#Pinewoods historic Palm City

[jthurlow]

Palm City's "Man's Man," John S. Danforth

~ A tidbit from our upcoming book, A Pictorial History of Palm City, Florida, by Sandra Thurlow & Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch One of early Palm City’s most interesting characters is John S. Danforth. He was a true “man’s man,” kind of like Ernest Hemingway. Dansforth was a writer, a hunter, an avid outdoorsman, and really an entrepreneur. Today, there remains a creek, among other landmarks still…

[ritajcurtis-blog]

Top 10 most famous tourist places in India

India has a host of popular tourist destinations for travelers from all over the world, and here we list the 10 most famous ones.

If you talk about tourist destinations, India would rank among the top. The country is chock full of tourist places, popular for their cultural significance, natural beauty, adventure activities or a mix of everything. But to cover each of these famous tourist places in India would take years, and not every destination can turn out as you expected it. So to make things easier, here are 10 most famous tourist places in India.

1.Agra

                                           Taj Mahal – Agra 

Let’s start off this list with a city that captures the cultural zeitgeist of the Mughal era in India. Agra is more popularly known as the home of the Taj Mahal, the mausoleum that most people instantly picture in their mind when they think of India. And while the Taj Mahal is definitely one of the main reasons for making Agra a famous tourist destination, it is not the only one. Agra is home to a number of remnants of the legendary Mughal empire, including the Itimad-Ud-Daulah and Akbar’s tomb. There is also the grand Agra Fort, the massive Jama Masjid and the narrow streets of the Kinari Bazaar behind it.

2.Amritsar

                                 Golden Temple – Amritsar

If Agra gives you a glimpse into India’s Mughal empire, Amritsar is your window into the fascinating culture of Sikhism. The city’s name literally translates to a holy pool of nectar, and it was founded by Guru Ram Das, the fourth of nine holy Sikh gurus, in 1577. Naturally, this is the spiritual capital of Sikhism, with the centre of it all being the magnificent Golden Temple, known locally as the Harmandir Sahib Gurudwara. The Akal Takhat and Mata temples are also popular destinations for the spiritually inclined, but Amritsar is also famous for its culinary delights, topped with the legendary hospitality of the people of Punjab.

3.Nainital

                                        Naini Lake – Nainital

Surrounding the scenic emerald green Naini lake, Nainital is the quintessential hill resort. What was once a sleepy town is today a busy hill station complete with dozens of hotels around the volcanic leak and a bustling bazaar. This is possibly the most famous hill station too, with hundreds of families and couples coming into the valley on the foot of the Himalayas to enjoy the scenic views and boat rides on the lake. Nainital also has several walking tracks that take you up the dense hills around the town to viewing points with vistas of the Himalayan mountains. Thus, Nainital is a great place to sit back, relax and take in the majesty of India’s mountains without overwhelming yourself. ALSO READ: Best places to visit in north India in the summer

4.Ooty

                                                        Ooty

Ooty, like Nainital, is another of India’s hill stations that started off as a little town but hit it off, becoming a major tourist centre. As such, it can be a little too crowded during its peak seasons for those who prefer a little more peace and quiet. But it can still offer an arresting view of India’s the Western Ghats, a chilled out atmosphere, pleasant weather and some of the best tea in the country. Known as the Queen of Hill Stations, Ooty offers a rather interest mix of expansive gardens, vivid green tea estates, British-era bungalows and the typical busy streets of India. The hill station has gone through a lot of commercialisation in the past decades, but you can still experience the magic of the past by traveling through the miniature trains.

5.Jaipur

                                        Hawa Mahal – Jaipur

Speaking of the magic of the past, there are only a handful of cities in India that capture it as perfectly as Jaipur. The city sits as the capital of Rajasthan and a window into India’s mesmerising history. Its streets are a blend of the past and present, and yet there is a certain sense of peace and calm to the bustle. And, it would be hard to miss the colourfulness of the city. Jaipur also remains one of the few cities that holds on so tightly to its royal legacy. In many ways, it remains a royal city with the massive City Palace at its heart. The Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar observatory showcase architectural innovations from an older time, and finally, there is the splendid Amber Fort on the outskirts of the main city. ALSO READ: 10 pictures that show why Rajasthan is the best state to visit in India

6.Shillong

                                                   Shillong

From the magic of Jaipur, we move back to another hill station, this time in India’s northeast region. The hill station of Shillong also serves as the capital of the state of Meghalaya, and so can be rather a busy tourist destination. But the town still holds on firmly to its roots as a British Era-capital, and it offers a number of beautiful sights. Shillong peak, for instance, lies 10 km away from the main city and is the highest point of Meghalaya, giving you a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. The Spread Eagle falls, Sweet falls and Elephant falls are also popular locations that are a treat for the eyes. For an experience of Shillong’s colonial era past, visit the All Saints’ Cathedral, Anglican Church or Pinewood Hotel.

7.Goa

                                                     Goa

Let’s take a break from India’s historically-rich cities and scenic hill stations, and move to the laid-back beaches of Goa. With 51 beaches along its coastline, Goa is considered by many to be the party capital of India. Its white sandy beaches and palm trees that curve to touch the ocean are just one part of the equation that makes Goa such a hit. Despite its popularity, Goa remains a sleepy and slow town with a rich culture of its own that is worth exploring and experiencing. Its nightlife is another popular aspect, with pubs like Tito’s and Montego Bay being mainstream favourites. And then there are the numerous trekking trails up the hills surrounding Goa that can satisfy the adventurer inside you. Finally, Goa offers cuisine with its own unique identity, forged by a carefree mix of Konkani, Catholic, Portuguese and Muslim cuisine. ALSO READ: 12 top secret beaches of Goa! Have you been there yet?

8.Shimla

                                      Town Hall – Shimla

Once the summer capital during India’s British Raj, Shimla is now one of the most popular hill stations of India and also the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Given its popularity, the town is packed with tourists. But walking is the only way to get around within the central area, which can be a rather pleasant and enjoyable experience. Like most other hill stations, Shimla too has long-winding and narrow alleys that are worth exploring. It also gets a healthy dose of snow during its winter months, making the view of the mountains around it that much more awe-inspiring. The Viceregal Lodge, Christ Church, and Gorton Castle show you Shimla’s British era legacy. And if you are walking around Shimla, you cannot miss out on the Town Hall at its centre.

9.Tirupati

                                            Tirupati – Tirumala

We have talked about India’s beaches, mountains and palaces, but to get a glimpse of the country’s spiritual heritage, Tirupati is worth the visit. Built on the holy hill of Tirumala in Andhra Pradesh, the Tirupati temple is one of the biggest pilgrimage spots in the world. Thousands throng every day into the temple, which is open to darshans throughout the day. This is also one of the most professionally administered temples in the world, with a workforce of thousands ensuring that everything is going smoothly. Needless to say, Tirupati is among the most crowded tourist places in India, but the place is managed well enough to keep things in order. Even if you are not spiritually inclined, a trip to Tirumala and the temple sitting on it can be deeply fulfilling.

10.Pondicherry

                                                Pondicherry

Known simply as Pondy, this little union territory is a world apart from the state of Tamil Nadu. It remained under French rule around 7 years after the rest of India gained independence, and the influence remains to this day. Pondicherry could be forgiven for a quaint little beach town from France, with its bright and colourful houses, hotels, shops and restaurants. The architecture is, in fact, one of the highlights of this coastal town, with a healthy dose of Tamil influences added to the mix. Another reason for Pondicherry’s popularity is the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the related Auroville, which are hangouts for those looking for some soul-searching. The relaxed, quiet atmosphere of Pondicherry may draw parallels with Goa, but this is a destination that has its own unique charm and identity that is well worth exploring.

[igaytrips]

See here how to plan an awesome summer on the Italian Riviera

Planning  your next Fabulous GayTrip? See here how to plan an awesome summer on the Italian Riviera . I believe it's worth having a look at the Italian Riviera. This beautiful area of Italy, which stretches from San Remo to Pisa, all along the Ligurian Sea. Enclosed by the mountain chain formed by the Maritime Alps and the Apennines. Truly a vacation in-which you can have it all. From Big cityscapes to small beach harbor towns. The Riviera's centre is Genoa, which divides it into two main sections: the Riviera di Ponente (“the coast of the setting sun”), extending westwards from Genoa to the French border; and the Riviera di Levante (“the coast of the rising sun”) between Genoa and Capo Corvo. It is famous for its particularly mild climate and relaxed way of life which, together with the charm of its old fishing ports and the beauty of its landscape, has made it a popular destination for travellers and tourists. Many villages and towns in the area are internationally known, such as Portofino, Bordighera, Lerici and the Cinque Terre. The part of the Riviera di Ponente centred on Savona, is called the "Riviera delle Palme" (the Riviera of palms); the part centred on Sanremo, is the "Riviera dei Fiori", after the long-established flower growing industry. An awesome summer on the Italian Riviera To help better plan your Gaycation, here is a brief description of the many destinations along the Riviera, Sanremo

Sanremo is known as the City of Flowers (la Città dei Fiori).Founded in Roman times, home to many cultural events, famously known as the Sanremo Music Festival and the Milan–San Remo cycling classic. It's Mediterranean climate and attractive seacoast setting on the Italian Riviera make it a popular tourist destination.The closest airport to Sanremo is in France, the Côte d'Azur International Airport airport in Nice, 75 minutes away by car or train. The railway connects the city to the other Ligurian cities like Imperia, Genoa and to Nice, Milan, Turin and Rome. Imperia

Imperia is well known for the cultivation of flowers and olives, and is a popular summer destination for visitors. The local Piscina Felice Cascione indoor pool has hosted numerous national and international aquatics events. Imperia consists of the two historical districts of Porto Maurizio and Oneglia, which lie on either side of the River Impero that gives its name to the city. Porto Maurizio is situated on a peninsula to the west of the river, stretching along the coastline. It is the more colourful and wealthy district of the city, threaded by narrow lanes known as carrugi, and its economy centres around the tourist industry. It was a possession of Genoa from the 13th century. Oneglia (Inéja in Ligurian) lies on an alluvial plain to the east of the Impero, and with its working port is the more modern and industrial of the two districts. At its centEr lies Dante Square, from which radiate some of the principal roads of the city. Alassio

Alassio is known for its natural and scenic views. The town centre is crossed by a pedestrianised cobbled road known as the Budello. The town has sandy beaches, blue sea and many bars and restaurants on the sea front. Alassio has also a pier known as "Molo di Alassio" or "Pontile Bestoso" which offers views of the town. Alassio is situated on the Riviera di Ponente coast, and it has a small tourist port (porticciolo) named "Luca Ferrari". It was also known as a health resort in winter and a bathing place in summer, and has many hotels Finale Ligure

Known for its white sand beaches and its views, Finale Ligure is located directly adjacent to the Rock of Caprazoppa, a steep limestone mountain on the southwest, and much of the town extends up hill slopes. The town has a lively commercial district. The boardwalk is lined with palm trees and many restaurants from the adjacent street have located large, open-air dining rooms along it. The territory surrounding Finale is known as "Il Finale", and not "Il Finalese" as sometimes wrongly spelled; it is made up of limestone plateaus and canyons which host a significant biodiversity and important remains of Roman and Medieval times. Savona

Savona is a seaport on the Riviera di Ponente on the Mediterranean Sea. One of the most celebrated former inhabitants of Savona was the navigator Christopher Columbus, who farmed land in the area while chronicling his journeys. 'Columbus's house', a cottage situated in the Savona hills. The Torre Leon Pancaldo (Leon Pancaldo Tower), built in the 14th century and also known as "Torretta", is the symbol of the town. Genoa

Genoa has historically been one of the most important ports on the Mediterranean: it is currently the busiest in Italy and in the Mediterranean Sea and twelfth-busiest in the European Union. Genoa has been nicknamed la Superba ("the proud one") due to its glorious past and impressive landmarks. Part of the old town of Genoa was inscribed on the World Heritage List (UNESCO) in 2006. The city's rich cultural history in art, music and cuisine allowed it to become the 2004 European Capital of Culture. It is the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, Niccolò Paganini, Giuseppe Mazzini, Renzo Piano and Grimaldo Canella, founder of the House of Grimaldi, among others. Just out of the city centre, but still part of the 33 km (21 mi) of coast included in the municipality's territory, are Nervi, natural doorway to the Ligurian East Riviera, and Pegli, the point of access to the West Riviera.Genoa, which forms the southern corner of the Milan-Turin-Genoa industrial triangle of Northwest Italy, is one of the country's major economic centers. Genoa is adjacent to two popular Ligurian vacation spots: Camogli and Portofino. In the metropolitan area of Genoa lies Aveto Natural Regional Park. Rapallo

Rapallo is a municipality in the Metropolitan City of Genoa, located in "Liguria" a region of northern Italy. It is situated on the Ligurian Sea, on the Tigullio Gulf, between Portofino and Chiavari. The climate is moderate. Many of the villas are built in the hills that rise immediately behind the city, protecting them from strong northern winds. The Rapallo area is included within the Parco Naturale Regionale di Portofino, encompassing the territory of six Ligurian communes. Portofino

Portofino is an Italian fishing village and holiday resort famous for its picturesque harbour and historical association with celebrity and artistic visitors.It is a comune located in the Metropolitan City of Genoa on the Italian Riviera. The town is clustered around its small harbour, and is known for the colourfully painted buildings that line the shore. Portofino became famous in the 1950s. Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is found approximately halfway between Genoa and La Spezia. The town has two bays: Baia delle Favole, (Bay of the Fables), and Baia del Silenzio, the (Bay of Silence). The original part of Sestri Levante is actually on a peninsula, with the Baia del Silenzio (also known as "Portobello") on one side and Baia delle Favole on the other. While nearby Portofino and the Cinque Terre are probably the best-known tourist destinations on the Italian Riviera, Sestri Levante is becoming quite a favorite among Italians. This once quiet fishing village is slowly turning into a tourist hotspot, developing an old and a new town. Monterosso del Mare

Monterosso al Mare is located at the center of a small natural gulf, protected by a small artificial reef, to the east of Punta Mesco in the Riviera of La Spezia. It is the westernmost of the Cinque Terre. The town is divided into two distinct parts: the old town and the new town. The two areas are divided by a single tunnel that caters to pedestrians and the very few cars in the town. The beach at Monterosso runs along most of the coast line and is well used by tourists and locals. The beach is the only extensive sand beach in the Cinque Terre. Monterosso is a small town overrun by tourists in the summer months. La Spezia

La Spezia is the second city in the Liguria region, preceded just by Genoa. Located midway between Genoa and Pisa on the Ligurian Sea, it is one of the main Italian military and commercial harbours and hosts the arsenal of the Italian Navy. It is important for its museums, for the Palio del Golfo, and for the railway and boat links with Cinque Terre. Massa

The Massa area is of high touristic value and also hosts a concentration of some 600 industrial and craft activities, located within the so-called Apuan Industrial Zone, with a direct employment of more than 7,000 people. Together with the twin town of Carrara, Massa is known for the extraction and production of marble. Forte Dei Marmi

Forte Dei Marmi is a sea town and comune in the province of Lucca, in northern Tuscany (Italy). In Italian Forte dei Marmi means "Fort of the marbles". The town takes its name from the fortress that rises in the middle of the main square, built under Grand Duke Peter Leopold, who was to become Leopold II, Holy Roman Emperor, in 1788. Tourism increased after the Second World War, especially in the Sixties when more and more families love spending their summer and this lovely paradise. Many houses and hotels were built near the sea. Forte dei Marmi continues to offer to its guests the same peace and tranquility. It is still a town immersed in the pinewood with a beautiful sand beach. It is not very crowded and it is ideal for biking and shopping. Pisa

Since your in the neighborhood, we've included Pisa because of it's famous world renowned place in our collective popular consciousnesses. Pisa is a city in the Tuscany region of Central Italy straddling the Arno just before it empties into the Ligurian Sea. This city contains more than 20 historic churches, several medieval palaces and various bridges across the Arno. Much of the city's architecture was financed from its history as one of the Italian maritime republics. While the bell tower of the cathedral, known as "the leaning Tower of Pisa", is the most famous image of the city, it is one of many works of art and architecture in the city's Piazza del Duomo, also known, since the 20th century, as Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles), to the north of the old town center. The Piazza del Duomo also houses the Duomo (the Cathedral), the Baptistry and the Campo Santo (the monumental cemetery). The medieval complex includes the above-mentioned four sacred buildings, the hospital and few palaces. All the complex is kept by the Opera (fabrica ecclesiae) della Primaziale Pisana, an old non profit foundation that operates since the building of the Cathedral (1063) to the maintenance of the sacred buildings. The area is framed by medieval walls kept by municipality administration. Search for your Flights here! San Remo Imperia Alassio Finale Ligure Savona Genoa Rapallo Sestri Levante Monterosso al Mare La Spezia Massa Forte dei Marme Portofino Pisa Enjoy your stay on the Italian Riviera! @import url(https://www.igaytrips.com/wp-content/plugins/siteorigin-panels/css/front-flex.css); #pgc-25318-0-0 , #pgc-25318-6-0 { width:100%;width:calc(100% - ( 0 * 30px ) ) } #pg-25318-0 , #pg-25318-1 , #pg-25318-2 , #pg-25318-3 , #pg-25318-4 , #pg-25318-5 , #pl-25318 .so-panel { margin-bottom:30px } #pgc-25318-1-0 , #pgc-25318-1-1 , #pgc-25318-1-2 , #pgc-25318-2-0 , #pgc-25318-2-1 , #pgc-25318-2-2 , #pgc-25318-3-0 , #pgc-25318-3-1 , #pgc-25318-3-2 , #pgc-25318-4-0 , #pgc-25318-4-1 , #pgc-25318-4-2 { width:33.3333%;width:calc(33.3333% - ( 0.66666666666667 * 30px ) ) } #pgc-25318-5-0 , #pgc-25318-5-1 { width:50%;width:calc(50% - ( 0.5 * 30px ) ) } #pl-25318 .so-panel:last-child { margin-bottom:0px } #pg-25318-1.panel-no-style, #pg-25318-1.panel-has-style > .panel-row-style , #pg-25318-2.panel-no-style, #pg-25318-2.panel-has-style > .panel-row-style , #pg-25318-3.panel-no-style, #pg-25318-3.panel-has-style > .panel-row-style , #pg-25318-4.panel-no-style, #pg-25318-4.panel-has-style > .panel-row-style , #pg-25318-5.panel-no-style, #pg-25318-5.panel-has-style > .panel-row-style , #pg-25318-6.panel-no-style, #pg-25318-6.panel-has-style > .panel-row-style { -webkit-align-items:flex-start;align-items:flex-start } @media (max-width:780px){ #pg-25318-0.panel-no-style, #pg-25318-0.panel-has-style > .panel-row-style , #pg-25318-1.panel-no-style, #pg-25318-1.panel-has-style > .panel-row-style , #pg-25318-2.panel-no-style, #pg-25318-2.panel-has-style > .panel-row-style , #pg-25318-3.panel-no-style, #pg-25318-3.panel-has-style > .panel-row-style , #pg-25318-4.panel-no-style, #pg-25318-4.panel-has-style > .panel-row-style , #pg-25318-5.panel-no-style, #pg-25318-5.panel-has-style > .panel-row-style , #pg-25318-6.panel-no-style, #pg-25318-6.panel-has-style > .panel-row-style { -webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column } #pg-25318-0 .panel-grid-cell , #pg-25318-1 .panel-grid-cell , #pg-25318-2 .panel-grid-cell , #pg-25318-3 .panel-grid-cell , #pg-25318-4 .panel-grid-cell , #pg-25318-5 .panel-grid-cell , #pg-25318-6 .panel-grid-cell { margin-right:0 } #pg-25318-0 .panel-grid-cell , #pg-25318-1 .panel-grid-cell , #pg-25318-2 .panel-grid-cell , #pg-25318-3 .panel-grid-cell , #pg-25318-4 .panel-grid-cell , #pg-25318-5 .panel-grid-cell , #pg-25318-6 .panel-grid-cell { width:100% } #pgc-25318-1-0 , #pgc-25318-1-1 , #pgc-25318-2-0 , #pgc-25318-2-1 , #pgc-25318-3-0 , #pgc-25318-3-1 , #pgc-25318-4-0 , #pgc-25318-4-1 , #pgc-25318-5-0 { margin-bottom:30px } #pl-25318 .panel-grid-cell { padding:0 } #pl-25318 .panel-grid .panel-grid-cell-empty { display:none } #pl-25318 .panel-grid .panel-grid-cell-mobile-last { margin-bottom:0px } } Read the full article