10 Fun Things To Do On A Vacation In Sevierville

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 28, 2023

Throughout its 300-year history, Albuquerque has drawn tourists from early Spanish settlers to sun-seeking tuberculosis sanitarium visitors who poured into the city in the 1920s and Route 66 road trippers. Visitors today recognize it as the world's center for hot-air ballooning as well as a popular destination for outdoor recreation. It is where more than forty tap rooms serve craft beer, and the local cuisine consists of spicy red and green chili sauce. Here, we have enlisted the best hotels in Albuquerque for your next trip. These hotels will change your idea about leisure as well as lounging. The variety of accommodations available in Albuquerque matches the diversity of its visitors. There are historic hotels with connections to the local railroad system or a boutique inn rooted in the indigenous culture of the area. Duke City's best hotels have what you're looking for, along with the basic peaceful retreat you may be looking forward to. Best Hotels In Albuquerque Albuquerque is the perfect place to take a year-round vacation due to its moderate, dry climate and more than 300 sunny days per year. Here are the best hotels in Albuquerque. Hotel Chaco Coming up first on the list of best hotels in Albuquerque is Hotel Chaco. The first new hotel in the area in over 40 years, it swung open its black-on-black doors with Avanyu carvings. It is a serpent design that is the symbol of the holiness of water in the high desert. This pattern frequently features in Pueblo pottery designs. It is the focal point of the Sawmill District's metamorphosis from a sleepy industrial hub to a thriving area for dining, lodging, and entertainment. The 118 guest rooms at the hotel have sleek, earthy colors and materials, like sinks carved from petrified wood, that evoke modern Southwest design. Unique Navajo (Diné) rugs from Toadlena Trading Post in northwest New Mexico, where weavers continue centuries-old traditions, adorn each room. El Vado Delirious with nostalgia! Residents of Duke City frequent El Vado to haunt its boutiques and eat tacos prepared by them. The motel attracts travelers seeking to relive their best moments along the Mother Road. Millennials and Gen Z-ers take pictures of its Instagram-worthy vignettes. For example, the Route 66 license plate art piece in the taproom. Before reopening in 2018, the 1937 classic auto motor court hotel underwent careful renovations. It still has the state's signature stepped massing and classic Pueblo Revival architecture. It also has a meticulously restored neon sign that greets visitors in true Route 66 fashion. The hotel pool, which was formerly the parking lot, got an upgrade and now features parking medians. Hotel Parq Central It stands between the city's most popular neighborhoods and offers a peaceful stay along historic Route 66. Hotel Parq Central is a thoughtful reimagination of a 1926 railroad hospital. That place recommends a lot of medical professionals and hospital employees as hotel visitors. The hotel's popular Apothecary Lounge draws locals as well. The building's eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places was maintained by the transformation. The interior railings, staircases, doors, and ceramic tiles of the stone-and-stucco façade are all back to their original splendor. Furthermore, despite being rich in history, it still exudes a warm welcome to modern convenience-seeking tourists. Hotel Albuquerque The reasonably priced Hotel Albuquerque is easily one of the best hotels in Albuquerque. It attracts both branded convention goers on coffee breaks from the hotel's ample meeting spaces and tour-ready sneaker-clad guests, thanks to its recently renovated rooms and convenient location within a block of Old Town, the center of Albuquerque's heritage. The hotel's architecture and décor are influenced by the Spanish founding of the city. It depicts the territorial era and history as a tuberculosis sanitarium hotspot. This is evident in its entry tower, Grand Sala (second-story windows on a cathedral-like lobby), and well-kept gardens. Visit Plaza Don Luis, a more recent addition to the neighborhood, for modern galleries, local wine-tasting rooms, and a new wave of craft breweries. Los Poblanos The 45 guest rooms at Los Poblanos reflect the character of their various locations throughout the property. It is sprawling amidst 25 acres of gardens and organic fields. It is housed in a recently constructed lavender-field adjacent building, which is a 1930s dairy-inspired structure with pitched tin roofs. The Territorial Revival-style hacienda opens to a courtyard fountain. The latter provide breathtaking views of the Sandia Mountains at dusk when they resemble their namesake watermelon. No matter where they are, the rooms exude Southwestern elegance. The Field suites are a hit with families because they have separate kid-friendly bunk rooms, dining areas, and full kitchens. The inn's restaurant, Campo, located in a restored dairy barn, has grown to be a popular choice for both locals and visitors. (Reservations are required in advance; tables fill up several weeks in advance.) Hotel Andaluz Albuquerque Conrad Hilton, a young businessman and native of New Mexico, inaugurated the first establishment in 1939. It was the first hotel he constructed in his home state and his fourth overall. For many years, the high-rise stood as the tallest structure in the state, which is one of the reasons it features in the National Register of Historic Places. Over the years, it changed hands a few times before ending up in the hands of an Albuquerque businessman who combined original elements, such as lobby murals and key slots lining the reception area, with new details inspired by Andalusia. The hotel became a part of Hilton's Curio Collection ten years after it reopened. The location focuses on sustainability. Hotel Andaluz used an impressive energy management system and earned LEED Gold certification during its $30 million renovation. Wrapping Up Known for its fusion of cultures, including the magnificent Rio Grande River and the breathtaking pink Sandia mountains. Hispanic, Native American, Asian, and African influences create a buzzy, vibrant community, Albuquerque, the state's most populous city, is tucked in New Mexico. It is emerging as the next hot spot for foodies due to its flourishing culinary scene. Even so, it's a fantastic starting point for taking in the majesty of the surroundings, with magnificent backdrops. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about the best hotels in Albuquerque, then please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! 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BY  Ankita Dec 14, 2023

Looking for a break from your busy life? Think about a wellness weekend for kicking back and recharging. And what more fitting place to unwind than in the heart of Washington, D.C.? Known for its bustling politics and historic landmarks, the city also offers peaceful spots perfect for unwinding. Just picture a weekend all to yourself, brimming with quiet moments and feel-good experiences. That's what D.C. offers! Picture yourself unwinding in serene gardens, indulging in luxurious spa treatments, and savoring healthful culinary delights. In this guide, we’ll explore how a weekend in D.C. can transform your well-being. All set for a journey of relaxation? Let’s dive in! Luxury Spa Experiences After you arrive with a deluxe DCA airport limo, step into an oasis of calm where every detail is tailored to your relaxation. Right in the center of Washington, D.C., hotel spas are your secret spots of peace. The moment you step inside, a wave of calm and luxury washes over you. These places offer so much more than just massages or facials. They're like little peaceful worlds where feeling good and relaxed is what matters most. Personalized Treatments: Each treatment is more than just a procedure; it's a personalized journey to relaxation. Whether it's a deep tissue massage, a rejuvenating facial, or a detoxifying body wrap, the expert therapists ensure your wellness goals are met. Therapeutic Environments: Picture yourself in a steam room, letting the warm mist soothe your senses, or unwinding in a jacuzzi with skyline views of the city. These environments are designed to enhance your spa experience, promoting deep relaxation. Holistic Wellness: Many of these spas offer more than just physical treatments. They provide holistic experiences including yoga sessions, meditation classes, and wellness workshops, ensuring a comprehensive approach to your wellbeing. Discover the full range of luxurious experiences a hotel spa can offer. By the time you leave, you'll feel not just physically rejuvenated but mentally refreshed as well.  Serenity in the City Washington, D.C. is more than a bustling metropolis; it's a city sprinkled with serene havens perfect for unwinding and reconnecting with nature. Let's discover some tranquil spaces where you can escape the city's hustle and find peace. Gardens and Parks: One of D.C.'s treasures is its abundance of green spaces. The United States Botanic Garden offers a lush escape with its vibrant collection of plants and flowers. Alternatively, escape to the calmness of Rock Creek Park, an urban oasis ideal for a stroll or a quiet picnic. Hidden Gems: Beyond the well-known landmarks, D.C. hides several tranquil spots. The Bishop's Garden at the National Cathedral is a perfect example. This lesser-known spot combines historic architecture with beautifully landscaped gardens, creating a peaceful retreat. Another hidden gem is the Dumbarton Oaks Park, a historic estate with picturesque trails and stunning flora. These spots are not just places; they're sanctuaries where you can slow down, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy a moment of solitude amidst the city's energy. Health-Forward Dining A wellness weekend is also about great food that's good for you. In Washington, D.C., there are plenty of eateries that are a paradise for fans of healthy diets. Nutritious Eateries: Craving something delicious and healthy? Washington, D.C. has plenty of options that tick both boxes. The city is full of spots that serve up delicious, healthy dishes, such as Greenheart Juice Shop or Little Beet Table. You'll find everything from fresh, organic salads to heart-healthy meals that make your taste buds happy.  Cafés and Juice Bars: Feel like something light and fresh? D.C. is full of cool cafés and juice bars. A place like Juice Laundry is a hit for its amazing cold-pressed juices and yummy smoothie bowls. It's the perfect spot to grab a healthy drink that leaves you feeling energized and refreshed. For a cozy atmosphere with a side of organic coffee or tea, try Teaism – a local favorite that also serves up tasty light bites. In D.C., you don't have to compromise taste for health. These dining spots prove that nutritious food can be both satisfying and a delight to your taste buds. Cultural and Artistic Escapes Washington, D.C. is more than politics – it's a place buzzing with culture and art. Diving into its art and history can be really refreshing. It's a different way to relax and find inspiration. Museums and Galleries: Don't miss the famous Smithsonian museums. They're like huge treasure chests of history, art, and science. You can spend hours exploring and seeing all kinds of cool stuff. Theaters and Performances: For those who find solace in the performing arts, D.C.’s vibrant theater scene is not to be missed. The Kennedy Center hosts a variety of shows, from ballet to jazz concerts. Smaller venues like the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company offer cutting-edge plays that provoke thought and stir the soul. Engaging with D.C.’s rich cultural offerings not only stimulates the mind but also provides a refreshing break from the everyday hustle. It's a unique way to enrich your wellness weekend. Mindful Shopping A wellness weekend can also be an opportunity to discover unique products that contribute to your well-being. Washington, D.C. offers several spots to indulge in mindful shopping, finding items that not only please you but also promote a sense of wellness. Boutique Stores: For those who love unique finds, D.C.'s boutique stores are a treasure trove. Places like Take Care Shop offer a variety of wellness products, from natural skincare to eco-friendly home goods. Salt & Sundry is another store where you can find artisanal goods that bring comfort and joy to everyday life. Local Markets: Walking around D.C.'s local markets is like going on a fun adventure. You get to support local artists and crafters, too. Take the Eastern Market, for example. It's a food spot and a lively gathering place for the community. Here, you can stumble upon a wide array of unique finds. These craft markets are great for finding organic stuff or special gifts that show the spirit of the city. Shopping in these mindful places adds an extra layer of enjoyment to your wellness weekend, offering tangible reminders of your rejuvenating getaway. Evening Wind Down The evenings are the perfect time to unwind and reflect on your day. Washington, D.C. is full of peaceful evening spots and snug accommodations that help ease you into a restful night. Relaxing Nighttime Activities: Consider a quiet evening walk around the Tidal Basin, especially beautiful during cherry blossom season. Alternatively, you could enjoy a gentle sunset yoga session at one of the city's parks. For a more cultural experience, an evening visit to a museum or a low-key jazz club can be both soothing and enriching. Accommodations: Choosing the right place to stay is crucial for a rejuvenating weekend. D.C. offers a range of accommodations, from luxury hotels with spa facilities to cozy boutique inns. These spots are ideal for calming down after a day full of discovery and self-care. In D.C., your evenings can beautifully round off your day. There are tranquil spots and soothing activities everywhere, perfect for helping you relax and drift into a blissful night's sleep. Conclusion Washington, D.C. blends history and modern vibes perfectly, making it a great place for relaxation and renewal. D.C. offers everything from luxury spas and healthy food to cultural sites and quiet evenings, all to take care of you. When you need a break to refresh and reconnect with yourself, D.C. is the perfect city for an unforgettable wellness experience. Read Also: These Are The 30+ Things To Do In Mexico City That You Must Try! Some Of The Best Things To Do In Navarre Beach, Florida You Won’t Believe The Best Things To Do When In Fiji!

BY  Sibashree Sep 30, 2024

Even if you don’t believe it, Canada has many locations and abandoned sites with ghostly stories and a dark history.  Haunted places like the Fort Edmonton Park and Princess Theatre in Edmonton or the Disaster-struck Alberta Frank Slide are a few examples of how dark tourism in Canada offers a vivid experience.  Further, sites like Asbestos (now Val-des-Sources) show how mining asbestos has caused long-term health hazards to Canadian people and victims beyond borders. Also, there is Halifax, where an explosion took the lives of around 2000 people in 1917. So, let’s explore the sites that are scary and unusual.  THESE Are The Best Sites For Dark Tourism In Canada  In 2020, the small town of Asbestos changed its name to Val-des-Sources or the Valley of the Springs. However, the name change could not wipe off the history of diseases and suffering as it once had the largest asbestos mine in the world.  So, like the nuclear plantations that pushed numerous human lives to death, Asbestos in Canada was also a town of breathing poison. Today, it is one of the most prominent destinations for dark tourism in Canada.  Regarding dark tourism, Canada has many sites that tell the tale of human tragedy or are infamous for spooky experiences. Let me share brief accounts on these sites If you want to walk into the shadows.  Asbestos  Asbestos, a town in southern Quebec, once epitomized health-hazard horrors. Asbestos mining is not done here today, but breathing problems and other hazards caused by that “magic or miracle mineral” persist in the town.  The town had an open-pit mine for mining chrysotile asbestos, and it boomed for a century. However, in 2011, the mine stopped its operations.   Unfortunately, the use of asbestos became huge by the mid-20th century. It was a chosen material for roofing, insulation, and fireproofing. Slowly, it was discovered to cause many health hazards for people working in the industry or residing near an asbestos plant or mine.  Despite the drop in global demand and many other countries banning the use, import, and export of asbestos, Canada kept at it until 2018. Justin Trudeau, the Canadian Prime Minister, banned the use, sale, import, and export of asbestos in 2016, and the ban came into effect in 2018.  Nevertheless, today, the town of Asbestos, or Val-des-Sources, is a popular dark tourism site with an abandoned mine. The mine now looks like a gigantic playground. Halifax  In June 2016, the Canadian Government designated the Halifax explosion as a “national historic event.” Halifax was a busy port for the loading and unloading of food, aid, relief, and other essentials during World War I. On an unfortunate day, 6 December 1917, the French ship SS Mont-Blanc and SS Imo, a Norwegian ship, collided. Both were carrying explosives, and the collision caused a major explosion. Almost 2000 people died, and many were injured, registering it as the biggest manmade explosion before the atomic bomb disaster.  This human tragedy, however, was a milestone in changing the medical scenario of Halifax. The improvement in pediatric surgeries and the establishment of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind were the two most prominent examples in this regard. Today, the Fort Needham Memorial Park is a prominent site for dark tourism in Canada. The commemorative plaque there gives you a brief account of the incident. Also, the Halifax Explosion Memorial Bell Tower here has an annual memorial service for the explosion on 6th December. Edmonton: The Hub Of Dark Tourism In Canada  Edmonton has many destinations for paranormal encounters, and Fort Edmonton Park is one of them. At the paranormal tours here, you can explore many paranormal equipment and encounter many experts for some otherworldly experience. You can also visit the haunted buildings of Edmonton. The stories of these buildings will scare you to the bit. Also, you never know when an unknown entity gets close to you, and you can feel the breath.  Princess Theater: The Most Haunted Place In Edmonton Another important haunted landmark here is the Princess Theater. In the 1920s, the theater was about to have an additional rental space. A bride-to-be rented that space, but her fiance left her on their wedding day.  So, she committed suicide by hanging by the neck. When the staff of the hotel found her, her body was swinging from the rope.  She was wearing a beautiful wedding gown. Legends have it that her ghostly figure is still seen at the theater. She is seen climbing down the stairs, wandering the theater halls, and moving around the projection room.  Historic Mackay Avenue School Archives & Museum: Meet The Restless Spirit Moreover, when in Edmonton to experience haunted activities,  Historic Mackay Avenue School Archives & Museum should be your destination. Many people have experienced a sense of choking, being grabbed, or disturbed at this place. It is said that a construction worker called Peter fell from a third-floor window during renovation work in 1912. His restless spirit still lives here, and many informal investigations have captured strange silhouettes and erratic electromagnetic fields recorded here, which also vouch for paranormal activities here.  The Museum of Fear and Wonder https://www.instagram.com/p/CxsrNX5L7Al/?hl=en&img_index=1 It is unusual to find a rural museum of horror in the Southern Alberta rural valleys. It is eerie to the bone with Ouija boards and ventriloquist dummies.  The little jack o’lantern dollhouse, Kiddo, leather doll, and the haunted doll, Robertina, are the most prominent collectibles here. Also, the artificial human body parts and life-like human bodywork made of wax are the creepiest things you will come across.  All the collectibles in the museum are carefully placed to create a sense of fear. The aim is to show how people emotionally react to certain things. Also, Brendan, one of the founders of the museum, does not believe that things can be haunted or they can be related to paranormal activities.  According to him, things, at the most, can cause a sense of uneasiness. Thus, all the items in the museum provoke discussion about the psychological impacts of different objects on different people. For example, an adorable doll can be an object of fear or discomfort for a person who has suffered childhood trauma.  Even dolls or toys can get old and develop an eerie appearance through wear and tear. They can look messy or dirty, creating repulsive feelings. Thus, the Museum of Fear and Wonder is not about paranormal experiences or activities. It is a place to understand the human psychology behind fear and wonder.  Saskatchewan Ghost Towns – Insinger As India has Kuldhara, Canada has Saskatchewan, where time stands still, and the deserted town lives in the shadow of the past. Unbearable winter in the Prairie region made the residents desert the place. In the 1800s, many European people came to Canada and got free land to set up a working farm within a year. Thus, this prairie became a bustling residence of farmers and their families. Visiting Saskatchewan And Its Many Wonders In Saskatchewan, you will notice a Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The old church with a domed roof stands as a witness to the bygone era. Do you know that Saskatchewan has so many ghost towns (more than 30) that there is a “Ghost Town Trail” here? You can drive around the route to explore the towns individually. As you walk through the ghost towns of Saskatchewan, you will never feel alone. There is a constant feeling of someone following or walking with you. Even looking at the most dilapidated structure, you will feel like someone will come out of it any moment. I had plans to get inside some of the structures. However, a knotty feeling in my stomach stopped me. As hours passed, I started feeling anxious and left the place. The Ghost Towns of Alberta – Rowley If I were to decide, I would name Alberta the capital of dark tourism in Canada. If the haunted places of Edmonton are not enough, you can explore Rowley.   The small hamlet of Rowley in Alberta has deserted railway cars and buildings. However, it also tells some inspiring stories. Rowley used to be a town with 500 inhabitants in the 1920s. The Great Depression hit the place, making the residents leave. A lack of rain led to the drying up of the crops.Moreover, a fire destroyed many of the small buildings.However, only eight surviving residents of Rowley did a commendable job of transforming Rowley into a heritage site in the 1980s. They transformed some of the buildings.  Very few people know that movies like Bye Bye Blues or Legends of the Fall have some of these buildings as their locations. Visit Rowley in the summer, as it offers free tours in the season. Also, the pizza parties here on the last Saturday of every month are fun! These pizza parties are fundraisers for restoring the buildings and preserving history here.  THESE Are The Places You Can’t Miss At Rowley The historical buildings to visit in the ghost town of Rowley are: Rowley Trading Post (Built in the 1920s) A Printing Press A School Now Abandoned Former Hospital Abandoned Railway Tracks A Saloon with Swinging Doors (Dedicated to the memory of a previous owner) Municipality of Starland Office Canada National Telegraphs Building Along with these historical structures, you will also find a building labeled Funeral Home and Embalming. Going inside, you will find paraphernalia and historical artifacts used in Bye Bye Blues. The only thing I find creepy about Rowley is the mannequins. The residents have used mannequins in many places to recreate the scenarios of the 1920s.  So, if you have a faint heart, avoid peeping through the glass windows of the historical buildings. It is not very pleasant to find a mannequin looking back at you.  However, overall, the experience was like being at the location of a classic Western movie.  Alberta Frank Slide  Alberta Frank Slide is one of the most tragic spots for dark tourism in Canada. 121 years ago, this place witnessed the deadliest slide in Canada. The tragic incident took the lives of 100 people. What Happened At Alberta Frank Slide? It was 4:10 am on 29th April 1903. The 600 people in the mining community were still asleep as Mount Turtle crumbled down and released 110 million metric tonnes of rock. This incident took the lives of around 100 people.  Even today, if you pass through Highway 3 of Alberta or visit Frank Slide, you will find bodies and various belongings still buried under rocks.  “It was loud enough they could hear it up by the town of Cochrane, 200 kilometers away,” said Joey Ambrosi, the facility supervisor of the Alberta Frank Slide Interpretive Center. This interpretive center, built in 1985, tells the true stories of human tragedy and dismisses the myths around it.  However, the intrigue around this biggest slide does not end here. The mountain moves a few kilometers from each other, and scientists suspect it will come down again.  Having said that, there is still time for such an incident, and it will not be as deadly as the one that happened in 1903.  When at Alberta Frank Slide, don’t forget to visit The Crowsnest Pass. A landslide and a mine explosion in 1910 badly hit the area. Again, at a stone’s throw away is the Hillcrest town where 189 miners died of a coal-dust explosion on 19th June 1914.  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13 Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit! [Updated 2024] Top Tips For Motorbike Rental In Phuket – A Guide To Exploring The Island On Two Wheels.