text:
Big Corn Island

Big Corn Island or Great Corn Island lies approximately 50 miles (70 km) off the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua. Great Corn Island was colonized by people who escaped slavery in Jamaica, and most native islanders have more in common culturally with other English-speaking Caribbean islands than they do with the mainland of Nicaragua.

Understand
Tourism on Great Corn Island is still in its infancy as most tourists gather on Little Corn Island. There are almost none of the things one usually associates with tourists traps (tourist markets, huge beachside developments by major hospitality corporations, time-share condos, etc.) The people are typically friendly and genuine.

Many of the islanders have English surnames. Mainlanders have come to the island in search for tourism jobs, so you may have to speak Spanish after all.

The island is often referred to by its English name even in Spanish, but the name "Isla de Maíz" (meaning the same thing) is not totally unheard of.

Talk
Almost everyone on the island speaks both passable Spanish and English. For most of those native to the island, English is their first language, although there are many inhabitants who have come over from mainland Nicaragua and consequently speak Spanish as a first language. There are also others who speak Miskito or other Caribbean languages. The English spoken, however, is heavily Caribbean (think Bob Marley), and real communication can be far from effortless.

By plane
There is one local airline (La Costeña Airlines) that flies to Big Corn Island from Managua (usually once in the morning and again in early to mid afternoon) and Bluefields. These are 15- to 20-seat dual prop planes without pressurized cabins or air conditioning. One way flights are around US$107 and a round trip around US$165. Some of the planes go first to Bluefields before they continue to the island. There is a weight limit for the plane so be careful about how much luggage you bring. They weigh each passenger with their luggage before boarding. When you arrive in Managua exit the airport and go left to the small building next to the terminal. You can purchase tickets there, but need a reservation in advance most of the time. You can change the return date for your ticket with no trouble or fees as long as there is room on the plane.

Some days of the week, you can get from Houston or Miami to Managua in time to fly directly to Big Corn Island; other days, you will have to spend a night in Managua and fly to the island the following day. When you return from the island to Managua, again, you may have to spend the night depending on the timing of the flights.

By boat
From Managua, the overland trip can take as much as three days. First you will have to get to Bluefields, for which there are two options. Option one is by bus to El Rama (don't worry, the road is in excellent condition and there are several departures daily). From there you can either take the next boat to Bluefields (if connections align; as the late afternoon boat leaves only "when needed", this is not a given) or see whether a direct boat for Big Corn leaves that day. Try to avoid staying the night in El Rama. While it is not a bad place in any way shape or form it is rather boring and can't compare to Bluefields. If you have to spend the night, take the fast boat at the crack of dawn (your bags will be searched, so make sure that there is nothing that should not be in your bags). The ride will be a bumpy, life affirming and wet 1½ to 2 hours to Bluefields. The second option for getting to Bluefields is by direct bus from Managua. This is a relatively new option that makes the trip much more simple. The direct bus to Bluefields leaves from Terminal Costa Atlantica, next to Mercado Mayoreo. First bus leaves at 6am and the last one at 11pm. If you're planning on taking the boat to Corn island straight away, then it makes sense to take either the last bus or the one at 21:30. Better to buy the tickets a few hours earlier for these, as the last two buses of the day get filled up quite quickly. Just don't take a seats at the back of the bus. The ride takes about 8 hours. In Bluefields you can check out the city but should go to the pier where the boat to Corn Island leaves as soon as possible (the pier where you arrived is a different one) and ask when the next boat for Corn Island will depart. Sometimes you might have to catch the boat in El Bluff instead, which is further out into the bay and can be gotten to by one of the boats leaving at the pier where you arrived. When buying the boat ticket, you will be asked for your ID, so bring your passport. As the boat schedule is rather erratic and subject to change at a moment's notice, you should ask when the return trip leaves to avoid being stranded on Big Corn. Should the boat ride (roughly seven hours for 70 km) convince you of the benefits of aviation, book your flight back already on arrival (don't worry, changing the date is rather easy if space is available) as La Costeña is infamous for overbooking planes and "bumping" passengers who dare arrive less than one hour prior to boarding. Given that the planes are rather small Cessna-types, there are not all that many seats on the plane to begin with.

Get around
The road system basically consists of a perimeter road that runs around the island. There are a few paved side roads, but only the one to Picnic Beach is of significant length.

There are many hiking trails into the centre of the island and along the shore.

Getting around the island can be done by taxi (anywhere on the island for C$18) (Nicaraguan cordobas), by bus (anywhere on the island for C$5) per person. However, the bus seems to have no reliable schedule to speak of.

You can rent bicycles, golf carts, cars, or motorcycles. A taxi will generally pick up other passengers along your route - don't panic, this is normal. If you are in a hurry (and you really should only be if you have a plane to catch), you should tell the driver as they are prone to taking circuitous routes to get several people to their destinations.

See
The island is quite picturesque. Hiking into the hills will bring you into tropical nature; there are two big beaches and lots of tiny and remote ones.

A boat trip around the island will showcase its natural beauty.

Baseball is the number one sport on the island, with even soccer a distant second, and taking in a local game will put you right in the middle of real island culture. Baseball (or fast-pitch softball) is on Sundays and there are typically 3-4 games. The stadium is right next to the airport and the island museum. The first game starts at 08:30 and is not very well attended. There is usually one men's game then one women's game alternating throughout the day. The final game is the highlight sometime around 3-4 depending on previous games. Soccer is also on Sundays and is just down from Casa Canada on the south end.

There is very little of historic or artistic significance except for an art installation at the top of Quinn Hill. It's a small pyramid in the middle of a park. It is one of 8 sites around the world. Others include:
 * Cocos Islands (Australia), and their antipode, Corn Islands (Nicaragua)
 * Kalahari Desert (Botswana) and the Hawaiian Islands (USA)
 * Tierra del Fuego (Argentina or Chile) and Lake Baikal (Buryat Republic)
 * Galicia (Spain or Portugal) and the South Island of New Zealand

Right between the airport and the baseball stadium there is a small island museum. Although it doesn't give too much explanation on its exhibits, admission is free and they have one or two things to see that might just make a rainy day bearable if you've read all your books.

Do
Snorkelling, scuba diving, and ocean fishing are all excellent. Nautilus, an island institution, can arrange any such trips (including scuba instruction).

Picnic Beach is the cleanest and most beautiful beach, with fine sand and gentle waves. There are two restaurants, the picnic center which has thatch cabanas to sit under, and Arenas. Arenas has wonderful white cabanas and will bring food and drinks out to the beach. This beach is great when the sun is shining, but in the evening and when it rains there are tons of sand flies that bite so beware.

Most of the tiny and remote beaches are between Sally Peaches and South End. Beware many beaches have litter, plastic bottles and trash scattered about on them.

Snorkelling, Kayak rentals, sport fishing, and fly fishing are available at places like Snorkeling_family_nic Also available is a snorkelling marine park designed to guide snorkellers to interesting coral formations. For a more personal touch, find Dorsey right next to Cevas, (look for the sign on the beach that says "First class snorkeling, First class guide.) He is a great local guide and some of the best snorkelling on the island is right in front of his house. He will take 2 people out at a time for snorkelling and has great knowledge of the area. He also sells jewellery that he makes and some fruit. He is a wealth of information about the island.

Nightlife, as anywhere else, is mainly on weekends. Weekends here run from Thursday night till Monday morning (don't miss the "sexy dance" at Nico's).

Renting a golf cart is a great way to see the island at your own pace. You can get them near the picnic center, and at the Sunrise Hotel. If you go to more remote parts, off the main road, be ready for kids to try and catch a ride with you. If you have the time it is a delightful experience to give them a ride and hear their laughs and excited comments.

Eat
Be careful eating here if you are a picky eater or have dietary restrictions. Most of the menus have the same items (usually fish and other seafood), and vegetarian and vegan food is rare and unvaried (mostly pasta and French Fries). Fresh vegetables and produce are hard to find and very expensive (salads typically are small and cost around C$100).

The best restaurants on the island for typical island cuisine are Casa Canada (South End), Restaurante Sabor at Sunrise Hotel (excellent breakfasts & Sunday barbecue), right next to Casa Canada, Seva's (Dos Millas) & Paraiso. Paraiso has a fantastic menu including desserts. The food is varied from pasta and bruschetta to traditional island dishes and fresh fish. They also make the best pina coladas and coco loco's. They use coconuts cut from the tree.

The cook at the picnic center does an excellent job with local dishes, going to great length to prepare them correctly. Lobster fishing is a huge part of the island's economy, and lobster is on the menu at almost every restaurant. When the lobster are in season, lobster dishes cost US$5-8, and are available at all local restaurants. Lobster is the primary industry in the Corn Islands, so lobster and conch are plentiful. Be careful of lobster tails under $$ long or under in weight because they are illegal. When the season is closed in early March time frame, the lobster dishes tend to go up slightly in prices, but are still reasonable in prices. For a very inexpensive lunch or dinner check out one of the little taco stands on the beach on the south end near long bay. They have fried tacos with salad that are excellent. There isn't a name on the establishment, but a taxi driver told us the locals call it "specitos" because the owner wears glasses.

It is not unusual to wait 40–60 minutes after ordering to receive one's meal. Everything is prepared from scratch after you order, so order before you get too hungry and be prepared to pass some time waiting for the results. After you place your order, typically the chef will make a trip off on his bicycle to fetch the needed ingredients for the dish you have chosen. This is typical of the relaxed pace everywhere on the island. It will be unusual to see anyone in a hurry to get anywhere or do anything.

Also, do not miss the coconut bread (pan de coco), especially the sweet (dulce) variety. It is typically sold in small shops or from their houses by the ladies who make it.

Local fruit is incredible in its variety and freshness. You can get coconuts and mangos almost anywhere for free. Ask someone at your hotel to cut one down and you can drink the milk straight from the nut.

Drink

 * Pic-Nic Beach Hotel Bar - on the southwest side of the island, one of the best places to sit and have a beer or cocktail during the day.

Sleep
There are a variety of places to stay on the island, ranging from extremely basic backpacker accommodations costing only about US$10 per night to clean/comfortable/air conditioned places for US$30–50, to a few more upscale places (which are still usually less than US$100/night). Travelers reviews can be found easily online.

Stay safe
The island is relatively safe, and few travellers encounter problems, but you should definitely take the normal precautions and not let the peacefulness get your guard down. Violent incidents are rare, but have happened in the past.

It's wise to take a taxi after dark, because there are no street lights. Most locals seem to be friendly, but alcohol use in the evening sometimes causes tourists to get harassed.

One other note of significance is the electricity, which typically goes out on a nightly basis for several hours and almost always goes out when it rains hard. There are hotels (Casa Canada, Morgan, Martha's B&B, Hotel Paraiso, Anastasia's on the Sea, Picnic Center, Vientos del Norte) that have their own generators to cover the gaps in electric service. Verify before booking.

Currency & prices
The Nicaraguan córdoba oro (C$) is the legal tender, but most stores, restaurants, and taxis will gladly accept US dollars as well. With US dollars, however, comes this caveat: if there is the tiniest tear on the bill (or pen marks, or any other disfigurement), the bill will not be accepted.

The ATM at the Banpro bank accepts VISA and MasterCard, and some hotels and tourist services accept those cards as well, but you had better check before arriving if possible, in order to avoid unpleasant surprises. If you plan going to Little Corn Island as well, remember that this is the only ATM on both islands as of March 2014.

Life is a bit more expensive on Big Corn Island than on the mainland, but on Little Corn Island, it is much more expensive.

Go next
Little Corn Island is the obvious place to go next and smaller, more tranquil, car-free but is also more touristically developed than Big Corn. Boats depart at least once daily every day except in extreme weather.

Bluefields is the largest town on the mainland.

title: Big Corn Island


text:
Big Cypress National Preserve

Big Cypress National Preserve is a National Preserve in the state of Florida. It is adjacent to Everglades National Park.

Understand
The Preserve protects over 720,000 acres (2,913 km²) of freshwater swamp essential to the health of the Everglades ecosystem.

Visitor information

 * Park website
 * Oasis Visitor Center, US Route 41, west of Miami and 50 miles east of Naples. Daily 9AM-4:30PM except Christmas (Off-Road Vehicle Permit Office, 9AM-3:30PM). ORV inspections are conducted Friday through Monday. The visitor center offers exhibits related to the natural and cultural history of the preserve, educational materials and an introductory film to the preserve, its resources and recreational opportunities. Staff is available to assist visitors with information about activities.

History
Since the mid-1800s, the Big Cypress Swamp has served as home or refuge to American Indian peoples including the Miccosukee Tribe, and the Seminole Tribe of Florida as well as early European settlers. The descendents of these people can still be found living here.

Climate
South Florida experiences two main seasons.
 * A rainy season runs from May to October marked by hot muggy days, daily afternoon rains, some tropical hurricanes, and bugs. For the prepared it is a good time to see dramatic storms and beautiful flowering plants.
 * The dry season is from November through April. The dry season has cool, dry days that tend to be breezy. An abundance of wildlife can be seen in many areas. Many visitors are in the area as well.

Get in
Interstate 75 (Alligator Alley) and US Highway 41 (Tamiami Trail) are the main roads that traverse the preserve. Visitor facilities and most activities originate from the Tamiami Trail. The Oasis Visitor Center is located along the Tamiami Trail, 50 miles west of Miami and 50 miles east of Naples.

Fees and permits
There are no entrance fees. An annual ORV permit, displayed on the inspected vehicle, is required for ORV operation along preserve trails ($50 in 2006). The permit can be obtained at the Oasis Visitor Center.

Get around
Once at the preserve, hiking or off-road vehicles (permit required).

Do

 * Hunting is a long-established recreational activity in the area. Hunters were instrumental in protecting this corner of remote, wild Florida. Hunting activities continue today and include seasons for archery, muzzle loading and general gun. Typical game species are white-tailed deer, turkey and hogs. Alligator hunting is not allowed within the preserve. Management is joint with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Regulations.
 * Off-road vehicles Permit required. See here.
 * Off-road vehicles Permit required. See here.

Hiking trails
An agreement with the Seminole Tribe allows hikers in the preserve. You must file the proper paper work with the Seminole Tribe; the form available from Florida Trail Association.

Hiking is allowed through unmarked areas as well as on this marked trail:
 * The Florida Trail This trail stretches across Florida from Gulf Islands National Seashore to Big Cypress National Preserve. The southernmost sections of the Florida National Scenic Trail lie within the preserve. The preserve portion of the trail can be logically divided into three sections:
 * Loop Road to Highway 41 - approximately one way. Begins (or ends) at the Loop Road approximately  from its east end on Highway 41. The other end is across the highway from the Oasis Visitor Center. Maps are available on the Florida Trail Association webpage, or call the visitor center for detailed directions. The trail winds through dwarf cypress and prairies and crosses through Robert's Lake Strand. It is well marked and  of easy to moderate difficulty in the winter season, but knee to waist deep in water during the rainy season. This part of the trail is an easy and well-marked way to take a short walk into the Preserve to get that "out in the middle of nowhere" feeling. Sometimes the only sounds you hear are wind and the occasional jet flying over.
 * Highway 41 to Interstate 75 - approximately one way. Trailheads are located on Highway 41 near Big Cypress Visitor Center and on Interstate 75 (Alligator Alley) at the rest area at mile marker 63. The trail passes through a variety of habitat types including hardwood hammocks, pinelands, prairies and cypress. Some high ground is available for camping at 13-mile camp. During the dry season, there is no water available on this entire route. You must carry all water! This walk is not for the casual hiker. It is not heavily marked and vegetation grows over it during the rainy season when there is little foot traffic.
 * Interstate 75 to Preserve North Boundary - approximately one way. This section of trail follows Nobles Grade, an old oil road, through hardwood, prairie and pinelands. Beyond the Preserve Boundary the trail is limited to a small number of hikers per month who are members of the Florida Trail Association traveling through the Seminole Reservation.

Camping
Campgrounds may close seasonally, temporarily for repairs or for resource concerns. Contact the Oasis Visitor Center, +1-239-695-1201 for campground availability and information on closures. All campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Camping is limited to 10 days.

 * Bear Island Campground. Open year round. Primitive camping with no water or rest room facilities. Three designated, primitive campgrounds: Bear Island (40 sites), Pink Jeep (9 sites) and Gator Pit (9 sites). Pink Jeep and Gator Pit require an Off-Road Vehicle Permit to access. Access to the Bear Island area is along a secondary gravel road.
 * Burns Lake Campground. Open September 1 - January 6. Primitive camping with no water or rest room facilities. 40 designated sites available.
 * Monument Lake Campground. Open September 1 - April 15. Monument Lake campground offers restrooms, drinking water and designated 26 RV and 10 tent sites. An outside, cold water shower is also available. No hookups for electricity, sewer or water are available at this campground. RV and Tent sites $16 per night or $8 with Golden Age/Access Passport. Campers are allowed to use the Dona Drive or Midway Campground dump station at no cost while staying in preserve.
 * Midway Campground. Open year round. This campground offers a dump station, restrooms, drinking water, day-use area, 26 RV and 10 tent sites. RV sites allow electric hookup. RV site $19 per night or $10 with Golden Age/Access Passport; Tent site $16 per night or $8 with Golden Age/Access Passport (2006). Dump station free to campers.
 * Pinecrest Campground. Open year round. Primitive camping with no water or rest room facilities. 10 sites available. Access to the Pinecrest Campground is along a secondary gravel road.
 * Mitchell's Landing Campground. Open year round. Primitive camping with no water or rest room facilities. 15 sites available. Access to the Mitchell's Landing Campground is along a secondary gravel road.

Go next
See Everglades National Park.

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

title: Big Cypress National Preserve


text:
Bigelow

There is more than one place called Bigelow:

United States of America

 * Bigelow (Missouri) - a town in the state of Missouri.
 * Bigelow (Minnesota) - a town in the state of Minnesota.
 * Bigelow (Arkansas) - a town in the state of Arkansas.

title: Bigelow


text:
Biggleswade

Biggleswade is a market town of 22,000 people (2019) in Bedfordshire.

By train

 * There is a staffed ticket office with limited opening hours. There is also a 24-hour ticket machine next to the footbridge.
 * All platforms are accessed via the footbridge with steps only - there is no level access to any platform.
 * The journey to King's Cross takes approximately
 * Standard service pattern (M-Sa) is one fast and one semi-fast train per hour.
 * There is an ATM/cashpoint outside of the ticket office
 * A small café is available to the right of the main station building (limited opening hours)
 * Paid for car parking is available outside the station main building, and also in the former goods yard (adjacent to the concrete block distribution depot). Tickets are obtained from machines. There is also a smaller free car park further along the same access road in the former goods yard.
 * Paid for car parking is available outside the station main building, and also in the former goods yard (adjacent to the concrete block distribution depot). Tickets are obtained from machines. There is also a smaller free car park further along the same access road in the former goods yard.

By bus
There is a small bus station on the Market Square.

 * Regular services operated by Stagecoach :
 * 73 Biggleswade - Sandy - Moggerhanger - Bedford (half-hourly)
 * M4 Biggleswade - Ickwell - Cople - Cardington - Bedford (hourly)
 * Regular services operated by Centrebus:
 * 171 Biggleswade - Henlow - Hitchin (hourly)
 * Regular services operated by Chiltern Travel:
 * E1 Biggleswade - Potton - Gamlingay (every 2 hours)
 * E2 Biggleswade - Potton - Everton - Sandy (every 2 hours)
 * E4 Biggleswade - Eyeworth - Wrestlingworth (hourly)
 * E6 Biggleswade - Upper Caldicote - Old Warden (loop, every 2 hours)
 * Regular services operated by Grant Palmer:
 * 200 Biggleswade - Shefford - Clophill - Maulden or Ampthill (every 2 hours)

By car

 * Biggleswade is on the A1, about north of the end of the Southern Section of the A1(M).  It is therefore well connected to London, the M25, Hertfordshire, Peterborough and the North.  The A14 passes North of Biggleswade, linking the A1 to East Anglia and the East Midlands.
 * Smaller roads link the town to Bedford and Cambridge.

By bike

 * The A1 is not a very cycle-friendly road; other, smaller roads in the area are far more so.
 * There are several bridle paths linking Biggleswade to surrounding towns, which are passable for mountain and hybrid bikes.
 * The National Cycle Network Route 51 is due to be extended from Biggleswade to Sandy and Hitchin, using some of these bridle paths and minor roads.
 * The old Sandy—Bedford railway line nearby is now a dedicated cycle route (National Cycle Network Route 51).

Get around
Biggleswade is a small town, and many places can be reached on foot. There are, however, some outlying trading estates and superstores.

By bus
Two hourly, daytime, local bus services, operated by Herberts Travel:
 * 185 Town Centre to Holme Court Avenue.
 * 187 Town Centre to Stratton Way.

By bike
A cycle route runs north–south through the town, mostly off-road, following the railway line.

The town centre has plenty of bike racks.

See

 * Biggleswade has an attractive market square in the centre of the town, which hosts a lively general market on Saturday, a monthly farmers market and occasional continental markets.
 * The River Ivel runs along the West side of the town, and has a mix of industrial, residential and rural views, some attractive, some less so. You can gain access by the Mill, and up by Sainsbury's, at the Northern A1 roundabout.
 * The Local History Society has applied 'Green Plaques' to many buildings in the Town Centre with a short description of historical interest. Of particular note is the plaque in Shortmead Street denoting where Dan Albone, the inventor of the world's first practical motorised agricultural tractor ('The Ivel'), lived and had his workshop.
 * The Local History Society has applied 'Green Plaques' to many buildings in the Town Centre with a short description of historical interest. Of particular note is the plaque in Shortmead Street denoting where Dan Albone, the inventor of the world's first practical motorised agricultural tractor ('The Ivel'), lived and had his workshop.

Buy

 * There are several shops (local and chains) in the town centre, as well as the Saturday and farmers' markets.
 * There is a trading estate on London Road, with a number of national chain shops, including Matalan, Halfords, Homebase, Laura Ashley (Home), Bensons, Argos Extra, Brantano, and Carpets for Less.
 * There is a trading estate on London Road, with a number of national chain shops, including Matalan, Halfords, Homebase, Laura Ashley (Home), Bensons, Argos Extra, Brantano, and Carpets for Less.
 * There is a trading estate on London Road, with a number of national chain shops, including Matalan, Halfords, Homebase, Laura Ashley (Home), Bensons, Argos Extra, Brantano, and Carpets for Less.

Drink
There are several pubs throughout the town, particularly around the High Street and Market Square. Biggleswade used to be a brewing town, with Greene King brewery based where the Asda supermarket now stands. This means that most of the pubs are Greene King;

with the exception of a few freehouses:

The bar at the Stratton House Hotel is nice but can get a bit busy at weekends and has an over+21 door policy. The Lounge in Church Street is more upmarket and has a large spirits, wine and champagne list. The New Inn on Market Square is frequented by those only just old enough to drink but has a great juke box and a nice landlady. Real ale aficionados head for The Rose or the Golden Pheasant. The Red Lion has live bands at the tail end of the week and is open until late.

Sleep
There's only a couple of hotels in the town itself: there are, however, more motel-style places out by the A1, and some country B&Bs in the area.

Park
The town centre can get congested, but there are large car parks at Asda (in Church Street), and in Rose Lane. Smaller car parks are located in St Andrew's Street, opposite the Library/Fire Station in Chestnut Avenue, and for Aldi customers, in Bonds Lane. There is also time-restricted parking on the Market Square (except Saturdays when the Market is in town) and in the area around Station Road and Back Street.

Go next

 * Cambridge is 25 miles away.
 * Cambridge is 25 miles away.
 * Cambridge is 25 miles away.
 * Cambridge is 25 miles away.

title: Biggleswade


text:
Big Island

The island of Hawai'i — universally called the Big Island by visitors to avoid confusion with its namesake state — is the largest island of the state of Hawaii in the United States of America. Many local folks call it The Island. It is home to three of the most famous and prominent mountains of the state: the ever-active Kilauea in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the largest mountain in the world in volume (Mauna Loa) and the tallest mountain in the world as measured from its base on the sea floor to its peak (Mauna Kea).

If you're not into climbing peaks, the lush rainforest on the windward side, the black sand coast at its leeward side, or the saddle road connecting both sides of the island are the unique features of the island worth visiting.

Regions
The Big Island has incredibly varied terrain, such that as you travel across the island from the Leeward (dry) side to the Windward (wet) side, the landscape goes from black with dry brown patches to open fields grazed by horses and donkeys to planted eucalyptus forest to lush tropical vegetation and rainforest.

Cities

 * — The largest city of the Big Island. The town is surprisingly diverse with cute old architecture and makes for an excellent base for trips to the many nearby botanical gardens and impressive waterfalls.
 * — The gateway to the Hāmākua Coast, the chain of valleys to the North, including the regal Waipio valley, and the rolling slopes of Mauna Kea.
 * — The main town on the Leeward coast, more of a continuous strip of tourist-providers such as eateries, fancy shops and hotels, including Honaunau
 * — The southernmost town in the United States, beating Key West by about 380 miles.
 * — A small town between Hilo and Volcanoes National Park.
 * — A small town at the entrance to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, offering traveler services and a more diverse range of dining and lodging than that available in the park.
 * — A resort area on the Kohala coast, artificially landscaped atop black volcanic ground and containing shopping centers and golf courses.
 * — A small ranch town in the northern part of the island, home to the Parker Ranch.

Other destinations

 * — a 175-mile trail corridor through hundreds of ancient Hawaiian settlement sites hat is being developed along the west and south coasts
 * — Home to the world's largest volcano, Mauna Loa, and to the world's most active, Kilauea, which erupted continuously from 1983 to 2018. Scenic sights include the massive two-mile-diameter Kilauea crater and steam vents, a huge lava tube, and active lava flowing into the ocean.
 * — A park being developed with hundreds of archaeological features including three ancient fish ponds
 * — The largest mountain in the world when measured from its base, this dormant volcano is a center for astronomy, with numerous observatories on the summit and a visitor center.
 * — A fascinating site for those interested in ancient Hawaiian history, this place served as a sanctuary for those broke taboos if they could make it here. Cultural demonstrations are regularly scheduled and sea turtles can frequently be seen offshore.
 * — preserves the National Historic Landmark ruins of the last major Ancient Hawaiian temple, and other historic sites.
 * — the historic site where Captain James Cook landed and a protected area that is teeming with dolphins and other marine life.

Understand
The youngest and largest island in the Hawaiian chain, the Big Island contains five volcanoes, including Kilauea, one of the world's most active. It is an island with a long coastline of black, volcanic sand beaches where you may see leatherback turtles and a host of other marine life, and a large, sparsely-populated mountainous interior. Hawaii has a relaxed, rural and small-town atmosphere, and even the biggest city, Hilo, is neither very big nor heavily built-up. There are no freeways on the island, speed limits are low and drivers tend to drive under the speed limit. The Kona (west) side of the island, famous for its coffee, is the more touristy and drier side; the lush Hilo/Hamakua Coast (east) side gets about 180 inches of rain annually, the wettest in the 50 states, and is much less touristy, but the rain is often steady rather than torrential and may not last all day. In the interior, there is some great hiking, including the Kilauea Iki Trail in the unique Volcanoes National Park, where you can also safely peer into the caldera of Mt. Kilauea at night and see the lava glowing bright red and starting to solidify into rock as it's exposed to the air; also awaiting you in the interior is the unparalleled experience of viewing the Milky Way and the rest of the night sky from Mauna Kea, one of the clearest and least light-polluted locations in the world, though not without controversy, as many Native Hawaiians consider the Observatory on top of this dormant volcano to be a desecration of a place holy to Pele, the Volcano Goddess.

Kamehameha I, called Kamehameha the Great, who was born in Kohala in the north of the island, probably in the first half of the 18th century, and became the first King of Hawaii (not just the Big Island but the rest of the archipelago) by 1810. His name remains much celebrated today, memorialized in the Kohala Historical Sites State Monument near Upolo that includes his birthplace, a statue and park in Kapaau and numerous street names in this island which retains a strong Native Hawaiian presence (some 8.5% of the population, plus many mixed-race people).

Talk
Locals refer to elders as "Auntie" or "Uncle" instead of "sir" or "ma'am," and flip-flops are called "slippahs." People in Hawai'i are very friendly and always looking forward to talking about their island, their history and its culture.

By plane
There are two major airports if you are flying into the Big Island, Kona International Airport and Hilo International Airport. There are a few nonstop flights from the mainland, mostly from California, Denver Airport, Phoenix and Seattle, but it is more common to arrive via Honolulu or Kahului. You should try to get a nonstop flight from the mainland to save time waiting (and walking) around the Honolulu Airport.

If you can't find a nonstop flight, consider that Kona's airport is by far busier and requires a lot of time to pass all checkpoints. Hilo's airport has fewer flights, is smaller, so the time between rental drop-off and boarding is much shorter. United Airlines services Hilo from Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Inter-island "hoppers" arrive from all the other islands several times a day. Local flights are available through Hawaiian Airlines to the two major airports. These airlines provide frequent service between the islands, largely connecting through Honolulu, although there are some nonstop flights from Kona and Hilo to Kahului, Maui. Daily round-trip service is also available between Hilo and Kona. Pacific Wings provides fun flights in small prop planes between Hilo, Kona and Kamuela. Keep in mind that an inter-island flight could use up almost an entire day, due to the fact that you must pack, check out of hotel, get to the airport, return your rental car, go through all the airport procedures, fly, wait for luggage, get your rental car, check in, and unpack. It's tempting to try and see as many of the islands as you can on one trip, but it's best to spend no less than three nights on an island. In the case of the Big Island, think of the two sides of the island as separate. It takes about 2 hours 15 minutes to drive from Kailua-Kona to Hilo, and about six hours to circle the island.

By boat
Although several cruise ship lines operate in Hawaii, there is no dedicated inter-island boat service.

Get around
On Big Island, you need a car in order to get to most of the interesting beaches, parks or other attractions, or to travel from the Kona coast to the Hilo coast. Places like the green or black sand beaches, or the Mauna Kea summit and astronomical observatories are only accessible by four-wheel drive. Car rentals tend to book months in advance, depending on the season. If the major rental companies in Kona or Hilo are fully booked, you can still hope to find a used car to rent via Craigslist. These are older cars, most with dings or other cosmetic blemishes, but they don't make you look like a tourist.

If you only plan to stay around one town, you can also rent a moped or bike. See Hawaii for moped/scooter regulations.

Getting around by local bus, bikes, or on foot works well if you're staying in one area. Many budget travelers are unpleasantly surprised by the extremely limited public transport on the Big Island. The county's Hele-On bus is free until 2025 (Per Hawaii News Now) though the usual is a $2 fare), but the schedules are mainly intended for commuting. There are some bus companies offering excursions from Hilo to destinations like Volcano, but they require reservations.

Hitchhiking is extremely easy and convenient on the Big Island. As most places are near the Mamalahoa Highway, you're never too far from a good hitching spot, and even the backstreets will have people willing to pick up a hitchhiker. As traffic generally flows from the Hilo side to resorts of Waikoloa Resorts in the morning, you can easily make it to the beaches without waking up at by 5:45AM to catch the Hele-On bus. As a large number of locals take the spirit of Aloha seriously, hitching is the best way to travel for free throughout the island. It's not just the usual crowd of young people picking up hitchers either: One visitor has reportedly been picked up by families, grandmas, and even the mayor of Honoka'a! The eastern end of the island is the most hitchhiker-friendly, and the far south and far north are harder to hitch due to their sparse populations. On the western end of the island many motorists picking up hitchhikers will only accept riders in the truck bed, which you may not want to do due to safety considerations.

If you're thinking about renting a Jeep, Alamo doesn't disable the four-wheel drive option in their Jeeps as some other rental agencies do. However, keep in mind that you are violating the rental contract by driving on "unpaved roads" (let alone some of the four-wheel drive-only roads). As long as you are careful and sensible about it, though, you'll be fine. You are "on your own" if you get in trouble while violating the rental agreement. If you're going to violate the rental contract by driving on unpaved roads, you have less of a chance of getting stuck if you have the ability to shift to four-wheel drive.

Harper Rentals has four-wheel drive vehicles that are allowed by contract to drive on unpaved roads. You will pay more for that right.

See and do
The Big Island has the usual array of sub-tropical island activities. While the Kona side has a number of white sand beaches, the coastline on the Hilo side tends to be rocky. This is due to the relative age of the coastline.

Astronomy
Due to its altitude, latitude, and the lack of interference from city lights, Mauna Kea provides among the best sites on earth for telescopes. You may notice the strange orange and pink hues put out by street lights on the Big Island. They are sodium lights used to ensure that the views from Mauna Kea are unpolluted.

Stop at the Visitor Information Station of the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy. They set up several telescopes nightly for the public to enjoy. Volunteers provide programs daily at 6PM, and will answer any questions you have as you look at the unbelievable number of visible stars. Bring a thick jacket and sweater, as the elevation is over 9,200 feet at the Visitor Center and the temperatures can go down to the 20s and 30s with a strong wind chill.

Swimming
The beaches of the Big Island, especially on the Kona side, have been consistently voted amongst the best beaches in the world. Some (like Mauna Kea Beach) front hotel resorts, while others (like Makalawena) remained unencumbered by modern tourism. Hapuna Beach is reputed to be one of the best, consistent with the picture many outsiders have in their head of what a Hawaiian beach should be.

The island has one of the few green sand beaches in the world (see above), and several black sand beaches.

Snorkeling
The Big Island has some fantastic snorkeling. The Kona side has most of the best snorkeling, but Puna also has some excellent sites. Go in the morning on the Kona side, and in the afternoon in Puna, for clear and calm conditions.

Because the dolphins swim in this bay when resting, it is important not to loudly swim after them if they are not making noises and engaging with you first. Frequent disruption of sleep caused by pursuing tourists results in parents not protecting the young who then fall prey to cookie cutter sharks, endangering the pod's well-being.
 * Two Step at Pu'uhonua O Honaunau (Place of Refuge) is great for beginners and experts alike. Teeming with fish and turtles.
 * Ho'okena Beach Park south of Honaunau is not as spectacular, but getting in and out of the water is incredibly easy: just walk. Then enter at the left side of the beach for the best snorkeling. Go during the week, if you can (save the weekends for the locals).
 * Captain Cook, Kealakekua Bay: You must have a vessel landing permit if you want to kayak there but there is a hillside path to hike down as well, and many tour boats that can take you in and provide gear as well as a guide and lunch. It is also not a very challenging snorkel swim from the parking area if you are quite comfortable snorkeling and athletic. This is the historic site where Captain Cook landed February 14, 1779 where he was the first European to visit the islands. It was later the site of his death. You can see his memorial standing over the bay represented by a large white obelisk. Beyond the history, it's a protected area that is teeming with life.

No matter where you are enjoying wildlife, remember it's often illegal and always immoral and detrimental to feed, touch or harass wildlife, both marine and land.

Surfing
Hilo Surfboard Company is the Big Island's most 'authentic' surf shop. People travel all the way from Kona to check out boards as they really do have the largest selection of boards. And unless you want a Hilo Surfboard Company t-shirt, better go to the mall. This is a real core surf shop! Owner Scott Murray will be stoked to see you and talk story! 84 Ponahawai St. Hilo.

Hiking and camping
If you would like to hike on the Big Island you have abundant choices for the novice to the expert. Some of the most popular hikes are the Waipio Valley hike, the Pololu Valley hike, the Greens Sands Beach hike, the Volcano National Park Kilauea Iki hike, and Akaka Falls paved trail hike, however there are too many trails to count. See below for a list of some of the guided tours you can do, which take you to these destinations as well as more remote or less known hikes. Though there are guided tours, most hiking on the Big Island is free or located within a State or National Park. State Parks are free for hiking and only some National Parks require an entry fee. Backcountry and backpacking hikes like the Muliwai Trail to Waimanu Valley require a permit and are at cost, though it's low. These permits not only feed money into the natural lands of Hawai'i, but also provide safety for yourself; there have been many times rescue during a dangerous time has been given solely on the fact a permit was issued legally. When you have no permit and camp illegally, no money enters the system even though you are using the land and there is no way to tell you are in a remove valley or unstable area in order to help you if there is a problem.

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources advises that "you must purchase and print a copy of your permit in advance and have it in your possession while camping or lodging within any park. It is not possible to purchase a permit at any park. All permits require a fee – there is no free camping in Hawaii State Parks or Forest Reserves." There are many camping options to choose from and the cost is amazingly low compared to the mainland. Once you pay entry fee for Volcanoes National Park, camping is free and on a first-come, first-served basis at some of their beautiful campsites with full facilities.

Hiking destinations

 * Waipi’o Valley - Awe-inspiring volcanic valleys and gorges filled with rain forest vegetation. Though you can hike down into the valley and throughout it, it will be on paved and non-paved roads, not hiking trails. You can venture to the large black sand beach at the bay or to the rear of the valleys to see large waterfalls.
 * Muliwai Trail - This trail starts at the opposite side of Waipi'o Valley than the lookout and begins with a steep Z trail you can see from a distance. It's a strenuous 9-mile (13-km) one-way trail to Waimanu Valley and requires a permit. Though difficult for many hikers, the hike and destination valley are some of the most beautiful land on the Big Island. The largest waterfalls in Hawai'i are located in Waimanu. Composting rest rooms are available and drinking water is gathered from the falls and streams, although filtration or pill treatment is required.
 * Hawaii Volcanoes National Park- Many long and scenic hiking trails through the tropical forests and along the craters are found here for any level of hiker. Whether you are looking for a short and easy paved hike or a long and strenuous hike without seeing another person, you will find it in Volcanoes National Park. Always check with a ranger before doing a hike since the land is always changing in this area and some areas are closed off frequently due to volcanic activity, landslides, volcanic smog, and more. Sometimes it is possible to hike to the slow flowing surface flows of Kilauea; see a Ranger for more details.

Guided tours
The Big Island has a tour company for every possible tourist endeavor. If you don't see it covered here, search for it. Chances are there will be a tour guide for what you want to do. A good place to read non-biased reviews of tours is Hawaii The Big Island Revealed: The Ultimate Guidebook by Andrew Doughty. It does not feature any ads or endorsements the way many guidebooks do. Read about more tours in the regional articles.

 * Mule/Horseback tours There are a few companies on the Big Island that provide horseback tours along the rim of Waipio Valley.
 * Biking. The Big Island hosts the Iron Man competition every year, so there is a lot of touring-style cycling. Most of that is done on Highway 19 between Kona and Kawaihae. But there are also big trucks on that road, so be careful. Mountain biking is good around Waipi'o valley and in the Volcano park. But it can be technical. Mana road is also good for off-road cycling, but it is very long (65-70 mi). You will need support or legs of iron to do it in a day.
 * Hiking There is a ton of guided hiking tour companies on the Big Island for just about any place you could want to go. The companies range from the very large to very small (1-4 guests).
 * Scuba diving -- see Kona
 * Recreational Saltwater Angling. All recreational saltwater fishing is conducted on the leeward (west) side of the island.
 * Helicopter tours, volcano tours, etc.

Buy
Wonderful fresh fruits are grown and gathered wild on the island. Look for them in farmer's markets in cities like Hilo and farm stands. Wonderful jams in many flavors are also available at the farmer's market and in specialized stores in small towns.

There is also beautiful artisanal bamboo jewelry for sale at craft markets, which may be associated with farmer's markets.

Eat & drink
There is good spicy Thai food to be had in restaurants and a variety of other Asian cuisines are to be found in cities. Otherwise, you can refer to Hawaii for more information.

Sleep
The Big Island is the only county in Hawaii that has no restrictions on the operation of vacation rentals. Before making reservations, it's best to review a map of the island and plan ahead, thinking about the activities and sightseeing you'll want to do. For those that don't have the budget for large hotels and resorts, there are many less expensive options that are still enjoyable, such as local bed and breakfasts, small hotels, and hostels where you can stay for as little as $35 a night. Camping is also readily available all over the island.

Learn
Dance, culture, and traditional crafts classes are available for long or short term students. Many resorts offer 1-3 day classes in hula or lei making. To learn about history, culture and the environment, visit the State and National Parks and speak with Rangers and other guides that reside there. Parks have many programs ranging from participation based programs, games, festivals, classes and more for visitors to learn about Hawai'i. The only state or national parks that charge an entry fee are Pu'u o Honaunau and Volcanoes National Park.

Work
Hawaii's unemployment rates are among the lowest in the nation, and thus it is impressive that the Big Island boasts one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state. While tourism, military, and agriculture have typically been the largest employers, job growth has resulted primarily from a residential building boom. The astronomical observatories are another important group of employers.

Stay safe
Even solidified lava flows can still be very dangerous, as there are hidden flows of molten lava with only an overlying thin crust of rock in many places between Pu'u O'o and the shoreline. And of course there's the threat of methane explosions and lava bench collapses, so do not walk to the edge of the lava bench unless the rangers say it is safe to do so.

The usual disclaimers about the more active things to do apply. If you have a tour guide, they often have insurance premiums to be beholden to and as such make them more aware of safety issues. But otherwise the island is mostly remote and help can be far away. Know your physical limits.

Prepare for the area you are visiting. The Big Island has 8 of the Earth's 13 climate zones within its boundary, so you will visit many different areas. For instance, you may wear flip flops and bikinis in Kona, however you would want a full coat, boots, long pants and a hat while visiting Mauna Kea.

Hawai'i is an ever changing, adapting island chain. It is constantly eroding, creating and changing. Beware of drop offs, sharp edges, water safety and the land and ocean around you in general.

As much as you need to keep yourself safe, you need to keep Hawai'i safe as well. Please practice the Leave No Trace principles to make sure everyone can enjoy the islands. It's not only illegal to do things like feed or hassle wildlife, take rocks, sand or plants, but it's also immoral and detrimental to the Hawaiian Islands. They are the most isolated land mass on the globe and have many species and landscapes that are struggling to survive under the pressures of tourism. Respect the 'aina the best you can. Do not cut trails, litter, or desecrate natural or man made sites.

While Hawaii and the Big Island may sound like paradise to mainlanders, there are significant cultural and economic issues facing the islanders. The Big Island has a significant issue with methamphetamine addiction, which has been called the most serious threat to the local community and culture. While most drug-related personal crimes, such as assaults, occur between users, methamphetamine can make its users more uninhibited and more willing to harm strangers -- such as travellers. Take reasonable precautions, but keep in mind that the Big Island is still a beautiful place where the vast majority of people visit safely. If you yourself have a personal history of methamphetamine addiction, take special caution to make sure travelling to an area with a high rate of use doesn't hit any triggers that might jeopardize your recovery.

Respect
The construction of a new 1.4 billion US$ telescope on top of Mauna Kea, already home to 13 other telescopes, is dividing traditional Hawaiians and scientists on the island. For Hawaiians, the volcano is a sacred place they wish to protect and preserve; for scientists it has long been one of the best places in the world to observe the night sky. Peaceful protests against construction of the new telescope have been ongoing since 2014 and have since divided the public opinion in the northeast of the island. Both sides have very strong opinions on the issue, and it's better to avoid discussing the topic as a traveller.

Stay healthy
While quite rare, as of 2017, there are a few cases of rat lungworm disease on Maui and the Big Island. This is an extremely serious parasitic disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, and can be fatal. Despite the name, very few, if any, victims acquire the disease directly from rats. Most often, it's food poisoning from uncooked or under-cooked snails, slugs, crabs, shrimp, or frogs. If you have a taste for these types of foods, make certain they are properly cooked and that produce such as lettuce (which attracts snails and slugs) is thoroughly washed.

title: Big Island


text:
Big Lake

Big Lake is a city in the West Hill Country of Texas.

Get in
Big Lake is on US 67 halfway between Fort Stockton and San Angelo, about 60 miles to either.

title: Big Lake


text:
Big Pine

Big Pine is in the Eastern Sierra region of California. It is one of a chain of small towns along US Route 395 in the Owens Valley along the southern Sierra Nevada.

Understand
Big Pine is a portal to exploring both the Sierra Nevada and White Mountains.

See
The seven lakes area is a great hike and offers and good fishing.

Go next

 * Inyo National Forest stretches to the northwest and northeast of Big Pine.
 * Eureka Dunes in Death Valley N.P. can be accessed on a mostly-paved route from Big Pine on CA 168 East, then continuing east on Death Valley Rd. This route is to Eureka Dunes is accessibly to most vehicles: the majority of the route is paved, with the last 10 miles unpaved packed dirt/sand.
 * Eureka Dunes in Death Valley N.P. can be accessed on a mostly-paved route from Big Pine on CA 168 East, then continuing east on Death Valley Rd. This route is to Eureka Dunes is accessibly to most vehicles: the majority of the route is paved, with the last 10 miles unpaved packed dirt/sand.

title: Big Pine


text:
Big Pine Key

Big Pine Key is in the Florida Keys. Upper Sugarloaf Key, Cudjoe Key, Summerland Key, Ramrod Key, Little Torch Key and Bahia Honda Key are all nearby.

Get in
There's only one road: US 1, the Overseas Highway. All other visitors must arrive by sea, as there is no airport. A small, private airport is available on nearby Sugarloaf Key, and a larger facility in Marathon (roughly 25 miles ENE). The island can be reached by sea, of course, though marina facilities are slim here.

Get around
Big Pine Key is bisected east/west by US 1, and the other major roadway is Key Deer Boulevard, which angles NW off US 1 near the geographic center of the island. There a numerous smaller roads through residential areas.

Understand
Big Pine is one of the larger Keys, and is composed of an interface of two types of limestone rock. Key Largo limestone, ancient fossilized reef tract, extends from Key Largo to Big Pine Key and then slides under (so to speak) Miami Oolitic Limestone. Miami Oolitic limestone being more porous and rather dissolvable can retain rainwater in its solution holes and this can create a freshwater lens between the two rock layers.This is so very important as it provides year round freshwater access to unique species that are found nowhere else in the Florida Keys such as Caribbean Slash Pine, Key Deer, Key Bunny and a small variety of other unique, endemic plants and animals. It has many native hardwood trees, as well as the pines for which it is named. Blue Hole, a former limestone quarry, is quite pretty and contains at least one fairly large alligator. Like most of the keys, there are no sand beaches here. A bridge connects the northeast side of the island to No Name Key, a sparsely-populated island with hiking trails.

See
While driving on Big Pine Key, care must be taken to avoid hitting the diminutive Key Deer. These tiny whitetail deer, made dwarfs from thousands of years living on the island, are roughly knee-high. From a distance at night, you may confuse them for medium-sized dogs. They have become quite acclimated to humans, and are often seen around residents' yards and grazing on roadsides. Best times to see the deer are at dusk/dawn. They are also active at night, but are most often seen in your headlights while driving (be careful!).

At the Island's main shopping plaza (Winn-Dixie, Beall's Outlet), one can observe feral chickens. Several flocks—a black/rust-orange rooster accompanied by several darker hens—can typically be seen pecking at the ground and crowing at each other here.

Do
Other than observing the Key Deer/chickens, and hiking around the Blue Hole, fishing, kayaking, diving and snorkeling are common past times. Fishing charters are abundant. Solo or guided kayak trips in the backcountry are available at Old Wooden Bridge Fishing Camp adjacent to the No Name Key Bridge where Big Pine Kayak Adventures is located. You can explore the diverse seagrass meadows, sponge flats and mangrove tidal creeks of the National Wildlife Refuge island called No Name Key with one of the daily guided tours or on your own with a free loaner laminated chart of the area. Sugarloaf marina also has some great mangrove lined creeks to explore.

Snorkeling and dive trips to Looe Key, one of the best shallow water spur and groove reef formations in the Keys, are available from Underseas Dive Shop, Innerspace Dive Center, Strike Zone Charters and the Looe Key Resort. While staying in Big Pine Key, a day in Key West is typically part of the itinerary.

Buy
There are several stores along US 1, and a shopping plaza just off US 1 on Key Deer Boulevard. All basic services, including a full grocery store and pharmacy are available. A limited clothing selection can be found at Beall's Outlet. A unique sandal and gift boutique, Bare Sole Sandals, is located on US1 that features "Keysey" decor and a large sandal selection. Out of the Blue Gift Shop also on US1 features works from local artists.

Eat
At the Winn-Dixie shopping plaza is a decent sit-down Chinese restaurant. The No-Name pub on the NE side of the island has excellent pizza and sandwiches. Parrotdise restaurant at mile marker 28 features seafood and a waterfront view. There are no dedicated fast-food restaurants on the island. The Wharf restaurant at mile marker 25 offers casual seafood dining.

Drink

There are several low-key taverns along US 1. Rob's Island Grill provides a sports bar atmosphere. Just a few miles down in Ramrod Key you will find Boondocks and the Looe Key Tiki Bar.

Sleep
Dolphin Marina Cottages are also in the vicinity (Little Torch Key).

Go next
Big Pine is located roughly half-way between Vaca Key (Marathon) and Key West, so it can be easily visited while in-transit. Those who choose to camp here can reach Key West in about 40 minutes. There are some more "touristy" bars and restaurants a little further down the Overseas Highway on Ramrod Key.

title: Big Pine Key


text:
Big Rapids

Big Rapids is a small city in West Michigan. It is the home of Ferris State University.

Get in
Gerald R. Ford International Airport, [2]. The airport for Grand Rapids and Kent County with daily flights (sometimes several) from most of the country's major hubs. From Grand Rapids airport, travel north on US-131 approximately 50 miles to exit 139 or 142 and follow the posted signs to town.

Do
Big Rapids is a college town with plenty of activities to do. During the summer months one of the best things to do is tubing down the Muskegon River. There are two ways to go about it, either through buying your own tube and arrange travel between your starting and ending points if you have the resources or through renting a tube through a local business. If you are uncertain about travelling arrangements your best bet is through rental. Most people who do not rent usually start off from Northend Riverside Park and end at Highbanks Park. On the river its a fairly relaxed/party like atmosphere with plenty of fun opportunities. Most people will bring alcohol but be forewarned that glass bottles and Styrofoam coolers are prohibited by being punishable by fines. Most starting points for tubing are on the north side of town on the eastern side of the river.

Another fun thing to do is Disc Golfing at Northend Riverside Park. It is quite majestic during the summer months but is really hard to retrieve discs in the undergrowth, best off to go during the spring/fall months. It is a 18 hole course through a woods with a few holes over open grassy areas.

If none of the above are for you, then maybe try fishing in the Muskegon River or on one of the Lakes near Big Rapids. Most notable is Chippewa Lake, which has plenty of fish and is the largest inland lake nearby, or Rogers Dam, which is just south of town. If you enjoy hunting, there is also the Haymarsh Lake State Game Area. It is usually quite crowded during deer hunting season, but apart from that, it is a great area to view Michigan's beautiful natural wildlife and go target shooting.

title: Big Rapids


text:
Big Sky

Big Sky is an alpine ski and golf resort community in Montana. The community's two large ski resorts, Big Sky Resort and Moonlight Basin, merged in 2013. In 2020, it was home to about 3,600 people.

Understand
Big Sky was a ranch up until the early 1970s, when TV newscaster Chet Huntley decided to turn it into a ski hill and resort area. It has grown considerably since then but still is relatively uncrowded as most of the lodging in the area is houses and condos that are used infrequently.

Get in
Big Sky is approximately midway between West Yellowstone and Bozeman on U.S. Highway 191 and 15 miles (24 km) from the northwestern border of Yellowstone National Park.

You can fly into Bozeman and take a 45-minute drive down the canyon along the Gallatin River, or the Skyline bus.

Get around
Big Sky is divided between the Mountain Village (at the base of the Big Sky Ski Resort) and the Meadow Village (that is a 10-minute car ride and several thousand vertical feet below the Mountain).

See
Near the Meadow Village there is a beautiful 30-foot falls, Ousel Falls, that freezes up in the winter. You can usually hear/see water running beneath the ice on the far right side. The trail to the falls is fairly well maintained and receives regular use. As you head from Highway 191 to Big Sky, you will see the golf course on your right. Soon after, there will be a left turn onto Ousel Falls Road. Travel about 2 miles to the obvious parking area and trail head on the left side. The trail to the falls follows a stream and is about 1½ miles long.

Do
There is great skiing and boarding, in particular for more advanced skiers. The lifts are never crowded. Top runs are.
 * Cruisers - Calamity Jane, Elk Park Ridge, and Big Horn
 * Moguls - Crazy Raven, Mad Wolf, Moonlight, and Bad Dog
 * Glades - Wounded Knee, Congo, and Blackfoot
 * Steeps - Anything off the Tram, War Dance, Big Rock Tongue, and Snake Pit

This is a big mountain with lots of area to explore. Rocks are not marked very well, so use caution when off the groomers. There are also several good terrain parks for shred-heads and freestylers.

Stay safe
Big Sky is adjacent to the historic Karst Asbestos mine, which is dubiously marked out as "Asbestos Mine Trail". The mine, which is no longer active, has never been cleaned up, and visitors should stay away from the area due to the danger of breathing asbestos dust.

Go next

 * Bozeman Hot Springs & Fitness Center (36 miles north) 9 natural hot springs pools with temperatures ranging from 59 to 106 degrees and both dry and wet saunas.

title: Big Sky


text:
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is a United States national recreation area that straddles the regions of Eastern Tennessee and Kentucky's Daniel Boone Country.

Understand
The recreation area consists of surrounding the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River and is managed by the U.S. National Park Service.

History
Most of the land within the recreation area was owned by the Stearns Coal & Lumber Company. After the decline of decline of the company in the 1960s, efforts by senators from Kentucky and Tennessee to have the area preserved as a national park began. In 1974, President Richard Nixon signed legislation creating the national recreation area. Between 1974 and 1991 the US Army Corp of Engineers purchased the land for the recreation area and turned over administration to the US National Park Service.

Landscape
The park is on the Cumberland Plateau. Geologically this area is characterized by an erosion resistant sandstone cap covering softer layers of sedimentary rock. Over millions of years the streams and rivers of the region have carved deep gorges into the plateau. Water erosion has also formed one of the highest concentrations of natural arches in the eastern United States.

Visitor information

 * Park website

Get in
There are several routes that can be taken to access the park. The four main travel corridors are I-75, I-40, US 127, and KY 92. The gateway cities are Oneida and Jamestown in Tennessee and Stearns in Kentucky.

Fees and permits
There are no fees to enter the park.

Do

Lodging
There is no lodging available within the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, but there are several surrounding cities and parks that offer a variety of options.

 * Corbin, Kentucky
 * Williamsburg, Kentucky
 * Jellico, Tennessee
 * Pioneer, Tennessee
 * Cumberland Falls State Resort Park (Kentucky)
 * Pickett State Park (Tennessee)

Camping

Backcountry
Permits are required for backcountry camping. The permits may be purchased at the visitors centers at Bandy Creek and Blue Heron, or purchased through the park website. Prices vary by group size and groups larger than 24 people require special permission. The maximum length of stay is 14 days.

Water
Most fatalities in the recreation area are caused by drowning. The white water in the Big South Fork of the Cumberland ranges from class I to class IV. Know your skill level and have a plan for emergencies. The river passes through some rough and remote terrain, rescue may take some time.

Cliffs
There are many cliffs within the park. Be careful around the cliff edges.

Bears
Black Bears are active throughout the recreation area. If venturing into the back country, familiarize yourself with bear safety and always securely store your food.

Kentucky

 * Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
 * Daniel Boone National Forest
 * General Burnside Island State Park
 * Lake Cumberland State Resort Park

Tennessee

 * Indian Mountain State Park
 * Pickett State Park


text:
Big Spring

Big Spring is a city on the Edwards Plateau in Texas.

By car

 * I-20 passes through the city, connecting Abilene and Dallas-Fort Worth in the east with Midland-Odessa and El Paso to the west.
 * US 87 connects the city with Lubbock to the north and San Angelo and San Antonio to the south.

Go next

 * Lake Moss Creek, about 10 miles south of town. Fishing, birding, swimming, and boating spot. Camping available.

title: Big Spring


text:
Deuel County

Deuel County is a rural county in the Nebraska Panhandle.

Understand
Big Springs is a village in the county with a population of 400.

Get in
Interstates 76 and 80 and U.S. Highways 30 and 138 offer access to this rural area.

Go next
Denver- 76 West. About 2 1/2 hours away.

Cheyenne. 80 West. About 2 hours away.

North Platte- 80 East. About 1 1/2 hours away.

title: Deuel County


text:
Big Stone City

Big Stone City is a city of 605 in the Glacial Lakes region of South Dakota. It is at the south end of Big Stone Lake, a popular fishing spot for Walleyes and Catfish. It lies directly across the lake from Ortonville, Minnesota.

title: Big Stone City


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Big Sur

Big Sur is a region on the Central Coast of California. It contains vast wildernesses and breathtaking views as it stretches 72 miles along the rugged Pacific Ocean. While the region has no specific borders, most residents consider Big Sur to be bounded on the north by Malpaso Creek, approximately 129 miles south of San Francisco, and on the south by San Carpóforo Canyon, 244 miles north of Los Angeles. The area is great for outdoor recreation and contains several state parks, two national wilderness areas, and is part of the Los Padres National Forest, all of which include hiking trails. The name during the Spanish colonial period was "el país grande del sur", meaning "the big country of the south", referring to the vast relatively unexplored region south of the city of Monterey, which was the capital of Alta California under both Spain and Mexico. It was anglicized as Big Sur by European settlers in 1915.

Understand
Big Sur begins a few miles south of Carmel and includes the small settlements of Palo Colorado Canyon, Big Sur Village (between Andrew Molera State Park and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park), Posts, Lucia, and Gorda. It ends near San Simeon (where the Hearst Castle is located). When driving on Highway 1 through Big Sur, be alert for traffic conditions, especially during summer vacation periods and holiday weekends, when the northern portion of the highway can be congested. You can stop to admire the scenery at one of the many dirt turnouts and vista points along the route. When stopping at a viewpoint be sure that your vehicle is entirely off the roadway.

History
Three Native American tribes - the Ohlone, Esselen, and Salinan - are believed to have lived in Big Sur as hunter-gatherers prior to the arrival of Europeans. The Spanish explorer Juan Cabrillo was the first European to view the area when he sailed along the coast in 1542. Spaniards arrived on foot in 1769, but the high cliffs and rough terrain forced them inland. Monterey was settled in 1770, during which the Governor made only two lands grants in the area, Rancho El Sur and Rancho San Jose y Sur Chiquito. The ranchos were maintained by caretakers.

Mexico took control of the area when it gained independence from Spain in 1821, and in 1848 Mexico ceded California to the United States following the Mexican-American War. By 1862, several pioneers had moved into the area, although the inaccessibility of the area prevented any significant development.

The construction of the present-day Highway One began in 1919 using convict labor. Construction stopped in 1924 when funds were exhausted and resumed in 1928. Construction required 33 bridges to be built and thousands of tons of dynamite to blast the road through the coastal cliffs. The $10 million, unpaved Carmel-San Simeon Highway was finally opened in 1937. Over the years, Monterey County lawmakers and local residents have established extremely tough development restrictions, making it illegal to build almost anything within view of the highway and other public points. As of 2018, only about 1,000 residents live on the coast year-round.

Flora and fauna
Big Sur is the southernmost range of the world's tallest tree, the coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), and thanks to the remoteness of the region many of the existing groves have never been logged. The critically-endangered California condor was reintroduced to the region in 1997, and as of 2014 nearly three dozen condors make the area their home. Mountain lions, though rarely seen by human eyes, roam throughout the Big Sur region. Raptors in the area include bald eagles and peregrine falcons.

Once thought to be extinct in California, a colony of 60 sea otters was discovered near Bixby Bridge in 1938. Today sea otters are frequently seen in the area, as well as sea lions, elephant seals and harbor seals. Orcas patrol the coast year-round, while other whale species are seasonal: humpback whales can be seen from April through December, blue whales from June through October, and gray whales from December through May. The abundance of seals does not go unnoticed by sharks, including the great white shark, which patrol the waters but will only be seen by very lucky visitors.

Climate
Along the coast the climate is moderate year-round, although further inland temperatures are significantly warmer in summer and cooler in winter. Thick, dense fog blankets the coast during the summer, and while it usually burns off during the day, it can occasionally linger and make travel along Highway One treacherous.

Get in
Big Sur is a remote area accessible only via Highway 1 (also known as the Pacific Coast Highway) or via the winding, narrow 25 mile long Nacimiento-Fergusson Road, accessible from Highway 101 and Jolon, California. Highway 1 winds through Big Sur flanked by the steep Santa Lucia Mountains to the east and the rocky Pacific Coast to the west. The easiest and most common way to get to Big Sur is by car, though some enthusiastic adventurers cycle along the highway. There are only four gas stations along the route and fuel is expensive, so fill your tank before entering the Big Sur region. The highway is prone to rock and mud slides which have been so severe in the past that the highway has sometimes closed for over a year. Construction can also cause delays or closures, so check California highway road conditions prior to setting out. The Nacimiento-Fergusson Road is the only alternative route.

From San Francisco take US-101 south to CA-156 west which merges with Highway 1 20 miles from MalPaso Canyon. Approximately 129 miles and 2-3 hour drive.

From Los Angeles take US-101 north and exit onto Highway 1 toward Morro Bay/Hearst Castle, about 45 miles south of San Carpóforo Canyon. Approximately 244 miles and 4-5 hour drive.

 * SLO RTA provides service from Morro Bay as far north as San Simeon on route 15.

Get around
Highway One through Big Sur is a long, narrow, winding road, so those prone to car sickness may want to take medication prior to setting out. There is only one lane in each direction. Most of the road is very limited in width. Paved shoulders are narrow and may not exist in steep areas. There are no passing lanes. Given the many sharp turns, passing can be extremely dangerous. Driving in the dark, in fog, or in rainy conditions can be quite dangerous due to the risk of a collision or of straying off the highway. While the speed limit is 55 mph (90 km/h) unless otherwise posted, expect speeds of 35-45 mph for most of the route, and as slow as 15-20 mph on some of the sharpest curves, or due to congestion. If there are five or more cars following you, courtesy and California law require you to pull over at a safe point and allow them to pass. Use one of the many unpaved, wide pull outs along the route. This allows you and others to enjoy a safe drive.

Big Sur Village is a mile-long portion of the highway containing gas stations, roadside markets, lodges and restaurants, but services elsewhere in the region are very limited, and gas in Gorda can be as much as $7 per gallon. The unincorporated communities of Posts, Lucia, Plaskett, and Gorda are located south of Big Sur Village, but these settlements generally have little more than a single inn or restaurant available for travelers.

Bicycling along Highway 1 is popular, though extremely challenging given the narrow or non-existent shoulders, constant elevation changes, and precipitous cliffs. Cyclists will also be dealing with motorists who are likely distracted by the scenery, dealing with fog, or unaccustomed to sharing a narrow highway.

See
Sights are listed from north-to-south along Highway One:

Do
The most common activity in Big Sur is driving through to enjoy the scenery. The next most common activity are walks, hikes, and backpacking in the many open natural spaces.

Hiking/backpacking
Always check conditions before hiking or backpacking. As of spring 2018, many trails are closed due to fire damage or landslides. Check for current conditions posted by U.S. Los Padres National Forest Monterey Ranger District and the Ventana Wilderness Alliance.

There are many possible day hikes varying in length and difficulty. You can hike to beaches and vistas along the coast, along rivers and through canyons, and through redwood forests in the Santa Lucia Mountains. For longer and more remote adventures, backpacking is an option. There are hundreds of miles of trails through the region, particularly the Ventana Wilderness. Be prepared and know what you are doing before going backpacking in the Wilderness. You can obtain more information from the Big Sur Ranger Station which is three miles south of Big Sur Village or call.

 * Hunt for jade, beaches south of Big Sur Village. Jade is a common semi-precious stone found on the beaches in the Big Sur region.

Beaches
Remote and pristine beaches are accessible. Andrew Molera State Park, Pfeiffer Beach, and Sand Dollar Beach are the most commonly visited.

Buy
There are art galleries and gift shops throughout Big Sur all along Highway 1.

Eat
Most of the inns along the route have onsite restaurants that also serve non-guests.

Drink
Many local restaurants also contain bars and/or provide drinks.

Sleep
The two main options for sleeping in Big Sur are either camping or staying in a hotel/resort. Some locations have both options provided. Camping is popular in Big Sur and there are many small campgrounds throughout the region that are not listed below but can be found along Highway 1.

Camping
Monterey County, which includes nearly all of the Big Sur route, prohibits roadside camping and overnight parking along any paved or dirt road, although this restriction does not apply to tired drivers needing a brief rest. It is illegal to camp anyplace other than designated campgrounds. Fires are only permitted in established campgrounds. Illegal campfires can result in arrest and a stiff fine.

Cope
Traffic on the northern end of Highway 1 in Big Sur from Carmel to Posts can be severely congested during the summer, spring vacation periods, and holiday weekends.

Always fill up your gas tank before you drive into the area, as there are only four gas stations, and they always charge a premium of several dollars over the current prevailing prices per gallon in Carmel or Morro Bay. Bring water, or replenish your supply from good tap water (in Big Sur Village, for example, which is refreshing mountain spring water).

There are long stretches of coastline through Big Sur with little or no cell phone signal coverage. Learn how to use offline maps on your phone and download such maps in advance and/or bring paper maps.

Restrooms
Due to strict environmental laws, as well as the cost of construction and maintenance, there are very few public restrooms along the Big Sur coast. Go before you go, take advantage of restrooms when you can find them, and download known restroom locations to your phone in advance. If between settlements, look for a state park or U.S. Forest Service campground or state beaches which usually have developed bathrooms or pit toilets.

Highway 1 dangers
Highway 1 is a narrow, winding two-lane road and in many places carved out of steep cliff faces. A sign on the highway south of Carmel depicts a curvy road with the text "Next 72 miles"!

Always check traffic conditions before you go. Try to avoid driving long distances after dark as fog and the many sharp turns can severely restrict your visibility. In the winter, sudden landslides can block the road entirely or cause major backups. For example, in May 2017, a major landslide south of Gorda closed the road to through traffic for many months. Construction can reduce the roadway to a single lane, controlled by a light.

Go next

 * Carmel - The northern boundary of Big Sur is the town of Carmel, located 20 miles from Big Sur Village. Carmel is a beautiful oceanside town that is home to the historic Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, several large beaches, excellent restaurants and an abundance of upscale lodging.  It borders the iconic Pebble Beach golf course and is the entry point to the 17-mile drive and its dramatic ocean views.
 * San Simeon - Marking the southern end of the Big Sur region and lying 80 miles south of Big Sur Village, San Simeon is home to Hearst Castle, the impressive residence of the former media tycoon William Randolph Hearst, now managed as a state park with tours available daily. A massive colony of more than 20,000 elephant seals can be viewed onshore just north of town every winter.

title: Big Sur


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Australia's big things

It seems that no matter where you go in Australia, big things are bound to be found eventually. However, there is a certain type of big thing that seems to be unique to small tourist towns no matter where you travel. These are, of course, the everyday objects that have been built at enormous scales as novelty architecture and dutifully filled with overpriced snack bars and trinkets to remind you of your journey to visit the big thing.

New South Wales

Queensland

title: Australia's big things


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Bigul

Bigul is a village in Uttarakhand in the Himalayan North of India.

Understand
Bigul is a beautiful tiny hamlet in the district of Bageshwar. It offers magnificent views of the Himalayas from Nandadevi to Panchachuli and beyond. Quite matchless beauty for breathtaking sunset, surrounded by various thick forest of trees such as pine, rhododendron etc.

Bigul is still a less known destination on the tourism map but keeps great importance in history. In the time of British rule their army stayed here in tents and camps for weeks to collect lagaan (tax) by whistling biguls, which are playing instrument. Nearby villagers used to come here after listening to the bigul to contribute their grains, cloths, cattels etc. as lagaan.

In times past Atithi Devo Bhav (in English, the guest is God), defined a tradition of responsibility to offer visitors food and other requirements during their stay. Atithi devo bhav is a tradition of hospitality still in vogue in India today and attracts millions of tourists every year.

Get in
Bigul is 32 km from Bageshwar on the Bageshwar-Chaukori motor road, at an altitude of 6750 ft.

There are three routes to reach Bigul from Delhi:
 * Delhi - Kathgodam - Nainital - Almora - Binsar - Takula - Bageshwar - Kanda - Bigul
 * Delhi - Kathgodam - Nainital - Almora - Seraghat - Berinag - Chaukori - Kotmanya - Bigul
 * Delhi - Kathgodam - Nainital - Almora - Kosi - Kausani - Baijnath - Bageshwar - Kanda - Bigul

Bigul is 520 km from Delhi, 198 km from Kathgodam via Binsar, 105 km from Almora via Binsar, 32 km from Bageshwar. Chaukori is 15 km from Bigul.

Eat

 * Traditional Kumaoni cuisine

Drink

 * Spring water.

title: Bigul


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Big Water

Big Water is a tiny town in Utah's Canyon Country, not far north of Page, Arizona.

Understand
Smack dab in the middle of nowhere, Big Water has made the national news on a couple occasions. First and foremost, it has been known as a Mormon fundamentalist enclave, where deceased mayor Alex Joseph was survived by seven wives, all of whom entered into marriage with him consensually, and fourteen children. Second, Mayor Joseph made headlines once more in 1986, leaving the Republican Party to become America's first Libertarian mayor, and abolished real estate taxes in the town.

Owing to its location, Big Water can be a serviceable, if unorthodox, base to explore Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, The Coyote Buttes, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and even the Grand Canyon.

title: Big Water


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Big White

Big White Ski Resort, usually referred to as Big White, is a Canadian ski resort 56 km (35 mi) southeast of Kelowna, in the Central Okanagan area of the Okanagan/Shuswap Valley in British Columbia interior. It is the third largest resort in British Columbia after Whistler (also known as Whistler-Blackcomb), and one of the larger resorts in North America.

Understand
Big White is in the Okanagan Valley region of British Columbia, in Canada. summit is at 2,319 m (7,608 ft) with a vertical drop of 777 m (2,549 ft), served by 16 lifts. The mountain receives 750 cm of annual snowfall. It has 2,765 acres (11 km²) of patrolled area of 7,355 skiable acres (30 km²). With 38 acres of night skiing, Big White has western Canada's largest resort night skiing area. It has a central village which comprises accommodation, eateries, bars and shops. The village is 1,755 m (5,758 ft) above sea level. Big White Mountain is one of the highest peaks in the southern Monashees, with over 100 marked runs.

By car
Big White Ski Resort is 56 km (35 mi) southeast of Kelowna, the largest city in the Okanagan Valley.
 * From Kelowna, follow Highway 33 for 32 km (20 mi) until you reach Big White Road. Another 24 km (15 mi) and you will arrive in the main village.
 * From Vancouver, BC - 438 km (273 mi) - 4½ hrs via Hwy 97C
 * From Seattle, Washington - 553 km (345 mi) - 6 hrs via Hwy 97C
 * From Spokane, Washington - 453 km (238 mi) - 4½ hrs via Hwy 395
 * From Silver Star Ski Resort - 130 km (59 mi) - 2 hrs via Hwy 97 / 33

By air
You can fly into Kelowna International Airport, then drive from there (see above).

See and do
Aside from the amazing ski hills, there is a lot to do at Big White. Big White is known for its winter sports, including downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, tubing, ice skating, sleigh rides and dog sledding. Since Big White is near the Okanagan Valley, there are many non-winter activities to take part in, such as winery tours, hiking and mountain biking.

title: Big White


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Bihać

Bihać is a city in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Una River has defined Bihać, the city and municipality for centuries. The waterfalls in Štrbački buk and Martinbrod are widely known. A valley near the Una headwaters, and the upper Una River valley are a national park since 2008. Every summer Bihać hosts the Una Regatta coupled with many cultural events.

Understand
Bihać municipality occupies an area of 900 km² with around 70,000 citizens people. Since ancient times, the geographic position and favorable climate conditions have been suitable for settling in this region. The research based upon excavations and numerous remains has revealed the presence of humans in the Older Stone Age, Late Bronze Age, Late and Early Iron Age. Presence of the Japodes tribe in this area has certainly been proved. The Japodes culture marked Bihać by its extraordinary values and ancient inheritance. It began with building solutions for houses on stilts, jewelry made of bronze, iron, silver and the “Japodes horseman”. The archeological findings from many places like Bihać, Golubić, Pritoka and Ripač indicate the specific characteristics of the Illyrian culture in the Japodes area.

By plane
Bihać is 17 km from the Croatian border, which gives a favourable geographic location, proximity to major cities in Europe. Bihać can be reached by plane, through Croatian territory, the airport in Zagreb, which is 170 km away, about 3 hours drive by car from the town of Bihać.

If you decide to come through the airport of Sarajevo, Bihać is 350 km away, about 4 hours drive that leads through Travnik, Jajce, Mrkonjic Grad, Kljuca and in Bihać, which gives you a unique opportunity to explore areas of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

By car
Bihać can be reached by car from all European directions, regardless if coming from west, east, north or south. If arriving from the west of Europe, all major roads to Bihać lead through Croatia, Slovenia and Austria. If arriving from the north you pass through Croatia, the east from Serbia, or the directions of Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria respectively. Coming from the south requires a trip on a ferry that goes across Italy to Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

By train
There is one train per day from Sarajevo.

By bus

Buses to Ćukovi, Orašac and Kulen Vakuf (for Una): 07:10, 10:30, 12:30, 14:15, 15:30, and 19:30 ... in winter a few less. Price: 5-6.50 KM, depending on where you get off—it stops in most villages along the way. The bus seems to also go around east of the centre of Bihać along "Bedem St." So, you might want to catch it there, but better ask beforehand.

Drink
Bihać is home to a beer brewery which makes the award winning Preminger.

Go next
Cross the border to Croatia and visit the famous Plitvice Lakes National Park, or go further into Bosnia-Herzegovina toward Banja Luka and Sarajevo.

title: Bihać