Touring the building also serves as a history lesson about the Slavic people, Czech culture and even art. The basilica doesn’t have St. Vitus’s lofty status or the draw that St. Nicholas’ Church gets. But if you make an effort to come down and visit, you’ll see what the rest of those unknowing tourists are missing out on.

Table Of Contents

1. History
2. Location
3. Hours & Admission
4. Towers
5. Facade
6. Interior
7. Frescos
8. The Treasure Room
9. Vyšehrad Cemetery

History

The church was founded in 1070 by the Czech King Vratislav II. Initially, it was a simple Romanesque Basilica. Prince Vratislav II had the church built in purposeful opposition to St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague Castle. Almost a hundred years earlier, his predecessor, Wenceslaus I, had built St. Vitus Cathedral. But rather than pray instead of this old church, Vratislav wanted to make something of his own to mark his reign. In Vyšehrad, Vratislav was said to have brought 12 baskets of stones upon which they built the foundation of what would become the Basilica of St Peter and St Paul.

But, in 1249, a great fire destroyed the church, and the original design was lost to the ages. The first reconstruction was a relatively meagre endeavour meant to restore the building only in function and not in fashion. Years later, a baroque frontispiece was added to the church, but the neo-gothic renovations in the 1880s removed any trace of this architecture.

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Joseph Mocker

In 1885, a new renovation was commissioned to create an elaborate, neo-gothic church. Master builder Joseph Mocker was the original architect, but he died halfway through construction. His partner František Mikš finished the job. Now having complete artistic control of the operations, Mikš made a few changes to the original layout to suit his own personal style. His main addition to the design was the towering facade that the church is now so famous for. As it peaks out of the hillside in Vysehrad.

Location

The Basilica is located inside the complex of Vysehrad. Vysehrad is one of Prague’s old fortresses situated on a high cliff above the river Vltava. From here, soldiers could easily see any incoming armies and it was a prime location for Prague’s infantry. In the 11th century, Vysehrad was also the seat of the first King of Bohemia. After the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV began to build the Prague Castle in the early 14th century, Vyšehrad was abandoned as the royal family’s primary residence.

The complex was left to deteriorate for years and wasn’t touched until Charles IV decided to renew the area. He wanted to build new fortifications, a new royal palace, and finally see to the renovations at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. But, with the Hussite war’s dawn, progress was discontinued, and the church was ransacked once more. It wouldn’t be for another few hundred years that the church would be restored to a new form of heavenly glory.

Hours & Admission

November – March
Monday – Saturday 10 am – 5 pm
Sunday 11:30 am – 5 pm

April – October
Monday – Saturday 10 am – 6 pm (5:30 on Thursday)
Sunday 11:30 am – 6 pm

There is a small entrance fee to access the church. Adult entry costs 90 CZK ($4 USD), which is more than worth it to explore this treasure!

Towers

Upon walking up to the church one of the first things you’ll be drawn to, are the two huge towers, which flank the skyline. Let your eyes float up to the top of the spires, and notice that they are indeed hollow. Their design was influenced by the chestnut flowers’ cone-like formations. Architect Miks was inspired by these plants, which bloom right behind the church in Vyšehrad cemetery. Decorating the spires’ outer edges and the triangular gables are frilled, petal-like protrusions which make the entire structure look more naturalistic than man-made.

Facade

The design of the building is quite unique as it features no transept. A transept is the part of the building that forms the classical shape of a cross and cuts through the center of the church. Since the building has no horizontal intersection, when you look at it from the front it almost looks like a movie set, an exterior with nothing behind it. So when you walk inside, it’s almost a surprise to see his lofty, extended interior.

Above the central entrance door is the tympanum, decorated an intricate carving of Jesus standing tall beside his apostles, during the Last Judgement. Below the group of the apostles, St. Michael is centred, ushering people into heaven. A chorus of angel trumpets their horns above his head, announcing their entry to the heavenly realm. The people around St. Michael are sculpted as crippled and in pain, weighed down by the burden of their sins.

St. Peter and St. Paul

Above the central portal is a great pediment featuring the two saints’ statues after which the church is named after. St. Peter and St. Paul are set on either side of the sculpture of Jesus, crowned with a golden halo, reaching his hand out in prayer to the people below.

Mosaics on the church’s frontispiece, set into quatrefoils frames, depict St. Peter and St. Paul’s portraits. Peter’s symbols are a set of keys, which are the keys to heaven. Peter is the one with a bright white beard wearing papal vestments. Paul holds a book and a sword with a hilt in the shape of a cross in his hands. Paul is depicted as traditionally represented with a long pointed beard and a more modest, grey robe.

Portals

The portals on either side of the central entrance are adorned with brightly coloured mosaics. Etched onto the church’s door are the symbols of the coat of arms of the Czech Republic. The silver double-tailed lion on a red background and the black Moravian eagle are repeated across the grand entrance doors.

Above the entry doors, on your left, is the emblem of the Vysehrad Chapter house. The chapter was established here at the basilica around 1070 at the behest of Bohemia’s first king. The branch was subordinate only to Rome and could influence many aspects of Bohemia’s internal and foreign policy. Their emblem is two golden keys crossed tied together by rope. A symbol you’ll come across multiple times throughout your visit here.

Interior

As you step into the church, the first thing you’ll be stuck with is the fact that from floor to ceiling, the entire building is COVERED in murals and paintings. Not a column, nor walls, has been left untouched. The detailed pictures sweep across the walls like embroidery covering a royal gown. Floral trimmings cover every inch of the temple, giving you the feeling of walking into a forest.

Art Nouveau

As you walk inside, the light shimmers off every surface. Gilding and gold leaf were used in abundance during the renovations. But unlike other neo-gothic cathedrals and churches of the time, this one is not purely high gothic, but instead embraces art nouveau sensibilities. Art nouveau was sweeping the nation during the time church was being renovated. Art nouveau attempted to reject academic, historical art and instead embraced natural forms, movement, asymmetry and modern materials.

The addition of art nouveau inside this old church feels shockingly appropriate as the first King of Bohemia himself aimed to reject any previously established traditions when he originally built this church.

Frescos

The Basilica’s most extraordinary characteristic is the gilded frescos, which surround the faithful who come to pray. These paintings are ornate, undulating images by painter František Urban and his wife, Marie Urbanová-Zahradnická. These paintings look famously similar to the iconic designs made by famous Czech painter Alphonse Mucha. Many people who visit the church might even be convinced they were by Mucha if they further inquired. But Mucha was merely a trendsetter who inspired Urban and Zahradnická to fall on the bandwagon. Women and men, with delicate features and cascading hair, embellish the walls and archways.

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Running up every pillar are blooming patterns and colourful ribbons. The walls contain lots of vivid greens and deep brown hues, continuing the woodland theme. Even the dark church benches were carved with oak leaves, bringing the outdoors inside. Not a single item inside the church was left untouched by Art Nouveau’s seductive technique.

Murals

The murals on the northern wall feature images of St. Cyril and St. Methodius’ arrival in Bohemia. St. Cyril and St. Methodius were two brothers, theologians and missionaries who made their mark in Christianity by evangelizing the Slavs. They are known as the “Apostles to the Slavs.” Their life story is told across these murals framed by a series of angels who look down on the scene from heaven. Although there might not be any text to follow the images, it’s a visual way of understanding this part of Czech history. On the south wall, the murals depict the establishment of Vysehrad in the Czech Republic.

Look up at the vaults on the ceiling. Even they are painted with images of beautiful angels in prayer, looking down on the faithful below.

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Stained Glass Windows

Brightly coloured stained glass enhances the outer walls of the Basilica. Each window depicts a scene from the bible. But what makes these windows even more interesting to study is to look at the elements of architecture that have been incorporated into the glasswork. This is done almost to evoke the idea that architecture itself is a form of religious devotion. Renaissance tracery windows, gothic quatrefoils and baroque altarpieces all serve as the framing devices around these dramatic biblical stories.

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Chapel of St. Clement

Walking into the church, we will study it from the right side chapels, towards the altar and then continue back down the left side chapels and finish in the treasury. The first chapel you see upon entering on your right is the Chapel of St. Clement. Here, you can look at a Romanesque sarcophagus from the 12th century. During the Romanesque period, a crypt was built in the church to bury the first Bohemian king and his descendants. This coffin most likely belongs to one of these royal family members. Despite its modest and unassuming appearance, it’s one of the oldest treasures of the church.

Chapel of Czech Patron Saints

Inside the Chapel of Czech Patron Saints is a fabulous neo-gothic altar sculpted by Czech artist J. Kastner in 1910. In the center of the altar is Christ on the cross, heavenly rays illuminating from his body and from behind the cross, forming a golden backdrop. Below him are gathered St. Cyril and St. Methodius dressed in brighly coloured robes. In front of them kneels St. Wenceslas on the left and St. Ludmila on the right. On the left side of the group are Czech saints St. Vit and St. Vojtěch, and behind them stands St. Sigismund and members of brotherhood of martyrs. On the right side, kneels St. Jan Nepomucký and St. Prokop. Above them stands St. Norbert, Vol. Anežka, and Damian, St. Ivan, vol. Josef.

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Chapel of the Virgin Mary of the Rain

One of the most important items found here in the basilica is the Dešťová or the icon of the Virgin Mary of Rain. She can be found in the fourth side chapel from the right after entering the church. This wooden polychrome icon depicts the Virgin Mary and the baby Jesus set against a vibrant blue backdrop. The background is textured to give the mother and child the appearance of being caught in a rainstorm. The ground on which they stand is bright green like it is growing swiftly beneath them.

The painting was made around 1356 and is legend to have been painted by St. Luke himself. This icon is one in which people come from all over the country to pray in front of, especially in times of drought. The reason for this is because in 1638 there was a great drought in Prague which the icon is said to have stopped. During the drought, one of the priests of the Vyšehrad chapter had a dream that if he held a procession with the Madonna, it would start to rain before the crowds made their way to a nearby monastery. The priest organized the march, and sure enough, it rained in Prague for the next three days. The people of Bohemia saw it as a miracle, and ever since, the painting has been venerated by all those who believe in it.

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Memorial Plaque

To the left of the Chapel of the Virgin of the Ramparts is a bronze memorial plaque placed on a column close to the altar. This memorial plaque is dedicated to Vratislav II, the first King of Bohemia. The plaque is a modern addition to the church added in 1992 on the 900th anniversary of the King’s death. If you look at the shape embedded onto the plaque, it models the original basilica floor plan. On either side of the statue of the King are two crests, one which contains the black eagle of Moravia and the other has the two crossed keys which are the emblem of the Vyšehrad religious chapter.

Presbytery

On either side of the presbytery, there are murals depicting St. Peter and Paul’s legend. We can see the ‘Conversation of St.Paul‘ on the top left pediment on the northern wall. The following small scenes show his miracles: healing the disabled, his conversations with God while in jail and finally his beheading and subsequent canonization

On the southern side, we have the legend of St. Peter. On the top, we see Jesus converting his first disciples, which include Peter himself. In the lower images, we can see scenes of Jesus and Peter’s life together. It follows their journey leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion, including the moment when Peter denied Jesus. At the bottom of the mural, we can spot St. Peter performing miracles and his eventual death in the same manner as he had seen Jesus be put to death.

Altar

The main altar, framed in front of a series of brilliant stained glass windows, contains depictions of the Slav Saints Cyril and Methodius. It was carved by the architect and woodcarver Josef Hrubeš. The entire altar took over 5 years to be completed and was finished in 1889.

Pulpit

The gracefully carved wooden pulpit on the left of the nave features reliefs of the various priests who preached and were prior members of the Vyšehrad Chapter. The pulpit was designed by architect Josef Mocker and carved by woodworker V. Mráz in 1883.

Devil’s Pillar

After getting over the initial awe and wonder of the interior, take a walk towards the sacristry. Although you cannot enter the doors of the sacristy, take a look at the mural painted above the entry. Here we find a large baroque painting depicting the legend of the “Devil’s Pillar.”

The Legend

The legend goes that a priest in Bohemia, had a severe problem with gambling. In the hopes of freeing himself from his debts, he asked the devil to trade his soul for some luck. But shortly after making the deal, he greatly regretted this decision and asked the devil to forget the agreement. But the devil would not give up on a soul that easily. Instead the devil made him another bet. He told him that if the priest could finish celebrating mass before the devil could bring a column from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome to Prague, he would release him from his contract. The priest ran as fast as he could to the church where he began preforming mass.

Of course, the devil cheated, and when he arrived by magic with the pillar in hand, St. Peter appeared and threw the devil into the sea three times. Each time he threw him, St. Peter broke the column until it was broken into three pieces. This allowed the priest to finish preforming mass, and his soul was saved. The three pieces of the Devil’s pillar were brought to Prague and can still be found in a nearby park close to the church.

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Chapel of St. Francis of Assisi

The Chapel of St. Francis of Assisi contains a neo-gothic altar with paintings of the life of St. Francis surrounding a large portrait of the saint himself. One of the best ways to identify St. Francis is by how he holds his hands outwards to show off the stigma that appears on them.

Chapel of St. John of Nepomuk

St. Jan Nepomucký or St. John of Nepomuk is one of the most famous saints in Bohemia. Nepomuk was drowned in the Vltava river at the behest of Wenceslaus IV when Nepomuk would not divulge the queen of Bohemia’s confessions to the King. His chapel here in the church contains a Neo-Gothic relic altar. Across the altar are scenes from the life of St. John of Nepomuk by Josef Mathauser who painted it around 1700. In the center of the altar of dozens of relics which are said to contain pieces of the saint himself.

Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows

Inside the Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows is an alluring sculpture of the Pietà by Ferdinand Stuplesser made in 1898. It was modelled off Michelangelo‘s famous Pietà in Rome but features sharper edges and more angular drapery, reflecting the style used in medieval manuscripts.

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The Treasure Room

The Vyšehrad Chapter was one of the more affluent monastic groups and collected valuable liturgical collections over the years. But in 1611, many of their most precious objects were looted during the Hussite wars. A few of their most treasured items were hidden away and can be seen on display inside the treasury. The Treasury inside the church contains all different precious ecclesiastical Czech objects. Baroque illustrated manuscripts, golden chalices and gem covered books hid behind protective glass.

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Some of the most precious items included in the treasury are reliquaries. A reliquary is a container for relics such as a saints’ physical remains, such as bones, pieces of clothing, or some object associated with saints or other religious figures. Here in the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul’s treasury you can find

St Valentine’s Relic

St Valentine’s relics. It is supposedly a chip of his shoulder blade. It was lost for years, and as recently as 2002, it was uncovered hidden away inside a gold-and-glass Baroque reliquary in the back of a long-forgotten storage closet.

Vyšehrad Cemetery

The set behind the church is the Vyšehrad Cemetery. Built in 1869, the cemetery was created as a resting place for some of Prague’s most treasured creatives. Here lies dozens of composers, artists, sculptors, writers, as well as those revolutionaries from the world of science and politics. The cemetery is the largest in Prague spreading over 0.81 hectares.

Slavín Tomb

The most majestic part of the cemetery is the Slavín Tomb, designed by Antonín Wiehl. The Slavín Tombs are considered a ‘pantheon,’ “a building in which the illustrious dead of a nation are buried or honoured.” The dramatic sculpture atop the tombs was carved by Josef Mauder. The pantheon contains 44 burial tombs, as well as various coffins and urns. 55 people were buried here under the magnanimous sculptures of “Mourning” and “Victory” represented as two alluring women.

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Famous Graves

Buried here is Alphonse Mucha, king of Czech Art Nouveau, along with; composer Antonín Dvořák, Art Nouveau sculptor Ladislav Šaloun, author Karel Čapek and many more.

The first person to be buried inside the Slavin Tomb was poet Julius Zeyer in 1901. On the tomb is inscribed one of his verses, “Its sons’ dust this mourning country returns to the earth. Their deeds it will, rejoicing, declare to all mankind.” Above the panels on the Slavín is written their motto, “Though dead, they still speak.”

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The rest of the tombs and gravestones found throughout the cemetery are wildly creative and works of art. It seemed like one after another, when people would pass away and be buried here, there was an expectation that their gravestone wouldn’t be something simple or traditional, rather something far more extraordinary.

There is even a large arcade, decorated with Tuscan sandstone pillars and a vaulted ceiling covered in art nouveau style paintings.

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This brings us to the end of the tour, but if you’re interested in spending more time in Vyšehrad, I implore you to do so! Just like this church is such a hidden gem, Vyšehrad has so many incredible places to visit and excellent restaurants that are happily tucked away from the tourist hoards.

In the comments, let me know if you were surprised not to see this church on other “must-see” lists in Prague or if you’ve been there before and were just as amazed as me by what you discovered!

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post Discover & Uncover the Hidden Gems of the Basilica of St Peter and St Paul in Prague first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. History & Information
2. When to Go
3. Hours, Fees & Parking 
4. What to Pack
5. Accessibility
6. Pets
7. The Trail
8. Staghorns
9. Barrel Cactus
10. The Great Saguaro
11. Teddy Bear Cacti
12. Wildlife
13. Petroglyph Plaza 
14. Waterfall

History & Information

The White Tank Mountains are a fascinating range of carved stone. The mountains were created by the huge flash floods that sent rainwater pouring down the canyon year after year, creating depressions in the white granite rocks. In 1893, gold was starting to be discovered in central Arizona. Because of the water that past through the rocks, a natural basin was formed. Having access to water on the long road through the mountains to central Arizona was so important for the gold miners. The water basin was named “the White Tank” as the water was surrounded by bright white granite cliffs. Between 1898 and 1902 the natural basin which held the water collapsed due to a heavy rainstorm. But the name remained.

The mountain range takes up about 30,000 acres and the highest part is over 4,000 feet. As early as 500 BC, the Hohokam native people began to build villages throughout this area. Evidence of these sites has been discovered in archaeological excavations.

When to Go

The summer is HOT in Phoenix! Even before the sun comes up it can be over 100 degrees in the sun. So I would always advise against going out hiking in the middle of the summer in Phoenix unless you’re a huge fan of the heat. Otherwise, as long as you stick to the beginning of the day, you can usually avoid the heat pretty well. Early in the morning will also mean you will have the desert to yourself! This trail is often busier during the afternoon so if you want a peaceful walk to yourself, come early in the morning. 

My favourite time to go hiking in Phoenix is during the springtime when the desert flowers are blooming! Yes, there really are flowers in the desert. Wildflowers generally bloom in the Sonoran desert from mid-March to late April. And if there has been a lot of rain that year expect a huge burst of colour! This trail is the perfect way to get away from a busy week in the city. It’s a welcome quiet interlude.

Hours, Fees & Parking 

The park entrance fee is $7 USD. If you enter the park on foot, bike or horseback, the fee is only $2. After you pass through the park entrance, continue driving for another 3.5 miles. Drive until you reach the Waterfall Canyon parking lots. In addition to parking, you’ll also find picnic benches and washrooms.

The Park is open: Sun-Thurs: 6 am – 8 pm; Fri-Sat: 6 am – 10 pm.

After paying your entry fee, you can make a stop off at the nature center and library which is located just to the right of the park entrance. Here you can learn more about the mountains or ask the rangers any pressing questions. It’s also a great place to find maps of the trails.

What to Pack

• Water. Always be sure to pack lots of water! Even if you don’t think it’s going to be that hot, it’s always hotter than you expect. And even a short hike will get you dehydrated, especially when you start working up a sweat.
• Good walking shoes! Even though this is a beginner trail it’s still important to wear good footwear. I’ve seen people try to make this hike in sandals and once they get to the top of the waterfalls, the path is much rockier and it’s very easy to lose your footing.
• A hat. Always be sure to wear a large brimmed hat to keep the sun off your head. This helps prevent any chance of heatstroke if its a particularly hot day.
• Sunscreen. Sunscreen is a necessity even on cooler days because the sun is still out. And in Phoenix, we tend to get really cloudless skies. Sunscreen of at least SPF 30 depending on your skin type is best for hikers.
• Sunglasses. A good pair of sunglasses are also important to wear as they can make a big difference in protecting your eyes from the bright sun.
• A picnic! Although the hike isn’t very long, it’s a beautiful place to have a little picnic snack. When you reach the top of the mountain the views across Phoenix are stunning and it’s nice to sit and enjoy.

Accessibility

While the last portion of the path has a set of stones and stairs to climb, the majority of the trail actually has been made to be wheelchair accessible! The first portion of the Waterfall Trail is paved, allowing mobility aids to be used. This route also has a series of benches along the way to ensure those with mobility issues have places to stop and rest. I love that this makes it so accessible for so many people! As all easy trails should attempt to be where possible.

Pets

Dogs are allowed on the trail so long as they are leashed. Since the first mile is very flat animals will find this trail easy to walk on but older or less nimble dogs might find the last mile, with all the rocks and steps, more difficult.

The Trail

The Waterfall Trail is a fantastic beginner hike. It’s only 1.8 miles long and could easily be done in about an hour if you didn’t stop along the way. But definitely stop and look around! That’s half the fun! The trail takes you through all the beautifully weird flora and fauna that Arizona has to offer. Cacti are abundant on the trail. If you’ve never seen the desert before this is an amazing introduction to all the cool varieties of cacti that grow in the Sonoran Desert!

Staghorns

Old staghorns slump on the sidelines as you walk through the trail. The Staghorn cholla (Opuntia versicolor) are one of those cacti that looks like it’s from an alien planet. They have thin branches where crawl up from the ground covered in thin spikes. The name versicolor comes from the fact that their long-lasting flowers come in a range of colours; from ed, yellow, purple or intermediate shades.

Barrel Cactus

Barrel cacti poke their heads out of the rocks as you walk along the path. The Ferocactus, or more colloquially Barrel cactus is one of the most commonly seen cacti in the Sonoran desert. The word Fero means “fierce or wild” as these cacti are some of the most ominous looking plants growing in the desert. In some species of the barrel cactus, the spikes which protrude from the cactus are curved, like a fishhooks. Which are pretty painful if you get stuck. Barrell cacti are one of my favourites when they bloom. Their yellow and red flowers bloom on top, look like a little crown on their head.

The Great Saguaro

The Saguaro cactus (or Carnegiea gigantea) is often referred to as the king of cacti! It has become the symbol of the Sonoran Desert and of Phoenix itself. The cactus grows up out of the earth like a column and develops braches, often referred to as arms. Some saguaros have been known to grow up to 25 different arms throughout their life! Saguaros are covered in large spines that protect the plant from animals. But even still, owls are often seen roasting in the trunks. In the late spring, saguaros bloom and grow beautiful white flowers which are said to smell like overripe melons. After they flower they will produce large red fruit, which is eaten by animals like finches, woodpeckers, doves, bats, tortoise, javelina and coyotes.

Teddy Bear Cacti

The “Teddy Bear” cactus is one of the most interesting cacti found along the edge of the trail. But don’t let that cute name fool you! These cacti are very dangerous! The cactus is officially called the Cylindropuntia bigelovii and is best known for its furry appearance. The furry texture is actually just a solid mass of thick spines that completely cover the stems. The form of the cacti looks almost like an animal and led to the name “teddy bear”. But it’s also known as the “jumping teddy bear”. The jumping part is due to the fact that if you even brush past the cactus, the cholla’s spines will grab onto the fibres of your clothes and dig their way into your skin. Ouch! Not quite the cuddly plant it seems to be….but they are still so interesting to look at from afar.

Wildlife

While most of the animals which live in these mountains are nocturnal there are some bits of wildlife you should keep an eye out for! The most commonly seen birds are cactus wrens and if you’re lucky you might spot a roadrunner! My favourite things to spot are the multitudes of lizards and reptiles which crawl along the rocks and poke their heads out to warm themselves in the sun. Mule deer, coyotes, mountain lions and javelinas have all been spotted by visitors but are extremely RARE!

Petroglyph Plaza 

As you continue along the path, you’ll soon come upon one of the most interesting parts of the trail; the Petroglyphs. The Petroglyph Plaza is where you can find a grouping of these ancient images. Petroglyphs are images created by removing part of a rock surface by carving into the stone. These are the earliest form of art. Ancient tribes would have used symbols to tell stories more than pictorial drawings. The Hohokam tribes which lived here from 100 BC to 1200 AD would have been the ones creating these works of art. Their style was very circular and curvy when compared to the art of other tribes.

Also located inside the Petroglyph plaza is a large rain barrel that has now been riddled with bullet holes and punctures.

Waterfall

After hiking for some time you’ll reach the pinnacle of the trail, the waterfall! Now, truthfully most of the time when you get here there will be little more than a puddle of water inside the basic. But, usually in the spring, when there’s been a significant amount of rainfall, a temporary waterfall appears seemingly from out of nowhere – falling from the sky.

From the top of the mountain, you’ll get one of the most lovely Sonoran deserts views looking across the city. This is a wonderful place to stop and sit. Depending on the time of year, the valley below could be bursting with green or keeping its cool with golden and brown colours.

As you make your way back down, look at the sprawling desert, slowly disappearing as the city pops up in the distance. From above, the rugged mountains that surround the valley seem to tightly cradle that precious little city in their palms, keeping it safe from the world outside.

But all good things must come to an end. As you drive back to city life, enjoy the view of the saguaros spread out across the valley, as if popping up to say goodbye!

The post Discover the Amazing White Tank Mountains Waterfall Trail, the Best Beginner Hike in Phoenix first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

I listed all the different amazon links to these books but I’ve also found that most local libraries have kindle or e-book versions available online. So if you have a library card, your local library might be doing more of these digital downloads to provide readers with more options during the pandemic when most libraries are closed. Also, if you’re local book shops are doing home delivery you should check these out too to help out those small businesses!

An Idiot Abroad: Travel Diaries by Karl Pilkington

Ok, I know this might be a silly one, but it is truly one of my favourite books. I grew up listening to the Ricky Gervais podcast and then went back to the XFM radio show archives and completely fell in love with Karl Pilkington. Karl is unknowingly hilarious and his almost child-like view on the world is so unique. Ricky Gervais produced a television show called An Idiot Abroad with Karl where they sent him all over the world to places he’d never even dreamed of visiting. As a reluctant traveller, Karl has the most opposite opinion to all of us in the travel blogging world and that’s what makes it so funny. While the show is great, I loved the book as it gives a little bit more insight into his mind and also feels like his very own printed travel blog. There are also so charming illustrations and photos from his journeys that are exclusive to the book here which just add to the entire story.

Atlas of Remote Islands by Judith Schalansky

The Atlas of Remote Islands by Judith Schalansky is such a charming and beautiful book. In a time when we feel like we’re never going to be able to travel anywhere again, her book brings a new perspective to visiting places in your mind. Judith’s book is all about 50 different islands that she herself has never visited (and never will). But by weaving together various scientific studies and recorded historical events, she manages to create a snapshot of each different island’s personality and character on every page. Each page features a gorgeously drawn cartographic view of the island and a story about it. It’s a wonderful way to learn about these faraway lands from the comfort of your couch!

The Bone People by Keri Hulme

The Bone People was a book I read as an angsty teenager and still to this day love to pick up and read. Its wildly descriptive pages transport you to the shores of pastoral New Zealand. The stories centers around Kerewin, a part-Maori artist, who herself self-isolates (by choice) and loves this isolation. But her life is torn apart when she comes to meets Simon, a mute six-year-old and his foster-father Joe. The book itself is quite emotional and riveting but also is a love story to the South Islands and Maori myths which are so important to New Zeland and its people.

Atlas Obscura: An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Hidden Wonders

If you’re looking for a book to pour over and plan future travels and adventures then this is the book for you. While some travel books focus on the most popular and highly regarded travel destinations and attractions, this book focuses on weird, wild, and even slightly odd experiences and collections around the world. This book inspired me to visit a few cities I would have otherwise never thought of travelling to if it were not for the one interesting exhibit or attraction to see there. And once you’re there you’ll find a myriad of other wonderful things to see as well. I treat it as a paper version of a cabinet of curiosities with treasures from all over the world.

In A Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson

I think I left my copy of In A Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson in Australia, lost on a beach somewhere no doubt. But luckily my library had digital versions of it which I could take out to get my Bill Bryson to fix. Bill Bryson is a comedic travel writer, who brings his unusual personality to his travel experiences and his writing. I had read Bryson’s other books but his book on Australia was the one I loved the most and I treated it like my bible to pour over before I moved to Australia for a year in my 20s. His descriptions of this country on the other side of the world are some of the best representations of what it is like to travel there, so if you can’t go yourself, this is the next best thing!

DaVinci Code Series by Dan Brown

I think almost everyone has a dogeared copy of a Dan Brown book somewhere in their house. Maybe your quirky aunt gave it to you one Christmas and you never got around to reading it. Well, this is the perfect time to pick it up. While I think the overhype for these books in the media might have caused a lot of people to expect more from it than it intends to be, I LOVE these books. Especially for their descriptions of art, history and the cities in which they are set. Don’t take them too seriously and you’ll have such a great time with them! My favourite I think is Inferno, not for the storyline, but his sumptuous descriptions of Venice, Florence and Istanbul!

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson

Fear and Loathing is one of those books you can easily read on the porch over a weekend. It’s a frantic and fantastical tale set in Las Vegas in the 1970s. It is a slightly fictionalized account of Thompson‘s experience over one highly drug-fueled week in Las Vegas while trying to get a story. While his descriptions are at times surreal, I think it does a fantastic job of getting across the feeling of Vegas during that time in space. 

A Year in Provence, Peter Mayle

This book was one of the inspirations for my trip to Provence a few years ago. We rented a house in a small, non-touristy town, and although we were only there for two weeks, it was impossible not to imagine moving there for good. Mayle‘s book follows his journey of buying a hundred-year-old farmhouse in Provence and the adventures he encounters throughout his first year of living there. As you can imagine, there are a fair share of mishaps and misadventures but also so many joyful stories which make you wanna just pack up and move to France (after the pandemic of course).

The Year of Living Danishly by Helen Russell

Before visiting Sweden last year, I dove back into this book. Although not set in Sweden, there is something so interesting about learning about the Scandinavian way of life. The book follows British journalist, Helen Russell throughout her year abroad in Denmark. She wanted to understand why Danes are the happiest people on earth and so she spent a year living Danishly to see why this formula works! Not only is it a great book about another country there are so many things from this book that you can take and apply to your own life, even in quarantine!

Visitors to Versailles

This was a new acquisition to my library when I knew we would be put into self-isolation. I have a few books on the history of Versaille and its architecture and ornamentation but this book focuses on the visitors which have for centuries come to visit the palace. It follows stories of dignitaries and even 18th-century tourists as they came to see this architectural treasure for the first time. It allows the readers to see Versaille through the eyes of these visitors during different eras. It’s a gorgeous coffee table book full of rich photos of the clothing visitors would have worn and even – my favourite part – the souvenirs that visitors came away with even hundreds of years ago.

Vivaldi’s Virgins by Barbara Quick

When I was a little girl I would fall asleep almost every night to a book on tape about Vivaldi and the school he ran for girls in Venice. While that story was meant for children, this book follows the same theme but in a much more grown-up fashion. The book is rich with descriptions of 18th century Venice when the city exploded with new art, music and splendour. The story is a fictional tale of an orphan abandoned at Ospedale Della Pietà, Antonio Vivaldi’s school for music, and her journey to discover where she came from. Throughout the book, she explores the different areas of Venice in her search which allows you to feel like you are on the journey with her and are seeing these visions of Venice for yourself.

Colour by Victoria Finlay

My copy of Colours is so beat up at this point from the many times I’ve read it, but I suppose that is just the mark of a great book! This book details the history of colour through author Victoria Finlay‘s travels around the world. I read it for the first time when I was studying the colour blue for a paper I was writing at school. This history of where colours come from and their symbolic and cultural meaning is so fascinating to me but her descriptions of the places she travels to discover these secrets is one of the best parts of the book. Pure wanderlust.

Let me know if you’ve already read any of these books or what your favourite travel-inspired books are! Looking for anything and everything new to read these days! I hope you are all keeping safe and healthy and doing well!

Happy (imaginary) Travels, Adventurers

The post 12 of the Best Books to Inspire Wanderlust first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

The term ‘taking the waters’ is a saying the locals frequently mention. They believe that bathing in these thermal springs helps with many different health problems from arthritis to eczema. They have even been known to help soothe the mind if you’ve been experiencing any level of stress in your life. Since most baths in Budapest are unisex, this is the perfect place to go with your family, friends or as a romantic and relaxing day out with your partner.

Table Of Contents

1. History
2. What to Expect
   • Male-only or Female-only Days
3. What to Bring?
   • Towels
   • Footwear
   • Head Gear
4. Pricing
5. Layout
   • Lockers
   • Cabins
6. Where to Go
   • Széchenyi Baths
   • Király Baths
   • Gellert Baths
   • Rudas Baths

History

One of the reasons the Romans came to colonise the city we now call Budapest, was to utilise their rich wealth of thermal springs. Even today, you can visit the ruins of some of these ancient Roman baths. Romans long used thermal waters for both medical and cleansing purposes since most people didn’t have running water in their homes. The Romans knew there were many benefits gained by bathing in thermal springs. Healing elements in the water include magnesium, calcium and sulphate. These are effortlessly absorbed into your skin while bathing and help with poor circulation, arthritis and many skin conditions. Once the Turkish invaded, they constructed their own unique bathhouses in the 15th century, some of which still are standing today. While looking at history on the walls of museums is a treat, there is nothing like experiencing history for yourself!

What to Expect

To prepare for your first time in the waters, it’s best to know what to expect. That way you won’t be surprised by any unforeseen steps along the way. All baths have different opening times and may differ on some policies. But for the most part, they all provide the same general experience. Depending on what vibe you’re going for will determine which place you’ll end up at. But you really can’t go wrong with any of them for an authentic experience.

For our first time visiting a spa, we settled on the Gellert Baths. Not only are the waters here arguably located inside the most gorgeous environment, and slightly less touristy than the Szechenyi Baths, they also have a great set of amenities. But finding a spa that caters to tourists isn’t a bad thing for your first time. Some people might want to avoid the more popular locations to get a more traditional experience other might want to find somewhere that caters to the language barrier and provides ample signage and instructions will make you feel more comfortable on your first time inside.

Male-only or Female-only Days

Some spas have male-only or female-only days and the hours vary from spa to spa, so be sure to check their websites before you go. If you’re interested in these same-sex days for your own comfort, be warned that these will be clothing optional. You are more than welcome to wear your bathing suit, but many will opt to go completely nude. This may make some people uncomfortable, but if you’re brave enough, the experience is very freeing.

What to Bring?

Towels

Towels are necessary for bathing, and they won’t be provided for free. You must bring your own, or you can rent one at a relatively low cost. They usually tend to be around £3 so if you’re only going once or twice it is worth it not to have to lug around a wet towel. But if you plan on visiting multiple times, it might be worth bringing the towel from your hotel.

Footwear

Flip flops are another essential item to carry with you since the wet, cold floors aren’t the best for bare feet and in the summer the tile can get hot underfoot. Leave them on the side of the pool before getting in, don’t worry, everyone does it, so you don’t need to worry about them getting stolen.

Head Gear

Most of the spas require bathing caps if you choose to swim in the main pools – not the hot baths – so bring your own or be prepared to pay for a disposable one. Again, this will be listed online, so you can always check the requirements before arriving. It’s also a good idea to bring a bottle of water with you since the hot waters will quickly get you dehydrated. You can always buy water inside, but it will no doubt be pricier than if you bring your own.

Pricing

Admission prices vary, mostly depending on the size and quality of the baths. But generally, the prices are around £6-10/per person ($7-$12 US). It isn’t necessary to buy tickets to enter the bathhouse in advance. Some websites sell spa tickets at a higher price than at the door. And it is never necessary since even on the busiest days you can always get in. This is just a scam to get tourists to feel like they NEED to pre-purchase or risk not being admitted. But if you feel like getting a massage, be sure to book these in advance to guarantee a spot. These cost anywhere from £15-60 ($17-$70 US) depending on the length and kind of treatment.

Layout

Once you pay your admission, you will be given an electronic bracelet or key to a locker or cabin where you can get changed. The lockers are included in regular admission to the spas but to use a changing cabin, this will cost extra. We tried both variations and found that the choice is more dependent on your comfort level. My husband is a bit shy when it comes to new experiences so he preferred the changing cabin since we could use this together and didn’t need to be separated.

Lockers

To open the lockers with the electronic bracelets, place your bracelet against the number on the locker and it will pop open. Magic! The lockers are only big enough for storage or your clothes and valuables. To get changed, you’ll have to use the public change rooms. These are also separated into male and female changing rooms, so if you’re here with family or as a couple you’ll need to go about this individually.

Cabins

Cabins, on the other hand, are large enough for one person or two people to change inside, as well as storing your items. If you’re a little shyer, opt for the cabins. They cost a little bit more but are worth it for the comfort.

The layout of many of the spas follows a similar design. There is a large, refreshing pool where people can swim laps or just float and relax. Then there are various hot tubs for unwinding, each heated (or cooled) to a different temperature. Each of the various temperatures of the pools is designed with to help heal what ails you, the cold pools, for instance, are supposed to help with poor circulation and while it is pretty shocking to jump into it did really help my jet lag!

There are also various saunas, steam rooms, massage areas and lounge chairs to lie down on both inside and outside the spas. There is definitely more to do here than just soak in the waters. Be sure to explore. Many of the spas contain dozens of distinct baths, some in somewhat obscure or hidden places. If you ever get too far off course or enter an off-limits area, a kind employee will always guide you back, so don’t be afraid to walk around.

Where to Go

Széchenyi Baths

If you’re pressed for time and only have room in your schedule to visit one Hungarian Bath, Széchenyi Baths is the place to go. It’s so iconic and has a myriad of fantastical pools to explore. This bath was built in 1913 and boasts a beautiful bright yellow Neo-baroque design which gives stunning views inside and out. Inside the main outdoor pool, you can play chess while lounging in the water and even stop for a bite to eat in their cafeteria.

Király Baths

Király Baths is one of the most authentic spas to visit. Although it’s rather small, with only four pools, this place has stood in the same spot since the Ottoman-era and bathing in here is like stepping back in time. It’s worth visiting if you love ancient architecture or are a big history buff.

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Gellert Baths

The Gellert Baths was built in 1918 and is my favourite of all the spas. It might not be as big as Széchenyi or as historic as Rudas, but the art nouveau designs throughout make it a stunning building to relax inside. Their indoor “cathedral” swimming pool with enormous stained glass skylight is the perfect place to swim no matter the season. If you feel brave enough, dip into the carbonic acid tub-bath. This bath is supposed to help with cardiovascular problems, osteoporosis and rheumatic pain.

Rudas Baths

Rudas Baths are another Ottoman-era spa built around 1550. There is one sizeable octagonal areas and four smaller pools surrounding it. All of which are nestled under the quintessential Turkish dome. Rudas Baths are only mixed sexes on the weekend. Throughout the week they rotate between female-only or male-only. Be sure to check the schedule before you come.

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No matter what spa you choose to visit while in Budapest, you’re bound to have a fantastic experience! Take the plunge and leave your inhibitions at the door. Soak up all the elemental goodness in those thermal waters. And leave feeling ready to continue on your adventures, renewed and refreshed.

Did you have a chance to visit any of these famous pools while in Budapest? Let me know in the comments which was your favourite thermal bath. Or if you found any hidden locations I need to visit on my next trip out there!

Happy Travels Adventurers!

The post Everything You Need to Know Before You Visit Budapest’s Famous Thermal Baths and Spas first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. Access
2. Arashiyama Countryside
3. Arriving in Arashiyama
4. Finding your Way into the Grove
5. When to Arrive
   • The Bamboo
6. The Importance of Bamboo in Japan
7. Nonomiya Shrine
   • Marriage and Childbirth Shrine
8. Bamboo Grove Cemetery
9. Sagano Scenic Railway
10. Street Artisans
11. Modes of Transportation through the Forest
    • Additional Sights in Arashiyama

Access

We set off to Arashiyama by bus. There are multiple ways of getting to the Grove, and most people will opt for the train option since you avoid the chance of getting into any traffic jams, but the bus route for us was much faster from our destination, so always be sure to check before departing to see which route will be the fastest from your location. The bus does have a bonus aspect of seeing Kyoto and the surrounding countryside as you drive.

We took the #73 bus from outside Higashihonganji Temple. It cost just 230 yen for the entire journey. Remember on the buses in Kyoto you pay your far after you exit the bus, not when you get on. To get there by rail, you simply take a train from Kyoto Station and take the JR Sagano/San-in Main Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station. The ride takes 15 minutes followed by a 10-minute walk to the Bamboo Grove. The ride costs 240 yen.

Arashiyama Countryside

As you approach Arashiyama, the first thing you’ll see is that the flat vistas disappear for mountainous ranges. In the early 700-1100s, wealthy nobles would travel to Arashiyama to enjoy its natural landscape and escape the city. While it’s still true that people come here as an escape, now this place is for everyone, rich or poor. The word “Arashiyama” translates into “Storm Mountain”. The mountains here are covered in lush trees, and because of this, they are slightly dark, giving them their intimidating name. The mountains look down on the Ōi River, creating a picturesque view as you drive in.

Arriving in Arashiyama

Arriving in Arashiyama, you get off the bus and walk up the main street to enter the forest. Entering the forest by bus also gives you access to the less used entrance, and you’ll notice that there are much fewer people here than where the train station drops people off. The streets of Arashiyama in the early morning are relatively quiet. The main street of Arashiyama is quite touristy, so early in the morning not many people are out walking the streets. Arriving as early as you can is the best way to view both the city and the forest before it is overrun with sightseers.

Even the manhole covers here in Arashiyama reflect the natural surroundings.

Finding your Way into the Grove

The Bamboo Grove, take up over 500 meters of winding pathways. To get to the start of the path, head west from the train station. There are dozens of signs in English and Japanese to help guide your way. The entrance to the beginning of the bamboo grove is flanked on either side by thick concrete walls and it’s strange to this that this narrow, cold passageway will open up into a spectacular oasis. The grove is never closed and there is (currently) no admission to enter. But like Venice, who city council is now charging admission to enter it’s ever growing popular city center, this could change over time to help preserve the forest.

When to Arrive

Obviously everyone wants to be here when you’ll have a clear shot of the grove without anyone in the way. And while there are those precious few rare moments they’re very hard to find. Lots of people will tell you to come even before sunrise. And while that’s probably your best chance, even those super early risers have been disappointed to see that hundreds of other had the same idea.

My advice is to take the crowds as they come and not to stress about waking up SUPER early on what’s supposed to be a relaxing vacation. I actually found that later in the afternoon there were the least amount of people in comparison to the morning. It seemed like the tour buses were well on their way home as the sun began to set. But even with tourists aplenty there is still plenty to enjoy and ways to get those amazing shots!

If one area becomes inundated with people, quickly pass through the crowd, and suddenly you’ll see that the path opens up. The dense areas of individuals tend to be formed by bus tours, all walking through together, so if you pass by them quickly, you might find that space they just left is pretty empty. A lot of these tour buses also don’t spend too much time in the forest. They enter at the beginning of the path but never make it to the end. I found that if you walk to the very end of the grove you’ll find that by the end of the path, you’ll have the place to yourself at times.

The Bamboo

As you first walk into the forest, you’ll be immediately struck with the overwhelming quiet that the grove creates. You are enveloped by these towering emerald stalks, so tall they almost stop light from entering in. The bamboo itself is truly stunning. The stalks are so thick and bright green in the sunlight. The trunks creak ever so much when a big gust of wind passes through, and they make the eeriest, yet wonderfully delicate, noise. Like a old, worn floor when you walk across it in the night.

The Importance of Bamboo in Japan

While the Bamboo Forest is not only gorgeous to look at their importance to Japan spreads farther than just a pretty picture. Bamboo is one of the strongest plants there is. Standing up, so straight and tall, one wonders how that’s scientifically possible, They sway and bend in the wind and yet almost never crack. In fact, historically people would run into the bamboo groves when there was an earthquake since the root structure of the bamboo was so strong it would even withstand such a powerful force as an earthquake.

One of the most popular uses of this strong material was in building roads and in the construction of houses. You’ll still see many construction sites in Japan using bamboo as scaffolding to this day since it is so strong. Bamboo is used to ward off evil and people also write their wishes on strips of paper made from bamboo during large Japanese festivals. It’s used to create wind instruments and handicrafts. It’s also used as an important ingredients in many Japanese and international dishes as well as for many herbal remedies. There are so many things which incorporated bamboo within the daily life of a person in Japan and it’s important to keep this in mind when exploring the forest.

Nonomiya Shrine

Different parts of the path veer off giving access to the various other attractions that are housed inside the forest. The Tenryuji temple and Nonomiya Shrine serve as markers which flank either end of the path. Inside the bamboo grove, you’ll stumble upon the Nonomiya Shrine. This little Shinto shrine is where unmarried imperial princesses have journeyed to purify themselves before their marriage. The deities that are enshrined here include “Nonomiya Okami”; God of Health and Wisdom, “Shirafuku Inari Daimmyojin”; God of Conception, Smooth Childbirth, and Prosperous Business, “Shiramine Benzaiten” and most importantly for single women, “Nonomiya Daikokuten”; God for Matchmaking.

Good luck talismans are sold near the shrine to give good fortunes to the receivers. Their colourful embroidery is so striking and makes even the happiest person feel in “need” of a good luck charm.

Marriage and Childbirth Shrine

Many couples make their way here to pray for a good marriage with their partners. We were sure to stop momentarily to ring the bell, clap our hands, and bow to the shrine. A little more luck can’t even hurt

This shrine is also a place where married couples wish for a healthy baby and painless childbirth. So you’ll often happy couples holding hands or pregnant women writing their wishes on the ema boards near the front of the temple.

Bamboo Grove Cemetery

Beside the temple, there is a cemetery with hundreds of obelisk stones standing guard beside the gate. Each one represents either a person or an entire family, who are entombed below. Since it is law in Japan that a person is cremated after death, whole families are often buried together. Their living relatives will often come to visit their graves and place offerings when they do. These offerings are often things the people enjoyed in their waking life. You’ll see things like books, beers and even dishes of food laid out on top of the stones. It’s a wonderful tradition that makes it feel like those people are still with us. Coming out at night to dine, read or drink in the moonlight.

Sagano Scenic Railway

At the end of the woods, you’ll come across the Sagano Scenic Railway, which has also been dubbed “the Romantic Train”. It’s a retro-style steam train which runs along the Hozu River, giving viewers some fantastic views of Arashiyama as it chugs along. The station itself is stunning and makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Street Artisans

Throughout the maze of bamboo, artisans pop up around every corner, selling various crafts made out of the pliable substance. They shape the bamboo into birds and animals with the most delicate touch.

Modes of Transportation through the Forest

Bicycle rentals around the grove are available is you want to cruise through the grove as well as explore the other areas around the forest. Bicycle rentals will cost you around 500-1500 yen per day depending on where you pick up your rental. There are also many rickshaws which will carry you and one other person through the pathways. These tend to be pretty expensive with prices ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 yen for a 20 mins ride for two people.

These will not only take you through the forest but the surrounding village as well. It’s comparable to prices of gondolas in Venice. Personally I think it’s much more enjoyable to watch these rickshaws run by than ride inside them but that simply because I’d prefer to save that money for a delicious meal. I found the best way to explore was by foot. Take your time. Listen to the wind blowing through the bamboos and soak up as much of the tranquility as you can.

Additional Sights in Arashiyama

To escape some of the busier moment in the forest I recommend heading over to the Okochi-Sanso Villa or the Tenryuji temple. Both of these places charge a small admission to enter but by charging a small amount to explore this both reduces and controls the traffic as well as helps preserve the environment.

Something for Arashiyama to consider for the Bamboo Forest itself is a small entry fee to enter the grove. This is something Venice is also implementing to help preserve their historical city center against day trippers who come in and don’t spend any money in the town itself. Arashiyama has a similar problem with bus tours who simply arrive at the forest, drop the tourists off, allow them a short time to explore the forest. Then, they pile them back on the bus without giving them anytime to explore the town and spend some money their to help the villagers support their hometown. I implore you if you are visiting the grove to make a time to explore the entirety of Arashiyama Village.

The bamboo forest is truly one of the most incredible nature wonders of the world and a MUST for anyone visiting Japan. Don’t miss out. Don’t get caught up with the crowds. Come with realistic expectations of how many other people want to see this incredible place. You most likely won’t have it all to yourself but how can you blame other for also wanting to see this wonder? Finding peace within this chaos isn’t something that comes easy, but when you do find it, that’s what makes the journey worth it.

The post Our Guide to Exploring the Natural Wonders of the Beautiful Arashiyama Bamboo Grove first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Access & Hours

Located off the strip, at 1610 East Tropicana Street, this is the second iteration of the Pinball Museum or Pinball Hall of Fame as it is now known. After growing popularity, it moved out of its original location further away from the strip and now is home on East Tropicana street in a 10,000 sq. Ft warehouse! As you go game to game, you are always surrounded by flashing lights, the sound of balls clinking and clacking against quick snapping flappers, bright colours glowing in the dark and high scores calling you out to over take them. The Hall of Fame is open 11am till 11pm, Sunday to Thursday and 11am till Midnight, Friday and Saturday. The late hours mean you can play far into the night, but the fact that it’s also open somewhat early means that if you’re only in a town for a few days, you can play during the day while the strip is a bit quiet early on.

History

The Pinball Hall of Fame features over 200 pinball games, all perfectly ready to play so much time as you have a quarter in hand. Each one of them represents a different piece of pinball history and spans all different periods of time. Tim Arnold is the man responsible for this amazing collection of classic arcade games along with other members of the Las Vegas Pinball Collectors Club. Tim and the club members wanted guests to come in and relive their childhood memories of playing these arcade games in a time before iPods, iPhone, Wiis and PlayStations.

Although Pinball-like games from the 16th to 17th century do exist, the Pinball machines as we know them now, with coin operated flippers and balls, only appeared in the mainstream as early as 1930. The Pinball Hall of fame is home to some of the earliest games in arcade history, and although they might not have all the bells and whistles as some of the modern machines, these games are steeped in history. Their designs evoke the culture from which the game was made, and as your place your hands on the slides to keep that ball from falling that hole; you can almost feel the decades of people that came here before you.

Prices

Despite many of these machines being made decades ago, each one of them works like new! And by no mistake either. Tim and his team work tirelessly to restore these machines to their original working condition to make the experience for the customers as close to the original as possible. The other amazing thing about this place is the price. There is no entrance fee, all you need to do is put money in the machines. Unlike places like Dave and Busters or other chain video game arenas, they cost almost as much as they did 30 years ago. Older pinball machines are 25 cents a play, and more modern models are 50 cents a game. In a city where losing your money for nothing is easy, this place makes you feel like your buck not only stretches pretty far, but every game is a riot and a blast to play. There’s no feeling defeated after you’ve dropped your coins down a slot, only feeling the joy of being a kid again.

The Pinball Hall of Fame is a non-profit organisation. It relies on people coming in to play their games to stay afloat. They also subset their expenses by restoring old pinball machine for other arcades and selling a “Pinball Repair” DVD for self-service repairs. So, if you do come in, be sure to play a few games, buy a coke from one of the old soda machines and snack on Mike and Ikes from the retro candy dispensers.

The Games

We stayed here for hours! Every machine has something special that you just HAD to play to see happen. My favourite games were mostly the older ones. The Elton John game from the old Bally’s Casino was hilarious, and the illustrations were perfection! Some of the oldest machines were a blast from the past and their mechanics very interesting to explore. They were so unique, and it was fascinating to see how they developed and were refined over time.

My husband managed to find an old WWF game, and that was his clear favourite. I have to say, it was pretty cool and was from one of the best time periods in wrestling history. Again, the design and illustration of the graphics on this machine was so fantastic and the different voices from the wrestlers that came on while playing certainly took you right back to the attitude era.

The game with the best music was for sure the old Star Wars game. The John William’s score still sends goosebumps up my arms and reminds me of my own childhood. The two games with the best surprises were the Twilight Zone and the X-men machines. The Twilight zone has different levels that would open up like staircases as your score rose. It was so cool and honestly sometimes would take you away from watching the ball, just admire the different transformation the board was doing.

The X-men game also has fantastic voice acting, sliding and shifting ball ramps that move like a maze and a board that adapts itself to the story that the game is telling as you go. I have a soft spot for X-men, so this one touched my heart and kept me there more quarters than I care to admit.

In addition to Pinball Games, they also have some very distinctive arcade games. One which we loved was the bowling game that came with real yet slightly more minature, pins and balls that you threw down the lane. They also had a few whimsical love testers which are never something we can pass up, even just for a laugh.

All in all, this is for sure one of the best things to see in Vegas. Visitors often never leave the main strip but I implore you to step outside the casinos and bars and see what else Vegas has to offer. There are incredibly rare and fabulous places to visit, created by dedicated collectors keen to share their passion with you. And this is exactly what the Pinball Museum is all about!

The post The Pinball Hall of Fame, One of the Best Alternative Things to do in Las Vegas first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. Angel's Flight
2. Grand Central Market
   • Eggslut
3. Bradbury Building
4. Alexandria Hotel
5. Broadway-Spring Arcade Building
6. Ninth and Broadway Building
7. The Jewelry District
8. PacMutual
9. Los Angeles Library
10. Fine Arts Building
11. Theatre District
12. The Los Angeles Theatre
13. The Palace Theatre
14. Tower Theatre
15. Eastern Columbia Lofts
16. Ace Hotel

Angel’s Flight

Start your walking tour at the ‘Angel’s Flight’ steps on Bunker Hill. This funicular railway brings travellers up the hill to one of the most iconic landmarks in L.A., Most notable for the many scenes filmed for the movie 500 Days of Summer.

The funicular was nicknamed “the shortest railway in the world” when it was built in 1901, and ever since, it has brought passengers a mere few meters up the steep hill from Pershing Square Metro Station to the top of Bunker Hill. From there, you have the perfect vantage point to see the tops of all the famous buildings that decorate the Los Angeles skyline.

Grand Central Market

After a short walk down from the top of Bunker Hill, stop at the Grand Central Market. The original building was a Beaux Arts beauty, but over the years, modern renovations have since changed its appearance. When you visit the market, make a point to study the 1960s tile façade and the original large, rounded archways at the entrance.

Eggslut

This little market, full of smells, sights and sounds, has been open since 1917. The market was once a meeting place for the city’s rich and the poor, and you could find everything from clothes to cabbage to goods for the home. Today, it is filled with delicious food for the everyman. As you step down the stairs in the thick of things, your senses are engulfed in the smell of slow-roasting pork, crispy tortillas and hot spices. Stop in at G&B Coffee for a dark brew, or try one of their fizzy hoppy teas for something different. Chow down on gorditas and drool-worthy tacos at Ana Maria’s. And if you’re looking for a trendy Sunday morning brunch spot, try Eggslut for their signature Eggslut sandwich, a jar-poached “coddled” egg atop potato purée.

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Bradbury Building

The Bradbury Building is one of the most important architectural landmarks of the city. And while its exterior is gorgeous, it’s the interior you’ll want to ensure you see! Built in 1893, this office building is best known for the incredible skylit atrium, surrounded by gilded, ornate ironwork walkways, stairs and elevators. The building was made for gold-mining millionaire Lewis L. Bradbury and, as such, feels like it has been kissed by King Midas himself.

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Alexandria Hotel

Wind your way toward the famous Alexandria Hotel. In the heyday of cinema-making of the 1900s, this monolith of Beaux-Arts architecture and glamour was built. It cost $2 million to bring the lavish designs and finishing that the New York elite was used to across the country to sunny L.A. The building’s signature griffins still stand today, looming over the street, watching passersby going about their business.

Over the years, it saw visitors from all walks of fame. From President Theodore Roosevelt to Charlie Chaplin and even Mary Pickford. But as the celebs moved out of the downtown core, the hotel lost its lustre and soon was nothing more than squatting quarters for vagrants. Now, it has a new owner, and with fresh businesses coming back downtown, it might even see a new renaissance. Its illustrious Palm Court, built in the 1960s, is still one of the most awe-inspiring interiors in L.A. The ceiling is an enormous mass of intricately designed stained glass and walking in the room, you completely feel embraced by the beautiful coloured scene painted with glass above you.

Broadway-Spring Arcade Building

As you walk down South Spring Street, you come upon a giant slate-coloured building with tiny, uniform windows that cover its facade. Looking like a massive brick honeycomb. This is, of course, the Broadway-Spring Arcade Building. The building is connected by a stunning skylit and a three-storey arcade.

Walking through the arches, you’re met with a splendid gallery of little, independent shops gathered below retro lights that line the gallery like little soldiers. Later on, after its initial construction, two Venetian-style bridges were added to connect the lower levels of the two buildings, creating a very European feel to space.

Ninth and Broadway Building

Just down the street, you find the Ninth and Broadway Building. Built in the 1930s, this sturdy building is a dramatic design and architecture. The most iconic detail is the two-storey tall terra cotta grapevine filigree that crawls up the front of the building. The art deco lettering that addresses the building is a charming nod to a time gone by.

But the ornamentation doesn’t stop at the front of the building. As you look up at the myriad of floors above, you’ll notice the filigree grapevine designs continuing between all the perfectly placed windows, each stamped with an abstract art deco geometric design.

The Jewelry District

The Jewelry District is a section of downtown Los Angeles where gold, diamonds and anything sparkly can be seen on display in highly curated window boxes. As you walk down the street, it seems like every other shop is a jewelry store with identical window displays and signage. Annually this district brings in just under $3 billion in jewelry alone!

The most famous of these Jewellery retail outlets is the International Jewelry Centre. This building reminds me of the train station in Melbourne, with its enormous domed roof and French Renaissance-inspired ornamentation that climbs along the columns and frames the windows.

PacMutual

Head over to the financial district and visit the PacMutual building. A set of three different buildings have been connected over the years and now make up the place we call the PacMutual building. Each structure represents a different period of architecture, yet they all seem to flow together cohesively. The first building erected in 1906 was on the corner of Sixth and Olive Street. It was designed in the Beaux Arts style with decorative arches and flowery details.

In 1921, a taller building was constructed the same way as the previous one. With more money in their pockets this time, they added Italian marble throughout the lobby and more terra cotta embellishments. The final building in this triad is a seemingly simple two-story parking garage. Where the addition of a parking lot might have been an eye sore, this architect took it upon himself to disguise it in Beaux Arts flourishes and a glamorous tiled roof.

Los Angeles Library

The last stop on tour was at the impressive Los Angeles Library. A stop-off at the library might seem like an anti-climactic visit, but it is not the case here in L.A. The library was officially named a Historic-Cultural Monument, and its importance as a place for the community is firmly evident as you walk around and watch people interact with the public space. People wander the gardens and sit quietly reading or talking on the phone on all the different benches and seating areas in the courtyard. It seems almost like a modern-day town square.

The library’s design is not of the Art Deco period or the Beaux Arts. This time, the architect went far back to get his inspiration. All the way to ancient Egypt. Egyptians were some of the finest architects. But they were a culture that respected and sought to preserve their language and historical stories.

Although not in a typical “library”, they preserved their stores right in the walls of their home in hieroglyphs. So it is no surprise that this is where the architect drew his inspiration for the library. The central part of the library looks like a squared-off pyramid with brightly coloured tiled mosaics on the roof. The suns on either side of the roof reference the “light of learning.” Along the facade are carved notable men of history. We have represented men from the arts, Science, Philosophy and more here.

Fine Arts Building

The Fine Arts Building on West 7th Street was built in 1926 and is a love story of architecture. The Romanesque Revival face featured a two-storey arch over the main entrance, intricately decorated with griffons, gargoyles and birds. The entire building is replete with ornamentation and carved figures, to the point where it feels almost more like a church than an office building. On either side of the entry arch are two reclining figures, representing Architecture and Sculpture as human beings. Be sure to step inside and admire the two-storey terracotta and tile-tiered ceiling.

Theatre District

As you finish with the business district, you turn a corner, and suddenly every other building you come across is an opulent theatre. This, of course, is the Theatre District. These gaudy and gorgeous edifices are aged to pure perfection. Their slightly tarnished and dirty facade only adds to the magical historical quality they preserve within their bones.

The Los Angeles Theatre

The Los Angeles Theatre is no doubt the most extravagant of them all. Designed by legendary theatre architect S. Charles Lee in 1931, this building stretches into the skies with European-inspired designs that make you feel like you have been transported into Paris, France. The baroque columns and sculptures that pour off the building reek of French finery. Even a sunburst motif is used throughout, inspired by Louis XIV’s castle of Versailles.

The Palace Theatre

The Palace Theatre is one of the oldest on the strip. It opened in 1911 and is one of the remaining original Orpheum theatres in the U.S. This building seems as though any minute, swarms of youthful flappers in sequined gowns might emerge from its doors. Perfectly preserved in time, you can even read the old painted advertisements still etched onto the side of the building. One can imagine that these ads would entice customers to attend the shows featuring such acts as Harry Houdini, Fred Astaire, and a young Rita Hayworth.

The mixture of Florentine architecture and retro 70’s typography, and colourful flare are wonderfully combined on the front of this theatre. Multicoloured terracotta flowers are stamped on the sides of the window frames, while gothic fairy sculptures hang off the building like whimsical gargoyles. Even the old lamps still glow and are reflected on the wet streets.

Tower Theatre

Built in 1927, the Tower Theatre is a testament to the evocative Baroque Revival style. The theatre’s exterior was even modelled after the famed Paris Opera House. Tiny star-shaped geometric designs are carved into the building’s walls, making the whole thing seem like it is floating in space. One of the Tower Theatre’s most iconic features is its giant Art Nouveau clock tower that reaches into the sky, flanked by gilded columns and framing the neon sign that flashes its name to curious passersby.

Eastern Columbia Lofts

Probably the piece-de-resistance of the entirety of downtown L.A. is the Eastern Columbia Lofts. From all the way down the street, you can see the bright, turquoise copper gleaming in the distance. On top, a giant clock and the word ‘EASTERN’ all in neon beacons you towards it. The Eastern Columbia Lofts is one of the best examples of true Art Deco architecture in the United States. Featuring all the keystones of Art Deco design, this building seems cohesive while incorporating various elements from that period. From sunburst patterns to zigzags and chevrons to simple geometric shapes and turquoise copper panels flanked in gold, every piece feels like it complements the other.

Although the building has been standing for years, its appeal is timeless. The developer, Kor Realty Group, optioned this property for condo development in 2006 and has since turned empty retail and business spaces into chic, modern condos while retaining their original appearance. One of the more curious features is the four modernized flying buttresses that flank the clock tower on the top of the building. This style, once only found in gothic architecture, was appropriated to great effect.

Ace Hotel

If you’re looking for true gothic architecture, go beyond the Ace Hotel. Originally known as the United Artists building, at 13 stories tall, it was the tallest building in Los Angeles after its completion in 1927. The building houses residential apartments and a theatre on the first floor. The terra cotta and plaster-fronted structure were dripping with Gothic influences from Spain and were inspired by the Segovia Cathedral. Its delicate tracery windows pointed arches, and highly detailed carved capitals make this building look more like a church than a commercial space. The stone spandrels that line the facade give the building the appearance of being taller than it really is, lifting its grandeur right up into the sky.

Taking a free walking tour of the Art Deco streets of downtown Los Angeles is a must-do experience for anyone who loves architecture and history. From the stunning facades to the intricate details, these buildings are a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage.

The post Free Downtown Los Angeles Walking Tour of the Amazing Art Deco Streets first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

However, one way in which I love to explore a city, especially for the first time, is through its works of art. Both historical and right up to the modern day. Art teaches us about the culture of the people who made it. What was important to them, what moved them, what inspired them? Even what shaped them.

For a unique perspective on Berlin’s art scene, consider a bespoke art tour with coGalleries Berlin. These tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at the city’s cultural landscape, including its trendy art scene, making them a perfect choice for art enthusiasts.

coGalleries Berlin tours combine aspects of a traditional city tour with visits to private galleries and exclusive art collections. This means your guide will be able to introduce you to all the different sights of the city while also allowing you inside otherwise nonpublic spaces like your own personal key to the city. Here, you’ll meet the real artists creating the spectacular art of today and shaping the new face of Berlin’s art world.

Your artist-in-residence will tell you all about their personal journey with their art, show you pieces both in progress and on display, and even let you get a peek into their creative process.

Often, art is very unapproachable for someone who isn’t going to galleries all too often or involved in the industry. But coGalleries aims to make art accessible; it allows you to ask questions, get to know the artists themselves and learn more about what makes the Berlin art scene so exciting and dynamic. You can find out what makes the Berlin art scene so unique compared to others worldwide. Asking questions when travelling is the best way to learn from the people who live there, and these tours truly enable you to have that unique experience.

The tours are completely customizable to each and every client. So, if you’re interested in street art or perhaps a sculpture, you can create a custom itinerary with only what’s important to you. So many tours are cookie-cutter copies of each other, and the guides are nothing more than a walking Wikipedia. These tours are one-of-a-kind and nothing like you’ll experience anywhere else. Walking down the streets of Berlin, the street art which can be seen hidden away in alleys or under bridges tells a certain story of the city and learning what each piece is referring to, especially as an outsider, really allows you to look at it from a different perspective.

There are so many different sculptures to be seen across Berlin, and these tours are a wonderful chance to learn more about the famous sculptures that line the grand thoroughfares and see the emerging sculptors making their own marks on history today.

If you’re ready to embark on a unique art adventure in Berlin, visit cogalleries.com to book your tour today. It’s the perfect way to make your next trip to Berlin truly unforgettable!

*This post was sponsored by Cogalleries, but all opinions are my own.

The post Explore Berlin’s Art Scene: The Ultimate Artistic Gallery Tour first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. Don't go up Tokyo Tower or Tokyo Skytree
   • Instead, travel over to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
2. Don't get caught up looking up restaurants on Yelp or Tabelog
   • Instead, walk in anywhere with a line!
3. Don't go out of your way to visit only the popular shrines
   • Instead, skips the lines and find a hidden neighbourhood shrine
4. Don't Always Head to Coffee Shops in the Morning
   • Instead, head to your local conbini
5. Don't buy your souvenirs at souvenir shops
   • Instead, head to the nearest 100 yen shop!
6. Don't drink in the Golden Gai
   • Instead head down to Shinjuku's Omoide Yokocho
7. Don't get lured into going to a Maid Cafe
   • Instead, try visiting another experiencial themed restaurant!
8. Don't visit Takeshita Dori if you're looking for Tokyo's Underground Fashion Scene
   • Instead, head over to Shimokitazawa
   • And finally…don't spend all your time in Tokyo!

Don’t go up Tokyo Tower or Tokyo Skytree

A view from atop the city, especially somewhere as large and spread out as Tokyo, is always a valuable experience. But the lines and cost for Tokyo Tower or Tokyo Skytree far exceed the enjoyment you’ll get once you get to the top. If you’re only in Tokyo for a week, chances are you don’t want to spend some of that time, lined up for a trip up an elevator.

Instead, travel over to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Head on over to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and take the elevator up to the rooftop where you get an unbelievable view of the city, PLUS a view of the Skytree itself. If you’re looking for a view that comes with a stylish rooftop garden then header over to the Tokyu Plaza Omotesando in Harajuku where the 7th floor provides a stunning green space with ample room for relaxing. Despite the fact that there is a Starbucks which the gardens back out on, you can grab your own food and drinks up to the top. It really is the perfect place for a conbini picnic (“conbini” is a short term word for Japanese convenience stores).

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Don’t get caught up looking up restaurants on Yelp or Tabelog

Often when travelling, you want to make the most out of your experiences and don’t want to waste your money on a touristy or subpar restaurant. For this reason, even I find myself obsessively looking up reviews of where I want to eat whenever I’m travelling. Sometimes this is done in advance but when I’m stuck reading review after review in the middle of my adventure I can’t but help feel like I’m wasting precious travel time. In Japan, this is just not necessary. You can close your eyes and twirl around to walk straight into a restaurant with the best food you’ve ever eaten!  

Instead, walk in anywhere with a line!

Don’t waste your time trying to find the perfect place to eat, instead, wander until something calls your name and draws you in. If there is one particular restaurant you ABSOLUTELY have to find, then make sure to make reservations because popular joints in Tokyo often fill up in advance very quickly.

Don’t go out of your way to visit only the popular shrines

Meiji Shrine is often at the top of every traveller’s list, but honestly, there are so many other shrines just as impressive all over Tokyo that you will just happen upon. Although it is perhaps the biggest and most notable, there are so many other I would rate much higher. Don’t stress and go far out of your way or wait in long, long line for these so-called “must-see” shrines. 

Instead, skips the lines and find a hidden neighbourhood shrine

The best part of the Meiji Shrine are the sake barrels in front which can be visited before entering the shrine without waiting in a long line. The most beautiful shrine I found in Tokyo was one I had never heard of before all the way in Akasaka. I won’t tell you where (although I do talk about it in some of my other blogs) since I want you to go out and find your own unique place! If you do – let me know in the comments!

Don’t Always Head to Coffee Shops in the Morning

While there are some incredibly cool coffee shops in Tokyo, they are generally pretty expensive since coffee-shop coffee is considered a luxury. A Starbucks frappucino will run you about 9$ USD for a tall! 

Instead, head to your local conbini

There are dozens upon dozens of flavours and strengths inside hot and cold cans as well as gourmet brewed fresh coffee which you can buy at the front of the store. If you add milk to your coffee, it even comes out frothed and foamed! I think I prefer the coffee at 7-Eleven to Lawsons or Family Mart but they’ll all really good. There are even cold Starbucks coffees and blended drinks available in regular and specialty flavours at a fourth of the price you’d pay in Starbucks shops – so skip the lines and buy them here! 

Don’t buy your souvenirs at souvenir shops

I’m not talking about something unique like a handmade Kimono from Kyoto; I’m talking about the little knick-knacks you might find in those cheezy tourist shops purposefully placed right in front of popular attractions. They will always be priced for convenience, not value.

Instead, head to the nearest 100 yen shop!

100 yen shops are the coolest place to find all sorts of things to use both on your trip and when you get home. If you are a crafty person, you’ll find some adorable and CHEAP items here like notebooks, stickers, washi tape and more! It was honestly hard for me to hold back from buying up the entire section. But best of all are the things for sale here for our purposes are the souvenirs. You can find delightful Japanese themed magnetics, ceramic bowls with cherry blossoms, bamboo chopstick sets and more – all for only 100 yen (plus tax).

TIP: most 100 yen shops only take cash. If you don’t want to spend all your cash here, try the DAISO in Harajuku. Since they deal with such large purchases due to being in a tourist-traffic area, they are currently accepting credit cards.

Don’t drink in the Golden Gai

Golden Gai is one of those long talked about tourist attractions that is the only real “scammy” areas in Japan. Golden Gai is located in Shinjuku and is known for its narrow, winding alleys and teeny-tiny bars. They charge outrageous prices just to get in the door of some of these establishments. Each one has a different theme and fits about 6-8 people. Some of the bars roundly object to foreigners, so much so that they have signs outside saying “no nonnatives” or “For Japanese speakers only”. The ones that do let tourists inside have overpriced drinks, and any sense of authenticity has long since been lost.

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Instead head down to Shinjuku’s Omoide Yokocho

Omoide Yokocho or Memory Lane is a gritty little district also in Shinjuku, and has the funny English nickname “Piss Alley”. Despite the name, this place is happening! It is full of locals and tourists alike, making new friends and drinking delicious cups of sake and Japanese craft beer at reasonable prices! This is a great area to meet new Japanese friends who can introduce you to all sorts of hidden gems. If you’re looking for other great nighttime activities be sure to check out alltherooms’s blog! Valentina does a fantastic job at listing all the best Tokyo experiences from fine-dining to miniature-sized pubs to robot dinosaur battles!

Don’t get lured into going to a Maid Cafe

Maid Cafes are all over the place in neighbourhoods like Akihabara. You’ll see cute, young girls dressed in maid uniforms on the street handing out flyers, inviting you into their cafes. If this sounds a bit, well, sketchy then you might be right. Inside these maid cafes, you’ll find cutesy interiors where the maids putter about serving overpriced food and drinks. Some of the meals are decorated or moulded to look like adorable animals, but the food itself is rather bland and unimpressive.

Pictures with the maids are often an additional charge, and you can even pay them to sing you a song at your table. While they’ve fallen out of favour with locals, they are still gaining popularity with tourists for the weirdness of the experience. And while it’s not a total scam and is indeed a bizarre experience, there are plenty of other fantastically themed restaurants where you can find the same impressive theming without forcing women to dress in degrading uniforms.

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Instead, try visiting another experiencial themed restaurant!

If you’re looking for experiential restaurants there are lots of fun ones to choose from! The Zauo Fishing Restaurant is another unusual kind of eatery. Here you have to catch your own dinner. You get a rod and some bait and attempt to catch the exact fish you want to eat. If you manage to catch something, they’ll cook it up any way you like. If you don’t manage to catch anything, not to worry, there are still lots of menu items you can order as well! The LockUp is a haunting restaurant where you’ll be chased by monsters, drink spooky cocktails and dine on wild dishes – an experience you won’t soon forget.

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Don’t visit Takeshita Dori if you’re looking for Tokyo’s Underground Fashion Scene

Harajuku is still a wildly exciting place to shop, but the more avant-garde dressers and shops have been replaced with big brands and hoards of tourists. While I still have fun visiting Harajuku, don’t come here expecting to see Lolitas, goths and punks roaming the streets.

Instead, head over to Shimokitazawa

Shimokitazawa is where you’ll find some of the best-curated vintage shops in all of Tokyo. The fashionable kids who have fled Harajuku, away from the tourists, are now all set up in Shimokitazawa. There are dozens of eclectic restaurants, cafes and best of all – clothing shops, open up and down the hilly alleyways of this delightful district.

And finally…don’t spend all your time in Tokyo!

Even if you only have a week in this great city and can’t make it out to other cities like Kyoto, Hiroshima and Fukuoka (although if you can swing it, I highly recommend you do!), there are dozens of small towns only a few hours train ride away from Tokyo. These places which will transport you away from the hustle and bustle of the big city and into the peaceful countryside. Nikko, Enoshima, Hakone and Kamakura are just some of the beautiful cities which will give you a glimpse into another side of Japan. Perhaps something which will give you a taste of the other side of this magical island and force you to find time to return! 

And if you’re anything like me, it will be again, and again, and again, and again…

The post Navigating Tokyo Like a Pro: A Guide to What Not to Do and What to Do Instead first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. History of Jerome
   • Wildest town in the West
2. #1. Jerome State Historic Park
3. #2. Cleopatra Hill Lookout
4. #3. Bartlett Hotel
   • History of the Bartlett
   • New Jerome's Times
5. #4. Jerome Historical Society Mine Museum
6. #5. Hotel Connor and Spirit Room
   • The Connor Hotel Fire
   • The Spirit room
7. #6. Bobby D’s Bar-B-Q Pit at the English Kitchen
8. #7. Caduceus Tasting Room
9. #8. Shop Along Jerome's Historic District
   • OJ's Copper Country Fudge
10. #9. Asylum Restaurant
11. #10. The Grand Hotel
    • Mission Architecture

History of Jerome

Before we get into the places to visit, just a bit of history to set the scene… Jerome was founded in the late 19th century on Cleopatra Hill. It overlooks the scenic Verde Valley, which is 5,000 feet above sea level. During its heyday, it was home to more than 15,000 people. In WWI, the price of copper soared and American citizens came here in droves to mine the rich copper quarries that were abundant in this area of the west.

Wildest town in the West

Jerome was known as the wildest town in the west. It had a reputation for gambling, alcohol abundance, drug abuse, gunfights and other mayhem. But when the copper deposits were exhausted and the town became subject to numerous fires, earthquakes and other natural disasters, the population continued to decrease and eventually it became a ghost town with little to no sustainable source of income. As of 2010 the population was only 444 people. In the late 60’s, the Arizonian Tourism board saw it’s untouched architectural and cultural potential and established Jerome as a Historical Landmark in 1967. In the late 2000’s, art galleries and trendy restaurants started popping up to drive more people into the town.  The local State Park and National Museum was established to help preserve the history of mining in this village and to educate travelling visitors on the history of mining in Jerome.

#1. Jerome State Historic Park

To begin your journey in Jerome, the best place to start is at the Jerome State Historic Park located inside the old Douglas Mansion. The Museum is located on the other side of the town and provides fantastic views of the city and the phenomenal Verde Valley. Inside the museum you’ll get a great primer for what you’re going to see once you step inside the city. It’s a fantastic historical resource devoted to the preservation of the city of Jerome.

The Douglas Mansion was built in 1916 by James S. Douglas. He built it up on the hill beside the Little Daisy Mine which he owned. You can still see the old mine from the Mansion viewpoint. After his death, the house was turned into a National Museum and features photographs, mining artifacts, and minerals. They also have a video presentation and a 3-D model of the town as it was in the 1900s along with a model of the underground mines. Outside the mansion, you can visit the Audrey Headframe Park. It’s open from 8am-5pm where guests can stand on a glass floor above a 1,900 foot shaft where miners used to descend daily to begin their duties in 1918.

#2. Cleopatra Hill Lookout

One of the best views of the city and Cleopatra Hill is from inside the Museum. The lookout point in the courtyard provides panoramic views of the Verde Valley as well as the entire city of Jerome. You are provided with a map and an infograph of all the buildings (past and present).

#3. Bartlett Hotel

Once you’ve had your fill of history, it’s time to get back in your car and drive into the city. Main Street is the perfect place to find parking and drop your car off before you begin your walk. If you plan on staying overnight, then your hotel might provide overnight parking as well but there are lots of great spots right across from the Bartlett Hotel. Once you’ve parked your car, jet back across the street and look over the plaque dedicated to the Barlett Hotel.

History of the Bartlett

The original building built on this spot was once called the Grandview Hotel and was constructed in 1895. It was a dancehall, a dining room and and a high-society social club. In 1898 a great fire broke out throughout the city and the hotel was destroyed. The Bartlett Hotel was rebuilt in 1901, this time using bricks, hoping this would help withstand another fire. It was a lavish hotel. Each room was decorated differently, making every guest feel uniquely special.

New Jerome’s Times

The New Jerome’s Times, the longest running newspaper, ran its offices out of the Bartlett hotel for 20 years until it had to shut its doors due to poor circulation. The building was also used as a bank, drug store, and has four different offices and shops along the ground floor. But in the late 1940’s, the building became unstable and eventually abandoned. Now, all that’s left of it is the framing.  The Jerome Historical society has set up set up wooden ghosts apparitions for tourists to throw penny’s into to help raise money for future repairs and hopefully more preservation efforts throughout the city.

#4. Jerome Historical Society Mine Museum

After visiting the Bartlett Hotel, wander down the street until you get to the Jerome Historical Society Mine Museum. When you think “Museum” you might think “Oh no, we just were at one of these today!” But fear not! This place only costs $2 and takes only a few minutes to walk through. It gives you a better glimpse into what the lives were like for the miners who lived in Jerome during these boom times. It tells you stories from the perspectives of the miners themselves. You’ll learn why Jerome was named the Wickedest Town in The West and hear about how the miners sought their fortunes in the “billion dollar mining camp“.

They also have over 11,000 maps, newspapers and documents. The Historical Society also is responsible for protecting and preserving this town so you know your entry fee is going toward the preservation of this old city for future visitors.

#5. Hotel Connor and Spirit Room

Walking north east along Main Street and you’ll come upon the Hotel Connor and the Spirit Room. Be sure to stop in here for a drink along your journey as the desert heat can leave any traveller mighty thirty. This famous ghost sighting stop is a must see building along your tour.

Built in 1898 by David Connor, the Connor Hotel was one of Jerome precious jewels of the past. Originally this hotel was built with over twenty rooms on the second floor to house all the different travelling miners, business men and contractors coming from all over the west to cash in on the natural resources to be found here Verde Valley. Rooms only cost $1.00 but back in that day that was a kings random and the Connor Hotel didn’t disappoint. There was a bar, card room and even billiard tables on the first floor.

The Connor Hotel Fire

Just like the Bartlett hotel down the street, the Connor hotel also suffered at the hands of the flames in the great fires and burned down in 1898. Because there was so little land that could be built upon and all the buildings downtown were built do close together once a fire started it spread very quickly and there was no stopping it. But unlike many other shop owners, Connor had purchased insurance and was able to start construction on his new hotel very quickly. He made some lavish improvements on the previous hotel, and was up and running right away.

The Connor Hotel was one of the first hotels in Jerome to have electricity and telephone lines. What was their telephone numbers you ask? Well just dial “8”. There were only a few places with telephone so each one had a single digital number. Everything inside the Connor Hotel felt luxurious. It was the top of the line for hotels in the West, know all over Arizona. But as the mines began to run dry and the travelling miners started back home, the hotel started to run out of money and by 1931 the hotel had to close its doors, for what they thought would be the last time. It still tried to rent out its first floor to different shops to make some money but the second floor remained dormant until the late 60s when the tourist boom awakened the city once more.

The Spirit room

After a huge renovation to update the hotel to modern safety codes and health standards, the hotel is inviting travellers back through its doors to experience a piece of history. But for day trippers that just want to see a piece of this treasure, go inside the Spirit Room to grab a drink inside the bar. It’s full of little treasures from the original hotel and had so much character to it. It feels like a saloon from an old Western movie and you just expect a cowboy to walk through the door at any minute.

#6. Bobby D’s Bar-B-Q Pit at the English Kitchen

By now you’re probably pretty hungry and I’ve got the perfect lunch spot picked out for you! There’s a lot of pretty cheesy restaurants when it comes to ghost towns. A lot of them themed on “ghostly” menu items featuring plenty of random western decor all over the walls. But Bobby D’s BBQ Pit is just plain good food at great prices. In tourist towns, sometimes you just stuck with terrible food at high prices but this little gem is neither. It’s just around the corner from both the Connor hotel and the Historical Society so it’s the perfect place to grab something to eat before heading up the hill for the rest of our tour.

Their drinks are all served in wonderfully western mason jar glasses which just adds to the down-home atmosphere to the place. Try any of their local craft beers or iced teas. Some of their most popular menu items are the brisket and ribs tips, Mac ‘n Cheese, Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread and Pulled Pork! Everything is smoked in house and you can smell the BBQ all over town – it is pretty hard to resist. Everything is absolutely delicious and the best picks for a great western luncheon.

#7. Caduceus Tasting Room

Once you’re all full up on BBQ, it’s time to relax and sample some of Verde Valley’s best vino. Located high on top of Cleopatra Hill along the main street is Caduceus Tasting Room and Espresso Bar. In here youou can sit and relax while you sip on your wine selection provided to you by a wonderfully kind and knowledgeable group of staff. This place also has lots of room to sit and enjoy one of their incredible charcuterie platters. If wine isn’t you thing, this place also has a selection of incredible espressos to give yourself a boost for the rest of the day.

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#8. Shop Along Jerome’s Historic District

As you finish your last sample of wine, take one last look at the view and head out the door. We’re going to head back along the historic Main Street where local artisans and souvenir shop owners have begun to pop up over the years. It’s here you can find the most unique and interesting delights from chocolate fudge to vintage dresses to kaleidoscopes and hand painted art.

There is something for everyone along this strip. Among the different shops you’ll also pass by old run down houses, abandoned for years and years. It’s interesting to see the marriage of old and new. But despite new tenants moving into these buildings, the facades and the structures haven’t changed much, or at all, over the years. 

OJ’s Copper Country Fudge

One of my favourite shops is OJ’s Copper Country Fudge. It sells different sweets treats made using the same recipe they’ve used sine the 1930’s. This feels like the kinda of place a miner might have taken his family to relax after a long week in the mines.

#9. Asylum Restaurant

Walk along Clark street toward the fork in the road where Clark meet Hill Street. This is where you’ll veer off the path and start walking up Hill street. Before you start up Hill street, you’ll pass by the scenic Surgeons house which was built in 1916 for Jerome’s Chief Surgeon and used all throughout the heyday of Jerome mining boom for the nurse’s residence. Many people were treated by the doctors here as mining was one of the more dangerous professions and it is widely rumoured that the ghosts still haunt the house today.

The Award Winning Asylum Restaurant located at the Jerome Grand Hotel offers lunch and dinner services every day. The restaurant overlooks the entire Verde Valley and provides the diners one of the most amazing views. Although the name seems a bit cheesy, the decor inside is beautiful art deco from the period the building was constructed. The food is all classic dishes and are wonderfully prepared by some of the best chefs in the Valley. Their best menu meals choices include Julienne Pastrami Salad, Char-Broiled Chilean Grilled Salmon and Mesquite Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon.

#10. The Grand Hotel

If you decide to stay the night, or even if this is just the last stop on your tour, ending the day at the Grand Hotel gives you a breathtaking view of the city and puts a historical button on the day. The Grand Hotel, as it stands today is fairly different in appearance from its original. The Jerome Grand Hotel was constructed in 1926 as the Verde County Hospital. In 1920 it became one of the most modern and well-equipped hospitals in Arizona as the mining finances paid for the best services money could afford.

But by the 50’s, when the mining dried up, the hospital closed down. The building stood unused for 44 years until it was renovated by the Altherr family in 1994 and turned into a hotel for tourists. They made sure to try and make as little changes to the building to keep it as historical memory of this town as well as a functional attraction.

Mission Architecture

The old hospital was built in the original mission revival style of architecture and was one of the last major buildings to be constructed in Jerome. Since it was so far away from the city centre it avoided a lot of the fires that broke out downtown and therefore remained more intact architecturally. Also, because it was a hospital and contained so many expensive machines, it was made to be fireproof and withstand dynamite blasts of up to 260,000 pounds.

If you’re brave enough to stay the night, you’re up for a few chilling surprises. There have been several hauntings known to appear throughout the halls of the hospital. People report hearing smells coming from unoccupied rooms such as cigar smoke and whiskey. Others report televisions sets turning themselves on and off without explanation. There have also been two apparitions known to be seen on occasions. One in a white hospital gown and the other in a nurses outfit. Are you brave enough to survive a night in this ghost town? 

I hope you enjoyed this walking tour. Jerome is a great place for a day out and will give you a taste of what a historic mining town was like back when it was the “Wildest Town in the West!”

The post The 10 Best Things To Do In Jerome, Awesome Ghost Towns of Arizona first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.