In Montreal, Quebec Part Une I explored the night life, shopping, and a must see place to visit while in Montreal. While there are many different things to do in Montreal, I choose my favorites to share with you. Now you can take a look at Montreal, Quebec Part Duex located on Travel With A Mate.

Many of you may not know but my grandmother was born in Montreal and many of my family members live there today. Montreal will always be in my heart, and I consider it a second home, and my favorite city. My most favorite memories of Montreal all include some of these great places I have shown you in my posts.

My first memories of Montreal include having Christmas at my Aunt’s house, playing cards, exploring the city, going to plays, trying to speak french, and just enjoying life. C’est la vie. So I hope you enjoyed reading Part Une and I hope you will enjoy reading Part Duex as I show you my favorite places of my favorite city: Montreal, Quebec.

Thanks for reading,
DreamTravelerJess

P.S. Can you tell it’s my favorite? 

Visiting one of the greatest northern cities in North America? Here are a few suggestions to enjoy and get the most out of your visit.

Montreal was one of the first largest cities in early North America, and became a cultural centre for Canada. Montreal is named after the great mountain it sits on named Mount Royal.

The Vieux-port de Montreal or the Old Port of Montreal is a must see, especially during the summer. There are many small souvenir shops, plenty places to eat and drink. Filling the streets are street performers, and artists. On the opposite side of the road there are bikes to rent, segway rentals, and paddle boat rentals that you can take out on the small lake.

One of the best experiences I have ever had is eating at O Noir! I went with my Aunt and a friend for a new experience. It is all the “rave” in cities like New York and Los Angeles. You eat completely in the dark. No lights what so ever. You couldn’t even see your hand in front of your face. It made me feel so grateful for my eye-sight, and understand a little more about what a blind person has to go through. It was an eye-opening experience in every sense of the meaning. The food was excellent, and it is something I will never forget about my dinner their for as long as I live. I recommend everyone to try it out.

If you’re looking for a night on the town then Rue Crescent is the place to be. Some places to check out include Pino, Thursday’s, and Sir Winston Churchills.

Pino is a cool lounge/restaurant. It has a great atmosphere, and a great view of the street with windows all around. Thursday’s is a great club/bar/restaurant all separated by different levels, and the club includes a rotating dance floor. Each time I go to Thursday’s I find the crowd to be a little older, however it’s easy to enjoy dancing the night away and having a great time. Sir Winston Churchill seems to appeal to the younger crowd, and always has “hip” music. It just depends on what you prefer.

Two great places to shop the day away are Carrefour in Laval (a suburb of Montreal) and Centre Eaton. Carrefour has more expensive shops, but is huge and has many interesting, and well known places to shop. Centre Eaton is in downtown Montreal, and is accessible from the subway, and many shops in the center are underground as well.

 Stay tuned for Montreal Weekend Getaway Part duex!!

Thanks for reading,
DreamTravelerJess

Traveling to Florida for a vacation? Why not take a small trip to the home of the circus and enjoy a beach that has been rated as one of the World’s Finest beaches?! That’s right Sarasota’s Siesta Key beach has some of the nicest, whitest, softest sand the world has seen. And Sarasota is home to the Ringling brothers, the seven brothers known for their “The Greatest Show on Earth”. There is a museum dedicated to these brothers right in Sarasota. It is a must see for any circus fan.

Spending a day on the beach is an ideal day for anyone Sarasota bound, but where to stay? I suggest renting a vacation apartment, it saves money, you have your own place and great pool. Just check out Siesta Key Suites to see what I mean.

Looking for a great place to spend the evening? I suggest eating at O’Learys. Dogs are welcomed to come and dine as most of the seating is outside and on the beach. With live entertainment, and great food, and a great view O’Learys is a must. Anyone is welcome to pull their kayak or boat up and order some great food. After dinner there is a park where you can enjoy walking around, and enjoy the view while swinging on the swings set up around the park. Not to forget that there is a park for children to play, and enjoy as well.

Want something fun to do for a night? Go to Kroaky’s Karaoke, a karaoke bar with private rooms for a group of friends to go and belt out their favorite tunes. Kroaky’s is great for birthdays or for a fun night. Each private room room has 18,000 songs, wireless mikes, a great sound system and cool lighting. Even people who don’t sing will have a great time in the privacy of their rooms – it’s so much fun.

Enjoy the outdoors? Visit the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Explore the world’s most spectacular display of rare orchids, bromeliads and tropical plants. They offer a gift shop, café and changing botanical art exhibits. Located on 9.5-acre this oasis rests on the shore of Sarasota Bay.

Enjoy your visit to SRQ, and your Florida vacation.

Thanks for reading,
DreamTravelerJess

Nestled in the 1000 Islands lives a picturesque small town with plenty to do during the summer months. The whole downtown of ABay is one road that is filled with small souvenir shops, places to eat, and an arcade. Alex Bay is located in upstate northern New York and it is quite far away from any major cities, but it is worth the drive. Alex Bay has a very interesting history as it was a major stop for steam ships that needed to fuel along the St. Lawrence River.

One of it’s most famous, known for attributes is Heart Island. Heart Island is an island in the shape of the heart that is home to Boldt Castle. Boldt Castle was commisioned to be built in 1900 by George Boldt who managed New York City’s famous Waldorf Astoria. George Boldt was building this magnificent 120-room castle for his wife, but when his wife died suddenly in 1904 he was so heart broken he stopped construction. After many harsh winters and vandalism the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority bought Heart Island for one dollar with the promise to restore the buildings including the children’s playhouse, power house, yacht house, and the actual Castle.

There are many things to do during the summer in Alex Bay such as checking out the small downtown shops, mini golf, mazeland, tours, scenic park, a beach, and an aquarium.

Alex Bay is home to the best Mini Golf course I have seen my entire life. The actual mini golf is presented by a big show boat. There are two different courses; The American Course, and the Canadian Course. Take the Canadian course, the Canadian Course has a built in ship in the course, and has several other interesting things incorporated into the actual course.

And as long as you are in the area the Uncle Sam’s Boat Tours are a must, with a stop at Boldt Castle.

Thanks for reading ,
DreamTravelerJess