text:
Boyle

Boyle is a market town in County Roscommon in northwest Ireland, with a population in 2016 of 2568. It's at the foot of the Curlew Mountains near Lough Key; its main attractions are King House, two ruined abbeys, and water activities on the lough.

Understand
The Boyle River is the western catchment of the Shannon system, with the main River Shannon catchment to the east in Counties Leitrim and Cavan. The town of Boyle stands where the lowland valleys give way to the Curlew Mountains, the watershed separating the catchment towards Sligo to the north. These "mountains" are a sandstone ridge only reaching 259 m / 850 ft, no great impediment to modern roads, but forming a natural boundary in earlier times. The lands to the north were the last redoubt of native Irish rule. It was to suppress Irish rebellion that in 1599 the English were marching through Curlew Pass, when they were ambushed and badly defeated. "Right, we'll have no more of this!" The territory was awarded to Sir John King from Staffordshire, to develop, exploit and above all to keep in check. For the next 150 years his dynasty ruled the area, building King House and then Rockingham House. The present-day town grew around their estate.

The railway arrived in 1862 and, although Boyle remained a provincial market town, it was on the pulse of Irish affairs. The first by-election after the Easter Rising of 1916 happened to be for Roscommon North, centred on Boyle, and the nationalist party Sinn Féin won its first-ever parliamentary seat. (Their candidate George Noble Plunkett was father of Joseph Plunkett, who had been executed by the British for his part in the Rising.) The distinguished Irish scholar Dr Douglas Hyde was from this area, and was first President of Ireland 1938-45. The actress Maureen O'Sullivan (1911-1998) was born in Boyle: she's best known for playing Jane in the Tarzan films, and was the mother of Mia Farrow.

Úna Bhán Tourism is the TIC, in the grounds of King House, open M-Sa 09:00-17::00. They cover the areas of north Roscommon, south Sligo and west Leitrim.

What's on: for local events read Roscommon Herald or Roscommon People.

Get in
Trains from Dublin Connolly take 2 hr 30 min to Boyle via Drumcondra, Maynooth, Mullingar, Longford, Dromod and Carrick-on-Shannon, and continue to Ballymote and Sligo. There are 7 M-F, 6 Sa and 5 Sunday. A walk-up single from Dublin is €18, see Irish Rail for timetables, fares and online tickets. The is 200 m south of town centre. The ticket office is staffed M-F 07:00-15:30 and there are ticket machines and toilets.

Expressway Bus 23 runs six times a day from Dublin Busáras, taking 2 hours 15 min to Boyle via Dublin Airport, Lucan, Maynooth, Mullingar, Longford, Dromod and Carrick-on-Shannon, and continuing to Sligo. The bus stop is outside King House.

By road from Dublin follow M4 / N4, 173 km.

The upper River Boyle is not navigable but the town is connected to Lough Key by a short canal, thence via the lower River Boyle to the extensive Shannon network. See Waterways Ireland for current navigation status.

Get around
The Park Ranger Shuttle Bus runs between Boyle, the marina and Lough Key Forest Park, June-Oct with three trips daily.

Local Link Bus 570 makes 3 runs daily from Roscommon via Strokestown, Tulsk and Elphin to Boyle.

Bus 571 runs twice M-Sa between Boyle, Keadue and Arigna coal mining museum.

You really need your own wheels to get around the district.

See

 * Abbeytown Bridge, on Abbeytown Road leading east from the abbey, is an attractive five-arched structure. It's of similar date to the abbey so it could well be the oldest stone bridge in Ireland. It spans the River Boyle, which flows into Lough Key then southeast to join the Shannon above Carrick.
 * was the estate around Rockingham House, the King family's grandiose residence. That burned down in 1957, the site was later cleared and 1973 the Moylurg viewing tower was erected. (The best aspect of the view from atop it is that you're not looking at the hideous brutalist tower itself.) Several features of the King era remain, such as the ice-house, old church, gazebo, and tunnels used to bring supplies from the lake wharf. There's a visitor centre and "Boda Borg" adventure space, see Do.
 * Islands on Lough Key can be visited by boat trip from the Forest Park Visitor Centre or by hiring a row-boat:
 * No boats needed for Drumman's or Drummond Island, as it's connected by a footbridge: it's wooded with a walking trail.
 * Trinity Island just west of Drumman's has the ruin of Holy Trinity Abbey, a Premonstratensian priory founded in 1215 over a much earlier monastery. Its monks compiled the Annals of Loch Cé, covering events between 1014 and 1590. Two trees on the island with interlinked branches are said to mark the graves of Una Bhan Mac Diarmid and Tomás Láidir Mac Coisdealbhaigh, two ill-fated lovers, celebrated in the poem Una Bhan. The island has a self-catering lodge.
 * Castle Island: the original McDermott's castle was 12th century, and a few medieval scraps remain, but most of it is 19th century prettification by the King family to turn it into a summer-house-cum-folly. It's tumbledown and unsafe to enter, but has been left as a picturesque ruin.
 * Church Island near the west shore has the ruins of 12th century Inchmacnerin Abbey. This spot was frequented by UFOs in the 1970s, apparently - see UFO Society below.
 * Castle Island: the original McDermott's castle was 12th century, and a few medieval scraps remain, but most of it is 19th century prettification by the King family to turn it into a summer-house-cum-folly. It's tumbledown and unsafe to enter, but has been left as a picturesque ruin.
 * Church Island near the west shore has the ruins of 12th century Inchmacnerin Abbey. This spot was frequented by UFOs in the 1970s, apparently - see UFO Society below.
 * Cloontykilla Castle on the east lough shore was part of the Rockingham estate, and built by Nash in 1839 in pseudo-Gothic style. It fell into ruin after the King family moved away but from 1997 has been refurbished (featuring in the TV makeover programme Grand Designs Series 12 Episode 1, first aired 12 Sept 2012). It's intended to open in 2021 as a luxury holiday home and event space, but until then the site is barricaded off.
 * on N4 commemorates the Battle of Curlew Pass in 1599. As part of the Nine Years' War, English forces were marching north against Irish rebels when they were ambushed and defeated here, a rare setback for them. The battle site is 2 km southwest of the statue.
 * is across the watershed north, so there's no navigation from Lough Key. Only a small southern corner of it is in County Roscommon, almost all is in County Sligo. The area is dotted with prehistoric sites, best known being Carrowkeel: see Ballymote.
 * Arigna Coal Mine is easier to reach from County Leitrim, see Drumshanbo.
 * is 3 km west of town on R294. It's a portal tomb from 2000 BC, with two sturdy stones supporting a capstone which has partly slid off. Heading west on R294 (which is narrow, with few parking options), look for a derelict cottage on the right shortly after you pass under the railway bridge. From the cottage, a track leads to a level crossing over the railway, and the dolmen is before you in the field, which is private property.
 * Rathcroghan prehistoric sites are visited from the village of Tulsk 25 km south, see Roscommon.
 * Rathcroghan prehistoric sites are visited from the village of Tulsk 25 km south, see Roscommon.

Do

 * Boda Borg within Lough Key Forest Park is an adventure space / escape room series where you solve puzzles or complete tasks to progress. Suitable for teams of 3-5, age 7 and up. Hours and prices for 2021 are not yet posted.
 * Miners Way and The Historical Trail are two long-distance walking trails across the north of the county.
 * Boyle Golf Club 2 km south of town on N61 is a nine-hole course. Twice round is 5105 m, par 68, visitors €20 per day.
 * Boyle Arts Festival is held over a week in July, with contemporary art, music, poetry, drama and more. The next is expected to be 15-24 July 2021, tbc.
 * O'Carolan Harp Festival is held in July / Aug in Keadue, see Drumshanbo for details.
 * Search for UFOs, and especially for the portal somewhere near Church Island on Lough Key that enables them to pass between outer space and the hollow interior of our planet. Betty Meyler (née Mountain, 1931-2010), president, secretary, treasurer and pretty much sole member of the Irish UFO Society, often rowed out there swinging a dowsing pendulum to detect them. (Her kindred spirit the 8th Earl of Clancarty reckoned however that the portals were at the north and south poles.) Her third marriage was to her flying instructor Jack Meyler, and together they ran a guest house by Lough Key, a Fawlty Towers where Jack would harangue German guests with his RAF exploits. Officially the skies above Boyle have been bare of UFOs since Betty's death - suspiciously so, it smacks of a government cover-up - so your sharp observations could be important.

Buy

 * There's a collection of stores south towards the railway station, with SuperValu open M-Sa 08:00-21:00, Su 10:00-21:00.
 * There's an outside ATM at the Bank of Ireland by King House. Centra just south of the station has one within the store.
 * Farmers Market is in the courtyard of King House Sa 10:00-14:00.

Eat

 * The Stairs gastropub near the station is open M-Sa 10:00-21:30, Su 10:00-18:00.

Drink

 * Patrick's Well is at the foot of Patrick Street as it leaves Main St.
 * Daly's Storehouse is on Quarry Lane just south of the bridge.
 * Daly's Storehouse is on Quarry Lane just south of the bridge.

Sleep

 * Lough Key Caravan & Camping Park is part of the Forest Park Centre and open April-Sept. Caravan €25, tent €12, dogs permitted on lead.
 * Linsfort Guest House is on Main St.
 * Kilronan Castle: see Drumshanbo for this plush hotel in the countryside northeast towards Lough Allen.
 * Kilronan Castle: see Drumshanbo for this plush hotel in the countryside northeast towards Lough Allen.
 * Kilronan Castle: see Drumshanbo for this plush hotel in the countryside northeast towards Lough Allen.

Connect
As of Dec 2020, Boyle has 5G from Eir, 4G from Three, and a 3G mobile signal from Vodafone.

Go next

 * Longford has a fine cathedral and prehistoric sites.
 * Carrick-on-Shannon is the junction of several routes on the Shannon waterway network.
 * Ballymote prehistoric tombs and Sligo with its cloud-wreathed scarps are the landscapes that inspired WB Yeats.

title: Boyle


text:
Bozcaada

Bozcaada (pronounced boz-DJA-ah-dah) is an island in the Aegean Sea, near the western exit of the Dardanelles, in the Southern Marmara Region of Turkey. In 2018 it had a population of 3023, concentrated around its port and sole town, which is likewise called Bozcaada. Its ancient name was Tenedos.

Understand
Bozcaada is a triangular island, about 5-6 km on each side, lying 5 km from the Turkish mainland. It's been inhabited at least since the Bronze Age, and under various names was mentioned in classical texts. This sea area is often raked in summer by "etesian winds" - stiff cold northerlies from the Black Sea, which can blow up without warning to gale force. They can blow for days, so ancient shipping trying to enter the Dardanelles had to anchor for shelter here until conditions improved. The island was therefore important beyond its size, and was fought over on many occasions.

The last major conflict was World War I, when it was a supply base for the British Gallipoli campaign, and the Greek-Turkish war that followed. The 1923 Treaty of Lausanne awarded most of the Aegean islands to Greece, and decreed exchanges of Greek and Turkish populations to reflect new national borders, but Tenedos / Bozcaada was an exception. It was awarded to Turkey but with no eviction of its Greeks, and all sorts of fine promises about safeguarding their religion, language and culture. Those promises proved hollow and most Greeks left, but some remain as a distinct community.

"Bozcaada" means grey-coloured and is also the name of the sole town of the island, on the northeast corner facing the mainland. An eczema of holiday homes spreads along the coast, while inland are vineyards, a few pine woods, and scrubby maquis.

The climate is slightly colder than average for the Mediterranean. It has sultry, muggy summers with little rainfall, and cool, rainy winters. Spring and fall are mild to warm and showery - these are the best times to go. See also the climate info for Gökçeada, which is very similar.

As you travel here by ferry, check the forecast for southerly Lodos windstorms and the northerly Etesians, either of which can cancel ferries.

There isn't a physical TIC but see the island website. Accommodation touts meet the ferries, and travel offices in town can also assist.

Get in
Bozcaada has no air service and can only be reached by ferry from Geyikli or Çanakkale. See those pages for how to get there, but it will generally involve a 350 km drive or five hour bus journey from Istanbul. Long-distance buses to Geyikli are timed to connect with the ferries and go all the way to the ferry port. Once on the island you can buy your return bus ticket from local agents, which avoids an anxious queue at a mainland ticket kiosk while your bus is revving to depart. A short-haul dolmuş from Çanakkale might only run to Geyikli town centre, so you'd need another dolmuş or taxi the last few km.

Gestaş Ferry sails from to  4 or 5 times a day year-round, taking 40 min. Only returns are sold, which in Jul 2023 are adult 50 TL, car 550 TL plus 15 TL per passenger, and it's somehow good to hear that a tractor is 265 TL. They don't check your ticket on the return, no point.

Gestaş previously also had a waterbus on summer weekends for foot passengers from Çanakkale. Since Covid it's been an on-off affair, and it's not sailing in 2023.

Get around
The town is small and walkable. From June to Sept, dolmuşes ply from the square by the castle entrance to Ayazma and Habbele beaches. They run every 15 min or so and take 15 min, for a single fare of 3.5 TL. One evening service runs to Cape Polente, the westernmost point of the island, where it's traditional to watch the sunset.

The island roads are paved but narrow, with no side-walk.

Ahmet drives the taxi, tel +90 538 542 4029. Bozcaada Rent a Car is available 24 hours on +90 545 240 6472. In 2022 there's no bike rental.

See

 * Town centre has retained its traditional architecture and narrow cobbled streets. Look for Kimisis Teodoku (Virgin Mary Church), Namazgah Fountain of 1703, the dilapidated Alay Bey Mosque of 1700, and Yalı Cami of 1655.
 * (Yel Değirmeni) is on the headland beyond the cove north of the castle. This windy island once had many, but they've all succumbed to time, electrification and, yes, the wind. Since 2019 there's been a project to rebuild them, and this is a first successful example. No interior access, you just come for the walk and the view.
 * North cove between castle and windmill is one to view, not to swim off - this is where the town sewage gets dumped out raw.
 * means "new castle", which you'd never guess from its tumbledown state. It was built in the 1820s, and Mahmut II may have been emulating the "star" fortress design of that era, but if so, he hired a shoddy contractor. You can reach it up farm tracks from town.
 * was built in 1734 and was Greek Orthodox - ayazma means a holy spring. It's nowadays a restaurant, which remains closed in 2022. They may or may not attempt to observe the saint's day of 26 July: St Paraskevi of Rome was a 2nd century Christian martyr. Her healing of eyesight was in no way impeded by her own decapitation.
 * means "new castle", which you'd never guess from its tumbledown state. It was built in the 1820s, and Mahmut II may have been emulating the "star" fortress design of that era, but if so, he hired a shoddy contractor. You can reach it up farm tracks from town.
 * was built in 1734 and was Greek Orthodox - ayazma means a holy spring. It's nowadays a restaurant, which remains closed in 2022. They may or may not attempt to observe the saint's day of 26 July: St Paraskevi of Rome was a 2nd century Christian martyr. Her healing of eyesight was in no way impeded by her own decapitation.

Do

 * Beaches: the best for beach lazing and swimming are grouped on the south coast. Ayazma beach below the monastery has surprisingly cold water, as fresh springs emerge into the sea. 500 m west is Sulubahçe beach, then the strip ends with bluffs beyond Habbele beach. Continue along the twisty turny lane to the island's west point, sunset views and wind turbines.
 * East coast is not as scenic, but more sheltered. South of town find Poyraz Liman, Tekirbahçe and Tuzburnu beaches.

Buy

 * Adakale Supermarket is at Çınarlı Çarşı Cd 63, open daily 08:30-23:00.
 * Four ATMs are along the Cumhuriyet Cd restaurant strip.
 * Red Poppy Syrup is an island oddity, made by boiling up poppy heads, perhaps with raisins, aniseed or liquorice. It's a colouring agent and mildly sedative folk remedy. The opiate content is negligible but enough to get you sniffed out and arrested at the airport, fortunately, before its other toxic contents can do anyone any harm.

Eat

 * The witching hour for dinner is 20:00 - either get in and order before then, or make a reservation. Otherwise you may have to wait until 22:00, or sample the quiet cafe that everyone's avoiding for some reason.

 * Cumhuriyet Cd is the main eating strip, looking over the castle and harbour. Hereabouts are Yalova 1940, Ada'm, Salkim, Madam Niça and Nevreste.
 * Tomato jam is an island specialty. Slather it into pide with cheese and olives.
 * Tomato jam is an island specialty. Slather it into pide with cheese and olives.
 * Tomato jam is an island specialty. Slather it into pide with cheese and olives.

Drink

 * Wine - as early as the first century BC, a bunch of grapes adorned the island's coinage. Producers are Corvus, Yunatçılar Camlibag, Talay, Ataol and Gülerada. Turkey doesn't have geographically defined wine regions but plants a mix of grapes: some local varieties are vasilaki (white), karalahna (red), kuntra (red) and karasakiz (red).
 * Cumhuriyet Cd the restaurant strip also has Kedi, Cabbar, Sapa, Lemon, In Vino, Bakkal and Tenedion Winehouse.
 * Cumhuriyet Cd the restaurant strip also has Kedi, Cabbar, Sapa, Lemon, In Vino, Bakkal and Tenedion Winehouse.

Sleep
Accommodation is clustered around the harbour, with dozens of small hotels and pansiyons. You need to book both in mid-summer, and out-of-season since many places close up. In 2022 you might pay 500 TL for B&B double in a 2 / 3-star place. Older accommodation often lacks A/C - not a problem on the many windy days, and the breeze also deters mosquitoes, but still, sultry days are less pleasant.

Connect
As of May 2022, most of the island has 4G from Turkcell, though with lots of dead spots in the hills. The other carriers only have a signal at the harbour. 5G has not rolled out in Turkey.

Go next

 * Back to the mainland it must be. North of Geyikli on the road to Çanakkale is ancient Troy.
 * The islands seen from Bozcaada are Gökçeada north, Limnos west and Lesvos south.

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

title: Bozcaada


text:
Bozel

Bozel is situated in the Tarentaise Valley, in the department of Savoie, From 380 m to 3 855m, the Tarentaise Valley covers the high Isère Valley, in the heart of the French Alps, between Beaufortain and the Mont Blanc Massif in the North, Vanoise Massif and the Maurienne Valley in the south, and the crest of the Alps in the east, which falls over on the Aosta Valley in Italy.

The Tarentaise Valley is a national heritage area of exceptional importance:

 * Natural heritage and landscape shaped by man.
 * Religious heritage in a country filled by the Christianity since the 5th century. Then this heritage has been marked by the Baroque art.
 * Civil heritage with its towers of defense or vestiges of the Gallo-Roman culture.
 * At last, architectural heritage of mountains villages, and, closer to us, the craft or industrial heritages and leisure activities.

Understand
Inhabited since Neolithic, Bozel is the quintessence of the Savoyard village since the Middle Ages.

Administrative Centre and shops at the valley below, and habitat shelled in seven hamlets clinging to the mountains: Villemartin, Tincave, The Mollinets, The Râtelard Lachenal, The Court, Les Moulins.

Bozel a shift from an altitude of 900 to 2558 meters, the summit of Mount Jovet. There, a 360 ° view: form the Mont Blanc Massif to the Vanoise glaciers.

In Bozel you walk in the footsteps of history: the "Sarazine Tower" (12th century) makes us imagine the Lords Rouge of Bozel's feudal power. The chapel of St. Barbe (16th century) recalls the strength and age of Christianity in the valley, to the Counter-Reformation Baroque.

While walking from village to village, you can also hear the echo of Tarines (cattle in the pasture of Tarentaise, used in France today to produce the cheese with a distinct flavor that comes from the high alpine villages of the Tarentaise valley), or locate the shaping of the landscape by obstinate mountain farmers, peasants became workers in the 20th century.

Today Bozel lies in the Vanoise National Park  and the center of prestigious ski resorts such as Brides les Bains, Champagny, Courchevel, Méribel, La Tania and Pralognan la Vanoise.

Today Bozel is a growing town, counting 2031 inhabitants in 2008.

Tourism office
Bozel Tourist Office, Tel: 04 79 55 03 77.
 * Winter opening hours (from Christmas holidays to mid-April) M-Sa 8:30AM-noon and 3PM-6:30PM. Su 8:30AM-noon.
 * Off-season opening hours, M-Fr 9AM-noon and 3PM-6PM. Closed Saturdays and Sundays and holidays.
 * Summer opening hours (July–August). M-Sa 9AM-noon and 3PM-7PM. Su 9AM-noon.

By car

 * From Paris: 655 km, 6 hr 20 min
 * From Lyon: 190 km, 2 hr 10 min
 * From Geneva: 174 km, 2 hr 00 min
 * From Valencia: 1091 km, 10 hr 20 min
 * From Grenoble: 118 km, 1 hr 20 min
 * From Brittany: about 1000 km, 11 hr 00 min

By plane
Bozel is located near 4 international airports:

 * Aix les Bains Airport Chambéry (115 km, 1 hr 15 min)
 * Geneva Cointrin Airport (151 km, 2 hr 00 min)
 * Lyon Saint Exupéry (193 km, 2 hr 15 min)
 * Grenoble-Isère (118 km, 1 hr 15 min)

By train
Bozel is 15 minutes away from the railway station of Moûtiers.

By bus
Bus station in Moûtiers, , T: 04 79 22 13 78

 * Regular Line T6 Moutiers-Bozel-Champagny-Pralognan la Vanoise. From mid-April to 19 December: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07h15, Tuesday at 09h35
 * Moutiers/Bozel. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday at 17.55

By car
Garage Picon/Renault: 04 79 55 03 31 Garage "Vanoise Automobile"/Peugeot: 04 79 22 01 54

By taxi

 * Alps Faoro Services: 04 79 22 77 63, or 06 16 90 10 78
 * Taxi Dunand (Champagny): O6 11 40 52 53
 * Poirel Taxi: 06 07 11 12 73
 * Taxis Rachel (Villemartin): 04 79 22 04 64, or 06 09 85 39 63

South of Bozel

 * The Dent du Villard (2284 m) provides a good example of erosion in gypsum and its watershed is home to numerous species of alpine flora. Gentian, columbine, rhododendrons, anemone, clematis, and even Soldanelles Heather Snow, who announced the end of winter, or the Sabot de Venus, a rare and protected flower. Finally cyclamen blooms from July and is mature in August.

Nearby are the largest ski areas in the world.

East of Bozel
You can see the facade of the Grand Bec (3400 m), the Vanoise National Park, and the littles towns of Champagny en Vanoise] and Pralognan La Vanoise.

West of Bozel
Enjoy the spa of Brides-les-Bains.

Visit the capital of Tarentaise, Moûtiers.

North of Bozel
There are many hamlets, each with its own chapel and originality: Villemartin, Tincave, Les Mollinets, Le Râtelard, Lachenal, La Cour, Les Monts, Mirabozon.

The higher you climb, the closer the Mount Jovet (2552 m).

In the winter
Alpine skiing, skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing, ski-touring, snowboarding.

Bozel is an ideal base camp for a ski getaway in one of the nearby ski resorts:
 * Courchevel
 * Les 3 Vallées
 * Meribel
 * La tania

The Bozel Tourist Office sells ski passes of the 3 Vallées and Courchevel, that you can reach by a free shuttle (back and forth), in 15 minutes.

 * Nordic ski or sled. Free access around the lake Bozel if snow conditions permit.
 * Ski-hiking above Bozel

In the summer
A true Savoyard village, lively all year, Bozel is the ideal base for family outings, the quiet little trip ... or the great hike!

Two or tribe, everyone can find its account here: Pathways of Baroque, hamlets clinging to the sunny side of the mountain of Savoyard life, contemplative vistas of the Vanoise Massif, walking or relaxing. One is spoiled for choice.

 * Water area: baywatch every day from 1 Jul to 31 Aug (12:00-18:00). Free. Bar du Lac, opened from 1 Jul to 31 Aug. Pedalo rental at the Bar du Lac
 * Rock climbing.
 * 3 tennis courts - rentals per hour with the Bozel Tourist Office
 * Playground - free access: Basketball, football, handball
 * Picnic - tables, 2 barbecues
 * Landing area for paragliding
 * Inflatable structure for children, all the afternoons (extra charge) - possibility of leasing the structure for birthdays.
 * Walk on the loop "Le Chevelu", or just stroll around the pond.
 * Fish: daily fishing passes available at the Bar-Restaurant Le Saint Roch (04 79 22 09 88) in Bozel (Association of Licensed Fishing and protection of aquatic The Gaule Tarine). Departmental regulations: 6 fish per fisherman per day during the authorized period.
 * Small walks around Bozel:
 * Le Chemin des Vignes (easy, ~4 hr): Exit Bozel past the Chapel of Saint Barbe, and follow the path that leads to the balcony until La Saulce above Bridesle Bains. For the disabled: until Le Ruisseau de la Roche
 * The Loop of Hamlets (easy - 2hr): Climb to the top of Bozel, above the Sarazine Tower, and take a right onto the marked trailhead. Follow the direction of Villemartin, then the Ratelard, and finally Les Mollinets.
 * Longer walks:
 * The Mount of War - Mont de la Guerre (~4 hr): Fit by car to the village of Tincave. On leaving the village, walk on the path leading in turn to Le Châtelard, The Duy, then to Mont de la Guerre.
 * Mount Jovet Panorama (2558 m)
 * Mountain Trail Jovet by the Bois de la Cour (1550 m) - technically easy but tiring: 6 hours and high altitude: mount by car to the hamlet of La Cour (Parking at the exit of the hamlet, 5 minutes near the torrent). Return on foot in the center of the village and follow the path marked out to the refuge of Mount Jovet. There is then a last effort (45 min) to provide to admire a magnificent panorama (with a clear view of Mont Blanc Massif).
 * Mountain Trail Jovet by Le Bois des Perrières - less time: 3 hr, but more challenging. Park the car near the torrent after the hamlet of La Cour. From there, take the marked path on the left bank until the refuge of Mount Jovet. In Bozel, take the road of Villemartin, then climb up mountains by the hamlet La Cour; from La Cour, the road becomes a dirt road over 20 km. You then come to the Refuge of Mount Jovet, where you can eat, or sleep. You can eventually walk up to the "Signal", that is to say the summit Mount Jovet, which can, on clear days, enjoy a 360° view, with Mont Blanc in the distance. This can be done in half an hour, but it can be hard on those who are not used to walk in the (high) mountains. Some passages may seem staggering, and you must pay attention to small children, both uphill and downhill. When considering a picnic up there (experience for small and large), remember to dress warmly!
 * Accommodation and meals by reservation with the Mountain Refuge of Mount Jovet in the summer from 15 June to 15 Sept,, Tel: 04 79 55 03 77.

 * Tours and detours in the Vanoise National Park: Bozel is a good starting point for many walks on long-distance trails in the Vanoise National Park.
 * Warning: if you walk in the park, rules must be respected, otherwise you may be fined. Do not pick flowers, fruits, or rocks. Do not disturb the tranquility of the area. No dogs, even leashed. No camping or camp, except near the refuges. No fire. Do not leave garbage, even at a crossing refuge. No paragliding or mountain biking (except a few tracks allowed).
 * You can improve the discovery, stopping for a meal or sleep in a refuge of Vanoise.

 * Leisure in Bozel: Baywatch, free access, fishing, walking, pedalo, playground, bar-restaurant: 04 79 55 03 77
 * Courchevel/Lac de La Rosiere: fishing, discovery trail, picnic, bar.
 * Courchevel/Lac du Praz: fishing, games, bar-restaurant.
 * Swimming pools: Brides Les Bains: 04 79 55 23 24. Champagny: 04 79 22 06 75. Courchevel 1550: 04 79 08 14 51. Doucy Combelouviere: 04 79 24 45 72. Pralognan La Vanoise: 04 79 08 74 88. La Tania: 04 79 08 40 40.
 * Fishing: angling, flyfishing in "Dorons", torrents or mountain lakes. Daily fishing passes available at the Bar-Restaurant Le Saint Roch Bozel (discount for children under 18 years - offered by the Gaule tarine for children under 12 years - providing a picture of identity). Information on opening dates with the Association of Licensed Fishing and protection of aquatic the Gaule Tarine - 6 fish per day per fisherman.

Heritage and culture

 * Saracen Tower: Built in the 12th century, this tower bailey is first occupied by the lords Rouge, close to the Counts of Savoy and the Archbishop of Moutiers. The 59234 was also the 13th century property and residence of the bishops of Tarentaise. This tower is called "Saracen", like many others in Savoie, evidence that the violent incursions of Spanish pirates in the 9th and 10th centuries have left an enduring memory in the collective memory. But Saracens, or Moors, really have nothing to do with the construction of this tower. Permanent exhibition: "Life and Traditions of the Valley of Bozel, from the Neolithic to the present."
 * Chapel of Our Lady of All Powers
 * Sainte Barbe Chapel
 * Church St. François de Sales
 * Heritage rural villages of Bozel: The Mounts, The Court, Mirabozon, Lachenal, Tincave, The Râtelard, Villemartin the Mollinets, Les Moulins.

Buy
Food
 * Eight at Eight: 04 79 55 03 67
 * Spar: 04 79 55 02 14

Butcher
 * H. Bonjean: 04 79 55 01 77
 * Favre: 04 79 55 03 45

Bakeries
 * Caprice: 04 79 22 08 36
 * The Grignetta: 04 79 55 02 63

Caterer
 * Petit Marmiton: 04 79 06 19 13

Vins de Savoie-product
 * Cave of Miracles: 04 79 22 19 03

Antiques-Flea-decoration
 * The Galetas : 04 79 55 03 76

Sporting
 * The Cage O Sport : 04 79 55 00 39
 * Outlet: 04 79 07 09 87
 * Thomasport : 04 79 22 01 01

Markets
 * Tuesday: Moutiers (day), Pralognan la Vanoise (day)
 * Wednesday: Brides les Bains (morning)
 * Thursday: Bozel (morning, small market)
 * Friday: Moutiers (morning), Pralognan la Vanoise (day)

Only the market Moûtiers held throughout the year. The others are held in season only.

Local products
 * In the Planay Villard, minutes Bozel, you can taste the famous Packers Guy Gros (diots, hams), but also the equally famous cheeses Ritord (Beaufort, serac, toma).

Banks
 * Crédit Agricole: 04 79 44 60 08
 * Banque de Savoie: 04 79 55 01 08

Vacation rentals
Both summer and winter accommodations are offered for rent in furnished rentals accredited by the Tourist Office. Each lease has a label that promotes facilities.

Stay healthy
General practitioner, radiology
 * Medical Office Dr. Kerrien and Portugal: 04 79 22 09 08
 * Surgery and Dr. Jay Margiela: 04 79 22 03 08

Nursing: Office Nurse: 04 79 22 03 12

Dentist: E. Haicour: 04 79 22 09 22

Pedicure: G. Dravet: 06 50 30 09 47

Pathologist: C. Caquineau-Thiel: 04 79 06 52 91

Osteopath: L. Gastini: 04 79 00 27 34

Physiotherapists:
 * Medical Office: 04 79 22 11 03
 * D. Demargne: 04 79 22 83 88

Veterinary Office: B. Chavoutier: 04 79 22 09 51

Pharmacy
 * Pharmacy Vanoise: 04 79 22 19 20
 * Drugstore: 3915

Stay safe

 * Firefighters: 18
 * UAS: 15
 * emergency number from Mobile: 112

Cope
Hall Bozel: 04 79 55 03 06

Post Office: 04 79 55 00 70

Gendarmerie: 04 79 22 00 17

Public Library: 04 79 22 67 52

Catholic Worship: Religious service Sunday at 11AM, Church of St. Francis de Sales

Carey's Déchetterie: 04 79 55 35 23

Business hours:
 * Off-winter: 7.30-12.00, 14.00-17.30, Monday to Friday. 8.00-12.00 on Saturday.
 * Winter: 8.00-12.00, 14.00-17.30, Monday to Friday. 8.00-12.00 on Saturday.

Weather: A weather forecast is posted each morning at the Bozel Tourism Board office, and a newsletter on snow science (the study of snow characteristics, and thus of potential avalanche) is available every day.

Connect

 * Public phone: Post Office
 * Internet cafés: St Roch Cafe, the Bistrot, Bozel tourist Office (extra charge)

Go next
You can get out of Bozel and enjoy visiting Grenoble, in the French department of Isere. You can also visit many other nice places all around the Savoie, or Haute Savoie: Annecy is quite amazing, and of course, you have to go to Chamonix, and climb the Mont Blanc! Maybe you'll prefer to take the Aiguille du Midi cable car, one of the highest cable cars in the world.

title: Bozel


text:
Bozeman

Bozeman is a city in Montana's Yellowstone Country. Set in the middle of the Rocky Mountains, this college town is a place for experiencing the great outdoors around the year, and for those days the weather makes you want to stay indoors there are a number of museums and galleries to explore.

Understand
Bozeman is a picturesque city in Gallatin County, Montana. It is the largest city in Gallatin County and is the county seat. Bozeman residents are known as Bozemanites.

With a population of 56,000 in 2022, Bozeman is the fourth largest city in the state. The city is named after John M. Bozeman, founder of the Bozeman Trail.

Bozeman is home to Montana State University. The population of the city nearly doubles during school semesters. Lodging may be difficult to find at the beginning of the school year, graduation and any time the Bobcats have a home football game.

Bozeman sees a steady stream of visitors for its outdoor activities—not just hiking, kayaking, and mountain climbing, but also winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, popular among locals and students as well as travellers. In fact, Bozeman once expressed interest in hosting the 2026 Winter Olympics.

One of the inspirations and main themes for the writing of the 1974 best-selling book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance was a road trip by motorcycle, from Minneapolis to San Francisco with a stopover at Bozeman, described with considerable detail by the author Robert Maynard Pirsig with his son Chris.

 * Bozeman District forest service office: 3710 Fallon St., Suite C, +1 406 522-2520

Climate
Bozeman is one of the wettest cities in Montana, averaging of precipitation annually. Mild springs and falls are punctuated by cold, snowy winters and relatively warm summers.

Geography
Bozeman is in south central Montana at an elevation of. It is an Intermountain Grassland habitat, bordered closely by Montane Forest habitat. Bozeman is bordered on three sides by mountain ranges (Bridger, Gallatin, and Tobacco Root) making up the northern Rockies. To the south, you'll find Yellowstone National Park as well as Gallatin National Forest.

Bozeman's geographical location combined with its climate make for a lush, agriculturally rich and diverse location. Its close proximity to the mountains and forest lands creates a plethora of outdoor activities year-round.

By plane
is in Belgrade northwest of Bozeman and is accessed via Airway Blvd from I-90 or Frontage Rd (which runs parallel to I-90). This airport is the nearest commercial airport for year round commercial air service to two Yellowstone National Park entrances, Bridger Bowl Ski Area, Big Sky Ski Resort, Montana State University, and countless other recreational sites and business destinations in and around Bozemen, Belgrade, and Livingston, MT. The following airlines offer year round service from: The following airlines come seasonally or part of the year:
 * Alaska Airlines (Portland, Seattle)
 * Allegiant (Las Vegas and Phoenix/Mesa)
 * American/American Eagle (Dallas-Ft Worth year-round and Chicago O'Hare seasonally)
 * Delta/Delta Connection (Atlanta, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, Minneapolis-St Paul and Seattle); Seasonally from New York La Guardia
 * United/United Express (Denver, Houston Bush Intercontinental, Newark and San Francisco); Seasonally from Chicago O'Hare
 * Frontier (Denver)
 * JetSuiteX (San Jose)

There are taxis, rideshare and hotel shuttles to bring you into town locally and long shuttles and buses for onward transport to Yellowstone, West Yellowstone, Big Sky and/or other places in and around southwestern Montana. There are also car rental available from the airport.

The airport terminal has a small variety of dining and shopping locations. Before security, there is a small bistro and coffee shop located between the escalators. After security, there are two full service restaurants and one quick serve Tex Mex place called Taco Jet. The shops offer travel amenities like neck pillows, head phones, chargers, etc., snacks, drinks, and an assortment of Montana gifts. Most locations open at 5 AM and close at varying times depending on flight schedules.

By car
There are three exits from Interstate 90 (I-90), the N. 19th exit (Exit #305), the N. 7th exit (Exit #306), and E. Main/Frontage Rd (Exit #309). The N. 19th exit, an endless expanse of chain stores and strip development, is furthest from downtown. The N. 7th exit is closer to downtown and has a wider selection of restaurants and hotels, but, though better than 19th St, still is not a pedestrian-friendly area. Many independent motels lie on E. Main St. within walking distance of downtown, which features a wide array of shopping and dining (almost entirely local independent businesses).

Bozeman is east of Butte, Montana via I-90,  west of Billings, Montana. Yellowstone National Park is approximately south via US Hwy 89, or US Hwy 191. US Hwy 191 passes through downtown (east-west) as Main St.

By bus
The south parking lot of, at 1500 N 7th St serves as a de facto bus station for the local Stream Line "Blue Line" bus and the following companies: The bus stops are located outside the south Outdoor Living (Home Garden) doors of the Walmart Superstore.

Get around

 * Classic Limo (406) 585-5466, has shuttles to Bozeman, Big Sky, West Yellowstone, Chico, Mammoth and Livingston.

Museums

Do

 * The annual Sweet Pea Festival is usually held the first weekend of August. Activities include music, dance, theater, comedy, food, and art exhibitions. The festival always starts with a parade on the Friday before. Festival regulars include Shakespeare in the Parks, children's woodworking, Verge Theatre, and the Bozeman Chord Rustlers' tater pigs.
 * The annual Sweet Pea Festival is usually held the first weekend of August. Activities include music, dance, theater, comedy, food, and art exhibitions. The festival always starts with a parade on the Friday before. Festival regulars include Shakespeare in the Parks, children's woodworking, Verge Theatre, and the Bozeman Chord Rustlers' tater pigs.
 * The annual Sweet Pea Festival is usually held the first weekend of August. Activities include music, dance, theater, comedy, food, and art exhibitions. The festival always starts with a parade on the Friday before. Festival regulars include Shakespeare in the Parks, children's woodworking, Verge Theatre, and the Bozeman Chord Rustlers' tater pigs.
 * The annual Sweet Pea Festival is usually held the first weekend of August. Activities include music, dance, theater, comedy, food, and art exhibitions. The festival always starts with a parade on the Friday before. Festival regulars include Shakespeare in the Parks, children's woodworking, Verge Theatre, and the Bozeman Chord Rustlers' tater pigs.
 * The annual Sweet Pea Festival is usually held the first weekend of August. Activities include music, dance, theater, comedy, food, and art exhibitions. The festival always starts with a parade on the Friday before. Festival regulars include Shakespeare in the Parks, children's woodworking, Verge Theatre, and the Bozeman Chord Rustlers' tater pigs.
 * The annual Sweet Pea Festival is usually held the first weekend of August. Activities include music, dance, theater, comedy, food, and art exhibitions. The festival always starts with a parade on the Friday before. Festival regulars include Shakespeare in the Parks, children's woodworking, Verge Theatre, and the Bozeman Chord Rustlers' tater pigs.
 * The annual Sweet Pea Festival is usually held the first weekend of August. Activities include music, dance, theater, comedy, food, and art exhibitions. The festival always starts with a parade on the Friday before. Festival regulars include Shakespeare in the Parks, children's woodworking, Verge Theatre, and the Bozeman Chord Rustlers' tater pigs.
 * The annual Sweet Pea Festival is usually held the first weekend of August. Activities include music, dance, theater, comedy, food, and art exhibitions. The festival always starts with a parade on the Friday before. Festival regulars include Shakespeare in the Parks, children's woodworking, Verge Theatre, and the Bozeman Chord Rustlers' tater pigs.
 * The annual Sweet Pea Festival is usually held the first weekend of August. Activities include music, dance, theater, comedy, food, and art exhibitions. The festival always starts with a parade on the Friday before. Festival regulars include Shakespeare in the Parks, children's woodworking, Verge Theatre, and the Bozeman Chord Rustlers' tater pigs.

Drink
The "Barmuda Triangle" consisted of three dive bars arranged around a back lot between Main Street and Babcock at 8th Ave. The Scoop faced Main Street and must have been one of the oldest bars in town with a few pool tables, a few slot machines and TVs for the game. Now there's just  The Haufbrau, equally as old - if not older - offering a small stage for locals and even a few out-of-towners to dish out their songcraft with anything from saws to buckets to fiddles or guitars. Great, friendly crowd unless you arrive before the local rednecks get sloshed. And The Molly Brown, the biggest of these three, with a pool hall, poker tables and a couple rows of slot machines. Montana being one of those rare states that allows machine gambling, you might as well try your hand while passing through. A quick fifteen bucks would not be unheard of, but a vanished fifty is far more likely. All three of these bars are of eclectic crowd; college students, Montana hippies, construction workers, out-of-work ranchers, divorcees, and that one guy who operates under the illusion that cowboys still exist.

Sleep

Go next

 * Big Sky — a nearby ranch turned resort with mountain activities like skiing and snowboarding.
 * Yellowstone National Park — the world's first national park, full of incredible wildlife, famous geysers, and natural beauty.

title: Bozeman


text:
Bra

Bra is a town of 30,000 people (2021) in Piedmont. It is a culinary destination, home to the Slow Food movement and the University of Gastronomic Sciences, so you are guaranteed to eat and drink well. Every other year, in September the town also hosts Cheese, a large international cheese festival.

Get in
For many, the easiest way to get in is by train from Asti. If you are already in Turin, you can take a direct train to Bra.

If you're in Turin and choose to drive, take the A6 south.

Get around
As it is a rather small town, you can explore Bra by foot.

Do
While not in Bra, some of Italy's best wine producers are nearby. It is a good starting point to explore the Langhe region known worldwide for its red wines.

Eat
The specialities include the similarly named sausage, salsiccia di Bra, and cheese, formaggio di Bra.

Go next

 * Turin

title: Bra


text:
Brač

Brač is an island in the Adriatic Sea, in the Split-Dalmatia county of Croatia, near the city of Split. It is the largest island in Dalmatia and has a population of 14,000.

In landscape, Brač is similar to its well known neighbor Hvar, with its rolling hills, pine and fig trees, isolated bays and clear water. Brač has two larger towns, Bol and Supetar.

Towns

 * — charming village on Brač island
 * — village located near a cove that splits into 2 ports (Bobovišća na moru and Vičja luka).
 * — charming village on Brač island
 * — village located near a cove that splits into 2 ports (Bobovišća na moru and Vičja luka).
 * — village located near a cove that splits into 2 ports (Bobovišća na moru and Vičja luka).

Talk
Each townlet and village on the Brač island has its own dialect but many people speak English, German or Italian, especially if working in tourism.

Get in

 * Ferries sail from Split to Supetar (50 min), and Makarska to Sumartin (30 min) – timetable. A catamaran (passengers only) runs from the island of Hvar to Bol.
 * Bol Airport has seasonal and charter flights.

By bus
All the major destinations on the island are covered by the bus services run by Arriva Croatia company.

By car
In almost every place, it is possible to rent cars, scooters also quads and bicycles to explore the island.

See

 * Recommend to visit Dragon's cave near village Murvica on the south side of island.
 * Dominican monastery in Bol has a great collection prehistoric items, amphoras and numismatic collection.
 * Museum of the island in the village Škrip.
 * Dominican monastery in Bol has a great collection prehistoric items, amphoras and numismatic collection.
 * Museum of the island in the village Škrip.

Do
Visit many pebble beaches and private coves, diving, kitesurfing and windsurfing in Bol.

Eat
Try Brač dishes of domestic lamb (vitalac) and famous Brač cheese.

Drink
Brač is famous for its wines, the most famous is Bolski Plavac. Spirits made of grapes with herbs.

title: Brač


text:
Brașov County

Brașov County (Romanian: Județul Brașov) is in Transylvania, Romania.

Cities

 * is a charming old walled city. It's in the mountains, ringed by forests and ski trails.
 * has a castle and subsists off Dracula tourism, although the link is tenuous.

Talk
Generally, there are a lot of English, German, Hungarian, French, and even Polish speakers in Braşov County but you should definitely try to learn at least the basic Romanian words like, welcome forms, travel-related words etc.

See
The main tourist attractions in the county are:

 * The city of Brașov
 * Poiana Brașov mountain resort
 * Predeal mountain resort
 * Bran with its castle often - inaccurately - referred to as Dracula's castle
 * The Făgăraș Mountains
 * Piatra Craiului Mountains
 * The medieval fortresses of Făgăraș and Râșnov
 * The fortified churches from the Saxon villages in the Burzenland area

title: Brașov County


text:
Brașov

Brașov (pronounced Bra-shov in Romanian) is a city in Transylvania, Romania. It's set in the Carpathian Mountains in the centre of the country, from Bucharest. It's mostly a modern industrial city with a population of about 250,000, but the reason to visit is the well-preserved Old Town. It's also an alternative base for skiing at the nearby resort of Poiana Brașov.

Understand
In the Middle Ages Transylvania had Hungarian rulers, who brought in Saxon settlers. They developed the walled town known in German as Kronstadt and in Hungarian as Brassó. Later development was further out so this old centre was largely preserved. It has good tourist facilities and is well worth an extended stay: perhaps because it lacks an airport, it's not as well known to westerners as similar old towns such as Sibiu and Cluj Napoca. Shop, restaurant and hotel staff often speak English and German.

For the visitor therefore, the core of Brașov is the old town (largely pedestrianised) and adjoining Șchei district. The modern city is to the east and north, with a "centrul nou" or civic centre, and low-rise blocks sprawling to the bus and railway stations and beyond. To avoid ambiguity, directions here refer to the old town centre.

The Tourist Information Centre is in the Town History Museum on Piața Sfatului (Council Square), open daily 09:00-17:00.

Bring warm clothing, the mountain setting means that Brașov is often wet and cold, especially at night.

By train
From Bucharest Gara de Nord there are 13 direct trains daily between 06:00 and 21:00, taking about 2 hr 40 min (49 lei, Sep 2018). Travel via Bucharest from Bulgaria, Moldova and Turkey.

From Budapest Keleti there are three direct trains daily (one daytime & two overnight sleepers) via Arad, Deva and Sibiu, taking about 13 hours. One of the sleepers is a direct train from Vienna Hbf. A couple of other connections are possible from Budapest Nyugati via Oradea, taking 16 hours.

There are direct trains from Sibiu (6/day, 3-4 hours), Constanța (one direct, others via Bucharest) and Cluj Napoca (4/day, 7 hours).

The passenger train operator is CFR Călători. The is 3 km north of the old centre, at the foot of Bvd Victoriei. It's a tired communist-era hall, but there are ticket kiosks, ATMs, cafes and (downstairs) a left-luggage store open 24/7 (5 lei per day small bag, 10 lei large). More food kiosks outside, and city bus stops - take #4 or #51 for the old centre. Next door is Autogara 1.

By car
Brașov has good road connections, as it's in a valley where several routes across the hills converge. Main highways are:
 * E60 runs south past Ploiesti and Otopeni airport to Bucharest. Towards north, it leads to Sighisoara, Cluj-Napoca, Oradea and Budapest.
 * E68 runs west to Sibiu, Deva, Arad and Timișoara into Hungary.
 * E574 runs north to Romania's Moldavia region, Iași, and into Ukraine and Moldova. It runs south to Pitesti and Craiova.

Ring ahead to your accommodation for advice on parking, which is often difficult in Brașov. In winter you're required to have winter tyres: in this hilly region police often check, with stiff fines for non-compliance.

By bus
Buses run every hour or two to Sibiu (2 hr 30 min), Cluj Napoca (4 hr 30 min) and Bucharest (3 hr). The Bucharest buses also stop at Otopeni airport.

The Bucharest buses run from Autogara 1 (also called Codreana), next to the railway station. Most other inter-city buses run from, at the foot of Strada Avram Iancu, 4 km north of the old centre. (It's sometimes called Stadion Tineretului for the adjacent sports stadium.)

For timetables and fares see Autogari.

On foot
The old town, and westward extension of Șchei, are compact and walkable - indeed they're mostly pedestrian precinct. The new town and burbs stretch a long way. Bike rental is available in the central square Piața Sfatului, 4 lei per hour.

By bus
Buses in Brașov are run by RATBv (Regia Autonomă de Transport Brașov). They mostly run weekdays 05:30 to midnight, weekends 06:30 to 23:00; there's no night service. Most bus stops have real-time digital displays of what's coming. Google Maps usually plans perfect routes via public transport in Brașov.

The biggest city bus interchange near the old city is. It is on the north edge of the old centre; if you travel a lot around the city, prepare to arrive to and depart from here lots of times.

Tickets

 * For tourists and visitors, a recommended option (least hassle) is to pay using the 24pay smartphone app. You should scan the QR code by the driver with the app to get the ticket.
 * Alternatively, you can by paper tickets (from the kiosks or ticket machines at the main bus stops - if there aren't any, look for any nearby newsagent kiosk or super/mini market - they'll often display a sign "bilete"). Validate the ticket after boarding the bus.
 * A standard ticket is 5 lei, which can be used for 2 x 50 minutes with any number of transfers. Not valid on bus 20.
 * A one-way ticket to Poiana Brașov (bus 20) costs 6 lei.
 * If you stay long-term, consider buying a one-month pass (85 lei, unlimited travels on all bus lines, including 20).

Lines
For visitors, the most relevant bus lines:
 * Bus 4 from the railway station to Piața Sfatului in old centre then Șchei and Tocile, then loops back again
 * Bus 50 from the valley SW of town through Piața Unirii in Șchei, round old centre via Livada Poștei then out again SW
 * Bus 20 from Livada Poștei to Poiana Brașov - at the kiosk, say where you're going for the appropriate ticket
 * Bus A1 from the railway station to Brașov Airport

Some other useful lines are:
 * If you're going to Autogara 2, you can use buses 12, 15, 28 (from Livada Poștei) or 23, 23B (from the railway station)
 * To reach Coresi Mall (the biggest mall in the city), you can use buses 2 (from Livada Poștei) or 8 (from the railway station)
 * To reach the zoo or Aventura park, you can use buses 17 (from Livada Poștei) or 35 (from the railway station)
 * To go hiking in Piatra Mare mountains (including Seven Ladders canyon), use bus 17B (from the railway station; runs once every 1-2 hours)

Taxis
Taxis make sense if you're struggling with luggage between bus and railway station and old town, reckon 3 lei per km. A trip from the train station to the old town should not cost more than 20 lei. See Taximetre for operators and rates. There are many taxi hyenas at the railway station so be careful (see more at Stay Safe). Uber is available in Brașov.

Old Town
In the Middle Ages, Transylvania's Hungarian rulers brought in Saxon settlers, to defend and develop the area. They built up the walled city of Kronstadt, which today forms the Old Town of Brașov. Most of the city sights are here, in the pedestrianised zone centred on Council Square (Piața Sfatului) and along the spine of Republicii street. Main sights include the Piața Sfatului, the Black Church, and the former Council House. Around the walled city, you can see the Șchei and Catherine Gates, Weavers' Bastion, Black Tower, and White Tower. To the south lies Șchei district, described below. Stroll at random, or follow the route suggested in the Brasov cultural itinerary, or join one of the free guided walking tours run by Guided-Brasov.com.

Note: if you wish to take photos in any museum, you must pay an extra fee (inquire when buying tickets). In the Black Church, you cannot take photos.

 * Poarta Șchei is the street leading down to the gates of the old town. Along it (by No 19) find Rope Street (Strada Sforii), a picturesque alley, and the Beth Israel Synagogue (entrance by No 29, open M-F 09:00-16:00, 5 lei). Old Town ends at the Șchei & St Catherine Gates. The medieval entrance and tollgate was St Catherine's Gate, which you could barely fit a horse and cart through. In 1828 it was replaced by the wider Șchei Gate and blocked off. A well-preserved section of wall runs east then north from here, with three bastions (Weavers', Spinners' opposite the cable-car station, and Drapers' to the east).
 * The White Tower and the Black Tower  on the northern hillside. The view from the Black Tower balcony is especially nice and usually included in most Brașov guide books.
 * Looming over the old town is Brașov Citadel (Cetatea Brașovului). Enjoy the stroll and view from the hill but you can't visit within.
 * Poarta Șchei is the street leading down to the gates of the old town. Along it (by No 19) find Rope Street (Strada Sforii), a picturesque alley, and the Beth Israel Synagogue (entrance by No 29, open M-F 09:00-16:00, 5 lei). Old Town ends at the Șchei & St Catherine Gates. The medieval entrance and tollgate was St Catherine's Gate, which you could barely fit a horse and cart through. In 1828 it was replaced by the wider Șchei Gate and blocked off. A well-preserved section of wall runs east then north from here, with three bastions (Weavers', Spinners' opposite the cable-car station, and Drapers' to the east).
 * The White Tower and the Black Tower  on the northern hillside. The view from the Black Tower balcony is especially nice and usually included in most Brașov guide books.
 * Looming over the old town is Brașov Citadel (Cetatea Brașovului). Enjoy the stroll and view from the hill but you can't visit within.
 * The White Tower and the Black Tower  on the northern hillside. The view from the Black Tower balcony is especially nice and usually included in most Brașov guide books.
 * Looming over the old town is Brașov Citadel (Cetatea Brașovului). Enjoy the stroll and view from the hill but you can't visit within.

Șchei district
If you're weren't Saxon, then you weren't allowed to live in medieval walled city Kronstadt, so the Romanians mostly lived in Șchei hamlet, south of the gate. Here too lived Bulgarians brought in to solve a labour shortage, who were nicknamed "Șchei" (probably from Latin "sclavis", meaning Slavs). The hamlet grew into the township of Șcheii Brașovului, centred on St Nicholas Church and Piața Unirii. It's now a charming area to stroll or stay.

The district continues southwest into the valley, past Tocile transport interchange, to Holy Trinity Church (Biserica Sf. Treime). Then Șchei peters out as the dead-end lane ascends towards Solomon's cliffs, a popular hiking area.

Further out

 * The lane SW from Schei, a dead-end for motor traffic, used to be the cart-track over the hills to Poiana Brașov and beyond. It climbs the valley through limestone karst scenery, the most prominent feature being
 * The lane SW from Schei, a dead-end for motor traffic, used to be the cart-track over the hills to Poiana Brașov and beyond. It climbs the valley through limestone karst scenery, the most prominent feature being
 * The lane SW from Schei, a dead-end for motor traffic, used to be the cart-track over the hills to Poiana Brașov and beyond. It climbs the valley through limestone karst scenery, the most prominent feature being

Do

 * Cerbul de Aur (Golden Stag) music festival. In 2018 it celebrated 50 years of existence (though only 18 editions were held in this period). It is held in the main square, bringing lots of pop artists and musicians (but also cluttering the square with tons of heavy iron scaffolding and stage for about one month).
 * Organ concerts at the Black Church. June, September: Tu 18:00-18:30; July, August: Tu Th Sa 18:00-18:30, ticket price 8 lei
 * Climb around in the climbing park Aventura. Tracks range from very easy to very difficult and the entrance fee is about 30 lei for one person. You can get there with several buses: line 17 (city centre), line 35 (trainstation) and line 21.
 * Climb in the biggest Romanian indoor climbing Gym Natural High . Tracks range from very easy to very difficult. Location: str. Carpatilor, inside METROM industrial zone.
 * Swim in two water parks: Paradisul Acvatic (it's open all the year) and Aqua Park.
 * Hiking and trekking - Brașov is surrounded by scenic hills and mountains, ideal for exploring. And the woodlands and limestone slopes support almost 40 species of orchids.
 * Skiing - see page for Poiana Brașov ski resort, 10 km away.
 * Climb around in the climbing park Aventura. Tracks range from very easy to very difficult and the entrance fee is about 30 lei for one person. You can get there with several buses: line 17 (city centre), line 35 (trainstation) and line 21.
 * Climb in the biggest Romanian indoor climbing Gym Natural High . Tracks range from very easy to very difficult. Location: str. Carpatilor, inside METROM industrial zone.
 * Swim in two water parks: Paradisul Acvatic (it's open all the year) and Aqua Park.
 * Hiking and trekking - Brașov is surrounded by scenic hills and mountains, ideal for exploring. And the woodlands and limestone slopes support almost 40 species of orchids.
 * Skiing - see page for Poiana Brașov ski resort, 10 km away.
 * Skiing - see page for Poiana Brașov ski resort, 10 km away.

Learn
Știi să vorbești românește? If your answer's "duh?" then you can learn Romanian at the Language School on Strada Iuliu Maniu 41A, 2nd floor.

Buy
The biggest shopping mall is Coresi. Others are Unirea Shopping Center, Eliana Mall, STAR, and the shops near the big Carrefour near Calea Bucuresti. For food and regular shopping the hypermarkets (Carrefour, Metro, Selgros, Kaufland) are better value. They're edge of town on the road to Bucharest, from Livada Poștei take Bus 17 and from the railway station Bus 35. A good market for local produce is Astra (Piața Astra), SE off Uranus Bvd, take Bus 6 from Livada Poștei.

Eat
Since there are lots of tourists, there's more upmarket choice, but mid-range prices are higher.

Budget

 * Fornetti is a Hungarian pastry chain with many outlets, eg at the railway station and downtown. They sell small pastry pieces stuffed with cheese or jam. Prices are fair and the quality is very high.
 * Panini - Also on 15 Noiembrie (nr. 40) is a 24/7 fast food restaurant, with great sandwiches for incredibly low prices.
 * STAR supermarket, nearby at Strada Nicolae Bălcescu 62, has decent cheap food. Just around the corner is Kebab House, serving doner kebap non-stop.
 * STAR supermarket, nearby at Strada Nicolae Bălcescu 62, has decent cheap food. Just around the corner is Kebab House, serving doner kebap non-stop.

Sleep
Ignore the touts at the railway & bus stations, who'll offer an overpriced ditch.

Stay safe
Brașov is very safe for visitors, and the main tourist areas are well-policed. As in most Romanian cities, be on your guard against pickpockets and scams.
 * Keep your valuables close, especially in the crowded tourist areas in the city center, on buses, and in restaurants
 * If you plan to get a taxi, make sure it belongs to a company, and prices and phone number are written on the door. Especially avoid taxis that stand in the first line (near the sidewalk) on the right as you exit the train station.
 * Exchange bureaux have a bad reputation for scams: see Romania article. Shop around for decent rates: the exchanges by the bus & railway stations have poor rates, and for less common currencies such as Canadian or Australian dollars the rate will be poor everywhere.

The forests around Brașov have a large population of bears, and sometimes they approach town to feed from dumpsters. This is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos, which will eat any sheep left unguarded but seldom attacks humans unless it feels threatened. Keep your distance, and in the woods make noise so you don't startle them.

Cope
Most shops and businesses accept credit and debit cards. For cash, there are many ATMs: it's best to use those next to a bank, and during regular business hours, so you've some recourse if it doesn't pay out. The ATM should also display a support phone number: note this before entering your PIN.

Currency exchange is best done at a major bank, such as the BCR, BNR, BT, or Raiffeisen Bank - they're efficient, honest, and trade all the main currencies. You'll need your passport. BCR headquarters on 15 Noiembrie Street has an exchange ATM that converts EUR, USD, GBP and CHF into lei at the bank's official rates and is available 24/7.

Connect
Brașov and its approach roads have 4G from all Romanian carriers. As of Aug 2022, there is patchy 5G cover from Digi, Orange and Vodafone.

Go next

 * Easy day trips from Brașov include:

 * Râșnov with its great fortress and abundant history is only 16 km southwest. Take train or frequent bus.
 * Bran, another 10 km further, has a striking castle, but is tourist-trippy and overplays the Dracula connection.
 * Poiana Brașov is a big ski resort 10 km above Brașov. Frequent buses, lots of tourist facilities.
 * Prejmer is a village 12 km east with a fortified church.
 * Feldioara fortress is 15 km north.

 * Further away:

 * Făgăraș, to the north, has a fortress, and a little way beyond it is Sâmbăta de Sus fortress and monastery
 * Sighișoara is a medieval fortified town teetering on a hilltop, and birthplace of Dracula. It's 120 km north and reached by train or bus. With your own transport, detour along the way to see Hoghiz, Racoș, Rupea and Viscri.
 * Sibiu is the star attraction of Transylvania, a splendidly preserved medieval city, about 3 hours away by bus or train.
 * Heading south, Pitești (120 km) is the last town that feels "Transylvanian". It's reached via Bran and the Rucar pass across the mountains. On the way, detour to Curtea de Argeș, an old Wallachian fortress.
 * Further south, you come down to the flat fields of Wallachia, and the highway races away to Bucharest.

title: Brașov


text:
Bracebridge

Bracebridge is a town of 17,300 people (2021) in the Muskoka region of the province of Ontario. Its most notable and first recognized characteristic is the modern, European-style downtown. In the summer, the small town's population increases significantly providing recreation for tens of thousands of tourists and seasonal residents.

Understand
The municipal boundaries of Bracebridge encompass the smaller communities of Clear Lake, Falkenburg (a ghost town), Falkenburg Station, Fraserburg, Germania, Lakewood, Matthiasville, Monsell (a ghost town), Purbrook, Rocksborough, Springdale Park, Stoneleigh, Uffington and Vankoughnet.

History
Bracebridge is shaped by its proximity to Lake Muskoka to which it is connected by 6 miles of the Muskoka River. The abundant water power afforded by the great waterfall at the foot of the downtown powered the first factory. The arrival of the Grand Trunk Railway cemented the town's role as a transportation hub for the area.

Modern settlement of the town began in the 1860s, beginning at first with a few log huts. The Muskoka colonization road had been completed to the first falls on the north branch of the Muskoka River by 1862. Entrepreneurs began to take advantage of the area's water power. With the advent of steamship service on Lake Muskoka a few years later, Bracebridge prospered as the main distribution centre for the region.

By car
Car travel is the most popular way to reach Muskoka. It is on the 45th parallel, approximately 190 km north of Toronto. Take Highway 400 north through Barrie and continue north up Highway 11 in the direction of North Bay. In the summer, Highway 400 and the two northern highways (Hwys 11 and 69) will always be packed heading north on a Friday and south on a Sunday. Dual lanes in each direction have eased the traffic in the past few years, however on 'long weekends', travel to Muskoka is always busy and can take several hours from the Toronto area: Victoria Day (the Monday before May 25), Canada Day (July 1), Ontario Civic Holiday (first Monday in August), and Labour Day (first Monday in September).

Winter travel to the region can be tricky depending on the weather. Bracebridge and the surrounding area do get several winter storms per year, and can be difficult to access if you are not used to winter driving. Winters have become milder, and improved roads in the area in also help. However, this can vary from year to year as it lies on the cusp of the strong snow-belt areas of the country.

By train
Passenger rail service through Muskoka was discontinued in 2012. As of 2023, service is expected to resume in the mid-2020's.

By plane

 * Northern Airport Service offers a daily scheduled shuttle service from Pearson Airport (Toronto, ) to Bracebridge. The trip takes about 2 hours.
 * Northern Airport Service offers a daily scheduled shuttle service from Pearson Airport (Toronto, ) to Bracebridge. The trip takes about 2 hours.

Get around
Getting a taxi is never a problem in Bracebridge. Bracebridge is small enough to see on foot as well, however Santa's Village is slightly outside the city, and would be difficult to walk to from downtown.

See
Muskoka is famous for its picturesque scenery. The downtown area of Bracebridge has many small shops along the main street and a small park at the centre of town.

Eat
There are many places to enjoy great food in Bracebridge, from cafés and delis to bistros and fine food restaurants. The small town is home to over 40 eating establishments making it a drawing point of the region based on cuisine alone.

Sleep
As much of Bracebridge's economy is based on tourism, there are plenty of places to sleep in the area. The summer season can become quite busy so as it is not necessary to book ahead, it is certainly recommended if you have particular tastes.

Stay healthy

 * South Muskoka Memorial Hospital, about 2.5 km from Highway # 11. An 84 bed hospital. Emergency facilities available, X-ray, ultrasound, mammography, lab, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, dietary services, mental health echocardiography.

Go next

 * Gravenhurst — the next town on the Highway 11 corridor, heading south towards Orillia and Toronto. A regular stop for seasonal residents stocking up on supplies or looking for an evening in town.
 * Huntsville — the next town north on Highway 11, and Muskoka's largest. It's also at the northern edge of Central Ontario; continue into the Near North toward Sudbury, or head east on Highway 60 into Algonquin Provincial Park.
 * Haliburton Highlands — a number of small communities in a rural are to the east, set among pristine lakes and forests on the Canadian Shield, offering quieter cottage country and outdoor recreation.
 * Parry Sound — a detour west through Part Carling leads to Parry Sound on Georgian Bay. It is roughly in the centre of a freshwater archipelago that stretches from French River to Midland, and home to several provincial parks that provide a range of camping and canoeing experiences.
 * Sudbury — the next major destination for a long distance road trip, about north, featuring Science North and the Big Nickel.

title: Bracebridge


text:
Brackettville

Brackettville is a city in the Hill Country River Region of Texas.

Get in
Brackettville is on US 90 between Del Rio at the Mexican border, and Uvalde. Scenic Route 674 connects the town to Rock Springs to the north.

The nearest airport is Del Rio International Airport, about 30 miles to the west in Del Rio.

Get around
It is necessary to have a car here.

Go next

 * Del Rio
 * Kickapoo Cavern State Park is about 12 miles north of town.

title: Brackettville


text:
Brackley

Brackley is a market town close to the Northamptonshire border with Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Since 1990, it has grown considerably with new housing estates, but retains the original town centre and market feel.

Buy
Market day is Friday, and a Farmers Market comes to town on the third Saturday morning of every month.

Go next

 * Silverstone is 5 miles (8 km) north. The Aston Martin F1 Team factory is located here.
 * Buckingham
 * Banbury

title: Brackley


text:
Brad

Brad is a city in Hunedoara County, Transylvania, Romania.

Understand
Brad is a mining town. It has a population of 16,122 inhabitants (2002). Mining in Brad is documentary certified since 21 BC. The gold extracted from the mines located in Brad region, reached the Egyptian pyramids, Rome, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but also the Soviet Union.

Get in
Brad is situated 36 km from Deva, on national road DN76, which is going to Oradea (147 km). Arad is located at a distance of 145 km. In Brad starts a branch of the national road DN74 to Abrud (40 km, Alba County). Brad is connected to Arad by a railway, which was opened in 1896.

Connect
Brad's area code is 254 for Romtelecom and 354 for RDS. If you are calling from Romania you must dial 0254 or 0354 and if you are calling from abroad you must dial +40254 or +40354.

title: Brad


text:
Braddock Expedition

This itinerary attempts to follow, as closely as possible by car, the original route of the Braddock Expedition through Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania up to the crossing at the Monongahela River where General Braddock's ill-fated expedition ended and the young Colonel George Washington earned his fame.

Understand
In 1755, General Edward Braddock, Commander-in-Chief of His Majesty’s Forces in North America, was commissioned with expelling the French from the Ohio Valley by taking Fort Duquesne in present-day Pittsburgh. Additionally, Braddock's expeditionary force would clear a road from Fort Cumberland (Cumberland, Maryland) to Fort Duquesne. This action was performed in conjunction with several other campaigns against the French in North America that year. From April 9th to July 9th, Braddock's force of nearly 1,500 men marched approximately 250 miles. On July 9th, Braddock's force of British regulars, continental regulars, and militiamen fought a meeting engagement with 900 French soldiers and Indians just after crossing the Monongahela River south of Fort Duquesne.

The Battle of the Monongahela resulted in a tragic defeat for General Braddock. The British soldiers' poor discipline resulted in a panic-stricken rout, allowing the French and Indians to easily pick them off. Washington was recognized as Virginia's war hero as he was able to form a defense and save the remainder of Braddock's force. Braddock, however, did not survive the battle.

Washington also played a key role as an advisor to General Braddock. Washington spent his early adulthood surveying the lands granted to the Fairfax family. This gave him valuable information on the best route from Alexandria, Virginia to Cumberland, Maryland. He also held a deep interest in settling the Ohio Valley. Washington believed that the future of America lay in the fertile farm lands of the Ohio and a trade route to this area was key.

While Fort Duquesne was not taken, the trail blazed by Braddock's expedition proved to be a major commercial link to the West and provided part of the basis for the construction of US Highway 40 - the National Road, one of the first major improved highways in the US. The road also proved valuable during Washington's term as president: In 1794, he led 13,000 men up the Braddock Road to suppress the Whiskey Rebellion — the last time a sitting president of the U.S. led troops in battle.

Today, the trails followed by Braddock's men are much different than in 1755. In Northern Virginia from Alexandria to Leesburg, much of the original route has been broken up by housing developments and strip malls. However, there are still some fragments of the trail in original condition, such as the span in Claude Moore Park in Sterling, Virginia. As you travel further west, many of the roads traveled follow the same roads used in 1755. You will witness the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, discover countryside that George Washington spent much of his time traversing and speculating on, and discover the road that opened the Ohio Valley to a rush of settlement.

Prepare
The route follows some city roads and mostly rural roads. Part of the route traverses the Appalachian Mountains. A typical first aid kit in your trunk will do. While a typical trip from Alexandria to Pittsburgh takes 4 hours, this trip will take from 6 to 10 hours. Plan on a whole day to allow time for all of the sites. A good road atlas of Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania is highly recommended. A detailed road map (such as those published by ADC) of Northern Virginia is also good to have.

Get in
The trip begins at Founders Park in.

From points north (i.e. Baltimore), take I-95 south, cross the Wilson Bridge and take the Route 1 exit north into Alexandria. Take a right on King Street and follow it to the water's edge.

From points south (i.e. Fredericksburg, Richmond), take I-95 north and take the Route 1 exit north into Alexandria. Take a right on King Street and follow it to the water's edge.

From points east (i.e. Annapolis), take Route 50 west to I-495/I-95 (Capital Beltway) going south toward Richmond. Cross the Wilson Bridge and take the Route 1 exit north into Alexandria. Take a right on King Street and follow it to the water's edge.

From points west (i.e. Winchester), take I-66 east to I-495 (Capital Beltway) going south toward Richmond. Follow the Beltway around to the Route 1 exit north into Alexandria. Take a right on King Street and follow it to the water's edge.

There is usually plenty of parking near the water's edge. You can walk to Founders Park by walking to the left when facing the river. The park is past the wharf area (where the Torpedo Factory and Charthouse restaurant are).

Alexandria
The tour begins in Alexandria, Virginia where King Street meets the Potomac River. This area used to be Alexandria's port. It was the main point of entry and departure for merchants shipping tobacco and food to the Old World and importing luxury goods into the New World. As shipping focused more on the port at Norfolk, Alexandria became the central marketplace in Northern Virginia for slaves. In the years leading up to the civil war, only slaves that were born in America were sold here as importing slaves from abroad was illegal. From 1790 to 1846, Alexandria was part of the District of Columbia but was retroceded to VIrginia as the Alexandrians across the river from DC shared little interest with those in the District. During the Civil War, Alexandria was occupied by Union troops, and heavily fortified in order to repel a Confederate assault on Washington for the duration of the war. As the Federal government grew in the 20th century, Alexandria has become a wealthy city home to government contractors but it has maintained its links with the past by keeping the "Old Town" area's shops and old homes intact.

Braddock's journey started in Cobh near Cork, Ireland. He sailed into Hampton, Virginia and then into Alexandria. It was here in this port where he arrived with his two regiments and began planning his march.

Carlyle House
In Alexandria, Braddock established his headquarters at the John Carlyle house. To get to the Carlyle House from the port of Alexandria, travel West (away from the river) on King Street for two blocks and take a right onto North Fairfax Street. The house is on the right. Here at the Carlyle House, Braddock met with five colonial governors and tried to convince them to support his campaign against the French. The governors were unable to convince their colonial assemblies to support the mission. This incident highlighted the divide that was growing between the United Kingdom and the American colonies.

Braddock stayed three weeks at the house, and was reported by the house's owner to be "too fond of his passions, women and wine...” and that the general had “abused his house and furnishings...”

With the campaign planned and the army assembled, it was time to march on Fort Duquesne.

At the outset, General Braddock sent his two regiments on different routes to meet at Fort Cumberland, Maryland, the final staging point of the expedition. Braddock sent his 48th regiment under Colonel Thomas Dunbar across the Potomac, through Maryland, and up to Frederick. The 44th regiment under Sir Peter Halkett was sent to Cumberland through Northern Virginia. Since the roads past Frederick were unable to support a marching army, the 48th regiment was forced to head south and meet the 44th just northwest of Winchester, Virginia.

For the present, this tour will focus on Halkett's route through Northern Virginia.

Halkett's route through Virginia
Sir Peter Halkett led his regiment from Alexandria along a route roughly following today's Route 7 (Leesburg Pike) up to Leesburg. From Leesburg, he travelled across the Shenandoah, through Charles Town, and through the mountains of West Virginia to a ferry on the Potomac near present-day Paw Paw, West Virginia. After ferrying the Potomac, the regiment stopped at Fort Cumberland.

Alexandria to Old Fairfax Courthouse
From North Fairfax Street in front of the Carlyle House, continue north. Turn left onto Wythe Street. Follow Wythe Street until you veer left onto East Braddock Road. This road roughly follows Route 7, and is supposedly the road followed by Braddock's men. There are other braddock roads in Northern Virginia (including Route 620 through Springfield/Fairfax and its old continuation through Loudon County) but these roads do not actually follow the route of Braddock's troops.

Once on Braddock Road, follow it west through several suburban neighborhoods and across Route 7 and I-395. Suddenly, you will come to a college campus at N Beauregard Street. Take a detour left onto Beauregard and then right onto Seminary Road. You will need to veer left to stay on Seminary Road and avoid turning right onto George Mason Drive. Continue west on Seminary Road until you loop around and meet Route 7 again at Bailey's Crossroads. Take a left to head west on Route 7. Follow Route 7 through Seven Corners and Falls Church, and across I-66 and I-495. Just before you reach the intersection with Route 123 (Chain Bridge Road), take a left onto Aline Avenue and follow it until it becomes Old Courthouse Road. Just after you cross Route 123 you will be at the site of the Old Fairfax Courthouse. The 44th camped here their first night.

The area from Alexandria to Tysons Corner (Old Fairfax Couthouse) has changed drastically since 1755! It is now a jumble of old DC suburbs, strip malls featuring stores and restaurants from nearly every ethnicity, and skyscrapers housing government contractors and other businesses. This is life inside the beltway. In Braddock's time, this area was a collection of plantations growing tobacco, staple crops, and livestock. Important road junctions, such as Bailey's Crossroads and Tysons Corner usually were the site of inns and general stores (ordinaries). This area was largely rural until the latec30th century. In the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, there was incredible growth in this area. Despite all of the development, the roads that existed in 1755 are still somewhat intact in the form of Braddock Road, Seminary Road, and parts of Route 7.

Leesburg to Keyes' Ford
At this point, Halkett's regiment split into two groups. Halkett led his group through Waterford while the second group travelled along Dry Mill Road. The two groups rejoined on Charles Town Pike. This itinerary will focus on Halkett's route through Waterford.

From West Market Street, take a right onto North King Street. Travel two blocks and take a left on North Street NW. Veer right onto Old Waterford Rd NW. Along Old Waterford Road lies Morven Park. This grove may resemble the landscape that Halkett's men observed in 1755. Diaries described beautiful groves of oak and hickory.

Follow Old Waterford Rd until reaching a 3-way intersection with Hurley Lane. Take this right continuing onto Old Waterford Road. Approaching the village of Waterford, veer left onto Fairfax Street. Here is the town of Waterford. Take a right onto Butchers Row and an immediate left onto Main Street. Follow Main Street until it becomes Old Wheatland Road.

Old Waterford Road and Wheatland Road roughly travel the original roads that existed in 1755. Along the Old Wheatland Road used to stand a large white oak at the northwest corner of Jack Evans's farm. The tree marked a way stop for Halkett's men and was known as the "Braddock Oak." The tree came down after Tropical Storm Agnes in June 1972. Two miles west of Braddock Oak was Mr. Thompson's farm. Mr. Thompson was a quaker and supplied Washington's troops on his earlier journey to Fort Necessity. Washington recommended Braddock's men stop at Thompson's farm.

When Old Wheatland Road meets Charles Town Pike, take a right. Follow Charles Town Pike past HIllsboro and over a pair of mountain ranges. Just over the second range, turn right onto Chestnut Hill Road. From Chestnut Hill Road, take a left onto Keys Ferry Access Road. Follow this road until you reach the end. This site may have been the actual site where troops were ferried across the Shendandoah River.

Keyes' Ferry to Middleway via Charles Town
Since you cannot ferry your car across the river, go back the way you came and take a right onto Charles Town Pike. To see the other side of the ferry site, you can take a right onto Bakerton Road just after crossin the Shenandoah, or just skip it and continue on Route 9 (Charles Town Pike) into Charles Town. The army did stay the night at the Gershom Keyes plantation after crossing the river.

Follow Charles Town Pike (Rte 9) into the center of Charles Town and take a left onto Route 51 (Summit Point Pike). As you leave the city, veer right onto Route 51. Just before you reach Middleway, veer left onto Old Middleway Road. Welcome to Middleway!

Braddock's route through Maryland
See The Braddock Expedition and Fox's Gap in Maryland by Curtis Lynn Older, published by Heritage Books.

Once Halkett's group met up with Braddock's group, they headed for Cumberland through present-day West Virginia.

Middleway to Brucetown
Braddocks' 44th and 48th regiments met in Middleway and continued their march to Fort Cumberland.

From Middleway, going south on Leetown Road, take a right onto Brucetown Road. Take a left to continue on Brucetown Road when you reach a T-intersection with Bunker Hill Road. Follow Brucetown Road around a left-hand corner and take a right onto Cr-1/11 (Hinton Road?). You will cross the Opequon at Abril's Ford. Follow C-1/11 as it becomes Sir Johns Road. Take a right (west) onto an entirely different Brucetown Road. Once you've reached this turn, you're in Brucetown! The army camped here at Widow Littler's Tavern.

Brucetown to Forks of the Cacapon
Going west on Brucetown Road, continue across I-81 by taking a left at US-11 and an immdiate right onto Hopewell Road. As you follow Hopewell Road, you will pass by the Hopewell Quaker meeting house. Take a left onto Welltown Road and a Right onto Hiatt Road. Where Hiatt Road meets Apple Pie Ridge Road stands an old, 18th-century springhouse now covered in ivy. Braddock's men camped here, however, it is unknown if this building predated the expedition. Continue straight onto Catalpa Road and take a left onto Old Baltimore Road. Cross over the ridge to Cedar Grove.

At this point, the trail is lost as it is now covered by Lake Saint Clair and there are no longer any passes over Hunting Ridge where the army marched. Instead, take a left onto Cedar Grove Road and a right onto Route 522 (North Frederick Pike). Follow it over Hunting Ridge and take a left onto Gainesboro Road. After passing through Gainesboro, the army camped for the night.

Continue on 522. You may veer off onto Cross Junction Road as it may have been the original road through the area and it loops back to 522. Take a left onto Red Oak Road. Take another left onto Redland Road. Follow Redland to the intersection with Old Mill Road. This is Whitacre, another campsite. Continue on Redland Road, and veer right, making sure not to get onto Whitacre Road. Readland Road becomes Il Pugh Road. Take a right onto Route 127 (Bloomery Pike). As you cross over Timber Ridge, you will enter West Virginia.

Where 127 crosses Cacapon River is the "Forks of the Cacapon". Henry Enoch owned land here and a fort was built here after Braddock's defeat. The army camped a mile south of the mouth of the Bloomery Run.

Just before you cross the Cacapon, you can take a right onto an unnamed road to visit the Bloomery iron furnace!

Forks of Cacapon to Fort Cumberland
After crossing the Cacapon, take a right onto Owl Hollow Road and cross the North River. Take a left onto an unnamed road at the T-intersection and an immediate right onto Route 29. Just after crossing the ridge, take a left onto Critton Hollow Road. Follow this road and veer right onto 2 3rd Street to cross over Spring Gap Mountain. This mountain was named for the spring located in the gap you are now crossing. Braddock's men camped here atop the ridge. 2 3rd Street becomes Anthoney Boher Road. Take a right onto Spring Gap-Neals Run Road. Follow it north all the way to the Potomac River.

Here, Braddock's army camped at Thomas Cresap's farm and ferried the Potomac. Since there is no bridge here, we'll head around through Paw Paw.

Head back south on Spring Gap Road and take a left onto Neals Run-Paw Paw Road. Follow the road into Paw Paw and take a left onto Winchester Street. Veer onto Route 9/51 going north and cross the Potomac. Follow 51 to Cumberland. Route 51 will take you straight into the heart of Cumberland. Take a left onto Baltimore Street to cross the bridge over Will's Creek. Just to your left is the former site of Fort Cumberland (now a church).

Fort Cumberland to Frostburg
When you cross Will's creek, Baltimore Street becomes Washington Street. Take a left on any block and then a right onto Greene Street. Follow Greene street out of Cumberland and it becomes Route 49. Follow 49 until you reach Route 658. Take a right onto 658 and then a left onto Route 40 - the National Highway. You will cross Great Savage Mountain.

Frostburg to Uniontown
Follow US 40 to Uniontown.

Uniontown to Mount Pleasant
Follow US 119 to Mount Pleasant.

Mount Pleasant to Greensburg
Follow US 119 to Greensburg.

Greensburg to Duquesne
Take a left on Lincoln Highway (US 30). Take a left onto Lincoln Way just past North Huntington. Cross the Green Belt bridge and take a right onto 837 (Duquesne Blvd) into Duquesne.

Duquesne to the Battlefield
Follow 837 to the Rankin bridge. Cross the bridge. Follow Green Belt/Braddock Avenue.

title: Braddock Expedition


text:
Bradenton

Bradenton is a city on the Florida West Coast. Its economy is based on tourism and agricultural products. Tropicana, the orange juice company, and Bealls are headquartered here.

By plane

 * You can arrive by air at Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport, on the border between Sarasota and Manatee counties, south of Bradenton.
 * You can also fly into Tampa International Airport, in Tampa. Tickets to Tampa are generally cheaper and it's easier to get a direct flight since the airport is bigger.
 * The third option is a smaller airport St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport. (PIE) The airport is predominantly served by Allegiant Airlines and features direct flights from many mid-sized northern cities.

By car

 * Easy access by car from Interstate 75.

Get around

 * The MCAT (Manatee County Area Transit) bus system stops at all the major shopping areas, beaches, schools, hospitals, etc.

Stay safe
For the most part Bradenton is a safe city, with crime rates among the lowest in Tampa Bay Area. However some areas, especially south of downtown, tend to have a higher concentration of crime, especially at night.

Don't walk around by yourself late at night or carry around expensive objects or large amounts of cash. Driving is normally pretty safe, though carjackings have been known to happen. When driving around at night, lock your car doors and windows and stick to major roads to avoid getting lost and ending up in a bad neighborhood.

Go next

 * Sarasota
 * Saint Petersburg
 * Palmetto
 * Anna Maria Island — swim, jetski, windsurf, or ride the trolley
 * Longboat Key Beaches

title: Bradenton