London Part 2

Five more places that you should visit while in London.

Like I said before, there are so many great things to do in London that it is hard to even know where to start. This is a continuation of five earlier recommendations I made. While you are out and about in London be sure to just take a moment and and notice all of the history around you.

When you are in London you should try the 5 suggestions below!

1) Grab a map and hop on The Tube!  Sure, a hop-on hop-off bus can get you to where you want to go, but the Tube is so much more exciting.  London's underground rail systems is one of the easiest I have ever experienced.  Ticket prices are pretty affordable if you purchase an all day pass instead of a single trip pass.  The Tube will take you to all of the major landmarks in London in no time at all.  Take note that while on the Tube, no one speaks to each other or make eye contact.  This would be a good time to relax and look out the window, or read a newspaper left behind by earlier rider.  I cringed every time a group of Americans would board while speaking loudly and draw attention to themselves as they study their maps out loud.  It screams 'TOURIST'!  Just be respectful and be quiet.

For more information on the Underground Transportation in London, visit: http://www.tfl.gov.uk.

2) Make sure to set aside time to watch the 'Changing of the Guard'.  You can find the schedule here. I would recommend getting their early to find a spot along the gate.  It is nice to see such an old tradition still in place to this day.  Their exchange is relatively quick, so don't worry about having to spend too much time in one spot.

For more information on the Changing of the Guard, check out: http://www.royal.gov.uk/royaleventsandceremonies/changingtheguard/overview.aspx.

3) Harry Potter fans will have a hay-day discovering set locations throughout the city. My favorite, and easiest to visit, is Platform 9 3/4 at Kings Cross Station.  You can arrive at Kings Cross via the bus or Tube.  Be sure to take in the architecture of this unique station. The roof work is just amazing!  While in the movies the Platform 9 3/4 is shown in the main station area, you will find that the real Platforms 9 & 10 are off in a different section of the station.  Follow signage to those platforms and you will walk right up to number 9 3/4.  There is a commemorative plaque and plenty of room for tourist to take photos without getting in the way of other travelers.

For more details on finding Platform 9 3/4, visit: http://golondon.about.com/od/londonpictures/ig/Less-seen-Sights/Platform-9-3-4.htm. 

4) Head to the West End and catch a play. Nightly there are dozens of shows to pick from.  If you are on a budget, there are plenty of small theaters in the area.  For more popular shows (Chicago, Les Mis, etc) you will want to arrive early and walk through Leicester Square.  There are plenty of restaurants to stop by and pick up a bite to eat.  I more enjoy the hustle and excitement of thousands of people walking around before their respective shows start.

To find a deal on theater tickets, visit: http://www.londontheatre.co.uk/londontheatre/westendvenues/.

5) Last, but certainly not least, try to make some time for a train ride outside of London.  I especially like to travel south to Windsor as it is easy to get to and has a lot to see and do.  Another fun option would be to visit Brighton.  I'd recommend going when the weather is nice so you can relax at the beach on the English Channel.  You will want to plan ahead with any of these day trips to ensure you have transportation back as well as any tickets you need to buy in advance

While considering an adventure, check out either http://www.windsor.gov.uk/things-to-do/windsor-castle-p43983  or http://www.visitbrighton.com/ for more information on these two suggestions.

Chase on the Lake

Recently we made a 3 hour trek up-north to Walker, MN.  This is one of those cute little cities that you could blink and miss it.  Conveniently located a few blocks into the city and right on Leech Lake you will find "Chase on the Lake."

This resort offered everywhere from small, comfortable rooms to two-bedroom suites.  The property offers a variety of water sports to choose from. While vacationing you can rent a pontoon or water bike, go fishing off of the dock or even rent bikes for an afternoon ride along the trails.  The resort also gives you time to relax by taking a dip in the pool or hot tub and making a spa appointment for a massage or skin treatment.  

If nighttime outings are more your thing you can head downstairs for some live music or even reserve some lanes in their own bowling alley.  Outside you will find s'more ingredients set up by the bonfire just waiting to be devoured.

The restaurants onsite offered a nice variety of meals to choose from. Within a short walk of the resort you can find a few other restaurants to choose from like Benson's or Cafe Zona Rosa.

We really enjoyed our stay at Chase on the Lake and would definitely return if we find ourselves near Walker again.  I suggest hanging on to the map of the resort though as it is a bit tricky finding your way around from the inside.  While the architecture is beautiful, this resort was added on to over time so getting on the wrong stairwell or elevator will bring you to a whole new section of the resort (which made it fun to explore).

View from the beach