Linda A. Tancs's Blog: The Long and Short of It, page 63
October 19, 2022
Gateway to Burgundy
By Linda Tancs
Dating to pre-Roman times, the French city of Auxerre is officially labeled a Ville d’Art et d’Histoire (city of art and history) for its cultural significance. In the Old Town sector of the city, the 15-century clock tower (part of the original Roman fortress wall) dominates among ancient roads dotted with medieval wooden buildings. Another magnificent building dominating the skyline is Saint Germain Abbey, home of the Bishop of Auxerre from 418 until his death in 448. It houses a Museum of Art and History, which traces the history of the city from prehistory to medieval times. The city is also sometimes referred to as the Gateway to Burgundy, producing all of the usual varietals of the region. Once thriving with wine merchants and vineyards, Le Clos de la Chaînette (one of the oldest vineyards in France, dating to the 7th century) remains today. You can get there in under two hours from Paris.
October 18, 2022
The Museum of the Future
By Linda Tancs
Dubai’s Museum of the Future is about—you guessed it—the future. That’s probably evident from the design itself. The exterior, covering a total surface area of 17,600 square meters, is made out of stainless steel comprising 1,024 pieces manufactured by a specialized robot-assisted process. The 225-foot, otherworldly-looking structure is embossed with quotes (in Arabic) about the future and is intended to project what the next 50 years might look like. Symbolically, the circular building represents humanity, the green mound it sits atop represents the earth and the void represents the unknown future. Using exhibitions, immersive theatre and themed attractions, the museum experience is an imagining of the future, aided by the visions of innovators, scientists, and prominent figures from leading industries. Dubai Metro (Emirates Towers Station, Red Line) is directly linked to the museum.
October 17, 2022
Women in the Arts
By Linda Tancs
Championing women through the arts, the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C., promotes collections, exhibitions, programs and advocacy of women artists. It’s the only major museum in the world bringing recognition to the achievements of women artists of all periods and nationalities. The facility is located at 1250 New York Avenue, NW, which is a 78,810-square-foot Washington landmark near the White House constructed in 1908 as a Masonic Temple.
October 13, 2022
The Slender Bay
By Linda Tancs
Baie Fine (meaning “slender bay” in French) is one of the largest freshwater fjords in the world. Nearly 9 nautical miles long, it’s bounded by high quartz mountains and dotted with anchorages that are ripe for gunkholing, a sailing term related to the practice of seeking out coves and other out-of-the-way places. Some of the more popular coves are Mary Ann Cove, North Shore Cove and The Pool. Located in Ontario, Canada, Bair Fine is entered from Frazer Bay, between McGregor Point and Frazer Point.
October 12, 2022
The History of Detroit
By Linda Tancs
In 1701, French explorer Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac founded the settlement that would become Detroit, Michigan. The approximate site of his landing is where you’ll find Hart Plaza, located south of the intersection of Jefferson and Woodward avenues in the vicinity of the Detroit River. The 14-acre plaza is a popular festival and meeting space. Closer to the riverside you’ll find a statue of Cadillac, along with a memorial to the Underground Railroad (because Detroit was a critical stop). The plaza also features a Ford Motor Company historical marker, showing the site where the company’s articles of incorporation were signed in 1903.
October 11, 2022
Portugal’s Oldest Town
By Linda Tancs
Situated on the Lima River in northern Portugal, Ponte de Lima is frequently referred to as the nation’s oldest town because it was given a charter by Queen Teresa in 1125. The small town may be most famous for its bridge over the river, particularly the Roman portion constructed in the first century. But it’s also the center of Vinho Verde (green, or young, wine) production, the history of which is recounted at the local interpretative center. Another gem is the toy museum (Museu do Brinquedo) on the right bank of the river, where you can travel in time through Portuguese toy manufacture from the 19th century to the 1980s. Almost 200 Portuguese manufacturers are represented. Driving there is recommended; public transport options are poor, even from Porto.
October 10, 2022
Dining Above the Falls
By Linda Tancs
The Skylon Tower in Niagara Falls, Ontario, is an observation tower that overlooks both the American Falls in New York and the larger Horseshoe Falls in Ontario, Canada. Featuring both indoor and outdoor observation decks at 764 feet, you’ll zip to the top in 52 seconds in an outside-mounted “yellow bug” elevator. Besides the sweeping vistas, you can enjoy a singular meal at the revolving restaurant, which, of course, offers more incredible views. The dining room does a complete revolution once per hour. On a clear day, visibility might reach 80 miles.
October 6, 2022
End of the Commons
By Linda Tancs
The oldest operating general store in Ohio is End of the Commons in historic Mesopotamia, the heart of Amish Country. The store has been serving customers since 1840 and features over 1,000 bulk food products, hard-to-find houseware and kitchen gadgets and more than 50 varieties of old-fashioned soda and penny candy. A family-run business, its nod to yesteryear is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Be sure to sample some Amish delights in their cafe, like a fry pie.
October 5, 2022
The Stones of New Amsterdam
By Linda Tancs
Located in the Financial District, Stone Street is one of New York City’s oldest streets, harking back to the city’s days as New Amsterdam, the 17th-century Dutch settlement established at the southern tip of Manhattan that served as the seat of the colonial government. The road bears the distinction of being the first street in the Dutch settlement to be paved—that is, with cobblestones. Designated a historic district, it runs in two sections between Whitehall Street in the west and Hanover Square in the east. Look beyond the skyscrapers to capture the area’s historic buildings, some of the last remnants of New Amsterdam.
October 4, 2022
The Road to Hana
By Linda Tancs
Hawaii’s Hana Highway (Highway 36) is more than just a road; it’s the top tourist destination on the northeast coastline of Maui. That’s because the drive is filled with eye-popping scenes from waterfalls, lookouts and lush forest along with fruit trees, cane grass and verdant pastures. It’s a journey best taken in stages although you could blow through it in three hours from Wailea. If you choose to stop along the way, then consider the aptly-named Garden of Eden Arboreturm (mile marker 10), the lookout point with a beautiful view of Maui’s north coast at Kaumahina State Wayside Park (mile marker 12) and Kahanu Garden (mile marker 31), boasting a view of Pi’ilanihale Heiau, the largest temple in Hawaii. The road is often snarled in traffic; start before sunrise for the best experience.
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