Woodland’s central structure, a red roofed mansion, built in 1834, sits amidst a rural setting of the Mississippi River levee. It is a raised Creole design with Greek Revival features. The image of the house has graced the label of Southern Comfort whiskey- based liqueur for more than seventy-five years.

Woodland Plantation has had a long varied history and has experienced its share of hurricanes. Ravages of time and weather reduced the plantation to near ruins. The Creppel family bought the property in 1997 and completely renovated it. Woodland opened as a bed and breakfast in 1999.

Foster Creppel, the current owner describes his property as a rustic “country inn”. The main house contains nine bedrooms of which you can stay that have been thoughtfully restored and beautifully furnished with antiques from the period. Other 19th Century buildings have been brought to property. One of the most significant is Spirits Hall, a deconsecrated Catholic church from 1883, now the plantation’s dining area “Spirits Hall”, once known as St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, was transplanted to Woodland Plantation in October 1998. It was moved from Homeplace, Louisiana, 14 miles south of Woodland and restored and repurposed into a beautiful dining and reception space. Weddings and special events are perfect for this property.

Over time the mix of buildings has expanded with the addition of a number of historic structures, other buildings—an overseer’s house and an old cabin—are original to the plantation – additional buildings, each with their own unique charm, are the Magnolia Store, the Little House, all of which can serve as a romantic accommodations.

There are many other choices of lodging here. There are nine guest rooms in the main house with private baths. We stayed in the stilt duplex cabin at the front of the property which was loaded with signed art by David Bates a well-known American artist. It was spacious and very private. We loved the experience there. A full complimentary breakfast, including eggs and sausage cooked to order, is included. On New Years Eve, we enjoyed a five-course gourmet dinner which could compete with any meal you can find in New Orleans. Quite a festive event which we thoroughly enjoyed. You can sign up for a meal plan and have a delicious dinner here every night if you wish.

One of the most popular things to do here is fishing. Knowledgeable guides can take you spin fishing, fly fishing, or deep-sea fishing. Numerous fishing boats set out from here while we stayed over holiday week. You will love the drive towards the far tip of Louisiana, which points like a finger out into the Gulf. It is a unique mix of refineries, small fishing villages and beautiful wetlands full of water birds.

You will be dazzled by this beautiful environment with a unique array of flora and wildlife. This special wetland is gradually disappearing so careful preservation is needed. For information about staying here contact woodlandplantation.com.

You will also have the opportunity to sample some of the most delicious cuisine in the world!

A roadtrip through Turkey will be featured in a later post.

Karaburun (Istanbul)—Villa Siesta -Hotel Expedia booking

Istanbul’s huge airport has few hotels on its grounds. The “airport hotels” are some distance away. From this hotel you will not have to fight the rush hour traffic from Istanbul. The Villa Siesta Hotel, 27 miles from the airport, is a great choice: very helpful people, fine rooms, good restaurant. The suites facing the Black Sea offer superb views of the sea and a private balcony. If you leave the door open you can hear the melodic call to prayer. The suites are especially nice with fine contemporary décor and the space looks freshly remodeled. We stayed here the night of our arrival, and the nights before our flights. Both times we really enjoyed being there. They also provide an excellent complimentary breakfast. We were very fortunate the manager let us leave some luggage between our stays at no charge, and arranged transportation to the airport.

Goreme—Aza Cave Hotel-Expedia booking

Cappadocia is a jewel of Turkey, an utterly unique landscape on stone columns and cones. Many fine hotels there, and we selected a very good one: Aza Cave Hotel. It is for adults and older children. Our rooms— a bedroom, sitting room with a fireplace, bathroom with a clawfoot tub, plus a patio—were spacious and perfectly situated to views of the stunning landscape. In the morning—weather permitting—hot air balloons could be seen from our window, and one got so close that it seemed it might land in front of us.  The breakfast buffet with separate orders of omelettes, etc. is probably the most elaborate we have seen to date. The staff is very helpful and friendly. Rules require that a staff member setup and light the fireplace on request. Fatih did this every night for us and we appreciated his service. We also enjoyed that this was a more quiet spot in the bustling Goreme up in hills above, amongst the fairy chimneys.

Sirince—The Lamin House Nestled Among  Olive Groves – Airbnb

Such a peaceful retreat—surrounded by an olive grove, the sounds of the melodic Muezzin call to prayer and the crackle of the wood in the fireplace hang in the air. The host provides plenty of wood.  This is a sanctuary of silence and nature. There is a luxurious, infinity pool fed by an artesian spring, from which you can hear the sound as it flows all the way to the cottage. So private, but only a short drive away is the bustling, well visited Sirince Village, and a bit farther are Ephesus, the Basilica of St. John, and the House of the Virgin Mary. The amenities are simple, but more than adequate. Our host Alison, was very helpful and can really help with any touring questions. A great place to get away from it all and not be too far from it all.

Antalya—Historic Ambiance Near Hadrian’s Gate- Airbnb

We have stayed at many apartments in many different countries, and this may be the best to date. It is located in Antalya’s Old Town, and is within easy walk of many restaurants, shops and the marina. The two-floor apartment is beautifully renovated  with all the amenities: washer/dryer, cable television, small backyard, and a kitchen with a very well-stocked refrigerator. The open concept floor plan is filled with tasteful contemporary furnishings of a high quality. It is quite spacious in both the living area and upstairs bedrooms.

We thoroughly enjoyed the location. It is quieter than other areas of the old town. Directly across from the apartment is a café to pick up breakfast. The neighborhood is a maze cobbled streets and narrow alleys, filled with striking Ottoman-style architecture.

Parking can be a challenge in Antalya, and our host, Ibrahim, guided us to a lot with reasonable rates and very helpful people. Ibrahim and his sister Emine greeted us at the apartment, explained all the features. Every morning during our stay, he texted us, asking if we needed anything. He helped with our luggage on our arrival and departure. A delightful host and a delightful place to stay!

Amasra—Ruhi Palace-Ada Apartment

Amasra has another Old Town with interesting and winding narrow streets. We never would have found the apartment without the help of our host, Muhammet, or get our luggage up the sometimes steep inclines without his scooter. The views from the apartment through the long row of windows of the harbor and the old stone bridge are stunning. The space is well furnished with a 1930s vintage feel. The lighting fixtures on the ceiling are blown glass and are especially fine. Hot water for our showers was a little tricky as the water tends to run hot and cold. A short stay but a very pleasant one in a beautiful and interesting city. Plus the owner left us a very nice gift.

Istanbul—The Historic Urgliavich Apartment

Our stay in the Antoine Apartments in the Urgliavich Building was outstanding! We loved the historic nature of the home which is over 156 years old. From our windows we had stunning views of the Galata Tower. The area is busy and lined with endless choices for shopping and dining. The private wrap-around balcony gave us a bird’s eye view of the activity. The roof terrace, shared with other tenants, has breathtaking views of the Bosphorus river and the Tower. We did not see anyone else up there during our stay. The apartment has been renovated with fine molding in each room. High ceilings along with a stylish Art Deco Style bathroom. Naz is an excellent host, who arranged transportation to and from the airport. She responded to our questions very promptly as well as giving us tips on where to go and eat, shop and the best place to get a Turkish Bath.

Fethiye—Babylon Townhouse

Nestled on a steep hillside overlooking Fethiye’s Old Town, this cottage is pleasing and a bit quirky,  with breathtaking views of the city and harbor. The location feels like an authentic Turkish neighborhood rather than one set up for tourists. There are artifacts from the Lycian culture everywhere nearby the apartment in some surprising places. It has all the amenities, including washer and dryer, and cable TV. Our very helpful host, Fergal, insisted on doing the heavy lifting with our luggage—no small service given the long, steep walk from the car park to our front door. He left us a refrigerator filled with goodies, and even walked down the 100 steps to Old Town and back to fetch a few things we needed. A great host, a great view, and a fine place to stay.

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Turkey. The dramatic landscapes, beautiful Mosques, and  palaces  may surprise you.. You will discover ancient cultures you may not have heard of. This land, which is part in Europe and part in Asia, will stay in your heart and mind long after you return home.

The plantation’s name stems from a quarter-mile long colonnade of very old, majestic oak trees that line the path from the road along the Mississippi to the front door of the manor. These looming oaks add to the mysterious character of home and grounds.

The grounds include gardens, other buildings of historic interest, a restaurant, which specializes in Cajun and Creole cuisine, a well stocked gift shop with an ice cream bar, and a banquet hall which, when not in use, becomes a tavern for specialty drinks, cocktails, wine and beer. The grounds are an excellent venue for weddings or anniversary celebrations.

The Roman family owned the property and built the manor house between 1837-1839. The alley of trees is believed to be a century older. The manor’s exterior is the Greek revival architectural style popular in the early 19^th Century. The interior includes furnishings from the Roman’s home in New Orleans, and 19^th Century items from similar plantation homes.

We spent New Year’s weekend in Cottage 4 with a lot of rustic period style furniture with some modern touches. Cottage 4 is spacious with a comfortable bed. Huge breakfasts are included in the price. Renting a cottage also comes with full access to the grounds, before, during and after the hours of operation. Not included is the guided tour of the Manor House, which must be booked separately.

All of the staff are extremely friendly and helpful. The restaurant closes at 3:00 pm during the holidays. Of the handful of nearby restaurants, few were open during this period for dinner.  In the evening we made the half-hour drive to Thibodaux or just enjoyed cooking inside the cottage. We also had the option of ordering food to be delivered to our fridge at 3:00 pm to eat later. We loved the screened in porches, the peace and all of the birds that congregate outside the cottage. It is a delight to stroll the grounds with a mint julip.

Oak Alley provided us a most pleasant holiday weekend. The best part of our stay was waking up on New Year’s Day and walking the usually busy grounds in total privacy.

This historic home is a National Historic Landmark and a Louisiana Icon.

Sensational Senglea Townhouse ( through Airbnb Malta)

We are first time visitors to Malta. We loved the islands, and stayed in a wonderful place. Senglea is one of the “Three Cities” on fingers of land across the Grand Harbor from Valletta, the much more hectic capital city. Senglea House overlooks a marina filled with boats of all sizes, from small water taxis to mega yachts. In the penthouse apartment #4 there are windowed balconies along with a private rooftop terrace. There are amazing views from both areas. The apartment is spacious and beautifully decorated with a contemporary vibe. It is well stocked with all that is needed for a pleasant stay including access to a washing machine and (rare in Europe) a dryer! There is strong internet, comfortable bed, and television with Netflix and Amazon Prime. The building has an elevator, which was undergoing repair but the gracious hosts provided staff to help with our luggage. You can’t beat the location or the amazing harbor views. We are so glad we stayed here rather than in the more crowded and chaotic Valletta. Senglea too has good restaurants with sumptuous harbor views.

This freshly renovated villa is all about the view. The terrace has a magnificent view of the ruins of the oldest remaining Roman theater- Amphitheatre Campano where Spartacus once fought. You can see the theater from the front door.

The garden is beautiful and full of chirping birds. During our stay we had the garden all to ourselves, behind a private gate.

Parking, which is always an issue on our European–especially our Italian—road trips was right outside the door.

The cost to stay is an excellent value. We could have had an additional room for another 20 Euros per night, but we went basic at a price that could not be beat. The antique building was renovated in a contemporary style and well equipped and maintained. Best of all the hosts Monica and Pasquale were kind and very helpful!

Spectacular Rooftop Views (Airbnb Assisi, Italy)

Assisi is a jewel. The Basilica of Saint Francis attracts many visitors—tourists, pilgrims and clerics. Many churches, large and small, are within a short walk of this extraordinary townhouse, so, too are excellent shopping and restaurant venues.

This well-located residence has fine views of the town. The photos that you take here from the terraces might look like you had a drone. These two private patios will leave you breathless!

Parking and steep narrow streets can be a challenge in Assisi. Thanks to Gabrielle, we faced none of these on our arrival. He met us at Assisi’s main parking garage—a 10-minute walk from the apartment—and insisted on taking our luggage. We would have had trouble finding it without him. He carried our luggage up the 50 steps from the street to our top floor flat. Then gave us a card that allowed in-and-out use of the garage without paying every time we entered.

From the flat, we enjoyed wonderful views, and a very comfortable bed, wifi, and TV, too.

We hardly used the small kitchenette, for a number of fine restaurants are almost at the doorstep. More are close-by in the active town square.

This is the best place in Assisi to stay if you are looking for excellent views, a central location, and a very kind and helpful host.

Adriatic Sea and Historic Town Views from Every Room (Airbnb Vieste Italy)

Vieste is an impressive wonder on the Italian Adriatic Coast. It has a dazzling old town which stretches out impressively to the sea. We stayed along this peninsula, and had dinner most nights in the vibrant, more contemporary section along the harbor. Our apartment was spacious with a brilliant view of the sea where the morning sun sparkled.

Our apartment was in a historic building, up a narrow flight of stairs. We had two bathrooms and two patios, separated by the kitchen. The rooms have all the amenities for a pleasant stay. The kitchen layout was especially unique. Beautiful views of the sea and the historic town could be seen from the windows or glass doors located in every room. (including the kitchen) Parking was secure and an easy walk from the residence.

Our host Sandor was very helpful and gracious He even made a gift of a special book about the Gargano region of Italy. Another post about this special region is forthcoming..

Peaceful Apartment with Extraordinary Views (Airbnb Rome, Italy)

We spent six days in a unique, penthouse apartment near the Colosseum in Rome. From the two patios we had a fine view of the Colosseum, and the Monument to Victor Emmanuel III. There are plenty of great restaurants and shopping within walking distance.

The apartment is well laid out and perfectly adequate for two people. The walls are lined with original paintings, and unique contemporary art. It is well equipped for an enjoyable stay: washing machine, kitchenette, wifi, TV (with Netflix and Amazon Prime). The building also had an elevator which is not easy to find in many older buildings close to top historic attractions.

The owner, Cristiana, made our stay special. Bottles of wine and a basket of goodies greeted us, and she allowed us to check in 4 hours early. She arranged taxis on the days we needed them. Thanks to her, we were alerted to the possibility of taxi strike on the day that we left, and we adjusted our plans accordingly.

We slept well and totally enjoyed our stay in this quiet and well-located apartment with Colosseum views!

A Secluded Treasure on the Amalfi Coast (Airbnb Atrani, Italy)

We love the Amalfi Coast, and our favorite place to stay is Atrani. The towns of Amalfi and Positano are exciting to visit, but even during the off-season can be crowded and bustling. Peaceful Atrani is a better place to relax for the night, wedged between rocky outcrops with terraced patios draped with tiny lemon and grape orchards and vineyards. There is a small piazza (town square) just above the sea, lined with a few restaurants and shops.

We stayed a short walk (uphill, but everything is uphill or downhill on the Amalfi Coast) from the (almost) seaside piazza. Casa Lauritano is three level. On the upper deck is a Jacuzzi. The home is beautifully renovated yet preserving the unique design and character of the area. The views of town are splendid, and the deck and upper deck give you plenty of space to spread out and really enjoy the beauty of Amalfitano. The bed was very comfortable, and the apartment is well-furnished with everything we needed for a pleasant stay. Netflix and Amazon Prime gave us access to non-Italian language television. You never lose track of time here—the village church bell chimes the hour and quarter hour. Some may not care for that, but we thought it delightful. No need to look for a clock!

Our hosts Isaia and Linda were extremely helpful and responsive. Linda provided us with cards that got us free breakfasts at a café on the square. It is our new favorite place to stay on the Amalfi Coast.

Yin-Yang Cabin – Magnet, Indiana

After a full day and night on the road, we reached one of the Colucci cabins along the river, operated by the colorful and very helpful Mr. Colucci. Our patio there looked across the Ohio River at Kentucky. We had a special nighttime treat: a huge, not often seen Luna moth—which we first mistook for a bat—fluttered around an outside lamp and then landed on our window.

The cabin itself is rustic, comfortable and simple.  The exterior has a firepit beside the river. This place is all about the incredible views of the Ohio River as large boats pass on the river all day and well into the night. You can sit back on the deck, or in the hot tub, and watch the stars and enjoy the boats drift by.

A short distance from our cabin is a very simple and moving Civil War memorial. Four months after the war ended, a boat was bringing young men home when its boiler exploded. Ten men died and are buried where their boat grounded. The row of simple headstones is oddly eloquent.

Mac Point Cabin – Little Hocking, Ohio

This lovely cabin offers privacy, seclusion, and unique wildlife you can see from the wraparound deck. Beavers have homes close by. We had never seen beavers in the wild and were fascinated watching them build their lodges. We also saw loads of birds, among them a King Fisher diving for food off the dock by our deck. We didn’t know coyotes roamed so far east, but we heard their familiar howling in the night.

The views from the porch are astonishing. Except for rivermen driving their barges up and down the Ohio, we never saw another person. Also romantic is the sound of the train several times a day passing by across the river.

The cabin is comfortable, with all the amenities, and well furnished. The rooms are contemporary with a traditional twist. The bed was comfortable with an amazing view of the Ohio. Parkerville, about a 20-minute drive, has fine restaurants and shopping.

Broken Bow Cabin – Broken Bow, Oklahoma

Broken Bow is in southeast Oklahoma and full of natural wonders.

Tourists come for the hiking, fishing, and boating at lovely Beaver Bend State Park, notable for its huge lake. Countless cabins are available for rent. We stayed at Dancing Bear Lodge. Views from the windows are amazing. We saw no bears, but lots of birds and small animals. After bears, the animal most frequently mentioned on business names and logos is Big Foot. Perhaps the most memorable is a filling station named “Gasquatch.” We really loved this cabin pressed up against a hill with loads of privacy and beautiful trees. It is well appointed with comfortable beds and fire pit outside. All the furnishings looked fresh and were well maintained.

Owl Nest – Jasper, Arkansas

You may fall in love with the Owls Nest, with its peace and privacy in the Buffalo River wilderness. This cabin is the perfect getaway on 25 private acres. From the small exterior screened-in room at sunset, you will be amazed seeing and hearing the countless birds with the stunning views of the Ozark mountain plateaus and the river valley in the distance.

The cabin is new and beautifully furnished with contemporary rustic style decoration. There is a main floor bedroom with two full baths as well as a loft bedroom with two more baths and a jetted tub.

We absolutely loved the solitude and the views of nature from this well-equipped cabin.

Prague “The City of a Hundred Spires” is the capital of the Czech Republic. It has a compact historical area full of Baroque, Medieval and Art Nouveau churches and buildings. Our favorite place to walk is the remarkable Charles Bridge- a beautiful quarter mile amble among tourists, locals, street vendors and roaming performers.

On our five days in Prague, we stayed in a charming apartment above the Shakespeare Bookstore near the bridge. The apartment is well-furnished in a contemporary style. Parking is difficult in Prague (and in most busy east European cities), but the host gave us a link to a secure lot a few minutes walk through a park. The location is perfect–a short stroll to many restaurants, shops and the John Lennon wall. The view out our bedroom window of the Vltava River and the bridge is unforgettable! So too are the views out the front windows of the bustling city and street which kept us entertained. The elevator, washer-dryer and internet TV were welcome extras.  Plus the owner was very helpful.

Cesky Krumlov, Czechia

My favorite town on our east European trip is a unique gem which has preserved its 16^th century origins. First buildings on the site dated from 1253.

The Ultra Premium Apartments in Cesky Krumlov is a fabulous place to stay. The view of the river from the private balcony was very fine, and the location is a short walk from the town’s main attractions.

The contemporary design and furnishings are quite attractive and functional. Welcome extras are a well-stocked, complimentary mini-bar (which will be restocked on request), the washing machine (no dryer, but a heated drying rack) and NETFLIX. Great welcome gifts on arrival—a beautiful bottle of wine and a book about Cesky Krumlov. The parking too is close and inexpensive.

AND!!! Free breakfast at the excellent and adjacent Cafe Topinka is included with the room. The breakfast is amazing as is the service. See my review on TripAdvisor.

Vienna

With its monumental Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture, Vienna is a dream, teeming with vibrant rich history, cultural life and an amazing café culture. From the Habsburg palaces to the Mozarthaus to the Café Central which in 1912 Sigmund Freud, Josef Stalin, Adolf Hitler, and Leon Trotsky frequented

In Vienna, my husband and I stayed in a 7^th floor apartment overlooking Stephan Platz, the square surrounding St. Stephan’s Basilica. Our floor-to-ceiling windows faced the cathedral. The view was stunning!  The Sacher brothers are without doubt the most attentive and caring (without being intrusive) hosts we have ever had. Dominick was especially helpful! He insisted on carrying our luggage when we arrived and when we left. The apartment is well and comfortably furnished, with washer and cable TV. For history buffs this is known the Kennedy Building, where Kennedy and Khrushchev met right after the 1962 Cuban Missile crisis. This apartment is a great location for walking and reaching public transportation that will take you all over Vienna, great shopping and restaurants are within walking distance.

The apartment was cozy and comfortable and very well maintained and this is the best area from which to see the historic sights. A big plus if you are driving is that there is convenient parking nearby, but it is expensive. There are cheaper options further away, which may require a taxi or bus to reach.

Pula, Croatia

This town in on the scenic peninsula of Istria, Croatia is full of gorgeous beaches, an endless variety of historic architectural treasures Roman, Byzantine Venetian and more. The blend of cultures creates a unique character and zest. It is a region not to be missed!

From this lavish apartment built in the 1870s is perhaps this most impressive view we’ve ever experienced from a vacation home. From our windows, we could not only see the ancient Roman amphitheater, a UNESCO World Heritage site, but also see into it. We felt like the gladiators would march in any minute! The apartment itself is attractively furnished three bedrooms, three bath. Beautifully decorated in a modern style with exquisite bathrooms. There is a private wrap around balcony with unforgettable views of the amphitheater as well as views of the Adriatic Sea.

Free parking in a lot across the street, NETFLIX, a bottle of wine and chocolates as a welcome gift, and a washer/dryer all added to the enjoyment of our stay. Mr. Andrea was so helpful. He carried our luggage upstairs and gave us a full description of the house and area. We were very impressed with all of the laminated descriptions of how to work each of the appliances (quite necessary in figuring out washing machines). Everything was fully explained and clear. We thoroughly enjoyed Istria, and this was the perfect spot to explore this region.

Lake Bled, Slovenia

Located below the Julian Alps, Bled is the perfect spot to experience the natural beauty of this region. Daytrips into nature areas are not to be missed.

This cozy cottage is full of windows and natural light with vintage charm and many antique pieces. The location on Lake Bled is perfect. The views of the lake and the Assumption of Maria Church located on a tiny island are outstanding. So too are the views of the castle. I loved the wood stove in the primary living space. The hosts provided the wood. It is the perfect location to explore Slovenia, or to relax in a beautiful setting. A parking spot right outside our door was most welcome, especially considering as parking can be scarce in Eastern European towns.

All venues are available through Airbnb

The Riverwalk Inn is ideally located in downtown historic Natchez, across the street from the Mississippi River. We stayed in Suite 806, a huge space on the second floor with a wonderful view of the river and within easy walking distance of many fine examples 19th century architecture. A balcony, shared with the adjacent suite is a relaxing spot for taking in the gently flowing Mississippi River.

The brick building was constructed in the 1840s and the suite is above 100 Main Eatery & Spirits—a restaurant and bar with frequent live entertainment. We were glad after a full day of driving to find an elevator to the second floor and for the fact we could just go downstairs for dinner and some good music. The sound of the entertainment downstairs did not disturb us at all while we were sleeping. We were also pleased there was free convenient parking at the back of the building.

The space is beautifully appointed with a full kitchen, an open concept great room with a large dining table and sitting area with a large television couch and chairs. There were numerous coffee table books with good information about Natchez and Mississippi, and menus scattered about for key restaurants in town. This suite is the perfect place to experience the rich culture and heritage of Natchez. The view from front windows and balcony is unforgettable. Available through Airbnb.

Oxford, Mississippi

This well-situated condo is just a block off the historic downtown square, located close to great shopping and restaurants. It is freshly renovated with a spacious open-concept living area with high ceilings, and a fresh, contemporary open kitchen. There is a balcony with a view of the water tower and an outdoor entertainment/restaurant venue below. The condo is well equipped for cooking and has a washer and dryer. One of the best features is the safe free parking close to the elevator which takes to you right to your floor. The hosts were helpful and made our stay in Oxford a pleasant experience from start to finish. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay! If you are visiting friends or family at Ole Miss, this is an ideal location.

This stunning penthouse apartment is beautifully styled and is well located near great restaurants and shopping. Its large windows give a fine view of busy George Street with the government buildings and the Lord Elgin Hotel on the horizon. Off the living room is a small outdoor patio (which we used) with a lovely garden and a jacuzzi (which we didn’t). Gabriel met us at the building entrance, guided us to our secure, underground parking spot, and walked us through the features of the living space. The Smart-TV got a lot of stations. The kitchen is well equipped, and Gabriel told us to help ourselves to anything in the refrigerator. The art—wall hangings and figures—are quite unique. This was a delightful experience for our first stay in Ottawa, Ontario. Gabriel was a brilliant host! Available through Airbnb.

Kingston, Ontario

This lake house offers an open concept living space and brilliant views. It sits privately on a peninsula with amazing waterfront landscapes which can be viewed from most of the floor to ceiling windows.There is a large covered patio off the spacious master bedroom. The kitchen and dining room are large with plenty of space to host a family reunion. Off the kitchen there is a covered dining space on the patio outside.There is even a dock to accommodate a boat. The furnishings in the bedrooms are simple with a bed and nightstands. No chairs except on the patio on the second floor. No TV other than in the primary living space on the main floor and nothing on the walls on the second floor. No bedspreads other than blankets. It is a little pricey and large for a single couple, but if you are sharing with another couple or have a large family, it is ideal. The house was recently constructed so everything looks fresh and new. For us this property is all about the setting and the panoramic views around the scenic Thousand Islands.

Levis Quebec

We really enjoyed our stay at this cozy cottage across the St. Lawrence River from Quebec City. It is across the road from the river, but offers good views of Chateau Fontenac and the river from three separate sitting areas. The rooftop deck has the best views of Quebec City. A small sitting area near the side door is next to a rocky hillside which is full of trees with birds that sing into the nighttime.

The house looks freshly renovated with contemporary furniture with all the accessories needed for a pleasant stay. One of the best reasons for staying here is the proximity to the ferry which takes you across to Quebec City. The ferry is inexpensive and within walking distance to the cottage. Driving in Quebec City can be a bit chaotic, so, we were very glad we stayed here across the river in a peaceful area, near to the most significant sights, shopping and restaurants yet quiet enough to relax and get a good night’s rest. The hosts were extremely helpful and responsive. Available through Airbnb.

Parry Sound, Ontario

This cozy waterfront cottage is well situated for exploring Parry Sound. It is close to town but remote enough to enjoy the views of the water and tree-filled landscape. The home is all about privacy and glorious nature views. The home is well appointed with a well-stocked kitchen. There is a washer and dryer on the ground floor. The outdoor space is huge and you can hear the soft and pleasant sound of trains passing on a railroad trestle in the distance several times a day. The hosts were very helpful and responsive.