In 1851, the cry of “Gold!” shattered the tranquility of this pleasant, pastoral district. Within months, tent cities covered the hills and thousands of people were pouring in from around the world, eager to make their fortune. The gold rush petered out in the late 1870s. However, the two decades of wealth can still be seen in the lavish buildings, broad streets, ornate statuary and grand gardens. Today, Ballarat is Victoria’s largest inland city.
08 April 2023
BALLARAT
02 April 2023
SLIGO
Sligo, well situated on a wooded plain between Lough Gill and the sea, is north-west Ireland's most important town. The port of Sligo sits at the
mouth of the River Garavogue, sandwiched between the Atlantic and Lough Gill. The appearance of Sligo
today is mainly the result of
growth during the late 18th
and 19th centuries.
Sligo is perfectly situated
for touring the ravishing
countryside nearby, and it is
also a good centre for
traditional music. While
at first sight it can seem
a bit sombre, the town is
thriving as the arts
capital of Northwest Ireland.
Sligo’s link with the Yeats family is the main source of the town’s appeal. Yeats Memorial Building houses the Yeats Society, who are dedicated to commemorating the life of the poet. The town’s sole surviving medieval building is Sligo Abbey, founded in 1253. A short distance west from the abbey is O’Connell Street, with the town’s main shops and Hargadon’s bar – an old Sligo institution complete with a dark, wooden interior, snugs and a grocery counter.
21 March 2023
REPENTIGNY
Just east of Montreal, on the north shore of the majestic St. Lawrence River, lies the vast region of Lanaudière. Within Repentigny's largely urban setting lies a gem of nature along the River. The Chemin du Roy will enchant you with its history, heritage and scenic views of the river. Discover the importance that culture plays in Repentigny at Espace Culturel with Centre d'art Diane-Dufresne and Theatre Alphonse-Desjardins. A site for major festivals.
11 March 2023
FARGO
North Dakota's largest city, Fargo is a bustling metropolitan area in the midst of farm riches. Fargo has the state's only children's museum (Yunker Farm) and the biggest mall (West Acres), housing the Roger Maris Museum, which is dedicated to the Fargo native who hit more home runs in a year than did Babe Ruth.
Attractions in Fargo include the Plains Art Museum, among others; great public and private golf courses; parks; pools and, on summer weekends, a variety of live performances at Trollwood Park.
04 March 2023
ELGIN
Elgin is the largest town in the district of Moray, a commercial and administrative center serving the whisky country around the Spey River, and the personnel of the nearby air bases. It has been rebuilt many times over the centuries. However, its original central street, now filled with a large church (the "muckle kirk"), as well as the series of alleyways leading off, can still be made out. Look, too, for the arcading dating from the 18th century, which still fronts a few stores. With its cobbled marketplace and crooked lanes, the popular town of Elgin still retains much of its medieval layout. The 13th-century cathedral ruins are all that remain of one of Scotland’s architectural triumphs. "The Lantern of the North", as it was known, was founded in 1224 and burned down in 1390.
Elgin, High Street
25 February 2023
FRANSCHHOEK
Originally known as 'Le Quartier Français' - the French Quarter. Between 1688 and 1690 land was apportioned to some 200 Hugenots who fled persecution in France. Many had been winemakers in France and finding the cold climate of Franschhoek similar to that of France, they introduced refinements into the early industry.
HUGENOT MONUMENT
At the foot of the Franschhoek Pass and set in a formal garden with a mountain backdrop. Built to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the arrival of the Hugenots.
HUGENOT MEMORIAL MUSEUM
Exhibits are housed in a replica of the stately home. The museum covers the history and genealogy of the Hugenot families.
Originally settled by the Hugenot refugees (1688) this picturesque valley of wine farms remembers its past in the impressive arched monument, its museum, and historic church.
FRANSCHHOEK PASS
From both engineering and scenic aspects, this is possibly one of the finest mountain passes in South Africa, with its views over the valley.
18 February 2023
LONDON
London, Ontario is known for its festivals, museums and parks. Named after the city in Europe. Located along the Thames River, London is the largest municipality in southwest Ontario. It is nestled between Lake Huron and Lake Erie. A vibrant, growing city that surprises and delights the visitor. Both contemporary and traditional, it offers interesting attractions, superb restaurants and great shopping. It was selected by Governor Simcoe in 1793 as a possible site for the capital of Upper Canada.
Fanshawe Pioneer Village. Ontario's rural origins are recalled in this complex of 22 restored buildings with costumed interpreters. Craft demonstration and special event weekends. (East of city, off Clarke Rd. in Fanshawe Conservation Area).
12 February 2023
DALLAS
First Anglo-American settler at site of present metropolis built a single cabin in 1841. By mid-1870s, Dallas had become a thriving business town and market center with cosmopolitan, urbane air unmatched anywhere on the frontier at the time. Southwest's largest banking center, leader in wholesale business, second in nation for insurance company home offices, third in the nation in terms of "million-dollar" companies, and number two in convention business. "If it doesn't sell in Dallas, it won't sell", say buyers who come to some 32 wholesale fashion and home furnishing markets each year. Citizens pursue culture with almost as much enthusiasm as business. An excellent climate where fair skies, predominantly year round, encourage outdoor activities, especially water sports.
05 February 2023
PLYMOUTH
Devon’s largest city has long been linked with England’s commercial and maritime history. Plymouth actually means "the navy", and special navy days are held every other year in August. Its vast natural harbor has played a significant role in Britain's maritime affairs. Sir Francis Drake sailed from Plymouth to defeat the Spanish Armada. Bomb damage during World War II decimated the city, but the cobbled streets and timber-framed houses of an old district called the Barbican, escaped damage. The Merchant's House is a particular fine timber building and a local museum. The promenade of the Hoe commands the best views over the nautical comings and goings in Plymouth Sound. Alongside are an excellent aquarium, a vast 17th-century citadel and Plymouth Dome, a high-tech introduction to the city.
28 January 2023
ABITIBI
Abitibi is immediately to the east of Ontario, between to 47th and 49th parallel, not entirely north of Montreal, as some people like to say, but rather west of it. It's a land of 22,000 lakes and rivers, sometimes immense and deep, that abound in various fish species. It's an unspoiled landscape shaped by glaciers that caused rare geological formations, such as eskers that filter the purest water on earth. The region is considered as the walleye and northern pike fisherman's paradise. Sport fishing enthusiasts travel a long distance to catch and feast on species of game fish. It is also the natural habitat of moose and black bear. Hunting and fishing are longstanding traditions here.