Local, Near and Far: Our journey of exploring the world.

Category: Reviews (Page 7 of 12)

Český Krumlov Castle – Gardens & Round Tower

The Round Tower

The Round Tower

Today, we continue exploring the most popular attraction in Český Krumlov, the Krumlov Castle.  Since there are many areas within the spectacular Castle complex, we began this miniseries with an overview of the Český Krumlov Castle, as well as information on the guided tours available.  In this second article, we concentrate on the Castle Gardens and the Round Tower.  The Gardens are simply beautiful, and the panoramic views from the Round Tower are worth the climb!

In general, the entire Castle is a must-see if you are anywhere near Český Krumlov!

Český Krumlov Castle Gardens

Český Krumlov Castle Gardens

The Castle Gardens:  After finishing the Castle Tour, we slowly walked across the multi-leveled bridge and continued the climb to the Gardens.  The views of the Old Town and Vltava River are awesome!  There is a small café with a wonderful observation point, allowing you to look back on the Castle stretching to your right. Continue reading

Český Krumlov Castle – Overview & Tour

Perched high on a cliff above the Old Town is the imposing Český Krumlov Castle, constructed to control an important river crossing on the Vltava below.  The Round Tower pierces the sky with its pastel-colored Renaissance façade.  Cross the draw bridge over the bear pits at the entrance, and walk steadily uphill through a sequence of courtyards until you cross a multi-leveled bridge and reach a Baroque theater.  Pleasant English and French style gardens add one additional layer of sophistication to the experience.

The Round Tower from the Courtyard

The Round Tower from the Courtyard

If you find yourself in Český Krumlov, this Castle and the complimenting beauty of its surroundings is likely what brought you here.  The best word I can find for this UNESCO World Heritage Site is picturesque!  There are no words, no pictures that can accurately capture the splendor of this small town in the southwest corner of the Czech Republic.

Well, now that I have set myself up with an impossible task, let me tell you more about this place…with words and pictures. Continue reading

Pension U Zámku

Rebekah and I absolutely loved our stay at Pension U Zámku! Our amazing experience started immediately upon arrival at the Český Krumlov train station.

Courtyard Under the Tower

Courtyard Under the Tower

When finalizing our reservation over email, the pension owner Petr offered to pick us up at the train station. We gladly accepted! Rebekah and I were greeted with big smiles by Petr and his little daughter. This warm welcome made us immediately feel at home in the small Czech town, like extended family returning from a long absence. This kindness saved us a 20 minute walk or the cost of a taxi.

Location: Pension U Zámku is situated DIRECTLY under the Round Tower. With only one day in this quaint location, we paid only slightly more to stay in the heart of the town. This prime location provides quick access to all of Český Krumlov,  both the Old Town and Castle Town. The entrance to Český Krumlov Castle is only one minute away. Continue reading

8th Wonder Brewery

While visiting Houston a few weekends ago, I wanted to meet with some friends on a Sunday afternoon.  Rebekah was practicing for a choir concert, so I had some time to kill.

I thought it would be fun to meet Isaac and Jessica in downtown Houston for a beer.  Wanting to find a brewery that was open on a Sunday afternoon, I used my newly-created Texas Craft Brewery List.  Within a few clicks, I had found a match.  8th Wonder Brewery met all my requirements, mainly, a brewery open on a Sunday producing Texas Craft Beer.  While I came in with low expectations and knowing nothing about the brewery, I quickly found this place to be awesome!

If you love Houston, you will love this brewery.  If you don’t love Houston, you will still probably love this brewery.  But if you love Houston sports and Texas Craft Beer, you will be in heaven!

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Sudie’s Catfish House

A couple of weeks ago, David and I went to Pasadena and Deer Park, TX.  We traveled there to be able to honor a beloved teacher in a retirement celebration.  I have never been able to share that area of Texas with David, so it was a special time for me in many ways.  We drove by my old schools and the house I grew up in, and forgotten memories flooded my mind and heart.  I am sure I did not stop talking for hours…But David is used to this by now…

5 Piece Fried Catfish Dinner

5 Piece Fried Catfish Dinner

One of the places I knew I had to take David was Sudie’s Catfish House.  I tell you there is no better place to eat catfish in the world, or at least that I know of, than Sudie’s.  I remember as a little girl, my family saw the structure built and wondered what it was going to be.  We all had theories, but alas, the sign was installed, a catfish house!

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