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Brockton

Brockton is the sixth largest city in Massachusetts with a population of 106,000 (2020). Self styled as the "City of Champions" thanks to its two hometown boxing heroes, and a thriving high school sports program.

By plane
Logan International Airport in Boston is the closest airport. T.F. Green Airport in Warwick (Rhode Island) is also an option.

By bus
The MBTA operates the 230 bus to Montello Station from Quincy Center station. Brockton Area Transit Authority also operates a bus route to Ashmont station.

By train
MBTA has commuter rail service from Boston's South station with three stops in Brockton. Additionally, the seasonal CapeFlyer between Boston and Cape Cod calls at Brockton railway station.

By car

 * Route 24 is the main access road to Brockton. Routes 28 and 123 also pass through the city.

Buy
Most, if not all, of Brockton's many shoe factories and outlets are now closed.

Eat
Brockton is not a destination for fine dining. Many of the national chain restaurants are available off exits from Route 24.

title: Brockton


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Brockville

Brockville is a city of about 32,000 people (2021) on the St. Lawrence River in Eastern Ontario.

Understand
Southeastern Ontario is United Empire Loyalist country, colonised primarily by loyal British subjects fleeing the newly established United States of America at the end of the American Revolution (1776-1783). Because of the region's proximity to the US border (Morristown, New York, directly across the St. Lawrence River, is easily visible from Brockville's waterfront) this area was one of the front lines in the War of 1812. The town's name refers to General Isaac Brock, leader of British-Canadian soldiers in the Niagara region during that war.

Brockville bills itself as the "City of the Thousand Islands", in reference to a group of islands directly upriver on the Ontario-New York border.

Get in
Brockville is part of major transportation corridors between Toronto and Montréal, Canada's two largest cities. Transportation infrastructure includes the St. Lawrence Seaway, the CN Rail mainline (Toronto-Ottawa and Toronto-Montréal VIA passenger services follow the same path east to Brockville, then diverge) and roads such as Ontario Highways 2 and 401. The scenic Thousand Islands Parkway ends just west of the city.

The closest major airport is Ottawa-Uplands, some 100 km distant. Montréal-Dorval, while more distant, may also be a viable option as it offers relatively easy air-to-rail connections.

There is no scheduled bus or rail service to southeastern Ontario from Watertown or Syracuse.

By car
Brockville is located on Highway 401 about 50 minutes east of Kingston and two hours west of Montreal.

There is no active international crossing within Brockville, despite its close proximity to Morristown NY. A ferry once joined the two towns, but was abandoned after an international bridge opened at Prescott-Ogdensburg (1960); there's another bridge upriver in the Thousand Islands (1938).

From Ottawa, access to the region is normally by Highway 416 to Prescott, the next major town downriver. Travel time from Bayshore (in Ottawa's west end) to Brockville is nominally an hour (100 km, 60 miles). From Smiths Falls, the Brockville Road (old Highway 29) is a half-hour of driving on two-lane road.

By train

 * Operates the following routes to Brockville:
 * Between Montreal and Toronto including stops in Dorval, Cornwall, Brockville, Kingston, Belleville, Cobourg, and Oshawa. Operates multiple times daily.
 * Between Ottawa and Toronto including stops in Smiths Falls, Brockville, Gananoque, Kingston, Napanee, Bellevile, Trenton, Cobourg, Port Hope, and Oshawa. Operates multiple times daily.
 * Between Ottawa and Toronto including stops in Smiths Falls, Brockville, Gananoque, Kingston, Napanee, Bellevile, Trenton, Cobourg, Port Hope, and Oshawa. Operates multiple times daily.

Get around
Local buses operate hourly within city limits between 7AM and 9PM Monday through Friday, and 9AM and 6PM on Saturday.

There are three local taxi companies, Executive, Yellow Cab and City Taxi.

As Brockville is a small city, much (at least within the downtown) is within walking distance, including the rail station. In rural areas, a car may be necessary.

Heritage buildings
Brockville has some attractive cultural heritage buildings, some of which may not be open to the public but can all be viewed from a public sidewalk.

Buy
There are two principal commercial districts. The town's main street, King Street (old Ontario Highway 2) is one block from the waterfront and the home of most of the city's established independent merchants. There is also some newer commercial development along the freeway (Parkedale Avenue parallels Highway 401 between exits 696 and 698; the Stewart and Parkedale area includes grocers, big-box/department stores, fast food and chain hotels as well as the 1000 Islands Mall).

Eat

 * Various national fast-food franchises (McDo, Harvey's, Burger King, KFC, Swiss Chalet) are located near Highway 401 exit 696 (Stewart and Parkedale). There is a food court in the 1000 Islands Mall.

Sleep
There are several hotels off Highway 401 at the Stewart Blvd interchange.

Connect

 * A Highway 401 rest area west of the city (ONroute Mallorytown, both directions) provides 60 minutes free wi-fi to travellers.

Go next

 * Mallorytown and the Thousand Islands National Park
 * Smiths Falls
 * Westport
 * Gananoque and Alexandria Bay

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

title: Brockville


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Brod

Brod is a village in Kosovo.

Understand
Brod is populated by the Gorani people. The Gorani have a total population of roughly 50,000 people. They are primarily sheep and cattle herders, but also have a cartel network of dessert/sweet shops. They live in a very geographically small mountainous area of the most southern part of Kosovo, in and near the city of Dragash just south of Prizren.

The Gorani have their own language and are generally Muslim. Their language, which is a Torlakian Slavic language, is related to Serbian and Macedonian, with Albanian and Turkish loanwords.

The village of Brod has a population of perhaps 8,000 people. It lies in a high mountain valley/ravine. It has a rough elevation of 1,200 meters, but the mountains above it reach 2,200 meters. As the people have been living and herding cattle there for hundreds and hundreds of years, the surrounding mountains are completely over grazed and deforested (in a beautiful way). For the people to have some means of heating in the winter, they pack the manure from their cattle and goats on the sides of their houses so that it will dry. Most of the manure is dry, so the village doesn't smell.

The building materials for the houses are all taken from the immediate area, so everything is made out of mountain rocks. Several mountain springs run through the village on their way down to the flat plains of Kosovo.

Get in
From Prizren, take a combi to Dragaš. From Dragaš, you will either have to take a taxi (for probably a lot of money) or start walking. The hike to Brod is about 8 km up a small road. Ask a local which way to go. If you hitch hike, the first or second car will probably pick you up, although cars only pass once every 30 minutes.

Get around
By horse.

See
It is worth your while to walk around the town and see what it is like. It is completely unique.

Do

Ask the locals if they will take you for either a one day or overnight horse trip up to their pastures in the mountains. They should charge you only €10 per person plus food for the adventure. You'll end up on a mule going through some of the most beautiful nature you'll ever have the opportunity to see in your life.

Eat
Have the guy at the one pub in Brod serve you up something.

Drink
There is one pub in the whole town. If you're lucky, there will be a game of bingo going on. It's for men only (at least as far as locals go) and they all claim they are Muslim and don't drink, but wait until they get away from their wives up in the pasture.

Sleep
Ask the locals for a place to stay. Somebody will put you up for the night (at a cost, probably €10).

Go next

 * Prizren
 * Ferizaj
 * Sharr Mountain National Park

title: Brod


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Broek in Waterland

Broek in Waterland is a village in the Zaanstreek-Waterland, in the Dutch province North Holland. It is known for its lovely, typically old-Dutch atmosphere and wooden houses in soft colours.

Understand
Broek in Waterland began as a fishermen's village, and for that reason its church is dedicated to St. Nicolas, the patron saint of seafarers. From the mid 16th century, however, this economic activity was rapidly replaced by stock farming and the production of dairy, for which many houses were extended with an adjoining stable on the back side. The dairy products were transported to Amsterdam by boat. The harbour thus remained vital for the village, and is still characteristic of Broek en Waterland. In the 17th and 18th century, this town was a wealthy place where many impressive houses were built for local families.

For centuries, the picturesque nature of the village was known even outside the Netherlands and it was praised for its cleanliness. From the 17th century, the town was a popular tourist destination for people from nearby Amsterdam but received foreign guests as well. Napoleon famously came to visit here. Much earlier, Joseph II, the Holy Roman Emperor, visited the village but was refused to enter a farm, allegedly because the woman of the house had no time.

Get in

 * By road, the N247 is your access way to Broek in Waterland. It connects the town to Amsterdam and Marken.
 * By public transport, bus 111 connects the village to Amsterdam, Monnickendam and Marken.

Get around
The village itself is small and best explored on foot. A bike tour is a good way to explore both the town and its direct surrounding. To rent one, go to

See
Just wandering around the village will reveal most of its charm to any traveller. More than 80 of its traditional houses have are listed as National Heritage Sites, although most are still in use as family houses.

Do
The large majority of visitors come here just to enjoy the looks and feel of this cosy village. The main activities of course reflect that goal.
 * Biking or hiking through the village and the flat surroundings. The tourist information office has information on a good number of marked bike-routes and walking tracks through the region, many of which pass through or even start in Broek in Waterland.
 * Canoeing & boat tours are another fun way to see the area. There are routes available online or from your boat rental agency. If you're interested, rent a canoe or small electric boat from

Sleep
There are a few lodging options, some of them offer a night in a traditional bedstede, a bed in what looks like a closet and served as a mini room-within-a-room and thus better preserving the warmth.

Go next
Nearby destinations include:

 * Monnickendam
 * Marken
 * Volendam

title: Broek in Waterland


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Broek op Langedijk

Broek op Langedijk is a town in North Holland, Netherlands.

See
Broek op Langedijk is a long village built on a dike in the polders of West Friesland (bus 155 from Alkmaar station). Over the centuries the village developed a horticultural tradition adapted to the landscape. All the small fields were islands, and everything went by boat. Many of the farmhouses were also only accessible by boat. The waterborne specialisation reached its peak with the construction in 1912 of a special auction house, the Broeker Veiling. A canal runs through the auction hall, and the produce was floated in on a boat, a punt. The Broeker Veiling introduced the system known as a Dutch auction, now standard for agricultural produce auctions. Prices are counted down, and the first to stop the count is the buyer. From the 1930s, an electric clock displayed the prices, and each wholesaler could stop it, so becoming the buyer. (Those who stop it too soon pay too much, those who hesitate get nothing).

The original island field landscape almost disappeared, during the systematic rationalisation of Netherlands agriculture which followed the Second World War. A small part, the Oosterdel, survives to the east of the village. Other islands were built over for suburban housing. Most of it was simply drained, and ploughed into a level modern polder - now filled with ugly suburban and agro-industrial development.

 * The Broeker Veiling is now a museum illustrating the traditional agriculture of the area, and the auction system. By now it is surrounded by suburban development, and the relationship with the landscape is no longer visible. Museum Broeker Veiling, Museumweg 2, 1721 BW Broek op Langedijk. Open from Easter Sunday to October, M–F 10.00-17.00, hours. Sa Su 11:00–17:00. No fixed times for tours, depends on the number waiting. Entrance €6, with boat trip €9.55; children €3.50 and €5.25. Tel. 0226 - 313807, fax 0226 - 318304, e-mail: broeker@xs4all.nl.
 * The island fields can be seen by canoe. You can rent canoes at Hotel Café Marktzicht, Dorpsstraat 95, Broek op Langedijk (behind the Museum Broeker Veiling). Tel. 0226-313831.

title: Broek op Langedijk


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Broken Arrow

Broken Arrow is a city in the Green Country region of Oklahoma about 15 miles (35 km) southeast of Tulsa. It is the largest suburb of Tulsa County at a population of 110,000 (2018). Its nickname is "Tree City"

By car
A car is the preferred option for traveling BA. Tulsa Transit has one route that connects the city to Tulsa. Bus services run Monday through Friday.
 * From Tulsa International Airport: Take State Highway 11 east onto I-244 East. Then take US-169 South. From there you can either take the BA Expressway (State Highway 51) East & turn off on the exit you need, or continue on US-169 South. Broken Arrow exits are at every mile South of State 51 on US-169 until 91st street. If you pass 91st street it will take you 2 miles to the end of US-169 at Memorial Drive in Bixby (See From Bixby). When exiting US-169 be sure to turn East off the freeway for BA.
 * From Downtown Tulsa: Take State-51 (BA Expressway) East towards US-169. For North BA, continue on State-51 past US-169 & turn off on the exit you need. For South BA, get onto US-169 South from State-51. Broken Arrow exits are at every mile South of State-51 on US-169 until 91st street. When exiting US-169 be sure to turn East off the freeway for BA.
 * From Bixby: Follow any street from 91st through 131st East from Memorial Drive until you hit Garnet Ave (approximately 2 miles).
 * From Coweeta: Take BA Expressway (State-51) West and turn off at one of several exits until US-169. Heading to South Broken Arrow from Coweeta? Take State-51 to US-169 and head South on US-169 form there. Broken Arrow exits are at every mile South of State 51 on US-169 until 91st street. When exiting US-169 be sure to turn East off the freeway for BA.

By car
All roads in Broken Arrow are aligned to the four directions (north, south, east, west) grid system, with 1 mile being recognized as the next major road, so it should be fairly easy to navigate. East/West streets are numbered, main roads being identified by ending with "1" (E.G. 111th, 101st and 71st streets are main roads, however 115th, 103rd, and 79th are minor roads, mostly leading to houses). The larger the number of the east/west street, the farther south you are. The smaller the number of the east/west street, the farther north you are.

Budget

 * Tandoori Guys, 2039 W Houston St. Indian buffet and things. +1 918-893-2450
 * Tandoori Guys, 2039 W Houston St. Indian buffet and things. +1 918-893-2450
 * Tandoori Guys, 2039 W Houston St. Indian buffet and things. +1 918-893-2450

Stay safe
Tornado Season lasts from February to July, but Broken Arrow and Tulsa (excluding North Tulsa) are rarely affected somehow. Aside from that, always be on guard in the event of a major storm. Check the Tornado safety page for more details.

Connect
Tulsa County has more Wi-Fi spots than anywhere else in Oklahoma (as well as most of the Great Plains), making it a major tech hub in the region. If you need a Wi-Fi link, check into any number of restaurants and cafes, you'll be sure to find one.

Go next

 * Blue Bell Creameries, on the edge of town along County Road 51B. In the summer, they give tours of the plant (along with free samples at the end of the tour).
 * Safari's Sanctuary is also on the edge of town, if you've ever wanted to get up close with lemurs or other animals, this is the place for you.
 * Hard Rock Casino and Resort is in Catoosa, Billed as the Largest Casino in Oklahoma (formerly The Cherokee Casino).
 * Tulsa is close to BA and the source of all the action in Northeast Oklahoma.
 * Take County Road 51B east from the edge of town and you should wind up in Coweta.

title: Broken Arrow


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Broken Bow

There is more than one place called Broken Bow:

United States of America

 * Broken Bow (Oklahoma) - a town in the state of Oklahoma.
 * Broken Bow (Nebraska) - a town in the state of Nebraska.

title: Broken Bow


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Broken Bow (Oklahoma)

Broken Bow is a small town in the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. It is the gateway to Broken Bow Lake, Beavers Bend Resort Park, and Hochatown, in the Kiamichi Country tourism region of Oklahoma.

Get in
Oklahoma State Highway 3 runs through the town, which connects to the Indian Nation Turnpike eventually as you travel west from the town. US Highways 259 & 70 provide access to the town.

Do
The stretch of highway 259 between Broken Bow and Beavers Bend State Park is littered with tourist attractions, from go-kart tracks to video game amusement centers, to mini-golf and mazes. Also in and around the park you can find ziplining and boat rentals of various kinds.

Sleep

 * Beavers Bend Lakeview-Lodge - delightful lodging on the lake, with complimentary breakfast and deer to keep you company.
 * Beavers Bend Lakeview-Lodge - delightful lodging on the lake, with complimentary breakfast and deer to keep you company.

Go next

 * Talimena Drive from Talihina, Oklahoma to Mena, Arkansas 54 Mile scenic drive in Oklahoma and Arkansas along the ridge of the Ouachita Mountains and the Ouachita National Forest. The drive has frequent turnouts so you can enjoy the scenery.

title: Broken Bow (Oklahoma)


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Broken Hill

Broken Hill is a historic mining city in the Outback of New South Wales. Mining has occurred throughout the entire life of Broken Hill since its founding in 1883. Australia's largest mining concern BHP has its origins here with the initials BHP standing for "Broken Hill Proprietary". The mining industry has declined, but it still plays an important part in the story of the town with many tourist attractions associated with mining. The other main reason to visit Broken Hill is for the artists who have called the city home. There are many galleries around the city that are worth visiting.

Understand
Broken Hill and Silverton operate on Australian Central Standard Time (ACST). All other towns in the region operate on Australian Eastern Standard time (AEST). Despite its location in New South Wales, it has much closer ties to South Australia. When Australia adopted standard time in 1895, Broken Hill's only direct rail link was with South Australia's capital of Adelaide; it was not linked by rail to Sydney until the late 1920s. Broken Hill is regarded as part of South Australia for postal parcel rates and telephone charges, and most advertising offers directed to South Australian residents specifically include Broken Hill (and by extension Silverton).

By car
It is just over 1,000 km of mostly long straight driving to Broken Hill from Sydney, and just over 500 km to Adelaide. Both roads are mostly good quality and sealed. The scenery will change slowly along the way. Broken Hill is in the outback, but is easily accessible by car. Traveling via car (even with bull-bars) from dusk to dawn should be avoided. It is the peak time for accidents with kangaroos. A large number of motorists are caught in the Outback having collisions with kangaroos. Any repairs in this isolated community can take quite a while to complete.

By train
NSW TrainLink run weekly direct services to Broken Hill from Sydney. It is called the 'Outback Explorer'. The Sydney to Broken Hill leg is on the Monday (6:20AM–7:10PM). The return journey is on the Tuesday (7:45AM–9:48PM). NSW TrainLink also run a daily service that is a train to Dubbo from Sydney and then a bus from Dubbo to Broken Hill. Sydney to Broken Hill is 7:10AM–10:45PM and the return is 3:45AM–8:48PM.

The Indian Pacific stops at Broken Hill twice a week as it makes its way from Sydney to Adelaide and Perth. Tours of the town are included in the price of the ticket of the westbound train.

Broken Hill train station is one block from the main shopping strip and it is walking distance to some accommodation. Taxis are available at the station to meet the trains.

By plane

The airport is on the edge of South Broken Hill. Taxis are available at the airport into the town centre. Ask the flight attendant to arrange for a taxi pickup.

By bus
NSW Trainlink (see 'By Train' above) offer a combined train and bus route from Sydney via Dubbo.

Buses R Us have three scheduled services per week between Adelaide and Broken Hill. The travel time is about 7 hours. Greyhound (formerly McCafferty) no longer offer a service to Broken Hill from Adelaide and V Line only offers a service as far as Mildura (from Melbourne).

Get around
Coach tours are an option. Taxis are also available. But you will need a car to see the town and surroundings independently. This poses problems for the adventurous. Rental cars in the city often charge a premium for travelling further than 100–200 km, which is easy to do. After that, the rate is generally 25 cents a kilometre. Driving on unsealed roads is only allowed if you hire a four-wheel drive; even then, if you have an accident, you are liable for the entire insurance excess. So getting off the beaten track is difficult. At least one company only lets you drive to Menindee or Silverton.

Avis and Thrifty rental car offices are located in Argent St. in the town centre. The Hertz office is in the Visitor Centre building.

Do

 * Broken Hill is a major base for the Royal Flying Doctors Service and for the School of the Air. Expensive but fun!
 * Silverton Self-Guided Heritage Walk. A self-guided heritage walk showcasing the remaining iconic historic buildings.
 * Silverton Self-Guided Heritage Walk. A self-guided heritage walk showcasing the remaining iconic historic buildings.
 * Silverton Self-Guided Heritage Walk. A self-guided heritage walk showcasing the remaining iconic historic buildings.
 * Silverton Self-Guided Heritage Walk. A self-guided heritage walk showcasing the remaining iconic historic buildings.

Buy
Broken Hill has developed a thriving artistic community. Take a browse through some of the art galleries and outlets in and around the town.
 * Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery
 * Jack Absalom's Gallery

Drink

 * Surprisingly for a town with such a small population, Broken Hill has a burgeoning nightlife. Many clubs exist and are open most nights of the week until late. Establishments catering to both locals and tourists include the Musician's Club and the Democratic Club.
 * Try a spider at Bell's milk bar.

Bars
As one would predict for a mining town, Broken Hill has its fair share of bars but those expecting frontier style pubs will be disappointed. The majority of bars in Broken Hill are of the RSL club style, full of cheap drinks and pokie machines. Don't miss out on a game of two-up at the Musicians Club held on Friday and Saturday nights. The Barrier Social Democratic Club holds a disco night on Saturday night in which the young people from the town come out to play.

Sleep
There are no upscale chains in Broken Hill. Best to seek out one of the renovated historic hotels.

Go next
Obtain a key from the Information Centre to see the Sculpture Symposium about 6 km from the city. The key allows car access to the sculpture site. Alternatively drive to the car park and walk 2 km to the site. A $10 park access charge is levied, payable at an honesty box near the site.

The historic boomtown of Silverton which has been the setting of several movies. Even though it 'poses' as a ghost town nowadays, it does in fact maintain a tiny population, having a camel farm. You can explore at will the ruined church and the Silverton Tramway, a now abandoned trainline which runs into South Australia.

The opal mining town of White Cliffs is an interesting spot to visit or for prospecting.

Stephens Creek Reservoir is an artificial dam 17 km north east of Broken Hill.

When full of water, the Menindee lakes make a spectacular and surreal sight in the otherwise arid landscape. A drive through the river red gum forest in the adjacent Kinchega National Park is also worthwhile. Several quarries are worth exploring and the Mundi-Mundi plains too, perfect for a romantic sunset.

Drive further to and through Mungo National Park to discover some old human history.

Head north on the Silver City Highway to Tibooburra and the remote Sturt National Park.

Head down to World Heritage-listed Mungo National Park.

title: Broken Hill


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Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park

Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park (Taman Nasional Bromo Tengger Semeru) is a national park in East Java. It is home to five volcanoes and a sand sea in the caldera of the ancient Tengger volcano, has a rugged, other-worldly landscape, and offers lots of hiking opportunities.

Understand
This national park is named after its two mountains, Mount Semeru (Gunung Semeru), the highest in Java at 3,676 m; Mount Bromo (Gunung Bromo), the most popular; and the Tengger people who inhabit the area.

Mount Semeru, also known as Mahameru ("Great Mountain"), is one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes. What stands out most about this mountain is that it erupts reliably: every 20 min or so, the volcano belches out a huge cloud of steam and smoke, sometimes interspersed with ash and stones. Climbing Mount Semeru requires some planning and a permit from the national park authority. The mountain is often closed due to its highly active nature.

Mount Bromo (2,329 m) is easily recognized as the entire top has been blown off and the crater inside constantly belches white sulphurous smoke. It sits inside the massive Tengger caldera (diameter approximately 10 km), surrounded by the Laut Pasir (Sea of Sand) of fine volcanic sand. The overall effect is unsettlingly unearthly, especially when compared to the lush green valleys all around the caldera. With more than 500,000 tourists a year, Bromo is full with tourists in school holidays and long holidays (at least 4 days), because about 95 percent of the tourists are domestic tourists, so avoid these times.

The major access point is Cemoro Lawang (also Cemara Lawang - blame the East Javanese accent!) at the northeastern edge of the caldera, but there are also trails from Tosari (northwest) and Ngadas (southwest). The village of Ngadisari, on the road from Probolinggo about 5.5 km before Cemoro Lawang, marks the entrance to the national park. Cemoro Lawang and Ngadisari are rather picturesque, with brightly-painted houses and flower beds outside.

Every year, starting in January, climbing Semeru is prohibited for several weeks (usually more than a month) to allow the vegetation to recover.

The Tenggerese
The area in and around the park is inhabited by the Tenggerese, one of the few significant Hindu communities left on the island of Java. The local religion is a remnant from the Majapahit era and therefore quite similar to that on Bali but with even more animist elements. The Tenggerese are believed to be descendents of the Majapahit princes and were driven into the hills after mass arrivals in the area of devoutly Muslim Madurese in the 19th century. These Madurese immigrants were labourers working for Dutch coffee plantation owners and the native Hindu people of the region soon found themselves outnumbered and either converted to Islam or fled to the inhospitable high mountain tops where they remain today.

The religion is quite low key though (certainly when compared to Bali) with the most visible manifestation of faith being the rather austere Poten temple in the sea of sand. The Tenggerese number about 600,000 and they reside in 30 villages scattered in and around the park with smaller communities elsewhere in East Java.

For many visitors, the sight of the angular-faced, sunburned, moustachioed Tenggerese wrapped in poncho-like blankets, trotting about on ponies with craggy mountains as the backdrop, more resembles Peru than Indonesia!

Landscape
If a landscape was ever needed to demonstrate the meaning of the phrase desolate beauty, then this is surely it. Rugged, barren volcanic peaks, gravel plains and that sea of sand. Truly unworldly.

The park also includes large areas which are very lush and green fed by rivers from the high tops. The medium elevations are clad with much thinner forest before this gives way to the barren plateau and peaks.

Flora and fauna
In the parts of the park which most interest visitors (the caldera and mountain tops) flora and fauna is limited by the general lack of vegetation. At lower elevations and away from the sea of sand, there are though lush green valleys with a typical tropical forest flora. The higher elevations before the tree line ends are largely clad with casuarina (cemara) forest.

Down in the valleys, a few leopard cats are present but rarely seen. Java rusa deer, muntjac, marbled cat and wild pig are amongst the mammals more likely to be glimpsed by casual visitors. This park is not so renowned for birdwatching as others in Java, but up on the plateau you often see hawks and eagles soaring over the valleys below.

Climate
Temperatures are refreshingly cool during the day but outright cold at night as temperatures can drop close to zero in the summer and are rarely much above 5°C in winter. Daytime temperatures anywhere in the park never exceed 20°C with low teens being normal.

It can rain at anytime and the mean average rainfall is 6,600 mm. Most of that comes in the wet season though - November to March. During periods of heavy rain in January and February especially, many parts of the park are inaccessible due to flooding. Landslips are also a real issue at these times.

The 2010/2011 eruptions
In late 2010 and early 2011 volcanic ash and incandescent material was thrown up by eruptive activity with a heavy rain of ejected volcanic material falling around the crater. Continuous eruptions on 21 January caused a thin ash fall mainly in the village area of Ngadirejo and Sukapura Wonokerto, Probolinggo district. The impact of the heavy rain and volcanic ash from eruptions during December 2010 and January 2011 resulted in disruption to normal activities and the local economy. The potential for long term environmental damage and health problems amongst the residents in the locality surrounding Mount Bromo was paramount at that time.

Due to high seasonal rainfall in January 2011 the potential for lahar (cold lava) and lava flow (hot lava) was elevated due to the deposits of volcanic ash, sand and other ejected material that thad built up. Activity was dominated by tremor vibration, eruption of ash plumes and ejection of incandescent material.

People living on the banks of the Perahu Ravine, Nganten Ravine and Sukapura River were alerted to the high possibility of lahar flows, especially if further heavy rainfalls occur in the area around Cemorolawang, Ngadisari and Ngadirejo. Eruptions and volcanic tremors were reported on 21 January and 22 January with activity subsiding on 23 January 2011.

Get in
Mount Bromo is perhaps the most accessible of Java's active volcanoes and for that reason it gets a lot of domestic tourists, often in package groups. It is also a popular destination for high school groups who camp in the area. Visitors seeking a quiet appreciation of the park should avoid major domestic holiday periods. That being said, this is a large park and most of the crowds are at a few specific viewpoints at a few specific times.

By plane

 * The nearest major airport is in Surabaya, three to four hours away by car (and more by bus). Surabaya is well served by regular domestic flights from Jakarta and Bali and some other countries in Asia.
 * Abdul Rachman Saleh Airport at Malang is a small regional airport with flights from Jakarta and Denpasar, Bali with access from here makes sense if you intend to enter the park via the Tumpang/Ngadas route.

By road
There are three established routes into the park.

The Probolinggo → Ngadisari Route (Cemoro Lawang and Mount Bromo)
The nearest large town is Probolinggo, on the north coast of Java about 45 km as the crow flies from the park (but it feels a lot further). This is by far the most common route used to access the park as it is the most straightforward (but not necessarily the most interesting). About 6 km west of Probolinggo on the main coastal highway, turn south at the village of Ketapang. From there the road snakes up for 40 km through Sukapura (not a bad idea to stay the night here as the hotels are good) to Ngadisari and finally Cemoro Lawang on the edge of the caldera. Total journey time about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

From Probolinggo Train Station:
 * The official way to get to the bus terminal is with a public bus, small and yellow, with a "D" on front. However, since the area around there is under mafia control (or perhaps the buses themselves?), the driver can be unwilling to stop there, instead dropping you off around a km (a 30 minute walk) away. You can try saying that your hotel is by the terminal to get closer.
 * You can get a Gojek or Grab, but you will need to walk a few hundred metres away from the train station, as drivers are unwilling to pick people up directly.
 * If there is a tour van parked at the train station, ask if they are going to Cemoro Lawang and if they have an extra seat. If you're lucky, they may take you for much less than a private driver and much faster than the public bus.

From Probolinggo Bus Terminal, green mini-buses (called PS, known locally as a "bison", capacity of 15 seats) to Cemoro Lawang wait outside the bus terminal: Rp525,000 in total (translates to Rp35,000 per passenger if you get all 15 people). Departure from the terminal bus station as soon as the bus is full or someone pays the full price. The bus will wait up to 2.5 hours to get enough passengers. Typically you can get them to leave earlier (and if you want your luggage to be stored in the bus rather than the roof you should) if you can agree with all the other passengers to split a higher price (everyone travelling is likely a tourist).

In July 2022 it is very difficult to find enough tourist to fill up the bison public bus. However it is still possible to get taxis for about Rp250,000.

However, the drivers can sometimes be less demanding for return trip back to Probolinggo, and can start out with fewer passengers on board.

The Pasuruan → Tosari Route
This route is only a little harder than the Probolinggo option and Pasuruan has the benefit of being closer to Surabaya. From Pasuruan on the main north coast road between Surabaya and Probolinggo, take the road 45 km south to Tosari up into the hills via Pastepan. Irregular buses ply this route or you can drive it in a regular car. From Tosari to Wonokitri it is another 3 km via a local bemo or on the back of a truck. From Wonokotri up to Bromo it is a really nice three-hour 14-km trek, so you do need to start very early if you want sunrise. Alternatively you should be able to hire a 4x4 with a driver for that journey. There is accommodation in both Tosari and Wonokitri.

The Malang → Tumpang Route
This route approaches Bromo from the west and is seldom used due to the lack of facilities. This is certainly the most off-the-beaten-path way to approach the park. Take a microbus from Arjosari bus station in Malang to Tumpang and then a 4WD vehicle or a heavy truck from Tumpang to Ngadas. There are no facilities to speak of at Ngadas but there is informal accommodation in family homes in the village. At Ranupani up on the top there is very simple homestay accommodation available - ask at the park office there. The route from Ngadas on to the caldera is interesting because it transverses the Sea of Sand and directly passes Mount Bromo. A dirt road leads across the flat bottom of the caldera, up to Jemplang on the southern rim and on to Ranupani where you should check in at the park office. You have to take a 4WD vehicle (unless you prefer to walk).

It is also possible to rent a motorbike and do the journey on your own. Renting a dirt bike in Malang to go to Bromo is preferable, as most of the route is uphill and narrow, with tight corners.

Fees and permits

The entrance fee to Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park is Rp217,500 for foreigners and Rp27,500 for Indonesians in weekdays, and Rp317,500 and Rp32,500 respectively in non-weekdays (Feb 2018).

As you enter Cemoro Lawang, a checkpoint charges Rp30,000 to enter the town.

Prior to entering the park, your car will be directed into a car park at the base of the mountain. Upon exiting your car, unless you are on a prearranged tour, middlemen will approach you to offer tickets for a jeep ride to see the sunrise and be taken to the Bromo crater. If you buy your ticket from them, they will hike the price and buy your ticket for you from the office which is directly behind them. Simply avoid them by going to the office and asking to purchase a voucher. Alternatively you can walk or take a motorcycle taxi, rates negotiable for motorcycle taxi.

If you intend to climb Mount Semeru (only for serious trekkers and often closed due to eruptive activity) you will need to apply for a permit in advance to Office of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, Jl. Raden Intan No. 6, PO Box 54, Malang, East Java,

Get around
From the village of Cemoro Lawang, you can easily hike up Mount Bromo and Mount Penanjakan and the best time to do this is pre-dawn. Villagers offer horseback rides to the top of Mount Bromo or go around in the caldera with tariff Rp100,000 to Rp150,000, depends on your haggle and the horse, but in off-season January till end of March the tariff is Rp100,000. You can also hire a jeep to take you around the area (about Rp350,000 for one jeep ride in the caldera). The whole area is a hiker's dream though - walk if you possibly can.

The park operates vehicular transport options, for the official prices of Rp350,000 for 2 locations; usually one of the Pananjakan viewpoints and the parking area towards Mount Bromo, or Rp750,000 for 4 locations. Be wary of hawkers offering "guided" trips for up to twice as much. The official driver provided are locals and usually have good knowledge. Feel free to ask drivers at any time to stop for photos or ask questions. Visitors may also bring their own vehicles; alternatively, guides can also be rented on motorbike to guide you around. A tour 4WD can fit up to 6 people.

The Bromo Caldera
The much photographed view of steaming Mount Bromo surrounded by the Sea of Sand, its rather serene neighbour Mount Batok and mighty Mount Semeru as the southern backdrop, is one of the great images of Indonesia.

 * The huge, unearthly moonscape of a caldera known as the Sea of Sand (Pasir Lautan).
 * The crater of is tinged with sulphur and always bubbling and smouldering. Due to eruptive activity, access may be limited. From Cemoro Lawang, head down the ramp into the caldera and towards the parking area near the Hindu temple (Poten) at the foot of the mountain. Behind the temple, take the muddy track, on foot or on horseback, a steep 250-step staircase up to the edge of the crater. There's a ledge at the top with a railing in poor condition. Gaze into the steaming crater, while trying not to huff a whiff of volcanic gas. A trail leaves the ledge to the east, along the meter-wide crater rim.
 * (2,440 m) is a brown volcano at the north centre of the caldera. Unlike the other nearby peaks it is no longer active and actually has some vegetation growing on it, mostly casuarina (cemara) trees that somehow manage to survive even on volcanic ash.
 * The savannah fields (padang savanna) around towards the southern side of the main Bromo crater. A tour around to the savannah fields is often included as part of a trip in a hired jeep. Alternatively, one can hike around to the fields (around 5 km from main Bromo starting point at Cemoro Lawang).
 * To the north of the caldera are several viewpoints of Mount Bromo. These are popular places to watch the sunrise. Each viewpoint has a similar sightline of Mount Bromo. As you go higher up, the view becomes marginally better and exponentially more crowded. Consider whether you prefer the perfect postcard photo, or prefer serenity.
 * (2,770 m), also called Viewpoint #1, is the highest easily-accessible viewpoint, and hence popular with jeeps and even tour buses. At the peak lies an antenna array (easily spotted from miles around), many shops, a mosque and several "real" buildings. The viewpoint is crowded for the sunrise at 05:00, but is nearly empty an hour later. Ancient Javanese Hindu texts tell of how Bromo-Penanjakan-Semeru (or Mahameru as it was then) was the spiritual axis of the universe and the point of all creation. The view from Penanjakan will explain why: it is breathtaking. This is where most of those iconic picture postcard views are taken from.
 * , about 1 km before Penanjakan, with a similar view but fewer crowds. There are several additional viewpoints on the hiking trail switchbacks below the main viewing platform.
 * , also called Viewpoint #2, is an excellent way to get a stunning view of the caldera without the crowds. Head northwest from Cemoro Lawang (past the Cemoro Indah hotel) for 6 km, passing Tenngerese farms and fields. The paved road eventually turns into a twisty mountain trail that ends with a flight of stairs on the right, and the viewpoint (with concrete shelter) is at the top.
 * , also called Viewpoint #2, is an excellent way to get a stunning view of the caldera without the crowds. Head northwest from Cemoro Lawang (past the Cemoro Indah hotel) for 6 km, passing Tenngerese farms and fields. The paved road eventually turns into a twisty mountain trail that ends with a flight of stairs on the right, and the viewpoint (with concrete shelter) is at the top.

Elsewhere

 * The wonderfully coloured and immaculately tidy Tenggerese houses. The Tenggerese culture is unique and an effort to understand these fine people, where they have come from and how they live in this sometimes difficult environment, will be rewarded.

 * Madakaripura Waterfall. These spectacular falls in the foothills of the park are easily reached by anyone visiting with their own transport. From Sukapura take the north-heading road towards Tongas and after about 6 km close to the village of Sapih the turning to the falls is signposted on your left. Continue down this small road to reach the car park for the falls. There are often lots of hawkers in the car park waiting to hire or sell you umbrellas to protect from the spray. There are actually seven waterfalls here some of which drop over the access path during the wet season, so an umbrella is not as silly as it sounds. Legend abounds here: bathing in the chill waters is said to be an elixir of life, the water is regarded as holy by the Tenggerese and is used in their important ceremonies, and the great Majapahit prime minister Gajah Madah is reputed to have meditated here. A very attractive and relaxing spot.
 * Lakes Ranupani and Ranu Regulo. These small, serene and always misty lakes are adjacent to the village of Ranupani on the south side of the crater. The village is the usual start point for ascending Mount Semeru and there is a park office here. Most visitors to this side of the crater will be happy though to take in the beauty of the small highland lakes and leave climbing Mount Semeru to the professionals. Ranupani is often regarded as a mystical village by East Javanese standards and the rather ghostly lakes only add to the feelings of spirituality here. If this side of the crater appeals to you, it should be possible to arrange some simple home stay accommodation in Ranupani - ask at the park office.

Do

When timing any activities in the area, bear in mind that sunset is soon after 17:00 and sunrise is correspondingly early at around 05:30. This means you will usually need to get up by 03:30 or so to get to a watchpoint in time for dawn.

Hiking
For the keen hiker, this park is a dream come true and you can make your own schedule. There are many possibilities once you are away from the more popular area at Mount Bromo. Maps and information about the area are available at one of the many official locations.
 * (Gunung Semeru) can be climbed over 2 days but it is a venture for serious trekkers only and requires a high level of physical fitness. A permit must obtained in advance and would be climbers should be very aware that the mountain will be off-limits during periods of eruptive activity. This is a very active volcano. If you do decide you are up for this you should be able to find a guide to go at least part of the way with you at the park office in Ranupani. That office is also the best source of information for an assessment of the current state of the mountain and for hooking up with serious climbers from around the world.
 * Hike to a sunrise viewpoint. A trail connects Cemoro Lawang with each viewpoint up to Penanjakan. With good shoes and a headlamp you can see the sunrise on foot for free.
 * Cemoro Lawang to Seruni (Viewpoint 2): 60-90 minutes
 * From Cemara Indah Hotel, head northwest along the paved road for 6 km, passing Tenngerese farms and fields, eventually turning into a twisty mountain road.
 * Where the road ends, go up a flight of stairs on the right, and the viewpoint (with concrete shelter) is at the top.
 * Seruni (Viewpoint 2) to Penanjakan (Viewpoint 1): 45-60 minutes
 * From the concrete viewing platform, a rough trail continues onto Mount Penanjakan. The first few meters are steep and deeply eroded, but it quickly becomes a proper hiking trail the rest of the way to King Kong viewpoint.
 * Follow the paved walking path from King Kong Hill to the road, and walk 1 km up to Penanjakan.
 * Return to Cemoro Lawang: 60-90 minutes
 * The turnoff from the road to King Kong Hill is not well marked.
 * Hike into the caldera. You can hike down the jeep trail, but you will be charged the steep entrance fee. "Secret" hiking trails exist that bypass this entrance. The main path is well marked on Maps.me and Gaia. At Cemera Indiah Hotel, find the narrow dirt alley along a fence that leads to the back of the hotel and the caldera rim. Go down a steep, muddy, switchbacked trail until you emerge on the caldera floor. You can then walk across the Sea of Sand to the Poten Temple and the Bromo crater. The walk from Cemoro Lawang to the crater will take about 60 minutes. Most tours enter the caldera after dawn and leave by 09:00, so if you get there earlier or later, the sites will not be crowded.
 * From Argosari in Senduro District, Lumajang, hike to a hill called B-29, which is a good place to take panoramic photos of long sandy beaches with Mount Bromo at the background.

Events

 * The Upacara Kasodo (also Kasada) is held every year at the full moon of the 12th month of the Tenggerese calendar and it is the most demonstrable Tenggerese religious ceremony. The Tenggerese invoke the approval of the gods to ensure a successful harvest, to be spared from any natural calamities and to be cured of disease. Selected Tenggerese men climb down to precarious ledges on the Bromo crater wall and catch the offerings thrown down by their excited neighbours above. A scramble ensues for possession of the offerings and whole thing is both exciting and rather terrifying as it is not unknown in all the mayhem for a "catcher" to slip off his ledge and fall. You can check the date of the next Upacara Kasodo at the East Java Tourism Office in Surabaya (+62 31 567 7219).

Buy
The most popular local product, at least based on the number of hawkers selling them, appears to be the Bromo hat, a colorful wooly hat with Bromo embroidered on it.

Scarfs and extra warm clothing are also popular and useful if you are not prepared for the cold mountain air.

Eat
Every lodge and hotel has an attached restaurant and there are few independent eateries of any note.

There are simple roadside warungs though selling the regular basic Indonesian dishes and Rp2,000 mugs of hot Javanese coffee (kopi panas). There is no nightlife but all restaurants are open at 03:00 as that is when everybody wakes to see the sun rise.

Drink
Evenings in the park are quiet. A few beers with fellow travellers are in order.

The mulled wine served at some places in the evening seems to be heated Tuak (a palm wine) with some local spices added. Only those with the strongest constitution should even consider this and frankly, it is not very nice.

Make sure you always have enough water with you during the day as it is deceptively easy to de-hydrate here, despite the fresh climate.

Lodging

There is plenty of accommodation around the park. Most facilities at Cemoro Lawang (very conveniently located with dramatic views because it is perched on the edge of the caldera) and elsewhere close to the caldera are somewhat basic so visitors looking for more up market accommodation should stay in Sukapura or Tosari.

Sukapura

Camping
Camping is certainly possible in the park but you must register at the Cemoro Lawang gate (where there is an adjacent campsite). There are many sources of safe, fresh water in the park - ask locally.

Potential campers should be very aware of how cold it gets here though and be thoroughly prepared for that. Heavy duty sleeping bags are essential.

Stay healthy
Temperatures on Mount Bromo are refreshingly cool during the day (although sunburn is still a real danger), but very cold at night, as temperatures can drop to zero in the summer and are rarely much above 5°C in winter. Some of the cheaper places to stay may not provide adequate blankets or heating, so come prepared. If needed, you can rent jackets and hats at Cemoro Lawang and at the Penanjakan viewpoint for about Rp10,000.

There are cases of malaria each year in the lower foothills of the park and any visitor planning a long stay or to camp in this area should take necessary precautions. This is not though a problem for those visiting Mount Bromo or the high plateau only.

Stay safe
Bromo is an active volcano, and Semeru is a very active volcano. In June 2004, two tourists were killed at Bromo by rocks flung from a sudden explosion. In November 2014, one person died after being hit by a one-metre boulder during a climb from Kalimati to the Semeru peak. Mount Semeru started erupting on 4 December 2021 and, exactly a year later, erupted again on 4 December 2022, with casualties and damage to villages.

A vulcanology body has advised Mount Semeru climbers should climb as far as Kalimati only, considering Semeru's eruptions.

The Smithsonian Institute's Volcanic Activity Report keeps an eye on both volcanoes in the park.

Past the steps up to the Mount Bromo viewing area, the path along the rim is only about 1 metre wide in places, on soft soil with a sheer drop into the crater. Be careful, make sure you have a flashlight for any pre-dawn climb and always have your wits about you.

It gets very cold up on the high tops at night, probably colder than anywhere in Indonesia outside of the glacial highlands of Papua. Be suitably prepared for nighttime temperatures not far above zero.

Go next

 * Malang is the cultural capital of East Java.
 * Banyuwangi for ferries to Bali, more national parks and the Ijen Crater.
 * Surabaya for flights elsewhere in Indonesia and to Singapore and Malaysia.

title: Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park


text:
Bromsgrove

Bromsgrove is a dormitory town in Worcestershire. Bromsgrove is not much of a tourist destination, but it hosts a well regarded annual music festival.

Understand
Bromsgrove was a market town, with a long history of water mills, nail making and a railway wagon works. It is best known now for Bromsgrove School, a private residential school, and for being the town where the poet AE Houseman and his radical brother and sister lived. His house and some connected sites can be seen, and a statue has been placed on the pedestrianised high street.

Bromsgrove was also the home to a group of artists and craftsmen working at the Bromsgrove Guild, who created a number of famous works, including the Liver Birds and parts of Buckingham Palace's gates. Some of their work can be found in local churches.

It is close to major motorway junctions, so it has some large hotels. It is also close to some better known leisure spots, such as the Lickey Hills.

By car
Bromsgrove is located at the intersection between the M5 and M42 motorways, and is well signposted. The main A38 runs through the town.

There is plenty of car parking, although few places are free of charge.

Get around
The town is quite compact, so the best way to get about is on foot. For travelling slightly further afield, regular buses depart from a bus loop in the town centre (next to the ASDA supermarket) to surrounding areas as well as a few local circular routes around the town estates. Other than the two axial routes (Birmingham-Bromsgrove-Worcester and Redditch-Bromsgrove-Kidderminster) most services aren't terribly regular or logical. However, the BusTimes website provides well organised and accessible timetables and route guides.

See
Most people do not visit Bromsgrove as tourists, as there is little of interest to see. However, St John's Church, near the town centre is worth a look. Sanders Park is also quite pleasant during the day, but is best avoided at night.

Stay safe
As with the rest of the UK, in any emergency call 999 or 112 (from a landline if you can) and ask for ambulance, fire or police when connected.

Bromsgrove is a reasonably safe place. Some trouble can occur with drunk people late at night on weekends around the main pubs and club. However, it is no worse than any other UK town or city, and the police are fairly effective in the area. Sanders Park is best avoided at night, as is the area around Charford.

Go next
Map of places with Wikivoyage articles nearby

title: Bromsgrove


text:
Brontë Country

Brontë Country includes locations associated with the three Brontë sisters, Charlotte, Anne and Emily. They're centred on the small town of Haworth in West Yorkshire, but cover a broad stretch of country.

Cities

 * is where the family moved to in 1820, when their father took up post as a curate. The main sights are the Parsonage where they lived and the sisters began their writing careers, and the church graveyard where they now lie in the family vault.
 * (say "guy-zly") is a suburb of Leeds, northwest of city centre near the airport. Patrick Brontë and Maria Branwell were married in St Oswald's Church here in 1812. The church dates back to Norman times but was largely rebuilt in 1909. Near the church is a Saxon drinking well. Guiseley has given the world four famous names: the Brontës, the ancestors of the poet Longfellow, Harry Ramsden's fish & chips empire, and Sooty the glove puppet.
 * is a village west of Bradford, now a commuter town for the city, and five miles across the moors from Haworth. Patrick Brontë was curate of the "Bell Chapel" here from 1815, and the three sisters and brother Branwell were born at 74 Market Street. The remains of the chapel stand in the graveyard of the modern church that's been built alongside.
 * is a commuter town just south of the M62 near Leeds, nowadays part of Kirklees district. A mile north of it (follow A652) is Oakwell Hall, the basis for "Fieldhead" in Charlotte Brontë's novel Shirley. The Hall is an Elizabethan manor house set in extensive gardens and parkland. It was a girls' school when Charlotte visited, but the interior has since been restored to its 17th-century appearance. It's open Sa Su noon to 4PM, and Tu-Th in school holidays. The Hall is the starting point of the Brontë Way, a 43-mile path which goes to Shelf, Haworth, Wycoller and Padiham. Also in Birstall (nowadays best known for its retail park and huge cinema) is the ancient Church of St Peter.
 * on the North Yorkshire coast was an early resort and spa town. Anne Brontë worked as governess to the Robinson family of Thorp Green near York, and accompanied them on annual holidays to Scarborough. She used its settings in Agnes Grey, and for the fictional village of Linden-Car in The Tenant of Wildfell Hall. When her health failed in 1849, she returned to Scarborough in hopes of a cure but died and was buried there. Her grave is in the northern end of St Mary's churchyard, beneath the castle.
 * is a little village 2 miles west of Haworth. Ponden Hall here was originally a 17th-century farmhouse where the Brontë children came to play with the Heaton family and use the huge family library. The farmhouse is said to have inspired "Thrushcross Grange" in Wuthering Heights, "Wuthering Heights" farmhouse itself, and "Wildfell Hall". The oldest part of the building has since been demolished, but the 19th-century extension survives; it's nowadays a B&B. Stanbury is the start of the walk to the "Brontë waterfall" and Top Withens farm; see "Do".
 * is an even smaller village another 4 miles west of Stanbury, which means it's over the watershed and county boundary into Colne, Lancashire. Wycoller Hall dates back to the 16th century but was already falling into disrepair in the Brontës' day. It's believed to have inspired "Ferndean Manor" in Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre. It's nowadays just a hollow ruin.
 * is a former mining and weaving village near Burnley in Lancashire. Its main sight is Gawthorpe Hall, an imposing Elizabethan manor house much renovated in the 19th century. The owner Dr Kay admired Shirley on publication, discovered that Charlotte was its author and lived nearby, and invited her over to stay. She admired the Hall but wasn't at ease with the company, however she later stayed with the owners in Windermere and met Mrs Gaskell, who became a good friend and afterwards her biographer. Charlotte returned to Gawthorpe Hall in early 1855 but caught a chill, never quite recovered, and died a few weeks later. And here ends the 43-mile Brontë Way. The Hall, a National Trust property, is open W-Su noon-5PM. There are two other fine manors near Padiham, but they're privately owned and can't be visited.

Get in

is the transport hub for Haworth, with trains and buses to Bradford and Leeds. It's industrial and doesn't have any Brontë connections.

The branch-line to Haworth is the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. It's often steam-hauled, and from Keighley stops at Ingrow, Damems, Oakworth, Haworth and Oxenhope.

You'll need your own car to get around the outlying villages and moorland vistas.

See

 * See "Cities" above for their Brontë and other attractions.
 * See steam-hauled and other heritage trains on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway as above.

Do
Walk the Pennine moors. Haworth is near the western edge of OS Landranger map 104, so you also need map 103 for sites such as Top Withens, the basis for Wuthering Heights.

Go next

 * Brussels: Charlotte and Emily spent a year here, being tutored in French, German, and genteel subjects. This influence on their work has been somewhat overlooked, but Charlotte's Villette is an obvious example. Their school, the "Pensionnat Heger", was demolished in 1909 and is now the site of the Bozar. The Brussels Brontë Group organise talks, walks and events, especially around 21 April, Charlotte's birthday.
 * Banbridge in County Down, Northern Ireland is where their father Patrick Brunty / Brontë spent his early years. There's little trace of him there now, his childhood cottage at Rathfriland is just a ruin.

title: Brontë Country


text:
Bronx

The Bronx is one of the five boroughs of New York. Known for Yankee Stadium, the home field of the New York Yankees baseball team, it has been a borough of New York City since 1898. The vast Bronx Zoo houses hundreds of species of animals. Nearby, the sprawling New York Botanical Garden features a landmark greenhouse with rainforest and cactus displays. By the Hudson River, Wave Hill is a landscaped public garden with wooded paths and a cultural center.

Understand
The Bronx, often abbreviated as BX, and nicknamed "The Boogie Down", with a population of 1,472,654 (2020), is the only New York City borough on the mainland of the United States. It was originally part of Westchester County but was gradually annexed by New York City. The Bronx was completely incorporated into New York City in 1898.

The Bronx is the only borough with “the” as part of its name. This is because in the early 1600s, a Dutch settler, Jonas Bronck, bought the land from the Native Americans who occupied the territory at the time. Whenever other land owners in the area wanted to travel to that area, they would call it “The Bronck’s Land.” At first, he planned to use the land to grow tobacco crops, but it was too hilly and had marshy terrain.

In time, the Bronx changed the spelling of its name, and flourished into an area with a vibrant and diverse culture.

The Bronx has a strong character all its own. It is the birthplace of hip hop music and home to one of the country's most storied professional baseball teams, the New York Yankees, also known as the "Bronx Bombers." Many ethnic groups have called the Bronx home over the years. Arthur Avenue is still a center of Italian American culture in New York, and many claim it has a more authentic feel than Manhattan's Little Italy. The South Bronx is a center of Puerto Rican culture and life, with a growing Mexican community as well. University Heights and Morris Heights are largely Dominican neighborhoods, while Woodlawn maintains a large population of Irish immigrants.

While the southern and central Bronx are mostly comprised of apartment buildings and densely built, the physical environment of the Bronx is much more varied than what is normally portrayed in the popular media. For instance, Riverdale is a residential neighborhood of mostly detached single family homes located on bluffs overlooking the Hudson River. It looks more like a quiet suburb than the "big bad" Bronx. Bronx Park and Van Cortlandt Park are two large and notably tranquil green spaces. City Island, located in Long Island Sound but officially part of the Bronx, reminds people more of a small New England fishing village and is worth a visit. And there is a traditional downtown area called "The Hub" at 149th Street and Third Avenue. While not as large or extensive as the downtowns of major American cities, many larger stores are in that area and it is more than just a neighborhood shopping district.

Geographically, the Bronx has a lot of hills. It is possible to stand on a street corner and look way down over a cliff toward the elevated train line that is itself 30 feet (9m) above ground. Many streets, especially in the West Bronx north of Yankee Stadium, have sections with steps instead of sidewalks and pavement, similar to San Francisco.

By subway
The Bronx is directly connected to Manhattan by the, , , , , , and subway lines. Further extensions of these (with the exception of the and ) can be found in Brooklyn.

By rail
The Harlem, Hudson, and New Haven Lines of the Metro-North commuter railway, which originate in Grand Central Terminal make various stops in the Bronx.

By bus
Express buses run from Midtown Manhattan (except for the BxM18, which runs from lower Manhattan during rush hours) to various parts of the Bronx, and are a better bet than a taxi. Local MTA (Metropolitan Transit Authority) bus connections with Upper Manhattan and parts of Queens also exist.

By car
It is possible to drive across one of the many bridges from Manhattan or the three bridges from Queens, and points north are accessible via several highways (including I-87, Bronx River Parkway, Hutchinson River Parkway, and I-95.

By taxi
Taxis from Midtown or Lower Manhattan can be very expensive.

By foot
Pedestrians can cross any of the bridges that connect Manhattan with the Bronx.

Get around
The Bronx has good subway coverage but all lines are mainly north to south, with the subway lines designed more for access to Manhattan than crosstown travel in the Bronx, and many of its bus lines are slow and overcrowded at times. Many people who need flexibility in getting across the Bronx drive; however, the notorious overcrowding on the Cross-Bronx Expressway sometimes reduces such crosstown travel to a standstill.

Another option is Metro-North Railroad. It only serves limited sections of the Bronx, but those tend to be the areas without subway service. (There is the Hudson Line in the West Bronx, and the Harlem Line in the central section of the Bronx.) The fares are higher than the subway, and the trains don't run as frequently, but they offer less crowding. On the weekends, a "CityTicket", which allows a trip within the city boundaries, costs $5.00. In general, with sufficient planning and time, you can enjoy the borough through a combination of subway and bus travel and walking. A bus map can be found here.

Separated bikeways connect Pelham Bay Park in the east through Bronx Park in the central Bronx and Van Cortlandt Park in the west. Street bike lanes go most everywhere.

See

Notable neighborhoods

 * The Bronx includes the "real Little Italy" in New York, centered on Arthur Avenue near East 187th Street. Good shopping in Italian foodstuffs is to be had in that neighborhood. Take the or  trains to Fordham Road. Transfer outside of either station to the Bx12 bus to Arthur Avenue. Or you can take the Metro-North to Fordham for the Bx9, Bx12 local, Bx17 or Bx22 to Arthur Avenue.
 * The Bronx includes the "real Little Italy" in New York, centered on Arthur Avenue near East 187th Street. Good shopping in Italian foodstuffs is to be had in that neighborhood. Take the or  trains to Fordham Road. Transfer outside of either station to the Bx12 bus to Arthur Avenue. Or you can take the Metro-North to Fordham for the Bx9, Bx12 local, Bx17 or Bx22 to Arthur Avenue.
 * The Bronx includes the "real Little Italy" in New York, centered on Arthur Avenue near East 187th Street. Good shopping in Italian foodstuffs is to be had in that neighborhood. Take the or  trains to Fordham Road. Transfer outside of either station to the Bx12 bus to Arthur Avenue. Or you can take the Metro-North to Fordham for the Bx9, Bx12 local, Bx17 or Bx22 to Arthur Avenue.

Events
The Bronx has many exciting events and celebrations that occur throughout the year.

Parks and gardens
The Bronx has over 75 parks including a few of the largest ones in all of New York State. One fifth of the borough's land is park space.

Buy
The Bronx is known to have the least expensive shopping in all of New York City. Most of the areas are lively and noisy, but don't let that stop you. Shopping at these places (particularly clothing and food) will give you the experience of the Bronx in a nutshell while saving you money.

Records
As the birthplace of hip-hop culture, the Bronx has numerous record stores. Though vinyl has disappeared from the shelves of regular record stores, many stores still sell used and new vinyl.

Eat

 * Great Italian food can be found near Arthur Avenue.
 * Another fantastic hot spot for Italian food is a small neighborhood called Morris Park. The food is all authentic and reasonably priced.
 * Another fantastic hot spot for Italian food is a small neighborhood called Morris Park. The food is all authentic and reasonably priced.

Stay safe
During the 1970s and the 1980s, the Bronx experienced two of the toughest decades in American history, and was considered one of the most dangerous places in the USA. Now those days are far behind. The crime rate declined by 71% from 1993 to 2010 and New York City police and fire departments continue to protect the residents from criminal activity and fires.

Make sure you have a map or a destination in mind before heading out to explore the Bronx. Most of the neighborhoods in the Bronx are well-lit and safe and you can venture out to some of the best restaurants in New York City.

You can decrease your chances of trouble by following these tips:

 * Always remain in populated well-lit areas.
 * Don't interact with anyone who appears mentally unstable or somewhat menacing.
 * Don't leave important travel documents unsecured in hotel rooms.
 * Only use ATMs at reputable banks. When using ATMs outside, be very aware of surroundings and quickly put away cash. Avoid using independent, non-bank ATMs found in delis or stores.
 * During late nights, be wary of riding in empty subway cars, and select the car with a conductor present if possible.
 * Avoid buying tickets from anyone on the streets, unless you really know what you're doing, as many are counterfeit.

Connect
The New York Public Library, one of the largest public libraries in the world, offers free Wi-Fi at each location. In addition, you can use their computers for free, but you must register beforehand. These are the locations in the Bronx:

Note: All locations are wheelchair accessible unless specified.

Go next

 * Manhattan
 * Westchester County
 * Queens

title: Bronx


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Bronxville

Bronxville is a village in Westchester County, and is home to Sarah Lawrence College.

By train

 * Metro-North Railroad - Harlem line, express service between Bronxville station and New York City's Grand Central Terminal is about 30 minutes. Local service is available between other Metro-North commuter stations. On-board train fares are subject to a stiff surcharge, so buy your tickets at the station or at the vending machines located on the southbound (to New York) platform.

By car
Several parkways are nearby, including the Bronx River Parkway just to the west, and the Sprain Brook Parkway further to the west. The Cross-County Parkway is about half-a-mile to the South of the Village.

By bus
Three Westchester County bus routes serve Bronxville, including two connecting it to the Amtrak stations at Yonkers and New Rochelle.

Do

 * Street Fair – Bronxville’s annual sidewalk fair includes tables set up outside each shop or restaurant for unbelievable sales on clothing, jewelry, home goods, food tasting and even animal adoption.

Go next
If you didn't come from New York City, it's a logical place to go next.

title: Bronxville


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Brooke's Point

Brooke's Point is a 1st class municipality in the province of Palawan, Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has an estimated population of 66,374. The municipality has become famous for its promotion of ecotourism.

Brooke’s Point was named after the English adventurer James Brooke, who founded a dynasty of "White Rajahs" that ruled Sarawak, in Borneo, from 1841 to 1946.

Get in
Brooke’s Point is situated at the southeastern side of the island of Palawan.

Shuttle vans (Centro) taking passengers to Brooke's Point town center regularly depart from Centro Shuttle Service Terminal at San Jose, Puerto Princesa City and vice versa. Vans for rent are also available.

Buses and many minivans depart daily from 3AM-5PM to/from Puerto Princesa City.

Get around
Tricycles are the main means of transportation within Brooke's Point. They ply the streets between 6AM-7PM, although trips may be arranged privately.

See

 * Sabsaban Falls: Found in Cabar, Aribungas, Sabsaban Falls’ cool and pristine waters is sheltered by a watershed that forms a natural canopy from the sun. About 30 minutes from the town center, Sabsaban Falls may be reached by tricycle or on foot.
 * Port Miller & Lighthouse Tower: A historical landmark in Brooke’s Point, Port Miller is a cemented water tank constructed as a source of potable water for the natives and settlers of the municipality. Reportedly built by Sir James Brooke himself, the remnants of the original lighthouse tower are still visible, although the area is now occupied by a new lighthouse.
 * Bakbakan Falls & Mainit Hot Springs: Located in Barangay Mainit, the river drops over a steep rock face and falls 50 meters into a natural pool. There is also Mainit (hot), whose waters are reputed to have medicinal properties.
 * Brooke’s Point Ecological Park and Mt. Maruyog Farms: Set amidst spectacular scenery, the Brooke’s Point Ecological Park and Mt Maruyog offer high-country buffs with some of nature’s most awesome vistas. The 145-hectare Ecological Park is the showcase of the municipality’s love and concern for nature.
 * Ocean Spring: Fresh Water Spring (locally called the "Ocean Spring"), it is a fresh water spring in the middle of the sea, located in Barangay Oring-Oring.

Eat
There are a dozen of food stalls inside a big building by the sea next to the main market that the locals call the Fast Food area. Elsewhere you can find small shops serving mainly Filipino food, BBQ, etc.

The Village Cafe, Elizabeth Pension, Sunset Lodge and a few others around town serve Western-style dishes.

title: Brooke's Point


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Brookfield

There is more than one place called Brookfield:

Australia

 * Brookfield (Queensland) - A town in Queensland.
 * Brookfield (Victoria) - A town in Victoria.

England

 * Brookfield (Derbyshire) - A town in Derbyshire.
 * Brookfield (Lancashire) - A town in Lancashire.
 * Brookfield (Middlesbrough) - A town in Middlesbrough.

Scotland

 * Brookfield (Scotland) - A town in Scotland.

United States of America

 * Brookfield (Connecticut) - A town in Connecticut.
 * Brookfield (Illinois) - A town in Illinois.
 * Brookfield (Massachusetts) - A town in Massachusetts.
 * Brookfield (Missouri) - A town in Missouri.
 * Brookfield (New Hampshire) - A town in New Hampshire.
 * Brookfield (New York) - A town in New York.
 * Brookfield (Ohio) - A town in Ohio.
 * Brookfield (Wisconsin) - A town in Wisconsin.
 * Brookfield (Vermont) - A town in Vermont.

title: Brookfield


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Brookfield (Connecticut)

Brookfield is an affluent town in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States, situated within the southern foothills of the Berkshire Mountains. The town is located northeast of New York City, making it part of the New York metropolitan area. In July 2013, Money magazine ranked Brookfield the 26th-best place to live in the United States, and the best place to live in Connecticut.

By car
Route 7 and Route 202 run straight through Brookfield. The both connect to I-84 at the bottom. Brookfield is about 70 minutes from New York City.

By plane

 * Stewart International Airport in Newburgh, NY, with flights going to Philadelphia, Orlando, Ft. Lauderdale, Atlanta, and Detroit. It is about 70 minutes away.
 * Tweed New Haven Regional Airport in New Haven, with a flight going to Philadelphia. It is about 70 minutes away.
 * LaGuardia Airport in Queens, NYC, with dozens of flights going worldwide. It is about 80 minutes away.
 * Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, with dozens of flights going worldwide. It is about 90 minutes away.
 * JFK Airport in Brooklyn, NYC, with dozens of flights going worldwide. It is about 90 minutes away.
 * Newark International Airport' in Newark, New Jersey, with dozens of flights going worldwide. It is about 110 minutes away.

By bus
Hart bus services run through Brookfield and all of the Greater Danbury area.

See

 * Candlewood Lake is the largest lake in Connecticut.
 * Candlewood Lake is the largest lake in Connecticut.

title: Brookfield (Connecticut)


text:
Brookfield (Wisconsin)

Brookfield is a city in Wisconsin.

title: Brookfield (Wisconsin)


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Brookhaven

There is more than one place called Brookhaven:

United States of America

 * Brookhaven (Georgia) — An unincorporated city in Georgia.
 * Brookhaven (Mississippi) — A town in Mississippi.
 * Brookhaven (New York) — A town in New York.
 * Brookhaven (Pennsylvania) — A borough in Pennsylvania.

title: Brookhaven


text:
Brookhaven (Mississippi)

Brookhaven is in Mississippi.

Understand
Brookhaven was founded in 1818 and received a boost from the railroad in 1858. While Brookhaven used to be a bigger railroad town, some of that has left in recent decades. Brookhaven still offers a variety of things to see and do and is a great place to visit. Brookhaven is known by the nickname, "A HomeSeekers Paradise."

By car
Brookhaven is located at the intersection of Interstate 55 and US Route 84. However, both of these roads largely bypass the majority of the city. From interstate 55, the best way to get into Brookhaven is Exit 40 labeled as Downtown Brookhaven. From US 84, turn north on US 51.

Get around
There is no public transportation in Brookhaven. The best way to get around town is with a car. There is an Enterprise Rent-a-car on Brookway Boulevard for those without their own vehicle. Please note that this is several miles from either the bus station or the train station. While you could theoretically bike around Brookhaven, there are only bike lanes along a small portion of Brookway Boulevard. In the rest of the city, bikes must share lanes with cars. Brookhaven is too large to easily walk around the entire city, though the down town are could easily be accessed by foot from the train station.

Eat
There are lots of eating establishments on Brookway Boulevard off I55 at Exit 40. None of them are super fancy, but if you are looking for something like Cracker Barrel, it will be right there. Also, throughout Brookhaven there are many local places serving old-fashioned southern cooking.

title: Brookhaven (Mississippi)


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Brookhaven (town, New York)

Brookhaven is the largest town in Suffolk County, part of Long Island, New York. With 485,000 residents (2020). It includes a patchwork of villages and other communities, and is the only town on the island to touch both the Long Island Sound and Atlantic Ocean. The villages of Belle Terre, Bellport, Lake Grove, Mastic Beach, Old Field, Patchogue, Poquott, Port Jefferson, and Shoreham are semi-autonomous, and provide their own services in addition to those provided by the town. Other prominent communities include Mount Sinai, Stony Brook, and Fire Island, a long and car-free resort island off the south coast of the town.

Understand
Brookhaven is one of the more unique places on Long Island. It features the the easternmost parts of the of sprawling NYC suburbs at its west end (locals say that New York State Route 112 in Brookhaven serves as the dividing line between suburban and rural Long Island) and the westernmost parts of the rural eastern half of Long Island (including tremendous nature preserves, state forests, and national parks/preserves). It is even one of America's most important destinations for science and medicine, containing the world-famous Stony Brook University (which is famed for its incredible science and medical programs) and the Brookhaven National Laboratory; the town, as such, is the perfect destination for anyone with an interest in science.

Get in
Fly to Brookhaven on a plane to Islip's Long Island MacArthur Airport

Ferry to Port Jefferson from Bridgeport, Connecticut. +1 631 473-0286

Long Island Rail Road train into Ronkonkoma Station from NYC (Ronkonkoma Branch) or Port Jefferson Station (the Port Jefferson Branch). +1 718 217-5477

Denny's Taxi Service Corp +1 631-307-6056

Get around
There are several major roads that allow for easy travel to various points of Brookhaven.
 * Long Island Expressway
 * Sunrise Highway
 * North Ocean Ave
 * Nicolls Road
 * William Floyd Parkway
 * North Country Road
 * Middle Country Road
 * South Country Road

The easiest way to travel is by car, though you can also travel by bus or taxi.

Do

 * Walk around Port Jefferson, a seaside city that is full of shops, places to eat, a playground, and boating.

Stay safe
For the most part, Brookhaven is a safe town at all times of the day and night, and the residents are proud in keeping their community safe, clean, and tight-knit. Chances are that the most rowdy behavior a tourist will encounter in Brookhaven is college partying by students at Stony Brook University. Like any large community, though, there are some areas which might be best to avoid, although most of the crimes are not targeted against tourists and are generally drug-related, gang-related. These areas include Mastic, Mastic Beach, and North Bellport, in addition to much of Gordon Heights and parts of Coram, East Patchogue, Medford, and Ridge. North Bellport and much of Gordon Heights are plagued by gang violence and poverty, and can get very dangerous (the Village of Bellport (just south of North Bellport), however, is incredibly safe). Mastic and Mastic Beach should be avoided, if possible; these areas suffer from poverty, high crime levels, sex offenders, and decay – although the Town of Brookhaven is working on a revitalization plan to help improve the area. The Medford and East Patchogue areas (which border one another), are adjacent to Gordon Heights and North Bellport, respectively, and both have some sections which see elevated levels of crime, while also having many other sections which are perfectly safe. Coram is generally extremely safe, though a couple areas may appear a little run-down or seedy. Ridge is very safe, with the sole exception being the Levitt & Sons-developed Strathmore Ridge complex (for years, the complex received subsidies for low-income housing and suffered from poor management and general neglect, and, as a result, became the only spot in Ridge notorious for some crime, although there have been drastic reforms in the complex's management in early 2020s, which are directly aimed at ending these issues and in maintaining a high-quality development). Using common sense, you will not experience any issues in Brookhaven.

Contrary to some rumors, Port Jefferson and Port Jefferson Station are extremely safe and popular places, and you should not worry about crime. In fact, the Village of Port Jefferson is one of the trendiest and touristy places in Suffolk County and on Long Island!

Should you experience any problems, dial 911 just as you would anywhere else in the United States. The Suffolk County Police Department is always happy to help.

Go next

 * Islip
 * Smithtown
 * Riverhead
 * Southampton

title: Brookhaven (town, New York)


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Brookings

There is more than one place called Brookings:

United States of America

 * Brookings (Oregon) - A town in Oregon.
 * Brookings (South Dakota) - A town in South Dakota.

title: Brookings


text:
Brookings (South Dakota)

Brookings is a city of 18,504 in the Glacial Lakes region of South Dakota. It is the home of South Dakota State University.

By car
Brookings is serviced by Interstate Highway 29 (north-south) and US Route 14 (east-west).

By bus
Brookings is served by Jefferson Lines.

title: Brookings (South Dakota)


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Brookings-Harbor

Brookings-Harbor is the southernmost city on the Oregon Coast. Five miles (8 km) south of the city limits on Highway 101 is California.

By car
There is one road into Brookings, Highway 101, which is the town's main street. In town it is also known as Chetco Avenue.

Get around
The main strip in Brookings is Highway 101, aka Chetco Avenue. Other common roads in town are Railroad Street, Easy Street, and Ransom Street which will navigate you around the library, school, community pool, and community fields and parks. From there you can get pretty much anywhere in town.

Beaches
The main attractions in Brookings and Harbor are the beautiful clean beaches.

Lighthouses
Two lighthouses are visible from or in the Brookings Harbor area.

Do

 * Salmon Fishing Fishing is a fun activity while you are in Brookings. Whether it is on the Pacific Ocean or the Chetco River, you always have a good chance of catching a salmon when the season is open. If you don't know much about salmon fishing there are many guides around town that will be more than happy to take you out and catch a big one, for a price.
 * Bruin Sports If you are new to the area or just looking for something to do, attend a Brookings-Harbor High School sports game and witness the strong support the community has for its local teams. Check for game listings in the local newspaper, the Curry Coastal Pilot.
 * Chetco River The river is a beautiful place to camp, fish, have a camp fire, picnic, and swim during the summer. Just take the North Bank Road off of Highway 101 just north of the Chetcto River Bridge and you will run into many river bars and camp sites such as Loeb Park, Miller Bar, Little Redwood, and South Fork.

Buy
There are several classic gift shops in Brookings.

Eat

Go next

 * Bandon- Here you can enjoy year-round fishing, cycling, golf, hiking and beach going.
 * Port Orford- The oldest town on the Oregon Coast and the most westerly in the 48 states
 * Coos Bay- Great place to live, work and play surrounded by a beautiful protected bay, lush emerald forests and the mighty Pacific Ocean.
 * Myrtle Point- Lies in the south-central portion of Coos County, Oregon in the foothills of the Coast Range
 * North Bend- It is surrounded on three sides by Coos Bay, an S-shaped water inlet and estuary where the Coos River enters Coos Bay and borders the city of Coos Bay to the south

title: Brookings-Harbor


text:
Brookline

Brookline is a primarily residential, although fairly high density, suburb of Boston. It has several interesting neighborhoods to visit, and two National Historic Sites.

Understand
Brookline is nearly surrounded by the City of Boston, and borders six of its neighborhoods.

Coolidge Corner: Anchored by the SS Pierce building, this shopping area is without a doubt the most busy and bustling corner of Brookline. Here you will find the highest concentration of shops, restaurants, along with the requisite traffic of course! Continue north on Harvard Street (towards Allston) to find the densest strip of Kosher restaurants and Jewish traditions in the city. If you visit one place in Brookline it will be Coolidge Corner.

Brookline Village: A somewhat sleepier historic area lined with many shops and restaurants. The only happening part of Brookline not along Beacon Street, it succeeds mostly due to the T stop. Although its great location between Longwood Medical in the Fenway and south of Coolidge Corner along Harvard Street doesn't hurt either.

Washington Square: A few stops further outbound from Coolidge Corner, Washington Square plays host to a variety of local shops, swanky restaurants, and popular taverns. Often overshadowed by its bigger brother up Beacon Street, don't overlook it. More and more offbeat and original businesses are choosing to call Washington Square home.

Putterham Circle: A variety of shops, including market, restaurants, bank, hair salon, gift shop, Starbucks, and others. Without train access, this location has a different feeling than the others listed here. For those without cars looking to get here, look to catch the #51 Bus from Cleveland Circle.

Get in
Since it's so tightly connected with Boston, please refer to the Get In and Get Around sections of the Boston article to familiarize yourself with the basics.

By public transit
In terms of the number of T stops, it's probably the best-connected to downtown of any area outside of the City of Boston. Brookline is served by the MBTA Green Line light rail. The Green Line has four branches: two of them serve Brookline.

 * C branch: All stops after Kenmore are in Brookline, except for the final stop Cleveland Circle.
 * D branch: The Brookline Village, Brookline Hills, Beaconsfield, and Reservoir stops are in Brookline.

The B branch doesn't enter Brookline proper, but its stops on Commonwealth Ave. are all within blocks of Brookline.

The following Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority bus routes are in Brookline:

 * 66: At Coolidge Corner and Brookline Village. Runs up and down Harvard Street and continues north to Allston in Boston and Harvard Square in Cambridge.
 * 65: Is less frequent, goes through Brookline Village and Washington Square and continues north to Brighton Center in Boston.
 * 60: Goes Along Highway 9 (Boylston Street) and Cypress Street. Goes through Brookline Village.  Continues west to Chestnut Hill Mall, and East to Kenmore Square.
 * 51: Goes from Cleveland Circle into South Brookline and continues Forest Hills MBTA station in Jamaica Pond in Boston.
 * 86: Goes from Cleveland Circle north into Brighton Center and Harvard Square.

By car
Cars and Brookline, like most of Boston and its immediate suburbs, do not mix perfectly. One thing to be aware of is that there is generally no overnight parking on streets; those cars on streets after 2AM (11PM in some areas) will be ticketed... seriously! There is also a two-hour parking limit, which is not as strictly enforced. (But wouldn't you know it, your car will be the one that gets ticketed.)

 * Parking

Eat
The stretch of Harvard Street between Comm and Beacon is a heavily Jewish neighborhood; the majority of kosher restaurants in the Greater Boston area can be found here. Remember, Kosher restaurants are closed Friday night and only open late Saturday night (if at all) due to the Jewish Sabbath. Some restaurants in the area might just join the crowd and go Kosher, like the ice cream shop J.P. Licks, for example.

Go next

 * You almost can't help but cross the border into Allston and all the great bars and restaurants therein.
 * Ride the C line downtown and tour some of Boston's famous colonial architecture on the Freedom Trail.
 * There's not much in the way of museums here, head to Fenway and visit The Museum of Fine Arts on Huntington Ave.
 * Want to keep it green? Don't miss the Arnold Arboretum in adjacent Jamaica Plain.
 * Head across the river and spend some time in Harvard Square. Located within another of Boston's great neighbors, Cambridge.

title: Brookline