7 Historic, Quirky Road Trips From Branson

Branson, Missouri, is a popular destination for families. Located in the far southwestern part of the state, smack-dab in the middle of the Ozark Mountains, this small town has it all: rustic resorts, boating and other water sports, a myriad of entertainment options, and of course, Silver Dollar City. It’s one of the Midwest’s best-known and best-loved playgrounds.

It’s easy to spend an entire vacation in Branson, but did you know that there are many quirky, historic spots just a short drive from the town? If you’re looking for something different from your Ozarks vacation, here are a few road trips from Branson to consider.

1. Mansfield, Missouri: Where Little House Was Born

About an hour east of Branson sits the small town of Mansfield, Missouri, where one of the most treasured American literary series was written. In the 1890s, Laura Ingalls Wilder and her husband, Almanzo, settled there on a plot of land they called Rocky Ridge Farm. It was there where their daughter Rose was born and where Laura wrote the Little House books, which recalled her adventures as a young pioneer girl traveling the prairie with her family.

Fans of both the books and the classic television show will delight in the treasures on display at the family’s homes (the farmhouse where Laura and Almanzo first lived and the modernized Rock House that Rose later had built on the property). Both have been converted into museums housing such artifacts as Pa’s famous fiddle, family photos, and original, handwritten manuscripts of the Little House books.

Rocky Ridge Farm is open from March 1 to November 15, Monday through Saturday. Adult admission costs $14.

2. Diamond, Missouri: George Washington Carver National Monument

The tiny hamlet of Diamond, Missouri, is about 90 minutes west of Branson. This is the place where a young boy named George Washington Carver was born into slavery just before the end of the Civil War. Carver, of course, grew up to become one of our country’s most recognized scientists and inventors, famous for his work that explored numerous ways to use the peanut.

Today, the land where he grew up is a national monument, the first unit of the National Park Service to be dedicated to an African American. At the monument, you can see the cabin where Carver was born and walk the grounds where he first expressed a keen interest in plants and agriculture. The visitor center features exhibits that cover Carver’s prolific and legendary career.

The monument is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is free to enter.

Bonnie and Clyde's hideout in Joplin. — Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

3. Joplin, Missouri: Bonnie And Clyde’s Hideout

In the early 1930s, during the height of the Great Depression, the outlaws Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow made national headlines as they traveled the United States, robbing banks and murdering those who got in their way. After their deaths during a shootout in 1934, their fame and notoriety only grew. Several movies have been made about the pair and their bloody rampage.

To see some of their history firsthand, travel an hour and 45 minutes west of Branson to Joplin, Missouri. In 1933, Bonnie and Clyde spent several weeks hiding out in this southwestern Missouri town, eventually having to shoot their way out to escape the authorities. The garage apartment where they holed up still stands. It’s privately owned but available to rent for hard-core history fans. The home is located at 215 West 34th Street.

4. Commerce, Oklahoma: Mickey Mantle’s Childhood Home

Any die-hard baseball fan knows all about Hall of Famer Mickey Mantle. The legendary slugger spent his entire career with the New York Yankees and was one of the greatest switch hitters ever to play in the big leagues. But before he headed to the Big Apple, Mantle had humble beginnings.

To see where he first learned to play ball, take Interstate 44 due west of Branson about 2 hours to Commerce, Oklahoma. The small white home where Mantle grew up still stands at 319 South Quincy Street and is marked with a tiny plaque. But the rusted red barn just adjacent to the home is of even greater interest: It served as a backstop for Mantle’s batting practice with his father, who worked at the local zinc mine.

If you’re making the trip to Commerce, you’ll really need to keep an eye out for the Mantle home. While the town is proud of its link to baseball history, and there are plans for a Mickey Mantle museum, ground has yet to be broken on such a space.

Downtown Eureka Springs, Arkansas. — Sue Stokes / Shutterstock

5. Eureka Springs, Arkansas: Historic Resort Hub

When Branson’s Lake Taneycomo becomes old hat, head to the historic town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, to take in its famed curative waters. Built up around Basin Spring, Eureka Springs boomed as a resort hub during the 1870s and 1880s, as word spread about the magical waters that flowed through the town. While Eureka Springs has since seen its tourist traffic ebb and flow, Ozarka Water still operates here, and many buildings from the town’s Victorian past have been renovated and restored.

Today, visitors can stroll the quaint historic district, have a great meal, browse the boutiques and galleries, and of course, relax with a spa treatment or bath in the town’s world-famous mineral waters. There’s even a renowned summer opera festival here, Opera in the Ozarks, in case you want to combine culture with your stopover.

Eureka Springs is only about 50 miles from Branson, making it the perfect day trip.

6. Springfield, Missouri: Bass Pro And Battlefields

Springfield, Missouri’s third-largest city, is only 45 minutes from Branson. Home to Missouri State University and the Dickerson Park Zoo, Springfield also has some unique sights to check out.

Outdoor enthusiasts will want to head to the world’s biggest Bass Pro Shop. Springfield is the national headquarters of the outdoor store chain, and it shows in this over-the-top store. There are half a million square feet under its roof, filled with every sort of outdoor gear and wear you can think of. There is also an enormous aquarium, the National Archery Hall of Fame, and a full-service restaurant featuring fish and game.

History buffs should consider a trip to nearby Wilson’s Creek, the site of the first major Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi River. The National Park Service operates a National Battlefield here, and visitors can take a self-guided car tour of the site. Admission is free and open to all.

Inside the Precious Moments Chapel. — Precious Moments Chapel

7. Carthage, Missouri: Precious Moments Chapel

The small village of Carthage, Missouri, is about 90 minutes from Branson, and it’s home to one of the quirkiest spots we know of: the Precious Moments Chapel. Precious Moments ceramic figurines were wildly popular in the 1980s and 1990s, and their creator, Sam Butcher, became a millionaire. He decided he wanted to build a place where he could combine his artistic work with his religious faith. As the story goes, Butcher was driving home from a trade show when he felt compelled to stop in Carthage. He decided this was the place to create his true masterpiece, bought some land, and got to work.

The Precious Moments Chapel’s interior, inspired by Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, features handpainted murals and stained glass windows depicting Butcher’s characters in Biblical scenes. It’s kitschy and sweet; fans of the collectible line will absolutely adore this spot.

The chapel, visitor center, gift shop, and surrounding gardens are open year-round; admission is free, but donations are accepted.

Planning a trip to Branson? Here are seven key things to know about the town’s shows — and 10 things to do in town besides seeing shows.

Why Aveiro, The Venice of Portugal, And Costa Nova Are Must-Visit Destinations

Portugal has attracted attention from tourists for quite some time. While many visitors head straight for the major cities of Lisbon and Porto, you’ll discover local gems by heading a little off the beaten path to the charming city of Aveiro and the beachside village of Costa Nova.

Colorful houses in Costa Nova. — Julia Lav / Shutterstock

Sometimes called the Venice of Portugal, Aveiro is a laid-back and navigable city offering history, romance, delicious food, and art. Part of the region known as the Silver Coast, Aveiro encompasses several beach communities, one of which is the delightfully colorful Costa Nova.

Here are just a few of the reasons we love these local treasures and think that you will, too.

Canals and moliceiro boats in Aviero. — Lux Blue / Shutterstock

Aveiro’s Canals And Moliceiro Boats Are Charming

Aveiro captivates many a visitor with its most distinctive feature: its canals. At the juncture of the freshwater Vouga and the Atlantic Ocean, Aveiro was founded during the reign of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius. The Grand or Central Canal lends a romantic air to the city, and it is only enhanced by the barcos moliceiros, or traditional Portuguese riverboats that are reminiscent of the gondolas of Venice. The brightly painted boats were once used to harvest seaweed, but they now provide transportation through the Ria lagoon in the heart of Aveiro.

View of the Grand Canal near the Hotel das Salinas. — Hotel das Salinas

Some hotels offer views of the enchanting waterways. We stayed at the Hotel das Salinas, which offers a convenient location, view of the Grand Canal, comfortable accommodations, and ample breakfast for an extremely reasonable price.

Salt ponds in Aveiro. — Lina Balciunaite / Shutterstock

The Area Offers Salt Ponds, Baths, Spas, And Products

Aveiro was once a major center of salt production. While that industry has slowed down, you can still see how salt is produced at the Aveiro Salines, or salt ponds. Guided tours are available, or visitors can go see for themselves and check out the interesting photo exhibit of one family’s salt-producing business. Birdwatchers will delight in the many species of migratory birds that fly through the area.

Those seeking the therapeutic benefits of a salty bath or spa can soak and enjoy from the summer through the fall.

Additionally, Aveiro’s charming shops provide plenty of artisanal local salt, which makes unique and memorable souvenirs or gifts to take back home.

Blue tiles in Aveiro. — Diana Laskaris and Sue Reddel

The Tiles And Art Nouveau Architecture Are A Feast For The Eyes

Art and architecture lovers will be delighted with the beautiful tiles that adorn many of the city’s buildings. From the traditional blue-and-white azulejos to the wide array of colorful tiles, the decor is a feast for the eyes. On some of the city’s narrow streets, nearly every building bursts forth with color! The train station and churches present many examples of artistry in tile. Even the sidewalks and pavement in Aveiro feature calcada mosaics.

A historic building in Aveiro. — Kiev.Victor / Shutterstock

In addition to the lovely tilework, Aveiro boasts a number of art nouveau buildings. Visitors can view impressive examples on a walking tour. The Art Nouveau Museum is located inside one of the most architecturally significant buildings in the city, which also happens to have a lovely tea room on the first level. Several other museums, such as the Museum of Aveiro, are worth visiting as well.

The Seafood And Bakeries Are Spectacular

Aveiro offers some of the best and freshest seafood we had during our time in Portugal. The proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the fishing traditions of the area make the food hard to beat. The hospitality of the locals and comfortable surroundings only enhanced our experience.

We ate at Mare Cheia, a restaurant filled with locals — and for good reason. We ordered a seafood skewer loaded with perfectly grilled octopus and a spiny lobster served with potato salad and huge prawns. Many restaurants in the area offer half-bottles of wine, which were perfect for the two of us.

Pastelaria Rossio bakery in Aveiro. — Diana Laskaris and Sue Reddel

Aveiro bakeries are in a class all their own. They have so many delicious breads and local treats, some of which could feed a whole family! We stopped in at Pastelaria Rossio and marveled at the incredible goodies there.

Costa Nova Beach in Portugal. — DaLiu / Shutterstock

The Beaches Are Beautiful

If you love nothing more than strolling along a gorgeous beach, Costa Nova Beach will be a pleasure. This long sandy shoreline is perfect for a leisurely walk, sunbathing, or relaxing with a good book, and the dunes nearby offer fun exploring. With waves that can get quite big at times, Costa Nova Beach is popular with surfers.

Mother Church of Costa Nova on the beach. — DaLiu / Shutterstock

Across the coast road lies the Aveiro Estuary, whose calm waters are great for water sports and activities such as windsurfing, waterskiing, rowing, and sailing.

A 10-minute drive or taxi ride from downtown Aveiro, Costa Nova is also serviced by buses and trains.

Costa Nova Is Home To Pretty Painted Houses

While the beach draws water fanatics to Costa Nova, landlubbers will adore the unique painted houses that line the promenade and streets above. Originally, these were places for fishermen to store their gear. But people took a liking to them, and many have been converted into homes, restaurants, rental properties, shops, and inns.

Striped houses in Costa Nova. — Diana Laskaris and Sue Reddel

Just looking at the cheerful, colorful buildings is bound to make you smile. We found ourselves comparing the buildings and deciding which colors we liked the best, even though the sight of them all together is what makes Costa Nova such a special and photogenic place.

A visit to the city of Aveiro and the beautiful Costa Nova Beach provides travelers with an opportunity to experience some of the natural treasures of Portugal. The less hurried pace here affords a chance to create lasting, authentic memories.

5 Ways To Relive The Wild West In Kansas

Classic Westerns like Gunsmoke, Bat Masterson, Maverick, and even the feature film Dodge City celebrate Kansas’s Western history. With folklore stars such as Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, “Doc” Holliday, and Buffalo Bill Cody spending time there, it’s easy to see why Kansas enjoys being part of the Wild West. From buffalo hunts near Oakley to bringing in the herd in Wichita, Kansas invites people to put on their best Stetson and cowboy boots and travel back in time to an era when a cowboy’s best friend was his horse and the trail his home.

1. Mosey Through A Living History Museum In Old Cowtown

The dirt street and storefronts set the stage — you’re in a cow town. In fact, it’s early Wichita, the Kansas city that marked the end of the Chisholm Trail. Herding longhorn cattle from deep in the heart of Texas to the plains of Kansas, the cowboys driving the herds looked forward to a little downtime at the end of the trail. Maybe enjoying a drink or two and a place to relax and clean up, cowboys celebrated the successful completion of a cattle drive. Today, Old Cowtown serves as a tribute to and reminder of Kansas’s early days as part of the Wild West.

With more than 50 buildings, the living history museum brings to life a Western town whose history spanned nearly 20 years, from the 1860s through the late 1870s. Complete with a saloon featuring dance hall girls, a barkeep, and all the sarsaparilla you can buy, volunteers dress in authentic outfits and act the role they’re portraying. You can find a blacksmith hard at work in the local blacksmith building. The marshal’s office is also home to the local jail. Old Cowtown’s main street includes a land office, a hotel, and more.

The oldest home in Wichita — a log cabin built by Darius Munger — is located in Old Cowtown. Built in 1868, it was originally located near 9th Street and the Little Arkansas River. The first home owned in Kansas by an African American family also calls the living history museum home. Wesley Hodge, a blacksmith, built the wood-frame house in 1876.

Old Cowtown celebrates Wichita’s Western history throughout the year with a number of special events, such as a Victorian Christmas in December, gunfight reenactments April through October, and stagecoach rides throughout the summer season. Bring your camera and plan to spend an hour or two reliving the Wild West in Old Cowtown.

2. Visit The Place Where Buffalo Bill Got His Nickname

You likely grew up learning about Buffalo Bill Cody and his Wild West Show in school. Buffalo Bill lived an interesting life, working as an army scout, Pony Express rider, and actor. But before he launched his entertainment franchise in Nebraska, he was known as a buffalo hunter. Working with the Kansas Pacific Railroad, William F. Cody was considered a sharp buffalo hunter. With some calling him Buffalo Bill, he entertained through his hunting skills. Using a 50-caliber rifle, he could ride up next to a buffalo (technically an American bison) and put the animal down with a single shot. Meanwhile, William Comstock — the other “Buffalo Bill” — was also enjoying success as a buffalo hunter, providing meat for soldiers at Fort Wallace.

In a contest to determine who deserved to be called the “real” Buffalo Bill, the men took on a challenge to see who could bring in the most buffaloes in one day. The winner would be known as Buffalo Bill, the loser, just Bill. Just west of Oakley, Cody gained the famous nickname that day by a 69 to 46 margin. Can you imagine the William F. Cody Wild West Show?

Oakley honors the legend of Buffalo Bill Cody with a museum at the Buffalo Bill Cultural Center just south of Interstate 70. You can see a replica of Lucretia, his rifle. Outside the visitors center is one of the most popular art pieces in Kansas — Buffalo Bill riding next to a buffalo, preparing to take it down.

While in the Oakley area, take a drive to Monument Rocks, a unique natural landmark about 35 minutes southeast of town. Once part of a prehistoric sea that enveloped Kansas, the chalk bed created spires and mounds standing tall over the plains. Located on private farmland, people are invited to drive the gravel road to visit the monument. While you’re walking around the attraction, you may see cattle roaming about the area.

3. Explore The Dalton Gang Hideout In Meade

Deep in the heart of Kansas, about three hours west of Wichita, you can visit the Dalton Gang hideout. Eva Dalton and her husband John N. Whipple bought a small home in Meade, where they lived for a number of years. In the meantime, Eva’s brothers — Bob, Grat, and Emmet — better known as the Dalton Gang, ran around the state robbing banks and trains. As their reputations grew, the brothers would hide from the law and posses searching for them. Legend has it that the brothers had a hideout at their sister’s home. While never confirmed, a 95-foot-long underground tunnel ran from the house to a barn. It’s said the gang used the tunnel to hide from the law.

Today, you can tour the home and museum, which is housed in the barn. With Dalton Gang and Western artifacts on display in a museum on the top floor of the barn, visitors can learn about the gang’s story. On the first floor, you can enter the tunnel and experience what it may have been like for the Dalton Gang to travel along the tunnel to the house. As you tour the home, imagine what it may have been like for the gang to join the Whipples for dinner before having to retreat to the tunnel to hide from marshals and bounty hunters. Though the Dalton Gang’s run ended in Coffeyville when they unsuccessfully attempted to pull off two bank robberies at the same time, people still enjoy visiting the Meade hideout.

Following your tour, check out the Old West town in Meade and Heritage House, which was built in 1900 and is furnished as it would have been in the early 20th century.

4. Relive The Days Of A Cowboy In Dodge City

Made world-famous by the television series Gunsmoke, Dodge City embraces its cowboy past. With a statue of James Arness as Marshal Matt Dillon standing in front of the visitors center to greet you, it’s the perfect spot to begin a walking tour of town. The city’s Trail of Fame recognizes celebrities and locals for their contribution to the city’s success. From sidewalk markers — known as medallions — honoring people, such as the cast of Gunsmoke and actor Dennis Hopper, a Dodge City native, to light-pole art recognizing significant events, you can learn about the area’s history. Sculptures also pay tribute to important Dodge City historical figures including Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. Stop by the visitors center and pick up a walking tour guide, which showcases the area’s attractions.

The Boot Hill Museum features Western town storefronts, museum artifacts, and memorabilia. As you stroll along the wooden walkway, stop in the Long Branch Saloon for a cold sarsaparilla and catch a stage show. You can watch cowboys settle their disagreements with daily shootouts during summer months.

5. Ride The Last Stagecoach In Operation On The Santa Fe Trail

With a working farm as its backdrop, you can enjoy a stagecoach ride on the last working stagecoach on the Santa Fe Trail in Olathe. With a barn and stable for horses, a blacksmith shop where farmworkers create pieces to be used on the farm, and a small garden where crops such as corn are grown, the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm Historic Site provides a realistic look at life in the late 1800s. Tour the house, which is furnished as it was during the stagecoach era and includes a working kitchen where stagecoach passengers would stretch their legs and enjoy a home-cooked meal.

Before visiting the farm and taking a stagecoach ride around the area, stop at the visitors center and tour the museum’s displays recognizing the Mahaffie family and life in Kansas during the era.

Kansas offers a variety of attractions to explore and relive the Wild West. Enjoy the nostalgia of your youth, when playing cowboy was common and you may have watched old Westerns with your parents or friends. Knowing that you can visit spots such as Dodge City and Old Cowtown, you may find yourself buying a new cowboy hat and a pair of boots to wear while strolling around town.

Making your way through Kansas? Read up on

7 Reasons To Visit Fingal’s Cave In Scotland

Located just off the southwest coast of Staffa, Fingal’s Cave is one of the world’s most popular sea caves. It’s a breathtaking natural wonder composed of gorgeous hexagonal columns formed millions of years ago by massive lava flows.

If you’re traveling near western Scotland, this unbelievable site certainly deserves your attention. Here’s everything you need to know about this otherworldly attraction.

Basalt columns at Fingal's Cave. — Steve Allen / Shutterstock

1. It Has Extraordinary Geometric Basalt Columns

Fingal’s Cave seems like something from a science fiction movie. Perfect hexagons grace the symmetrical columns, creating a strange sense of unease or wonder (depending on the viewer).

The scientific explanation for the hexagons is fairly simple, and unfortunately, it doesn’t involve aliens. Millions of years ago, lava flowed across the site; as it cooled, it fractured perpendicular to its cooling surface. Waves eroded the cave over the millennia, creating the striking geometric designs.

Fingal's Cave in Scotland. — PaulienD_22 / Shutterstock

2. It’s Associated With An Ancient Irish Legend

The cave gets its name from Fionn mac Cumhaill (whose name is often written in English as Finn MacCool), a mythical Irish warrior who is said to have built an enormous road over the Irish Sea to fight his Norse foes.

According to legend, Fingal’s Cave is the Scottish entrance to that ancient road. The other side of the mythical “road” is a Northern Irish sea cave, Giant’s Causeway, which likely formed at the same time as Fingal’s Cave.

3. It Inspired A Popular Overture

Fingal’s Cave owes its modern reputation to an 1829 visit by composer Felix Mendelssohn, who was overcome with the cave’s incredible acoustics. After returning from his trip, he wrote the opening piano melody from his concert overture The Hebrides on a postcard, which he sent to his sister.

“In order to make you understand how extraordinarily the Hebrides affected me, I send you the following, which came into my head there,” he wrote.

Over the next several years, Mendelssohn orchestrated the piece, which would become one of his most widely celebrated works.

The entrance to Fingal's Cave in Scotland. — Erik AJV / Shutterstock

4. It Has Legendary Acoustics

Mendelssohn may have been inspired by the sounds he heard in the cave — as we’ll discuss in a moment, other artists were certainly inspired by the strange acoustics and bizarre geological patterns.

Given that few sea caves share Fingal’s Cave’s geometry, it’s no surprise that the site sounds unique. The sound of lapping waves reverberates off of the arched roof, creating a comforting harmony.

5. It Has Attracted Artists For Centuries

Fingal’s Cave gradually became a major tourist attraction, and it has served as a consistent source of inspiration for some of Europe’s greatest artists.

Famous visitors have included poets William Wordsworth and John Keats, authors Jules Verne and Robert Louis Stevenson, and even Queen Victoria. Rock legend Pink Floyd even wrote a song about the cave.

6. You Can Walk To The Entrance In Good Weather

The caveat, of course, is that the weather needs to be fairly perfect — obviously, getting trapped in a sea cave during a storm would be bad news.

Still, tourists can usually enter the cave on clear days to experience the acoustics in all of their natural glory. There’s a short path leading to the cave’s entrance, but due to recent damage, visitors can’t currently go inside.

A puffin on the isle of Staffa in Scotland. — Quaker268 / Shutterstock

7. In The Summer, Puffins Burrow Nearby

Staffa is home to more than 600 confirmed puffin burrows, so if you’re hoping to see these colorful seabirds in their natural habitat, be sure to schedule your visit during the summer.

Puffins begin breeding in April and stay near their burrows until August. During these months, lucky visitors may see them flying to the ocean for food or walking across the island shore. However, the birds are typically on the opposite side of the island from Fingal’s Cave, and you’ll stand a better chance of catching them by taking a tour of the nearby Treshnish Isles, an archipelago of small islands with higher puffin populations.

Whether you make a quick trip to Staffa on a pleasure cruise or you spend some time exploring the surrounding isles, you’ll fall in love with Fingal’s Cave. Be prepared to take photos as soon as you see it on the horizon; the approach to the cave is absolutely magical, and you’ll want to remember the experience for the rest of your life.

7 Reasons To Visit Beautiful Bourges, France

If you appreciate culture, art, gorgeous scenery, music, and great food and drink, beautiful Bourges, France, located in the center of the country, offers many tempting reasons to visit. Steeped in history, Bourges is the capital of the Cher department of France in the central Loire Valley, and visitors to the town will discover a feast for the eyes as well as for the taste buds.

A picturesque town square in Bourges, France. — ilolab / Shutterstock

Historically significant architecture, a vibrant town center, special entertainment options, unique museums, and beautiful parks provide numerous opportunities to discover and enjoy this dynamic city.

Here are seven great reasons to make time for Bourges on your next trip to France.

The Gothic Cathedral of Saint Etienne. — Tania_Wild / Shutterstock

1. It’s Home To A Magnificent Gothic Cathedral

One of the undeniable jewels of Bourges is the spectacular Gothic Cathedral of Saint Etienne. Construction of the massive structure began at the end of the 12th century; it took some 50 years to finish. Reminiscent of the famous Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, the building’s unique design showcases many flying buttresses and gorgeous stained glass windows. In 1992, the cathedral was named a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it continues to inspire wonder in visitors from around the world.

The streets of Old Town Bourges. — ilolab / Shutterstock

2. Its Old Town Is Charming

Bourges is a scenic medieval city with narrow streets, lively businesses, charming half-timbered homes, and a fascinating history. The city’s Old Town is full of art, architecture, and history that begs to be explored. Once a trade center and prosperous merchant town, Bourges boasts opulent mansions, art galleries, shops, restaurants, markets, bookstores, antique stores, and cafes.

Booking a ride on the Little Tourist Train at the start of your visit is a great way to get a quick overview of the city and decide where you want to spend more time.

One of the many historical museum buildings in Bourges. — ilolab / Shutterstock

3. There Are Numerous Fascinating Museums

Whether you’re interested in art, design, craftsmanship, military history, natural history, or something else, the many specialty museums in Bourges will keep you busy. The Berry Museum houses a fabulous fine art collection, and the Natural History Museum is an outstanding option for nature and science buffs.

Other museums cover unique subjects such as military materials, resistance and deportation history, and the best work of French craftsmen. These museums are small but quite dense, affording interesting perspectives and insights on a variety of subjects.

Be sure to check the museum schedules before heading out, since they’re all different.

A public garden in Bourges, France. — RYSAN / Shutterstock

4. It’s Got Beautiful Green Spaces

Bourges is a green city with lots of beautiful parks and gardens. It’s a treat to enjoy the outdoors in this charming town, especially during the warmer months.

Visitors can take a tranquil walk through the two parts of the gorgeous City Hall Garden by the cathedral. The tall trees and beautifully manicured flower gardens are stunning. The serene space offers an opportunity for meditation in the beauty of nature.

For something a little different, check out the art deco garden Pres Fichaux, opened in 1930 and full of sculptured plants, flower beds, and ponds. It’s a peaceful spot to reflect and unwind.

The Palace of Jacques Coeur in Bourges. — Borisb17 / Shutterstock

5. The Palace Of Jacques Coeur Is Splendid

An important figure in the history and growth of Bourges, the prosperous merchant Jacques Coeur became King Charles VII’s minister of finance in the 1440s. To honor himself and his prominence, he had a palace built that reflected his love for country and king. Unfortunately, he was later accused of high crimes. Although his story didn’t end well, the palace remains a spectacular example of French medieval architecture.

6. It Hosts A Variety Of Festivals Each Year

Bourges is a city that loves a good festival, no matter the season.

In the summer, the Les Nuits Lumiere festival enchants locals and visitors alike. The blue light trail connects famous buildings and features light shows and music at each stop.

The spring music festival Le Printemps de Bourges brings more than 200 artists to town to perform for more than 200,000 music fans. Associated events celebrate emerging artists, and many of the restaurants and bars in town offer musical performances for guests to enjoy with their meals.

Fall in Bourges brings celebrations of wine and gastronomy (and a chocolate salon!). To work off the delicious food and wine, visitors can enjoy a walk on the pedestrian-only green routes in the area.

In December and January, the Natural History Museum exhibits photos from the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.

7. It’s A Place To Eat, Drink, And Be Merry!

The Loire Valley offers numerous opportunities to try outstanding food and drink. Specialties include the green Berry lentils loved by locals and the Berrichon, a meat pie of ground pork and veal topped with hard-boiled eggs all baked in a flaky crust. It’s hard to resist some of the wonderful local cheeses and wines.

La Courcilliere and Cremerie Gordaine offer some tasty local bites. It’s easy to explore delicious local wines at Selections & Millesimes, with their large selection and personal knowledge of the terroir. For an afternoon espresso and sweet snack stop (or perhaps a freshly made brunch), stop by the Delichou Tarterie Espresso Bar. It can get busy on the weekends, but reservations can be made online

A picturesque street in Bourges, France. — Felix Lipov / Shutterstock

Bourges is a lovely town with an interesting history and plenty of modern delights. In the heart of France and tucked away in the famed Loire Valley, Bourges rewards visitors with a variety of culturally rich experiences.

The Best Things To See And Do On The British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands really are an open invitation to explore. With more than 60 islands spanning approximately 60 square miles, a truly endless combination of adventures awaits. The island chain, a territory of the United Kingdom, is really only English in name. What remains is a melange of cultures, from European to African to indigenous tribes. Its variety is evident in every part of the experience, from the jade-colored peaks that plunge into crystal-clear water to powder-soft beaches, endless diving, luxury hotels, and cuisine whose flavors flow from fresh-off-the-grill seafood and succulent pork.

And while the islands were battered and bruised bu hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, the majority of them are open for business. I was able to experience the British Virgin Islands as part of a media trip hosted by the tourism board, who brought journalists to the region to showcase how well the islands have rebounded from the hurricanes.

Whether exploring the British Virgin Islands by land or by sea, you’re in for a surprise when experiencing this gorgeous and tranquil part of the Caribbean. Here are the best things to see and do on the British Virgin Islands.

A chartered boat in the British Virgin Islands. — Larwin / Shutterstock

Get On The Water

If you’ve got a territory of islands, there’s only one way to get around: Get out on the water. The British Virgin Islands are, without a doubt, the boating capital of the Caribbean. From water taxis and simple dinghy boats to full-blown luxury yacht charters, there’s no end to the aquatic possibilities that await in the British Virgin Islands.

If you’re going to splurge on a catamaran or yacht, you’ll be spoiled for choice in the British Virgin Islands. There are plenty of companies to choose from.

To rent by the cabin, it’s typically around $3,000 per couple. For a full boat charter for up to eight guests for less than a week, prices start near $7,500. For a full week, expect to spend upward of $9,700.

Hop The Islands

While you’re on the water, you’ll want to have a destination in mind. As mentioned, the BVI has more than 60 islands to explore, but the four main islands are great places to start. Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, and Anegada each have their own spirit and personality — and different reasons to visit that make them special. But beyond that, there are much smaller islands that are ready and waiting for visitors to anchor at and explore, giving people that private-island experience minus the price tag.

Tortola hums within its charming towns, which are scattered all across the island. Tucked in the nooks and crannies of each moss-colored peak you’ll find plenty of places to play. From great dive shops and restaurants to bustling Road Town and West Indian settlements, the heart of the action in the BVI begins on Tortola. In fact, more than 80 percent of the BVI’s citizens live and work on this island.

Scooting over to Virgin Gorda, this is the spot to really drink in the natural beauty of the BVI, from the granite megaliths at The Baths to pristine beaches and a perfect lack of overdevelopment.

With only four square miles of land, Jost Van Dyke packs quite the punch. Picture teal-colored water that rings sparkling white beaches, undeveloped, rolling green hills, barefoot beach restaurants, quaint guest houses, and not much more.

Lastly, there’s Anegada, the fringe island that’s a bit tougher to get to but entirely worth the trip. Twelve miles away from the other islands, it’s about a three-hour boat trip to Anegada, but the visuals will stay with you forever. The island is completely flat, which is a contrast from its sisters. But what awaits are pink flamingos, stunningly blue water, and a sprinkling of restaurants that are the definition of laid back.

The Baths in the British Virgin Islands. — BlueOrange Studio / Shutterstock

Explore The Baths

Even if you know nothing else about the British Virgin Islands, chances are you’ve at least heard of The Baths. This is the most iconic natural wonder of the destination. What is it, exactly? It’s a collection of monoliths clustered along the coast that mark a national park. The boulders are volcanic remnants from more than 70 million years ago, and their arrangement has left behind a series of secret caves and enchanting grottoes that fill with water. Not only is this a prime place for snorkeling and swimming, but there is a trail that leads through the caves to a beautiful stretch of pristine beach named Devil’s Bay. Despite the name, it feels more heavenly than anything else.

Bear in mind that the best time of day to visit The Baths is in the evening. When we say it’s the most popular attraction in the BVI, we mean it. So rather than slog your way through hordes of cruise ship passengers, plan your visit for the late afternoon or early evening after the cruise ships have left. You won’t get the perks of the beachside snack shack (which closes early), but there’s a restaurant outside the park called The Top of the Baths, which has incomparably better views.

White Bay on Jost Van Dyke. — NAPA / Shutterstock.com

Go To The Beach

To say the British Virgin Islands has a lot of beaches is an understatement. Not only are the islands replete with coastline, but they have some of the very best beaches in the world. You could spend a lifetime cruising the secret inlets and coves in the BVI and still might not see it all. But a good place to start is definitely White Bay on Jost Van Dyke.

Pulling into White Bay is truly pulling up to the gates of heaven, if heaven consists of highlighter-blue water and picture-perfect white sand. Add to that a small selection of thatch-roofed restaurants slinging seriously fresh fish, and you’ll see why this beach is one of the Caribbean’s best.

On Virgin Gorda you’ll find Savannah Bay Beach to be one of the best. It has more than a mile of white sand, perfect for strolling, and plenty of palm trees under which to hide from the sun and curl up with a good book.

The only other island with beaches as uninterrupted as this is Anegada.

Deadchest Island. — Nicola Pulham / Shutterstock.com

Get Under The Waves

Divers will be delighted when they head beneath the water’s surface surrounding the British Virgin Islands. Be prepared to feast your eyes on sunken shipwrecks and beautiful reefs through crystal clear water. Most of the dive operators are on Tortola, but there are plenty on Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke. The most famous dive site off Tortola is the sunken RMS Rhone shipwreck, which is off the coast of nearby Salt Island. If you’re new to diving, there is plenty of opportunity for beginners, especially around the gentle reefs of Scrub Island, Pelican Island, and Deadchest Island, so says PADI. Regardless, wildlife abounds, particularly among the shipwrecks, which sees barracuda, yellowtail lobster, snappers, and even nurse and reef sharks.

Sleep In Luxury

From dreamy guest houses to high-end villa rentals, the BVI has some of the most luxurious hotels in the world. Some resorts are still in the process of renovating and reopening following the devastation of Hurricanes Maria and Irma, but most have reopened and are showing off flashy new amenities. One of the best to know is Scrub Island Resort, Spa and Marina, which sits on a 230-acre private island at the east end of Tortola. The resort has 52 guest accommodations as well as villas, plus a spa, restaurants, two beaches, and a 55-slip marina.

There’s also Necker Island — the private island getaway owned by Sir Richard Branson. This private island paradise was nearly destroyed during the hurricanes, and while they are still in the process of rebuilding certain parts of the island, it is very much open for business (to those who can afford it — the island is open primarily for buyouts).

If you do decide to take the plunge, what you’ll be greeted with is luxury like you’ve never imagined before. Designed to look like a Balinese paradise, the hand-carved, artisanal buildings, gorgeous artwork, amenities, food, linens, and more are among the best in the world. The Great House expanded from nine to 11 rooms following the renovations, and they are rebuilding the famous Bali High complex with a new extended pool. What’s more, the island is committed to sustainability and has introduced three new wind turbines this year, which allows operations to run off of 80 percent renewed energy. And if you’ve heard the rumors about the island being home to a family of lemurs, I can confirm that is 100 percent true.

While the majority of hotels and villas in the British Virgin Islands do swing toward luxury, the reality is you do not have to break the bank to sleep there. There are plenty of affordable options, as well, like The Heritage Inn. Overlooking Jost Van Dyke and smaller islands like Great Thatch and Great Tobago, this quaint, boutique hotel has comfortable rooms, fantastic food, and a home-style experience for a much lower price tag.

Eating On The British Virgin Islands

With a veritable seafood store at its doorstep, be prepared for the freshest fish, shrimp, lobster, and more when dining in the British Virgin Islands. But beyond seafood, the British Virgin Islands is turning out some truly fantastic new chefs who are causing a stir outside the island chain as well. From beachside shacks to elegant fine dining, here are the not-to-miss dining experiences in the BVI.

Food Fete

Each fall, the British Virgin Islands celebrates the flavors and festivities surrounding food at the annual Food Fete. The fete is comprised of a calendar of events that spans the entire month of November. From the Gourmet Soiree, which showcases local and international chefs serving food with Caribbean twists, to the Taste of Tortola, which highlights the best cuisine of Tortola, to the Cooper Island Rum Festival and the Anegada Lobster Festival, there is no better way to taste the very best that the BVI has to offer.

CocoMaya

Located on Virgin Gorda, CocoMaya is part restaurant and part lounge with a sumptuous bar area serving delicious wines and cocktails, plus an open-air dining room that has a menu serving everything from pork satay and Korean chicken tacos to sushi and pad thai noodles. Be sure to request a table in the sand for a truly barefoot luxe experience.

Painkiller

Meet the iconic, official cocktail of the British Virgin Islands. This coconut-and-rum classic has its own special place in the British Virgin Islands. It’s said that the drink was invented at the Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke, and you can still drink one there today, but you can find them at any BVI bar — anywhere on any island.

Shopping On The British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands aren’t necessarily heralded for their shopping. They aren’t known for a particular craft, either. Being a cruise ship destination, much of what you’ll find in Tortola’s Pier Park are the standard Caribbean-style jewelry and knick knacks. That said, there are a few boutiques that are worth exploring.

Pusser’s Company Store

If you thought the Painkillers really did the trick, you may want to bring some signature BVI rum home as a souvenir. Pusser’s Rum is what the Painkiller was invented with, and today you can purchase the signature ingredients at this Road Town shop.

Aragorn’s Local Arts and Crafts Center

To say there are no artisans in the BVI would be misleading. Those who do create on the islands are probably showcasing their crafts at Aragorn’s. This studio has brought together a collection of the islands’ local art. Aragorn himself is a printmaker, potter, and sculptor. In addition to art, the shop also sells organic produce, salt from the old salt ponds on Salt Island, and traditional banana bread.

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