The medieval stone city of Edinburgh boasts a staggering 700 pubs for its population of just under 500,000, the highest concentration of pubs in Great Britain. And the epicenter of Edinburgh’s beer sampling scene, as any local will tell you, is Rose Street, only a brisk 10-minute walk down the hill from the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. Now a lively pedestrian walkway, Rose Street lies between ... Read Full Article
The Spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The opening sights and sounds of the Edinburgh Tattoo are spectacular, set against the backdrop of ancient Edinburgh Castle. In the distance, behind the castle walls, I hear the sinister rattle of dozens of snare drums followed by the wail of a single bagpipe. Then, suddenly, 600 pipers fire up their instruments in a loud cacophony of noise that echos across the esplanade. The excited crowd goes ... Read Full Article
Eight Great Reasons to Visit Scotland
What’s not to love about Scotland? Home to a rich history, spectacular scenery, and some of the kindest people around; Scotland should be at the top of everyone’s “Must Visit” list. Here are eight particularly great reasons to plan a trip to Scotland now: Stirling With a beautifully preserved Old Town that is jam-packed with worthwhile Medieval and Renaissance era sites, ... Read Full Article
The Best Places to Eat (and Drink) in Edinburgh
One of the better lines from the movie, So I Married An Axe Murderer, is when Mike Myers’ character says, “I think most Scottish cuisine is based on a dare.” While certainly not a universal truth, who could argue that the Deep Fried Mars Bar was not the result of a sober conversation. But, overall, Scottish food gets a bad rap. Edinburgh is not short on culinary delights. Whether you are ... Read Full Article
Magical Edinburgh
Simply put, the Royal Mile never gets old. This famed stretch of cobbled road running through the heart of the Scottish capital is the traveler’s epicenter for all things Edinburgh. Stretching out from the Royal Mile like branches of a river, winding streets and narrow closes all begged to be explored. Even a short walk around Edinburgh will take you past cozy pubs, world-class museums, inviting ... Read Full Article
Best Pubs in Western and Central Europe (well…some of them!)
Usually, the thought of a tasty, ice cold brew at the end of a long trek is what keeps even the most intrepid traveler fueled and focused when life on the road gets a little hard going. Thankfully, pretty much everywhere you go in Europe you’re up to your waist in world-class brew, and better yet, a veritable variety of amazing venues in which to relax, unwind and meet great people while you ... Read Full Article
Quick Eats in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a city full of life and activity. Given the many attractions and activities available, it can sometimes feel as though there just are not enough hours in the day to take full advantage of ones time in this beautiful city. A resolution to this problem comes from the bevy of options for accessible food choices and quick eats in Edinburgh. Most visitors to Edinburgh have heard of ... Read Full Article
Winter Ice Skating in Glasgow and Edinburgh, Scotland
Traditional outdoor winter ice skating has soared in popularity in recent years, both amongst children and families, those just wanting to have a go on the ice and, of course, the serious skaters. Each year, special outdoor rinks are installed in various locations throughout Scotland to indulge one's skating passion. Like England and Wales, some excellent outdoor skating venues can be found ... Read Full Article
Tour Edinburgh’s “Real Mary King’s Close”
Edinburgh’s Royal Mile is well known for having great views, shops and restaurants, not to mention historic sites like Robert Knox’s House, Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood House. But far beneath the City Chambers building on the High Street is a world long-since abandoned. Across the street from St. Giles’ Cathedral is a small entrance to The Real Mary King’s Close. When the Edinburgh city ... Read Full Article
A Scottish Wedding
It came as a surprise to find out that there was an enormous upside to arriving in Edinburgh at four in the morning, over 13 hours later than planned. My girlfriend Kate and I had left our home in Portland, Oregon 36 hours earlier and after enduring delayed flights, missed connections and a three hour wait aboard a stuffy London train due to a “fatality on the line”. We had finally arrived at ... Read Full Article