The view from Mount Royal

Montreal is the most European, cosmopolitan city that I’ve seen in North America but one of the best and most unusual aspects about this stylish metropolis is that it boasts a mountain smack in the middle of the city.  Okay, some people might refer to it as a hill but at 764 feet, Montreal’s Mount Royal offers the best place to grab panoramic views of the city. Read More »

This beautiful monument in Lisbon, Portugal is called the Monument to the Discoveries by those of us on this side of the Atlantic, but the locals know it as Padrão dos Descobrimentos.

The monument sits on estuary of the Tagus river and celebrates the Age of Discovery (also called the Age of Exploration) between the 15th and 16th centuries.

This is actually the second version of the monument as the first, developed for the 1940 Portuguese World Fair, was demolished. In 1960 this newer version was unveiled. Visitors are able to access the top where there is an observation deck.

This post is part of the UpTake Monday Museums, Monuments and Memorials Series.

Photo: kevinpoh via Flickr

Niagara Falls is, in case you haven’t heard, a really big waterfall on the border of the United States and Canada. Actually, it’s made up of a few waterfalls, including the American Falls, the Bridal Falls, and the Horseshoe Falls. Visitors come from all over the world – including America and Canada – to get a gander at the natural wonder. When I announced my own upcoming visit on Twitter recently, I was immediately told by several people to make sure I had my passport so I could visit the Canadian side and get up close to the horseshoe falls by boat.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have a passport with me at the time (it was, ironically, waiting for me in Pittsburgh.) Did my lack of passport interfere with my visit? Do you need a passport to visit Niagara Falls?

Read More »

Update: The Washington Monument is closed due to structural damage.

They say that Tropical Storm/Hurricane Irene has added additional damage to the cracks that a recent earthquake left in the Washington Monument, but hopefully it isn’t anything that some masons can’t fix.

The Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., is one of the biggest tourist attractions in a town filled with tourist attractions — both in draw and size. The monument was built in honor of George Washington and reflects beautifully in the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall.

Admission is free, but a ticket is required. If the stairs are open, take them!

While you are in town make sure to try Georgia Brown’s on 15th St NW for Happy Hour. They also put out a nice brunch. Heck, do both, you’re on vacation!

There are a number of other monuments, memorials and museums in the D.C. area, but we’ll save those for another day.

This post is part of UpTake’s Monday Museum & Monument Series

Photo: Robert Couse-Baker via Flickr