Kimberly Fisher's Blog, page 236

Charity: Vacation with Richard Branson

Richard Branson, the Virgin business magnate and fifth richest man in the UK, is inviting you and a guest to join him on the journey of a lifetime to New Dehli, India to see the F1™ Grand Prix in style, embark on a fascinating wildlife safari, and attend exclusive VIP parties and more!

Upon arriving in New Dehli, you'll be whisked away to the luxurious and award-winning Imperial Hotel for a three-night stay. Hobnob with the Marussia Virgin Racing team, led by Timo Glock, along with Branson by your side at the F1™ Grand Prix weekend welcome event. Then, you'll watch the race unfold from the Paddock Club™ VIP hospitality area, and witness all the drama that Formula One™ Grand Prix delivers from a prime location and be a part of the first Grand Prix event ever held in India. Unrivaled views, unparalleled access, seamless service, the finest cuisine, and unique meet and greet opportunities with the drivers and team principal will ensure your first leg of the trip is nothing short of once-in-a-lifetime.

After taking in the legendary race, it's time to step into the wild as it's off to Corbett National Park, the first wildlife reserve in India that covers over 500 sq. km. with more than 50 species of mammals and 60 species of birds. You'll be hosted by wildlife conservation organization, WildAid India for two days of exhilarating game drives, and a special visit with some of the world's last remaining wild tigers. With Sir Richard Branson, guests will learn about the current issues facing tigers, and help devise new ways to protect these incredible animals while spending some time in the rural communities.

This extravagant excursion is valued at $75,000 with the current bid at just over $32,000! Bidding on this action-packed cultural expedition is open through Wednesday, August 31 at http://www.charitybuzz.com/catalog_items/2725108. Proceeds from this auction benefit WildAid, working to end the illegal wildlife trade and providing comprehensive marine protection.

Charitybuzz raises funds for nonprofits around the globe through incredible online auctions, giving its bidders exclusive opportunities to make a difference.

Filed under: charity, india Tagged: charity, grand prix, india, richard branson

Travel Guest Post: Top 5 American Restaurants in London

Eating out in London restaurants need not just be about enjoying the native cuisine. In one of the busiest cities in the world, diners can enjoy exciting themes and flavours from all over the globe. For a lively atmosphere and hearty flavours, diners can head to one of the many American-style restaurants in London. Ranging from sophisticated fine dining options to vibrant late night bars, these American restaurants always offer a trademark sunny welcome. Diners can check out these popular haunts within the bustling centre of London.

 

Joe Allen

An iconic New York-style eatery, Joe Allen serves up hearty American classics with a hint of finesse. Diners enter this popular hideaway through a discreet doorway in Covent Garden, into a cosy dining room. Rustic exposed brickwork and quaint archways offer an intimate feel, and vintage prints and photographs adorn the walls. Filled with authentic charm, Joe Allen offers succulent chops and steaks, alongside more delicate flavours.

 

Roadhouse

A funky late night bar and eatery, Roadhouse is renowned for its party atmosphere, nightly live music sessions and spectacular cocktail bar. Loaded with popular flavours, Roadhouse restaurant serves signature burgers and succulent New York-style steaks. Perched on the edge of the iconic Piazza in Covent Garden, Roadhouse operates an 18+ policy.

 

Navajo Joe

Housed in a fashionable warehouse conversion, Navajo Joe offers an exotic take on American dining. Sleek under-lit marble fills the dining room and a sweeping bar showcases a mammoth selection of tequilas, mescals and rums. Sizzling fajita platters sit alongside succulent cuts of steak and loaded bowls of nachos.

 

Circus Restaurant

Filled with excitement and wonder, Circus blends magnificent cabaret performance and sumptuous cuisine. In culture-filled Covent Garden, diners look upon fire-eaters and elegant ballerinas whilst they dine. From the Circus menu, tasty Japenese-inspired tempura options sit alongside sizzling meats from the josper oven.

 

Sticky Fingers

With a lively atmosphere, Sticky Fingers offers a rocker's haven in the centre of London. Born of legendary Rolling Stones rocker Bill Wyman, the band's memorabilia adorns the walls in this retro, American diner-style eatery. In upmarket Kensington, Sticky Fingers serves classic, prime British beef burgers, freshly caught fish and racks of Sticky Finger's legendary ribs.

 

Brimming with authentic charm, American restaurants in London offer a delightfully diverse mix. Sample quaint New York-style bistros, to rock 'n' roll-style late night bars.

About The Author: Emma Starkie is a London based editor with a passion for good food. She is always on the lookout for exciting restaurants in London, and her favorite restaurant is www.bookatable.com. She has a guinea pig named Tybalt.

 

Filed under: drink, food, london, travel, travel planning, travel tips

Travel Guest Post: Monaco Fashion Forward

Monaco may be one of the smallest city-states in the world, but don't let its size fool you; this microstate has built up a reputation as being one of the most fashion savvy places on the globe. So, before heading out to this Mediterranean hot spot, I made sure to think carefully about what exactly I was putting into my suitcase.

 

The pristine, white beaches and tourist filled sidewalks of Monaco are swarming with celebrities, designers, and billionaires. Safe to say I didn't want to make a fool out of myself by dressing like your typical tourist. Instead, I wanted to look like I actually belonged. But you don't have to break the bank by shopping the high-end shops of Monaco. Simply shop the malls in your local area before making your luxurious gateway, and keep these tips in mind:

 

Accessorize. There's a reason why Moroccan straw totes are the must have items in Monaco: accessories are essential in this country. Guys, you should consider citizen watches when breaking out your suits for a night out on the casino.

 

Skirt the issue. For you ladies having trouble thinking of that perfect outfit, then play it safe and go with your favorite skirt. It's all about the skirt in Monaco, whether it's mid-thigh, high crystal pleats and even calf length or longer. You'll find a number of women walking the sidewalks of Monaco in long, white, cotton billowy skirts.

 

Think Bond … James Bond. Monaco's classy casinos and scenic beauty served as the perfect backdrop for the Bond films Never Say Never Again and Goldeneye. So you guys out there should do your best Bond impersonation by dressing like the British spy himself. While this formal look is the way to go for the casinos, many other nightlife areas are toning the formal look down a bit. Be sure to bring your best J. Crew-esque outfits as you'll want to achieve that unfussy, casual-luxe look for many Monaco hot spots.

 

Rediscover. When dressing to impress, many people dress in a formulaic kind of manner. Instead, play with different proportions when preparing for Monaco, and don't be afraid to try something new, or rediscover things buried deep within the closet.

 

While your shopping in Monaco may be limited to just window shopping, browsing through the luxurious shops is still a fun experience. Monaco is well known for its shops that showcase one particular piece in the window, whether it be a necklace or shoe, and neglecting to tell the on looking admirers the outrageous price. After an afternoon of window browsing and thinking "if only," indulge in the high life and take part in a local favorite: caviar. Eating around the city is expensive and this is definitely no expectation as these black pearls are caught fresh daily from the nearby sea.

 

Monaco is definitely a city-state of luxury, there's no question about it. When visiting this high class microstate, you'll be rubbing elbows with some of the world's richest, but that doesn't mean that you should go broke trying to look like a million dollars. Just shop your own area and keep local Monaco fashion and customs in mind before hand, and you'll be sure to fit right in.

Author bio: Written by Alexa Thomas.

Filed under: adventure, fashion, guest post, holiday, luxury, monaco, travel, travel planning, travel tips

Travel: Friday Photo

This photo was taken looking past the shade trees to the private beach and calm waters off of La Pineade in St. Tropez. One of my favorite views, and the only shot from this trip.

Filed under: beauty, france, friday photo, holiday Tagged: friday photo

Guest Motivational Post: The Unstoppable Life of Larry Jacobson

Larry Jacobson knows what it's like to have a dream that seems nearly impossible to realize.  He also knows how to make that dream come true.

"I remember being a curious kid looking out at the docks in Long Beach from behind the locked gates that led to the pier," he said. "I saw this montage of beautiful sails and gleaming boats and the vast expanse of the sea, and I knew it's where I wanted to be. I simply had no idea how I was going to get there."

That's where Jacobson's journey started, and if he followed the course that most people tend to follow, it would have ended there, too. But sometime after becoming a successful entrepreneur in the travel business, those memories from his childhood and teen years sailing any small boat he could put in the water, started flooding back, and he knew he was ready to live his dream and sail around the world.

"I knew what I had and I knew what I wanted, and all I saw was this wide gulf between the two," said Jacobson, author of The Boy Behind the Gate (www.larryjacobsonauthor.com). "So, I started putting together a plan, and from those early beginnings, I started to understand that there are some clear, distinct keys to building the bridge between what you have done and what you dream of doing."

Some of those steps, according to Jacobson, include:

·        Write it Down – Something magical happens when you write down your dreams. They become a lot more real. How do you identify your dreams? Ask the right questions. What lights your fire? What makes you want to bound out of bed every morning, instead of meander out to the coffee pot? But those are very broad questions, with even broader answers. When you think of those answers, write them down. I did. I still have the piece of paper I wrote them on back in 1991.

·        Face Fear — Fear can be a giant wall, seemingly impossible to scale. For instance, when we left the coast of Mexico to sail 2,750 miles across the Pacific Ocean without seeing a bit of land, I had never before navigated a boat across an ocean. Keep in mind, it's not like you just point the boat south and the next thing you know, you're dancing in a Tahitian skirt drinking beer under the swaying palm trees. I was petrified. And the only way I could move through my fear was to haul up the anchor and say, "Let's go." If you're waiting for a marching band to herald your big decision, you'll be waiting forever. I will never forget the arrival in the Marquesas Islands, 21 days later. At first, you don't see the land, you just smell it. It smells like dirt, soil, vegetation. And then you see the clouds. The clouds that form over the island and are reflecting the green of the land so strongly that the bottom of the clouds themselves look green. Finally, you see land. When I did, I knew I had done it. I had faced my fears and navigated my own boat across nearly 3,000 miles of open ocean. If you want to truly live an unstoppable life, then you must haul up your own anchor and voyage out beyond your comfort zone to embrace the fear and use it to sharpen your senses.

·        Mark the Worth in Every Day – This is not a cliché. This is not about smelling roses. This is about recognizing the value we have in our daily lives. It's about remembering to listen, to feel, to actually see what we're doing and appreciate each moment of our lives. Just before crossing the Indian Ocean, I was sitting up on the foredeck, looking out over the expanse of ocean that would be my home for the next 19 days. I had to pinch myself. "Look! Look at what you're about to do. You're going to sail your own boat across the Indian Ocean!"

And after missing a tsunami that surely would have killed me in a wall of water, avoiding deadly pirates and surviving almost drowning while being tangled in an anchor line at the bottom of the Red Sea, you better believe that I mark the worth in every single day that I'm here on this earth breathing.

"Check in with yourself every day." Jacobson said. "Do you wake up in the morning looking forward to the day, or do you have a knot in the pit of your gut that makes you dread the day? The primary rule of living an unstoppable life is to live it with laughter, passion and love. Each of our lives IS an adventure. If you live with laughter, love, and passion, and live with every ounce of energy you have, then you'll live an Unstoppable Life."

About Larry Jacobson:

A California native, Larry Jacobson grew up on the beaches of the Pacific Ocean, sailing, kayaking, swimming, and scuba diving. A recognized expert in the corporate marketing world, he was president of one of the premier incentive travel companies. An avid sailor, he has over 50,000 blue water miles to his name. Larry is a motivational speaker and lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. For more info, please see www.larryjacobsonauthor.com.

Article provided by Ginny Grimsley.

 

Filed under: adventure, books, california, guest post, life, motivational, outdoors, travel, travel planning, travel writing Tagged: boating, boats, larry jacobson, sailing, travel

Travel: Top 6 Picks for Late Summer

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Keeping hydrated on the go has never been easier.  Hint Water is a zero calorie, unsweetened essence water, and is the drink of choice to keep that beach body without adding those extra calories.  HINT is available in 10 flavors and jetsetters like Victoria Beckham, Halle Berry , and Lauren Conrad don't leave home with out it.

UNCL – The perfect lounge wear to wear during a long flight, these sweatshirts, tee's and hoodies are composed of a custom-blend of super soft materials. Plus, they are wrinkle-free so you can stuff them into your carry-on and not worry about a thing.

 Smart for Life Green Tea Protein Bar – Sometimes you just don't have the time to grab a bite on the run.  With 18 grams of protein per bar, these delicious bars will keep hunger at bay and keep that bod travel ready!

Supersmile Quikee – Supersmile Quikee is an anytime, anywhere pocket-sized NO BRUSH/NO RINSE whitening tooth polish that conveniently and effectively removes extrinsic stains. Significantly whitens teeth instantly, while freshening breath for those on the go!



Tattooed by Inky – These ultra chic body sprays make anyone feel trendy and hip. Perfect for that hustle and flow of traveling, plus, you never know who you'll encounter. The Tattooed By Inky collection offers 5 distinctive scents for every personality—two men's, two women's, and one unisex.

There's no excuse to skip healthy habits while traveling this summer! Pick up C-Spray, a brand new option to take your daily vitamins. The travel-friendly 1oz bottle consists of a vitamin and amino acid mixture of Vitamin C, Echinacea, Zinc and Vitamin B-12, that is applied directly underneath your tongue with just 6 sprays. The solution hits a packet of capillaries for immediate uptake into your bloodstream and supplies you with your recommended daily dose of vitamins. Buy online at www.marzsprays.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed under: beauty, food, travel, travel planning, travel tips Tagged: travel products

Travel Guest Post: The Best Spas at Sea

It doesn't get better then traveling to new destinations each day while being pampered in the process. Here we are going to look at the best Spa facilities cruise ships have to offer those who wish to combine the serenity of a spa retreat with the variety and adventure of a luxurious cruise holiday.

Mandara Spa,  Norwegian Epic

The Norwegian Epic Mandara Spa is one of the largest spa facilities at sea and offers a vast array of treatments. Spanning 31,000 square feet, The Mandara spa is gloriously spacious, with bundles of loungers and heated ceramic beds, all providing stunning views of the Mediterranean or Caribbean sea, depending on your itinerary of choice. Over 50 treatments are available for both men and women, ranging from massages, Body therapies, acupuncture and cosmetic procedures performed by a licensed doctor. Six treatment rooms have balconies with sea views, so guests can completely relax outdoors before or after their treatment. There is also a salon which features hair, nail and waxing services.

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Signature Treatment

The signature treatment in the Mandara spa is the Epic 24 Karat Facial ($325, for 75 minutes), which is based on an Elemis Anti Ageing facial combined with gold leaf to boost circulation and revitalize cell renewal, leaving your face baby soft and refreshed.

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Oasis Spa, P&O Azura

 

For complete relaxation, the Oasis spa onboard the P&O Azura is ideal for rejuvenating spa treatments whilst cruising to the Norwegian fjords and other popular European Itineraries. Inside the Oasis spa there is a Thermal Suite, complete with aromatic steam rooms, hydrotherapy pool, heated loungers and scented showers. The Oasis Spa stock products from the O Spa London, an organic British spa product brand developed specifically for the luxury spa market using some of the world's finest, ethically sourced and sustainable ingredients.

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Signature Treatment

The signature treatment in the Oasis Spa is the Catalonian Mud foot soak, Using Catalonian Mud which is extracted 700 metres below the earth's surface, and has a high concentration of salts and essential minerals. It is enhanced with organic herbal extracts to create a powerful blend of active spa mud.

 

The Spa, Yachts of Seabourn Odyssey

If complete and utter serenity and luxurious pampering is what you seek, then look no further than The Spa on board any of Seabourn's luxury 6 six ships.  Spread across 2 decks, with a joint space on 11,500 square feet, you will be greeted at the entrance by a soothing, 2 deck high waterfall. There are 7 indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, hot tub and relaxation are on the upper deck. After a long day on shore exploring your destination, there is nothing better than a soothing soak in the Thalassotherapy pool, which is an ancient treatment that involves bathing in a warm, mineral rich pool with motivating hydrotherapy water jets to help ease aches and pains.

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Signature Treatment

There really is so much variety it really doesn't do the Spa justice to highlight just one. With a collection of treatments from ten eastern cultures, you can indulge in everything from the Chinese art of reflexology to the ancient art of aromatherapy. You can also experience the healing properties of warm stones, seaweed wraps and rejuvenating massages all from one of the most luxurious and contemporary ships at sea.

Written by Ellis Green of www.LoveCruise.co.uk

Filed under: cruise, guest post, luxury, spa, travel, travel planning, travel tips

Travel Guest Post: 5 Interesting Places in Malaysia

 

 

 

 

 

 

Malaysia, separated in two regions by the South China Sea, consists of the peninsular region inhabited mostly by the mixture of Malay, Chinese and Indian origin people and Borneo, which is a wild jungle region with its Orangutans, hills and the isolated tribes. This is considered to be a very panoramic multicultural country and boasts of the cleanest cities in the world. Shoppers consider it a paradise, and you will be able to visit some very wonderful places there. The article will give you one perspective view of five of the best places that you should visit when you are in Malaysia.

PETRONAS Twin Towers and the Kuala Lumpur City Centre

The PETRONAS Twin towers are the tallest building in the world and are one of the five interesting places in Malaysia. If taken along with Kuala Lumpur City Center, you can realize the extent of development that has taken place in Malaysia. The towers are breathtaking, and the architecture is a mixture of the modern and the Islamic design.

The City centre lies at the bottom of the tower. You will find a public park and a garden with a wading pool in the middle of the city.  This will provide a place for you to rest after a shopping bash at the KLCC shopping centre, where you will find the latest trends and everything under the sun.

Parliament House

Built on raised grounds, the Parliaments House overlooks the lake gardens. It is among the five interesting places in Malaysia. The House has oval-shaped windows and is surrounded by a lush green landscape, which when lit up at night is breathtaking. The main building with its two towers holds the two houses of parliament. The other parts of the building house the Library and other offices.

Sri Mahamariaman Temple

If you are looking out for a religious place, the Sri Mahamariaman Temple is the place you must visit.  It was built in 1873, and was one of the temples with most highly wrought intricate artifacts in Hindu temples in the country.  There are minute carvings, gold embellishments, hand painted motifs and superb tiles from Spain and Italy.  One of the greatest attractions is a chariot that is used to carry the deity on Thaipusam, a Hindu festival. It is also one of the oldest monuments in the world.

Kota Kinabalu National Park & mount Kinabalu Kota Kinabalu National Park.

UNESCO designated it in 2000 December as a heritage site because of its universal values.  The park, situated in an area of 754 sq. kilometers, surrounds the Mount Kota Kinabalu, the tallest mountain of Malaysia and the fourth tallest in Southeast Asia.  It is a trekker's delight, and you can trek up to 4100 meters.  The trek from there on is on bare granite rock.  One of the greatest attractions is the Rafflesia Plant, which has the largest single flower in the world.

Sipadan Island

It is one of the most beautiful islands in the world.  It is now one of the nominated sites for the New 7 wonders of nature.  The Island is surrounded by crystal-clear water. It has the best diving sites and is the mating ground for green back and hawksbill turtles. These waters harbor the big-eyed trevallies, mantas, eagle rays, scalloped hammerhead sharks, and Whale sharks and some of the rare sea animals.

If you should visit the five interesting places in Malaysia, then you will have a very pleasing experience. Malaysia is a treat for those who are fond of gardens and lakes. A visit to Malaysia should also provide you with an excellent shopping experience.

About the author: Timothy is a contributor for the site Kefalonia where you can get interesting information on Hotels in Kefalonia as well as the famous Lassi Kefalonia resort.

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Filed under: adventure, guest post, malaysia, travel, travel planning, travel tips Tagged: islands, malaysia, travel

Travel: Vacationing a New Way; Discovering Neglected Terrain

When we think about exotic vacations and getaways our minds

no doubt immediately escape to ocean oases and arctic mountain passes. Somehow,

our perception of a true vacation involves a major trip, a different language, and an entirely foreign terrain.

While these vacations are no doubt fun, enlightening, and important life

experiences, too often our home terrain goes sadly neglected. Take a vacation

from visiting the next tourist attraction or major vacationing hotspot this

next time around and pay some special attention to your own homeland. Growing

up in the states, my family vacation plans always revolved around traveling to

Europe, Mexico, Canada, any country but our own. Now that I'm traveling on my own

some, I've dedicated my vacations to discovering the sadly neglected terrain of

my own country. These are my top three favorite neglected destinations I have

found in the United States:

Lawrence,

Kansas

In many ways, visiting Kansas was an exotic escape for me.

Almost everything about Lawrence, Kansas differed wildly from the place in

which I live. As a small college town in the heart of the Midwest, Lawrence has

a lot to offer. With rolling green hills, endless blue skies, and hot sunny

days (I visited in the summer), Lawrence provides a beautiful landscape for a

relaxing and unique vacation. Take a stroll down "Mass" street and

pop into the various "mom and pop" shops along the main drag of town.

This area of town is littered with college students, quaint bars, and killer

restaurants. Ride a bike out near the river at night and sit in the dark to

enjoy the fireflies. For those who did not grow up in a climate where fireflies

are around, this is an experience to be had. There are few things more amazing

that I've seen in all of my travels than thousands of fireflies glittering

along the rolling hills of the Midwest. Spend a night or two just taking in the

natural beauty of this town. Watch the stars and catch a firefly or two. Too

much of traveling is about seeing all there is to see and rushing from one spot

to another. Try sitting back and enjoying your time.

 

Albuquerque,

New Mexico

This little town doesn't seem to have much to offer at first

glance. However, once you spend a little time here the local charm is sure to

win you over. Go to the local Mexican food restaurants for some authentic New

Mexican food and some of the best dishes you will ever taste. Albuquerque has a

lot of interesting terrain and culture to offer. Take a trip to the mountains,

spend some time on the desert mesas, and enjoy the Bosque (river forest). As a

desert town set between mountains and mesas, Albuquerque offers beautiful

scenery and an amazingly enjoyable climate. In the fall watch hundreds of hot

air balloons rise into the dry desert air. Enjoy snow and skiing in the winter

and hot summer days in the fresh water springs of the Jemez Mountains. Take in

all the local charm on your stay as you enjoy every meal with a side of green

chile and watch the roadrunners race the streets.

 

Crested

Butte, Colorado

Quickly becoming one of the go to tourist destinations for

avid downhill skiers and snowboarders, Crested Butte, Colorado is a quaint

mountain town set at the foot of one of the best skiing mountains in North

America. With ski town charm, beautiful mountain views, and untouched

potential, this town feels secluded and intimate on every stay. Crested Butte

is the perfect destination for the outdoorsy adventurer. With snow shoeing,

skiing, sledding, hiking, fishing, hunting, and more, just be sure to pack the

appropriate attire. Crested Butte has plenty of hometown charisma with unique

restaurants, delightful inns and cabins, and plenty of attractions throughout

every season. This destination is perfect for big city travelers looking for

some seclusion and connection to nature. As one of the most beautiful places

I've ever visited, Crested Butte is dear to my traveling heart.

 

This is a guest post from Carol Wilson who writes for business insurance. She

contributes articles about a variety of marketing, business, stock market,

small business topics. She can be contacted at: wilson.carol24@gmail.com.

 

Filed under: adventure, colorado, holiday, outdoors, travel, travel planning, travel tips Tagged: colorado, kansas, new mexico, vacation

Travel Guest Post: Eastern Townships

4 Must See Places of the Eastern Townships

If you are planning to travel to Canada any time soon, make sure you plan to stop by the Eastern Townships. Located less than an hour away from Montreal, and about 120 km from Quebec City, the Eastern Townships is the perfect place to get away from the hassle of a metropolitan lifestyle.

Many different types of activities will be available to you during your stay. The area is wonderful for fans of cycling, hiking and fishing and it also offers many golf courses, lakes, museum, national parks, orchards, health centers and spas. There is truly something for everyone to enjoy. Also, if you plan to visit the region during the summer, you will be able to pick and choose from many diverse events and festivals that take place during the entire season.

But, even with this vast array of wonderful things to see and do, there are 4 places that deserve to be categorized as ''must see places'' if you plan on travelling to the wonderful region of the Eastern Townships.

The Granby Zoo:

The Granby Zoo is the largest zoo in Quebec, housing more than 1000 animal species from the most exotic to the most common. It recently opened a new exhibit called the South Pacific Odyssey Pavilion. Many species of warm water fish can be admired there and ray fish can be touched in a basin reserved especially for them. Plan your day ahead and enjoy both the zoo and the Amazoo water park. Enjoy different types of pools and water activities as you cool down after an exciting visit of the zoo.

Ski Bromont:

If you're looking for more water fun, you can head down to the Ski Bromont waterpark and zoom down its many different water slides. Smaller children can enjoy the L'Île au Trésor (Treasure Island) while grownups and big kids can enjoy large scale water slides and wave pools. If you've had enough of water, you can go mountain biking through the trails available on the mountain side. And don't worry if you've forgotten you gear, everything from bikes to helmets can be rented on site for an affordable price.

Orford Express:

The Orford Express is joy for all your senses. Enjoy the stunning views the Eastern Townships have to offer as you enjoy a delicious gourmet meal aboard this tourist train. Equipped with 3 restaurant coaches and a seating capacity of 212 people, this train travels through the countryside that link Sherbrooke, Magog and Eastman. Trips are offered Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from May to late December.

Bleu Lavande:

The lavender farm of Bleu Lavande is unique to the village of Fitch Bay. Over 3000 plants of lavender grow on the luscious grounds of the farm producing 100% pure refined oils. It is the biggest lavender field in Canada and the second biggest in North America. Enjoy the landscapes and wonderful smells of the farm, but don't forget to stop by the boutique on your way out to browse through an array of wonderful lavender related products like foaming bath, shampoo, hand cream and more.

Lodging recommendation:

If your vacation in the Eastern Townships is going to be a long one, you will have a vast array of hotels, and bed and breakfasts to enjoy, but, you will have to include in your list of stops, the wonderful Auberge Ripplecove and Spa. Enjoy the sublime view of the Massawippi Lake while dining on some of the best cuisine in the region. Take the time to relax from your hectic vacation schedule by relaxing and pampering yourself in their spa. For more information, visit their website at: http://www.ripplecove.com/

The Eastern Townships truly has something that everyone can enjoy. From the extreme sports fanatic, to the greatest of gourmets, this beautiful region and its gorgeous landscapes will surely leave your breathless during your visit, so much so, that you might not want to leave.

Sources:

http://www.easterntownships.org/thematicArticle/5/welcome-to-the-eastern-townships?section=11

http://www.zoodegranby.com/cgi-bin/zoo

http://www.skibromont.com/

http://www.orfordexpress.com/en/home.htm

http://www.bleulavande.ca/index_english.php

Filed under: canada Tagged: canada, Eastern Townships