text:
Scott's Head

Scott's Head is a beautiful village at the end of the road on the southwest corner of Dominica.

Understand
Scotts Head is a small isthmus on the southern tip of the island. It is also the name of the small community located there. It takes about one hour to drive from Roseau each way. Scotts Head is a great place to hike up the steep outcrop, which offers a wonderful view of the south-west coast of Dominica and the Caribbean Sea (and even the island of Martinique to the south). Villagers are curious as visitors are few.

Get in

 * By car - Driving into Scott's Head is relatively easy although the road is curvy at some points and narrow in others.
 * By maxi - Maxis in downtown Roseau line-up to make regular trips to Soufrière and Scott's Head. These maxis can also be boarded at Soufrière or anywhere along their route.
 * By foot - Walking between Soufrière and Scott's Head is possible but not many people do it although it only takes about fifteen minutes.

Get around
The main road ends at a small point on a hill that provides stunning views of both Scott's Hed below and Roseau to the north. The last section of the road is very rocky. Walking around the small village is a great way to see everything.

See
The greatest sights at Scott's Heads are underwater. Snorkels can be rented from locals but it's much cheaper to simply bring your own gear. The view from Scott's Head pinnacle is also amazing and near the top is an old fortification with rusted cannons.

Do

 * Diving - Scott's Head wraps around the lip of a gently curved bay that happens to be the ancient crater of a volcano. Luckily for divers you can bring your own snorkel or scuba gear and walk out and admire what remains, a 160 meter deep coral lined hole that stretches for hundreds of meters.
 * Snorkelling - Snokelling around this area includes lots of coral and seasonal jellyfish. To snorkel around the Scott's Head headland would take perhaps an hour of casual swimming.
 * Hiking - The trek to the top of Scott's Head pinnacle is fun, easy, and rewarding. Scott's Head also marks the beginning of the Waitukubuli National Trail.

Eat
Several quaint shacks along the (only) road to Roseau offer inexpensive and tasty meals and snacks.

There are also small restaurants that offer mid-level and slightly more expensive freshly caught seafood including lobster and octopus.

Drink
Bars and restaurants offer the typical Dominican fare including Kubluli beer and Soca rum. Some also sell rum from nearby islands like Martinique and Trinidad.

Sleep
There are some cottages and other accommodations in Scott's Head but few are advertised extensively. As there is not much to do in the small village, more visitors stay elsewhere and simply stay for the day.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Scott's Head


text:
Scottburgh

Scottburgh is a coastal city of 11,000 people (2011) on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, that is popular with beach-goers and surfers.

Understand
Scottburgh is a bay on the South Bank of the Mpambanyoni River, a short river that culminates in a lagoon. One appeal of Scottburgh beach is its grass-covered banks leading down to sandy beaches, which have made it a popular holiday resort for holidaymakers for many years.

Wildlife found regularly inside the township includes snakes, skinks, geckos, numerous insects, millipedes, bushbuck, mongi, and most famously, large numbers of vervet monkeys. Genets have been sighted, and there are occasional unverified spottings of civets and similar small felines and cat-like mammals. Birds are abundant, perhaps the most noticeable being the raucous and much-loved hadada ibis.

The Indian mynah is widespread but regarded as a pest due to its habits of defecating in public restaurants and eating areas and pillaging the nests of native birds. This bird has presented similar problems in other areas in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. The sardine run is also visible from the shores of Scottburgh and its surroundings most winters. The umdoni and Strelitzia are the best-known trees specifically associated with Scottburgh and its environs.

Get in
Flight from Durban international airport, 30 minutes from Scottburgh.

Get around
You will need to drive to get around Scottburgh.

See
North of the Mpambanyoni lies the suburb of Freeland Park, a largely residential area with the Cutty Sark Hotel and a river populated by juvenile and adolescent crocodiles. These crocodiles are the product of the 1987 cyclone, when infant crocodiles escaped from the nearby Crocworld theme park.

South of Scottburgh, and separated from it by the Country Club, Golf Course, and a considerable expanse of bush, is Scottburgh South, and a few kilometres inland lies the sugarcane farming hamlet of Renishaw, well known for its chapel.

Do
The summer season sees many tourists from the inland flock to the beaches of the South Coast. There are many activities that contribute to Scottburgh being a popular destination such as microlighting, diving, shark cage diving, sea rides, rock and surf fishing, Umdoni Park run, and bicycle trails. There are many more activities that can be inquired at the local South Coast tourism office.
 * Scuba diving the famous Aliwal Shoal
 * Scottburgh Main Beach, Pennington and Park Rynie have been awarded blue flag status.

Surfing
Scottburgh is particularly renowned for its large surfing community. Superior waves are to be found along the coast, especially during the winter months. Popular spots include Green Point, Pennington, Kelso, Scottburgh and Rocky Bay. Many other perfect breaks along this coast can be found. Surfers and bodyboarders from around the world come for surf trips around the south coast, and visit Scottburgh in particular for its worldwide surfing reputation.

title: Scottburgh


text:
Scottish Borders

The Scottish Borders (Scots: The Mairches) is a region in south-east Scotland adjoining the border with England. That made medieval Scottish kings keen to embellish it, and they created four magnificent abbeys here. Wars between the two kingdoms were fought here, but even more there was banditry, so the area became studded with turrets and small forts. The Borders' natural attractions are the rugged coastline, the salmon rivers which once powered mills for knitware, and the quiet hills and forests. Take time to see them and don't just hurry through on the way to Edinburgh.

Towns
Most towns and points of interest are along one of the main roads between England and Edinburgh.

A1 is the usual approach.
 * is in England, but gives its name to Berwickshire and is the hub for nearby villages.
 * , Burnmouth and St Abbs are small fishing villages along the rugged coast.

A697 runs inland via Morpeth and Wooler to enter Scotland by the bridge over the River Tweed.
 * is the small town just over that bridge.
 * at the confluence of the Tweed and the Teviot has an abbey and Floors Castle.
 * is the northern end of the Pennine Way, descending the louring Cheviot on the last stage of its 267 miles from Edale in Derbyshire.

A68 follows a rollercoaster route across Northumberland and crests the Cheviots into Scotland at Carter Bar.
 * has a fine ruined abbey and one of the many residences of Mary Queen of Scots.
 * is the turn-off for Dryburgh Abbey, burial place of Sir Walter Scott.
 * three miles west also has a ruined abbey.

A7 is the old Carlisle-Edinburgh road.
 * is a former textile town in the Teviot valley.
 * is where Sir Walter Scott dispensed justice between writing novels.
 * has the Great Tapestry of Scotland and is near Abbotsford, Scott's mansion.

A72 runs east-west along the Tweed valley, eventually to Lanarkshire and the Clyde.
 * is a pleasant market town; near Innerleithen is Traquair House.

Understand
The border region was often the scene of battles between England and Scotland, but 1513 marked the beginning of the end. At Flodden Field in Northumberland the Scots suffered a calamitous defeat, and King James IV was killed - the last British monarch to die in battle. In later years they regrouped and came again, but fell to another crushing defeat at Solway Moss in 1542. Scotland could never again pose a serious military threat to England: the Borders still saw banditry and skirmishes, but were no longer the cockpit of war. A quirk of ancestry brought the Scots King James VI to the throne of England, which he much preferred to his cold northern realm, and power, influence and wealth all drained away to the south. And in so far as Scotland has been defined as much by its legends and stories as its terrain, that too drained away. Look to the Greek and Roman classics for your heroes, and forget our own brutish Dark Ages.

Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832), a lawyer living and working in Edinburgh and Selkirk, led the revival of Scottish lore. He took a great interest in the folk tales of the Borders, began writing them down, and writing his own works. His breakthrough was the 1805 epic poem The Lay of the Last Minstrel. He went on to write The Lady of the Lake, Waverley, Old Mortality, Ivanhoe which relaunched the legend of Robin Hood, and many more. In 1812 he bought a farm cottage near Melrose which he named "Abbotsford" — and it grew, and grew and grew, into an ornate Baronial mansion. In 1822 he scored a PR triumph in stage-managing the visit of King George IV to Scotland, having monarch and bowing subjects all dressed in tartan kilts — "clan tartans" which he'd just invented, but that would adorn Scottish regalia, wedding suits and biscuit tins for ever after.

He earned a real fortune but spent an even bigger one, running up great debts over Abbotsford — the financial crash of 1825 bankrupted his publisher and almost himself. He resolved to write his way out of trouble, and continued to publish prolifically. His health was failing by the 1830s, yet he embarked on a grand celebrity tour of Europe. He died at Abbotsford in September 1832 and was buried at Dryburgh Abbey.

Visitor information

 * Scottish Borders visitor information website

By plane
Edinburgh Airport is the closest, about an hour's drive, and with good connections across Europe and within UK.

Newcastle has fewer flights and is a little further, but a good choice if you're combining this area with a tour of Northumberland. The airport is on A696 northwest of the city, handy for the A68, A697 or A1 approaches to Scotland.

By train
The main railway lines swerve past this region. On the east coast, trains from London and the Midlands run via Newcastle and Berwick-upon-Tweed to the border, rushing along the cliff tops to Dunbar and Edinburgh. The west coast line runs to Carlisle, Motherwell and Glasgow.

The Borders Railway, opened in 2015, runs from Edinburgh hourly via Eskbank (for Dalkeith), Gorebridge, Stow and Galashiels to Tweedbank near Melrose. This is the reconstructed northern section of a line that was axed in 1969 as part of the Beeching cuts. It's transformed the nearby towns into a commuter belt for Edinburgh.

By bus
Borders Buses serve the main towns and villages. Bus X95 runs every two hours M-Sa from Carlisle along A7 via Langholm, Hawick, Selkirk, Galashiels, Stow, Newtongrange and Eskbank to Edinburgh. The section between Hawick, Selkirk and Galashiels is every 30 min and connects with the trains. The Sunday service is sparse.

Bus 51/52 runs every two hours daily from Edinburgh along A68 via the Royal Infirmary, Dalkeith, Lauder and Earlston to St Boswells, where you change for Jedburgh, Kelso or Melrose.

Bus 253 runs every two hours M-Sa from Edinburgh along A1 via Haddington, Dunbar and Eyemouth to Berwick-upon-Tweed; only two buses on Sunday.

Bus 67 runs every two hours daily from Berwick-upon-Tweed via Coldstream, Kelso, St Boswells and Melrose to Galashiels.

Bus X62 runs every 30 min M-Sa (Su hourly) from Edinburgh via Penicuik to Peebles then down the Tweed valley via Innerleithen and Galashiels to Melrose.

A solitary Bus 131 runs M-Sa from Jedburgh along A68/A696 to Otterburn, Newcastle Airport and Newcastle. It runs south to Newcastle in the morning and returns north to Jedburgh early afternoon.

National Express and Megabus coaches between Edinburgh and England cross this region but don't stop anywhere.

By road
There are three main routes through the Borders, plus several minor routes.

A1 enters Scotland just north of Berwick, a fast route up the east coast into East Lothian. However the Berwickshire section is mostly single carriageway.

A68 enters Scotland from the south at the top of the Carter Bar, the most scenic of the border crossings. The road wends its way through Jedburgh, St Boswells, Earlston and Lauder and exits to Midlothian north of Soutra Hill.

A7 is the old route from Carlisle to Edinburgh, passing through Hawick, Selkirk, Galashiels and Stow before entering Midlothian at Falahill. The A72 for Innerleithen, Peebles and Glasgow branches off in Galashiels.

Scenic slow routes are A708 from Moffat, past the spectacular Grey Mares Tail waterfall, St Marys Loch and Yarrow Water into Selkirk; and B6355 from Gifford to Duns over the Lammermuir Hills.

Get around
You'll do best by car. A bike is great in summer, as the hills between the Cheviots south and the Lammermuirs north aren't too severe.

You can just about get around by bus along radial routes from Edinburgh, Melrose/Galashiels and Berwick-upon-Tweed. As well as those listed in "Get in", you might use:
 * Bus 20 Hawick - Jedburgh - Kelso
 * Bus 396 Hawick - Selkirk - Galashiels - Melrose
 * Bus 81 Kelso - Kirk Yetholm
 * Bus 68 Jedburgh - St Boswells - Melrose - Galashiels
 * Bus 235 Berwick-upon-Tweed - Eyemouth - St Abbs
 * Bus 60 Berwick-upon-Tweed - Chirnside - Duns - Gordon - Earlston - Melrose - Galashiels

See

 * Abbeys: these sprang up in Norman times and flourished in the Middle Ages, but were left to ruin after the Reformation - the 16th-century break with Roman Catholicism. Find them at Jedburgh, Melrose,  Kelso and Dryburgh near St Boswells.
 * Stately Homes: built for lordly living, not for defence. Those which can be visited include Floors in Kelso, Mellerstain and Thirlestane near Melrose, and Paxton near Berwick.
 * Castles in the Borders are mostly Peel Towers and turrets. They were residences and farms fortified against bandits, rather than military garrisons. Most are scrappy ruins, some have been incorporated into later buildings. One you can visit is Smailholm Tower between Kelso and Melrose.
 * St Abb's Head is the most scenic section of the Berwickshire cliffs, with sea birds whirling over a tumult of waters. Take the minor road east from Coldingham, park at the head of St Abb's village (don't take a car down the steep narrow lane to the harbour) and walk across the fields to the Head.
 * See Berwick-upon-Tweed for places right on the border: Norham Castle just south of it in Northumberland, and Paxton House just west in Berwickshire.
 * Scotland's Gardens opens up private gardens once a year in summer, with all proceeds going to charity. There are about 25 participating gardens in this region, dates staggered so there's one open most weekends.

Do

 * Several long-distance hiking trails cross the area.
 * The Pennine Way is a 268-mile trail from Edale in Derbyshire to Kirk Yetholm. Its northernmost stage, from Byrness, is 27 miles along the ridge of the Cheviots, with no habitation or road access along the way. It can be done in one long day, or you can bivvy at the two refuge huts (bothies) along the way, or you can break it into three there-and-back walks from the valleys. The path climbs steeply from Byrness then heads north to enter Scotland near Ogre Hill. It now follows the border fence, switching between England and Scotland, past the Roman fort at Chew Green and Roman "Dere Street". It comes onto the exposed ridge climbing to the well-named Windy Gyle and Cairn Hill (743 m, 2438 ft). Here there is a side path to the summit of The Cheviot (815 m, 2674 ft). The main path turns sharply northwest, following the border fence down past a refuge hut, climbing The Schil (601 m, 1972 ft) then descending into gentler countryside, to end at the Border Hotel in Kirk Yetholm.

 * The Southern Upland Way is a 210-mile trail from Portpatrick on the Rhins of Galloway (looking across at Northern Ireland) to Cockburnspath on the Berwickshire coast. In this region, coming from the west it passes St Mary's Loch, Traquair, Galashiels, Lauder, Abbey St Bathans, and Longformacus before reaching the coast. It crosses the hills but reaches no great altitude and most sections are short enough for a there-and-back Sunday stroll. Much of its eastern route is shared with the Sir Walter Scott Way.

 * The Borders Abbeys Way is a circular 68-mile trail. It's usually done in five stages, in no preferred direction or order: Kelso-Jedburgh-Hawick-Selkirk-Melrose-Kelso. It's mostly lowland and easy going, with the highest point at 339 m (1113 ft).

 * The Berwickshire Coastal Path is a 30-mile trail from Berwick-upon-Tweed along the cliff tops via Eyemouth, St Abbs and Cove to Cockburnspath. Here it meets the Southern Upland Way from the west, and the John Muir Way north via Dunbar and North Berwick to Edinburgh.

 * St Cuthbert's Way is a 62-mile trail from Melrose Abbey, where the saint spent much of his life, east via St Boswells and Maxton to Kirk Yetholm, meeting the Pennine Way. Continuing east it crosses into Northumberland in England and runs down to the coast and by tidal footpath to Lindisfarne. It's all lowland in nature.

 * Boat trips from Eyemouth and St Abbs explore the rugged coastline.
 * Watch Rugby Union, or play if you're tough enough. Notable local rugby clubs are Hawick, Melrose and Jed-Forest (Jedburgh). You may well see international players turning out in local club fixtures. The Borders only plays soccer at junior / amateur level.
 * St Cuthbert's Way Ultra Marathon is over two distances from Melrose into Northumberland: a 45 mile race to Wooler, and a 100 km race to Lindisfarne. The next is on 9 July 2022.

Eat

 * Two Jedburgh restaurants earn rave reviews: Capon Tree in town and Caddy Mann at Mounthooley.
 * Elsewhere, the hotel restaurants usually have the best dining; otherwise it's pub grub.

Drink
The larger towns have pubs, but the hotel bars may be more comfortable.

Stay safe
The crime rate is very low in the Borders and the chances of you encountering a crime during the daytime are next to none. Of course this does not mean there is no crime. It is advisable to be sensible when out at night: avoid large groups of youngsters hanging about street corners; they are very unlikely to approach you or communicate, but it is best to be safe by walking on the other side of the road.

As with much of Scotland, some roads may be rather narrow, twisty and unpredictable. Take this into consideration while driving.

Go next

 * West head through Moffat and Dumfries or down the Clyde valley from Biggar to New Lanark and Glasgow.
 * North is the attractive East Lothian coast and unmissable Edinburgh.
 * South is Northumberland, with Lindisfarne island, teetering castles and the best sections of Hadrian's Wall.

title: Scottish Borders


text:
Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands are the rugged northern and northwestern portion of Scotland. This is the Scotland conjured up by visions of tartan, kilts, Bonnie Prince Charlie and all.

Understand
The geographical division between Highland and Lowland Scotland is sharply diagonal, so Campbeltown in the far west is further south than Berwick-upon-Tweed in England, while northerly Stonehaven is a continuation of the lowland coastal plain. The Romans marched that far northeast before shrugging at the useless prospect and retrenching south to leave the Picts to their bogs, blizzards and coarse oatmeal. The cultural division is even further north, as lowland farming and industry, the English language and Victorian railways penetrated the valleys and turned the corner above Aberdeen to approach Inverness. The Highlands described on this page largely reflect that cultural boundary.

Alba, the proto-state forerunner to Scotland, arose in the lowlands in the 9th century, conquering the Highland kingdom of Moray (ruled by Macbeth), Gaelic-Ulster Dál Riata, and last of all the Viking / Norse realms of the far west and north in the 13th century. Battles continued with a ferocity out of all proportion to the poor rugged land they were fought over, with the final set-to (taking most of an hour) at Culloden in 1746. This shattered not only the Jacobite cause, but also a samurai feudal way of life and death, with sword-fealty to the chieftain obsolete in England since Norman times. The Highlands were militarised in the wake, with a large army base established at Nairn, and other forts were rebuilt.

The Victorians brought many innovations to the Highlands, and the most important was tourism, as black sucking peat-bogs were rebranded as romantic scenery of "dreary melancholy". This infused Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, the Tay and Dee valleys, then beyond across the Highlands. The Gaelic language died out in this region, to persist in the Hebrides. The burgeoning lowland cities created a mass leisure market, free time and transport links. The 20th century capitalised on this with winter sports and wildlife, and the 21st created eco-angst, the reindeer, beaver and wildcats being the beneficiaries, while ghosts of extinct wolves lope hopefully in the shadows.

By plane
is best landing point for Argyll and Bute. It has good domestic connections and direct flights across Europe. Glasgow has daily flights to Campbeltown, Wick, the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland. The airport is west of the city so you drive onto M8 then cross Erskine Bridge northbound, without getting snarled in the centre.

Further north, it's equally convenient to use Glasgow or Edinburgh Airport, which likewise has excellent connections and is west (hence clear) of that city.

Inverness Airport is closest, with international flights from Amsterdam, Dublin and Düsseldorf, and UK flights from London LHR, Manchester, Kirkwall (Orkney), Sumburgh (Shetland) and Stornoway (Lewis).

By rail
Scotrail trains run every couple of hours from Glasgow and Edinburgh via Perth and Aviemore to Inverness. Change at Inverness for trains west to Kyle of Lochalsh (for Skye), north to Wick and Thurso (for Orkney) and east towards Aberdeen.

Trains also run from Glasgow up the West Highland Line via Arrochar & Tarbet (for Loch Lomond) and Crianlarich, where the train divides for Oban (for Mull, Coll, Tiree and Colonsay), or for Fort William and Mallaig (for Skye and the Small Isles).

Travelling from England usually means changing in Edinburgh or Glasgow, but one train per day is direct from London Kings Cross via Edinburgh to Inverness. The Caledonian Sleepers run from London Euston via Preston and Carlisle: sleeping berths and saloon seats are available, and reservations are compulsory. The Lowland Sleeper runs to Edinburgh and Glasgow, the Highland Sleeper divides in the small hours for Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William. It serves intermediate stations such as Perth and Arrochar & Tarbet in the early hours, and the connection for Oban is tedious, so for those you might prefer to change in Glasgow for a daytime train.

By bus
From London Victoria, National Express and Megabus run daily to Edinburgh and Glasgow, and you usually have to change to reach the Highlands.

Citylink are the main bus line into the Highlands. Their routes from Glasgow and Edinburgh are:
 * - via Perth and Aviemore to Inverness.
 * - via Crianlarich, Glencoe and Fort William to Portree and Uig on Skye.
 * - either via Crianlarich or Inveraray to Oban.
 * - via Inveraray and Tarbert to Campbeltown.

West Coast Motors, Parks of Hamilton, Stagecoach and Megabus compete or collaborate on these routes.

Change at Inverness for Citylink buses to Fort William, Skye, Ullapool and Thurso.

By road
The principal roads, followed by the buses, are:
 * - A9 from Perth and Pitlochry to Aviemore, Inverness, Helmsdale and Thurso.
 * - A84 from Stirling and A85 from Perth to Crianlarich and Oban.
 * - A82 from Glasgow by Loch Lomond to Crianlarich, Glencoe, Fort William and Loch Ness to Inverness, with A87 branching for Skye.
 * - A83 branching off A82 to Inveraray, Tarbert and Campbeltown.
 * - A96 from Aberdeen to Inverness, and A835 from Inverness to Ullapool.

There are no motorways this far north, and roads are mostly undivided highways busy with trucks at all hours, and where overtaking can be hazardous.

Bicycles are permitted on all these roads, but except for a few loops of bypassed historic highway you have to use the main carriageway, with fast traffic blurring past sometimes in limited visibility.

Get around
Trains and buses on the inter-city routes link the main towns but are of limited help for the villages. For instance at Glencoe, the Glasgow-Fort William bus only traverses the glen four times a day. A local bus plies six times a day from Fort William to Ballachulish, Glencoe village and Kinlochleven but doesn't go up the glen to the ski resort or trailhead for the West Highland Way.

Most visitors bring their own vehicle. Car hire is best arranged from the airports.

Highways are undivided, traffic builds up behind the slow fellow towing a caravan (with left-hand drive and limited visibility if he's from the continent), and overtaking is hazardous. It may be easier in the more remote areas with single track lanes, since the passing places are also used for overtaking. But then the motorcade that's built up behind the slow caravan meets a similar motorcade coming the other way, the passing place only fits three vehicles, and the resultant shunt-back will occupy many a happy hour.

Highland motorists are often willing to pick up hitchhikers who don't look too weird or muddy.

See

 * Castles for the most part are sternly defensive but tumbledown. Great examples are Eilean Donan at Dornie and Urquhart Castle at Drumnadrochit by Loch Ness. Luxury castles (Victorian gin-palaces with twiddly bits to make them look medieval) are Dunrobin Castle at Golspie and Castle of Mey near John o'Groats, plus the Georgian Inveraray. McCaig's Tower above Oban is a Victorian folly.
 * Gardens: every west coast promenade is studded with palm trees shivering in the rain to make a point about the balmy Gulf Stream. What grows better is Himalayan species, and you know you're within five miles of a stately mansion when you encounter their escaped rhododendrons, a riot of colour in May. The standout gardens are Inverewe near Gairloch, Arduaine near Oban and Crarae near Inveraray.
 * Deserted landscapes: the rural Highland population was once greater, but they left or were driven out. Haunting Glencoe was a 17th-century example, and Auchendrain near Inveraray depicts farmhouse life before the big exodus of the 18th and 19th centuries. On several hillsides you see abandoned villages, and at Helmsdale the reverse: the makeshift village erected by those evicted from their crofts, before they despaired and headed to the lowland cities.
 * Prehistoric structures have mostly been obliterated by agriculture, the best are in the Hebrides and Orkneys, but there's a fine collection around Wick. Most common were "Duns" - fortified outcrops, often on the coast. They're scrappy and you mostly come for the sea view.
 * Islands involving a ferry ride are described elsewhere as part of the Hebrides, Orkneys or Shetland, but The Summer Isles are an example of an inshore archipelago, reached by boat trip from Achiltibuie. Unique within the UK are the "mainland islands", settlements and drivable lanes that have no road connection to the mainland network. The most populated is Knoydart, reached by ferry from Mallaig or by a very long hike across the moors. Several others such as Applecross were only connected in the late 20th century.

Do

 * Long-distance walks include the West Highland Way, 96 miles from Milngavie to Fort William, and the Great Glen Way, 73 miles from Fort William to Inverness. The Lairig Ghru is 19 gruelling miles from Speyside to Deeside.
 * Mountains, oddly enough, are why this region is called the Highlands. A mountain above 3000 feet / 914.4 m is called a Munro, for the Victorian beard who first catalogued them. There are 282 of these and 226 secondary "tops", and "Munro-bagging" is a popular weekend pastime. A mountain between 2500 and 3000 feet is called a Corbett and there are 222 of these. The principal groups are:
 * - Glencoe and Fort William: Ben Nevis the highest in Britain (4413 ft / 1345 m) is ascended from the glen above Fort William. Others include The Mamores, Aonach Eagach and "The three sisters" of Glencoe'''.
 * - Cairngorms, such as Ben Macdhui and Braeriach.
 * - Torridonian: around Ullapool in the northwest, with striking sandstone ridges, for instance An Teallach, Slioch, Bein Eigh, Liathach, Beinn Aligin and Bein Bhann aka Applecross.
 * - Far north: for instance Ben Hope, Ben Loyal, Foinaven and Ben Stack.

 * Take a steam train excursion along the West Highland Line from Fort William to Glenfinnan, Arisaig and Mallaig, or along the Strathspey Railway from Aviemore to Boat of Garten.
 * Ski at Glencoe above Braemar, or Cairngorm above Aviemore, or Nevis Range above Fort William.
 * Spot dolphins and whales in the Moray Firth: boat trips sail from Inverness.
 * In Cairngorms National Park you might spot beaver, reindeer or even a wildcat.
 * North Coast 500 is a motoring itinerary of 500-or-so miles from Inverness to the northwest coast, north coast, John o'Groats and return to Inverness.
 * Highland Games are held in each town in turn over summer, sometimes combined with agricultural shows.

Eat
Even small places have a takeaway chippy or pizzeria, but sit-down eating opportunities are limited away from the towns. Pub grub or the town hotel may be the best bet; their kitchen may take last orders at 8pm or earlier so don't linger.

Vegetarian / vegan and GF choices are much easier to find nowadays.

Drink
The towns have traditional pubs, but village stand-alone pubs have withered - try the hotel bar / restaurant.

There are a few breweries and multiple whisky distilleries in the Highlands. Classic whisky country is the Spey Valley.

Small artisan gin distilleries have popped up all over, probably more than the market can sustain, so sample them now while you can.

Sleep
Accommodation is scanty in relation to the number of visitors: it alternates between being full for summer holidays, and closed for winter. Schools and universities make block bookings at Easter and mid-term break. You might be able to rock up and find a place in shoulder season, but it's always best to book well ahead.

Go next
The Scottish islands are the obvious next regions to explore. Each large island is a destination in its own right, and transport routes radiate from the mainland, so don't plan on seeing multiple islands in a single trip.
 * The Hebrides lie off the northwest coast, and for a first-time visit pick one of the larger islands of the Inner Hebrides, such as Skye (linked by toll-free road bridge), Mull, Islay or Tiree.
 * The Orkney Islands are a low-lying, scenic archipelago ten miles north of the mainland, where the heritage is Norse not Gaelic.
 * The Shetland Islands are further north, with treeless haunting scenery, and even stronger Norse heritage.

North East Scotland starts just across the Firth from Edinburgh. Some is industrial but it's dotted with fishing harbours and castles, from the grand to the tumbledown, with charming St Andrews, rejuvenated Dundee, and chief city Aberdeen.

The Central Belt is the lowland urban area to the south: both Edinburgh and Glasgow rank as must-see.

Scottish Highlands

title: Scottish Highlands


text:
Scottsbluff

Scottsbluff is a town in the Panhandle region of Nebraska, USA. The geological structure that gives the town its name was an important waypoint on the Oregon Trail and is preserved today as a national monument. The town of Gering is 1½ miles (2 km) south.

By car
The town is located along US 26, one of the major routes across the Nebraska Panhandle.

You may also get in by traveling I-80 to exit 22, and then follow Highway 71 up to the area

By car
Scottsbluff is a small city that has very easy roads to work with. Avoid Avenue I during the 5PM rush hour.

See

Go next

 * Chimney Rock National Historic Site - about southeast of Scottsbluff off SR 92.
 * Chimney Rock National Historic Site - about southeast of Scottsbluff off SR 92.

title: Scottsbluff


text:
Scotts Bluff National Monument

Scotts Bluff National Monument is a United States national monument in western Nebraska. Despite the name, there are only a few bluffs or rather large rock formations in this area. These bluffs make a dramatic impression, as they rise several hundred feet over the surrounding flat countryside.

History
Scotts Bluff was an important landmark along the Oregon Trail. It was first seen by the Sioux Indian tribe who used the bluff to chase and hunt buffalo, but the first-known Euro-Americans to see the rising bluffs were a group of fur traders from Spain in the 1700s.

The bluffs were given no title until 1828. A group of fur traders from St. Louis were traveling along the North Platte River. One of the men, Hiram Scott, caught a dreadful disease that could not be healed and had to be abandoned into the wild of western Nebraska for him to die. Eventually, he made it to Scotts Bluff from where they abandoned him and died at the base of the bluff. In 1828, the fur traders found his body in the vicinity and named the bluff "Scotts Bluff".

In the 1840s-1870s, Scotts Bluff was passed through by three famous trails: Oregon Trail, California Trail, and the Pony Express. The pioneers passed here and mentioned many comments about it. They also camped there, and some of them tried to climb the bluff, but they found it impossible. They gave the other formations in the area a title also, such as South Bluff, Dome Rock, Eagle Rock, Saddle Rock, and the famous Mitchell Pass.

In 1880-1890, the city of Gering was founded 4 miles east of the base of the bluff. In the 1900s, the city of Scottsbluff was founded at the north border of the North Platte River and five miles northeast of the bluffs. In 1919, there was a proposal for Scotts Bluff to become Scotts Bluff National Monument. The National Park Service (NPS) visited the bluffs to survey them.

All they called it was "a big bump in the land," but people protested back and eventually convinced NPS to make it a national monument. A trail was built in the park about five years later, and it was nicknamed "the zig-zag trail" because of its zigs and zags around the bluff. Many picnic areas were added to the park, also. Then, came a proposal to build a paved road to the summit of the bluff. The proposal was accepted, and construction began on Summit Road and the North and South Overlooks. The completion of the Summit Road ended up spending $200,000 of the park's money and took seven long years to construct. After the road was built, the park was seeing many new visitors. They decided to build a Visitor Center, which back then was only one room. These years (1930s-1940s) were nicknamed "an era of development."

More and more visitors began to visit that there became large traffic jams at the parking lot on the summit. The park rangers had to go up there sometimes and tell them to leave, but the visitors wouldn't budge. They wanted to see the fantastic views the monument has to offer. To stop the traffic jams, construction began on a larger summit parking lot (which is the parking lot used today.)

The visitor rate fell from 110,000 to 25,000 at the park each year when World War II began. Permission was given to enable farmland and rangeland to extend into the park's land during this period of time. After the war, the visitor rate per year began rising again to about 100,000.

Three additions to the Visitor Center were added. One was in the 1950s to make it a two-room building. The second was in the 1960s to make it a three-room building (like it is now.) The third was to give it a better exterior look which took place in the mid-1960s to 1970s.

Today, the monument can be seen from miles away. The picnic areas were removed, and the "zig-zag trail" was recreated to be the Saddle Rock Trail. The trail was also moved because of landslides and mudslides in the winter. Another trail was constructed to see views of the majestic Eagle Rock and to see the base of Mitchell Pass and the site where an Oregon Trail campsite was built. The visitor rate per year today is about 200,000 to low 300,000s.

Landscape

It is believed that at one time, all of the land in this area was at the level of the top of the bluffs. Erosion over a long period of time wore down most of the land, while the harder rock at the top of the bluffs protected them from this process. There is another belief that the North Platte River used to be very large and deep and was 20-35 miles wide. Scotts Bluff used to be an island in the river. Today's landscape of the monument includes South Bluff, the bluff south of Scotts Bluff, Mitchell Pass, the formation that pioneers used to pass through the bluffs, Scotts Bluff, the largest bluff in the area where Hiram Scott's body was found, and other bluffs, such as Eagle Rock, Dome Rock, and Saddle Rock. Scotts Bluff is the third-largest point in Nebraska that rises 835 feet above the North Platte Valley. There are also rivers and springs, such as the North Platte River and Scott Springs.

Climate
The highest point inside the monument boundaries reaches about 4600 feet above sea level. The elevation below is only around 3800 feet above sea level. As you can see, this is quite a steep incline, creating a sudden change in climate: plains to forested buttes. The steep incline can also cause breathing problems due to change in air pressure.

Visitor information

 * Park website

Get in
Scotts Bluff National Monument is five miles southwest of the town of Scottsbluff, Nebraska and three miles west of Gering, Nebraska on SR 92.

Fees and permits
There are no entrance fees charged for visiting the monument.

Get around
Private vehicles can be driven to the top of one of the bluffs. Or, you can hike up the Saddle Rock Trail. A free shuttle service is also offered during the summer months.

Do
There are many things to do in the monument. The average time spent by a visitor is 1-2 hours.

Buy
There is a gift shop in the Visitor Center or Oregon Trail Museum.

Eat
There are many restaurants located in Scottsbluff and Gering.

Drink
There may be water fountains in the Visitor Center.

Lodging
There is a large choice of hotels in Gering and Scottsbluff.

Camping
There is no camping allowed inside the borders of the monument.

Backcountry
The 1.6-mile long Saddle Rock Trail and the 0.5-mile long Wagon Train Trail will take you to spectacular views of the monument and bluffs.

Stay safe
Stay on the trails at all times. Being off the trails will make you a good target for rattlesnakes and will accelerate erosion. You may get lost if off the trail.

Go next

 * Agate Fossil Beds National Monument 55 mi. N
 * Chimney Rock National Historic Site 24 mi. SE
 * Fort Laramie National Historic Site 34 mi. NW
 * Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area 10 mi. S

title: Scotts Bluff National Monument


text:
Scottsburg

Scottsburg is a small town in Southern Indiana and the seat of Scott County.

By phone
Most telephone numbers in Scottsburg consist of +1 812 plus a seven-digit number, but the entire 812 area is now served by an overlay complex of two area codes, with +1 930 as the second. A local or in-state telephone call now requires all 10 digits of the local number be dialed (omitting just the leading +1 from a local landline call).

Signage on many established businesses may still display the original seven-digit numbers; dial 812 before these if no area code is indicated.

title: Scottsburg


text:
Scottsdale

You may be looking for:
 * Scottsdale (Arizona), a city in Arizona, United States of America
 * Scottsdale (Tasmania), a city in Tasmania, Australia

title: Scottsdale


text:
Scottsdale (Arizona)

Scottsdale is a city in the state of Arizona. Scottsdale is home to many galleries, high quality resorts, and golf courses. It is also one of the wealthier parts of the Phoenix Metro Area.

Understand
It is east of Phoenix and part of the Phoenix Metro Area. High end shopping destinations are one of the primary attractions of the city. For example, the Fashion Square Mall is near downtown Scottsdale and is one of the biggest malls in the United States. The extensive galleries to the west of the downtown also offer upscale shopping and strolling. The galleries in this area display works from local artists and from around the world.

The Old Town section of Scottsdale is to the east of the gallery district. It showcases the ironic attempt of Scottsdale to both embody swank upscale style as well as a caricature of the gruff American West. This part of town is undeniably kitschy. Well over half the shops are gift shops. However, it is fun enough for a browse in a Disneyland sort of way.

The canals
The valley of the sun has over of canals. Most of them were built in the last 100 years to provide water for the irrigation of farm land. However, now that the valley is much less agrarian the canals are primarily used to carry away storm water. Some are also used to generate hydroelectric power.

These often overlooked gems are open to the public. One can take in the beautiful desert scenery and fresh air while strolling along them. They provide walkers, joggers, and bikers with a nice refuge from traffic. But don't try swimming in the canals, aside from being an obvious bad idea because the sides are so steep it is also illegal, along with motorized vehicles.

Golf
Be sure to try one of the 200 golf courses in the Scottsdale area. Although most of the green fees are relatively high during the high season (Nov - Apr) there are a few good courses that can be played year round at a reasonable rate. Green fees are very cheap during the summer ($10 - $50 per round with cart) and if you tee-off early in the morning the heat doesn't become too bad before you finish your round.

By plane
The Phoenix metro area has several airports.

Get around
Scottsdale is undoubtedly a car-centric place. Most of the city is too spread out to reasonably walk, far more people use their own cars than ride the bus, and the light rail does not come to Scottsdale.

By car
Scottsdale is laid out for cars. The roads are large and the parking, even downtown, is usually more than ample.

To keep the speed limits and traffic signals well enforced, the city of Scottsdale extensively uses photo radar. Residents often learn where the cameras are and slow down near them. However, sometimes they slow down a bit abruptly. Drivers are often well served by expecting this from time to time.

 * There are 3 types of cameras.

 * 1) Intersection Cameras These cameras monitor for both speeding and the running of red lights. There will be a line painted in the intersection just past the crosswalk. This is the line that, if crossed, will trigger the cameras. There will be lights that flash in front and behind the car to get a clear picture of both the front and back of the car. Some GPS systems will indicate that there is a red light running camera coming up, so that the driver will be aware of the camera at the intersection ahead.
 * 2) Temporary Standing Cameras These monitor one side of the road and are intended to keep the speed reasonable. They generally are triggered over the speed limit.  They look like a box sitting on the sidewalk, metal, with a lens pointing out one direction near the top.  They will always have a sign posted within 100 feet (30 m) in front of the box indicating that traffic laws are 'photo enforced'.
 * 3) Mobile Vehicle Cameras These are speed-monitoring cameras that sit along the side of the road. These are harder to spot because they move locations regularly and park inconspicuously. They will always have at least one sign posted within 300 feet (90 m) of the vehicle to indicate that traffic is being photo enforced in the area.

Generally it is easiest and safest to simply drive the speed limit and not run red lights.

By foot
Getting around by walking can take a bit of planning. Not all roads have sidewalks and distances that seem reasonable can become quite uncomfortable in the warmer months. Usually, if people visiting want to walk, the best way to do this is to pick a place set up for walking, then drive there. If you're in the mood for walking, see below.

By public transit
Downtown Scottsdale has a free public transportation system of trolleys. These modified buses come by every 15-20 minutes to designated stops along their routes, which run Monday through Friday. The routes are especially designed to help the elderly get to the senior center at Granite Reef & McDowell Roads.

The Valley Metro public transit system is also available in Scottsdale, also there are pay-as-you-go bicycles and scooters that are in racks at many bus stops around town. The bus, bicycles, and scooters all are paid via an app anyone can get on their phone. Bus passes can also be paid for with cash at Circle K convenience stores.

See

Do

Flooding
It doesn't rain very frequently in Scottsdale. However, when the rain does come many lakes swell, bike paths are submerged, and roads become impassable.

If there is a notable amount of water on the road, don't drive through it. Drivers frequently become stranded in the middle of flooded washes. Cars can be swept away in a deceptively small amount of water. As you might guess, attempting to drive across such flooded roads is dangerous.

Arizona also has what they like to call a "Stupid Motorist Law." It says that if someone drives around a barricade to enter a flooded road they will be charged for their rescue.

Heat
In the summer it can get quite hot. Dehydration, heat stroke, and sun stroke become notable risks.

Drink plenty of water and stay indoors in the afternoon, during the hottest parts of the day.

Outdoor activities are usually far more pleasant in the early morning when it is still cool. Because the temperatures in the desert swing so much between night and day, morning temperatures can be quite pleasant even during the height of the summer.

Go next

 * Downtown Tempe has a lively night life, being a college town
 * There are many museums and other cultural venues in Phoenix

title: Scottsdale (Arizona)


text:
Scottsdale (Tasmania)

Scottsdale is a town of approximately 2000 people located in north-east Tasmania, Australia. The closest city is Launceston, 70 km away.

Understand
The small town is in a "chocolate box" setting, complete with rolling green paddocks, red volcanic soil and surrounding blue-tinged hills. It is a great base to explore the unspoiled Tasmanian forests, deserted beaches and pretty countryside.

Get in
The best idea is to use your own or a hire car to allow maximum freedom. To get to Scottsdale, drive from Launceston via the Tasman Highway (1 hour) or the Lilydale Road (also one hour). If arriving via Lilydale Road, be sure to turn into King St and not miss the town completely, as this is possible after the re-diversion of the entry to the town.

Redline Coaches serve Scottsdale, there are a couple a day from Launceston and Derby.

Get around
It's very easy to get around Scottsdale by foot, and is in fact one of the best ways to enjoy the country gardens and small "Tassie" town atmosphere.

See

 * A visit to the on the eastern end of town is worth a picnic lunch and a gentle stroll around the "forest" walk. Sometime you can spot the resident platypus in the creek. This is a free camping place too.
 * Bridestowe Estate Lavender Farm is a very popular attraction for all visitors to the Scottsdale area in December and January, when the lavender is generally in bloom. The farm is open from 9AM to 5PM, there are guided tours, barbecues, a cafe, beautiful gift shop, and of course acres and acres of purple lavender in the unique setting of the Tasmanian bush. Arrive early in the day at the peak of the flowering season. Entry is around $5 or so, and well worth it if you appreciate beauty.

Do
Scottsdale is the centre of all activities bushwalking. Mt. Stronach, Cuckoo Falls, Mt Scott, and Myrtle Grove Forest Park are the closest bushwalks. Ask at the Forest EcoCentre, specifically the Forestry Tasmania office, for more information. The best idea is to get a photocopied map so that you can find your way through the forest roads to the beginning of the walks.

 * Mt. Stronach and Mt. Scott both offer spectacular views across North-East Tasmania. On a clear day, you can see the Furneaux group of islands in Bass Strait.
 * Cuckoo Falls is a pleasant walk to a pretty waterfall hidden in the local forest. The stated time for this walk is 3hrs return, but you can achieve it in less depending on your fitness. The track starts off on the level and gently climbs for about 3/4 hour. Then the climb becomes a little more demanding for about 20 minutes. But it's worth the trip to see the beautiful falls and you might be the only one visiting, thus you have a whole piece of wilderness to yourself for an hour or two! What luxury.
 * Myrtle Grove is a great spot for a barbecue surrounded by tall imported trees. The fresh, woody smell in the air is absolutely amazing combined with sausages on a barbecue. Follow a lunch with a stroll around the Arboretum. In the autumn, this is a great spot for blackberry picking.
 * Fishing is a popular activity around Scottsdale. Lakes and beaches around the coast provide a great coastal fishing experience. Try Blackmans lagoon and Waterhose lakes, the Cut on the Foreter river, and the upper Brid.
 * A walk along one of the country roads around Scottsdale at night is a great experience for a city dweller - no safety concerns, no traffic, just fresh, country air, the open road and a starry sky.

Buy
If you want special Tasmanian gifts, definitely check out the gift shop and the Bridestowe Estate Lavender Farm. It is well-stocked, not overpriced and has friendly, local staff.

Enjoy a stroll up Scottsdale's main shopping street to see the local traders. Roses Newsagency is one of the luckiest newsagencies in Tasmania if you fancy the lotto, with several millionaires having bought their ticket there.

You must visit the Art gallery in Alfred St. Features new and emerging artists and some of the more well established local identies work.

Eat

 * For groceries, there is a well-stocked Woolworths supermarket, the corner of King and Victoria Streets.
 * For the local specialty, head to Poole's Pies and Pasties. Make sure you choose wisely between a curly pastie or a flakey pastie. Both have their pros and cons.
 * Cottage Bakery is very popular for its breads and coffees, located on Victoria Street.
 * Steak Out, King St. Offers fresh local produce for lunch and dinner.

For a more formal meal amidst a beautiful old-fashioned garden, Anabel's of Scottsdale offers a solid menu.

Drink

 * Lords Hotel, Cnr King and George Streets. This is the main watering hole. People spill out onto the beautiful verandahs on a Friday or Saturday night. Good Tasmanian beer. Pub atmosphere.

Go next
Scottsdale is the ideal base to explore Bridport, Ringarooma, Derby, Branxholm, and Winnaleah.

title: Scottsdale (Tasmania)


text:
Scotts Valley

Scotts Valley is a small city in Santa Cruz County in the Santa Cruz Mountains between Santa Cruz and the Silicon Valley.

Get in
Most visitors arrive in Scotts Valley by car. Two exits off of the winding California State Route 17 (Scotts Valley Drive and Mount Hermon Road) take visitors into the city.

There is no train service in Scotts Valley, but a collaboration between Amtrak, Santa Clara County's Valley Transit Authority, and Santa Cruz County's Metro Transit District has resulted in frequent, daily, hour-long bus trips between downtown San Jose and Scotts Valley. The "Highway 17 Express" costs $7 each way; a $14 day pass entitles the bearer to free use of both the VTA and Metro mass transit systems for the day (2016 rates). In San Jose, this bus stops at the Diridon train station (with connections to CalTrain), VTA light rail stops in downtown San Jose, and at San Jose State University. In Santa Cruz County, it stops at the Cavallero Transit Center in Scotts Valley (on King's Village Road, just off Mount Hermon Road). Some routes continue into downtown Santa Cruz. This bus route is popular with students, non-drivers, and regular commuters to the downtown San Jose area.

Greyhound also provides bus service to the area from San Francisco.

The nearest airports with scheduled passenger service are in San Jose and Monterey. The nearest municipal airport for private planes is in Watsonville.

Get around
Most visitors to Scotts Valley drive to nearby attractions. The main part of the small city is adjacent to California State Route 17. The city itself has two main roads: Scotts Valley Drive and Mount Hermon Road. Scotts Valley Drive parallels Highway 17; Mount Hermon Road proceeds northwest to Felton.

The primary local bus route in the city, which runs approximately every half hour during the day, goes south to downtown Santa Cruz and north on Mount Hermon Road to the communities in the San Lorenzo Valley. Rates are $1.50 per adult per trip; there are no transfers. The main Santa Cruz bus station is in the downtown shopping district and about a fifteen-minute-long walk away from Main Beach in Santa Cruz. The bus system is more useful for getting in and out of Scotts Valley than for getting from one place to another in the city itself.

Visitors can also take the Highway 17 Express and Greyhound buses to San Jose and the San Francisco Bay area.

The main city roads are in relatively good condition for bicycling. Some back roads (such as Bean Creek Road) offer scenic but challenging cycling for the experienced cyclist.

See

 * Several city parks, including the large Skypark complex, are available for day use at no cost and may be popular with families. Skypark offers an enclosed dog run, a 20,000 square foot (1850 square meters) concrete skateboard park, two playgrounds, soccer fields, bocce ball courts, and picnic areas.  An easy trail beyond the tennis courts loops around an adjacent housing area and provides beautiful views of the surrounding valleys.  Siltanen Park, at the north end of Scotts Valley, offers playground space and a shallow swimming pool with a lifeguard.

Do
Most visitors use Scotts Valley as a convenient base for exploring the nearby areas and attractions: the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the redwood forests and steam train in Felton, the kayak-friendly sloughs in Watsonville, and the beaches all along the coast.

 * Within the City of Scotts Valley, there are four wineries. Roudon-Smith Winery and Glenwood Oaks Winery (same location) are open for tastings on Saturday afternoons and occasionally for events sponsored by the Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Association.
 * The Chamber of Commerce sponsors a large Art and Wine Festival at the Sky Park field each August. On Independence Day, a regional fireworks display is hosted at Skypark.

Buy
Shoppers will appreciate the many stores, restaurants, and even day spas in the neighborhoods of Mt. Hermon and Kings Village Road. For the bargain hunter, Scotts Valley is also home to a couple of delightful thrift stores.

 * The senior center on Kings Village Road, across from Skypark, houses a small, boutique-style thrift store in the back as an ongoing fundraiser. It does not handle clothing, but it usually has an interesting selection of small items to choose from. Go in through the main door and tell the volunteer at the desk you are there for the thrift shop.
 * The Goodwill store on the southwest corner of Mount Hermon and Scotts Valley Drive has a larger selection of good quality, used items at modest prices. Allow a bit of time, if you can, to browse around this larger store.
 * In neighboring Felton, try The Abbot's thrift store (6164 Hwy 9) for a still different experience. The larger building brims with a jumble of antiques, junk, curiosities, and everything in between.

Go next

 * Santa Cruz - Located seven miles south of Scotts Valley, Santa Cruz is best known as a countercultural hub, with a fun bohemian feel and youthful vibe, and weekend tourist attractions like the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a historic mission, and the dubious Mystery Spot. The beaches north and south of Santa Cruz are considered some of the more pristine areas of natural beauty in central California, and while conditions generally make them impractical for swimming, several are considered an expert surfer's cold cold paradise.

title: Scotts Valley


text:
Scottsville (Kentucky)

Scottsville, the county seat of Allen County, features hunting, fishing, antique shopping and a gracious countryside in Kentucky's Caves and Lakes region.

Understand
The area code is 270. The zip code is 42164.

 * Scottsville-Allen County Chamber of Commerce, 102 Public Square, +1 270 237-4782. Fax: +1 270 237-5498,

Get in
Scottsville is located 20 miles southeast of Bowling Green on US 231.

Historic Sites

 * Public Spring, Locust St., one block from KY 100 South. Scottsville became the county seat of Allen County because of the spring. It was not only the source of fresh water for the area but the hub of commerce. The spring also provides a seasonal supply of fresh water cress, an early spring salad green.
 * The Tabernacle, KY 100 East. The Tabernacle was built in 1897 and seat of early revivals and gospel singing held in Allen County. The early days of the old Tabernacle with its sawdust floors and handheld fans formed the foundation for Allen County deep gospel roots. The Allen County Singing Convention is held at The Tabernacle in September.
 * The Tabernacle, KY 100 East. The Tabernacle was built in 1897 and seat of early revivals and gospel singing held in Allen County. The early days of the old Tabernacle with its sawdust floors and handheld fans formed the foundation for Allen County deep gospel roots. The Allen County Singing Convention is held at The Tabernacle in September.

Mennonite Community
Travel back to the turn of the century by visiting the Mennonite Community located between KY 100 and 585 and KY 1332. Calling themselves the "plain people", they lead a simple life with no electricity or gas-powered machinery. See molasses made the old-fashioned way in the fall; shop for fine fresh produce in the summer; and purchase handmade leather items. Specific location maps are available at the Scottsville-Allen County Chamber of Commerce.

Events

 * Jacksonian Days
 * Allen County Saddle Club Horse Show
 * Kentucky State Gospel Singing Convention
 * Fall Rural Heritage

Parks

 * Barren River Lake State Resort Park Allen County offers top-notch outdoor recreation along its 50 miles of shoreline at Barren River Lake. Beautiful scenery and high rated camping awaits you. Trophy deer, wild turkey and excellent fishing await the sportsman. The Kentucky State Record Hybrid Bass (20 lbs. 8 ozs.) was taken right here in Barren River Lake.

Drink
Allen County is a dry county.

By phone
Most telephone numbers in Scottsville consist of +1 270 plus a seven-digit number, but the area is now served by an overlay complex of two area codes, with +1 364 being the second. A local or in-state telephone call now requires all 10 digits of the local number be dialed (omitting just the leading +1 from a local landline call).

Signage on many established businesses may still display the original seven-digit numbers; dial 270 before these if no area code is indicated.

title: Scottsville (Kentucky)


text:
Scranton

Scranton is a city in Northeastern Pennsylvania. It is near [[Wilkes-Barre, and is the seventh most populous city in the state. Today, it is perhaps best known as the setting of the hit TV show "The Office" and the birthplace of Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States.

Understand
The city grew vigorously in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as a capital of coal mining and railroads, which were vital to the expanding industry in this part of the country. Prosperity subsided and economic distress followed for decades. Property values have since increased as Scranton is gaining employers and investment. From 2005 to 2013, Scranton entered American popular culture as the setting for the U.S. version of the TV series The Office (though only the opening credits were shot in the city).

By plane

Scranton is within three hours driving distance from Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, John F. Kennedy International Airport  and LaGuardia Airport  in New York City, Philadelphia International Airport  in Philadelphia, and Lehigh Valley International Airport  in Allentown.

By car
Scranton is accessible primarily by car (or by coach bus):
 * I-84 west from New England.
 * I-80 east to I-380 north from New York City; west from Erie, State College, and Pittsburgh.
 * I-476 (PA Turnpike Northeast Extension) north from Allentown and Philadelphia
 * I-81 south from Ontario/Quebec and Syracuse; north from Washington DC via Harrisburg

By bus
Scranton is also served by multiple bus lines. All buses stop at, located a few blocks from downtown on Lackawanna Ave.

 * Martz Trailways, operates routes to New York City and Philadelphia daily, and to other Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York destinations. Check website for schedules and fares.
 * Greyhound Bus Line, has a stop in Scranton and travels to Harrisburg, Binghamton, Allentown, Philadelphia, New York City, and beyond. Check website for schedule and tickets.

By train
The Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Rail Authority is working with New Jersey Transit to bring a passenger railroad back to Scranton from New York City and its western suburbs.

By bicycle
The Electric City is a growing biker/commuter city. Gas prices going up help many to decide alternative means of getting to work, restaurants, and shopping. While Scranton does not provide cyclists with bike lanes popular to Philadelphia, New York City, and other big cities, some groups try to bring biker awareness and safety to light. The last Friday of every month, 6PM North Washington side of the courthouse, is where you can find bikers of all sorts gathering to participate in Critical Mass. It is a gathering of cyclists of sorts to participate in a huge group ride. The purpose of Critical Mass is to bring awareness of bicyclists to the public. Some forms Critical Mass have been used to protest certain events, be it political, social, and so on. Careful, you may see the car, but they don't always see you.

By car
Virtually all transportation throughout the city is by car. North Main Avenue and the North Scranton Expressway travel north to the Providence section and to the shopping centers of Dickson City. Green Ridge Street and the Central Scranton expressway travel east to the large suburb of Dunmore and I-81. Pittston and Cedar Avenues are the main routes through "South Side" to the Minooka section and beyond to the attractions of Montage Mountain. South Main Avenue and Keyser Avenue are likewise the main routes through "West Side".

Scranton Parking operates four daily parking garages in the city. The garages are Casey Garage (corner of Lackawanna Ave. & Adams Ave.), Linden Street Garage (corner of Linden St. & N. Washington St.), Medallion Garage (100 Block of Adams Ave.), and the Electric City Garage (with entrances on Spruce St. & Penn Ave.). Rates are $1.75/1st hour and about $0.75/hr afterwards. They're open daily from 7AM-11PM, with Linden St. open 7AM-2AM on Saturdays.

Private taxicabs such as Posten and McCarthy service the area as well. They are hired by telephone through central dispatch and cannot be hailed on the street as in larger cities.

On foot
Walking is also safe and practical in "Central City" (or "Central Scranton"/"Downtown Scranton"). This area of two dozen square blocks (approximately bound by Lackawanna Ave. and Jefferson, Vine, and Mifflin Sts.) contains a great deal of what Scranton has to offer tourists, so it may be best to just park at one of many garages for a reasonable day-long fee.

By bus
County of Lackawanna Transit System (COLTS) also operates public buses throughout all parts of the city and a few Lackawanna County extremities. Rates are $1.25/ride, $11/10 rides (adult), $10/10 rides (student), or $40/31 day unlimited pass. Travel times are a little more than twice what it would take driving the same route. The system typically operates from 7AM-7PM, check the website for exact schedule. COLTS does not operate on Sundays or Holidays.

See
Scranton is host to many architecturally interesting buildings from the early 1900s, most notably the county courthouse in the middle of Central City. Also downtown:
 * The former Lackawanna Train Station & Headquarters, 700 Lackawanna Ave., which has been converted to a Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel (See "Sleep" section for more information about the Radisson Hotel).
 * Fans of the US version of The Office looking for Scranton Business Park (AKA the Dunder-Mifflin building) at 1725 Slough Avenue will sadly be disappointed! Although the series did feature scenes filmed on location in Scranton, neither the building itself nor Slough Avenue actually exists. The outdoor shots of the Business Park were actually the exterior of Chandler Valley Studios in Van Nuys, California.
 * Fans of the US version of The Office looking for Scranton Business Park (AKA the Dunder-Mifflin building) at 1725 Slough Avenue will sadly be disappointed! Although the series did feature scenes filmed on location in Scranton, neither the building itself nor Slough Avenue actually exists. The outdoor shots of the Business Park were actually the exterior of Chandler Valley Studios in Van Nuys, California.
 * Fans of the US version of The Office looking for Scranton Business Park (AKA the Dunder-Mifflin building) at 1725 Slough Avenue will sadly be disappointed! Although the series did feature scenes filmed on location in Scranton, neither the building itself nor Slough Avenue actually exists. The outdoor shots of the Business Park were actually the exterior of Chandler Valley Studios in Van Nuys, California.
 * Fans of the US version of The Office looking for Scranton Business Park (AKA the Dunder-Mifflin building) at 1725 Slough Avenue will sadly be disappointed! Although the series did feature scenes filmed on location in Scranton, neither the building itself nor Slough Avenue actually exists. The outdoor shots of the Business Park were actually the exterior of Chandler Valley Studios in Van Nuys, California.
 * Fans of the US version of The Office looking for Scranton Business Park (AKA the Dunder-Mifflin building) at 1725 Slough Avenue will sadly be disappointed! Although the series did feature scenes filmed on location in Scranton, neither the building itself nor Slough Avenue actually exists. The outdoor shots of the Business Park were actually the exterior of Chandler Valley Studios in Van Nuys, California.
 * Fans of the US version of The Office looking for Scranton Business Park (AKA the Dunder-Mifflin building) at 1725 Slough Avenue will sadly be disappointed! Although the series did feature scenes filmed on location in Scranton, neither the building itself nor Slough Avenue actually exists. The outdoor shots of the Business Park were actually the exterior of Chandler Valley Studios in Van Nuys, California.
 * Fans of the US version of The Office looking for Scranton Business Park (AKA the Dunder-Mifflin building) at 1725 Slough Avenue will sadly be disappointed! Although the series did feature scenes filmed on location in Scranton, neither the building itself nor Slough Avenue actually exists. The outdoor shots of the Business Park were actually the exterior of Chandler Valley Studios in Van Nuys, California.
 * Fans of the US version of The Office looking for Scranton Business Park (AKA the Dunder-Mifflin building) at 1725 Slough Avenue will sadly be disappointed! Although the series did feature scenes filmed on location in Scranton, neither the building itself nor Slough Avenue actually exists. The outdoor shots of the Business Park were actually the exterior of Chandler Valley Studios in Van Nuys, California.
 * Fans of the US version of The Office looking for Scranton Business Park (AKA the Dunder-Mifflin building) at 1725 Slough Avenue will sadly be disappointed! Although the series did feature scenes filmed on location in Scranton, neither the building itself nor Slough Avenue actually exists. The outdoor shots of the Business Park were actually the exterior of Chandler Valley Studios in Van Nuys, California.
 * Fans of the US version of The Office looking for Scranton Business Park (AKA the Dunder-Mifflin building) at 1725 Slough Avenue will sadly be disappointed! Although the series did feature scenes filmed on location in Scranton, neither the building itself nor Slough Avenue actually exists. The outdoor shots of the Business Park were actually the exterior of Chandler Valley Studios in Van Nuys, California.
 * Fans of the US version of The Office looking for Scranton Business Park (AKA the Dunder-Mifflin building) at 1725 Slough Avenue will sadly be disappointed! Although the series did feature scenes filmed on location in Scranton, neither the building itself nor Slough Avenue actually exists. The outdoor shots of the Business Park were actually the exterior of Chandler Valley Studios in Van Nuys, California.

Buy

 * Dozens of small specialty shops throughout Central City: musical instruments, records, army/navy apparel, model trains (i.e Scranton Hobby Center), comics, day spa services...
 * Dozens of small specialty shops throughout Central City: musical instruments, records, army/navy apparel, model trains (i.e Scranton Hobby Center), comics, day spa services...
 * Dozens of small specialty shops throughout Central City: musical instruments, records, army/navy apparel, model trains (i.e Scranton Hobby Center), comics, day spa services...

Drink
Being a college town it is not hard to find places to drink. Just walking around the Hill Section of town on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night you can find countless parties. Drink until the Keg is Kicked for $5.

Refer to the Electric City, the Scranton area's free entertainment weekly, for plenty of advertisements, listings, and reviews of nightlife.

Go next

 * Lackawanna State Park is approximately 15 minutes away from Scranton in Lackwanna County. The park has facilities for camping, boating, canoe/kayak rental, a swimming pool, and walking/hiking trails. Most facilities are open April through October, check website for specifics.
 * The Dietrich Theater, Bus. Rt. 6 Tunkhannock, +1 570 836-1022. Offers first run, foreign, independent, & classic films in a restored theater. Fall/Spring Film Festivals and cultural classes on site. Check website for movie times. Approximately 30 minutes from Scranton on Rt. 6. "More Than the Movies!"
 * Sno Mountain, 1000 Montage Mountain Rd, +1 570 969-7854. Once known as Montage Mountain, Sno Mountain offers a wide range of winter and off season attractions and activities. Ski, snowboard, zip ride, tubing, golf, batting cages, water slides, and a Lazy River (being constructed) in addition to other fun and family friendly attractions.  Average ticket prices, check out the web page for group rates and special deals.
 * McDade Park is off Snake Road in West Scranton. The land was reclaimed by the city in the 1970s from the Lackawanna coal mining terrain. It has become one of the city’s top leisure destinations offering many different types of activities for visitors to enjoy. McDade Park has a fishing pond (stocked regularly), an Olympic size swimming pool with bath houses, basketball and tennis courts, two baseball fields, a pavilion, playgrounds, outdoor picnic areas with charcoal grills, open fields and rolling hills and a 1.8-mile cross-county ski or walking trail, The Lackawanna Coal Mining Tour and the Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum. McDade Park is spread out over 200 acres of land, with free admission to outdoor enthusiasts and visitors. For more information about McDade Park please call +1 570 963-6764.

title: Scranton