Mijares Mexican Restaurant in Pasadena, California is extremely well known for two things, their margaritas and their all you can eat Sunday champaign buffet brunch, both of which are excellent. This restaurant has been around for what seems like forever and has developed a crowd of very loyal patrons.

Although it is justly well known for it’s Sunday buffet, this is a good place to dine in at any time. Their food is always fresh and well prepared and their service is usually above average. The atmosphere is casual, relaxed and friendly and their prices are very reasonable.

Every once in a while someone will tell me that the food here is not authentic Mexican cuisine (most of these people, by the way, are not Mexican or Hispanic and have never been to Mexico). When I ask them why they feel that the food is not authentic, they say that the food is not spicy or hot enough. They say that Mexican food is very hot because of all the chili that is added during cooking. Well, I have news for those people, not all Mexicans like their food extra spicy and many that do enjoy it hot like to add their chili while they are eating. Every Mexican that I know who has eaten here likes the way the food is prepared and likes the chilis and salses that are served with the food. My son, who is one half Mexican, likes his food hot, the hotter the better, yet this is one of his favorite Mexican restaurants. He says that neither the food nor the salsas can compare with those prepared by his mother or grandmother but they are better those served in most Mexican restaurants that he has been to.
I have been a fan of Mexican cuisine since I met my wife in 1966. I do not like hot or very spicey food but I do like well prepared food with good flavor. I do not think that anyone can cook better than my wife, however we both like to go out to eat and we both enjoy good Mexican restaurants. While there are some Mexican restaurants that I prefer over Mijares, none of them are in Pasadena.

The Sunday brunch at Mijares is very good and at $16.95 per person is very cheap. Some people I know drink that much in free champaign and mimosas. If you are not that much into Mexican food the buffet also has eggs, hash browns, bacon, ham and delicious ribs. Their omelet chef makes excellent omelets and definitely doesn’t stint on the ingredients. If you are into Mexican food they serve menudo, fajitas, various types of tacos, enchiladas, carnitas, rice, beans and more. They have a nice variety of desserts including flan and plenty of fruit.

Mijares has a fairly small but well stocked bar. It seems, however that almost everyone goes there for the margaritas which are inexpensive, generously proportioned and made with good quality tequila. The bartenders are friendly and the patrons at the bar always seem to be part of one big party.

Mijares Mexican Restaurant is a family owned restaurant and is located in it’s own hacienda style building at 145 Palmetto Drive, Pasadena, California. It has plenty of free and valet parking except on Friday and Saturday nights when it seems as if almost everybody in the San Gabriel Valley is there partying, eating, drinking margaritas and listening to mariachi music.

Reservations are not required but they are a good idea. The telephone number for Mijares is 626-792-2763.

For a directory of restaurants and restaurant reviews in the city of Pasadena, California see pasadena.usacitydirectories.com/restaurants.html” target=”_new pasadena.usacitydirectories.com/restaurants.html, a directory listing Pasadena restaurants alphabetically and by category or type with reviews written by restaurant customers.

David G. Hallstrom, Sr. is a retired private investigator and is currently the publisher of several internet directories, including usacitydirectories.com” target=”_new usacitydirectories.com a directory of national, state, county and city guides and directories listing local guides, directories, web sites and web pages providing resources, services and information about things to do and places to go.

No matter where you want to go or what you want to do, you’re likely to find travel auctions available to help make the trek easier on your wallet. The auctions that handle travel are generally found online in a number of places and will range from airline ticket auctions to all-inclusive outings.

As you look for the best travel auction deals, remember that there are a multitude of sites that provide these auctions. Which one you’re most comfortable with is up to you, but it does pay to check out the sites before diving in with a big bid on a travel auction offering. If you’re in the market and want to look at travel auction bargains, here are some types of sites to seek out:

* Larger auction sites. These often have a number of travel auction listings going at once. With offerings varying from international trips, complete with airfare, to those that involve more modest destinations, they can all be found online.
* Time share sites. These often have mechanisms for property owners to create some buzz for renting out their timeshares. Sites that cater to timeshare owners very often have their own auctions going to help owners get the most for their property’s rental.
* Ticket sites. Sometimes online sites that cater to ticket sales will have areas especially designed for travel auctions.

As you look for a discount travel auction online, there are some things to consider before making bids. These include:

* Exactly what kind of trip you’re looking for. Travel auction discounts can be found for just about any kind of trip to any destination. If you’re picky on location, dates and so on, make these determinations before you start trying to hunt for auctions.

* Prices. While travel deals can be found via auctions, it’s still a good idea to set a budget. Sometimes a hot commodity might be available that due to bidding wars ends up being anything but discount. If you allow yourself to go too far over budget, you won’t be getting a bargain even if it is a travel auction venue!

* Mode of transportation desired. Travel auctions can be found that include everything from cruises to helicopter flights to remote locations in the wilderness. Decide how you want to travel and where before looking for auction deals.

Once you’ve set a few parameters for you travel auction search, it’s a good idea to remember to check out the auctions closely before bidding. Remember that not everyone that offers auction items is reputable, but that many are.

Vacations can be expensive, but travel auction bargains can make them more affordable. When people book trips and find out they can’t take them, they’re often willing to let them go for very reasonable prices. Or, sometimes timeshare owners want to rent out their weeks in luxury accommodations for a profit. Whatever the case, online auctions can provide real savings for travelers. The key is knowing where and how to looking for the savings.

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After you have decided that you are going on a family vacation, the next step is to decide where to go. The tourist industry offers many destinations that will welcome you but certainly there are better and there are worse choices. Since you have decided that you go on vacation with your children, it is clear that this must be the primary consideration in choosing the destination.

The most common travel mistake with children is Las Vegas or Reno in Nevada. While the tourism industries of both cities have been trying to make the towns into family vacation destinations (Las Vegas a bit more than Reno), these towns are not originally geared toward family.

There is very little in either city that is great for children, and anything that is can be easily replicated in other locations. Besides, if you’re planning on going to Las Vegas, you probably plan on doing at least a little gambling – which is something you should save for an adults- only vacation getaway.

The preferred choice for many parents with children is Disney theme parks. These parks are often the best choice for children over five and under twelve. Children over twelve may well still like it, too. Children under five, especially those under three, might find it difficult to spend the whole day there and later they will hardly remember their visit to Disney.

You should keep in mind, however, that Disney parks are an energetic vacation destination. These are not good places to go for a relaxing time, since they tend to be crowded, and there is always something new to go and see. With younger children, expect cranky afternoons.

For a more relaxed family vacation, you should think about a destination like Hawaii. While Hawaii is not geared specifically toward children, there are still plenty of things for you to do depending on which island you’re staying on.

Hawaii is the best place for a family vacation with children who are ten or older. The reason is that most entertainment activities are suitable for older children – for example Pearl Harbor. If you visit it and your children are too young, they will hardly figure out the significance of the place.

Another suggestion for a family vacation with children is cruise ships. When choosing to spend your vacation on a cruise ship, there are some important facts to consider.

First, it is most likely that you will share a cabin with your family and there won~t be enough room for everybody’s liking. But since there are so many things to do outside the cabin, it shouldn~t be too much of a problem to view the cabin as a sleeping spot rather than a permanent hang-out.

Also, cruise ships are not the ideal choice for teenagers.
Teenagers are in a difficult position because on one hand the majority of programs for children are targeted at children under twelve and on the other hand, teenagers are still not old enough to participate in entertainment for adults (casinos, lounges, etc.) But in any case there is the benefit that you will witness marvelous ocean views and will visit many different ports. Watch out for whales!

The conclusion is that choosing the destination for your family vacation is firmly up to you! You are the one who knows best what is interesting for your children and what is not. Take into account what is suitable for them and what is preferred by you, choose a destination or vacation package which offers the best combination of things which appeal to all of you — and you’re halfway to a great trip already.

Andrew Westforth is the owner and operator of FHT fhttravel.com Travel
– a large and comprehensive collection of information on travel, including articles, resources and a free newsletter.

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Good events always start with a good venue. Whether you are putting on major events or small business conferences, finding the right location is important. There are many options available across the United Kingdom, with facilities that can accommodate any need. Manchester is most certainly one of the best locations for holding an event.

Nearly all the major cities in the UK have state of the art conference venues that offer many different conference services. There are conventions and conferences that happen throughout the country at different locations throughout the year. How well a centre can deal with a major convention is a good testament to the quality of its conference services. The bigger conference venues in the UK are located around the major cities in the country. Newcastle, London, Birmingham, and Manchester are popular destinations for people who organise major events. Conference venues are available all over the country; however, choosing a smaller venue might prove beneficial. The relatively small size of the United Kingdom means that wherever a conference centre is, it won’t be too far to travel. To put it simply, there are conference venues available wherever you need them to suit any size or budget.

Events of all kinds are happening in conference venues all over Manchester. Collector’s fairs, Car Shows, Science Fiction conventions, as well as business shows and Information technology exhibitions are just some examples of annual events. The ability for a convention venue to put on an event is more than just having the space available; services that the venue can provide is what makes a good centre that businesses and conventions will keep coming back to. Conference services like computer hire, secretarial assistance, and translation service are examples of different services that venues may offer their potential customers. Hiring equipment saves people travelling to put on a conference from bringing loads of equipment. Well-staffed conferences make them run smoothly, and conference venues that can provide additional staff to the people going to the conference can make the whole process easier. Secretarial staff can be a valued asset when handling all the paperwork for the conference. Having services available for translating for conferences that will be having international guests is a must. If it is a larger show, then additional exhibition staff can provide tremendous help to people either running an exhibit or visiting them.

The location of the conference venue is a major factor in Manchester. It is important to consider whether it is in close proximity to public transport for visitors, or has sufficient parking facilities to accommodate large numbers of conference attendees. Smaller convention venues can do very well by being located close to transport facilities. The ability for a conference venue to deal with disabled people is also important. Catering facilities that can provide adequate and appropriate food and drink for the clients of the conference is also an essential part of a conference venue. Conferences that are attended for several days at a time need to provide a comfortable venue throughout their duration for anyone who may wish to attend.

The adaptability of a conference venue is also important when dealing with a variety of conferences. Whether the conferences need to be large scale speaking events with seating for a thousand people or a show featuring a wide range of different events, a conference venue needs to be able to change to suit every requirement. Many conference venues in Manchester will offer packages to suit all types of events at a variety of prices. These packages can include all the equipment, staff, and facilities to hold a top class event. Finding a prearranged package is a quick and easy way to get your conference up and running quickly without having to do a lot of organising yourself.

Outside the conference venue itself, there are a wide variety of conference services available throughout Manchester. Companies that specialise in organising and staffing major events are a useful resource for a company or organisation thinking about putting on conferences. Companies like these can offer a ready-made conference for any budget. They can organise a venue for you and set up equipment, graphic presentations, and appropriate staff. These companies can also find you sufficient translating services for your conference and organise them to be at your conference when you need them for international guests. Some companies will even offer special VIP packages for long conferences, so people attending can wind down somewhere when they are not attending the presentations.

Whatever type of conference or event you wish to put on, there is an option for you. There is plenty of information available about conference venues online. Companies that can help you with your events are readily available and are happy to answer any questions about conference venues and services. There is a conference venue out there that is perfect for your event, and with a little research, you will find it with ease.

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South Africa Population Information: The original inhabitants was the Khoi and San but now they are a tiny community in the Kalahari Desert, the San once had southern Africa to themselves.

Khoisan is a term used to describe two separate groups, physically similar in being light-skinned and small in stature. The Khoi, who were called Hottentots by the Europeans, were pastoralists and were effectively annihilated; the San, called Bushmen by the Europeans, were hunter-gatherers. A small San population still lives in South Africa.

South Africa is a nation of over 47-million people of diverse origins, cultures, languages and beliefs.

2006 Statistics South Africa, the country’s population stands at some 47.4-million, up from the census 2001 – 44.8-million.

Africans are in the majority at 37.7-million, making up 79.5% of the total population. The white population is estimated at 4.4-million (9.2%), the coloured population at 4.2-million (8.9%) and the Indian/Asian population at 1.2-million (2.5%).

While more than three-quarters of South Africa’s population is black African, this category is neither culturally nor linguistically homogenous. Nine of the country’s 11 official languages are African, reflecting a variety of ethnic groupings which nonetheless have a great deal in common in terms of background, culture and descent.

Africans include the Nguni people, comprising the Zulu, Xhosa, Ndebele and Swazi; the Sotho-Tswana people, comprising the Southern, Northern and Western Sotho (Tswana); the Tsonga; and the Venda.

South Africa’s white population descends largely from the colonial immigrants of the late 17th, 18th and 19th centuries – Dutch, German, French Huguenot and British. Linguistically it is divided into Afrikaans- and English-speaking groups, although many small communities that have immigrated over the last century retain the use of other languages.

The label “coloured” is a contentious one, but still used for people of mixed race descended from slaves brought in from East and central Africa, the indigenous Khoisan who lived in the Cape at the time, indigenous Africans and whites. The majority speak Afrikaans.

The majority of South Africa’s Asian population is Indian in origin, many of them descended from indentured workers brought to work on the sugar plantations of the eastern coastal area then known as Natal in the 19th century. They are largely English-speaking, although many also retain the languages of their origins. There is also a significant group of Chinese South Africans.

In terms of religious affiliation, about two-thirds of South Africans are Christian, mainly Protestant. They belong to a variety of churches, including many that combine Christian and traditional African beliefs. Many non-Christians espouse these traditional beliefs. Other significant religions are Islam, Hinduism and Judaism.

Gerald Crawford was born in South Africa, studied electronics, telecommunication, eco-travel and african travel concepts. He taught responsible tourism in South Africa. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail me on. E-mail Address: mailto:southafricantravelarticles@12234455.co.za southafricantravelarticles@12234455.co.za Website Address: 12234455.co.za 12234455.co.za

When it comes to booking your hotel stay in Amsterdam, take the time necessary to select the right amenities and to look at where the hotel is located. But, do not take too much time looking at these features or you may find your hotel choices rather limited. As tourism is one of the strong suits in the city, you will find many hotels that could be the perfect choice for you. Yet, waiting until the last minute can cause you to miss out on the best choices and the most affordable choices in these hotels. In other words, look but make a decision.

To help you to get the booking process done correctly, there are several key things that you will want to take into consideration when it comes to your hotel choice. First, consider the location. Is it near to the things that you need? Second, determine if the hotel offers the necessary and desirable amenities that you are looking for? Third, determine the cost. This can be a bit tricky though. Many times you will not learn the cost of the stay at the hotel until you get through the booking process. Yet, to avoid this, try looking for the right hotel on the web instead.

It is advisable to try and book your Amsterdam hotel as soon as you know that you will be traveling. If you wait too long, you may find yourself without the room or the choice locations to choose from. Nevertheless, it does pay off to do a bit of shopping around to learn about the right location with the most affordable choice. All in all, your trip to Amsterdam can be an amazing one but only if your choice of hotels is just that. Take the time to book ahead of time and save money and time.

amsterdam-hotels-information.info www.amsterdam-hotels-information.info Click here now to find more observations from Simon.

Nothing excites more than the thought of going over seas on an Air Plane for a nice holiday experience, how ever in the ensuing excitement many first time travelers make some simple mistakes that can often make the trip very uncomfortable if not down right unpleasant.

The first thing when to think about when you are going on a trip in a Plane is your comfort zone, and in Coach (Economy) Class that is a very small space indeed, so you need to make the most of it.

First think very carefully about where you want to sit, the Isle seat or the Window seat.

The Window seat for the first time traveler is the best because you get to” see” out side at your leisure, but when you have to go to the lavatory this usually means disturbing the people in the next two seats as they normally have to get up for you.

Now that’s not too much to ask for once or twice, but when you have to do this at 3:00 AM it becomes a bit of a nuisance for you, and them, and when you are on a long haul flight, say 15 to 21 hours this will inevitably happen.

Some times you have to get to your carry on baggage, that also means that the people next to you have to move or get up for you, and sometimes you just want to get up and stretch your legs…. even if it’s 3:00AM.

So think carefully about where you want to sit, the Isle or Window seat, it’s no surprise that many experienced travelers usually opt out for the Isle seat, after all when you are up 8,000 miles above the clouds you can’t see much for most of the trip anyway.

Make sure that you wear cotton clothes as they don’t sweat easy as other material, and take a coat with you on board you will may need it some time or other, you will be surprised how cold it can get inside the cabin.

If there are two or more seats that are empty when you are in the air and there are no passengers on them, ask the flight attendants for you to move on them.

When you have more than 1 seat the other will be a god send if you want to sleep, just put the middle arm rest up and you have a nice flat comfortable place to lie on, without paying 1st class for it.

Don’t under estimate how much sleep deprivation can take the shine out of your trip; the angle on Coach (Economy) Class seats is very poor and very difficult to sleep on.

You can also ask about any empty seats before you board when you get your boarding pass, that way you will know if any seats will be available.

Oh! and take your shoes off it’s more comfortable as your feet tend to swell under Cabin pressure, make sure you use the lumbar pillow (the small little pillow on your seat for your lower back)

Sit back and enjoy your trip, if the Plane stops over for refueling and you plan to leave your seat to walk around the airport, be very careful not to go too far, as refueling and restocking only takes about 1 hour at the most.

You will have to take your passport with you and boarding pass, as you have to go through customs again, and this takes more time.

Some Airlines now have a policy of not alerting passengers that the airplane is ready to board.

You can save your self anxiety and fear of missing your flight if you keep very close to the Departure lounge (Remember the departure lounge is different to the Arrival lounge you dis embarked on…the departure lounge is the FIRST THING YOU MUST FIND then you can walk around knowing full well that you wont have to endure a marathon run.

Tony Saff is a free lance writer who has traveled extensively and is a director of some online and off line companies.
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Family trips are one of the ways for a family to spend time together and enjoy each other’s company while driving on the road. The journey could bring the family to a camp site, to a grand parents’ house, or to an amusement park. Or it could be anywhere else. Although there are various reactions from the children, most would often enjoy the whole trip no matter how long it may seem. Fun as it may seem, there still are a couple of things that parents should prepare for and be able to bring with them for the duration of the whole road trip for the family.

Cellular phones should not be forgotten. This is very necessary especially if the car you are driving experiences an overheated engine, a blown tire, or if there is a need for some kind of medical assistance. However, do not also forget to bring the charger for the cellular phone – be it an A/C charger or a car charger. Both would help out a lot.

Stopping to ask directions is okay, however, if you could bring a detailed map, you would be actually saving some time. Compared to stopping and asking for directions, you can have somebody read the map to you while you are driving. Also, these maps would be very useful in places where there seems to be a loss of population.

Keeping the kids entertained is important especially if they have a very short attention span. If you are the type who gets tired easily by their seemingly endless stream of questions or their heated squabbles, it would be best to bring along books or activity packs that would get them busy during the trip. There are puzzles, connect-the-dots, coloring books, and other activities that could make them keep quiet for some time.

Do not forget to pack in some food to munch on. No, this would not be those big meals which could get your vehicle’s interior pretty messy. Food on the trip could include bags of chips, crackers, water, juice boxes, bite-size fruits, granola bars, chocolate bars, and milk. Make sure that you put these in disposable containers or resealable plastic bags.

As for your vehicle, do not forget to bring your own stash of emergency equipment and instruments. Spare tires are a must as well as flares, and a jack. It would be best to check your whole vehicle before you go on a trip.

If there are parts that need replacement, do not hesitate to do so. Ford parts like

East of Disney, North of places like Palm Beach and Miami and representative of all that Florida has to offer, Port St. Lucie isn’t the most well-known place in the Sunshine State but it’s certainly worth some attention. The Central Atlantic Coast overflows with recreational opportunities as well as fine weather and lots of untainted wilderness, making it a valuable part of the overall identity of the state. You can’t really go wrong when visiting Florida, but Port St. Lucie does have a certain something special.

Space travel, sports and eco-tourism are few possible themes of a Port St. Lucie vacation. Specifically known for its three PGA courses and all the sunny days a golf-addict could ask for, this town has you covered when it comes to putting and driving your heart out. Experts will be challenged by the professional designs and novices will be able to make their way around just fine. All in all, it’s a good place to be if you have golfing on the brain.

Also, this is where the Mets’ spring training camp is located, so baseball fans are in for a treat as well. Fantasy campers certainly won’t mind having a town full of activities to engage in during their downtime, anyway, and when the season is beginning there’s a definite feeling of excitement in the air. Other sports include beach volleyball, tennis, cycling and surfing; anything that requires sunshine and energy make for good times here in Port St. Lucie.

That’s right, don’t forget the beach is the centerpiece of all of this. From swimming to snorkeling to walking barefoot on the sand, the waves and the breezes are ready to take you far, far away. Jaycee Park is a family-oriented place where you can picnic and play. Kimberly Bergalis has a 1,200 foot long boardwalk, and several other public beaches are open all year round for your visiting pleasure. Pack a bag of snacks and paperbacks and don’t forget the sunscreen.

The unique marshland means lots of fun for nature lovers. Kayak tours, bird-watching, hiking and manatee viewing will all open your eyes to the natural wonders of the Atlantic coast. Museums and guided walks have the power to inform as well as show, so leave here with a new set of facts and memories in addition to the thrills of having seen a whole new world of ecological and geographical treasures. Preservation and conservation are central tenets down here, so you’ll also be a little wiser to the effects of humans on the natural world. Basically, it’ll be a valuable experience for you and yours to have.

Day trips from Port St. Lucie are tops. Orlando is about an hour and a half’s drive, so visiting one of the many theme parks can be reasonably achieved. Also, Cape Canaveral is a few miles north and shuttle launchings can be seen from several different vantage points. If you happen to be around in the general time frame of one of these awe-inspiring moments, don’t miss it. The famed Treasure Coast is also a worthy draw, as it includes the hotspots of Miami, Orlando and Tampa. Driving may not be what you choose, so feel free to hop on a boat and wander the sea in order to satisfy the urge to see more of Florida.

Of course, Port St. Lucie is heavy on traditional diversions, too, like shopping, dining and hitting the town. Sports bars, fine restaurants, charming boutiques and outlet stores will fill your vacation with those little moments of revelry that make everything seem right with the world. Cheers to having a good time, for laughing with your friends and family, and for uncovering a few delicious bargains. Treat yourself to something nice and celebrate it with a tantalizing meal – what better way to end a delightful day in Port St. Lucie?

Actually, the very best way to truly end a day is to return to your charming vacation rental. Book a town home, condo or beach villa to squeeze every drop of comfort, modernity and convenience from this trip. There are dozens of homeaway.com/USA/Florida/Port-St-Lucie-Area/r7286.htm Port St. Lucie Vacation Rentals to chose from, meaning there’s certainly one that’s right for you and your companions.

Go online to explore the possibilities of Port St. Lucie, and good luck in completing your journey towards a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation in the sun.

HomeAway.com is an extensive marketplace for vacation rentals all over the world.

Two days ago I took our European visitors on a little driving tour of the Niagara Peninsula, specifically to explore some of the 50 something wineries. My brother is a chef and very interested in exploring the authentic tastes and flavours of Canada. So far my visitors have been very impressed with the quality of the Canadian vegetables, meats, spices, and even the various types of beers that they have tried from different microbreweries.

We got going around 9:30 am to avoid the brunt of rush hour traffic and made our way west on the QEW highway on another day of perfect weather. We drove through the industrial outskirts of Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington and Hamilton, where they were particularly fascinated by the huge industrial complexes of Ontario’s steel industry. Just about 20 minutes south of Hamilton we turned off the highway onto local Highway Number 8, Ontario’s wine route, which follows the outline of the NIagara Escarpment.

Our first stop on our wine tour was Peninsula Ridge Estates, a very impressive winery built around a Victorian farmhouse with several modern buildings that have been added to faciliate a wine tasting facility and gift shop. The wine testing area is housed in a beautiful barn-like structure with lots of wood and high ceilings, and all the wines and gifts are presented in a very attractive way. My European wine conoisseurs tasted 4 varieties of white wine and admitted that they were duly impressed. They commented that some of the wines had a more distinct flavour than what they are used to back home and indicated their surprise at the quality of wines from Ontario. Of course my brother also examined the menu of the dining room and confirmed that the establishment was indeed an upscale gourmet restaurant, featuring finely crafted cuisine.

We had a beautiful day with absolutely no humidity, so we had a clear view of downtown Toronto’s skyscrapers from the Peninsula Estates winery. After a little photo tour of the premises we made our way to the next stop: Eastdell Estates, winery located high on top of the escarpment with a perfect lookout point. The restaurant, called the “Bench Bistro” offers simple, yet innovative dishes that pay homage to the area’s bountiful harvests and local producers. Reasonably priced, two can dine, with a bottle of wine, for about $80 (CDN).

Our next stop was a relatively new winery called Angel’s Gate Estates, with a beautiful main building that included a wine boutique as well as an indoor and outdoor dining area overlooking Lake Ontario. We did not taste any wines here, but definitely enjoyed the view. Again, the facilities and surroundings hosting the wine tasting were impressive.

Then we headed further south to Vineland Estates Winery situated on the slopes of the Niagara Escarpment with Lake Ontario in the distance. This winery has sometimes been referred to as “Ontario’s Most Picturesque Winery” and we certainly enjoyed the location. It is another winery that features a restaurant as well as a wine boutique, located in an 1877 historic barn. The boutique features wines, fine glassware and local preserves, and my European travellers embarked on their second tasting of the day, this time enjoying both red and white varieties. The winery offered various types of crackers and cheese, combined with grape jellies, providing a little snack to a group of hungry pilgrims on Ontario’s wine trail. We also noted that the staff in the various wineries was extremely welcoming and friendly, an impression that got reinforced throughout the day.

Our lunch stop was at Rockway Glen Golf Course and Estate Winery, a rather unusual combination offering delights for golfing and wine enthusiasts. We had a reasonably priced lunch of gourmet sandwiches on the patio, and appropriately strenghtened continued on our way along the wine route towards our next destination: Niagara Falls.

After arriving in one of the most popular destinations in Ontario, not to be missed for any traveller to Toronto, we parked our car on the main parking lot, at $18.00 a little overpriced, although it offered unlimited parking until midnight. As we approached the falls from the south, my guests were astounded at the width of the river and the quantities of water that were about to drop down the steep precipice. We stopped for a while at a spot right where the water starts to hurl down the rocks. The amount and force of the water is awe-inspiring, and the thundering sound of the falling water provides an appropriate backdrop to this natural wonder.

The waterfall produced the most amazing complete rainbow inside the gorge that I have ever seen, offering many scenic vistas of the Niagara River set against the appropriately named Rainbow Bridge which connects Ontario with New York State.Several Maid of the Mist sightseeing boats holding curious visitors dressed in blue plastic capes were floating dangerously close to the bottom of the waterfall, providing a great photo opportunity.

Naturally, after taking in all these sights we had to take in a refreshment and we rested a bit on a restaurant patio overlooking the falls. After our brief respite we drove along the scenic Niagara Parkway towards Niagara-on-the-Lake, stopping several times at various lookout points, such as the Aero Car tram crossing the gorge, and the immense power plants located on both sides of the river, generating clean hydro-electric energy.

The bucolic countryside along the Niagara River features a large number of wineries and orchards and the road is lined with fruit stands, featuring fresh Ontario produce. Finally, we parked our car next to a beautiful park, right where the Niagara River flows into Lake Ontario. By this time, the Niagara River has turned from an angry and wild river with churning waters and rapids into a mild-mannered waterway, ready to merge with on the Great Lakes.

We had a little stroll around this charming Victorian village, admiring the beautifully kept houses and gardens, and since it was getting late we headed back into the car to continue our drive back to Toronto. The last leg of our trip was a drive through St. Catharines’ beautiful little lakeside village, Port Dalhousie, which on this day featured a younger crowd than Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Filled with a multitude of impressions of this gorgeous day, we arrived back in Toronto, sharing our various impressions. My European visitors, who had never been to North America, were truly impressed with the Niagara Region and I was glad I was able to give them a little taste of Ontario’s wine country.

Susanne Pacher is the publisher of a website called Travel and Transitions( travelandtransitions.com travelandtransitions.com). Travel and Transitions deals with unconventional travel and is chock full of advice, tips, real life travel experiences, interviews with travellers and travel experts, insights and reflections, cross-cultural issues, contests and many other features. You will also find stories about life and the transitions that we face as we go through our own personal life-long journeys.

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The interview with photos is published at travelandtransitions.com/travel_tips/green_travel.htm Travel and Transitions – Interviews