Celtic Colors Festival in Canada

Celtic Colors International Festival, Cape Breton Island in Canada, October. This is the largest festival of its kind in North America. The festival is a cultural event of Celtic roots and music, full of concerts and cultural events. The Cape Breton Celtic musicians are one of the finest in the world. When several hundred years ago the first Scots came to Nova Scotia, they brought their Gaelic culture and traditions with them, which today they try to keep alive. You can still hear the ancient dialects in the villages. At the Mabou village you can experience Gaelic signs and Scottish traditions of music and dancing. The festival is spread throughout the island with concerts in different towns. This encourages visitors to travel the island and see the beautiful colors of the trees in autumn.

Hermanus Whale-Watching Festival

Hermanus Whale-Watching Festival in South Africa at the end of September for 5 days. Hermanus, once a small fishing village, today is known as the world whale capital for its best land destination for whale watching, attracting tourists from around the world. The 7 mile Cliff Walk allows you to follow the whales, which move along the coastline within the close proximity of the cliffs. There is a whale crier, who uses horn to make a sound to let you know where to catch the best view of those giants. The festival celebrates the return of Southern Right whales to the waters of Walker Bay in the second part of the year. The whales travel between Antarctica and South Africa spending one season in one place and the rest of the year in another. They travel to the cold polar region of Antarctica for food, mainly krill. Then they travel back to the shallow coastal waters of South Africa to breed. Occasionally, you can see humpbacks and Orcas. Throughout the festival you can also enjoy African rhythms and local crafts. The focus of the festival is on the environment with emphasis on marine life and protection.   

Almabtrieb's annual event in Austria

Almabtrieb in Kufstein, Austria, starts in mid September. It is an annual event happening in the alpine region, which stretches through seven European countries (Austria, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, and France). The Almabtrieb (German language) literally means drive from the mountain. It refers to cows coming back from pasture to stables in autumn. During the summer, the cow herds feed on the pasture in the alpine region. And in autumn, these herds come down the mountains back to their stables. The cows are decorated elaborately. It is celebrated with music and dance throughout the villages.

In US, Trailing of the Sheep is celebrated with an annual October festival in Sun Valley, Ketchum and Hailey, Idaho.

The New Jersey State Botanical Garden at Skylands

 

The gardens include summer garden, lilac garden, azalea garden, magnolia walk and more. However, as varried as it sounds, it doesn't offer lots of plants. The green spaces at the Skylands are the major part of this botanical garden. It is a nice place to unwind and have a picnic on a lawn. Not all paths are paved, the park might be good for walking in sneakers, but not stroller friendly.

                                    Manor House for wedding receptions.

Peddler's Village in Pennsylvania

Peddler's village is a picturesque village with cobblestone streets and quaint shopping. It is full of quality specialty shops varying from art, collectibles to cultural, fashion and home decor. It's a perfect one day getaway to shop, dine and relax.

Panoramic Views of Manhattan

View of Manhattan from Newport, NJ

View of Manhattan from Bedford in Brooklyn, NY

 

View of Manhattan from Hoboken, NJ

 

View of Manhattan from the Liberty State Park, NJ

The Old Town of Quebec City

Quebec City was founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain. The Old Town from Upper to Lower part is a memorable walking experience with stone houses, museums, quaint shops, street performances, and over 250 restaurants. This 400 year old historical jewel shines proudly with the celebrated Chateau Frontenac hotel (above picture).