text:
Somerdale

Somerdale is a borough in Camden County, New Jersey.

Understand
Somerdale is a small town in Camden County. It was founded on April 23, 1929 and has a population of 5,200 people. This small town covers an area of 1.4 square miles. Somerdale is surrounded by the seven towns of Gloucester Township, Hi-Nella, Stratford, Lindenwold, Voorhees, Lawnside, and Magnolia.

By bus
Transportation from nearby Philadelphia is provided by the New Jersey Transit bus service route 403. Local transportation is provided along the 451 route.

By train
Probably the most convenient mode of transportation besides driving, the PATCO speedline has trains running from center city Philadelphia and also from the outlet stores in Atlantic City. PATCO is also the easiest way to access all of New Jersey's waterfront attractions along the Delaware River including the Camden Aquarium. Fares from Philadelphia to the following stops are as follows:
 * Lindenwold, Ashland & Woodcrest Stations: $2.45
 * Haddonfield, Westmont & Collingswood Stations: $2.15
 * Ferry Avenue (Camden) Station: $1.85
 * Broadway & City Hall (Camden) Stations: $1.15
 * For travel between all Pennsylvania stations: $1.15
 * For travel between all New Jersey stations: $1.30

Additional time schedules can be found at http://www.ridepatco.org/

Do

 * The Cinemark 16 Movie Theater is in the Cooper Towne Center at the intersection of Evesham Rd. and Kennedy Blvd.
 * Kids will enjoy visits to the Somerdale parks along Kennedy and Chestnut Boulevards which include baseball fields and playgrounds. Also, a Krazy City (a Chuckie Cheese-like restaurant) is now open in the Voorhees Town Center Mall.

Buy

 * Cooper Towne Center, formerly Lions Head Plaza, includes an LA Fitness, and a Walmart Supercenter.
 * Voorhees Town Center Mall on Somerdale Rd.

Other shopping centers close to Somerdale are the Deptford Mall, Kings Highway in Haddonfield, and the Cherry Hill Mall.

Eat
Visitors who are new to the South Jersey and Phildalephia area should make a trip to Philadelphia to experience a true Philly Cheesesteak and a Philadelphia soft pretzel. Another treat from this area is Tastykake. The factory is located in South Philadelphia and their products are always fresh.

For a quick snack, one should visit the local WAWA which is similar to 7-Eleven.

Local restaurants include Peppino's Italian Restaurant, Adelphia's Restaurant, and many other well known local chains such as Olive Garden, Chili's, and Applebee's are in Somerdale or a quick drive away.

Drink
The locals can be seen spending a Friday night at various pubs and bars along the White Horse Pike. Some of the more popular spots are:

 * Tuzi's Tavern, 504 North White Horse Pike, +1 856-435-9894. This family owned bar is home to many of the Somerdale natives. Most of the regulars who go here all know each other and has a very family atmosphere.
 * Shady Katie's, 814 South White Horse Pike, +1 856-346-3001. Just outside of Somerdale, this Irish pub is a great local hangout for anyone looking for a relaxed atmosphere with drinks at great prices.
 * Somerdale Bar, 209 North White Horse Pike, +1 856-435-9893. This bar is a Somerdale favorite. Every Wednesday a local chef comes in and cooks amazing food. The menu includes crab cakes, fresh fish, crab legs, steak, and various other dishes all for 20 dollars or less.

Sleep
While there are no hotels located directly in Somerdale, there are many places to stay located minutes within the town.

 * Wingate By Wyndham, 1000 Laurel Oak Rd., Voorhees. A great four star hotel at affordable prices. With most rooms containing free high speed internet access and micro fridges, it is a perfect place to stay for business travellers. Also includes free complementary breakfast and an indoor, inground pool & jacuzzi.
 * Hampton Inn Cherry Hill/Voorhees, 121 Laurel Oak Rd., Voorhees. Includes updated rooms with a modern decor. Provides free wireless internet, inground pool, complimentary breakfast, and a friendly staff.
 * Haddonfield Inn, 44 West End. Avenue, Haddonfield. This bed and breakfast style hotel is a remodeled historic home from 1875. Suitable for all tastes. Pet friendly.

Go next

 * Haddonfield: minutes away, historic Haddonfield includes many small and unique stores along Kings Highway. Visitors can also see the site where dinosaur bones were found in the early 1900s and for those who enjoy history, you can visit the Indian King's Tavern where New Jersey was declared an independent state in the winter of 1777.
 * Atlantic City and the Jersey Shore. During the warmer months, visitors to Somerdale may want to plan a day down the Jersey Shore and enjoy many of the beautiful beaches along the Jersey coast. Atlantic City has many places for the adults to play with casinos such as Caesars, the Borgata, Showboat, and many others.
 * Philadelphia. The country's sixth largest city has tons of things to do for everyone of all ages. Visitors should not miss seeing Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence was signed, the Liberty Bell, Penns Landing, the Alexander Poe House, and the house of Benjamin Franklin. The Pennsylvania Convention Center houses many nationwide conventions such as the Auto Show and the International Flower Show.

title: Somerdale


text:
Somers

Somers is a town in Westchester County. Somers has a quaint historical character and lush natural areas that lend to the attraction of the town.

Understand
Somers is in northern Westchester. It connects the towns of North Salem (to the east), Carmel in Putnam Country (to the north), Yorktown (to the west), and Lewisboro and Bedford (to the south). The town is approximately, and sits on the New York City reservoir system.

Somers is a town with a rich history; it is the birthplace of the American circus. The Ringley Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus began in Somers. Also, supposedly the first elephant ever brought into America was brought to Somers Some of the historical sites in the town include; the Elephant Hotel (a National Historic Landmark where the town’s government is run), and the Old Stone House on route 100.

By plane
Westchester County Airport, 240 Airport Road, White Plains (New York), +1 914 995-4860 (airlines). The closest airport, about 30 minutes drive. Rental cars are available.

Newark Liberty International Airport, Newark, New Jersey, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and LaGuardia Airport: the three major international airports in the New York City area offer service to just about anywhere. Westchester-based taxi and livery cars offer regular service to and from the three internationals from most areas of the county. New York City yellow cabs will take to you Westchester in a pinch, but the fares can be exorbitant. If staying in Westchester, ask if your hotel offers shuttle service.

By car
From the south: Head North on Taconic Parkway to exit for Route 100/Millwood. At the end of the exit, make a left turn. When you come to the junction of Route 100, make a right turn; or Hutchinson River Parkway or Saw Mill River Parkway to Route 684 North. Get off at Exit 6 (Katonah/ Cross River/Route 35). At light at end of exit, make a left turn onto Route 35. At the 5th traffic light, make a right turn onto Route 100. Travel approximately 1/2 mile north on Route 100. Then make a left turn onto Route 139 (LeFontane Ristorante is on the right corner of Route 139 and Route 100). After approximately 2 miles, the entrance to Primrose Elementary School and the District Offices are on the right side of the road. Somers High School is the next driveway after Primrose.

From the north: Taconic Parkway South to Route 84 East to Route 684 South to White Plains. Get off at Exit 6 (Katonah/Cross River/Route 35). At the traffic light make a right turn onto Route 35. At the 4th traffic light make a right turn onto Route 100. Travel approximately 1/2 mile north on Route 100. Then make a left turn onto Route 139 (LeFontane Ristorante is on the right corner of Route 139 and Route 100). After approximately 2 miles, the entrance to Primrose Elementary School and the District Offices are on the right side of the road. Somers High School is the next driveway after Primrose.

From Connecticut: Route 84 West to Route 684 South to White Plains. Get off at Exit 6 (Katonah/Cross River/Route 35). At the traffic light make a right turn onto Route 35. At the 4th traffic light make a right turn onto Route 100. Travel approximately 1/2 mile north on Route 100. Then make a left turn onto Route 139 (LeFontane Ristorante is on the right corner of Route 139 and Route 100). After approximately 2 miles, the entrance to Primrose Elementary School and the District Offices are on the right side of the road. Somers High School is the next driveway after Primrose.

By train
The Metro-North Commuter Railroad gives service to Grand Central Station in Manhattan with an average commute time of slightly over an hour to Manhattan. While the railroad doesn't pass through the town itself, the stations for Purdys, Goldens Bridge, and Katonah are roughly a 5-minute drive, depending on your location.

By bus
Bee Line System. Westchester County's bus service provides access to White Plains and other locations in the county. Schedules and route maps are available on-line and at train stations.

By car service
If arriving by train from New York City and planning only a day trip you can get about by local taxi.

By rental car
Available from your incoming airport.

See

 * Churches. Saint Luke's Episcopal Church, Saint Joseph's Church, Church of the Good Shepherd, Mount Zion Church, Hebrew Congregation of Somers, Tomahawk Chapel.
 * Cemeteries. Ivandell Cemetery, Todd Cemetery, Warren Cemetery, Saint Josephs Cemetery.
 * Lakes and reservoirs. Lincolndale Lake, Muscoot Reservoir, Amawalk Reservoir, Lake Shenorock.
 * Streams, rivers, and creeks. Angle Fly Brook, Muscoot River, West Branch Croton River, East Branch Croton River, Hallocks Mill Brook, Plum Brook.
 * Parks. Koegel Park, Lasdon Park, Bailey Park, Mildred B Lasdon Sanctuary, Muscoot Farm Park, Reis Park, Van Tassel Memorial Park.
 * Schools. Primrose, Somers Intermediate School, Somers Middle School, Somers High School.
 * Other. Heritage Hills Country Club, Somers Town Hall, Angle Brook Golf Course.
 * Koegel Park. Provides a lot of Somers passive recreation activities. The park includes the Tomahawk Chapel and a 0.2-acre parcel that was acquired by the Town in 1993. It has wooded areas, streams, and picnic areas. Koegel Park, Yorktown Heights,
 * Lasdon Park. A beautiful 234-acre property. It has woodlands, open grass meadow and formal gardens with flower and shrubs from all over the world. The park also has four memorials and a museum honoring Westchester veterans. Lasdon is available for meetings, weddings and other catered events. Route 35 Somers, +1 914-864-7263

Sleep
Although there are no hotels in the town of Somers, there are accommodations in surrounding towns. Visitors may be interested in staying in local areas such as Brewster, Chappaqua, Mahopac, Mount Kisco, and Danbury.

Connect
Telephone area code 914.

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

title: Somers


text:
Somers (Connecticut)

Somers is a city in Connecticut.

Understand
Somers is a very small suburban farm town. Most known for Little Sorrel Lane where a Somers horse was ridden by Stonewall Jackson in the battle of Chancellorsville. The town has many traditions, such as participating in the four town fair parade every year along with bordering towns. Somers has always been an agricultural town with many potato, tobacco, and dairy farms and there are many animals and ranches. For example, horseback riding is a very big in Somers. Somers is a very wealthy town with beautiful houses, in 2007 it was named 53rd on Money Magazine’s list of 100 Best Places to Live.

By car
Somers is a small town surrounded by Enfield and Stafford Connecticut. If your coming from Enfield, go right on to route 190 (Hazard Ave. and it will take you straight through Somers. If you are coming from the Stafford direction go west until your on route 190 also and you will get to Somers.

By plane
The closest airport is Bradley International Airport which is in Windsor Locks, Connecticut. This is about 30 minutes away from Somers.

Get around
Somers is a very small town so there isn't any type of public transportation; the most frequent way people get around is by car. Although, especially at the center of town you will see many people walking or riding bikes, and there are plenty of sidewalks in that area to do so. Although a lot of the back roads don't have sidewalks, there are barely ever any cars on the back streets in Somers. Main Street goes right through Somers and that is the street that will give you access to most of the things that Somers has, like restaurants, gas stations, and car dealership. Most of the back roads of Somers are just houses, farms, and fields.

See

 * Soap Stone Mountain - it is a little complicated to get to but so worth it once you do. It is pretty far back at the end of town, you will be driving down the road and it will come to an end. One you get there walk the rest of the way, which is only a small path. You will see a wooden loft with stairs, climb up and there you will see a beautiful view of the mountains and the town. If you only have time to go to one place in Somers this is the place to go.
 * Seasonal crops and activities - such as pumpkin patches and Christmas tree farms.

Do
Somers is a small town so depending on your age you could find a very hard time finding things to do.

 * The park on Field Road is huge and is one of the nicest parks around. It has 3 softball fields, 2 baseball fields, 2 all purpose fields, tennis courts, a basketball court, two sand volleyball courts, and a small kid's park section.

Buy
There aren't many places to shop in Somers just because it is so small, most people who are looking for a mall or other basic shops go to the bordering town, Enfield which is only minutes away. Although, Somers does have a couple of small antique stores. Most of these shops are for adults and older people, there aren't many stores in Somers for kids, teens, or young adults. Stores like this can be found right off of Main Street or South Road.

Sleep
Somers is extremely small so most people stay in nearby towns, such as Enfield which offer more hotels and motels. The only thing Somers offers is the small inn listed below.

title: Somers (Connecticut)


text:
Somerset

There's more than one place called Somerset.

Australia

 * Somerset (Tasmania)

Bermuda

 * Somerset (Bermuda) - a village in Bermuda

Canada

 * Somerset (Manitoba) A town named after Somerset (England)

United Kingdom

 * Somerset (England) - a county in England

United States of America

 * Somerset (Kentucky) - a town in Pulaski County, Kentucky
 * Somerset (Massachusetts) - a town in Bristol County, Massachusetts
 * Somerset (Michigan) - a town in Hillsdale County, Michigan
 * Somerset (New Jersey) - a place in Franklin Township, in Somerset County, New Jersey
 * Somerset (New York) - a township in Niagara County, New York
 * Somerset (Pennsylvania)
 * Somerset (Wisconsin) - a town in St. Croix County, Wisconsin
 * Somerset County (Maine)
 * Somerset County (Maryland)
 * Somerset County (New Jersey)
 * Somerset County (Pennsylvania)

title: Somerset


text:
Somerset (England)

Somerset is a predominantly rural county in the West Country in England. The county is home to the Glastonbury Festival, one of the UK's major music festivals.

Cities

 * — Roman and Georgian spa town with Roman baths and Georgian architecture; the entire city is a.
 * — England's smallest city.
 * (a separate county that is not covered in this article)

Towns

 * – the county town
 * – seaside resort with pier
 * — a town known for its Tor and New Age associations, plus its nearby music festival
 * – small town in the heart of the Levels
 * – traditional seaside resort
 * – small town in the heart of the Levels
 * – traditional seaside resort
 * – traditional seaside resort
 * – traditional seaside resort
 * – traditional seaside resort
 * – traditional seaside resort
 * – traditional seaside resort

Villages

 * The Exmoor villages of Dunster, Oare, Porlock, Porlock Weir, Selworthy and Winsford are found in the Exmoor article.
 * The Exmoor villages of Dunster, Oare, Porlock, Porlock Weir, Selworthy and Winsford are found in the Exmoor article.
 * The Exmoor villages of Dunster, Oare, Porlock, Porlock Weir, Selworthy and Winsford are found in the Exmoor article.
 * The Exmoor villages of Dunster, Oare, Porlock, Porlock Weir, Selworthy and Winsford are found in the Exmoor article.
 * The Exmoor villages of Dunster, Oare, Porlock, Porlock Weir, Selworthy and Winsford are found in the Exmoor article.

Other destinations

 * — a range of limestone hills in northern Somerset designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
 * — one of the UK's first national parks, it is composed mostly of open heath and moorland

Understand
Because of several local government reorganisations, the exact definition of the county of Somerset depends on whether you are talking about the modern administrative or the traditional county. This article specifically covers the current administrative county of Somerset, plus the unitary districts of "North Somerset" and "Bath and North East Somerset", which constitute much of the traditional county of Somerset. It does not cover the city of Bristol, which by tradition and in modern times is a county in its own right.

A large part of the Exmoor National Park is in Somerset, although Devon has the western part. The Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is also shared with Devon but two fall entirely within Somerset. These are the Quantock Hills and the Mendip Hills.

Talk
The variety of English you encounter in Somerset depends on which part of Somerset you are visiting. For example, if you visit Bath, you are more likely to encounter a form of Received Pronunciation (RP), whereas if you visit Yeovil, the chances are that you will encounter West Country English (WCE), the variety of English spoken primarily in Somerset, Bristol, Devon and Cornwall, as well as Dorset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire. The difference between RP and WCE is demonstrated by the word Bath itself. RP speakers will pronounce Bath with a long /ɑː/ sound (the same way they pronounce the 'a' and 'r' in car), while WCE speakers will pronounce Bath with a long /æː/ sound (the same way they pronounce the 'a' in ham).

Another significant difference is demonstrated by the 'r' in the word cider. RP speakers will not pronounce the /r/ in this word (they will say SIGH-da), while WCE speakers will always pronounce /r/ after a vowel (they will say SIGH-der or even SOY-der).

In Somerset, as in other counties of England, you will also encounter non-native English speakers alongside the speakers of the local and standard varieties, particularly in the larger towns and cities of Bath, Weston-super-Mare, Taunton, Yeovil and Bridgwater. However relative to other parts of England, Somerset has very few non-native speakers (around 2% countywide, around 10% in central Yeovil).

Get in
The region's main airport is Bristol Airport.

There are major railway stations at Bristol (Bristol Temple Meads) and Taunton. Both are served by trains from London (Paddington), Cardiff, Manchester, the North of England, Devon and Cornwall, from the Great Western Railway and CrossCountry operators. Bristol is also served by trains from Portsmouth, Weymouth, Hampshire and Dorset.

There is also a slower South Western Railway line between London Waterloo and Exeter which serves the south of county with stations at Yeovil and Crewkerne.

By car, the major routes are the M5 serving the north of county (Bridgwater, Taunton) and the A303 in the south (Yeovil, Ilminster).

Get around
The best way to get around Somerset is probably by car - while certain major towns and cities are served by rail, many popular tourist destinations, such as Clevedon, have no station, or, like Minehead, are served only by heritage railways with no connection to mainline stations.

See West Somerset Railway, for details on the main heritage railway in the area. There is also the minor East Somerset Railway near Shepton Mallet

See

 * Cheddar Gorge near Cheddar is a dramatic limestone gorge and show caves, home to paleolithic archaeology, and the famous cheese.
 * Clevedon Pier in Clevedon is a classic Victorian pleasure pier
 * The Fleet Air Arm Museum at RNAS Yeovilton, near Yeovil, hosts Europe's largest naval aviation collection.
 * Glastonbury Tor is a prominent hill overlooking Glastonbury with many associations with myth and legend.
 * The Haynes International Motor Museum at Sparkford, 9 miles west of Wincanton, displays over 400 classic cars and motorbikes.
 * Wookey Hole caves near Wells are a series of limestone caverns that are open as a show cave and tourist attraction.
 * At the shore of the Bristol channel, the Hinkley Point Nuclear Power Station is worth a visit to those with an interest in science and technology. Visitors must register at the EDF Visitor Centre in Bridgwater. An identity check is part of the pre-visit registration process, so do not forget to bring your passport.
 * At the shore of the Bristol channel, the Hinkley Point Nuclear Power Station is worth a visit to those with an interest in science and technology. Visitors must register at the EDF Visitor Centre in Bridgwater. An identity check is part of the pre-visit registration process, so do not forget to bring your passport.

Historic houses:
 * Barrington Court near Ilminster is a Tudor manor house from the 1500s managed by the National Trust.
 * Dunster Castle and watermill near Minehead is a National Trust country house and former castle overlooking an attractive village in Exmoor National Park.
 * Hestercombe House and Gardens near Taunton is one of the finest examples of the world-renowned partnership between garden designer Gertrude Jekyll and architect Sir Edwin Lutyens.
 * Montacute House and Gardens near Yeovil is an Elizabethan mansion and garden managed by the National Trust.
 * Tyntesfield at Wraxhall, near Long Ashton, is a spectacular Victorian Gothic Revival house with gardens and parkland managed by the National Trust.

Do
Truly authentic and cosy country pubs abound throughout this county, as well as rolling rural landscapes. The North Somerset area boasts Cheddar Caves and Gorge, Wookey Hole Caves, Glastonbury Tor and Abbey, as well as the Victorian seaside resort of Weston-Super-Mare.

There are some amazing walks to be done around Somerset and its many undiscovered treasures.

Go next

 * Bristol is a major city to the north of Somerset.
 * The Cotswolds extends north from Somerset into Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire
 * Devon lies west of Somerset.
 * Dorset lies to the south-east of Somerset.
 * Wiltshire is to the north-east and east of Somerset.

Somerset (Engeland)

title: Somerset (England)


text:
Somerset (Kentucky)

Somerset is a city in Kentucky's Southern Lakes region. It is the main gateway to Lake Cumberland, a large man-made lake that is a major draw for water recreation of all types.

By car
Somerset is accessible from two Interstate Highways; I-75 to the east and I-65 to the west.
 * I-75 northbound (from Tennessee and points south): Take the second London exit (exit 41) and head west on Kentucky Route 80 for about 25 miles. The highway runs right into Somerset.
 * I-75 southbound (from Lexington, Cincinnati, and points north): Take the Mount Vernon/Renfro Valley exit (exit 62) and head south on US 25. Slightly less than a mile from I-75, take Kentucky Route 461; stay on that road for about 18 miles until it dead-ends into Kentucky 80, and turn right. You'll reach the outskirts of Somerset about 6 miles later.
 * I-65 northbound (from Bowling Green, Nashville, and points south): Take the Cumberland Parkway exit (exit 43) and head east on the Cumberland Parkway for about 100 miles. The parkway, a four-lane controlled-access highway that was built as a toll road but is now free, ends in Somerset.
 * I-65 southbound (from points north of Louisville): Several routes are available, depending on your tolerance for rural roads. Probably the fastest, though not the shortest in mileage, is to take I-64 east out of Louisville, and then stay on I-75 after the 64/75 split in Lexington. Exit at Mount Vernon as above.

US 27 passes through Somerset, allowing easy access from Lexington, KY and Knoxville, TN (although most travelers from Lexington choose instead to take the I-75/KY 461 route).

By plane
The closest regional airport is located at Lexington and the closest international airport is located at Louisville.

By boat
Somerset's primary tourist attraction is Lake Cumblerland, the largest man-made lake by volume east of the Mississippi River. The lake is very popular among boaters, especially houseboat enthusiasts. Several rental services are offered in the area including speedboat, pontoon, jetski, and houseboat rentals. There are several private and public boat docks located throughout the area. These include:

Get around
Automobiles are the primary method of transportation in Somerset. Many of the businesses are located along US 27, which can lead to congestion, especially during rush hour. If you need to travel from the north side of the city to the south side and wish to avoid the traffic, the KY 914 bypass provides a much faster route. The downtown business district lies a few miles off US 27. It is easily accessible from Highway 80 and Monticello Street. US 27 is only road that connects Somerset and Burnside (Burnside is located on the lake and is home to many marinas, boat docks, etc.

Somerset has a small taxi service.

Golf

The Center, a local venue often has theater productions and hosts concerts.

Buy
The Somerset Mall contains several stores. Also popular are local shops and flea markets.

Drink
Both Somerset and the adjoining community of Burnside are wet. They allow package alcohol sales, bars, and drinks to be sold in restaurants.

Go next

 * Bowling Green - Home of Western Kentucky University and home of the Corvette
 * Lexington - Horse capital of the World and Home of the University of Kentucky
 * London - Located on the Wilderness Road and near Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
 * Monticello - The self proclaimed "Houseboat Capital of the World"

Outdoors

 * Big South Fork National Recreation Area
 * Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
 * Daniel Boone National Forest

title: Somerset (Kentucky)


text:
Somerset (Massachusetts)

Somerset is a small town in the SouthCoast region of Massachusetts. It is built on the western bank of the Taunton River, connected by bridges with Fall River and sharing a border with Swansea.

Understand
Incorporated in 1790, Somerset is defined by its most prominent geographical feature- the Taunton River. When the town was founded, it was a major port for American goods distribution and shipbuilding. As industry grew in Fall River across the water, Somerset became increasingly suburban. Somerset Village on the town's north shore is a living example of the town's residential development over the past few centuries. The southern tip of Somerset, Brayton Point, was home to the last coal-fired power station in Massachusetts before its closure in 2017 and implosion in 2019. The future of Brayton Point remains uncertain in the early 2020s; development proposals include clean energy generation and commercial zoning.

Somerset's restaurants and businesses are concentrated along its two major roads: US Route 6 (GAR Hwy) and MA Route 138 (County St). Two bridges cross the river to connect Somerset with Fall River: the Braga Bridge (I-195) and the Veterans Memorial Bridge (Routes 6 and 138). The Brightman St. Bridge closed to traffic in 2011 after over 100 years of service. The local landmark still stands today, its drawbridge always open to boat traffic. Slade's Ferry Ave, which connects the defunct bridge with Route 6, was a major local commercial thoroughfare prior to the 2010s. Today, it is a ghost town of shuttered businesses.

By car
Somerset is most easily accessed by car.

Because Somerset's western border is entirely shoreline, most routes in and out go over a bridge.
 * Interstate 195 runs east-west between Providence and Cape Cod. Connects to Fall River via the Braga Bridge. Exit 10.
 * US Route 6, in length, connects Somerset with bordering Swansea and Fall River (via the Veterans Memorial Bridge). Here, the road is also known as Grand Army of the Republic Highway (GAR Hwy).

Two other, minor numbered roads pass through Somerset:
 * MA Route 138 runs concurrently with Route 6 from Fall River, before diverging and running north toward Taunton via Dighton. Known here as County Street.
 * MA Route 103 terminates in Somerset. It runs west through Swansea into Warren (Rhode Island), becoming RI Route 103, which connects to East Providence.

By bus
The Southeastern Regional Transportation Authority (SRTA) offers one bus route (Route 14) to Somerset from Swansea and Fall River.

By plane

 * T.F. Green Airport in Warwick (Rhode Island) is the nearest major domestic airport.
 * Logan International Airport in Boston is the major international airport serving the area.
 * Taunton Municipal Airport (FAA: TAN) in East Taunton is a small regional airport.

Get around
Getting around in Somerset is most easily done by car, particularly through the town's main commercial highways. However, the town is small, flat, and residential, making walking feasible. The compact roads are good for jogging, cycling, dog walking, rollerblading, and skateboarding.

See and do
The landscape around most of Somerset is the water. The best example of this is a drive down Riverside Avenue. Riverside Avenue is a long, winding road that travels through the majority of Somerset's border along the riverside of the Taunton River.

 * The most iconic feature of this complex is the Big Red Slide, a twisting tube slide over in length reached by  of wooden stairs. In 2021, the old fiberglass slide will be replaced by a new stainless steel one (painted red, of course).
 * The most iconic feature of this complex is the Big Red Slide, a twisting tube slide over in length reached by  of wooden stairs. In 2021, the old fiberglass slide will be replaced by a new stainless steel one (painted red, of course).

Eat
Somerset's restaurants offer heaping, inexpensive portions of homestyle food.

Ice cream
Somerset Creamery is a local hub for homemade ice cream in dozens of flavors. Family owned and operated since 1937, they offer hand-packed pints, frappes, and sundaes. Operating seasonally at two locations (plus one on Cape Cod):

Bordering towns

 * Fall River
 * Swansea
 * Dighton

Destinations

 * Boston
 * Providence
 * Newport
 * Cape Cod
 * New Bedford

title: Somerset (Massachusetts)


text:
Somerset (New Jersey)

Somerset is a town in Somerset County, New Jersey.

title: Somerset (New Jersey)


text:
Somerset (Pennsylvania)

Somerset is a borough of 6,000 people (2020) and a township of 12,000 people (2020) in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania. This article also covers Shanksville about 11 miles (17 km) away.

Understand
Somerset was a central stage for the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794, a violent protest against a tax imposed on spirits, including whiskey Several rebellion leaders lived in Somerset. Federal militia were sent to put down the rebellion. The Whiskey Rebellion was the first major test of the federal authority under the newly adopted U.S. Constitution and under President George Washington.

On September 11, 2001, United Airlines Flight 93 from Newark, New Jersey, to San Francisco was one of the four planes hijacked that day by al-Qaeda operatives. It crashed not far from Somerset near Shanksville, killing all 44 people on board. It is believed that hijackers intended to fly this plane into the U.S. Capitol Building or the White House.

Get in
Somerset lies just off Interstate 75 southwest of Pittsburgh, and  west of Harrisburg.

Sleep
Along the access road to the Dwight Eisenhower Highway/Interstate 76, there are several chain hotels.

title: Somerset (Pennsylvania)


text:
Somerset County (New Jersey)

Somerset County is in Skylands, New Jersey.

title: Somerset County (New Jersey)


text:
Somerset West

Somerset West is a city in the Cape Winelands in the Western Cape region of South Africa. It is a suburb of the metropole of greater Cape Town, and is administrated by the City Council of Cape Town. Somerset West is mostly a relatively up-market residential district, but the commercial and industrial ereas of the city and surrounds have grown in proportion to the number of inhabitants.

Understand
An economically significant number of the home-owners of Somerset West are the so-called "swallows", commonly citizens of a European country who keep a second (or third) home in South Africa and migrate with the seasons. As a result, a number of businesses cater for the shopping requirements of these occasional inhabitants, and house prices in some areas are relatively high.

By car
From Cape Town, follow the N2 east and take exit 43 (R44 Somerset West/Strand/Stellenbosch).

From Stellenbosch, follow the R44 south.

By train
Metrorail runs relatively frequent trains, about once per hour, from Cape Town via its Northern line. The closet station to the city centre is but for visitors to the beachfront, alighting at the terminus  is a better option. Journey time from central Cape Town is a bit over one hour.

By plane
Commercial flights to Cape Town International airport, about 30 minutes from somerset west by car. There is no scheduled public surface transport on this route, but there are taxi shuttle services at about R300.

By light aircraft to Stellenbosch airfield, about 20 minutes from Somerset West, on the outskirts of Stellenbosch.

Get around
There is no public transport to speak of other than minibus taxis. Most of the town is amenable to cycling, but you need your own bicycle, and there isn't really anywhere to go in the urban area.

Scuba diving
There are a lot of dive sites within day-tripping distance on the Cape Peninsula and False Bay coasts. Dive shops and charter boat operators in the Strand and Gordon's Bay on the east side of False Bay are the nearest, and operate mostly from Gordon's Bay to Rooi-els.

Wine related

Buy
Somerset Mall is the biggest shopping area of the district. Most classes of consumer goods are available within easy walking distance of the large parking area, at the cost of probably higher prices than in the older commercial area of Somerset West, where parking is more of a problem. It is a large covered mall with restaurants, supermarkets and the full catastrophe of boutiques for fashionware, sports equipment, computer and communications hardware, etc.

In the central commercial part of Somerset west there are also an adequate range of similar outlets, but spread over a larger area.

One of the more convenient, with its own parking area and a small cluster of shops, is Lion's Square. The anchor tenant is the Lion's Square Spar supermarket, which is a relatively small, but upmarket supermarket with in-house bakery, delicatessen and coffee shop. The same building houses a restaurant, laundry, pharmacy, and a few clothing boutiques.

Connect
The urban areas of Somerset West and Strand are contiguous, and there is often confusion as to where the boundary lies. For most practical purposes this is only important when using the telephone directory, as some subscribers are listed in the wrong area. If in doubt, try both.

Go next
There is not a great deal for the visitor to do in Somerset West except eat, sleep and generally reside. Social activities tend to centre on a few sports and home-based entertainment. For other activities the inhabitants generally go somewhere else.

 * Cape Town is near enough for a night out. The N2 is congested during rush hour, and should be avoided between about 6AM and 9AM on weekdays westbound, and between 3:30PM and 5:30PM eastbound, but is generally OK at other times and over weekends.
 * There are good beaches at Gordon's Bay and Strand, and good Scuba diving in Gordon's Bay, Rooi-els and the Cape Peninsula
 * Boat rides and boat charters at Gordon's Bay, the Waterfront in Cape Town and Hout Bay
 * Stellenbosch has some cultural attractions, and is about 20 minutes away off peak hours by the R44
 * There is a public swimming pool in Strand

title: Somerset West


text:
Somers Point

Somers Point is in Atlantic County, New Jersey.

By bus

 * NJ Transit

Do

 * If you have a bicycle, there are two bike/walk paths in Somers Point. One of them starts a few blocks north of Somers Mansion (near the fire station) and goes north through Somers Point, Linwood, Northfield, and ends in Pleasantville. The other one is the Ocean City Bike Path, which ends on the Somers Point side of the 9th St. Bridge and leads into Ocean City.

title: Somers Point


text:
Somerville

Older Bostonians might still derisively call it "Slummerville", but today that tired old moniker couldn't be further from the truth. Packed with upwardly mobile professionals and longtime residents, Somerville is often voted an "All-America City" and the best-run city in Massachusetts. It would seem civically engaged folks can achieve uncommon results; and Somerville fosters an environment of cooperation like no other. Its 81,000 residents (2020) are quick to enjoy the fruits of their artistry, and you'll find top notch options for dinner, drinks, and dancing all in abundance within Somerville's borders. Lurking just to the south, big brothers Boston and Cambridge provide options and opportunities for many of Somerville's creative class residents.

Understand
Somerville was once a part of Charlestown, and was used mostly as farmland and grazing pastures for hundreds of years. During the 18th century, Washington Street and Somerville Avenue came to be known as "Milk Row". These convenient roads were used by dairy farmers to transport wares into local Boston markets. The intersection of these roads created Union Square, a new and (relatively) bustling nexus for early settlers.

Prior to the Revolutionary War, Somerville was no stranger to tyranny. Vast amounts of Massachusetts gunpowder were stored at the Old Powder House, which the British successfully raided in 1774. These hostilities caused great outrage among the colonial population, and led to a popular uprising. This event is considered by many historians to be the point where public sentiment within the colonies turned in favor of war with England.

During wartime, the geography of Somerville's Prospect Hill made it a fitting place to command an army. Thanks mainly to its height and views of the area, it was fortified with Continental Army troops late in 1775 and became known as "The Citadel". To celebrate the new year, the Grand Union flag (a pre-cursor to the modern American flag) flew here for the first time January 1st, 1776. Many consider this to be the first official raising of any American flag.

After the revolution Somerville continued to grow, separating from Charlestown in 1842 before incorporating as a city in 1872. Its population exploded as its economy changed from mostly agrarian to a diverse industrial base. Bricks, railroads, and meatpacking industries were all booming, and the new Ford assembly plant built in 1926 kept businesses in the black well into the 20th century.

Just like Boston (and many other American cities), Somerville was on the downswing after WWII. Factories had closed, the trains stopped running, and anyone who could afford it fled for the suburbs. The blight continued for decades, until the first seeds of life began to return. During the mid 1980s the MBTA re-opened the Davis Square train station on the Red line. By the 1990s, higher-paying technology and biotech jobs started to appear, and crime rates began to drop.

Now in the 21st century, Somerville's biggest challenges have become gentrification and public transit. Buildings you couldn't pay people to take off your hands in the 1980s now trade for millions of dollars. In 2006 the MBTA promised to extend the Green Line into Somerville, connecting several underserved areas. Once mandated for completion by December 2014, little progress has been made to date, aside from Union Square station opening in early 2022. (Mention this to any local for a surefire conversation starter!) These aren't easy problems to solve, but if any city has both the will and the aptitude—it's Somerville.

Neighborhoods
Davis Square: This is a great late-night summer hangout, especially given all the shopping and dining to be found here. It's right on the Red Line, and also a major bus transfer point. Tons of college folk linger in the brick plaza. Head up Holland St from Davis to find Teele Square. It's a bit less crowded here, and has a lot to offer in way of local pubs and restaurants. Walk College Ave instead to be brought to Powderhouse Square. Mostly residential, but not without its interesting sights.

Union Square: The last stop, and terminus of the MBTA's Green Line. From the Sullivan Square Orange Line station it's a 15-minute walk, or there are buses always arriving from Central, Harvard, Porter, Davis, and Lechmere T stations. You'll find a number of Brazilian restaurants and stores around, the community extends all the way to Inman Square in Cambridge with another pocket in Allston. Union Square is nice, featuring quaint brickwork and benches created by local artists. A major reconstruction of Somerville Avenue saw the installation of better lighting, more traffic lights, and raised pedestrian crosswalks.

Winter Hill: Located roughly north of Highland Avenue and west of the McGrath Highway, Winter Hill is home to a mix of restored homes and aluminium-sided fixer-uppers, replete with china gnomes and bathtub Virgin Marys. Once known as the home base of Irish gangsters Whitey Bulger, James "Buddy" McLean, Howie Winter and the notorious Winter Hill Gang in the 1960s and 1970s. Winter Hill is now, like much of the rest of Somerville, experiencing gentrification and a resulting rise in property values and rents. Despite these changes, the area continues to hang onto its neighborhood flavor and is home to a large community of Irish, Italians, Brazilians, Portuguese, Cape Verdeans, and other ethnic groups.

Get in
Since Somerville is so tightly bound to Boston, please refer to the Get In and Get Around sections of that article for all the gory details. Somerville also shares several transit options with nearby Cambridge.

By public transit
For a city as densely populated as Somerville, the dearth of rapid transit is surprising. The only T stations within Somerville's borders are Union Square on the Green Line, Davis on the Red line, and Assembly on the Orange. Around the periphery, several other stations serve Somerville, if you don't mind a little walking. Harvard and Porter, both on the Red line are often convenient. Sullivan Square on the Orange line plays host to an array of busses, and Lechmere on the Green line can sometimes be helpful.

If you really want to explore the city, you'll need to get on the bus. Sullivan Square probably has the most options; the #89 and #101 run down Broadway, the #90 runs down Highland, and the #95 runs along the Mystic to Medford. The #86 heads to Harvard and stops at Union Square on the way, while the #91 and CT2 from Sullivan are also bound for Union Square. If you're starting from Lechmere, the #87 continues past the Green Line's terminus in Union Square and travels along Somerville Ave. to Davis, and the #88 is the most frequent down Highland.

On the off chance you're arriving on the Fitchburg Line of the Commuter Rail, it stops at Porter Station. It's much more convenient for you to get off here, rather than heading all the way downtown to North Station.

By car
Driving to Somerville isn't totally insane, but traffic will be intense and parking will be limited. Davis Square in particular is notorious for its congestion. When you arrive at your destination, make sure to get your buddy's visitor parking pass. Without it you'll be ticketed for parking onstreet without a permit.

You can take Interstate 93 from the north or south to any of Somerville's three exits: 29, 30, and 31. From the north west both Route 2 and Route 3 each come very close to Somerville's borders, but you'll need to use smaller city streets to get where you're going. Get ready to face some truly authentic Boston driving along the last mile or two of your journey!

See
Somerville doesn't really have any show-stopping "must see" sights. It's all about relaxing, taking your time, and letting the quirky character of the neighborhood soak in. For example you might see a few of the more than 200 backyard shrines, built to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary; often referred to as "Bathtub Marys". In Union Square, another walkable hotspot, you can find scores of whimsical benches painted by local artists.

Do
Most tourists spend their time near Davis and Porter Squares, within walking distance of each other. Residents sometimes avoid those crowds by hitting their favorite spots in Union Square and the Winter Hill area. They're further from the T, but it's a great way to get out there and meet some real Somervillians.

Events

Drink

Sleep
Somerville is, as mentioned elsewhere, a heavily residential area; hence, there are few hotels. Although there are plans for a hotel in Davis, nothing exists today. Many more options are available in Cambridge, Boston, or in one of the outlying suburbs along Route 93 or Route 95. Any nearby city will be easily accessible to many parts of Somerville by mass transit.

Go next

 * Push yourself over the borderline and into "The People's Republic" of Cambridge, where more offbeat shops and restaurants abound.
 * Stretch your legs at the Middlesex Fells Reservation in Stoneham, where plenty of hiking and biking opportunities can be found.
 * Already holding tickets? Catch a game at historic Fenway Park situated in the center of the Fenway neighborhood.
 * Looking for more live entertainment? Allston Rock City across the river to the south west has got you covered.
 * Yearning for the Somerville of old? Head south to Dorchester, where some areas carry a similar creative spark.

title: Somerville


text:
Somnathapura

Somnathapura (alternative spelling: Somanathapura or Somnathpur) is a town in Karnataka close to Tirumakudalu Narasipura Taluk. The area was ruled by the Hoysala Dynasty. A minister of the Hoysala dynasty, by name Somanath, planned to establish a temple here, based on the Hoysala architecture. As Hoysalas were mainly Lord Vishnu devotees, a temple, dedicated to Lord Chennakeshava, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu with a flute (Resembling Lord Krishna) was established here, on the left bank of River Cauvery

Get in
Somanathapura is 34 km drive from Mysore to the east.

By bus
There is no direct bus from Mysore to Somanathapura, the best is to take a bus from Mysore to T.Narasipura and then another bus to Somanathapura.

By taxi
There are plenty of taxi at T.Narasipura opposite to bus stand. It will cost you around ₹250 to hire a taxi for a round trip to the temple. One way takes around 90 minutes.

Get around
Lord Channakeshava Temple is the only place of interest here. Parking is allowed outside the temple.

Eat
Food has to be carried since there are no very good restaurants

Go next
Mysore is the nearest bigger city, and to the opposite direction is Bangalore.

 * Chamarajanagar
 * Mandya
 * Male Mahadeshwara Betta
 * Gundlupet
 * Kodagu

title: Somnathapura


text:
Somoto

Somoto is a city in Northern Highlands of Nicaragua, famous for the dramatic Somoto Canyon.

Get in
From Managua, head to Mercado Mayoreo and take any Estelí-bound bus. Once in Estelí, go to Cotran Norte (a short walk north of Cortan Sur, where your bus may have arrived), and take any bus to Somoto. These leave hourly. Alternatively, direct buses leave from Managua (Mercado Mayoreo) to Somoto less frequently.

From Choluteca (Honduras), take any bus to San Marco de Colón, take any frontera-bound bus, then transfer to any Somoto bus once you cross the border.

Coming from Managua, you'll end up in Somoto's bus station. To get to the centre, cross the highway and walk four blocks south. The central park will be one block to the right, next to the church. At night, you may want to hop in a taxi.

Get around
Somoto is a small city, and most destinations can be reached on foot. A taxi (C$20 per person) can be used for outlying destinations that aren't accessible by bus.

See
The Mirador (lookout point) on a hill on the northeast side of town offers a great panorama of the mountains that rise 300m above the town. The cost is C$10 per person, in addition to C$20 per person cab fare.

Do

The Cañón de Somoto is the big tourist draw.

The canyon is 200m deep, with sheer 100m cliffs falling straight to the water. At some points, it is only a few meters wide. The canyon is dramatic and beautiful with rock formations and wildlife.

The canyon can be explored with a guide or alone. In either case, make sure to bring sandals with you (or rent them at the parking lot just before reaching the river,) as the stones on the bottom of the river can hurt your feet. Be aware that at the height of the rainy season (September/October), the trip may be impossible due to the current.

Exploring the Canyon Without a Guide

Typically, guidebooks describe the process for getting to the bottom of the canyon. Taking the bus to the border (El Espino) from Somoto, tell the driver you want to go to the Canyon and keep a lookout for a sign. You will be dropped off at the top of a road. After a short walk down a dirt road, you will come to a gatehouse where you will be asked to pay a fee (C$57.) Continue down the road for about 10 minutes until you reach the river. Cross the river and continue down the road. Follow the road upriver until you reach a place with some boats parked. This is the bottom of the canyon.

Once you reach the boats, look for someone to pay to take you upriver a ways (C$25 to C$50 depending on far up they take you.) You can be taken as far as the boat goes, at which point you will come to a place with some inner tubes. You can swim as far upsteam as possible from this point, exploring the bottom portion of the canyon. Be careful, especially if you don't have any lifejackets. Certain portions of the canyon are deep, and distances can be far for people not used to swimming. Be aware that you will be swimming most of the way; walking on the side of the river is rarely an option. As you get further upstream in the canyon, the obstacles you have to climb will get more and more difficult. After you've had your fill, turn around and go back to the bottom.

Exploring the Canyon With a Guide

Hiring a guide will give you a somewhat different experience of the canyon. Although certain guides could simply accompany you on a trip similar to the one described above, others will take you on a more thorough trip. This trip involves using another entrance to the park further upstream, then going downstream through the entire length of the canyon.

It is not advisable to attempt this trip alone. It is difficult to find the top of the river where the trip starts, and the guide must sit on an inner tube keeping your possessions out of the water.

Before buying any guide's services, make sure of all of the following:

 * Your trip will be through the entire canyon instead of starting at the bottom
 * Life jackets are included
 * An inner tube will be provided to keep your possessions dry

Transportation To and From the Canyon

The canyon can be reached by taxi or by chicken bus. The chicken bus costs C$6 each way, and the taxi is about 10 times as much. Normally, transportation is not included with the fee for a guide; in fact, you need to pay for your guide's transportation as well.

Buy
The Mercado Municipal de Somoto is the main shopping center. It is a very clean market, but is geared more towards locals than tourists. The Hotel Panamericano has tourist items for sale.

Eat
The Hotel Panamericano has a restaurant, and there is another expensive joint ($7+) on the main drag across from Hotel Colonial. There are a few pizza carts next to the Parque Central.

Comedor Familiar, a great comedor serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as drinks at night, is located just south of the Hotel Colonial, a half block off of the main street on the left. Full breakfasts run C$50.

On the northeast corner of the market, a clean bakery serves handmade treats on the cheap. For C$5, you can get a beautiful cupcake or an animal-shaped treat. Across the street is another comedor.

Rosquillas are a local specialty, they come in different shapes and sizes (usually round, like onion rings) and they are generally are made from corn, cheese, and herbs, with a few popular versions sweetened by cinnamon and molasses.

On the road from the main road to the entrance of Somoto Canyon there are several small restaurants.

Drink
Not much of a nightlife in this small town, but the backroom of Comedor Familiar is sure to have some locals sharing 1L beers (40c or $2).

In the town of Somoto
There are lots of hotels, hospedajes, and one hostel in town. Most are along the Panamericana and between the bus station and the center. Prices range from C$100 to $25 per person.
 * The Hotel Panamericano is located on the north side of the Parque Central, with a pretty garden, restaurant, and store. For $10 per person payable on check-in, you get a room with fan, private bathroom, TV, and refrigerator. Unfortunately, some rooms are dungeonlike and lack furniture, and bathrooms can be bleak. Ask the staff to show you several rooms. In addition, the staff might seem a bit relentless trying to get you to do a tour or eat in the restaurant. They arrange tours for guests and non-guests alike.
 * Another option is the Hotel Colonial, a more upscale hotel. This hotel costs $25 per room for two people, and includes a good tipico breakfast. Although the amenities are almost exactly the same as the Panamericano (except for lacking the refrigerator), the rooms are more pleasant and comfortable, with nice furniture and set around a pretty courtyard. The foyer and lounge have a formality that would benefit a nice property in Granada or Leon. The cheerful staff can set up tours for guests. Located just south of the central park on the main road.

At Somoto Canyon
There is plenty of (basic) accommodation close to the entrance of the canyon. The families living there often rent out a room or a cabaña for C$50 to C$150 per night.

You can also camp at the canyon (free, except for the C$58 entrance fee for the park that you need to pay anyway.) There is an information point when entering the canyon. The rangers there can point out the best camping spots, either down by the river or up on one of the viewpoints. The family which runs the parking lot just before you get to the river also lets people pitch a tent on their grounds.

title: Somoto


text:
Somwarpet

Somwarpet, is a town in Kodagu district of Karnataka State.

Do

 * Enjoy River Rafting in Barapole River. For adventure seekers, the Barapole River offers exhilarating white-water rafting experiences. The river's rapids are suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters.
 * Hiking to Harangi Backwaters. The backwaters of the Harangi Dam near Somwarpet offer serene landscapes ideal for leisurely walks and picnics. The area is peaceful, with water, greenery, and birds contributing to a tranquil experience.
 * Enjoy River Rafting in Barapole River. For adventure seekers, the Barapole River offers exhilarating white-water rafting experiences. The river's rapids are suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters.
 * Hiking to Harangi Backwaters. The backwaters of the Harangi Dam near Somwarpet offer serene landscapes ideal for leisurely walks and picnics. The area is peaceful, with water, greenery, and birds contributing to a tranquil experience.
 * Hiking to Harangi Backwaters. The backwaters of the Harangi Dam near Somwarpet offer serene landscapes ideal for leisurely walks and picnics. The area is peaceful, with water, greenery, and birds contributing to a tranquil experience.

Eat

 * Bamboo Shoot Curry. A seasonal delicacy made from tender bamboo shoots. It’s cooked with spices and often has a mild, slightly sweet flavor, reflecting the unique use of local ingredients.
 * Noolputtu (String Hoppers). Similar to Idiyappam found in other parts of South India, Noolputtu is made of rice flour pressed into noodle form and then steamed. It’s typically served with spicy curries or coconut milk.
 * Noolputtu (String Hoppers). Similar to Idiyappam found in other parts of South India, Noolputtu is made of rice flour pressed into noodle form and then steamed. It’s typically served with spicy curries or coconut milk.

Drink

 * Home Grown Coffee. A destination for tourists seeking to experience the serene beauty of Somwarpet and learn about coffee cultivation. Many estates and plantations offer in-house coffee as a tourist attraction.
 * Home Grown Coffee. A destination for tourists seeking to experience the serene beauty of Somwarpet and learn about coffee cultivation. Many estates and plantations offer in-house coffee as a tourist attraction.

Go next

 * Honnamana Kere

title: Somwarpet


text:
Sonamarg

Sonamarg or Sonmarg, the "Meadow of Gold", is a hill station at 2,730 m in Jammu and Kashmir. It is reached from the Sindh Valley and has snow-capped mountains for its backdrop against the sky.

See
From Gangabal, a 17 km tough descent leads to Naranag, where ruins of Buddhist temples built by Jaluka, son of Ashoka, and also by King Lalityadaty are still present. This trekking route is also known as the "Great Lakes Trek".

Do
Sonmarg is a trekker's heaven and has adventurous routes with beautiful green water and frozen lakes around. The vale is believed to be bestowed with mystical water which turns everything into eternal riches. High altitude makes it cold even during summers. It is advisable to always carry warm clothes and rain proofs.

The everlasting Thajiwas Glacier, 3 km from Sonamarg, provides a chance to enjoy sledge ride on snow even in midsummer.

Ponies are available up to the glacier from Sonamarg. Ponywallahs will demand up to ₹1500 for one pony ride but will get you there for ₹500 in off season - you will have to haggle. Superb campsite in Thajiwas area makes it a prime location for trekkers and during summer. Sind river is a natural hatchery of trout, where angling is great fun, provided permission is obtained from the fisheries department. Ascending river makes Sonamarg ideal for river rafting.

Get some woollen gear and gum boots for rent, start climbing the snow-laced mountains. People offer sledge rides, they charge ₹250/point (point refers to altitude of mountain divided into steps). It is better to rent some woollen gear and climb mountain and then hire a sledge to skate on snow from top.

 * Krishnasar Lake. Located a few kilometres from Sonamarg. The lake is dedicated to trout fish conservation. One can enjoy trout fishing in the lake, though winter time is recommended. At an expense of ₹200, an hour-long time is allotted for fishing.
 * Sonmarg Gangabal trek. The famous Gangabal trek starts from Sonamarg across the Sind River with steep Nichna Pass at 4080 m. This rough trek of 15 km from Sonamarg will certainly make you stop at the first visible campsite in the area. Passing via Vishansar Lake at 3680 m and further to Krishansar Lake (3819 m) 14 km, a marvellous campsite urges you to stop overnight. A 23 km trek to Gadsir Lake (3900 m) passes through steep climbs followed by rapid descent, whereafter the Gadsir Lake appears, mostly full of broken glacier masses, a trek of 17 km via Satsar Lake (3600 m) passes through Gangabal Valley, where the view of Harmukh Peak is breathtaking. A few kilometres of walking will take you to Gangabal Lake (3570 m) at the foot of Harmukh; a plain campsite amidst the valley is an unforgettable experience,
 * Tajiwas Glacier: An exciting location for trek lovers, Thajwas Glacier situated just 3km away from Sonmarg is one of the most thrilling and striking experiences one can witness. The crown of Jammu and Kashmir, this glacier is famous for its exciting activities like sledding, hiking, and pony rides.

Buy
One can buy Kashmiri handicrafts at reasonable prices. Products for daily use are all available in the main market.

Eat
All hotels and restaurants serve Kashmiri cuisine. Also whilst walking up to the glacier to do some sledging you can usually get some snacks to eat such as corn cobs or a chapatti filled with delicious spicy fillings from single sellers at the side of the walking path. There are also a few tented rest points that sell packets of snacks & bottles of soda or water with a few plastic chairs & tables to sit for a while & rest.

Sleep
A number of hotels are present in the main market where one can find several hotels with all facilities. Camps are another option for resting, in the case of explorers and group camping.

title: Sonamarg


text:
Sonargaon

Sonargaon is a town in the Dhaka Division. It has survived through many historical periods under the rule of various sultanates and empires, and was one of the original capitals of the Bengal region.

Understand
Sonargaon is one of the oldest capitals of Bengal. It became the seat of the Hindu Deva Dynasty in the mid-13th century. But this was short-lived, as Hindu rule ended in the early 14th century. Sonargaon was under independent rule for some years, before becoming a subsidiary capital of the Sultanate of Bengal, then the Sultanate of Delhi. The city ended up in the hands of the Mughal Empire after their rise to power across the Subcontinent.

The British eventually took control of the region, and although it lost much of its significance, the city was further developed with a new neighbourhood called Panam City, which was settled by wealthy Hindu merchants.

Much of the old Hindu and Mughal buildings are gone or ruined, but some have survived. Many of the British-era structures are still present today.

Get in
Frequent bus services to Sonargaon operate from Gulistan, Saidabad and other bus stands in Dhaka. Tickets may be bought on roadside counters. The price of the ticket from Gulistan bus stand is Tk 43, and the ride should take about 40 minutes, depending on the unpredictable traffic. Mention your destination as Mograpara, or else you might end up at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka, rather than the town in the countryside.

Get around
Sonargaon is the combination of many villages and towns. These are all located in close proximity to each other. The easiest, and most enjoyable way to get around is simply by rickshaw. Many rickshaw drivers can be hired for the day for about Tk 200-250. This will save the hassle of having to wave one down and negotiate fares each time.

See

Eat
There are a number of shops located near the bus stand, on the Dhaka-Chittagong Highway.

Sleep

 * Sonargaon Royal Resort

Go next

 * Narayanganj

title: Sonargaon


text:
Sondrio

Sondrio is a town of 22,000 people (2018) in Sondrio Province in the Lombardy region of northern Italy.

Understand
The territory of Sondrio has numerous vineyards; wines produced include the Sassella and Grumello. Wine represents one of the main resources of this region, together with tourism, especially in winter.

Another important piece of Sondrio's economy is its banking industry. The Banca Popolare di Sondrio and the Credito Valtellinese are headquartered in Sondrio and listed on the Milan Stock Exchange.

History
Formerly an Ancient Roman military camp, today's Sondrio was founded by the Lombards: in their language Sundrium meant "Exclusive property", referring to the status of free men (arimanni) of the holders of the city and the surrounding land.

After the fall of the Lombard Kingdom in Italy, Sondrio became part of the Holy Roman Empire. The Capitanei of Vizzola, who controlled much of the Valtellina, had it in 1040 from the emperor Henry II. From 1310 to 1335 the city was involved in the war between the Guelph and Ghibelline factions of the nearby Como, and its war against Milan. After having resisted several attacks by the Comaschi, in 1335 Sondrio and Valtellina became part of the Visconti Milanese dominions.

From the second half of the 16th century to the end of 18th century, Sondrio was governed by the Tre Leghe Grigie ("Three Grey Leagues") of the Grisons, as the capital city of Valtellina. After the Reformation, Sondrio was the centre of major struggles between the Catholic Valtellinesi and the Protestant Grisons. In 1620 the citizens, led by Giacomo Robustelli, killed 180 Protestants and declared the independence of the Valtellina.

After the Napoleonic parenthesis, in which it became part of the Cisalpine Republic (later Kingdom of Italy), Sondrio with the Valtellina was annexed to the Austrian Kingdom of Lombardy-Venetia, and fought gallantly for its independence.

See
The heart of Sondrio is its central Garibaldi Square. Not far from it is the Palazzo Sassi, that is home of the Art and History Museum of Valtellina. In a dominant position, near the ancient road to the Valmalenco, linking the town to Switzerland, stands the Masegra Castle, housing the Historical Museum of the Grisons Domination.

Other sights include the Torre Ligariana, once the collegiate's bell tower, and the Palazzo Pretorio, once the seat of the Grisons government.

title: Sondrio


text:
Songea

Songea is a city in the TZ Southern Highlands.

Get in
Dar es Salaam – Sumry Tsh 32,000. You get a soda and a snack, plus there’s the Al Jazeera stop.

Moro – Scandinavia Tsh 28,000

Iringa – Super Feo

Arusha – Hood Tsh 35,000

Njombe – Fikiri Trans Tsh 8,000 Phone number for the Songea office: 0756-286-674

Masasi – Tsh 15,000

Get around
Taxi no more than Tsh 3,000 from anywhere to anywhere else in Songea town—it isn't that big a place.

Eat
Sorry—no cheese, no ice cream

Supercafe – Lots of little foods that can add up to big hela. They’ve got tiny burgers in big buns and warm banana bread. Get a glass of passion juice! Songea Bakery – The sign calls them lizatot, but Jenna calls them “Entimenes” they’re that good. The have tables inside and outside under an umbrella. Mtini Pub – It’s a kibanda under an mti. (There are cheap guest houses around here too; they’re noisy though from the bar crowd.) Agape Cafe – It has Tanzanian fare plus some baked goods. You can sit in a booth, watch television.

Sleep
There are guest houses all around the standi for Tsh 5000 to 10,000. Don Bosco – Tsh 5000 self-contained single (but the beds are double-bed size), big room with a television, the running water isn’t hot but the matron will bring you some if you ask, less than five-minutes’ walk from the bus standi. On Sunday mornings, you wake up to the entire Catholic mass over speakerphone from the church next door

Internet
Heritage Annex Tsh 1200 hour, good speed, only four computers Computer training center beside the CCM building	Tsh 1200 hour, okay speed, only four computers Valongo Internet across from the main soko entrance Tsh 1000 hour, slow

Go next
Towards Lindi and Mtwara, a large section of the A19 road is under construction. From Nantumbo to Nangomba the tarmac road turns into a very rough dirt road. In the rainy season this stretch of road poses a serious obstacle, with mud, sand, rocks and flooding to contend with, and a 4WD or off-road bike is definitely recommended. It wouldn't hurt in the dry season either!

title: Songea


text:
Songhuahu National Park

Songhuahu National Park (松花湖国家公园) is in Jilin province.

See

 * Songhua Lake - 550 km² of lake southeast of Jilin City which looks exceptionally attractive in winter with rimmed trees
 * Songhua Hu Ski Area - 25 km southeast of Jilin City, offers beginner and intermediate skiing as well as cross-country skiing
 * Songhua Hu Ski Area - 25 km southeast of Jilin City, offers beginner and intermediate skiing as well as cross-country skiing

title: Songhuahu National Park


text:
Songimvelo Game Reserve

Songimvelo Game Reserve is in Mpumalanga of South Africa.

Understand
The Ghost and the Darkness starring Val Kilmer and Michael Douglas was shot here.

Landscape
The area mountainous.

Flora and fauna
Rhinoceros and a variety of antelope can often be seen. The elephants and leopards are more elusive. Cattle from nearby farms often graze inside the park.

Get in
Drive from Badplaas.

Fees
Entrance is R100 per vehicle per day for game viewing.

Get around
You can drive in your own vehicle which should preferably be a 4x4.

Do
Drive the nearby Ebutsini 4x4 course.

Lodging
The lodging area in the east is separated from the rest of the game reserve. Only poorly maintained log cabins are available. The area is mostly used by locals as a party spot with throbbing house music the norm. Guests are allowed access to the brown-tinged water pool.

Go next
Drive through the ghost town of Msauli towards Bulembe or Barberton.

title: Songimvelo Game Reserve


text:
Shanghai/Songjiang

Sōngjiāng (松江区 Sōngjiāng Qū) is a district of Shanghai, southwest of downtown and west of Minhang.

Songjiang is divided in two by the Huhang expressway. The northern part is the new town, Songjiang Xincheng. It is easily accessible, being at the end of metro line. The southern part near the river is the old town, where all the historic sights are.

Understand
Songjiang is a rapidly developing area with a mixture of old houses in the western parts of the town and growing areas of new houses and large shopping streets further east.

Get in
The city is located around 30km to the south-west of central Shanghai and is connected to downtown areas by buses and metro.

By metro
Take line to the end.

The Jinshan Railway has several stops in Songjiang, but express trains bypass some of them.

You can use metro line to Xinzhuang station, then change to line  until Jianchuan Lu. From that station, use the Songmin bus line (松闵线) which stops at the Songjiang Fangta pagoda and also in the city center and costs only ¥3.

By sightseeing bus
Get there by using sightseeing bus 1a from the east Shanghai stadium bus station, which leaves every 30 minutes between 7:30am and 5:30pm (¥10).

By taxi
From Shanghai city it's around ¥70. If you want to save a bit, use line to Xinzhuang station, then line  until Beiqiao station and take a taxi from there (around ¥40).

By train
There are almost 30 trains per day linking Songjiang with Shanghai Hongqiao and Shanghai South stations (services to/from Shanghai Hongqiao depart/arrive at Songjiang South while services to/from Shanghai South depart/arrive at Songjiang). Songjiang station is about 4km west of Fangta pagoda while Songjiang South is another 2km south of that.

By bus
The Songmin bus line runs west-east through the whole city and connects the sights, most importantly the area around the Xilin pagoda and the Fangta pagoda.

By taxi
Taxis are readily available and come at the same prices as in Shanghai city, ¥8 or ¥10 per km.

Also, be aware that the travel distance from Jiangchuan station to FangTi Yuan is over 1 hour bus journey, so plan your time accordingly. The park is also very small and takes around 20 minutes to walk around

See

University town
This area has its own "university town" metro station on line and a number of universities:

 * Shanghai International Studies University
 * Donghua University
 * DeTao Master Academy
 * Shanghai Institute of Visual Art
 * East China University of Political Science and Law
 * Shanghai Institute of Foreign Trade
 * Shanghai Lixin University of Commerce
 * Shanghai University of Engineering Sciences
 * Sanda University

Several of these also have other campuses elsewhere.

title: Shanghai/Songjiang


text:
Songkhla

Songkhla (สงขลา) is the provincial capital of Songkhla Province. The city itself is surrounded by beaches such as Samila (สมิหลา) & Son Awn (สนอ่อน) and also known as "the great city on two seas". With the beaches, some historical centres and nice green parks, this place is definitely a good place to recharge before heading to more lively Hat Yai.

Understand
Songkhla or "Singgora" in Malay, was a city of the old Malay Kingdom of Langkasuka with heavy Srivijayan influence. It has been part of the Thai Kingdom since the 18th century.

The city has moved over no less than three separate sites around the coast and harbour since it was established, so bear in mind that visiting all the sites will require some transport. A hired car is ideal. You can get a good overview of the location of the city during various historic periods at the Songkhla National Museum which has a map overlay on the immediate left once you enter the main courtyard.

Previously a port and a coastal trading post where Indian, Persian, and Arab merchants came to exchange their products, this place was initially named "Sing Lha" after the 2 lion-shaped islands at the mouth of the city's lake. These 2 islands are today known as Ko Nu (Rat Island) and Ko Maeo (Cat Island).

In the 18th century many Chinese immigrants from Guangdong and Fujian came here. One of them won the bidding for the major tax farm of the province in 1769, thus establishing the Na Songkhla (i.e., "from Songkla") family as the most wealthy and influential. In 1777 the family gained political power, when the old governor was dismissed and Luang Inthakhiri (Yiang, Chinese name Wu Rang (吴让)) became the new governor. In 1786 the old governor started an uprising, which was put down after four months. The post was inherited and held by 8 of Wu Rang's descendents until 1901, when Phraya Wichiankhiri (Chom) was honourably retired as part of the administrative reforms of Prince Damrong Rajanubhab. The family's former home is now used as the Songkhla National Museum.

By bus
The government bus station is on Nakhon Nok Rd (ถนนนครนอก), a few metres from Viva Hotel.

To/from Bangkok: Air-con buses by The Transport Co. Ltd (บริษัท ขนส่ง จำกัด (บขส.), baw-kaw-saw) run between Bangkok southern bus terminal (สายใต้, sai-tai) and Songkhla bus terminal daily. The distance is ~984 km and normally takes 12.5 hours.

 * 24 seat VIP bus (พิเศษ, piset) costs 1,125 baht, departs from Bangkok at 18:00. On the return, the departure is at 16:45.
 * 47 seat Class 2 bus (ม2) costs 563 baht, departs from Bangkok at 08:00, 14:30, and 19:00. From Songkhla at 07:30, 11:30, and 14:00.

To/from Chumphon: Class 2 bus (ม2) costs 290 baht, departs daily.

To/from Nakhon Si Thammarat: Class 2 bus (ม2) costs 125 baht, departs daily.

To/from Surat Thani: No direct bus to Surat Thani (as of February 2024). Either take a Minibus to Nakhon Si Thammarat, then bus to ST from there, or travel via Hat Yai.

To/from Hat Yai: Ordinary buses depart to Hat Yai from Raamwithi Rd (ถนนรามวิถี) for 18 baht. From Hat Yai, you need to catch one at the bus stop on Phetkasem Rd (ถนนเพชรเกษม), at the intersection close to Montri 1 Rd (ถนนมนตรี 1).

By minivan
Minivans depart to Hat Yai from Raamwithi Rd (ถนน รามวิถี) for 30 baht. Minivans leave for Yala and Pattani for 120 baht from the south end of Raamwithi Rd (ถนน รามวิถี), at the intersection close to Chaimongkol Rd (ถนน ชัยมงคล). You can also get a songthaew from the clock tower in Hat Yai, 20 baht.

By taxi
In February 2015 (Chinese New Year), a day-long taxi trip from Hat Yai to Songkhla, taking in various sites and returning to Hat Yai as a round trip cost 2000 baht. This includes a reasonable guide. With a group of people it's an excellent way to see the various sites without hassle.

Get around
Songthaews cruise around the city for 12 baht. Motorcycle taxis do the same for 20 baht. Expect rates to double at night.

See

If you are interested in history, the Institute for Southern Thai Studies and Songkhla National Museum are definitely must see locations. The former has an extensive collection of local cultural artifacts from prehistory through present organized in to anthropological or physical themes, whereas the latter has a sparser, better presented selection of artifacts with more of a temporal progression in its design and layout, including some very impressive Chinese carvings and foreign artifacts from ancient shipwrecks.

Eat

 * Lyn's The Shanghai Cafe' Nakornnai Rd, Fully renovated 200-year-old Chinese house building. Serving quality steak, local dishes, design coffee, drinks and ice-cream desserts. Located in a middle of Songkhla oldtown area. and Hostel Lyn's Home Boutique Hostel
 * Excellent weekend night food-market on Friday and Saturday in the centre of town with many food stalls.
 * Try the khao tom mat (ข้าวต้มมัด), a delicious Thai dessert.
 * A hundred or so meters east of the Songkhla museum is a Thai vegetarian restaurant.
 * A hundred or so meters east of the Songkhla museum is a Thai vegetarian restaurant.

Mid-range

 * Lyn's Home Boutique Hostel, Nakornnai, Bo Yang. Designed hostel newly opened in a fully renovated 1951 building. Located in a middle of Songkhla Oldtown offers a cozy courtyard, fast free WiFi, Air-con and modern beds with privacy curtain. 550 baht.

Consulates

 * 🇨🇳 China
 * 🇮🇩 Indonesia
 * 🇲🇾 Malaysia

Go next

 * Hat Yai - business and shopping destination 35 km away.
 * Namtok Boriphat Forestry Park (วนอุทยานน้ำตกบริพัตร) is about 52 km from Songkhla, on Hwy 406, at km35-36. Turn onto a dirt road for about 1 km. It is a small all-season waterfall.

title: Songkhla


text:
Song Kul

Song Kul is a high alpine lake in the mountains of the Naryn Region of Kyrgyzstan.

Understand
It is the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan (18x29 km wide, 13 m deep) after Issyk kul. Its name, meaning "following lake", is popularly considered to refer to this relation. It is surrounded by a broad summer pasture and then mountains. The area is inhabited and safely accessible only from June to September.

Get in
Its beauty is greatly praised, but it is rather inaccessible. The best approach with your own car seems to be the 85 km road from Sary-Bulak on the main north-south highway. Other routes require 4x4s. It is very common to do an organized day trip by horse or hiking from Kochkor or less frequented from Naryn. CBT can arrange return transport for US$80-100 per car from their offices in Kochkor (which can be reached by marshrutka from Bishkek) or for a much higher price from their office in Bishkek. Some companies like Iron Horse Nomads can bundle the transportation from Bishkek with CBT housing and an English speaking driver who stays with you with prices starting around US$350. Agencies can also organize foot or horse treks to the lake.

Without tour agency
It is easily possible to get to Song Kul without paying to any agency. On option is to go here by rented car, but even that is not necessary. You can hitchhike to Kyzart village or Kyzart pass and continue on foot from there. Kyzart village is located 77 km from Kochkor in the direction to Osh, while Kyzart pass is 55 km from Kochkor in the same direction. If hitchhiking from Kochkor, get to the crossroad behind the city (I will see it no a map) and hitch-hike some truck, as these are plentiful and truck drivers tend to refuse money.

If hitch-hiking is not your thing, you can go to the main square in Kochkor and haggle with taxi drivers to take you there. A seat in shared taxi should be around 200 som and a whole car should be no more than 1,000 som.

From Kyzart pass, follow the trail marked on OpenStreetMap. It is 27 km, a relatively easy two-day hike. A good places to sleep are near river Bazarturuk, which this hike crosses. You can pitch your tent there or ask in some yurt.

From Kyzart village, it is 28 km, you can however ask some local taxi driver to take you to the beginning of the trail near the river, from where it is only 16 km doable in one day. Most of this trek is however a boring, slow ascent, so it might be better to walk from Kyzart pass a go back to Kyzart village.

Alternatively, you can even hike the whole way from Kochkor (~80 km), and head out north to Kyzart from the lake.

Get around
There is nothing like public transportation on the circular road around the lake and the road is often in very bad shape. There are however some cars going on this road very often, you can try to hitchhike some of these to get where you need. Otherwise, you will have to walk a lot—the lake is quite large.

Navigation
As the trails around, to and from the lake are quite long and it is important to have a proper map with you. For reliable maps and comprehensive trails and map information including GPS, consult OpenStreetMap, which is used by this travel guide, and by many mobile Apps like OsmAnd or Mapy.cz.

See
There almost no man made structures to see, as local people take the yurts with them.

Do

 * Climb the mountain behind the yurts for a great view over the lake. Takes several hours to get to the top.
 * Milk a mare. (You can really do this, if you ask your hosts)
 * Take a guided horse tour around the lake. No agency needed, you ask at some larger yurt cluster.
 * Swim in the lake. Good beaches are marked on OpenStreetMap.

Buy
There is nowhere to buy anything else other than meals or kumys around the lake.

Eat
Local herders will provide interesting meals (sometimes including horse) along with the accommodation. If a lot of tourists are expected, you can watch them butcher a whole sheep in under 30 min. Besh-barmak ("five fingered food") is among the most popular dishes with greasy noodles, all the innards of the sheep, and of course lots of meat!

Drink
Try the "kumys" (fermented mare's milk) that is a popular and healthy drink famous in all of Kyrgyzstan from this area.

Sleep
Local herders can provide supplies and rent yurts for about $14 per night including meals. Apart from that, there are no facilities on the lake. Agencies, including CBT, can arrange these in advance but it is also possible to just show up.

Cope
Before paying for a 2-3-days horseback riding tour, it is better to try it for a few hours or a day. If you are not used to riding a horse, a longer ride might cause your body to be in pain for several days during and after a long ride. Many travellers complain about the painful experience even after even just one day of riding.

Connect
There is no cell signal nor Wi-Fi.

Go next

 * Kyzyl-Oy – You probably came in from Kochkor. You can continue towards the Northwest from here by hiking, hitch-hiking or taxi.

title: Song Kul


text:
Songpan

Songpan (松潘; Sōngpān) is a small town in northern Sichuan. The city is mostly used as a base-camp for exploring the nearby national parks and Tibetan villages, and is additionally visited for its existing remnants of the old city.

By bus
There's a bus station at the north end of town, a few blocks north of the north gate of the wall.

The bus station serves major locations in Sichuan, and locations in Qinghai. It can also connect from Xiahe in Gansu, via Tongren and Hezuo. There are also buses from Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve and Huanglong National Park.

The place can take on a very touristic flair in the summer months overrun with bus-loads of foreign and Chinese tourists arriving eager to spend their money on fake knicknacks and souvenirs, give or take the odd cheeseball picture.

Get around
You can easily visit the town on foot, but there are a plethora of tricycle taxis if you get tired. Motor cycles and horses can take you for longer trips.

See

 * While largely a modern touristic recreation, tiny parts of the old city walls are still standing (the gates) and can be climbed.

Buy
There are dozens of shops in Songpan that sell locally made crafts including colorful textiles, silver jewelry, Tibetan hats, and fake antiques. Bargaining is a must. To get the best price on silver products go to the far southern end of the main street where there are silver smiths. You might get the opportunity to see a silver smith hammering away on a new piece. The prices in these shops are dramatically cheaper than stores just up the block. One product you should not buy are the many furs for sale. The skins for sale have been poached in China or in neighboring countries. Asia's wildlife is quickly disappearing as China's appetite for illegal animal products increases. Please don't contribute to this crisis.

Eat
No shortage of small restaurants, Tibetan and Chinese, in town.

 * Suan Can Mian Kuai is a Tibetan soup with square-shaped homemade noodles, potatoes, and yak meat. You'll recognize it as having an orange or red color.  There's an excellent small family restaurant run by friendly Hui people (Chinese Muslims).  If you walk out of Emma's Kitchen and cross the street, walk up the hill for a bit and it'll be on your left.  You'll see a pane of glass in front of the kitchen that allows you to watch them make the noodles.
 * Suan Can Mian Kuai is a Tibetan soup with square-shaped homemade noodles, potatoes, and yak meat. You'll recognize it as having an orange or red color.  There's an excellent small family restaurant run by friendly Hui people (Chinese Muslims).  If you walk out of Emma's Kitchen and cross the street, walk up the hill for a bit and it'll be on your left.  You'll see a pane of glass in front of the kitchen that allows you to watch them make the noodles.
 * Suan Can Mian Kuai is a Tibetan soup with square-shaped homemade noodles, potatoes, and yak meat. You'll recognize it as having an orange or red color.  There's an excellent small family restaurant run by friendly Hui people (Chinese Muslims).  If you walk out of Emma's Kitchen and cross the street, walk up the hill for a bit and it'll be on your left.  You'll see a pane of glass in front of the kitchen that allows you to watch them make the noodles.

Drink
There is not much nightlife in town. To have a beer, visit a restaurant.

Splurge
There are a couple of (relatively) upscale hotels in town and one or two just north of the bus station. They are mostly aimed at Chinese tourists, but word on the street is that they're pretty nice.

Stay safe
Beware of altitude sickness if travelling here straight from the Sichuan Province lowlands.

Internet
There is an internet bar located just across the southern most bridge. If your heading south the internet bar is immediately on the right after crossing the bridge down a few steps along the river. It is ¥6 for one hour.

Supposedly SongPan horse trekking now has a small internet bar. Emma's Kitchen has a computer with internet.

Visa extension
As of June 2017, it is impossible to extend your visa in Songpan PSB. According to Emma's Guesthouse, they stopped since 2015. If you want an information update please contact Emma's Guesthouse: Emma speaks very good English and will help you. If coming from Danba you can do your extension in Maerkang (Barkam). Other PSB in the area: Lanzhou, Kangding, Chengdu & Leshan.

Go next
From the bus station in the north of the town, there are buses to Chengdu (11 hours), north to Zoige and Langmusi (5 hours) on the border of Gansu province, and to Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve (2 hours) and Huanglong National Park.

title: Songpan


text:
Songyuan

Songyuan (松源; Sōngyuán) is a city in Jilin Province in China.

Understand
Songyuan has a long history dating back to the Neolithic age. The city was part of the ancient state of Fuyu 2000 years ago, and of the state of Bohai 1000 years ago.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Sun Yat-sen build a transportation hub where the Songhua River and the Nen River meet, which materialized as the current city of Songyuan, which was a prefecture-level city from 1992. Since then it has undergone rapid modernization, helped by the area's profitable oil companies.

By plane
Songyuan is 185km from Changchun Airport and 200km from Harbin Airport.

By train
There are trains from Beijing (18 hours; ¥145-438), Harbin (5 hours; ¥49), Shenyang (6 hours, ¥32-119), Dalian (11-12 hours; ¥55-202) and Changchun (2 hours; ¥12-33)

title: Songyuan


text:
Sonipat

Sonipat is a city in Rohtak Division.

Understand
Sonipat also spelled as Sonepat, is an ancient town and a municipal council in Sonipat district in the state of Haryana, India.It comes under National Capital Region and is 45 km north of Delhi. It is a part of National Capital Region along with Delhi, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Mewat, Palwal, Rewari, Jhajjar, Rohtak, Panipat, Alwar, Bhiwadi Industrial Town, Noida, Ghaziabad, Bulandshahr, and Meerut. The district borders Delhi union territory in south, Panipat District in the north, Jind District in the north-west, Uttar Pradesh state in the east with the Yamuna River acting as a border and Rohtak District in the west.

This district was carved out of the erstwhile Rohtak district on 22 December 1972.

Sonepat comprises 3 sub-divisions namely Ganaur, Sonepat and Gohana and seven blocks (Ganaur, Sonipat, Rai, Kharkhoda, Gohana, Kathura and Mundlana) has been carved out of Rohtak and made a full fledged district on 22 December 1972. Sonepat is the largest tehsil followed by Gohana.

Legend - Sonipat was earlier known as Sonprastha, which later on became Swarnprastha, meaning the "Golden City": derived from two Sanskrit words, Swarn (Gold) and Prastha (Place). Over a period of time, the classical name Swarnprasth's pronunciation degraded into Swarnpath, and then to its current form, Sonipat. The earliest reference of this city comes in the epic Mahabharata, and at that time, it was one of the five villages demanded by the Pandavas in lieu of the kingdom of Hastinapur. The other four villages were Panprastha (Panipat), Baghprastha (Baghpat), Indraprastha, and Tilprastha (Tilpat). It is believed that it was founded as Swarnaprastha by the five Pandava brothers during the times of Mahabharata. Another legend ascribed it to Raja Soni, the thirteenth descendent of Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers.

Get in
You can reach Sonipat by train and road directly. The city is on the Northern Railways' Ambala-Delhi rail route and a number of passenger trains pass through it daily. National Highway 1 passes through this district and the city is very well connected to Delhi and nearby places. Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport is also just from Sonipat.

Eat
There are plenty of eateries in and around the city and getting good food is not a problem.

 * Murthal Dhabas, The world famous dhabas of murthal offer the tempting paranthas with dollops of butter & lassi. Try paranthas at Ahuja No1, Gulshan, Sukhdev, Pehalwan. This list doesn't ends.
 * Murthal Haveli, The only branch of the famous jalandhar haveli which offers the tempting Punjabi food.
 * Pind Baluchi, The famous restaurant of vatika group has opened its outlet just opposite the Haveli.
 * Pyaare ke peede, Pyaare ke Peede & lassi is famous in the whole of Haryana.
 * Ram Kishen Sweets, The famous sweet shop located in the heart of city famous for its samosas. The shop is located near Subash chowk sonipat.

Sonipat also has a barista, Cafe Coffee Day outlet as well on the National Highway 1 near murthal.

title: Sonipat


text:
Sonkajärvi

Sonkajärvi is a municipality of 3,800 people (2021) in the North Savonia region of Eastern Finland.

Get in
Iisalmi is the nearest town of any size, while Kuopio has the closest airport.

By train
Sukeva station on the line between Iisalmi and Kajaani fields a few trains per day.

By bus
Coaches coordinated by Matkahuolto connect Sonkajärvi to Iisalmi.

By taxi

 * Smartphone apps: Valopilkku, 02 Taksi, Taksi EHT

Do

 * Volokin path, a 30-km hiking trail

Eat

 * Lounaspaikka Hollivoot, Koulutie 3, ☎ 040-5072299.
 * Lounasravintola Palomestari, Rutakontie 7.
 * Lounas-kahvila Makumestari, Koulutie 1.

title: Sonkajärvi