The Best Hidden Shops In Paris

There’s no denying that Paris is the place to shop. Everyone who’s anyone in fashion, from Chanel to Dior, is headquartered there. And every product that gives French women their impeccable style — including perfume, lipstick, and face cream — is readily available. But Paris is also filled with innumerable hidden shops, places visitors rarely discover on their first or even their 10th trip. They’re the spots locals visit for special gifts, for the materials necessary to complete a project, or simply for a little pick-me-up. Sometimes these shops are tiny, and, when you’re searching for them, they really will feel hidden. Others are hiding in plain sight, easily found on popular streets but often overlooked because they aren’t featured prominently in guidebooks. Either way, they’re all delightful shops, and they’re sure to make amazing travel memories.

Sharp And Smart: Coutellerie Laguiole Paris

Coutellerie Laguiole Paris sells an oh-so-French product that might be a bit of a pain for travelers to take home. The shop specializes in knives — not just any knives, but handcrafted, quality knives for chefs, cheese lovers, wine enthusiasts, those in need of a classic pocket knife, and so much more. Thankfully, the employees know how to pack these items for airline travel. Even if buying a knife isn’t on your shopping agenda, you should still pop in and look at the displays. The store is just a short distance from Paris’s best ice cream parlor, Berthillon, on the Île de la Cité.

Ma Cave Fleury champagne — Ma Cave Fleury

Champagne Celebration: Ma Cave Fleury

Paris is home to thousands of wine shops, but not all that many specialize in Champagne — organic Champagne at that — and none are so charming as Ma Cave Fleury on Rue Saint-Denis. You can buy Champagne by the glass or by the bottle, and you can choose from over 40 different vintages. Should your celebrations be slightly more sedate, the shop also sells French wines with an emphasis on underrepresented regions. Enjoy a basic cheese plate while you sip your wine at an outdoor table. The staff members are friendly and helpful, and the shop occasionally offers live music, too.

Supermarket Superstar: Le Grande Épicerie De Paris

Many visitors to Paris will have read about Le Bon Marché, the department store with multiple branches throughout the city. Very few, however, know to look for Le Grande Épicerie de Paris (the main location on Rue de Sèvres is right next to a Le Bon Marché). Le Grande Épicerie is a treasure trove, a delicatessen, and a gift shop all in one. You’ll find olive tapenade from southern France, freshly pressed peach nectar, fancy herbal tea blends, and decorative tins of French candies and cookies. The shop also carries dried fruit, which makes the perfect travel snack. The shop’s website offers both product information and culinary inspiration.

The Honey House: La Maison Du Miel

You can find honey for sale in most Parisian fine food stores, markets, and even gift shops, but there’s only one place in Paris that’s a true honey destination. La Maison du Miel on Rue Vignon is Paris’s “honey house.” You can get every kind of honey imaginable there, from local products to rare honey from around the world. The shop also sells travel-friendly beeswax candles in charming shapes, as well as nougats, cakes, and candy. Keep an eye out for pain d’epice, a cross between gingerbread and spice cake.

Boursualt cheese from Paris. — Frédérique Voisin-Demery / Flickr

Savory Sensation: P. Boursault

In many ways, the best hidden cheese shop in Paris will be the one the hotel staff members tell you about. Simply asking where they stop to pick up cheese on their way home from work is a surefire way to find a wonderful, affordable, community-minded shop. But if you enjoy the idea of a pilgrimage, P. Boursault on Avenue du Général Leclerc sells over 250 different kinds of cheese, including several hard-to-find varieties. Even more are ripening in the cellars beneath the shop. The staff members can vacuum-pack your purchase should you favor an especially stinky blue cheese!

Low-Cost Lavender: La Pharmacie Du Forum Des Halles

The best place in Paris to pick up inexpensive, quality toiletries, like lavender soap, is any neighborhood pharmacy. And if you’re visiting Paris, you’ve probably walked by one of the best ones without even noticing it. La Pharmacie du Forum des Halles is located in the hugely popular Forum des Halles, a large underground shopping center in central Paris. Visitors go there to check out European fashions and walk right past this well-stocked pharmacy, which has a great selection of local cosmetics, soaps, lotions, body oils, and scented shower gels.

The original La Droguerie store. — EQRoy / Shutterstock.com

Crafter Heaven: La Droguerie

The word haberdashery doesn’t exactly sound like the embodiment of French chic, but La Droguerie on Rue du Jour is anything but an old-fashioned, dusty fabric store. Here you can find thousands of different buttons, ribbons, beads, and yarn selections; fabrics sold by the yard; handmade jewelry; and so much more. The staff members are delightful (and able to help with emergency button replacements or zipper repairs). Craft lovers should come to Paris with an empty suitcase just to stock up.

Linen And Lace: L’Artisanat Monastique

In indulgent Paris, you wouldn’t necessarily expect to find a monastery in the heart of the city, but at least one exists: Monastère de la Visitation on Avenue Denfert-Rochereau. At the monastery’s store, L’Artisanat Monastique, you’ll find handcrafted tablecloths and pot holders, tableware, and jams and jellies, all produced locally or at one of the 300 other monasteries across France. The prices are extremely reasonable. Be sure to check out the bargain basement if it’s open. If you’re lucky, you may just find antique, handcrafted linen and lace — on nightgowns, on undergarments, and on pillowcases. When a nun living at the monastery dies, the family often gives the monastery permission to sell her unused (of course!) wedding trousseau.

The Canadian Connection: The Abbey Bookshop

While no bookstore can compete with Paris’s Shakespeare and Company, one of the most famous English-langauge bookstores in the world, the nearby, lesser-known The Abbey Bookshop has its own special charm. Travelers and locals alike call it “the Canadian bookstore,” and a Canadian does indeed own it. The shop sells new and used books, including plenty of titles by Canadian authors. Canadians, Americans, Anglophiles, and book fanatics alike hang out there, and it’s a great place for homesick North Americans to visit.

Fun And Funky: Papier Tigre

If you think that Paris is all about being very serious, very elegant, and very refined, a visit to Papier Tigre on Rue des Filles du Calvaire will fill you with delight. This charming, irreverent stationery store sells notebooks, planners, and greeting cards, plus pens, desk accessories, calendars, and so much more. The shop is bursting with color and funky designs, and it’s impossible not to smile there. If you’re picking up on some artistic vibes when you visit, it’s because the company’s graphic designers work on-site in the back studio. Travelers will especially love the shop’s mesh organizing pockets and versatile pencil cases, which can easily serve as cute, colorful packing cubes and suitcase organizers.

The Final Word: Elysées Stylos Marbeuf

If you want a pen — a proper pen — to turn your beautiful stationery into a lovely letter, Elysées Stylos Marbeuf on Rue Marbeuf is the place to go. The shop has been selling high-end pens, fountain pens, pencils, and other writing tools for nearly 65 years. If you visit early on in your trip, you’ll feel like a local, having navigated the streets just for the purpose of visiting a very specific kind of shop. Your museum postcards will thank you for it!

How To Do Montreal On A Budget

Montreal ticks all the boxes: history, pleasing architecture, impressive museums, a lively arts scene, walkability, good public transportation, nummy food, and plenty of outdoor spaces. It’s a multicultural city known for its laidback attitude and European flair, which is amplified by the fact that French is Montreal’s official language.

Sixty percent of the residents are French-English bilingual, and I attempted to use my laughable high school French during my visit. While most Montrealers appreciated my efforts, they quickly steered the conversation to English.

Of course, all these luxuries and experiences come at a cost. Visiting Montreal is expensive. For U.S. citizens, there’s a built-in 25 percent discount as the exchange rate holds at $1 USD to $1.25 CAD, tempered by a 9.975 percent sales tax. But in 2019, the cost of public transportation and parking will rise, and food prices are predicted to jump by 3.5 percent.

Luckily, with planning and prioritizing, it is possible to enjoy Montreal on a budget.

Inside Montreal's Redpath Museum. — Redpath Museum

Things To Do

1. Visit The Redpath Museum At McGill University

The Redpath is housed in the oldest Canadian building constructed as a museum. Built in 1880, it’s a lovely example of Greek Revival architecture. Inside are vast collections of fossils, skeletons (including dinosaurs!), mummified people and animals (including pet cats), and ethnological objects from Africa, Egypt, and elsewhere. Admission is free, donations welcome. The McGill campus is lovely and a pleasure to walk around, too.

2. Grab A Treat And Wander The Garden

Place Jacques-Cartier is the cobbled square at the core of Old Montreal. Here, you can fuel yourself with maple ice cream or coffee before a thorough exploration of Old Montreal and the Old Port. The formal Governor’s Garden behind Chateau Ramezay, adjacent to the square, is free and open to the public.

The entrance to the Chateau Ramezay. — Lisa Siegle

3. Experience Colonial Montreal At The Chateau Ramezay

Admission to Chateau Ramezay is $10 and worth every penny. Exhibits include military memorabilia, ethnological items, art, portraits, furnishings, and objects of everyday life. Altogether, they offer a vivid and intriguing portrait of colonial Montreal.

4. Be Entertained At The Quartier Spectacles

The Quartier has a busy year-round schedule of free and paid indoor and outdoor events and activities. Use their website to search for activities by type (dance, music, circus, et cetera, or just plug in Free and see what comes up). We stumbled upon two free concerts in the Quartier during our week in the city.

5. Be Awed By Art

Intelligent curation and arrangement of art at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts make this an exceptional museum. Works fill five pavilions and tell stories so clearly and with such emotion you can’t help but be moved. Admission is half price after 5 p.m. on Wednesdays and free the first Sunday of the month.

View from atop Mount Royal. — Lisa Siegle

6. Enjoy A Stroll Through Mount Royal Park

Designed by Central Park co-designer Frederick Law Olmsted, the Mount Royal Park has a plaza and chalet overlooking downtown Montreal, plus a bandstand, interpretive center, miles of hiking trails, sports facilities, and areas for skiing, snowshoeing, and tobogganing. The park is free — and massive — so research ahead of time to decide what to do when you get there.

7. Get Cultured, Free, Once A Year

Montreal participates in International Museum Day, an International Council of Museums project. Participating museums worldwide throw their doors open for free one day in mid-May. In 2019, free admission day at Montreal museums was Sunday, May 26; the 2020 date has not yet been published. Can’t make it in May? Most museums in the city offer free or reduced admission Wednesday nights and on the first Sunday of the month.

A mural in downtown Montreal. — Lisa Siegle

8. Spend A Bit, Save A Lot

If you really want to make the most of Montreal’s museums, the $80 Montreal Museums Pass, which includes unlimited public transportation, saves money and time since it allows holders to skip lines at ticket counters. The pass includes admission to one Montreal Museum member museum of your choice, plus discounts at others. Get the most value by using your free admission at the more expensive Museum of Fine Arts ($20) or Pointe-A-Calliere ($20).

9. Neighborhoods, Neighborhoods, Neighborhoods

Swing by any tourist information center for maps and advice on self-guided walking tours. We particularly liked exploring Le Plateau-Mont-Royal, Mile End, Old Montreal, and Old Port. My husband’s family once lived and worked in Westmount and some of his ancestors are buried in cemeteries in Cote-des-Neiges-Notre-Dame-de-Grace and Ahuntsic-Cartierville. We did a family history tour, which pulled us outside the core of the city and gave us a deeper, broader view of Montreal.

Eating

I’m not a foodie. While traveling I splurge on admissions, experiences, and quality mementos, so food and lodging are where I’m frugal.

That said, friends in the know insisted we dine at Montreal’s classic casual eateries: Beautys Luncheonette, Schwartz’s Deli, Wilensky’s Light Lunch, La Banquise, Fairmount Bagel and St-Viateur Bagel. We ate at all of them.

All these places are family owned and have held to their original, successful business models for two or more generations. They’re revered by locals, and most haven’t changed much over the decades. In fact, stepping into Wilensky’s is like stepping into the 1930s.

All range in price from cheap to affordable and are in the Plateau neighborhood.

Downtown we enjoyed delicious salads, sandwiches, and pastries at Olive + Gourmando. Another day we had outstanding fish and chips and cold beer at Brit and Chips.

Markets also provide affordable options. On different occasions we bought supplies for a picnic, ate crepes with mushrooms and ham, and — on a rainy afternoon — had soup and crusty bread from Marche Jean-Talon, a large indoor-outdoor permanent market similar to Seattle’s Pike Place. This was also our go-to spot for getting fruits and veggies for snacking between meals.

Dinner is typically our lightest meal, which is an excellent way to save money. In the evenings, we either grabbed a happy hour drink and snack or ate a simple picnic.

People exploring downtown Montreal. — Pedro Szekely / Flickr

Getting Around

Between the Metro and your feet, you can get nearly everywhere easily. Montreal has one of the easiest subway systems to figure out, and buses will take you where the Metro won’t. Save money by purchasing a pass. If you’ll be in Montreal longer, monthly passes are also available. There are discounts for children and seniors.

If you’re looking for affordable transport from Pierre Elliott Trudeau airport to downtown Montreal, take the 747 Shuttle bus ($10). The fare buys you a 24-hour Transit pass that you can use during your first day in the city.

Lodging

There are scads of apartments for rent for $40 and up through Airbnb, Hotels.com, and Booking.com.

Hotels and bed and breakfasts are plentiful and typically priced at $75 and up. Note that nightly rates are typically higher downtown and in Old Montreal and Old Port. Look for bargains in the Plateau and the Village.

Looking for more of Montreal? Go inside the Insectarium: Montreal’s crazy, creepy, cool attraction or check out five unexpected things — from biospheres to basilicas — to see in Montreal.

How To See New York’s Gorgeous Old City Hall Subway Station

Like the idea of touring old abandoned buildings? Well, what about an old abandoned subway station? If your answer’s yes, you’re in luck!

There is a chance you could see and maybe even tour what New York City Feelings refers to as “the most architecturally stunning subway station you’ve most likely never stepped foot in.” There are now a couple of ways to view New York’s Old City Hall subway station. Here’s how!

Inside the abandoned New York City Hall Subway station. — Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

How To Tour New York’s Old City Hall Subway Station

So, how do you go about touring this abandoned subway station? It turns out there is one requirement: You must be a New York Transit Museum member. Due to there being a limited number of tour spots, the New York Transit Museum saves the opportunity for Transit Museum members only. The number of tickets you are allowed to purchase for the tour depends on your membership plan. After you’ve gotten past that, the only thing left to do is to pick a tour date and buy your tickets!

Tour dates can be found in the museum’s newsletter, which you can sign up to receive via email. Be mindful that the museum schedules tours and releases tickets only three times a year: January, April, and August. In January, tickets for tours taking place January through May will become available. In April, members can purchase tickets for tours taking place May through August. In August, members can purchase tickets for September, October, November, and December tours.

Buying tickets is fairly easy. Just create an account in the online ticketing system. If you’re already a New York Transit Museum member, then you will have an account. From there, you can sign in to buy tickets, which are $50 per person. Be quick! Tickets tend to sell out as soon as they go on sale — as in within 30 minutes fast.

Also heed this very important information: It is mandatory that you fill out a signed release form and provide a copy of your government-issued ID by the given deadline. Failure to do so will result in you not being admitted on the tour. There are no refunds on tickets.

Another Way To Get A Peek At The Station

Maybe you’re not a New York Transit Museum member and are definitely not interested in becoming one just for the tour. There is still hope alive for you being able to view the abandoned station!

Although this won’t afford you a detailed view, according to Business Insider, “You can catch a glimpse by riding a downtown 6 local train past its terminal stop, which today is known as Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall. Keep your eyes peeled as you go through the loop and a few minutes later you’ll end up on the uptown platform of the same station.”

New York City Feelings suggests keeping a low profile while trying to catch a glimpse of the station. They say staying on the 6 train after its final stop isn’t technically legal due to safety and security concerns of the MTA.

“Stay on the train and duck down so as not to be easily spotted. When the train departs the station it will pass through the abandoned City Hall Station. That’s when you can get a view of the station.” They say you should “be discreet” and “keep in mind that staying on the train isn’t officially legal.” The good news? “It appears that MTA no longer strictly enforces the announcement that passengers leave the train at the Brooklyn Bridge station. Secretly visiting the station is somewhere in the ‘grey’ area of legality.”

Of course you can’t actually get off and tour the place as you would with a Transit Museum membership and tour tickets, but the ride will still afford you a pretty cool look at the abandoned station.

The Story Behind The City Hall Subway Station

Perhaps you’ve come across this article but still aren’t sure what the big fuss is about an old subway station. Don’t worry — here’s everything you need to know about the history of this abandoned station.

Designed by skilled architects Hein and LaFarge in 1904, New York City’s first subway ride departed from the City Hall station. The breathtaking station had vaulted tile ceilings created by master artisan Rafael Guastavino. The glamour of the subway was intensified by the station’s design.

According to the New York Transit Museum, “Its elegant chandeliers, leaded skylights, and graceful curves inspired awe among visitors.”

The station started with a bang and on its first day serviced approximately 15,000 New Yorkers. People lined up to pay their nickel fare to take a ride on “the first subway to open outside of Europe,” according to Business Insider.

Not all things last, however, and the glamour of the station began to fade. The station posed a safety hazard due to the lengthening of train cars. As they got longer, gaps from the doors to the platforms were considered too wide to be safe. Also, the City Hall loop where the station was located didn’t have express service whereas the larger Brooklyn Bridge station nearby did. People began walking to the Brooklyn Bridge station instead.

The station’s tracks are still active and in use as a turnaround for the 6 line, but subways don’t stop at the Old City Hall station. In fact, trains made their last stop there on December 31, 1945.

A little fun fact: The old subway station had a moment in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, an installment of the Harry Potter movies. The station serves as the setting for a magical battle.

According to Rojak Daily, “The subway’s design was very timely with Fantastic Beasts’ setting, making it a perfect backdrop for the movie. This subway station was where two pivotal scenes in the movie took place — the epic battle between Credence, Graves, Scamander, and MACUSA, and also the mind-blowing moment when Colin Farrell transitioned into Johnny Depp.”

Maybe you’re a Harry Potter fan or maybe you just like charming old buildings with a ton of history. Either way, act on both of those interests by heading to the Old City Hall subway station.

Ready to take your quest for stunning (Potter-esque) architectural gems overseas? Set your sights on Porto, Portugal, and Livraria Lello, Portugal’s stunning bookshop.

How To Spend 2 Days In Perth, Australia

Perth, Australia, is the most geographically isolated city in the world, meaning that there’s no other city in the world so far from another city. But there’s nothing quiet or backwater about it. Perth is a fun, sophisticated, friendly city with a rich history and unique attractions. Whether you’re taking advantage of a layover, completing a circuit of Australian destinations, or stopping by while en route to the Outback, you should take full advantage of everything the city has to offer.

Assuming your flight lands at night like most international flights do, I suggest you ask your hotel’s staff members to recommend a nearby pub where you can enjoy a quick nightcap of local beer or wine (the nearby Margaret River region produces sensational wine). But don’t stay out too long! You’ll need to get some rest so that you’re ready for two days of action and exploration.

Elizabeth Quay in Pert, Australia. — Benny Marty / Shutterstock

Day 1: Explore Central Perth

If you’re awake bright and early thanks to jet lag, head out for an early morning walk along the river and the Elizabeth Quay. This spot is also a transportation hub, and it’s a good place to get your bearings. Afterward (or if you’re just waking up), head to the iCity Information Kiosk in the Murray Street Mall. The staff members offer a free 90-minute orientation tour of the city starting at 9:45 a.m. The tour hits all the highlights of central Perth, and it’s the perfect way to learn more about the history, art, architecture, and gardens of the city’s downtown core. You can expect a lot of walking, but the majority of the route is flat and wheelchair-friendly, and it can be easily modified as needed.

When you’re done, grab an early lunch nearby. I love the creative grilled cheese sandwiches at Toastface Grillah, which is conveniently located halfway between the tour meeting point and the nearby Art Gallery of Western Australia and Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts. You don’t have to linger long, but since both are free to the public, it would be a shame not to pop in for 30 minutes or so. If you’re passionate about art, both galleries offer free tours and special events throughout the day and have funky gift shops.

Glass bridge in Kings Park and Botanic Garden. — Benny Marty / Shutterstock

From the nearby train station and transportation hub, take the free bus to Kings Park & Botanic Garden. This gorgeous park and botanical garden sits above Perth like the crown jewel of the city. It offers spectacular views of the city and the Swan River, and the views within the park are equally lovely. Perth residents are justifiably proud of their park. It contains over 2,000 different plant species indigenous to Western Australia. It’s also home to the State War Memorial and the usual assortment of gift shops and cafés (perfect for a quick afternoon snack).

Kings Park offers a full schedule of free tours led by trained volunteers. I highly recommend arriving in time for the 2 p.m. guided tour. You’ll leave with gorgeous photographs and a headful of knowledge about Perth’s plants, flowers, birds, animals, soil, and climate, which will help put everything else you see on your trip into context. While they may not look too glamorous, a shady sun hat and sunscreen will be your best friends here.

Food from St Michael 6003 in Perth. — St Michael 6003

You’ll probably be wiped out after a full day of exploring. However, if you have a bit of energy left for dinner (and perhaps more local wine), consider taking a picnic to one of the city’s beaches to watch the sun go down. If you’re more inclined toward a long, relaxing meal, St Michael 6003 is one of the city’s best restaurants and is especially well known for its seafood. Be sure to make reservations.

Cruffins for sale in Perth, Australia. — Wikimedia Commons

Day 2: Explore Fremantle And Rottnest Island

Start your day with a great breakfast. Australia is famous for its delicious breakfasts and coffee, and Perth is no exception. Ask the front desk staff about their go-to spots for avocado toast, homemade pastries, and flat white coffees. The city is well known for its cruffins (croissant-muffin hybrids), and they’re just as delicious as you might imagine.

The harbor of Fremantle in Perth, Australia. — Destination Perth: Fremantle

The bulk of your second day should be spent outside Perth’s city center in the delightful suburb of Fremantle, where there’s plenty to see and do. Fremantle is also the gateway to Rottnest Island. This unique destination, which developed in geographic isolation from the rest of Australia, is home to the country’s beloved quokkas. Known as the “world’s happiest animals,” these adorable furry marsupials are famous for their curious and friendly nature (though you still shouldn’t approach them or pet them).

A visit to Fremantle and Rottnest starts with a 30-minute commuter train ride from the Perth city center. It’s just a short walk from the Fremantle Railway Station to the Rottnest ferry (which you should book in advance for peace of mind). Once you arrive, I highly recommend buying tickets for the island’s hop-on, hop-off bus tour. It’s the easiest way to see the car-free island, and it will bring you to destinations where volunteer guides lead presentations or short nature walks.

A quokka on the island of Rottnest in Perth. — marzipan3 / Shutterstock

There is truly no place on Earth like Rottnest. The quokkas are every bit as adorable as they seem. If you sit on a park bench, they’ll likely hop over to say hello! They love photobombing selfies and checking out backpacks left on the ground. And they’re not the only ecological wonders on the island. From its plant life to its reptiles, Rottnest is distinct. I highly recommend an early morning train and ferry to see the quokkas before they take their afternoon naps. A complete loop of the island can take about an hour, and when you add in a stop or two, the time passes quickly. You’ll want to leave by early afternoon so that you still have some free time to explore Fremantle.

The entrance to Fremantle Prison in Perth. — Marco Taliani de Marchio / Shutterstock

Fremantle is so much more than the ferry hub to Rottnest. It’s an interesting destination in its own right. For one thing, it’s home to one of the largest surviving convict prisons in the world. Today, the Fremantle Prison is a working museum with a wide range of tours and programs for visitors. It provides a fascinating look at one of the most important aspects of Australian history, and the tours are captivating.

Before leaving the area, take some time to explore Fremantle’s streets — there are a lot of great restaurants, cafés, and pubs there, and they are a much better value than the limited offerings on Rottnest. The Leake St. Cafeteria, a tiny café hidden behind a health food store, offers a nice mix of salads, sandwiches, rice bowls, and desserts.

If you have the time and energy, make a quick visit to the Western Australian Shipwrecks Museum by the waterfront. It’s free and a nice way to spend 30 minutes before enjoying the sunshine by the waterfront. Alternatively, Fremantle has a free bike-share program called Free Wheeling Fremantle that’s perfect for people looking to cruise around town and save money.

Once you’re back in Perth, head to Sauma for fun cocktails, local beer, and fantastic Indian food with a nice mix of classic dishes and innovative creations.

Gold pouring demonstration at The Perth Mint. — Michelle Ong Photography / Shutterstock

Day 3: Depart

Your two days are now up, and you have to head to the airport or on to your next destination. But if you can squeeze in a final activity before you head out, go to The Perth Mint. Perth was a hotbed of activity during the Western Australian gold rush of the late 1800s. Today, you can see replicas of the massive gold nuggets that were unearthed during the gold rush, as well as a live demonstration of a gold bar being poured — all very cool stuff!

Planning a tour of Australia? Check out these things to see and do in Sydney.

The Best Coffee Farms On Hawaii’s Big Island

There’s a reason why Kona coffee tastes so good — and it’s not just because it’s grown in the United States. The region of Kona, on the southern shore of Hawaii’s Big Island, has the perfect climate, elevation, and geology for producing coffee. The area’s volcanic soil neutralizes the natural bitterness of the coffee bean, resulting in smoother, more mellow coffee. While larger commercial farms use machines that strip the fruit off the trees or shake it to the ground, Kona is one of the last places in the world where the majority of farms still harvest by hand. One tree might be returned to up to five times to ensure that all the fruit is equally ripe. The result is magic, thanks to soil, sun, and soul.

Pay no attention to hotels or grocery stores offering a “Kona blend” coffee. There’s only one place to try authentic Hawaiian coffee, and that’s in Kona itself. The majority of coffee farms in Kona and farther afield happily offer guests free tours — and samples! I’ve been known to drink many a coffee sample (and buy even more to bring home), and these are the farms I recommend over the others.

Best Tour: Greenwell Farms

If you have time for just one coffee farm, make it Greenwell Farms. This historic property offers a very comprehensive tour, and I loved the staff’s passion and enthusiasm. They do a fantastic job of explaining how coffee is farmed, produced, and roasted, as well as how coffee came to be associated with Hawaii. The farm has been owned by the same family for over a century, and it’s fair to say that the employees really know their stuff. The farm also offers the most generous selection of coffee samples; I tried eight different varieties!

Their next-door neighbor, the H.N. Greenwell Store Museum, is part of the Kona Historical Society and is well worth a visit. The employees bake fresh bread most Thursdays as part of their historical demonstrations — and, yes, I most certainly timed my coffee tour to coincide with the bread samples.

Best Views: Hula Daddy Kona Coffee

Part of what makes Kona such a great growing area is its elevation; it ensures that the crops get consistent moisture and daily light rain with a nice balance of sun. And that elevation comes with spectacular views. No vista in the area is so beautiful as the one that can be seen from Hula Daddy Kona Coffee’s back deck. I loved it there. It was so relaxing, and I felt like I could sit back and soak up the views for hours. Hula Daddy stands out from the crowd by offering cream and sugar with its samples, which are served in tiny ceramic mugs. It also has a fascinating cupping room/kitchen/laboratory you can see — if you can tear yourself away from the deck.

Best Overall Coffee: Buddha’s Cup

I feel like I’m going to get into a lot of trouble by declaring that one particular farm has the best coffee in all of Kona. But it would be impossible to talk about who makes the finest cup without mentioning Buddha’s Cup. The company won the 2010 Kona Coffee Cupping Competition and took home third place in 2014. Its Imagine roast was rated 95 out of 100 by Sherri Johns, president of Whole Cup Coffee Consulting, giving Buddha’s Cup the highest score in Kona. If you’re going to splurge on some coffee beans to bring home to friends and family, the roasts from Buddha’s Cup will blow them away.

A mug from Kona Blue Sky Coffee. — Kona Blue Sky Coffee

Best For Those Who Aren’t Big Coffee Fans: Kona Blue Sky Coffee

If you’re not a big coffee fan (say it ain’t so!), but you still really want to see what a farm is like, you need to visit Kona Blue Sky Coffee. The tour there focuses on the diverse and beautiful flowers, plants, and produce — not just coffee! I loved seeing all the fruit trees hidden amidst the lush, tropical plant life. The farm’s gift shop is a great source for local products like Hawaiian pancake mixes and macadamia nuts, plus mugs, shirts, and other gifts. Consider it a place with a little bit of everything for everyone.

Mountain Thunder in Hawaii. — Orange Grove / Shutterstock

Most Creative Products: Mountain Thunder

I’ll be honest: Of all the farms I toured, Mountain Thunder was my least favorite. It wasn’t that I didn’t enjoy my time there. I just felt that other properties offered a more personalized experience. Mountain Thunder has gotten a lot of publicity from television shows, and it’s more commercially focused than the other properties that harvest and roast by hand. However, the fluffy farm cats won me over, as did the unique selection of products made from by-products of the coffee bean. For instance, the red, pulpy berry that protects the coffee bean is rich in antioxidants and is used in many of the cosmetic products sold at Mountain Thunder. This would be a good stop for a coffee fanatic who wants to see as many farms and try as many products as possible.

Best Reason To Leave Kona: Ka’u Coffee Mill

It’s hard to drag yourself away from the amazing coffee farms of Kona, but if there’s one location worth traveling to visit, it’s the Ka’u Coffee Mill in the Ka’u district, east of Kona. The area was once known for sugar production, but coffee has since taken the lead. While the growing conditions in Ka’u are very, very similar to those in Kona, Ka’u coffee doesn’t yet have the name recognition — which means that its farms are less crowded and its coffee less expensive. The Ka’u Coffee Mill is a great place to start for tours and samples.

Coffee tasting. — vamospuesandres / Shutterstock

Tips For Visiting A Coffee Farm

When you visit a Hawaiian coffee farm, you’ll have the opportunity to taste the product. This is no time to be shy! Start by taking small samples, in case you don’t enjoy a particular roast or blend, and try as many as possible. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with going back for seconds (or thirds… or fourths…). This is all about discovering new flavors.

However, if there’s no cream or sugar on display, don’t ask for it. In fact, you should expect most places to serve their samples as black coffee. The staff members want you to taste their coffee in its basic, unadulterated state. For people who are used to flavored lattes or iced coffees laden with cream and caramel, the taste of strong black coffee can take some getting used to! Start with the lightest roast and work from there.

Speaking of flavored coffee, it’s not as popular in Hawaii as it is in other states, and it’s not commonly found at coffee farms. However, some farms make their own blends using local vanilla and macadamia nut oils, and these are certainly worth trying.

The tours are free of charge, and there’s no obligation to tip the person who shows you around. However, it’s good form to make a small purchase at the gift shop. These are working farms, and it’s important to show your appreciation. Most offer goods beyond coffee, including local jam, honey, crafts, and — my personal favorite — used burlap sacks with the company’s logo. These sacks are used for storing and transporting coffee, and they are usually sold for just a few dollars.

Remember, these are farm shops, not farmers market stands. It’s not appropriate to bargain like you might at a farmers market. However, many farms will offer a better price if you’re buying 5 or 10 pounds of one variety. Don’t be afraid to politely ask.

Red coffee "cherries" being picked from a coffee plant. — PixieMe / Shutterstock

When To Go On A Coffee Tour

Many Kona farms experience light rain in the early afternoon. While this shouldn’t prevent you from touring, the mornings are usually the best time to go, weather-wise. After all, who doesn’t appreciate some caffeine to help them wake up?

February is the best time to see “Kona snow” — the small, white flowers blooming on the coffee trees. From a botanical point of view, coffee has a lot in common with gardenias, and you’ll smell the resemblance if you visit during a “snowstorm.”

By April and May, the blossoms evolve into the red “cherries” of the coffee tree, and these are really neat to see as well. However, no matter when you visit, there will be a lot to see and do — and taste!

8 Adventurous Things To Do In Belize

Adventures in Belize aren’t confined to activities. They can be found in every journey you make around this perpetually surprising destination, whether that’s a bumpy van ride down dirt roads to a picnic site in the jungle, or hundreds of slippery steps that lead you to a secret waterfall.

In my case, it was an hour-long speedboat ride over choppy ocean waves that made me grateful for the modern wonder of Dramamine. I’m not prone to seasickness, but that bumpy journey was more than I bargained for.

The grueling trip made me appreciate our destination — Silk Caye — that much more. The tiny island 22 miles off the coast of the mainland, with just enough space for a few palm trees and a grill, appeared like a mirage in the distance — a sandy gold bank in an endless sea of turquoise. It would be home base for a day of snorkeling in the surrounding reef brimming with colorful coral and dozens of species of fish.

The real treat, though, would be swimming with marine life near fishing boats about 10 minutes away. Snorkel, mask, and fins on, I hopped into the water, and there they were: massive sea turtles chomping on crabs thrown overboard by the fishermen, surrounded by nurse sharks stealing scraps. It was like a Shark Week special come to life.

When it comes to adventure travel, Belize offers it all. From snorkeling with sharks to spelunking in skeleton-filled caves, here are eight exciting things to do in this bucket list-worthy destination.

Snorkeling in the Belize Barrier Reef. — Joni Sweet

1. Snorkel The Belize Barrier Reef

Want to add a snorkeling adventure to your Belize itinerary? Sunny Side Tours in Placencia offers full-day tours to Silk Caye and Turtle Alley. The guides are seasoned naturalists who know exactly where snorkelers can spot breathtaking marine life in the Belize Barrier Reef. They double as talented chefs who can whip up a hearty lunch of rice and beans, grilled chicken, watermelon, and even scalloped potatoes on Silk Caye’s single grill in between your snorkeling tours. You may also get lucky with some extra-special surprises — my guide spotted dolphins en route to shore and spun the boat in circles to create a current that the playful creatures could flip and jump in. It took my Belize adventure to the next level.

A skeleton in Actun Tunichil Muknal cave. — Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

2. Spelunk Through A Skeleton-Filled Cave

A trip to Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave is as much a journey of the soul as it is a test of the body. After all, ATM was once a Maya sacrificial site and is considered one of the world’s most sacred caves by National Geographic. The best way to experience this geological wonder is to hire a private guide (such as one from MayaWalk Tours), who will take you on an intense 45-minute jungle hike and across three streams in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve. You’ll then swim through a deep spring-fed pool, wade through knee-high water, and climb a rock ledge to enter the cave’s dark system of tunnels and passageways — the heart of the Maya underworld. Your guide will give you an up-close look at some of the artifacts used in ancient ceremonies and the remains of more than a dozen people who were sacrificed. This Belize adventure culminates with a climb up a ladder to the upper chamber, where you’ll see the crystallized skeleton of a sacrificed teenager. No cameras are allowed, but you won’t need a photo to remember this humbling sight.

3. Track Jaguars After Dark

Belize is home to the world’s only jaguar preserve — Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. It’s not easy to spot the furtive creatures in their natural habitat, but you’re most likely to see the nocturnal cats on a guided night tour. DTOURZ, a travel operator in Placencia, offers after-dark treks around the park that last roughly 2 hours. The guides will look for signs of recent jaguar activity, such as paw prints in the mud, and try to track them down deep in the jungle. Even if you don’t spot the elusive cats, you’ll see many other animals, including tapirs, howler monkeys, river otters, frogs, snakes, and crocodiles. At the end the adventure, you’ll tube down the river just before the stroke of midnight.

The Great Blue Hole in Belize. — Travel Belize

4. Dive The Great Blue Hole

When it comes to adventurous things to do in Belize, it doesn’t get much more incredible than diving the Great Blue Hole. The 1,050-foot-wide, 407-foot-deep underwater sinkhole 43 miles east of Belize City is so large that you can see it from outer space. Amateur divers are welcome to snorkel around the surrounding reefs, home to a stunning array of sponges, sea fans, and coral in every color of the rainbow. Underwater veterans will, of course, want to test their skills by diving into the sinkhole itself. The plunge isn’t an easy one, but the advanced divers who attempt it are rewarded with the opportunity to explore a spectacular natural environment with 40-foot-long stalagmites and stalactites. Travel operators like Belize Diving Services offer daylong diving tours of the Great Blue Hole and other nearby sites. Landlubbers, take note: Tropic Air offers hour-long aerial tours of the Great Blue Hole, so you can catch a glimpse of this site and others in Belize from above.

The Mayan ruins at Caracol. — John Wilson / Flickr

5. Explore Maya Ruins

Atop a plateau near the Guatemalan border rest the ruins of a city that was once the political powerhouse of the ancient Maya civilization. Dubbed Caracol, the nearly 25,000-acre archeological site is known for its vast agricultural field system and sophisticated city planning. But despite how remarkable it is, Caracol offers visitors lots of freedom to wander around the site on their own. You can even climb the Sky Palace — the tallest man-made structure in Belize. The site only receives about 10,000 visitors a year, so you won’t have to worry about running into crowds at this curious place. To get to Caracol, rent a car and make your way to the Chiquibul Forest Reserve in the Cayo District. Or, take the easy route and set up a guided tour with your hotel.

A plant ritual with the García Sisters in Belize. — Joni Sweet

6. Get Blessed By A Healer

Adventures in Belize aren’t just about adrenaline-inducing feats of physical endurance — they also involve getting in touch with your spiritual side and exploring the mystical world of Maya culture. Experience this distinctive part of Belize with the García Sisters, a family of natural healers who welcome travelers into their home near San Ignacio. Tours of their medicinal gardens will teach you how the sisters use botanicals to treat stomachaches, migraines, and sore throats. They’ll also neutralize negative energy in your body and mind with a spiritual cleansing ceremony that involves making a plant offering to a fire, silent prayers, and a smudging ritual. The popular natural healing place will remind you of the connection we all have to the Earth and the rest of its inhabitants, adding depth of understanding and respect to all your outdoor adventures in Belize.

Big Rock Falls in Belize. — Travel Belize

7. Swim In A Secret Waterfall

Tucked inside Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve near San Ignacio is one of Belize’s ultimate hidden gems: Big Rock Falls. Jagged rocks flank the gushing falls, creating a funnel for rushing water that fills a swimming hole below. And since most travelers miss it, you stand a good chance of having it to yourself for the entire afternoon. Getting down to the falls is as much of an adventure as swimming in them — you’ll need to take a walk through the forest and down many aging timber steps until you hit the water. The steep climb back up, though, is an even bigger challenge, so wear sturdy shoes. Ka’ana, a nearby eco-resort, can arrange a trip to Big Rock Falls with an adventure specialist who will also lay out a picnic lunch when you get hungry. Ask the guide for his recommendations for the best swimming spots.

A bird-watching boat tour at Crooked Tree. — Visit Crooked Tree

8. Go Bird-Watching In A Boat

From vibrant toucans and prehistoric-looking pelicans to magnificent eagles, kites, and ospreys, more than 600 species of birds have been seen in Belize. Want to catch a glimpse of these feathered beauties yourself? Take a bird-watching boat tour at the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected natural wetlands reserve. Keep your eyes and your ears open on this 2-hour-and-30-minute adventure. You may hear the hammering of a woodpecker or see a splash of yellow in the sky as a parrot flies by. Other wildlife is likely to make an appearance as well — look for crocodiles, sloths, howler monkeys, and iguanas. If you happen to be traveling with family, this is an adventure that travelers of all ages will enjoy.

After a long day of adventure, wouldn’t you like to kick back in the lap of luxury with your significant other? Check out our list of the best resorts in Belize for couples.

Haven’t had your fill of adventure? Try some of these nine adventurous things to do in Kauai, Hawaii.