Adventures for Anyone

Monday, December 5, 2016

Here's My Christmas Choice...Chicago!

Anyone who knows me, knows I love Christmas. It's my favorite time of the year. I even spent 15 years working at Walmart, and my spirits were never dampened. If that won't do it, nothing will. I try and take time out during my extensively busy holiday season schedule to talk about at least one spot that is great to spend holiday time in. I am partial to New York, but I always talk about that city during the holidays. I wanted to take some time and talk about one of my favorite places to visit during the holidays besides that. I looked at several spots that I have found entertaining over the years. I have included information on a lot of those as well for you. I've enjoyed Reykjavik, Charlotte, most of New England, Moscow, Zurich, Vienna, Prague, Paris and such. They are great. However, Chicago holds a special place in my heart.

I grew up a couple of hours away from Chicago in northern Indiana. In my family, the big thing to do during any season was to go to the city, and the city of choice was Chicago. We went there to do all kinds of things. It was the New York City of my childhood. We always made a trip during Christmas time. We would go to the park and see the animals, go to the museums and see the exhibits, go to the parks and see the lights. We always did something special for the holidays in Chicago. No matter what we did, we always made time to go and look at the windows. For anyone who's ever done it, you know what I mean. It's called Macy's now. When I was a kid it was Marshall Fields. The best part about this venue is that while the corporation has changed, the windows are still spectacular. It's a tradition for a lot of families to go and check out the windows on State Street. Many of us have done it for several generations. So, while I enjoy the great activities and sights in Chicago at the holidays; this one holds the most special place in my heart.

That being said, over the decades that I lived in Indiana, I saw a lot of great things in Chicago at Christmas. Lincoln Park Zoo and Brookfield Zoo both have programs and light displays for the holidays. Zoos are great. They are great no matter what time of year you go. Just dress warm and get hot chocolate along the way. One thing that the good folks of Chicago will tell you is that the cold is just something you deal with.

Also, The Science and Industry Museum is not only one of the best museums in the world, but a great place to see the trees from around the world. If you've ever wondered how different cultures decorate for the holidays, this is your spot. It's festive and bright and artistic and warm if you need that.

Outdoor activities are abundant in Chicago during the holidays. There's more than one ice skating rink around and they are all decorated for the holidays. There's a winter wonderland for the kids down at Navy Pier as well. There are drive through light displays in several of the city parks for those of you who need a little heat to go with your outdoor activities.

There's nothing better than a Christmas Market during the holidays. Down at Daley Plaza, Chicago puts on the Kindlmarkt. This is a great market with lots of stalls for all of your holiday shopping. I don't know about anyone else, but I go to these markets just for the ambience. They are old world style, festive, and full of hot chocolate and other cold weather beverages. It's the place to go that just makes you think of the old song "Silver Bells."

Now, true to form, Chicago has some unique findings and the Christmas train is one of them. Only in Chicago, folks. Only in Chicago.

Another thing that we did plenty of when I was a kid was seeing shows. Chicago puts on great versions of the Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol, and many others. Chicago is known as an art town. If you don't want to see something traditional, you can also go on a tour that takes you by that house that they used in the "Home Alone" movie. Other long standing Chicago traditions are Second City and the entire system of blues clubs.

Chicago is cold. That's a fact. But the good people of Chicago know how to go out in the cold and have a great time for Christmas. The atmosphere is something that you don't get in a lot of cities during the holidays. The people are warmer at this time of year. Maybe it's to balance out the cold. All I know is that I looked at a list of the best places to spend time at Christmas and Chicago kept popping up. It was making me reminisce about all the Christmases that I spent in Chicago. It was good times, and I think that everyone should go someplace special around Christmas. I think that this year, I'm recommending Chicago. Enjoy!

http://www.101holidays.co.uk/where-to-go-on-holiday-in-december/
http://www.priceoftravel.com/5324/cheap-warm-places-go-christmas-new-years-season/
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http://www.parents.com/fun/vacation/ideas/holiday-travel-places-to-take-kids/?slideId=35918
http://kidsareatrip.com/best-holiday-events-chicago/
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http://www.booking.com/city/us/chicago.en.html?aid=336408&label=msn-iUE2WFXFr80fVE_uIwaFzw-14144007390:tikwd-17101142448:neo:mte:dec:qshotels%20chicago&utm_campaign=IL%3A%20Illinois&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=bing&utm_term=iUE2WFXFr80fVE_uIwaFzw
https://www.hotels.com/de1497539/hotels-chicago-illinois/?PSRC=G21&dateless=true&destinationid=1497539&rffrid=sem.hcom.US.bing.003.00.02..kwrd%3DZzZz.x4O1JF2L.0.13766524476.102023518767.d.c
http://www.hilton.com/search/1/us/il/chicago/0/00000000000/0/0/0/0/50?wt.srch=1
https://www.expedia.com/Chicago-Hotels.d178248.Travel-Guide-Hotels?regionId=178248&langid=1033&semcid=US.UB.BING.SEARCH.HOTEL&kword=hotels_chicago!e.ZzZz.4820000214520.0.10595066355.hotels%20chicago.hotels_chicago&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=USA%3AENG%3A%24%3ADL%3AAMER%3AUSA%3AE%3AX%3A2%3A&utm_term=hotels%20chicago&utm_content=USA%3AENG%3A%24%3ADT%3AAMER%3AUSA%3AIL%3AChicago%3A178248%3AChicago%3A178248%3AE%3AX%3Ahotel%3A
https://www.radissonblu.com/reservation/itineraryEntrance.do?facilitatorId=MSNAMERICASRB&ref=/reservation/itineraryEntrance.do&hotelCode=ILCHIAQU&startDate=today&startDateOffsetDays=15&numberNights=1&rateSortFilter=(sort(availableRates))&s_cid=se.bng.21237308101
https://navypier.com/
http://www.lpzoo.org/
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http://www.visitmacysusa.com/visitor-center/macys-state-street
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http://www.zazzle.com/imagings
http://terri-dixon.pixels.com/
https://www.facebook.com/adventuresforanyone?fref=ts
https://www.fictionpress.com/u/530752/Nina-Kindred

Thursday, November 10, 2016

A Great Day Trip From Paris...Fontainebleau!

It's one of the most sprawling palaces in France. It's beginnings were humble, however. This amazing place was a medieval hunting lodge before King Louis IX started to improve it. Over the years, every king, queen, and emperor got a hold of it. Emperor Napoleon III even added to it in the 1800's. It's 50 years older than the Louvre. It has five acres of rooftop, 230 acres of gardens and grounds, and 1500 rooms. From the fountains to the gardens to the grand staircase and even to the theater, the place at Fontainebleau is positively amazing.

Fontainebleau sits a mere 50 kilometers outside of Paris. It's a great side trip when in town. So, after you've seen the rest, come see the best in country homes from bygone eras. Marie Antoinette used to enjoy visiting there to get away from it all. It is a vast country estate that used to be for hunting. The elegance of this residence is astounding. Even Napoleon made it his main address. There are so many things to see that you should plan your trip before you go. This is not the kind of place that you want to just show up at. You need a plan because you can't see it all in one day. It's great if you're planning a significant amount of time to investigate this particular destination, but if it's a day trip while in Paris for you, decide what you want to see most.

There are different tours that focus on different eras and different parts of the palace. You may want to see Marie Antoinette's Turkish Boudoir. You may want to see Napoleon's throne. You may want to see the Theater of Napoleon III. There are a host of tours available. Book in advance. Tours cost about $12, but if you choose to wander aimlessly on your own it's free.

One of the great things about this palace is the gardens. They cover 230 acres and they are manicured and designed in different sections. There are the flower gardens, the ponds, the orchards, and even fountains. There are a lot of different fountains, but most of them only operate on the weekends. If you really are intent on seeing the fountains, make sure that they are operating when you go. During the winter and on the weekdays, they probably aren't. The grounds are open during daylight hours year round.

Just in case you're bringing one of those adrenaline junkies that don't appreciate reveling in the lush lives of kings past, there is also a forest at Fontainebleau and the rock climbing there is extraordinary. There are guides and tours for this as well. Prices vary. There are also hiking trails and many things to see in the forest, but it is great for rock climbers in particular.

This is a grand palace, and it's kind of on the side. It's not Versailles, and you don't hear about it all the time. It is a forgotten treasure on this side of the pond. It is a favorite of Parisians however. You won't find the crowds here in the off seasons of spring and fall like you still will in Paris. The history here is the incredible thing. From hunting to kings to emperors and beyond; this place has endured it all. It was used by Hitler's men in WWII. It's survived it all. Whether you go to see the inside or the gardens or the grand staircase or whatever. It has some of the most incredible scenery and history on the outskirts of Paris. This is the place that you can visit on a day trip so that you can still fly pretty cheap into Paris, but see something that's not all about Paris.

This is part of my Napoleon Trail and part of my off the beaten path of France. We'll call this a two fer. If you love history, this is a great spot that's just brimming with it. It was built up by the Louis' and some of it was torn down by Napoleon. It's endured the ages in many different forms, to become one of the most beautiful and exceptional examples of French royalty and all the gilding that went with them. It was a playground for members of the royal court and a getaway for the actual royalty. It was the place where Napoleon became emperor and the residence of the last emperor, Napoleon III. It's living history, living beauty, and a breath of fresh air just outside of Paris. So, come and experience the elegance, the glamor, the intrigue, the excess, beauty and the history of Fontainebleau. Enjoy!

http://www.visitacity.com/en/paris/activities/cultural--theme-tours?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Paris%20Activities%20G3&utm_term=paris%203%20days%20tour&utm_content=day%20trips%20%26%20tours
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https://www.facebook.com/adventuresforanyone?fref=ts
https://www.fictionpress.com/u/530752/Nina-Kindred

Monday, November 7, 2016

I Found a Great Spot for Napoleonic History...Martinique!

We've all heard of Martinique. It's that Lesser Antilles French island in the Caribbean that most cruise lines stop at. It has all the usual stuff going for it from beautiful beaches to resort hotels. It has it all from local Carnival traditions to great shopping to helicopter tours and beyond. It's a great fun in the sun stop on any cruise with water, flowers, sand and booze galore. What I didn't know about this fabulous little French island was that it was the birthplace of the Empress Josephine. That's right, there's a historical connection for people like me who study Napoleonic history. It's Josephine's childhood home.

Our journey probably starts in Miami, Florida. Let's be honest. Most of us take a cruise to go to a place like Martinique. Fort de France is the spot where you would probably turn up on a cruise. They have a large port and many cruise ships stop there. They have beautiful beaches and great hotels. They have amazing restaurants and a bunch of activities that cater to cruise people. So, while in Fort de France you can swim in the water, boat on it, shop for souvenirs, stay in a fancy hotel, fly over it, lay on the beach and party. It's a great place. It also is about the same as most other cruise stops in the French part of the Caribbean.

Now, don't get me wrong. The view along the shore is amazing. It's worth the stop just for that. The hotels are amazing and it's worth a stay just for that. But, as usual, I implore you to look for the unique, the historic, the native, the special. Run away from the beaten path. And in the case of Martinique, there are lots of places to run. The locals have special traditions when it comes to their Carnival celebrations. They are tailored to meet that cross rep of Carib and Catholic traditions. You throw in the Caribbean flair for partying and you will have one great time whether it be mud covered or what. There's some great hiking in the area with mountains and waterfalls. Can't miss that. You can go and see the volcano...that's right Mount Pelee wiped out a whole town not long ago. There are churches, and museums and many many factory and distillery tours. You can learn how it's made and then drink it or buy it or buy it and drink it. There are many ways to learn about actual life on Martinique.

But, if you have the time, toddle off to Trois Ilets. This is a colorful and smaller coastal town where you have a chance to see a little more of real life. It's still beautiful and they have beaches, but it's just a little different. There are artist colonies there and the whole town just exudes it's own flavor. And when you're done with that, move on to history.

The Domaine de la Pagerie is the plantation where the Empress Josephine lived as a child. She was born in Trois Ilets. You would think that after she went away and lived an amazing life as the wife of Napoleon and beyond that she would be all but forgotten on this tiny island so far from France. No. Her childhood home was destroyed by weather, and has been rebuilt and turned into a museum in her honor. A bust of her stands in the beautifully maintained gardens on the grounds. All these years later, she is still honored by the French in the Caribbean. Isn't that something?

So, there it is. That little something that you probably didn't know about Martinique. So, take that cruise and get off the boat to learn about the locals. Celebrate Carnival Martinique style. Check out the beaches, factories, distilleries and the shopping. But remember, there is more of Josephine's history on Martinique than that statue in Fort de France of her after decapitation. There is a history of her family and childhood right up the coast in Trois Ilets. So, get off that cruise beaten path and go study some history. And if you study Napoleon, this is the next stop on my tour for you. Enjoy!

https://www.expedia.com/Martinique-Hotels-Hotel-Bakoua-Les-Trois-Ilets.h22374.Hotel-Information
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https://www.facebook.com/adventuresforanyone?fref=ts
https://www.fictionpress.com/u/530752/Nina-Kindred

Thursday, October 20, 2016

The Best of My Fall Photos...In Connecticut!

I can only describe the beautiful foliage in my neck of the woods so much. As fall comes to a close is Connecticut, I find myself celebrating over 150,000 views of this blog. I also find myself in the middle of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and being diagnosed with breast cancer. If you are one of my regular readers, know that I will write when I can. I have to have some things done, and I will be excited when I can get back to my blog.

In the meantime, I thought I would post some of my best foliage shots from this amazing fall that was actually enhanced by a drought. Life is strange. No water, but great foliage and warm, sunny weather. The above pictures are from Apple Hill Trail at White Memorial in Litchfield, Connecticut. This is a non state funded land trust with dozens of trails, lakes and ponds, a museum and nature center. Programs for the kids and conservation happen there as well. White Memorial has some really great trails, but Apple Hill is my favorite. You can stop in at the main park and get trail maps pretty much any time of the year. Fall is my favorite though.

We went to Bethlehem's Garlic Festival and Riverton's Country Fair this year. Bethlehem is one of Connecticut's tiny towns where there are a lot of festivals, a great flea market, and huge lines of people mailing their Christmas Cards in December. There is nothing but cute in this little berg and a bunch of friendly people to make your visit great. Their country fair takes place the weekend after Labor Day and the Garlic Festival takes place every Columbus Day Weekend. They are two of my favorite local events.

Riverton is a historic town, and if you've ever heard of Hitchcock Furniture; that's where it comes from. Riverton holds it's country fair every Columbus Day Weekend, and it is one of the smallest fairs in the state. It's still a great time, and the town adds craft fairs and community theater as part of the attraction. If you've ever wanted to take the weekend, stay in a historic inn, eat some great food and homemade ice cream, go to a fair, shop a craft fair and just relax; you need to spend Columbus Day in Riverton, Connecticut. The foliage on Columbus Day is very dramatic as well.

Another jaunt that I took was to Meriden and Hubbard Park and Castle Craig. I've mentioned this place before, but in mid October they put on a carnival and food truck festival in Hubbard Park to celebrate fall, and the cliffs above around Castle Craig are some of the most beautiful spots in the whole state. I love to look at the foliage from up there. Can you blame me? The park is also one of the most beautiful city parks in the state, and Meriden is a friendly community with a lot of theater, food and their mall is mostly a discount place. That's great because I can afford to shop there. In the winter, come and see the amazing drive through Christmas Light display in Hubbard Park as well.

It's Collinsville, Connecticut. This is my favorite little hidey hole in the whole world I think. I love to got to Collinsville to rent a canoe and take it on the river, see some theater, shop for antiques, walk along the amazing river walk, take pictures, and eat at Lasalle's. This is the quintessential small town full of quiet people and hipsters. The scenery is some of the best around, and in the fall it is simply off the charts. It's close to Canton and Avon where there is plenty of shopping and restaurants as well. It's one of my favorite places to take pictures.

Haystack Mountain is one of the prettier state parks in Connecticut and sits in Norfolk. There are several state parks in and around that town, which I discussed earlier this summer. Check the blog entry about Norfolk to read more. I finally got a chance to hike to the top of this amazing mountain, and found a great tower built in 1929 to celebrate Connecticut's lands above 1,000 feet in elevation. The tower has stairs up the inside that go to an amazing observation area and the views of the surrounding areas is fabulous. I always wondered where the aerial views of Norfolk came from. I think they just come from that tower.

So, the area that I live in is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Especially in the fall. I hope you get a chance to enjoy it some time like I do. I will leave you with some shots that I also took in Mass this fall around the Bridge of Flowers in Shelbourne Falls. I hope to be back soon. Wish me luck!