Category: Place

The St. Antthony Hermitage, Bouchette Lake, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, Quebec, Canada

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The St. Anthony hermitage of  Bouchette Lake was founded by Father Elzéar Delamarre in 1907 with the construction of a second home and a chapel dedicated to St Anthony of Padua. The place became a pilgrimage site and the abbot was building a larger chapel to accommodate the visitors. In 1925 the site was taken in care by the Capuchin Minor Brothers who built a monastery and a church dedicated to the Virgin. Today the place has also a hotel with a large dining-room with terrace overlooking the lake and an excellent gastronomic choice with local products and typical menu of the Lac St-Jean region as the famous pie called ‘tourtière’. There is also a wooden observation tower, a pedestrian path, a souvenir shop, a bakery, a camping area with parking for trailers and the warm welcome of the Brothers and staff who make of this place a beautiful option for a relaxing holiday, solo, with family, friends or couples. To see: the St. Anthony of Padua chapel (neo-Gothic country), the frescoes of the Quebec painter Charles Huot, the monastery (neo-Romanesque), the Marian Chapel, among others and of course the natural environment that is really beautiful!

Tips

You can book your accommodation with or without breakfast but it is good to take it even as the supper cause the site is in nature and there are no restaurants very near.

You have a small beach nearby, on the way to the village, and there are some games for children on the site next to the lake.

Taste the bread and buns baked at the bakery on site, it’s worth it.

There are many activities around Lac St-Jean; so staying at the monastery would be economical and comfortable to come and visit the area.

Cumberland Bay State Park, Plattsburgh, New York, USA

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Cumberland Bay State Park, on the west shore of Lake Champlain, is very popular with campers and day-users because of its large natural sand beach and picnic grounds with tables and grills. The park has 152 campsites, a playground and playing fields, showers, food, and a dumping station. Visitors enjoy romping on the playing fields, camping, picnicking, and lounging on the beach. The park is a runner’s paradise, especially in the fall. You can also camp with your pet if your site allows pets but you must have proof of current rabies vaccination – certificate inoculation or dated collar tag; you must household them only, caged or on a leash, not more than 6 feet. They aren’t permitted in picnic or bathing areas; there is a two-pet maximum. To visit: Macomb Reservation State Park, John Brown Farm State Historic Site, Point Au Roche State Park, and Crown Point State Historic Site are all nearby.

Tips

The park opens from early May to Columbus Day.
If you love camping on parks, for $65, the Empire Passport provides you unlimited day use vehicle entry into most of New York parks.
You can do lots of activities like swimming, picknicking, biking, boating, canoeing, fishing, water skiing, voleyball, basketball, etc.

152 Cumberland Head Road Plattsburgh, NY 12901

The Grand at Moon Palace, Cancún, Mexique

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The Grand at Moon Palace is an all-inclusive hotel located 14 km from Cancún International Airport, a 20-minute drive from the city center. It is considered luxury with all kinds of accommodation; all rooms have whirlpool for two people, balcony, large bathroom with dryer, dining area, desk, flat screen TV, coffee maker, mini fridge with a wide variety of drinks, dispenser with other alcoholic beverages, bathrobe, slippers, safe and bottle of wine upon arrival and chocolates and snacks that are refilled daily; in short, the great comfort! You also count with 24-hour room service. There is a souvenir shop, a hairdresser, 24-hour front desk, a buffet, several restaurants and bars, a nightclub, theater, conference rooms and large spaces for events. Among the activities, you have water sports, golf, spa, bike rental, several pools, water park and private beach. Staying at this hotel you can visit the other hotels in the chain except The Blanc, you can enjoy the facilities and services of each hotel. The property has a system that gives you a credit equivalent to $ 1500.00 which can be exchanged for excursions, romantic dinners, spa treatments, etc .; you must stay a minimum of 3 nights to have them.

Tips

As the property is very large, you will find stops of small carts that will take you from one place to another. The shuttles pass very often. You can also use these shuttles to visit the two nearest establishments: Sunrise and Nizuc. There is also a free bus service. If you want to visit the other hotels that are further away (Cancun, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres), you can take a taxi by reserving it at the reception. You will have a flat rate for the round trip.

If you want to eat something anytime you want, there’s a cafeteria opened 24/24 that serves sandwiches, cookies, tea, coffee, chocolates and also a good variety of icecream.