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Formula One

Formula One is the most popular annual car-race series in the world. Its global reach allows people from all over the world to attend its races. Attending a race can be an adventure in itself, and a race-goer can expect to experience a new country and culture and interact with people from all around the world. Formula One visits roughly 20 countries on every continent except Africa.

Understand
The locations of Formula One racing remain fairly static throughout the year, with only the dates of the races subject to year on year changes. More countries have been hosting a Grand Prix, especially in Asia. Recent additions include circuits in Azerbaijan, the Middle East, Singapore, the United States and Mexico.

Weekend structure
Formula One events take place over three days, referred to as 'the weekend', starting with practice sessions on Friday, qualifying on Saturday, and culminating with the race on Sunday. Monaco is normally the only exception to this, where the practice sessions are by tradition held one day earlier on the Thursday, leaving the Friday free. (In 2024, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia races were rescheduled to Saturday to avoid conflicts with the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.) The routine below outlines a normal non-sprint weekend:

As of 2021, a new format that includes the Sprint has been introduced at some tracks. The routine below outlines a sprint weekend:
 * Friday (Thursday in Monaco) kicks off the weekend with two 1-hour Free Practice sessions: one in the morning (FP1) and one in the early afternoon (FP2). Qualifying for some supporting championships may also occur in between or after the sessions.
 * Saturday features the third and final Free Practice session in the morning (FP3) before the official qualifying session, which most often begins at 1PM local time. The qualifying lasts 60 minutes, after which support championships go back on track with either qualifying sessions or races depending on the category.
 * Sunday is the busiest day of the weekend, comprising entirely of races. Support championship races will bookend the day, with the Formula One race beginning anywhere between 13:00 and 15:00 local time, depending on location (the Australian and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix begin late afternoon, the Singapore Grand Prix at 20:00). A Formula One race can last up to 2 hours of running time or 3 hours from race start (whichever comes first; red flag stops the running time), but barring delays or wet weather 70-90 minute races are expected.

 * Friday kicks off the weekend with the only Free Practice session in the morning (FP1). Teams will make their best efforts to utilize the limited practice before Qualifying at the FP2 timeslot.
 * Saturday is the Sprint day, kicked off with a Sprint Shootout (read: shortened Qualifying) at the FP3 timeslot, followed by a 100-km Sprint Race that lasts roughly a third of the main race on Sunday. Offers limited points for the Top 8 and pitstops are optional, however results from the Sprint Race do not affect the main race.
 * Sunday works the same way as a normal non-sprint weekend.

Support races
With only six hours of action over three days, the crowd can get restless when the Formula One cars aren't racing around the track. However, the Formula One championship is joined by many other supporting championships over the weekend to keep the track alive. The races may be shorter and the cars may be slower, but don't discount the excitement (and carnage) they may bring.
 * Formula 2 (F2) is the feeder series to F1 and is present at most European and Middle Eastern races. Formula 2 cars look like smaller versions of F1 cars and their drivers are eager to cut their teeth into world-class racing, as finishing well in this series helps to acquire the prestige and Super License points necessary to make it to F1. Formula 2 features 30-minute practice and qualifying sessions on Friday and Saturday respectively, and one race each on Saturday and Sunday. The series has a reputation of delivering future racing stars, and several of the current crop of F1 drivers, such as Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, Alexander Albon, and Charles Leclerc were once Formula 2 drivers.
 * Formula 3 (F3) is a rung down from Formula 2, with young drivers getting their first taste of international racing. The series is present at most European races. Like Formula 2, there are 30-minute practice and qualifying sessions on the Friday and Saturday before two races on the Saturday and Sunday. While successful F3 drivers typically graduate to F2, a notable exception is current F1 series champion Max Verstappen, who went directly from F3 to F1.
 * Porsche Supercup is a sports car series where all drivers compete in identical Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars. Most current Porsche factory drivers have competed in Porsche Supercup.

Canada
Canadian Grand Prix - Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, Montréal
 * Date: mid-June
 * Tickets (2014): General Admission: $45.45 (F), $70.50 (Sa), $95.75 (Su), $126.00 (weekend); Grandstand: $267.50-560.00; 1 child under 11 per ticket-holding adult: Free
 * Certainly one of the best venues on the calendar, the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve often produces some of the best racing of the season. The circuit is within the Parc Jean-Drapeau on Île Notre-Dame island right across downtown Montréal. Popular seating areas include along the start/finish straight, at the first chance and down at the hairpin. Although most of the recent races have been dry, wet weather is a possibility with heavy rainfall delaying the race by two hours in 2011. Expect to see close racing and plenty of overtaking.
 * Contact: dfauteux@octanemanagement.ca, +1 514-350-4731 ext 230

United States
Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami Gardens, Florida (about 16 miles/26 km north of downtown Miami)
 * Date: early May
 * Tickets: No information yet available
 * The Miami International Autodrome is a temporary circuit set around Hard Rock Stadium, home of the NFL's Miami Dolphins, and the stadium's private facilities. One of F1's newer circuits, it held its first races in 2022, and is contractually guaranteed of remaining on the calendar until at least 2031.
 * Contact: info@f1miamigp.com

United States Grand Prix - Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas
 * Date: late October
 * Tickets: General Admission: $59 (F), $79 (Sa), $99 (Su), $169 (weekend); Reserved Seating: $79 (F), $149 (Sa), $249 (Su), $299–499, depending on location (weekend)
 * A purpose-built track for the Formula One circus, the Circuit of the Americas features large undulations which offer great viewing spots from many of the grandstands. The circuit is near Austin Bergstrom International Airport, making the circuit easy to reach from most parts of Austin.
 * Contact: info@circuitoftheamericas.com, +1 512-301-6600

Las Vegas Grand Prix - Las Vegas Strip Circuit, Las Vegas, Nevada
 * Date: mid-November
 * Tickets: TBA
 * The Las Vegas Grand Prix is the newest Grand Prix, first held in 2023, and also the newest night race in F1. It races around Las Vegas, including the famous Las Vegas Strip.
 * Contact: info@f1lasvegasgp.com

Mexico
Mexican Grand Prix - Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez Mexico City
 * Date: late October
 * TBA
 * Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez returned to the calendar in 2015 after being absent since 1992, to the appreciation of the enthusiastic Mexican fans, who have Sergio Perez to cheer for. The circuit is a mixture of long straights and winding esses.
 * Contact:

Brazil
Brazilian Grand Prix -  Autódromo José Carlos Pace (Interlagos), São Paulo
 * Date: mid-November
 * Tickets: Grandstand: R$995-R$3,320 (weekend)
 * Brazil has been represented on the F1 calendar by the Autódromo José Carlos Pace since 1991 and was the site of the championship decider in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2012. Bumpy and quick, the track offers good overtaking opportunities. The Brazilian fans are among the most passionate in F1 and will not hide their joy or disappointment at the fortunes of local drivers. Expect dry conditions, but do not discount the possibility of brief showers.
 * Contact: faleconosco@gpbrasil.com.br, +55 11 5666-8822

Bahrain
Bahrain Grand Prix -  Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir
 * Date: early March
 * Tickets: No information available
 * The Bahrain International Circuit became the first circuit in the Middle East to host a Formula One race in 2004. The race has been held in March/April for the entirety of its run to avoid the scorching summer desert heat. However, the race is usually the hottest of the year. The grandstands provide relief from the sun but when walking around the paddock make sure to stay hydrated. Being in the middle of a desert, the landscape is barren and dull, not unlike much of the racing here. Local civil unrest can be a distraction.
 * Contact: info@bic.com.bh, +973 1745 0000

China
Chinese Grand Prix -  Shanghai International Circuit, Shanghai
 * Date: mid-April
 * Tickets : No information available
 * The Shanghai International Circuit is a modern autodrome built for the first Chinese Grand Prix in 2004. Good vantage points are the hairpin at the end of the 1 km straight, which always has overtaking action, and the main grandstand along the start/finish straight, from which one can view 80% of the circuit. Crowding is never a problem and the event typically undersells, leading to many empty seats. General admission is very cheap compared to grandstand entry, but there are no viewable video screens.
 * Contact: +86 216 956 8888

Japan
Japanese Grand Prix - Suzuka International Racing Course (or simply Suzuka Circuit), Suzuka
 * Date: early October
 * Tickets : Grandstand: ¥15,568-98,592 (weekend)
 * The only Grand Prix in Asia for a long time, the Suzuka Circuit is notable for being the site of numerous championship deciders in the 1990s. The Japanese fans are an enthusiastic bunch and seldom leave the grounds before the sun has set. The best spot for viewing overtaking is along the main straight where one can see moves into the final chicane and into the first corner. There is an amusement park on site for the quieter parts of the weekend.
 * Contact:

Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix - Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Jeddah
 * Date: early March
 * Tickets: No information available
 * The Saudi Arabian GP is one of the newer races on the calendar, having been introduced in 2021. The race has been held in March/April for the entirety of its run to avoid the scorching summer desert heat, and is one of the few races held entirely at night for that same reason. Nonetheless, the race is still one of the hotter ones of the year.
 * Contact: tickets@saudimotorsport.com, +966 9200 21023

Singapore
Singapore Grand Prix - Marina Bay Street Circuit, Singapore
 * Date: mid-September
 * Tickets : Grandstand: S$698-S$1288 (weekend); Walkabout: S$68 (F), S$148 (Sa), S$178 (Su), S$228-S$498 (weekend)
 * The Singapore Grand Prix is the first F1 race held at night, and the backdrop of the city of Singapore makes this event a visual feast not to be missed. The Marina Bay Street Circuit winds itself around the harbourfront, going past local landmarks such as the Singapore Flyer, the Fullerton Hotel, and the Merlion Park.
 * Contact: tickets@singaporegp.sg, +65 6738 6738

United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi ِAbu Dhabi Grand Prix News  - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix News, Abu Dhabi
 * Date: late November
 * Tickets: General Admission: AED545 (Sa Su); Grandstand: AED1,875 (Sa Su), AED2,080-AED2,600 (wkd)
 * The Yas Marina Circuit hosts the only grand prix that starts in the afternoon and ends after sunset. The circuit does not provide particularly exciting racing, but the grandstands along the two long straights give the opportunity to watch cars race up to 200 mph. The circuit facilities around the paddock are the very definition of opulence, but expect to pay very high prices for access. The temperatures can also get pretty high during the day but should cool down by the time the race gets underway. On site is the Ferrari World theme park.
 * Contact: customerservice@yasmarinacircuit.com, +971 2659 9800

Austria
Austrian Grand Prix - Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Styria
 * Date: early July
 * Tickets: No information available
 * In the picturesque Austrian countryside.
 * Contact:

Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan Grand Prix - Baku City Circuit, Baku
 * Date: mid-June
 * Tickets: No information available
 * Contact:

Belgium
Belgian Grand Prix - Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Wallonia
 * Date: late August
 * Tickets: No information available
 * Possibly the best racing track in the world, the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps features everything that makes a circuit great: challenging high speed corners, large changes in altitude, plenty of overtaking opportunities, and a long history of producing exciting racing. The Eau Rouge corner is perhaps the most famous in F1, and Blanchimont and Stavelot are well known in motorsport circles. The best viewing opportunities are at the first corner (La Source) and the climb up to Les Combes. The circuit is notorious for its own micro-climate that can see drastically different conditions at each end of the track so be prepared for anything.
 * Contact: +32 8729 3700

Hungary
Hungarian Grand Prix - Hungaroring, Mogyoród, Pest County, near Budapest
 * Date: late July
 * Tickets: General Admission: Adult: €68 (Su), €77 (weekend), Junior: €34 (Su), €38 (weekend); Grandstand: Adult: €191-381 (Su), €99-423 (weekend), Junior: €50-169 (weekend)
 * The Hungaroring is notoriously twisty and makes overtaking very difficult. The first corner and the chicane are best bets to see some racing action. Being in Central Europe during the height of summer, temperatures can get very hot, and there is little shading. Grandstands along the start/finish offer some shade. Wet weather has only affected one Hungarian Grand Prix in more than 25 years, so an umbrella would only be needed for protection against the sun.
 * Contact:

Italy
Italian Grand Prix - Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza
 * Date: early September
 * Tickets: General Admission: Adult: €45 (F), €60 (Sa) €80 (Su), €90-€95 (weekend); Grandstand: Adult: €100-150 (Sa) €155-590 (Su), €110-600 (weekend)
 * The Italian Grand Prix is one of the classic events on the Formula One calendar and is home to the Ferrari team, where their fans are at their most passionate. The Autodromo Nazionale Monza is located inside a huge enclosed park, the Parco di Monza, which is also a natural reserve. The best viewing spots are at the chicanes and at the Curva Parabolica. Be aware of pickpocketing and the sale of illegal tickets in crowded areas near the circuit's gates.
 * Contact:

Monaco
Monaco Grand Prix - Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo
 * Date: late May
 * Tickets: No information available
 * Located on the streets of Monte Carlo, the Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most prestigious automobile races in the world. Overtaking does not feature heavily at the Circuit de Monaco. Viewing is largely restricted in the grandstands; being in a city means buildings block out a majority of the rest of the circuit, although it does provide a great opportunity for fans to get closer to the action than at any other venue. Unlike every other Grand Prix, Friday is a day off, with the cars taking to the track on the Thursday instead.
 * Contact:

Netherlands
Dutch Grand Prix - Zandvoort Circuit, Zandvoort
 * Date: May
 * Tickets prices not announced yet
 * A historic track which hosted its first F1 race in 1952. Formula 1 left the circuit in 1985 but returned in 2021. Traffic into the venue can be notoriously heavy, not only for cars but also for public transport.
 * Contact: +31 23 5 740 740

Spain
Spanish Grand Prix - Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Montmeló (near Barcelona)
 * Date: mid-May
 * Tickets: No information available
 * Featuring long straights and a variety of corners, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is seen as an all-rounders course, with plenty of opportunities for overtaking. It had been in a sharing arrangement with a street circuit in Valencia, but the latter city dropped out in 2013 and the Spanish Grand Prix has been here ever since. F1 drivers and mechanics are extremely familiar with the circuit, as it's one of F1's main testing venues.
 * Contact:

United Kingdom
British Grand Prix - Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone
 * Date: mid-July
 * Tickets (2014): General Admission: Adult: £58 (F), £76 (Sa), £150 (Su), Child: £29 (F), £38 (Sa), £75 (Su); Grandstand: Adult: £171-295 (Su), Child: £85-295 (Su)
 * A historic track which hosted the first F1 race in 1950, Silverstone is one of the fastest on the calendar and provides plenty of great viewing opportunities. Camping is allowed on site with a permit. Traffic into the venue can be notoriously heavy, not only for cars but also for helicopters, with the circuit becoming the busiest heliport in Europe on race day. Take precautions to deal with the unpredictable British summer weather. Despite having a modern layout and expensive ticket prices, the circuit still retains an old-fashioned vibe, and is still very much an event for the fans.
 * Contact: +44 844 3750 740

Australia
Australian Grand Prix - Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit, Albert Park, Melbourne
 * Date: mid-March
 * Tickets: Grandstand: Adult: $320-565 (4 days)
 * The Australian Grand Prix takes place at the Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit in Albert Park, which is normally a public park the rest of the year. Plenty of good viewing spots and compared to many tracks are quite close to the circuit's edge. General entry is good value with the most popular spot being Brocky's Hill at the back part of the circuit. It is advisable to take a picnic rug or foldable chair if choosing to sit there.
 * Contact:

Tickets
Entry to a circuit requires a ticket. Tickets can be bought for the whole weekend (all three days) or for one specific day (they get more expensive as the weekend goes along). There are generally two types on sale:
 * General admission tickets are the cheapest and most easily available, and they do not restrict the ticket-holder to a particular section of the track. Many circuits have viewing banks that general admission ticket-holders can use, although these fill up very quickly so get there early for a good spot. If the viewing areas are full then there are many parts where standing is available. These tickets do not give the comfort of grandstand tickets, so make sure adequate protection from the elements is brought along. The ground may be uneven or wet underfoot so bring suitable footwear and something to sit on.
 * Grandstand tickets give the best view of a particular section of the track and often have a large screen in view so none of the action is missed. Ticket prices are scaled, with the most expensive stands giving the most protection from the elements along with the best view. Tickets for grandstands are most commonly booked in advance so the buyer can choose a specific seat, although a few may be available on entry. There may be a few grandstands at some circuits that have no seat allocation, although these don't always give the best view.

By car
Formula One Grands Prix are popular events, so preparations should be made for heavy traffic. If arriving by car, Fridays are often the quietest day, but don't expect to just sail through. Traffic queues on the weekend can be ridiculously long, and unless you are a dedicated soul arriving before sunrise expect to be waiting upwards of half an hour. The same can be said for leaving. A vast majority of the crowd tends to try and leave at the same time, so unless you wish to leave early (and miss some racing) or wait until late in the evening (when there is no racing going on) be prepared for more waiting. The parking areas tend to be extremely large so make a note of anything that can make identifying where you've parked easier. No one wants to be searching for their car at the end of a tiring day.

By shuttlebus
Some circuits may offer a shuttlebus service, designed to alleviate traffic problems. Cars are parked some way from the track and shuttlebuses run at frequent times to the track in their own designated lane, so this can make entry a much quicker process.

By helicopter
Arriving by helicopter is the most stylish way for the fan to enter, if you are lucky enough to be a VIP. Most tracks have some kind of heliport, if not a purpose-built one then a field within the circuit perimeter is used. All the worries associated with queueing and waiting are largely foregone, and helicopter is surely the most stress-free way of getting in.

Get around
Walking is generally the best option (and sometimes the only option) for getting from one area to another. Circuit maps are printed within official programs and on boards dotted around the track. If you do not have a print version of the circuit map consider taking a picture of one of the boards with your phone or camera. Bridges and service tunnels connect the interior of the circuit with the exterior.

Buy
There will be many stalls situated just outside the viewing areas selling all kinds of F1 and motorsport memorabilia. Stock typically includes official team/driver merchandise and clothing; pictures and paintings; branded gear such as umbrellas, binoculars and flags; DVDs and other media; and collectible racing car models. Official programs will also be on sale. Be prepared to pay high prices (remember you're mainly paying for the brand), but they can make excellent souvenirs from the event and the gear can be used again for future events. These can usually be purchased online for cheaper prior to the weekend.

Sleep
With these tracks often located away from city centers, hotels near many of the circuits can sell out up to a year in advance, so if you are intending on staying nearby book early. Some venues, such as Silverstone, allow camping on fields adjacent to the circuit. You will probably need to book a camping ticket to take advantage of this, and these too usually sell out fast so book early if you want to take this option.

Stay safe
Despite the high visibility of the 'motorsport is dangerous' notices Formula One has quite a good spectator safety record. However, no matter how safe a restricted part of the track may seem you should not venture onto these areas as they can be quite dangerous. Previous spectator fatalities at Formula One races have been caused by the spectators in question being on a restricted part of the track. Sticking to the proper areas drastically reduces the chances of being hurt in an accident. Moving vehicles operate in the paddock areas and along service roads, so keep your eyes and ears open. If someone is hurt, there are medical tents with trained staff at various points around the track; these are marked clearly on circuit diagram boards.

The following general precautions should also be taken:
 * Earplugs are highly recommended especially for young children and those going for the first time. Formula One cars are ear-damagingly loud and having 20 cars over a sustained period of 90 minutes can cause harm. Earplugs will probably be available at the track and some circuits offer basic versions for free. If you are intending on taking a radio to listen to the on-track commentary use a pair on in-ear monitors that can double as earplugs.
 * Sun protection is advised as many races take place in the summer with only grandstand seats getting any meaningful shade. Wide-brimmed caps are handy, and sunglasses are optional.
 * Waterproof clothing is a necessity especially for those not in sheltered areas. Even if the forecast is dry, some areas (for example Spa-Francorchamps) may experience large changes in conditions over a small area. Take a strong umbrella to cope with windy weather, otherwise bring a waterproof coat.

title: Formula One


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Forney

Forney is a part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex located in North Central Texas, just east of Dallas.

Understand
20 minutes from downtown Dallas sits the close-knit community of Forney.

The community has seen tremendous growth since the late 1990s and continues to be the fastest growing city in Kaufman County. Forney retains a strong sense of community values. Schools still have bike racks, neighbors walk together and the town turns out for parades and celebrations.

History
In 1847, Sallie Daugherty came from Arkansas with her four sons and purchased 1,000 acres of land four miles southeast of present-day Forney, naming the area Union Hill. This area later became known as Lone Elm. In 1848, Kaufman County was carved out of the huge Nacogdoches County.

In the early 1850s, more settlers began to arrive in this area. By 1860, many hardy settlers entered booming Texas, mainly from the South. Hearing of the good land of the rolling prairies of this North Central Texas area, many stopped here and began their lives as farmers and ranchers. The small village that began to spring up near the rim of the bluff that overlooked the Bois D'Arc Fork of the Trinity River was to be named Brooklyn.

By 1873, Brooklyn was a growing town, with saloons, merchandise store, lodge, and was being supported by a few hundred people. It was the year that the Texas and Pacific Railroad come through Brooklyn, which was to change the face of our town forever.

As the town progressed, through the influence the Railroad provided, it was now ready for a Post Office to satisfy the residents' needs. The name of Brooklyn was submitted to the Post Office Department in Washington, D.C., however, another town by the same name with a Post Office was already established in Fayette County, so another name had to be selected for our town if it wished postal service.

Changing of a town name was unusual, even in 1873. John Wein Forney, born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1817, was a director of the Texas and Pacific Railroad Company and was believed to have been instrumental in the new railroad route through the village of Brooklyn.

In gratitude to Mr. Forney, several influential residents suggested Forney's name be submitted as a Post Office, and it was accepted. Thus the name of the town of Forney was established permanently.

The prairies that surrounded the town were covered with a native grass that was found to produce a sweet, nutritious hay when cut and baled. For the next 50 years "Forney Prairie Hay"' as it was known, was one of the leading export products of Forney.

When the peak of the hay industry had been reached, cotton took its place. Money and wealth came to many large landowners from hay and then cotton. By 1910, Forney boasted of eight cotton gins, the most for its size of any town in Texas. Fifteen to twenty thousand bales of cotton were ginned each fall and shipped to cotton markets across the United States.

The new Dixie Highway (U.S. 80) opened through Forney in the late 1920s, resulting in better automobile travel in this area. The Texas Interurban Railway Company began operations in 1923 on its Dallas-Forney-Terrell rail line. Running through Forney on Church Street, this streetcar-type electric rail line served for 10 years as an advanced commuter type service, a source unequaled before or since.

During the 1940-1950 period, the town came virtually to a standstill, due primarily to the Second World War. Very few, if any, new businesses were opened in the city. Many larger companies chose Garland and Mesquite during the post-war period, after considering Forney as a prospective home. Little residential building was recorded and the town slumbered as many of its neighbors grew like wildfire.

The area north of the new Interstate Highway 20 was exclusively farmland in the 1960s. Today it composes a major residential section of Forney. During the late 1960s, a new elementary school was completed in South Forney and the city became a three-school town. It was during the 60s that the Forney High School jackrabbit football team won approximately 100 games in a ten-year period, one of the winningest records in Texas and a proud heritage of Forney athletes.

In the late 1960s, Glenn "Red" Whaley opened the first antique business in east Forney, the genesis of the huge antique business the city boasts today. Forney has now been recognized by the Texas Senate as the "Antique Capital of Texas".

Today these flavors all blend together with rural farmers and suburban-ites all calling Forney home.

Get in
Forney is most easily accessed via car from Dallas/Fort Worth Airport or Love Field Airport in Dallas.

From DFW International, take 183 east to I-35E south. You will merge into I-30 E towards Texarkana. Then merge onto US Hwy 80 E. Forney is roughly 15 miles to the east.

From Love Field, take the Dallas North Tollway south to I-35E south. You will merge into I-30 E towards Texarkana. Then merge onto US Hwy 80 E. Forney is roughly 15 miles to the east.

Get around
Forney does not offer any public transportation.

Do
Forney is known as the Antique Capital of Texas and a number of antique shops line US Hwy 80. You can find a number of great finds along westbound US Hwy 80 between County Road 217 and FM 548.

Buy
The Pinson Road corridor is home to a Brookshire's grocery store and several other national and locally owned restaurants and neighborhood service businesses.

Eat
Chains in town include Chick-Fil-A, Chili's, Dairy Queen Panda Express, Subway and Whataburger. Other options include:

Go next

 * Terrell - Nearby Terrell is home to the Tanger Outlet Shopping Center, Ham's Orchards and The No. 1 British Flying School Museum.
 * Mesquite - Home to Town East Mall and The Mesquite Rodeo.
 * Lake Ray Hubbard - Formerly Forney Lake, this nearby lake offers countless water activities for all ages.

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

title: Forney


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Forres

Forres is a town in Moray in northeast Scotland, with a population of 9090 in 2020. By the second century AD it was sufficiently famous (it's unclear whatever for) to be mapped as Οὐάραρ εἴσχυσις — "Varar Estuary" — by Claudius Ptolemy of Alexandria. Forres has whisky distilleries that can be visited and an elegant castle, but Ptolemy wasn't to know that.

Understand
In Gaelic, Forres is Farrais, meaning "near water", the Findhorn estuary. The earliest traces of local habitation were found a few miles inland and date to circa 3000 BC, but the town only emerges into history in the 10th century, along with the unified nation of Scotland. Precisely how unified was what its nobles mostly fought about, and one such warrior was Duncan I (1001-1040). In 1039 he attacked Durham, which turned out to be not at all in unified Scotland, and his shattered army limped home. Nothing daunted, next year he marched north against Moray, a large territory stretching all the way to Viking Caithness. Moray was ruled by Macbeth, who killed Duncan in battle near Elgin. "That shall be king hereafter...." — so Macbeth was crowned King of Scotland. No witchcraft was involved, but some 560 years later a fellow called Shakespeare, living in an age that (unlike the 10th century) fervently believed in witches, reckoned he could improve the story.

Get in

 * "How far is't called to Forres? What are these, so withered and wild in their attire?"
 * — Banquo hesitates to ask the witches for travel directions

Trains run every couple of hours from Inverness via the airport and Nairn to Forres, taking 30 min, and continuing to Elgin, Keith,  Huntly, Inverurie, Dyce and Aberdeen (another 90 min).

is on A96 bypass half a mile north of town. There's a staffed ticket office and machines, and a waiting room with toilets. There is step-free access to both platforms.

Stagecoach Bus 10 runs every 30 min from Inverness via Nairn, taking just over an hour to Forres (where there isn't a bus station, they just follow High Street.) They continue to Elgin where alternate buses turn back, with an hourly service trundling cross-country through Fochabers, Keith, Huntly and Inverurie to Aberdeen, another 3 hours 30 min.

By road follow A96: Forres is 25 miles from Inverness and 70 miles from Aberdeen.

Get around
It's a small town, so it is easily walkable on foot. Bus 10 (above) takes you to Brodie Castle. Bus 31 runs hourly between Forres and Findhorn, taking about 30 min.

See

 * Forres town centre is mostly Victorian low-rise, a lot more peaceful since the bypass was built. The Tolbooth was built in 1838; no tours.
 * is a 6.5 m sandstone slab with Pictish carvings, probably 10th century, on the main road east end of Forres. No-one knows who Sueno or Sven was (if he existed), but it probably commemorates a battle victory. It's nowadays enclosed in a glass case to protect it from the weather, and to stop the three witches escaping. In the Macbeth legend, they were eventually imprisoned within the stone.
 * The Witches Stone on Victoria Rd just east of Grant Park is a boulder supposedly marking the spot where an 11th-century witch was elaborately put to death, for having cursed King Duncan. The story doesn't stand up because witch-hunts didn't get going in Scotland until centuries later, then James V made up for lost time.
 * Grant Park is along Victoria Rd east of town centre. There's a cricket pitch, bowling green, play-park, floral displays, and a sunken garden where Forres House used to stand. Woodland walks lead up to Nelson's Tower on Cluny Hill.
 * was Cistercian, founded in 1150 and dissolved in 1601. There's just a few scraps of masonry within a modern graveyard, always accessible.
 * (daily 2-5PM) displays the fishing port, washed away by the river. The underground chamber was a store for the ice used to pack the salmon.
 * was Cistercian, founded in 1150 and dissolved in 1601. There's just a few scraps of masonry within a modern graveyard, always accessible.
 * (daily 2-5PM) displays the fishing port, washed away by the river. The underground chamber was a store for the ice used to pack the salmon.
 * was Cistercian, founded in 1150 and dissolved in 1601. There's just a few scraps of masonry within a modern graveyard, always accessible.
 * (daily 2-5PM) displays the fishing port, washed away by the river. The underground chamber was a store for the ice used to pack the salmon.
 * (daily 2-5PM) displays the fishing port, washed away by the river. The underground chamber was a store for the ice used to pack the salmon.

Do

 * Dava Way is a path along a old railway between Forres and Grantown-on-Spey. The full route is about 23 miles (38 km), suitable for cycling, through woodland, farms and heath.
 * Golf: Forres GC is east side of the village, with Kinloss GC five miles east on B9089 towards Burghead.
 * Moray Art Centre is at Findhorn, open F-Su 10AM-4PM.
 * Incur dreadful bad luck by quoting Shakespeare's Macbeth at inopportune moments. The Three Witches met on the heath just outside town, and King Duncan's castle was here while Macbeth's was in Inverness. Duncan and Macbeth were real 11th century rulers, but Macbeth's line died out, so Shakespeare could depict him as a royal demonic villain without getting into trouble.
 * Transform human consciousness at The Findhorn Foundation, an alternative lifestyle village on Findhorn Bay.
 * Forres Highland Games are held in July on Grant Park in Forres.
 * Moray Walking & Outdoor Festival is held in mid-September.

Buy

 * Tesco is at the west end of Forres and is open from M-Sa 7AM-11PM, Su 8AM-8PM.
 * Lidl is further west off the A96 roundabout, open M-Sa 8AM-10PM, Su 8AM-9PM.
 * Babalu is a gift shop at 68 High St, it is open from M-Sa 10AM-5PM.

Eat

 * Main Street in Forres also has Forres Tandoori, Northern Fish, Pizza Pan, Cardamom Spice, Cafe 1496 and Speedy Pepper.
 * Main Street in Forres also has Forres Tandoori, Northern Fish, Pizza Pan, Cardamom Spice, Cafe 1496 and Speedy Pepper.
 * Main Street in Forres also has Forres Tandoori, Northern Fish, Pizza Pan, Cardamom Spice, Cafe 1496 and Speedy Pepper.

Drink

 * Forres High St has Thistle Bar, Legends, Red Lion aka Beastie Bar, and Eagle.
 * Findhorn has the Kimberley Inn and Crown & Anchor Inn.
 * Distilleries: see above for Benromach and Dallas Dhu. Glenburgie Distillery 5 miles east of town makes whisky which almost all goes into blends, though with a capacity of 4,200,000 litres pure alcohol per annum you might come across a single malt bottling. It's now owned by Pernod Ricard, no tours. See Elgin for distilleries further east.

Connect
As of Aug 2021, Forres has 4G from EE and O2 and a basic mobile signal from Three and Vodafone. It's patchy towards Findhorn or further out along A96. 5G has not reached this area.

Go next

 * West to the city of Inverness, the Victorian hub of the Highlands.
 * Nairn is a genteel beach resort on the way to Inverness.
 * East to Elgin with its ruined cathedral.
 * South towards Grantown-on-Spey, classic whisky distillery country, and the Cairngorms National Park.

title: Forres


text:
Forsand

Forsand is a village in Rogaland - 3 hours drive from Stavanger, it's near the Kjerag mountain.

Get in
In summer time (after the 21st of June) it is possible to get there on a ferry with the help of Veteran Fjordcruise AS. That's why before this time you can only drive. If you use GPS devices be aware of getting lost and alway control the way it shows you. It is better to print the road description from internet and insert the road sections step by step.

Do

 * Trekking to Kjeragbolten Quite an interesting one - sometimes it is even simply a way vertically up. The way up and down lasts 5-6 hours (or even more if you stay for "drinking", "making pictures" and "having some rest"). In order to get to the Boltn you need to follow red letters "T" and sign post not far from your aim. When there is snow on the mountain it is a bit difficult to find the Boltn. After the signpost you need to go straight and after a slope you need to go to the right.

 * Most people start the hike to Kjeragbolten from the Oygardsstolen Cafe. There is a parking fee during the busy season.

Stay safe
You will for sure need trekking shoes in order not to break legs and warm jacket. It is also necessary to take water and some food with you.

title: Forsand


text:
Forster

Forster/Tuncurry is a town on the Mid-North Coast of New South Wales

Understand
Forster is pronounced Foster (not Fore-sta), and is a popular seaside destination for family summer holidays. There is a large selection of accommodation, and many interesting places for safe swimming, as well as paddle boats and the like. It has all the essentials of a decent-sized country town combined with the tourism-oriented facilities of a popular summer getaway. It is a place of summer pilgrimage for generations of holidaying families from Sydney.

It has a twin town of Tuncurry on the northern side of the inlet, connected by a long, scenic causeway.

Get in
Forster is on the coastal diversion that leaves the Pacific Highway between Buledelah and Taree. The diversion via Forster will add 30-45 minutes to the trip and hence it's 2.5 hours from Sydney, and one hour from Newcastle.

See

 * Whale watching. In season during May to November.

Swim
There are multiple beaches to swim at in the Forster area.

If you head south from Forster you will pass by the 4 most popular beaches in the area, Elizabeth Beach, Shelly Beach, Boomerang Beach and Blueys Beach.
 * Elizabeth Beach is a good family beach, fairly shallow all the way out
 * Shelly Beach is a bit of a hike and is also a Clothing Optional beach so not suitable for children
 * Boomerang Beach is the best of the beaches for Surfing
 * Blueys Beach is a lovely, long beach, fairly shallow and good for families
 * Diamond beach is a lovely long quiet beach with good surfing

 * Paddle Boats

Go next

 * Head down south to Myall Lakes National Park

title: Forster


text:
Forsyth

Forsyth is a town in southeastern Montana. In 2020, about 1,600 people lived here. It is located on the southern bank of the Yellowstone River.

Understand
The town is split by the railroad tracks with about ⅓ on the street where the interstate exits are located. Three streets have railroad crossings to reach the rest of the town: Hwy 12, 10th Ave (near the Town Pump), and Slaughterhouse Rd (directly off the east I-94 exit).

Get in
Forsyth is on I-94 with two exits, #93 and #95. It can also be reached on Hwy 12.

There are no commercial flights or passenger trains servicing Forsyth. There is bus service by Rimrock Stages. The nearest large airport is Billings and another airport is in Miles City.

Get around
There is no taxi service for Forsyth. You will need a vehicle to get around.

See

 * County Courthouse (1200 Main St), built in 1913 by the well known Link & Haire architectural firm from Montana.
 * Downtown Historic District, featuring several buildings constructed before 1930. Several local residences are on the National Register of Historic Places as well. The city website has a walking tour brochure.
 * Bob Watts Murals - a growing collection of large murals on Main Street buildings, all by resident artist Bob Watts.

Do

 * Agate hunting along the shore of the Yellowstone is a popular activity.

Drink
All local bars are on the same street in a 3 block span. There are pool tables, shuffleboard, burgers. If one isn't your style, it's easy to walk to the next one.

Cattle Brand Coffee is a drive-thru espresso stand on Front St.

title: Forsyth


text:
Fortaleza

Fortaleza is a major city on Brazil's northeast coast, and the capital of Ceará state. It is one of the largest cities in Brazil and certainly one of the most vibrant. The city is perhaps the most popular domestic package tour destination, and Europeans are following suit. Despite being quite a party town, the carnival in Fortaleza is rather feeble, though growing bigger by the year, with the largest parades being maracatu-style. In 2018, there were 2.6 million inhabitants in the city, and 4.1 million in the metropolitan area.

History
Some local historians fiercely defend the thesis that the very first European to set foot in South America was the Spaniard Vicente Yáñez Pinzón, who allegedly landed where Fortaleza's port is today in January 1500, a few months before Portuguese navigator Pedro Álvares Cabral's much celebrated arrival in Porto Seguro on April 25.

The official history of Fortaleza as a permanent settlement dates back to the 17th century, when the Dutch had a brief dispute with the Portuguese over the territory. The first settlement was known as Fort Schoonenborch and it was founded by the Dutch West Indian Company in 1649. During Portuguese and Brazilian rule, the city has had several names, always beginning with Fortaleza (fortress in Portuguese).

Probably the most proudly remembered occasion of local history was the abolition of slavery in 1884, four years ahead of Brazil as a whole. The mulatto Dragão do Mar, native of Aracati, reached a near-mythical status for his role in the boycott of slave ships starting in 1881, and is still widely recognized.

Culture
The author José de Alencar is so important for the identity of the city of Fortaleza (and also the state), that its inhabitants are nicknamed Alencarinos. He eagerly discussed the origins of the people, languages and geographical names of the region. Most important in this context is the novel Iracema, with its renowned main character lending her name to several neighborhoods and inspiring statues around town. In Brazil, Fortaleza is famous for the forró music and dance, and its crop of comedians. Cearenses (people born in Ceará) are also famous for their ease and fondness for a good verbal joke, from which derives a colorful and hilarious local vocabulary (e.g. a very ugly person is "a dog sucking mangoes"). Travellers with any degree of fluency in Portuguese are likely to be amazed.

Traditional folklore, a fusion of European, African and native traditions, is manifested through dances and songs unique to this region:
 * Bumba-meu-boi or Boi-Ceará — songs and dances with Luso-Iberican influence dedicated to the religious cult of the ox
 * Dança do coco — of African origin, this is a dance danced by males on the beach but elsewhere it's danced by couples
 * Torém — an indigenous dance originating among the Tremembé people
 * Maracatu — a dancing procession of African origin originally danced to honor kings
 * Violeiros, Cantadores e Emboladores — a musical manifestation, often used as a way to express social criticism
 * Reisado — an event held every Epiphany, where people go from house to house singing and dancing and receiving gifts

Climate
With a tropical climate, the weather is always sunny year-round, but never extremely hot. Temperatures range from 22 ºC (72 ºF) to 31°C (87 ºF) with rare exceptions. There is usually a breeze blowing from the east softening the temperature and forming the sand dunes. The rainy season occurs in Fortaleza between February and May. In the driest months, between July and December, the winds are stronger and lessen the heat, rainfall practically stop and these are the most favorable months for windsurfers.

Districts
These districts are probably the most interesting for visitors. From west to east:
 * Centro — Downtown and its Praça do Ferreira are full of shops and restaurants.
 * Praia de Iracema — Just northeast of downtown. Popular among travelers, this district features affordable accommodation and lively nightlife.
 * Praia de Meireles — A little further east along the beach, with some major hotels.
 * Mucuripe — The commercial port of Fortaleza.
 * Praia do Futuro — Well to the east (8 km) of downtown, but has the best beach in Fortaleza. On the downside the sea can be rough here and the water is often polluted by oil.

Tourist office
Several municipal tourist information offices around, the most convenient being at the airport, the Central Market and Beira Mar (halfway between McDonald's and the fish market).

By plane

There are flights from almost every major city in Brazil and internationally from Bogotá Buenos Aires (Gol), Frankfurt (Condor), Lisbon (TAP), Miami (LATAM) and Praia (Cabo Verde Airlines). The status of flights can be checked online.

Allow at least an hour for immigration control if you fly in from abroad. Double it if there is another international flight shortly before yours.

From the airport to the city
There is an urban bus 404 Aeroporto/Benfica which runs frequently between the airport and the center, where you can find buses to virtually anywhere in Fortaleza (not recommended at night). This bus also stops at the main bus station. Going to the urban beaches can either be done this way, or by crossing the parking lot(keep slightly to the right) and the highway (somewhat on your left) and catch the 027 Siqueira Papicu/Aeroporto, which will take you pretty straight to Praça Portugal/Shopping Aldeota in 25 minutes, traffic allowing. (Not recommended at night) From here you can either walk some 7 blocks along Avenida Desembargador Moreira to the beach of Meireles, or you can wait for Circular 1 which passes within a block of most hotels in Meireles and Praia Iracema. Reverse this process (start with Circular 2) to get to the airport, which is slightly easier as the bus then stops right in front of the terminal, and not on the highway.

There are two types of taxis, follow the signs: Airport taxis are more expensive, and have fixed prices. Most tourist areas fall within the most expensive zone, charging R$ 32.40 (R$ 48.60 on rate 2). Regular taxis offer just about the same comfort, and run on the meter, stopping at about R$ 25 (R$ 40 rate 2) to Praia de Iracema or Meireles. Bargaining is tough out here, but fairly easy in the opposite direction.

By bus

 * To Natal 8 times daily (3 of these stopping in Mossoró) by Nordeste and Guanabara R$ 35-150, 6–8 hours.
 * To Salvador daily at 19:00 by Itapemirim. R$ 190. 22 hours.
 * To Salvador daily at 19:00 by Itapemirim. R$ 190. 22 hours.

Taxi to Beira Mar is about R$ 15 and 15–20 minutes. The bus 099 Siqueira - Mucuripe / Barão de Studart (on Sundays this line is substituted by 078 Siqueira - Mucuripe, bus stop around the corner) will take you the same place in around 30 minutes, right from the doorstep of the bus station! If you are heading for Praia de Iracema (or anywhere else west of Av. Barão de Studart), take two lefts from the bus station's main entrance, then cross the street, and take the bus 073 Siqueira - Praia de Iracema. The bus 404 Aeroporto - Benfica takes you to the airport in less than 15 minutes.

By car
Fortaleza is connected to the rest of Brazil by Federal Highways BR-116, BR-222, BR-020 and BR-304 plus State Highways CE-040 and CE-085. Driving in Fortaleza is not recommended, as the streets are mostly in a very bad shape.

Orientation
Most tourists will not go more than 5 blocks from the sea, except for the airport and bus station, and perhaps a shopping mall. The following main streets will take you from the city centre to the fish market, by way of Dragão do Mar and the beaches Iracema and Meireles, totalling some 6 km: Avenida Almirante Barroso, ''Av. Beira Mar (until Rua Ildefonso Albano, where it's cut off by an artificial beach -the aterro.), Av. Historiador Raimundo Girão, Av. Beira Mar (from Av. Rui Barbosa''). This last three km section of Beira Mar (literally Sea Side) is by far the most attractive part of the city, with police stands and patrols making it fairly safe around the clock, although rather deserted from midnight to dawn. The Avenida Beira Mar with its broad pavement stops at the fish market. From here to the beach of Praia do Futuro is the port area, backed by a refinery and slums. Walking here at daytime can be risky; at night, it's asking for trouble.

By subway
The Metrofor network consists as of 2015 of two operational lines; the South line and the West line. Three other lines are in construction or planning. A single ticket costs R$3.60, for students half the price.

By bus
Like any major Brazilian city, Fortaleza can be done almost entirely by bus. Ticket price is R$ 4.50 (Sundays and a few holidays R$ 3.90), and if you get off at a terminal (there are nine such bus terminals in Fortaleza) you can change lines without paying again. But if you change buses somewhere else, you will need to buy a new ticket. Most lines run 7 days a week 05:00-23:00, give or take. The lines listed here, deemed most useful for tourists, will run roughly every 10 minutes daytime weekdays, frequencies perhaps halved nighttime and weekends, and down to once an hour after midnight. Only the most useful parts of the routes are described. Some lines have the number 1 or 2 after their names, only to indicate direction, others don't. The same bus with the same number and name could be running either from A to B, or from B to A. Ask!

 * Centro/Beira Mar Caça e Pesca is comfy and air conditioned. It runs Beira Mar and all along Praia do Futuro. Returning it swaps Beira Mar for Abolição. This bus can get very packed from Praia do Futuro before sunset. Risk of muggings at Praia do Futuro bus stops after dark.
 * Circular 1/2 - runs 24 hours a day Downtown - Mercado Central - Dragão do Mar - Historiador Raimundo Girão - Abolicão - Desembargador Moreira/Shopping Aldeota.
 * Grande Circular 1/2 - runs 24 hours a day. Downtown - Dragão do Mar - Historiador Raimundo Girão - Abolição - Praia do Futuro - Terminal Papicu - Shopping Iguatemi.
 * Centro Iguatemi - R$ 3,00. Last bus leaves Iguatemi at 22:00, does not run on Sundays. Comfy and air conditioned. City centre - Monsenhor Tabosa - Abolição - Desembargador Moreira (Shopping Aldeota), leaves you inside the Iguatemi shopping mall.

By taxi
All 4000-odd taxis in town run on the same meter system, except the special cabs at the airport. Start price is R$ 4, then R$ 2 per km on rate 1 and R$ 3/km on rate 2 (these are old prices, for newer ones, research on new sources). The latter is charged every day from 20:00 to 06:00, Saturdays also from 13:00 to 20:00 and all Sunday, public holidays, and the whole month of December. Waiting is charged R$ 20 per hour.

It is mandatory for taxis to display the fare system on one of the rear side windows. Do not take a cab without such a posting.

Cab drivers in Fortaleza are fairly honest, although a few will put the meter on rate 2 too often. The meter should always run unless you have fixed a price before getting into the car. Most trips that would exceed R$ 10 on the meter are negotiable, and when you pass R$ 30 on the meter a discount of up to 50% could be obtained if you bargain well. Taxi stands are abundant, but it can often prove easier to negotiate the fare if you hail one off the street.

By moto taxi
Moto taxis, i.e. motorcycles that function as taxis, can be picked up at their own stands, ask locals if you cannot find one. Depending on the traffic flow, this can be a rather scary experience. In general about half the price of a cab, starting at R$ 4 for runs up to ten blocks or so. Fares depend on company and distance.

By e-hailing
Fortaleza is covered by some e-hailing services, notably Uber.

Rental car
Brazilian city traffic makes this option a bit frustrating for anyone who honks less than once a minute while driving back home. The city is best covered by bus and cab, but a car can make many day trips to outlying beaches. Rental shops are virtually everywhere, and they have motorcycles for rent too. Despite huge signs claiming low prices, you will hardly end up paying less than R$ 60 for the most basic car, plus fuel. Beach buggies start at R$ 100.

See

Quite an effort has been put into restoring colonial architecture over the last years. Still there is no area that is completely "clean", but the stretch from the beachfront of Praia de Iracema, via Dragão do Mar and to Praça do Ferreira is steadily improving and worth a walk.

One thing worth seeing is the sunset, either from Ponte Metalica, Praia Iracema, or the beach by the fish market, Mucuripe.

Architecture and statues
Several architectural styles are represented in Fortaleza contemporary (Centro Cultural Dragão do Mar), modern (Mausoleum of Castelo Branco), classical (Museu do Ceará), neo-classical (central railway station), art deco (Cine São Luis), art noveau (Theatro José de Alencar) and neo Gothic (cathedral).

Do
The monthly listing Olheiro can befound in he receptions of most large hotels, or downloaded as .pdf.

Beaches
There are two nice city beaches, and. Some people discourage bathing here (see Stay healthy), although they are often rated green by authorities. Iracema is often the place for large events and gatherings, in particular the New Year celebrations. The whole stretch from the Ponte Metálica (aka Ponte Inglesa) pier to the fish market is paralleled by the Avenida Beira Mar, very nice for an evening stroll. A string of shacks line the beachfront, mostly good for drinking and people watching. Some of these, particularly when serving in the sand, have up to three different menus with varying prices. Sunbeds can be charged up to R$ 30 a day, although the real price is R$ 3–5. Unless otherwise stated, cross the street for food. The busiest strip (with the most expensive beer), including the bulk of beggars, prostitutes and vendors, is right in front of McDonald's, to avoid these go east of the market. A selection listed from west (Praia de Iracema) to east (Fish market):
 * Babagula, more sandwiches, playground for children. Subway is cohabiting.
 * Satéhut, Dutch-run with some Indonesian on the menu. Clean toilet!
 * Veraneio, the hedges protect you!
 * Joca, Gay.
 * Beira Mar Grill, decent food.
 * Volta da Jurema, near Othon Palace. Nice sunset.
 * G2, a notch cheaper than the rest.

The most attractive urban beach is, about 5 km (unsafe to walk) from Meireles. Windy, with rather strong currents and undertows, swimming can be a challenge, but for a dip it's fine. Some 150(!) beach shacks, here a selection from north (closest to Beira Mar) to south, with their special features:
 * Marulhos. Reggae music and good food. Try the escondidinho.
 * Croco Beach. Plenty gringos. "After Beach" with live music on Sundays, sunset to eightish, no forro! Taxi drivers get a R$ 2 commission for each head they land here, get a discount on the fare!
 * Sorriso do Sol. Reggae.
 * Vira Verão. Young Brazilian crowd. If you're lucky, you'll get a table.
 * Vila Galé. Belongs to the hotel. Perhaps the neatest appearance, definitely the most expensive!
 * Chico do Carangueijo. Clean, popular, good food, specializing in crab, sometimes live music.
 * Côco Beach and Boa Vida. Mainly foreigners and their crew, live forró.

The slums (favelas) of the city are next to Praia do Futuro, and that the beach may not be safe even in daytime. Nevertheless, as tourism business has grown bigger at the beach, also police presence has increased. At the very end of Praia do Futuro its name changes to. Freshwater swimming in a strong current where the river Cocó meets the ocean.

On water

 * There is good surfing on the beaches, and frequent competitions at Praia do Futuro.
 * Kite and windsurfing are very popular in Ceará. If you aren't familiar with the sports, there are several schools on the beaches. Good conditions most of the year, with winds up to 40 knots.
 * A couple of motorized schooners and a catamaran do 2 hour cruises along the city beaches at R$ 30 per person, setting out daily at 10:00 and 16:00 from near the Iracema-statue, where they also have their ticket booths. The latter departure is better, as you get the sunset. Bring swim-gear. Minimum of ten people required and thus it's often cancelled in the low season. Another schooner takes you all the way to Cumbuco at 09:00, lands you for lunch and has buses you back to Fortaleza before 17:00. R$ 130.
 * In addition it's possible to rent a boat with a skipper for sightseeing or fishing at your own pace.
 * A couple of motorized schooners and a catamaran do 2 hour cruises along the city beaches at R$ 30 per person, setting out daily at 10:00 and 16:00 from near the Iracema-statue, where they also have their ticket booths. The latter departure is better, as you get the sunset. Bring swim-gear. Minimum of ten people required and thus it's often cancelled in the low season. Another schooner takes you all the way to Cumbuco at 09:00, lands you for lunch and has buses you back to Fortaleza before 17:00. R$ 130.
 * In addition it's possible to rent a boat with a skipper for sightseeing or fishing at your own pace.
 * In addition it's possible to rent a boat with a skipper for sightseeing or fishing at your own pace.

On land

 * The nearest golf club is in neighbouring Iguape, some 30 minutes by car from Beira Mar.
 * The nearest golf club is in neighbouring Iguape, some 30 minutes by car from Beira Mar.

Cinemas
Oba has the full programme for the city's cinemas.
 * Shopping Aldeota and Shopping Del Paseo are walking distance from Beira Mar, along Av. Desembargador Moreira.
 * The largest complex is at the Iguatemi-mall, with some 12 showrooms mostly displaying the latest fare from Hollywood.
 * At Dragão do Mar rooms, you will find mostly alternative films (art, cult, history), either foreign or national.

Events
Every Sunday tents are built up in Parque de Cocó offering entertainment and activities from gymnastics courses to ziplining. Ziplining is particularly popular so you should be standing in line already at 07:00. These activities and events are free of charge.

Learn
There are a few private lesson on offer for foreigners who want to learn Portuguese. These typically cost around R$ 20 per hour.

Buy
The state of Ceará has a large textile industry, and arguably the cheapest clothing in Brazil. Also the capital of hammocks, varieties of which can be found ranging from less than R$ 10 to more than R$ 100. Best place to buy is the range of small shops opposite the cathedral, city centre.

Changing cash euros or US dollars into reais is done close to interbank rates, meaning that it's better value than cash advances on credit or debit cards. Many travel agencies exchange money, you mostly get slightly better rates moving away from Beira Mar.

Handicraft and markets
There are handicraft shops all around the city, but the best places to go are the Feirinha da Beira Mar (Beach front fair, daily about 16:00 - 22:00) and the Mercado Central (near the cathedral). These places have a large number of stalls and shops, and competition drives prices down. On Monsenhor Tabosa street there's a street market with all kinds of goods, however beware that pirated stuff is pretty common here.

Eat
A popular vacation destination, there is a wide variety of restaurants from steak houses (churrascarias) to pizzerias and fast food restaurants. The best concentration of restaurants in town is found in the Varjota neighbourhood, especially along Rua Frederico Borges and its side streets, starting some five blocks inland from Beira Mar.

Fortaleza is a fishing port, so fresh seafood is readily available in the restaurants. If you are a bit more courageous, buy your shrimp/lobster/squid/whatever, straight from the fish market stalls, and hit one of the nearby shacks to fry it for you. One kilo of mid-sized shrimps is about R$ 15; R$ 3 for frying; then plenty of beers! Thursday is crab day in Fortaleza, especially in the many shacks at Praia do Futuro. If you prefer beef, there are options for a rodízio (grilled meats en masse with a big buffet of salads and side dishes; but watch out for expensive drinks and desserts in these establishments).

Northeast (Brazil) and Brazil present some regional and national specialties worth trying. In addition to this, as you're in the topics it's easy to find:
 * Fresh fruits: the variety is indescribable and the prices are low. Every self respecting grocer will have at least four different types of bananas for sale. Dozens of tropical delicacies (jabuticaba, sapoti, siriguela, murici, umbu, cajarana, carambola etc. etc. etc.) are unavailable anywhere else. Go to a supermarket and check them out.
 * Suco: juice made of fresh fruits or frozen pulps. Check the stalls to have a notion of what's best in the season.

If your accommodation has bad or no breakfast, most large hotels let you take part in theirs for about R$ 10–12.

Mid-range

Sorbet
There is bad, watery, plastic flavoured ice cream galore in Fortaleza, as elsewhere in Brazil. Try these for some good sorbet — sorvete in Portuguese:

Drink
Fortaleza is a forró-stronghold. Virtually any day of the week you can find a party with live music and this traditional dance, sometimes in quite modern variations (often referred to as forró universitário). On weekends you can choose from literally dozens of places. For a more genuine, tourist-free happening, you must move towards the outskirts of the city, paying up to R$ 30 by cab.

Traditionally, Fortaleza nightspots have their dedicated day of the week, like Pirata (below) on Mondays. So, when asking around for a place to go, always be specific on when.

For daytime drinking, which can be quite a party, specially on weekends, see the Beaches-section above. For a non-alcoholic refreshment; grab a chilled coconut from a stall at Beira Mar, starting at R$ 2!

Centro
The downtown (Centro) area is surprisingly scarce on waterholes, which would be more than welcome after a hot afternoon's walking. An even more surprising exception is found in the park Passeio Público (officially Praça dos Mártires): A small kiosk with outdoor seating serving lunch and cold drinks. Daily until 17:00.

Praia de Iracema
The largest concentration of watering holes, very practical if you want to hit and miss and don't have a car, is at Dragão do Mar, Praia de Iracema. This area features refurbished colonial buildings, loads of open air seating, live music (sometimes charged), and happy hour beer. Fridays and Saturdays the party is everywhere:

A smaller version of this can be found along Rua Norvinda Pires, and the neighbouring part of Rua Desembargador Leite Albuquerque, centering on the rock-bar Maria Bonita, pagode-neighbour Bebedouro and the more mixed style Fafi, plus a few more. Cobblestones calls for flat shoes! Thursday to Sunday.

Another area of interest is Varjota, inland from Mucuripe. Plenty of bars and restaurants. Take Rua Frei Mansueto from Beira Mar, 5-10 blocks.

Praia do Futuro
Many of the shacks at Praia do Futuro host parties nighttime Thursday - Sunday.

South
The surroundings of the university in the south of Fortaleza hosts some popular bars:

Sleep
Reservations are essential in January, when Brazilian holidaymakers pack in. September–November and March–May have room for bargaining at most posted prices. Many hotels will immediately give you 30% off.

Most hotels are on the strip Praia Iracema - Meireles - Mucuripe, parallel to Avenida Beira Mar, and up to about 4 blocks inland. Categories are spread about, but Praia Iracema has most budget options. Many cheap deals can be struck at Praia do Futuro, but beware of transport costs and lack of security at night.

Budget
In the tourist zone, Praia Iracema has the cheapest hotels. A number of cheap options in the city centre, but the area goes seedy and unsafe at night. Unless you have a car, and can stay at Praia do Futuro, your best cost/benefit is probably along Avenida Dom Manuel, between ''Av. Monsenhor Tabosa and Av. Santos Dumont -just inland from Dragão do Mar''. Stick to the main street after dark! Charging up to R$ 40 for a dorm bed, hostels are sometimes outpriced by cheap single rooms in the same area.

Apartments
A typical modern two bedroom 65 m2 flat, fully furnished and equipped 2 blocks from Beira Mar will cost around R$ 70 a day in low season, double in high. Monthly rates are about R$ 1200 low season, R$ 2000 or more peak. Mostly you have to pay electricity on top of this. Be aware that an air conditioner can set you back R$ 20 a day if you leave it running. Dozens of agencies.

Many hotels put "flat" or "residence" in their name. This mostly means that you can buy an apartment there, typically 40-50 m2 with one bedroom and a tiny kitchen. Many of the owners will rent these out for a price substantially less than the one posted in the reception, particularly for longer terms. Monthly deals can come close to the R$ 1000 mark in low season, including linen change and cleaning. Ask the receptionsts for owners' phone numbers:

If you go for a furnished room with a bathroom (often no fridge or a/c), referred to as a kitchenette (often spelled "Kitnet", or anything in between), you will typically be charged R$ 3-400 a month in high season. Praia Iracema has most of these.

Connect

 * Fortaleza and all neighbouring municipalities share a telephone area code: 85
 * Internet is everywhere, with greatly varying comfort, hardware and bandwidth. R$ 3-4 an hour is an OK price in tourist areas—any more is too much. If you go inland you can get down to R$1/h.
 * There is a free Wi-Fi zone in the café of the 24-hour Pão de Açúcar supermarket at Avenida Abolição.
 * Several post offices along or near Beira Mar: Right in front of the Praia Iracema church; on Av. Monsenhor Tabosa just down from Ideal Clube; a small booth almost in the sand in front of Clube Nautico; in the mall of Scala Residence.

Stay safe
Even though the police are working hard to make Fortaleza safer and the city is less dangerous than it used to be, it's still one of Brazil's most dangerous cities. Avoid showing valuable items in public, carrying huge bags (a plastic bag from a local supermarket can be a good substitute) and showing that you're a tourist. The tourist zone around Beira Mar is relatively safe, thanks to a constant police presence.
 * There are countless stories of single foreign men being robbed by prostitutes, apparent or not, who they take back to their rooms. Reportedly they sometimes employ a drug to knock victims out; otherwise, they just rely on your voluntarily exaggerated alcohol/drug consumption. Be aware that virtually all hotels and apartment buildings will register visitors, particularly late-night ones. As soon as you are aware of missing valuables, get the reception to pass you the data of the suspect and go straight to see the police, above. The sooner you act, the greater the chance of getting your stuff back. Money mostly evaporates instantly, though.
 * Although most commercial districts of the city are fairly safe, including the center and the tourist area around Beira Mar, pickpocketing, bag-snatching and other non-violent robberies are always a possibility. Never flash valuables and beware of beggars that keep touching you.
 * Praia do Futuro is bordered by one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in town, the Serviluz slum. Do not under any circumstances walk through deserted areas of this beach, even if you are going through them between two crowded places. Bus stops are notoriously robbery-ridden after sunset — even if it's only 17:45.
 * There have been a number of cases when foreigners have been detained at the airport with large amounts of drugs, particularly cocaine, on their way out of the country. The Brazilian Federal Police have been working hard: Don't even think about it!
 * There have been a number of cases when foreigners have been detained at the airport with large amounts of drugs, particularly cocaine, on their way out of the country. The Brazilian Federal Police have been working hard: Don't even think about it!

Prostitution
Formerly known as the one of the Brazilian prostitution capitals, fortunately from 2002 onwards, with the various municipal administrations, the city has changed its appearance and now presents itself as a classic tourist resort, suitable for families and couples. With the closure of almost all the clubs and bars dedicated to prostitution, the arrival of sex tourists has dropped drastically, so much so that tourism of this type has almost disappeared in Fortaleza.

Stay healthy
If you travel west from Fortaleza, into the states of Maranhão, Pará or further, Brazilian authorities recommend that you get a yellow fever vaccination. An International Certificate of Vaccination can be issued if you have the shot taken at the airport or in the city center. If you already have your booklet, and only need a new shot and the corresponding entry, this is best done at the medical center at Avenida Antônio Justa, one block from Pão de Açúcar, weekdays 07:00 to 16:30, free of charge.

As elsewhere in Brazil, some beaches in Fortaleza are not suitable for bathing, and conditions can change from day to day. On the day of your visit, check the map of the latest bathing bulletin (in Portuguese, boletim de balneabilidade) of the state's Environment Department (SEMACE).

Cope

 * Fortaleza City Government website
 * There are plenty of laundries around. Those which charge per kg (mostly R$ 6-10) are somewhat cheaper than those which charge per garment. Your clothes are normally ready next day. There is one single self-service laundry:
 * For visa extensions and any other issue between a foreigner and the Polícia Federal, head to their office at Rua Paula Rodrigues 304, Bairro de Fátima, near the main bus station. M-F 08:00-18:00. Bus 099 Siqueira - Mucuripe / Barão de Studart to/from Avenida Abolição.
 * For visa extensions and any other issue between a foreigner and the Polícia Federal, head to their office at Rua Paula Rodrigues 304, Bairro de Fátima, near the main bus station. M-F 08:00-18:00. Bus 099 Siqueira - Mucuripe / Barão de Studart to/from Avenida Abolição.
 * For visa extensions and any other issue between a foreigner and the Polícia Federal, head to their office at Rua Paula Rodrigues 304, Bairro de Fátima, near the main bus station. M-F 08:00-18:00. Bus 099 Siqueira - Mucuripe / Barão de Studart to/from Avenida Abolição.

Consulates

 * 🇷🇴 Romania
 * 🇷🇴 Romania

Go next

 * Neighboring Maranguape includes the Cachaça Museum, hosted by Ypióca, one of the country's most widespread brands.
 * Redenção – see the Museu Senzala Negro Liberato, a monument of slavery and liberation, with a nearby cachaça-destillery
 * The Jazz and Blues Festival is a continuation of the carnival in Guaramiranga, the weekend after.

Out-of-town beaches
Any tour agency, and a number of pushers along Beira Mar, can offer you daytrips, and longer packages, to outlying beaches. The one thing they have in common is the price – it's fixed in between them, and it's far too expensive. Oceanview is old in the game and has a site with prices. If you are a group of 3-4 persons, a taxi can mostly be negotiated for less.

 * Cumbuco is a small fishing village, grown into a kite-surfers' paradise. Fresh water lakes with swimming nearby. Dune buggy tours. Horseback riding along the beach. A traditional fishing raft, Jangada, gives you a postcard view of the coastline. Buses from Avenida Abolição R$ 4,50.
 * Jericoacoara is among Brazil's finest, and hence makes its way into any global listing. Buses (changing to trucks in Jijoca) twice daily from outside Praiano Palace Hotel at Beira Mar.
 * Canoa Quebrada used to be quite rustic, attracting mostly hippies. Now it's slowly growing into a resort town. Can be done as a day trip (R$ 40, many agencies), but is worth a longer stay, particularly for its weekend nightlife.
 * Some 16 km outside Fortaleza, at the beach of Porto das Dunas, is a huge water park with slides and other wet interactive fun, Beach Park. Stiffly priced at R$ 170 for a day. The beach right outside the park is very nice, and although you pay nothing to walk in the sand, food and drinks are 2-3 times city prices. Tour agencies in Fortaleza arrange day trips at about R$ 25.
 * Costa Sol Ponente — A series of beaches northwest of Fortaleza. (Paracaru, Praia de Lagoinha, Fleixeiras, etc.)

title: Fortaleza


text:
Fort Augustus

Fort Augustus is a village in The Great Glen, the fault line that traverses the Scottish Highlands. It's at the south end of Loch Ness, midway between Fort William and Inverness, and in 2023 had a population of about 650. Originally called Cille Chuimein (Church of St Cummein, anglicised as "Kiliwhimin"), it was renamed for Prince William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland, who crushed the Jacobite rebellion of 1745. The fort has disappeared beneath later buildings and the main reason to stop off here is to see Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal.

Invermoriston is a village five miles north along Loch Ness, and Invergarry is five miles south on Loch Oich; their facilities are also described on this page.

Get in
The town is on A82, which traverses the Great Glen between Fort William and Inverness along the west bank of Loch Ness.

Citylink Bus 919 runs along A82 from Fort William via Spean Bridge, Laggan, Invergarry, Fort Augustus (one hour), Invermoriston, Castle Urquhart and Drumnadrochit to Inverness (another hour), four times M-Sa and twice on Sunday. The bus stops at the Medical Centre south of the river (handiest for most accommodation) then by the parking lot just north of the bridge.

Buses to Skye bypass Fort Augustus. You either change at Drumnadrochit for Bus 917 Inverness-Portree, or at Invergarry for Bus 915/916 Glasgow-Fort William-Portree-Uig.

Get around
Fort Augustus is small and walkable. The bus links Glengarry and Invermoriston.

See

 * stretches coast to coast for 60 miles along the Great Glen, from Corpach near Fort William to Inverness. At Fort Augustus it climbs by a ladder of five locks towards Loch Oich, the highest point on the system. The canal parallels the non-navigable River Oich, with a footpath along the bootlace island between.
 * was built in 1840. It's simply a channel marker to indicate the entrance to the canal.
 * was built in the 1730s to curb the Jacobites. In the 19th century it became a Benedictine Abbey and school, which closed in 1993. Subsequently there were widespread and well-evidenced claims of abuse of the pupils by the monks. The building became a heritage centre but costs far outran income. It's now luxury apartments trading as Highland Club. You can stroll the grounds.
 * Invergarry Castle is a gaunt shell within the grounds of Glengarry Castle Hotel, see Sleep. It's a 17th-century L-plan tower house, part-demolished by Cumberland after the battle of Culloden to render it useless to rebels. In this he was copying Cromwell, who'd torched it a century earlier.

Do

 * Boat trips: Cruise Loch Ness are based by the canal swing bridge.
 * Golf: Fort Augustus GC is half a mile south of town on A82. It has nine holes, with steep terrain and thickets of gorse and heather, 2770 yards par 34.
 * Glengarry Highland Games are held at Invergarry in July, with the next probably on 6 July 2024.
 * Loch Ness Marathon follows the minor roads along the east side of the loch from Fort Augustus to Inverness in early October.

Eat

 * Miele's Gelateria is just north of the river bridge, open daily 11AM-5PM.
 * Monster Fish & Chips is north of the river bridge by the bus stop, eat in or take away. It's open M-Sa noon-8PM, Su noon-6:30PM.
 * Beaufort House is a pizzeria on Station Rd south of the canal locks. It's open W-Su 5-9:30PM.
 * Canalside Fish & Chip Shop is a takeaway cabin next to the locks, open daily noon-9PM.
 * Beaufort House is a pizzeria on Station Rd south of the canal locks. It's open W-Su 5-9:30PM.
 * Canalside Fish & Chip Shop is a takeaway cabin next to the locks, open daily noon-9PM.

Drink

 * Caledonian Hotel has a small public bar, see "Sleep".
 * Caledonian Hotel has a small public bar, see "Sleep".
 * Caledonian Hotel has a small public bar, see "Sleep".

Fort Augustus

 * B&Bs include Abbey Cottage, Bank House (below), Loch Ness Guest House, Lorien House, Oaklands and White House.
 * Highland Club self-catering apartments are on the site of the fort and abbey, see above.
 * Highland Club self-catering apartments are on the site of the fort and abbey, see above.
 * Highland Club self-catering apartments are on the site of the fort and abbey, see above.
 * Highland Club self-catering apartments are on the site of the fort and abbey, see above.
 * Highland Club self-catering apartments are on the site of the fort and abbey, see above.
 * Highland Club self-catering apartments are on the site of the fort and abbey, see above.

Invermoriston

 * Invermoriston is 5 miles north of Fort Augustus at the A82 / A887 junction.

Invergarry

 * Invergarry is 5 miles south of Fort Augustus at the junction of A82 and A87.

 * Invergarry Hotel PH35 4HJ is a small hotel by the A82 / A87 junction (B&B doubles from £250). The restaurant is the best dining option in the village.

Connect
As of July 2023, Fort Augustus and its approach roads have 4G from EE, O2 and Vodafone but no signal from Three. 5G has not yet reached this area.

Go next
North on A82 along Loch Ness brings you to Urquhart Castle, Drumnadrochit and Inverness.

South the A82 runs to Spean Bridge, Fort William, Glencoe and Oban.

A87 runs west across the bridge to Skye.

title: Fort Augustus


text:
Fort Bragg

 * For the fort in North Carolina, see Fayetteville (North Carolina).

Fort Bragg is an isolated town of 7,000 people (2020) on California's North Coast. It serves as the economic hub of the area despite the demise of its historic logging and fishing industries at the end of the 20th century.

Long regarded as the "Beast" to the neighboring village of Mendocino's "Belle," it has slowly been shedding its inhospitable, blue-collar reputation and begun to warm to the new reality of a tourism-based economy with art galleries, microbreweries and gastropubs of its own. In several aspects it has already eclipsed the appeal of Mendocino as a tourist destination, as being an order of magnitude larger in population grants it the ability to support several beloved American franchises like Starbucks, McDonald's, Best Western and Motel 6, suddenly making vacations to the Lost Coast accessible to those whose budget scoffs at the minimum $300/night lodging costs of its southern sibling. Its population rises to 14,800 (2018) when including the adjacent unincorporated area, increasingly dominated by retirees and vacation rental operators.

History
Nestled between the chaotic peaks and valleys formed during ~200 million years of one tectonic plate demanding another give way, and sandwiched between the planet's largest ocean and largest temperate rainforest lies Fort Bragg. 15,000 years ago, at the end of the last ice age, the first indigenous inhabitants, the Hokan, found it and called it home, amazed at the scale of nearly everything they saw. The trees averaged nearly 200 feet in height and 15 feet in diameter, the result of being among the oldest living things anywhere and an extremely mild climate with average annual rainfall over $$. Among them lived elk almost as big as a moose, Olympic black bears, cougars and timber wolves in practically boundless number, fed by the lush, verdant terrain and the fish found teeming in the rivers as much as in the mighty Pacific. Millenia passed like this, so long that the Hokan as well became so abundant that they gave rise to three great Native American nations, the Yuki, Pomo, and Wintun. It was they who saw the first Europeans weigh anchor just off the coast in 1542, representatives of the Spanish Empire. After the Spaniards came the English, then the Russians, and eventually the Americans, but the landscape remained a testament to a grandeur almost always reserved for legends. Valiant efforts were made to exploit each natural resource many times, but the difficulty of transporting goods and people over endless rugged hills and rivers always won out. That's how it earned the nickname The Lost Coast, a place forgotten through the Gold Rush, the Industrial Revolution, and the rise of Silicon Valley, still wild and ready to bewitch all who brave the journey there.

Fort Bragg is the largest town on the Lost Coast, a position of honor nearly guaranteed by the grace of having the largest natural harbor for over 100 miles (160 km) in either direction. On today's maps it is seen to lie within the borders of Mendocino County, named for Antonio de Mendoza, the Viceroy of New Spain who had sent that ship full of Spaniards sailing north up the California coast in 1542.

By car or motorcycle
Two state highways, California Routes 1 and 20, are the sole safe conduits for vehicle travel to the area. Route 1 serves as Fort Bragg's Main Street and widens to two lanes in each direction with a center turn lane while it's within the city limits. Route 20 carries the vast majority of locals and visitors in and out of the area and is almost always referred to as the "Willits Road" by locals rather than its official number. Many long-time residents are quick to remind anyone who will listen that in "their day" it was still a winding dirt road unfit for use by anything but pickup trucks. The addition of the paved road surface was done in stages as CalTrans funds became available starting in 1958 and was completed in 1964, shortly thereafter being added to the state highway system as the final leg of the "Ukiah-Tahoe Highway" as Route 20 was then known.

Factoring in the other state highways that merge into or intersect one of them, there are a total of five potential routes by which to visit if you're travelling by automobile or motorcycle. All are entirely two-lane state highways devoid of artificial illumination with posted speeds of, average quality pavement the entire way, and lead to an eventual junction with U.S. Highway 101. If you're not coming from somewhere with obvious access to U.S. 101 any route planning should begin with determining how you'll first reach that thoroughfare. Listed with starting points from north to south the five routes to Fort Bragg are:

By bus

 * Mendocino Transit Authority (MTA): The only provider of public transit in Mendocino County, . Service within Fort Bragg and between F.B./Willits/Ukiah is quite affordable and reliable, if not especially frequent, with only two trips in each direction between cities per day.
 * MTA also offers bus service to and from Santa Rosa daily for just $23 one-way. MTA Route 65 -- CC Rider
 * Amtrak Thruway Bus Service: Stops four times a day in Willits at the Skunk Train depot parking lot, en route northbound to McKinleyville/the Arcata airport and southbound to the Amtrak rail station in Martinez. You can easily walk from the depot to the junction of CA Routes 1 and 20, where a covered MTA bus stop is located to complete the trip to Fort Bragg. Fares vary but average ~$30 one-way in either direction.
 * Bus 6314 (Southbound): Willits stop at 8:25AM, arrives in Martinez at 11:55AM
 * Bus 6318 (Southbound): Willits stop at 12:50PM, arrives in Martinez at 6:05PM
 * Bus 6311 (Northbound): Willits stop at 2:30PM, arrives in McKinleyville at 5:25PM
 * Bus 6313 (Northbound): Willits stop at 5:10PM, arrives in McKinleyville at 8:15PM

By boat
The mouth of the Noyo River forms one of very few safe harbors between San Francisco and Eureka.

By bicycle
Fort Bragg is on the Pacific Coast Bicycle Route.

Public Transit

 * Bus #5: The BraggAbout: Bus service within the city limits by Mendocino Transit Authority, . Runs hourly costing $1.50 per ride, making a loop through the busiest parts of town.
 * Bus #60: The Coaster: Coastal bus service also by MTA, . Runs three times daily up and down the coast from Fort Bragg to Albion through Mendocino and Little River, costing $3-4 per ride.
 * Dial-A-Ride: Curb to curb/taxi service by MTA, direct dispatch. M-F 8AM-6PM, Sa 10AM-5PM, no Sunday service. $6/ride within Fort Bragg, price goes up quick if you need to get any meaningful distance out of town.

Do

Events
It began long before the memory of mankind, but the sea remembers when the first pods of California gray whales arrived at the shores of the Eastern Pacific, some 130,000 years ago, give or take a few. An especially ponderous species that lived over 60 years on average and occasionally more than 80, they were seldom in a hurry. Like all descendants of the first filter-feeder whales that first evolved 30 million years ago, they fed on the tiny crustaceans that fill the oceans, but unlike their ancestors the California grays could feed successfully at any depth, from the pitch blackness of the muddy bottom to the sun-kissed whitecaps dancing on the surface the gray whale was at the buffet table. They very quickly fell into a comfortable rhythm, spending the summers off the Alaskan coast gorging on the infinite types of tiny shrimp that stampede through the shallow water close to shore every year at that time. As summer turned to autumn and the shrimp became less plentiful they would migrate south at their usual languid pace, living off the sea lice and sandhoppers that know no season on the ocean bottom along the route following the coastlines of British Columbia and going past California on their way to the ideal calving grounds at which to spend the winters: the crystal blue waters off Baja California, Mexico.

The water temperature there wasn't so punishing to the new mothers, who barely have time to feed as they turn their fat reserves from shrimp buffet into 50-80 pounds of milk daily for each calf. Humans have only been around to bear witness to them for the last 14,000 years or so, and there's no doubt they took notice then as keenly they still do in Fort Bragg each March at the Whale Festival that coincides with the most frequent sightings of gray whale pods (those without newborns in tow leave first and travel at a more consistent speed thus staying more tightly grouped) headed back to Alaska to start the cycle over again.

Stay safe
Fort Bragg is a relatively safe city. Take normal precautions as you would in any urban area. Dial 9-1-1 to contact a dispatcher for an emergency.

Healthy pets
Fort Bragg is generally a very safe place to bring your pet to experience. The climate is too cool to support the more notorious threats such as rattlesnakes, scorpions and the like. If you take Fido out and about with you, however, you do need to keep him from sampling the local flora unsupervised, as both ivy and azaleas/rhododendrons are thoroughly ubiquitous throughout both the natural landscape and local gardens and are known to cause potentially severe distress to dogs who ingest them. Furthermore the proximity of wild animals (bears, mountain lions, possums, raccoons, foxes, and many more) to all of the human-inhabited parts of the area produces an indomitable population of common fleas and ticks looking for their next meal. As of 2019, many residents find that the fleas/ticks are quite impervious to the more common over-the-counter treatments such as fipronil (Frontline), imidacloprid (Advantage/Advantix) and permethrin (BioSpot), requiring prescription treatments to gain any leverage over. If your dog is prone to sensitive skin or does not tolerate fleas/ticks well, you may want to reconsider his accompanying you.

Fort Bragg has four veterinary clinics, all of which are relatively "full-service" considering the nearest proper veterinary hospital is over two hours away in Santa Rosa. Three of the four have a memorandum of understanding that arranges for the staff of one to handle all of the emergency calls that come in during the weekend regardless of who regularly sees the pet. The fourth, Covington Creek, has a single veterinarian who takes their own weekend emergency calls and usually arranges for a visiting veterinarian to come to the area and do so in the event they need to travel out of the area.

title: Fort Bragg


text:
Fort Chipewyan

Fort Chipewyan is a hamlet on the western shores of Lake Athabasca 250 km north of Fort McMurray, Alberta. It had a population of 798 in 2021.

Understand
Fort Chipewyan is one of the oldest European settlements in Alberta. It was established in 1788 as a Northwest Company trading post. Most locals are native Cree or Chipewyan.

By car
Travel overland to Fort Chipewyan is only possibly via seasonal ice roads which cross a pair of frozen rivers in winter. A Fort Chipewyan Winter Road hotline at +1-866-743-6111 provides road information.

There is one fuel station between Fort McMurray and Fort Chipewyan (a Petro-Canada in Fort McKay's industrial park) and virtually no services.

When crossing ice bridges (river crossings), go the speed limit! If you go too fast, you may create an underwater wave which can travel ahead of you and break the ice once it reaches the other shore.

By boat
It is possible to reach Fort Chipewyan from Fort McKay in summer by boating the Athabasca River; the Slave River leads from Fort Chipewyan to Wood Buffalo National Park and Fort Smith, NWT.

Do

 * Visit Wood Buffalo National Park, the largest national park of Canada, which is about the size of Denmark. It is home to the world's largest herd of free roaming wood bison, estimated at more than 5,000. It is one of two known nesting sites of whooping cranes. Access to the park from Fort Chip is via the winter road, or by motorboat or canoe in summer.

Go next

 * Wood Buffalo National Park is at the northern edge of Alberta; access is from Fort Chip or from Fort Smith (NWT).

title: Fort Chipewyan


text:
Fort Collins

Fort Collins is a city of about 170,000 in north central region of the western U.S. state of Colorado. The seat of Larimer County, the city lies 59 mi north of Denver on the Cache La Poudre River at the eastern edge of the Front Range foothills. Fort Collins is the home of Colorado State University and is a major research center.

Understand
Old Town is the downtown area of the city, centered on the cross-streets of College Avenue and Mountain Avenue. It is the historical beginnings of the town, with a vast variety of older buildings and historical monuments. Those seeking to visit architecture from the early 20th century should come to Fort Collins for its prime examples.

The Colorado State University campus is right in the middle of the city, extending from Prospect Road on the South to Laurel Street on the north, and from Shields street on the west to College Avenue on the East. The university also has several other smaller campuses throughout the city. The big white "A" on the mountain west of town stands for Aggies, a relic from when CSU was Colorado Agricultural College.

 * Fort Collins municipal website

By plane

 * Denver International Airport is the closest international airport; several shuttle services to Fort Collins are available, such as Super Shuttle and Groome.
 * Domestic flights from cities such as Las Vegas are available here. The Groome DIA shuttle also makes a stop at this location.

By bus

 * Bustang is a state-wide bus service operated by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). The buses are new, clean, and punctual, offering affordable fares. Additionally, the buses are equipped with a bike rack, and passengers can bring bicycles at no extra charge. For only $10, the North Line provides a direct connection to Denver.

 * Flex is a service run by Transfort that connects to Loveland, Berthoud, Longmont, and Boulder. Fares are suspended as of June 2023. Buses have bike racks.
 * The Poudre Express is a bus service operated by Greeley Evans Transit (GET), which conveniently connects Fort Collins to Greeley and Windsor. This bus service boasts of its modern and well-maintained vehicles, however, the buses do not run frequently and often experience delays, particularly during rush hour. Fares are reasonably priced at $1.25 for individuals who are 19 years old and above. Free wifi and bike racks on board.
 * Greyhound Lines has connections with Denver and towards Salt Lake City, through Cheyenne. Furthermore, there is also a connection to Laramie.

By rail
The nearest train station is Denver Union Station, which can be accessed by Amtrak's California Zephyr.

Amtrak operates a throughway bus route from Denver through Fort Collins, but if you attempt to schedule this on their website, it will not allow you to do so (as of June 2023). However, there is a throughway connection to Greeley. Nevertheless, it is likely more affordable and less strict on luggage sizes to use the Bustang North Line, which has a stop at Union Station in Denver.

By public transit
Public transit is provided by Transfort. Most routes run M-Sa 5AM to 8PM hourly, although some of the more popular routes have a frequency of every 30 minutes. The MAX route runs every 20 minutes. Buses do not operate on Sundays. All Transfort services free as of June 2023.

There are four main transit hubs in Fort Collins: the Downtown Transit Center, the CSU Transit Center, the South Transit Center, and the Harmony Transfer Center. The Downtown Transit Center and the South Transit Center are connected by the MAX BRT system. The CSU Transit Center is just a short walk from a MAX stop. The Harmony Transfer Center can be reached via Route 16 from the South Transit Center. The Poudre Express is available from both the CSU Transit Center and the Harmony Transfer Center. Flex services are offered from the Downtown Transit Center and the South Transit Center. Most intercity bus services, including Bustang, make stops at the Downtown Transit Center and the Harmony Transfer Center.

There is also a free, on-demand taxi service provided by the city on routes that have been suspended. Do not count on it if you need to be anywhere quickly. Taxis are often very late.

The "FoxTrot" service between Fort Collins and Loveland has been replaced by Flex.

By bicycle
Fort Collins is renowned for being incredibly bicycle-friendly according to US standards, boasting numerous paved trails and designated bike routes. Remarkably, bike lanes are found everywhere, including on the most uncomfortable arterial roads. In fact, biking can often be faster than driving, particularly during rush hour, as bike trails often take more direct routes and are typically given priority at street crossings. To aid navigation, a bicycle map is available here.

There are many bike rental options in Fort Collins:

The Fort Collins Bike Coop is likely the most affordable choice for both parts and repairs. This nonprofit charity is operated by volunteers, enabling them to offer significantly lower prices compared to other places. The mechanics are highly experienced and provide you with the opportunity to return to the shop and learn how to fix your bike while they work on it. Additionally, they have a vast selection of used parts.
 * Recycled Cycles rents bikes for $30/day.
 * Guests at the Armstrong Hotel are provided free bikes to ride during their stay.
 * Spin ride share e-bikes and scooters can be found all over the city.
 * Many other bike shops such as The Gearage may also rent bikes.

Drink
As a college town, Fort Collins has a very active nightlife with a wide variety of options, ranging from friendly corner pubs to hip hop dance clubs. Old Town is particularly lively on weekends, but even on weeknights, there is always something happening. Additionally, Campus West, the second, smaller cluster of bars in Fort Collins, still offers a lot of entertainment options.

Free
The local ISP Front Range Internet, Inc. (FRII) has introduced a Wireless Mesh which includes most of Old Town. Users may have an unlimited number of 30-minute sessions each day, with a few ads in between sessions.

 * Mugs Coffee Lounge has two locations. The shops at College & Olive are open daily 6AM-1AM; wireless is also accessible from outdoor tables. Timberline between Harmony & Horsetooth (on E side of Timberline N of Caribou), M-Th 6AM-10PM, F-Su 6AM-6PM. The Timberline location has extremely uncomfortable seating, the others have comfy chairs.
 * McDonald's Cafe on West Elizabeth west of Shields Street.
 * Everyday Joe's Coffee House, 144 S. Mason, between Oak and Mountain. M-F 7AM-10PM, Sa 6-10PM.
 * Alley Cat Coffee House. Alley Cat is a 24-hour coffeehouse and cafe in the alley just west of College Avenue and north of Laurel.
 * Genoa's Coffee and Wine. Daily 7AM-9PM. Nice coffee house with some good snacks, a few beers, and a good selection of wines. At the corner of Drake and Timberline, near King Soopers.
 * The Bean Cycle on College has free WiFi. They are on College in the old-town area.
 * Dazbog Coffee Harmony & McMurray. Open 5:30AM to 10PM 7 days a week.
 * Fedex Kinkos 130 West Olive Street.
 * Fedex Kinko's Fort Collins Campus West 1113-1117 West Elizabeth.
 * SportsCaster Bar & Grill, 165 E Boardwalk Dr.(behind 1st National Bank).
 * The UPS Store #4655 at 1281 E Magnolia St.
 * The UPS Store #2011 at 1015 S Taft Hill Rd.
 * The UPS Store #2718 at 2601 S Lemay.
 * Fedex Kinko's 226 East Harmony Road.
 * Buffalo Wild Wings just east of College on Harmony works.
 * Panera Bread on College just south of Horsetooth has good wireless (though with a captive portal), and food and coffee beverages. Often crowded during lunch, especially on the weekends.
 * Cafe Mexicali has free WiFi.

Not free

 * McDonald's on the west side of College Ave. north of Drake offers 1 hr of free access with a purchase, or $2.95/hr otherwise.
 * Barnes & Noble 4045 S College
 * T-Mobile East Harmony Rd 238 East Harmony Rd

Go next

 * Cheyenne, capital of Wyoming, is just across the border from Fort Collins, home of the world's largest outdoor rodeo
 * The small community of Poudre Park offers some great panoramic views and mountainous quietude.

title: Fort Collins