7 Fantastic Reasons To Visit Beautiful Starved Rock State Park

There are no national parks in the state of Illinois. So if you live in Illinois (like me), you have to rely on state parks to find outdoor adventures. In Illinois, there’s one state park listed above all the others: Starved Rock State Park.

Sure, it doesn’t have the mountains of California’s Yosemite or the geysers of Wyoming’s Yellowstone, but Starved Rock is Illinois’ crown jewel of outdoor adventures. Known as The Prairie State, Illinois is mostly known for being completely flat, but Starved Rock offers canyons and waterfalls and river overlooks that will convince you that you’re no longer in Illinois.

Here are seven reasons to check out Starved Rock State Park.

1. The Canyons And Waterfalls

The canyons are the reason that this area was preserved as a state park. There are several creeks and streams that descend from the hills around the Illinois River Valley and make their way to the river. Over time, due to the very soft sandstone in the area, those creeks and streams have carved deep canyons in the river bluffs.

In the spring, or even in the summer after it has rained, these canyons are active waterfalls. But if you get there on a hot summer day when it’s been dry and the waterfalls aren’t running, that’s alright too — the carved sandstone canyons are a sight to behold as well. And if you’re planning a cold-weather trip, don’t miss these eight tips for visiting Starved Rock State Park in the winter.

All in all, there are 13 miles of hiking trails (including one of the most beautiful hikes in Northern Illinois) that connect all of the canyons. Stop at the visitors center and get a map (or print it out here before you go). That will help you find the length of the trail you want to walk in your trek to see the canyons. Your hike can be as short as the quarter-mile trek from the parking lot to Aurora Canyon or as long as the 4.7-mile trail (9.5 miles round trip) all the way to Illinois Canyon. There are also loop trails that will help you see multiple canyons — probably the best one of these takes you from the upper parking lot (by the lodge) to French Canyon and Pontiac Canyon.

2. The Historic Lodge

The lodge is another “main attraction” at Starved Rock. It’s an old stone lodge built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. Everything you’d see on some Hallmark movie set in an old lodge up on a hill or mountain somewhere? That’s what you’ll find at Starved Rock State Park Lodge.

I’ve stayed there twice. You can choose either the “old” or the “new.” Some rooms are in the original lodge and the layout is more or less unchanged since the 1930s with knotty pine walls and ceilings. Or you can stay in the hotel wing, a newer wing of the lodge with more modern hotel rooms. You won’t get the knotty pine feel of a lodge, but you’ll get a larger room with more amenities. Want to stay somewhere other than the lodge? Take a look at our picks for the best places to stay near Starved Rock State Park.

And make sure to explore the entire lodge property. In the summer, a cup of coffee on the patio with views of the river to the north is nearly perfect. Or during a chilly day in the spring or fall (or even the winter), the couches around the grand fireplace in the main hall are sublime.

A bald eagle in Starved Rock State Park. — PETER LAKOMY / Shutterstock

3. Eagle Watching

Starved Rock State Park sits right on the Illinois River. In that portion of the river, there’s a lock and dam (aptly named Starved Rock Lock and Dam). Just downstream from the dam is Plum Island, and this island has been preserved as an eagle sanctuary. So if you’re there during the right time of year, you’ll be able to see the eagles out over the river.

Plum Island used to be an airstrip with a cable car connected across to Starved Rock. The airstrip closed in 1975, and in 2004, the Illinois Audubon Society purchased Plum Island to preserve it as an eagle sanctuary. Because of the lock and dam just upstream, eagles will nest in the trees of Plum Island and then fish the waters of the river just below the dam. The best time to see the eagles is December through March, but many times, especially if they still have a little one in a nest, they will stay in the region throughout the late spring, sometimes even into early summer.

4. To Explore The Illinois Valley Region

The Illinois River connects Lake Michigan near Chicago with the Mississippi River near St. Louis. Canals had to be dug near Chicago to make the full connection to the lake, but this waterway now provides a direct link from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River (and, as a result, the Gulf of Mexico).

In the north-central part of the state, the Illinois River has created a long river valley, a rarity in Illinois given the flatness of the state. This valley is home to wineries, river towns, and outdoor activities (like Starved Rock) not really found in other parts of the state.

So if you’re checking out Starved Rock, take an afternoon to see the entire river valley. There are several wine tasting rooms just across the bridge from Starved Rock (in North Utica), and the town of Ottawa has many great restaurants right on the river. The twin cities of Lasalle and Peru also have several old mansions available for tours. There is a lot of Illinois history here, so get out and find it!

Eagle Cliff Overlook in Starved Rock State Park. — Eddie J. Rodriquez / Shutterstock

5. The Hike Out To The Overlooks

Besides the canyons, there are two great hiking destinations within the park. Both are within a mile of the visitor center and the lodge. The first is Starved Rock itself, a steep (but short) climb from the visitor center up to the rock outcropping from which the park gets its name.

The second is the cliff with the two main overlooks: Lover’s Leap and Eagle Cliff. Follow the River Trail past the Starved Rock trail and you will climb up to Lover’s Leap first. This deck gives you a view of the area below the dam as well as Starved Rock itself. Keep going on the river trail and you’ll come to Eagle Cliff Overlook, another deck out over the river that gives you a view of the river above the dam (and all points east). All three spots require a bit of climbing (steep trail, not climbing over rocks), but all three views offer a huge payoff.

Matthiessen State Park near Starved Rock State Park. — Nicola Patterson / Shutterstock

6. Matthiessen State Park Is Three Miles West

I love Starved Rock State Park and have visited there several times. But of all the canyons in the area, I think I like the main canyon at Matthiessen State Park the best.

Matthiessen State Park is in the same area (only three miles away) and provides maybe the best walking trail in the region. The river here cuts a deep canyon through the sandstone as it meanders down to the Vermilion River (and on to the Illinois River). The loop trail lets you see all parts of that canyon including two bridges across the canyon and a stairway that will take you down to the bottom.

There are two areas to Matthiessen State Park (map is here) — the Dells Area and the River Area. To find this canyon trail, you’ll want to follow the signs to the Dells Area. From there, you’ll descend a long stairway down into the canyon and can take the loop trail either direction. Or, if you just want to see the canyon and then return to your car, walk straight across the bridge and look down.

7. Brunch At The Lodge On Sunday Morning

This might be the best part of the entire experience at Starved Rock. On Sunday morning (and early afternoon) in the lodge, the restaurant has an incredible Sunday brunch buffet. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen more food put out for a Sunday brunch.

Make sure to call ahead for reservations and brunch availability given current restrictions on buffets in Illinois. We’ve eaten both the buffet at Starved Rock Lodge as well as the weekday breakfast out on the veranda and both were incredible. There’s just something about breakfast at an old stone lodge.

Travel Tip

There are basically two levels to Starved Rock. There are trails that follow the river and go in and out of the canyons at the bottom and there are trails that navigate the tops of the canyons and allow you to peer down inside. Some of the trails have stairways that connect the two and some have steep climbs from canyon floor to canyon rim.

But this dynamic also occurs at the visitors center and the lodge. The visitor center (which includes several displays telling the history of the area) is at the “bottom” down by the river. The lodge is at the “top.” If you plan to travel between the two, please know that it’s a metal stairway with more than 100 steps.

Because of that, if you have concerns about steep climbs, it’s best to plan your trip based on that. If you want to take the loop trails that look down into the canyons, park up by the lodge and stay on that level. If you want to take the trails down by the river and maybe try to catch a glimpse of an eagle, park down by the visitors center and stay on that level.

And if you want a workout, climb the stairs between the two. Whatever you do, you’re probably going to want to see the canyons and overlooks, so map out your walk accordingly.

Disney Adjusts Face Mask Policy Again And Delays Some Resort Reopenings

Update: Starting September 8, Disney park hours will change. Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios will close an hour earlier than usual. Epcot will close two hours early. Animal Kingdom will open an hour later than usual and close an hour early. You can check the latest hours for each park here.

With CDC recommendations in mind, Disney World reopened on July 11. In the two weeks the park has been open, guidelines have already changed several times, offering new rules and requirements with each update.

All four theme parks plus Disney Springs are currently open, but guidelines are changing fast. Below we outline the latest updates regarding Disney’s face mask policy as well as information on which resorts remain closed to the public.

Guests at Disney World wearing masks. — Matt Stroshane / WDWNews.com

Face Mask Requirements Are Getting More Strict

Per Disney’s current policy, wearing a face mask is a must.

Masks are required for all visitors ages two and up. You can wear a reusable or disposable mask as long as it’s made with at least two layers of breathable material. It must cover your nose and mouth and fit securely under your chin.

Masks must be hands-free, meaning they either tie around the back of your head or loop around your ears. No costume masks are allowed in the park.

Makeshift masks such as neck gaiters and triangle bandanas are prohibited, as are all masks with valves, mesh material, or holes.

Your mask must be worn at all times unless you’re swimming or eating. If you take off your mask to eat or drink, you must be stationary and standing at least six feet away from staff members and fellow guests.

The policy stresses that “the use of face coverings is not a substitute for physical distancing.” To facilitate effective distancing, the parks have directional signage, ground markings, and some physical barriers to enforce space between guests.

A worker cleaning at Disney World. — Matt Stroshane / WDWNews.com

Some Of Your Favorite Resorts May Not Be Open

Plenty of Disney’s resorts, hotels, villas, and accommodation options in between are open right now, but quite a few resorts you might know and love — or really want to visit — remain closed. While some resorts have no plan in place for reopening, others have a phased approach.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is set to open July 29. In a little less than a month, Disney’s Yacht Club resort is set to open on August 24. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is set to open on September 21.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Coronado Springs Resort are set to open in early- and mid-October, respectively. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is set to open on November 1. Fan favorites such as Disney’s Beach Club Resort and BoardWalk Inn remain closed with no reopening schedule currently in the works.

Disney’s website has a message for hopeful guests: “We will be monitoring the constantly changing health environment and its impact on the state of Florida as we find the right time to welcome back even more of our guests.”

Before your trip, make sure to keep an eye on the latest official travel updates from the state of Florida.

9 Reasons To Visit One-Of-A-Kind Chico Hot Springs

The name Chico Hot Springs evokes a magical combination of cowboy spirit and natural refinement. And that’s a good thing because this enchanting resort offers all of that and much more. Here you can experience phenomenal cuisine, explore the gorgeous landscape of rural Montana, and treat yourself to luxurious spa treatments all in an ambiance that is both down-home welcoming and exquisitely chic. We’ll share with you the top items on our personal list of the many reasons to visit one-of-a-kind Chico Hot Springs.

Disclaimer: Chico Hot Springs Resort and Day Spa, one of TravelAwaits’ picks for The 11 Best Hot Springs In The U.S. (not sponsored) provided us with complimentary food and accommodations. This article reflects our own opinions based on our experience.

A pool at Chico Hot Springs in Montana. — Sue Reddel And Diana Laskaris

1. Big Natural Hot Springs

The first thing that came to our minds when we learned about Chico Hot Springs was, well, the hot springs. They’re not tiny little bubbling ponds of murky warm water but rather two large pools where hot springs flow. The larger pool is over 100 degrees and designed for you to soak in first for relaxation. You then migrate to the connected slightly cooler pool to refresh. You can go back and forth as many people do. If you’d rather hang around without getting wet, get a drink and nibbles from the Poolside Grille. Natural minerals keep the waters safe and clean without the addition of chemicals. When you emerge not only is your tension gone, but your skin feels baby soft as well.

A room at Chico Hot Springs. — Sue Reddel And Diana Laskaris

2. Cowboy Chic

Relaxing in a rustic environment with all the amenities of a luxury resort is a special treat. Accommodations at Chico Hot Springs include a wide range of options. Choose a room in the historic main lodge or one of its extensions or go for something a little more remote like a cabin, chalet, cottage, or log house. We loved our cabin, which was woody but modern, quite spacious, and loaded with niceties. The personal coffee center had more tea, coffee, hot cocoa, and treats than we could have possibly consumed during our stay. We loved the hammock outside, perfect for reclining with a good book in the open air. For something memorably unique try one of the custom-built Conestoga Covered Wagons in the Cowboy Camp or the Chico Short Line Caboose, a luxuriously restored railroad caboose with cherry floors, stained glass windows, and custom furniture in a private spot above the resort. Lodging can accommodate individuals, couples, small and large families, or groups up to 12 people in a single structure. And for those with a four-footed companion, Chico Hot Springs is pet-friendly.

The Chico Saloon in Montana. — ChicoHotSprings.com

3. Saloon Fun

There’s plenty to do at the Western-style Chico Saloon. Shuffleboard, foosball, a pool table, video poker, and game machines speckle a lively setting enjoyed by guests of the resort and Paradise Valley residents alike. Friday and Saturday nights add live music and Chico also hosts an annual “Hoedown” block party and Super Bowl shindig. Dine on casual fare like burgers, sandwiches, salads, nachos, and a fabulous platter of various seasoned fries by the pound. Taps offer a dozen or so Montana brews, including a special custom-crafted Chico Amber Ale and rotating seasonal beers. Wine lovers will be thrilled by the stellar selections, including Dom Perignon for burgers and bubbles. With rustic furnishings, colorful baseball caps dangling from the ceiling, and large screen televisions all around, Chico Saloon is a fun place to hang out and play.

4. Spa Delights

For a rejuvenating experience, make an appointment at the relaxation center. Sitting on a bluff away from the main resort, the Day Spa is a peaceful spot to enjoy pleasure and pampering. Services include massages, geothermal therapies with stones from the Yellowstone River, spa scrubs and wraps, and combination packages. Release stress and tension from your mind and body with personalized treatments at the Day Spa and let yoga classes in the sunny fitness room set your spirit free.

Horses at Chico Hot Springs. — Sue Reddel And Diana Laskaris

5. The Great Outdoors

Chico Hot Springs is enjoyable outdoors no matter the season. The Horse Barn is open all year, weather permitting, offering horseback and carriage rides from short jaunts to long treks with lunch on the trail. Fly fishing is a Montana tradition, and Chico is the perfect launching pad for the many rivers, creeks, lakes, and streams ready and waiting. The private Ranch 635 area has an 18-hole disc golf course, a hiking and mountain biking trail system, and incredible panoramic views of Paradise Valley, the Gallatin Range, and even the Crazy Mountains on a clear day. Area wildlife includes badgers, coyotes, foxes, elk, deer, and maybe even a black bear. Birders can see hawks, eagles, meadowlarks, bluebirds, grouse, and more. May through September whitewater rafting and scenic river floats are plentiful. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and dog-sledding adventures provide winter fun, especially when capped with a hot toddy or cocoa upon your return.

Beef Wellington from Chico Hot Springs. — Sue Reddel And Diana Laskaris

6. Food, Glorious Food

The historic dining room is both rustic and refined. It can be described as something you want to enjoy with a leisurely meal from its creatively traditional yet innovative chef. Dishes like trout almondine and petite filet Oscar are worthy of their classic status. The beef Wellington for two is one of the most highly-prized dishes in all of Montana along with the popular 12-ounce slow-roasted prime rib. Tastes with a modern twist include barbecue bison ravioli, house-smoked rainbow trout, curried sea scallops, and wild mushroom saute. Montana ranches and farms supply fresh local quality ingredients while Chico also grows its own produce on-premises in Chico Gardens, which include a geothermal greenhouse and honey bee apiary. House baked bread also comes from the kitchen. Dessert is a must as creme brulee, seasonal fruit cobbler, and chocolate tart are all divine. But the star of the show is the famous Flaming Orange, a diners’ delight for over 45 years.

The wine tasting room at Chico Hot Springs. — ChicoHotSprings.com

7. Wine Heaven

If you’re surprised by fine dining in Pray, Montana, which has only 750 or so residents, you’ll be blown away by the offerings of wine. Regularly receiving awards from Wine Spectator magazine for its extensive and brilliantly curated wine list, Chico offers one of the largest and most diverse selections we have ever seen. Wines from France, Italy, Spain, South Africa, Argentina, Germany, Hungary, Australia, the United States, and more fill pages like an oenophile’s wishlist. Many are available by the glass and large format wines up to 15 liters are offered to serve a crowd. Dessert wines, reserves, and special selections from Margaux, Lafite Rothschild, Petrus, La Romanee Conti, and Screaming Eagle share the menu with modest favorites from California, Oregon, and Washington state. As sparkling wine lovers, we were impressed to see several vintages of Cristal, Dom Perignon, Perrier-Jouet, and even a Bollinger James Bond Limited Edition 007 adorn the list. The elegant tasting room wine cellar can serve private parties from two to six with chef’s tasting or premium pairing menus of seven or 12 courses.

8. Best Breakfast In the West

Breakfast sometimes gets overlooked in the hustle to pack every day with as much fun as possible. But we recommend that at least one morning, guests take time to experience Chico’s lavish breakfast. Think of all your breakfast favorites, sweet and savory. Then picture them made lovingly from scratch along with other delicious items you’d never imagine but happily discover in a massive arrangement of breakfast greatest hits. This is the marvel that’s the Chico breakfast. Pancakes, eggs including made-to-order omelets and Benedicts, local bacon and ham, turkey sausage, waffles, French toast, fresh fruit, house-made granola, and yogurt are just the beginning. The transcendent caramel bread pudding pushed it over the top. Yes, we had a breakfast dessert. And that’s all we’re going to say about that.

The front entrance to Chico Hot Springs. — Sue Reddel And Diana Laskaris

9. Hospitality

Beautiful accommodations and delicious food are most enjoyable when accompanied by wonderful service. Chico Hot Springs understands that and treats you with care and courtesy from the moment you arrive. Proprietor Colin Kurth Davis and his lovely wife Seabring treat visitors like family, sharing stories and history with enthusiasm and humor. Colin, who worked for many years at Chico before taking over as owner, is responsible for its remarkable wine list and cuisine. Seabring, an award-winning journalist, has written seven books, including cookbooks featuring beloved recipes from the Chico Hot Springs Resort. They love to share the history of the hot springs, dating back to 1865. Their pride in the community that has helped Chico thrive readily comes through. That’s why nearby celebrity ranch owners such as Dennis Quaid, John Mayer, Michael Keaton, Jeff Bridges, and Meg Ryan have quietly mixed into the low-key ambiance, even joining the live bands when the mood strikes. Chico Hot Springs makes you dream of returning even before you’ve headed down the road.

Pro Tip

While there’s a lot to do at this amazing resort, we recommend you allow yourself time to relax, walk around, and enjoy the scenery. Plan some time to do nothing at all, whether lying in a hammock, sipping coffee or tea while enjoying a view, or watching a sunset over the mountains. Chico Hot Springs is one of those rare places you can really feel yourself unwind. Take some pleasure in that and enjoy it to the fullest.

Interested in other luxe vacation opportunities? Consider why Tennessee’s Blackberry Farm is the ultimate relaxing weekend getaway destination or plan a golf trip to Pinehurst in North Carolina.

7 Perfect Day Trips From Beautiful Nice, France

Nice is the largest city on the Cote d’Azur, or the French Riviera, the international playground bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Rich in history and culture, Nice is a great place to spend a few days. However, Nice is also a perfect base for exploring many of the surrounding towns and villages. Below is a list of choice places and attractions that are less than an hour away and make memorable day trips.

Almost all of these destinations are accessible by train, and the train system along the Cote d’Azur is highly efficient (trains run approximately twice an hour), inexpensive, and user friendly. You can purchase a day or week pass online.

Antibes, France. — Schnapps2012 / Shutterstock

1. Antibes

Leaving Paris in 1946 because of an invitation from a friend to come to the south of France led Picasso to live in the old village of Antibes for three months. A former fort from the 14th century had been transformed into a city-run history museum, and the vast space was almost half empty. Picasso set up his atelier in a guard’s passage, and there, he produced 23 paintings and 44 drawings in a period of two months, then donated them to the museum as a gift.

Today, it is the Picasso Museum, and it displays Picasso’s collection in its own gallery. The museum has an outdoor sculpture garden that hangs over the Mediterranean, providing scenic views. The museum also hosts exhibits by other artists.

Antibes has an impressive harbor lined with superyachts and boats, and the charming old town has small-scale buildings painted in shades of marigold, aqua blue, and rose pink.

Beaulieu-Sur-Mer, France. — Eva Bocek / Shutterstock

2. Beaulieu-Sur-Mer And Villa Kerylos

The highlight of the sleepy, seaside town of Beaulieu-sur-Mer, just 15 minutes from Nice, is the magnificent Villa Kerylos. Conceived by archaeologist Theodore Reinach, who married Fanny Kann, a wealthy heiress from the Ephrussi banking fortune, the house was built to resemble an ancient Greek villa. Construction started in 1902 and took six years to build with no expense spared. Exact copies of Grecian chairs and other furniture from the collection of originals from the National Archaeological Museum in Naples were made exclusively for the home. Villa Kerylos featured the latest in the modern technology of the time, including indoor plumbing and heated floors.

It takes a good hour to soak up all the architectural details, such as the intricate mosaic floors, the Greek columns lining the courtyard, the extravagant bathrooms, and the handsome wood furniture. Make sure to visit the terrace overlooking the sea and the garden filled with olive, pomegranate, and cypress trees.

Saint Paul De Vence, France. — gumbao / Shutterstock

3. Saint Paul De Vence

Although technically not on the Cote d’Azur, Saint Paul de Vence is a must on this list. Located in the mountains about 30 minutes from Nice, it is accessible by car or public bus. A hilly and medieval town, Saint Paul de Vence is a mini art haven with many galleries and a major art foundation.

In 1964, art collectors Aime and Marguerite Maeght envisioned a space where they could invite their artist friends to work and display their work. They entrusted their vision to Catalan architect Josep Lluis Sert, who designed the studio for artist Joan Miro. Today, the Maeght Foundation is dedicated to showing the best contemporary artists and has one of the largest and most significant collections of 20th-century art in Europe, with works by Chagall, Ellsworth Kelly, Fernand Leger, Pierre Bonnard, Sam Francis, and Braque. At the entrance to the foundation is a sculpture park with whimsical works by Giacometti, Calder, and Joan Miro. They also have temporary exhibitions featuring current-day artists.

After your visit to the Maeght Foundation, treat yourself to lunch at the legendary La Colombe d’Or Hotel and restaurant. The small hotel with only twelve rooms was opened in 1931 as a place where the owner could house working artists. Over the years, it became a magnet not only for artists but for the rich and famous, including Yves Montand and Simone Signoret. The walls of the hotel and restaurant are filled with paintings by Picasso, Matisse, Yves Klein, Cesar, and Buffet.

Villa Ephrussi in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France. — Anastasia Krutikova / Shutterstock

4. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat And Villa Ephrussi

A vision in pink stone awaits you on a hill in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, a resort town known for its wealthy and aristocratic residents. The magnificent Villa Ephrussi estate was built for Beatrice de Rothschild, of the French banking family, who was married to Baron Maurice de Ephrussi. When the baroness died in 1934, she bequeathed the estate to Beaux-Arts Academy, who in turn opened it to the public.

Designed by one of the leading architects of the time, Aaron Messiah, the exterior made reference to an Italian palazzo and to the Italian Renaissance period. The interior is decorated with sumptuous antiques, paintings by Old Masters, and Carrara marble, and a single room is dedicated to porcelain from the Sevres, the royal porcelain maker of France. One wing of the mansion has a series of rooms that comprised the private apartment of Beatrice de Rothschild. You can view her boudoir swathed in Chinese embroidered silk, the dressing room, and the extravagant bathroom with wood panels hand painted by artist Pierre Leriche, who was a painter for Marie Antoinette.

Perhaps even more spectacular than the mansion is the series of nine gardens in various styles, including Spanish, Italian, French, Japanese, Provencal, exotic, stone, and rose. A cypress-covered hill has a replica of the Temple of Love garden in the Petit Trianon, the home of Marie Antoinette at Versailles.

The villa hosts two annual events, Painters Day, during which artists are invited to paint in the gardens for inspiration, and an opera festival featuring young and upcoming musicians and singers.

Villefranche, France. — Arndale / Shutterstock

5. Villefranche

Just next door to Nice is the tiny village of Villefranche. While climbing the vertically designed village, you will discover its hidden charms, including as the hanging gardens and peekaboo views of the sea at its bluest.

Artist Jean Cocteau, frequented Villefranche, where he made friends with the local fisherman and hand painted the facade and inside of the Saint Pierre chapel.

Walk through the Rue Obscure, aptly named for a dark passageway that dates back to 1260.

Have lunch at one of the many seafood restaurants with outdoor terraces lining the beach.

One of the top French language schools in France, Institut de France, offers two- and four-week-long immersion classes in French. The intensive classes are given five days a week and include two meal breaks during which speaking French is mandatory.

Eze Village, France. — travelpeter / Shutterstock

6. Eze Village

The astounding view 1,400 feet above the Mediterranean sea, is reason enough to visit Eze Village. A longtime favorite place on the Cote d’Azur, Eze is the highest seaside village in all of France.

It is a challenging climb to the top of the village, but you will be justly rewarded along the way. You will discover medieval stone houses with window boxes overflowing with seasonal flowers, shady squares to rest at, and cute boutiques, arts and crafts galleries, and local souvenir shops.

Another reward that awaits you in Eze is the Exotic Botanical Garden, covered with variations of cactus plants, agave plants, and other succulents.

Galimard is a historical French perfume line started in 1747, and the brand has a perfume museum at the base of Eze. During the 45-minute tour, given in English, a guide will introduce you the intricate process of perfume making, from the first step of extracting liquid from the flowers to the final step of bottling the essence. Galimard also makes soap, and the tour includes an introduction to the soap making process. There’s a boutique that stocks Galimard perfumes, soaps, and gift packages.

Another well-known perfume and soap company, Fragonard, which is named after the local-born artist, has a laboratory in Eze. Inside an old house, you can learn the ins and outs of how Fragonard’s products — including their cosmetics and facial creams — are made. At the end of the tour, you will have the opportunity to shop their perfumes, soaps, candles, and shower gels.

Grasse, France. — Filip Fuxa / Shutterstock

7. Grasse

Grasse is the home of the stupendous lavender fields that are pictured in almost all articles about the south of France. The glorious-smelling and looking purple stalks are used as a prime ingredient in perfume. Prime time to see the lavender fields is from mid-June to the beginning of August. Grasse is also the capital of the luxury perfume industry in France, and many of the top brands have their headquarters in Grasse.

The International Perfume Museum, opened in 1989, covers all aspects of the art of perfume making including its ancient history, its psychological effects, its allure, manufacturing, and innovation, and the design of the packaging and bottles. Tracing the history of perfume chronologically, the museum is divided into the following sections: Antiquity, Middle Ages, Modern, and Contemporary.

If you missed the Galimard and Fragonard perfume museums in Eze, both also have branches in Grasse.

Pro Tip

Since the Cote d’Azur has a sunny climate most of the year, a high SPF sunblock is a must. Many of the villages listed in the article have cobblestone pathways, so make sure to wear sneakers or thick, rubber-soled walking shoes. Also, don’t miss the best things to see and do in Nice before or after experiencing these charming towns.

9 Cruises To Experience On The River Thames

London is a river city. The broad River Thames enters from the west and curves its way through the metropolis to the North Sea. En route, it passes glass and steel urban London, green parks, and former riverside villages.

The river used to be London’s highway. It still is, for some. You can use riverboats within the Transport for London River Bus system as part of your tourist day. The Westminster Pier to the Tower of London is a nice ride.

For something fancier — maybe including a meal, entertainment, or a guided tour — there are private services to choose from.

The routes and features change from time to time. Visit London and Transport for London are good starting points for up-to-date information. The Transport for London site has multiple pages about river travel, including The River Experience, with details of how to get to a number of popular attractions by boat.

The view from the River Thames reveals history and some spectacles of modern life.

After-dark cruises show off the artistic lighting on the growing number of bridges included in the Illuminated River, a long-term project that will eventually feature 14 bridges.

When you’re strolling along the river and pass by one of the piers, take a look at the schedules. Remember that these can change according to the tide or weather conditions.

Here are some of the best river cruises on which to experience the River Thames.

The Tate Modern in London. — godrick / Shutterstock

1. Tate To Tate Cruise

The Tate Modern and the Tate Britain are two of London’s best-loved art galleries. You can travel between them by bus or Tube, but the boat is more fun.

The journey between the Bankside Pier and the Millbank Pier via the Thames Clippers service takes about half an hour. Check the Tate Boat website for current information and tour possibilities.

To do a little local exploring, from the Tate Modern, see the Bankside district on foot or cross the Millennium Bridge to reach Saint Paul’s Cathedral. You may see licensed mudlarkers exploring the foreshore at low tide.

From the Tate Britain, you can take the bus or walk about 15 minutes to Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament.

2. All-Day Red Rover Hop-On, Hop-Off Cruise

City Cruises offers a hop-on, hop-off cruise connecting three piers: Westminster, London Eye, and Tower. The ticket is good for 24 hours, and the onboard commentary lets you know what you’re passing.

3. Thames River Dinner Cruises

Several companies offer boat rides plus a meal. These dinner cruises advertise tempting menus served with a view. A cruise with a meal may need to be booked in advance.

Maritime Greenwich as seen from the River Thames. — Kiev.Victor / Shutterstock

4. Sunday And Special Occasion Cruises

Viscount Cruises operates a long-established 2-hour Sunday evening cruise starting and ending at Greenwich. It runs from May through September and offers a chance to see Maritime Greenwich, a UNESCO World Heritage site, from the water.

Be sure to allow time to explore Greenwich by day, too. The National Maritime Museum, Royal Observatory, Saint Alfege Church, and Cutty Sark are just some of the attractions of this historic seaside town. Greenwich also has a pedestrian tunnel underneath the Thames. The entrance is close to the Cutty Sark.

On special occasions, like Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day, there may be themed cruises. In the United Kingdom, Mother’s Day is called Mothering Sunday and falls three weeks before Easter.

5. Bonfire Cruises

Bonfire Night, or Guy Fawkes Day, is officially on November 5, but the actual lighting of fireworks is no longer confined to one night. Some companies offer special Bonfire Night cruises to see the fireworks at Battersea Park.

6. James Bond-Style Cruises

Fans of 007 will remember him zipping down the Thames in a speedboat. If you’re all about adrenaline, the rigid inflatable boat experience might be for you. Try it as a stand-alone trip or as a 45-minute ride combined with a 3-hour land tour of James Bond-connected locations.

The Woolwich Ferry crossing the River Thames. — jean.cuomo / Shutterstock

7. Free Woolwich Ferry

Woolwich isn’t high on most tourists’ agendas, but if you like history, I would recommend the Royal Arsenal area. This was, for centuries, a key military establishment, housing the Royal Dockyard, the Royal Arsenal, the Royal Military Academy, and more.

Today, many of the buildings and spaces are being repurposed as part of an ambitious urban redevelopment project. I love exploring this site, with its historic buildings, waterfront, and (to my surprise) an installation of Antony Gormley’s art.

The Royal Arsenal is where the famous Arsenal Football Club started. There’s even a bronze monument of a soccer ball near the Dial Arch pub to commemorate this.

You can combine a visit to the Royal Arsenal development with a cross-river ride on the free Woolwich Ferry. If the ferry isn’t running, there’s another unique way to cross. Try the Woolwich Foot Tunnel under the Thames.

The Thames Barrier in London. — BBA Photography / Shutterstock

8. Thames Barrier Cruise

Unlike other sights you can see from the water, the Thames Barrier is in the water. Downstream from Greenwich, the barrier was completed in 1982 to protect London from flooding. This is an amazing work of engineering and construction.

Thames River Sightseeing is one company offering a boat tour to the Thames Barrier.

Hampton Court Palace in London. — Kiev.Victor / Shutterstock

9. Hampton Court Palace By Boat Cruise

London is much bigger than the touristy sections. A ride upstream will show you places you’re not likely to see in a completely land-based visit. You can make this journey in either direction.

This trip is not for everyone — the trip from Westminster Pier to Hampton Court Palace by boat can take 4 hours! The time varies depending on the tide. The River Thames is tidal as far as Teddington Lock. I love the long ride, but if you want to get from Point A to Point B quickly, this is not the way.

For a shorter cruise, Turks runs boats from Richmond upon Thames through the lock and then to Kingston upon Thames and on to Hampton Court Palace.

Starting from Westminster Pier, one of the first sights to look out for is the Palace of Westminster, usually called the Houses of Parliament. Other notable buildings in the area are the Thames House, home of MI5, by the Lambeth Bridge, and the MI6 building before the Vauxhall Bridge.

The massive Battersea Power Station, with its four towers, is being redeveloped for housing and shops.

From Putney Bridge to Mortlake is the Boat Race course. Rowers of all abilities practice on the Thames in all kinds of weather on this stretch.

At Hammersmith, there’s an elegant Victorian suspension bridge and some popular pubs right along the river.

From here upstream are some of the best views of old riverside London, not yet concealed and altered by modern developments.

The Kew Gardens in London. — Alexey Fedorenko / Shutterstock

At Kew Pier, the boat may stop for visitors to the world-famous Kew Gardens. The red brick building with many chimneys is Kew Palace, a former home of King George III and one of London’s Historic Royal Palaces.

The village of Isleworth, with its square church tower and London Apprentice pub, has been a favorite subject of artists, including J. M. W. Turner.

After the Richmond Lock, the boat may also stop at Richmond. The White Cross pub just before the bridge has a special high-tide door for when the regular door is underwater.

After Richmond, you’ll spot several historic houses, including Ham House, Marble Hill House, and Orleans House. The hidden remnants of Alexander Pope’s Grotto are just past Eel Pie Island.

Passing through Teddington Lock is always an adventure. The water level changes by about 9 feet. After Kingston, Hampton Court Palace itself comes into view, just as it did for King Henry VIII when he accepted it as a gift from Cardinal Thomas Wolsey in 1529.

What To Know Before You Go

In addition to boats on the Thames, London has a network of canals, a reminder of its industrial heritage. People use the canals for pleasure boating. Some even live year-round in canal boats! Canal trips run between Camden Lock and Paddington Basin. The Canal Museum has information about boat trips as well as the canals themselves.

Many boats on the Thames have on-deck seating, but not all.

The distinction between the River Bus and other boats can be confusing. The River Bus is part of the Transport for London system and accepts Oyster cards. Boats that don’t accept Oyster cards to board may still let you pay for a paper ticket using an Oyster card. I have always found the people working at the piers to be very helpful.

The Transport for London website explains the fares and has a downloadable map.

9 Best Places To Visit On Gorgeous Kauai

My first impression of Hawaii was not that favorable. Like many people visiting the Aloha State, I landed at the Honolulu International Airport after a 5-hour flight from California. But instead of the miles of palm-rimmed, sandy beaches I expected, I saw a coastline packed with skyscrapers. And the traffic! By the time I laid my jetlagged head on my pillow that night, I was wondering why I’d spent the time and money to travel to the middle of the Pacific Ocean if the experience was simply Los Angeles on an island.

Fortunately, my time in Honolulu was short. The next day, after a sobering visit to Pearl Harbor and a festive luau, I boarded a plane for the 20-minute flight to Kauai. And as the cabin door closed behind me, I sincerely hoped the next stop would be nothing like the Hawaii I was leaving behind.

With its forested mountains and fertile fields, it’s easy to understand how Kauai earned the nickname of the Garden Island. But Hawaii’s oldest island is more than a lush landscape surrounded by a deep blue ocean. As you explore, you’ll gaze in wonder at waterfalls that cascade over volcanic cliffs, creating rainbows that dance in the spray, and you’ll inhale the intoxicating fragrance of plumerias. And as the sun slips below the horizon at night, you’ll be treated to some of the most breathtaking gold, tangerine, and crimson sunsets you’ll ever witness.

Read our picks for hotels for couples on Kauai.

After spending two weeks in this tropical paradise, these are my favorite places to visit on gorgeous Kauai.

Resort views in Lihue, Kauai. — Tom Robertson / Shutterstock

1. Lihue

Home to Kauai’s only commercial airport, Lihue is commonly a visitor’s first stop. And because so much of Kauai is inaccessible by car, most destinations are reached by traveling clockwise and counterclockwise from Lihue on the main highway, which encircles a portion of the island like a backward C.

Wailua Falls on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. — Fominayaphoto / Shutterstock

2. Wailua Falls

Just north of Lihue, you can see the twin plunge of Wailua Falls cascading over a volcanic ledge into the Wailua River. And you won’t need to unpack your hiking boots! Not only are the falls less than 15 minutes from the airport, but breathtaking views beckon just a few steps from the parking lot.

If this gorgeous waterfall seems vaguely familiar, you may remember it from the opening credits of Fantasy Island (although most of the television series was filmed in Burbank, California).

Pro Tip: If it’s the waterfall from Jurassic Park you’re after, it’s much more difficult to reach. Manawaiopuna Falls, the 400-foot-tall waterfall featured in the opening of the movie, is on a remote piece of private land and is only accessible by air.

The Kilauea Point Wildlife Refuge on the island of Kauai. — Marisa Estivill / Shutterstock

3. Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge

Continuing counterclockwise around Kauai, stop next at the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. Stretching across the northernmost coast of Kauai, this park offers phenomenal views of the Pacific Ocean while also allowing visitors to connect with native plants and wildlife. As you look out at the water, watch for spinner dolphins frolicking in the surf and Hawaiian monk seals resting on sandy beaches and volcanic rocks. Soaring overhead or nesting on land are a variety of migratory seabirds.

Pro Tip: The Hawaiian state bird is the nene, a tropical goose that looks a bit like a Canada goose with a shorter, cream-colored neck and black mask. But while Canada geese are often seen as a nuisance, the Hawaiian creation chant recognizes nene as guardian spirits that join the mountains and coast with their seasonal migrations. Once critically endangered — with only 100 birds left in the wild — the nene is making a comeback, and the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is one of the best places to spot one.

The Kilauea Point Lighthouse on the island of Kauai. — Dmitri Vdovine / Shutterstock

4. Kilauea Point Lighthouse

Guarding the jagged northern coast of Kauai is a bright white lighthouse crowned with a red roof. The Kilauea Point Lighthouse has guided ships away from the rocky coast since 1913, but its flashing light also helped the first flight from the mainland to Honolulu back in 1927 as it navigated bad weather. When the pilot spotted the lighthouse, he realized that he was flying over the island of Kauai, corrected course, and redirected the plane to Oahu.

Climb the narrow stairs and stand in the watch room directly beneath the lighthouse’s lantern by signing up for a free tour on a Wednesday or Saturday.

Fun Fact: The Kilauea Point Lighthouse and the international airport in Honolulu are both named for Daniel K. Inouye, a Hawaiian congressman and Purple Heart recipient. As president pro tempore of the United States Senate from 2010 to 2012, Inouye was the highest-ranking Asian-American politician in American history.

Princeville Botanical Garden, Princeville, Kauai, Hawaii — Danita Delimont / Shutterstock.com

5. Princeville Botanical Gardens

Filled with fragrant flowers and tropical fruits, the lush Princeville Botanical Gardens are certainly a place of serene beauty. As you wander through the flourishing paradise of plants on a 3-hour walking tour, your guide will add color by sharing the history, culture, and uses of the flora. You’ll also get to taste seasonal fruit, local honey, and gourmet chocolates.

Hanalei Bay on the island of Kauai. — Regan Bender / Shutterstock

6. Hanalei Bay

Going to Hawaii and not enjoying its sandy beaches would be like spending a weekend in Philadelphia and not seeing the Liberty Bell. So as you make your way around the northern coast of Kauai, be sure to relax in the sun and listen to the waves gently lapping at the coast.

Jutting into the island in the shape of a giant U, Hanalei Bay is a calm basin with nearly 2 miles of beach set against the backdrop of the Napali Coast. It is a beautiful spot to sunbathe, swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or otherwise enjoy the island vibe.

Ke'e Beach on the island of Kauai. — Shane Myers Photography / Shutterstock

7. Ke’e Beach

Ke’e Beach is quietly tucked away at the end of the Kuhio Highway, often overlooked by tourists. And between you and me, this secluded spot was my favorite place to visit on Kauai.

A large barrier reef creates a calm lagoon protected from the ocean’s waves, making it the perfect place for casual swimmers and beginner snorkelers (like me) who can’t help but hear the Jaws theme song every time they take a dip in the ocean. As I lazily snorkeled, watching for bright saltwater fish, a giant sea turtle swam my way, paddling in the water next to me. It was a travel moment that left me truly breathless, and I had to remind myself to keep breathing through the tube connecting me to the oxygen above the water.

Fun Fact: Unlike in other coastal states, all beaches in Hawaii are open to the public.

Kauai's Napali Coast in Hawaii. — MNStudio / Shutterstock

8. Napali Coast

The enormous moss-green cliffs that define Kauai’s northwestern coast are another can’t-miss sight on the Garden Island. One of the most spectacular ways to see the Napali Coast is by helicopter, but visitors can also take in the awesome beauty of the cliffs from the water or by hiking the Kalalau Trail.

I opted for an hour-long helicopter tour that flew over majestic waterfalls and hovered above the Waimea Canyon in addition to circling the Napali Coast. It was one of the more expensive activities I enjoyed during my stay in Kauai, but it was worth every penny!

Pro Tip: In addition to a helicopter tour, here are eight other adventurous things to do in Kauai.

Those who’d like to see the Napali Coast by sea can take a half-day catamaran tour that typically includes dolphin sightings, sea cave exploration, and snorkeling stops.

If a strenuous, multiday coastal hike is more your style, you can also admire the beauty of the Napali Coast by following the Kalalau Trail. With a 6,100-foot elevation gain, the full 11-mile trail between Ke’e Beach and Kalalau Beach is typically tackled by experienced hikers. However, those with less hiking experience (and limited time) can always trek as much of the trail as they’re comfortable exploring from Ke’e Beach.

Waimea Canyon on the island of Kauai. — Shane Myers Photography / Shutterstock

9. Waimea Canyon

Accessed by traveling clockwise on Highway 50, the 10-mile-long, 3,000-foot-deep Waimea Canyon is known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Visit the Waimea Canyon Lookout, where three viewing platforms overlook the striated canyon accented by crystal waterfalls. And if you’re lucky, you just might catch a brilliant rainbow above the deep gorges, bestowing a glimmering crown on this tropical paradise.

From soaring green mountains to deeply carved canyons, and from quiet beaches to abundant waterfalls, these are the best places to visit on the Garden Island of Kauai.