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Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Travel Guide

All-night music, tropical weather, beaches, and many years of amazing history make Santo Domingo an intoxicating destination and a favorite winter go-to spot for friends of mine who run Edmonton Mudjacking during the summers. Not only is it the capital city of the Dominican Republic but it is also the Caribbean’s largest city by population. Whether you want to dive into Latin American energetic, exciting metropolis, satisfy your thirst for historical knowledge, or you just want to soak up some sunshine, Santo Domingo is the best place to visit. Here are the top things to do in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Ciudad Colonial

At the heart of the first city in America, this time-worn cathedral sets the tone for Zona Colonial. Tourists board the Chu Chu Colonial train from Parque Colon to get to the most spectacular sights. Remember to visit the oldest military construction in this region, Fort Ozama – it’s also an ancient sixteenth-century castle. The Alcazar de Colon is another must-see sight – you can explore this opulent palace from tip to toe. Also, the National Pantheon is an amazing stop on the way.

Parquet Nacional Los Tres Ojos

This tropical wonder will definitely blow your mind. It is one of the Dominican Republic’s most visited attractions. This national park is located in the middle of the city’s urban sprawl. Open-air caves formed many years ago lie at the small patch of green’s heart. Visitors are welcome to explore the freshwater pools and network of arches until they are satisfied.

Malecon

Santo Domingo’s seaside stretch is always brimming with both tourists and locals. The pier starts at the Ozama River’s mouth and stretches out into the open sea. People from different backgrounds come to stroll promenade both night and day, but particularly epic is sunsets.

Jardin Botanico Nacional

The Caribbean’s most celebrated and largest botanical gardens are found in this area, and they are unmissable when you visit this capital city. The native plants here offer excellent insight into the flora of this island, and introduces tourists to species have never seen before. Also, there is a real Japanese garden and a wide variety of orchids that will definitely dazzle.

Mercado Modelo

Local treats, specialties, and crafts can all be seen in this one breathtaking place on the Zona Colonial outskirts. Whether you are looking for high-quality amber jewelry, unique liquors, Cuban and Dominican cigars, or Caribbean artwork, this is the perfect place to shop. When you visit Mercado Modelo, not only will you walk away with souvenirs you will treasure for life, but you will also leave with the memories of this historic marketplace.

Quebec City, Canada Travel Guide

With captivatingly picturesque old streets and a position above St. Lawrence River, the oldest French-speaking city in North America is a seductive and gorgeous place. A UNESCO World Heritage site, its picturesque Old Town is a living museum with soaring church spires, seventeenth and eighteenth-century houses, and narrow cobblestone streets.

Quebec goes to extra lengths to entertain its visitors. The Winter Carnival is arguably the most colorful and biggest winter festival in the region. Also, fall and spring bring thinner crowds, beautiful foliage and dramatically reduced prices. Here are the top attractions in Quebec City, Canada.

Le Quartier Petit-Champlain

Arguably the most picturesque district in the city, Le Quartier Petit-Champlain sandwiched between the waterfront and the Old Upper Town has this city’s most intriguing galleries and museums, plus several statues and plaques and lots of restaurants and outdoor cafes along its streets.

Le Chateau Frontenac

Reputedly the most photographed hotel in the world, this elegant structure was commissioned by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1893 as part of its luxury hotel chain. Its imposing wings, winding hallways, and fabulous turrets complement its dramatic location graciously. Over time, it has welcomed dignitaries from different parts of the world, including Alfred Hitchcock, Franklin Roosevelt, and Winston Churchill.

La Citadelle

Covering about 2.3 square kilometers, the largest fort in North America was begun in the 1570s by the French but what is seen today was built by the British from 1820 and intended to defend the city against an invasion that never happened. An hour guided tour takes in several historical structures, including the reduit used as a military prison and the King’s Bastion. Today, the Citadelle is Canada Royal 22s base.

Musee de la Civilisation

This museum vows even before you have clapped your eyes on any exhibits. It’s a captivating mix of contemporary design that incorporates modern architecture with pre-existing buildings. The permanent exhibits: ‘This Is Our Story’ and People of Quebec –Then and Now are highly educational, sensitively curated, and unique. At any moment, there is an exceptional variety of rotating shows. This is the only museum in Quebec that focuses on contemporary culture and issues. The museum is a big place with lots of great stuff to see, so ensure you only focus on 1 or 2 exhibitions if you are not staying for a full day.

Terrasse Dufferin

Perched on a clifftop, this boardwalk is the perfect setting for a stroll with sweeping and spectacular views. It is peppered with street performers in summer; it hosts a sensational toboggan run in winter. Near the Samuel de Champlain statue, stairways descend to the Champlain second fort excavations.

Shaanxi, China Travel Guide

In the inland of China, there is an ancient place with many wonders. During the long history of the Chinese nation, 13 dynasties established their capitals and 73 Emperors took the helms of affairs here lasting over 1,100 years. The terracotta warriors and forces of Emperor Cheng Shuang praised as the eighth wonder of the world make hometown Shaanxi known worldwide. Shaanxi which is located in the middle reach of the Yellow River with an area of over 200,000 square kilometers is the main burst plays of the Chinese nation. The law, history, and brilliant culture in Shaanxi province have left it with a precious cultural heritage.

Xi’an called Chung’an in ancient times – the provincial capital with a famous historical city known throughout the world and is equally famous with Cairo, Athens, and Rome as one of the 4 capitals of ancient civilization. Chung’an established his historical position as an ancient political economic and cultural center and is also the starting point of Silk Road. Xi’an city wall is the biggest and best preserved feudal castle in China. Chung’an is now developing as one of the most famous international tourist cities.

On your arrival, an imitation of the ancient ceremony for entering the city gate would be held by the passionate hosts to warmly welcome the honored guests and you will be greeted with wine and given an ancient passport and a key to the city. While placing yourself in this ancient ceremony, you will feel as if you’re really in ancient China.

With lots of invaluable historic relics and sites, Shaanxi has long been known as the natural historic museum. Emperor Qin Shi Huang mausoleum is the biggest imperial mausoleum, covering an area of 56 square kilometers with over 500 burial pits. Eight thousand life-sized pottery figurines and horses were discovered in three excavated pits – they are honored as the eighth wonder of the world. In pit number one, you will see a magnificent looking military formation including three rows of advanced guards and 38 flowers of 6,000 infantrymen. Pit number two is a combined military formation in the shape of the letter L. about 1,400 terracotta warriors and horses were excavated from here. Pit number three is the headquarters.

Shaanxi’s unique tourists resources add value to the diversified Chinese culture and make the hometown of the terracotta warriors and forces a world-famous destination for tourists. Touring the hometown of the terracotta warriors and horses enables you to better understand the 5,000-year-old China civilization. Shaanxi hometown of the terracotta warriors and horses is looking forward to your visit with open arms.

Plano, Texas Travel Guide

From delicious cuisine and fantastic shopping to gorgeous parks and world-class venues, Plano has everything to make your Texas trip great. Whether you are visiting for a short business trip, a weekend getaway, a special event or sports tournament, chances are you will have a great time. The first settlers in Plano were subsistence farmers who were given land grants in the 1840s. Today, it is Collin County’s largest city and a recognized center of enterprise and business.

In the early days, the Texas Central Railway connected local ranchers and farmers to markets in Dallas and throughout the country. Part of the railroad that put this city on the map welcomes visitors to this day. At the Inter/Urban Railway Museum, you will learn about the city’s history and see a restored train car from the 18th century. You can also tour the Heritage Farmstead Museum for an experience of living history. It was once a homestead but now functions as a window into how the Blackland Prairie lived.

 

For a feel of fictional history, visit Southfork Ranch. This ranch is known to fans across the world as the site of ‘Dallas’, the popular TV show. If your visit to the one-time of the Ewings’ has you in the mood to deck yourself in cowboy gear and jewelry, you will find no shortage of boutiques and national chains waiting and ready to help. At Legacy West, there are many upscale shopping centers with chic local labels and designer brands, but they are hardly the only options you have. The downtown area of Plano and its malls have a host of restaurants as well as a wide range of retailers.

 

Legacy Town Center is a cluster of open spaces, homes, restaurants, hotels, shops, and businesses, all in a village-urban style setting. The shops here feature an upscale mix of home furnishings, as well as men and women’s clothing. Also, the center is home to a stylish 5-screen boutique cinema, the Angelika Film Center, devoted to specialty film, as well as some of the best restaurants in the area, including Fleming’s and Mexican Sugar, Bob’s Steak & Chop House.

Downtown Plano Arts District is a pulsating community of event venues, galleries, performing arts, urban living, alongside unique restaurants and boutique shops. Downtown Plano features free outdoor movies and concerts as well as festivals for all seasons. With over 60,000 sq.ft of attractions, Crayola Experience is the most colorful family destination in Texas for creative and interactive play. Children of all ages can embark on a whimsical and wonderful adventure with such amazing experiences as learning how crayons are made, wrapping and naming their own Crayola crayon, and much more.

Thanks to its lush parks, 1000+ dining options, high-end shopping centers, Plano has enough appeal for those who love outdoor adventure and urban fun.