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When you think of ‘New York’ the first thing that comes to mind, is the Empire State Building, Times Square, Statue of Liberty, Broadway...the list goes on. However, not many people know about New York’s hidden gems, which are New York’s islands. The city of lights is known to have about 36 to 42 islands in total, around its region and most of them are easy to access via boat or even on foot by the city’s bridges. From gorgeous coastlines to mesmerising lakes and rivers, New York’s islands are something to see! We’ve rounded up the top New York islands you must visit on your next trip to the big apple.
Roosevelt island
Located on the East River, Roosevelt Island sits between Manhattan and Queens and is one of the nicest places in Manhattan to relax. It’s a manmade island full of cherry blossoms and green spaces. There’s also plenty of things to do, places to eat. One of the primary attractions is the Blackwell Island Light, a charming lighthouse that provides visitors with the best view of the city. Other must-see buildings include Renwick Ruin and Strecker Lab (all part of the former smallpox hospital), the Octagon Tower (an abandoned asylum), and the Blackwell House, which used to belong to the owners of the island, built-in 1796, which makes it the sixth-oldest house in New York City. Towards the southern end of the island, visitors can find the picturesque Four Freedoms Park, where The Franklin D. Roosevelt statue is situated.
The island can be accessed via the aerial tram that operates 250 feet above the city, look out for the cutting-edge Cornell Tech campus, a serene park, and gorgeous views of the Manhattan skyline.
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Little Island
Built-in 2021, Little Island is by far the newest and smallest island in NYC. This breathtaking man-made island can be found in Hudson River Park near 14th Street and offers spectacular views of Manhattan and New Jersey. The island creates an immersive space between nature and art and is perfect to visit all year round. Feast on delicious street food from the many food trucks and enjoy some performances and music festivals at the amphitheatre. The park is open to the public, but you’ll need to reserve a ticket if you’re planning to visit during the high season. The island is accessible via bike, car, and public transportation such as the subway and buses.
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Goat island
A visit to Niagara Falls isn't complete without a stop at Goat Island in Niagara Falls State Park. The island splits the Niagara River in two before it roars over the American Falls and the Horseshoe Falls (Canadian Niagara Falls). This Island gives you an interesting and unforgettable view of the famous falls. First things first: There are no goats on Goat Island, even though there used to be back in the 1770s. The island was turned into a national state back in 1885 and was claimed to be the nation's first state park. A fun attraction on the island is the Cave of the Winds, which takes visitors to the lower level of the Bridal Veil Falls, where the rushing water creates stormy conditions. Be prepared to get wet! For food, you can have a sit-down lunch or dinner or a sunset cocktail at the Top of the Falls Restaurant. Its large windows overlook Terrapin Point and the Horseshoe Falls. Goat Island is a beautiful New York island with stunning and up-close views of the magnificent falls.
Image Source: Niagara Falls Live
Heart Island
In the town of Alexandria, you will find the beautiful Heart Island. No, the island is not heart-shaped, but it does have a sweet love story associated with the island's castle. Yep, you heard it right, there is a massive castle on this island that dates to 1900. The castle is named Boldt Castle, which was created for the millionaire George C. Boldt with the help of the architectural firm G.W. & W.D. Hewitt and hundreds of tradesmen. Moreover, the castle was a gift to Boldt’s wife, Louise who tragically died after 10 years of being married to him. In addition to this, Boldt Castle is a six-story castle, that includes 120 rooms, a powerhouse, tunnels connecting the rooms, Italian-style gardens, a children's playhouse, a drawbridge, and a dovecote. Heart Island is the place to visit historic and beautiful architecture and remarkable landscapes surrounding the castle.
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Fire island
A bit further from the city, Fire Island is the perfect location for a weekend gateway. You may have heard about Fire Island’s bustling party scene, however, the island has so much more to offer than just that. The island is on the southern shores of Long Island and is 30 miles long. It has beautiful sandy beaches for the most romantic beach walks in addition to jet-skiing and other water sports for the more adventurous. During your visit to the island, you can even enjoy some of New York’s wildlife, as friendly deers tend to greet visitors in the Sunken Forest, Davis Park, and Cherry Grove. In addition to this, birdwatching and camping options are available as well. Visitors can access Fire Island only by the Fire Ferries.
Image Source: Daily Mail
Conclusion
So, there you go, the top 5 islands of New York City! Visiting these gorgeous hidden gems are great for beating the hectic life of the Big Apple as well as relaxing and enjoying the amazing views these islands have to offer.
Have you seen our Urban Illustration New York range? Individual purchases can be made via Etsy and wholesale purchases can be made via contacting our team.
Top 5 islands to visit in New York:
It’s the new year, and it’s time to try new cuisines. Why not start with the traditional Irish cuisine? It includes delicious ‘feel good’ dishes, perfect for the winter weather. Making use of the fresh seafood available on Ireland’s shores, the beef and lamb reared in its green pastures to make appetizing stews, and the locally grown vegetables, to create some healthy veggie dishes. But don't wait until St. Patrick’s Day to enjoy these authentic dishes, discover Ireland’s most iconic foods, with our helpful food guide.
A boxty is a type of pancake made of the country’s most popular vegetable – the potato. Combining finely grated raw and mashed potato, this mixture is then fried in a griddle pan and is usually part of the full Irish breakfast. Boxty is a cheap and filling potato pancake, which is served with organic vegetables and shellfish cream. It’s a part pancake and part hash brown: what’s not to love? Plus, you can enjoy it with some creamy Irish coffee.
Eat it at O’Holohan’s on the Barge, or McHughs Bar & Restaurant Belfast.
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Authentic Irish soda bread is a quick bread made with baking soda. The other ingredients are flour, buttermilk and salt. The basic recipe is pretty simple, but many Irish families add their twist by mixing different fruit and spices. It’s a lovely filling snack when slathered with creamy Irish butter and accompanied by a cup of tea. According to ancient folklore, this yeast-free bread is traditionally scored with an X to ward off evil (but it also helps the bread rise). This traditional bread is available pretty much at every bakery in Belfast.
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Coddle is a traditional Irish cold-weather treat, which is generally made up of leftover ingredients tossed in one pot and coddled (or simmered) together slowly. Leftovers include bacon, sausage, potatoes, onions, and butter and you can add herbs like thyme as well as parsley. Pepper can be sprinkled over the top to enhance the taste. It is best enjoyed with brown bread or even Irish Soda Bread. Fun fact, coddle is reported to have been the favourite meal of playwright Seán O’Casey and Gulliver’s Travels author Jonathan Swift and it also appears in works by James Joyce.
You can find it at The Hercules Bar (https://www.thehercules.co.uk/) or White Tavern (https://www.whitestavernbelfast.com/)
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One of the most traditional Irish dishes is the Irish stew. It’s the ultimate comfort food that is preferred because of its taste, low cost, and of course, its nutritional richness as it is a combination of meat, fresh veggies, and some herbs. The cooking time is very long, around 2 hours, in order to make the meat soft and tender. Some also bring in variations by adding mushrooms, barley, and some Guinness. It’s served with some sprinkles of thyme and parsley on top. The perfect twist to the traditional stew.
Bright’s restaurant (https://www.brightsrestaurantbelfast.co.uk/) and Robinsons (https://robinsonsbar.co.uk/)
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Don’t be fooled by the name ‘pudding’—this Irish staple is made from pork sausage. To be specific, it’s a sausage made with pork meat, fat and blood. The Irish like to enjoy their black pudding with white pudding, which is identical just without blood. Moreover, the puddings are usually served as a slice with the full Irish breakfast. Talented Irish chefs have also found unique ways to incorporate it into salads and main dishes.
You’ll be able to purchase traditional black and white puddings in local butchers in Belfast or have it with your Full Irish Breakfast.
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We hope you enjoyed reading Urban illustration’s guide to traditional food in Ireland, and where to eat them in Belfast.
Don’t forget to check out our new Belfast giftware collection!
The city of lights has inspired many directors to use its streets, buildings, and bridges as the backdrop for their movies. The city's beautifully preserved historic sites are perfect for all sorts of movies such as romantic, drama and action.
Of course, the most popular attractions such as the Louvre and Eiffel Tower have been featured in hundreds of films, but we wanted to track down the lesser-known attractions that directors chose as their filming locations.
Here is Urban Illustration’s top 5 must-visit movie locations of Paris.
Why not drink a coffee at the famous café des Deux moulins, which was featured in the iconic movie The Fabulous Destiny of Amélie Poulain. In the film, the main character Amélie works at this cafe during the day. It is located on the corner of a quaint Cobblestone Street in Montmartre. The café looks almost exactly as it did in the film and includes various photos of Amelie from the film shooting. Don’t forget to try their 'Crème Brûlée d'Amélie', a classic crème brûlée dish flavoured with vanilla beans, which featured in the film as Amélie's favourite treat.
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An amazing film directed by Woody Allen, and starring big names like Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams and the then-First Lady of France Carla Bruni. One of the most iconic locations in the film is the Rodin Museum, which is nested in Paris’ Left Bank in the 7th arrondissement. It is a breathtaking area surrounded by lovely gardens. You can spot this location in the film, in the scene where the museum curator (Rachel McAdams) explains the story behind Rodin’s art to Gil (Owen Wilson) and Paul (Michael Sheen). The museum itself is a beautiful 18th-century mansion dedicated to the life and works of French sculptor Auguste Rodin. The works are housed in the beautiful that calls this piece of land home. An interesting fact about this location is that Napoleon's tomb can be found here!
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Wouldn’t you want to take a walk knowing Leo DiCaprio has been in that exact spot? Well, now you can! Visit the famous Bir-Hakeim Bridge aka the ‘the bridge from Inception.’ The bridge is one of the first places where Ariadne discovers that she can manipulate a dream, which makes it a significant scene in the movie. You can find the bridge in the heart of Paris, quite close to the Eiffel Tower. It’s a graceful steel bridge, with a unique double-decker steel frame that makes it the perfect place for a photo. If you’re a Christopher Nolan fan, then make sure you add this location to your Paris list.
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Le Caveau du Huchette in the Latin Quarter is a jazz club featured in the musical romantic film La La Land. To be more specific, this location is visited by Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) and Mia (Emma Stone) on a night out. The space is similar to an old-time cellar style jazz bar from the 20s. Interestingly enough, the bar was not well known before the film. It has since seen a rise in popularity as more and more people have recognised it from the motion picture. Le Caveau du Huchette will be a night out in Paris you’ll never forget. A great opportunity to explore the scenes from your favourite movie in real-time.
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Have breakfast at the very place Angelina Jolie ate hers in the opening scene of The Tourist. Just around the corner from Le Louvre where Elise (Angelina Jolie) burns a letter using the tealight keeping her pot of tea warm. Sit down at a table on their outdoor terrace and enjoy the atmosphere at this elegant Paris Cafe. The theatre Comédie Française, is right next door to the restaurant. In fact, it's not uncommon, in the evening, to see actors dine at the brasserie after their performances. A fun way to imagine yourself in Angelina’s shoes, fleeing from the enemy in the heart of Paris. However, be cautious that this area is very central and can get crowded.
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Are you ready to live like a movie character of your favourite Parsian movie? Which movie is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below.
Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram to see the Parisian cityscape be re-imagined by Urban Illustration --> @UrbanIllustration
Amsterdam is the ideal location for eco-conscious tourists. Interestingly, in 2010 Amsterdam was nominated for the European Green Capital 2010 award. The city encompasses an eco-friendly attitude including tree-lined canals, famous parks and 400km of cycle lanes. All this makes it a great place for the eco-conscious to have a city break. We have put together some eco-tips and activities you can do that will make your stay as green as can be.
So, when you first think of transportation in Amsterdam, the first thing that comes to mind is cycling! To be sure, it is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world. It’s the best eco-way to see the city just like one of the locals. Furthermore, the city is equipped with well-designed cycle lanes and flat streets to guarantee a smooth and pleasant bike ride.
It’s not only environmental-friendly but also the fastest way to get around in the city. You can explore the Dutch capital on a bike ride along the canals, with its museums, Dutch-style houses, and typical cafés.
If you are not a confident bike rider, to handle Amsterdam’s crowded streets then worry no more! You can always take a bike guided tour to guide you through the crowds.
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Alternative transportation
Walking
If biking is not your thing, then you can always explore the city on foot. Amsterdam is small enough for you to walk around and walking along the canals will allow you to discover lively neighbourhoods such as the Jordaan and picturesque path spots. In addition to this, there are free guided walks offered around the city.
Boat it out
Amsterdam, also known as the “Venice of the North,” can be explored via its canals. Visitors can either hire a pedal boat at Leidseplein quays and go at their own pace or take a tour on one of the electric boats which are powered by natural gas and other sustainable fuels.
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Public Transportation
The Dutch city has an amazing and well-organised public transportation network, which includes trams, metro, bus, ferries, and trains. Notably, most of these run-on green electricity and are convenient and easy to navigate. Tourists can buy 1-day to 7-day tickets or the iAMsterdam City Card which gives visitors unlimited rides.
The Plastic Whale
For an eco canal cruise choose the Plastic Whale. It’s a special boat that was created by a company that harvests plastic out of the canals with the help of passengers and uses this plastic to make more boats and office furniture.
The Plastic Whale offers its guests a two-hour outing, seeing some of the most famous landmarks that are best viewed from the canals. During those two hours, guests are provided with snacks and drinks and are also invited to participate in collecting some of the waste that is littering the beautiful waterways. It is important to highlight that collecting plastic is not mandatory for any guest.
The Plastic Whale also holds competitions between groups onboard awarding prizes for the team with the largest amount of plastic retrieved, as well as one for the most original object collected. A must for any eco-warriors out there.
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Choose an Eco-Friendly Hotel
In Amsterdam, most hotels are becoming more energy-efficient and implementing energy-saving measures. Additionally, more than 50 hotels are being rewarded a Green Key certificate, which indicates that their facilities are sustainable.
One of the best eco-friendly hotels is The Conscious Hotel, which has three locations in the city and offers guests a 100% sustainable experience. A modern hotel with furniture, which is made from recycled plastics. They also serve a big, healthy and organic breakfast. Likewise, the hotel has solar panels on the roof and an eco-product shop. Plus, they offer in their rooms non-toxic shampoo which comes in large, refillable pump bottles. This hotel is a favourable choice for eco-conscious guests that want to keep their carbon footprint to a minimum whilst visiting the city.
Other eco-friendly hotel options include; EcoMama Hotel and Zoku Amsterdam
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Ecological shops and markets
What better way to support local farmers other than purchasing organic fruit and vegetables to snack on during the trip. If this sounds like something you would be interested in doing then make sure you check out the Farmers Market (Boerenmarkt) at the Noordermarkt square.
Another hotspot for eco-conscious tourists is the colourful flower market, which runs along the canals. Brighten up your day by having a pleasant walk and browsing the colourful world-famous dutch tulips, which is the national flower of Holland.
If you are into thrift shopping, then the vintage markets and upcycling shops in the Pijp district are worth a visit. Another location to check out is the Haarlemmerdijk and the LENA fashion library, which allows you to borrow quality vintage and designer clothing.
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Conclusion
The Netherlands is the place to go for eco-friendly places and activities, and you’ll be spoilt for choice in Amsterdam! These tips are a snapshot of how to have an eco-conscious trip to the ‘Dam, once you’re there
Introduction:
Berlin is one of Europe’s most colourful, dynamic and surprising cities, packed with infinite potential, history and culture. Wondering about the top unusual things to do in Berlin? We suggest you avoid the typical sightseeing tours and try these five best cool and unusual things to do in Berlin, to experience the city to the fullest. Discover the most unusual places to visit in Berlin including Forbidden City, Grunewald and quirky museums. Plan the perfect Berlin itinerary that includes plenty of time to enjoy the most underrated spots in the city.
1. Visit Quirky Museums
Berlin is greatly known for its amazing art and history museums. However, there are just as cool and unique museums that are much less known. For instance, the Ramones Museum; the first and only museum dedicated entirely to the American punk rock band. Moreover, the bassist, Dee Dee Ramone, grew up in Berlin and, if you listen closely, you’ll hear references to Berlin in several of their songs. Inside the museum, you’ll find around 1,000 examples of Ramones memorabilia. Additionally, concerts are occasionally held here, and C.J. Ramone even performed once. The museum also has a plant-based café with various delicious dishes named after Ramones’s songs.
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One of the quirkiest and most unusual museums in Berlin has to be the David Hasselhoff Museum. Yeap, you read that right! In 1989, when the Berlin Wall fell, David Hasselhoff’s “Looking for Freedom” topped the German charts. The museum is located in the Circus Hostel that has commemorated this shared history by opening the free David Hasselhoff Museum. The museum features Hoff memorabilia from throughout his career, including Knight Rider, Baywatch, his musical career, and the fall of the Berlin Wall. It only takes 5 minutes to see, and it’s open 24/7, so you can visit after a late night out.
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2. Swim at Badeschiff
Even though the city of Berlin is surrounded by the Spree river, you are prohibited from swimming in its waters as it is too polluted and the river is frequently used by ships. Luckily, there is still the chance to swim in the river without actually swimming in it! The Badeschiff (literally Bathing Ship), nestled near the eastern city centre, is a large swimming pool, which was built inside the hollowed hull of an anchored vessel. The pool was designed by Susanne Lorenz as part of a competition for city art projects and was inaugurated in May 2004. Since then, the Badeschiff has become a favourite among Berliners and tourists alike trying to escape the summer’s heat.
During the summer months, an open-air bar, restaurant sunbathing area, massages and sports classes are available at the pool’s location as well. During the winter, a cocoon-like temporary roof is established over the pool and the surrounding area, which holds two saunas and a lounge bar. A perfect location if you’ve run out of things to do in Berlin.
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3. Day Trip to the Forbidden City
Calling all history enthusiasts! Just on the outskirts of Berlin (one hour away from Berlin via public transportation), visitors will find the “Forbidden City” aka Wünsdorf. It all started as a military area for the Prussian Army, then home to the Nazis’ command centre during World War II, and finally, the area became the headquarters for the Soviet forces in Eastern Germany until September 1994. It has been abandoned since then.
Today, you can pay 15 Euros to visit the “Haus Der Offiziere” and see a Lenin statue, old Soviet maps, a theatre hall, and a swimming pool used by the 1936 German Olympic Team, the year Berlin played host to the Olympic Games. Be sure to wear sturdy walking shoes and use caution when walking around the site. This is an extremely unique side to Berlin that most travellers don’t get the chance to see first-hand.
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4. A Walk to Teufelsberg
Another of the most unusual things to do in Berlin is found Teufelsberg (Devil’s Mountain) which was the construction site of a planned Nazi military and technology college. The occupying forces attempted to demolish the building but were unable to do so. Instead, they filled the building with war waste from Berlin and formed a man-made hill, which was covered, and trees planted around the site.
During the Cold war in 1961, the American and British military built a secret spy tower and listening station on the site. It was constructed under the disguise of a weather station. Once the Berlin Wall fell, the site was abandoned. Today it is privately owned, but you can visit this site and check out the grounds and tower. It features several floors of street art as you walk towards the spy tower. Likewise, the site has some amazing views of Berlin’s outskirts green lands. However, it’s not very accessible, it’s a 35-minute train ride and then a 30-minute walk through the woods to the site.
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5. Trabi Safari
Another unusual way to experience Berlin is by going on a Trabi safari. Produced by former East German auto maker VEB Sachsenring Automobilwerke Zwickau, the Trabant was the most common type of car in East Berlin during communist times. These vehicles were highly coveted with a waiting period of up to 15 years, and while they weren’t known for their reliability, there is a sense of nostalgia about them. Renting these unique cars only costs 30 euros. The excursions are typically safari-style where you have a lead guide and driver, and everyone follows behind in their Trabant. You get a quick driving lesson at the start of the tour as this is a rather unusual car.
Throughout the Trabi safari, you get to see some of Berlin’s top tourist attractions such as the Berlin Wall and Holocaust memorial. At the end of the excursion, you receive a Trabant driver’s license as a souvenir.
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These are a few of the more interesting, cool and unusual places in Berlin, Germany. Visiting will guarantee you the most authentic visit to Berlin and its surrounding areas.
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Best cool and unusual things to do in Berlin:
Visit Toledo in northwest Ohio, a vibrant city on the shores of Lake Erie which offers visitors plenty of Instagrammable locations to take the perfect picture!
Toledo might not be the most famous city in the States but it sure has a lot to offer. The industrial city (the American version of Sheffield?) played a significant role in American history with its glass manufacturing contributions and is dubbed the “The Glass Capital of the World.”
Today the city of Toledo is full of fascinating arts, culture, nature parks and garden scenes. From world-class museums to modern Metroparks, here are some of the awesome places to take the best Instagram picture in Toledo, Ohio.
Toledo Botanical Gardens
Located on Elmer Drive, Toledo Botanical Garden is a 60-acre garden owned by the Metroparks of the Toledo Area. Moreover, it is the only botanical garden in the area, which is open daily to the public and free of charge. There are sculptures beautifully scattered throughout the garden and the most amazing dahlias creating the perfect scene for the most iconic Instagram picture. The gardens include the green garden, herb garden, perennial garden, pioneer garden, and many more.
The botanical garden hosts events like the Crosby Festival of Arts, Heralding the Holidays, and the Jazz in the Park Garden Concert Series. There is also a Seasons Gift Shop and Visitor Center. Walkthrough brilliantly coloured beds of blooming flowers, gorgeous trees, sculptures, and art in this beautiful setting. A must-see location is the beautiful city of Toledo.
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Oak Openings
Oak Openings is nestled between Whitehouse and Swanton. Likewise, it is, the largest of the Toledo Metroparks and is known for its abundant woodland trails, dunes, and a patch of tall red pine trees called “The Spot”. The nature preserve contains an oak savanna, sand and vegetated dunes, wetlands, and several rare species of plants. Some of the interesting plants that grow here include cacti, orchids, and wild lupines. Furthermore, there are many birds such as whippoorwills, indigo buntings, and bluebirds. Some of the available activities include camping, fishing, horseback riding, and picnicking. The preserve is open every day. The Oak Openings is a globally distinct ecosystem, designated by The Nature Conservancy, a renowned conservation organization, as “One of the 200 Last Great Places on Earth.” Visitors love Oak Openings for the variety of natural backdrops that look amazing in every season.
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Toledo Art Museum
You can find the museum located on Monroe Street in downtown Toledo and was founded in 1901 by local glassmaker Edward Drummond Libbey, the museum moved to its current location in 1912. Remarkably, it hosts a collection of over 30,000 works including outstanding 19th and 20th-century glass art but also has American, Egyptian, African, Greek, Japanese, Renaissance, and Roman works of art. In addition to this, there is also a wonderful sculpture garden and Museum Café. The museum also offers free admissions.
Visitors will find one of the finest and most diverse collections of artwork in the country. The Art Museum offers a multitude of classy indoor and outdoor backdrops. The Glass Pavilion is a unique art gallery that photographs beautifully. You can also roam the exhibits looking for backdrops but, remember, refrain from using your camera flash as it is banned!
You can also find our exclusive UI Toledo Darwin Bag stocked in the Museums Shop.
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Art Tatum Celebration Column
The Art Tatum Celebration Colum is a symbol of celebration of the Jazz legend Art Tatum. He was born in 1909, Toledo, Ohio, U.S and died in 1956, and was considered one of the greatest American pianists of the greatest technical virtuosos in jazz. Despite his impaired vision, Tatum taught himself piano, attended the Toledo School of Music, and developed a reputation for unparalleled veracity and improvisation. Tatum ultimately came to be respected by his peers in the jazz world.
The Celebration Colum is located in downtown Toledo in the form of a 26-foot-tall column of piano keys just outside the Huntington Center. It was commissioned by the City of Toledo as part of its One Percent for the Arts program and was completed in 2009. Additionally, the column twists into the sky as a permanent tribute to Toledo’s powerful contribution to jazz. A legendary location to take the most unique Instagram shot!
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Middlegrounds MetroPark
Located in the bustling streets of downtown Toledo, Middlegrounds Metropark offers a unique view of the Toledo skyline and the Anthony Wayne bridge. The 28-acre green space offers a 1.5-mile walk/bike path and tranquil views of the Maumee River. It is important to note, the park was built with sustainability in mind as it features beautiful decking made of ipe wood and the river benefits from a natural system that captures and cleans water runoff from the conjoined bridge.
Middlegrounds has a kayak cove with access to the river for those who bring their boats and a hub for the Veo Bike Share. Some fun amenities include; trails, recreational green space, picnic grounds, a dog park, interpretative exhibits. This modern riverside park in the city will take your breath away. One of the best places to take pictures in Toledo, Ohio.
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Conclusion
These are just a few of the most Instagrammable places in Toledo, Ohio. These tips will guarantee you will take the best Instagram pictures of your visit to vibrant Toledo. Once your trip is over, you could also buy some of our official Urban Illustration, Toledo-themed memorabilia to remind you of your amazing trip.
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Most Instagrammable places in Toledo Ohio:
Due to the uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 pandemic many organisations are finding new creative ways to host their events. This is the case with the famous Brighton & Hove Pride. After 2021's parade and the festival had to be cancelled earlier this year, they have decided to launch Pride in August at the Ironworks Studios. This month-long event, supported by Tesco, will include a series of small events supporting LGBTQ artists and the wider community. This exciting festival will include show-stopping cabaret, comedy, theatre, dance, film, activism, and politics, which will take place live from the Ironworks Studios in central Brighton.
The program of Pride at the Ironworks is as follows:
19th of August: An Evening with Heather Peace
Heather chats to BBC broadcaster Kathy Caton about her life, music and activism before taking to the stage for a live intimate gig in Act 2. During the gig, Heather’s wonderful album Hey Mayhem was received with great acclaim upon release and hit no.10 in the independent artist's chart.
20th of August: Eliza Legzdina
Latvian-born superstar Eliza Legzdina with unorthodox roots in Opera and poetry. The release of Eliza's debut EP saw Clash Magazine hail her as an "Icon-In-Waiting" and was featured on the soundtrack to the hit TV show 'I May Destroy You'. Eliza’s recent single with Lau.ra, Wicked, is on all streaming platforms, playlisted on Dance Party Spotify.
21st of August: The Bitten Peach
Don’t miss the UK’s only gender-diverse pan-Asian cabaret collective. This unique show includes cabaret, burlesque, drag, music, aerial, and dance. The Bitten Peach is the UK’s only gender-diverse Pan-Asian cabaret collective, made up of over 100 performers and creatives of Asian descent who work in a variety of artistic, nightlife genres. This includes drag, burlesque, dance, comedy, music, and circus.
22nd of August: Ben Papworth’s Ben Will I be famous?
Pianist, singer, MD-Extraordinaire Ben Papworth presents his show packed with: show tunes, camper, belting and wine. Ben Papworth regularly collaborates with the hottest cabaret acts such as Davina de Campo, Keith Ramsey and Velma Celli. A lively and thrilling performance you do not want to miss.
23rd of August: Girli
Milly Toomey, known as Girli, is a London-based singer, songwriter and rapper and performs music about feminism, sexuality, queer culture, and mental health. Girli has recently launched the new EP, Ex Talk and was recently described by The Guardian as “PC Music, bubblegum pop, pop-punk and rap, each one treading a line between catchy and deliberately discomforting.”
26th of August: lan Elmslie’s Old Boyfriends
An astonishing musical show featuring a selection of original songs, composed and performed by Ian Elmslie reflecting on past loves and the lessons learned. The musical styles range from vaudeville to jazz, country and western to Irish ballad, musical theatre to disco. Expect a memorable and emotional evening full of shared experiences alongside upbeat songs.
27th of August: Willy Hudson’s ‘Buttom’
Willy Hudson is a performer and writer from Devon who likes to confront social hang-ups with autobiographic storytelling, comedy, a fusion of theatrical form and lively soundtracks. Join Willy for a queer coming-of-age remix, for an unforgettable pleasant night full of laughs.
28th of August: Cinebra’s 50 Years of Pleasant Pictures
The outstanding musical-comedy duo is back. The makers of ‘A History of Horror’, and ‘Glenda & Rita’ are back with their third addition to the Cinebra anthology with the “50 Years of Pleasant Pictures”. This is an astonishing play that showcases the two main characters recall their fondest memories and achievements from living in Hollywood in the 1970s.
29th of August: Boogaloos Stu’s ‘Big Quiffy Bingo’
Hosted by local Brighton hero Boogaloo Stu alongside some special guests for a bingo experience filled with, fun, filth and flashmob dances. In addition to this, one can expect from the non-stop nonsense, outrageous games, scandalous works of art, poetry slams, hilarious prizes and of course some very intense and competitive bingo. Will you be the winner of Stu’s gift hamper?
Brighton & Hove Pride has raised almost one million pounds for local LGBTQ+ and HIV charities, community groups, social impact organisations and cultural activities in Brighton & Hove, helping to make a difference in the lives of hundreds of people in our communities. To make the cultural programme accessible to all members of the community, Pride will be offering some discounted tickets for every performance. Likewise, every ticket sold for ‘Pride at the Ironworks’ will include a charity donation to The Brighton Rainbow Fund, which will helps make a difference to the lives of people in the LGBTQ+ communities in Brighton and Hove.
Tickets are on sale now at brighton-pride.org
A truly unmissable event
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is one of the world’s largest arts festival that takes place every year in Edinburgh. Last year, it was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, however this year it's back on as a hybrid festival incorporating both physical and virtual events. Continue reading to find out more details about this iconic festival such as its main events, sustainability goals and ticket sales.
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The Edinburgh Festival Fringe (also referred to as The Fringe or Edinburgh Fringe, or Edinburgh Fringe Festival) is a celebration of arts and culture. Established in 1947 as an alternative to the Edinburgh International Festival, it takes place annually in Edinburgh, Scotland, For three weeks in August from the 6th until the 30th, the city welcomes a plethora of creatives both local and from around the world.
Fringe is home to the most popular comedy gigs. Correspondingly, some of the most popular comedy headliners include Emma Thompson, Hugh Laurie, Mike Myers, Robin Williams and Rowan Atkinson. Notable Fringe performances over the years have included the first performance of Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead in 1966; comedians Bill Bailey, Owen O'Neill, Phil Nichol and Stephen Frost in 12 Angry Men in 2003; and Ricky Gervais playing to 6,000 people at Edinburgh Castle in 2007.
The Fringe normally brings in huge crowds, with over three million attending in 2019, and creating more than 3000 jobs. Crowds and performers attend from around the world, with acts from 63 countries attending in 2019. Furthermore, in 2018 the festival featured more than 55,000 performances of 3,548 different shows in 317 venues. The Fringe Festival usually takes place in multiple locations across Edinburgh (including The Meadows), The University of Edinburgh, and its surrounding areas.
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The Festival’s organisers announced that there will be three types of events:
Some confirmed line-up acts include comedy events of Jason Byrne, Henning Wehn and Daniels Sloss. The deadline for all the acts registrations is at the end of August, hence more shows will be added weekly in July and throughout August.
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Sustainability is in the foreground of Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival. In 2017 the organisers launched the Fringe Blueprint which is a list of eight commitments they established until Fringe’s 75th anniversary in 2022. One of these commitments is to reduce Fringe’s carbon footprint by implementing initiatives to limit their impact on the environment.
These initiatives focus on various areas such as various waste and recycling, production, energy, travel and transport e.t.c. Remarkably, since 2015, the Fringe Society has reduced its carbon footprint by 63%. Read the festivals full Fringe Blueprint here.
Despite huge uncertainty about what the event will look like, tickets for the festival will go on sale on the 1st of July. Nonetheless, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is sure to be a great event this year, whatever format it will present itself in.
Further details of how to register a show for the Fringe are available on its website at www.edfringe.com.
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Here at Urban Illustration, we created a unique map design of Edinburgh city. If you would like to make a purchase send us a request here. The modern and bold Edinburgh design can be printed on multiple products in various colour schemes. Moreover, if you would like to introduce this exclusive Urban Illustration collection in your store, but you are not quite sure how to introduce this, then this blog could help - Click here to read blog.
Father’s Day (Sunday, 20th of June) is just around the corner, and it is a wonderful opportunity to take your dad and even the whole family, including your pet somewhere special to celebrate. For this special day, we recommend the beautiful seaside region of Cornwall, which is considered a great holiday destination for dog owners. There are hundreds of beaches, many of which allow dogs, miles of coastal path to explore, as well as countryside, woodland and moorland to enjoy.
Read on to discover five dog-friendly cafes and restaurants in Cornwall for the best Father’s Day dining experience.
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Situated in the centre of Marazion the dog-friendly Godolphin Arms has a great reputation for food alongside the most amazing view of St. Michael's Mount. At this restaurant, you can enjoy delicious local cornish seafood and various vegetarian options. While there, you can walk along Marazion beach, maybe even a trip over to the Mount, with all the family. Dogs are not allowed in the gardens or castle, but they can go over to the Mount and take a stroll around the harbour and shops.
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This charming café serves up delicious, organic veggie food, fresh juices and gluten-free cakes. The café is located Potager Garden in Falmouth near the village of Constantine. The café serves a variety of vegetarian dishes along with delicious homemade cakes, great veggie breakfasts and lunches. Dogs are welcome but need to be on a lead. The café itself is housed in a stylish and bright converted greenhouse and there is also seating outside, where you can sit under the trees or lounge in hammocks. The perfect alternative to the mainstream restaurants to celebrate Father’s Day.
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Cornwall’s most famous smugglers Inn is situated in the vast Bodmin Moor. Jamaica Inn the inspiration for Daphne du Maurier’s famous book about smugglers. The restaurant is full of character and is dog friendly, there are stunning views over the moor and there is also a smuggling museum, which is also dog friendly. Delicious pre-packed picnics are also available which are perfect to take on your journey or maybe for a walk on Bodmin Moor. An incredibly unique location to celebrate Father’s Day.
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Eat or drink with fantastic views over the fishing harbour at The Golden Lion at the picturesque Port Isaac. This pub has starred in numerous films and TV shows such as Fisherman’s Friends and Doc Martin. It is a dog-friendly location that offers a delicious seasonal menu prepared with the best Cornish fish, meat and produce. Relax inside with views out of picture windows or outside on the sea view terrace. A wonderful location, where you, your family and your furry friend can enjoy a meal together.
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On a map of Cornwall, you can spot this venue in the south part of the region located in Zennor near St Ives. This bright yellow building includes a pub and restaurant that has a relaxed stylish interior, a cosy fireplace and is also dog-friendly. On warmer days you can eat in the huge atmospheric enclosed garden and enjoy the awe-inspiring landscape of the Atlantic ocean. You can also stay the night in one of their comfortable rooms. A splendid and very peaceful location to take your father on his special day.
Please note that all of the places recommended are very popular so do book ahead!
Thinking of booking a whole weekend in the iconic region of Cornwall? Well, you are in luck because there’s a plethora of dog-friendly cottages and hotels to book as well as dog-friendly beaches to visit.
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If you are planning a staycation honeymoon then Devon is the perfect romantic destination to relax and enjoy some quality time together with your new spouse. Whether you’re looking for beautiful countryside and moors, tranquil coves or beaches, Devon is the place to go. In this blog, we will be highlighting some of the most romantic things to do in Devon that will make your honeymoon extra special.
Of course, top of our list of romantic things to do in Devon is to book a special place to stay where you can spend quality time with your loved one. Devon, is well-known to have the most luxurious accommodation in the UK. There are various holiday cottages or beach houses to choose from that are absolutely stunning and offer the most breath-taking views. Moreover, many properties include various unique amenities, such as open fires, swimming pools, jacuzzies or saunas. Pricewise some locations offer great all-inclusive honeymoon packages.
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Sharpham Vineyard is a great location to experience beautiful vineyards and taste authentic Devon wine. The vineyard is nestled near the town of Totnes in Devon. During your visit you have the option of booking a tour to learn all about the wine making process. Furthermore, you can try the award-wining Sharpham cheese or dine in at the The Cellar Door Alfresco Kitchen. The scenery at the vineyard greatly resembles the authentic Italian countryside, hence it is a winning-idea for honeymoon couples
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When you think about Devon, the colour that comes in mind is blue. The colour of the magnificent South Devon’s beaches, which are the perfect locations for a romantic walk under the stars or sun. Honeymooners, love heading down to the beach at night to watch the starring sky with their loved one. However, we do advise to dress up warmly and even take some blankets with you to keep warm and cosy. Apart from the Devon Cliffs, locations such as Elendor Cove and Blackpool sands, tops our list for being Devon’s most romantic beaches.
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Dartmoor National Park is a vast moorland in Devon, a beautiful natural location for a lovely romantic picnic. There are plenty of great walks and pathways to choose from, that can accommodate every level of walker. Likewise, some wonderful locations to visit at Dartmoor are; Bellever Tor and Venford Reservoir. The National Park also contains archaeological sites dating back to the Early Neolithic period such as Spinster’s Rock, Merrivale Bronze Age ceremonial complex and Grimspound.
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Sit back and appreciate the true vastness of the Dart Valley from the comfort of a boat paddle steamer or river boat cruise. There are several options for romantic boat trips, some even are available for private hire and offer dining experiences onboard, making your voyage an unforgettable experience. One of the most popular choices honeymooners usually go for is the Picnic Boat, which is a private boat for two, and provides dining and, champagne as well as the options to be taken to a swimming or crabbing location or a vineyard tour at Sharpham.
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Make your honeymoon dinner date one to remember by choosing some of top dining locations with the most breath-taking views. Our favourite restaurants include the luxurious Dart Marina in Dartmouth, Gara Rock in East Portlemouth, and for offshore dining there’s River Exe Café, in Exmouth. Please note, that it is prudent to book a table at these locations in advance as they tend to get quite busy during the weekends.
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These are just a few of the romantic things to do in Devon. These tips will guarantee an unforgettable romantic Devon honeymoon accompanied by great scenery and great food. While you are at strolling the lovely streets of Devon, don't forget to check out the local tourist shops to spot our Devon-inspired products.
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6 Ideas for the perfect Devon Honeymoon: