How To Spend A Day In Montgomery, Alabama

Montgomery, Alabama, is perhaps best known as the birthplace of the civil rights movement. Located on the Alabama River, Montgomery was Martin Luther King Jr.’s home during the pivotal years of the civil rights movement and the location of the Montgomery Bus Boycott initiated by Rosa Parks in 1955.

Alabama’s capital city has played an incredibly important role in United States history, and you can easily spend a day exploring its historic sites and museums. The city is also known for its Southern comfort food and quality antiques.

Here are the best ways to spend a day in Montgomery.

The Legacy Museum in Montgomery. — Equal Justice Initiative

Visit The Legacy Museum

If you only have time to do one thing in Montgomery, spend 2 to 3 hours at The Legacy Museum: From Enslavement To Mass Incarceration. As the name indicates, this unique museum explores the dark legacy of slavery in the U.S. The interactive multimedia museum is set within a former warehouse that once housed enslaved people, and its exhibits focus on the history of slavery and discrimination from the time of the transatlantic slave trade to the Jim Crow era. In addition to exploring the history of racial inequality in the U.S., the museum explores its effects on the present-day criminal justice system.

When purchasing tickets to The Legacy Museum, you can also purchase tickets to the nearby National Memorial for Peace and Justice. Located just a few blocks from The Legacy Museum, it’s a powerful memorial dedicated to the victims of lynchings and racial terror in the U.S.

Tour The Alabama State Capitol Building And Grounds

Constructed in the Greek Revival style, the Alabama State Capitol is located at the end of Dexter Avenue, one of Montgomery’s main streets. The Capitol building was restored in 1992 and features a beautiful House of Representatives, Senate Chamber, Rotunda, and Old Supreme Court Chamber and Library. At the end of the march from Selma to Montgomery for voting rights, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered one of his most famous speeches on the Capitol’s steps.

You could spend an hour or two touring the Capitol building. It’s open Monday through Saturday, and guided tours are available four times a day. Admission is free.

The Rosa Parks Museum in Montgomery. — Mccallk69 / Shutterstock

Visit The Rosa Parks Museum

Troy University’s Rosa Parks Museum commemorates Rosa Parks and highlights her work for civil rights.

The museum stands on the ground where Rosa Parks was arrested for not giving up her seat on the bus to a white man. It takes visitors back in time with items such as the fingerprints from Parks’s arrest file, court documents, and a salvaged 1950s Montgomery city bus, among others. As you walk through the exhibits, you’ll feel the injustice of segregation and admire Parks’s courage in resisting it.

The Rosa Parks Museum is open Monday through Saturday, and admission costs $7.50 for adults. Plan to spend about 2 hours at the museum if you want to read everything.

Catch A Montgomery Biscuits Baseball Game

Down the street from The Legacy Museum is the home of the Minor League Baseball team the Montgomery Biscuits. The Biscuits play at the 7,000-seat Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium, which provides an interactive and lively atmosphere during baseball season. Spend 3 hours during a day or evening game rooting for the Biscuits, downing hot dogs, and drinking cold beer. The stadium also sells different kinds of biscuits: plain, with toppings, savory, and even a dessert biscuit ($3 to $4.50).

You can catch a Biscuits game at the Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium between April and September. Tickets to Minor League Baseball games tend to run $8 to $9 per adult.

Travel Back In Time To The Jazz Age At The Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald Museum

Housed in one of the last family homes of Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, The Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald Museum commemorates the literary couple’s life together.

Although the Fitzgeralds spent years traveling to many cities and countries, they returned to Zelda’s hometown between 1931 and 1932 to write their respective novels. The Jazz Age, the time when the musical style gained popularity, was in full swing in the South, and its spirit wove its way into many of Scott Fitzgerald’s best-known works.

At the museum, you can see the upstairs Scott and Zelda Suites and even spend a night in them (about $120 per night).

The Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald Museum can be accessed Wednesday through Sunday, and there’s a $10 suggested donation. Perusing the museum will take about an hour.

The amphitheater at Riverfront Park. — Fun In Montgomery

Stroll Through Riverfront Park

A 5-minute walk from downtown, Riverfront Park sits on the banks of the Alabama River. In the small park, you can see the resident steamboat and stroll up and down the banks of the river. From the riverfront, you can also see the old Montgomery Union Trainshed, which was once a busy train stop.

The park’s 6,000-seat amphitheater hosts events such as concerts, movies, and plays for locals and visitors alike. The grassy area provides ample space for picnics or just a place to rest after a long day of exploring. Visiting won’t cost you a dime — it’s free to enter and to enjoy as you please.

The Hank Williams Museum in Montgomery. — JNix / Shutterstock

Visit The Hank Williams Museum

Although Hank Williams was born in remote Mount Olive, Alabama, he moved to Montgomery at the age of 13. He released an incredible number of singles before his untimely death at 29 years old and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1961. The country singer became acquainted with music on the streets of Montgomery, and he is now venerated as a local icon.

The Hank Williams Museum highlights the artist’s invaluable contributions to music. The rooms are filled with his clothing, photographs, awards, furniture, and albums. Visitors can even see the blue Cadillac in which he took his final drive. After spending a couple of hours at the museum, drive the 3 minutes to Oakwood Cemetery, where Hank Williams and his wife are buried.

The Hank Williams Museum is open daily, and admission costs $10.

Eating In Montgomery

Montgomery’s cuisine is all about Southern comfort food, but there are a few modern restaurants in the mix. Here are the best spots to grab a bite while exploring Montgomery for the day.

The Alley, located around the corner from The Legacy Museum, is a strip of restaurants and bars. Restored about 10 years ago, The Alley is set between brick buildings and provides a contemporary vibe.

Within The Alley is the Railyard Brewing Company, part of the Tavern & Porter Room. There was once a restaurant portion in addition to a brewery; although the craft brews are still flowing, the restaurant now serves finger-lickin’ barbecue as Dreamland BBQ. Make sure to try the barbecue rib plate with sides like mac and cheese and baked beans. The Big Daddy Bar-B-Que sandwich is also a hearty option.

For Southern-style food, there are several tasty places you could visit, including Cahawba House, a casual order-at-the-counter spot just steps away from Court Square Fountain. Choose from a salad, sandwich, or meat plate with a range of comfort-food sides.

Central, the number-one restaurant in Montgomery on TripAdvisor, provides upscale Southern fare with regionally sourced ingredients. Visit for lunch or dinner and try the burger, oven-roasted salmon, lamb ribs, or barbecue pork chops. Central is conveniently located next door to The Legacy Museum.

Shopping In Montgomery

As steeped in history as it is, Montgomery is the perfect place for antique hunting, thrift shopping, and boutique browsing.

Montgomery Antiques & Interiors on Dexter Avenue is full of solid wood pieces, antique furniture, and classic jewelry. The space is decorated with chairs, rugs, and centerpieces ready to be transported to their new home.

Another equally unique antique store, although outside the city center, is Eastbrook Flea Market & Antique Mall. With 300 vendors spanning three floors of an old department store, you can spend hours looking through all it has to offer. The bottom floor houses a great bookstore, the main floor stores the antiques, while the top floor is home to the flea market. Each vendor has a booth with its own unique look and feel.

For souvenirs from Montgomery, stop by the visitor center within the historic Union Station or the Goat Hill Museum Store in the Alabama State Capitol.

If you’d prefer more modern shopping, head to The Shoppes at EastChase. A large shopping mall with more than 85 stores — both local and chain options — it’s one of the best places to buy clothes and gifts in central Alabama. The shops offer events such as happy hours, holiday pop-ups, and fireworks.

8 Must-See Spots In West Virginia’s Allegheny Mountains

There’s a reason why West Virginia is affectionately known as the Mountain State. The gorgeous Allegheny Mountain Range — part of the southern Appalachians — runs through most of the state, making it one of the most stunning spots in the United States to visit.

While West Virginia is absolutely an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, there are terrific things for everyone to see and do in the Alleghenies. Here are a few of our favorite spots in the mountain range.

1. New River Gorge Bridge

To really get a feel for the majesty of this corner of the country, head to the New River Gorge Bridge, just north of Fayetteville, West Virginia. It’s the longest steel span in the Western Hemisphere and the third-highest in the United States; it’s so famous that it was chosen to represent West Virginia on its state quarter.

Of course, you’ll want to drive across, but make sure to take time to stop at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center on the north side for some stunning views and terrific photo ops. If you’re lucky enough to be in the area on the third Saturday in October, stop by for Bridge Day, when the famous span is opened to pedestrians and daredevil BASE jumpers. Keep your eyes peeled for the whitewater rafters who often pass on the river below.

Hawks Nest State Park in West Virginia. — Malgorzata Litkowska / Shutterstock

2. Hawks Nest State Park

Just a few miles northwest of the New River Gorge Bridge is one of West Virginia’s most beautiful state parks. Hawks Nest State Park is nestled above the river and boasts incredible, rugged landscapes and a scenic overlook of the gorge and Hawks Nest Lake below. There is ample hiking, but if you don’t want to climb all the way to the top, no worries — there is an aerial tram. There’s also a nature center, a nine-hole golf course, and a 31-room lodge on-site. It makes a great home base from which to explore this portion of the Allegheny Range.

Blackwater Falls State Park in West Virginia. — Jon Bilous / Shutterstock

3. Blackwater Falls State Park

Located in Tucker County, about 3 hours due west of Washington, D.C., Blackwater Falls State Park is another stunner. The park is located within the Monongahela National Forest, and its crown jewel is a 60-foot cascade where the Blackwater River enters the canyon of the same name. You’ll notice that the water that flows here isn’t exactly crystal clear; rather, it takes on a faint beige hue due to the high tannic acid content from fallen hemlock and red spruce needles. Blackwater Falls is one of the most photographed sites in the state, and once you see it in person, you’ll understand why.

Keep in mind that you’ll have to hike to reach the site — there isn’t an option to drive directly to them. Once inside the park, a trail and boardwalk will take you close to the west side of the Falls; there’s an overlook on the opposite side of the gorge.

Seneca Caverns in West Virginia. — Seneca Caverns WV / Shutterstock

4. Seneca Caverns

An hour south of Blackwater Falls is an intriguing geological site: Seneca Caverns. The Native Americans who settled in West Virginia traveled to the Alleghenies to trade, and the limestone caverns here provided the Seneca tribe with shelter, storage, and space for ceremonies.

You can’t explore the caverns on your own; you must take one of the guided tours. They take about an hour and have been going on since 1928. You must descend steps to reach the caverns, which are 160 feet below ground, and once you’re there, you’ll walk about a mile. While the paths can be a bit uneven, the trail is wide, and there are handrails to help with your descent.

As you wander through the cave complex, you’ll see many different formations carved out by the water millions of years ago. A trip here is a great way to escape the summer heat, since the caverns stay at a constant 54 degrees. It’s so chilly that you’ll want to consider taking a jacket! Adult admission costs $15.

The Cass Scenic Railroad in West Virginia. — The Old Major / Shutterstock

5. Cass Scenic Railroad State Park

As you explore the West Virginia mountains, you’ll get a sense of how important the railroads were to this part of the country at the dawn of the Industrial Revolution. Raw materials that needed to be transported across America went via locomotive. Thousands of men carved out the land, blasting tunnels and laying tracks so that the trains could move through.

To learn more about their efforts and the role of the railways in West Virginia history, visit the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. The park features an 11-mile heritage railroad that visitors can take to the top of Bald Knob; they can also explore the town of Cass, which was founded by the West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company in 1901 for the loggers and millworkers who worked on this remote mountain stretch. Renovated “company homes” are available for nightly rentals, the Cass Company Store sells artisan crafts, and you can grab a hearty meal at the Last Run Restaurant before heading back down the mountain.

The John Henry Memorial in West Virginia. — John Henry Historical Park

6. John Henry Historical Park

Building the railroads was backbreaking work. And in the small town of Talcott, West Virginia, during a real-life contest between man and machine, a legend was born. This is the place where steel driver John Henry worked to bore a tunnel into Big Bend Mountain for the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway. When a steam drill was introduced to speed up the process, John Henry took it as a threat to his job security. He challenged the machine to a contest, won, and became a hero. Today, a statue at the John Henry Historical Park pays tribute to this larger-than-life figure who inspired tall tales, folk songs, and American workers everywhere.

7. West Virginia Penitentiary

In the far northern portion of West Virginia, in the town of Moundsville, sits a Gothic-style building with a dark past. The West Virginia Penitentiary operated from 1876 until 1995, housed some of the state’s most dangerous criminals, and was known as one of the most violent correctional facilities in the United States. Now open for tours, it’s also got a reputation for paranormal activity. Visitors can explore the main level and recreation yards and hear about the history of the prison, including one infamous prisoner who wasn’t permitted in: Charles Manson. Tickets cost $14 for adults.

8. The Greenbrier

After all these activities, perhaps you’re ready for a luxe place to wind down. Fortunately, one of the nation’s poshest resorts is tucked away in West Virginia’s Allegheny Range, and it’s also steeped in history.

The thermal springs around The Greenbrier were what first drew visitors to this mountain spot in the late 1700s. Since then, it’s hosted 27 of America’s 45 presidents. Guests can take part in any number of activities on-site, peruse the boutiques, try their luck at the casino, and take to the waters and receive other relaxing services at the spa. There are several restaurants on-site, and the resort offers packages as well as holiday specials.

One remnant of the Cold War that history buffs will want to check out at The Greenbrier is its vast underground bunker, designed to house the U.S. Congress and keep the government going in case of a nuclear attack. You can book a tour to explore the House and Senate Chambers, dorms, and cafeteria.

The nearby town of White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, is also worth a look; it’s got a charming Main Street district.

If you’d like to get a taste of West Virginia’s Allegheny Range but would prefer to skip the mountain driving, consider a trip aboard the Amtrak Cardinal. It departs three times a week, and from the state capital of Charleston, it’s just a 3-hour trip to White Sulphur Springs. You’ll pass the New River Gorge Bridge and other incredible sights, and the train depot is located just outside The Greenbrier’s front gates.

Want to experience more of what West Virginia has to offer? Here are seven things to do in the state with the whole family.

10 Things To Know About Driving The Cabot Trail

The Cabot Trail is a scenic highway in the northern part of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. However, the word “scenic” is a bit misleading. This isn’t just a pretty drive, but rather one of the most famed roads in the world, renowned for its views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Breton highlands.

It is a frequent entry on “top 10” lists of the most beautiful driving routes in the world and is a favorite for the top slot on many “best drives in Canada” roundups. Therefore, it’s no surprise that it’s on so many travelers’ bucket lists. If you’re planning a trip to Nova Scotia, here are 10 important things you should know about driving the Cabot Trail.

1. More Than Hills And Highlands

Fans of Ireland and Scotland love visiting Cape Breton Island and the Cabot Trail because the rolling green hills look so familiar to what you’ll see on the other side of the ocean. However, while the most famous part of the Cabot Trail is indeed the oceanside drive along the highlands, that’s just one portion of the adventure. For instance, a common starting point is the town of Baddeck. This inland town is flat and miles from the sea, and life here is centered around the Bras d’Or Lakes. Other areas of the drive are heavily forested with old-growth trees. In short, the Cabot Trail is more diverse than you might think!

The Cabot Trail in Cape Breton. — Vadim.Petrov / Shutterstock

2. The Drive Is Longer Than You Think

At 185 miles, the Cabot Trail is longer than most people think. Driving it is a lot slower, too. There are narrow roads, plus plenty of big bends and dips. All in, you have a drive that can take the better part of a day. If you have just a day to explore, I personally recommend an early morning start to minimize traffic and have some of the scenic lookouts all to yourself.

3. Take A Day — Or A Week

You can easily drive the Cabot Trail in a day, even taking into account the slower traffic and plenty of scenic stops. However, a lot of people recommend that you take three or even five days to complete the trail.

This isn’t just a driving route — it’s also a lifeline that connects dozens of small towns and even smaller villages. Along the way, there are plenty of attractions, including beaches, community shops, museums, churches, and special events including festivals, concerts, and more. The Cabot Trail also goes through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, a superb hiking destination. You could easily spend several days along the route, enjoying slow travel at its finest.

Whale watching at Pleasant Bay. — Regine Poirier / Shutterstock

4. Whale Watching

Whether you’re doing the Cabot Trail in one day or several, make some time for Pleasant Bay. The tiny community of Pleasant Bay marks the Cabot Trail’s midway point and is the whale watching capital of Cape Breton Island. From June to mid-October, the Whale Interpretive Centre is open and kids, in particular, will love seeing the life-size model of a giant pilot whale, plus a tank of live sea creatures. A number of local outfitters also operate whale watching boat rides.

Motorcycles on the Cabot Trail. — SamiL / Shutterstock

5. Plan Your Meal Stops

In major towns, like Baddeck, Cheticamp, and Margaree, there are several restaurants to choose from. In smaller areas, like St. Ann’s and Ingonish, you’ll likely find just one or two choices open year-round. But in smaller villages, the selection is understandably limited and in the off-season, restaurants may be closed or only open part-time. It pays to plan ahead. You can find a comprehensive list of Cabot Trail restaurants here, including information on hours of operation and menu choices. Note that if you have a seafood allergy or prefer vegetarian dining, you’ll want to scope out your options well before you travel. Seafood — and especially shellfish — are the undisputed stars on local menus.

6. Book Accommodations In Advance

In the peak summer months and during the autumn Celtic Colours festival season, you might not get your first-choice accommodations unless you book in advance. Along the trail, you’ll find cottages, rental properties, campgrounds, motels, old-fashioned bed and breakfast properties, and a few elegant inns and holiday “resorts” (mostly privately owned and operated hotels by the Bras d’Or Lakes). There’s even a Hosteling International property in Pleasant Bay! However, there are no international chain hotels and many accommodations are seasonal in nature.

The Cabot Trail on the coast of Nova Scotia. — Colin D. Young / Shutterstock

7. English Isn’t The Only Language

English isn’t the only language spoken in communities along the Cabot Trail — and it’s definitely not the only language you’ll see on the signage! Along the way you’ll probably spot signs in Mi’kmaq, an indigenous language, too.

French is a local lingua franca as well, as a significant portion of the route goes through traditional Acadian French land in the north. The town of Cheticamp is one of the largest French settlements in Nova Scotia. Finally, you’ll find Scottish Gaelic around the route’s center and eastern areas. Keep an eye out for the community of St. Ann’s, home to the Gaelic College, which provides programming about the Gaelic language, music, dance, and crafts.

8. The Most Important Word of All: Ceilidh

Of all the words in all these languages, there’s just one that’s essential to know during your road trip: ceilidh. Pronounced “kay-lee”, this is the Gaelic word for a social gathering or kitchen party, and it’s a word you’ll hear a lot of along the Cabot Trail, no matter what language you’re speaking!

On Cape Breton Island, a ceilidh can be a casual affair of neighbors gathering for music and drinks at home or a more-organized event at a community center, church hall, or cafe with a slate of musicians, a host, and a small admission fee. You’ll hear about them in local newspapers, such as the Inverness County Oran, on bulletin boards at restaurants and other popular spots frequented by tourists, and by word of mouth. At most public ceilidhs, admission and concessions are cash only. You can often buy small concessions like soda or coffee on site, and many ceilidhs include a “tea” or “lunch” midway in the evening. This is a buffet of coffee, tea, sweets, and sometimes light sandwiches and is especially common at ceilidhs designed as community fundraisers.

A moose in the wilderness of Nova Scotia. — Bianca Muller / Shutterstock

9. Watch Out For Wildlife

Moose are common along the Cabot Trail, especially the portion of the drive that goes through Cape Breton Highlands National Park. While they look goofy in photos, these are strong, sturdy, agile animals who won’t hesitate to protect their young and should never be approached. The Cabot Trail is popular with bird watchers and, while not common, bears, wolves, coyotes, and foxes are sometimes seen on the route. Staff at the park can advise on the best wildlife viewing areas.

10. Clockwise Vs. Counter-Clockwise

Which way should you drive around the Cabot Trail? Better brace yourself for an opinionated answer before you quiz a local! Strong preferences are part of the local culture, and there are plenty of arguments to back up each perspective! Of course, in some circumstances, you may have your route dictated to you by default depending on where you are going and what is on your itinerary. But many travelers with a flexible itinerary must choose between going clockwise, which means your car is hugging the interior of the road against the forest and rock face, or counterclockwise, which means your car is on the exterior lane of the road — closest to the ocean, the scenic lookouts, and the plunging cliffs.

Cyclists — and yes, there are many hearty, experienced souls who bike the Cabot Trail — prefer going clockwise in order to benefit from the prevailing winds on the west side. This also means a more gradual climb along Cape Smokey. Driving clockwise is also considered easier for those in small vehicles. If you want to read more opinions about the pros and cons of taking on the Cabot Trail in both directions, the tourism board surveyed its staff to get their personal recommendations, which you can read here. No matter which route you take, you’re in for an amazing drive!

Whether you visit before or after cruising the Cabot Trail, here’s how to spend a day in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

8 Of The Most Beautiful Places In Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates — and some would say that it’s the country’s style capital as well. The buildings are gorgeous, the gardens are spectacular, and the public spaces are warm, colorful, and inviting.

From a gorgeous island hotel to a massive mosque to a cozy craft center, here are eight of the most beautiful places to visit in Abu Dhabi.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. — Patryk Kosmider / Shutterstock

1. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates, this 30-acre complex is as new as it is large — it was completed in 2007! The gorgeous white stone is so bright and fresh that it’s nearly blinding in the sun, and the gold accents just glow. The mosque’s courtyard, which features a floral design, spans some 180,000 square feet and is the largest marble mosaic in the world.

Beautiful nighttime reflections at Sheikh Zayed Mosque. — MarekKijevsky / Shutterstock

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque’s design was influenced by other famously beautiful mosques, including the Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque in Alexandria, Egypt, and the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, Pakistan. It showcases styles from Turkey, Morocco, and other countries; the diverse approach to architecture was deliberate and designed to encourage cultural diversity as well.

2. The Villas At Zaya Nurai Island

Just a 15-minute boat ride from the shores of Abu Dhabi, Zaya Nurai Island is a gem. The sand is sparkling white. The water ranges from a deep navy to a light, effervescent turquoise.

The Villas at Zaya Nurai Island hotel is both an opulent display of sumptuous luxury and a cozy, snug retreat, the kind of place where you can curl up and watch the sunset by the ocean — or head out to enjoy swanky cocktails, gourmet meals, and posh spa treatments.

Corniche Road in Abu Dhabi. — Benny Marty / Shutterstock

3. Corniche Road

Corniche Road is part pedestrian walkway, part children’s playground, and part public beach, and it’s all wrapped up in Abu Dhabi’s identity. Locals love it!

Boasting beautiful views of both the water and the city skyline, it’s perfect for after-dinner strolls as well as mid-afternoon romps with the grandkids, picnic in tow. Along the way, you’ll spot gardens, bike paths, coffee shops, and art installations.

4. Louvre Abu Dhabi

The Louvre Abu Dhabi was inaugurated in 2017 as part of a 30-year agreement between the city and the French government. Like its namesake, it is filled with priceless art. And just like the Louvre in Paris, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is a work of art in and of itself. It’s topped by an enormous silver dome of overlapping geometric lattices.

Inside the Louvre Abu Dhabi. — smoxx / Shutterstock

Inside, the light dances from the dome and bounces off the walls, small shadows flickering across the white stone. Exterior water features mirror the appearance of the nearby sea, as well as pay subtle tribute to the moat that once surrounded the Louvre in Paris. It’s gorgeous, inside and out.

5. Women’s Handicraft Centre

This sunny, homey spot is a treasure trove of tradition. This is the spot to go in Abu Dhabi for textiles, embroidery, beautiful woven baskets, silver-thread needlework, and palm-frond art. Light floods the Women’s Handicraft Centre courtyards, and the brightly colored fabrics, materials, threads, and accessories just beg to be photographed (though, as a courtesy to the artists, ask permission before you snap away). It’s also one of the best places in the city to get a little personal body art in the form of elaborate henna tattoos.

Qasr Al-Hosn in Abu Dhabi. — Touseefdesigner.com / Shutterstock

6. Qasr Al-Hosn

Qasr al-Hosn — also known as the White Fort, in reference to the bright white paint that was applied during renovations between 1976 and 1983 — is the oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi.

It was built in 1761 as a watchtower to defend the city’s freshwater well, and it’s since evolved into a beloved city landmark that houses a small city history museum and hosts an annual festival. The building’s understated elegance proves that Abu Dhabi has always built with grace and style.

Heritage Village in Abu Dhabi. — Kiev.Victor / Shutterstock

7. Heritage Village

Surrounded by lush green gardens, the Heritage Village features a reconstruction of a traditional oasis village and provides a unique look at the city’s past.

Visitors can learn more about the area’s traditional crafts and trades, including metalwork, pottery, weaving, and spinning. Be sure to check out the beautifully designed doors that welcome you into the main entrance area.

8. Umm Al Emarat Park

With a recent renovation under its belt, Umm Al Emarat Park is lovelier than ever. One of the oldest and largest public parks in the city, it features a shade house, animal barn, amphitheater, great lawn, botanic garden, children’s garden, and evening garden.

The shade house alone makes the park worth a visit. This iconic structure towers over the park and offers incredible views of the area, plus a chance to see beautiful and unique plants in a moisture-controlled environment where they thrive.

Planning a trip to the United Arab Emirates? Don’t miss these eight must-see attractions. After visiting Abu Dhabi, head to nearby Dubai for more amazing things to do.

Batu Caves In Malaysia Could Be The Most Colorful Place You Ever Visit

Malaysia’s Batu Caves are home to one of the most important Hindu shrines in the world: a joyful homage to Lord Murugan, who triumphed over the demons in Tamil Hindu lore. The massive staircase that leads to the caves is comprised of bright bands of color. It feels like you’re ascending a rainbow into the chambers of the gods.

The Batu Caves are incredibly easy to get to from Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur. You can take the Komuter Train’s Laluan Route straight to Batu Caves. Alternately, you can jump into a taxi or Grab Taxi, Malaysia’s version of Uber. Either option takes less than 30 minutes.

Plan to spend a few hours exploring the caves. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and some snacks along, and keep these fascinating Batu Caves facts in mind.

The entrance to the Batu Caves. — VenkateshMurthy / Shutterstock

The Caves Were Chosen Because Of Their Shape

When Malaysian leader K. Thamboosamy Pillay first saw the Batu Caves in the late 1800s, he was immediately inspired by their shape. To Pillay, the entrance of the main cave looked a lot like Lord Murugan’s spear, and he saw it as a sign that a grand homage to the deity should be built within its caverns.

The steep staircase entrance to the Batu Caves. — Jasni / Shutterstock

The Stairs Are Exceptionally Colorful And Steep

Originally, the only way to get to the heart of the Batu Caves was a harrowing journey up 272 rickety wooden steps, but they’ve since been upgraded to sturdier concrete. You still need to ascend nearly 300 stairs, so the highest levels of the caves could be inaccessible for people with mobility issues. That said, there’s still plenty to do closer to ground level.

The colorful stairs at Batu Caves. — alifsufri / Shutterstock

In addition to their tremendous height, the stairs are now known for their riotous rainbow of different hues, making Batu Caves one of the most colorful tourist destinations in the world. Although controversial among conservators and traditionalists, most tourists embrace the technicolor stairs.

One architect said the stairs, which were painted in August 2018, and the temple are part of “a group of Buddhist temples which had great cultural and heritage significance,” and that the unorthodox paint job threatens the site’s integrity. That said, according to Matador Network reporting, “Temple authorities claim the rainbow-colored stairs are meant to welcome tourists and make Hindus feel more comfortable.”

Inside the Batu Caves of Malaysia. — beboy / Shutterstock

The Caves Are A Sacred Pilgrimage Site

Tamil Hindus flock to the Batu Caves for Thaipusam, a holy festival celebrating Lord Murugan. Every year, the devoted climb the 272 steps deep into the heart of the caves carrying offerings for the gods — and sometimes heavy shrines. Some pilgrims also pierce their tongues and cheeks to show devotion to Lord Murugan and his father Shiva. Thaipusam is one of the most sacred festivals for Tamils in Malaysia and generally occurs during early February.

Thaipusam takes place on February 8 in 2020. If you visit during this time, you’ll certainly experience a unique and significant side of Batu Caves.

A monkey at the Batu Caves. — J. Lekavicius / Shutterstock

There Are Many Opportunistic Monkeys

One of the biggest challenges that will confront you on the rainbow staircase leading to Batu Caves has nothing to do with their height or the physical exertion required to reach the top. Meet the Batu Caves monkeys. Monkeys love Batu Caves because tourists feed them, so they’ll hang around the staircase waiting for the opportunity to grab a quick snack. Watch out — they might also reach for your cell phone or bottle of water! Monkeys are common in Kuala Lumpur, and while they can be pesky, they’re seldom threatening.

If you’re careful, you could even snap a picture of one of these mischievous macaques!

The Lord Murugan statue at the Batu Caves. — Cneo Osman / Shutterstock

The Caves Boast The Largest Lord Murugan Statue On The Planet

Batu Caves are home to the biggest Lord Murugan statue in the world. Towering over the cave system at 140 feet high, this massive gilded Hindu deity will take your breath away.

Colorful lights inside the Batu Caves. — amadeustx / Shutterstock

The Cave System Is Composed Of Many Temples

Plan to spend several hours exploring the many temples tucked away in the Batu Cave complex. The biggest and most extravagant cave is Temple Cave. Ramayana Cave pays homage to Hanuman, the Hindu monkey deity. The Cave Villa is full of artifacts and statues and is one of the biggest draws of the temple complex.

Inside the Batu Caves. — Best dog photo / Shutterstock

They Were Once A Treasure Trove Of Guano

Batu Caves have always been valuable in one way or another, and before they became one of the most popular Tamil Hindu shrines in the world, they were a plentiful source of guano. That’s right, bat poop. Guano has long been used in fertilizer and remains a critical material today. Before the Batu Caves were transformed into a religious sanctuary and tourist destination, they were regularly scoured by locals looking for this coveted resource.

Inside the colorful Batu Caves. — Leonid Andronov / Shutterstock

A Rare Spider Lives In The Dark Cave

The incredibly inky Dark Cave inside the Batu Caves complex lives up to its name, and when it’s open for tours, you can go hunting for one of the rarest spiders in the world, a type of trapdoor spider that only lives in select environments. You won’t find golden decorations or shrines in the Dark Cave; instead, this secluded system has been left in its natural state.

Malaysia’s Batu Caves are a bucket-list-worthy destination. This spectacular religious site is easily accessible from Kuala Lumpur, so there’s no reason not to go be amazed by the beautiful Batu Caves if you’re touring Southeast Asia.

If you want to see one of Malaysia’s loveliest places ahead of the curve, here are four reasons why Penang needs to be on your bucket list.

The Best Time Of Year To Visit Providence, Rhode Island

The thing that jumps out at you when you visit the smallest of the United States? Just how quickly you can get everywhere. A drive from Woonsocket in the far northeastern corner of the state to Weekapaug in the far southwestern corner is only 59 miles. Rhode Island is small!

That’s why visiting Providence, located in the center of the state, is like visiting all of Rhode Island at once. From Providence, right where the Providence River meets Narragansett Bay, other Rhode Island destinations are just a short drive away. Downtown Providence to the beach community of Narragansett right on the Atlantic Ocean? Just 29 miles.

Even other New England destinations aren’t far off. Want to wander around Boston? It’s only 48 miles away. But once you’re in Providence, you don’t need to go that far to find adventure.

What’s more, there really isn’t a bad time to visit. Whether you’re in the mood for a New England summer on the water or a cozy winter in town, Providence delivers.

Here’s what you need to know before deciding when to visit.

Ice skaters in downtown Providence. — Joy Brown / Shutterstock

Providence In The Winter

I’ll tell you my favorite Providence-in-the-winter story. Years ago, I had a friend who lived in Providence who was moving to Illinois. I agreed to help her drive her things across the country — on Christmas Eve, no less. We would drive through the night and arrive in Illinois before sunrise on Christmas Day.

As we left Providence on Christmas Eve, the sun was setting. We drove through residential streets to reach the interstate, and it was like something out of a movie: There was a blanket of fresh snow on the ground. Smoke rose from chimneys of gabled homes covered in twinkling Christmas lights, and light shone from all the windows. It looked like a Norman Rockwell painting, and it made me want to take the back roads the entire way!

That’s the charm of Providence in the winter. New England winters are the best winters, especially when the Christmas lights are up. It can get cold, but not as cold as you might think. The average high temperature in Providence in December is 44 degrees, and the average high in January is 39. Providence averages around 35 inches of snow every winter, so if you like snowy winters, you’re in for a treat.

And if you really like the snow, the Yawgoo Valley ski area is just 25 minutes south of downtown Providence. Compared to the larger ski resorts in New England, it’s a smaller, less expensive way to spend a day skiing.

If you like looking at the snow and not skiing on it, a drive through Roger Williams Park might be something to try. The park features several lakes, Victorian gazebos, and arched bridges. If you love winter photography, this would be the spot to get some great shots.

Providence In The Spring

Get used to hearing about Roger Williams Park, because there is something to do in this park in every season. In the spring, the park’s Botanical Center is the star of the show. This series of greenhouses features planting displays of all kinds. There are two main greenhouses (the Conservatory and the Mediterranean Room), three smaller greenhouses, and outdoor gardens. In the spring, many of the flowers are in bloom, and it’s quite spectacular. Hours vary throughout the year, so check the website for the current hours and admission information.

Spring temperatures rise quickly in Providence, with the average high temperature in April being 58 degrees and the average high temperature in May being 67. There are many other opportunities to get out and explore the city, rain or shine.

If it’s a rainy day, plan a visit to Craftland. The shop began as a pop-up shop for local artists, so it’s truly unique to Providence. Over the past few decades, it has developed into a must-see destination. The shop features the “off-beat sensibilities of independent creators from here in Rhode Island,” including handmade items by a wide variety of local artists and artisans.

If it’s sunny out, plan to take the self-guided walking tour of the city’s historic East Side. You’re in New England, so you’ll probably want to see some historic architecture, and this tour will truly take you back in time. Keep in mind that Providence is in a river valley, so there are many hills to contend with — the walking route isn’t flat. But if you’re up for it, grab a map at the visitor center and then walk through the historic district, which dates all the way back to 1636.

A summer night in Providence. — Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

Providence In The Summer

The summer weather in Providence is usually perfect. The extreme heat that envelops much of the country just doesn’t touch this city near Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The average high temperature in July is 83 degrees, and the average high in August is only 81. In the summer, the city experiences nearly 15 hours of daylight, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore everything Providence has to offer.

The city’s most popular summer festival is WaterFire Providence. What originated as a single art installation in 1994 has become a permanent installation of more than 100 torches, or braziers, on the three rivers of downtown Providence. At dusk, the torches are lit, creating more than 100 fires out on the water.

There are typically 13 lightings per year, mostly in the summer. Each lighting typically happens in conjunction with a local festival, including art fairs on some weekends and educational events on others. Each year, a calendar on the website lists the specific festivals associated with the lighting of the braziers, along with the timing for each lighting. Plan your visit around one of them — you won’t want to miss it.

Summertime in Providence isn’t limited to these festivals. If you’re traveling with the grandkids, consider returning to Roger Williams Park for a day at the zoo. If you’re a history buff or architecture aficionado, you could make the 50-minute drive to Newport, Rhode Island, to check out the town’s historic lighthouses and spectacular seaside mansions. If you love nothing more than relaxing on the beach, you could head to Narragansett or Weekapaug for a relaxing day by the water.

After all, it’s Rhode Island — everything is within an hour’s drive.

Fall foliage in downtown Providence. — nsiliya / Shutterstock

Providence In The Fall

Providence is home to Brown University, an Ivy League institution that dates to 1764. Located just outside downtown Providence, the campus is the perfect spot for a long stroll on an autumn afternoon. If you’ve never toured an Ivy League campus, believe me: It’s a treat. I’ve visited four Ivy League cities over the years and have made time to walk the campus at each one. The history is hard to fathom. A self-guided walking tour of the Brown campus is available here.

If you’re looking for shopping, head to Westminster Street in downtown Providence. I visited Providence this past September with my wife, and we spent an entire afternoon strolling through the shops on Westminster Street (as well as the shops in the Hope Street shopping district a few miles away). After an afternoon spent browsing the offerings, we stopped at a fantastic Greek restaurant (Kleos, on the corner of Westminster and Union) for dinner and wine.

You could spend an entire day in downtown Providence during the fall, really — there’s just so much history. The condition of some of the buildings that date back to the 1600s will never cease to amaze me. After our shopping afternoon, my wife and I drove up and down Main Street just across the river from downtown Providence. Some of the historic homes in the area were truly spectacular.

What else can you do in the fall? Spend time outdoors, of course. The temperatures are still quite pleasant (the average high in September is a lovely 74 degrees), and outdoor activities can be enjoyed well into October.

When the fall colors are at their peak, Roger Williams Park is perhaps the best place to be. Walk one of the short trails, drive the loop road around the three lakes, or just sit on a bench and take it all in. The city’s Museum of Natural History is also located in the park, and you could spend an entire day there.