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Nassau County

Nassau County is in New York state, USA.

Regions

 * North Shore. Often called the "Gold Coast" for its proliferation of early twentieth-century mansions, the North Shore is known for its hilly roads and rocky beaches.
 * Nassau Hub. This region near the center of the county is a busy shopping district with multiple points of interest. It occupies the site of two historic former airfields: Roosevelt Field and Mitchel Field.
 * South Shore. The South Shore of the County is flat and is known for its sandy ocean beaches.

Long Island Sound separates the North Shore of Nassau County from Connecticut, while the South Shore borders the Atlantic Ocean.

Cities and towns
Nassau County is divided into three towns and two cities:
 * , on the western portion of the North Shore, contains the "West Egg" and "East Egg" of Great Gatsby fame. Being that it borders Queens, it has a fair amount of development as well. It also includes the villages of  and.
 * , a small city on the North Shore, contains a lively downtown as well as several historic mansions.
 * is on the eastern side of the county, and is centered on its eponymous harbor, and is again the site of many historic buildings. The section is more densely developed and has many shopping districts and points of interest. It also includes the village of  and the hamlets of, ,  and.
 * , Nassau County's other city, is prime beach territory right on the Atlantic Ocean.
 * is the nation's most populous town, the most urbanized part of Long Island, and the second most populous municipality in New York. It is the site of Freeport's Nautical Mile, the "original suburb" of Levittown, and the famous Jones Beach.  The  area is known as the "Nassau Hub" due to its central location and concentration of shopping, athletic, and cultural activities. It also includes the charming neighborhood of  and the village of

Understand
Nassau County is the second largest county by area on Long Island (Suffolk being the largest by far). It is sandwiched between Suffolk County and Queens County. The County Seat is in Mineola. Nassau County also has several beaches, including Jones Beach and Long Beach. You can also visit the downtown areas of each village. There are typically many shops and sometimes even restaurants in those areas.

Talk
English is the main language. Hempstead, Uniondale, New Cassel, Westbury and Freeport have large Spanish-speaking populations.

Get in
Take the Long Island Rail Road, Nassau Inter County Express (formerly Long Island Bus), or drive in via the Long Island Expressway, Northern State Parkway, Southern State Parkway, or Sunrise Highway.

Get around
Getting around is very easy by car, especially with the presence of the Long Island Expressway (commonly referred to as the LIE in the area) and several other parkways.

See

 * Sagamore Hill National Historic Site. The Cove Neck home of 26th President, Theodore Roosevelt, from 1855 until his death in 1919.
 * Old Westbury Gardens. Mansion and extensive gardens included on the National Register of Historic Places.
 * Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park. Gold Coast mansion and surrounding gardens.

Do

 * Freeport Water Taxi. Summers, the water taxi connecting Freeport's Nautical Mile to Point Lookout is worth doing just for the ride. $20 adult fare, $10 for kids under 10, bar on board. They also operate a sunset cruise.
 * Roosevelt Field Mall. Tenth largest mall in the United States. Located in Garden City.
 * NYCB Live, Home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Multi-purpose indoor arena and former home of the New York Islanders. Located in Uniondale.
 * Belmont Park. Thoroughbred horse racing track and home of the Belmont Stakes, the third leg of the US Triple Crown. Located in Elmont on the border of Queens.
 * UBS Arena. The new home of the NHL's New York Islanders, right next to the track, opened in November 2021.

Stay safe
Nassau County is in general a safe place to visit. As anywhere, just use basic common sense; this is the average suburban county. Crimes, if any, usually occur in Hempstead, Freeport, Roosevelt, Uniondale, New Cassel/Westbury and Elmont. The Island Trees/Plainedge area of Levittown has seen an increase in crime lately, as well as the western part of Hicksville south of Cantiague Park. Gang violence is rampant in New Cassel, Hempstead, Uniondale, Roosevelt and Freeport. The only safe areas of Hempstead are west of Cathedral Ave, north of Hempstead Tpke and east of Westbury Rd, north of Hempstead Tpke. Uniondale and Roosevelt are safe in the daylight, but be extra careful at night. New Cassel is relatively safe during the day but very dangerous at night. Freeport south of Sunrise Hwy is very safe. Also take caution in the Green Acres area of Valley Stream.

Go next

 * Queens, New York City
 * Suffolk County

title: Nassau County


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Nassfeld

Nassfeld is a ski resort in Austria on the border to Italy.

Understand
Nassfeld is popular for skiing in winter as well as hiking in the summer months. The altitude ranges from 1300m to 2000m.

Get in
The airports in Klagenfurt and Ljubljana are both about the same distance from Nassfeld. Travel time approx. one hour by car. Many hotels will arrange pick up by minibus.

Do
In winter:
 * Go skiing on the 110km of piste

In summer:
 * Go hiking
 * Relax and go swimming in Presseger lake

Eat
Most restaurants on the pistes are mediocre.

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

title: Nassfeld


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Nasu

Nasu (那須) is a sprawling rural town in northern Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. Parts of it are within the boundaries of Nikko National Park.

Tourist Information Site
Nasu Tourism Association has a Japanese-only guide site with integrated Google Translate.

Get in
Nasushiobara (那須塩原) on the JR Tohoku Shinkansen line is the nearest station, about 1 hr 15 min from either Tokyo or Sendai. A free bus shuttles passengers to some hot spring resorts from here; alternatively, it's 10 minutes on the JR Tohoku Main Line to Kuroiso (黒磯) station.

Get around
Because of its hilly terrain and the large area it covers, Nasu is probably best seen by car.

See

Do
Nasu is highly volcanic and there are no less than seven hot springs in the Yumoto (湯本) area alone. The Nasu Onsen Ryokan Association has a handy booking engine, but alas, only in Japanese.

Mount Nasu is a good spot for hiking and, in winter, skiing and snowboarding is available at Mount Jeans ski resort on the slopes of the mountain.

The Nasu Kogen (Nasu Highland) region is home to numerous "attractions", some more dubious than others, including a Monkey Park, Teddy Bear Museum, Car Museum and Animal Kingdom, where dogs can be rented by the hour (complete with authentic New Zealanders hosting a sheep shearing show).

Drink

 * Nasu Kogen Brewery, in the Nasu Kogen area has a variety of locally brewed beers. Though not inexpensive (around ¥3000 for a six-pack), the beers are excellent.

Go next

 * Nasushiobara
 * Otawara
 * Nikko
 * Shirakawa
 * Tanagura
 * Nishigo
 * Sakura
 * Sukagawa
 * Koriyama

title: Nasu


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Nata

Nata is a village in the Okavango-Chobe region in Botswana. It is the small village on the road from Francistown to Kasane. At Nata is the turn off for Maun. If you are travelling between any of these three places you will stop here. It will be the first place you come to in three hours of driving.

See

Visit the Nata Sanctuary

Eat
Be sure to get some chicken and rice at the North Gate Service Station its the best in country.

Sleep
Lodges like Northgate and Nata lodge provide accommodation.

title: Nata


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Natal

Natal, the capital of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, is a city on the Atlantic coast. Natal has some great beaches, historical sites, and nature areas, and it is a frequently used base for exploring the paradisiac beaches and nature of the Rio Grande do Norte state.

Districts

 * South: The most affluent area of the city and also where most tourists stay. Contains the Ponta Negra beach and most upscale hotels, shopping malls and restaurants
 * East: Contains the city's Historical Center, impotant sights such as Forte dos Reis Magos and Ponte de Todos, and beaches that mix visitors and locals such as Praia do Meio and Praia dos Artistas. Also contains the entrance to Parque das Dunas
 * North: An industrial/working class area which is now the most populous of Natal. Contains the Redinha beach, which provides some nice views of the city and with very local feel
 * West: A mostly poor and in some parts run-down area, it contains the intercity bus terminal that can be used to reach other cities, like Tibau do Sul

Understand
Natal was founded on 25 December 1599, hence its name (Natal means Christmas in Portuguese). Unlike other Northeastern capitals, it did not quite benefit from the economic boom resulting from the region's sugar cane production. Instead it grew moderately and more organizedly, burgeoning on the state's cattle-raising activities and salt and oil extraction.

Nowadays Natal is one of the 8 most visited cities of Brazil. Unlike other large cities of the Northeast of Brazil, like Recife or Salvador, Natal does not have a fascinating Historical Center or a vivid nightlife. In contrast, it is regarded as being significantly calmer than other large cities in the region, and as having a superior quality of life. Many rich Brazilians and foreigners alike have summer houses in the city.

One of the primary reasons to visit Natal is to use it as a base to explore the wonderful state of Rio Grande do Norte, including beaches like Pipa, Baía Formosa, Barra do Cunhaú and Genipabu, and lakes like Carcará and Coca-Cola (See ). The city has many lodging options and a couple of good and reasonably priced restaurants.

Climate
Natal is a sunny and warm city with a pleasant tropical climate. The rainy season occurs between the months of March and July. Temperatures never reach extremes, thanks to the trade winds coming from the ocean, with averages between and, stable throughout the year.

By plane

There are numerous direct flights from Brazilian cities, including Belo Horizonte, Brasilia, Campinas, Fernando de Noronha, Fortaleza, Rio de Janeiro, Recife, Salvador, and São Paulo. TAP flies daily to Lisbon.

To get to the city, take the Natal bus at the doorstep of the terminal. To get to Ponta Negra, get off after about 15 minutes at Natal Shopping, cross the pedestrian bridge and take any bus with Ponta Negra in its name for R$4 (June 2021).

A taxi to Ponta Negra costs a fixed price, possibly a few R$ cheaper on the meter. It takes about 40 minutes.

You may also want to consider flying to the airports of Recife or João Pessoa. From there you can take an intercity bus or a shared ride with Blablacar to Natal.

By bus
Natal's bus station is about 3 km southwest of the city center, and some 5 km northwest of the Ponta Negra beach. Bus No 66 does the same run in about 45 minutes.
 * From Fortaleza 8 times daily (3 of these stopping in Mossoró) by Nordeste. 8-10 hours. Also by Guanabara.
 * From Recife by Progresso, 4½ hours.
 * From João Pessoa every hour.
 * From Pipa there are direct buses. Alternatively you can take a minibus to Goianinha for R$4.50 (May 2021) and then a minibus to Natal for R$10 (May 2021). If you want to go to Ponta Negra in Natal, exit at Natal Shopping. Go over the pedestrian bridge and take any bus that says Ponta Negra on the windshield.

If you want to go to the Vila de Ponta Negra in the south-east, take the bus line 73 from Natal Shopping.

By ride-sharing
From João Pessoa, Fortaleza, Recife and Pipa you can find rides on Blablacar.

By bus

For finding local bus connections, Moovit covers the city.

(As of June 2021) a bus ticket in Natal is R$4 and you don't need a bus card. Without a bus card you don't need to find a way to get and to recharge it. With a bus card it's possible to get a second bus without paying if this is done in less than one hour after the first one.

From the shopping centres Midway Mall, Via Direta and Natal Shopping you can find a bus to almost everywhere in the city. The "Line R" bus of Trampolim da Vitória company goes from Midway Mall to the International Airport for R$2.50 and is the only one going there.

By e-hailing
Uber and 99Taxi are available.

By car
Renting a car may be convenient if you, as many visitors, plan to use Natal as a base for day trips outside the city. Even the beaches at the neighbouring municipalities of Parnamarim and Extremoz are complicated to reach using public transport.

By buggy
You may explore the coast on the beach rather than a road, by hiring the service of a dune Buggy driver. You can book a vehicle or join a group. You may find services that are cheaper than others, but be aware of unlicensed drivers; accidents caused by unskilled buggy drivers sometimes occur.

By urban trains
They are cheap, but do not reach any major tourist sights.

Historic Centre
Natal's Historic Centre is in the Cidade Alta e Ribeira neighborhoods, including also some buildings of Tirol e Petrópolis. It was declared a national heritage site in 2010. Although the city dates from 1599, most of the historical buildings were constructed in the 19th and beginning of the 20th century, in different styles including colonial, neoclassic, art-déco and modern.

Beaches
As in the most of Brazil, in Natal's urban beaches you may use the chairs and tables provided by kiosks. It may be free as long as you consume, or you may be charged a fee (like R$15). This should be negotiated up front to avoid misunderstandings.

Do

 * Hire a buggy with a driver and travel along the coast, both North and Southwards. The coast of the State of Rio Grande do Norte affords a rare combination of dunes, lagoons, sandstone cliffs and vegetation in between.
 * Watch the sunset by Potengi River. A good spot is near the Army base and there are some ships on the river.
 * The To a Toa Boat Cruise  at the Potengi river to watch the sunset. You will see the city from different angles, pass through historical places and neighborhoods, mangrooves, river beaches. Recorded guiding in English and Portuguese.
 * Genipabu - Dunes, fresh water lagoons and dune buggy rides.
 * Genipabu - Dunes, fresh water lagoons and dune buggy rides.

Buy
There is no Bradesco bank in Ponta Negra. The nearest is on the way to Natal Shopping.

Supermarkets are somewhat scarce in Ponta Negra. In the north west you find Fazendinnha. It closes already at 19:00. In the south east there are Ligzarb and São Francisco. The latter closes at 20:30. In the center there is the Mercadinho Express which has some more variety of products than the other small mercadinhos. A hypermarket called Extra exists on the way to Natal Shopping.

Eat
Plenty of seafood restaurants with outdoor seating can be found along the beaches.

The most typical beach food is "ginga com tapioca" and the best is served at. (Don't go there on Sundays as it's very crowded.)

Drink
Ponta Negra nightlife has concentrated along Rua Dr. Manoel Arauju, aso known as Rua da Salsa, a few blocks inland from the beach at kiosk 11. A lot of holiday prostitutes blend in. Near the city center is the Ribeira district with quite a few options. A nighttime cab to Ponta Negra runs close to R$ 50. Buses 46 and 54 do the stretch in about 45 minutes.

Sleep
Most tourist lodgings are in Ponta Negra, heaps and heaps of them. Posted prices are negotiable in low season.

Stay safe
The main tourist areas, as in other Brazilian tourist destinations, are relatively safe. It is Brazil, so you should be aware of the recommended safety precautions: watch your belongings, travel well lit streets at night, don't go wandering off to deserted places you don't know and try to avoid walking around alone. If you are driving and following the GPS, pay close attention to where you are going to make sure you aren't entering a slum of sorts. Tourists should be particularly careful in the beaches of the East Side and North Side - in particular, one should never walk alone from Praia do Forte to Forte dos Reis Magos - the area is scarcely policed. Go to Forte dos Reis Magos by taxi or by a guided tour. It is relatively safe to walk around Ponta Negra, though, since that is the main tourist spot. Ask for safety tips where you are staying, the locals always know best and will tell which places to avoid.

Go next
The distances are given from Ponta Negra.

 * Parnamirim – 20 km. The visitable Barreira do Inferno rocket launch center, the biggest cashew tree of the World, and well-known beaches like Pirangi do Norte. A regional bus goes there from Ponta Negra.
 * Extremoz – 30 km. Contains the renowned Genipabu beach and the quieter Pitangui. Both beaches are surrounded by natural dune parks where it is possible to various activities such as sandboarding, dromedary rides and buggy rides
 * Nísia Floresta 40 km. 22 transparent lakes and beaches, Praia de Búzios being the most well-known
 * Tibau do Sul – 80 km. Several kilometers of amazing beaches surrounded by cliffs, including:
 * Praia de Pipa – 80 km. One of the most famous beach village of Brazil's Northeast. If you have time, it is worth staying more than a day trip. In Pipa are hostels.
 * Barra do Cunhaú – 90 km. A beautiful beach.
 * Ceará-Mirim – 40 km. A historical/coastal town that prospered in the past during the Sugar Cane era
 * Baía Formosa – 100 km. At the border with Paraíba, is the most unspoiled and preserved paradise of Rio Grande do Norte's South Coast
 * João Pessoa – 180 km.

title: Natal


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Natchez

Natchez is a city near the southwest corner of the U.S. state of Mississippi. This historic town is perched on a high bluff above the Mississippi River 100 miles upriver from New Orleans. It was an important, wealthy city before the Civil War. That history gave it the South's grandest collection of antebellum homes.

Get in

 * From I-55/Brookhaven, MS - take U.S. Highway 84 approximately 60 miles west to Natchez.
 * From I-20/Vicksburg, MS - take U.S. Highway 61 approximately 70 miles south to Natchez.
 * From I-10/Baton Rouge, LA - take U.S. Highway 61 approximately 90 miles north to Natchez.
 * From I-49/Alexandria, LA - take LA Highway 28 approximately 35 miles east to U.S. Highway 84. Take U.S. Highway 84 approximately 40 miles east to Natchez.
 * Natchez Trace Parkway - Natchez is the southern terminus of the Natchez Trace Parkway, a parkway administered by the National Park Service. The Parkway follows the old Natchez trace from Natchez to Nashville.  The trace began as a footpath used by Native Americans and early explorers to travel across the region. It was later improved by the U.S. government in the early part of the 19th century.  A combination of low speed limits and no commercial traffic make for a very relaxing and enjoyable drive.

See

 * Visitor's Center is on the Natchez side of the bridge over the Mississippi River a couple minutes by car from the center of the old part of town. Free maps and visitor information, in addition to historical exhibitions and souvenirs for sale.
 *  Natchez Under-the-Hill is, as the name suggests, under the bluff by the Mississippi River at the end of State St. It used to be a rootin' tootin', wild-wild-west kind of place complete with saloons and gunslinging. Floods washed much of it away, but there is still a restaurant, an old-timey saloon, and a casino left.

Do

 * Walking tours and driving tours. The Natchez Visitors' Center gives free maps and pamphlets for doing driving or walking tours of the sights of the historic old section of town.
 * Southern Carriage Tours - Enjoy the luxury and charm of a horse-drawn carriage tour through the streets of Natchez' historic district to see some of the finest and most significant landmarks in antebellum Natchez. Tours depart from the Canal Street Depot.  Tickets are also available at the Natchez Visitors Center. $15 for adults, $5 for children. The tour guides also point out restaurants and hotels.

Eat

Go next

 * Oxford
 * Biloxi
 * New Orleans
 * Baton Rouge
 * Port Gibson
 * Vicksburg
 * Natchitoches

title: Natchez


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Natchez Trace Parkway

The Natchez Trace is a 444-mile-long (715 km) national parkway that runs from Nashville in Central Tennessee to the town of Natchez in Mississippi. The route has been in use from pre-Colonial times and includes exceptional scenery, Indian burial mounds, overlooks, hiking trails, nature exhibits, and sites of historic interest. There are no commercial vehicles allowed on the road, making the route a laid-back journey through the Southeast. Although its length is impressive, the park averages only 800 feet (about 240 m) in width.

History
The parkway follows the old Natchez trace from Natchez to Nashville. The trace originated as a footpath used by Native Americans and early explorers to travel across the region. In the late 1700s, the route was heavily used by Ohio Valley farmers, who floated their goods down the Mississippi, sold their flatboats for lumber, and then returned home on foot. These "Kaintucks" often walked the trace's approximately 500-mile (800-km) distance in just 30 days. By 1820, over 20 "stands" (inns) were located along the route to cater to the increasing traffic.

Landscape
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a haven of biodiversity because it traverses a variety of ecosystems that possess an amazing array of natural features. The southern portion of the park features bayous and swamps situated in the floodplains of meandering rivers. Man-made impoundments of flowing watercourses have created small ponds and massive lakes with miles of shoreline. As the park rises in elevation, outcrops of limestone become apparent, some of which contain caves and fossils. Limestone is also the parent material underlying the park's remnant prairies. The natural features most readily visible, however, are the vast tracts of eastern deciduous forest lining the parkway motor road.

Flora and fauna
As a 444-mile-long National Parkway, the Natchez Trace Parkway provides a safe corridor for wildlife to move between neighboring national forests, state parks, and other public lands. While traveling on the parkway, visitors may see mammals on the move, especially around dawn and dusk. Deer are quite common, but a lucky traveler may have a chance to see a coyote, fox, or armadillo. While black bear have been confirmed on the parkway, a bear sighting is extremely rare.

Several of the parkway's pull-offs are noted for their quality birding opportunities. Wading birds such as great blue herons, great egrets and double-crested cormorants can be seen from the Ross Barnett Reservoir, Ten-Tom Waterway, or Colbert Ferry. Songbirds such as buntings, cardinals, cedar waxwings and scarlet tanagers are commonly seen from the Rocky Springs, Jeff Busby, Witch Dance, Donivan Slough, and Meriwether Lewis nature trails. Raptors such as bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, Mississippi kites, and kestrels have been seen in the skies at Chickasaw Village, Pharr Mounds, Water Valley Overlook and Birdsong Hollow. The parkway's grasslands are home to killdeer, whip-poor-wills, and the Northern bobwhite. Hundreds of people visit Rock Spring every fall to witness the ruby-throated hummingbirds feasting on jewelweed nectar. Featured on the North Alabama Birding Trail, both Rock Spring and Colbert Ferry provide excellent birding opportunities throughout the year. In addition, turkey, Canada geese, vultures, and hawks are often visible while driving.

Fifteen species of frogs, from big bullfrogs to stealthy leopard frogs, are known to live within the woods and wetlands preserved along the parkway. Newts and salamanders are plentiful within the park as well. Note that the park's amphibians are very vulnerable to traffic, particularly south of Interstate 20 in Mississippi, and frequently try to cross the parkway between December and March in an attempt to reach their breeding pools; please obey posted speed limits to protect them.

The parkway is home to over 40 different species of reptiles, including alligators, turtles and snakes. While reptiles may not be as easy to spot as many of the mammal species of the parkway, there are opportunities to see alligators at Cypress Swamp, or turtles along the numerous creeks and streams along the Natchez Trace Parkway. There are 25 species of snakes that live along the parkway, with only three of them being venomous (Southern copperhead, Western cottonmouth, and Canebrake rattlesnake). While the chance of seeing a venomous snake is rare, visitors are encouraged to use caution when hiking and picnicking along the Parkway.

The Natchez Trace Parkway contains a huge and diverse array of plant species by virtue of it being a 444-mile-long park oriented in a generally north-south direction. This enables it to contain representative habitat from four ecosystem provinces: the eastern broadleaf forest at the northern end of the park is dominated by hickory and oak species, while the lower Mississippi riverine forest at the opposite terminus features beech and oak species adapted to warmer conditions. In between the two extremes lie the outer coastal plain mixed forest and the southeastern mixed forest, both of which contain more of a pine and hardwood mix. Add to this diverse array of ecoregions the fact that the parkway traverses eight major watersheds, and it is not surprising that nearly 2,200 plant species have been documented in the park. More will surely follow as additional studies are completed. But while this diversity of species is impressive, more readily apparent is the ever-changing beauty of the park's vegetation, whether it be the flowers of spring, the lush greenery of summer, or the magnificent fall colors of autumn.

Climate
In the summer, expect hot and humid weather throughout the length of the parkway, high temperatures typically in the 90s (F, i.e. above 32°C). In the winter, because the parkway spans 444 miles north and south, conditions vary greatly. Expect very mild winters near Natchez with only occasional freezing. In Tennessee, snow and icy bridges are common. Spring and fall are very pleasant.

Fees and permits
There are no fees for entering the parkway, nor for any of the visitor centers, exhibits, or campgrounds along the route.

Prepare
There is no food or gas located on the parkway itself, but over its 444 mile length there are numerous options to exit the parkway and make use of services in the many towns located within a short drive of the parkway.

Get in
The combination of low speed limits and no commercial traffic makes for a very relaxing and enjoyable drive - popular with bicyclists, motorcyclists, and motorists. The route is fairly unique in that a motorist can travel the 444-mile length without seeing commercial buildings, traffic lights, or many other signs of the modern world. Rangers enforce the 50 mph speed limit, so the journey is at a slower pace than on most modern roads.

Drive
The parkway mileposts start at Natchez (milepost 0) and end near Nashville at milepost 444.

Tennessee

 * Intersection with Tennessee 100.
 * Completed in 1994, this double-arched bridge received the Presidential Award for Design Excellence in 1995.
 * Named for a nearby 1801-02 Army post. The area is a trailhead for horseback riders and hikers.
 * The U.S. Army cleared this section in 1801-02 and continued southward with consent of the Chickasaw Nation.
 * When Tennessee joined the Union in 1796 this was the boundary between the United States to the north and the Chickasaw Nation to the south.
 * From 1801 until traffic on the trace declined, the Gordons ran a ferry across Duck River here. The house was built about 1818.
 * Named for Andrew Jackson, the falls are on the intermittent Jackson Branch that empties into Duck River.
 * Take a pleasant walk on a 2000-foot section of the original trace.
 * Exhibits explain tobacco growing. A two-mile drive along the old trace begins here.  The road is not accessible for travel trailers or low-clearance vehicles.
 * A stand (inn) stood here. The Widow Cranfield operated this inn with her second husband, an Indian who spoke little English.  According to legend, the inn was named by the husband's habit of answering all traveler's questions by pointing to his wife and saying "She boss".
 * Here the trace marked the boundary of Chickasaw lands ceded to the United States in 1805 and 1816.
 * Not accessible for RVs.
 * This stop offers a short walk to a waterfall.
 * A short hike leads to an old phosphate mine.
 * Not accessible for RVs.
 * This stop offers a short walk to a waterfall.
 * A short hike leads to an old phosphate mine.
 * A short hike leads to an old phosphate mine.
 * The co-leader of the Lewis & Clark expedition is buried here, having died unexpectedly on his way to Washington. Campground, picnic area, ranger station.
 * Travelers crossed the Buffalo River here; the remnants of an ironworks and McLish's stand are nearby.
 * Miners worked this open pit mine in the 1800s.
 * Picnic area and restrooms.
 * A 2.5 mile long road follows the original trace route. Not for travel trailers.
 * The often impassable mudhole provided an obstacle for early travelers and lies a mile south of this location.
 * Picnic area, restrooms.
 * A 20-minute self-guiding trail follows this fast-flowing stream; seasonal wildflowers.
 * Village bears the name of the stand that stood nearby.
 * Three sections of the original road show how the route was relocated to avoid mudholes.
 * Picnic area.
 * Picnic area.

Alabama

 * A walk on this trail along Colbert Creek takes about twenty minutes. In the fall this is an excellent place to see ruby-throated hummingbirds feasting on jewelweed nectar.
 * Picnic area.
 * This span crosses Pickwick Lake, which was formed by Pickwick Landing Dam on the Tennessee River.
 * Chickasaw George Colbert operated a stand and ferry in the early 1800s and reportedly charged Andrew Jackson $75,000 to ferry his army across the river. Information (seasonal), fishing, boat launch, bike-only primitive campground, restrooms.
 * Chickasaw Levi Colbert owned a stand nearby. Exhibits.  A short trail leads to Buzzard Roost spring.
 * A steep, quarter-mile trail leads to Alabama's highest point on the parkway, 800 feet above sea level.
 * Picnic area.

Mississippi

 * This ceremonial structure was built between 1200 and 1400.
 * A natural cave that was probably used by American Indians.
 * The park is named for a Chickasaw medicine man. Camping, picnicking, swimming, canoeing and fishing.
 * Lake and dam access.
 * The waterway makes 459 miles navigable between the Gulf of Mexico and the Tennessee River. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers administers the waterway and nearby visitor center.
 * This 90-acre complex of eight burial mounds is between 1800 and 2000 years old. Restrooms.
 * Self-guiding trail. Allow twenty minutes to walk through an area where occasional flooding influences plant varieties.
 * This area along the stream typifies the landscape of the old trace. Not for travel trailers.
 * Self-guiding trail that winds through dogwood trees for fifteen minutes.
 * A short walk leads to the graves of thirteen unknown Confederate soldiers.
 * A self-guiding trail goes through forest regrowth; allow about twenty minutes. Exhibits, information, orientation program, restrooms.  You can reach Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Site from here via Miss. 145 north to Miss. 370 west.
 * Views of Old Town Creek and its floodplain.
 * Exhibits portray daily life and history at the Chickasaw village that stood here. A self-guiding trail features plants used by the Chickasaw.
 * The 1864 battle took place one mile east on Miss. 6.
 * This once-vast prairie has rich, black soil.
 * Pontatok, the capital of the Chickasaw Nation in the 1820s, was located here. Picnic area.
 * John McIntosh settled here in 1770. After the Natchez Trace was declared a national Post Road in 1800 the stand became the midway point where post riders from Natchez and Nashville met up, exchanged mailbags, and returned.
 * Chickasaw learned trades at the mission. Picnic area.
 * The Spanish explorer spent the 1540-41 winter near here.
 * Access point to U.S. Forest Service picnicking and summer camping area.
 * Agency for the Chickasaw was located here from 1801 to 1825.
 * Horse trail access, bike-only primitive campground, picnicking, restrooms.
 * Prehistoric people built these mounds between 2100 and 1800 years ago. Exhibits.
 * See part of the original trace.
 * Ranger station.
 * Boundary between lands of the Chickasaw and Choctaw tribes.
 * Nathaniel and David Folsom ran Folsom's stand and trading post near here. Millions of passenger pigeons, now extinct, roosted here.
 * . Picnic area.
 * Part of the original roadway leads into the woods.
 * Picnic area, campground, restrooms. Allow twenty minutes to hike a self-guiding trail or drive to one of Mississippi's highest points, 603 feet above sea level.
 * Louis LeFleur established a stand here in 1812. It opened as a school in 1822, which is still in operation.  Sorghum syrup is made here in the fall.
 * One of thirteen Choctaw missions; it was one-half mile to the northwest. Picnic area.
 * Short, self-guiding trail through a water tupelo/bald cypress swamp.
 * A short, self-guiding walk identifies plants found in different soil conditions.
 * Kosciusko chamber of commerce volunteers provide travel information for the parkway and local area.
 * Ranger station.
 * Picnic area, restrooms.
 * Self-guiding trail. Take ten minutes to learn about the beavers here.
 * Named for a Choctaw chief, the road was opened in 1834.
 * Dating from 1821 this road connected Jackson and Columbus, Miss. Picnic area.
 * Quiet rest stop.
 * Self-guiding trail. Allow ten minutes to walk in an area that features southern pines.  A row of trees marks this dividing line.
 * Picnic area, restrooms.
 * Twenty minute self-guiding trail through a water tupelo/bald cypress swamp.
 * This old boundary ran from Yazoo and Mississippi rivers' confluence east to the Chattahoochee River.
 * These burial mounds were built from 900 to 1200 years ago.
 * Ross Barnett Reservoir on the Pearl River parallels the parkway for eight miles.
 * The stand was advertised in 1806 as "a house of entertainment in the wilderness". Part of the original trace is nearby.
 * (seasonal) Information, exhibits, restrooms. Allow twenty minutes to an hour to explore the trail.
 * From 1807 until after 1820 a brick structure here housed an agent who served as a liaison between the U.S. government and the Choctaw Nation.
 * Noble Osburn opened a stand here in 1811. By the early 1820s, when the city of Jackson was founded, traffic shifted away from this part of the old trace.
 * Much of the Mississippi's history can be traced through the life of Cowles Mead, a stand owner along the old trace and acting territorial governor (1806).
 * This 1863 Civil War battle of the Vicksburg campaign was fought nearby.
 * This site served travelers in the 1820s and 1830s. Nearby is the site of Dillon's Plantation, May 1863 Vicksburg campaign headquarters for US generals Grant and Sherman of the Civil War.
 * This line divided - north and south - lands taken by new settlers of the Mississippi country from lands of the Choctaw Nation.
 * A short trail from the upper parking area leads to the old townsite. Camping, picnicking, ranger station, restrooms, phone and part of the old trace.
 * Picnicking, hiking.
 * Northbound travelers considered themselves in wild country once they crossed the ford on Bayou Pierre. Artifacts tell of prehistoric people who lived in the area.
 * Self-guiding trail. Allow five minutes to walk through a deeply eroded section of the original trace.
 * Ranger station.
 * A fifteen minute, self-guiding trail goes through a hardwood-pine forest.
 * Picnic area, restrooms.
 * Interpretive programs available February through November at this restored historic stand, one of the first in Mississippi. Exhibits, ranger station, restroom.
 * Deposits of topsoil (loess) were blown here during the ice ages.
 * Picnic area.
 * Natchez ancestors built this ceremonial mound between 1200 and 1730. It is nearly eight acres and second largest in the US behind Monks Mound in Cahokia.  A trail leads to the top.
 * See the old trace.
 * Founded in 1818, this was the first school for women chartered by the state of Mississippi.

Sleep
There are no hotels located on the parkway itself, but numerous lodging options can be found in the many towns that are along the route. The largest of these towns include Tupelo and Jackson, each of which offers dozens of hotels.

Three campgrounds are located on the parkway. These campgrounds are free and available on a first come, first served basis. While restrooms with running water are available, they do not offer electricity, showers, or dump stations. Campgrounds are typically busiest during the spring and fall, especially during holiday weekends. Camping is limited to fourteen consecutive days at a single site or thirty days park-wide during a calendar year. In addition to the sites listed below, there are also a handful of campgrounds that are available only to bikers and hikers.

Stay safe
The parkway speed limit is 50 miles per hour in most areas, and this is enforced by park rangers. In some areas lowered speed limits are put in place to protect both motorists and local wildlife - for example, the area between mileposts 85 and 87 is home to a wide variety of salamanders and frogs, and lowered speed limits may be in place during times of the year when they are likely to be crossing the roadways. Please obey posted limits, both for your own safety and for the safety of wildlife that makes the area its home.

Dangers from wildlife are minimal and exercising common sense should prevent any unwanted encounters. There are three species of venomous snake in the area (Southern copperhead, Western cottonmouth, and Canebrake rattlesnake), which, while rarely seen, can be avoided by paying close attention to where hands and feet are placed. Note that all wildlife, including venomous snakes, is protected along the Natchez Trace Parkway.

Go next

 * - The parkway's northern terminus is located in America's country music capital.
 * - Elvis Presley's birthplace is located just off of the parkway near milepost 260.
 * - The parkway passes through Mississippi's capital city between mileposts 90 and 100.
 * - Site of a major Civil War battlefield and home to the Vicksburg National Military park, this town is located about fifteen miles from the parkway near milepost 60.
 * - The parkway's southern terminus is home to an impressive and historic cemetery as well as many Antebellum homes.

title: Natchez Trace Parkway


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Natchitoches

Natchitoches, Louisiana, (say "Nack-ah-tish") is the oldest settlement in the Louisiana Purchase and has strong French and Spanish roots, still visible in its preserved architecture.

Understand
It is a popular tourist destination, particularly during the Christmas season, when tourists flock to its many classic-style shops and cafes and watch large city-sponsored fireworks shows and Christmas light festivals. Most other visitors to Natchitoches come for the quaint, romantic B&Bs and the classic, historic sights. It is home to Northwestern State University, as well as the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts, and the Louisiana Scholars' College.

Get in
The best way to get there is by car from Interstate 49 south exit 138, if you are coming from Shreveport, or north, if coming from Alexandria.

The most convenient nearby airport is likely Shreveport Regional (SHV), where flights come daily from Dallas-Fort Worth. The Natchitoches Regional Airport is a small airport within the city.

Get around
Natchitoches is a small town, and does not have a public transit system. Much of the travel through the historic district can be done on foot. For those who drive their own vehicles to visit, parking is generally not a difficulty.

See

 * The Historic District along the Cane River Lake in downtown Natchitoches features architecture reminiscent of the French Quarter in New Orleans. Antique shops and restaurants line the old brick street in front of the Cane River Lake. Many older mansions are nearby and include bed and breakfasts if you decide to stay the night.
 * 'Fort Saint Jean Baptiste, in Natchitoches, is a recreated environment of the early 1700s fort, which was the oldest in the Louisiana Purchase. An interpretive center and museum will provide visitors with a glimpse into colonial Natchitoches. It features a short historic video and several exhibits and artifact displays, as well as interpreters in costume and performing historical reenactment daily.
 * Northwestern State University has a large presence in the city and has a scenic campus worth driving through. The university, with an enrollment over 10,000, is home to the Normal Hill Historic District, featuring many historic buildings and structures. On this campus, Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts hosts some 400 students in Louisiana, and the Louisiana Scholars' College, a selective admission honors college focusing on a traditional liberal arts education.
 * Old American Cemetery stands on the original location of Fort St. Jean Baptiste, and is made up of graves dating back to the time when the fort was still active. This cemetery, which is still in use, has some of the most beautiful gravestones to be found. There is large tree that has grown around a gravestone, on the edge of the cemetery bordering Second Street.
 * Front Street is one of the centers of Natchitoches culture. It provides the area with cultural goods and services. It is a cobblestone walkway with shops on one side and a pristine river on the other side. It is a historic shopping district which also is the place where all major events are held.
 * Front Street is one of the centers of Natchitoches culture. It provides the area with cultural goods and services. It is a cobblestone walkway with shops on one side and a pristine river on the other side. It is a historic shopping district which also is the place where all major events are held.

Do

 * Converse with locals in coffee shops such as Mr. Johnny's on Front Street.

Festivals
Natchitoches has a history of providing festivals to its inhabitants. Attend the many festivals that the small town puts on for its inhabitants and those from the outside.

 * Natchitoches Christmas Lights Festival - One of the prominent festivals is the famous Natchitoches Christmas Lights Festival. From the weekend after Thanksgiving to January 6, over 500,000 visitors come to the small town of Natchitoches to take place in the Christmas festivities, which include a light display through out the town and fireworks shows every weekend. The main festival takes place on the first Saturday of December where arts, crafts, vendors, live music and events can be found. There is a cover charge for the first Saturday, but all other events are free and open to the public.
 * Natchitoches Meat Pie Festival - Autumn festival to celebrate the famous spicy meat pies which can be found in the area.
 * Zydeco Festival - Usually held at the end of August, the zydeco festival is a celebration of this creole music and culture.
 * Historic Tour of Homes - Usually held at the end of Autumn, tours, given by docents in period dress, of all the historic mansions in the historic district are given for a small fee.

Buy
Shop in the historic district of Natchitoches on Front Street.

Louisiana-related antiques and other products can be purchased at the shops along the lakefront in downtown. Alligator related products and decorative weapons can be purchased at the alligator farm. Northwestern State University related products can be purchased from Campus Corner across the street from the University, and also from the NSU bookstore inside the student union building.

Eat
One popular regional dish is the Natchitoches Meat Pie.

Sleep
National hotel chains have franchises in Natchitoches. Several large hotels are near I-49, where it passes the outskirts of Natchitoches.

There are bed and breakfasts close to the Historic District of Downtown Natchitoches as well.

title: Natchitoches


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Nathdwara

Nathdwara is a city of 42,000 people (2011) in Rajasthan state of western India. It is located in the Aravalli hills, on the banks of the Banas River in Rajsamand District, and 48 km north of Udaipur. This holy town is famous for its temple of Krishna which houses the Shrinathji, a 12th century "infant" incarnation idol (murti) of Krishna.

Understand
Nathdwara has a small but throbbing township around the temple dedicated to Lord Shrinathji (Shri Krishna). It is one the main religious places for Hindus of Pushti Marg Vaishnavs. Life in this town revolves around the Haveli, the term used for all the temples of the Pushtimarg Vaishnavism, probably because this temple was situated in a small fortress i.e. Haveli, once a royal palace of the Sisodia Rajput rulers of Mewar when it was shifted here from Mathura, to protect it from obvious danger it was in during the time of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb's campaign against Hindu worship in his empire.

Climate
Nathdwara weather is of an extreme type. The climate of Nathdwara experiences hot summers. The average temperature in the summer season falls in the range of 42.2° C (max) to 27.3° C (min). The climatic conditions of Nathdwara, Rajasthan in the winter season are on the colder side. The average temperature is somewhere around 27.0° C (max) to 9.7° C (min). The monsoon season experiences high humidity and scanty rainfall, around 31 cm. The best time to visit Nathdwara is during the period of September to February.

Get in
Air India flies to Udaipur which is 50 km from Shreenathji. Taxis and buses connect Udaipur and Nathdwara

Phalna, Udaipur, Mavli are Chittorgarh reached by rail. Buses and taxis available from Udaipur and parts of Gujarat.

Get around
The best advice for any visitors wishing to walk around the small town. Much of the town spends its time around the Haveli or Temple area which lends itself beautifully to walking.

See
There are a number of places to see in Nathdwara however, the temple is the key attraction to the pilgrims thronging to this small city, especially during key festivals and weekends.

Srinath Ji Temple
Shrinathji was brought to Mewar, Rajasthan during the reign of the Moghul Emperor Aurangazeb, for the sake of protection from widespread destruction of Hindu temples. The chariot carrying the image is said to have become stuck in Mewar while traveling, and hence a temple was established with the permission of the then Rana of Mewar at Nathdwara.

According to local worshipers, the Srinathji deity is believed to have originally self manifested from stone and emerged from the Govardhan Hill. Shrinathji was originally worshipped in a humble shrine and then moved to a larger temple on top of the Govardhan Hill. Vallabhacharya made arrangements for the worship of this deity, and this tradition was continued by his son, Vitthalnathji. It is believed that Taj Bibi, a wife of the Emperor Akbar, had visited this temple. It was during the 17th century that this image was shifted to Rajasthan

The structure of this temple is simple, but the aesthetic appeal of this temple is ceaseless. The image of Shrinathji is worth seeing and feeling the celestial beauty of the God. Lord Shrinathji symbolizes a form of Lord Krishna, when he lifted the 'Govardhana' (a hill). In the image, the lord is revealed with his left hand raised and the right is bunged in a fist. The idol is carved out of a large black stone. Images of two cows, a snake, a lion, two peacocks and a parrot by the god's head are imprinted on the idol.

The temple authorities have not less than 500 cows and amongst them; one is regarded as Shrinathji's cow. It is considered that this cow has come from the pedigree that served the lord for centuries. Earlier, wagon-loads of food used to come here, which were said to be consigned by and consigned to Shrinathji. The holy shrine of Shrinathji is famous all over Rajasthan and India. People of Vaishnava community come in large numbers to visit this holy pilgrimage.

Darshan opens eight times a day and the devotees are expected to keep track of the timings. Every darshan is called by different names like Mangala (early morning), Gwal, Utthapan etc. The Lord looks different in every darshan and the Rajbhog darshan taking place around noon is the most important and sought after. During major Hindu festivals it is common to see enormous crowds packing the entire town and the temple complex.

Photography and mobile phones are strictly prohibited in the temple premises

Do
The main attractions are the Aartis and the Shringar, i.e. the dressing and beautifying of the idol of Lord, treating it as a person, adorning it with best appropriate dresses for the time of day / night. The intricately woven shaneels and silk clothe have original zari and embroidery work done upon them, along with tonnes of real precious jewels. The formal prayers are offered with diya, incense sticks, flowers, fruit and other offerings, with local instruments and devotional songs of the Lord Shrinathji, according to the demand of the time and occasion. The view of the idol, called jhakhi, after the ‘‘parda’’ (curtain) is removed is a spectacular sight, that is simply mesmerizing, leading to a melee (gully) of visitors crowding to have a glimpse (jhakhi) of divine Lord. The mystic, spirited aura of India comes alive.

Buy
Nathdwara has a small but throbbing township around the temple. Its shopping in the bylanes is a great revelation. It is famous for its 'Pichwai Paintings', with Shri Krishna in the centre of various raas-lila (pictures depicting godly acts, instances & dances) and is recognized for profuse use of pure gold color.

Devotees also prefer to buy specially made frames of Shri Nath ji, depicting various practices of dressing and rituals of the Lord for prayers at their house, made by local artists, as photographs of the idol are strictly prohibited.

Apart from the temple complex, Nathdwara is famous for its ‘Name on the Rice’ stalls. The city is flooded with artists – some sitting on the street, some on benches and others in shops – promising to paint your name on a grain of rice. “Although it may look simple, it is extremely difficult to paint a person’s name on rice. But now we are used to it,” shares Ramnaresh Tripathi, who is carrying forward his ancestral art of writing names on the rice grains.

Eat
It may seem strange, but eating is a past time in Nathdwara. Roadside food stalls famous for their yummy, scrumptious and delicious on-the-street food are flooded with people in between darshan timings. Nathdwara is known for its Khaman (a crushed mixture of yellow dhokla’s), Kand (fried yam), Jalebi and Phaphda (a kind of farsan). Even mouth fresheners, mukhwas and all sorts of Jeera Golis are widely available. Piping hot masala tea, served to customers in earthen pots is also a speciality of Nathdwara.

Drink
The Thandai made of pure milk and dry fruits is a very famous drink available at Chowppaty. Also one can enjoy kasmiri soda late evening. Bhang ki Thandai is very famous in Nathdwara. There is a famous shikanji wala who is jovial in nature. Must drink!

Sleep
If you are looking out for Budget accommodations then there are lot of dharamshalas run by Nathdwara Mandir Mandal. Rates per room will range from ₹20 to ₹50 per day. However you will need to pay extra for bedding and hot water if you need it. (₹5-10 for Bedding and ₹5-10 per bucket of hot water). Non vegetarian food, smoking and drinking are strictly prohibited in these dharamshalas.

This is not a well known destination for its accommodation options but few pilgrims stay here. The hotels that are available tend to be near the temple area, although the town does have a couple of good quality bed and breakfast options (but vegetarian).

Go next

 * Chittorgarh, 112 km from Nathdwara, is one of the largest forts in India and the grandest in the state of Rajasthan.
 * Kumbhalgarh, 60 km from Nathdwara, takes its name after the impressive historic fort of Kumbhalgarh built in the 5th century AD by Rana Kumbha.
 * Mount Abu, 190 km from Nathdwara, is the highest peak in the Aravalli Range of Rajasthan state in western India.
 * Ranakpur, 108 km from Nathdwara, is widely known for its marble Jain temples.
 * Udaipur, 48 km from Nathdwara, is a popular destination famous for its lakes and Lake Palace.

title: Nathdwara


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Nathon

Nathon is in Ko Samui on the western shore and is the main ferry port to the mainland and Ko Tao.

Get in
Nathon is connected via the Ko Samui ring road with the other villages on the island. More importantly, many tourists arrive in Samui via ferry at Nathon pier.

Get around
From the pier there are brown songthaews which go north to Bophut and Chaweng.

These are local taxis which cost about 50 baht for a local trip of about 5 km. You can hire any taxi to get anywhere on the island. Negotiate beforehand because they do not have/use meters.

See
Nathon is known for its very picture-perfect sunsets. Most tourists come specifically to enjoy the spectacular views and the quaint little shops and restaurants that line the ocean front. The town itself is quite picturesque and is fast becoming a shopping and dining destination.

Best Mountain View is the place to be if you really want to get an eyeful of the grand views from 142 m. It's quite an arduous trek to Best Mountain View but it is worth it.

Do
Nathon Walking Street every Saturday. Vendors selling local foods and local products.

Go next

 * Bang Rak
 * Bophut
 * Chaweng
 * Choeng Mon
 * Laem Yai
 * Lamai
 * Mae Nam
 * Samui South Coast

title: Nathon


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Nathula

There's more than one place called Nathula:

 * Nacula Island (also spelt Nathula) - one of the Yasawa Islands, in north-western Fiji

 * Nathula Pass (also spelt Nathu La, Natu La, Natula, or Ntula) - a mountain pass in the Himalayas, between Sikkim in India and Tibet in China

title: Nathula


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Natick

Natick is a town in Massachusetts with a population of about 37,000 (2020). It's approximately 10 miles west of Boston.

By plane
Most travelers would fly into Boston's Logan International Airport.

From Boston
The MBTA's Framingham/Worcester Line, +1-800-392-6100: $6 one way. Takes 35 to 40 minutes on local train, 20 to 30 on express trains.

From New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C.
Amtrak's Acella Express, to Boston and then connect as above.

From the West
Train from Worcester.

By car
Exit 13 off the Massachusetts Turnpike (Interstate 90, also known as the Mass Pike).

Get around

 * Natick Neighborhood Bus, 508-647-6446. Transfers are also available from the Natick Station to the Natick Neighborhood Bus.
 * Framingham/Worcester MBTA stations, Natick and West Natick on the line

Buy
Natick is a major shopping hub. The Route-9 strip shared with neighboring Framingham is probably the largest suburban shopping area in New England. Everything from Wal-Mart to Neiman Marcus can be found here.

Drink
The following are interesting and comfortable places to drink:

title: Natick


text:
National Capital Region

More than one country calls the region enclosing its capital the National Capital Region

Canada

 * National Capital Region (Canada) - The region that contains Ottawa

India

 * National Capital Region (India) - The region around New Delhi

Philippines

 * Metro Manila

title: National Capital Region


text:
National Capital Region (Canada)

The National Capital Region is an official designation comprising Canada's capital Ottawa, in Ontario, the neighbouring city of Gatineau, in Quebec, and surrounding urban and rural communities. It used to be called Ottawa/Hull and is now sometimes called Ottawa/Gatineau, effectively one city but on two sides of the Ottawa River and therefore of the Ontario/Quebec border.

Regions
In 2001, Ottawa swallowed the former Carelton County which surrounded it. But still, twenty years later, when most people say they are "going to Ottawa" they mean the urban area at the core ("Old Ottawa") not the suburbs. Likewise in 2002 the City of Gatineau was created by merger of several smaller places, you can still be specific about which part you are visiting. If you are going to the urban area immediately across the river from Ottawa, then you are going to Hull.

Other destinations
Many of the region's recreational areas — ski resorts, lakes, hiking or biking trails in summer and cross-country ski trails in winter — are in the Gatineau Hills on the Quebec side.
 * — a gateway to the eastern parts of Gatineau Park
 * — a small town in the Outaouais countryside, that sometimes hosts large government conferences in the Château Montebello, the largest log structure ever built, and one of Canada's Grand railway hotels
 * — a charming village with many restaurants and other tourist facilities
 * — a charming village with many restaurants and other tourist facilities

Outside Ottawa's downtown, the region on the Ontario side is characterized by the villages of the region's vast rural area, and the historic Rideau Canal which connects the Ottawa River to Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.

 * — an all-season resort area, with summer and winter sports on the hills and surrounding forest, and motorsports and golfing nearby
 * and — small rural communities, with trails and conservation lands providing recreational activities

Understand
This is not a separately administered capital region like the US District of Columbia or the Australian Capital Territory. There has been some discussion of giving it that status, but it has not gone anywhere yet and seems unlikely to do so. The two parts are administered separately by their respective municipal and provincial governments.

Federal government buildings pay no municipal taxes, but the federally-funded National Capital Commission (NCC) maintains some of the roads, parks and buildings.

Talk
Bilingualism is extremely common in this region, perhaps more so than anywhere else in Canada. You can count on being served in your choice of English or French in almost any restaurant, store or transport facility.

Most of the Ontario side is predominantly English-speaking and most of the Quebec side French. There are exceptions — in Quebec Hull, Aylmer and Wakefield were originally settled by English speakers and in Ontario Orleans and Embrun were originally French — but they are all becoming less exceptional over time.

Get in
Most people will arrive via Ottawa but there is also a good highway (A50) to Montreal running along the Quebec side of the river. There is a bridge across the Ottawa between Hawkesbury and Grenville, so it is possible to switch between Quebec A 50 and Ontario 417 about halfway between Ottawa and Montreal.

Get around
The municipal bus systems of both Ottawa and Gatineau have a few bus routes which go into the other city. All the Gatineau buses that cross the river run along Rideau Street on the Ottawa side and can be caught near the Rideau Centre shopping mall.

For drivers, there are three bridges connecting the two cities downtown and a fourth bridge upriver to the west of downtown. Traffic on the bridges can be dreadful, especially at rush hours since many people live on one side of the river and work on the other.

See
Ottawa's Parliament Hill and surrounding precinct is an architectural joy, full of grand late 19th- and early 20th-century buildings erected to present the face of a new and ambitious country.

As the capital, the region has many museums. Most are in Ottawa including the National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian War Museum, the Canadian Museum of Nature, the Canada Agriculture Museum, and the Canada Aviation Museum.

The Canadian Museum of History is on the Quebec side opposite the Parliament buildings, while the Library and Archives Canada Gatineau Preservation Centre is to the northeast of downtown Gatineau.

The Diefenbunker - Canada's Cold War Museum is west of Ottawa in Carp in the government's Cold War-era bunker.

Do
Ottawa is very much an outdoor activities city. There are walking and bike paths along the Rideau Canal and the Ottawa River. In winter, the canal becomes and 8-km-long skating rink, and there are lots of trails for cross-country skiers.

Gatineau Park is the outdoor playground for the National Capital Region. It offers amazing possibilities for outdoor recreation, within a 20 minutes drive of either city. There's skiing (cross-country and downhill), hiking, canoeing, camping, rock-climbing, mountain biking, roller-blading, wildlife watching and lots of trails for leisurely strolls.

Go next
"The best thing about Ottawa is the train to Montreal."

- Jean Marchand, Liberal cabinet minister under Pierre Trudeau.

 * Montreal is under two hours away by rail or road
 * Prescott-Russell
 * Seaway Region

title: National Capital Region (Canada)


text:
National City

National City is a city in San Diego County in Southern California.

By car
Interstate 5 passes through National City.

By trolley
National City has two stops on the San Diego Trolley: 8th Street and 24th Street.

Go next

 * San Diego
 * Chula Vista

title: National City


text:
National Grid (Britain)

On the streets of the UK's major cities, an address and a street atlas are probably all you need to locate places of interest. However a visitor intent on exploring rural parts England, Wales or Scotland will soon run up against the wide-spread use of national grid references. These are often found in guide-books, walking guides and even promotional leaflets, and usually look something like this:

 * [ SU921206 ], which is a location in the countryside just to the east of Midhurst, in West Sussex.

Most basic mapping in England, Wales and Scotland is undertaken by the Ordnance Survey. Maps published by the Ordnance Survey will certainly show national grid lines; most other maps are derived from Ordnance Survey mapping and will also probably show grid lines. This article is intended to explain how to locate a grid reference on a map using these grid lines. The Ordnance Survey created a PDF on understanding the national grid in Britain.

First select your map
Hopefully the information source that has given you the grid reference will also have suggested an appropriate map, or you will already have a map of the area in question.

If not, then try visiting the Ordnance Survey's Get A Map web site and entering the grid reference you have. This will show you a small map of the area, but it will also give you links to pages on various Ordnance Survey maps covering that area. Whilst the (not-so) hidden agenda of this site is to persuade you to buy the maps online, there is no requirement to do this; if you choose not to do so follow the links and note down the names of the maps you want. The most important information you need is the type and number of the map, for example:

 * Explorer 133
 * Landranger 144

Most good UK bookshops stock Ordnance Survey maps and shelve them by type and number. They can also be bought online.

The types of maps you are most likely to be interested in are the Landranger series (scale 1:50000) and the Explorer series (scale 1:25000). The former is best for exploring by car or bike, the latter for walking.

Although most street maps and atlases are not published by the Ordnance Survey, it is possible to locate a grid reference on most of them.

title: National Grid (Britain)


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National Park of American Samoa

National Park of American Samoa is in the US territory of American Samoa. The Samoan village leaders and the US Congress have set aside the finest samples of these islands' land and seascapes as a national park.

Understand
The National Park samples the best of American Samoa’s scenery, with beautiful shorelines, reefs, and rainforest. It includes three parts, on a total of three islands. All of the park has fine scenery and tropical rainforests. Lata Mountain on Ta’u excels in its wild and remote forests, free-flowing streams, and rugged coastline. Ofu and Olosega have the most accessible coral reefs and miles of breathtakingly beautiful beaches. Tutuila has road-accessible forests, native wildlife, and scenic coastline.

All four islands are extinct volcanoes heavily eroded to rugged peaks. They were formed as the Pacific Plate moved across a stationary hot spot where eruptions from the Earth's mantle pierced the lithosphere forming a line of volcanic islands.

It is the only US National Park south of the Equator.

History
The National Park was established by Congress on 31 Oct 1988. Lands on the islands of Ofu and Olosega were added later.

Landscape
The Samoan Archipelago is a typical Pacific Ocean volcanic island arc. As the Pacific Ocean plate moves across a stationary hot spot (a place where molten rock from the Earth's mantle pierces the lithosphere plate) it forms a line of volcanoes, some of which reach the ocean surface to form a string of islands.

The park in American Samoa adds a unique scenic and ecological dimension to the U.S. National Park System. From ocean depths beyond the reefs to cloud forests on island summits the park has outstanding coral reefs, littoral strand and tropical rainforests on four beautiful, tropical island landscapes.

Fringing coral reefs on the islands of Ofu, Olosega and Ta'u are outstanding marine environments. Their character is crystal clear, warm waters and a bewildering tropical sea biodiversity.

Though the rainforests have long been occupied by humans (the To'aga archaeological sequence on the Ofu section of the park documents 3,000 years of human settlement) the native tropical rainforest is the finest left in the US possessions. Littoral strand, tropical rainforest (montane, ridge top, mountain-top scrub, and cloud forest) are well represented on the Ta'u and Tutuila park segments. With its mid-ocean, Southern hemisphere location the park offers a unique opportunity to sample the renowned beauty of the South Pacific.

Flora and fauna
Over 950 species of fish and 250 species of coral live in the reefs surrounding the islands. The animal life of the National Park of American Samoa is unique among the US national parks. Key animal forms (from the flying foxes, or fruit bats, in the mountains to the massive coral reefs along the shorelines) shape all natural ecosystems here. Flying foxes are important terrestrial pollinators and thus, not surprisingly, this rain forest is dominated by fruit-bearing species--in contrast to Hawaii where the native forests are pollinated largely by nectar seeking birds and insects. The coral fringing reefs of the park shelter the greatest marine biodiversity in the U.S. and its possessions. The more than 800 native fish and 200 coral species of the park are bewildering and awesome.

Plant communities of the park, from the mountaintops down to the ocean, are largely tropical rainforest. It is an evergreen forest and the climax vegetation of the equatorial climate. Unlike the temperate forests of North America dominated by one, or only a few tree species, tropical rainforests have high species diversity and the climax forest is dominated by many species.

Samoa, as a geologically young ocean island, lacks any earlier land connection to continental land masses. Because its native species got here by chance its species diversity is not as rich as Southeast Asia, the source of the islands' plant dispersals.

Climate
American Samoa is in the South Pacific Ocean, between the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn. A tropical climate prevails. Temperatures are warm or hot year-round (high 70s to low 90s °F) with high humidity. Rain showers are frequent. Rain showers may last only for a few minutes, or last all day. The average annual rainfall in the drier portions of the island is 90 inches up to 300 inches in the mountains. Tropical storms are more prevalent during the rainy season (November to May).

Visitor information

 * Park website

Get in
The park is in a remote part of the South Pacific and has limited access, unless you live in Samoa. Therefore, it is likely that more than casual planning is required to visit the park. The only airport is Pago Pago International Airport on Tutuila. There are two flights a week round trip from Honolulu, from Hawaiian Airlines with a connecting flight in Honolulu, Hawaii. The International Airport at Upolo in nearby (Western) Samoa is served by several flights weekly from Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. Connecting flights serve Tutuila from Upolo by twin-otter aircraft nearly daily.

Irregularly scheduled flights (small planes) serve park areas of Ofu. Inter Island Vacations fly whenever passenger load warrants. Ofu Island is difficult to travel to. Visitors travel by small plane from Tutuila to Ta'u. Then hire a local fisherman and boat to travel to Ofu. The park is open year-round. The visitor center in Pago Pago is open 8AM-4:30PM, closed weekends and federal holidays.
 * More information is available by calling the Visitor Center at +1 684 633-7082, ext. 22 or email npsa_info@nps.gov. The park also has a website.

Fees and permits
There are no fees. Reservations are not required.

Get around
Several car rental facilities are available at or near the Tutuila airport. On Tutuila taxis are available at the airport, and near the market in Fagatogo. The island of Tutuila has good public transportation (frequent, but unscheduled) via “aiga” or “family” buses. For $0.50-1 you can be taken around Pago Pago Harbor, and to the more remote parts of the island. Buses originate and terminate at the market in Fagatogo, the village next to Pago Pago. The roads are generally too narrow and the traffic too busy for bicycles.

There are two easy access points:
 * 1) Drive from Pago Pago Village towards Fagasa on the paved road to the top of the ridge (Fagasa Pass), where a small parking area and NPS sign mark the trail head for a trail that goes along the ridge above Pago Pago to Alava Mountain.
 * 2) The eastern side of the park can be reached by crossing over the ridge above the north side of Pago Pago Harbor from the village of Aua over to Afono. From Afono, continue along the paved road towards the west, entering the park boundary on the ridge above Afono Bay.  The road continues on through the park to the village of Vatia. Beyond the school at the far western end of Vatia is an NPS sign marking a trail out towards Pola Tai.

See

 * The Tutuila Unit — On Tutuila, the park covers the north-central part of the island from the steep ridge above Pago Pago Harbor to the northern coast. From the road to Fagasa one can hike to the top of the 1,610-foot Mount Alava and have sweeping views of the harbor, Rainmaker Mountain, and the north coastline. A roadway to the village of Vatia crosses Afono Pass and has many fine views. Approaching Vatia are excellent views of Pola Island. Along the way the road crosses Amalau Valley, home of many native birds and flying fox.
 * The Ofu, Olosega Unit — The islands of Ofu and Olosega, 60 miles east of Tutuila and accessed by the airport at Ofu, have scenic beaches with spectacular Sunu’itao Peak and Piumafua Mountain backdrops. These islands have good examples of coral reefs in this part of the Pacific, and the best snorkeling waters in the territory.
 * The Ta'u Unit — On Ta’u, accessed by the airport at Fitiuta, the trail from Saua around Si’u Point leads to the dramatic southern coastline with views of a rocky coast and sea cliffs stairstep to the 3,000-foot summit of Lata Mountain.

Do

While you are in the park, you should study the tropical wildlife and coral reef marine habitats, and enjoy the many outstanding island and sea landscapes.

Scenic drives
If you’re on Tutuila, stop first at the visitor center in Pago Pago. A scenic road leads from Pago Pago to the north coast. Allow a few hours for this drive, including stops. Along the scenic drive there are panoramic views, especially from Afono Pass. As you approach Vatia there are excellent views of Pola Island. Ofu and Olosega have scenic beaches with spectacular backdrops of Sunu’itao Peak and Piumafua Mountain.

Snorkeling
Ofu and Olosega have good examples of coral reefs in this part of the Pacific, and the best snorkeling waters in the territory. Bring your own snorkel gear, especially when visiting Ofu and Olosega.

Hiking
A hiking trail along the maintenance road leads to the summit of Mt. Alava; the trailhead is at Fagasa Pass, a short drive west of Pago Pago. The hike is 6 miles round trip; allow 3 hours for your hike up and 2 hours for your return to the pass. Ofu and Olosega have extensive stretches of pristine shoreline and fringing reefs, and are the most scenic seascapes in American Samoa. On Ta’u the trail from Saua around Si’u Point leads to the southern coastline of where rocky coast and sea cliffs stairstep to the 3,000-foot summit of Lata Mountain.

Drink
The main "clubbing scene", if you will, is mainly on the island of Tutuila.

Don't be afraid to ask around the community.

Lodging
There is no lodging within the park.

The Home Stay program provides an opportunity for visitors to become acquainted with Samoan people and culture in a village setting. Residents of villages associated with the National Park offer accommodations and the opportunity to learn local customs, crafts and the south Pacific lifestyle. Imagine staying in a village with the sights and sounds of the rainforest around you. Sleep in a Samoan house (fale), live with a Samoan family and start the day participating with village activities. Some may be familiar. Others, like cutting the Pandanus (laufala) tree leaves and drying them to weave mats, may not. Add to your weaving knowledge by learning simple methods, like weaving fans from palm leaves.

Camping
Camping is prohibited in the park.

Stay safe
The park's remote location, its lack of search and rescue capability, and the distance from expert medical care require extra precautions:

 * Solar radiation is intense! Wear sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and protective clothing.
 * Carry insect repellent.
 * Always snorkel with a partner.
 * While on beach areas, watch out for falling coconuts.
 * Whatever beach you are on be aware of the tidal movements and be alert for the avastidal outflows from the reef. These are dangerous—their currents and undertows should not be underestimated.
 * Coral rubble beaches are difficult to walk on; watch your step. Be especially careful of rocky areas, which are slippery.
 * Ask the Visitor Center about trail conditions.
 * Never hike without water; carry .5 to .75 gal per person.
 * Don't touch the coral! Cuts from coral take a long time to heal.
 * Medical treatment is available on Tutuila.

title: National Park of American Samoa


text:
National Park of the Upper Niger

National Park of the Upper Niger is in the northeast of Guinea.

Understand
The park covers around 6000 km², of which 600 km² comprise the core area. The park is one of the few dry forests left in West Africa. It protects important tracts of forest and savannah, and is considered a conservation priority for West Africa as a whole.

Landscape
Savannah is dominant comprising areas of woodland and bushland. There are smaller areas of riparian forests along both the Niger and Mafou Rivers. The whole area is subject to frequent fires during the dry season.

Flora and fauna
Mammals are the main draw with lots of chimpanzees. Other interesting species include lions, African manatees and Gambian mongooses.

title: National Park of the Upper Niger


text:
United States National Trails System

The National Trails System includes over a thousand trails throughout the United States, and is administered by the federal government as part of the United States National Park system.

Most of the National Scenic Trails and National Historic Trails are fairly long, and most visitors hike only a portion of the trail or may take several years to finish, tackling it for a few days at a time. The trails may cover a combination of federal, state, and local land, and may go through private lands as well.

National Scenic Trails, National Historic Trails, and National Geologic Trails are designated by act of Congress, marking them among the best trails of the nation.

National Scenic Trails
National Scenic Trails have been established in order to allow public access through areas of "spectacular natural beauty and to allow the pursuit of healthy outdoor recreation." There are eleven of these trails. The most popular is the Appalachian Trail running from Georgia to Maine. American hiking enthusiasts have labeled three of these—the Appalachian, Continental Divide, and Pacific Crest National Scenic Trails—the "Triple Crown" of hiking conquests.

 * Appalachian National Scenic Trail — 2175 miles (3500 km), a Canadian trail continues 690 miles (1100 km) into New Brunswick & Quebec. It is being extended a further 1200 km along the west coast of the island of Newfoundland.
 * Arizona National Scenic Trail — 807 miles (1309 km)
 * Continental Divide National Scenic Trail — 3100 miles (4990 km)
 * Florida National Scenic Trail—1300 miles ( km)
 * Ice Age Trail — 1000 miles (1600 km)
 * Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail — 695 miles (1120 km)
 * New England National Scenic Trail — 220 miles (370 km); was recognized as a NST (National Scenic Trail) in March 2009
 * North Country National Scenic Trail — 3200 miles (5150 km)
 * Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail — 2638 miles (4245 km)
 * Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail — 1200 miles (1520 km); was recognized as a NST (National Scenic Trail) in March 2009
 * Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail — 700 miles (1120 km)

National Historic Trails
Following historic routes or themes, the National Historic Trails emphasize the history of the areas covered. They tend to be less demanding than the Scenic Trails. Some people follow these trails by car or bus, and indeed some of them are intended for cars only, with no safe walking route available. Others are mainly for hikers, and getting to some of the more remote historic gems requires hiking in.

Most of these trails have trail markers along the route, brochures and documentation leading you through the trail, and many enthusiastic supporters online who can help you make the most of your trip.

 * Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail—175 miles
 * California National Historic Trail—5665 miles
 * Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail—3000 miles
 * El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail—2580 miles
 * El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail—404 miles, US segment of the 1600-mile (2600-km) Mexico City-Santa Fe trail following a colonial trade route.
 * Iditarod National Historic Trail—2350 miles
 * Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail—1200 miles
 * Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail—3700 miles
 * Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail—1300 miles
 * Nez Perce National Historic Trail—1170 miles
 * Old Spanish National Historic Trail—2700 miles
 * Oregon National Historic Trail—2170 miles
 * Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail—275 miles
 * Pony Express National Historic Trail—1966 miles
 * Santa Fe National Historic Trail—1203 miles
 * Selma To Montgomery National Historic Trail—54 miles
 * Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail—290 miles
 * Trail Of Tears National Historic Trail—2200 miles
 * Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail—in 2010, the route for this new trail was under development

National Geologic Trail
The first National Geologic Trail was created by the 2009 stimulus package and further development was planned.
 * Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail; see also Ice Age traces

National Recreation Trails
There are over a thousand National Recreation Trails, spread across every state. These trails are designated by the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of the Interior, and are generally managed by non-profit groups or state or local government. You will probably find several of these trails within an easy day's travel from most cities in the U.S.

National Recreation Trails may be less than a mile long, or may be over a thousand miles. They may be tailored to various types of activities, such as archery, skeet shooting, dog mushing, mountain biking, horse riding, inline skating, cross-country skiing, kayaking, or simple hiking. Some are ADA-accessible.

A list of all National Recreation Trails is available here.

title: United States National Trails System


text:
Natitingou

Natitingou is a town in Northern Benin.

Understand
Natitingou is about 50 km from the Pendjari National Park where tourists can see West African wildlife during the months from December to June.

The falls of Tanougou and the great mud castles of the Betammaribe known as the Tata Somba are an hour or two from the town by car.

Get in
There are buses from Djougou which is 78 km away on RNIE3.

Natitingou is 586 km from Cotonou.

See
Natitingou's main street features the statue of Mathieu Kérékou, Benin's longtime president.

Do
you can go and enjoy the calming sight of "Chutes de Kota". Chutes=Waterfalls

Eat

 * Chez Nana. French and Algerian specialties Jountchirantikou – Maison “Volvo” Tel: 23.01.25.11
 * La Breche Bar and Restaurant. Directions: All Zemidjans (motorcycle taxis) know La Breche. La Breche is beautifully placed on the top of one of the hills that overlooks the whole valley in which Natitingou sits. They also have a tata somba (traditional 2-story mud fortress built and used by the Ditamaari, a local tribe in this region.) where you can sit on the top story and eat and drink. Service is usually less than reliable, but the food is excellent and the view is amazing. Grilled Steak with couscous or spaghetti 4,000 f CFA per person (this is a lot of food and it's well presented). Rabbit and a side 1,300 f CFA. Brochettes 500 f CFA. All sides (couscous, fries, spaghetti) 1,000 f CFA. Full line of beers and soft drinks in large and small, as well as sodabe, the local hard liquor from the south of Benin, and the local millet beer, called tchouk.
 * Quartier Generale Bar and Restaurant . Directions: If you are on the Goudrone (main road) going north, after you pass the big round point and the post, you will see a sign for the museum (musee) on the right. If you turn left instead, you will see the beer signs on the fence in front of it. This bar may lack aesthetics, but the service is amazing and it’s located in the very center of town, right down the street from Hotel Tata Somba. This is also a good place to stop if you want to watch Beninese television. The food may take a while, but the family who runs this bar is always more than willing to make your wait as pleasant as possible. Omelette sandwich 500 f CFA. Chicken and a side 1,500 f CFA. Guinea Fowl and a side 1,500 f CFA. Sides (couscous or fries) 1,000 f CFA. A full line of beers and soft drinks is available.

Drink

 * Select This dance club is definitely not at all lacking in aesthetics, but on most days it does lack clients. If you happen to have scheduled your visit at the same time of some local festivities though, then this place will probably be packed. Weekends seem to occasionally attract moderate crowds. This club is available to be rented out as well, though the price is negotiable. Plush couches, mirrored walls, disco lights and a real dance floor all make this club feel like it belongs in Europe. Entry 1.500 f CFA. Drinks are usually double the price of an average bar.

Sleep
Telephone: +(229) 23 82 11 24 or +(229) 23 82 20 99 or +(229) 23 82 22 00. Air conditioned room 22,000 f CFA. Non air-conditioned room 15,000 f CFA. Extra bed 3,000 f CFA. Breakfast 2,500 f CFA. Lunch or dinner 6,000 f CFA
 * Hotel Bourgogne, (229) 23 82 22 40 B.P. 130 Natitingou. Non air-conditioned Single 10,500 f CFA, Double 13,500 f CFA. Air-conditioned Single 15,500 f CFA, Double 18,500 f CFA. Air-conditioned with hot water Single 25,500 f CFA, Double 22,500 f CFA. Continental Breakfast 2.500 f CFA. Lunch or Dinner 5.500 f CFA, African and European specialties are available
 * Hotel Bellevue, (229) 23 82 13 36 B.P. 85 Natitingou. Air-conditioned and hot water rooms Single 14,000 f CFA, Double 15,000 f CFA. TV and Air-conditioning rooms Single 12,000 f CFA, Double 14,000 f CFA. Non-air conditioned rooms Single 8,000 f CFA, Double 9,000 f CFA. Extra beds 2,500 f CFA. Continental breakfast 1,500 f CFA. American breakfast 2,500 f CFA. Daily menu meal: 5,000 f CFA. Plate of the Day: 2,500 f CFA. African, European, and Asian specialties available
 * Hotel Campement de la Pendjari. Reservations can be made at Hotel Tata Somba in Natitingou. The information below is for Hotel Tata Somba Address: B.P. 04 Natitingou, Telephone: +(229) 23 82 11 24 or +(229) 23 82 20 99 or +(229) 23 82 22 00. To get to this hotel you must pay the park entry fee of 10,000 f CFA, and the hotel is in the middle of the park. Also, this hotel is only open from late October to mid May. Air-conditioned room 28,000 f CFA. Non air-conditioned room 20,000 f CFA. Bungalow 18.000 f CFA. Extra bed 3,000 f CFA. Breakfast 2,500 f CFA. Lunch or dinner 6,000 f CFA.
 * Hotel Campement de Porga, (229) 23 82 20 39 Reservations can also be made at Hotel Tata Somba in Natitingou, Benin: Hotel Tata Somba Address: B.P. 04; Natitingou, Benin; Afrique de l’Ouest (West Africa)
 * Hotel Campement de Porga, (229) 23 82 20 39 Reservations can also be made at Hotel Tata Somba in Natitingou, Benin: Hotel Tata Somba Address: B.P. 04; Natitingou, Benin; Afrique de l’Ouest (West Africa)

 * Campement Relais de Tanongou. Reservations can be made at Hotel Tata Somba in Natitingou. The information below is for Hotel Tata Somba Address: B.P. 04; Natitingou. Telephone: +(229) 23 82 11 24 or +(229) 23 82 20 99 or +(229) 23 82 22 00. Bungalow 9,000 f CFA. Extra bed 2,000 f CFA. Lunch or dinner 6,000 f CFA

title: Natitingou


text:
Natividade

Natividade is a city in the Brazilian state of Tocantins. It was founded in the 18th century by miners from the city of Goias.

Get in
218 Km from Palmas and 637km from Brasilia

See

 * Old Governor's Palace
 * Ruins of the Church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário dos Negros - built in stone but never finished.
 * Mining tunnels excavated by slaves in the district of Príncipe.

Events

 * Romaria do Senhor do Bonfim - 6 to 17 August - A traditional Christian procession that gathers 60 thousand worshippers every year and takes place at the nearby village of Bonfim.
 * Festa de Nossa Senhora da Natividade - From 30 August to 8 September.

Go next

 * Jalapão

title: Natividade


text:
Natuna Islands

The Natuna Islands (Kepulauan Natuna) are an archipelago of 272 islands, forming the Natuna Regency (Kabupaten Natuna) of Indonesia's Riau Islands province. The islands are in the South China Sea, about halfway between Peninsular Malaysia's East Coast and the island of Borneo.

Regions

 * Great Natuna (Natuna Besar) — Often referred to simply as Natuna, this is by far the largest island in the archipelago, and the main centre for trade and transportation.
 * Serasan — An island district (kecamatan) that comprises several small islands in which are closer to Sarawak and West Kalimantan.
 * Subi Island — First destination from Lampa Strait Port before hopping to Serasan and Pontianak. Comprises remote beach and island such as Karang Aji Island

Other destinations

 * . Northernmost island district/kecamatan in Regency with long pier on its Port. If there's no transportation activities, local often use the pier for fishing.

History
The first recorded mention of the Natuna Islands dates back to a visit by Chinese monk-explorer I-Tsing in 671 AD. In 1597, Sultan Abdul Jalil Shah III of Johor claimed the islands, which were already settled by this time. In 1824, the Dutch and British signed a treaty which carved the Johor Sultanate into three parts: Johor proper (now Malaysia), Singapore as the Straits Settlements, and Riau-Lingga Sultanate as a sphere of Dutch influence. During Riau-Lingga Kingdom, each of the islands were ruled by one Datok Kaya, except Great Natuna, which was ruled by two.

After the King of Riau-Lingga was forced to exile to Singapore in 1911, Natuna Islands became part of the Dutch division of Pulau Tudjuh ("Seven Islands") together with the other island groups between Riau and Sumatra, namely the Anambas, Tambelan and Badas Islands. This split carried over into independent Indonesia, but in 1999 Tambelas and Badas were moved into Bintan and in 2008 Anambas became its own regency.

In 2007, a Marine Protected Area (MPA) was declared around the Natuna Islands. Alas, enforcement has been minimal and rampant overfishing continues, further complicated by a territorial squabble with China over fishing rights at the northernmost tip of the area.

People
The 2000 census stated that, at least, almost 86% or 85,27% people in Natuna Regency registered as people with Malay ethnicity. 6,34% of the whole Natuna Regency population comes from Java and 2,52% of them are people with Chinese background. From people with Malay background, several can be broken down into some regions such as Terengganu, Pattani, Batam, Bintan, and plenty other Malay from mainland Sumatra.

Climate
Located only a few degrees north of the equator, the Natuna Islands are tropical, hot and humid throughout the year. October to December is the rainy season, when it's frequently overcast for days, while February to April is the driest period.

Talk
Indonesian is the main language of the islands. Plenty of Terengganu and Pattani people came over here for decades so knowledge of Malay is helpful for travelling around the regency. Few locals understand English.

Get in
The Natuna Islands are a long way from anywhere, so the vast majority of visitors arrive by plane.

By plane

 * Flights from Sriwijaya or Nam Air operate with 12:30 departure and 13:45 arrival on Thursday and 11:50 departure and 13:05 arrival on Saturday. No flights operated on Sunday.

By boat

 * Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there are uncertainties in MV's departure schedule. However, MV Bukit Raya's February 2021 schedule and June 2021 schedule was as follows: Priok Cape/Tanjung Priok North Jakarta, departed on Thursday (11/2) at 23.00 ≫ Belinyu Bangka Island, arrived on Friday (12/2) at 03.00, departed at 04.00 ≫ Batam, arrived on Saturday (13/2) at 22.00, departed at 24.00 ≫ Letung Jemaja, arrived on Sunday (14/2) at 14.00, departed at 15.00 ≫ Tarempa Anambas, arrived at 19.00, departed at 20.00 ≫ Natuna, arrived on Monday (15/2) at 07.00, departed at 09.00 ≫ Midai, arrived at 13.00, departed at 14.00 ≫ Serasan, arrived at 21.00, departed at 22.00 ≫ Pontianak, arrived on Tuesday (16/2) at 12.00  Pontianak, departed on Sunday (13/6) at 20.00 ≫ Serasan, arrived on Monday (14/6) at 10.00, departed at 11.00 ≫ Natuna, arrived on Tuesday (15/6) at 00.00, departed at 01.00 ≫ Tarempa Anambas, arrived at 11.00, departed at 12.00 ≫ Letung Jemaja, arrived at 16.00, departed at 17.00 ≫ Batam, arrived on Wednesday (16/6) at 06.00.  Any attempt to book the ticket should be made to official website of PELNI and contact them through WhatsApp line on +62-811-1621-162
 * Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there are uncertainties in MV's departure schedule. However, MV Bukit Raya's February 2021 schedule and June 2021 schedule was as follows: Priok Cape/Tanjung Priok North Jakarta, departed on Thursday (11/2) at 23.00 ≫ Belinyu Bangka Island, arrived on Friday (12/2) at 03.00, departed at 04.00 ≫ Batam, arrived on Saturday (13/2) at 22.00, departed at 24.00 ≫ Letung Jemaja, arrived on Sunday (14/2) at 14.00, departed at 15.00 ≫ Tarempa Anambas, arrived at 19.00, departed at 20.00 ≫ Natuna, arrived on Monday (15/2) at 07.00, departed at 09.00 ≫ Midai, arrived at 13.00, departed at 14.00 ≫ Serasan, arrived at 21.00, departed at 22.00 ≫ Pontianak, arrived on Tuesday (16/2) at 12.00  Pontianak, departed on Sunday (13/6) at 20.00 ≫ Serasan, arrived on Monday (14/6) at 10.00, departed at 11.00 ≫ Natuna, arrived on Tuesday (15/6) at 00.00, departed at 01.00 ≫ Tarempa Anambas, arrived at 11.00, departed at 12.00 ≫ Letung Jemaja, arrived at 16.00, departed at 17.00 ≫ Batam, arrived on Wednesday (16/6) at 06.00.  Any attempt to book the ticket should be made to official website of PELNI and contact them through WhatsApp line on +62-811-1621-162
 * Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there are uncertainties in MV's departure schedule. However, MV Bukit Raya's February 2021 schedule and June 2021 schedule was as follows: Priok Cape/Tanjung Priok North Jakarta, departed on Thursday (11/2) at 23.00 ≫ Belinyu Bangka Island, arrived on Friday (12/2) at 03.00, departed at 04.00 ≫ Batam, arrived on Saturday (13/2) at 22.00, departed at 24.00 ≫ Letung Jemaja, arrived on Sunday (14/2) at 14.00, departed at 15.00 ≫ Tarempa Anambas, arrived at 19.00, departed at 20.00 ≫ Natuna, arrived on Monday (15/2) at 07.00, departed at 09.00 ≫ Midai, arrived at 13.00, departed at 14.00 ≫ Serasan, arrived at 21.00, departed at 22.00 ≫ Pontianak, arrived on Tuesday (16/2) at 12.00  Pontianak, departed on Sunday (13/6) at 20.00 ≫ Serasan, arrived on Monday (14/6) at 10.00, departed at 11.00 ≫ Natuna, arrived on Tuesday (15/6) at 00.00, departed at 01.00 ≫ Tarempa Anambas, arrived at 11.00, departed at 12.00 ≫ Letung Jemaja, arrived at 16.00, departed at 17.00 ≫ Batam, arrived on Wednesday (16/6) at 06.00.  Any attempt to book the ticket should be made to official website of PELNI and contact them through WhatsApp line on +62-811-1621-162
 * Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there are uncertainties in MV's departure schedule. However, MV Bukit Raya's February 2021 schedule and June 2021 schedule was as follows: Priok Cape/Tanjung Priok North Jakarta, departed on Thursday (11/2) at 23.00 ≫ Belinyu Bangka Island, arrived on Friday (12/2) at 03.00, departed at 04.00 ≫ Batam, arrived on Saturday (13/2) at 22.00, departed at 24.00 ≫ Letung Jemaja, arrived on Sunday (14/2) at 14.00, departed at 15.00 ≫ Tarempa Anambas, arrived at 19.00, departed at 20.00 ≫ Natuna, arrived on Monday (15/2) at 07.00, departed at 09.00 ≫ Midai, arrived at 13.00, departed at 14.00 ≫ Serasan, arrived at 21.00, departed at 22.00 ≫ Pontianak, arrived on Tuesday (16/2) at 12.00  Pontianak, departed on Sunday (13/6) at 20.00 ≫ Serasan, arrived on Monday (14/6) at 10.00, departed at 11.00 ≫ Natuna, arrived on Tuesday (15/6) at 00.00, departed at 01.00 ≫ Tarempa Anambas, arrived at 11.00, departed at 12.00 ≫ Letung Jemaja, arrived at 16.00, departed at 17.00 ≫ Batam, arrived on Wednesday (16/6) at 06.00.  Any attempt to book the ticket should be made to official website of PELNI and contact them through WhatsApp line on +62-811-1621-162

Get around
From Strait of Lampa, in the main harbour, you can get a small boat to Sabang Mawang Island, Kumbik Island or Sedanau Island for Rp15,000-20,000, where you can stay on a simple guest house. The trip takes a half hour.

In Bunguran Island, there is a share car, 1 hr. There is an immigration office in Ranai where you can extend your visa.

There is no public transportation on the island, but you can either rent a bicycle, motorcycle (sepeda motor or just motor in Indonesian or motosikal in Malay), or a car in Ranai. Most islands in Natuna Islands are accessible by motorcycle or petrol powered scooter.

Buy
Exchange some Indonesian rupiah before coming to Natuna, since while there are some banks in the islands, exchange rates will be very poor.

Eat
The locals will introduce you to try kernas meatball, a meatball made from mixture of sago grains and tuna fish. The sambal will be provided in different dish/plate.

Budget

 * Pulau Sabang Mawang: From Strait of Lampa you can ask to drop at Sabang Mawang Balai, where there is a Abdul Ghafur Home Stay, (Rp50,000, 2017), a warm family, with no english speaker.
 * In Sabang Mawang Barat, there is a guest house for Rp50,000.
 * Pulau Kumbik has two guest house, Rainbow guest house (Rp50,000, 2017), on the harbour, another a few meters from there.
 * In Sabang Mawang Barat, there is a guest house for Rp50,000.
 * Pulau Kumbik has two guest house, Rainbow guest house (Rp50,000, 2017), on the harbour, another a few meters from there.

Stay healthy
Don't expect to find good hospital here since Natuna is far from any metropolitan city in Indonesia. But, if you are Indonesian and you bring BPJS, you can come to all of Puskesmas/Government Clinics in every village/desa or Island District/kecamatan free without charge around M-F at 06.00 to 10.30. Make sure that you bring your own BPJS card and your BPJS status is active.

Not every government clinics have their own "24 hours service". But, if they do, make sure you come after 14:00 and bring Rp20,000 to Rp30,000 for registration

Respect
Riding motorcycle outside Great Natuna/Bunguran Island, especially in small islands, with 30 km/h speed can be considered as rude gesture. Make sure you ride your motorcycle for at least 20 km/h. 20-30 km/h speed can still be tolerated.

Mobile phone and Internet
The main networks in Indonesia are Telkomsel, Indosat, XL, 3, and smartfren. Not all of these have good coverage for the Regency. For example, Indosat have 2G coverage only on Harapan Jaya Village in Central Bunguran district and have no coverage in West Bunguran district at all. In West Bunguran district, don't expect to have internet coverage there.

For travelling in Ranai Town and South Bunguran district, you may purchase Indonesian SIM card and ask about internet data at their official store in

Go next

 * Johor
 * Singapore
 * Karimun
 * Batam
 * Bintan
 * Anambas
 * Pontianak
 * Sarawak

title: Natuna Islands


text:
Natural Bridge Caverns

The Natural Bridge Caverns are in Texas, United States of America.

Understand
A few miles from San Antonio are the Natural Bridge Caverns, which are the largest commercial caverns in the state of Texas. Natural Bridge Caverns contains several geological formations including stalagmites, stalactites, and columns. There are seemingly bottomless pits and underground streams here that will capture your amazement. Guided tours of Natural Bridge Caverns are offered for a small fee, and while you are here check out the Wildlife Ranch and the Watchtower Challenge.

title: Natural Bridge Caverns