This “Isle of Demons” could well be Quirpon Island, located in the icy strait between Labrador and Newfoundland, where French sailors would not go ashore without crucifixes in their hands, because the island was inhabited by devils.

Image via Wikipedia

The Expeditions of Cartier and Roberval

Much of what Thevet wrote was condemned later by historians as showing “excessive credulity” and “suffering from his mendacity”, but he was not the first to claim he had visited an Isle of Demons. In 1540, Jacques Cartier received a royal commission from the French king for his third voyage to Canada. He was given fifty prisoners suitable to serve in the expedition, because sufficient people to travel to New France could be recruited only by beating, bribing or dragging those who had no choice.

Shortly afterwards, Jean-François de La Roque, Sieur de Roberval, would sail with Cartier “for conquest of these lands and to make settlements in the said country”. He would be the real captain of the enterprise and he also would receive complete command over the lands. Roberval however lacked artillery, ammunition and other supplies, and he was unable to accompany Cartier. In 1541, the expedition of five ships filled with mariners, convicted criminals of both sexes, horses and cattle and poultry – and only 25 “persons of quality” – departed without Roberval.

The following year, well armed and provisioned, Roberval sailed out with his own fleet of three ships and 200 colonists. The two parts of the expedition met in the harbor at St. John’s, Newfoundland. Cartier tried to convince Roberval of the uselessness of an attempt at colonisation. He wanted to return to France. But Roberval was determined to continue as planned and set sail toward the St. Lawrence.

Image via Wikipedia

The Lovers of Isola des Demonias

Roberval was accompanied by his niece, Marguerite de La Roque, who entered into a passionate love affair with one of the young officers on board, identified by the Newfoundland storyteller Earl B. Pilgrim as  Pierre de Val Cormier. This was such an affront to Roberval’s religious principles that, upon reaching what he considered to be the Isle of Demons, he immediately put her ashore, along with four guns and the old nurse, who had pandered to her mistress’s illicit love.

When the young officer was about to be put in irons, he jumped overboard to join Marguerite… but Isle of Demons did not tolerate a romantic idyll. The evil spirits of the island at once beset them, day and night. The lovers and the old nurse tried to drive the demons back through readings from the New Testament and intercession of the Virgin Mary, but “beasts or other shapes abominably and unutterably hideous, the brood of hell, howling in baffled fury” kept visiting them.

Marguerite became pregnant and the infuriated tormentors redoubled their efforts. Her lover sickened and died, and so did the child… and finally the old nurse. Marguerite faced her agony and despair alone now. She killed three bears “as white as an egg”, but the demons were not “vulnerable to mortal weapons”.

Her ordeal took two years and five months… until a passing fishing boat rescued her and brought her back to France, where she – and André Thevet – told her tale.

Image via Wikipedia

Confused and inarticulate

In his marvellous book Phantom Islands of the Atlantic, Donald S. Johnson says that the key element, responsible for the name of the island and its reputation, is the “confused and inarticulate voices” that emanated from the Isle of Demons. Portuguese and French mariners timed their voyage so as to get an ice-free passage through the Strait of Belle Isle into the Gulf of St. Lawrence. This brought them to Newfoundland during the nesting and breeding season of gannets and other pelagic birds.

A sailor who had spent a long and lonely passage at sea, hearing only wind and wave, seeing nothing but the infinity of sky and water, was suddenly engulfed in a cacophony of sound, produced by a large gannet colony. On their breeding grounds, gannet males give a whistling call, the females a resonant trumpeting. Nesting auks utter low moans, guttural growls, quacks and croaks and piping cries. The Newfoundland fog would undoubtedly add an aura of mystery to the clamorous event…

Image via Wikipedia

More Strange Islands:

The Island of the Living Dead Dolls

Searching Google Ocean for Lost Islands and Cities

Atlantis Found and Lost with Google Ocean

More Historical Mysteries

Horse and Carriage Ride

Taking a horse and carriage ride is one of the classic tourist attractions in New York City. This tradition has been going on since the 1800s. The Horse & Carriage Association of New York provides carriage rides through some of the most interesting areas in the city. One of the best places to go for a ride is Central Park in Manhattan. Knowledgeable carriage drivers will fill you in on the history of each place you visit, offering fun facts and providing color commentary along the way.

Horse & Carriage Association of New York
522 West 45 Street (59 St/5 Av)
New York, NY 10036
(718) 606-5557
www.horseandcarriageny.com

Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty

No trip to New York would be complete without a visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Ferry boats take guests from Battery Park in Manhattan across the bay to the Statue of Liberty. From here, continue on to Ellis Island. This famous port of entry into the United States features the American Family History Immigration Center. This resource allows visitors to research their family history in the national immigration archives. The view of downtown Manhattan from the island is quite nice, and this makes for a decent day trip.

Ellis Island Immigration Museum
Ellis Island, NY 10004
(212) 561-4500
www.ellisisland.org

NBC Studios Tour

The NBC Studio Tour at NBC Studios in Rockefeller Center, is a fun way to go behind the scenes of popular shows like “Saturday Night Live.” You can go backstage, have your photo taken behind the news desk of the “NBC Nightly News,” experiment with the green screens and learn all about the history of the network.

NBC Studios
30 Rockefeller Plaza
(Enter on 49th St between 5th & 6th Ave)
New York, New York, 10112
(212) 664-3700
www.rockefellercenter.com

#1 Top Seafood Restaurant  : Moby Dick’s

517 S. Alister , Port Aransas, Texas 78373, Phone: 361-749-9447

Moby Dick’s has good brews on tap; like most of the south it carried Yeungling beer, which is in the class of best lagers. Moby Dick’s also has good visual character which is good for the children, a rich selection of dishes—I tend to go for shrimp while my husband prefers crab. Prices are reasonable and you receive good quality although we once had the grump queen as waitress but we smiled her way out of her attitude and she delivered quickly.

#3 Top Seafood Restaurant : Joe’s Crab Shack

5025 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78411, Phone: 361-980-0023

Joe’s Crab Shack is one of the chain restaurants. They airlift in seafood from the north and always cook it up delectably. They’re famous for making buckets of crab, potatoes, corn, sausage and sometimes in combination with clams, lobster or other seafood. The staff dances for the diners every forty-five minutes and if you go often enough you’re likely to be able to do it to. Lots of fun.

#4 Top Seafood Restaurant :  Railroad Seafood Station

1214 N Chaparral St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, Phone: 361-883-6200

The Railroad Seafood Station is downtown Corpus Christi near the tourist sites and was quiet compared to many of the restaurants right next to the USS Lexington. The atmosphere was quiet, the service good and the menu varied. Their specials were a good deal, my husband ordered the Rock Lobster special and was pleased by the price, portion and tastiness. I had salad and was equally pleased.

#5 Top Seafood Restaurant : Doc’s

13309 S. Padre Island Drive, Corpus Christi, TX 78418, Phone: 361-949-6744

Doc’s is a great pub with casual dining style. Prices are a bit more than the fish fry shack next door. You are seated, waited upon and served good seafood. Service was terrific and the crowd large, get there early on weekends. It has a great view of the the harbor and is located midway on the causeway from Corpus Christi to Padre Island. The place next door is more like a fish and chip joint–you order as you enter, find a table and they drop fried seafood and french fries at your side. Beware the seagulls.

#6 Top Seafood Restaurant : Virginia’s Seafood and Steaks

815 Trout Street, Port Aransas, Texas 78373, Phone: 361-749-4088

This place was packed. The menu was somewhat intimidating. They’d cook your fish for you. Or you could have a fish they had bought. Fish is the right choice at Virginia’s. The cole slaw was promised without mayonnaise but came creamy anyway. It was a small annoyance because I ordered a green salad too and that was terrific. Beer was good but a good lager was only available via bottle.

#7 Top Seafood Restaurant : Castaway’s

320 N. Alister , Port Aransas, Texas 78373 Phone: 361-749-5394

Castaway’s was quiet when we ate there, but has a huge salad bar not used at lunch. We had good fried bar food – me chicken strips and my husband and prawn salad. The salad was rather unvaried but fresh. Service was terrific. Beer was good but a good lager was only available via bottle.

 There’s other seafood restaurants in Corpus Christi and Port Aransas, but these will feed you well.

Filoli Mansion and Gardens, located in Woodside, California, is 30 miles south of San Francisco along scenic Interstate 280. Filoli is about to unveil Holiday Traditions, a fun filled seasonal event and fundraiser that begins the day after Thanksgiving and lasts for 9 exciting days.

What is Filoli?

Filoli is a 654-acre private estate that includes a 36,000 square-foot mansion furnished with elegant antiques and decorative art. The property also has 16 acres of European-inspired gardens that showcase dramatic seasonal horticultural exhibits.

Filoli is recognized as one of the finest remaining American country estates of the early 20th century. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1975.

Today, Filoli is owned by a non-profit organization whose purpose is to promote cultural and horticultural activities. The knowledgeable staff – with the help of hundreds of active volunteers – raises money to sustain Filoli by staging colorful family events with enormous appeal.

Winter Wonderland at Filoli

This year’s event theme is Winter Wonderland. Six hundred and fifty Filoli volunteers are transforming the mansion into a spectacular floral display and storehouse of exciting gifts. Filoli will sparkle and glisten with stunning decorations, live music, merriment  – and dancing in the ballroom at the Gala Dinner Party. 

You and your family can be part of the holiday cheer – but buy your tickets early

SHOP

Come and shop the Holiday Boutique with its wide range of exceptional merchandise. Browse while holiday performers sing and play seasonal favorites. Bring your holiday shopping list.  As the photos attest, there are thousands of desirable gifts for all ages.

Dine

Relax amid glorious winter flowers and glistening decorations while enjoying a tasty lunch or dinner.

Socialize

Celebrate the season by attending The Gala Dinner Party on November 28 – a grand occasion featuring fine food, live music and dancing in the famed Filoli ballroom. Get your tickets early. This event is a certain sell-out.

Bring the kids

Be sure to take the young ones to the popular Children’s Party on December 5.

Everyone that visits Filoli during this festive season will experience the magic and wonder of winter in beautiful Woodside, California.

Support the cause. This is one fundraiser where all benefactors are sure to walk away with a pocket full of holiday smiles, and a bag full of special gifts.

General information is available online by clicking Filoli. For tickets and reservations click on Holiday Traditions.

See you there, and Happy Holidays!

Interested in learning more about Filoli? Click on the titles below:

Movies made at Filoli

Dynasty’s TV mansion

Filoli Spring Fling

© Travels with Wayne and Judy (syndicated)

Photos © Wayne and Judy Bayliff

Have you ever wondered how hard it would be to ride one of those strange looking two wheel electric Segway contraptions? It is a peculiar machine that some people look upon as they do the mechanical riding bull in Gilley’s Bar in the movie Urban Cowboy. We recently took on the challenge of a first Segway ride, and we are here to tell you – it’s not like a bull – it’s more like an escalator. 

Get out and try one

Our adventure started in Pacifica, California, just 15 miles south of San Francisco on scenic Highway 1. We dropped in on Silicon Segway, and talked with owners Joe Trimble and Jim Heldberg about how the Segway transporter works.

 It didn’t take long and we were involved in a brief training session, watched a how-to video, and selected safety helmets. Before we knew it, we were rolling Segways out the storefront door and preparing to take on the byways of beautiful Pacifica.

 The Silicon Segway shop is located in a great spot for training and tours. Just a few yards from the front door, is a piece of property that is ideal for basic field training. It’s a brick surface with a convenient sloping driveway and round cement barriers that make an excellent obstacle course during practice drills. 

Jim Heldberg was our tour guide, and he quickly had us up on our machines practicing all the basic maneuvers. Within minutes, we were sufficiently confident in our ability to ride a Segway that we moved off the practice pad and took off along an Oceanside trail.

The Segway is an amazing machine 

When you turn on the power, the Segway lets you know when it’s time to climb aboard. You step up, one foot at a time, and the machine automatically balances itself for your weight and proportions. You lean forward to move forward and backward to move backward. It should be more complicated than that, but it isn’t. 

You turn the stick right and you go right. Turn it far right and you will spin around in a perfect circle. Lean forward a little and you will spin faster, lean backward and you will start to spin backward. That’s all there is to it. 

After a very short while, the electric scooter feels like an extension of your body. You learn to adjust your speed by leaning forward and backward in a matter of minutes, and then away you go. Your forward top speed is 12 miles per hour, and the machine will gently pull back if the limit is exceeded. 

Jim took us for a tour of an old rock quarry, and up a sizeable hill with twelve switchbacks – and a spectacular view of the ocean. By the time we reached the hilltop, we were all confident in our ability as novice Segwayers. 

 If you decide to try a Segway 

Silicon Segway provides tours and salesof Segway transporters. Check herefor tour schedules. Joe told us, “Jim and I recently initiated a new Segway tour of Treasure Island, and it has fabulous views of San Francisco.”  We cannot wait to take it. 

After riding a Segway, you may want one for Christmas. New machine prices start at $5K+, and used machines are available. 

The Segway range is about 24 miles per charge, and it costs about ten-cents worth of electricity for a full charge – very GREEN. 

A Segway tour is great family fun, but check with the owners for age and size restrictions. We know there is no top age limit because Jim said, “So far our oldest tour participant was 92.” 

© Travels with Wayne and Judy (syndicated)

Photos © Wayne and Judy Bayliff  

Julian and Abe Saenger

The Saenger Brothers were two of the most powerful figures in the early theater business during the 1920’s. Julian and Abe were born in Norfolk, Virginia to German parents (their surname of Saenger means “singer” in German). In 1980, along with their father, Rabbi Israel Saenger who was head of the B’Nai Zion congregation in his hometown, the brothers re-located to Shreveport, Louisiana.

Julian Henri Saenger, the brother who started the original family business, was not unlike many other German-Americans of the era. His hospitable smile and pleasure in helping his fellow man no doubt aided his progress diligent entrepreneur, innovator, and pioneer in his fields of work. Saenger would begin his career with a drug clerkship position under August Bogel, one of Shreveport’s pioneer druggists. Five years later, he was prosperous enough to establish the Saenger Drug Company in the Bogel building at the corner of Texas and Market streets. The company, which would develop a large clientele, was the first to recognize the need for an “open all night” drug store, providing 24-hour service to customers each day.

Julian Henri Saenger

Little did Saenger know, this drugs store would spark a new and fascinating interest that would be the start of a glorious empire. Inside the store was a “kinetograph” peepshow machine, operated by the insertion of one-cent coins followed by the turning of a handle to display a moving picture. It was through this machine, known as a “movie-olla,” that both brothers became interested in motion pictures. In 1911, Julian and brother Abe branched out into entertainment enterprises, forming the Saenger Amusement Company, and, with the help of their friends Ehrlich Brothers (who operated a theatre of their own), built the original Saenger Theatre in Shreveport. E. V. Richards, a popular showman of the day, served as the company’s first manager, and in so doing ranked as one of the outstanding executives in the motion picture industry.

The company devoted their first few years to booking vaudeville acts, but soon thereafter the brothers caught a vision of the future magnitude of the motion picture, and its predicted effect on modern society. The idea prompted the Saengers to discontinue all vaudeville bookings and focus solely becoming Shreveport’s exclusive exponent of the movies. The Saenger Theatre became the first chain of motion picture theatres that eventually extended throughout the Southern States and into Cuba, Jamaica, Panama and Puerto Rico.

One of the most exquisite theatres of the Saenger brothers’ empire is aptly nestled on Canal Street in the city of New Orleans, the site of Julian Saenger’s untimely death in 1932.

History of the New Orleans Saenger Theatre

The Saenger Theater, New Orleans, was originally opened to entertain the public with motion pictures and live stage shows. Architect Emile Weil had visions of an Italian courtyard when designing the New Orleans Saenger Theatre’s extraordinary interior. The ceiling above the main 4,000-seat auditorium was constructed to replicate an open night sky, with 150 lights installed and strategically arranged as constellations. Special effects were also employed to project sunrises, sunsets, moving clouds, and other celestial phenomena across the theatre’s interior before each show began. The outside of the stage featured an enormous proscenium arch that was heavily decorated with elaborate plaster work, coated with gilding. It included a shield with the letter “S” in it, surrounded by a plaster wreath in a cartouche, placed in the center. The breathtaking courtyard ambiance was finished off with accents in the shape of plaster archways, doorways and statuary decorated with greenery.

Architect’s design of the Saenger New Orleans.

This was only a small part of the multi-faceted complex that opened on Feburary 4, 1927 after three years and $2.5 million dollars had gone into its ornate construction. The Saenger’s grand opening prompted a gathering of thousands for a parade across Canal Street. Upon the opening, an approximately 2000-pipe Robert-Morton organ was installed. It was one of the largest instruments ever manufactured by the legendary Robert-Morton enterprise, and the prototype for the company’s “Wonder Morton” line, designed specifically for the Saenger.

In its heyday, the Saenger Theatre’s top ticket price was sixty-five cents, with the bill for each performance including a silent movie and a stage play produced by the Paramount Publix Corporation, with accompanying music by the Saenger Grand Orchestra.

Auditorium, House Right

Mezzanine

Arcade

Solo Stage

In spite of these wonders, however, Julian Saenger only maintained ownership of this extraordinary landmark during its first two years in service, before selling it to the Paramount Publix Corporation in 1929. Paramount Publix successfully kept the business thriving through the Great Depression. In 1933, the company converted the theatre to talking pictures only.

In 1964, ABC Interstate Theatres turned the Saenger into a “piggyback” theatre, walling off its vast balcony to divide the large space into two smaller theatres. The upstairs theatre became known as the “Saenger Orleans.”

The Saenger was designated as a historic landmark by the New Orleans Landmark commission on September 29, 1977. In December of that same year, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

A year later, the theatre was closed, sold, and subsequently underwent a major renovation. E.B. Breazeale purchased the Saenger, for $1 million dollars, and spent an additional $3 million to transform it into a performing arts center along with co-investors Zev Bufman and Barry Mendelson. Pace Management, who had also invested in the strenuous renovation was hired to run the theatre. After nearly two years of punctilious redevelopment, the grand theatre re-opened with a reduced seating capacity of 2,800, though its extravagance remained. Johnny Carson even gave a gala performance at its grand re-opening.

A pre-Katrina shot of Saenger New Orleans’ auditorium.

In 1985, the Saenger Theatre was sold yet again when the management team formed a joint venture with fifty limited partners to purchase the building from Breazeale.

Since the celebration of its 75th anniversary in 2002, audiences have enjoyed an annual event of a return to the theatre’s cinematic roots. Every June, a series of silverscreen classics is shown.

Current Status

Just like during the Saenger Theatre’s early years, a large crystal chandelier hangs over the gilt-covered main lobby, one of a dozen that once graced ceilings throughout the complex. The remaining eleven, however, have been sold off through the years to finance the tremendous upkeep and renovations required to maintain such a historical treasure. One of these fixtures now hangs in the Stanford Court Hotel in San Francisco. The theatre’s famous “Wonder Morton” organ remains in its original installed position.

Like many Canal Street buildings, the Saenger Theatre suffered significant water damage during hurricane Katrina in August of 2005, and still has not been re-opened. It was already in the midst of a major renovation during this time, with all carpeting and seating removed in anticipation of being replaced.

Renovations (Image Source)

In January of 2008, Saenger Theatre was awarded funds totaling in $38 million for a for a complete restoration. The theatre’s current owners donated the building to the City of New Orleans in return for the funds, though they will retain management rights for an unspecified period of time. Their hope is that the renovation will be complete by the fall of 2011, with the Saenger returned to its original state while various ugprades, such as expanding the stage space by 40%, will be made. The marquee will be lit every night until the re-opening, a ritual that began with a ceremony in October 2009 to signify the theatre’s rebirth.

Links of Interest

Noah Kern’s Saenger New Orleans Photo Gallery

A YouTube Video of Saenger New Orleans by RebuildRenew

Photo of Saenger New Orleans’ Beautiful Chandelier

Pensacola has something for everyone from babies to retirees. Sun lovers will have fun in the sun on Pensacola Beach. Golfers, fishermen and race car drivers alike will enjoy the activities that Pensacola offers.

Dining is not a problem for visitors with so many choices including many seafood restaurants. Other favorites include McGuire’s Irish Pub, The Angus and Will Call Sports Grille. For seafood, check out Atlas Oyster House, Crabs, The Fish House, Flounders Chowder House, Palace Oyster Bar at Seville Quarter and Skopelos On The Bay Seafood and Steak Restaurant.

Bring some spare change for the Pensacola Greyhound Track and the Florida Lottery. The Pensacola Greyhound Track offers fully enclosed and climate controlled facilities to enjoy greyhound racing. The on-site restaurant offers dinners and a wonderful view of the track.  

The Florida Lottery has many retailers in Pensacola who offer the Florida Lotto, Power Ball and the fun instant-win scratch-offs. To learn more before playing, visit this website.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular Pensacola attractions:

Pensacola Beach

Aside from live music, air shows, shopping and dining, the beach itself offers beautiful white sand and relaxing ocean breezes. Swimming, boating, surfing, fishing and diving are activities practiced at Pensacola Beach. The most active time to visit the beach is from April to September. Learn what is happening now at the beach on their website.

The Blue Angels Air Show

The Blue Angels Air Show flies over Pensacola Beach in July and also performs at NAS Pensacola in November. This is a must-see demonstration of aerobatic maneuvers of the four plane diamond formation. They have more information posted on their website. 

Five Flags Speedway

Home of the Snowball Derby, this half mile asphault round track features Super Late Models and five other classes of cars for Saturday night racing from March through October. Scheduled events and information can be found online at www.5flagsspeedway.com.

The Gulfarium

Dolphin lovers and marine life enthusiasts will want to travel just outside of Pensacola to visit the Gulfarium, home to bottle-nosed dolphins, marine mammals, fish and birds. Visitors can arrange to have a dolphin encounter with a spotted dolphin named Kiwi. More information is available online at www.gulfarium.com.

Seville Quarter

Seville Quarter is Pensacola’s Premier Entertainment and Dining Complex, known for its night-life and music as well. Live music is playing in different areas of the quarter nightly and offers something for everyone. The website shows current schedules and events at http://www.rosies.com.

The Zoo

Just outside of Pensacola in Gulf Breeze are more than 30 acres of free-roaming wildlife. The Zoo offers more than 1,200 animals. Hand-feed giraffes and take a ride on the Safari Line Limited Train to view the animals. Hours and information are found on the zoo’s website at http://www.thezoonorthwestflorida.org.

Visit the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola. The museum offers free parking and admission. The museum is located at the Naval Air Station, just seven miles west of downtown Pensacola. Their website is http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org and offers additional information.

With so much to see and do, Pensacola is the perfect spot in northwest Florida for visitors. Accommodations, maps, weather and information can be located here.

I invite you to explore and enjoy the many unique and interesting locations of our fair city.  We are home to Rob Feenie, world class chef who was not only invited onto the prestigious show “Iron Chef America,” but even won the challenge!  We have nearly unlimited parklands, and has become a Mecca for skiers, hikers and nature enthusiasts from around the world.  Whistler BC is famous for its gorgeous ski resort and fine dining.  The famous Araxi Restaurant was the last season’s prize for frazzled chefs from Gordon Ramsay’s “Hell’s Kitchen” which was won by the talented young chef Dave. 

Of course, many of my favorite places are in the Downtown Core.  For shopaholics, I strongly encourage you to visit “Robson Strasse” which is home to quaint little cafes, exclusive boutiques and wonderful restaurants.  The European concept of Robson Strasse is beautiful and is definitely worth a visit during your travels.

Another wonderful place for shoppers to visit would be the Pacific Centre Mall, situated at 700 West Georgia, the heart of our city’s core. This huge mall has shopping to suit every budget, and is a fashionista’s dream come true.

If historical landmarks are your thing, you must come to our Water Street strip known as “Gastown”.  Named after Gassy Jack, a prospector and founder of the town, this small portion of the city was all that remained after the great fire in 1886.  Over 400 buildings burned to the ground that year, and many people died in the fire.  This part of town is a fun and exciting place for tourists to visit.  It has been preserved to look almost exactly as it did during the turn of the century.  There is everything from kitschy little souvenir shops to elegant, pricey boutiques and much, much more.  The huge steam clock located on the Water Street has drawn people from all around the world.

 From Gastown, you may visit our Waterfront Station which is the main destination for buses, the West Coast Express, and the Sea Bus.  The Sea Bus is a small ferry which transports foot passengers from Downtown to the Lonsdale Quay for the price of regular bus fare.  Lonsdale Quay bears a striking resemblance to some areas in San Francisco and boasts a fantastic view of the city and park from across Burrard Inlet. 

You can’t visit Vancouver without paying our jewel, Stanley Park, a visit.  The Sea Wall, which surrounds the perimeter of the 400 hectare park, is visited by thousands of people every year.  The walk is 8.8 Kilometers of pure natural glory.  As you walk along side of the Pacific Ocean, you can peer over to the inlet where huge freighter ships are docked waiting to be loaded with cargo to be shipped around the world.  When the sea is misty and there is a chill in the air, these massive ships are almost hauntingly beautiful.  Stanley Park is also home to the Vancouver Aquarium.  Fun for children and adults alike, the dolphins, otters and beluga whales are definitely worth a visit.  The Aquarium is instrumental in protecting endangered sea life.  It is a full day’s worth of fun, so come early and take your time. 

Granville Island is home to one of the greatest outdoor food markets around, as well as a hub for countless artists.  There are fun little theatres there as well as pubs and cool little eateries.  I have gone to some of the quirky little theatre productions and had an awesome time with friends.  It is only minutes away from Downtown, and if you love theatre or improve, I strongly recommend it as a great place to go.

If culture and class is your thing, don’t miss our gorgeous “Vancouver Art Gallery” which houses beautiful and valuable works of art from many famous artists throughout the ages, including works from “The Group of Seven” and Emily Carr.  It is located at 750 Hornby Street downtown Vancouver, and I’m sure you will find something there that will inspire you and touch your heart. 

If a gorgeous view with dinner is something that strikes your fancy, please come to our famous landmark The Harbor Centre”.  Its profile is what makes our Vancouver Skyline unique and different, and houses a fine revolving restaurant on top.  As you go up the side of the building in the glass elevator, you are transported to one of the loveliest bird’s eye views our city can have.  I had the privilege of dining there, and the food is divine.  If you are looking for a romantic, beautiful place to take your sweetheart, I strongly recommend the Harbor Centre Tower. 

I hope that while you are here, that you take full advantage of everything our city has to offer.  I suggest that before you travel here for the Winter Games, to check out some of our tourist attraction sites online to get a sense of where you would really like to go.  There are so many wonderful and exciting things to see and do, that I can only mention a couple of them in this article.  The Gateway to the Pacific welcomes all of our Olympic hopefuls, and we wish for all of our visitors to come and enjoy the amenities and have a fabulous time!

So until then, see you at the 2010!

It is hard to imagine the exuberant Grand Hotel cast in dreary winter silence with only a small crew roaming her massive passages to attend to emergency maintenance and security. During the coldest months, temperatures inside the hotel can dip to ten degrees below zero – the very thought provokes images of gripping winter scenes from Doctor Zhivago – or the far less romantic The Shining.

Ah, but in the spring

The Grand Hotel comes to life every April. The crown jewel of Mackinac Island awakens to present her waiting public with expansive lawns, and 50 acres of greenery and flowers.

She is the world’s largest seasonal hotel, with 385 individually and beautifully decorated guestrooms and suites. Because she opened in 1887, there is an ever-present aura of elegant Victorian charm in her rooms, corridors, and public places. The pleasure of her afternoon teas and dining room chamber music is world-renowned.

More resort than hotel

The Grand is more than a hotel. She is really a destination resort complete with tennis courts, golf courses, restaurants, a theatre, convention facilities, spas, retail shops, and boutiques – all with impeccable standards of taste and service. Her 220-foot long Ester Williams swimming pool was featured in the 1947 movie This Time for Keeps starring Esther Williams and Jimmy Durante.

The Grand veranda

The world famous and frequently photographed Grand veranda is 650 feet long, and provides rocking chairs for scores of visitors. They idle away sunny days listening to the sounds of horse-drawn carriages, and the remotely audible laughter of guests engaged in a relaxing game of croquet on the seemingly endless front lawn.

The Grand Hotel is a beacon to all island visitors. To insure guest privacy, there is a ten-dollar walk-around charge to all non-registered guests.

About the island

Mackinac Island has been a popular resort destination since the end of the Civil War. Mackinac Island National Park (80 percent of the 3.8 square mile island) was the second National Park established by Congress after Yellowstone.

Because of the local community’s extensive and ongoing preservation and restoration efforts, the entire island has been listed as a National Historic Landmark. This is indeed an unusual place.

No public motorized vehicles have been permitted on the island since 1898, as nothing is allowed to intrude on the tranquility and quietude of the surroundings.

Covered in boreal forest, the island is abundant in natural scenic beauty. There are pathways and trails for those who enjoy walking, horseback riding, and bicycling. A picturesque walk or ride around the island’s perimeter on Lakeshore Drive, a.k.a. state route M-185 is 8.2 miles, of mostly flat terrain. M-185 is a circular road that never ends and is the only US state highway that does not allow motor driven vehicles.

Old Fort Mackinac

There were two battles during the War of 1812 fought at historic Fort Mackinac. Today, the fort is open to the public – as is the Civil War Cemetery that is a short walk inland.

Several geological formations are also within easy walking distance of town. The most popular is Arch Rock, a natural limestone arch formation 146 feet above the perimeter road. 

Getting there

In preparation for the Somewhere in Time Weekend, we drove from Niagara Falls to Mackinaw City along Lake Erie and Huron. We stopped at delightful and romantic inns all along the way. It was a joy to drive beside the lakes and meet the people in rural New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan. The innkeepers were extraordinary, and the lodgings were pure Americana at its finest. In future articles, we will review the best of our experiences.

If you don’t drive, there are several commercial air services and airports servicing Mackinac Island. There is also a small airport on the island that accepts charter and private planes.

The Arnold Transit Company is the oldest and most modern of three boat services that comfortably ferry visitors and vacationers to the island from the Michigan ports in Mackinaw City, and St. Ignace.

A visit to Mackinac (pronounced Mac-in-aw) Island should be on everyone’s Places to Visit in My Lifetime List – or your Bucket List if you like.

One last thing, be sure to try the Mackinac Fudge and Ice Cream. No one is ever disappointed.

Happy travels.

Photos © Wayne and Judy Bayliff 

No matter where you are in the United States, a weekend getaway is just a drive away. Whether you’re on the east coast, west coast or anywhere in between, roam free this fall at one of the five suggested getaways, ranging from island destinations to retreats high atop snow-capped peaks.

Northeast

If you’re in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Pittsburg or Washington, D.C., drive to Garrett County, Md., for breathtaking fall foliage, crisp mountain air and cool boat rides at Deep Creek Lake. Located in McHenry, Md., the Deep Creek Lake Area has mountains, rivers and lakes, where visitors can ski, hike, whitewater kayak, camp or relax fireside in the lodge.  The Autumn Glory Festival held each October allows visitors to explore a giant corn maze, see the Grand Feature Parade, eat the delicious foods of fall’s harvest and shop the Autumn Glory Craft and Gift Sale.

Midwest

For those fortunate enough to live in the Midwest, in places such as Milwaukee, St. Louis or Chicago, you’re in driving distance to Lake Geneva, a lake and resort destination with a world of entertainment within reach. In addition to water activities, winter sports and golf courses, Lake Geneva offers bowling, hot air balloon rides, petting zoos, farms, restaurants, wineries, boat tours and carriage rides. Lodging options range from boutique hotels and bed and breakfasts to motels and cottages, and restaurants around Lake Geneva are plentiful, serving up seafood, Italian and casual faire.

Pacific Northwest

If you live in places such as Seattle, Tacoma and Portland, Ore., you may feel you’re constantly on vacation – until you visit the nearby San Juan Islands. These islands are accessible by air or ferry, and depending on which side you visit, include a historic seaport and a harbor village. On the east side, Friday Harbor features docks, parks, restaurants, shops, galleries, lodging and a business district, while on the north side, Roche Harbor Village has Victorian gardens, an airstrip, marina, lodging, grocery store, restaurants, sculpture park, shopping, water activities and local artists booths.

Southwest

In a region of cowboy hats, ranches and Tex-Mex cuisine, Fredericksburg, Texas, feels like it’s a world away from the rest of the state. This city in central Texas is located just 60 miles west of Austin and 200 miles south of Dallas/Fort Worth and is home to a large German population, evident in its bakeries, restaurants and stores. Discover Fredericksburg’s many bed and breakfasts, Main Street shopping district, multiple wineries and the Vereins-Kirche Museum for a look into German history and culture. Or, discover any of the various cultural and historic centers, art galleries and theaters for culture of all kinds.

Southeast

Residents of Atlanta, Charlotte and Birmingham might like to get away in Helen, Ga., a clever little town located in the Blue Ridge Mountains on the Chattahoochee River. This charming Alpine village has cobblestone alleys and old-world towers, plus plenty of bed and breakfasts, restaurants and rustic and luxury mountain cabins. Here, you can shop, see a play, visit a gallery, fish, golf, tube or camp at any time of the year, or visit one of Helen’s special events, such as hot-air balloon races, Winefest, Volksmarch, Oktoberfest and Bavarian Nights of Summer. In the fall, the leaves on the mountainside turn shades of gold, red, orange and yellow and can be seen for miles.