Linda A. Tancs's Blog: The Long and Short of It, page 10

The Ulysses Riviera

By Linda Tancs

Named for its mythological origins, Italy’s Ulysses Riviera is a coastline running from San Felice Circeo to Minturno that’s known for its natural beauty and archaeological sites. One of its beautiful seaside towns is Gaeta, which dates to Imperial Rome. Not surprisingly, it boasts a protected area with Roman ruins, which is set within Monte Orlando Park. Its most stunning attraction is arguably the Sanctuary of the Split Mountain—an 11th-century Benedictine monastery built into the cliffs and grottoes of the park. Its appearance today reflects renovations dating to the 17th century that incorporate Neapolitan and Spanish baroque styles. Popes, kings, bishops and saints have been counted among its visitors. You can reach the sanctuary from the city center of Gaeta going through Via Munazio Planco and following the indications along the road.

Fairy Tale Forest

By Linda Tancs

Imagine a parkland filled with attractions bringing stories from Grimms’ Fairy Tales to life! That’s exactly what you’ll find at Fairy Tale Forest in Oak Ridge, New Jersey. The story of Fairy Tale Forest began in 1953 when Paul Woehle Sr., a German immigrant, started to build it at the age of 40. He came from a family of 13 children and his mother used to read them the Grimms’ stories every night. What began as a few storybook cottages has evolved into a theme attraction bringing to life over a dozen of the famed fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm.

Steaming Through the Doux

By Linda Tancs

The Train de l’Ardèche follows a railway line linking Tournon-sur-Rhône and Lamastre, a route built in the 1800s to transport people, goods and mail. Its Mallot steam locomotives were especially built for this line, a narrow gauge track following the Doux River through beautiful gorges, scenic views of villages and countryside, chestnut groves and orchards. The main station is Tournon St Jean situated in the village of St-Jean-de-Muzols, not far from Tournon-sur-Rhône. However, you can also depart from the stations in Boucieu le Roi and  Lamastre. Events are offered throughout the year, ranging from Western-themed trips to wine tastings and decorated trains for Halloween.

The Magic of Ashdown Forest

By Linda Tancs

Ashdown Forest is an ancient area of open heathland occupying the highest sandy ridge-top of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in East Sussex, England. It’s perhaps better known as the woodland that inspired one of the best-loved children’s stories of all time, Winnie the Pooh. The loop trail around the forest explores locations that correspond to the Hundred Acre Wood from the story. The route begins at Gill’s Lap car park and heads north, passing Gill’s Lap Clump. There you’ll find a commemoration stone for the author A.A. Milne and the illustrator E.H. Shepard. The route continues to Wrens Warren Valley, known as Eeyore’s sad and gloomy place in the story. The trail is open year round.

Cleveland’s First Skyscraper

By Linda Tancs

Erected in 1890, the Society for Savings Bank building in Cleveland, Ohio, is the city’s first skyscraper. Ten stories tall, it combines elements of the Gothic, Romanesque, and Renaissance styles in red sandstone. Now a branch of Key Bank, it’s worth a visit inside the lobby (during banking hours) to view the stained-glass ceiling and four large murals. The building is located downtown on the north side of Public Square.

The Kissing Bridge

By Linda Tancs

Alluding to its feature as a spot for a romantic stroll, the Kissing Bridge (Ravine Bridge) is a suspension bridge on the Douglass campus of Rutgers University in New Jersey that was engineered by the same firm that built the Brooklyn and George Washington bridges. As its official name suggests, it was designed to span the ravine dividing the original campus from the land given to the college in the 1800s by James Neilson, a prominent benefactor of the college and colonel of the New Jersey State Militia. The bridge is located behind the Mabel Smith Library.

House of the Ninth Symphony

By Linda Tancs

In the center of Baden, Austria, a very ordinary house boasts an extraordinary history. It’s the home where the great composer Ludwig van Beethoven lived in the 1820s and composed much of his ninth symphony. To appreciate his musical genius, Beethovenhaus offers audio tours featuring his famous symphony. You’ll also find artifacts like a lock of his hair and the grand piano that he played.

Living History and the Fur Trade

By Linda Tancs

One of the largest living history sites in North America, Fort William Historical Park in Ontario, Canada, brings to life the excitement and drama of the 19th-century fur trade. Historical characters use first-person interpretation to present their life and experiences at and around Fort William circa 1815. The fort is an accurate re-creation of the North West Company’s impressive inland headquarters, the world’s largest fur trading enterprise. Explore over 40 buildings including the artisans’ area, the working farm and the Anishnaabe encampment and encounter a cultural mosaic of Scottish fur traders, Ojibwa and Metis peoples, and French-Canadian voyageurs. Guided tours are approximately 1.5 hours in length and are offered September through June. During July and August you can explore the site at your own pace.

Paper in the Balkans

By Linda Tancs

In today’s digital environment, you may be tempted to think that paper is a relic from another age. Maybe the National Workshop for Handmade Paper will change your mind. Located in Ohrid, North Macedonia, the staff will show you the centuries-old way of making paper, by pressing and drying the slurry of pulp. And the workshop’s printer is an exact replica of Guttenberg’s printing press from the 15th century, one of two in the world. Of course, you can buy paper made in the museum and purchase prints at a nominal cost. Entry to the workshop is free.

Like No Other Welsh Castle

By Linda Tancs

Arguably one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages, Caernarfon Castle in North Wales is a feat of medieval engineering. It was built by King Edward I as part of his “iron ring” of castles to encircle and subdue Wales and is the place where his son, Edward of Caernarfon, was invested as the first Prince of Wales. It might be better known as the investiture site of King Charles III when he became Prince of Wales. The Eagle Tower, with its three great turrets and 18-feet thick walls, is the crowning glory of the fortress and one of many highlights. In two towers you’ll also find the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum, which recounts over 300 years of service of Wales’s oldest infantry.