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Activities Archaeology Architecture Hiking Historic House House North Carolina Preserve Ruins Rural Sightseeing United States

The Reedy Creek Nature Center, Park, and Preserve in Charlotte, North Carolina

We were visiting family in Charlotte and were searching for something fun to do with our 2 year old son.  Hands down, the Reedy Creek Nature Center, Park, and Preserve was the most fun we had while visiting this beautiful city.  From a playground, to a nature center, to hiking trails, to archaeological ruins, this park has it all.  And I can honestly say that there is something here for everybody.

The Reedy Creek Nature Center, Park, and Preserve in Charlotte, North Carolina
This sprawling osage orange tree lays on the ground in front of the Robinson Rockhouse Ruins. In 1987, it was blown over during an ice storm. A tree ring core obtained from the tree tells us that it was planted sometime in the 1770s.
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Activities Architecture Europe Historic House House Iceland Rural Sightseeing

Nýibær, a Visit to an Icelandic Turf House

Within the small town of Hólar in northern Iceland, Nýibær provides visitors with a glimpse of the past.  Public access to this historic turf house allows one to see what rural Icelandic life was like in the past and it really is cool to see!

Nýibær, a Visit to an Icelandic Turf House
The turf almost completely encapsulates the back of the house.
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Architecture Europe Historic House House Iceland Rural Sightseeing

Auðunnarstofa or Auðun’s House, the Hólar Bishop’s Office

If you’re traveling through the small town of Hólar in northern Iceland, you should stop by the the Auðunnarstofa or Auðun’s House.  This is a replica of an ancient Icelandic house serves today as the Hólar Bishop’s Office.

Auðunnarstofa or Auðun’s House, the Hólar Bishop’s Office
Even the front door is beautiful to look upon.
Auðunnarstofa or Auðun’s House, the Hólar Bishop’s Office
One end of the house.
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Activities Architecture Church Church Europe Historic Iceland Rural Sightseeing

The Icelandic Bishop, Jón Arason

Hólar, Iceland is a small little town in the northern part of the country that has so much history and drama within its walls.  No stories are probably more dramatic than that of Bishop Jón Arason, the last Catholic Bishop of Iceland.

The Icelandic Bishop, Jón Arason
A piece of art depicting Jón Arason by the Icelandic artist, Erró.

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Activities Architecture Church Church Europe Historic Iceland Rural Sightseeing

Hólar Cathedral

Nestled within the small town of Hólar, Iceland, you can find the Hólar Cathedral.  As part of the Church of Iceland, the Hólar Cathedral is the official church of the Bishop of Hólar and is the latest of a long line of historic churches.

Hólar Cathedral
Saints decorate the interior architecture of the church.
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Activities Archaeology Architecture Church Church Europe Historic Iceland Rural Sightseeing

Historical Hólar, Iceland

Situated in northern Iceland about an hour and a half drive west of Akureyri, is the old “capital of the north”, Hólar, Iceland.  This tiny town, which today has a population of about 100 people, was once the religious center of Iceland and served as its northern capital for over 700 years.  Today, to those curious travelers, it serves as a window into the past and there is so much to see.

Historical Hólar, Iceland
The religious center of Hólar with the clock tower on the left and church on the right.
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Activities Cemetery Georgia Sightseeing United States Urban

The Breathtaking Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia

The Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia is one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world.  The ornate statues, unique architecture, and olds roads lined with live oak trees dripping with Spanish moss take visitors into a more peaceful and serene state of mind. This place is absolutely breathtaking and worth a trip in and of itself.  It’s quite large so allow yourself plenty of time to take it all in.

The Breathtaking Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia
A statue of a weeping lady stands at the top of a grave.
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Activities Castle Europe Historic Ireland Sightseeing Urban

Ireland’s Dublin Castle – A Story of Vikings, Stolen Jewels, and Independence

Today, the Dublin Castle in Ireland is a government building used for official ceremonies, dinners, presidential inaugurations, and other state affairs.  Historically, however, it has had a varied past and was once called home by the Vikings, Normans, English, and British.  Through most of its history, it has served as the administrative seat for English and British rule in Ireland.  In 1922, it was finally handed back to the people of its country and has served them ever since.  

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Activities Africa Architecture City Historic Kasbah Kasbah Morocco Rural Sightseeing

Aït Benhaddou in Southern Morocco

Aït Benhaddou is a fortified city in Morocco that is located along the old caravan route between Marrakech and the Sahara Desert.  This UNESCO World Heritage site served as an important trading post in the old trade route that passed all the way from Morocco on the west coast of Africa, to Sudan on the east coast.

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Activities Architecture Canada City Fort Historic Quebec Sightseeing Urban

Old Québec City, Québec Province, Canada

Old Québec City is the original old town historic neighborhood in Québec, Canada, that was first settled in 1608.  Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the only city in North America north of Mexico that still has a city wall.  Visiting Old Québec City allows travelers to step back in time and visit an early North American settlement.