DREAMSCAPES Winter/Spring 2020

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TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE

WINTER/SPRING 2020

ANOTHER WORLD AWAITS IN SAN ANTONIO MARCH BREAK GETAWAYS JAPAN'S OLYMPIC DREAMS TAKE FLIGHT MAKE MEMORIES IN FLORIDA $3.95

dreamscapes.ca

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DS TABLE OF CONTENTS >>

VOLUME 25, ISSUE NO. 1

VISITSANANTONIO.COM

10

SAN ANTONIO: A GEM IN THE LONE STAR STATE Encounter a thriving hub of arts and dining loaded with the fine southern hospitality that is vintage Texas.

BY ROBIN ROBINSON

14

MARCH BREAK FAMILY GETAWAYS Check out these fun spring break ideas available at some popular U.S. destinations.

BY JOSEPHINE MATYAS

16

THE FLORIDA KEYS ARE AMERICA’S TROPICAL PARADISE Discover how a Florida road trip on the legendary Overseas Highway leads to a vacationer’s paradise.

BY STEVE WINSTON

18

LIE BACK IN FORT MYERS AND SANIBEL Go for the laidback charm at one of Florida’s favourite sun spots.

BY BRUCE SACH

20

SEAWORLD PARKS: A FULL SLATE OF FESTIVE FUN Find unlimited choices of family entertainment with new thrilling attractions.

BY KEVIN FRITZ

THE LEE COUNTY VISITOR & CONVENTION BUREAU

COVER: A river cruise is a popular choice for sightseeing along the San Antonio River Walk.

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22

DAYTONA BEACH COMES ALIVE IN WINTER AND SPRING Spend time revving your engine at this Florida hot spot.

BY STEVE WINSTON DESTIN-FORT WALTON

24

THE PALM BEACHES: FLORIDA’S CULTURAL CAPITAL Enjoy the unique arts and cultural experiences across Palm Beach County.

BY STEVE WINSTON

26

AN IDYLLIC GETAWAY AT SOUTH SEAS ISLAND RESORT Head to this family-favourite resort for a dose of daily sun fun.

BY STEVE WINSTON

28

SAY HELLO TO FLORIDA’S EMERALD COAST Along Florida’s northwestern coastline discover some of the Sunshine State’s wonders.

BY JULIE REKAI RICKERD

32

FROM ICELAND TO THE FJORDS OF GREENLAND WITH ADVENTURE CANADA See vast tracts of remote wilderness and rare wildlife during an expedition cruise on board the Ocean Endeavour.

JESSIE BRINKMAN EVANS

BY ADAM SAUNDERS AND VALERIE MARSHALL

35

TRAVEL SLEUTH National parks pledge replenishment for all.

BY JANE STOKES

38

JAPAN’S OLYMPIC DREAMS TAKE FLIGHT With three previous Olympic Games under its belt, Japan is set to host the Games a fourth time.

BY DONNA S. VIEIRA

42

TRAVEL GALLERY News you can use.

BY CYNTHIA DAVID

46

CELEBRITY TRAVEL CORNER A conversation with TV personality, acclaimed author and interior decorator Debbie Travis.

V&V HOSPITALITY & MEDIA SERVICES

BY CHRIS RYALL WINTER/SPRING 2020 DREAMSCAPES 7

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DREAMSCAPES TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE is published by Globelite Travel Marketing Inc. Visit dreamscapes.ca to view this issue of our magazine in its entirety and to link easily to editorials, advertisers, contest information, as well as previous issues.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR We’d like to hear from you. Readers are always encouraged to submit emails to editor@dreamscapes.ca.

PUBLISHING Joseph P. Turkel

PUBLISHER ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

EDITOR EXECUTIVE EDITOR COPY EDITOR EDITORS-AT-LARGE CONTRIBUTING EDITOR ART DIRECTOR PRODUCTION MANAGER DIRECTOR OF IT CONTROLLER PRESIDENT & GROUP PUBLISHER

Sandra Kitchen Valerie Saunders Ilona Kauremszky Judi Scharf Anne Champagne Jane Stokes Donna S. Vieira Cynthia David Mark Tzerelshtein Julia Wall Mike State Gloria Mungo Joseph P. Turkel

CONTRIBUTORS

Cynthia David | Kevin Fritz | Valerie Marshall Josephine Matyas | Julie Rekai Rickerd Robin Robinson | Chris Ryall | Bruce Sach Adam Saunders | Jane Stokes Donna S. Vieira | Steve Winston ADVERTISING SALES CORPORATE OFFICE

Globelite Travel Marketing Inc. 3 Bluffwood Dr., Toronto, Ontario M2H 3L4 Tel: 416-497-5353 or 1-888-700-4464 Fax: 416-497-0871 | dreamscapes.ca Email: dreamscapesmagazine@rogers.com ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVES

Collier Granberry | 408-857-3243 collier@globelitemedia.com Vivian Hunt | 813-205-5607 vhuntglobelite@att.net Don MacLeod | 905-435-3947 dmacleod@live.ca Gayle Massey | 925-457-7551 gayle@masseylifestylemedia.com Shirley McIntosh | 416-920-2418 shirley.mcintosh002@sympatico.ca Valerie Saunders | 905-859-1372 val@globelitemedia.com Lisa Turner | 941-400-7419 lisaturner@lmtmedia.com

Copyright © 2019 The contents of this magazine may not be reproduced without the written permission of Globelite Travel Marketing Inc. The opinions in this magazine are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Globelite Travel Marketing Inc. Publications Mail Agreement 40047932.

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SAN ANTONIO A GEM IN THE LONE STAR STATE

By Robin Robinson

10 DREAMSCAPES WINTER/SPRING 2020

A

t first glance, downtown San

leafy urban oasis lined with restaurant

Antonio is not radically dif-

patios, bars, small shops, hotels and

ferent than other cities, but

stone bridges.

another world awaits just steps below

Quiet electric barges glide along the

street level. The River Walk—a 24-kilo-

waterway. It’s worth climbing aboard for a

metre network of walkways along the San

narrated tour to learn a little about the land-

Antonio River—meanders through the

marks and buildings along the river.

heart of the city and beyond. Shaded by

Knowledgeable guides also dispense inter-

cypresses, oaks and willows, it’s a lovely,

esting tidbits. See goriocruises.com.

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The River Walk is especially pretty at night, but it can be busy during holidays

videos and other works, including some by the late philanthropist.

and festivals, and on warm afternoons and

With forest fires raging around the

weekends. North and south of downtown,

world, Heart of Darkness by artist Cornelia

the Mission Reach and Museum Reach are

Parker is a particularly poignant installa-

seldom crowded and ideal for hiking,

tion that depicts a forest devastated by

biking or kayaking.

wildfire. Videos by filmmaker Isaac

The River Walk is only one of the city’s

Julien—PLAYTIME and Stones Against Dia-

many unique features. There is a wealth of

monds—are both visually stunning and

museums, restaurants and historical attrac-

thought-provoking.

tions. While it exudes a small city vibe, San Antonio, which is home to 1.5-million resi-

Waking Dream continues until 2022.

Admission is free. See rubycity.org.

dents, is bigger than Dallas, bigger than San Francisco or Seattle, and bigger than Boston

RETRO COOL

and New Orleans combined, yet it flies

Situated along the River Walk north of

under the radar of most Canadian tourists.

downtown, the former Pearl Brewery com-

If you’re looking for a new, fabulous and fun

plex has been transformed from derelict

destination, here are some suggestions:

industrial wasteland into what many call San Antonio’s hippest new neighbourhood.

A REAL GEM For a city with history around every corner,

The 9-hectare reimagined Pearl district is home to live/work spaces, unique boutiques,

OPPOSITE: In San Antonio, another world awaits just steps below street level where the San Antonio River Walk meanders its way through the city. Jump on one of the tour barges for a smooth ride through this urban oasis. visitsanantonio.com ABOVE: Waking Dream, the inaugural exhibition at San Antonio’s Ruby City, includes Heart of Darkness by Cornelia Parker. The installation depicts a Florida forest devastated by wildfire. Robin Robinson BELOW: San Antonio’s Pearl district has been called the city’s hippest new neighbourhood. With many chef-owned restaurants, it has also become a hub for dining. visitsanantonio.com/Nick Simonite

San Antonio has a vibrant contemporary arts scene. This is largely thanks to the late Linda Pace, the philanthropic artist and daughter of the Pace Foods salsa founders.

Pace passed away in 2007, but her goal to create Ruby City—the $16-million-US contemporary arts centre that opened in October 2019—was brought to life through her foundation.

The Ruby City concept is said to have come to Pace in a dream. Upon awakening, she sketched her vision of a glowing red art space topped by turrets. Renowned British architect Sir David Adjaye was commissioned to make her dream a reality.

For Ruby City, Adjaye—whose major projects include Washington, D.C.’s National Museum of African American History and Culture—designed a 1,300-square-metre building clad in deep red concrete panels.

Embedded with shards of red glass, the exterior panels shimmer in the Texas sun.

Inside, 900 works from Pace’s collection are showcased in three light-filled galleries.

The opening exhibit—Waking Dream— includes paintings, sculptures, installations,

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chef-owned restaurants, and cool cocktail

round. It’s chock-a-block with stalls selling

lounges. New buildings have been erected

local foodstuffs—honey, fresh produce,

and many original buildings have been ren-

just-baked

ovated for new uses. The bottling plant is

pickles, jams and more. During my visit

now a food hall with five restaurants and a

there was a yoga class on the lawn, and a

bar. The administration building, where

high-energy performance by the San

workers once collected their pay, is now an

Antonio Spurs’ co-ed dance team.

bread,

cheeses,

sausages,

excellent charcuterie restaurant called

First-time visitors should make time for one

Cured. The stable, which once housed the

of the free tours. Our knowledgeable guide

horses that pulled the brewery’s beer wagons,

Sissy Henges dished on everything from the tall

is now an events venue. The brewhouse has

tales of former brewery workers to the scandal

been revamped into the grand Hotel Emma.

of the three Emmas. But you’ll have to visit to

Old brewery equipment has also been

hear about all that! See atpearl.com.

repurposed. Ammonia tanks have found

ABOVE: The Pearl Weekend Market runs rain or shine yearround. The Saturday market is reserved for locally produced food while the Sunday market has more artisanal and prepared foods. Either way, it’s a great place to sample everything from meats to breads. Robin Robinson BELOW: Tex-Mex is not San Antonio’s only cuisine, but it is the most well known. Located downtown, La Panaderia is a go-to for a hearty Tex-Mex breakfast, breads and pastries. Robin Robinson OPPOSITE: Mission San José is one of five frontier missions built by Franciscan missionaries in the early 1700s. Together the missions form a must-see UNESCO World Heritage Site. visitsanantonio.com/Bob Howden

new life as planters, enormous fermenting

KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

vats have been turned into funky bar

Delicious as they are, there is a lot more to

booths, and instead of crystal prisms some

the local food scene than Tex-Mex and bar-

chandeliers sport vintage beer bottles.

becue, and we’re not the only ones who

Food is a major draw. In addition to

have noticed. In 2017, UNESCO designated

restaurants, there are coffee houses, a

San Antonio as a Creative City of Gas-

French patisserie called Bakery Lorraine, and

tronomy (one of only two places in the

the Texas campus of the Culinary Institute

United States to earn the designation).

of America, where many Pearl chefs trained.

UNESCO deemed San Antonio’s culinary

A weekend farmers’ market runs year-

heritage to be significant for its confluence of European and Mexican cultures, as well as its geology and geography.

Now a new generation of creative chefs is pushing culinary boundaries even further. Here are a few examples: • With more than two dozen eating establishments within steps of each other, Pearl is a dining hub. Cured has a tasty meatcentric menu of organic, handcrafted cured foods from charcuterie to pickles while Botika’s eclectic menu features both “Chifa” (Chinese-Peruvian) and “Nikkei” (Japanese-Peruvian) cuisines. A delicious experience is guaranteed at CIA’s Savor, which has a prix fixe menu of fine dining options prepared and served by culinary students. See curedatpearl.com, botikapearl.com and savorcia.com.

• Central San Antonio has many options.

For breakfast, head to La Panaderia and fuel up on pan dulce (Mexican pastries) and handmade breads, or try the scrambled eggs with onions, jalapenos and

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chorizo on a slab of toasted birote bread.

etable garden, a culinary garden and an

José, Mission San Juan Capistrano, Mission

Pick up a few almond-tequila croissants

outdoor teaching kitchen. Fun foodie

San Francisco de la Espada—dot the banks

or strawberry empanadas to go. Esquire

events include Vinyasa and Vino (yoga

of the San Antonio River. Together they

Tavern is a local favourite with a new

and wine tasting) and Date Night

form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

patio on the River Walk. The gastropub

cooking classes such as the Honeybunch

claims to have the longest wooden bar

Brunch. See sabot.org.

Established by Franciscan missionaries in the early 1700s, these frontier fortresses are lasting remnants of Spain’s efforts to

top in Texas. Mi Tierra, a landmark Mexican café-bakery situated at the Historic

MISSION POSSIBLE

settle and defend New Spain. They also

Market Square, serves traditional Tex-Mex

Thanks to films and television, no visitor to

represent the first examples of cultural

and handmade margaritas 24/7. Waiters

San Antonio is likely to forget the Alamo.

mingling between Spanish and Indige-

in traditional dress, mariachi performers,

With some 3 million visitors per year, the

nous cultures.

a huge mural depicting Latino celebrities

site of the famous 1836 Battle of the Alamo

Today, except for the Alamo, Catholic

and a shrine to the late Tejano singer

is a top attraction. While the Alamo is cer-

masses are still held regularly at the mis-

Selena create a unique ambiance. See

tainly worth visiting, it’s only part of the

sions. The Mission Reach connects them,

lapanaderia.com,

larger San Antonio story.

allowing visitors to hike, bike or even kayak

esquiretavern-sa.com

In all, five Spanish colonial missions—

from mission to mission. Entry is free and

• For a deeper dive into the culinary scene,

Mission San Antonio de Valero (a.k.a. the

tours are available. See thealamo.org and

join “Food Chick” Julia Celeste for a small

Alamo), Mission Concepción, Mission San

sara-tx.org. DS

and mitierracafe.com.

group or personalized tour. Options range from Tex-Mex to Anything But Tex-Mex to a Southtown Brunch Stroll and more. See foodchicktours.com.

• Even the San Antonio Botanical Garden

TRAVEL PLANNER For more information on visiting San Antonio, go to visitsanantonio.com.

Located on the River Walk steps from many attractions, the all-suite Hotel Contessa has a restaurant, an outdoor patio, a rooftop swimming pool and a spa. See thehotelcontessa.com.

is food focused. It has a children’s veg-

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MARCH BREAK FAMILY GETAWAYS

BY JOSEPHINE MATYAS

I

t comes around like clockwork—the annual March Break holiday is a popular time for family vacations when kids and teens are off from school during the spring break session. Whether you want something that’s a quick hop across the border or a destination that speaks road trip or plane ride, we’ve got March Break ideas!

CLOSE TO THE BORDER In Vermont, Smugglers’ Notch Resort offers the Maple Vacation Experience (March 14–29) with tasty food and beverage samplings, gifts for the kids and sugar on snow during a weekly carnival. The family-friendly resort is also home to award-winning children’s ski and snowboard programs, a zip-line canopy tour, a childcare program plus a Canadian-at-par offer. vermontvacation.com/lodging-deals/ canada-at-par March Break is “play” time at The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York. One of the nation’s leading family museums, the interactive collection includes exhibits on DC Super Heroes, the Sesame Street gang and Imagination Destination where kids let loose to create role playing in inspiring settings. museumofplay.org In Oregon, the Portland Children’s Museum encourages little ones to push aside boundaries and create using their imaginations. Budding contractors use kidfriendly tools and hard hats to tear down walls and play with plumbing. There’s a “pet hospital” where young animal lovers perform check-ups on stuffed furry toy puppies and examine real cat and dog Xrays. portlandcm.org In under a two-hour drive from Boston, Massachusetts in Springfield you will find the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden. The garden’s three sculpture

groupings depict Yertle the Turtle, the Cat in the Hat and more of the good doctor’s timeless characters. seussinspringfield.org

PLANE, TRAIN AND CAR ROAD TRIPS The South Carolina coastline is a popular March Break road trip for families.

In 2020, Myrtle Beach is rolling out the red carpet for the 60th Annual Canadian American Days (March 14–22).

Adventuresome kids may want to tackle a treetop adventure or ride the SkyWheel.

There is the Ripley’s Aquarium, horseback riding, family-friendly museums and more mini golf than could be played in a week.

Many coupons and discounts for Canadians are available. visitmyrtlebeach.com/things-todo/events/can-am-days/ For many families, a March Break trip to Kissimmee or Orlando, Florida is an annual highlight. For many it will be the first chance to experience the two new Star Wars adventures at Walt Disney World Resort: Rise of the Resistance and Galaxy’s Edge.

Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure have welcomed two new attractions: Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the new coaster, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. At SeaWorld Orlando you get to walk down Sesame Street, a new fun-filled attraction where guests can explore the iconic neighbourhood, visit Mr. Hooper’s store, stop by Big Bird’s nest, or sit

on the famous 123 Stoop and meet favourite friends from Sesame Street including Elmo, Cookie Monster and Big Bird in this new themed land. SeaWorld Orlando is also offering a Canadian Resident Deal with savings of up to $30. visitorlando.com and experiencekissimmee.com Family-friendly Denver, Colorado is loaded with kids’ activities. The Denver Museum of Nature & Science’s Discovery Zone has handson playtime from archaeological sandpits to moving water features. The Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus encourages young ones to “explore, imagine, investigate and create.” There’s an arts creative space, a 3 ½-story “mountain” and a new Adventure Forest, a 150-metre long outdoor aerial adventure course and immersive art installation. denver.org Woodward Park City in Utah boasts both indoor and outdoor action sports venues for March Break and winter adventure.

There’s lift-accessed snowboarding, skiing and tubing with all-access tickets, day sessions, lift tickets, drop-in sessions, day camps, lessons and special events. woodwardparkcity.com Deep in the heart of Texas is familyfriendly San Antonio. The downtown River Walk means you can ditch the car and experience the old town, the Alamo and other historic missions. Nearby is SeaWorld San Antonio, Six Flags Fiesta Texas and Morgan’s Wonderland, the world’s first amusement park designed for kids with special needs. Visit the Botanical Gardens while you’re in San Antonio for fun, handson, safe places to play in nature, developing healthier, happier kids and families. visitsanantonio.com DS PHOTO: Take a thrilling rollercoaster ride known as Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. Visit Orlando

Discover more information on travel to the USA at visittheusa.ca.

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A Special Feature Section

Consider the unlimited possibilities in a Florida vacay

PHOTO: On Fort Myers Beach it's easy to make time for some rest and relaxation.

The Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau

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THE FLORIDA KEYS are America’s tropical paradise

BY STEVE WINSTON

THE FLORIDA KEYS ARE LIKE NOWHERE ELSE ON EARTH. THIS CHAIN OF ISLANDS AT THE SOUTHERN TIP OF FLORIDA TAPERS OFF THE EDGE OF AMERICA TO CREATE A VACATIONER’S PARADISE. YOU HAVE TO EXPERIENCE THEM TO BELIEVE IT.

S

tart exploring America’s tropical paradise on the Overseas Highway. The legendary scenic coastal drive connects to five regions off Florida’s southern coast.

Feel the sun with cool sea breezes, swaying palms, and a relaxing tropical pace.

In winter and spring, this coral cay archipelago—from north to south—really does seem like paradise.

KEY LARGO This northernmost island is revered as one of the world’s great diving areas due to its crystal-clear waters and rich undersea life.

Overnight at the Jules’ Undersea Lodge, which you can only access—you guessed it!—scuba diving! Nature reigns supreme at two state parks, and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, an aquatic playground known for its coral reef. At Dolphins Plus children can swim with dolphins and even get kissed by them at an interactive dolphin encounter program. Enjoy fresh seafood at the casual waterside restaurants.

ISLAMORADA The waters off Islamorada are revered as the sport fishing capital of the world and people come here from all over the world to try their luck. Islamorada is made up of six scenic islands. It’s here that backcountry 16 DREAMSCAPES WINTER/SPRING 2020

sport fishing and saltwater fly fishing were pioneered. The Keys History & Discovery Center is a world-class museum devoted to the islands’ history from the indigenous people to the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane. At Robbie’s Marina children enjoy hand feeding tarpon and the whole family can go out on a charter boat from there.

MARATHON These family fun islands offer underwater thrills and unique seafood dining pier side.

Underwater enthusiasts love exploring the wreck of the 58-metre “Thunderbolt,” a ship intentionally sunk in 1986 as an artificial reef.

The beach at Sunset Park is a quiet little family hideaway with magnificent sunsets. And there are plenty more great family options on Marathon, among them eco-adventures at the Turtle Hospital, Dolphin Research Center and Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters.

LOWER KEYS Home to two National Wildlife Refuges and the only place on Earth where you can encounter the native Key Deer, the Lower Keys besides its beautiful beach at Bahia Honda State Park has a treasure trove of unique accommodations and activities. Discover rustic camp sites and atmospheric B&Bs. Backcountry kayakers get away to the Blue Hole, the largest freshwater

lake in the Florida Keys, or No Name Key, while divers love exploring the Adolphus Busch Sr., an underwater wreck.

KEY WEST This is probably the most colourful town in America. So colourful that Key West playfully seceded from the Union in 1982, even issuing its own passports. By day roam Duval Street for the shopping and by night hit the funky restaurants. Ride the Conch Tour Train for city views or sail on a glass-bottom boat for underwater exploration. Visit the cemetery and read hilarious gravestone inscriptions.

Gather at Mallory Docks for a nightly sunset medley with magicians, musicians and the most spectacular sunset ever seen. DS

TRAVEL PLANNER Plan your Florida Keys getaway at fla-keys.com.

TOP LEFT: Southernmost Point Guest House is a charming B&B in Key West. Monroe County Tourist Development Council TOP RIGHT: A thrilling boat ride from the Marvin Key area offshore of the Lower Keys. Monroe County Tourist Development Council

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Lie back in

FORT MYERS AND SANIBEL F

BY BRUCE SACH

or over a century, this legendary

funky place to visit in Fort Myers. See

reserve, and no building is higher than the

winter escape hatch along Florida’s

bamboo sharks, angelfish, rock groupers

highest palm tree.

sun-kissed southwestern shores

and zebra moray eels swim around a sunken

has welcomed a pilgrimage of sun seekers

World War II warship replica at the venue’s

to this pocket of paradise.

popular family-fun aquarium.

For starters, did you know that within the

Not only can you find a hurricane simu-

city limits of Fort Myers you can view man-

lator where you can run through an indoor

atees at Manatee Park or witness a special

rainstorm but the facility also has a “SEA-

butterfly phenomenon? The Butterfly

to-See” touch tank for more fun close

Estates has been established to encourage

encounters with sea critters like horseshoe

the development of native butterflies at its

crabs and sea stars.

butterfly conservatory.

Now no visit to the area is complete

The centre, which is home to the Florida

without a stay at Sanibel Island. Take the

Native Butterfly Society, incubates and

causeway from Fort Myers to Sanibel—it’s

hatches thousands of native butterflies each

like crossing a portal into another world.

year. For a small fee, visitors can be

This year, the beloved J.N. “Ding” Darling

enchanted by a butterfly release ceremony

National Wildlife Refuge celebrates its 75th

held daily. Watch butterflies flutter to the

anniversary. Located on Sanibel Island, this

tune of New Age music. Later, grab a lunch

large mangrove sanctuary is part of a popular

or stroll through Fort Myers River District

bird migratory route. Peak season for bird-

with restaurants, bars, galleries and colour-

watching runs from March through April. Not

ful unique shops.

yet a birder? Well, you just might become one!

For a fun hands-on sea critter encounter,

Two thirds of the island will never be

the IMAG History and Science Center is a

developed due to the protected wildlife

18 DREAMSCAPES WINTER/SPRING 2020

Sanibel Island is a true, old style, natural paradise.

DS

TRAVEL PLANNER Discover the wondrous beauty of The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel at FortMyers-Sanibel.com.

Fort Myers River District myriverdistrict.com IMAG History & Science Center theimag.org J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge fws.gov/refuge/jn_ding_darling The Butterfly Estates thebutterflyestates.com

TOP LEFT: Get ready for manatee sightings. Getty Images/Alastair Pollock TOP RIGHT: Kayak at Estero River. The Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau

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SEAWORLD PARKS A Full Slate of Festive Fun

BY KEVIN FRITZ

S

eaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens

daily ticketed admission to the park; food

America’s first dual-tailspin water slide.

Tampa Bay welcome you to ring in

and beverages are available for an extra fee.

SeaWorld Orlando will introduce Ice Breaker

2020 with a full slate of fun festivals

Over at SeaWorld Orlando, guests can

in the spring, featuring the steepest beyond

and toe-tapping concerts for the entire family.

tempt their taste buds at the ever-popular

vertical drop in Florida. And at Aquatica

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s longest

Seven Seas Food Festival every Friday,

Orlando, Riptide Race will open in 2020 as

running concert series is back with live music

Saturday and Sunday now through May 3.

Florida’s first-ever duelling waterslide.

and new entertainment in the Stanleyville

Combine your discovery of globally-

True to the company’s Park to Planet mission,

Theater now through March 15 on select

inspired flavours and local craft beers with

these new attractions partner with conservation

dates. Revel in the excitement of first-rate

live performances from top country, rock

organizations, connecting guests to real-world

tribute acts, acrobatic performances and

and Latin music artists.

efforts to protect and conserve species

chart-topping artists from the greatest

SeaWorld Orlando also invites guests to

musical eras. While concerts are included

an Inside Look on the weekends of May 9–17.

with daily ticketed admission, you may

This one-of-a-kind event allows park guests

purchase Priority Seating to get a great seat

to learn about the inspiring day-to-day care

without waiting in line.

SeaWorld’s animal experts provide, as well

Tampa’s favourite spring festival returns February 29 through April 26, with each

as the life-saving operations of the SeaWorld

DS

TRAVEL PLANNER For more information on new attractions, events and Canadian resident offers, please visit SeaWorld.ca

Rescue Team.

weekend offering a world of cuisine and libations at the sixth annual Food & Wine

COMING THIS SPRING

Festival. This year features new and exciting

Attention thrill seekers! This year, Busch

dishes, plus a large selection of wines, craft

Gardens Tampa Bay will debut Iron Gwazi as

brews and cocktails. Want to groove? Some

North America’s tallest hybrid coaster and

of the biggest acts in musical entertainment

the fastest and steepest hybrid coaster in the

will take the stage every weekend on

world. At nearby Adventure Island, test your

Festival Field. All concerts are included with

bravery on Solar Vortex, which will be

20 DREAMSCAPES WINTER/SPRING 2020

worldwide. SeaWorldCares.com

TOP LEFT: Head to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for the new exciting family attraction known as Iron Gwazi, North America’s tallest hybrid coaster. TOP RIGHT: Prepare for a chilling ride on board the new Ice Breaker at SeaWorld Orlando, the park’s first family-friendly launch coaster.

2019© SeaWorld Parks

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DAYTONA BEACH comes alive in winter and spring

BY STEVE WINSTON

I

n a region that is home to some of

downtown historic districts. A hot food and

Florida’s biggest hits—Travel Channel

drink scene has spawned the Daytona Beach

recently ranked “The World’s Most

Ale Trail, a memorable circuit of microbrew-

Famous Beach” as the top attraction in

eries fuelled by local craft beer experiences.

Florida—winter and spring are particularly fun.

Discover renowned arts facilities such as

Enjoy fresh cool nights and refreshing

the Museum of Arts & Sciences, which has

warm days. Ideally situated along the sun-

one of the largest collections of Cuban art

kissed Atlantic coast, Daytona Beach is

outside Cuba. See the world’s largest collec-

nestled between historic St. Augustine and

and hikers also have a field day exploring

tion of Florida art at the Cici and Hyatt

the futuristic Kennedy Space Center, and

the natural treasures on incredible nature

Brown Museum of Art. Meanwhile, millions

only an hour’s drive from Orlando’s world-

trails. The peak season for these popular

of race car fans make the pilgrimage to the

class theme parks.

outdoor activities is until April.

one and only Daytona International

You can relax and recharge your batteries

For a bird’s-eye view of the fun-filled

on the 37 kilometres of world-renowned

area, ascend the 203 winding steps at the

wide beach or tee off at one of the acclaimed

Ponce Inlet Lighthouse. The historic

golf courses like the LPGA International,

beacon, which has been lighting up these

home of the Ladies Professional Golf

waters since 1887, is revered as Florida’s

Association.

tallest lighthouse.

Home to a nature lover’s playground,

Across from Daytona Beach, shopping and

Daytona Beach lays claim to several nearby

dining are a delight. Spend time at ONE

eco-rich parks like the Blue Spring State

DAYTONA, a premier lifestyle and entertain-

Park, popular for manatee spotting. Peak

ment complex directly across from the

manatee viewing season runs until March.

Daytona International Speedway. Get more

For sightings of the rare southern bald eagle,

retail therapy at the more than 175 shops at

zoom in your binoculars at the Lake

the Volusia Mall and the Tanger Outlets or

Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge. Cyclists

peruse the many eclectic shops in the various

22 DREAMSCAPES WINTER/SPRING 2020

Speedway for thrills and rides at the newly renovated motorsports facility.

DS

TRAVEL PLANNER How to enjoy the fun beach attractions of Daytona Beach: daytonabeach.com

TOP: An aerial view of “The World's Most Famous Beach.”

CENTRE: Popular beach walks by the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse. Daytona Beach Area CVB

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THE PALMCapital BEACHES Florida's Cultural

BY STEVE WINSTON

T

he Palm Beaches, a thriving Florida hot spot known for its luxurious surrounds and posh resort-fringed

coastline, also offers unique arts and cultural experiences for everyone and every budget.

Nestled along a 75-kilometre stretch of sandy beaches on Florida’s Atlantic coast, Palm Beach County is home to seven unique art-filled regions with over 200 arts and cultural organizations that include worldclass

performance

venues,

galleries,

museums and abundant art festivals.

Fun festivals? SunFest in downtown West Palm Beach is an annual crowd pleaser loaded with music, art, food and fun. The popular festival takes place on the waterfront along the Intracoastal Waterway.

Today the cultural facility has a museum,

Arts School. For a splash of colour, head to

Dates: April 30–May 3, 2020. sunfest.com

restaurant, trails and exquisite Japanese

downtown Lake Worth Beach for the annual

Unique historic sites? Head to the

gardens. Enjoy themed rotating exhibitions

Street Painting Festival held on Feb. 22 and

towering Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse &

like Anime Architecture, which runs until

23, 2020, where over 600 artists are

Museum for this one-of-a-kind heritage

April 3, 2020. The exclusive U.S.-only

expected to create original street art.

gem. Built in 1860, visitors can tour the

show of rare illustrations depicts Japan’s

In Palm Beach County, culture always

tower, climb the 105 steps and visit the

blockbuster animated sci-fi films. At

shines! While winter and spring are two of the

museum. jupiterlighthouse.org

the Seishin-an Tea House, learn the art

best seasons to enjoy the abundance of cultural

behind a classic Japanese tea ceremony.

treasures, you also can enjoy spectacular events

Beach, the magnificent 75-room estate

morikami.org

and attractions year-round.

known as Whitehall has a fine collection of

Across

Want to see a Gilded Age mansion? In Palm

Palm

Beach

County,

live

interior furnishings on display from the

entertainment gets top billing. At the Kravis

industrialist Henry Morrison Flagler, founder

Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm

of the Florida East Coast Railway. Built in 1902

Beach, see spectacular performances of

as a wedding gift for his new bride, the

music, dance and theatre with international

National Historic Landmark is now home to

stars. In Boca Raton, see a vibrant

the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum with

performing arts scene at the Mizner Park

changing exhibits. flaglermuseum.us

Amphitheater and theatre venues at Florida

Colourful cultural surprises? In Delray

Atlantic University. In downtown Delray

Beach, Morikami Museum and Japanese

Beach, art lovers get a four-in-one cultural

Gardens is a memorial to the once-thriving

experience at the Old School Square

agricultural colony of Japanese immigrants

campus, home of the Crest Theatre, Cornell

who settled there in the early 20th Century.

Art Museum, Fieldhouse and the Creative

24 DREAMSCAPES WINTER/SPRING 2020

DS

TRAVEL PLANNER The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County offers a complimentary Cultural Concierge service to provide personalized recommendations for your trip: 833-PBC-ARTS. WhereCultureAlwaysShines.com TOP: Experience tranquil garden walks at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach.

Sally Shorr

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An idyllic getaway at

SOUTH SEAS ISLAND RESORT

BY STEVE WINSTON

I

magine you are in Southwest Florida

sessions as you hit the resort’s 9-hole

on a subtropical island blessed by

beachfront golf course to perfect your

nature and a soft white powder beach

swing. You can rent bikes for a family jaunt

that has been kissed by the sun. There are

around the island, relax by the pool or go for

no malls, no superstores, no traffic. Instead,

a grouper sandwich at the acclaimed

the golf cart is the popular vehicle. Then

Crooked Snook Tiki Bar.

imagine this island hideaway is at a world-

In addition, South Seas Island Resort

class resort that’s actually a nature preserve.

boasts ample refreshing pools, tennis courts,

You have imagined South Seas Island

and for the wellness seekers there is a full-

Resort—a private island escape hatch—

service spa, a fitness centre and a yoga studio.

located at the tip of Captiva Island

neighbouring islands, or take a sunset

This captivating island resort with its

overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.

cruise with cocktail or fishing rod in hand.

private island feel is big on nature tours and

Don’t be surprised by the leaping, playful

eco-cruises.

One of the biggest island pleasures is the “sunset shellabration,” a daily sunset and luau tradition along the legendary beach.

dolphin encounters either.

At South Seas Island Resort you can

Marvel at the spectacular sunset as you

challenge the waves by signing up for

watch a blazing palette of colours light up

thrilling classes in sailing or parasailing.

the sky in bright yellows, sienna red-orange

Others relax along the 4-kilometre unspoiled

and for its final hue see a deep indigo as the

beach widely considered as the “Shell Capital

sun slowly sinks into the horizon.

of the World” for its abundant sea shells.

There you can kayak or paddleboard in

The kids will love the resort’s Camp

placid Gulf waters, search for sea turtles, or

Scullywags, a fun zone of pools and

zoom over the Gulf in a splash-worthy

waterslides

WaveRunner. Island-hop on a boat to the

knowledgeable staff create imaginative

26 DREAMSCAPES WINTER/SPRING 2020

where

highly

trained

DS

TRAVEL PLANNER Unwind, relax and have island fun at the charming South Seas Island Resort.

SouthSeas.com TOP: An aerial view of the popular family-friendly island resort located on the tip of Captiva Island. CENTRE: Take time to relax in one of the hammocks. South Seas Island Resort

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SAY HELLO TO FLORIDA’S

EMERALD COAST

ALONG FLORIDA’S NORTHWESTERN HUB WE DISCOVERED SOME OF THE SUNSHINE STATE’S COASTLINE WONDERS THAT MEANDER ALONG THE PANHANDLE’S GULF OF MEXICO KNOWN AS THE EMERALD COAST.

By Julie Rekai Rickerd

28 DREAMSCAPES WINTER/SPRING 2020

PANAMA CITY BEACH

cocktails, hearty seafood gumbo and deli-

We began our adventure in Panama City

cious fresher-than-fresh fish tacos.

Beach, a barrier island surrounded by

Fishing is abundant off the many piers

crystal clear water and white sandy beaches

that jut into the water from the beach. We

that dazzle the senses.

visited one of the most popular, the M.B.

Following a delightful swim, our taste

Miller Pier to watch dolphins and turtles

buds were rewarded at Hang Five, a beach-

surface during the blazing sunset in a

front restaurant that serves unique tropical

bedazzling aquatic nature show.

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The afternoon found us taking a fasci-

genuine “amusement park for the mind.”

Upon our return to shore, we readied

nating airboat ride with a local operator

Over 100 interactive exhibits combine sci-

ourselves for an hour’s drive northwest to

dashing atop shallow water through the

entific principles with fun. The young

our next destination: Destin.

marshes in search of herons, egrets, osprey

children found fast solutions to most of the

and bald eagles. We also kept eyes peeled for

problems while we were still searching for

DESTIN

a mother alligator and her babies.

the problems.

We checked in to our beachfront accommo-

Dinner around a bonfire on the beach

We ended our day with a superb dinner at

dation, the Sea Oats on Okaloosa Island, a

was a real treat and a very special way to

Firefly, a foliage-fringed restaurant punctu-

barrier island with sugar-white beaches. Its

enjoy more great gumbo, crawfish étouffée,

ated by a natural centrepiece: a large tree by

sand has a 98 per cent finely-ground quartz

rice and peas with “make your own” s’mores

the dining room. The local dining gem counts

crystal content that not only makes the sand

for dessert.

the Obama family among its past clientele.

appear white but also keeps it cool. While

After a good night’s rest, we awoke for a

Next morning, we took a pontoon boat

the fish along the Emerald Coast are plen-

southern eye-opener known as the Bottom-

to Shell Island, home to one of the largest

tiful and come in dozens of varieties and

less Brunch at Andy’s Flour Power Café &

concentrations of Atlantic bottlenose dol-

sizes, Destin is called “The World’s Luckiest

Bakery. The belt-loosening brunch was

phins in the U.S. Although we had not

Fishing Village” because of the very short

complete with free-flowing pitchers of

signed up to swim with them, the dolphins

time it takes to catch the largest fish. It is

mimosas, bloody marys, biscuits with gravy,

decided to swim with us as we swam along

also a mecca for fishers and boaters who

and eggs with grits. We then retreated into

the island's secluded white sandy beach.

venerate its elaborately-equipped charter

childhood by spending several magical

We later enjoyed a leisurely stroll and

fishing fleet.

hours being challenged at WonderWorks, a

collected sea shells.

Best of all, Destin is home to the annual, month-long Destin Fishing Rodeo, founded in 1948 that attracts thousands of fishers worldwide who compete in anticipation of “catching the big one.” Fish are brought in to be weighed at the Rodeo’s HarborWalk Village headquarters daily to see if they qualify for prizes galore.

A visit to the Destin History and Fishing Museum provided a good spot for filling us in on questions related to the town’s past and present ties with the fishing industry, both commercial and for pleasure.

Although we didn’t fish, we did take a wonderful

catamaran

cruise

around

Destin’s harbour during which we sighted a frolicking pod of dolphins, two sharks, a flock of pelicans and several blue herons.

At a delectable seafood and fish lunch at Harry T’s in HarborWalk Village, we learned that most of the restaurants along HarborWalk will happily cook one’s catch for eating on the spot or steam pack it to take home.

OPPOSITE: Destin’s Harborwalk Village is known as “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.” Destin-Fort Walton LEFT: Be sure to visit the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum. The historic landmark, around since 1859, is still in operation. Visit Pensacola

WINTER/SPRING 2020 DREAMSCAPES 29

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museum, the T.T. Wentworth, Jr. Florida State Museum. Apart from an eclectic permanent collection of artifacts that present Northwest Florida’s rich and diverse heritage, the museum’s third-floor gallery is for the display of frequently changing travelling exhibits.

Palafox Street is home to a cornucopia of art galleries, boutiques, bars, restaurants and is footsteps to a cultural treasure trove, the Pensacola Museum of Art. Our perfect day was capped by a superb three-course tasting menu at the casual-elegant Cypress restaurant where the first course showcased a Wagyu Beef Tonnato and Shrimp Toast while for the second course we dined on Shrimp Etouffée and ended the culinary feast with a sensational chocolate bread pudding.

ABOVE: Drop by the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Florida and experience interactive exhibits among the rare artifacts. Visit Pensacola BELOW: The annual Destin Fishing Rodeo is a popular fishing extravaganza in Destin, Florida.

Bystanders can gather at the marina to watch the daily weigh-ins. Destin-Fort Walton

PENSACOLA Our last stop was Pensacola, an hour’s drive

We had the privilege of experiencing the

west from Destin, where, after a walk along

National Naval Aviation Museum. One of the

the beach, we headed to The Grand Marlin,

world’s largest air and space museums, it still

a casual restaurant known locally for its fine

remains extremely family-oriented and inter-

selection of fresh Gulf fish and sumptuous

active. Experiencing more than 4,000 artifacts,

seafood. Never have I enjoyed such deli-

150 restored vintage aircraft, flight simulators,

cious seafood and so many oysters on the

special exhibits such as a replica of a North

half shell at one sitting.

Vietnamese POW camp, and even an indoor

We had a wonderful time exploring

playground for children that includes a

downtown Pensacola the next day after a

cockpit trainer for them to climb into was

gargantuan lunch at The Fish House

informative, moving and memorable.

famous for its remarkable seafood and its

Our last evening coincided with the

pièce de résistance: the notorious Grits à Ya.

opening of the annual Foo Foo Festival, a 12-

This incredible southern specialty of

day fall celebration of events and moments

smoked Gouda cheese grits is smothered

of high artistic and cultural calibre, delivered

with a fresh cream sauce, sautéed Gulf

with a hefty dose of southern sophistication.

shrimp, spinach, portobello mushrooms,

It has always been difficult to leave Florida

applewood-smoked bacon, garlic and shal-

but now after a wonderful stay, it’s hard to say

lots. Simply divine!

goodbye to the Emerald Coast.

Ready for action, we toured Historic Pensacola Village, visiting homes of Spanish and French heritage that date from colonial days to the Victorian era, some original and others restored. Built in the Mediterranean Revival style originally as the City Hall, we visited the historic 1900s landmark which is now home to Pensacola's flagship

30 DREAMSCAPES WINTER/SPRING 2020

Our last day in Pensacola was a special one.

DS

TRAVEL PLANNER For further information about the Emerald Coast of Florida, see: visitflorida.com visitpanamacitybeach.com emeraldcoastfl.com visitpensacola.com

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FROM ICELAND TO THE FJORDS OF GREENLAND WITH

ADVENTURE CANADA

By Adam Saunders and Valerie Marshall REYKJAVIK, ICELAND In Iceland’s vibrant capital, we bought locally made woolly hats in the market and watched children play chess by the Reykjavik Old Harbour before tucking inside a popular restaurant for dinner where the menu and ambience in Kopar, a seafood haven, did not disappoint. Afterward as the sun still shone, we ambled back to our charming hotel for a good night’s sleep. The following day we met our Adventure Canada hosts

for

our

once-in-a-lifetime

12-day

expedition cruise.

Unlike large ocean vessels, the small ship known as the Ocean Endeavour offers guests a chance to visit small communities in remote regions and to enter fragile environments like marine protected areas and national parks without disturbing the stark natural beauty.

Expedition leader Matthew James Swan (a.k.a.

“MJ”) stood alongside a tentative crew who warmly greeted us as we boarded the small ocean vessel with 140 passengers. MJ immediately encouraged us to become “travellers, not tourists” since Arctic exploration requires flexibility when negotiating safe travel through iceberg-laden waters.

However, with the newly refurbished Ocean Endeavour, which underwent an overhaul in 2018, we knew the Arctic-bound expedition vessel was fully ready to sail west like the Vikings in a

32 DREAMSCAPES WINTER/SPRING 2020

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OPPOSITE: Ocean Endeavour guests can experience a kayak tour to the Kangerluluk Fjord in Southern Greenland. RIGHT: A zodiac ride in the Kangerlussuaq Fjord affords incredible views of this mighty tidewater outlet glacier. Jessie Brinkman Evans

spectacular cruise from Iceland to Greenland.

To boot, the 198-passenger cruise ship boasts a 1B ice class that allows her to traverse the icy sea in summer.

EXPLORING THE CAVES OF THE WESTMAN ISLANDS In Heimaey, the only inhabited island in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago off Iceland’s southwest coast, the fog did not deter hikers from viewing the Eldfell volcano while other cruise guests visited the Eldheimar Museum in the small fishing town to see

Greenland’s fascinating history, untamed

EXPLORING PARTS UNKNOWN

exhibits of the devastating Eldfell volcano

geography and how we could experience the

On earlier Arctic cruises Adventure Canada

that erupted in 1973.

rich marine life as we travelled along an

veered away from Prince Christian Sound

ancient

Passengers

due to heavy drifting ice floes. But on this

outfitting we climbed into zodiacs to

anticipated the many wildlife sightings,

voyage, the captain cautiously guided Ocean

explore Heimaey’s craggy cliffs and caves,

especially the curious minke whales, a

Endeavour through the majestic fjord as

which are home to hundreds of nesting

member of the baleen whale family.

passengers stood on deck awed by the

Back on deck after an orientation and

Vikings

route.

gulls, guillemots, kittiwakes, eider ducks

Anxious for fjords exploration, MJ and

stunning glaciers and waterfalls. We felt like

and puffins. Truly a birdwatcher’s paradise!

the guests saw glorious sunlight gleaming

true explorers! For us, the thunderous

Awed by the towering cliffs, we learned how

off icebergs as we cruised through the

cracks of calving glaciers created a stark

generations of local boys enjoy the sport of

magnificent Kangerluluk Fjord, previously

reality of climate change as it affects the

Spranga or cliff-rappelling there each year.

unreachable by Adventure Canada. Many

Arctic region.

Geologist Lynn Moorman also shared her

passengers sat out on deck to enjoy a lesson

knowledge of the ancient rock formations.

in Greenlandic from Tuparnaaq, our

ART AND MUSIC ON BOARD

Greenlandic guide.

Ontario artist Rob Saley taught art classes

PAST SURTSEY ISLAND ACROSS THE DENMARK STRAIT

When we weren’t outdoor seafaring

and displayed his paintings of the scenes

adventurers, workshops and seminars kept

captured during our cruise each day. Our

We left behind Iceland and enjoyed our first

us busy. For our at-sea days, we enjoyed the

evenings were filled with concerts from

evening at sea dining in the spacious Polaris

ship’s onboard activities while others

host David Newland and one of Greenland’s

Restaurant as we passed a new isle called

relaxed in their comfortable cabins.

premiere singers, Nive Nielsen.

Surtsey Island. The uninhabited island, now

Among our highly trained team of naturalists,

geologists,

AN ABANDONED MINING TOWN

a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was formed

archaeologists,

from volcanic eruptions during the sixties.

environmental scientists and historians,

The Arsuk Fjord has an abandoned mine in

each one was a safety expert. During our

Ivigtut that produced cryolite essential to

GREENLAND’S TRAILS OF THE VIKINGS

zodiac adventures, the trip leader regularly

the war effort but in 1987 the old mine

connected with MJ, providing us extra

finally closed its doors. An elderly Danish

Along the southeast shore, specialists like

reassurance that helped foster maximum

World War II veteran who served in the

marine expert Ursula Tscherter explained

enjoyment of this remote destination.

Danish Island Command Greenland booked

WINTER/SPRING 2020 DREAMSCAPES 33

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LEFT: Viking ruins at Brattahlid.

BELOW: Ontario artist Rob Saley paints Hvalsey ruins in Brattahlid. Valerie Marshall

kayakers from our ship carefully approached the nature scene and snapped stunning photos using Nikon cameras available on loan to Adventure Canada passengers for this expedition cruise.

A RARE OPPORTUNITY IN NUUK Our journey would not be complete without this cruise anticipating this mine visit. Our

a visit to Greenland’s capital. We toured the

Adventure Canada scouts fulfilled this hope

Greenland National Museum, home of the

by introducing our fellow passenger to the

world-famous

officers at a nearby naval base. There the

mummies. In 1972, two hunters discovered

coat of arms from his old unit was

a grave from a 16th century settlement in

presented to him in a special ceremony. It

Uummannaq. The origins date back to the

was an extraordinary day and an emotional

Thule culture in the 1400s. Ocean

moment for a proud veteran!

Endeavour’s

500-year-old

historian

Jane

Qilakitsoq

Sproull

Thomson, also a former museum curator,

BRATTAHLID AND THE VIKING SETTLEMENT

brought this extraordinary history to life!

Callum Thomson, an archaeologist and

WE NEVER THOUGHT WE COULD DO IT!

historian, shared his knowledge of the

Before this bucket list trip, we had doubts

Viking invasion from the Nordic countries from Iceland to Greenland. One can only

Springs. Uunartoq is a popular tourist site

about our fitness level for some of the

wonder about the harsh conditions those

in southern Greenland near the remote

guided adventure tours. Well, how foolish a

early settlers endured on Greenland’s hostile

town of Qaqortoq, our next stop.

thought! We were among passengers of all ages and abilities.

shores when Norse explorer Erik the Red AD) built a home in Brattahlid before sailing

THE BEST-PRESERVED NORSE RUINS IN GREENLAND

washed over me at the sight of calving

to present-day L’Anse aux Meadows,

We visited the Hvalsey Church, possibly the

glaciers, with an award-winning cruise

Newfoundland where he lived before his

most important Norse ruins in Greenland

company like Adventure Canada, it is

return to Brattahlid or Qassiarsuk in

near the lovely town of Qaqortoq, settled in

possible to venture to the far reaches of the

Greenland. We visited a reconstructed Viking

1775. As a centre for education Qaqortoq

Arctic without disturbing the natural

longhouse, passing through a field of sheep

boasts a bustling population of 3,000

beauty, and taking home only memories

to visit the imposing bronze statue of Leif.

residents with attractions including the

and plenty of pictures.

arrived in 985 AD. His son, Leif Erikson (985

Great Greenland Furhouse, a tannery

WARMING UP ON THE SMALL ISLAND OF UUNARTOQ

known for unique souvenirs.

Despite the nippy temperature hovering

overhead undoubtedly protecting her chicks

around 11 Celsius, some guests enjoyed a

from predatory sea birds as we returned to

refreshing warm-up in the Uunartoq Hot

the Ocean Endeavour in zodiacs. Meanwhile,

34 DREAMSCAPES WINTER/SPRING 2020

Later, a white-tailed eagle soared

Yet despite a feeling of sadness that

DS

TRAVEL PLANNER Adventure Canada: AdventureCanada.com First Air: FirstAir.ca Canadian North: CanadianNorth.com

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DS TRAVEL SLEUTH >> BY JANE STOKES

NATIONAL PARKS

PLEDGE REPLENISHMENT FOR ALL VAST, UNSPOILED ACREAGE THRIVES ON THIS CONTINENT— WITH OR WITHOUT FUN-LOVING VISITORS.

HUMANS ARE WELCOME in a national

per

park to mix and mingle on an equal basis

Government records also indicate protected

with every other organism. We’ve learned to

areas over the past two decades have

tread lightly but we also have the ability to

increased 70 per cent across the country. In

give much more: our species has both the

the United States, as of 2015, it’s estimated

will and the wisdom to protect any given

that 14 per cent of the States has a

landscape from damage and development—

designated protected land area in addition

and indeed, we haven’t done badly so far.

to 787 National Marine Protected Areas.

cent

as

marine

sanctuaries.

By 2020, the federal government has set

Canadians and Americans have acted to

a target to protect 17 per cent of the country

safeguard where we tread to include

as parks and protected land areas, and 10

woodland habitats, marine life, migratory

ABOVE: Winter hiking at Tunnel Mountain affords majestic views of Banff National Park. Parks Canada/A.V. Wakefield

WINTER/SPRING 2020 DREAMSCAPES 35

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ABOVE: Two kayakers camp on Turret Island, surrounded by stunning ocean and mountain scenery.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve © Parks Canada/Scott Munn BELOW: Point Wolfe River passes under the Point Wolfe Covered Bridge. © Parks Canada/Louis Barnes OPPOSITE TOP: Ranger-guided tours of Cliff Palace are available at Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado.

Charles E. Haspels OPPOSITE CENTRE: In winter, MontsValin National Park in Quebec offers a range of snowshoe trails for various skill levels. Sépaq

birds and territorial waters. To achieve this,

tents and recreational vehicles, consider the

the two national park systems have joined

Ôasis, a compact durable off-the-ground

their provincial and state counterparts to

module for a small family; the oTENTik, a

produce thousands of officially protected

tent-cabin sleeping six; the MicrOcube just

spaces, from battlefields to waterways to

for two with a roof and floor filled with

natural phenomena. In the category of

oversized windows; the Yurt circular

national

gives

dwelling for five people and the traditional

travellers no fewer than 48 choices and in

parks

alone,

Canada

Tipi for up to eight. Historic sites, marinas

the United States there are at least 60

and lodges also give us lots to sleep on.

possibilities.

Parks Canada is the official information source for safety, enjoyment, and for

It’s true that forested trails and waterways

conservation in the great outdoors. Park

are not always the allure in a national park.

access is free for those 17 and under; adults

Some landscapes, north and south, are

pay around $10 per park or often less with

completely different.

an annual Discovery Pass. Details at pc.gc.ca.

A particular favourite, for instance, is the

In the United States, the National Park

high-desert region of the Southwestern

Service is the go-to authority for planning

United States, where an astonishing 11

at nps.gov. If, for example, winter activities

national parks have been designated to

are on your radar, be aware that while many

preserve some of the most dazzling geology in

parks are open, others might offer only

the world. On a map, let your finger draw a

reduced supervision, and some are closed.

spacious circle around the four corners where

For your summertime trips, a checklist

Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona

might include hiking ideas, water sources,

meet—and right there, within a one-day drive

permits, campsites and the lesser-known

of the other, 11 individually-protected parks

camping options.

are giving us extra time to see all of the

Have you seen the variety of ways to camp in a Canadian national park? Along with

36 DREAMSCAPES WINTER/SPRING 2020

A DIFFERENT WORLD

towering, red-rock sculptures left bare by the elements during Earth’s formation.

DS-WinterSpring2020.qxp_v1 2020-01-17 8:35 AM Page 37

Topographically, this vast Colorado Plateau region was once covered by ancient seas, delivering now a contrasting mix of coral-coloured soil with the greenery of mountains and rivers. The big attraction is the startling beauty of a clear-blue sky behind bright red spires, domes, arches, bridges, pinnacles, cliff dwellings and stratified canyons, all of which are connected by an easy drive. The best-known national parks here are Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Mesa Verde and the Grand Canyon, but it’s worth noting that all 11 parks are remarkably different in their colour, vegetation and network

of

enthusiasts

recreational readily

trails.

proclaim,

As an

exploration of the entire circle is an absolute must for anyone who calls North

Banff National Park: Just 90 minutes from

America home. Planning tips are plentiful

Calgary, explore deep canyons and ancient

at grandcircle.org.

caves alongside Rocky Mountain activities like climbing, fishing, rafting and hot

EQUALLY STIRRING

springs’ body treatments. For a posh winter

Canadian terrain is also tops for fresh air

wonderland experience stay at either the

and

that

Fairmont Château Lake Louise or the

unexplained emotion when connecting

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, or in

with so much nature. Here’s a sampling of

summer, book one of the 2,462 spots in 14

such escapes year-round from west to east:

campgrounds.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve: On the

Riding Mountain National Park: On Clear

rainforested Pacific coastline of Vancouver

Lake, Manitoba, you can rent an oTENTik in

Island, enter an ecosystem that supports

winter so that after snowshoeing and

Monts-Valin National Park: Less than

both marine and terrestrial mammals such

snowmobiling it’s easy to get cozy in a

three hours north of Québec City in the

as humpback whales, wolves, and also the

roofed A-frame cabin with electric heat and

Saguenay region, this high-elevation park is

nature-loving folk who arrive for hiking,

a wood-burning stove. Bathroom and

a hit in summer for fishing, hiking,

surfing, beachcombing, kayaking, scuba

showers are located nearby.

canoeing and paddleboarding, and in

gives

outdoor

enthusiasts

diving and camping.

winter for backcountry snow activities.

Georgian Bay Islands National Park: Near

Cabins and huts are available on the trails.

Kluane National Park and Reserve: This

Port Severn, Ontario, no fewer than 63

protected wilderness in southwest Yukon is

remote islands are ideal for wildlife

Fundy National Park: Known for the

a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing

spotting and recreation. Open mid-May to

world’s highest tides plus 25 waterfalls, this

Mount Logan, Canada’s highest mountain

mid-October, the nature preserve is only

New Brunswick park is also superb at low

among the icefields, glaciers, forests and

accessible by boat and offers camping on

tide for exploration of the sea floor. Come

rivers. In winter, backcountry snow sports

one island only with rustic cabins available

for golf, hiking and biking on numerous

and camping add extra appeal. Summertime

for rent. While snow sports occur in winter,

groomed trails. Winter fun includes snow

fun includes rafting, horse riding, camping

be aware that ice conditions on the bay are

sports and camping or make it even cozier

and mountain biking.

not officially assessed.

in a yurt or oTENTik. DS

WINTER/SPRING 2020 DREAMSCAPES 37

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JAPAN’S OLYMPIC DREAMS TAKE FLIGHT

By Donna S. Vieira I AM STANDING IN AN OUTDOOR HOLDING AREA WHERE 450 JOURNALISTS, SPORTSCASTERS, PHOTOGRAPHERS AND VIDEOGRAPHERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD ARE ANTICIPATING THE UNVEILING OF JAPAN’S NEW TOKYO OLYMPIC STADIUM, WHICH WILL HOST THE GAMES OF THE XXXII OLYMPIAD FROM JULY 24 TO AUGUST 9, AS WELL AS THE PARALYMPIC GAMES FROM AUGUST 25 TO SEPTEMBER 6, 2020.

THE AIR IS ELECTRIC, THE EXCITEMENT PALPABLE.

W

ith three previous Olympic Games under its belt—1964 Summer Games, Tokyo; 1972

Winter Games, Sapporo; and 1998 Winter Games, Nagano—Japan is set to host the Games a fourth time. Under the concept, “Hope Lights Our Way,” the cherry blossomshaped torch begins its journey at the start of the cherry blossom season on March 26 in Fukushima Prefecture and will travel through all 47 prefectures of Japan.

The country introduced a number of initiatives to ensure the 2020 Games are sustainable—and memorable. For instance, people throughout Japan are donating used mobile phones, personal computers, digital cameras and other small electronic devices to be recycled. Extracted metals from these

38 DREAMSCAPES WINTER/SPRING 2020

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RIGHT: Wooden walkways snake through Unzen Hell, an area filled with billowing steam and scalding hot water. BOTTOM: Tokyo’s new openair stadium features 60,000 seats, 1,000 of which are wheelchair accessible. V&V Hospitality & Media Services OPPOSITE TOP: Approximately 5,000 gold, silver and bronze medals, made from reclaimed metals, will be awarded at the Tokyo 2020 Games. The Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee

devices are used in the production of approximately 5,000 gold, silver and bronze medals to be awarded at the Tokyo 2020 Games. Other projects address the use of timber, energy consumption and waste management and recycling.

Not surprisingly, a diverse range of technological innovations is also in the works.

And, if plans to ignite the cauldron using the world’s smallest flying car materialize, the lighting ceremony will go down as the greatest ever in Olympic history. proceed to the fifth level known as Grove of

THE UNVEILING

the Sky, which features an 850-metre-long

Our group is called and we quickly fall into

circular walkway. Wooden benches in 19

line. First, the exterior. Our guide directs

locations provide space for visitors to relax

our attention to the roof structure, a combi-

and admire the surroundings. This area will

nation of steel and cedar wood designed to

always be open to the general public

direct air naturally into the stadium. For a

whether games are happening or not.

closer look at the architectural detail, we

Finally, the doors to the open-roof interior are unlocked. There are 60,000 seats,

THE TOKYO 2020 GAMES

BY NUMBER 32,000,000,000,000— approx. economic impact nationwide in yen 1,940,000 — number of employment opportunities nationwide 110,000 — total number of city and Games volunteers

1,000 of which are wheelchair accessible.

18,000 — number of beds at Olympic Village for Olympic Games

Two large TV screens face north and south.

11,090 — number of Olympic athletes

Down on the field itself, I get a sense of how

8,000 — number of beds at Olympic Village for Paralympic Games

it feels to be an athlete at the centre of it all.

Mighty small, but pretty mind-blowing sums it up. As I gaze up at the spectator seats, a wave of memories of the previous five days washes over me, each one a fasci-

5,000 — approx. number of gold, silver and bronze medals to be awarded at the Tokyo 2020 Games 4,400 — number of Paralympic athletes

nating story unto itself.

540 — number of events in the Paralympic program

HISTORICAL LEGACIES

339 — number of events in the Olympic program

It all began with a two-hour flight from Osaka to Fukuoka on the island of Kyushu where we boarded a coach for a two-hour road trip to Yanagawa to experience a traditional smallboat ride along the town’s scenic canals.

After lunch, we travelled to Nagasaki to visit the Peace Park, a sobering reminder of

43 — number of venues, including 8 new permanent legacy sites 33 — number of Olympic sports, including 5 new entries: Baseball/Softball, Karate, Skateboarding, Sport Climbing & Surfing 22 — number of Paralympic sports including the newly added Badminton and Taekwondo

WINTER/SPRING 2020 DREAMSCAPES 39

DS-WinterSpring2020.qxp_v1 2020-01-17 8:35 AM Page 40

the devastation that took place at 11:02 a.m.

Edo Period (1603–1867). Since the 1990s, the

on August 9, 1945, when an atomic bomb

site has undergone a reconstruction pro-

killed 60,000 to 80,000 inhabitants. Estab-

gram in an effort to restore many of its

lished in 1955, the park features remnants

19th-century buildings, which reflect a

of a concrete wall of the Urakami Cathedral,

unique blend of western and Asian archi-

a 10-metre-tall Peace Statue, a black marble

tecture and decor.

vault containing the names of the atomic

THE JAPANESE WAY If you visit Japan, it might be wise to remember some of Keiko’s words of advice.

• Mute your devices and never use cell phones on public transportation; it’s considered disrespectful to fellow passengers.

• Due to the terrorist attack in 2011, few, if any, trash bins are found in public spaces so keep that in mind. Citizens are taught from a very early age to clean up after themselves and visitors are expected to follow suit.

• Accept and present items with both hands and a bow. One hand is considered rude.

• At traditional Japanese-style hotels, companies or museums, staff may bow and wave until you are out of sight. It is customary to imitate this custom as well.

• Sayonara (goodbye) is too sad; use matane (see you soon) instead.

• Appreciate everything.

40 DREAMSCAPES WINTER/SPRING 2020

bomb victims and survivors who died in

HOT SPRINGS IN THE BUFF

subsequent years, a Bell Tower, the Foun-

From there, it was a one-hour bus trip to

tain of Peace and a Peace Symbols Zone on

Unzen Miyazaki Ryokan in the Unzen

both sides of the park where monuments

Onsen area. This traditional Doka Japanese-

from countries around the world are dedi-

style hotel is known for its exquisite

cated to world peace.

lodgings, hot mineral springs and impres-

Another interesting Nagasaki highlight

sive culinary delights. As we walked the

was Dejima, a 1.5-hectare man-made island,

wooden walkways that snake through an

constructed in 1636 to segregate Portuguese

area filled with billowing steam and

residents from the Japanese population and

scalding hot water, the strong sulfuric

to control the former’s missionary activi-

odour was overwhelming.

ties. Following the Shimabara Rebellion in

At the hotel, we were ushered to our quar-

1637–38, the Portuguese and Spanish were

ters, where, in keeping with local customs, we

expelled and Dutch traders were moved

donned our yukata (kimono-style attire).

from Hirado to Dejima, which became

Keiko, our translator, explained “the Japanese

Japan’s “window on the world” during the

way” to enjoy the springs, which involved

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RIGHT: The right hand of the 10-metre-tall Peace Statue at Nagasaki Peace Park points to the threat of nuclear weapons while the extended left hand symbolizes eternal peace.

OPPOSITE TOP: Consisting of 33,000 pillars and weighing 36,000 tons, Tokyo’s Skytree Tower can withstand high winds and earthquakes.

OPPOSITE BOTTOM: Women visiting Dejima Island in Nagasaki can dress up in a traditional Japanese kimono for an hour or for the day.

V&V Hospitality & Media Services

washing ourselves thoroughly prior to entering the mineral waters. Towels were not allowed in the shower area or the baths.

Instead we were handed a washcloth, which

The Nagasaki and Amakusa regions are the

we could use to hide whatever part of our

centre stage of this extraordinary tale.

Another fun place to visit in the area is the Hamada Soy Sauce Factory where we

nude bodies we wished once we had

A ferry ride to Kuchinotsu Port brought

toured a cooking school, sampled soybean-

undressed in the locker room. However, the

us to Sakitsu Village in Amakusa, a UNESCO

based menu items at the on-site restaurant

cloths were not to touch the water at any time.

World Heritage Site and one of the key com-

and browsed through their gift shop.

Every effort must be made to keep the waters

ponents of “Hidden Christian Sites in the

Classes at the school can be booked on the

clean and pure. Following this explanation, a

Nagasaki Region.” Built in 1934, a Gothic-

company’s Facebook page.

couple of ladies opted for a private mineral

looking church overlooks a cove in the

And now, we’ve returned to Tokyo to visit

bath option. On average, overnight guests

fishing village and holds UNESCO World

its numerous sites, such as the Skytree,

follow this ritual four times: before and after

Heritage status. Due to its hidden location,

TeamLab Borderless, the Olympic Stadium

dinner, before bedtime and before breakfast.

the village was the focal point for Christian

and Village and the recently opened Japan

That evening’s gourmet dinner featured

propagation and several sacred sites remain

Olympic Museum, considered among the

to this day.

world’s best of its kind.

desserts. I wondered if there was anything

SAMURAI AND SOY

dium. As I drift toward the exit, I remember

left in the pantry for other guests. Back in

Our next stop brought us to Kumamoto

the motto our translator guide, Keiko,

my room, the middle compartment of my

Castle on the west coast of Kyushu Island.

shared with us at the onset of this journey

three-room suite had been transformed

In its day, it was an extremely well-fortified

that has led up to this momentous

into sleeping quarters with a simple

Japanese castle. Unfortunately, due to

experience: “Ichi-go ichi-e,” which, loosely

mattress topped by a duvet on the tatami-

damage from the 2016 earthquake, the inte-

translated, means “Treasure every moment,

matted floor.

rior cannot be accessed; however, the city

you never know if it will happen again.”

hopes to reopen the central area of the

This entire trip has definitely been a series

castle in spring 2021.

of once-in-a-lifetime moments.

a non-stop parade of appetizers, soups,

I hear my name. It’s time to leave the sta-

meat and fish dishes, rice and noodles and

JAPAN’S “HIDDEN CHRISTIANS”

DS

Japanese typically practise Buddhist and Shinto traditions, however about one per cent are Christians. During the Edo Period, members of the Japanese Catholic Church went underground for fear of persecution and practised their faith in secret for about 250 years, without the presence of priests or missionaries. Outwardly, the faithful Christians observed Buddhist and Shinto traditions, which resulted in a unique blend of the three practices and ritual chants that

TRAVEL PLANNER Air Canada (aircanada.com) offers non-stop service from Toronto to Tokyo. In Tokyo, we stayed at the Keio Plaza Hotel (keioplaza.com) across from the most popular shopping and entertainment spots in Shinjuku.

For information on the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Japan, visit: tokyo2020.org/ en/games/sport/olympic/ and tokyo2020.org/en/games/sport/paralympic/.

A new travel brochure introducing a rich variety of hands-on experiences within seven categories (tradition, outdoors, cuisine, cities, nature, art and relaxation) is found at: asset.japan.travel/image/upload/v1563519630/pdf/100experiencesinjapan.pdf.

A compendium of Japan’s most interesting modern art museums, art events, public facilities, commercial buildings and more is found at: partners-pamph.jnto.go.jp/simg/pamph/969.pdf.

combined Latin, Portuguese and Japanese.

WINTER/SPRING 2020 DREAMSCAPES 41

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DS TRAVEL GALLERY >> BY CYNTHIA DAVID

N VISIT FLORIDA

N

ew hotels, attractions and festivals await visitors to Florida in 2020. The Ben West Palm, a new haute boutique property from Marriott’s Autograph Collection, blends Old Florida charm with a modern twist from the rooftop pool with private cabana to a ballroom overlooking the water. Kids and their parents await the April opening of North America’s first LEGOLAND Pirate Island Hotel. Located 45 minutes from both Orlando and Tampa, steps from the 60hectare LEGOLAND theme park, the hotel features 150 fun-filled rooms plus hundreds of LEGO models and an inroom treasure hunt. Be sure to save room for one of Florida’s tasty food festivals, whether you fancy shrimp and grits or bourbon, burgers and beer. Visitflorida.com

epal, Georgia, Madagascar and Sri Lanka top G Adventures’ 12 hottest countries to visit in 2020. To compile its list, the worldwide tour operator of small group adventures headquartered in Toronto tracked travel in emerging destinations, countries on the rebound and places touched by global events. The new 13-day Wellness Nepal tour immerses travellers in local culture, while the 11-day National Geographic Family Journey to Japan welcomes children ages seven and up.

G’s Classic 8-day Northern Madagascar Explorer tour includes a visit to its newest Planeterra community tourism project, which helps reclaim habitat for lemurs and other native species. With foreign travel advisories to Sri Lanka now lifted and a free government visa, consider the 14-day Sri Lanka Encompassed trip from Colombo to Mirissa. gadventures.com

G ADVENTURES

C

anada Goose has landed in Cascade Shops, the largest indoor shopping centre in downtown Banff. The new store, the brand’s third in Alberta and sixth across Canada, features four levels with stores, restaurants and a food court, as well as a multi-storey domed atrium, public art and displays featuring the history of skiing. Every detail has been designed to reflect the brand’s Canadian heritage. The 1,723-kilogram cash desk is carved from marble sourced from a B.C. quarry, while Meghan Price’s playful Stone Books are carved from limestone quarried in Owen Sound, Ontario. Art and sculptures from celebrated Indigenous artists also fill the space. Shoppers can test an iconic Canada Goose parka in the Cold Room, where temperatures dip as low as -25 C. Canadagoose.com

FRANGIPANI BEACH RESORT

P

lan your dream wedding and honeymoon at the luxurious Frangipani Beach Resort on the island of Anguilla.

Located on the white sand beaches of Meads Bay, awardwinning Frangipani offers 19 guestrooms and suites, plus a four-bedroom beachfront villa. Book a room or the entire resort! The palatial villa comes complete with a full kitchen, two large living areas and a private pool and deck, perfect for sunset views. Each comfortable bedroom has its own bathroom. The Honeymooners’ Paradise package includes a luxury room, boat trip, champagne and a couples’ massage on the beach. Frangipaniresort.com

42 DREAMSCAPES WINTER/SPRING 2020

CANADA GOOSE

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P COURTESY CANADIAN MUSEUM OF HISTORY

lans are underway for a new Sesame Place theme park in San Diego. The 7-hectare park is being built by SeaWorld Entertainment and Sesame Workshop, the educational non-profit behind Sesame Street. Scheduled to open in 2021, the park promises all the fun, laughter and learning of Sesame Street, which debuted on television in 1969. Expect exciting family rides, water slides, parades and shows featuring everyone’s favourite characters. Sesame Place will also be designated a Certified Autism Center, which requires staff to undergo autism sensitivity and awareness training. A sensory guide on the park’s website will make it easier for parents to plan activities that satisfy their child’s needs. The First Sesame Place opened in Philadelphia in 1980. sesameplace.com

T

he Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Québec, has signed an unprecedented agreement with the Peskotomuhkati Nation at Skutik to safeguard more than 100 traditional items reflecting Indigenous culture.

Items range from canoes, wooden tools, silver jewellery, beaded clothing, bags and jewellery to games, puzzles, bowls, drums, headdresses and woven baskets, making this one of the largest known collections of Peskotomuhkati material culture in Canada. A selection of objects is on display in the museum’s Resource Centre until April. They will eventually be returned to the Nation’s property and lodge near St. Andrews, New Brunswick. historymuseum.ca

SEAWORLD PARKS

T

he opening chords of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 will thunder across Germany during the 250th anniversary of his birth. Celebrations for BTHVN2020 kicked off on December 16 with a sound-and-light show in Bonn, the composer’s birthplace. Events throughout 2020 focus on his life as a citizen, composer, humanist, visionary and nature lover.

Along with performances of Beethoven’s complete catalogue of music, newly commissioned works of jazz, rock and even dance and experimental music will give his work a modern twist. With luck you may be invited to one of 2,500 concerts organized in private households. Or join an excursion to the countryside to hear Beethoven’s famous Pastoral Symphony No. 6. lvbeethoven.de/en

COURTESY HAWAII TOURISM CANADA

T

he excitement never stops on the islands of Hawaii.

Between October and April, guests on Kayak Kauai’s new Whale Watch and Snorkel Tour can guide a sea kayak along the scenic south shore coast of Po‘ipü. Bike Hawaii recently introduced a solar-powered e-bike tour to Honolulu’s Ko‘olau mountain rainforests. The electric-assist mountain bike eases the eight-kilometre uphill climb and makes the descent a breeze. On a clear evening, view the sunset from the summit of the Maui volcano, followed by dinner and an evening of telescope stargazing organized by Hoku Hawaii.

Participants will learn the history of Maui and native Hawaiian culture. Hawaii Forest and Trail recently launched private tours of O‘ahu for up to 12 guests, and Paradise Helicopters has launched two new tours in O‘ahu. Gohawaii.com

GERMAN NATIONAL TOURIST OFFICE

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DS TRAVEL GALLERY

I

n San Diego, the wondrous journey by grey whales along the coastline is one of the unique natural phenomena that regularly occurs in spring. See thousands of these majestic marine mammals make their way along the San Diego coastline in the northbound migration as they retreat from the warm water lagoons of Baja California, Mexico with their young and return to the chilly Alaskan seas. For these peaceful giants of the sea the incredible trek traditionally occurs from mid-December through April. Several local companies offer seasonal whale-watching outings with daily departures from San Diego Bay, Mission Bay and local beaches. sandiego.org

PANORAMA MOUNTAIN RESORT

P

anorama Mountain Resort, located on British Columbia’s famed Powder Highway, offers new restaurants and new terrain this winter. Alto Kitchen & Bar plates up rustic Italian-style pizza from a striking Forno Bravo oven, the restaurant’s centrepiece, while the Fireside Café & Lounge serves locally roasted coffee and baked goods by day, transitioning into a laid-back wine lounge by night.

Canada’s first snowcat food truck continues to serve hot food and cold beer right on the slopes. You should also check out the new gourmet meat pie bakery. The resort has also added another four trails and plenty of new lines in its Monster backcountry-style terrain. Buy a seat on the Monster X snowcat shuttle and head straight to the top.

PanoramaResort.com

SANDIEGO.ORG/BOB GRIESER

I

n Massachusetts, the 400th anniversary of the famous 1620 Mayflower voyage of the historic crossing of Pilgrims who landed in Plymouth will be celebrated with the arrival of the newly restored replica ship, the Mayflower II. History buffs are expected to visit the Bay State as the town and state plan themed events and festivals of the significant crossing scheduled throughout the year. The state’s Plymouth 400 Commission has created a series of signature events. Also, see Mayflower Sails 2020 from May 14 to May 19, giving visitors a chance to board the ship for free. MayflowerSails2020.com and Plymouth400inc.org

WYNDHAM LAKE BUENA VISTA RESORT

G

uests of the seven Walt Disney World resort hotels in Florida can continue to enjoy two popular perks until the end of 2020. With a valid admission ticket, Extra Magic Hours lets visitors experience extra time in at least one Disney theme park each day, either before it opens or after it closes. Enjoy select attractions including the all-new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the 4.5-hectare Toy Story Land or Pandora – The World of Avatar. A second benefit, the 60-Day FastPass+ lets you reserve access to select attractions, shows and more up to 60 days before you arrive. Guests with a theme park ticket, confirmation number and hotel reservation number can link their reservation at MyDisneyExperience.com

44 DREAMSCAPES WINTER/SPRING 2020

MASSACHUSETTS OFFICE OF TRAVEL AND TOURISM

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DS WEB LISTING >> Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel, FL ............................19 www.fortmyers-sanibel.com Best Western Hotels & Resorts ..........................................48 www.bestwestern.com Busch Gardens, Tampa, FL ..................................................21 www.buschgardens.ca Cartier Place Suite Hotel, Ottawa ........................................8 www.suitedreams.com VISIT PUERTO VALLARTA/EDUARDO ALBERTO MUGICA MURO

S

ayulita, a popular resort haven on Mexico’s Pacific Coast in Riviera Nayarit, turned into the perfect backdrop for the hit song “South of the Border” when acclaimed musical artists Ed Sheeran, Camilla Cabello and Cardi B filmed the hit single there recently. Parts of the spy-themed music video were shot by the coast of Sayulita, giving travellers a glimpse into the rich experiences of this charming coastal town. The town of Sayulita, known for great surfing, has evolved into a hub where luxury, landscapes and privacy are at the forefront for exclusive stays. Sayulita is in close proximity to Punta de Mita where you’ll find stunning properties such as the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, Imanta Resorts and The W Punta De Mita. There are also private villas available for a quiet getaway. sayulita.com

Cultural Council of Palm Beach County, FL ......................25 www.whereculturealwaysshines.com Daytona Beach, FL ................................................................23 www.daytonabeach.com Florida Keys & Key West, FL ................................................17 www.fla-keys.com Holiday Inn Club Vacations, FL ............................................9 www.discoverhcv.com/florida-resorts Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center, FL ........31 www.hmcec.org Mammoth Lakes, CA ..........................................................2, 3 www.visitmammoth.com St. Lawrence Cruise Lines, ON..............................................4 www.stlawrencecruiselines.com San Antonio, TX ......................................................................5 www.visitsanantonio.com SeaWorld, Orlando, FL ..........................................................21 www.seaworld.ca South Seas Island Resort, FL ..............................................27 www.southseas.com

VISIT PANAMA CITY BEACH

M

usic fills the air around Panama City Beach as jazz lovers and rock fans hit the famous beach strip during two music festivals this spring. The SandJam Music Festival (April 24–26) takes place at the M.B. Miller County Pier, providing a spectacular backdrop for the city’s biggest festival over a fun-filled weekend. Seabreeze Jazz Festival (April 22–26), now in its 22nd year, has been rated among the top jazz festivals and is known for fun, sun, great beaches and good times. The music extravaganza is held in the Pier Park Amphitheater. SeaBreezeJazzFestival.com

Travel Guide to California....................................................47 www.californiatravelguide.travel Travel Guide to Canada........................................................47 www.canadatravelguides.ca Travel Guide to Florida ........................................................47 www.floridatravelguide.travel Visit Florida ............................................................................15 www.visitflorida.com

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DS CELEBRITY TRAVEL CORNER >> BY CHRIS RYALL

DEBBIE TRAVIS DESIGNING

PHOTO: MAX ROSENSTEIN

LA DOLCE VITA IN TUSCANY IT SEEMS FITTING THE YEAR Italian director Federico Fellini’s classic film, La Dolce Vita, was released in 1960 was the same year television personality and designer Debbie Travis was born. Fast forward 60 years and Travis is fulfilling her dream living and operating a boutique hotel and retreat in the idyllic Tuscan countryside. Getting to this point though has been far from idyllic.

Born in Blackburn, an old industrial town in Northern England, there were no silver spoons, designer threads or furnishings. Her father passed away when Travis was 12, which had a big effect but instilled a belief, “I can do anything, just keep going.” London calling, Travis left home at 16 and went to art college and began modelling before

Q&A

eventually going into television as an intern at BBC. In the mid-’80s at a television convention in Cannes, Travis met her future husband Hans Rosenstein, a television distributor. They married, moved to Montreal and started a lifelong work partnership in interior decorating.

Travis’ first TV series, Debbie Travis’ Painted House, aired from 1995 to 2002.

Oprah Winfrey commented, “Travis is the master of paint and plaster.” Travis is a master of many roles—mother of two sons, wife, entrepreneur, TV host, syndicated newspaper columnist, TV producer, and a bestselling author including her latest book, Design Your Next Chapter: How to Realize Your Dreams and Reinvent your Life.

ANY WEIRD THINGS HAPPEN WHEN SHOOTING HOME DECORATING SHOWS? For the first house in the Facelift TVseries, we ripped out the wrong house; that was a disaster. The second one we had a crazy plumber who turned out not to be a plumber but just wanted to be on television and the bathtub fell through the floor about six months after we had finished.

HOW DID YOU MEET UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN AUTHOR FRANCES MAYES? I see her all the time; she was my first friend here in Tuscany. I didn’t know a single person in this valley and I ended up ringing her up. I got her number through her olive oil consortium. I basically spoke to her husband and he said, “Yeah, come on over.”

WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT TUSCANY? The light here is extraordinary—that’s why Tuscany is famous for artists. I never tire of the view. The valleys are all covered in this mist so as the temperature goes up, all these hilltop towns and cathedrals and monasteries all start poking through. It’s like a sea of clouds that starts to dissolve and it’s really amazing.

HAVE YOU CHANGED HOW YOU ARE AS A HOTEL GUEST SINCE YOU ARE NOW A HOTEL OWNER?

46 DREAMSCAPES WINTER/SPRING 2020

Her newest role is as a proud owner of the Villa Reniella, a revived 13th-century farmhouse in Tuscany. It took Travis, her husband Hans and many local contractors almost five years of painstaking work for the Tuscan estate to be transformed from a dilapidated farmhouse to a luxury boutique hotel. Opened in 2015, Travis offers oneweek luxury retreats for women as well as gourmet retreats for couples. The weeklong experiences are heavy on nature, village life, tranquility, gourmet food, laughter and even a few tears. All enjoyed with copious amounts of Prosecco.

Travis has realized her dream and discovered her peace and purpose under the Tuscan sun.

First of all, I will never leave a mess in a hotel room again. I am so sorry to all the hotels I’ve stayed in where I’ve left a mess. I do clean up after myself and I am very aware.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE DESTINATION BESIDES TUSCANY? Bed! I love travelling. I never do “normal” holidays. We never really had normal holidays, even when the kids were small because we were always filming. I love India; I’ve been there a few times. I’d love to go back to South Africa. I like holidays that are kind of exotic, shocking and cultural that just inspire you.

ANY TRAVEL PET PEEVES? I think the way people travel on airplanes and the clothes that they wear. In England it’s become very trendy to have bachelor parties, so you’ll see adults walking through the airport in grown-up diapers, men in tutus, at 5 o’clock in the morning! Seriously? And they’re already into two bottles of crème de menthe.

WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU? The most important thing for me is having a role in life. There has to be a purpose. My role right now I think is to inspire people through what I have done. You can make anything happen as long as you’re healthy and look after yourself. DS

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ESSENTIAL GUIDES FOR YOUR VACATION GETAWAY Travel Guide to California CaliforniaTravelGuide.travel

Travel Guide to Florida FloridaTravelGuide.travel

Travel Guide to Canada CanadaTravelGuides.ca

ENJOY INSIGHTFUL WRITING, BRILLIANT PHOTOGRAPHY, AND DETAILED INFORMATION ON TRAVEL TO THESE PREMIER DESTINATIONS. You may purchase these guides at most retail chains across the U.S.A. and Canada.

U.S.A retailers include Barnes & Noble, Hudson U.S. airport and commuter locations, Books-A-Million, CVS, Publix, Safeway, Kroger, Target and Walmart.

Canadian retailers include airport stores, Chapters/Indigo, Shoppers Drug Mart, Loblaws, Sobeys, Metro Stores, Walmart, Safeway, Value Drug Mart, Rexall/Pharma Plus, IDA and Overwaitea.

2020 EDITIONS ON SALE IN STORES: 2020 Travel Guide to Florida – On sale on newsstands NOW 2020 Travel Guide to California – On sale on newsstands March 2, 2020 2020 Travel Guide to Canada – On sale on newsstands May 4, 2020

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