The Essex St. Pedestrian Mall in Salem, Mass., Offers Vibrant Shopping, Restaurant Scene

Essex Street Pedestrian Mall, Salem, Mass. (photo by Eric)

The Essex St. Pedestrian Mall in Salem, Mass., rivals some of the best northern New England small coastal city downtown districts like Market Square in Portsmouth, N.H., the Port Exchange in Portland, Maine, and central Newburyport, Mass.

In this section of a great North Shore city, you'll find an extended brick and cobblestone stretch of mom and pop shops, boutiques and galleries, coffeehouses, cafes and restaurants -- many that are housed in beautifully restored historical buildings. I had a chance to walk the Mall on a warm spring day, and, quite simply, was amazed by its appeal. We all know Salem is most famous for its witch attractions and the Peabody Essex Museum (known for its outstanding art and cultural exhibits), but the Essex St. Pedestrian Mall is a destination by itself. The restaurant scene has grown significantly with diverse cuisines (I had a terrific lunch at the cozy, eclectic Front Street Coffeehouse), and you'll find places that sell books, toys, clothes, ice cream, baked goods and everything you would expect in a vibrant downtown district. The difference here, however, is that the sense of history is well intact with its 18th and 19th century architecture and that cars will not interfere with your downtown shopping experience.

The East India Marine Hall at the Peabody Essex Museum and the Essex St. Pedestrian Mall (photo by Eric)

We can hardly wait to visit during the summer when I'm sure things will be even more festive and the warmer weather will be ideal for evening walks and outdoor dining and entertainment.

Growing up in the area, I don't quite recall downtown Salem ever looking this nice. It shows what a little vision and follow through can do when local elected and appointed officials, the community and business people come together. Coupled with the witch attractions, the beautiful nine acre Washington Square Town Common surrounded by spectacular early to mid 19th century dwellings and the pleasant Pickering Wharf district with more shops and (waterfront) restaurants, Salem has truly become a major travel destination. Once a personal "B" list travel spot, it is now on my "A" list!

For more information on Salem, I recommend logging onto the Official Salem MA Guide, or stopping by the Salem Visitor Center at 2 New Liberty Square (around the corner from the Pedestrian Mall). Hope you get to visit this great small city!

The Salem Old Town Hall, just off Essex St., is a prime example of historical preservation in Salem. (photo by Eric)

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Visiting Woodstock in the "Quiet Corner" of Connecticut

I had a chance a few weeks ago to revisit Woodstock, located in the "Quiet Corner" of Connecticut. Largely unspoiled and with quintessential New England elements intact, this beautiful little town best represents the "Quiet Corner" region with its downtown skyline being a tall white steeple, well kept old homes that never fail to make me say "Wow!" and an absence of commercial and industrial development that fly in the face of our modern world. I highly recommend visiting here is you like peace and solitude, a sense of historical preservation and memorable rural scenery of farms, forests and landscapes that seem virtually endless. It really feels like you're a million miles from civilization here. I'll now let the pictures do the talking to give you a taste of one of my favorite towns in New England...

The Roseland Cottage was once a summer home to a wealthy New York family and now can be toured between June 1 and October 15. As you can see, it's really a spectacular sight! touring the home, you'll see steep gables and stained glass, boxwood parterre garden, a bowling alley, garden house, aviary, carriage barn, ice house, various outbuildings and some beautiful landscaping.

The Town Cemetery has a beautiful rural look, further enhanced by scenic rolling hills in the distance.

No real New England town is complete without a stately, old church. Here in Woodstock, you can really feel that authentic New England presence.

The Inn at Woodstock Hill sits on a hill overlooking those amazing rolling hills. We've stayed here several times and consider this charming inn the ultimate getaway. I think even the most stressed out person would be forced to relax here.  You can read our full review on the Inn at Woodstock Hill here.

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World Travel Guide: Experience The Wild Side of Emirates Mountains

If you are looking for more variety in your vacation to Dubai, why not try a trip to the Emirates mountains? Indeed, it can still come as a surprise to many that there are several activities in store for tourists who are in for adrenaline rush in this part of the world. Buckle up, for you are in for some wild ride! This world travel guide is going to take you for a ride to the wild side. You will kick off your tour to the mountain trails in the Emirates in the morning.

You are free to explore these mountains on your own. However, it would be best if you can get a tour package because you will have an established itinerary and you will be driven around in a four wheel drive vehicle. Thus, it should be easy for you to get around to some of the most notable tourist attractions as you traverse the Emirates mountains. Some tours also include pick-up from and drop-off to your hotel after the tour, which will add more to your convenience.

If you are in for a wild adventure at the mountains, this world travel guide suggests you check out the East Coast and Hatta. You will begin your journey by stopping along the Lehab sand dunes. Then, you are off to a very long tunnel carved straight to the Emirates mountains. Meanwhile, the rugged Hajar mountains is teeming with lush greenery all around it, so this one promises to be a meandering route that would suit any adventure seeker.

While you are in the midst of this breathtaking and adventurous mountain trail, it is best to stop for a moment and let everything sink in. Take time to admire the cliffs and watch the valleys. This is when a camera would come in handy, too. And if you're tempted, take a dip at the tempting cool and blue waters at the wadis. If you're that adventurous, why not go on a short trek along these mountain paths? Or, enjoy a picnic lunch as you marvel at the sights around you.

The scenic drive to and from the East Coast to experience the Emirates mountains up close is a truly unique experience. Most tours along the mountain trails of Dubai will feature a speaking guide so you can also have some glimpse into the culture and history of the place.

This world travel guide also recommends wearing the appropriate clothing for your trip along the Emirates mountains. For most part of the year, light summer clothing is good enough. But when you are visiting during the winter months, don't forget to bring your jacket or sweater as these mountain trails can be quite chilly.

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