text:
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a vast wilderness area in Northeastern Minnesota, adjoining with Ontario's Quetico Provincial Park, famous for its array of over a thousand small-to-medium-sized lakes, and the wildlife they provide a home for. It is a well-known camping and canoeing destination.

History
The last glacial period dramatically altered the landscape in the region which now comprises northern Minnesota and Ontario, Canada, leaving behind innumerable lakes and streams surrounded by forest. The BWCAW is located in the northern third of the Superior National Forest in northeastern Minnesota.

The waterways were traveled by many Native American tribes, including Huron, Sioux, Chippewa and Cree, followed by the Dakota and the Ojibwe. Pictographs can be seen in multiple areas of the BWCAW to this day. In the 18th and 19th centuries, fur traders, the voyageurs or coureurs de bois, used the waterways for trade and transportation of furs. In the late 1800s to early 1900s, the area was heavily logged.

In 1909, President Theodore Roosevelt designated an area of approximately 1 million acres as the Superior National Forest. Over the next 50 years, the area was expanded and finally in 1964, the Wilderness Act designated the BWCA as a unit of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Finally, in 1978, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Act established the current regulations to protect and preserve the area.

Only two women have lived in the BWCAW. In 1964, Betty Ambrose and Dorothy Molter were allowed to stay in the wilderness, despite the Federal Wilderness Act, due to support from locals and then-senator Hubert Humphrey. Dorothy Molter was known as "The Root Beer Lady" and sold her home-made root beer to canoeists travelling through the Boundary Waters.

On July 4, 1999, severe thunderstorms with intense straight-line winds known as the Boundary Waters-Canadian Derecho caused serious damage to nearly 400,000 acres of forests in and around the BWCAW. The resulting blow-down has been managed by the forest service with proscribed burns, but has led to increased risk of forest fires in the affected areas.

Landscape
The BWCAW is composed of over 1 million acres of untouched boreal forests strewn with dramatic cliffs, rock outcroppings, and unforgettable vistas. While the climate may be the harshest found within the U.S. outside of Alaska, the experience will be one that is simply impossible to have anywhere else on earth. Thousands upon thousands of miles of water routes weaving in and out of one of the most lightly populated places on earth are open for the taking. No motored vehicles or boats are allowed within the parameters of the wilderness area. It features the largest boreal forest east of the Rocky Mountains.

Flora and fauna
Roughly 85 percent of the BWCAW is coniferous forest composed of white and red pine, spruce, jack pine, cedar, and hemlock. The other 15 percent of the area is deciduous trees such as paper birch, yellow birch, poplar, upland maple, and tamarack (considered a conifer by some, but actually deciduous). Numerous wild flowers, mushrooms, and other fungi dot the forest floor.

Climate
Unpredictable. One constant is the perilously long frigid winters. An important note to the stability of this wilderness's survival is the constant thickness of its lake ice throughout the winters. Four to seven feet of lake ice is common from winter to winter with the number of subzero days (that is days within a 365-day year the temperature dips below 0°F/-18°C) averaging around 90°F (32°C). Snow can fall at any month of the year and is actually highest around the months of March and April. Minnesota's state record low of -60°F (-51°C) was officially reported in Tower, just south of the BWCAW. However many feel that temperatures could be as much as 10°F colder within some of the top ridges of the Laurention Highlands which seemingly bisect the BWCAW. Without any records taken from within the BWCAW this has yet to be proven. Average winter snowfall in the area can be as high as 150 inches (381 cm) atop the ridges of the Superior highlands off the shore of Lake Superior with about 75-90 inches (190-229 cm) of snowfall being the norm throughout the rest of the BWCAW. Summers are short and generally cool with offshore breezes from Lake Superior dramatically cooling areas near the shore. Temperatures can be as much as 25°F cooler near the coast opposed to inland areas. Summer temperatures rarely exceed 90°F (32°C) but if they do, consider yourself blessed and swim at every opportunity. Summer weather lasts from mid June to mid August. Generally the first significant snowfall (2 in/5 cm or more) occurs in early October. Lakes tend to freeze to a walkable thickness (4 in/10 cm) by late October. The average yearly temperature ranges from 29-36°F. One reason for this cold climate is that it is centered in the North American continent. The closest ocean inlet is the Hudson Bay which is frozen for 70 percent of the time. Due to thin acidic soil and the climate, agriculture would not only be impractical but nearly impossible. Forests cover over 99% of dry land and the rest of the region is composed of 40% water.

Get in
Ely is the main western entry point to the BWCAW while Grand Marais on the North Shore of Minnesota is the eastern point of entry. Both towns have numerous outfitters where you can reserve canoes/kayaks, often in advance. Outfitters can also help plan your trip route. They often conveniently drop your canoes off at a preferred starting point nearby (e.g. Moose Lake) and arrange to pick them up at the conclusion of your trip. Other options include a motorboat transport of you and your equipment further into the park (only some lakes allow motors) to give you a jump-start on escaping civilization. There is also the possibility of drop off and pick up in different places to allow for a linear rather than circular trip route. Check to make sure which services are offered before you book. You can also drive your car out to the lake where you want to start - there is usually ample parking available. All day and overnight trips into BWCAW require permits.

Fees and permits
Camping permits and fees (both U.S. and Canadian trips): camping permits, which control your entry date and location must be reserved for your party. The Forest Service fee for each permit issued is $12. You will also be required to pay a USFS User Fee of $16 per adult and $5 per youth per trip. Plan as much in advance as possible as the number of entries is restricted.

Canada requires a Remote Area Border Crossing form to be applied for before you go. The cost is 30 Canadian dollars per application. It takes about a month to get it, so make sure you plan accordingly. The permit is good for 1 year.

Get around
With no roads in the area, the only practical form of transportation is by boat or plane. With portages frequently necessary to get from one lake to another, canoes and kayaks are the only watercraft capable of reaching many of the lakes; regulations prohibiting motorboats on most lakes limit their range even further.

Do
The main attraction in the BWCAW is the wilderness itself. But you won't be disappointed. Peaceful, beautiful, and serene, the BWCAW area is famous and is a great opportunity to experience the unique natural setting of northern Minnesota. You can easily spend 4-5 days canoeing, portaging, and camping throughout the region's numerous lakes and islands. Even during the height of summer travel season, you're unlikely to encounter more than a handful of fellow campers on your trip. It is a true wilderness experience. Occasionally, the aurora borealis (Northern Lights) are visible. And due to the relative geographic isolation, the BWCAW is almost always a great place to stargaze. The lakes are amazingly peaceful and clean. The fishing varies from lake to lake but is generally pretty good (be sure to get a permit beforehand), and it's generally safe to swim. There's always something new to discover as you move from lake to lake.

Buy
There are no stores to purchase supplies in the BWCAW, so get your shopping done before you leave Ely or Grand Marais.

Eat
There are no locations to buy food once you leave the shore, so all food must be brought in with you; accordingly, all trash must be carried out. "Leave no trace" principles should be followed in food planning. Cans and glass bottles are not allowed. Most travelers bring freeze-dried foods with considerations given to reducing packaging and weight, as all supplies must be carried if the trip involves portaging from one lake to another. A camp stove is typically needed. While fire grates are present on all campsites, there are times when rain makes campfires difficult (although never impossible to those with skill and determination). Conversely, dry weather conditions will sometimes prompt a campfire ban. The US Forest Service recommends camp stove cooking as it has less impact on the area.

An outfitter or sports store with a good wilderness camping section can be very helpful in recommending foods and supplies needed for a trip of any length. Alternately, most outfitters offer a full outfitting package which will supply all requisite food and equipment for your trip. The internet abounds with BWCAW enthusiast websites full of recipes, recommendations and tips regarding menu planning for wilderness trips.

For many travelers, the opportunity to catch one's own dinner is a major highlight of a BWCAW trip. There is no restaurant that can capture the experience of sitting by the campfire under a cloudless evening sky, eating freshly-caught lake trout and listening to the lonely call of loons.

Drink
Naturally, water is available in almost all of the boundary waters area, but it should be filtered before drinking as a precaution. Iodine makes for a great method of disinfecting the water.

Lodging
While there are no structures available inside BWCAW or its northern neighbor, Quetico Provincial Park, there are several options for both drive-in and fly-in accommodations on gateway lakes or neighboring lakes which allow access to the park interior. These vary widely from minimal amenity cabins to resort-like accommodations and are good options for those who would like to experience the wilderness but are unsure about a full wilderness camping adventure. This may also be a good option for those with mobility issues or young children. Resorts will typically provide outfitting for day trips or even overnight trips into the park. The boundary lakes typically see higher traffic than the park interior.

Camping
Unreserved campsites are available on most lakes in the BWCAW and are usually marked on area maps. They are generally close to the lakes (right on the shore) and provide a convenient place to store your canoes overnight. Rudimentary toilet facilities are usually located a short distance from the campsites and are generally marked by a path. There is a maximum size of groups in the Boundary Waters of 9 and no more than 4 watercraft.

Stay safe
Mosquito populations are high in this area. The use of insect repellent is (strongly!) recommended. (However, dragonfly populations are also high. It is a thing of beauty to watch the feast that ensues when a pack of dragonflies descends on the mosquitoes annoying you at your campsite.) Additionally the only way out other than boating is by puddle jumper (i.e. small airplane) which is typically only used in emergency situations. Standard radio frequencies are monitored by park rangers and several other base locations, so it is recommended to carry a radio transmitter. The area is inhabited by bears. They are unlikely to bother you if you stick to the campsites and trails, but a "bear-bag" should be used when you camp as a precaution - having your food stolen in the BWCAW is not a good thing!

Go next
At the east end of the Boundary Waters lies Lake Superior, which contains Isle Royale, another secluded wilderness area with paddling and hiking opportunities, accessible by ferry from Grand Portage. If you're driving back to the Twin Cities, scenic Duluth is just a short detour from your trip back to civilization and has an interesting lakefront area with plenty of unique shopping and restaurants.

title: Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness


text:
Bourail

Bourail is a small town in New Caledonia on the island of Grande Terre.

Do

 * Poe Beach 15 km from the village
 * Bay Gouaro, Tribe Gouaro 9 km from the village
 * The Turtle Bay and The Bay of Love 8 km from the village
 * The range of the Roche Percee 7 km from the village
 * Beach and La Pointe Nessadiou vidoir 10 km from the village
 * Poe Beach 15 km from the village
 * Bay Gouaro, Tribe Gouaro 9 km from the village
 * The Turtle Bay and The Bay of Love 8 km from the village
 * The range of the Roche Percee 7 km from the village
 * Beach and La Pointe Nessadiou vidoir 10 km from the village

Eat

 * Gîte Nekweta, Stephanie and Manu La Roche Percee, tel: +687 43 23 26, +687 78 40 26, info@nekweta.com . Open to all reservation. Set in a tropical garden, enjoy a relaxing round a fireplace built into the deck by deck, before enjoying a cuisine based on fresh local products. Menu meat (venison, beef, pork or poultry) or Menu exotic fish (yellowfin tuna, parrot ...) by supply. 3150 CFP dinner (appetizer, main course and dessert). 2415 CFP lunch (main course, dessert). 1050 CFP breakfast. Half price for children 3 to 10 years.
 * Gîte Nekweta, Stephanie and Manu La Roche Percee, tel: +687 43 23 26, +687 78 40 26, info@nekweta.com . Open to all reservation. Set in a tropical garden, enjoy a relaxing round a fireplace built into the deck by deck, before enjoying a cuisine based on fresh local products. Menu meat (venison, beef, pork or poultry) or Menu exotic fish (yellowfin tuna, parrot ...) by supply. 3150 CFP dinner (appetizer, main course and dessert). 2415 CFP lunch (main course, dessert). 1050 CFP breakfast. Half price for children 3 to 10 years.
 * Gîte Nekweta, Stephanie and Manu La Roche Percee, tel: +687 43 23 26, +687 78 40 26, info@nekweta.com . Open to all reservation. Set in a tropical garden, enjoy a relaxing round a fireplace built into the deck by deck, before enjoying a cuisine based on fresh local products. Menu meat (venison, beef, pork or poultry) or Menu exotic fish (yellowfin tuna, parrot ...) by supply. 3150 CFP dinner (appetizer, main course and dessert). 2415 CFP lunch (main course, dessert). 1050 CFP breakfast. Half price for children 3 to 10 years.
 * Gîte Nekweta, Stephanie and Manu La Roche Percee, tel: +687 43 23 26, +687 78 40 26, info@nekweta.com . Open to all reservation. Set in a tropical garden, enjoy a relaxing round a fireplace built into the deck by deck, before enjoying a cuisine based on fresh local products. Menu meat (venison, beef, pork or poultry) or Menu exotic fish (yellowfin tuna, parrot ...) by supply. 3150 CFP dinner (appetizer, main course and dessert). 2415 CFP lunch (main course, dessert). 1050 CFP breakfast. Half price for children 3 to 10 years.
 * Gîte Nekweta, Stephanie and Manu La Roche Percee, tel: +687 43 23 26, +687 78 40 26, info@nekweta.com . Open to all reservation. Set in a tropical garden, enjoy a relaxing round a fireplace built into the deck by deck, before enjoying a cuisine based on fresh local products. Menu meat (venison, beef, pork or poultry) or Menu exotic fish (yellowfin tuna, parrot ...) by supply. 3150 CFP dinner (appetizer, main course and dessert). 2415 CFP lunch (main course, dessert). 1050 CFP breakfast. Half price for children 3 to 10 years.
 * Gîte Nekweta, Stephanie and Manu La Roche Percee, tel: +687 43 23 26, +687 78 40 26, info@nekweta.com . Open to all reservation. Set in a tropical garden, enjoy a relaxing round a fireplace built into the deck by deck, before enjoying a cuisine based on fresh local products. Menu meat (venison, beef, pork or poultry) or Menu exotic fish (yellowfin tuna, parrot ...) by supply. 3150 CFP dinner (appetizer, main course and dessert). 2415 CFP lunch (main course, dessert). 1050 CFP breakfast. Half price for children 3 to 10 years.
 * Gîte Nekweta, Stephanie and Manu La Roche Percee, tel: +687 43 23 26, +687 78 40 26, info@nekweta.com . Open to all reservation. Set in a tropical garden, enjoy a relaxing round a fireplace built into the deck by deck, before enjoying a cuisine based on fresh local products. Menu meat (venison, beef, pork or poultry) or Menu exotic fish (yellowfin tuna, parrot ...) by supply. 3150 CFP dinner (appetizer, main course and dessert). 2415 CFP lunch (main course, dessert). 1050 CFP breakfast. Half price for children 3 to 10 years.
 * Gîte Nekweta, Stephanie and Manu La Roche Percee, tel: +687 43 23 26, +687 78 40 26, info@nekweta.com . Open to all reservation. Set in a tropical garden, enjoy a relaxing round a fireplace built into the deck by deck, before enjoying a cuisine based on fresh local products. Menu meat (venison, beef, pork or poultry) or Menu exotic fish (yellowfin tuna, parrot ...) by supply. 3150 CFP dinner (appetizer, main course and dessert). 2415 CFP lunch (main course, dessert). 1050 CFP breakfast. Half price for children 3 to 10 years.
 * Gîte Nekweta, Stephanie and Manu La Roche Percee, tel: +687 43 23 26, +687 78 40 26, info@nekweta.com . Open to all reservation. Set in a tropical garden, enjoy a relaxing round a fireplace built into the deck by deck, before enjoying a cuisine based on fresh local products. Menu meat (venison, beef, pork or poultry) or Menu exotic fish (yellowfin tuna, parrot ...) by supply. 3150 CFP dinner (appetizer, main course and dessert). 2415 CFP lunch (main course, dessert). 1050 CFP breakfast. Half price for children 3 to 10 years.
 * Gîte Nekweta, Stephanie and Manu La Roche Percee, tel: +687 43 23 26, +687 78 40 26, info@nekweta.com . Open to all reservation. Set in a tropical garden, enjoy a relaxing round a fireplace built into the deck by deck, before enjoying a cuisine based on fresh local products. Menu meat (venison, beef, pork or poultry) or Menu exotic fish (yellowfin tuna, parrot ...) by supply. 3150 CFP dinner (appetizer, main course and dessert). 2415 CFP lunch (main course, dessert). 1050 CFP breakfast. Half price for children 3 to 10 years.
 * Gîte Nekweta, Stephanie and Manu La Roche Percee, tel: +687 43 23 26, +687 78 40 26, info@nekweta.com . Open to all reservation. Set in a tropical garden, enjoy a relaxing round a fireplace built into the deck by deck, before enjoying a cuisine based on fresh local products. Menu meat (venison, beef, pork or poultry) or Menu exotic fish (yellowfin tuna, parrot ...) by supply. 3150 CFP dinner (appetizer, main course and dessert). 2415 CFP lunch (main course, dessert). 1050 CFP breakfast. Half price for children 3 to 10 years.

Markets

 * Market Bourail Denise Velayoudon, tél : +687 44 13 36, covered market on the outskirts of town, every Saturday morning, fruit and seasonal vegetables, honey, syrups, jams, cakes, dishes, flowers, plants.

Sleep

 * Patrick Bertolotti, tél : +687 41 28 78, campingdepoe@lagoon.nc. Glass-bottom boat, 2000 CFP per person, half price for children, based on 4 people minimum, 15 people max. Remember to take your fins, mask and snorkel. Watercraft: 5000 CFP half-hour, 8000 CFP per hour.

Connect
You can call the tourism center on +687 46.46.12

or send an email at: bourailtourisme@mls.nc

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

title: Bourail


text:
Bourbon

Bourbon is a city in Central Missouri.

title: Bourbon


text:
Bourbonnais

Bourbonnais is a village in Kankakee County, in the Chicagoland region of Illinois.

By public transit
If you are coming from Chicago, you can take Metra's Electric District Line to University Park Station, then transfer to the University Park bus run by River Valley Metro. The bus fare is $2 each way and the ride takes about forty minutes. Buses run fairly frequently Monday through Friday. Buses run every two hours between 7AM and 9PM on Saturday. However, there are only four trips on Sunday between 8:52AM and 4:07PM. The bus stops at the transit center at East 5000N road and route 50. You can then transfer to the number 10 or 11 bus to continue your trip.

By bus
River Valley Metro (+1 815-937-4287) has two routes that serve Bourbonnais: 10 and 11. Buses run M-F 5AM – 10:30PM, Sa 7AM – 10:30PM, Su holidays 8AM – 5PM. The fare is $1 and buses run every hour.

See
Bourbonnais is the home of Olivet Nazarene University. It was once the summer training camp for the Chicago Bears.

Do

 * Kankakee River State Park is just outside the city limits.

Buy

 * Northfield Square Mall is in nearby Bradley.

Learn

 * Olivet Nazarene University
 * Kankakee Area Career Center

Sleep
There are no hotels in Bourbonnais. Bradley, however, does have several hotels, as does the city of Kankakee.

Go next

 * Bradley
 * Kankakee
 * Chicago

title: Bourbonnais


text:
Bourges

Bourges is a city in the region of Centre-Val de Loire, France, with around 65,000 inhabitants.

Get in
Bourges is accessible by train from Paris Austerlitz in about 1 hour 45 minutes, or on the A71 motorway from Paris via Orleans.

Get around
Most parking in the historic centre is metered. However, there are large free car parks just outside the centre if you're prepared to make a 5-minute walk. The historic centre is small enough to walk around, and that's definitely the best way to see it.

See
The Cathedral of St Etienne, a UNESCO heritage site, dates from about 1200-1255. It's an exceptionally fine and most original work of French Gothic, with double aisles and an immensely high nave. It has preserved almost all the original stained glass of its ambulatory, and some of the high windows of the choir. There are also some lovely later windows in the side chapels. The crypt and towers can be visited for an extra charge.

The Palais de Jacques Coeur was built from 1443-1450 by Jacques Coeur, the richest man in France and banker to Charles VII. It's a flamboyant work, highly decorated and punctuated by stair turrets and towers just like the castles in the Tres Riches Heures du Duc de Berry - another Bourges inhabitant. The interior can only be visited on a guided tour, for which a charge is made.

The Marais, to the north of the historic centre, is an area of allotment gardens divided by canals. A walk all the way round will take you 2–3 hours and give you excellent views of the cathedral. Go at a weekend and you'll probably see some of the gardeners punting through the canals to their plots.

The whole city is full of lovely houses, some in half timber, others in the light stone that is characteristic of Bourges. Rue Bourbonnoux and Rue Coursalon are particularly worth visiting.

Palais des Echevins / Musee Esteve is another medieval mansion which borrows its vocabulary from the Palais Jacques Coeur, built 40 years earlier.

Musee de Berry - a free museum of local traditions, in another medieval mansion.

Musee des Meilleurs Ouvriers de France - this museum, opposite the cathedral, displays works of craftsmanship which have been made for the MOF diploma. Free entry, and worth a look.

Do
Take a boat trip round the Marais.

You can go to the 'Plan d'eau' which is an artificial lake to have a 6 km-walk. It's also possible to use your bicycle or rollers around it on a lane separated from the road - it's relatively flat.

In April, there is a music festival called 'Le Printemps de Bourges' where, during around 1 week, around 30 "official" concerts (prices varies) are given in the city (in several places, sometimes at the same time). The programme may be fetched in early March. During this period, most of the pubs and bars also have bands playing (for free) and the whole city gets a lot of animation.

Buy
Most shops are located in the centre of the town localized by rue Moyenne.

One of the specialties of Bourges is the Forestines which is a kind of candy. You can find such in the 'Maison de la Forestine' (in rue Moyenne).

Eat
Warning! Almost everything is closed on Sunday, though you will find a couple of pizza restaurants in Place Gordaine.

Place Gordaine and the area by the market has cheap shawarma, couscous, and a number of French restaurants. More chi-chi places and a fine Breton creperie can be found on Rue Bourbonnoux.

Drink
Bourges offers some traditional "Irish" pubs such as:

More bistrots includes :
 * Le Guillotin,
 * Café Bazar,
 * La Pleine Lune,
 * Les 3 Petits Cochons.

Sleep
A fine chambre d'hotes is 'Les Bonnets Rouges', not far from the cathedral and just off rue Bourbonnoux.

If you are arriving by car, some cheap hotels are located by the highway entrance.

A 3-star hotel in the historical center is 'Hotel d'Angleterre', at around 100 m from the rue Moyenne.

title: Bourges


text:
Bourg-Saint-Maurice

Bourg-Saint-Maurice is a town in the French Alps. It is at the foot of the Les Arcs skiing area, a group of pistes which can be found just below the Aiguille Rouge summit. In the summer, hiking and white water sports are available: the town was host to the ICF White Water Championships in 1969, 1987 and 2002.

The town of 7,300 people (2017) provides varied accommodation with cinema, two swimming pools, and an international train station. There is also a new high speed, high traffic link to La Plagne.

Get in
Bourg-Saint-Maurice's train station is served by TGV and local train services all year round. In addition, during the winter season Eurostars run direct from London (£225 return), and Thalys trains from other parts of Europe.

Flying in, the nearest airports are Geneva (2 hours by car; 4 by trains) and Lyon (4 hours by car; 5 by coach; 4 by train). Budget airlines operate to both airports, with lots of services during the winter season.

The town can be accessed by road via the N90 road, although the use of cars in the town is being discouraged.

Get around
Some bus services are available for getting around in the village; some of these are free, others require fares. There's a free shuttle bus that services Bourg-Saint-Maurice. More info and timetables here.

The pistes are well served by ski lifts and cable cars. To get to the slopes in Les Arcs, free shuttle buses run from the town to the bottom of the ski lifts; these operate 07:30-19:30. For access from Bourg-Saint-Maurice to Arc 1600, there is also a funicular railway that is a lot quicker than taking the bus. The bottom station is near Bourg-Saint-Maurice train station. In summer 2022, the funicular is closed due to maintanance work (take the bus instead). More info and timetables here.

The whitewater course is in the centre of the town.

See
Mount Blanc can be seen from the town, and hiked to during the summer. Of course, the natural views of the Alps are always spectacular.

The town's whitewater course is one of the training grounds of choice for European national teams.

Winter sports
The Les Arcs skiing area is renowned for the quality of both piste, and off-piste runs. The pistes, put into the groups of the Arcs 1600, 1800, 1950 and 2000, together provide 420 km of piste skiing and snowboarding, between altitudes of 810-3,800 m. The majority of runs are more suited to the beginner and intermediate. All of them are easily accessible by cable car or ski lift, with free buses taking skiers back to the town at the end of the day.

Summer sports
The town's world renowned whitewater course was rebuilt after a devastating flood in 1996 destroyed much of the course. It has hosted the International Canoeing Federation's World Championships in 1969, 1987 and 2002.

Hiking is also a popular sport; Mount Blanc is very close to the resort, as are several other peaks.

The area is very suitable for cycling (ATB as well as road cycling). There's a smooth cycling path along the Isère river.

Entertainment
The town has a cinema, two swimming pools (one indoor and one outdoor) and several shopping outlets. It is the largest town for some distance away; for more advanced needs Geneva and Lyon are the nearest cities.

Buy
Ski equipment purchase and rental is available in the winter; hiking and kayaking equipment purchase and rental in the summer.

On Saturdays, there is a market where locally grown vegetables, fruit and other produce are sold.

Eat
There are several restaurants available in the town, with lots of tastes catered for.

Drink
There are also several bars in the town.

Sleep
There are several hotels, apartment rentals and chalets available. These range from cheap and cheerful to 4-star.

Go next
Bourg-Saint-Maurice is the largest town for some distance. If greater needs are required, Geneva is 2 hours by car, 4 by train; Lyon is 4 hours by car, 5 by coach and 4 by train. Chambery is 2 hours by train.

title: Bourg-Saint-Maurice


text:
Bourke

Bourke is a town in Northwestern New South Wales, about 140 km south of the Queensland border. It has a population of 1,699 (2021). This article also covers North Bourke, a smaller settlement a few kilometres to the north.

Understand
Back of Bourke is Australian slang for the middle of nowhere. If you head north west from Sydney you'll have no difficulty understanding the origins of the slang. However, Bourke is a service town for a large surrounding area.

Historically, Bourke is another remnant of the grand vision the Australian European pioneers had for opening up the inland of Australia. Bourke was even (briefly) an inland port on the Murray Darling, as steamer companies set up business along the Murray, shipping agricultural produce down to Adelaide. The steamer companies soon lost money because of snags, water levels, and the general lack of suitability of the Darling as an inland waterway for shipping. You can still see the wharf in Bourke.

Get in
Airlink fly to Bourke from Dubbo. Flights to Dubbo are available from Sydney and some other regional locations.

NSW TrainLink have a daily train service to Dubbo from Sydney connecting with a bus service to Bourke. The trip will take a full day's travel.

Get around
You can hire a car in Bourke, but none of the majors operate here.

See
Bourke is situated on the Darling River.

Go next

 * Hungerford and Currawinya National Park.
 * Brewarrina is only a few minutes east, home to the world's oldest human construction.

title: Bourke


text:
Bourne

Bourne is in Massachusetts on Cape Cod. The Cape Cod Canal runs through it. Bourne includes seven villages: Bournedale, Buzzards Bay, Cataumet, Monument Beach, Pocasset, Sagamore and Sagamore Beach. Bourne, settled in 1637, was incorporated in 1884 (before that it was part of Sandwich). The Bourne village of Buzzards Bay is home to Massachusetts Maritime Academy.

Understand
Bourne includes the villages of Bourne Village, Bournedale, Buzzards Bay, Cataumet, Gray Gables, Monument Beach, Pocasset, Sagamore and Sagamore Beach.
 * Sagamore Beach - See historic homes from the elevated beach vistas on the mainland side of the Canal.
 *  Sagamore - On the Cape-side of the Canal, Sagamore used to be home to a thriving car manufacturing company.

Get in
Bourne is about 1 hour from Boston and 1 hr 15 min from Providence, RI by highway.

 * From Boston take I-93 south.
 * From Providence or points south take I-95 north to I-195 to Route 25 south to the Bourne Bridge (I-495 also becomes Route 25).

Get around
Bicycling along the two service roads which parallel the canal on each side is possible, although a car is generally preferred.

Stay safe
Due to the often swift current in the Canal, swimming and scuba diving are prohibited. Sailing is also prohibited; any sailboats must furl their sails and use auxiliary power.

Go next
Day trips to other areas of Cape Cod or to Plymouth or Boston are good choices.

title: Bourne


text:
Bournemouth

Bournemouth is a seaside resort town in the county of Dorset on the south coast of England. Bournemouth is known for its popularity with pensioners and has many residential care homes due to its constant and warm weather (by English terms). However, it is still possible to find vibrant nightlife and youthful activities like watersports.

Understand
Bournemouth's spa magic has been revitalised and history is repeating itself. A century ago the cream of Victorian society including royalty flocked to Bournemouth's pine forest landscape of luxurious villas.

They were eager to sample the relaxing ambience of the town, breathe its healthy air, bathe in the pure seawater and unwind at leisure. In Tess of the D'Urbervilles Thomas Hardy generously described Bournemouth (alias Sandbourne) as "a Mediterranean lounging place on the English Channel". The aroma and perfume of the pine trees were considered health-giving and many a famous person came here to take advantage of it including J.R.R. Tolkien and D.H. Lawrence.

The first spa hotel was built in 1885: the Mont Dore Hotel (now Bournemouth's Town Hall). Apart from luxury rooms and tennis courts, the hotel also offered the Mont Dore cure which was said to be a healing water and could not be found anywhere else in England. Sea and pure water from the Bourne stream were pumped into the basement of the hotel to allow the additional luxury of soaking and perspiring in Turkish and salt baths.

Since then, Bournemouth has grown into a thriving seaside resort and many of the big hotels offer spa treatments of their own as well as spa and beauty boutiques peppered throughout the town centre catering for men and women.

The pine trees still exist and visitors can still stroll through Pine Walk in Bournemouth Gardens today to breathe in the healthy air. During the summer, the Pine Walk Open Air Art Exhibition is held here.

Bournemouth's growing population of students, gays and surfers have given it a more bohemian image than a typical south coast retirement town, leading to the nickname "BoMo".

Climate
Bournemouth is famous for its year-round mild and temperate climate. The warmest months are May to September which is when you will enjoy long, hot and sunny days. It can get very cold in the depths of winter though, and will sometimes reach temperatures below zero. Bournemouth's annual rainfall is well below the national average.

Visitor information

 * Bournemouth visitor information website

By car
Unless travelling from the South-West of England most journeys by road will be via the M27 which turns into the dual-carriageway A31 and passes through the New Forest. At Ringwood look for the (A338) Bournemouth exit.

Care is necessary when entering into Bournemouth on the Wessex Way as there are numerous speed cameras.

Only those with a penchant for long queues of congestion should think about arriving at mid-day/early afternoon on a warm and sunny day! It is strongly advised to either get there very early or even arrive the evening beforehand otherwise you will be sitting in traffic for a considerable length of time on the A31.

By train

CrossCountry trains from Manchester via Birmingham New Street terminate at Bournemouth and some trains arrive from other cities like Nottingham and Newcastle upon Tyne. Summer sees a wider variety of places linked directly to Bournemouth.

By bus
National Express bus from London Victoria direct (approx. 2½ hours).

By taxi
There are a couple of Bournmouth-based taxi companies providing long-distance transfers from major airports, towns, bus and rail stations to Bournemouth.

By plane

Bournemouth Airport has no train station however shuttle bus services operate.

You can fly to Southampton Airport and take the train into Bournemouth (35-45 min £12.50).

Get around
Bournemouth is small enough to walk around, but a local bus service operates frequently within the town centre.

The main bus operator is the "blue" More buses, whose routes extend over the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area. The main stops are at the rail station and the Square.

Taxis are available.

The station is a hike (10 or 15 minutes, uphill) from the centre, so consider transport.

Orientation
The Square is the name given to the open space where the Tourist Information office is, the main gardens are, the pier can be accessed, and the river Bourne empties (although it is not in fact particularly square). It is naturally the lowest point in central Bournemouth, so you can generally aim for it by walking downhill.

The main shopping area is due inland/north from the Square. Old Christchurch Road (note the 'Old') marks the upper limit of the main shopping area. Holdenhurst Road, leading from Old Christchurch Road to the station, is a student area of late-night takeaways. Christchurch Road (without the "Old") is a very long road leading out of the town centre to the town of the same name several miles to the west, with the Boscombe and Pokesdown strung along it.

West Cliff is the clifftop, seafront area overlooking the Square, where there is a collection of upmarket hotels and the International Centre.

The Triangle, Bournemouth's gay village and specialist shopping area, is up Commercial Road from the Square.

Further west is Westbourne, a very twee and cute area of boutiques and cafes, mostly along Seamoor Road, and its associated arcade. Popular with an older clientele, it is not particularly jumping at night.

West Bournemouth eventually merges with Poole. About halfway between them and worth a visit is Lower Parkstone, a small area of specialist shops and trendy eateries that resembles a mini-Brighton.

Boscombe, an up-and-coming suburb of Bournemouth is to the east which has pleasant Victorian architecture and a selection of shops and eateries. The O2 Academy and antique shops (particularly toward the Pokesdown end) are the main draws

See

Bournemouth is famous for its 7 miles of golden sandy beaches and clean seas. The beach has retained the international Blue Flag award status since it was introduced in 1996 and in 2011 also secured 4 Blue Flag awards for Alum Chine beach, Durley Chine beach, Fisherman’s Walk beach and Southbourne beach.

The Pier is almost in the middle of the beach and offers a small fair, boat trips, an arcade, a café/bar and some other shops.

Do

 * Football:
 * Cricket and bowls are played by a lot of locals and are easy to get involved in.
 * Swimming, windsurfing and kitesurfing are popular as is regular surfing to a lesser extent.
 * Football:
 * Cricket and bowls are played by a lot of locals and are easy to get involved in.
 * Swimming, windsurfing and kitesurfing are popular as is regular surfing to a lesser extent.
 * Swimming, windsurfing and kitesurfing are popular as is regular surfing to a lesser extent.

Events

 * Arts by the Sea is an arts and culture festival in many town locations, in late Sep/early Oct.
 * Arts by the Sea is an arts and culture festival in many town locations, in late Sep/early Oct.
 * Arts by the Sea is an arts and culture festival in many town locations, in late Sep/early Oct.
 * Arts by the Sea is an arts and culture festival in many town locations, in late Sep/early Oct.

Buy
Bournemouth has a good range of shops with mainly well-known high street outlets in the centre but also many independent shops. Examples of large stores are Dingles and Marks & Spencers. The Boscombe area is well known for its many antique shops and for those who are into designer, vintage, and specialist clothes, Westbourne offers a good variety of designer boutiques.

For out of town shopping the massive Castlepoint Shopping centre is easily accessible by public transport, although there is little else to do in the area.

Eat
Bournemouth has many different restaurants suiting different tastes and budgets. The Old Christchurch Road at the "top" of the main shopping area has a string of low to mid-range eateries alternating with your orientated bars and clubs. There is another crop of eateries in the West Cliff area (around the International Centre), and in the Triangle, and in Westbourne. The number of takeaways in Bournemouth has also increased over the years, offering a cheap alternative to a restaurant meal.

Budget
In the city centre you find the usual chain restaurants like JD Wetherspoon, Taco Bell, Greggs (bakery) and Franco Manca.

Drink
At night the town comes alive with a vibrant bar and club scene. It is one of Britain's most popular clubbing locations, with many stag and hen parties held in Bournemouth. There are over 50 nightclub venues which are open every day of the week. On busy clubnights, roughly 40,000 people are out in Bournemouth. The Triangle area in Bournemouth (5 minutes walk up Commercial St from the main square) is where the gay community is concentrated with several gay-friendly clubs and pubs. Most night clubs are in and around town centre, with the exception of the O2 Academy in Boscombe. Old style pubs are at a premium in the centre with the emphasis more on trendy bars. Those fancying an ale pub crawl are advised to do by bus: the Goat, Porterhouse and Bermuda Triangle (see below) are all near stops.

Stay safe
There is an absolutely incredible number of stag and hen parties passing through the centre during the summer, but they tend to be loud rather than dangerous. Drunken youths tend to congregate in Old Christchurch Rd late at night — it is safe the rest of the time.

Connect
As of March 2022, Bournemouth has 4G from EE and O2, and 5G from Three and Vodafone.

Go next

 * The very well-heeled town of Christchurch is about a 15-minute journey east of Bournemouth. It is a couple of hours of very pleasant walking along the cliffs. The Regent Arts Centre tends to be the main attraction. If you do not yacht, you may not fit in!
 * Poole, a similar distance to west boasts a long shopping street and the atmosphere of a working port and fishing town. It can be used a stop-off for a sea journey to Brownsea Island, Purbeck, Swanage, etc. The Lighthouse arts centre is the cultural magnet.
 * Corfe Castle - approximately 1½ hours away by bus through Sandbanks, the 4th most expensive post code in the world and the Isle of Purbeck, which is part of a World Heritage coastal zone. One option is to take the open top bus via the Sandbanks ferry in the summer for approx £5 from central Bournemouth and change at Swanage.
 * The New Forest - half an hour way to the east

title: Bournemouth


text:
Bourton-on-the-Water

Bourton-on-the-Water is famed for its picturesque High Street. Lying on the meandering River Windrush with several low arched stone bridges resulted in the village becoming known as "Venice of the Cotswolds".

Understand
With a population of around 3,300, it is a large village whereas nearby Stow-on-the-Wold and Burford with smaller populations are both "Market Towns".

The River Windrush source, 10 miles from the village, is fed by springs and thus continues to flow even in severe drought.

There is evidence of habitation dating back to neolithic times (4,000 BC), habitation continuing through to Roman times (Roman pottery and coins found in the village show extended Roman occupation). Christian occupation dates back to 709 AD when a wooden church was built. In 1110 a stone Normal church was built; today only the chancel (from 1328) remains.

Today almost all buildings are of 17th-century origin, mostly built using Cotswold limestone characteristic of the area.

By road
Bourton-on-the-Water is on the Fosseway (the A429) about 25 km north of Cirencester.

Driving from Cirencester, just follow the A429 North, you'll pass signs saying you've entered the village. From the North, just follow the A429 South. Follow signs to the large car park at the edge of the village. There is a footpath from the car park to the main street.

By train
Nearest train station Moreton-in-Marsh station

By bus

 * Pulhams Coaches 801 service: Moreton-in-Marsh – Stow-on-the-Wold – Bourton-on-the-Water – Northleach – Cheltenham Timetable
 * Pulhams Coaches 802 service: Bourton-on-the-Water – Great Rissington/Little Rissington – Upper Rissington – Stow-on-the-Wold – Kingham Railway Station Timetable
 * Pulhams Coaches 803 service: Bourton-on-the-Water – Upper Oddington – Longborough – Moreton-in-Marsh Timetable
 * Pulhams Coaches 855 service: Moreton-in-Marsh – Stow-on-the-Wold – Bourton-on-the-Water – Northleach – Aldsworth – Bibury – Barnsley – Cirencester Timetable

Get around
On foot is fine.

See
Bourton is quite attractive as a family destination. The river Windrush flows through the village, next to the main street. In the charming centre you'll find a lot of attractions, including:

Buy
Shop in the small shops.

Eat
A couple of pubs do food and drink

Connect
As of May 2022, the village and its approach roads have 4G from EE and O2, and 5G from Three and Vodafone.

Go next

 * Burford "Gateway to the Cotswolds" (10 miles SE)
 * Stow-on-the-Wold 4 miles NE
 * Chipping Norton 13 miles E
 * Moreton-in-Marsh 8 miles N
 * Cheltenham 16 miles W
 * Cirencester 16 miles SW
 * Oxford 30 miles E

title: Bourton-on-the-Water


text:
Bouvet Island

Bouvet Island or Bouvetøya is one of the sub-Antarctic islands, an uninhabited ice-clad place 2,600 km south-southwest of Cape Town. It has a good claim to be the world's most remote island: anywhere within 2,000 km is similarly desolate, such as mainland Antarctica. It lies 6,040 km south of the equator and is a dependency of Norway; for comparison Oslo main railway station is 6650 km north of the equator and can be cold but never ice-clad. That's testament to the chill of the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica, compared to the balmy North Atlantic.

Understand

Bouvet stands on the mid-Atlantic ridge, where the continents are moving apart, so it formed as a volcanic island in a similar way to Tristan da Cunha and Surtsey. It extends 9.5 km east-west, 7 km north-south, with its highest point Olavtoppen or Mt Olav at 780 m, and a deep caldera just south of the peak. The last eruption was probably around 2000 BC. The rocks only 30 cm below ground are at 25°C, but the island is almost completely ice-clad, and the volcano appears to be decaying into extinction.

The island was first sighted on 1 Jan 1739 by Jean Baptiste Charles Bouvet de Lozier, hence its name, but he recorded incorrect coordinates (setting a trend) so the place was lost. It was re-discovered in the 19th century, landings were made, and sealing ships came to the area. But with no sheltered harbour and with daunting 500 m cliffs around it, Bouvet Island could never become a whaling base like Grytviken on South Georgia. The first extended stay was by the Norvegia expedition of 1927; Norway made further expeditions and in 1928 claimed the territory. Britain protested that they'd planted the Union flag in 1825, but the co-ordinates and logs of that voyage were garbled. (And a US "landing" of 1823 was obviously bogus.) The place wasn't worth spilling diplomatic ink over so Britain abandoned its claim and Bouvet became Bouvetøya. Norway has two other dependencies but both lie south of 60°S, where such claims are suspended by the Antarctic Treaty. So insofar as Norway boasts an Empire, this is it right here.

In the late 1950s a landslide created the area of Nyrøysa, which translates as "new pile of rocks". It's a coastal scree that is more accessible and free of ice, so a research base was established in 1996. An earthquake and storms in 2006 erased it but a new base was installed in 2014. The island and its adjacent territorial waters have been designated as a nature reserve since 1971. It lies within the Southern Ocean, south of the "Convergence" with a climate that's cold but without polar extremes: it averages around 1°C in summer and 3°C in winter. There's a huge colony of macaroni penguins, and there are other penguins, southern fulmars, and seals and whales in the waters around.

"Baron of the Bouvet Islands" is the title of Major-General Sir Nils Olav III, who has yet to visit, but he'd likely enjoy it. He's a king penguin in Edinburgh zoo and mascot of the Norwegian King's Guard. The other guards have no doubt noticed that his fast-track promotion and title were not earned by steadfast sentry duty in the sleet, but by lazing in a pool.

Get in
The island is 2,600 km south-southwest of Cape Town in South Africa, far from cruise ship routes. It's walled by cliffs, with nothing resembling a harbour, though an expedition ship could anchor to leeward. Then you could approach in a Zodiac or similar small craft and attempt to scale the cliffs. Likewise there is no landing strip, but it's possible for ship-based helicopters to set down, though there's often fog and wind. Those who've visited and lived to tell the tale have mostly got in and out this way. Frankly it might be easier to join the Royal Norwegian Navy Marinejegerkommandoen, distinguish yourself in training, and persuade them to land and camp on the island as a team-building exercise.

You may be able to join an expedition if you have special polar skills. One surprising example was DXpedition, when amateur radio enthusiasts set up a radio station to communicate with people around the world, and future visits are planned. Read up on current topics and projects, and also the 2016 / 17 polar policy paper adopted by the Norwegian parliament. For example, they might be interested in micro-plastics and similar pollutants in a place so far from anywhere.

In theory you need permission to visit from the Norwegian Polar Institute. In practice they don't ask for this because they know it's next-to-impossible, and any expedition must involve other activities (such as helicopters) that do require permits.

Get around
Almost 93% of Bouvet is covered by glacier, riven by crevasses that are not charted. So you need the skills and technique to cross such terrain and it might be simpler to call on the helicopter that brought you in to shift you. The small ice-free area at Nyrøysa is a special area of study—you may not enter it Nov–March except in an approved monitoring party.

See
Anticlockwise:
 * or Olav Peak is the island's summit at 780 m. It was first climbed in 2012. To its west stretches Wilhelmplatået, the Wilhelm Plateau. South is a volcanic caldera, with signs of lava flows towards the southeast coast.
 * is the island's northern tip, named for the survey vessel that charted the place in 1898—until then the island had wandered around the map. Good to know: it's only 12,690 km from here to mainland Norway.
 * was sighted by the French on 1 January 1739, the "Feast of Circumcision". The 1928–29 Norwegian expedition camped here but to date no tahara, briss or similar rite has been conducted on the island (bits dropping off with cold don't count). Morgenstiernkysten is the coast between here and Valdivia.
 * is the ice-free area just south of Kapp Circoncision where entry is restricted, which is bad luck as it's the most accessible section of coast. A landslide from the cliffs circa 1956 has created a scree, and an automated weather station stands here.
 * was charted in 1898. Inland are Lykketoppen (766 m) and double-peaked Mosbytoppane (670 m). The bleak skerries of Bennskjæra lie 500 m offshore.
 * is Bouvet's only significant islet, some 400 m long. The first landing was in 1927.
 * is Bouvet's southeast corner.
 * is the northeastern tip. Between here and Kapp Fie, known as Kapp Meteor, is a lava outflow from the caldera.
 * are skerries east of Kapp Valdivia, every bit as far away from Norway.
 * Thompson Island is 70 km north-northeast of Bouvet Island, except that it isn't. It was first sighted in 1825, and others saw it up to 1893, but it's an example of a phantom island: they're common in this ocean. The sea at that point is over 2400 m deep and it's not credible that a volcanic island could subside without trace.

Do

 * Coming home safe is always your prime task in such a hazardous environment.
 * Bio-security: Bouvet has always been rat-free, and any savvy rodent would rather take its chances with the ship's cat. The main risk of colonisation is plant life from other sub-Antarctic terrains, such as the weeds that have become established on South Georgia. So cleansing protocols are an important part of your preparations.

Buy, eat and drink

 * Nothing here, so bring everything you need and some to spare in case you get stuck. And take everything including trash away with you.
 * You need a way to melt ice. Water you bring with you will soon freeze, and melting the island ice blocks takes a lot of fuel.

Sleep

 * No accommodation, not even a sheltered spot. sleep on your ship if you can; otherwise, it's heavy-duty polar-grade camping, with the capability to melt ice for water.

Connect

 * Last thing you might expect, but Bouvet has its own internet top-level domain .bv, but Norway, which administers this domain, has decided that it will remain unused. So you're back where you started. You'll need a radio link to your support ship, which will have a satellite phone facility.

Go next

 * Home safe preferably, but wherever your expedition ship is going next. Its next port of call might be Cape Town in South Africa, and reaching the other Southern Ocean islands or mainland Antarctica would involve an intercontinental flight and further long cold sea crossings.
 * If you want to explore extreme Norwegian lands, see also Jan Mayen and Svalbard in the Arctic.
 * Scan the other Next-to-impossible destinations if your appetite's been whetted for this kind of travel.

title: Bouvet Island


text:
Bovec

Bovec is a town of 1,600 people (2020) on the Soča river in northwestern Slovenia. The Soča river is famous for its white-water rafting and kayaking possibilities.

By car

 * From Italy and Austria via Tarvisio (Trbiž) and Predel Pass (1156 m)
 * From Kranjska gora via Vršič Pass (1611 m)
 * From Italy via Udine (Videm) - Tarcento (Čenta) - Uccea (Učja) - Žaga
 * From Nova Gorica - Tolmin - Kobarid

By bus
Buses run from Ljubljana twice a day during the week, take approximately 3.5 hr and cost €13.60.

See
The site where the 2008 Disney film, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian was shot on location here.

Do

There are many companies in Bovec with offers for kayaking, rafting, canyoning or hydrospeed. A kayak trip including all material will cost about €40 per person for a 1-2 hour trip. There are plenty of mountain biking (bike rentals for approx. €20/day) and hiking trails along the mountain that borders the city. Topographical trail maps can be purchased at the tourist information center for €7.

There is a cable car that runs up the Kanin mountain but check the schedule as it doesn't run in the off season.

title: Bovec


text:
Bowdon

Bowdon is a small town in the Lakes and Gardens area of North Dakota. It has a population of about 139 people.

By car
From I-94, take US highway 52 northwest about 65 miles, then west 4 miles on state highway 200 to Bowdon.

title: Bowdon


text:
Bowen

Bowen is a town on the coast in Queensland. Situated right on the Great Barrier Reef, and surrounded by some of the best beaches in Queensland, Bowen is widely regarded as one of the best kept secrets of the region.

Get in
Bowen is about 2 hours drive from both Mackay and Townsville along the Bruce Highway (A1).

See
Because Bowen is situated on a peninsula, most of its tourism comes from the 8 beaches situated on its three sides of ocean. Horseshoe Bay and Queens Beach are among the best. Nearby within walking distance of Horseshoe Bay, there is a clothes-optional beach

For history buffs, the Bowen Historical Society's Museum showcases the town's legacy as one of the oldest towns in Queensland.

 * The Big Mango

Eat
Bowen is famous for both its Roma tomatoes and mangoes.

Jochheim’s Bakery, graced by film greats such as Hugh Jackman during production of the 2008 Australia film, boasts incredible pies (including some named for the aforementioned actors).

title: Bowen


text:
Bowen Island

Bowen Island is a small island and a municipality at the entrance to Howe Sound, connected to Vancouver and the rest of the Lower Mainland by a short ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver - additionally, private water taxis can be chartered but there are no regular/scheduled water taxi services available. The island has become a favourite tourist destination although amenities and activities are limited. Most activities involve wandering the shops or exploring the parks and natural areas.

Get in
See Vancouver for options to get in the Vancouver area by plane, by bus, and by train, and by boat.

By ferry
The most popular way to get to Bowen is on BC Ferries' service from Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) in West Vancouver to on the island. The ferry crossing takes 20 minutes and generally runs hourly (except early afternoon). Daily first inbound departures are normally at 5:50AM and daily first outbound departures are at 5:20AM, except on Sundays, when outbound departures normally start at 6:20AM. Last departures vary seasonally, but generally depart sometime between 10PM and 11PM. There are 15-16 trips a day with the first ferry leaving Horseshoe Bay at 6:05AM. Fare is $12.10 for an adult foot passenger, bicycles are $2 and a car is $34.20.

You can drive your car onto the Queen of Capilano in Horseshoe Bay. Be warned the during peak travel hours and during the summer there are often overloads and the ferry is often late due to high tourist traffic. Mechanical problems can cause the ferry to be cancelled and all vehicles will be stranded on Bowen Island until the ferry becomes operational again. Check the Service Notice section below the current schedule for Bowen Island on the BC Ferries webpage.

Get around
An information centre is located a minute's walk up the main street from the ferry dock (turn right just before the library). The centre is run by Bowen Island Chamber of Commerce, and provides lots of information on Bowen Island accommodation and activities.

There is also a strong culture of hitchhiking on the island.

By public transit
Passengers can pay for fares using Compass Cards ($6 refundable deposit), Compass Tickets, or tap-to-pay using contactless credit cards (only American Express, Mastercard or Visa) or mobile wallets. Passengers using Compass Cards and Compass Tickets pay discounted fares. Passengers can transfer for up to 90 minutes, except if taking West Coast Express, in which case they can transfer for up to 120 minutes. On bus and HandyDART, passengers can also pay in cash, but in that case will not receive change and are not eligible for transfers. Zone based fares apply between Monday and Friday for trips starting before 6:30PM, if travel involves SkyTrain or SeaBus. Outside of those hours or for travel on only bus or HandyDART, a single-zone rate applies. If travelling by West Coast Express, a higher-cost zone-based fare system applies regardless of time of travel. Children 12 and under can ride for free. People aged 13 to 18, and 65 and older pay discounted concession fares.

On Bowen Island, there is a bus service on several routes that will take you around to most parts of the island, however it runs infrequently. The bus routes all terminate one block away from the ferry terminal at the intersection of Bowen Island Trunk Rd and Cardena Dr.

By taxi
There are no taxis as of June 2023.

See

 * Wander around the village of.
 * Visit one of the small beaches on the island. There are a couple near Snug Cove; others are scattered around the island and require transportation to get to.

Do
The primary attraction of Bowen Island to Vancouverites has been to get away from everything and relax. However, if you want to do something, there are a few options.

One is to rent a kayak and paddle around Snug Cove or venture around the island.

There are also a number of hikes on the island. Crippen Regional Park offers a number of shorter hikes that can be done in a couple of hours. (trail begins at the end of Snug Cove beach) provides views of the harbour and the entrance to Howe Sound. The hike to (about 45 minutes each way) passes through forest and the fish ladder to the lake. There is also a 4 km hike around Killarney Lake.

Tougher, but with more rewarding views, is the hike to the top of. The trail begins 3 km from Snug Cove on Mount Gardner Road and is mostly through forest. It rises to an elevation of 719 m and on sunny days provides a very nice view. The trail is 11 km in length, so be sure to leave yourself enough time if you have to walk from Snug Cove to the trailhead.

Buy
There are a number of small craft and souvenir shops in Snug Cove, as well as many artist studios and galleries located at, a 5 minute drive or 15-minute walk from the Ferry.

Sleep
There are no hotels or campgrounds on Bowen Island so the accommodation consists mostly of bed and breakfasts scattered across the island.

Stay Safe
The nearest hospital is in North Vancouver. Medical evacuations are usually handled by water taxi (especially the Bowen Responder ambulance boat). A volunteer firefighter division exists on the island.

Go next
Bowen Island is typically a day trip from Vancouver. Bus connections at the BC Ferries terminal in Horseshoe Bay will return you to West Vancouver, and Downtown Vancouver beyond. Last ferry leaves Snug Cove at 10:05PM. Granville Island Water Taxi also runs passenger-only trips back to Granville Island in Downtown Vancouver.

title: Bowen Island


text:
Bowie

Bowie is a suburban bedroom community of Washington, D.C. in Prince George's County, Maryland.

Understand
While Bowie's history goes back over a century, much of the city consists of ranch and Cape Cod homes built in the 1960s and 1970s as a planned community by Levitt & Sons, a noted real estate development company. Lately, Bowie has grown by annexing various developments that have sprouted up around the city's edge since the mid-1980s. The visitor can still find vestiges of historical Bowie—most notably, the railroads and horse farms that defined Bowie in the pre-Levitt era. One of America's oldest historically black universities is Bowie State University, located in Old Bowie.

By plane

 * Baltimore-Washington International Airport is 20 miles southwest of Bowie via MD197 and MD295.
 * Washington Reagan National Airport is 23 miles southwest of Bowie via US 50 (through Washington, D.C.).
 * Washington Dulles International Airport is 45 miles west of Bowie via the Capital Beltway.

By train
MARC operates train service on its Penn Line to/from Baltimore and Washington, D.C.. Nearest station is at 13900 Jericho Park Rd.

By bus
Metrobus B27 operates service to/from the New Carrollton Metro Station. For more information on riding the Metrorail and Metrobus, see Washington DC.

By car
Bowie is best navigated by car.

By bicycle
The Washington, Baltimore & Annapolis Trail runs through the northern part of Bowie and there are various other networks of bike paths and on-street bike routes.

Unfortunately, Route 50 bisects the city and has few bike-friendly crossings.

See

Do

Buy
Bowie has a variety of malls, but little that's likely to pique the interest of the picky shopper. Two of the malls are Bowie Town Center and Free State Mall. Some of the antique shops in Old Town may be worth your time.

Go next

 * Greenbelt is a historic New Deal Town just next door with venues for live music and NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center visitor center.
 * College Park is home to the University of Maryland's largest campus.
 * Washington, D.C.
 * Annapolis
 * Baltimore

title: Bowie


text:
Bowling Green

There is more than one location named Bowling Green. You may be looking for:

 * Bowling Green (Florida), a town in Florida in the United States.
 * Bowling Green (Kentucky), a town in Kentucky in the United States.
 * Bowling Green (Missouri), a town in Missouri in the United States.
 * Bowling Green (Ohio), a college town in Ohio in the United States.

title: Bowling Green


text:
Bowling Green (Kentucky)

Bowling Green is the third-largest city in Kentucky, with nearly 60,000 residents. Bowling Green is the hub of activity in the Caves and Lakes region.

By car
Bowling Green is accessible by car, primarily from I-65, which connects it with Nashville to the south and Louisville to the north.

Two roads in the state's parkway system of former toll roads serve the Bowling Green area. Interstate 165 (formerly the William H. Natcher Parkway, and still earlier the Green River Parkway) connects I-65 in Bowling Green with Owensboro, 70 miles to the northwest. I-165 intersects with the Western Kentucky Parkway near Beaver Dam, giving Bowling Green easy access to Paducah and the Land Between the Lakes. The Cumberland Parkway connects I-65 northeast of Bowling Green to Somerset, 80 miles to the east. From there KY 80 provides access to I-75 at London.

Another major road in the area is U.S. 68. To the east of the city, it is a two-lane road that largely parallels I-65 and the Cumberland Parkway before taking a sharp turn toward central Kentucky. However, to the west, it is a four-lane divided highway (though with at-grade intersections) until the town of Cadiz, near Land Between the Lakes.

By plane

 * Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport Approximately two hours north of Bowling Green. Eastern Time Zone.
 * Nashville International Airport Approximately one hour south of Bowling Green. Central Time Zone.
 * Nashville International Airport Approximately one hour south of Bowling Green. Central Time Zone.

By bus

 * Bowling Green Public Transit. Provided by Community Action of Southern Ky. +1 270 782-3162.

By rental car

 * Avis, 1755 Scottsville Rd, +1 270 842-1700 or +1-800-831-2847.
 * Enterprise Rent-A-Car, 1125 US 31W Bypass, +1 270-782-5600 and 1851 Scottsville Rd. +1 270 782-7700.
 * Hertz Rent-A-Car, 2516 Scottsville Rd, +1 270-796-3677 or +1-888-782-2215.

Do

Alcohol
Bowling Green is a wet community. However, the rest of Warren County is dry.

By phone
Most telephone numbers in Bowling Green consist of +1 270 plus a seven-digit number, but the region is now served by an overlay complex of two area codes, with +1 364 being the second. A local or in-state telephone call now requires all 10 digits of the local number be dialed (omitting just the leading +1 from a local landline call).

Signage on many established businesses may still display the original seven-digit numbers; dial 270 before these if no area code is indicated.

Go next

 * Auburn - has antique engines
 * Cave City - Gateway to Mammoth Cave National Park.
 * Franklin - Has a nice bluegrass hall.
 * Russellville - The Logan County seat
 * Scottsville - The Allen County seat

title: Bowling Green (Kentucky)


text:
Bowling Green (Missouri)

Bowling Green is a small town in Missouri a few hours Northwest of St. Louis, not far from the banks of the mighty Mississippi River.

See
Actual things to see and do in Bowling Green are next to nothing. Too far out of St Louis for commuters, Bowling Green is however a lovely slice of 'American Pie'. The center of town consists of the courthouse around which a square of 'mom and pop' stores ply for trade. There are no big chain stores on the square yet.

However there is a sizable Amish community next to the town, which is worth an afternoon exploring. Maps are available locally.

Do
Though no photos should be taken of the Amish people themselves, taking photos of their land is o.k. They sheaf wheat the old fashioned way.

Eat
There is an Amish store where fresh, local grown produce can be bought.

title: Bowling Green (Missouri)


text:
Bowling Green (Ohio)

Bowling Green is a small college town in Northwest Ohio about south of the Michigan border. Surrounded by miles of flat farmland, Bowling Green is best known for its public university, Bowling Green State University (BGSU), and its national tractor pull event. Locals often shorten Bowling Green to BG - pronounced "Bee Gee".

Understand
Bowling Green is primarily a college town. Bowling Green State University is known for its education, music, and aviation programs. As a result, many events have an educational bent, music and the arts are popular in town, and clear days are hallmarked with frequent flybys of propeller-driven airplanes.

The city also functions as the county seat and the largest city of Wood County, Ohio. The only other large city in the county is the Toledo suburb of Perrysburg. It lies on the edge of the Toledo Metropolitan area and caters to locals in nearby towns and farms by offering shopping, education, and entertainment, much like the city of Findlay to the south. Because of this Bowling Green is a melting pot between college and country culture.

History
Bowling Green was settled in 1832 near the center of the Great Black Swamp, and was named by its settlers after Bowling Green in Kentucky. It got its start as a city thanks to the oil boom in the 1880s and the resulting clearing of the swamp. The college was established in 1910 as Bowling Green State Normal School to train teachers along side its sister college in Kent. By the 1930s it became a fully fledged university. During World War II the University helped train Navy personnel. After World War II ended, the influx of returning soldiers and their baby boomer children greatly increased the size of the university, as well as the surrounding city. While current events are university focused, many relics of the oil days remain in and around the Bowling Green area.

Since its founding, the university has taught many notable people including Olympians, scientists, captains of industry, and Hollywood actors.

Climate
Bowling Green has four distinct seasons. The spring brings plentiful cherry blossoms. The summer can have sweltering and humid heat, but the hydrangea and hibiscus bloom. During the fall the temperatures drop and the trees change the color of their leaves to shades of red, orange, and yellow. Winters in Bowling Green can be highly variable. Some winters are mild with only a few inches of snow accumulation. However sometimes winters can be quite harsh with blizzards and several feet of snow accumulation or ice storms. A constant of all seasons are frequent windy days. A windbreaker is recommended, even in the early summer.

By plane
The nearest major airport is the Detroit Metro Airport at just over an hour north of Bowling Green by car. Some passenger flights may also go to the closer Toledo Express Airport which is only a half hour north of Bowling Green by car.

By car
Bowling Green is on I-75 at exit 181, and it is a quick drive south from Toledo, a  drive north from Dayton, and a  drive south from Detroit. Regional car services include: a city subsidized van service with low rates, B.G. Transit Reliable Taxi, Supercab, BG Airport Shuttle, and Bill's Limousine.

By bicycle
A community group Bike BG offers slow bike rides throughout the city once a month.

By car
Bowling Green is next to Interstate 75, and its Main Street is also an important local highway (Old US 25). Outside of the downtown area and campus, it may be time consuming to go without a car.

Free parking is available along both sides of Main Street in the downtown area. However getting a spot can be difficult during business hours and late at night from Thursdays to Saturdays.

The city operates public parking lots in the downtown area. The university also offers public parking in many of its parking lots. These are both available for small fees, and may be free during certain hours, especially during the weekend.

BGSU and the city both have parking enforcement units! BGSU uses automated plate readers and human patrols to quickly catch parking violations. Those parked illegally will almost certainly get caught, and the small fee at the kiosk is much better than a moderate fine. Most public parking lots that charge a fee have replaced their coin operated meters with an automated kiosk that lets you register your licence plate number, eliminating the need to go back to your car to place a permit on it.

There are a few car rental agencies in town, and one on campus.

By bus

Some residential areas will charter a private bus to make regular stops between their neighborhood and campus. The city also sometimes runs buses between parking and major events downtown, such as the Black Swamp Arts Festival.

By taxi
Taxicabs are very inexpensive at $3-4 per fare (as of January 2019).

By foot
Most of Bowling Green is about as walkable as any American city, with a few exceptions.

BGSU is even more walkable then the rest of Bowling Green. Almost every major building is within of another.

The Downtown area too is similarly extra walkable, as it is less then long. Walkability is helped by shaded building passages, ample crossings, and frequent benches.

Wooster Street opposite of the university is unpleasant to walk due to a lack of shade and close proximity to vehicle traffic. Many locals choose to cross the street to the University Sidewalk, or walk down Clough Street (Pleasant shaded residential street parallel with Wooster).

By bicycle
Bowling Green tends to be cyclist friendly. Most destinations have ample bike parking.

On-campus bike parking is widely available outside each building. Some buildings, such as the Art Building and the Student Recreation Center have newer green roofed racks that can keep your bike dry in light rain. Watch out for small delivery robots with low profiles when cycling on campus.

The downtown core of BG should be bypassed by cyclists who are passing through. Because of heavy traffic and low visibility around corners biking on the street is less easy here, and biking on the sidewalk is illegal downtown. For cyclists visiting downtown as a destination there are some anchored stands for bicycle parking.

Sports

A popular fight song is "Ay Ziggy Zoomba" (pronounced Aye Zigg-e Zoom-ba). If someone shouts, "Ay Ziggy Zoomba", you should respond "Ay Ziggy Zoomba Ze!". Games against rival school the University of Toledo are often shorted to TSUN, meaning "That school up north".

Eat
Bowling Green's downtown area has a small town atmosphere with plenty of dining establishments to choose from, including sports bars (and other "bar" food), pizza, Italian, and family dining.

The area near I-75 and the extreme north and south ends of Main Street have many chain restaurants.

Dining halls
On campus, most restaurants are condensed into halls. The most notable ones are listed below.

Drink
As a college town, Bowling Green has a number of pubs and bars. During the school year, and especially Thursday through Saturday, bar traffic is at its highest. During the day and during breaks, traffic slows down quite a bit.

Pubs

Sleep
Thanks to the Interstate Bowling Green has more hotels then usual for a city of its size. As a result, these hotels are all near either the highway or the university which is adjacent to the highway.

Stay safe
On campus you can use any of the blue emergency telephones in an emergency. These will immediately call dispatch and report your location, and flash an alarm.

Getting around
Drivers on Wooster Street should drive with caution. Many drive aggressively and jaywalking is common. Trucks often turn onto main street at a tight, low visibility, and busy intersection. Don't be afraid to slow down and yield, even if you are in the right. There are some unusual on demand crosswalks on Wooster. Slow down and drive with caution when the light blinks yellow, and fully stop when the lights blink red.

Watch where you walk - Campus operations sometimes leaves manholes open to access the vast tunnel network under the campus, mind the signs and don't fall in.

Bowling Green has a lot of nightlife, but please don't drink and drive. There is a free bus service from Thursday to Saturday from the downtown area to BGSU, which is close to many hotels. If the bus is not available, consider a designated driver, or use one of Bowling Green's taxis that can take you to your hotel safely.

Be on guard for ticks in natural areas if you leave designated paths. Make sure to check for ticks when you return.

Weather
Bowling Green experiences all manner of severe weather. The most common storms are thunderstorms with possible hail, but tornadoes during the summer pose the biggest threat. After a heavy rain, some areas will suffer from flash flooding. Bowling Green can also experience cold weather and rarely blizzards during the winter. Very rarely Bowling Green can experience minor earthquakes as it is directly next to a fault line. These earthquakes are usually low magnitude and rarely cause even minor damage, but may startle animals.

Police
Depending on where you are in Bowling Green, you may be served by one of two police departments.

Stay healthy
Bowling Green contains a number of family doctors and dentist practices.

Telephones
The local area codes are 419 and 567, with 419 usually belonging to older organizations. BGSU maintains an online directory for phone numbers on campus. The area code must be dialed on all calls.

Most major wireless carriers have a retail presence and 4G coverage in Bowling Green, and there are a few independent electronics shops that may repair phone hardware or offer SIM cards.

Post
The ZIP code for general city addresses is 43402, and the ZIP code for university addresses is 43403.

Smoking
BGSU is a non-smoking campus. Vaping and chewing tobacco are allowed outside, but smoking is only allowed in certain parking lots. The university may charge smokers with trespassing, even if they are not students.

The seal
It is rude to split up a group while walking around the University Seal, or to walk around it to the left. However, walking to the right of the seal is seen as a good luck charm. Standing on the seal (watch your balance!) at midnight for a kiss is a sign of future romance, and also a sign that you won't graduate.

Wood County
Bowling Green is in the center of Wood County, and all of these are not more then a half hour away by car.

Urban

 * Perrysburg: An affluent Suburb of Toledo on the north end of Wood County. Home to the Levis Commons shopping complex and the historical Fort Meigs. An easy north of Bowling Green on I-75 or Dixie Highway.

Nearby cities

 * Toledo: The nearest major city to Bowling Green. An easy drive north of Bowling Green on I-75.
 * Van Buren: A quaint village with a large state park.
 * Findlay: An industrial city with an abundance of Victorian architecture, specialty shops, and restaurants. An easy drive south of Bowling Green on I-75.
 * Sandusky: A city with lakefront resorts and the Cedar Point amusement park. A drive east of Bowling Green.
 * Huron: Home to the BGSU Firelands campus and the Huron Playhouse. Around drive east of Bowling Green.
 * Fostoria
 * Ann Arbor: A larger college town which is home to the University of Michigan. About drive north.
 * Lake Erie Islands: These islands are more remote vacation hotspots. Drive to Lake Erie and take a ferry or private boat.

title: Bowling Green (Ohio)


text:
Bowman

Bowman is a town in the Badlands area of North Dakota. It has a population of about 1,600 people. Its elevation is 2,958 feet.

By car
Exit 42 from I-94, and south on US highway 85, for about 60 miles.

By plane
Bowman Municipal Airport

title: Bowman


text:
Bowness-on-Windermere

Bowness-on-Windermere is the main tourist centre for the South Lakes area of Lake District National Park. It sits on the shore of Windermere lake within the boundaries of the historic County of Westmorland. In 2011, it had about 3,800 permanent residents.

Understand

 * "Windermere ought to be seen both from its shores and from its surface. None of the other Lakes unfold so many fresh beauties to him who sails upon them. This is owing to its greater size, to the islands, and to its having two vales at the head, with their accompanying mountains of near equal dignity. Nor can the grandeur of these terminations be seen at once from any point, except from the bosom of the Lake." – William Wordsworth in Guide to the Lakes.

By train
It is about a mile from the Windermere railway station which links to Oxenholme (near Kendal) on the west coast main line. One can walk, if one likes, from Windermere station to Bowness. Alternatively, buses are available every 20 minutes from the railway station to the ferry jetty. Taxis are also available. If there is a group of 4-5 people, taxis may be economically more viable, because buses would cost almost as much.

By ferry
A car ferry operates daily (except 25, 26 Dec) from Far Sawrey, running M-Sa approximately every 20 minutes between 6:50AM and 8:50PM, starting Su at 9:10AM on, and with later sailings in summer. Cars £4.20, pedestrians 50p.

Get around

 * The main attraction of Bowness-on-Windermere is the ferry. The most popular and widely used service is from Bowness-on-Windermere to Ambleside. The ferry trip is an experience of a lifetime, offering a faboulous ride across a wonderful lake. Tickets are available for an one-way trip or a return trip. Some people prefer to return by ferry, others move ahead from Ambleside to other places such as Rydal Mount, Grasmere, or Keswick, or even return from Ambleside to either Bowness-on-Windermere or Windermere town by bus or taxi. There are a number of other ferry trips.
 * Bowness Taxis, 1 Lake Road, Bowness-On-Windermere, Cumbria LA23 3AP, Telephone +44 15394 46664.

See

 * Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake.
 * St. Martin parish church built in 1483.

Do

 * Boat rides on the Lake (Windermere).
 * Visit the Glebe for a picnic on a sunny day.
 * Lakeside aquarium. Access by ferry or train.
 * Visit the Beatrix Potter Museum.

Buy
Shopping for touristy things as well as luxury chocolates and icecream.

Eat
There are numerous small eateries around the ferry jetty offering all types of fast food. Try the fish and chips. However those who prefer to go to a proper place to eat may try out one of the following and numerous other restaurants.

Drink
Almost all restaurants and hotels have bars.

Sleep
The place is full of hotels and lodges many of them offering bed and breakfast options. Some prefer this place to Windermere, which is not on the lake. However, even if one stays in Windermere, it takes just minutes to reach the lake.

Go next

 * Grasmere - small village a few miles from Bowness. Birthplace of William Wordsworth.
 * Ambleside
 * Kendal (England) - large town 20-30 minutes from the village with a vibrant shopping district.

title: Bowness-on-Windermere


text:
Bowral

Bowral is a major town in Southern Highlands region of New South Wales, Australia, and an important tourist centre of the Highlands.

By car
Bowral is accessible by car via the Hume Motorway (M31) from Sydney heading towards Canberra or Melbourne. It is about 136 km south-west from the Sydney CBD. It takes about 80 minutes to get to Bowral from Sydney which makes it an ideal location for Sydneysider weekenders and daytrippers.

The town is accessible from the nearby town of Mittagong by going on the Highlands Way road due south, or by Old South Road and the town of Moss Vale via Highlands Way due north.

By train
is part of the Southern Highlands Line that goes to and from Campbelltown Station in Sydney every 40-60 minutes on a weekday and every 1-2 hours on a weekend. Services after certain late night hours and days trains are not in use until earlier the next morning so it would be smart to grab a train timetable and plan ahead.

By bus
Berrima Coaches is the prime bus company of the Southern Highlands only does services to and from Bowral to Wollongong and Nowra via Albion Park once a day.

During the week, Bowral also has the Bowral Sydney Airport Services which is an airport shuttle service which goes to all the terminals of Sydney Airport from and to Bowral. The bus charter is only three times a day and on the weekend only once depending on the bookings. This service must be booked and services can go to Central Station and Sydney Cruise Terminal upon demand.

Priors Scenic Express runs a coach service from Parramatta, Liverpool and Campbelltown to Bowral six days a week. This service then travels onto Kangaroo Valley, Nowra and the South Coast as far as Narooma.

Get around
Bowral CBD (primarily Bong Bong Street and its surrounding streets) has boutiques, cafés and attractions such as the Bradman museum and Corbett Gardens which are all within walking distance of each other. However, attractions like the golf clubs, cellar doors and wineries, manor houses and other attractions are short driving distances around Bowral which would either require a car or taxi.

Taxis are available 24 hours a day on Bong Bong Street. They are stationed at the taxi bay which is in the middle of Bong Bong St during the day and at night can be summoned via a taxi phone near the bay. Meter rates are almost double the city rate, however, like most taxi services concessions are accepted if you are a pensioner.

Driving your own form of transport is recommended because like all rural areas Bowral is just one attraction of many attractions that make up the Southern Highlands like Berrima, Wombeyan Caves and the ghost town of Joadja which are not accessible by public transport but by driving.

Buy
Bowral has no shortage of fashion, craft, and antique shopping catering to the passing tourist trade.

Go next

 * Mittagong

title: Bowral


text:
Boxford

There's more than one place called Boxford:

United Kingdom

 * Boxford - a village in Berkshire, England
 * Boxford (Suffolk) - a village in Suffolk, England

United States of America

 * Boxford (Massachusetts) - a town in Essex County, in the Merrimack Valley region of Massachusetts

title: Boxford


text:
Boyabat

Boyabat is a town in the Western Karadeniz region of Turkey, with a population of 29,093 in 2022. You might stop off to see the castle on your way to the Black Sea coast 85 km north.

Understand
Boyabat is in the gorge of the Gökırmak River, so it's a natural transport route, with a castle perched on the cliffs above. "Boy" means border and "-abad" a town; it has in ancient times marked the border with the Persian empire. It's mostly agricultural, with every available scrap of fertile land in the valley growing rice and other produce. The town also makes bricks and tiles, and hosts a campus of Sinop University.

Get in
By road head for Karabük then take D030 east past Kastamonu.

Buses from Istanbul run six times a day and take 11 hours via Gebze, Izmit, Adapazari, Bolu, Karabük, Safranbolu and Kastamonu, for a fare in 2024 of 800 TL. One overnight bus from Ankara takes 6 hours. These buses are heading to Sinop on the coast, another 90 min: change there for Samsun and towns further east. Bus lines include Metro Turizm and Flixbus.

the bus terminal is east edge of town on D030. All over Turkey, cities have built out-of-town terminals so that long-distance buses don't get snarled in downtown traffic. Boyabat has ingeniously placed its terminal on the wrong side, so travellers from Istanbul and Ankara drag all the way through town then have to get a dolmuş or taxi all the way back. The place was brand new in 2023 but already looks tatty and forlorn. Oddly it contains a düğün salonu, a wedding venue, are they trying to liven it up or is Flixbus going into the wedding limousine business?

Highway D785 heads south from town but comes to an impasse after 25 km, where since 2012 Boyabat Dam has turned the Kızılırmak River into a 60 km-long lake, inundating three dozen villages. They haven't built a new route or installed a ferry.

Get around
The area of interest, the old downtown and castle, is compact and walkable.

See

 * is perhaps the most imposing of the town's other mosques. It's modern but in traditional style, on Akçil Sk behind the hospital.
 * Salar is a village 17 km west of Boyabat on D030 with a large rock-cut tomb in the cliff face, maybe 7th century BC. You might pause for a photo 15 min before you drive into town, it's not worth a special trip.
 * is perhaps the most imposing of the town's other mosques. It's modern but in traditional style, on Akçil Sk behind the hospital.
 * Salar is a village 17 km west of Boyabat on D030 with a large rock-cut tomb in the cliff face, maybe 7th century BC. You might pause for a photo 15 min before you drive into town, it's not worth a special trip.
 * Salar is a village 17 km west of Boyabat on D030 with a large rock-cut tomb in the cliff face, maybe 7th century BC. You might pause for a photo 15 min before you drive into town, it's not worth a special trip.

Do

 * Eforyum Fitness Club is on Zeybek Cd near Osmanli Hotel, open daily 10:30-23:00. The fitness centre on Ortaokul Cd in old town remains closed in 2024.

Buy

 * Emin Saatçilik is the old town shopping area, next to Zafer Otel.
 * Cember (hand woven head scarves) and Pıta (printed head scarves) are local giftwares.
 * Monday is market day. Boyabat Fair is held in mid October.

Eat
Eating places are clustered in old town near the main highway. They include Boyabat Merkez Lokantası, Cihangir Kebap Et Mangal, Menteş Kardeşler Lokantası, Birtat Lokantasi, Tercih Sırık Kebabı, Doyum and Meşhur Sırık Kebabcısı Ali Postaloğlu.

Drink
No free-standing pubs, but restaurants serve alcohol. Small cafes might not, but do serve tea in great volumes.

Sleep

 * Menteş Otel almost next door to Boyvat at Panayır Cd 1 is similar quality.
 * Menteş Otel almost next door to Boyvat at Panayır Cd 1 is similar quality.

Connect
Boyabat and its approach highways have 4G from all Turkish carriers. As of Feb 2024, 5G has not rolled out in Turkey.

Go next

 * Kastamonu to the west has an extensive old town and citadel.
 * Sinop is a resort on the coast, birthplace of Diogenes the cynic philosopher.

title: Boyabat


text:
Boyacá

Boyacá is a city in Boyacá Department, Colombia

Go next

 * Villa de Leyva

title: Boyacá


text:
Boyacá (department)

Boyacá is a department in the Andino region of Colombia.

Cities

 * – the department capital
 * – a colonial city near Tunja
 * – pilgrimage destination, it is home of Colombia's spiritual guide
 * – handcraft shopping capital of Colombia, also known for its breathtaking Andean mountain views
 * – industrial city north of the department
 * – a very authentic colonial town in the middle of a rural atmosphere. It is one of the most beautiful villages in Colombia and it is also recognized as a spiritual discovery destination.

title: Boyacá (department)