Travel off the beaten path

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 30/10/2021 (1462 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It is natural that the first stops on a destination trip are the publicized wonders that get most of the attention and visits. Some time back I highlighted some of lesser visited, but still interesting and worthwhile somewhat off the beaten path places to see.

Given the many positive responses I received at that time, as travel opens up again it is time to again feature a few other fascinating highlights you may want to take in if you are travelling.

Grand Junction Colorado

There are no high-rise buildings on the main street of this city — which is situated on the doorstep of the Colorado National monument — with its huge canyons and majestic rock formations. About a four-hour drive from Denver, it is the home to outdoor adventure. However, it is the design of the downtown area that makes this small city most fascinating. Sixty years ago, it won the All-American City Award for its urban design — and it is still as unique today as it was then. Its Main Street was created as a two-lane serpentine winding past the best shops and restaurants in the city — with outdoor patios filling the spaces that curve onto the street. Then in 1984, it was made even more interesting with the additions of what was marketed as Art on the Corner — featuring some of the best sculptures and unique public art pieces from leading American artists.

The Chocolate Factory of Happiness

Milk chocolate was invented in Switzerland, and a leader in its world-wide production today is the Swiss company Maestrani. To highlight their leadership position and introduce and educate visitors on how chocolate is made with its different levels of taste and dexterity in cooking they created a Chocolarium in their home factory in Flawil. Flawil is an easy journey from St. Gallen — my Swiss base on that trip, and a city with many fascinating places to experience. Our guide at the Chocolate Factory showed us how to mix and match some taste treats for ourselves before admitting that — while dark chocolate has begun to dominate sales, “chocolate in itself is not really healthy. You should just taste it and love it enjoying the moments when you have the opportunity to eat it.”

Carrick-A-Rede Ireland

It is a scenic drive to the region where many of the scenes of the Game of Thrones TV series were filmed. Along the way a perfect first stop is Carrick-A-Rede. Here, you can imagine the dedication of the salmon fishermen who erected the first suspended rope bridge over 350 years ago. Only 20 metres long — poised high above the jagged rocks and waters below — it looks like, and is, a terrifying crossing. As long as the winds are not too strong, visitors can try their own test of courage as they cross the bridge over the turbulent sea below to spend time on the small island. If you make the trip across, it is worth noting the way back is the same as the way over.

Alanya Turkey

Once a small fishing village, Alanya today is an ever-growing tourist city—but a long way from Istanbul where most visitors start and end their Turkish experience. Alanya is still comparatively small — so you never feel pushed or overcrowded — and the people are extremely friendly. It is still a fishing centre with excellent seafood restaurant opportunities. Nearby Alanya Castle, which was purportedly started by pirates in the third century BC and completed in the 13th Century as a Seljuk fortress, overlooks the famous Cleopatra Beach on one side, and the harbour of the old city from the other side.

Prince Edward Island

It may not be out of the way, but for many whether driving or flying from Winnipeg, it seems to be far and not easily accessible. However, this Canadian province should be on everyone’s must see list. It wasn’t until 1997 with the opening of the 13-kilometre bridge were we able to even drive there. The home of Lucy Maud Montgomery, who wrote all the Anne of Green Gables books, is now a National Historic Site and is well worth visiting. If you are a golfer, you will be thrilled with the challenge and views afforded you on PEI courses. And if you love seafood served by a fun-loving, friendly people — you will find them all in Charlottetown. Historically the home of Confederation, there are numerous resorts and bed and breakfasts to stay in while you explore the island in leisure. You will return home even more proud of being Canadian.

pradinukr@shaw.ca