Exploring Ireland’s West Coast By Car: 10 Must-Stop Places

Ireland is an enchanting place and a celebration of nature, history, and culture. Its vast and verdant plains have earned it the nickname the Emerald Isle, and the 2,000 miles of scenic ocean just off its west coast draw thousands of visitors every year.

The Wild Atlantic Way is a spectacular stretch of road that winds along Ireland’s coast. It’s a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of Dublin and appreciate the country. The best way to traverse the coast is by rental car, and you can pick one up at any airport on the west coast. You’ll have complete freedom to linger as long as you’d like in any of Ireland’s picturesque seaside villages.

Don’t miss these 10 gems on Ireland’s Atlantic coast on your next ramble through the country.

The fishing town of Killybegs in Ireland. — Helioscribe / Shutterstock

1. Killybegs

Killybegs sits at the far northern end of the Wild Atlantic Way in County Donegal, and you would be hard-pressed to find a quainter or friendlier fishing town. Visitors can sample fresh seafood while taking in a stunning sunset, or try to spot dolphins frolicking in the surf.

Those interested in Irish history can visit the Glencolmcille Folk Village, a replica clachan. This living museum is a great place to buy authentic souvenirs and savor a cup of hot tea.

Killybegs is a slow-paced, idyllic place that fully embodies the spirit of the Irish countryside.

2. Westport

Charming Westport is steeped in pirate lore — it was the stomping grounds of Grace O’Malley, a famous pirate queen and scourge of the British Empire. Today, O’Malley’s legacy lives on at the Pirate Adventure Park, a family-friendly amusement park that plays up Westport’s swashbuckling past.

The clear Atlantic waters surrounding Westport are perfect for all kinds of water-related activities. The town boasts several Blue Flag Beaches, or beaches that meet specific environmental and cleanliness standards. Take a dip, or try your hand at sea kayaking.

Westport is a whimsical historic spot like no other.

Silgo town in Ireland. — Lucky Team Studio / Shutterstock

3. Sligo

Sligo is posh and exciting, a fine mixture of luxurious spa options, foodie delights, and plenty of outdoor activities. Since it’s located right on the rugged Atlantic, Sligo has some of the best hiking and walking trails around. It’s also one of the best places in the country to head out on the open sea with your surfboard. Sligo’s unique topography supports both novice- and expert-level swells, and surf schools and private lessons are available for everyone.

The mix of activities available in Sligo makes it one of the most unique destinations on the Wild Atlantic Way and a must-see for anyone traveling the Irish coast by car.

4. Spiddal

Spiddal is a terrific treasure where Gaelic is spoken more often than English and life is slower and sweeter. Don’t worry if you can’t speak Ireland’s native tongue, though — many folks in Spiddal are bilingual.

County Galway’s prettiest fishing village is also a hot spot for tourism and a popular resting point on the Wild Atlantic Way. Stroll the beaches of Spiddal, or make your way to the famous Ceardlan Spiddal Craft Village, where you can learn about Irish handicrafts and pick up a souvenir or two to take home.

The real beauty of making your way down the Irish coast by car is being able to stop in places like Spiddal. Coming across this village is like stepping into a dream, or finding your own piece of Irish paradise.

Landscape of Ballyvaughan in Ireland. — Lisandro Luis Trarbach / Shutterstock

5. Ballyvaughan

If you only stop in one place on the Emerald Isle’s west coast, make it Ballyvaughan. This stunning town on Galway Bay sits against the backdrop of the Burren, a riotous celebration of wildflowers and fascinating limestone formations that will make you think that you’ve been transported to another world.

Ballyvaughan is the Ireland of legend: a magical place set against the roiling Atlantic Ocean. Explore the Burren above, or head below to Aillwee Cave, a captivating system of underground caverns that will give you a whole new take on the limestone features that make up Ballyvaughan’s unique landscape.

Ballyvaughan is also a wonderful place to sample some of Ireland’s famous hospitality. There are plenty of cute pubs and bars where you can get a hot plate of stew and a cold pint.

6. Fanore

Many travelers overlook County Clare’s Fanore, but this appealing seaside village is a first-rate place to recharge your batteries and soak in the sea between Ballyvaughan and Doolin. Both Gaelic and English are spoken in Fanore, and there are a few restaurants where locally sourced seafood is humbly but deliciously prepared.

Fanore’s real draw is the beach. Stroll along the pebbled shores and soak in uninterrupted views of the mighty Atlantic Ocean. You can also enjoy hiking and cycling along the seaside. Diving is a popular activity in Fanore, although the sea temperature can be fickle in the winter months.

The village of Doolin in Ireland. — Gimas / Shutterstock

7. Doolin

When you imagine an Irish village, you’re probably picturing Doolin. This colorful town is one of the most popular stops on the Wild Atlantic Way and is simply bursting with lively pubs, authentic restaurants, and charming shops where you can pick up souvenirs for everyone on your list.

Doolin is also close to the Cliffs of Moher, an astonishing natural wonder comprising sheer cliffs facing the Atlantic Ocean. The Cliffs of Moher have been featured in blockbuster films like Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and The Princess Bride and draw thousands of tourists every year. Plan to spend at least a few hours soaking in the cliffs and walking along the rugged edge of this fascinating natural formation.

Like Galway, Doolin is a place from which you can take a ferry to the Aran Islands. These starkly beautiful islands perfectly encapsulate wild Ireland and are the ideal place to break in your hiking boots and see the country from a new vantage point. Tickets to the Aran Islands generally sell out months in advance, so if they’re on your Emerald Isle bucket list, you will want to plan accordingly.

8. Dingle

Like Doolin, Dingle is bursting with brightly colored buildings and Irish hospitality. Located on the charming Dingle Peninsula, this town is a fun and festive stop on the Wild Atlantic Way.

Full of pubs and restaurants, Dingle is a welcoming place where you could easily settle in for a night or two. In addition to the pints and plates of hearty Irish fare, Dingle also boasts the biggest aquarium in Ireland. Dingle OceanWorld highlights mysterious creatures of the deep and is a great family-friendly experience. Plan to spend at least several hours at the aquarium.

For a decidedly more adult adventure, head to the Dingle Distillery, an inviting place where you can learn all about Irish whiskey — and sample a few blends yourself.

Colorful houses in Eyeries, Ireland. — Romrodphoto / Shutterstock

9. Eyeries

Vibrant Eyeries might be a small town, but it certainly has a big personality. This village on the Beara Peninsula embraces nature in all of its glory, with plenty of eco-walks and hiking trails. Although there are trails for every skill level in Eyeries, some might find the terrain challenging and uneven.

Eyeries is a haven for artists, and the Anam Cara Writer’s & Artist’s Retreat is a lovely spot for creative types to recharge their batteries and produce excellent work. Foodies will also appreciate Eyeries, if only for the abundance of fresh seafood and whimsical bistros and cafes.

Eyeries is a lovely little town with a relaxing and restorative air about it. It’s a must-see on the Wild Atlantic Way.

10. Kenmare

Kenmare is one of the larger towns on our list, but it’s just as alluring and full of Irish charm as the others. Situated on the dazzling Ring of Kerry, Kenmare boasts some of the best views in Ireland. It’s also famous for its elevated Irish cuisine, excellent accommodations, and phenomenal hiking.

Those interested in elegant architecture can visit Holy Cross Church, one of Kenmare’s loveliest and most iconic buildings.

Kenmare is also known for its horseback riding and miles of bicycle and jogging paths. Animal lovers can get out on the water and try to spot some seals or eagles. Kenmare sea tours book up quickly, and it’s a good idea to reserve your space at least a month in advance.

Another exceptionally popular activity in the area is golfing. The Ring of Kerry’s lush landscape is optimal for golf enthusiasts, and Southern Ireland’s mild climate is perfect for getting a few rounds in without breaking a sweat.

Ireland’s west coast is arguably the most enchanting part of the country, and the best way to fully enjoy it is by making your way up or down the Wild Atlantic Way. Each dynamic town or sleepy village puts its own spin on Irish culture and hospitality, and your Emerald Isle road trip will give you a fresh perspective on the country that you will cherish forever.

7 Tips For Visiting Chiang Mai, Thailand

Thailand’s beautiful city of Chiang Mai, sometimes called the Rose of the North, is a must-see destination in Southeast Asia. It provides a perfect mix of things for travelers to experience. From the divine food to lively street markets, the charming moat that surrounds the city to its overall affordability, Chiang Mai won’t disappoint. Read on for some travel tips to make your Chiang Mai Thai adventure a smooth and enjoyable one.

Cityscape of Chiang Mai at sunset. — I love photo / Shutterstock

1. Know That Chiang Mai Works For All Budgets

One of the most attractive things about this northern Thai paradise is that it’s attainable for multiple types of travelers. Those who want to backpack and stay in hostels can expect to pay just $25 a night for a private room and around $5 USD for traditional dorm-style accommodations. Luxe travelers can enjoy the upscale hotel offerings, like the $400-a-night 137 Pillars House or the boutique Ping Nakara Hotel and Spa for around $200 per night. There’s even a Four Seasons in the pretty rice fields outside the city. Visitors looking to spend something closer to $100 a night can also find plenty of mid-range options as well as home rentals from Airbnb and Vrbo.

On my visit to Chiang Mai in 2018, I was also struck by how cheap the activities, attractions, and restaurants were. Plus, many of the famous temples are free to access and the city is walkable, which saved on transportation costs. Some other noteworthy affordable experiences were the well-known Thai massages as well as custom-made suits. It made for a lovely trip since we weren’t stressed about spending too much in this very approachable spot. This could make Chiang Mai an attractive option for a multigenerational trip as well, since it rests at an attainable price point for travelers in many stages of life.

A bowl of khao soi in Chiang Mai. — Pamela MacNaughtan / Shutterstock

2. Be Sure To Eat Khao Soi

This famous noodle dish is synonymous with Chiang Mai. Sometimes spelled kow soy, visitors should sample multiple versions of the egg-noodle-and-curry concoction. There are a ton of spots that offer khao soi, but I’ll share some favorites. Anthony Bourdain’s pick was Laap Kao Cham Chaa, while I enjoyed Khao Soi Khun Yai. There are also numerous food stalls around the city, including near the Night Market, that offer the dish as well as countless other restaurants. Since culinary exploits are such a huge part of embracing local culture while traveling, it makes sense to try Chiang Mai’s most famous dish.

3. Take A Cooking Class

Another stellar way to get to know the cuisine of any new place is by taking a cooking class. Chiang Mai is a popular spot to do so since it’s the heart of northern Thailand. A friend recommended Siam Rice cooking school to me since she had enjoyed it so much, and I have to say, I had a wonderful experience there. Cooking class night was one of my favorites of my whole two-week Thai itinerary. We made pad thai, coconut chicken soup, massaman curry, mango sticky rice, spring rolls, and, of course, khao soi.

The chef guide conveniently spoke English, too. And, for an added dose of fun, the class began with a tour of the local fresh food market to see all the options and to pick up ingredients (and Chang beer) for our dinner. Additionally, for solo travelers, a cooking class can be an excellent way to meet other tourists and make friends.

Wat Phra Singh temple in Chiang Mai. — wasanajai / Shutterstock

4. Don’t Miss The Temples

One of Chiang Mai’s claims to fame is that it is home to hundreds of beautiful temples. On any trip to the city, travelers should plan to explore at least a handful of them. There are tons of options to choose from, so I’ll just share my favorites. The striking golden Wat Phra Singh is the most visited temple in the city and is home to the famed Lion Buddha image. Another winner is the so-called Elephant Temple, or Wat Chiang Man, which is the oldest in the city. Wat Chiang Yuen has a large Buddha statue and is outside the Old City walls, while Wat Sri Suphan is the well known Silver Temple. Another favorite was the sprawling forest complex at Wat Umong, which provides a verdant break from the city and always has monks walking around its pathways.

Pro Tip: To be respectful of these religious and cultural sites, make sure your shoulders and legs are covered before visiting. I simply carried a large pashmina/scarf in my bag and threw it on when necessary. Some temples will have scarves or clothes the public can rent or use as well, but I was happier to have my own. Also be aware that the so-called Silver Temple does not allow women inside its main structure, which attendants and signage will repeatedly announce.

A durian fruit from Thailand. — puwanai / Shutterstock

5. Avoid These Two Things: Wine And Durians

One major bummer of my Thai trip was the fact that wine was so expensive. Since there’s a huge import tax on wine throughout the country, it was the only thing that didn’t make sense to drink. One exception I made was on a date night at David’s in Chiang Mai. This fine dining establishment is a bit of a splurge, but their wine prices were the most reasonable I found in the area.

Another common thing to shy away from is the durian fruit. Commonly found at local markets and shops, this round-ish, yellow, semi-spiky fruit is popular in the area. However, it smells so terrible that many hotels will fine you for having one on their premises.

A night market at Chiang Mai. — Victoruler / Shutterstock

6. Markets Are A Must

On any trip to Chiang Mai, visitors should allow time to wander and explore its various area markets. The most well-known and celebrated is the huge Night Bazaar, which occurs in the center of town every evening from about 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. There will be live music, tons of handicraft vendors, and food stalls where you can sample some of Northern Thailand’s famous street food.

Another option is the Sunday Walking Street market, which only happens on Sunday. Centered in the Old City on Ratchadamneon Road, this lively market is open from about 4 p.m. to midnight each Sunday. There are also a few flower markets full of gorgeous blooms and friendly locals. One option to escape tourists is at the Kham Thiang Market, which is near the Lotus Grocery Store. Another very local-feeling option is the Warorot Market — the oldest public market in the region — in Chiang Mai’s Chinatown. It’s adjacent to the Ping River and is also near another lovely flower market called Talat Ton Lam Yai. Of all the markets I visited, the Warorot iteration was my favorite since it had fewer touristy souvenirs and more authentic Thai vibes.

The Bua Tong Waterfalls in Thailand. — kitsanakorn maneerat / Shutterstock

7. It’s A Great Base For Day Trips

Finally, perhaps my favorite tip about Chiang Mai is that it’s the ideal spot to use as a base to explore the rest of northern Thailand. I enjoyed a number of day trips without having to pack up and move hotels constantly. One of the most enjoyable was to the famous sticky waterfalls at Bua Tong. Travelers can actually walk up the waterfalls because the rocks are rough enough to provide some stability. Those who aren’t up for a waterfall climb can simply use the nearby staircase. This attraction is located about an hour from Chiang Mai, so it’s perfect as a day trip destination.

Hang Dong Canyon in Thailand. — apiguide / Shutterstock

Another fun day trip I enjoyed was to Thailand’s Grand Canyon, also known as Hang Dong Canyon. This spot is just 20 minutes from the city, and it’s home to a water park, cliff jumping opportunities, and pretty swimming spots. Lifeguards were around the whole time I was there, so I felt safe even though it was an unfamiliar area. For a less-busy experience, visit in the morning when they first open. Also, it can be hard to get Ubers to go that far out, so I used an Uber to get there and scheduled a Blacklane to get back to my hotel ahead of time. Renting a car or motorbike for the day would be another option.

Elephants in Chiang Mai, Elephant Nature Park, Thailand — Oriol Querol / Shutterstock.om

Thailand is famous for its elephants as well. Responsible tourists should know that any place that lets you ride elephants is not a place to visit. After much research, I decided to check out the Elephant Nature Park about 40 miles from Chiang Mai. This well-known sanctuary has tons of options for tours, lets volunteers live there and help for weeks at a time, and actually rescues and rehabilitates elephants who were formerly mistreated. I knew I wanted to devote a whole day to the elephants, so I chose the Pamper A Pachyderm option, which let me feed, bathe, and walk with the gentle giants. There are also shorter half-day trips for those who have less time available. Elephant Nature Park also arranges for transport to and from your hotel and the park, so travelers don’t have to worry about the logistics of getting there and back.

The White Temple in Chiang Rai. — R.M. Nunes / Shutterstock

On my recent Thailand excursion, I also took a long day trip up to Chiang Rai, a city about three hours north of Chiang Mai. I was able to explore sights like Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Rong Kuhn (the White Temple) and relax on the riverside Chaing Rai beach before heading back to my Chiang Mai base.

A religious shrine at Doi Suthep. — saiko3p / Shutterstock

One final day trip option I recommend is to one of Thailand’s most visited religious shrines at Doi Suthep, which is about 30 minutes from the city. It’s a gorgeous temple and is part of a national park that offers unbelievable views from its mountaintop location. Energetic travelers can walk the 306 steps up to the temple on the intricately carved serpent stairs, while a funicular is available for those who’d rather ride up.

Ho Kum Luang in Chiang Mai. — apisit / Shutterstock

Overall, Chiang Mai was my favorite destination in Thailand, the so-called Land of Smiles. This dynamic northern hub was the perfect place to explore local markets and cuisines, visit countless temples, take a cooking class, and more. It also provided the perfect gateway to the north as a base for numerous day trips outside the city walls. Be sure to add Chiang Mai to your travel bucket list!

Where To Travel For A Taste Of Oprah’s Favorite Things

Walnuts in crumb cakes and tall apple pies. White creamy cheeses and DIY meat boards. Crab cakes and quiches wrapped up for the mail. These are just a few of Oprah Winfrey’s favorite things.

And luckily, they can all be yours as well.

Off and on since the late 1990s/early 2000s, the media and talk-show superstar has chosen an annual list of her favorite products — first on her talk show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, and later in her magazine, O, The Oprah Magazine. The list is said to have been inspired by the classic Sound of Music song “My Favorite Things.”

A collection of new favorites came out at the end of 2019. Along with luxurious soaps and cozy pajamas was a batch of tasty food choices produced by shops and restaurants around the country.

For me — a fan of Oprah and The Sound of Music — the list has always been irresistible. So, when I had a chance to visit one of the 2019 inductees, the Cake Bake Shop in Carmel, Indiana, I couldn’t wait to sample one of Oprah’s faves firsthand. I was happy to find that it more than lived up to the hype. The cakes were delectable, and they were complemented perfectly by Cake Bake’s enchanting atmosphere.

Of course, for a quick and convenient taste, you could order all of Oprah’s Favorite Things online. But here’s an even better option: Travel to the quaint and sometimes out-of-the-way spots that have produced the culinary offerings that make the list.

From the boroughs of New York City, to the suburbs of St. Louis, Baltimore, or Boston, or the rolling hills of coastal Northern California, the shops and restaurants that produce Oprah’s Favorite Things (to eat) make for perfect side trips or full-blown foodie pilgrimages.

Here are a few of the places to travel to sample some of Oprah’s Favorite Things.

Note that some of this information was gathered during a hosted press trip. All opinions remain my own.

Cake Bake Shop In Carmel, Indiana

Walk into the elegant Cake Bake Shop in the Carmel City Center in suburban Indianapolis and be ready to feast your senses.

First, the brilliant white decor with its sparkling chandeliers and white-suited servers will wow you. Then, the sweet scent of buttercream will entice you. And finally, the decadent cakes, layered high and interspersed with colorful icing, will satisfy any sweet tooth you might have.

Oprah’s 2019 favorites included two of Cake Bake owner Gwendolyn Rogers’ signature crumb cake flavors — Blueberry, a moist breakfast cake with fresh blueberries and zested lemon, and Maple Walnut, a coffee cake featuring cinnamon, walnuts, and brown sugar and topped with Vermont maple glaze.

Along with its dizzying array of sweet treats, Cake Bake has a full menu of casual chic offerings. For brunch, try a towering slice of custard quiche with ham, rosemary, and goat cheese, or the rustic wild-mushroom soup-of-the-day served with a toasted French baguette.

Cake Bake is located in the City Center of Carmel, a bustling suburb of Indianapolis about 45 minutes by car from Indianapolis International Airport. Convenient accommodations are available nearby at the modern Fairfield Inn and Suites, or, after mid-2020, at the new music-focused Hotel Carmichael, Autograph Collection, which will be just steps from Cake Bake and Carmel’s Palladium Center for the Performing Arts.

The Blue Owl Bakery In Kimmswick, Missouri

Appropriate for its location along the Mississippi River, quaint little Kimmswick, Missouri, is known far and wide for a unique take on an American standard: Levee-High Apple Pie at the Blue Owl Bakery.

Oprah helped to make owner Mary Hostetter’s Levee High Caramel Apple Pecan Pie a national sensation nearly a decade ago by choosing it for her 2011 list of favorite things.

Not only is the pie a sweet and succulent delight, but it comes with a story as well. It was inspired by the Great Flood of 1993, when an earthen levee helped to save the store.

The Blue Owl Bakery is also a charming restaurant where the menu includes wholesome favorites such as spinach and artichoke quiche, a Sunday chicken dinner, and chicken salad croissant — all served in a homey atmosphere.

Kimmswick capitalizes on its rustic river setting with a strawberry festival in the spring and an apple butter festival in the fall. At just 25 minutes south of St. Louis, the town makes for a perfect day trip. Kimmswick is a 40-minute drive from St. Louis Lambert International Airport.

Cheese stacked at the Cowgirl Creamery — Joshua Rainey Photography / Shutterstock.com

Cowgirl Creamery In Pt. Reyes Station, California

From a buttery triple-cream cheese to a dense blue-veined Stilton-type selection, the Cowgirl Creamery in Pt. Reyes Station, California offers fresh organic cheeses in a pastoral setting.

The concept for Cowgirl Creamery started in a renovated hay barn in downtown Point Reyes, a village that serves as the gateway to the stunning Point Reyes National Seashore.

Oprah brought national attention to the creamery in 2014, when her list featured the Cheese Holiday Collection, a trio of cheeses including Cowgirl’s signature Mt. Tam, a creamy and elegant triple-cream cheese named after majestic Mt. Tamalpais; Hop Along, a semi-firm organic cow’s-milk cheese; and Point Reyes Bay Blue, a rustic cheese with blue-green veins, similar to Stilton.

Pt. Reyes Station is located about an hour and 15 minutes northwest of San Francisco and about an hour and a half from the San Francisco International Airport. Cowgirl Creamery offers tours/classes on Fridays. The creamery’s products are also available at a number of other Bay-area locations, including the San Francisco Ferry Building Cheese Shop.

Lee Lee’s Rugelach In Harlem, New York City

For a rich, flaky pastry that is steeped in cross-cultural legend, Lee Lee’s Rugelach has been the go-to spot for decades.

The legend originated back in the 1960s, when Alvin Lee Smalls arrived in New York City from his home in South Carolina. He is said to have discovered a recipe for the traditional Jewish treat, rugelach, in a newspaper, and soon perfected his own version — “leading to the beginning of a cross-cultural legend in the Village of Harlem,” according to Lee Lees’ website.

Oprah chose Lee Lee’s rugelach as one of her favorite things in 2018, citing the irresistible combination of “traditional Jewish rugelach made from scratch by a black baker in Harlem.”

Lee Lee’s is located about a 10-minute drive from Manhattan and a half-hour drive from New York City’s JFK International Airport.

Lady And Larder In Los Angeles, California

Cheese, meats, crackers, jams, honey, and mustards — the ingredients to craft a dazzling charcuterie board are all right there at Lady And Larder in Los Angeles.

Oprah chose the DIY (do it yourself) cheese and cured meat board as one of her favorite things in 2019. The board comes with everything needed to serve 10 to 12 people, including a whole wheel and two wedges of California cheese, plus prosciutto, salami, honey, mustard, almonds, pistachios, dried apricots, dates, raisins, crackers, serving spoons and spreaders, and a wooden serving board.

Lady and Larder is located in the Westside region of Los Angeles, about a 25-minute drive from the Los Angeles International Airport.

Pappas Seafood Market In Parkville, Maryland

Billed as serving Maryland’s best crab cakes, Pappas has been a mainstay in suburban Baltimore since the early 1970s. The cakes originated with Mark Pappas, a native of northern Greece who immigrated to the U.S. in 1956.

Pappas’ crab cakes made it onto Oprah’s list of favorite things in 2015. “These perfectly seasoned Maryland crab cakes have more fresh, sweet lump crab meat than I’ve ever seen in a cake,” Oprah said at the time.

Visitors can get a taste of the famous crab cakes, freshly cooked, at Pappas Restaurant and Sports Bar in Parkville, Maryland, located about a half-hour drive from the Baltimore/Washington International Airport.

Tatte Bakery And Cafe in Beacon Hill, MA — C.Echeveste / Shutterstock.com

Tatte Bakery And Cafe In Brookline, Massachusetts

From tartines to traditional shakshuka to salads and sandwiches, Tatte Bakery and Cafe is beloved in the Boston, Brookline, and Cambridge area for its healthy and hearty offerings.

Tatte Bakery and Cafe got national attention in 2014 when Oprah’s Favorite Things listed the bakery’s Petit Quiche Assortment, a selection of mini quiches including creamy custard and zucchini, asparagus, artichoke, tomato, and onion offerings.

More than a dozen locations of Tatte Bakery and Cafe can be found throughout Boston and its suburbs. The original location can be visited on Beacon Street in Brookline, located about 20 minutes from the Boston-Logan International Airport.

Want more food and travel inspiration?

And, consider these delicious city-specific food crawls, too:

7 Helpful Tips For Enjoying Scotch Whisky

Whisky is Scotland’s national drink and a source of pride for many Scots. The fiery, sophisticated product is a key component in drinks like the Old Fashioned, Blood and Sand, and Rusty Nail. Whether swirled into a cosmopolitan cocktail or served neat, Scotch whisky has long been associated with everything refined, tasteful, and downright delicious.

The fine art of whisky-making continues to be perfected in Scotland, and each of the country’s 109 distilleries puts its own unique spin on the drink. There are regional differences as well, with each product reflecting the area of Scotland that it originated in.

The best place to enjoy this beverage is the very land where it was born. These seven tips will help you maximize your Scotch whisky enjoyment while in Scotland.

1. Go For An Immersive Experience

One of the best ways to fully appreciate Scotch whisky is to learn about how it’s created, from soup to nuts. The Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh offers a crash course on how Scotch is made, the varieties of Scotch whiskies available, and the best way to sample and appreciate Scotch. Part of the experience involves a ride through the whole whisky-making process in a barrel-shaped car, which may not be suitable for those with mobility limitations.

Fortunately, the Scotch Whisky Experience also offers a virtual tour and information on accessibility. After the tour, you will have the opportunity to sample plenty of Scotch whiskies in the tasting room or enjoy whisky and food pairings. There is a gift shop on-site, so you can pick up special goodies for loved ones back home.

2. Understand The Regional Differences

There is no universal Scotch whisky, since each region has its own blend and flavor profile. Each of the five Scotch whisky regions celebrates the national drink in its own way, and no true Scotch whisky experience would be complete without sampling them all.

Speyside Scotch whiskies have subtle notes of fruit and spices and a touch of sweetness to them. Campbeltown varieties are generally big and bold, and some aficionados claim that they can pick up hints of smoke or vanilla. Lowland Scotch whiskies are lighter and easier to drink on the rocks or neat, with floral and sweet notes. Highland Scotch whiskies are floral as well, but they rely more on dusky notes of heather. Whiskies from Islay are the easiest to identify. These varietals are robust and peaty, with a strong smell and lots of character. Generally speaking, people either love or hate Islay Scotch whisky.

3. Give The Malt Whisky Trail A Whirl

Make the most of Scotland’s whisky regions by seeing them on a tour. Your local guide will explain the characteristics of each distillery and provide valuable insight into how each type of Scotch whisky is produced. If you’d prefer to go at it alone, you can follow the Malt Whisky Trail, which crisscrosses the country and hits the very best distilleries.

If you want to sample all of the best whiskies in one place with like-minded Scotch whisky enthusiasts, you can always check out a whisky festival. There are plenty of regional celebrations, but one of the best and most comprehensive is the Edinburgh Whisky Festival. As a bonus, you will have the opportunity to explore Scotland’s most fascinating city while sampling your Scotch whisky!

4. Make Sure You’re Using The Right Glass

Not all glasses are created equal, especially when it comes to enjoying Scotch whisky. The famous Glencairn glass is the ultimate vessel for enjoying Scotland’s most precious product. It’s shaped like a tulip, with the whisky resting in the bulb near the bottom. The idea is that the spectacular aromas will be directed upward into the tapered part, where you can easily smell them before even putting the glass to your lips.

You can find Glencairn glasses all over Scotland. Many whisky tastings or festivals give them away to patrons. Once you’ve sipped fine Scotch whisky out of a Glencairn glass, you will never go back. Also, these glasses are notoriously difficult to spill, since the narrow top prevents even one drop of precious whisky from leaking out, even when the glass is laid on its side.

5. Know That The Cask Makes A Difference

Scotch whisky takes on the character of its cask. If you tour one of Scotland’s many distilleries, your guide will likely explain what sorts of casks the company uses, and how that affects the final product. They might even have a few different varieties of otherwise identical whisky aged in different casks. If this is the case, try a flight of Scotch whiskies and see if you can pick up on the subtle notes of fruit, spice, or sweetness.

Sherry casks are some of the most popular casks and have been used to age whisky for several hundred years. Speyside distilleries are especially fond of sherry casks, which lend deep and complex flavors to its whiskies. The right cask can lend a whole different level of deliciousness to Scotch whisky.

6. Use Your Nose (And Legs)

As with wine, you should get a good sniff of your Scotch whisky before tasting it. Your Glencairn glass will allow those wonderful aromas to waft toward your nose, giving you a delectable preview of the whisky that you’re about to drink.

Gently swirl the whisky and notice the thin threads of liquid that appear on the side of the glass. Those are known as the legs, and they indicate how alcoholic your whisky will be. Faster-moving legs are indicative of a lighter and less potent product. If your legs slowly creep to the bottom of the glass, however, your whisky packs a serious punch!

The Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh Scotland. — Ruth Peterkin / Shutterstock.com

7. Don’t Believe Everything You Hear About Scotch Whisky

Some Scotch whisky purists believe that single malts are far preferable to blended varieties, but there’s a compelling argument for giving blends a shot. So-called single malts are really just whiskies that originate from the same distillery; they do not need to have originated from the same cask. Blends allow Scotch whisky craftspeople to fiddle with regional differences, tempering a peaty Islay Scotch with a lighter variety, for instance, or combining Highland and Lowland whiskies for an agreeable drink that emphasizes the best of both worlds. Understanding Scotch whisky and regional differences will allow you to select the blends most pleasing to your palate.

The age question is also furiously debated within the Scotch whisky community. The prevailing wisdom states that older whiskies are better, but this is often not the case. Smoothness, drinkability, and depth of flavor are often products of the cask quality rather than the time spent in the cask. Good casks simply lend phenomenal flavor to Scotch whisky. Some believe that the optimal age for Scotch whisky is roughly 10 years, and that anything beyond is overkill, while others think that more mature whiskies are worth their weight in gold.

Scotch whisky is a delectable drink, one that has been perfected for years on the windy moors and in the seaside villages of Scotland. Understanding how Scotch whisky varies from region to region — as well as how casks play a role in the final product — will enhance your whisky-tasting experience. Learn about this treasured beverage in its motherland by hitting the Malt Whisky Trail, partaking in a festival, or simply sitting down with a local distiller.

Want more to add to your Scotland itinerary? Here are seven reasons to visit Fingal’s Cave, plus how to visit Hirta, the remote Scottish ghost island.

Where To Visit The U.S. Homes Of Some Of Your Favorite Authors

Have you ever wondered about the clapboard farmhouse that inspired Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women? Or the ocean air that stirred John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row? Or the “nothing but land” prairie landscape at the heart of Willa Cather’s My Ántonia?

No need to ponder any longer, because the homes of all three American authors are preserved and open to visitors in Concord, Massachusetts; Salinas, California; and Red Cloud, Nebraska, respectively.

And these represent just a small sample of the author-centered museums available all over the country.

Whether your interests center on 19th-century poets, 20th-century novelists, or humorists for the ages, you will find towns and cities that celebrate their famous literary sons and daughters.

Here are 10 places where you can breathe the air, walk the hallways, and take in the views that inspired some of your favorite American authors.

Amherst, Massachusetts — Emily Dickinson

Although nearly 150 years have passed since her death in 1886 at the age of 55, Emily Dickinson never seems to go out of vogue.

In fact, the reclusive American poet is currently having a pop-culture moment with the new Apple TV+ comedy-drama Dickinson, starring Hailee Steinfeld as the young Emily.

Fans of Dickinson’s work can get a taste of what her life was really like at the Emily Dickinson Museum in Amherst, Massachusetts. There, two Dickinson family homes are preserved: The Homestead, the birthplace and home of Dickinson, and The Evergreens, the next-door home of her brother and sister-in-law, Austin and Susan Dickinson.

“The museum is dedicated to sparking the imagination by amplifying Emily Dickinson’s revolutionary poetic voice from the place she called home,” says the museum’s website.

The house of John Steinbeck. — Cindy Barks

Salinas, California — John Steinbeck

California’s varied terrain — from the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean to the rolling hills of the Salinas Valley — was a recurring theme in Pulitzer- and Nobel-Prize-winning author John Steinbeck’s works.

“The Pacific is my home ocean; I knew it first, grew up on its shore, collected marine animals along the coast. I know its moods, its color, its nature,” Steinbeck wrote in Travels with Charley.

So, it is appropriate that Steinbeck’s birthplace of Salinas, California, just 10 miles inland from the Pacific Coast, serves as the location for the author’s museum.

The midsize city is home to both the informative and interactive National Steinbeck Center and the Steinbeck House Restaurant, located in Steinbeck’s restored Victorian boyhood home.

Zane Grey's cabin in Payson, Arizona. — Cindy Barks

Payson, Arizona — Zane Grey

Few authors sum up the adventurous American West as does early 1900s novelist Zane Grey, known for Riders of the Purple Sage and The Call of the Canyon.

The inspiration for many of his novels can be traced to the high-country forestland of Northern Arizona where he had a cabin, which is now open to visitors as the Zane Grey Cabin Museum on the grounds of the Rim Country Museum in Payson, Arizona. (The original 1920s-era Zane Grey cabin burned in the devastating Dude Fire of 1990, but the cabin was recreated several years ago on the museum grounds.)

Museums memorializing Grey also exist in Ohio and Pennsylvania, where the author grew to adulthood. But the Arizona high country loomed largest in his work. Of the 57 novels Grey penned, 28 of them had an Arizona theme.

Portland, Maine — Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Walk along the narrow and slightly damp hallways of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s boyhood home in Portland, Maine, and you will instantly gain insight into his poem The Rainy Day, which famously reminds readers, “Into each life some rain must fall, / Some days must be dark and dreary.”

The 19th-century author and poet hailed from Portland, and his family home now serves as the Wadsworth-Longfellow House & Garden, a museum operated by the Maine Historical Society.

The historic brick house lies in the midst of the bustling city and serves as a reminder of the nation’s early years, when Longfellow’s grandfather, General Peleg Wadsworth, built the family home in 1785.

home to Louisa May Alcott in Concord, MA — LEE SNIDER PHOTO IMAGES / Shutterstock.com

Concord, Massachusetts — Louisa May Alcott

Generations of readers have immersed themselves in the 1868 classic Little Women, which explores the lives of the four March sisters growing up in New England during the American Civil War.

The story is so enduring that at least eight movie adaptations have been made, including the latest, which was released in late 2019.

A real-life look at the family that inspired the March sisters is available at author Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House in Concord, Massachusetts.

The 1660s-era farmhouse was the home of Alcott’s family from 1857 to 1877 and is said to be the setting for Alcott’s classic story.

The Mark Twain house in Hartford. — f11photo / Shutterstock

Hartford, Connecticut — Mark Twain

When it comes to American classics, Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn consistently rank among the best.

The Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford, Connecticut, is a classic of its own. Billed by Twain as “a house with a heart and soul,” the American High Gothic-style mansion on Hartford’s Farmington Avenue served as the home of Twain (author Samuel Clemens) and his family for nearly 20 years in the late 1800s.

Along with the restored house, the center also includes a museum, which opened in 2003.

The Hemingway Home on Key West. — Robert Hoetink / Shutterstock

Key West, Florida — Ernest Hemingway

Pulitzer- and Nobel-Prize-winning author Ernest Hemingway’s penchant for living large is on display throughout the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West, Florida.

From the massive 60-foot-long swimming pool that is said to have cost $20,000 in 1937 (more than $350,000 in today’s dollars) to the six-toed cats that still roam the property, the Florida home sums up the bold and adventurous author of such masterpieces as The Sun Also Rises, A Farewell to Arms, The Old Man and the Sea, and The Moveable Feast.

Red Cloud, Nebraska — Willa Cather

The United States prairie was the specialty of Pulitzer-Prize-winning author Willa Cather, and she brought the flat, empty terrain to life in works such as My Ántonia and O Pioneers!

“There was nothing but land; not a country at all but the material out of which countries are made,” Cather wrote in My Ántonia of the fictional Black Hawk, Nebraska.

Today, the National Willa Cather Center stands in the author’s honor in her hometown of Red Cloud, Nebraska, which inspired Black Hawk.

Jack London's Wolf House Mansion in California. — Andriy Blokhin / Shutterstock

Glen Ellen, California — Jack London

Extreme endeavors were the hallmark of Jack London, and the Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen, California, pays tribute to that spirit, along with the works of the famous early 1900s author and social activist.

Known for shocking tales of the Klondike Gold Rush in his novels The Call of the Wild and White Fang, as well as in the short story To Build a Fire, the San Francisco-born London called a ranch on the eastern slope of Sonoma Mountain home for the last decade or so of his life.

The ranchland, which includes the remains of London’s Wolf House mansion, today features a visitor center in the House of Happy Walls that was built by London’s widow, fellow author Charmian Kittredge London. The ranch became a California Historical Landmark and State Park in 1960.

The Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home and Museum. — Taylor E Williams / Shutterstock

Walnut Grove, Minnesota; De Smet, South Dakota; Mansfield, Missouri — Laura Ingalls Wilder

Anyone who remembers hearing bedtime stories that featured tales of little Laura navigating the frontier with her family would probably enjoy visiting several museums that honor author Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Famous for wholesome stories like Little House in the Big Woods and Little House on the Prairie, Wilder has been a mainstay for generations of young readers. Her stories were transformed into the popular Little House on the Prairie TV series in the 1970s and 1980s.

The museums include Wilder’s childhood home in Walnut Grove, Minnesota; the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Homes and first school of Laura and her sister Carrie in De Smet, South Dakota; and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home & Museum at Rocky Ridge Farm in Mansfield, Missouri, where Wilder is said to have penned her books.

9 Lessons Learned During My Ancestry Travel

People obsessed with ancestry reel off names and dates until their friends’ eyes glaze over. But the best stories — the heart and soul of history — are found not on a computer but through travel.

My research took me to Stourbridge, England, and the ancestry lessons I learned are applicable to all, whether your family comes from Galway, China, or Timbuktu.

The writer's mother, May Myatt. — Nadine Cresswell-Myatt

1. Contact Local History Societies

When I first arrived in Stourbridge, I couldn’t imagine my mother’s era: the 1920s to ’50s, when she peddled an old bicycle down country lanes humming “In the Mood” or “Little Brown Jug.” But slowly the past emerged despite the busy ring roads and dense housing estates.

I knew she absconded from the area in the 1950s. She was 35 and pregnant with me when she eloped, leaving her history and a previous marriage behind.

The local history society wound up doing most of my research. They receive lots of queries from overseas and seem delighted to help. In Stourbridge, history is a local pastime.

During one visit, my helper passed on local knowledge. “A hay cutter!” she tutted, noting my great grandfather’s occupation on the census. “That’s seasonal work. He was basically unemployed!”

Knocking on doors to learn more information. — Nadine Cresswell-Myatt

2. Tap On Doors

Armed with addresses, I knocked on doors. Sometimes I knocked on the wrong door and was still asked in. It’s not every day an Aussie comes calling, and the popularity of shows like the BBC’s Who Do You Think You Are? means people love helping.

Eventually, I was shown into a house where my mother once lived, and the owners even gave me a few minutes alone to dwell on the past and let my emotions settle.

The clock tower at the old workhouse. — Nadine Cresswell-Myatt

3. Visit Sites (Even When They Have Changed)

Some of the sites I visited were unsettling. My mother’s mother was unmarried and had four children out of wedlock. The first two she raised, but when she was seduced or worse while working as a maid, she became pregnant with twins. It was the Depression, she came from a poor family, and she ended up in the workhouse slogging away in the laundry.

By the time I got to Stourbridge his old workhouse had been redeveloped into a housing estate. But the Brits value the past, and developers kept the laundry furnace chimney and the original clock tower that chimed the girls’ long working days.

My mother was sent to an orphanage. She’d scrawled an account of her first memory in an exercise book which I found after her death:

The sobbing was uncontrollable, and I vividly remember being assuaged by a tempting crust of bread, and butter smothered in golden syrup. The bread looked as thick as the doorstep on which I sat — that was my earliest memory. It was taken for granted by me that we were placed in the homes because our mother being unmarried could not afford to keep us…

Locals told me the orphanage had been demolished, and like any place with acreage, turned into a housing estate.

The housing estate built around an old playing field. — Nadine Cresswell-Myatt

But I found the houses built around an old playing field. My mother wrote of how she would stand at a window and longingly watch her twin brother Frank kicking a ball. The sexes were strictly segregated, so she was unable to talk to him for 12 years.

Instinct drew me to a path behind some bushes. There was the old receiving house and the doorstop where she sobbed. I sat on that blockbuster of a doorstep and cried. She had been ripped from her mother, just as I now had lost her.

The door to the derelict building mysteriously swung open revealing long, soulless halls, scuffed linoleum, and barred windows. Even though trespassing, I walked in to find a frame with photos of some of the orphans and their cottage parents.

Terence Herbert's letter in the old orphanage. — Nadine Cresswell-Myatt

Pinned in the center was a note: If anyone would like information on what it was like at the cottage homes, please contact Terence, who was an orphan here in the 1930s.

When phoned, Terence he said he’d placed that note there 18 years previously when he first retired. He was astounded that someone had finally contacted him — especially someone from overseas.

Terence near the old downpipe. — Nadine Cresswell-Myatt

4. Search For Contemporaries

I drove Terence to the site. He asked me to take his photo in front of the downpipe, which had been his cricket stump. “No toys,” he said. “Instead, we had hours of fun with a piece of string forming shapes between our fingers.”

He pointed to the empty bookshelves. “There were books, but we were not allowed to read them — they were for show. And school wouldn’t give us homework because ‘homers’ weren’t expected to get on in the world.”

His depictions of orphanage life explained much about my mother, who despite being a great beauty had extremely low self-esteem.

The sign for Hope Street. — Nadine Cresswell-Myatt

5. Hang Out With Locals

I walked down a street ironically called Hope Street looking for the house my grandmother worked in as a maid.

There was no house significant enough to have warranted servants. I asked a local walking his dog if he knew one. “If you want to know anything around here, Love, you have to ask in the pubs.”

So began my fortnight of drinking endless pots of cloudy cider and spilling my mother’s story to barmaids. My mother had worked as a barmaid, and these women felt an affinity with her story. They introduced me to old-timers on the off chance they might know something.

The Glasscutters Arms had a bowling club behind it, and one of the old men there excitedly told me he had known my mother’s first husband, Bill Hopton, a glassblower.

“He died on the green,” he said. “Had a heart attack. But he lived with his sister, and she had a son, and he was like a grandson to him. He drinks at the Cat.”

Tracking him down, he opened the door to me in his moccasins and skinny jeans. It was the only doorknock where I wasn’t invited in. The past was the past, and he didn’t want to know about it.

The old Wordsley Manor house. — Nadine Cresswell-Myatt

6. Try All Doors

There was a warmer welcome at the manor house where my mother’s older sister and aunt had lived in as servants. The eccentric owner had built a cinema in his attic.

The manor house was still in the family, and I had written a letter to the present owner. I was almost heading home when I received the email. Would you like to come to supper?

We dined at a table on expansive lawns. Dessert was a meringue loaded with blackberries picked from the garden.

As I sipped champagne, I thought of my ancestors who were once his family’s servants, and of how gobsmacked they would have been to see me hobnobbing with the aristocracy.

After dinner came the grand tour. There was a coat of arms over the door, family portraits in each room, and an impressive main staircase so rickety we were forced to use the servant’s staircase — quite fitting given my family’s background.

Three flights took us to the attic where there was a now run-down art deco cinema and a ticket booth where my 16-year-old mother sold tickets after leaving the orphanage.

Old washing supplies. — Nadine Cresswell-Myatt

7. Heed The Lessons Well

On my trip to the Black Country, I did not find any relatives. Yet, I did find out much more about my mother. Her orphanage background set her on a course for life. When she became pregnant with me, there was no way she was going to suffer the indignities of having a “bastard” child.

She changed her name by deed poll and ran away with my father. They boarded a cargo ship for a new life in Australia, marrying some seven years later.

A wing of the Wordsley Manor that fell into disrepair. — Nadine Cresswell-Myatt

8. Go Before It’s Too Late

My trip made me realize the importance of visiting the lands of our forebears before more evidence is lost.

That was three years ago. Since then the manor, after being in the same family for generations, has been sold and turned into apartments, and perhaps a house has already supplanted the old receiving house.

Terence at the fields where he used to play. — Nadine Cresswell-Myatt

9. You Can Address Past Hurts

My mother loved words, but with a meager education, she could only find kitchen jobs after my father left her. So, like her mother, she struggled to raise children on her own.

In her 80s, before dementia set in, she wrote down her memories, perhaps knowing one day I would follow the clues.

One of the local history ladies I befriended in Stourbridge suggested I send my mother’s reminiscences to a history journal, The Blackcountryman.

To my delight, the editor thought my mother’s story well-written enough to publish.

It seems strange that my mother’s homecoming should be in print, and that the daughter she left her birthplace for, in order to shield her from gossip and innuendo, paved the way for her return.

So, yes, “the past is a foreign country,” but it’s a place you can certainly travel to.