Linda A. Tancs's Blog: The Long and Short of It, page 112

Fruit of the Vine in Paris

By Linda Tancs

Bordeaux, Bourgogne and Champagne may be France’s better known winemaking regions, but centuries ago Paris was the country’s winemaking hub. It would be easy to forget that bit of history but for the network of newer vineyards in the city paying homage to the ancient ways, the most famous being Le Clos Montmartre. Government-owned and largely tucked away in Parisian parks, the wines produced at these sites are not available commercially. Instead, they’re auctioned off and enjoyed only at select festivals.

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As coronavirus proceeds, it is likely that the vast majority of us will be limited in our travels. But this, too, shall pass. Our love for travel remains, so Travelrific will continue offering travel inspiration in this medium. Please keep those affected by the virus in your thoughts and be sure to follow the safety practices advocated by the Centers for Disease Control. Stay safe, and be well.

London’s Cheese Bar

By Linda Tancs

Touted as the world’s first cheese conveyor belt restaurant, The Cheese Bar in London offers Pick & Cheese, a bar featuring a conveyor belt with glass-domed plates of cheeses sourced around the U.K. Pick as you please; prices vary according to the color of the plate. Bar seats are available on a walk-in basis for a one-hour period. In the heart of London’s West End, the venue is located just two minutes from Covent Garden Station at Short’s Gardens.

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As coronavirus proceeds, it is likely that the vast majority of us will be limited in our travels. But this, too, shall pass. Our love for travel remains, so Travelrific will continue offering travel inspiration in this medium. Please keep those affected by the virus in your thoughts and be sure to follow the safety practices advocated by the Centers for Disease Control. Stay safe, and be well.

A Haven for Veggies in Zürich

By Linda Tancs

Swiss cuisine is marked by cheese, mounds of fondue and raclette. Add Geschnetzeltes (small pieces of veal cooked in a creamy mushroom and white wine sauce) to the list in Zürich. You’re not likely to think of tofu, greens and chickpeas—unless, of course, you’re dining at Haus Hiltl, which happens to be the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant. Founded in 1898 and operated by the fourth generation of the Hiltl family, the eatery is even recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest, continuously-run vegetarian restaurant. Offering new takes on vegetarian and vegan cuisine, The Hiltl also creates veggie versions of many traditional meat dishes.

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As coronavirus proceeds, it is likely that the vast majority of us will be limited in our travels. But this, too, shall pass. Our love for travel remains, so Travelrific will continue offering travel inspiration in this medium. Please keep those affected by the virus in your thoughts and be sure to follow the safety practices advocated by the Centers for Disease Control. Stay safe, and be well.

Dancing at Garner State Park

By Linda Tancs

Garner State Park in the Texas Hill Country is reputedly the most popular state park for overnight camping as well as a popular tubing and swimming locale thanks to easy access to the Frio River. But it also has a long history as a gathering place for dancers. Since the 1940s, folks have been gathering at the park’s concession building on summer evenings for a jukebox dance. Arrive early, as parking lots get full and gates can close as early as 8:30 p.m.

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As coronavirus proceeds, it is likely that the vast majority of us will be limited in our travels. But this, too, shall pass. Our love for travel remains, so Travelrific will continue offering travel inspiration in this medium. Please keep those affected by the virus in your thoughts and be sure to follow the safety practices advocated by the Centers for Disease Control. Stay safe, and be well.

Latin American Art

By Linda Tancs

The Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires (MALBA) sports an impressive collection of Latin American art amassed by Argentine real-estate developer, philanthropist and patron of the arts Eduardo Costantini. Its permanent collection features contemporary art from the 20th century and includes artists from across Latin America. Among those represented are Botero, Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera and Xul Solar. Commentary is provided in Spanish and English. Take a few hours to enjoy the galleries, and get there early to avoid potentially long lines.

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As coronavirus proceeds, it is likely that the vast majority of us will be limited in our travels. But this, too, shall pass. Our love for travel remains, so Travelrific will continue offering travel inspiration in this medium. Please keep those affected by the virus in your thoughts and be sure to follow the safety practices advocated by the Centers for Disease Control. Stay safe, and be well.

Coral Art in Florida

By Linda Tancs

The expression “solid as a rock” takes on a whole new meaning at the Coral Castle Museum just outside Miami in Homestead, Florida. Originally named Rock Gate Park, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. This unique sculpture garden was carved out of 1,100 tons of coral rock, the single-handed achievement of a Latvian immigrant. He labored over the project for 28 years, motivated to create a memorial over a broken romance. Features of the castle compound include a nine-ton gate that moves with just a touch of the finger, a Polaris telescope and functioning rocking chairs – all made entirely of stone. Individual and guided tours are available.

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As coronavirus proceeds, it is likely that the vast majority of us will be limited in our travels. But this, too, shall pass. Our love for travel remains, so Travelrific will continue offering travel inspiration in this medium. Please keep those affected by the virus in your thoughts and be sure to follow the safety practices advocated by the Centers for Disease Control. Stay safe, and be well.

Onions and Black Dirt

By Linda Tancs

The fertile, black dirt farming region in Pine Island, New York, owes its existence to an ancient lakebed-turned-valley. The area is particularly famous for its onion production. In fact, onions grown in the Black Dirt Region have a high sugar content because of high sulfur levels in the soil and boast a higher shelf life. With all the farming activity in this famed locale, it’s no wonder they have an annual Black Dirt Feast. Held in August, the tickets sell out quickly when they’re released this month.

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As coronavirus proceeds, it is likely that the vast majority of us will be limited in our travels. But this, too, shall pass. Our love for travel remains, so Travelrific will continue offering travel inspiration in this medium. Please keep those affected by the virus in your thoughts and be sure to follow the safety practices advocated by the Centers for Disease Control. Stay safe, and be well.

Jinju’s Landmark

By Linda Tancs

Originally a mud castle, Jinjuseong Fortress is a memorial to South Korea’s embattled history, beginning with sea marauders in the 1300s, necessitating the structure’s stone reconstruction. Benefiting from a decades-long restoration effort, the fortress is part of a heavily wooded park with temples and shrines. The site also boasts Jinju National Museum, where the area’s war history is recounted along with military artifacts and local art. Seoul’s Gimpo Airport offers daily flights to Jinju.

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As coronavirus proceeds, it is likely that the vast majority of us will be limited in our travels. But this, too, shall pass. Our love for travel remains, so Travelrific will continue offering travel inspiration in this medium. Please keep those affected by the virus in your thoughts and be sure to follow the safety practices advocated by the Centers for Disease Control. Stay safe, and be well.

Railroading in Pennsylvania

By Linda Tancs

Pennsylvania has a rich railroad history, its Pennsylvania Railroad (the “Pennsy”) having become one of the nation’s most significant railroads. Its affiliated lines connected New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington with Buffalo, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Louisville, Chicago and St. Louis. The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania offers visitors a look into the past with its historical displays and more than 100 locomotives and vintage railway cars. Several key pieces of their collection are accessible to the public on a regular basis, including a steam locomotive cab, a caboose and a passenger car. Thanks to a restoration program, the museum has restored many cars to their original appearance. Another highlight is Stewart Junction, housed in a recreated 1915-era freight station. It features a 110-foot, G-scale model railroad switching layout, a LEGO train display and building zone, an operating telegraph and an HO-scale model railroad diorama.

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As coronavirus proceeds, it is likely that the vast majority of us will be limited in our travels. But this, too, shall pass. Our love for travel remains, so Travelrific will continue offering travel inspiration in this medium. Please keep those affected by the virus in your thoughts and be sure to follow the safety practices advocated by the Centers for Disease Control. Stay safe, and be well.

Twin Peaks on Lake Michigan

By Linda Tancs

St. Joseph, Michigan, has the only lighthouses on a Lake Michigan pier that are regularly open to the public. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, St. Joseph North Pier Lights (the outer light and inner light) are iconic structures on a breakwater with an elevated catwalk. An hour-long, guided walking tour is available from May to September, weather permitting. It includes a look into the outer light and culminates in a climb up to the lantern room inside the inner lighthouse.

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As coronavirus proceeds, it is likely that the vast majority of us will be limited in our travels. But this, too, shall pass. Our love for travel remains, so Travelrific will continue offering travel inspiration in this medium. Please keep those affected by the virus in your thoughts and be sure to follow the safety practices advocated by the Centers for Disease Control. Stay safe, and be well.