can check out the place, as several musicians and artists rent the apartment. It is a beauty of a different kind, and if you appreciate art, you must check out this place. If you visit this place, you must get to eat food, as you can get Mediterranean, Italian, European, and more! Most of the reviews suggest that newcomers must try mussels, garlic bread, pasta, gamberetti ai ruccola, and smoked salmon.   5. Skate Park and Sunset When you visit Venice Beach, you can see the world-famous skate park, so you must visit it once! Regarding sunsets, you must visit this spot, considering it is near the Venice Pier. You can visit the skatepark from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. I suggest going early in the morning when the crowd is thin, and you can have a great view of the horizon! The place offers a beautiful view of the horizon and the sky, so you must not miss it for the world. During sunset, the sky above the ocean has completely changed. What is more beautiful than that? Take a walk across the Oceanfront Walk, be it with your partner or your kid. Head over to this prime location, which is quite a popular spot for families and others. People regularly visit this location as natives, so as a tourist, you also must check out this place! Furthermore, let me share with you the best beaches in Greece so that you can know more about other beautiful places apart from Venice beach.  6. The Cow’s End Cafe   Suppose you are planning to have brunch but don’t know where The Cow’s End Cafe is a good place to be! You will get a diverse menu along with excellent service. Delicious and fresh food, you will get various options, including Alaskan Toast. The place is quite popular among the locals, so as a tourist, you can easily visit it and grab a bite to eat. Furthermore, your experience of the appealing ambiance and delicious food will create memories for a lifetime. 7. Rent a Bike If you want to experience the culture of Venice Beach, I have the perfect solution for you! Rent a bike and explore the beach on two wheels. There are several rental bike shops across the beach. Bike riding is a low-impact exercise that can improve your mental health, considering you will experience extra endorphins. Furthermore, if you are part of a program in Venice Beach or are working on a detox experience in Palm Springs, biking is a positive activity that can help you with your addiction. Exercise is a significant part of detoxifying your body from addiction. However, you can go on a bike ride to enjoy yourself. 8. Stroll on Abbot Kinney Boulevard The Abbot Kinney Boulevard is a perfect place to shop, stroll, and enjoy the vibe along with some people-watching. You will find galleries, bars like Felix and Gjelina, boutiques, and restaurants across Abbot Kinney Boulevard. The atmosphere is casual but has a cultural representation, so you can cross the street with the bike you rent to explore the beach. It is one of the most popular blocks in Venice, and you can cover it in 30 minutes. In addition, you can also go shopping and visit “Try Bazar” for both men's and women's clothing and accessories, Le Labo for custom scents, and Burro for beauty and pretty Souvenirs. 9. Go to Small World Books The bookstore Small World Books is a perfect place for book lovers like me! It offers a literary escape from the hustle and bustle of the beach environment. This will be one of my things to do in Venice Beach, but for you, I am making an exception! Furthermore, you can check out the hard-to-find books in this store and explore several local authors' books. They offer a wide selection of titles from several major and small presses. It is located right at the exciting Venice boardwalk. 10. Visit Menotti’s The place is fancy, darlings! You will experience a thrill when you are refreshed with its black coffee, espresso tonic with a citrusy zip or cinnamon, and condensed milk-made creamy Spanish latte! The place is located quite close to the Skatepark and the Venice Boardwalk, so you must visit it if you want to enjoy the morning skating scene. Finishing Off... In short, I shared my top things to do in Venice Beach and how cool it is to experience the best of the place by taking walks, going to shops, eating, and traveling. Venice's culture is a mix of native and special, bohemian, and next-door neighborhoods. After you have read this article, I am sure you have already been selected from the list. Of course, you can check other places on Venice Beach, which involve more water-based activities. Comment on what you think is the best activity to do in or near Venice Beach and why! Additional Reading: 10 Best Beaches In Italy That Will Surprise You The Most The Top Things To Do When Visiting The Great City Of Sydney Roman Revelations: Unforgettable Things To Do In Rome, The Heart Of Italy!

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 20, 2023

No matter where you live, if you want to witness the best Christmas town USA has it all to create magic in your life. However, there are some locations where the magic of the holidays is elevated to a whole new level. Imagine snow-capped trees, a main street lined with sparkling lights, quaintly furnished historic houses, inns, carriage rides, carolers—the whole nine yards. The best American Christmas towns have a feel akin to Hallmark Christmas movies. In fact, these towns host many of these movies. Our list of the merriest towns in America includes Europe-inspired destinations like Leavenworth, Solvang, Washington, and California. There are several cities with Christmas as their main draw, like North Pole, Alaska, and Santa Claus, Indiana. And there are scenic New England villages, like Connecticut, Essex, Massachusetts, and Stockbridge. Admire breathtaking displays of Christmas lights from coast to coast, visit regional holiday markets, and cuddle up by a fire. Let's go, ho, ho ho! Best Christmas Town USA Grab your coziest scarf and head to one of these jolly, holly towns if you're a die-hard Christmas enthusiast or just enjoy a little Yuletide cheer. These delightful Christmas towns will leave you with a winter hangover you wouldn't want to get rid of. Solvang Parade This quaint southern California city with Danish influences is less than an hour from Santa Barbara. It brings the 'hygge' for its annual Julefest, even in the absence of snow. The month-long Christmas celebration features a proper Santa's Village, where pictures with Santa are free of charge. It also has a Julefest parade with marching bands. The festivities begin with a tree-lighting ceremony in early December, complete with caroling, ballet performances, and Santa himself. However, the real reason to visit is for the city Christmas hunt for gnomes. It is based on the Nordic legend of nisse or Christmas elves (you win a prize if you do find one). If the holiday gnomes piqued your interest, you can also learn more about Solvang and Danish yuletide customs by taking a candlelit tour. North Pole In Alaska You can find Santa almost anywhere. You could even visit your neighborhood mall if necessary. But he welcomes visitors to North Pole, Alaska, throughout the year. You wonder, is this really Santa's home? Not quite, given that the actual geographic North Pole is 1,700 miles away. You can't, however, fault the small city's spirit throughout the year. The city itself plays up its name is decorated with candy cane-striped light posts and has street names such as Snowman Lane and Kris Kringle Drive. But the main attraction here is The Santa Claus House. Here, you can meet Santa and his reindeer. The local post office receives hundreds of thousands of letters to Santa. To add a special touch to your holiday correspondence, send letters to friends and family with a North Pole postmark. Santa Claus Ho Ho Ho You can tell this little Indiana town takes Christmas very seriously just by looking at its name. The town of Santa Claus is festive throughout the year. There is a Holiday World theme park, which features rides like Rudolph's Roundup and Reindeer Games. It also features a Santa's Candy Castle. It is a confectionery that sells rare candies and handcrafted goods. Every year, thousands of letters from children are received by the local post office, and each letter is answered by volunteer elves. There are Christmas fireworks, rides with reindeer, and the 1.2-mile drive-through Santa Claus Land of Lights. It narrates the tale of Rudolph, which adds to the festive atmosphere once the holiday season officially starts. Park City For Christmas, why not take a trip to a real winter wonderland? Beautiful Park City is in the lap of the mountains. December has a lot of Christmas activities, including sleigh rides, holiday markets, and a torchlight parade on Christmas Eve. Skiers and snowboarders descend the mountain with torches in hand to guide Santa into town. Historical Stockbridge Look no further than Stockbridge if you're searching for an American Christmas that looks like it belongs in a Norman Rockwell painting. The Massachusetts town travels back in time to recreate Stockbridge Main Street in Rockwell's time, complete with vintage cars lining the street that closes to traffic during the holiday season. The original painting is on display at the Norman Rockwell Museum in the town. In addition, the historic Red Lion Inn (which has a cozy fireplace to warm your hands and toes) is hosting a holiday concert on its porch featuring over a hundred carol singers, as well as a holiday marketplace at the Berkshire Botanical Gardens. Bardstown Carol Bardstown, dubbed "the most beautiful small town in America," offers plenty of seasonal greetings along with southern hospitality. Light Up Bardstown: A Holiday Road Trip on Main Street is a winter wonderland from November to the end of the year, when a variety of houses and establishments are illuminated. Additionally, you can ride the North Pole Express, enjoy a musical, interactive rendition of A Christmas Carol at My Old Kentucky Home, or watch a Christmas parade complete with floats and bands. Take a special candlelight tour at the Maker's Mark Distillery to experience a different kind of holiday cheer. Gruene Holiday Inside the town of New Braunfels, this once-thriving historic district is home to a two-stepping Texas Christmas. Take pictures with Cowboy Kringle, Gruene's unique take on Father Christmas. Or watch the yearly Pony Express Ride, a well-liked holiday custom in which a cavalcade of horses carries a greeting of good cheer from the governor of the state right through town. And then head to Gruene Hall, Texas's oldest dance hall, for a calendar full of holiday performances. Yule Log Parade The Yule Log Parade, which was started in 1949, is one of the oldest Christmas customs that are still observed in McAdenville. Three townspeople come together to march through the historic district on Main Street and end at Legacy Park's Memorial Yule Log Fireplace. This Yule Log is lit on fire to start the celebration. A high school marching band and evening carolers are featured in the parade. McAdenville Lights Christmas lights adorn downtown McAdenville every evening from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m. It transforms into a charming winter wonderland that both locals and tourists can enjoy. There is plenty of time to take in the sights of the winter wonderland. Christmas light exhibit typically runs from December 1 through December 26. You can drive by and enjoy the historic area in their car or stroll around the Main Street shops. It is festooned with hundreds of thousands of lights. Wrapping Up So these were the suggestions for short trips where you can unwind, shop for Christmas, or just hang out and relax. That is regardless of your preference for the sun, snow, or east or west coast. Each of these locations has unique small-town charm, picturesque landscapes, and charming inns. So you are sure to find the perfect fit for your travel preferences. Make it a point to spend a long weekend relaxing in one of the best top Christmas towns USA this year. There can't be anyway to welcome the spirit of Christmas. Read Also: World’s Most Famous Christmas Tree Has Reached Trafalgar Square Secrets Of Forest Camping: Tips For An Unforgettable Getaway Unmissable Urban Delights: Things To Do In Glasgow

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 26, 2021

With overseas travel off the cards for the time being, why not consider an Aussie holiday in 2022. Not only it is our country home, but it is also as well the most beautiful holiday destination in the world with some of the best accommodation, such as the great ocean road stay hotels. You can also get pretty good deals due to the lack of travel occurs. As long as Covid restrictions aren’t in place for these destinations, they represent some of the best trips you can take in 2022. Here are some best Auatralian vacation ideas. Australian Travel Ideas for 2022 Australia is an amazing place and is considered to be one of the best places in the world for making a trip there. the wildlife, will amaze you, just like the beaches and the rare species of plants. Australia is home to rare speices, to enjoy seeing something that you don't in everday life, keep reading the article till the end. Kangaroo Island: Kangaroo Island is just off the coast of South Australia and is one of Australia’s untouched gems. With pristine beaches, incredible bush walks and plenty of local food and drink, there’s something for everyone of every age. Kangaroo Island is great for nature lovers, with plenty of local fauna around, and even wildlife sanctuaries if you want to get up-close and personal with a few critters. There are also plenty of places to stay, from villas on the bay kingscote to hotels in nearby Adelaide. The whole family would love a visit to Kangaroo Island. Murray River Cruise: While we’re in South Australia, let’s not forget the incredible Murray River cruise. It’s an iconic journey every Aussie should take once in their life, so why not now? Two of the vessels, The Murray Princess and the Proud Mary depart from Mannum in South Australia, so you can even add it on before or after your Kangaroo Island trip. There’s no better time to explore Australia’s longest inland waterway on a trip you simply have the best Australia vacations ideas to experience. Kakadu National Park: Kakadu in the Northern Territory is one of those Aussie adventures most people wish they were able to do. Well, the beauty is, you can absolutely do it. You don’t need to go completely off-road to enjoy Kakadu, because there are plenty of accommodation options in the area. It’s a cultural and adventurous trip, and the weather is hot all-year-round. There’s also plenty of fun for the kids, with the Leanyer Water Park and a range of natural waterfalls and family-friendly swimming holes. The Great Barrier Reef: If you’re heading to tropical North Queensland, don’t leave the Barrier Reef off your list. Truth be told, there is so much to do in Far North Queensland, such as visiting the Daintree Rainforest or checking out the stunning Port Douglas. But by far one of the greatest experiences is the Great Barrier Reef. With crystal clear waters, beautiful coral, and an abundance of brilliant sea life, it’s something you just have to see for yourself.  The Whitsunday Islands are nearby too, offering some great accommodation options that you’ll never forget. Coffs Harbour: While not as world-renowned as some of the others on this list Coffs Harbour is a truly beautiful spot. It’s perfect for a getaway with family, friends, or even by yourself! You can fly there, or drive easily from Sydney or Brisbane. That’s what makes it a great little add-on to any coastal holiday. There’s a marine park there too, which the kids will absolutely love – and so will the adults! You can meet some lea lions and dolphins, and spend plenty of time relaxing on the beautiful beaches in the area. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: Is Australia now, quarantine-free? A: Australian citizens and residents can now travel anywhere without obeying the quarantine restriction, but that depends on the arrival from one of the eight Southern African countries.  This allowance is at the national level, as not all regions are allowing international travel.  Q2: Can I travel to Australia now? A: Only, vaccinated Australians and permanent residents are allowed to move in and out of the country.  Q3: Is a tourist visa is open for Australia now? A: It is possible to apply for a visa to visit Australia, but you won’t be allowed inside the country.  Read Also: Budget-Friendly Travel Ideas In Australia Top 5 Used Japanese Vehicles In Australia Top Ten Southern Africa Off-The-Beaten-Path Adventures A Beginner’s Guide To Island-Hopping In Greece