The first list of A-Z Destinations took us to “L” – Lancaster and Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It might surprise you to find that other Amish groups have also settled in or spread to Alabama, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Maryland, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Maine, and Ontario, Canada.

Amish Mennonites, descendents of the Swiss, began moving to Pennsylvania in the 18th century and settled mainly in Berks County, Pennsylvania.

Their practices reject pride, arrogance, and haughtiness while placing value on humility and “Gelassenheit” – calmness and composure.

Horse and buggys on main streets, Amish handmade furniture and fresh produce – and usually in a beautiful and rural setting. All things “good” to recommend for a country vacation destination – with a disclaimer or two.

I grew up in Southern Maryland which has a fairly large Amish population. Although the Amish are a generally kind and friendly people – they do not care for overly forward approaches from strangers. Their purpose in life is also not to provide a side-show for gawkers. Chances are, while you are enjoying your Amish Country break, they are simply going about their daily activities in the clothes they normally wear and by the transportation they normally use.

So while observing and appreciating the differences in the Amish culture, please be considerate.

Also, when traveling through an area known for its Amish population please remember that many Amish travel not only in horse-drawn buggys, but by bicycle. Use caution and keep an eye out for cyclists and PLEASE do not traumatize the horses by blowing your car’s horn or by cutting sharply in front of a horse-drawn carriage. Remember there are families – often with infants and small children, riding inside.

Here are some State links to get you started planning your Amish Country vacation:

- Amish Country Bike Tour – Delaware
– Illinois
– Indiana
- Kentucky
- Farmer’s Market - Easton, Maryland
– Ohio
– Pennsylvania
-Tennessee

Further info:
Great resource for all things Amish
State Guide to Amish Settlements

In a “faster-faster” world we live in, a trip to Amish Country can be a nice way to make a planned effort at a slower and more relaxing vacation.

There has long been a debate about the relative merits of Glasgow and Edinburgh. Each city has a proud history and plenty to offer its inhabitants and visitors. So which is better? Both cities have their upsides and downsides, making it difficult to establish the answer to the question.

Size and Population

Glasgow with over a million inhabitants is a much larger city than Edinburgh, which has a more modest population of 500,000. Glasgow has much more of an industrial past than Edinburgh, so the population is more traditionally working class than Edinburgh, which has a very middle-class demographic. Many of Glasgow’s industries have now closed down, although there is still some ship building on the Clyde and the local economy now mainly comprises service industries. Edinburgh’s economy is largely financial, although tourism is also very important. Edinburgh also has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Scotland. Glasgow is a larger city and has a more working-class profile, as well as suffering from more unemployment and this means that there are more deprived areas than in Edinburgh.

Culture and Nightlife

Edinburgh and Glasgow offer a wide range of cultural activities, with both having excellent museums. Glasgow is the home to Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet, while Edinburgh is the host of the renowned annual festival, which attracts visitors from around the world. This means that hotels in Edinburgh city centre can be almost impossible to find during the month of August. Visitors should try to avoid this period if they are not interested in the festival. If they do want to travel to Edinburgh at this time, they should make sure to book well in advance. In terms of nightlife, Glasgow has a reputation of being trendier, with better bars and clubs. There are good restaurants in both cities.

Shopping and Architecture

In terms of shopping, Glasgow wins hands down. It has a far wider range of shops, from designer outlets such as Versace to well-known high-street brands. Many Edinburgh residents will make the journey to Glasgow to do their shopping.

In terms of their architecture, Edinburgh is a very attractive city with lovely old buildings, while Glasgow also has some very impressive old buildings but with much more in-filling with modern structures. Both cities have plenty of green spaces.

Tourism

Edinburgh can sometimes feel as if it is a city entirely populated by tourists, particularly during the summer months. It is the second-most popular tourist destination in the UK after London. However, Glasgow is the third-most popular so it also counts as an attractive tourist destination. As it is a much bigger city, visitors don’t dominate in quite the same way as in Edinburgh.

Infrastructure

Both cities have an airport and good bus and taxi services. Glasgow has the added advantage of having a subway, which can make it easier to get around. Both have good rail and road networks.

In truth, the city you prefer will depend on your interests and preferences. Edinburgh is a more classical city, where life is lived at a slightly sedate pace. Glasgow is a more modern, vibrant city with a younger, urban feel.

I was curious to find out what’s happening with State Fairs around the country. Unfortunately, some states have been revenue-impaired and in 2011 actually cancelled their State Fair for the year. This is really a shame and for tourism, a real tragedy. What better way to introduce your state and all it has to offer to so many people than through your state’s fair each year.

Some info was either not available, or not available yet, or the dreaded “TBD” – to be determined. I’ll update as/when I find.

Good news for those living or traveling in Florida… the Florida State Fair kicks off the season in Tampa starting February 9 and runs through February 20, 2012!

Alabama: August 24th – September 3rd, 2012

Alaska: August 23rd – September 3, 2012

Arizona: October 12 – November 4, 2012

Arkansas: October 12 – October 21, 2012

California: July 12 – July 29, 2012

Colorado: August 24 – September 3, 2012

Connecticut: None
State Agricultural Fairs Listings

Delaware: July 19 – July 28, 2012

Florida: February 9 – February 20, 2012

Georgia:
North – September 20 – September 30, 2012
Georgia National Fair – October 4 – October 14, 2012

Hawaii: Early August (TBA)

Idaho:
Western: August 16 – August 26, 2012
Eastern: September 1 – September 8, 2012

Illinois: August 9 – August 19, 2012

Indiana: August 3 – August 19, 2012

Iowa: August 9 – August 29, 2012

Kansas: September 7 – September 16, 2012

Kentucky: August 16 – August 26, 2012

Lousiana: October 25 – November 11, 2012

Maine: July 27 – August 5, 2012

Maryland: August 24 – September 3, 2012

Massachusetts: September 14 – September 30, 2012

Michigan: August 13 – August 19, 2012

Minnesota: TBA

Missouri: August 9 – August 19, 2012

Montana: July 17 – August 4, 2012

Nebraska: August 24 – September 3, 2012

Nevada: TBD/TBA

New Hampshire: No “State” Fair listed, but…
Hopkinton State Fair (NH): August 30 – September 3, 2012

New Jersey: August 3 – August 12, 2012

New Mexico: TBA

New York: August 23 – September 3, 2012

North Carolina: October 11 – October 21, 2012

North Dakota: July 20 – July 28, 2012

Ohio: July 25 – August 5, 2012

Oklahoma: September 13 – September 23, 2012

Oregon: August 24 – September 3, 2012

Pennsylvania: TBA
County Fair Listings

Rhode Island: August 15 – August 19, 2012
Washington County

South Carolina: October 10 – October 21, 2012

South Dakota: August 30 – September 3, 2012

Tennessee: TBA

Texas: September 28 – October 21, 2012

Utah: TBA

Vermont: August 31 – September 9, 2012

Virginia: September 27 – October 7, 2012

Washington: August – Dates to be announced

West Virginia: August 10 – August 18, 2012

Wisconsin: August 2 – August 12, 2012

Wyoming: August 11 – August 18, 2012

I’ve linked each State to the best site I could find for State Fair info….

Happy Planning 2012…

It’s about time to make another “trip” through the alphabet with some fantastic and not always well publicized country vacation destinations. You can find the current “A to Z” list right here.

Any readers who’ve had a great destination experience and who are willing to make any input or recommendations are welcomed to submit their ideas.

Travel guest posts are also welcomed – just pick a letter and send me an email…

In the meantime you can research:

+ Nearly 200 vacation rental options.

+ Find out more about the travels of US Presidents.

+ Or select an extraordinary UK vacation cottage.

I’ve been anticipating this new season of Downton Abbey almost like a kid who can hardly wait for Christmas morning!

Here’s a sneak preview of the upcoming season!

UPDATE: January 9th…It was worth the wait! Streaming here for anyone who might be interested…

Take a closer look at Highclere Castle, home of the “Grantham” family…

Thinking of planning a visit? You’ll have to wait until after Easter 2012, but here’s a map of the castle’s location…

Interesting trivia: Maggie Smith was just as funny as “Lady Trentham” in the 2001 film – “Gosford Park.”

What’s to stop you from planning a trip to London this year?

The London Pass is a sightseeing card which gives holders FREE ENTRY to over 55 sights and tourist attractions in London.
Simply pay the one-time price for the London Pass of your choice, (there are 4 durations to choose from) and then enter as many of the tourist attractions included on the pass as you wish, without paying anything else!

5% off All Orders of London Pass Tickets

Some of the most popular attractions which can be visited free with the London Pass are the Tower of London, Kensington Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral, Windsor Castle, London Zoo, the London Aquarium, and Shakespeare’s Globe – to name but a few.

The London Pass is an ideal addition to a family holiday, romantic weekend or group trip – in fact, anyone who is travelling to London can enjoy and benefit from the pass. Customer survey results show that over 95% of London Pass users are more than satisfied and would recommend the pass to others.

This year will be an exciting one for the United Kingdom:

There’s the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Held from June 2 – 5, 2012.

Or the London 2012 Olympics from 27 July to 12 August 2012.

And there are a few other corners of the UK you just might want to see…but you’ll need a place to stay. You can build your own “UK cottages” portfolio right here and begin to plan your Summer 2012 travel!

Although some of the scenes were a bit rough for a person as sensitive about animals as I am, the film tells a great story not only about the bond between the horse and the human or about the horrors of war, but about having determination and strength of purpose.

The surrounding scenery from the film made me want to pack my bags and move! You can quickly see why this southwestern area of rural England is a prime tourist destination. Discover more about Dartmoor National Park.

Coming up January 8th, 2012 is the return of “Downton Abbey.” We’ve covered the area nearby the gorgeous Highclere Castle – home of the fictitious Lord Grantham and his family here.

I found a 10-minute preview of Downton Abbey, Season Two for you. Season One is also available streaming between now and the January 8 release date of Season Two.

Movies and films often provide us with a glimpse of a new destination we’d love to visit. “War Horse” and “Downton Abbey” are certainly prime examples…

UPDATE: January 8, 2012…

Pictures of Prince William and his wife Katherine, Duchess of Cambridge at the “War Horse” premiere, London – January 8, 2012.

I thought the last appointment of this mini series on Christmas in Tuscany should be about the way Tuscan people spend their Christmas Holiday period celebrating these festivities. After all, the day is almost here, and there is no better advice I could give out than a few tips to help you celebrate it the Tuscan way in your home.

Let’s start from Christmas Eve. The Tuscan tradition says that you should eat no meat the evening before Christmas. However, this is just a popular belief, as Catholic religion only forbids meat on good Friday and any Wednesday during Lent. But for many the prohibition still stays on December 24 as well.

A Tuscan proverb even states that “who disrespects Christmas Eve has body of wolf and soul of dog”. The reverse thing happens on the day after, as festivities are always celebrated with meat dishes, especially roasted or grilled. Although poverty and famine in Italy and Tuscany are a long forgotten affair, centuries of tradition are still hard to eradicate. When meat was rare and expensive, it made sense to eat it only on very special occasions. Indeed, those that could not have it even during such days were commiserated. Nowadays, the Christmas table always includes either capon, chicken, guinea fowl or pork, and some would go to the extent of getting lamb or piglets. So much that the other proverb “Chi non carneggia non festeggia” is much popular. The rhyme is hard to translate, and it could be rendered as “who doesn’t eat meat, is not up to the beat”.

As a consequence, on December 24 only fish and vegetables are common at the Tuscan dinner table. This dinner is also an occasion to spend time with one side of the family if the next day Christmas lunch will be spent with the other side. This avoids any feelings of exclusion and resentment. The family: you know, Tuscans are still Italians!

There is not much going on in the streets of Tuscany during these hours, as everyone is busily preparing for the evening and the following day. Many eat their Eve’s dinner quickly to be in church by 11 pm. This is when the midnight Christmas Mass starts.

Candles are lit outside the church, people greet and hug each other exchanging best wishes, then enter the church for a two hour long function. Others, usually small children and the elderly, go to church the morning of Christmas day.

After lunch on the 25, which may last several hours and include many entries, Tuscans timidly take the streets for a short stroll visiting markets or friends and relatives for a digestive chat. Others prefer to hit the couch for a nap of few hours. I still remember with a laugh when returning from a stroll I found all my guests scattered in the living room, each one snuggled on a comfy spot. Dinner is often times skipped to compensate the Pantagruelian lunch.

Christmas day in Tuscany is a family occasion, although many also enjoy leaving the house to have lunch in a restaurant. Following, a relaxing stay in a thermal water center or a visit to a characteristic mountain town is a nice way to end a Tuscan Holiday spent in an unusual way.

If you would like to live a true Tuscan experience, ask Matt from ThriftyTuscany.com, a site including only Tuscan villas by owner.

If you haven’t yet seen the previews for “War Horse” – in theaters in the US Christmas Day – here’s a quick look – and then some great information on cottages available for rent in this beautiful region of England.

Thanks to our neighbors at My Favourite Holiday Cottages – I can hardly wait to see this film!

Released on Christmas Day, War Horse tells the story of Joey the horse and his human companion, a young Devon boy called Albert Narracott. With the outbreak of the First World War Joey is shipped to France separating the pair, leaving Joey to experience some of the bloodiest battles of the 20th century serving both in the British and German armies. Unable to forget Joey, Albert then embarks on a ambitious journey to France to find Joey and return him to back to Devon.

Shooting the film took Spielberg through many locations in Southern England, however, much of the filming was done in Dartmoor National Park, the fictional home of the Narracott family. With its kilometres of natural rugged beauty, Dartmoor is one of the most popular rural locations in the South West of England.

The National Park has always been incredibly popular for walkers, cyclists and horse riders throughout the year. To experience some of the scenic locations and stunning beauty of the moor there are a variety of self-catering holiday cottages both in and around the area to spend a vacation.

On the west side of Dartmoor is Owls Roost Cottage, a charming stone built property which sleeps 2. With exposed wooden beams and a king sized pine bed the property has been designed for luxury and romance.

Alternatively, to experience both the joys of town and country, Tavistock Railway Cottages are a a set of 3, 5-Star rated self-catering properties which can sleep up to 14 people. The cottages have also recently won the ‘best restored railway station’ award by the National Railway Heritage Group and can provide an ideal location to explore the Dartmoor area.

Finally for those looking for a property big enough to accommodate multiple families Chestnut and Elderberry Cottages at Sherrill Farm might be your answer. Connected by an internal door, the two properties can be joined together and can sleep 26 people. The cottages also come with shared access to the swimming pool, Jacuzzi and sauna, which are an ideal way to spend an evening after a long ramble.

Review our “UK Cottage of the Month” series for more holiday cottage rentals…

Use code HOLIDAY11 for deep discounts.

Consider it payback for your “last minute” nerves of steel! Or decide you can save enough to take that holiday trip after all!

~ Ring in the New Year with $10 off your next flight from Fare Buzz!

~ Hit the Road this Holiday Season and Save $5 on your Car Rental with Fare Buzz

~ Save an extra $10 on your flight this Winter with Coupon Code WINTER10!