Asheville welcomes you to the mountains for the beginning of the fall season! The very first hints of fall are popping up, especially in the highest elevations towards Mt. Mitchell. As you explore Asheville this weekend, prepare for a fall adventure with our 5 things to know about fall in Asheville and our guide to the top 10 ways to experience fall in Asheville.

Planning a trip to Asheville is easy. Utilize our easy-to-use search to check room availability and rates at Asheville area accommodations, and be sure to check out the special deals

Fall color continues to spread across the higher elevations making this weekend a great time to experience some of Asheville's favorite fall traditions. Big arts celebrations, food and beer fests, fall festivals, and live music take center stage.

As you explore Asheville this weekend, be sure to check out our 5 things to know about fall in Asheville and our guide to the top 10 ways to experience fall in Asheville.

Planning a trip to Asheville is easy. Utilize our easy-to-use search to check room availability and rates at Asheville area

Happy Friday to you all! Another Fall weekend is upon us. Mark and I are headed out to look at bathroom tile tomorrow and I’ll keep you posted on what we are up to in the master bathroom as soon as I can.

Today’s Feature Friday is a new friend here in Atlanta, Robin LaMonte. I met Robin a few years ago at one of the designer showhouses. She had designed the kitchen and I was there taking pics for my blog. We connected again this year and I found out she started a new blog conference for women bloggers and influencers call the Influencers of Midlife summit. I didn’t make it this year, but will be speaking and helping out next year in March. I’m excited that Robin launched this conference tailor made for midlife and older women, really anyone over 40 who is trying to start a blog or launch websites and podcasts, whatever you’re up to these days in this online world. I think it’s going to be a great conference to connect with others and get plugged in, so I hope you’ll check it out and come join us in March here in Atlanta. It’s going to be fun! Robin and I happen to be born the same year too! 

The post Feature Friday: Robin LaMonte Interior Designer appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Often overlooked and underrated, winter in Asheville, N.C., is a bit of a secret given this Blue Ridge Mountain city is world-famous for fall color and lush summer adventure. Mostly moderate winter weather means Asheville’s Art Deco downtown remains walkable and cozy with picture-perfect long-range views of snowy peaks, romantic restaurants and easy access to hiking and walking trails.

This winter brings a mix of cozy new offerings including wellness experiences to beat the winter blues, a new downtown hotel with expansive views and luxury

Asheville is hosting some of its most popular annual events this weekend. Discover handmade crafts, attend multiple immersive music and arts festivals, and head out on the town for a night of laughter and dancing. All of this set to the backdrop of beautiful fall color, which is beginning to pop at the higher elevations surrounding Asheville.

As you explore Asheville this weekend, be sure to check out our 5 things to know about fall in Asheville and our guide to the top 10 ways to experience fall in Asheville. Stay up to date on the fall color

Posted: 10/24/19 | October 24th, 2019

A few years ago, I found this charity website called Omaze. They are an awesome online fundraising platform that connects incredible charities, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and people who want to make a difference.

I can’t fully remember how I found them but I do remember the campaign was to have wine with Jennifer Lawrence and support a voting right’s organization.

So I donated in hopes of winning (I did not).

Then I got hooked on donating money to charities in hopes of meeting my favorite celebs. (I did not win that George Clooney one either!) Though I lost, I was happy to know my donation supported worthy organizations.

Earlier this year, I was fortunate enough to meet the folks from Omaze and we decided to partner together to raise money for a charity near and dear to my heart: FLYTE.

The Foundation for Learning and Youth Travel Education (FLYTE) was founded in 2015 as our community charity. It raises money for underserved students so they can go on overseas educational trips. We partner with schools in low-income communities that lack the existing resources to provide a global education for their students and fund trips that best align with their curriculum. We want to make sure these trips have an educational and service component to them.

The goal is to show these students the world beyond their bubble. In a world that seems to want to build walls, I wanted to find a way to tear them down. I want students with limited opportunities to know that there is a big world out there and it is full of possibilities and that no dream is too big. I want to show them that the world they see on TV is not the world that exists and that people in foreign countries are just like them.

And I wanted to show them that their education is important!

Since we started, we’ve sent over 70 kids overseas to counties like Cuba, Guatemala, Mexico, Colombia, and Ecuador. That’s 70 people with new passports and a changed view of the world!

Now, I’ve partnered with Omaze to raise money for FLYTE by giving away a trip to Thailand. You’ll be able to win a 10 day trip to Thailand for you and a friend that will include things like:

• 10 days exploring the captivating food and culture of Thailand with stops in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and one of the islands
• A full itinerary of activities like temple visits, cooking classes, food tours, a visit to an elephant sanctuary, snorkeling trips, beach time, and more
• Roundtrip flights, transportation between cities, and accommodation in 4-star hotels

And, to top it all off, you’ll have me as your guide for part of it!

I’ll be there to welcome you to the country, show you around Bangkok, the city I used to call home, and answer all your questions before you continue onward!

Here’s more:

 
Donations start at $10 USD and the contest goes until December 12th.

And, best of all, this trip is open to pretty much everyone in the world. This isn’t just for U.S. or Canada folks. There’s a bunch of legal stuff on Omaze’s website to read but if you are 18 and older and aren’t a residents of Belgium, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Italy, North Korea, Singapore, Sudan, Syria or Thailand, you’re eligible to win (see their site for all the legal stuff). (When they told me it was open to so many people, I was thrilled!)

So enter here for a chance to win a trip to Thailand, come hang out with me, and help support an organization that is working to send underserved kids on overseas trips that helps broaden their horizon and makes them better global citizens.

Sincerely,

Nomadic Matt

The post Win a Trip to Thailand for Two! (And I’ll Meet You There!) appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Asheville is prepared to celebrate Halloween a little early this weekend! Put on your costume and head to one of the many Halloween-themed events throughout the city. For fans of handmade crafts, be sure to stop by one of the multiple arts shows happening all around Asheville and in Black Mountain. Finally, make a plan to explore the higher elevations along the Blue Ridge Parkway to take in the stunning fall color that is spreading across the mountains.

Be sure to check out our 5 things to know about fall in Asheville and our guide to the top

Festive holiday happenings and all things merry and bright abound in Asheville, North Carolina!

Each year, beloved longtime traditions and fresh offerings combine to make this Blue Ridge Mountain city a must-visit Christmas destination: from the opulent decorations at Biltmore, America’s Largest Home, to half-a-million lights strewn throughout a magical winter garden to sugar-and-spice masterpieces competing for national gingerbread glory.

Christmas at Biltmore

An enduring legacy of America’s Gilded Age, Biltmore is the 250-room grand vision

The Netherlands is an absolutely stunning European travel destination. It’s characterized by its flat land, old windmills, delicious cheese, colorful flower fields, and a plethora of bikes. More so, much of the Netherlands is below sea level, which has resulted in a ton of beautiful and enchanting canals—canals are one of the more famous aspects …

Read moreUnforgettable Places to Visit in the Netherlands

The post Unforgettable Places to Visit in the Netherlands appeared first on Everything Everywhere Travel Blog.

Updated: 10/28/2019 | October 28th, 2019

Istanbul is home to some famous historical sites — the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar, and Spice Market. They are stunning, important historical sites to see and experience. But the city also offers lots of fun things to do that have fewer crowds and are a bit off the beaten path.

As important as it is to visit culturally significant historical sites (after all, there’s nothing wrong with being a tourist) there is so much more to every destination than just the main tourist bullet points.

Of course, you shouldn’t miss Istanbul’s major sites. But once you’ve done them, there are plenty of offbeat things to see and do here. Here are my favorites to help you get started and make the most out of your trip:

1. Descend into the Basilica Cistern

Most travelers walk on top of this ancient cavern for days without realizing it. After entering an unassuming doorway you’ll climb down a gloomy set of stairs, ending up in an underground former water reservoir built in the sixth century. It’s filled with centuries-old columns and statues and the space is eerily lit in shades of orange. Koi fish swim in the standing water, and you have to walk on wooden planks to get around. You can hear drips echoing, and there are two mysterious statues with the head of Medusa. It kind of feels like you’re in a scary movie.

Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, +90 212-512-1570 yerebatansarnici.com. Open daily from 9am-5:30pm (except religious holidays). Admission is 20 TRY for foreigners.

2. Explore the Asian Side

Istanbul is the only city in the world to straddle two continents; it spans from Europe to Asia. The Asian side (also called the Anatolian side) is separated from the European side by the Bosphorus Strait. You can take a bus over the famous Bosphorus Bridge, or you can ride over on a ferry. The city’s main tourist sites are on the European side, but if you’ve never been to Asia, it’s fun to cross over so you can say you’ve been there. If you’re interested in shopping, check out the popular markets in Kadiköy.

Other worthy activities include touring the Beylerbeyi Palace, riding up to the top of Çamlica Hill for incredible views of the city, and strolling along Bagdat Caddesi to explore the many restaurants, cafés, and shops.

The ferry will cost 3 TRY for a one-way ticket.

3. Visit a Real Hammam

(Picture not available—everyone was naked inside!)
Many of the swanky hotels in Istanbul have hammams, otherwise known as Turkish baths, but they usually aren’t the real deal. They’re made for Westerners looking for a cushy and modest experience. Real hammams have been a Turkish tradition for thousands of years, and they have served as both a place to cleanse and to socialize. Most hammams are separated by gender, and women generally go topless. You transition through several different rooms of different temperatures, one being a hot steam room much like a sauna. You can opt to pay an attendant to give you a thorough scrub-down — it’s rough but invigorating! Çemberlitai Hamami is a good option for visitors looking to give the experience a try; another popular one is Cagaloglu. Both are located in the Old Town.

Vezirhan Cad. No. 8, +90 552-381-1584, cemberlitashamami.com. Open daily from 6am-12am. Admission starts at 160 TRY per person and goes up from there depending on what treatments/services you want.

4. Go to the Prince Islands

This chain of nine islands off the coast of Istanbul provides a unique getaway from the crowds. An easy day trip during the warm months, the islands are just a quick ferry ride from the city. Most travelers visit the four larger islands (Büyükada, the biggest and most popular, Burgazada, Heybeliada, and Kinaliada). You can explore historic buildings, eat at tasty cafés, and see beautiful homes as you wander about.

What makes these islands special is that no cars are allowed on the islands, making them quite peaceful and quiet and a nice break from the noise of the city. You can get around by walking, bicycle, or horse and carriage.

Try to take one of the early ferries in the day so you explore the islands before our visitors arrive.

The journey by ferry will take around 1 hour and 30 minutes depending on what island you are going to. Tickets are 5 TRY per person for a single journey ticket.

5. Take a Ferry

A great way to explore this massive city is by boat. You’ll see many boats that offer paid tours of the Bosphorus, but if you want to save money and have more flexibility, take a regular ferry ride instead. The fare will be cheaper, and you won’t be competing for space with other tourists trying to take photos.

You’ll pass by Topkapi Palace, the Bosphorus Bridge, gorgeous mansions, mosques with massive minarets, other castles and palaces, and more. You can hop off, eat some fresh seafood, and then head back. It’s a budget-friendly way to explore without bumping into other tourists.

Round-trip ferry tickets will cost 25 TRY per person.

6. Explore Jewish History

While Turkey is predominantly a Muslim country, it has a surprisingly long Jewish history. There are Jewish heritage tours you can take, or you can explore the stops on your own. Jews have lived in Turkey for thousands of years, but the population really grew during the Ottoman Empire in the 1400s. Growth increased in 1492 when Spain expelled its Jews and the Ottoman Empire welcomed them as they were stereotyped as having good business skills and wealth.

Istanbul’s Galata and Balat quarters are steeped in Jewish history and you can find historic synagogues in both areas of town. Istanbul also has a Jewish museum (The Museum of Turkish Jews) that does a good job of illustrating the contributions and struggles of Jews in Turkey.

Bereketzade Mahallesi, +90 212-292-6333, muze500.com. Open Sunday-Thursday from 10am-5pm and Fridays from 10am-1pm (closed Saturdays). Admission is free, though donations are encouraged. Passport (or other official ID) is required to enter.

7. Watch the Fishermen on Galata Bridge

Every day, dozens, if not hundreds, of local men form a row along the top level of the Galata Bridge and fish over the edge. It’s an incredible sight. They spend hours hoping to catch fresh seafood, and some of them will sell it to you while they’re still out there fishing. Many of the men don’t even make a catch; they seem to enjoy just standing there hanging their pole over the water.

There’s also a fish market at the base of the bridge, and the many booths of fresh-caught fish are fun to look at (though it can also be a bit gross).

8. See the Obelisk of Theodosius

This Egyptian obelisk was carved around 1500 BCE near Luxor before it was pillaged by the Romans and moved to Alexandria. Not long after, it was moved to Constantinople (now Istanbul) where it has remained ever since. There are well-preserved hieroglyphs on all four sides which depict Tutmoses III’s victory during a battle on the Euphrates River.

The obelisk is usually surrounded by locals relaxing and chatting, and there are often buskers performing here as well. It’s a good place to sit back and people-watch while appreciating this incredible historical relic.

9. Snap a Photo with Tombili

Chances are you already know you Tombili is — you just don’t realize it. Tombili was a street cat from Istanbul who went viral in a meme that showed the cat lounging on the stairs like a person would sit on a bench (the meme was called “chill cat” if you want to look it up).

When Tombili died in 2016, the local mayor had a statue commissioned and it now sits where Tombili’s famous photo was taken. Thieves immediately stole the statue but, after a huge public outcry, it was returned.

10. Visit Miniaturk

Miniaturk is a miniature park located in Istanbul — and it’s one of the largest miniature parks in the world. To be honest, I didn’t even know what miniature parks were before encountering this place. In short, the park is full of small replicas of famous sights and attractions, made to a 1/25 scale. There are over 100 models in the park including the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Mostar Bridge, and the Hagia Eirene Church. The park spans almost 15 acres and there are audio guides available around the park so you can listen and learn more about each individual attraction.

Örnektepe, +90 212-222-2882, miniaturk.com.tr. Open daily from 9am-6pm. Admission is 15 TRY.
***
Istanbul is a very large and crowded city and it can definitely be intimidating to visit. But it’s also home to some fascinating history and tons of unique sights and attractions — many of which don’t get the attention they deserve.

By adding some of these less-visited attractions into your itinerary you’ll be able to have a much more unique and authentic experience while still being able to see all the wonderful sights that make Istanbul the eclectic, beautiful city that it is.

Photo credit: 4 – NKCPhoto, 8 – Erik Cleves Kristensen,9 – Nevit,

The post 10 Offbeat Things to Do in Istanbul appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.