Tag Archive for: December

Quebec City #11 in Best Places to Visit in December of 2023

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Why Go To Quebec City

It’s easy to fall in love with this Canadian destination, especially when it’s covered in fresh snow. You’ll be enchanted by Old Québec’s sights and sounds as it transforms into a Christmas village. Or, you can shop for gifts (or for yourself) in Quartier Petit-Champlain. Plus, with its 17th- and 18th-century architecture, Quebec City allows you to soak up European culture without dropping the cash for a flight across the pond. Just be sure to bundle up. Temperatures can drop to below-freezing in December.

The sight of winding cobblestone streets and towering cathedrals; the sound of French pleasantries and tourists’ “Oohs;” the smell of fresh-baked bread and pungent cheese; the taste of creamy cafe lattes and buttery croissants. All your senses agree: You’re in France. But they’re wrong: You’re in Québec.

Québec City – the capital of the Canadian province, Québec – dwelled in the shadow of its neighbor, Montréal, for a long time, but the 2008 celebration of its 400th birthday catapulted Québec City back into the spotlight. Since then, travelers have flocked here to experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site’s charm for themselves. Upon passing through the fortified walls of Old Québec, you’ll discover a world straight out of a European painting: 18th- and 19th-century buildings house bakers, bistros, and boutiques, while cobbled squares are drowned by a sea of cafe tables. And around every corner, a piece of Québec City’s rich heritage awaits discovery.

Best Months to Visit

The best times to visit Québec City are June through September and December through February. During the summer and winter months, the city’s social calendar is booked solid with festivals. Summertime is the most popular time to visit due to the warmer weather, but the Québécois relish winter’s icy winds, protecting themselves from the cold weather with hefty parkas and plenty of coffee from a local cafe. The spring and fall shoulder seasons see fewer tourists because of the lack of special events, but that means travelers can take advantage of low rates as well as seasonal perks: Springtime is maple syrup season, while autumn dazzles with colorful foliage.

Culture & Customs

The best times to visit Québec City are June through September and December through February. During the summer and winter months, the city’s social calendar is booked solid with festivals. Summertime is the most popular time to visit due to the warmer weather, but the Québécois relish winter’s icy winds, protecting themselves from the cold weather with hefty parkas and plenty of coffee from a local cafe. The spring and fall shoulder seasons see fewer tourists because of the lack of special events, but that means travelers can take advantage of low rates as well as seasonal perks: Springtime is maple syrup season, while autumn dazzles with colorful foliage.

What to Eat

Québec City’s cuisine has strong French ties, which can be found in its hearty stews, meat pies, specialty chocolate shops, bakeries, crêperies and cafes that fill the streets. A popular dish to try is poutine: French fries smothered in fresh cheese curds and topped with a hot gravy.

For a distinctly Canadian meal, head to La Traite; the restaurant’s menu features ingredients that have been locally caught or picked. Located in a building that dates back to 1677, Aux Anciens Canadiens’ waiters don period-style clothing and serve authentic dishes that feature locally produced maple syrup. Le Clocher Penché’s weekend brunches are also popular for visitors and locals alike.

Getting Around Quebec City

The best way to get around Québec City is on foot. Once you pass through the walls of Old Québec, nearly everything you wish to see or do is within walking distance. But if your feet grow weary or the weather is just too chilly, the city’s Métrobus shuttles visitors around the historic area with three different routes (1, 11 and 25). And for excellent views, consider a ride on the funicular, a steeply sloping railway connecting Haute-Ville (Upper Town) and Basse-Ville (Lower Town). You do not need a car in Québec City, but if you plan on taking a day trip or two, you can rent a car in town or at the Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB), located about 8 miles west of Old Québec. Another option for exploring is by bike. A series of bike paths start from the Old Port area and travel along the river and out to the suburbs.

On Foot
Because many of Québec City’s top attractions can be found within Old Québec’s ancient walls, you won’t need more than your own two feet to make the most of your visit. Just make sure that you’re dressed warmly, especially during the winter months, and that you stop frequently: The city’s many cozy cafes and quaint shops make excellent venues to thaw.

Bike
If you want to see more of the river or take a look at what the suburbs of Québec City look like, there are several excellent inline bike trails, most of which start in the Old Port. The 5 ½-mile Corridor de la Rivière-Saint-Charles trail starts from the Jardins du bassin Louise, is separated from traffic and loops along both banks of the river. Other routes can be found on the Quebec City Tourism website. There are a couple of area companies that rent bikes and offer guided tours. However, considering the hills in Old Québec, biking is not the best way to get around the city.

Bus
When you grow tired of walking or the cold weather has chilled you to the bone, Québec City’s RTC (or Réseau de Transport de la Capitale) Métrobus is there to save the day. There are three bus routes that offer transport throughout Old Québec, stopping near many of the neighborhood’s most popular attractions, such as the Citadel and the Museum of Civilization. A one-ride general ticket costs only CA$3.40 (about $2.50), or CA$3.75 (about $2.79) if you pay in cash. Discounted fares are available for children, teens, students and seniors. One-day passes, unlimited weekend passes and five-day passes (Monday through Friday) are also available. Buses stop every 10 to 15 minutes, so visitors won’t have to wait long to catch a ride.

If you’re exploring outside the old city walls, there are 55 leBus routes to help you explore. RTC operates 60 bus routes throughout the greater metropolitan area, but to figure out which buses to rely on for all your tourist needs, check out RTC’s handy bus guide for visitors. Fares are the same for Métrobus as they are for the leBus.

Funiculaire
It’s a pretty steep climb from Old Québec’s Basse-Ville (Lower Town) to Haute-Ville (Upper Ville). To save your energy and to enjoy fantastic views, ride the funiculaire. This cliff-side elevator travels 210 feet at a 45-degree angle between the northern edge of the Quartier Petit-Champlain in Basse-Ville to Dufferin Terrace, near the entrance of the Château Frontenac in Haute-Ville. The funiculaire opens every day starting at 9 a.m. and closes at 10:30 p.m. in summer; closing times vary the rest of the year. Rides cost CA$5 (about $3.75) per person.

Taxi
Taxis are plentiful in Québec City. While you can hail them on the street, you may have better luck catching one if you download the Taxi Coop smartphone app and order one, or look for a designated cab stand. The meter starts at around CA$4.10 (roughly $3.05), and each extra kilometer (approximately 0.6 miles) costs CA$2.05 (about $1.55). The ride-hailing app Uber also operates in Quebec City.

Car
You can rent a car either in town or at the airport, but we strongly advise you not to. Parking on Old Québec’s narrow streets can be a nightmare, not to mention that you’ll be hard-pressed to find a free spot (even in the evenings and on weekends). Plus, Canadian gas prices closely resemble America’s, except you’ll be charged by the liter rather than by the gallon, making it more expensive. The only time a car would come in handy is when you’re taking a day trip outside the city (to Jacques-Cartier National Park, for instance). If that’s the case, we suggest waiting to rent until the day of.

Remember: Distances and speeds are posted in kilometers per hour and some signs may only be in French. U.S. driver’s licenses are valid for visitors in Canada.

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Dubai #12 in Best Places to Visit in December of 2023

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Why Go To Dubai

Dubai and Las Vegas have a lot in common. Both cities share a love for the fantastical, with skylines that shine like beacons against barren desert backdrops. People from all over the world flock to these shimmering oases with the same goal: to play hard. But as a vacation spot, Dubai easily trumps ol’ Sin City thanks to its gorgeous cream-colored Persian Gulf shoreline, international culinary scene, and larger-than-life attractions. And the city’s still growing; plans are underway for something bigger and better. At one point, it was estimated that a quarter of the world’s construction cranes could be found here. If that’s any sign, even the sky may not be able to limit Dubai’s growth.

Dubai is a city of superlatives, home to the world’s tallest tower, one of the world’s largest shopping malls, and one of the world’s largest man-made marinas… but on a smaller scale, this emirate is still tied to its days as a modest port town. Traditional wooden abras (boats) float past motorboats on Dubai Creek, the natural sands of Jumeirah Public Beach fringe the carefully sculpted Palm Islands, and the bustling Gold and Spice Souks (marketplaces) thrive amid the larger-than-life Dubai Mall. Despite constantly looking to the future, this city isn’t quick to let go of its past. It’s this dynamic that not only puts Dubai on the tourist map but will also keep it there.

Best Months to Visit

The best time to visit Dubai is from November to March. Weather-wise, Dubai only experiences two seasons: hot and hotter. During the winter months, the city sees blue skies and primo beach weather. However, this is also peak tourist season, so expect plenty of company on Jumeirah Beach. You can escape the crowds if you visit during the summer months but be prepared for triple-digit temps and high humidity levels.

Culture & Customs

Dubai stands as one of seven states (or “Emirates”) that make up the United Arab Emirates; the other six are Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al Quwain. Each emirate is governed by a sheikh, or Arabic ruler. The sheikh of Abu Dhabi acts as president of the Federal Supreme Council (both the UAE’s legislative and executive body), while the sheikh of Dubai fills the role of vice president. Although Abu Dhabi serves as the official capital of the UAE, Dubai has long been the emirates’ commercial and financial hub.

But Dubai wasn’t always the economic powerhouse it is today. Before oil was discovered in the mid-1960s, Dubai’s economy relied solely on fishing and a moderately successful pearl industry. But once oil became a point of trade about 10 years after its discovery, the economy soared, and continues to do so. The current UAE vice president of and prime minister and Dubai Sheikh, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is strongly invested in the city’s growth and status as a tourist hot spot.

The emirate’s role as a commercial heavyweight attracts expats from around world. Dubai’s population features citizens of 200 different nationalities, and each has left its own imprint on daily life. However, the dominant religion here is Islam, and Muslim culture greatly impacts Dubai’s society. As a result, visitors are encouraged to dress modestly here – that means no exposed chests, thighs or midriffs – and alcohol is not commonly found outside of international hotels and restaurants. Those who visit during Ramadan (the Islamic month of fasting) are encouraged to refrain from eating or drinking in public places.

Despite its size, Dubai has earned a reputation as being one of the safest places in the Middle East. The UAE remains removed from the political and religious conflicts taking place in other parts of the Middle East. Women visiting Dubai should also feel safe to move about freely. However, women are often taken aback by Emiratis’ tendency to stare; note that these gazes are most likely out of curiosity, not rudeness.

Although the official language is Arabic, Dubai’s trade history and booming tourism market means that almost everyone speaks English. American travelers can also rejoice in the fact that most major credit cards are accepted at stores, hotels and restaurants. For those paying in cash, the official currency here is the Emirati dirham (AED), which is equal to roughly $0.27. Check what the current exchange rate is before you arrive and have cash on hand when visiting Dubai’s traditional souks (markets).

What to Eat

Emirati food, the principal cuisine in Dubai, is all about one thing: spice. Put down the salt and pepper; in Dubai, all the flavor you’ll ever need is already sprinkled into the dish from a wider variety of seasonings, few of which you may not be familiar (Is za’atar in your spice cabinet? What about cardamom?). There are so many interesting and exotic dishes to sample in Dubai, the best way to navigate its rich culinary landscape is by starting with the basics.

Al machboos is the Emirati’s staple dish – think what red beans and rice are to New Orleans – and something you can’t skip on your tasting tour of the Emirates. A favorite in the home and at restaurants, al machboos appears to be a simple dish – your choice of meat topped with rice – but packs a big punch flavor-wise, because it’s seasoned with cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, dried lemon and yellow raisins. Thanks to Dubai’s location along the coast, fish is plentiful and widely used as the choice of meat in hardy dishes. M’hammar will satisfy any seafood lover’s craving for the taste of the Arabian Peninsula, prepared with locally caught fish and served with sweet yellow rice, caramelized onions and of course, a host of spices. Believe it or not, camel is widely available throughout Dubai, but is typically served on special occasions and often considered a food eaten among VIPs.

Other traditional fare to look out for are chebab, Emirati pancakes infused with saffron and cardamom and topped with yogurt and date syrup; khameer bread, which is stuffed with sweet or savory fillings, and kunafa, the Middle Eastern take on a cheese Danish. Arabic coffee is an experience in itself, especially for those who often take theirs with only cream and sugar. This coffee features regional lightly roasted beans mixed with saffron and cardamom. The ingredients are ground, boiled then strained and served in small cups. Don’t forget to satisfy your sweet tooth here either. Emiratis love their desserts. The most traditional is luqaimat, which is batter deep fried in ghee and served with local date syrup (think doughnut holes with a Middle Eastern twist). Another classic dish is balaleet, which features sweet vermicelli noodles with raisins, saffron, cardamom and other spices. And if you’re visiting during Ramadan, try Assidat al-Boubar, a pumpkin pudding made with rosewater that’s widely served after the fast is broken.

A huge part of what has shaped Dubai’s food landscape is the melting pot of cultures (more than 200 nationalities) that share the city. Aside from Emirati establishments, you’ll find restaurants serving everything from classic French fare to dim sum. If you want flash, definitely go to one of the Burj Al Arab’s restaurants. There’s also La Petite Maison, a Michelin star-rated French import that sits near the Four Seasons. For beloved (and cheaper) casual eateries, head over to Al Samadi Sweets for Lebanese and Arabic dessert, or kick back and relax at Seven Sands, the oceanfront restaurant at Jumeirah Beach Residence. For more information about where to eat, check out the Dubai tourism board’s website.

Getting Around Dubai

The best way to get around Dubai is by taxi or by metro. Although prices are high across the board in Dubai, a taxi here or there won’t break the bank. Plus, they provide the freedom to move at your own pace without the hassle of navigating traffic. Dubai’s metro system transports passengers to major areas of interest, including Burj Khalifa and the Dubai International Airport (DXB). The airport is about 10 miles from downtown Dubai. You can also rent a car at the airport, but be forewarned: driving here is not for the faint-hearted.

Taxi
Taxis are the most cost- and time-efficient means of getting around Dubai. You can easily spot cabs by their tan bodies and red roofs; the pink-topped cabs are designated for female and family passengers only (they are also driven by women). All taxis are metered, with rates starting at 12 dirhams (roughly $3.25) and increasing by about 2.82 dirhams (around $0.75) per mile. Because Dubai addresses do not include building numbers, you’ll have to specify your destination based on an intersection or a nearby hotel or landmark. Taxis also service Dubai International Airport for a flat rate of 20 dirhams (roughly $5.50). Uber also operates in Dubai.

Bus
The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) operates more than 100 routes in Dubai. Like the metro, bus fares range depending on which of the seven zones you plan to travel through. You can pay using a Nol Card, which you can purchase at select bus stations, ticket vending machines and RTA service centers throughout the city. Although buses run frequently, you will need to factor traffic delays and frequent stops into your travel time. Bus no. 8 tends to be one of the most useful routes for travelers since it makes stops at some of the tourist hot spots, including the Burj Al Arab and the Dubai Marina.

Metro
Dubai’s metro consists of two lines: the red line and the green line. Both lines together service nearly 50 stations, including the airport. The routes are divided into zones, and fares vary depending on which zones are traveled through. You can pay for your trip with a Nol Card, which is valid on Dubai’s metro, buses and waterbuses. You can purchase a Nol Card in all metro stations. Hours of operation depend on the day and line, but they usually start operating around 5 or 5:30 a.m. and run until midnight or 1 a.m. the following day. However, on Fridays it’s important to note that metro trains don’t start operating until 10 a.m.

Boat
Boats have always played a primary role in Dubai transportation, and today, they are still frequently used by both locals and tourists who need to cross Dubai Creek. For 1 dirham (roughly $0.27) per trip, you can cross the creek via abra, the traditional wooden boat that has graced Dubai’s waters for years and years. You’ll find abras lining the creek in the downtown area. Just make sure to carry cash, as drivers don’t accept cards.

The Roads & Transport Authority also operates a boat service known as the Dubai Waterbus. These are more spacious and high-tech than abras (and provide air conditioning), and they service stations outside of the immediate downtown area. One-way trips cost 2 dirhams (roughly $0.54), and you can pay using your Nol Card.

Car
Dubai’s roads are well maintained and clearly labeled; however, it can be difficult to maneuver through all the constant construction and traffic. You should also keep in mind that finding parking can be troublesome too. That being said, a car will come in handy should you want to venture outside of Dubai city. You can rent a car in town or at the Dubai airport. To drive here, you will need to obtain an international driver’s license.

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Queenstown #13 in Best Places to Visit in December of 2023

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Why Go To Queenstown

A trip to Queenstown means a trip filled with adventure. One day, you’re bungee jumping: Your feet leave the ledge, and gravity drags your body downward. Then you’re whitewater rafting: You’re plummeting over waterfalls, the river water slapping your skin. And the next day, you’re hiking the greenest hills you’ve ever seen. Later in the week, your stomach drops because you’ve just leaped out of an airplane into the blue sky: skydiving. And before you head home, you’re grinding down a snowy mountain, a board strapped to your feet: snowboarding. What an adrenaline rush!

If these visions seem more like a dream come true – and less like a horrifying nightmare – your fantasy destination is the easygoing daredevil, Queenstown. And at the end of a rip-roaring day, you can toast to yourself with some of the best pinot noir around. So, visit for adventure, friendliness, wine, and ravishing vistas. And do bring your bucket list: You’ll be able to check a few things off.

Best Months to Visit

The best time to visit Queenstown is the summer (December through February), when the long, sunny days make outdoor excursions enjoyable. Because of the sheer number of outdoorsy activities offered in the summertime, you can expect some moderate crowds and busy hotels. Spring (September to November) and fall (March to May) yield unpredictable weather conditions, while winter (June through August) is prime for powder hounds.

Culture & Customs

In New Zealand, “kiwi” doesn’t just refer to a fruit. It refers to a native New Zealander and the national bird. Keep your eyes peeled for these endangered and flightless creatures. You can also find them at Kiwi Birdlife Park.

English is the primary language here, although getting used to the accent may take some time. Kiwis are known for their friendliness and won’t take offense should you need them to repeat themselves.

The official currency here is the New Zealand dollar (NZD), which is roughly equivalent to $0.67. You should also note that tipping isn’t customary here, although it is appropriate to leave 10 to 15 percent if the service was extraordinary.

Like Brits and Aussies, Kiwis drive on the left side of the road. Those of you who are used to city driving should take extra care when driving on New Zealand’s winding mountain roads. Narrow passageways and fickle weather conditions can throw even the most seasoned driver off course.

Queenstown is a pretty safe place; car break-ins are the most common offense against tourists, so be sure to leave valuables at home or in your hotel room.

What to Eat

Like other Kiwi cities, Queenstown specializes in fresh, local cuisine. However, unlike Auckland and Wellington, Queenstown’s dining scene mainly consists of casual fare. No matter where you are in New Zealand, trying out the region’s lamb is a must. For some of Queenstown’s best lamb, grab some takeout (or takeaway as it’s known locally) from Pedro’s House of Lamb. Only one item is offered at Pedro’s: a baked rosemary and garlic lamb shoulder with scalloped potatoes. The lamb is not only delicious, but one portion can easily feed two to three adults.

Quintessential New Zealand seafood like whitebait, bluff oysters and green-lipped mussels can be found in Queenstown as well. Notable seafood eateries include Captains Restaurant, Botswana Butchery and Fishbone Bar & Grill.

And before leaving Queenstown, visitors who are 18 and older should plan on checking out the region’s top-notch wine. More than 70 wineries can be found in the area, most of which produce Central Otago’s world-famous pinot noir. Some of Queenstown’s best wineries include Amisfield, Gibbston Valley and Peregrine Wines.

Getting Around Queenstown

The best way to get around Queenstown is by car, since many of the city’s activities are spread apart. Plus, there’s limited public transportation to get you from point A to point B. That said, you can certainly walk around downtown Queenstown and get a feel for the city. If you stay in central Queenstown, you can likely get around without a rental car. To get into town from Queenstown Airport (ZQN), a distance of less than 5 miles, you can take a taxi, the No. 11 bus or your rental car.

On Foot
If you plan on keeping a close radius to your accommodations in central Queenstown, walking is a good way to get around. Many of Queenstown’s adventure activities, including skydiving and bungee jumping, offer free transportation from downtown Queenstown, making it easy to enjoy several top attractions. However, if you plan on staying outside the city center, you’ll probably need to rent a car.

Car
There are eight rental car agencies at Queenstown Airport. And if you plan on traveling to Queenstown’s outer-lying attractions like Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, a car is a necessity (though you can also hire tour buses for transportation). Since parking spots are scarce in Queenstown, we recommend taking advantage of the garage located on Man Street (near the Sofitel hotel). You’ll need either an international driving permit or an up-to-date license from your home country. Also, keep in mind that Kiwis drive on the left side of the road.

Bus
Ritchies Connectabus offers six public bus routes that connect downtown Queenstown to select hotels and neighboring towns. Buses aren’t ideal for getting to and from Queenstown’s attractions but are worth considering if you decide to travel around the immediate area. Bus fares start at NZ$4.50 ($3) for adults and NZ$3.50 (a little more than $2) for children, though a one-day unlimited bus pass is available for NZ$33 ($22). Route timetables vary, however, buses generally operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Taxi
Three main taxi companies operate in Queenstown: Queenstown Taxis, Green Cabs and Corporate Cabs. All three service Queenstown Airport and are reliable. Taxi fares start at NZ$4.75 ($3), with an additional NZ$6.44 ($4) added per mile.

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Park City, Utah #14 in Best Places to Visit in December of 2023

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Why Go To Park City, Utah

Park City is known for three things: skiing, snowboarding, and the Sundance Film Festival. Located 35 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, Park City is easily accessible and home to a wide range of accommodations that attract throngs of vacationers during the winter season. Sandwiched between two premier resorts, Deer Valley and Park City Mountain, this former mining town sits in the shadow of the rugged Wasatch Mountain Range. In 2002, both resorts hosted events during the Winter Olympics, and the Utah Olympic Park, which sits just north of the main street, is still a major training facility for winter athletes, including the United States Ski Team.

But you don’t have to be an Olympian to experience all that Park City has to offer. Stroll down the city’s charming Historic Park City area or visit the High West Distillery and Saloon. For family fun, grab your warmest winter gear for an afternoon of snow tubing at Gorgoza Park. And after a long day schussing the slopes (or lounging in the lodge), enjoy the city’s bustling après-ski scene.

Best Months to Visit

The best time to visit Park City is from December to March if you’re a winter sports enthusiast. Ski season generally runs from mid-November through mid-April, depending on the weather and snowfall totals. The winter months are the coldest, with temperatures averaging in the low 30s and dropping to single digits by nightfall. Park City sees an average of 300 to 400 inches of snowfall annually, and the city is the busiest in January, when in addition to skiers, thousands of film fans flock to attend the annual Sundance Film Festival. And while the ski season is the primary draw for this small mountain enclave, local Utah residents often visit for a cool break in the summer months when Park City temperatures are typically 20 degrees lower than in other parts of the state.

How to Save Money in Park City

Use Free Public Transportation
All Park City buses and the Main Street trolley are free to use and offer routes to major locations in town, as well as to both ski resorts.

Avoid Holidays
Accommodation rates are highest during peak ski season (December through mid-March), especially during holiday weekends.

Purchase Lift Tickets Online
Take advantage of discounts by booking online a week or more in advance.

What to Eat

Despite the city’s relatively small size, Park City’s dining scene packs a punch thanks to its wealth of highly-regarded eateries, many of them serving dishes inspired by locally sourced, regional flavors. Several of the city’s top restaurants are located on or near Main Street. Featured on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” the Silver Star Café dishes up what it calls “roots cuisine” (essentially, from-scratch regional foods), accompanied by “roots music” (acoustic performances). Try duck confit tacos or hearth-fired pizza at lunch and seared elk burgers or osso buco for dinner. Handle specializes in small plates and creative cocktails: try the Rattlesnake, a local creation featuring High West double rye and absinthe, topped with egg white foam decorated with an “H” brand. Signature dishes include buffalo cauliflower and smoked trout sausage.

High West Distillery & Saloon is a Western-inspired gastro-pub with a menu that serves up dishes like High Country pot pie and caribou sausage rolls, accompanied by craft whiskeys, bourbons and ryes. It’s also the only distillery in America with ski-in, ski-out access. Robert Redford’s restaurant, Zoom, is located in a renovated train station and serves comfort food with a twist: expect entrees like pecan-crusted trout with collard greens, apple-marinated pork loin or a decadent mac and cheese.

For something slightly more formal, Riverhorse on Main is a longtime favorite. For the past 16 years, this rustic-chic restaurant has been awarded four stars by Forbes. Riverhorse features fresh seafood like macadamia-crusted halibut, as well as standards like rack of lamb, baby back ribs, steaks and pork chops (don’t miss the chocolate soufflé for dessert). Live entertainment and a sizeable outdoor deck for alfresco dining are an added bonus.

If you need to grab a bite while you’re on the slopes, both major resorts provide an array of options from casual grab-and-go offerings to fine dining and everything in between.

Getting Around Park City, Utah

The best way to get around Park City is on foot or via free public transportation. The Main Street trolley runs up and down the steep historic street for short jaunts, and bus routes service all major locations in town, as well as both ski resorts. Rideshare services, including Uber and Lyft, are available, and a new UberSki service guarantees you get a driver with all-wheel drive and room to carry skis and snowboards during the winter months.

The closest major airport, Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), is located 35 miles northwest of Park City. You can rent a car for the drive to Park City or take a shuttle van, bus or rideshare service to reach your accommodations.

On Foot
The best way to explore Historic Park City is on foot or via the free trolley. Most of the city’s shops, galleries and restaurants are located in this area. The trolley runs daily from one end of the steep street to the other from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Bus and trolley
Park City’s public transportation includes the Main Street trolley and a bus system – both are free to use. The bus routes offer service to most major attractions in town, and also run to the two major ski resorts. Both the bus and trolley are bike-friendly as well. Most routes operate from 6 or 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. or 12 a.m.

Taxi
Although there are several taxi services and shuttle companies in Park City, most visitors take advantage of the city’s free public transportation to get around town and to get between the ski resorts. However, if you need to go outside of the main resort area – for instance, to go tubing at Gorgoza Park, which is not on the free bus route – you may want to take a taxi or use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. A new UberSki service (offered during the winter months) guarantees an all-wheel drive vehicle with room for skis and snowboards.

Car
Driving is easy in Park City and on the well-maintained interstate between the Salt Lake City airport and the city. Note that it is advisable during the winter season to rent a vehicle with all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive to navigate snowy roads. There are more than 10 car rental companies located at or near the airport, as well as a handful of agencies in Park City.

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St. Augustine #15 in Best Places to Visit in December of 2023

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Why Go To St. Augustine

No matter where you go in St. Augustine, odds are you’ll stand face-to-face with American history. Founded by the Spaniards in 1565, this town in northeastern Florida is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the U.S. Alongside narrow cobblestone streets and colonial architecture, you’ll find Romanesque Revival-style buildings, many of which were designed by railroad and oil tycoon Henry Flagler, who played a key role in developing St. Augustine and the rest of Florida’s east coast. With so much history, it should come as no surprise that St. Augustine also has a penchant for the paranormal: Many of the town’s top attractions, which are believed to be haunted by Spanish settlers and original inhabitants, tout nighttime ghost tours.

Though the main draw here is the abundance of landmarks that date back to the Spanish occupation, the Ancient City also offers various boutiques, eateries, live music venues, and art galleries. Travelers with children should check out the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum and the St. Augustine Wild Reserve. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Lightner Museum’s eclectic collection, while shopaholics cannot pass up a chance to peruse the boutiques on St. George Street. And once you’re ready to relax, grab your gear and head to the beach. As with many coastal Florida towns, St. Augustine offers prime access to the Atlantic Ocean and year-round sunshine.

Best Months to Visit

The best time to visit St. Augustine is between March and May. During this time, you’ll find fewer people, comfortable temperatures, and low hotel and airfare rates. Crowds are typically at their largest from June to August, while temperatures can drop into the 40s between December and February. You’ll also enjoy favorable temperatures and score accommodation deals from September to November, though these months fall within the Atlantic hurricane season, which starts in June and lasts until the end of November.

What to Eat

St. Augustine sits by three rivers, a lagoon, and the Atlantic Ocean, so you’ll find plenty of top-notch seafood served at the town’s restaurants. Florida seafood specialties found on St. Augustine restaurant menus include grouper, shrimp and mahi-mahi. To sample some of the region’s fresh seafood, pay a visit to popular eateries like Sunset Grille and O’Steen’s Restaurant.

Though you’ll find casual American fare at most St. Augustine restaurants, several internationally influenced cafes, bakeries and eateries are available as well. Some of the town’s most popular restaurants include Casa Benedetto’s Ristorante – an Italian dining establishment – and Mango Mango’s Caribbean Grill & Bar. And on St. George Street, diners can enjoy Cuban classics like pan con bistec (steak and grilled onion sandwiches) and papa rellenas (stuffed fried potatoes) at The Cuban Cafe & Bakery, Spanish tapas at Columbia Restaurant and British-inspired pub fare at the Bull & Crown Publick House.

Getting Around St. Augustine

The best way to get around St. Augustine is on foot and by trolley. Most of St. Augustine’s top attractions are located within the town’s historic downtown, while other sights like the Old Jail and Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park can be reached by the local sightseeing trolley. To get to and from Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), the area’s closest major airport, visitors can drive or take a taxi. The Northeast Florida Regional Airport (UST) is a closer option, about 5 miles north of the city, but offers very limited flight options through just a few lesser-known carriers. The city’s Sunshine Bus Company can be used for half of the journey, but travelers will need to use two or more Jacksonville Transportation Authority buses for the other part of their trip. The Sunshine Bus Co. can also be used to get around central St. Augustine. Driving within St. Augustine is not recommended due to limited street parking.

On Foot
Many of St. Augustine’s shops, restaurants, art galleries and attractions sit within the historic city center, making it easy to get around the city on foot. At the northern edge of the downtown area, travelers will find the St. Augustine & St. Johns County Visitor Information Center, plus must-see spots like the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum. The Lightner Museum and Flagler College are located in the southern part of the neighborhood. Connecting both ends of the area is St. George Street, which can only be accessed on foot. To make walking on St. Augustine’s cobblestone streets a bit more comfortable, pack a sturdy pair of shoes.

Trolley
Old Town Trolley Tours – an independently operated hop-on, hop-off trolley service – stops throughout St. Augustine. The trolley makes 22 stops at or near popular destinations like the Old Jail, the Colonial Quarter and Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. Two stops are situated along St. George Street. A beach shuttle, which is free for trolley ticket holders and takes visitors to St. Augustine Beach, the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park and the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, can be boarded at the No. 14 trolley stop.

Trolley tours depart every 15 minutes between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Tours are offered every day except Christmas. Basic trolley tours cost $32.59 per adult and $17.77 for children ages 4 to 12 and include complimentary admission to the St. Augustine History Museum. Trolley tour packages are also available, which start at $57.72 for adults and $36.79 for kids and include tickets for popular attractions like the Old Jail and Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. Children younger than 4 ride for free. Tickets can be purchased on the Old Town Trolley Tours website for the prices listed above. (Tickets purchased at the St. Augustine Visitor Information Center or elsewhere may cost more.)

Bus
The Sunshine Bus Company operates six lines, two connector routes and a circulator in and around St. Augustine. Bus fares are $1 or $2 per ride, while one-day passes can be purchased for $2 or $4. Operation times vary by line and other factors, though all run between Monday and Saturday each week. Service is not offered on Sundays and select holidays.

Taxi
Several taxi companies service St. Augustine and St. Johns County. Taxis can be hailed by phone or on the street. A one-way taxi ride to St. Augustine from Jacksonville International Airport starts at around $75.

Car
If you plan on staying outside of central St. Augustine or traveling throughout Florida, consider renting a car. You’ll likely also want a car on travel days to help you get to and from the airport. Keep in mind that the city’s narrow cobblestone streets and limited street parking will make it a challenge to park downtown. For those who decide to drive, your best parking option will be at your hotel or the St. Augustine & St. Johns County Visitor Information Center Historic Downtown Parking Facility, which is open 24 hours a day and sits within walking distance of St. George Street. Parking in this garage costs $15 per vehicle, per entry. A few metered street parking spaces are also available on a first-come, first-served basis. Rental cars can be found at Jacksonville International Airport or the Northeast Florida Regional Airport.

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