Things to Do in North America

The Portland Japanese Garden, set within Washington Park, offers a 5.5-acre meander beneath vine-draped arbors, over curving bridges, past waterfalls and stone sculptures. Its five-garden layout was devised in the late 1960s by one of both Japan and America's most famous landscape designers, Takuma Tono.

Reflecting the philosophical focus of Portland's large Japanese community, the five distinct gardens here are meant to encourage tranquility and provide color throughout the year. There is an on-site tea house where occasional tea ceremonies are held, an airy gift shop with a large variety of wares from Japan and an ever-changing lineup of art and craft exhibits.

These two very different destinations, flowing together along a gorgeous stretch of the Mayan Riviera, make up one of the most attractive ports of call on the Mexican Riviera. Zihuatanejo, or "Zihua," is still a quaint fishing village, though growing into a small city. Its stunning shore has been occupied since pre-Columbian times, and the entire town retains an authentic Mexican feel, with traditional markets, regional seafood recipes, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Ixtapa, on the other hand, is a planned resort town, perhaps a bit sterile but perfect for vacationers who are looking for convenient, family-friendly access to truly beautiful beaches, a picturesque marina, and a wide selection of comfortable hotels. The two towns are only three miles apart, so day-trippers can easily explore both.

How to Get to Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo

You'll arrive in the tender port of Zihuatanejo, which most day-trippers prefer to resort-lined Ixtapa. Most of Zihua's attractions, mainly beaches, shops, and restaurants, are walking distance from the pier. Boat taxis can take you to prettier, more pristine beaches, including those of Isla Ixtapa. It's a three-mile walk or inexpensive cab ride to Ixtapa proper, with more upscale shopping, a fine marina, and other appealing beaches. Seasoned travelers who speak a bit of Spanish will have no problem using cheap public buses that connect the two towns.

One Day in Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo

There are nice beaches, shops, and even an archaeological museum close to the wharf. Most can be reached on foot along Zihuatanejo's malecón, Paseo del Pescador (Fisherman's Walk), lined with thatch-roofed seafood restaurants and handicraft stands selling the region's attractive rugs, hammocks, shell art, pottery, and other artesanías.

Better beaches are accessible by boat, including Ixtapa Island, with four unspoiled stretches of white sand and coral reefs just perfect for snorkeling; and popular, palm-lined Playa Las Gatas, with calm, sapphire water protected by a reef that explored by snorkel and diving outfits set up onshore. Other activities include horseback riding, surfing, wildlife watching, golfing, sportfishing, zip-line canopy tours, and much more.

When compared to the sun-drenched beaches of Poipu or Hanalei, Koke'e State Park is a brisk mountain outpost where bikinis and boardshorts are replaced by flannels and hiking boots. Located at 4,000 feet in the uplands above Waimea Canyon, the air is cooler than down on the shoreline, and flocks of nene goose meander through the low clouds that linger on the forested mountain slopes.

In addition to being a mountain outpost, Koke'e State Park is known as having Kauai's best hiking. No fewer than a dozen trails depart from the immediate vicinity, with trailheads leading either towards the colorful ravines of famous Waimea Canyon or into the lush interior which ranks as one of the wettest spots on the world. Still other trails lead towards overlooks which gaze down on the Na Pali coast, and the 3,000-foot, near-vertical drops are definitely not for the faint of heart.

For those who would prefer the dramatic overlook without having to hike to get there, the road which runs through Koke'e State Park reaches its upper terminus at the Kalalau and Puu O Kila overlooks where visitors can peer deep into the remote Kalalau Valley. Or, if you would prefer to learn about the island's varied natural history, the Koke'e Natural History Museum outlines everything from the introduced game animals of the Garden Isle to the effect that Hurricane Iniki had on the island's wildlife.

Camping is available for those who want to experience the early-morning calm of the mountains, and the entire park is a breath of fresh air where the crashing surf of the shoreline is replaced by whistles of native song birds as they flit their way through indigenous treetops. Rugged, rustic, and completely undeveloped, you can even make out the Forbidden Island of Niihau as it looms on the distant horizon.

The Kurtz family has always been a major producer of jam and jellies. At their land on the scenic Niagara Parkway, 50 acres of orchards and vineyards (and a large retail barn) overlook the dramatic Niagara River. A half-century ago wooden wagons out front offered fresh peaches and cherries along with a few jars of homemade jam. Today at Kurtz Orchards the second and third generations have elevated what was once a simple orchard to a haven for culinary tourists.

Set in a converted brick warehouse in Brooklyn's DUMBO neighborhood, this chocolate wonderland is the flagship of Jacques Torres' mini-empire of treats. An Algerian-born French pâtissier whose resume includes New York's famed Le Cirque, Torres not only makes his own dark- and milk-chocolates, he bakes his own croissants "“ which you can enjoy here at one of two highly coveted cafe tables.

Often referred to as "Mr. Chocolate," Torres was of the first chocolatiers to use graphic prints on his confections, as well as unique flavors and ingredients like ancho chile and passion fruit. He creates Champagne-filled chocolate corks, menageries of chocolate animals, and his own signature chocolate lollipops, in addition to ice cream, cookies, and an enormous chocolate bar called the Big Daddy. His popularity has allowed him to open five other locations in Manhattan, including an outpost in Chelsea Market.

The Klondike is synonymous with the gold rush days of the late 19th century, when the frontier settlement of Skagway exploded from a population of just two to 20,000 in a mere 10 years.

The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park protects the memory of these days, preserving the trails, towns and buildings of the gold rush era. Skagway was the gateway town to the gold of the Klondike, which lay 550 miles (885km) north, near the junction of the Klondike and Yukon Rivers in Dawson City.

The Chilkoot Trail is the most famous of the gold rush routes followed by the miners, originally created by the Tlingit people. The park also preserves the downtown Skagway Historic District and its prized collection of authentic 100-year-old wooden buildings, including the fun Mascot Saloon and historic Moore House and Cabin.

Drop into the park's visitor center to watch the video about the area's gold rush history and pick up information about the local trails, including the famous Chilkoot Trail.

Rangers lead a range of activities, including walking tours and talks through the historic buildings and countryside.



Photo by Reywas92 sourced from WikiCommons

Kicking Horse River flows through the Canadian Rockies in British Columbia, from its source in Lake Wapta, south-west to the Columbia River and the town of Golden.

This wild river is the premier white-water course in the Canadian Rockies, offering exciting rafting over Class 3 rapids or more gentle Class 2 paddles.

Golden lies at the center of Kicking Horse Country. The town's unusual covered wooden bridge over the Kicking Horse River was built in 2001.