Portsmouth city guide including hotels

Introduction:

Portsmouth is located on the south coast of the scenic county of Hampshire. The city has a long established historic naval presence. The city of Portsmouth was established in the year 1623, being a community that swears by its influence to world history. As well as being an important naval town, Portsmouth has a nostalgic feel with it’s cobblestone streets, horse drawn carriages, museums and famous historic buildings. Boasting over one hundred restaurants, antique shops and a huge music hall called the Portsmouth Music Hall. You will fall in love with the ambience that this historic city offers as well as the coastal aspect of the place.

Places of Interest:

A place of historic significance, you can explore Lord Nelson’s flagship, HMS Victory and visit Queen Victoria’s battleship, HMS Warrior 1860. You could also have a look at Henry Vlll’s Mary Rose and retrace the history of the Royal Navy at the Royal Naval Museum. Other attractions include Charles Dickens’ birthplace, the D-Day Museum featuring the Overlord Embroidery, Southsea Castle, the Royal Marines Museum, and Portsmouth Cathedral.

Royal Marines Museum: This is a grand museum situated in a former officers' mess with sweeping stairways, chandeliers and fine paintings. There are also beautiful grounds in which you can relax and enjoy a quiet picnic with your friends. The Exhibition gallery features a talking head of Hannah Snell, audiovisual shows, interactive games, and a collection of over 7,000 medals.

Eastney Beam Engine House Industrial Archaeology: This museum contains a pair of magnificent James Watt beam engines, stationed in their original high Victorian engine house of 1887. There are also a variety of other pumping engines on display here.

Natural History Museum: In this museum you can see the geology of the Portsmouth area and a full-size reconstruction of Dinosaur “Iguanodon” and other fossil remains. You can enter here through the Riverbank scene with a fresh water aquarium and have a look at the different kinds of fish on display. You can also see the “Ice Age” displays and early mammals and birds here.

The Spinnaker Tower: This is one wonder which is absolutely breath-taking. You can experience the stunning views from this unique 170m tower, visible from miles around. This is the newest landmark which is change the skyline of Portsmouth!

Aspex Gallery: Here, tourists can experience the most creative and contemporary visual arts; locally, nationally and internationally. There are programs of solo, grouped and themed exhibitions mostly centred on the work of younger or emerging artists.

The 1642 Living History Village, Historic Site, Gosport: This is a representational Hampshire village set in the year 1642. You could go back in time and experience this replica of how it used to be with timber and thatched buildings. Occupants dress and speak in 17th century style.

Things to do:

Portsmouth is also called the Waterfront city. It has a fantastic range of restaurants, bars and cafйs to soothe your thirst and satisfy your taste buds. Of course, it will suit your budget too. As far as shops are concerned, the choice is huge.

Shopping: The Southsea, this major shopping complex has two department stores as well as a range of boutique shops. There are florists, diamond merchants and antique dealers; even interior decorators to cater to your every shopping need. Of course, the cafes, restaurants and bars are numerous too. There is Gunwharf Quays with 80 outlets that sell big brand names for a discount prices. It is open seven days a week. The City Centre is famous for it’s branded and trendy stores. The shopping precinct on Commercial Road, the indoor mall at Cascades, and the street markets on Thursday, Friday and Saturday are very popular and well worth a visit.

Eating and drinking: There are restaurants and small bistro’s that offer cuisine ranging from Indian to Italian, Turkish to Thai. If you want to meet with friends or enjoy your weekend, there is always a themed location to drink and socialize.

Special Events: Two of Portsmouth's most renowned personalities have events to commemorate their lives in 2006. “Brunel 200 Portsmouth” will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, who was born in Portsmouth on 9th of April 1806.The famous author Richard Lancelyn Green will be releasing his wonderful collection of Conan Doyle-related books, papers and assorted memorabilia in the later half of 2006.

Transport: Portsmouth has regular bus routes connecting the main visitor areas. In fact, a new pilot bus service for all you night owls has been inaugurated and is operational on Friday and Saturday nights. The Nightrunner will start services from South Parade Pier at 1.25am and 2.25 am and at Winston Churchill Avenue at 1.30am and 2.30am. There are currently 234 licensed taxis working in the city providing 24-hour service.

Food and Drink:

Indian Palace: Indian Palace in Gunwharf Quays is famous for authentic and traditional spicy and tasty Indian and moghlai dishes.

Arbuckles: This small and friendly restaurant is famous for chicken and vegetarian burgers. Booking is required.

A fistful of Tacos: This place at South Sea serves authentic sea food and vegeterian dishes as well.

Cafй Citrus is a popular cafй bar in Albert Road, Southsea. It is perfect for a romantic rendevous or a friendly get-together.

Hotels and Accomodation:

Whether you are looking for a short stay or a longer holiday, Portsmouth offers a comprehensive range of accommodation from small, private bed and breakfasts to the plusher four-star hotels. It is always better if you reserve your accommodation in advance. The tarrif’s for hotels, accomodations and guest houses are generally quoted as per person, based on a couple sharing, and include VAT (17.5%). All prices for self-catering units are quoted as per unit per week inclusive of VAT (17.5%).

Inn Lodge Portsmouth

Royal Beach Hotel

Express by Holiday Inn Portsmouth

Tulip Inn Portsmouth

Beaufort Hotel

Best Western Queens Hotel

Seacrest Hotel

Entertainment:

The city of Portsmouth is abuzz with entertainment and activity around the clock. Catering for all diverse tastes such as comedy, film, football, live music, bowling, literature and arts. At Gunwharf Quays there is a bowling arena and a state of the art 12 screen cinema, with a further 9 screen cinema at Port Solent. The Kings Theatre Trust Limited at Albert Road, Portsmouth is famous for live music and theatrical events. No 6 Independent Cinema and Vue Cinemas are two of the 4 major cinema houses here.

All in all, Portsmouth is a city on the sea packed with a beautiful mix of history and heritage. Add to it the variety on offer with it’s bars and restaurants as well as a comprehensive program of events, you know that you have discovered the right city to spend your holiday or short stay. Being situated on the coast is a huge bonus too!.

10 must-dos when in monte carlo

Home to the rich and famous, Monte Carlo exudes style and panache. The locals walk the paths with a swagger; you can smell the affluence. The town is a charming blend of chic city living and wonderful sun-kissed beaches. Monte Carlo is a compact city; the best way to explore is by foot. The narrow streets and tight alleyways are home to a fascinating array of petite shops, bars and restaurants.

1. Monte Carlo Casino

Built in 1863, this architectural masterpiece overlooks the Mediterranean and must be a priority on your sightseeing list. It has a remarkable gold and marble atrium designed by the legendary architect Charles Garnier.

2. Walk the Grand Prix Racing Route

The Monaco Grand Prix has been held annually since 1929 and is considered one of the most prestigious races in motor sport. The roads are transformed from busy public highways into a Formula 1 circuit in an incredibly short space of time.

3. Prince’s Palace

The palace is open to the public from June to October. The courtyard is paved with over 3 million coloured pebbles, beautifully arranged in geometrical patterns. Built in 1215, the palace was originally a fortress before being transformed into a luxury home.

4. Monaco Cathedral

This magnificent cathedral was constructed in 1875 and is the final resting ground of Princess Grace. The cathedral’s fabulous organ was painstakingly restored to its former glory in 1988.

5. Monte-Carlo Thermes Marins

For over a century this luxury spa has pampered and delivered the ultimate in relaxation. Treat yourself to a day you will never forget.

6. Metropole Shopping Centre

Filled with designer stores to match those of Paris and Rome, the Metropole is a shopper’s paradise. A stroll around Casino Square will present you with precious stones of the highest quality.

7. The Old Town

An abundance of quality restaurants and bars present themselves in the more traditional parts of town. Here you can tuck into local specialities such as Monegasque cuisine.

8. Cafй de Paris

Located in Casino Square, Cafй de Paris is the place to be seen. The lively mix of locals and visitors generate a warm atmosphere, whether sitting outside or dining indoors. The menu has an international flavour and daily specials are always recommended.

9. The Grimaldi Forum

The stunning Grimaldi Forum is home to a host of cultural events. Watch concerts, opera, ballet, as well as festivals and exhibitions, including the Monte-Carlo Masters tennis.

10. Stade Louis II

What the home of AS Monaco Football Club lacks in size, it certainly makes up for in quality. Despite a capacity of only 18,500 (smaller than most top football clubs), the ground’s architecture make it one of the more memorable stadia.

Visit boynton beach florida

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Boynton Beach, Florida, which calls itself "Florida’s Gateway to the Gulfstream", is a city of over 60,000 people and is situated on Intercoastal Waterway on the East Coast of Florida, approximately midway between Palm Beach and Boca Raton and is less than one and one half hour's drive north of Miami. It has an average temperature of 74.5 degrees.

Stay at a fairly inexpensive hotel like the Holiday Inn Boynton Beach Congress Street, 1601 N. Congress Ave., Boynton Beach, Ca. 33436, (561) 737-4600 or the Holiday Inn Express Hotel South Palm Beach County, 480 Boynton Beach Blvd., Boynton Beach 33435, (561) 734-9100 or the Hampton Inn & Suites Boynton Beach, 1475 West Gateway Blvd, Boynton Beach 33426, (561) 369-0018. Play golf at The Links at Boynton Beach, 8020 Jog Road, Boynton Beach 33437, (561) 742-6500, a complete golf facility featuring an 18 Hole Par 71 Championship Course, challenging, but fun and interesting, from any of its four sets of tees, the 9 Hole Par 30 executive length Family Golf Course, with five sets of tees, is an opportunity for families and friends to share a day in Nature, the Links' also offers a complete Practice area with a grass tee driving range and free putting and chipping/bunker greens or at the Cypress Creek Golf Club, 9400 Military Trail, Boynton Beach 33436 (866)696-4541, a beautifully laid out course for both the novice and professional. Water comes into play in 14 holes, five of which force one to play to the approach shot over water to reach the green.. Play tennis at the Boynton Tennis Center, 3111 S. Congress Avenue, (561) 742-6575, with it's 17 Har-Tru courts and it's 4 composite courts.

Check out Alberts & Merkel Bros., Inc, Orchids and Tropical Gardens, 11580 Hagen Ranch Road, Boynton Beach 33437, (561) 732-2071, or the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, 10216 Lee Road, Boynton Beach 33437, (407) 732-3684 or the Mangrove Nature Park, 700 Northeast Fourth St, Boynton Beach 33435, (561) 734-4800.

Go swimming, snorkeling or scuba diving at Oceanfront Park, Inlet Park or Gulfstream Park. Go saltwater fishing in the Gulf Stream for Bluefish, Sailfish, Marlin, Blackfin Tuna, Dolphin (known elsewhere as Mahi-Mahi), King Mackeral, Red Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper, Sheepshead, Pompano, Wahoo and more.

Take a scenic cruise up the Intercoastal Waterway to Palm Beach. Drive up to Palm Beach or down to Boca Raton (both are less than a one half hour's drive away), or take a beautiful one and one half hour's drive down to Miami and enjoy the nightlife.

For more information about the city of Boynton Beach, Florida see: boyntonbeachfl. usacitydirectories. com, a directory of links to the city of Boynton Beach, Florida guides and directories listing hotels, restaurants, attorneys, real estate brokers, information, resources, services, things to do, places to go and more.

6 ways to enjoy a new england christmas

What image does a New England Christmas conjure up in your mind?

A Currier and Ives scenes of a snow-bound village with festive decorations… skating on a frozen pond… or taking in an exciting holiday show in Boston? And if you have kids… no Christmas is complete without a ride on the Polar Express – New England style.

Here’s where you can experience six holiday magic events this season…

BRIGHT NIGHTS AT FOREST PARK

Billed as New England’s single most popular holiday destination, “Bright Nights at Forest Park” is entering its ninth season. Located in the Forest Park area of downtown Springfield, Western Massachusetts, it’s a wonderland of marvelous displays such as this year’ lost in time display where eight mammoth dinosaurs come to light along side an exploding volcano with flowing lava.

Entrance fee is $12 per car and the show begins on November 23, 2005 at 6:00pm and operates through January 1, 2006.

CHRISTMAS AT THE NEWPORT MANSIONS

Each holiday season the Newport Mansions of The Elms, The Breakers, and Marble House put on a stunning show of spectacular evergreens, trees, thousands of poinsettia plants, fresh flowers and wreaths. The great entrances and hallways display magnificently decorated trees. The dining tables are set with period silver and china, and mannequins are dressed in authentic costumes.

You can see this stunning display of seasonal decorations at these Newport Mansions yourself November 12 through to January 1, 2006.

NEW ENGLAND CHRISTMAS AT OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE

Between December 1, 2005 and January 1, 2005 Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts will be transformed so you can experience a 19th century New England Christmas.

Old Sturbridge Village has always been one of my favorite places to visit and discover about life in 19th century New England. Now with the holiday season upon us, the village once again displays its ability to provide a discovery experience in a fun and entertaining way, and with a New England Christmas flavor.

THE BOSTON CHRISTMAS SEASON

Whether you delight in taking in the seasonal favorite of Boston Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” or soaking up “glad tidings of joy” at Symphony Hall with the Boston Pops Holiday Series, Boston knows how to celebrate the season with special shows and concerts. And of course there’s always the Candlelight Carol Concerts at Trinity Church in the Back Bay area, and the famous “First Night” celebration.

The Boston Pops kicks off on Friday, December 9th at 8:00pm and continues through to their annual New Year’s Eve celebration on December 31st at 10:15pm. The Boston Ballet performs “The Nutcracker” at The Opera House, and the season starts on November 25th with performances through December 30th.

POLAR EXPRESS – CONNECTICUT STYLE

The North Pole Express is a popular nighttime steam train ride with live readings of Christmas stories, hot chocolate and cookies, sing-along, and holiday surprises. Special guest Santa Claus has a treat for all children, and you’re guaranteed lots of fun and lots of extras.

Essex Steam Train’s North Pole Express operates Fridays through Sundays December 2 through December 23, with special early trips on November 25-27. Tickets are sold at the Essex Train Station in Essex, Connecticut - call (860) 767-0103 or toll free 800 377-3987.

NEW ENGLAND CHRISTMAS TIME AT SANTA’S VILLAGE

Way up north is the village of Santa. You can visit him in the summer, and you can visit him in the fall, but the best to time visit him is… Christmastime! Santa’s Village is located in Jefferson, New Hampshire - a spot deep in the White Mountains. Santa is preparing for his world tour on Christmas Eve, but you can take a peek for a brief time if you hurry.

The village opens for the Christmas season on Friday November 25th from 11:00am to 7:00pm. Then every Saturday from November 26th through December 17th from 11:00am to 7:00pm, and every Sunday from November 27th through December 18th from 11:00am to 6:00pm.

Make your New England Christmas magical this year by experiencing one or more of these attractions. It is after all the season to create unforgettable memories.

Breckenridge nordic skiing

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The Nordic skiing in Breckenridge is some of the best in Colorado. Breckenridge is nestled between the 10-mile range, right in the middle of the continental divide. Which has some of the most amazing views right in the heart of the Rocky mountains. Breckenridge offers a 32-kilometer course which has beautiful spruce forests, meadows, and a nature trail. There is a warming hut on peak 7 which is open all day. The Nordic ski center is located on peak eight. Come experience the fabulous network of custom groomed cross country skiing and snow shoe trails brought to you by Breckenridge.

All of the trails in the Nordic center, open sometime in mid-November and close early April. An adult trail pass will set you back about $14 but an alpine lift ticket at Breckenridge costs $75 dollars, which makes cross-country the economical choice.

Breckenridge also has free access trails which are beautiful yet dangerous. Boreas pass trail access at end of Boreas pass road. Boreas pass trail is the old Leadville to Denver railway which is a great place to cross-country ski. This trail has the most beautiful aspen trees with beautiful scenic overlooks all along this amazing yet historical trail.

This railway allowed the miners to transport all of there gold to Denver which allowed them to distribute there gold all around the world. This made Breckenridge one of the wealthiest mountain towns in Colorado. If your vacation this year makes it to beautiful Summit County Colorado, be sure to try Nordic skiing in Breckenridge and I promise you memories which will last a lifetime.

Enjoy your ski vacation in Breckenridge, CO.