Overview
Greenville is located in the Piedmont region of South Carolina in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The area, commonly referred to as the Upstate, includes Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Pickens and Cherokee counties and the cities of Anderson, Clemson, Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer and Spartanburg.

Greenville is the third largest city in the state of South Carolina. As of the 2006 census, the city had a population of over 1.2 million.

Greenville

Greenville

The famous Liberty Bridge

Highlights:
Falls Park on the Reedy
This is a large regional park in the West End with beautiful gardens and several waterfalls. The park is home to the Liberty Bridge, a pedestrian suspension bridge overlooking the Reedy River.

Greenville County Museum of Art
This museum specializes in American art, frequently with a Southern perspective that dates back to the 1700s. It is noted for its collections of work by Andrew Wyeth and Jasper Johns, as well as a contemporary collection that features such notables as Andy Warhol, Georgia O’Keeffe, and others.

Greenville Zoo, in Cleveland Park.

The Furman University
The campus features a prominent Bell Tower housing a 61 Bell Carillon, one of the largest in the southeast. The campus also contains an authentic Japanese Garden.

Downtown
The vibrant downtown won the prestigious 2003 Great American Main Street Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. It’s a MUST see if you are in Greenville

Quick Tips/Suggestions:
Greenville is a very clean and organized place. People are so friendly here that they are willing to offer their assistance anytime needed. It is recommended to stay at downtown where all the actions will take place. I stayed at this beautiful hotel called Hampton Inn & Suites (http://www.hamptoninnandsuitesgreenville.com/)

Waterfall at Falls Park on the Reedy

Downtown

Hampton Inn and Suites hotel

Best Way to Get Around:
Bus
Public transit in Greenville is handled by the Greenville Transit Authority (GTA). GTA runs a bus system that serves the Greenville area and much of Greenville County.

Foot
Downtown is best seen on foot. Walk and meet friendly people as you enjoy the stroll at downtown.

Overview:
Washington is one of those places that holds an endless facination for many Americans. This time i went looking for the road less traveled and had a wonderful time finding it. Whether you have a week to spend or only a long weekend, there are an endless array of options of what to see and do in DC. I am artsy so my getaway involved museums, galleries and a show.

Capitol Hill

U.S. Supreme Court

Highlights:
KENNEDY CENTER
Located right outside zone one in Washington, the Kennedy Center is a must see. Their website offers not only the full schedule of events but the ability to purchase tickets online. www.kennedy-center.org. Be sure to stop and grab a bite at the KC café and take a walk outside for one of the best views around.

CORCORAN GALLERY OF ART
One of the finest collections of American 19th-century art in the world. It is not confined to that however, it includes photographs, sculptures and other more modern art forms. My favorite is the Viger LeBrun portrait of Madam DuBarry, which is neither American nor 19th century.

RENWICK GALLERY
This museum is part of the Smithsonian Museums. It is a national treasure. If you have ever had any interest in Native Americans the Caitlin Gallery is a fascinating study of the face of the Indian in the 19th century.

PHILLIPS COLLECTION
Located near Dupont Circle this is an amazing museum. Housed in a home with two added wings it has a fine collection of Impressionist works as well as an EL Greco just to mention a few of its treasures.

HILLWOOD HOUSE AND GARDEN
Located beyond the Washington Zoo this is the former home of Marjorie Merriweather Post. Her fascination with all things Russians has led to a collection that will delight and fascinate. The greenhouses and gardens are well worth visiting in their own right.

ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
A must stop for any history buff, the history of the United States from the Civil War to the present can be understood through the brave men and woman who have served our government. A tourmobile tour is a good idea for getting from one site to another since this is a very large cemetery

Library of Congress

Washington Monument

White House

Quick Tips/Suggestions:
Washington is an expensive city. Hotel rooms can run anywhere from $100 to $400 depending on where and when. I got my room at the Washington Hilton for $87 on Hotwire. The location of this hotel is perfect and the neighborhood has loads of restaurants and shops.

One benefit of visiting Washington is that many of the sights are free. If you want to visit any of the Smithsonian Museums they are free of charge. The Lincoln Memorial and the Jefferson memorial are also free. You can visit the Kennedy Center for free to enjoy the spectacular view or to catch a bite to eat.

There is no charge to visit the Mall and the Vietnam Memorial. If you want to walk around Arlington National cemetery, that is also free of charge. The Tourmobile however is not free.

Best Way to Get Around:
Washington Flyer
I flew into Washington Dulles International Airport. I then caught a bus from ‘Washington Flyer’ that cost US$9 to take me to the West Falls Church metro stop. I purchased a round trip metro pass for US$6.50 that gave me unlimited access to the public transportation system in Washington. The Metro is fast, efficient and easy to understand.

Airports
Washington is served by two other airports: Reagan National Airport, which is the closest to downtown; and Balitmore International Airport. All major airlines use one or all three of these airports.

Taxi
Within Washington taxis are a very good alternative. Prices are fixed and as long as you stay within the zone you will pay one price. Even if you go into zone 2 it still only cost two people $10. Considering the comfort and speed it was a very good bargain.

If you are considering bringing your car, please don’t. Or if you must, get a hotel in Crystal City, park your car at the hotel, and take the Metro into the downtown. Parking is expensive and hard to find, traffic is heavy, and like any big city it is a nightmare.

Metro

Inside the Metro station

Overview:
Montreal is a truly unique and beautiful city. Experience the culture of France right here in North America. From great food to fun attractions, Montreal has something for everyone.

Highlights:
I found the city of Montreal to be unique and unlike any other city I have ever visited. During the day, you can take in beautiful museums or have a latte at a corner cafe, and during the evening, you can dine on exceptional French cuisine, then go carousing at a nightclub or take in the bar scene. Take it all in—just give yourself enough time to be cultured. Here are a few of my “can’t-be-missed” in Montreal.

Old Montreal
There is no place more conducive to a dreamy step back in time than the romantic district of Old Montreal. Its cobblestone streetshave witnessed the passage of time for more than 360 years. Today, art galleries, artisans’ boutiques, terraces and cafes conduct business within walls of these gracious 18th and 19th century buildings. Nearb, in the Old Port cyclists, joggers and in-line skater enthusiasts of all ages should enjoy the generous recreational paths year round.

Basilique Notre Dome
The Basilique Notre Dame is a true gem. The intricate wood work, stunning artwork, and attention to detail make this cathedral one of the most beautiful in the world.

Biodome
Another unique experience in Montreal is the Biodome. This building was used in the 1976 Olympics as the cycling center. It was recreated as an indoor ecosystem—and not just one, but four unbelievable ecosystems. This place is fun for the entire family.

Ice Hockey
Lastly, Montreal is home to the most decorated team in hockey history: the Montreal Canadiens. Montreal bleeds hockey. If you go during the hockey season (if there ever is one again), don’t miss out on this true entertainment experience.

I could go on and on, but these are my top three “can’t-be-missed” experiences in Montreal. I can’t wait to go back.

Quick Tips/Suggestions:
When I was in Montreal, I noticed that trying to speak French (for me, about 10 words) was a great way to break the ice with the locals. By at least saying, “Bonjour, how are you today?” you already have gained respect. French is the official language in Montreal, and they appreciate nothing more than Americans (like myself) who at least try. I found that by showing this respect to the locals, I was able to get better service, a smiling face, and make new friends. So do yourself a favor—learn a couple of French words and see how much further you get in Montreal.

Best Way to Get Around:
Metro
The Metro system in Montreal is a very effective and inexpensive way to get around the city. There are four different color-coded lines to make traveling on the Metro less difficult. I recommend spending a couple of bucks and getting a map of the Metro lines.

Bus
If going underground is not your “thing,” try taking the many buses that are located around the city. Make sure you have exact change when getting on any city buses. You can also buy fares in advance at any Metro booth, or if you are going to be in the city for at least a couple of days, maybe you should try a weekly pass.

Foot and Taxi
I always prefer to get around on foot, car, or taxi. Taxis are available in front of almost every hotel in Montreal, and you can also hail one curbside. One trip that was well worth the price of the taxi fare was Ile Notre Dame Casino. The casino was packed, and the line for parking was ridiculous. The taxi pulled right up front with no problem.