15 Best Things to Do in Hanson (MA)
This inland coastal city is called Cranberry City. The Ocean Spray Cooperative was founded in Hanson in 1930 and was headquartered here until 1977. There are numerous cranberry bogs, many of which are now closed, but still form a large part of Hanson’s landscape. The Barrage Pond Wildlife Management Area shows where the state intervened in 2002 to protect a network of ancient swamps and natural wetlands. Today Hanson is a quiet town with an urban center surrounded by beautiful ponds and many nature reserves where you can hike miles of nature trails. 1. Boston Skydive Company Cranland Airport, in the southeast corner of Hanson, is home to the Boston Skydive Company, which specializes in tandem skydiving. No skydiving experience is required for these jumps. Connect with experienced and qualified instructors at 4 points. The company uses the most advanced tandem systems on the market (United Parachute Technologies SIGMA and Micro SIGMA) to perform the jumps from highly maintained and reliable Cessna 182 jumps to the highest standards. For an additional fee, you can order a photo or video recording of your jump. The entire experience takes approximately 4 hours, including check-in, safety briefing, and preparation. 2. Plymouth County Hospital Meadows South Hanson’s Plymouth County Hospital (1919-1992), which was eventually demolished in the late 2010s, was an important part of the town’s history in the 20th century. One of the first hospitals with a modern heating system, the facility opened as a tuberculosis sanatorium and grew into a place to treat chronic diseases. Maintained as an agricultural farm by the hospital, Rusthe Meadows is your starting point and you can hike through the former grounds. About a mile long, the trail winds through the woods before emerging into a large meadow. Other hikes take you around the old hospital grounds and through lingonberry ponds and wetlands, both privately owned. 3. Smith-Nawazelski Conservation Area Smith-Nawazerski Reserve is another natural area traversed by the Bay Circuit Trail, west of the Barrage Pond Wildlife Sanctuary. Acquired by the city in 1989, this native farmland is actually Hanson’s largest nature reserve, covering more than 100 acres. There are approximately two miles of trails through pine, oak, beech, cedar, maple, and blueberry forests. A great feature is the flowered holly stand. There is also a red maple swamp, some large boulders, and a spring pond full of wildlife in the spring. 4. Heidi’s Hollow Farm As of 2020, this popular seasonal ice cream stands in Hanson has been run by the same husband and wife for over 30 years. Founders Tony Quigley and Linda Quigley are now enjoying well-deserved retirement and handed over the business to new owners. A quintessential New England ice cream parlor, Heidi’s Hollow Farm is open from April to October and serves about 40 varieties of Richard’s Ice Cream, as well as Soft His Cream, Froyo, and Sorbet. It offers. There are many kinds of sundaes, and you can make your own sundae. 5. Hanson Bowladrome Operated by the Hanson Athletic Association, Candle Pin Bowling Alley is the oldest of its kind and one of the best in the area. For those new to candlepin bowling, this is his variation of tenpin bowling, which was popular in Worcester in the 1880s. The pins are longer and thinner, and the balls are smaller, making them harder to beat. Strikes are very rare in candlepin bowling, but you get 3 throws every time. Generations of bowlers learned the game at the Hanson Bowldrome, which has 12 lanes and still uses manual scoring. 6. Old South Hanson Station Next to the current MBTA commuter rail on Main Street in South Hanson, there are interesting mid-19th-century ruins in the shape of the old South Hanson Station. This railroad, the same one that the Old Colony Railroad opened, was built in 1845 and has not been in service since the line was closed in 1959. Even in its neglected state with some windows boarded up, it is a beautiful building with large eaves, carved corbels, and sash windows. There has been much debate about the station’s future, but at the time of writing this article, the building was not in use. 7. Burrage Pond Wildlife Management Area In 2002, the state purchased approximately 5,000 acres of cranberry bogs, cedar groves, and wetlands to preserve the rural landscape typical of the South Coast and southeastern Massachusetts in the 20th century. The Barrage Pond Wildlife Reserves in Hanson and Halifax are easily explored on foot or by bike, crisscrossed by wide, flat trails that were once used to groom the moors. If you take your time, you’ll notice an amazing diversity of wildlife, from turtles to otters, amphibians, deer, herons, and ospreys. On the Hanson side, you can hike the Indian Crossway, part of an ancient Native American trail that connected the Taunton and North River divides. 8. Wampatuck Pond Hanson’s city center, City Hall, is located on the north shore of this 150-acre man-made pond at Indian Head Brook. Wanpatak Pond, named after Wongpatak (c. 1627-1669), the sack of the Matteisett band of Massachusetts Indians, is truly a city landmark. It is worth noting that the Town Hall is one of the few buildings located on the coast. The rest are Stadtwald (more on that later), Fern Hill Cemetery, and a small housing development in what used to be a youth camp. There is a small waterfront park by the City Hall parking lot, and you can paddle here and by the cemetery on the West Bank. There is little development along the embankment, making it a great place to paddle. You can also explore a small canal system dug to feed the cranberry ponds off the south coast. 9. Cranberry Cove For those who grew up in and around Hanson, the name Cranberry Cove evokes memories of carefree summer days. Located on the shores of Maquan Pond, this beach has welcomed swimmers since 1940 and features fine sand, a restricted bathing
15 Best Things to Do in Southborough (MA)
Comprising a historic center and a group of villages, Southborough is a residential city in the MetroWest region. Southborough was incorporated in 1727 and flourished as a commercial area until the late 19th century. That all changed in the 1890s when he found much of the city suddenly submerged after the construction of the enormous Sudbury Reservoir. The waters are still part of Boston’s reserve aqueduct, with five miles of hiking trails along the Southborough coast and through the Wachusett Aqueduct that feeds it. Southborough has no shortage of inspiration for outdoor recreation. For example, his two nearby state parks and idyllic reserves are connected by his 53-mile Borrows Loop Trail. 1. Hopkinton State Park The main parking lot at this popular state park is just off the Hopkinton Line and a stone’s throw from Southborough Station. Established in 1947, Hopkinton State Park’s main attraction is a now-inactive spring-fed reservoir formerly part of Boston’s water supply system. There are two bathing beaches on the coast. During the season, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards can be rented from Boston’s boat shop. Sailing lessons are also offered here. There are several picnic areas with barbecue grills around the beach for family barbecues. You can also explore the surrounding forests and swamps along maze-like paths. 2. Bay Circuit Trail Part of the newly completed Link Trail at Sudbury Reservoir in East Southborough is part of an epic 230-mile trail that winds through the Boston suburbs. From Newburyport in the north to Duxbury in the south, the Bay Circuit Trail utilizes existing infrastructure and land, from quiet road trails to nature reserves, trails, and public parks. In Southborough, this trail allows you to visit vast interconnected natural areas in Framingham and Sudbury. After traversing the Sudbury Reservoir Trail, enter Callahan Provincial Park and from there to Henry’s Hill and Wayside Forest, managed by the Sudbury Valley Board of Trustees. 3. Southborough Golf-Learning Center Another place to hone your golf skills is this driving range along Route 9. A plus point of the Southborough Golf Learning Center is its location. The practice range is spread out on a lush hillside, with only trees surrounding the target. The course is illuminated and you can choose between grass tees and artificial tees. There is a heated parking space so you can enjoy the swing even in winter. The center has several specialists who offer private and group lessons using video analytics. We also have a full-service racket repair company. 4. Fayville Park The village of Fayville in Southborough has a well-maintained public park on a hillside overlooking a reservoir. Faville Park especially shines as a place for children. Here you’ll find a great playground with separate jungle gyms and swings for children ages 1-5 and 5-12. A few steps away is a picnic area with plenty of shade and unobstructed views of the playground and reservoir. Faville Park also has a basketball court and a baseball/softball field. 5. Heritage Day For half a century, Southborough has celebrated the fall season with a major gathering each October. Heritage Day packs a lot into just a few hours, with its main venue being St. Marks Field at the intersection of Routes 85 and 30. In summary, there are parades, dozens of food and craft stalls, free performances by local clubs and businesses, and a variety of attractions and activities for children. Organizations and groups participating in the parade include veterans, firefighters, police, school marching bands, Boy Scouts, youth sports teams, and others. 6. Breakneck Hill Conservation Area This 90-acre rolling vacant lot is owned by the city and is open to the public for passive recreation. Breakneck Hill is perfect for summer when the meadows are dotted with wildflowers. Come on a clear day and you’ll have views for miles. If the conditions are right, you can see all the way to Wachusett Mountain. The hilly terrain includes some steep climbs and a 2.4-mile loop trail that begins at the parking lot in the southwest corner of the reserve on Breakneck Hill Road. 7. Callahan State Park A small portion of the 950-acre Callahan State Park is located in the northeast corner of Southborough. Located primarily in Framingham and Marlborough, the park opened to the public in 1970 and included attractive woodlands and fields around Beeb and Eagle Ponds. Another local attraction on the Bay Circuit Trail, Callahan State Park has 11 miles of marked trails for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and after-snow cross-country skiing. The southernmost Eagle Pond area is an unofficial dog run and a popular spot for off-leash puppies. 8. Eastleigh Farm This historic farm dates back to the beginning of this century and was purchased by the current owners to avoid redevelopment. Over the last 20 years, Eastleigh Farm has returned to its roots as a dairy farm but has also been open to the public for seasonal events. The main purpose of an average daily visit is the ice cream made on the spot. Black Raspberry, Cookie Monster, Maple Walnut, and Chocolate Peanut Butter are just a few of the great flavors. Take a leisurely stroll around the grounds or book a covered wagon to see the herds of cattle. On weekends, you can stop by the multi-vendor vintage shops and barnyard antique dealers. 9. Trombetta’s Farm Near Marlborough, this ice stand is near the northern end of Sudbury Reservoir. Since 1978, Trombetta’s Farm is he one of the rare ice cream parlors that are open year-round, although with limited hours (weekends) during the winter months. About 40 kinds of homemade ice cream. These are cooked daily to ensure a creamy texture and taste. There are also sherbets, soft serve ice cream, sherbets, sugar-free flavors, and frozen yogurt. Trombetta’s Farm has an 18-hole golf course in a converted 450-foot-tall greenhouse. The garden center here predates ice cream parlors and offers a wide selection of annuals, perennials, succulents, houseplants, hanging plants, garden ornaments, and supplies. 10. Southborough Golf Club This affordable
15 Best Things to Do in Durban
As for location, Durban was perfect. Located on South Africa’s east coast, this port city has developed around a long and attractive sandy beach, lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. The area around Durban has been inhabited for at least 100,000 years. The stone only came to the attention of Europeans when he discovered it in 1497 when the Golden Age Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama was en route to India. It went through several hands until it was annexed by Britain in 1844. Durban is currently the third largest city in South Africa. More than just beaches, it’s a mix of natural and man-made attractions, from exquisite cuisine to fascinating museums. Come enjoy the sun, sea, and sand. But stay for the culture. To help you out a little, we’ve picked out the top 15 things to do in Durban here. 1. Dick King Statue The Dick King statue on Victoria Embankment is another reminder of Durban’s past. This is a bronze equestrian statue commemorating the actions of Richard Philip his king who raised the alarm about a possible attack on the city by the Boers in the 1840s. King drove between Durban and Grahamstown for 10 days, covering about 125 kilometers a day, and some days he was too sick to even drive. Nonetheless, when he reached Grahamstown, he was able to mobilize the British forces, saving the town from attack and King would become a part of Durban’s history. 2. Durban Natural Science Museum The majestic columned façade of the Durban Museum of Nature and Science should be enough to lure most visitors to its doors (part of Durban City Hall). Entering the museum via wide stone steps lined with thick red carpets, the exhibits are equally impressive. Focusing on the living planet, the museum is a treasure trove of animals from yesteryear, from birds and mammals to insects and reptiles. Exhibits date back to ancient Egypt and include Peter’s mummy named Amen, as well as one of the most complete dodo skeletons in existence. 3. Sports If you know even a little bit about South Africa, you know people love sports. The City of Durban is no exception, and attending a major sporting event is a great way to get a glimpse of what the city is like. Kings Park Stadium is the home of the rugby union team His Sharks. Most of the domestic league matches are held during the country’s winter season (June to September). At other times of the year, Kingsmead also has the opportunity to play cricket at his grounds and football at Moses Madiba Stadium. 4. Old Court House Museum Housed in one of the oldest surviving buildings in central Durban, the museum’s wrought-iron verandas and cream-yellow stone window frames add interesting accents to the surrounding office buildings. Inside the museum, built in the 1860s, you can see a collection of about 10,000 individual works in total. Together they help tell the story of the region and its people, in good times and bad. Even more interesting is the fact that Mahatma was a regular visitor to this building when Gandhi was a lawyer in the city. 5. Phoenix Settlement Durban’s connection to one of the great figures of the 20th century extends beyond the Old Courthouse Museum. A few miles north of the CBD, Phoenix Settlement was purchased by Gandhi in 1904. This marked the beginning of his transition from lawyer to freedom fighter. The settlement served as a testing ground for ideas ranging from communal living to non-violent politics, and Gandhi was nominated (unsuccessfully) for the Nobel Peace Prize multiple times. The house where Gandhi lived at the time has been fully restored and can be visited as part of the Inanda His Heritage Trail. 6. Durban Botanic Gardens Established in 1849, Durban Botanical Gardens is South Africa’s oldest formal botanical garden. It contains a mix of plants native to South Africa and exotic plants from around the world and holds specimens from various flower kingdoms. These include orchids, palm trees, and cycads (ferns). But the 15-hectare grounds also include an English-style sunken garden filled with colorful flowers, a butterfly garden, and a natural lake perfect for a picnic on a sunny Durban day. 7. Mini Town A knee-high version of the city beyond the city walls, Mini Town is a retro tourist attraction (with a touch of kitsch, but in a good way) near the beach at Snell Parade. Mini Town is a miniature recreation of Durban, containing versions of all the city’s major buildings. What makes the mini-town special is the attention paid to the working railroad and its port. It has its own mobile tug and vessel and holds over 200,000 liters of water. 8. KwaMuhle Museum The Kwamühle Museum is in my opinion the most important and interesting exhibition venue in Durban. This museum about apartheid and its predecessor, the ‘Durban System’, is housed in the Office of Indigenous Affairs, once hated by non-white South Africans. This is where passports were issued, which must be carried by everyone entering the city. The museum illustrates all this with its collection of documents, photographs, videos, and objects owned by ordinary South Africans. Refusing to hide from the horrors of the apartheid system, the Kwamühle Museum plays an important role in educating the generation born after Nelson Mandela was released and elected South Africa’s first black president. 9. Food Durban is one of South Africa’s most ethnically diverse cities. The population is made up of Zulu and a significant number of British and Indian descent. A fusion of both cultures over the decades, Durban has a food scene, unlike any other city in South Africa. And you don’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy it. The city’s seaside location means fish is always a delicious option, whether it’s fried English-style or slathered in the aromatic spices of the Indian subcontinent. For something unique to the city,
15 Best Things to Do in Pretoria
South Africa is known for its wildlife. But a city like Pretoria has so much to offer that fascinates and entertains me every time I visit. As a lover of all things South Africa, who can share his thoughts on the best things to do in Pretoria? Celebrating this wonderful country has become my full-time job. South Africa’s ‘Jacaranda City’ is just a 40-minute Gautrain ride from Johannesburg, but it’s a completely different place. This view is certainly more conservative than Joji’s, but perhaps more appealing to explore. Not only are there many impressive buildings, but there are also some 50,000 jacaranda trees with purple flowers. Even when the flowers aren’t blooming (October and November), there’s still plenty to do. From parks to museums. Here are the top 15 things to do in Pretoria. 1. Kruger House Surrounded by modern skyscrapers, the Kruger House was the municipal residence of the most famous Transvaal President, Paul Kruger. One of his first powered buildings in Pretoria, the house was designed with a mix of original and antique furnishings to show how the president lived. In particular, long, partially covered porches (or porches) were known to be Kruger’s favorite places to sit. The exhibition hall showcases his struggle for liberation from the British in the Cape Colony, and the president’s railcar is on display on the grounds. 2. Groenkloof Nature Reserve Grunkloof is open every day of the day and protects the region’s endangered Bankenfeld flora. Just 15 minutes south of central Pretoria, between Fountains Valley Resort and Waterkloof Golf Club. Groenkloof is home to many typical South African animals, including kudus, blesbok, giraffes, and jackals. The reserve is popular with both cyclists and hikers due to the lack of big cats. There are 20 kilometers of off-road cycling routes and 3 hiking trails ranging in length from 3.5 to 10.5 kilometers. However, short driving routes are best for wildlife viewing. 3. African Window The “Africa Window” is the name of the building that houses the Ditson National Museum of Cultural History (DNMCH). Pretoria’s museum’s most comprehensive mission-studded exhibit encompasses everything from a Stone Age ax head to his early Apple Mac. The exhibition includes permanent and special exhibitions and houses an estimated 3 million artifacts belonging to South Africa’s diverse cultural groups. If you’re short on time, head straight to San’s Gallery of Rock Paintings, which dates back thousands of years. 4. Burgers Park “Would you like some onions with it?” is unlikely to be heard. at Burgers Park. Established in the 1870s, this historic park is named after the 4th president of the Transvaal Republic, Thomas-François Burgers. Pretoria’s oldest public park. Wide lawns and wide paths meander between various attractions, including cast-iron field stands, fishing ponds, and the Thomas the Burgers statue. Directly opposite is Melrose House, an interior museum detailing the evolution of Victorian and Edwardian tastes. It also served as the headquarters of the British forces when Pretoria was occupied for 18 months from June 1900. 5. Van Tilburg Collection Housed in the University of Pretoria’s Old Fine Arts Building, the Van Tilburg Collection is a treasure trove of decorative arts. In addition to paintings, the collection also includes his 17th- to 18th-century furniture and South Africa’s largest collection of oriental ceramics. The latter includes vases from the personal collection of Emperor Kangxi, who ruled from 1661 until 1722, and 550 pieces of Ming porcelain. Unfortunately, a small self-portrait by Rembrandt van Rijn recently turned out to be a fake. 6. Fort Klapperkop Fort Clapperkop is one of four fortifications built to protect Pretoria from British forces during the Boer War in the late 19th century. Built-in 1898, this fortress is one of Pretoria’s best-preserved historic forts. In addition to long buildings and defensive fortifications, Fort Clapperkop features a dry moat and one of the great French cannons known as the Long Tom. Despite being aware of its importance, the fort had hitherto been manned by only 30 men and had never fired outside of practice. If you love music as I do, Fort Schanskop might be the place for you, with an outdoor music festival at the end of most months. 7. Hartbeespoort Dam Elephant Sanctuary Hartbeesport Dam Elephant Sanctuary is about an hour’s drive from central Pretoria. It is home to elephants that cannot survive in the wild in any of South Africa’s famous national parks. Instead, the reserve’s elephants are cared for by a team of caretakers. The guide also takes visitors through the sanctuary on foot three times a day. This activity is only possible in a few national parks in Africa and allows visitors to get really close to these fascinating creatures. My Tip: Arrive at Hartby’s Port in time for the 8 am tour. Not only are the elephants most active in the cool of the early morning hours, but you can also pet them with a keeper. 8. Ditsong National Museum of Natural History This natural history museum has stuffed animal exhibits and insect boxes as you’ve probably already expected. What makes the Ditsong National Museum of Natural History stand out among similar attractions is its extensive fossil exhibits. These include highly significant hominid fossils unearthed from several sites such as Sterkfontein, Kromdraai, and Swartkrans in the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Cradle of Humankind. The centerpiece of the entire museum is the most complete Australopithecus africanus skull ever found, a fossil called Mrs. Pruz. Mrs. Pulles is estimated to be around 3.4 million years old and is also on the list of great South Africans. 9. South African State Theater Impressive in both size and scope, the South African State Theater is Africa’s largest theater complex of its kind. Built-in raw concrete brutalist architecture, it has six performance rooms and a capacity of 2,700 people. The theater’s long list of monthly shows and events features the names of South African and international talent. The program is packed with everything from new works to entertainment. We
15 Best Things to do in Port Elizabeth
Today, although officially known as Guquebera, many still know this Indian Ocean city as Port Elizabeth or PE. Facing the wide Algoa Bay, it offers a beach holiday alternative to Durban. But, as we’ll see, there’s also plenty of culture and history for those who take the time to get to know this noble lady from the Eastern Cape. 1. South African Air Force Museum One of Port Elizabeth’s smaller museum spaces, the South African Air Force Museum is located around Port Elizabeth’s airport. The collection now includes nine aircraft, including South Africa’s oldest jet, a supersonic fighter, and two helicopters. With access to a restored WWII-era hangar, visitors can watch the restoration work live. The walls of the main museum are also filled with cabinets and photographs related to the theater company founded in 1920. But the highlight is the onsite presence of his simulator in flight. 2. Whale watching Port Elizabeth’s coastal waters are not only of interest to beach vacationers. Algoa Bay also attracts whales to such an extent that it has been designated as its 5th Natural Whale Site by the World Cetacean Alliance. Opt for the antics of southern right and humpback whales on a licensed whale-watching tour from Port Elizabeth. Both are known to break through water. Other whale species you can encounter include minke and Bryde’s whales. A trip to the waters of Algoa Bay, known as the “Bottlenose Dolphin Capital of the World,” promises plenty of action by these clever creatures as an added perk. 3. The Campanile This free-standing clock and bell tower resembles the more famous one on Piazza San Marco in Venice, Italy. It is mostly made of red brick and reaches a height of 50 meters. The structure was built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the first settlers in what is now Port Elizabeth. From 1920 he remained on the site until 1922. Her efforts included completing her 204 steps leading to an observation room at the top of the Campanile. But now there is an elevator, giving easy access to her 23 bells that make up South Africa’s largest carillon (bells played like a piano). 4. South End Museum The museum is one of Port Elizabeth’s few attractions that deals directly with the Apartheid era. The South End was a multi-ethnic neighborhood known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, excellent schools, and thriving range of local businesses. But it all ended with the forced relocation of non-white tenants between 1965 and 1975. It is this story that the Southend Museum wants to share. This is done through a combination of exhibits, historical photographs, and walkthrough maps of the area. 5. Amakhala Game Reserve Amagara is a private game reserve about 1.5 hours’ drive from Port Elizabeth and covers 18,000 hectares. By joining a morning or evening hunting drive to explore, visitors to Amacara have a better chance of seeing all five big species: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceros, and Cape buffalo. Amagara extends from scrubland to savannah and covers five of his seven biomes in South Africa. This means that day trips from Port Elizabeth should also keep an eye out for other wildlife such as giraffes, cheetahs, zebras, wildebeests, antelopes, and monkeys. 6. Horse Memorial Head back to the center of Port Elizabeth to find the Horse Memorial. Almost life-size, it depicts an English soldier kneeling in front of a horse and offering a bucket of water. The horse was designed by British sculptor Joseph Whitehead and he was unveiled in 1905 to honor the estimated 300,000 horses brought to South Africa during the Boer War of 1899-1902. Most washed ashore in Port Elizabeth. It cost £800, about £120,000 (about $150,000 in today’s currency), paid by the public, and transported all the way from London, where the bronze was minted. 7. Cape Recife Lighthouse Cape Recife is the name of the southeasternmost point of Port Elizabeth. Used as a navigational aid, the lighthouse was built in 1849 to guide ships to Thunderbolt Her Reef and takes its name from the ill-fated British frigate. The Cape Recife Lighthouse is 24 meters high and lined with black and white stripes. Located within a nature reserve, it offers hiking opportunities for all fitness levels. Trails wind through subtropical vegetation and over rocky outcrops to rock pools that are home to impressive marine life. 8. Bayworld Opened for the new millennium, Bayworld is part natural history museum, part oceanarium, and part vivarium. The museum exhibits are thoroughly modern and interesting for all ages. Meanwhile, the outdoor area includes a dinosaur exhibit and an oceanarium with rescued turtles, seals, penguins, and other live animals. Last but not least, Bayworld is home to South Africa’s oldest snake park. Here, visitors can learn about alligators and turtles, as well as a variety of native snake species. 9. Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum Located on the grounds of St George’s Park, this gallery specializes in art from the Eastern Cape of South Africa. The works are divided into his three main rooms and are hung regularly to allow for as many exhibitions as possible of his extensive collection. These works are complemented by special exhibits ranging from sculptures to quilts. In addition to works by colonial artists such as Thomas Baines and Frederick Timpson His Aeons, there is also a fascinating collection of southern Guni beadwork and some contemporary works. 10. Addo Elephant National Park Addo Elephant National Park is about 100 kilometers (1.5 hours) north of Port Elizabeth and makes a great day trip from the city. He is one of South Africa’s largest national parks, so we know what to expect. The park is home to approximately 600 elephants, as well as hundreds of buffalo, reintroduced lions, hyenas, Burchell’s zebras, kudus, elands, and bushbucks. Game drives, with 120 km of track to choose from, are therefore the most popular pastime. Lions and hyenas are best sighted in the early morning or evening. My suggestion is to visit on
15 Best things to do in Bloemfontein
Bloemfontein, affectionately known as Broome (pronounced “Blossom”), is one of South Africa’s three capital cities, along with Cape Town and Pretoria. Occupying mostly flat grassland to the north and west of Lesotho, the largest city in the free state may not be the obvious first tourist destination. But this sprawling and sophisticated ‘City of Roses‘ has enough charm to last most visitors for several days. Here are the 15 best things to do in Bloemfontein. 1. Johannes Stegmann Art Gallery Part of the Free State University, the Johannes Stegman Art Gallery houses a small permanent collection of South African masters, including works by the so-called Bloemfontein Group and works by the town of Tavernchu, totaling about 150 works. It is on display. At the end of the school year, the gallery also hosts a temporary exhibition of 4th-grade work. You may find the next Monet or Picasso among them. 2. Long Tom Long Tom is the common name for four large cannon-like cannons purchased from France by the Boer Republic to defend against British forces. It was originally used to protect the Boer capital of Pretoria. But it became so famous that replicas were built, including one that can be seen outside Bloemfontein. Follow the same path and you will reach the Anglo-Boer War blockhouse. Another renovation was a stone-and-steel building that was probably used to protect the Bloemfontein North railway line that continued to connect Johannesburg and Cape Town. 3. Twin-Spired Church Tweet “Qelk” in Afrikaans and the exterior of the Twin Spiered Church will remind you of a Disney princess’ little castle. The slightly swaying shape of the towers is produced by the height being reduced by the collapse of one tower and the fear of the other. Completed in 1880, it is the only religious building of its kind in southern Africa. It is owned by the Dutch Reformed Church, to which most Africans belong. The church is now a national monument and was the site of the swearing-in ceremonies of his three Free State presidents who lived in the former presidential building. 4. War Museum of the Boer Republics Known better in many guidebooks as the Anglo-Boer War Museum, it is the only museum in the world dedicated to two wars between Great Britain and the Boer Republic: the Orange Free State and the Transvaal War. Located next to the National Women’s Monument, the museum explains the major battles and consequences of the two wars before explaining their causes. The dark wood display case looks a little dated, but it’s still an important place for anyone wanting to learn more about South African manufacturing. 5. Sand du Plessis Theatre A work of art in itself, Sand du Plessis Theater is one of South Africa’s premier performance venues. A mid-century-style foyer decorated with marble and flooded with natural light from large windows leads to his 1,000-seat auditorium, which has hosted many of the world’s most famous celebrities. Skateboarders are an integral part of the community and spend weekends practicing tricks with kata. Fascinating interior tours can be arranged for those not in town during the performance. 6. Rose Festival The Rose Festival, held each October, is one of Bloemfontein’s biggest events of the year. Held primarily on the Lake Logan waterfront next to Kings Park Rose Garden, the event draws garden enthusiasts from all over South Africa to the ‘City of Roses’. The festival has expanded to include high tea, 26-, 55- and 106-kilometer road bike races, and a sustainability exhibition, in addition to displaying hundreds of roses, many of which are grown by amateurs. rice field. 7. National Women’s Memorial The National Women’s Monument is similar in size to the Washington Monument in D.C. It consists mainly of obelisks made of stone blocks. This memorial was built to commemorate the estimated 27,000 Orange Free State civilian Boer women and children who died in concentration camps set up by the British during the Second Boer War of 1899 to 1902. was built. The memorial, funded in part by public offering, includes the final resting place of an Englishwoman named Emily Hobhouse. She spoke out against the treatment of Boer women and for their human rights to be respected. 8. The Old Presidency The magnificent former presidential palace is located on President Brand Street in the heart of Bloemfontein. Also known as Ou Presidential Mansion in Afrikaans, the mansion was built in the 1880s as the official residence of the then-independent Orange Free State. At a cost of £12,200, it served as the official residence of three presidents before it was taken over by the British. Over time, it will become a museum chronicling the lives of Presidents Brand, Rights, and Stein. It’s worth exploring to find out what life was like in South Africa during this period in the country’s history. 9. Happy Valley Located on the eastern edge of West Dean on the outskirts of Broome, Happy Valley is an area of pristine natural scenery for hikers and off-road cyclists. The trail is a mix of hillside grasslands and wooded sections, generally in the difficult category, but still easy enough for children and experienced hikers. At 2.7 miles long, you don’t need to plan a day to enjoy Happy Valley. Most people can complete the main hike in about an hour. There are no facilities, but the Olwen House Museum is not far away, so in the morning or afternoon he makes 2 great sights. 10. Waaihoek Wesleyan Church ANC Birthplace Museum The humble red-brick church behind the concrete cooling towers of the city’s power plants isn’t usually a tourist attraction. Inscribed on the South African National Heritage List in 2018, the church is believed to be the birthplace of the Indigenous National Congress, which later became the ANC. Nelson Mandela’s political party, the ANC, which still rules South Africa today, was founded in this church in 1912 by a meeting of representatives, leaders, and influential black scholars. In
THE 15 Best Things to Do in Johannesburg, South Africa
Johannesburg, Joburg, Joji, Egori. Whatever you call it, it cannot escape its reputation as South Africa’s largest city. But while the high crime rate has thankfully changed now, the city’s story isn’t over. And with the country’s main international airport, you’re likely to arrive in Johannesburg at least in the evening. It would be a real shame to waste this time locked up in a suburban hotel. Born from the discovery of gold in 1896, Johannesburg declined 100 years later due to the “white flight” of the transition between apartheid and multi-party democracy. As families moved to the suburbs, unwanted people moved in. But now, communities are reclaiming roads, as seen in the redevelopment of Newtown and Mabonen. As elsewhere, I caution you but don’t let headlines stop you from seeing the current hype surrounding Johannesburg’s top tourist attractions. 1. Wits Art Museum With its stylish architecture, the Witz Museum opened in 2012 and is one of Johannesburg’s newest attractions. His 5,000-square-meter exhibition space in the gallery houses 10,000 individual works of art, with a curated selection of both traditional and contemporary works of art such as sculpture. A glowing white interior illuminates each piece on display, including contemporary South African photography, textiles, watercolors and sculptures. 2. Hop-on Hop-off Bus Johannesburg hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses are common in cities around the world and should not be ignored. Especially if you only have a few hours, given the size of the city. Usually, they travel by two different routes. One to the attractions in the city center and one to further afield. The commentary provides a little background on what you’re looking at. On a nice day, aim for a seat on his open-top deck. Last but not least, these buses are a great way to get to the Apartheid Museum without using your own transportation. 3. The Wilds The Wilds is an inner-city park and nature reserve in Johannesburg’s Houghton District. It covers 16 hectares and includes two hills or crags with attractive views toward central Johannesburg. But The Wilds’ biggest attraction is the artwork, which consists mostly of colorful laser-cut animals created by local artist James Delaney. They set out from an owl forest with about 70 birds. Various works of art can be admired along eight kilometers of trails that are mostly covered with native plants. 4. Braamfontein With two major universities nearby, you’ll always find something interesting happening in Braamfontein. The fashion and music capital of Johannesburg, the best time to visit is usually on weekends when students are free from lectures. Activities include Naver Goods His Market, which begins in Cape Town and spreads to Johannesburg. Here, visitors and locals alike can browse clothing, food, and drink across two floors. A rooftop bar that makes the most of its location. Not far away are traditional shops and rooftop farms selling the latest cool stuff. 5. National Museum of Military History This is a large museum with indoor and outdoor exhibits detailing the role of the South African Army in South Africa’s tumultuous history. Extensive exhibits include several tanks and aircraft, including historic aircraft such as the Spitfire and Messerschmitt 109 during World War II. Along with smaller items, this collection chronicles the involvement of the South African military from the Boer War in the early 1900s to his 1994 free election. Also on site is the impressive Anglo-Boer War Memorial designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. 6. Gandhi Square Gandhi Square in Marshalltown, lined with gleaming bank office buildings, is a large square named after an Indian activist who began his career as a lawyer in Johannesburg. Once completely abandoned, the square has been redeveloped to bring shops and cafés back to this important location. It was here, then known as Government Square, that the Boer armies of Africa surrendered to the British in 1900, ending the siege of the city. At the edge of the region, many beautifully designed historic buildings have survived the onslaught of modern skyscrapers. 7. Museum Africa The African Museum occupies an entire side of Mary Fitzgerald Square and is housed in the 1913 Green Market building. Its mission is to cover the cultures of the entire continent. This is done through displays of musical instruments, masks, traditional costumes, and other items. But the African Museum also has image-based exhibits that shed light on the changing face of Johannesburg over time. Other exhibits cover the Livonia Trail, where Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years and the history of South African photography. 8. Maboneng Recognized as one of the most successful recovery programs in the world, the present-day Maboneng district has a lot to see, do and taste. A prime destination for lovers of all things artistic, Art on His Main is home to a variety of studios, while street art enlivens the area’s main streets. In addition to Main Street, Fox Street forms the heart of the district. There are many fashionable cafes and cafes here. Nightclubs tend to fill up late in the evening and especially on Saturday nights Mabonen is definitely the best place to have a good time. If you’re staying up late enough, you can also keep an eye on Art on Main’s Sunday Maine Market. 9. Origins Center South Africa’s history is not limited to apartheid and European colonization since the 1650s. The Origins Center allows you to travel more than two million years into the past. Dedicated to the journey of human evolution, the museum helps decipher not only biological evolution but also the development of art and culture. The Origins Center focuses on the people of Southern Africa, preserving an impressive variety of rock art for future generations. Many belong to the San people who lived in much of South Africa before the arrival of Europeans. Other exhibits, such as stone tools, are displayed in an impressive state-of-the-art museum space. 10. Soweto Soweto, formerly short for Southwest Township, was established to house non-white residents outside the Johannesburg city center. It was the
100 Things to Do Before You Die – The Ultimate Travel Bucket List
Here are some ideas for things to do before you die: Travel the world Skydiving Visit the Seven Wonders of the World Learn a new language Climb a mountain Swim with dolphins Take a hot air balloon ride Go on a safari Scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef Visit the Grand Canyon Visit Machu Picchu Visit Petra, Jordan Explore the Amazon Rainforest Attend a music festival Visit the Vatican City Go bungee jumping Visit the Louvre Museum in Paris Attend the Olympic Games Visit the Palace of Versailles Visit the Great Wall of China Take a road trip across the United States Visit the ruins of ancient civilizations like Rome and Greece Visit the Northern Lights Try a new cuisine every month for a year Write a book Try skydiving or bungee jumping Visit the pyramids of Egypt Visit the Taj Mahal Visit the Galapagos Islands Take a cooking class in a foreign country Visit the Berlin Wall Visit the castles of Scotland Visit the Serengeti National Park Attend a sporting event at a legendary stadium Visit the Acropolis in Athens Attend a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre Visit the ruins of Pompei Visit the Cliffs of Moher Attend the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro Visit the Yosemite National Park Visit the Great Smoky Mountains Visit the ruins of Angkor Wat Attend a film festival Visit the Sistine Chapel Visit the Tokyo Tower Visit the Eiffel Tower Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa Visit the Colosseum in Rome Visit the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam Visit the beaches of Hawaii Visit the Christmas markets in Europe Visit the temples of Bali Visit the Plitvice Lakes National Park Visit the Blue Hole in Belize Visit the Waitomo Glowworm Caves in New Zealand Visit the Serengeti National Park Visit the Uffizi Gallery in Florence Visit the Sydney Opera House Visit the Great Ocean Road in Australia Visit the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem Visit the Mont Saint Michel in France Visit the Machu Picchu Visit the Victoria Falls Visit the ruins of Chichen Itza Visit the Palace of Fine Arts in Mexico City Visit the fjords of Norway Visit the islands of the Galápagos Visit the Palaces of St. Petersburg Visit the Palace of Westminster in London Visit the Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany Visit the Grand Palace in Bangkok Visit the Forbidden City in Beijing Visit the Louvre Museum in Paris Visit the Vatican Museums in Rome Visit the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg Visit the Prado Museum in Madrid Visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City Visit the Art Institute of Chicago Visit the National Gallery in London Visit the British Museum in London