Let’s turn on the time machine and travel back 219 years and a few days to March 29, 1806. That’s when Congress approved the concept of a “National Road.” Signed into law by President Thomas Jefferson, the National Road as it still is known today, was America’s first federally funded highway, designed to connect the Potomac and Ohio rivers and serve as the major path westward for countless settlers eager to discover the opportunities they hoped awaited them on the American frontier.
It took five years after approval for the road to be constructed, but it was a big deal when completed. People, animals and covered wagons assembled in Cumberland, Maryland, ready to head west on trails that had long been traveled by the region’s Indigenous Peoples and by a young George Washington in the 1740s in his early career as a surveyor.
After more than two decades of construction (as with modern transportation projects, there were plenty of problems and delays), the road ultimately stretched about 620 miles, from Maryland to Illinois, passing through Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio and Indiana along the way. The idea of this first “road trip” – which, let’s face it, was a lot less fun and way more dangerous 200 years ago than it is today – all began in Cumberland, in the scenic region known as “The Mountain Side of Maryland.”
A bustling place back then, Cumberland, after undergoing a $17.2 million renovation/restoration last fall, is again a premier destination, offering visitors both outdoor and urban adventures coupled with early American history as well. Stops to see include “Mile Marker 0” monument atCanal Place National Heritage Park, the incredible Allegany Museumwith its stellar “Crossroads of America” exhibit that tells the story of the region’s role in America’s early westward expansion, as well as the small towns that played major roles in American history. For more information, take a peek at MDMountainside.com.
And if you’d like to follow a “road trip” itinerary along America’s first federally funded highway, here’s a starting point: America’s First Road Trip.
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (Feb. 22 – Aug. 1): Kicking off its national tour in Indy before traveling across the Midwest.
Centennial 110-ft Ferris Wheel launching March 15, coinciding with the Sports Legends Experience expansion.
Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design (March 22 – Sept. 7): Featuring 60+ original costumes, including some from Black Panther.
Take Me There: Peru exhibit opening this summer—fun timing with the Paddington in Peru movie release this Friday.
Conner Prairie (Smithsonian-affiliated Museum)
Promise Land as Proving Ground—a new exhibit opening March 25 focused on African American history in Indiana. This exhibit has been three years in the making.
Indiana’s first and only Forest Therapy Trail—guided tours begin in May, blending history and nature for a unique outdoor experience.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum reopens April 2 after an $89 million renovation, featuring cutting-edge tech and immersive sensory experiences. Offering visitors a way to experience the Indy 500 any day of the week.
Giant tortoises are coming to the Indianapolis Zoo in May, following the successful launch of the International Chimpanzee Complex last year—home to one of the largest groups of chimpanzees in human care.
Hotel development:
Indy’s newest hotel, the InterContinental Hotel, will be perfectly positioned right off Monument Circle, the epicenter of Indy. While once on a list of Indiana’s 10 most endangered landmark buildings, the hotel will offer a rooftop bar with an unobstructed view of Lady Victory, sitting above the iconic Soldiers and Sailors Monument. Opening later this month.
Sports
NFL Combine is back at the end of this month with a chance for families to step into Lucas Oil Stadium for free and see 300 – 350 prospects trying to make it in the National Football League. Plus, there is a free fan festival outside the stadium as well.
March Madness takes over Indy next month with 43 games across 29 days, including: Big Ten Men’s & Women’s Tournaments and Men’s Sweet 16 & Elite 8.
WNBA All-Star Game (July): With Caitlin Clark expected as the #1 draft pick for our hometown team, this will be huge!
Black Heritage & Legacy Trail
Launching this June, Indy’s Black Heritage & Legacy Trail is a self-guided tour highlighting iconic landmarks pivotal to Black history in Indianapolis. One of the neighborhoods on the trail includes Belmont Beach, the beach where Black families were granted access to swim in the city in the 1920s. At that time, and up until a couple years ago, the water was polluted. Now, Belmont Beach is transitioning from a story about segregation to celebration, as it is now a place for gathering for people of all ages, races, etc.
The Black Heritage and Legacy Trail is part of $150 million in trail expansions and improvements currently underway, making Indy one of the most connected cities in the country—fitting for the “Crossroads of America.”
Indianapolis Cultural Trail Expansion: In fall 2024, Indy celebrated a two-mile expansion of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, bringing it to 10 miles total. This wheelchair- and scooter-accessible trail has been recognized by the Project for Public Spaces as one of the “biggest and boldest steps by any American city.”
The recent expansion now links Indiana Avenue—Indy’s historically Black cultural district—by the Madam Walker Legacy Center, as well as the South Street corridor, leading to Lucas Oil Stadium (home of the Colts).
Indy’s riverways & trailways project reaches a major milestone this fall, further solidifying Indy as one of the most connected communities in the country. A new resource highlighting Central Indiana’s Trailways network will launch alongside America’s 250th celebration.
Rediscover your #LouisvilleLove with the return of the Hometown Tourist Celebration next month. The event invites residents to rediscover downtown Louisville by providing a discounted admission fee for well-loved or new-to-them attractions and venues.
The Downtown Hometown Tourist Celebration will take place February 1 – 10, 2025. During this time, individuals with a valid Kentucky or Indiana ID, local college ID, or military ID will receive half-off admission to participating Downtown venues.
21c Museum Hotel. Photo by Steve Grider.
“This event is for our entire state to enjoy Louisville’s attractions and venues, because our downtown is your downtown,” said Rebecca Fleischaker, executive director of LDP. “Normally a slow time of year for our attractions, this celebration gives locals an added benefit of saving money as well as supporting and promoting the incredible range of attractions, venues, and hotels that make our city unique.”
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory.
Participating attractions and venues include:
Angel’s Envy Distillery
Angles Selfie Museum
Bardstown Bourbon Company
Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey Row Experience
Evan Williams Bourbon Experience
Frazier History Museum
Good Bounce’s Downtown location
KMAC Contemporary Art Museum
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
Muhammad Ali Center
SAR Genealogical Library
Whiskey Row.
Downtown hotels are also participating with various discounts and package deals, offering a special rate for the duration of the celebration. Participating hotels include the 21c Hotel; Embassy Suites; the Galt House; Omni Louisville Hotel; Seelbach Hilton; and the Tempo by Hilton Louisville.
Evan Williams Bourbon Experience (Photo by Marty Pearl/Special to the LCVB)
“Hometown Tourist Week is a vital initiative that encourages our residents to explore and appreciate the incredible attractions and experiences right here in Louisville,” said Cleo Battle, Louisville Tourism President & CEO. “By being tourists in our own city, we not only support local businesses and attractions but also foster a deeper connection to our community. This celebration highlights the strength and diversity of our city’s offerings and reinforces the unique charm and hospitality that makes Louisville a top destination.”
Frazier History Museum.
Additional Downtown venues offering varying discounts during the celebration include the Belle of Louisville Riverboats; Corner Flavors of Kentucky; Derby City Gaming; Goodwood Brewing & Spirits; Porch Kitchen & Bar; and the Waterfront Botanical Gardens.
Tickets for admission can be purchased online by individual location or multiple days and locations together. Walk-ins are welcome, but reserving tickets in advance is recommended. Tickets and hotel bookings can be made in advance and can be viewed on LDP’s website.
JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City Polanco, situated in the heart of Mexico City’s luxurious Polanco District is pleased to share the completed renovations of the entrances and lobby, as well as new culinary concepts including a bar and mezcal room alongside 929 sq. ft of re-designed meeting spaces all of which are rooted in the social, physical, and historical elements of Polanco, the exclusive business, entertainment and upscale neighborhood. This is the final stage of a renovation that started in 2021 with the full refurbishment and modernization of its 269 guest rooms and 45 suites. Beyond this tangible change, the hotel is opening its doors to new experiences, serving as a platform for local talent with special events and offerings inspired in the great culture, gastronomy, and traditions of Mexico.
Originally opened in 1996, the Mexico City property was the first JW Marriott hotel outside of the United States and now, with redefined interiors, is ushering in a new era of luxury for the brand. The evolution of these spaces provides a timeless design that creates the perfect ambiance for meaningful connections and a purposeful travel experience for both business and leisure guests. The JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City Polanco offers an unparalleled location overlooking Chapultepec Park with proximity to some of the city’s most visited sites, including the Museum of Anthropology, National Auditorium, Zócalo central square and the Palace of Fine Arts. Its impressive structure acts as a window to Paseo de la Reforma and is considered a landmark, fully rooted in the urban fabric of the Polanco district.
“Our storied hotel has gone through both a physical and emotional transformation, evolving to meet the needs of today’s discerning travelers,” said Ramon Diago, General Manager of JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City Polanco. “We are delighted to offer guests the perfect place to connect with themselves, each other and the magic of Mexico City, all in an elegant and beautifully modern space.”
A Grand Entrance into Luxury
The entrance of the JW Mexico City Polanco has been transformed to welcome guests and in turn, sets the tone for their entire stay. The lobby serves as a connector, much like Pasaje Polanco of the past, linking various elements of the hotel and guest experience seamlessly. It’s not just a transient space but a vibrant hub where guests from diverse backgrounds converge, creating an atmosphere that honors the area’s heritage while embracing its present cosmopolitan allure of the surrounding neighborhood. Whether guests are there for leisure or business, the lobby becomes a reflection of the vibrant pulse of Polanco, inviting them into an immersive experience that intertwines history, culture, and contemporary luxury.
Expanded Culinary Offerings and Experiences
The expanded culinary concepts at the JW Mexico City allow guests to embark on an enticing gastronomic adventure that intertwines exquisite flavors with the history and culture of Mexico City. The program acts as a passageway through a captivating array of dining and cocktail experiences, meticulously curated to complement the essence of the vibrant neighborhood. The new spaces include:
Sendero Polanco – Delve into a culinary odyssey that celebrates the richness of the gastronomy of Mexico and Latin America. At Sendero Polanco, a welcoming atmosphere is created that fuses history, tradition, and creativity, inviting everyone to enjoy an experience for the senses. The restaurant will offer a breakfast, lunch and dinner service and aim to provide guests with authentic ingredients alongside, an array of contemporary flavors.
ESTACION 29 Cocktail and Wine Bar – Inspired by the inaugural Mexico City railway in Polanco, ESTACION 29 Cocktail and Wine Bar allows guests to step into an era of nostalgia while enjoying meticulously crafted cocktails and select wines. It serves as a dynamic hub for local talent, showcasing live performances while also highlighting regional offerings through brand takeovers and collaborations. This vibrant space embodies the fusion of nostalgia, diverse cultures, and a celebration of local creativity in both its ambiance and offerings.
Tahona Mezcal Room – This carefully crafting space was designed to allow guests the chance to immerse themselves in an exclusive, intimate encounter with the enchanting world of mezcal. The beverage programming provides the opportunity to dance through a carefully curated selection of premium, handcrafted mezcals from revered masters across Mexico in a captivating space up to 8 guests.
Additionally, the hotel is pleased to share an additional three culinary experiences are set to debut this spring. Among these eagerly awaited venues are Corsi, an open kitchen concept focused on pasta and seafood, conveniently located at the Andres Bello entrance, and Archiebald, an American Steakhouse situated at the Campos Eliseos entrance. These unique establishments, the third of which will be announced at a later date, will all aim to enrich the lobby level with diverse dining options that will guide guests through a gastronomic journey.
More information about the hotel, its amenities (including an outdoor pool and deck, spa, health, and fitness club, and best in class meeting space), and reservations is available here.
About JW Marriott
JW Marriott is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio of brands and consists of beautiful properties and distinctive resort locations around the world. JW Marriott is a tribute to the founder of Marriott International, J. Willard “J.W.” Marriott, who prioritized his own well-being so that he could take better care of others. Inspired by his approach to life and rooted in holistic well-being, JW Marriott properties offer a haven designed to allow guests to focus on feeling whole – present in mind, nourished in body, and revitalized in spirit – through programs and offerings that encourage them to come together and experience every moment to the fullest.
Today there are more than 100 JW Marriott hotels in more than 35 countries and territories worldwide that cater to sophisticated, mindful travelers who come seeking experiences that help them be fully present, foster meaningful connections and feed the soul.
Visit JW Marriott online, and on Instagram and Facebook. JW Marriott is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.
Running now through January 7, 2024, Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden (located in Glencoe, Chicago’s North Shore) returns for its fifth season with an illuminated outdoor trail dazzling with brand new installations from around the world and beloved returning favorites such as the Winter Cathedral and a reimagined version of the Fire Garden.New works from international artists include Lilies, from UK artist Jigantics (illuminated 5-foot lilies float elegantly on water, providing a mesmerizing view from the bridge above and igniting a sense of warmth and excitement), Night Lights, from French artist TILT (delicate lamp-shaped lights that extend nearly 19 feet high amplify a cozy atmosphere with a display of soft ambient colors) and Sea of Light, from UK artist Ithaca (thousands of individually controlled balls of LED light make Evening Island sparkle and dance their way to a bespoke soundtrack in multiple patterns and colors). Tickets sell out quickly so it is recommended to book your time and date in advance; advance tickets for adults (non-members) begin at $34 and children (ages 3-12) at $19.
The Christkindlmarket celebrates its 27th season at Daley Plaza, its fifth year at Gallagher Way in Wrigleyville, and its second time at RiverEdge Park in Aurora. This year, Christkindlmarket is introducing its first ceramic beer stein with a holiday-themed design ($20), as well as location-specific $8 souvenir mugs with unique designs at each market (for example: the Chicago mug shows off downtown landmarks like the City Hall building and Daley Plaza’s Picasso sculpture while the Wrigleyville mug shows off Hotel Zachary, the intersection sign of Clark & Addison, and much more.) These mugs are hotly anticipated collector’s items for locals who have turned Christkindlmarket into a holiday tradition since 1996. Modeled after the 16th-century holiday markets in Germany, the free-admission outdoor bazaar is a hub for traditional German fare, delightful warm beverages and handcrafted gifts for purchase, and charming holiday vibes the entire family can enjoy. And now in its third year, another popular favorite is back – the annual Christkindlmarkt ornament, hand-painted and glass blown in Europe, portraying a market scene with holiday elements on its ice blue background ($41 at all info booths).
Admission to the market is free but food, beverages, and handcrafted gifts all must be purchased. All markets open on November 17; Aurora and Chicago locations close on December 24 and Wrigleyville on December 31.
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light at the Museum of Science and Industry (running through January 7, 2024) is a beloved annual tradition that began in 1942 with a single tree. Today the Museum features a four-story floor-to-dome Grand Tree, surrounded by more than 50 trees and displays decorated by volunteers to represent holiday traditions from cultures around the world.
This year the museum will also be celebrating the wonders of snow, with an exhibition in the Lower Court featuring intricate photographs of snowflakes taken by Caltech physicist Ken Libbrecht.
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum (Though January 6, 2024) invites visitors to celebrate the holidays and marvel at how light transforms a magnificent landscape. Journey along a 1-mile paved walking path (that is fully ADA compliant for guests with limited mobility), amid festive music and lighting effects, explore exciting new features and immersive installations. Afterwards, warm up by a cracking fire and roast marshmallows for s’mores, or stop in one of the concession tents for a snack and beverage. Ginkgo Restaurant in the Visitor Center will serve dinner guests view the display’s finale on Meadow Lake. The Arboretum Store will also be open for holiday shopping; gifts include a special temperature-activated, color-changing ceramic mug that will be available for purchase during all Illumination dates. Tickets start at $28 per person for nonmembers.
People ice skating at the McCormick Tribune Plaza Ice Rink in Chicago’s Millennium Park; December 2021.
The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park offers ice skating all winter, through March, weather permitting. Admission is free, but online reservations are required and skate rentals are available. You’ll be surrounded by the downtown skyline, with magical Christmas lights from the City of Chicago Christmas tree reflected in ‘The Bean’ / Cloud Gate sculpture. OR, head over to Maggie Daley Park, right next to Millennium Park, to the picturesque Skating Ribbon that meanders around snow-dusted pine trees and whimsical play spaces. The path is twice the length of a lap around a traditional skating rink.
The Immersive Nutcracker: A Winter Miracle (November 24 – December 31, 2023) at Lighthouse Artspace Chicago brings cutting-edge technology to meet the artistry of ballet dancers. This mesmerizing 30-minute immersive experience, set to Tchailkovsky’s music, weaves the classic tale of Marie and her toy nutcracker. Join them, on their magical adventure through the Land of Sweets, brought to life by renowned ballet dancers and innovative projection mapping technology. Pricing begins at $29.99 per person.
While you’re here… Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago is bringing a new pop-up bar experience, Bar Humbug, to reign in the holiday season. The ArtSpace will be transformed into a winter wonderland with wall-to-wall holiday scenes. A lot like traditional German beer halls, there will be long tables and plush banquettes for groups to gather. Bar Humbug will present live musicians and DJs playing the holiday classics. Guests must be 21 to enter.
ZooLights Presented by ComEd and Invesco QQQ will include new and exciting LED light displays, photo ops, and interactive programming including a never-before-seen garden-themed light show on the zoo’s South Lawn. Festive photo ops will dot the zoo, as well as costumed characters and Victorian carolers on select nights. Food and beverages including festive cocktails and hot cocoa will be available at Edie Levy’s Landmark Café. Snowy’s Sprits & S’more and various snack stations around the zoo. Check the calendar for special events such as sensory-friendly nights, a family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration, and adults-only evenings. General admission ZooLights tickets are $7 per person. Tickets on Fridays, Saturdays, Thanksgiving Eve (Nov. 22), and New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31) are $10 per person. As part of the zoo’s ongoing commitment to accessibility, general admission is FREE on Mondays. Ticket sales from ZooLights directly support the zoo’s world-class animal care, global conservation efforts, and innovative learning programs and help keep the zoo free to the public 365 days a year. ZooLights will run through January 7, 2024.
For more information on Chicago holiday happenings, visit Choose Chicago.
Art on the MART is queuing up four new projections for 2022 that will spotlight Chicago dance and the dancers, choreographers and visual artists that bring the medium to its full potential.
The first projection Floe, created by choreographer and Chicago native Carrie Hanson with her dance company, The Seldoms, is a piece that spotlights climate change, extreme weather, vanishing ice, denialism, bodies of water and, ultimately, bodies. Hanson teamed with several long-time collaborators for this project. A stellar team of visual artists (Bob Faust, Liviu Pasare and Andrew Glatt) assembled a dynamic, emotional projection by weaving dance, word and image. Mikhail Fiksel crafted a soundscape that includes field recordings of icebergs, water and rain; Maria Pinto created architectural garments in an array of watery blues; Seth Bockley provided text that moves from irreverent to elegiac. Performers include Sarah Gonsiorowski, Damon Green and Maggie Vannucci. Floe will be on-view from May 6 to June 29, 2022.
Chicago Fine Arts Building
Chicago’s Fine Arts Building (410 S. Michigan Avenue) launched its new look and a website with centralized ticketing and rental platforms that encompass all of the landmark building’s spaces: artists’ studios, offices, rehearsal halls and two theaters—the historic Studebaker Theater and Carriage Hall, a contemporary multidisciplinary performance and event space that is being built in the former Playhouse Theater space.
Property owner Berger Realty Group began major renovations of Studebaker Theater and Carriage Hall earlier this year, to enhance the experiences of theatergoers and producing companies at both venues. Renovations to the historic Studebaker will be completed in May 2022, including all-new seating, enhancements and modernization of the theater’s AV and grid systems, a state-of-the-art technical booth, updated lobbies and a newly designed VIP lounge on the third floor. The new Carriage Hall venue will open in late 2022, with more details to be announced in the coming months.
Chicago Mahogany Tours
Chicago Mahogany Tours, led by Chicago’s rising sensation Urban Historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas, are a must when visiting Chicago. He takes visitors on a bus tour of Chicago’s historic south side neighborhoods – Pullman, Bronzeville, Roseland, Bridgeport and Stockyard – while sharing unique facts about Chicago Black history.
Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Centerbroke ground this fall in Jackson Park; this amazingworld-class museum will bring a spectacular new campus to Chicago’s South Side and provide a fabulous new gathering space for the Hyde Park community and residents. Upon completion, it will feature a museum, library, park and activity center, women’s garden and so much more.
Pepper Family Wildlife Center at the Lincoln Park Zoo
The Pepper Family Wildlife Center, a new state-of-the-art habitat for lions and big cats, recently opened at the Lincoln Park Zoo. The Center’s Lion House features a Great Hall that can host dinners for 400 guests or receptions for up to 500. The Lion House also features a conference room, which can seat 80 guests, or 100 for a standing reception. Both the Great Hall and the conference room feature windows overlooking the inside of the exciting lion exhibit.
Shedd Aquarium
In preparation for the organization’s 100th anniversary in 2030, the Shedd Aquarium has unveiled a new, comprehensive strategic vision, a multi-faceted, 8-year, $500 million dollar Centennial Commitment which will include deeper community investments and partnerships, a modernized aquarium experience through the transformation and restoration of the historic galleries and dynamic new exhibits, new educational and experiential programs created with equity and inclusion at the center, compelling digital engagements, advancement in exemplary animal care and welfare and accelerated aquatic and scientific research.
Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower
Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower has reopened after completing an extensive redevelopment encompassing the attraction’s lower level, delivering an interactive experience that celebrates the unique personality, history, neighborhoods and sites of Chicago. This immersive, new Chicago-themed museum features modern physical and visual displays, educating guests of all ages on Chicago history, culture, cuisine and architecture through interactive and informative experiences.
The complete transformation on the 103rd-floor observation deck includes fresh design features and interactive monitors, providing a space to inspire guest poses and allow visitors to upload and display their Ledge social media photos. Along with the stunning views, guests can indulge in informational videos about the city’s growth, travel patterns, cultural attractions and the making and history of The Ledge. Guests are invited to leave a mark on the city by creating drawings or messages on the interactive sequin wall. Screens also feature the impressive eastside views from the 103rd floor, allowing visitors to discover more about local sights, no matter the weather.
Saxony Engages Travelers with Compelling Microsite www.saxonytraveldreams.com is the new microsite from Saxony Germany where lovers of history, castles, classical music, art museums and charming towns can experience Saxony at its most beautiful. A perfect antidote to the stay at home corona virus regulations, this microsite takes you there, to Saxony, creating an immersive visual and audio experience.
” We are making sure that memories of Saxony are kept alive in the minds of our international guests,” says TMGS managing director Veronika Hiebl.Whether you love history, castles, wine, charming towns and palaces, classical music or art museums, Saxony has it all so you don’t have to choose.
The land of Luther and Bach brings its charm and talents to the fore in the new #saxonytraveldreams campaign. Stocked with beautiful videos and photographs, visitors get a taste of the beauty and creativity that is alive in Saxony today. Although you may not be able to hop on a plane and travel there, this eastern state in Germany is a bastion for the arts and music and you can get a sense of these treasurers from your own home. The videos from journalists, bloggers and influencers are outstanding and objectively showcase Saxony at its most beautiful.
Two times per week the music city of Leipzig, broadcasts live stream performances from the world-famous Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra. Broadcasts start every Thursday and Friday at 12 pm (Europe time) and are then available for 24 hours. In Dresden, the landmark Frauenkirche (Church of our Lady) that rose from the GDR ashes produces a short“musical greetings”on the church’s YouTube channel or visitors can choose to go on a 360-degree tour. Jan Vogler, the director of the Dresden Music Festival has organized an online music festival to replace the recently cancelled Dresden Music Festival.
The spa town of Bad Elster, a hidden gem in southern Saxony, goes digital with its philharmonic and presents a range of live recordings every Wednesday and Saturday at 7.30 pm (Europe time) plus special music performances by individual orchestra members. But it’s not just music, there is art and incredible towns to explore. From the movie town of Görlitz, where The Grand Budapest Hotel among many other movies was filmed, to Radebeul, Leipzig and Torgau: Saxony’s enchanting towns and cities delight with unique architecture, fascinating history, interesting museums and character.
Truly there are many undiscovered gems and places that are not crowded and worth every penny to visit. Also, many of Saxony’s castles are off the beaten track and in this site, you will visit some of them and receive two very special immersive experiences created by local students built around famous palaces and castles in Dresden. Two sites which have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status impressively underline Saxony’s reputation as the number one cultural tourist destination in Germany: “Muskauer Park/Park Muzakowski”, a joint Polish-German site, and the “Ore Mountains/Krusnohori Mining Region” site of German/Czech cultural heritage. You can take 360 tours of these beautiful areas.
For example, known as Saxony’s “silver town”, 800-year-old Freiberg at the foot of the “Ore Mountains has beautiful patrician townhouses, reflecting the wealth derived from the once thriving mining industry, and features a fascinating cathedral – discover the town on a 360-degree tour. These are only a few of the highlights that Saxony has to offer and they will whet your appetite for when you are able to travel again.
