Finn Comfort

EVEN on the coldest winter day there’s nothing like a soak in a steaming hot tub – and with views as sensational as these to admire from the bubbles, it’s paradise! Whether you’re seeking serious pampering in a country house hotel or a romantic bolthole for two, we’ve picked the best places to soak up the views year-round. Sun Travel Editor LISA MINOT rounds up her favourites. Finn Lough Co Fermanagh, Northern Ireland This Northern Ireland retreat is the perfect place to unwind WITH sweeping views over Lough Erne lake, this luxurious outdoor hot tub is the perfect place to unwind in the wilderness. Choose from luxury lakeside lodges or quirky Bubble Domes and enjoy the resort’s Elements Trail, a spa trail ending with a dip in the hot tub. There’s an on-site restaurant and a lakeside fire to toast marshmallows. A night’s stay is from £160, based on two sharing. Elements Trail is £55pp for two hours. See finnlough.com. Eathelin Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire Hand-crafted tree house with superb lake-views GET back to nature in a hand-crafted treehouse featuring a hot tub with lake views. Sleeping two, the tree house is built around a mature ash in the grounds of a working farm. It has yew panelling in the lounge/kitchen/diner, and circling the trunk are stairs to the first-floor king-size bedroom. A ­balcony houses the hot tub and barbecue. Available to rent from April 2019, a week’s hire is from £646pp (£1,292 total). See ­holidaycottages.co.uk or call 01237 459 888. The Runnymede On Thames Windsor, Berkshire Windsor doesn’t have to be cold with this riverside hotel ENJOY a right royal treat at this riverside hotel, with its hot tub on a fabulous private jetty right on the banks of the Thames. Take a dip and soak up the views along the river, while inside the 4* hotel are two restaurants, a spa with indoor pool and a gym. Its modern, comfy rooms are in a chic neutral palette, with Hypnos beds, spacious bathrooms and fridges with free bottled water. Rooms start at £158 a night including breakfast. See runnymedehotel.com. Compass Point Coverack, West Cornwall Beautiful sea views in this New-England style beach house FOR uninterrupted sea views, this beautiful New England-style beach house on The Lizard Peninsula is hard to beat. Its secluded, sunken hot tub is just steps from the master bedroom and looks out over the sea. With a beachside tiki hut, elevated terrace and toasty wood burner, it’s just a short walk from the town’s cafes, shops and restaurants. Sleeps eight, from £1,850 a week in total. Short breaks also available. See perfectstays.co.uk. The Scarlet Hotel Mawgan Porth, North Cornwall Eco-spar hotel perched on a clifftop is just for grown-ups IT’S all about the location at this 37-bedroom eco spa hotel perched on the clifftop overlooking the beach and just for grown-ups (and well-behaved dogs). The hotel’s spa features an indoor pool, a reed-filtered outdoor pool and stunning clifftop hot tubs and barrel saunas. Rooms feature walk-in showers, sea views, private gardens and terraces. Rooms are from £230 a night including breakfast. See scarlethotel.co.uk or call 01637 861 800. N8 The Warren, Llyn Peninsular, Abersoch, North Wales This beautiful home sleeps six people in three bedrooms QUIRKILY named N8’s modern interior is drenched with light from the expanse of glass looking out onto a stunning deck with sea view. Step out to enjoy the sunken hot tub and day bed with fabulous views across Warren beach and Abersoch harbour. Sleeps six in three bedrooms. From £1,680 in total per week. Short breaks available. See originalcottages.co.uk. Watermill Granary Barn Harleston, Norfolk The Watermill Granary Barn is a lovely riverside retreat A LOVELY country reatreat, this detatched riverside cottage on the outskirts of Wortwell village is on its own private island, alongside a Grade II-listed mill house built in 1750. With rustic wooden beams throughout, it has an open-plan living area, two ensuite bedrooms and a snug with bunks and TV, while doors from the kitchen open on to the deck. Slip into the hot tub or go swimming in the river. Sleeps seven. From £789 in total for seven nights. See sykescottages.co.uk. Little Silver Nugget Umberleigh, North Devon Relax and admire the country view at the North Devon hideaway SET in the rolling north Devon countryside, this is the perfect romantic retreat. Relax and admire the country view or stargaze at night from your private woodland hot tub overlooking the valley below. The renovated annexe to the owner’s Victorian villa sleeps two in one bedroom. Champagne, chocolates and strawberries can be ordered to share in the hot tub. Sleeps two. From £406 per week. Call 01647 433 593 or visit helpfulholidays.co.uk. Peaks and pods Rathmell, Settle, North Yorkshire Nestled on a dairy farm, the Yorkshire Dales, the Forest of Bowland and Gisburn Forest are right on your doorstep WITH sweeping views of the Yorkshire Dales, the clearest night skies and the freshest air, the luxury glamping pods at Peaks and Pods are a great way to get back to nature. Nestled on a dairy farm, the Yorkshire Dales, the Forest of Bowland and Gisburn Forest are right on your doorstep. Each pod sleeps four with an ensuite room, sofa bed and wood-fired hot tub. Nearby, The Hub, has a wood-fired pizza oven, fire pit and fairy lights. From £120 per night. See glampsites.com. Brae Cottage Monzie Estate, Perthshire Bordering the Scottish Highlands this cottage is £175 per night PERCHED alone on a hill top, Brae Cottage sleeps two and takes in panoramic views of the 4,000-acre Monzie Estate. Bordering the Scottish Highlands and Lowlands, couples will face few distractions other than the bleating of sheep. Guests can take in the starry skies from the comfort of their tub or unwind in the cottage with its tartan throws, luxury bathroom and kitchen. Cottage is from £175 per night. See monzieestate.com/holidays/brae-cottage. The Fish Hotel Farncombe Estate, The Cotswolds Wooden hideway in The Cotswolds where you can enjoy archery NESTLED in 400 acres, this Nordic-inspired retreat offers cosy but luxurious hotel rooms, huts and treehouses with beautiful views. For the ultimate “hygge” experience, book a hilly hut with hot tub wood burner. Dogs are welcome and there’s archery, shooting and a seafood restaurant. Rooms from £137 per night with breakfast. See: slh.com/thefish. [bc_video video_id=”5823433464001″ account_id=”5067014667001″ player_id=”default” embed=”in-page” padding_top=”56%” autoplay=”” min_width=”0px” max_width=”640px” width=”100%” height=”100%” caption=”Natalie Nunn and Chloe Ayling hit the hot tube on the first day of Celebrity Big Brother “] Fishmore Hall Ludlow, Shropshire Luxury hotel in Shopshire boasts a fine dining restaurant and bistro A LUXURY hotel that makes the very best of this foodie part of the UK, Fishmore Hall is a privately owned boutique country house hotel overlooking the historic town of Ludlow. The outdoor hot tub promises stunning views of Shropshire countryside and there’s an oversized hammock on the deck for summer lazing. The Georgian house has good facilities for disabled guests, a fine dining restaurant and bistro. Rooms from £175 per night with breakfast. See fishmorehall.co.uk. The White Tower Taymouth Castle,  Scottish Highlands Relax in your very own castle at The White Tower YOU’LL be king of your own castle in this 5* tower retreat. Sleeping four, the traditionally decorated White Tower has two bedrooms, a kitchen/dining room, cosy lounge and library. Built in 1306, it was once the lookout tower for nearby Taymouth Castle with an unbeatable vantage point above the River Tay. The circular master bedroom has stairs leading to a roof terrace with its own hot tub and sauna. From £330 per night, minimum three-night stay. Hostunusual.com or call 01584 875 148. Watermook on Ullswater The Lake District Relax in a tub on the decked veranda and take in the surroundings THE ultimate party pad, this gorgeous 17th-century retreat on the banks of Ullswater has half a mile of private shoreline and breath­taking views of the lakes and fells. Relax in a tub on the decked veranda and take in the glorious surroundings. With six en-suite bedrooms and open-plan living ­spaces, it’s perfect for families and friends for a weekend away. There’s even a private cinema. Sleeps 12. From £4,960 for three nights. Mulberrycottages.com or call 01227 464 958. [article-rail-section title=”most read in travel” posts_category=”0″ posts_number=”6″ query_type=”popular” /] Glen Clova Lodges Glen Doll, Scottish Highlands Enjoy the hot tub by day and some stargazing at night OPEN-plan lodges set in the grounds of the Glen Clova Hotel at the foot of Glen Doll. Soak up the spectacular views of the Clova Valley in your hot tub by day, or for the more active, there’s cycling, walking and fishing. When night falls, take in some stargazing. Lodges come with a kitchen/diner, and a balcony offering scenic views of the glen. A three-night weekend break for two ­people costs from £639 in total. See­ ­hoseasons.co.uk or call 0345 498 6130. See today’s best travel deals Get email alerts of the best deals straight to your inbox

EVEN on the coldest winter day there’s nothing like a soak in a steaming hot tub – and with views as sensational as these to admire from the bubbles, it’s paradise! Whether you’re seeking serious pampering in a country house hotel or a romantic bolthole for two, we’ve picked the best places to soak up the views year-round. Sun Travel Editor LISA MINOT rounds up her favourites. Finn Lough Co Fermanagh, Northern Ireland This Northern Ireland retreat is the perfect place to unwind WITH sweeping views over Lough Erne lake, this luxurious outdoor hot tub is the perfect place to unwind in the wilderness. Choose from luxury lakeside lodges or quirky Bubble Domes and enjoy the resort’s Elements Trail, a spa trail ending with a dip in the hot tub. There’s an on-site restaurant and a lakeside fire to toast marshmallows. A night’s stay is from £160, based on two sharing. Elements Trail is £55pp for two hours. See finnlough.com. Eathelin Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire Hand-crafted tree house with superb lake-views GET back to nature in a hand-crafted treehouse featuring a hot tub with lake views. Sleeping two, the tree house is built around a mature ash in the grounds of a working farm. It has yew panelling in the lounge/kitchen/diner, and circling the trunk are stairs to the first-floor king-size bedroom. A ­balcony houses the hot tub and barbecue. Available to rent from April 2019, a week’s hire is from £646pp (£1,292 total). See ­holidaycottages.co.uk or call 01237 459 888. The Runnymede On Thames Windsor, Berkshire Windsor doesn’t have to be cold with this riverside hotel ENJOY a right royal treat at this riverside hotel, with its hot tub on a fabulous private jetty right on the banks of the Thames. Take a dip and soak up the views along the river, while inside the 4* hotel are two restaurants, a spa with indoor pool and a gym. Its modern, comfy rooms are in a chic neutral palette, with Hypnos beds, spacious bathrooms and fridges with free bottled water. Rooms start at £158 a night including breakfast. See runnymedehotel.com. Compass Point Coverack, West Cornwall Beautiful sea views in this New-England style beach house FOR uninterrupted sea views, this beautiful New England-style beach house on The Lizard Peninsula is hard to beat. Its secluded, sunken hot tub is just steps from the master bedroom and looks out over the sea. With a beachside tiki hut, elevated terrace and toasty wood burner, it’s just a short walk from the town’s cafes, shops and restaurants. Sleeps eight, from £1,850 a week in total. Short breaks also available. See perfectstays.co.uk. The Scarlet Hotel Mawgan Porth, North Cornwall Eco-spar hotel perched on a clifftop is just for grown-ups IT’S all about the location at this 37-bedroom eco spa hotel perched on the clifftop overlooking the beach and just for grown-ups (and well-behaved dogs). The hotel’s spa features an indoor pool, a reed-filtered outdoor pool and stunning clifftop hot tubs and barrel saunas. Rooms feature walk-in showers, sea views, private gardens and terraces. Rooms are from £230 a night including breakfast. See scarlethotel.co.uk or call 01637 861 800. N8 The Warren, Llyn Peninsular, Abersoch, North Wales This beautiful home sleeps six people in three bedrooms QUIRKILY named N8’s modern interior is drenched with light from the expanse of glass looking out onto a stunning deck with sea view. Step out to enjoy the sunken hot tub and day bed with fabulous views across Warren beach and Abersoch harbour. Sleeps six in three bedrooms. From £1,680 in total per week. Short breaks available. See originalcottages.co.uk. Watermill Granary Barn Harleston, Norfolk The Watermill Granary Barn is a lovely riverside retreat A LOVELY country reatreat, this detatched riverside cottage on the outskirts of Wortwell village is on its own private island, alongside a Grade II-listed mill house built in 1750. With rustic wooden beams throughout, it has an open-plan living area, two ensuite bedrooms and a snug with bunks and TV, while doors from the kitchen open on to the deck. Slip into the hot tub or go swimming in the river. Sleeps seven. From £789 in total for seven nights. See sykescottages.co.uk. Little Silver Nugget Umberleigh, North Devon Relax and admire the country view at the North Devon hideaway SET in the rolling north Devon countryside, this is the perfect romantic retreat. Relax and admire the country view or stargaze at night from your private woodland hot tub overlooking the valley below. The renovated annexe to the owner’s Victorian villa sleeps two in one bedroom. Champagne, chocolates and strawberries can be ordered to share in the hot tub. Sleeps two. From £406 per week. Call 01647 433 593 or visit helpfulholidays.co.uk. Peaks and pods Rathmell, Settle, North Yorkshire Nestled on a dairy farm, the Yorkshire Dales, the Forest of Bowland and Gisburn Forest are right on your doorstep WITH sweeping views of the Yorkshire Dales, the clearest night skies and the freshest air, the luxury glamping pods at Peaks and Pods are a great way to get back to nature. Nestled on a dairy farm, the Yorkshire Dales, the Forest of Bowland and Gisburn Forest are right on your doorstep. Each pod sleeps four with an ensuite room, sofa bed and wood-fired hot tub. Nearby, The Hub, has a wood-fired pizza oven, fire pit and fairy lights. From £120 per night. See glampsites.com. Brae Cottage Monzie Estate, Perthshire Bordering the Scottish Highlands this cottage is £175 per night PERCHED alone on a hill top, Brae Cottage sleeps two and takes in panoramic views of the 4,000-acre Monzie Estate. Bordering the Scottish Highlands and Lowlands, couples will face few distractions other than the bleating of sheep. Guests can take in the starry skies from the comfort of their tub or unwind in the cottage with its tartan throws, luxury bathroom and kitchen. Cottage is from £175 per night. See monzieestate.com/holidays/brae-cottage. The Fish Hotel Farncombe Estate, The Cotswolds Wooden hideway in The Cotswolds where you can enjoy archery NESTLED in 400 acres, this Nordic-inspired retreat offers cosy but luxurious hotel rooms, huts and treehouses with beautiful views. For the ultimate “hygge” experience, book a hilly hut with hot tub wood burner. Dogs are welcome and there’s archery, shooting and a seafood restaurant. Rooms from £137 per night with breakfast. See: slh.com/thefish. [bc_video video_id=”5823433464001″ account_id=”5067014667001″ player_id=”default” embed=”in-page” padding_top=”56%” autoplay=”” min_width=”0px” max_width=”640px” width=”100%” height=”100%” caption=”Natalie Nunn and Chloe Ayling hit the hot tube on the first day of Celebrity Big Brother “] Fishmore Hall Ludlow, Shropshire Luxury hotel in Shopshire boasts a fine dining restaurant and bistro A LUXURY hotel that makes the very best of this foodie part of the UK, Fishmore Hall is a privately owned boutique country house hotel overlooking the historic town of Ludlow. The outdoor hot tub promises stunning views of Shropshire countryside and there’s an oversized hammock on the deck for summer lazing. The Georgian house has good facilities for disabled guests, a fine dining restaurant and bistro. Rooms from £175 per night with breakfast. See fishmorehall.co.uk. The White Tower Taymouth Castle,  Scottish Highlands Relax in your very own castle at The White Tower YOU’LL be king of your own castle in this 5* tower retreat. Sleeping four, the traditionally decorated White Tower has two bedrooms, a kitchen/dining room, cosy lounge and library. Built in 1306, it was once the lookout tower for nearby Taymouth Castle with an unbeatable vantage point above the River Tay. The circular master bedroom has stairs leading to a roof terrace with its own hot tub and sauna. From £330 per night, minimum three-night stay. Hostunusual.com or call 01584 875 148. Watermook on Ullswater The Lake District Relax in a tub on the decked veranda and take in the surroundings THE ultimate party pad, this gorgeous 17th-century retreat on the banks of Ullswater has half a mile of private shoreline and breath­taking views of the lakes and fells. Relax in a tub on the decked veranda and take in the glorious surroundings. With six en-suite bedrooms and open-plan living ­spaces, it’s perfect for families and friends for a weekend away. There’s even a private cinema. Sleeps 12. From £4,960 for three nights. Mulberrycottages.com or call 01227 464 958. [article-rail-section title=”most read in travel” posts_category=”1″ posts_number=”6″ query_type=”popular” /] Glen Clova Lodges Glen Doll, Scottish Highlands Enjoy the hot tub by day and some stargazing at night OPEN-plan lodges set in the grounds of the Glen Clova Hotel at the foot of Glen Doll. Soak up the spectacular views of the Clova Valley in your hot tub by day, or for the more active, there’s cycling, walking and fishing. When night falls, take in some stargazing. Lodges come with a kitchen/diner, and a balcony offering scenic views of the glen. A three-night weekend break for two ­people costs from £639 in total. See­ ­hoseasons.co.uk or call 0345 498 6130. See today’s best travel deals Get email alerts of the best deals straight to your inbox

When visiting Helsinki you can’t help but notice how fiercely independent and proud the Finns are—in addition to how amazing Finnish sauna is; and how tasty reindeer is; and how quirky and friendly the people are; and how clean and safe it all is; and how impossible it is to understand Finnish.   [jwplayer jer6MURt-eEkK759I ]   We digress. Before you head to Helsinki, or anywhere in Finland, you should know a few things about their recent history—like the country’s geography and long road to sovereignty. Finland has a prime location between Europe and Asia. It’s lined with valuable shipping and passenger ports. So, naturally, it’s attractive to either powerful neighbor. They spent centuries under the rule of Sweden, before enduring another one as an autonomous Russian territory through the first World War (it coincided with a 3-month civil war that led to their independence in May 2017). In 2017, Finland celebrated its first century as an independent nation. [ami-related id=”- Click to search articles -” url=”https://www.mensjournal.com/travel/the-10-coolest-most-unique-hotels-in-europe-2018-2019/” title=”The 10 Coolest, Most Unique Hotels in Europe” target=”_blank” inset=”true”] They’re proud of that. They’re proud of their unique language, which resembles none of the other Nordic ones (it’s closer to Hungarian, in fact; however, Swedish is the second official language of the country). They’ll remind you that they’re not part of Scandinavia, thank you very much, and they’ll be unabashed standing naked with you in a sauna, because why wouldn’t they be? The best way to soak everything up is four days eating and drinking and mingling (naked or clothed) in Helsinki perhaps with an easy overnight to the west, as you’ll learn from this guide.) Here’s how to do it best, to encapsulate this fantastic country and its very warm, very blonde, very proud people. [ami-related id=”- Click to search articles -” url=”https://www.mensjournal.com/travel/dublin-ireland-travel-guide-four-day-weekend/” title=”Castles, Cliffs, and Craft Brews: The 4-day Weekend in Dublin” target=”_blank” inset=”true”] How to Get There Did you know that Finnair has a stopover program, just like Iceland’s and Portugal’s? You can plop in via Helsinki for up to five days, en route to a further destination at no extra cost. (It’s one of Europe’s most popular routes to Asia, FYI.) The airline has seasonal direct flights to New York, Chicago, Miami, and San Francisco, with a new route added direct to Los Angeles beginning March 31, 2019. There’s barely an excuse not to go (plus you can score a Marimekko amenity kit on the flight, which is miles better than stale pretzels). Hotel Lilla Roberts Where to Stay in Helsinki Hotel Lilla Roberts Opened in 2015, Lilla Roberts’ building touts a curious history, with past lives as a power plant and, more recently, a police station. Now, the four-star, luxury hotel (which feels more like five stars, in our opinion) is one of the trendiest haunts in town, with 130 Art-Deco-inspired rooms in the heart of Helsinki’s Design District. There’s moody black-and-gold décor in each room with five categories of rooms and suites to choose from. Park yourself at the lobby bar Bar Lilla e for a nightcap, or nestle into Krog Roba for breakfast (or a reserved dinner table). Either way, fresh Nordic ingredients are on display. Hotel St. George Hotel St. George Helsinki’s newest hotel has rerouted hip locals and tourists alike. St. George focuses on multi-faceted wellness. For your mind and body, try the sauna, pool, and spa at St. George Care. Sate your appetite at the stellar bakery, restaurant, and bar lounge. Get some much-needed relaxation with a dynamic roster of soft-colored, Nordic-designed rooms and suites. And soak in the culture with rotating works of art, including Ai Wei Wei’s “Tianwu”—a multi-headed dragon dangling overhead in the entryway. Hotel St. George   If the Ace model is your preferred way to stay, then Hotel St. George is your obvious pick. Despite its popularity, it’s not as overrun as most Ace properties, making it attractive to those who value aesthetics, location, 5-star comfort—and, yes, solitude. Amos Rex Museum   What to do in Helsinki Museums: It’s worth getting a Helsinki Card if you plan to visit a bunch of the city’s museums and other cultural attractions. The pass also includes public transit. Löyly Sauna and Kaurilan Sauna: Finnish sauna is of the utmost priority in Helsinki. Löyly—a huge geometric oasis right on the water—is the most popular pick, and it even has its own restaurant. If you want something more traditional and intimate (not in a scandalous way), make a reservation at Kaurilan. You’ll join a dozen locals after work at the home of its owner, enjoying fresh bread between detox sessions, nestled in a park outside the center of town. The two experiences couldn’t be more different, but they’re equally enjoyable. Rock Church   Temppeliaukio “Rock Church” and Kamppi “Chapel of Silence” : These aren’t your garden variety, tourism-checklist churches. The former is a Lutheran church built into the side of a giant rock face, complete with a skylight and copper dome. It’s famous for its acoustics, and you can catch a variety of performances when you stop by for a visit. (We happened upon a Chinese youth choir.) The latter is a stunning orange structure planted in Narinkka Square. Visitors come to escape the bustle of the city—to sit calmly and reflect. Neither should be missed. Suomenlinna Sea Fortress   Suomenlinna: Catch a ferry and head to this former fortress island, rich with history from Finland’s occupation by both Sweden and Russia. Old Market Hall   Market Square and the Old Market: These are open-air and enclosed markets, respectively, that are the best places to pick up traditional souvenirs and gifts. Get smoked reindeer or a bowl of salmon soup, a kuksa cup, or a hand-woven lapp hat. Lightbringer (Winter War Monument): Erected in 2017 in Kasarmitori Square, this metal, punctured sculpture commemorates the efforts of soldiers who held off the advances of the Russians in the winter of 1939 and 1940—a valiant milestone for the young nation. Sibelius Monument and Sibelius Park: This beautiful waterfront park has an organ-pipe sculpture to memorialize the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. Sibelius Park   Senate Square, Moscow Patriarchate (Orthodox Church), and Uspenski Cathedral: These are three of Helsinki’s architectural icons, and the most-photographed squares. Katajanokka and Hotel Katajanokka: Katajanokka is a charming peninsula neighborhood with Art Nouveau architecture, including the Uspenski Cathedral. This is a great corner of the city for fine harbor-front seafood or a craft cocktail. Helsinki Cathedral   Helsinki Design District: Stock up on Marimekko, clothing, and handmade goods from local vendors. Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, National Museum of Finland, and Ateneum Art Museum: These are your must-browse museums for all things Finnish history and culture. Where to Eat and Drink in Helsinki Yes Yes Yes: We felt our happiest and coziest here, thanks to the bustle of young locals that gave this vegetarian restaurant its colorful energy. You must order the halloumi fries with pomegranate and coriander. The Cock: Get your yuks out of your system, and saddle up for some delicious brasserie-style oysters, steak, or of course, chicken. (Hence the name, you pervert.) Story in the Old Markethall: You’ll inevitably find yourself in Helsinki’s marketplace, perusing smoked meats and woven winterwear. Stop by Story for fresh bread, creamy salmon soup, or pork belly with beer-braised sauerkraut. Ravintola Nokka: Stop by this waterfront gourmet, in the foodie-haven neighborhood Katajanokka, for lunch, wine, or coffee. Restaurant Andrea: Finnish-Turkish chef Mehmet Gürs combines Anatolian and Nordic cuisines for one of Helsinki’s most-buzzed-about new restaurants (located in Hotel St. George). Wintergarden Bar: This living-room lounge is flooded with light by day, and Helsinki’s hardworking hipster class by night. It’s also located onsite at St. George—further proof that the hotel is the city’s hub of ‘cool’. B-Side Bar Teurastamo: A Hollywood-caliber dive bar with an A-list selection of whiskey, wine, and beer. Bronda: More brasserie gold, in case your palate demands a taste of western Europe. (With a dinnertime DJ, to boot.) Ora: Don’t wear a belt, because this six-course seasonal menu will have you bursting. Bar Molotow: Craft beers with an outdoor terrace, often soundtracked by live music. Consider This Overnight Trip: Hanko (The “Hamptons” of Finland) We think three days in Helsinki is the sweet spot, though we’d never complain about a bonus day. That said, we also think a day trip (or overnighter) is in order. Lots of tourists will hop the boat to Tallinn, but that’s a city that deserves more time than a pass-through. That’s why you should skip the boat and hop on a train a couple hours west to Hanko. With 30 km of soothing, sandy beaches on the southernmost tip of the country, it attracts weekend leisurerers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Crash at the cozy Hotel Regatta if you want the best location between beaches, docks, and dining. They even have daily bike rentals, which allow you easy access to the entire coastline, passing kite surfers and sailors, kayakers and sunbathers. Make dinner reservations at the marooned Hangon Portti for romantic waterfront dining (there’s a little boat that shuttles between the mainland and the tiny island every couple of minutes). Next to the restaurant is Itämerenportti Sauna. If you haven’t noticed, sauna is requisite for any day in Finland. You can rent a private one there, on quite literally your own private island. Otherwise, we suggest a meal at the historic, newly restored Hangon Casino (it’s not a casino). Park your bikes outside The House of Four Winds for a Montauk-like dining experience with panoramic water views. If worth pedaling out to Ravintola På Kroken for the freshest (and world famous!) seafood in town. If you go, take a look at Hanko’s tourism site to inquire about any activity bookings, like board rentals, far-off lighthouse visits, and the like.

Game Day 33: Flyers at Oilers Remember that one time right after Ken Hitchcock took over, that the Edmonton Oilers actually had an extra off-day between games so that they could schedule a full blooded practice? It was between Games 1 and 2 in the Hitchcock Era, a funky road trip to California that was […]

Theatre Synesthesia has only been on the scene for a few short years, yet in that short time, they’ve managed to get on several award lists and have even walked away with a few of those awards. Their work has been exclusively dedicated to producing the writing of playwright Casey Wimpee… until now. On October […]

Alabama: Habitat Feed & Social Not only is the Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook's restaurant open for business on Christmas Day, but they also have it options. They serve a special & # 39; grand & # 39; Christmas buffet until 2.30 pm, after which they switch to a four-course menu with prix fixes. Back […]

Happy Friday, loves! I’m so excited for 5pm to roll round and for the weekend to begin. I can’t wait to spend a whole weekend with my love, enjoying a weekend away visiting the Christmas markets and drinking all of the Bailey’s hot chocolates! Today’s post is a fun one, I created a Christmas Tag! […]

my cats sun themselves – who would guess the comfort of them kissing my face small rodents as gifts claws sharpened on the door mat a small price to pay

2019 will be a big year for Stephen King fans — not only does IT: Chapter II hit theaters September 6, 2019, but the Pet Sematary reboot will precede it on April 5! We all really want a trailer, but based on how withholding they were with the first film it is unlikely we will […]

A Nativity scene in a Woodland, Washington, park was removed Tuesday after city officials said they received complaints questioning the Christmas display’s presence on public land. Officials said the Nativity scene – featuring a manger, baby Jesus, Joseph, Mary, the three wise men, an angel and several genuflecting animals – would be moved to a […]

At the beginning of 2018 I had set a target of reading 48 books ( 4 a month) and day before yesterday,  when I powered down my kindle paperwhite after reading the commencement and end dates that Stephen King writes at the end of each novel, I couldn’t wait to log onto Twitter and add […]

My column at 3QuarksDaily as it ran on Monday: On The Road: In A Tough Neighborhood In the middle of the night of March 24, 1992, a pressure seal failed in the number three unit of the Leningradskaya Nuclear Power Plant at Sosnoviy Bor, Russia, releasing radioactive gases. With a friend, I had train tickets from Tallinn, […]

Once mighty inca empire, the promising land of the lamas and the gateway to Perus nr. 1 tourist draw Machu Picchu, Cusco. Spent few first days getting to know this magnificent city located 3300 meters above sea level. Cuscos narrow streets are filled with cute cafes, shops and restaurants built on the hills. This city […]