Latest news with #TitanicMuseum
The Sun
5 days ago
- The Sun
The quirky UK city named one of the top foodie destinations for 2025 with historic pub crawls and cheap hotels
ONCE known more for its political turmoil than its happy-go-lucky bars and thriving food scene, Belfast is firmly back on the travel map. But the past is still prevalent in the Northern Ireland capital, including at the Titanic museum, which celebrates the history of one of the world's most famous ships, constructed in this very region. 3 3 Here's the lowdown on the city . . . WHY SHOULD I GO? IF Dublin's the posh, polished brother, Belfast's the cooler, quirkier sister, packed with funky cafes, craft breweries and hip hotels that have been popping up on every corner. These new trendy spots sit shoulder to shoulder with the city's history, from its Troubles-era murals on walls to cobbled streets and traditional pubs where folk music spills out of every doorway. It's got all the buzz of a city break without the crazy prices. BEING both compact and flat, Belfast is a walker's dream. You can hit all the big spots in under 20 minutes from the centre. The famous murals on the Falls and Shankill roads are just a short stroll away. Tourists can also mix with locals at a traditional pub, soak up the buzz in the Cathedral Quarter or amble along the River Lagan. For longer distances, there's the public bike-sharing scheme, Belfast Bikes, which gives you 30 minutes of free use each day. Or hop on the Glider, Belfast's sleek purple tram, which zips across the city from east to west. It costs just £4 for unlimited daily travel. ANYTHING FOR THE BUCKET LIST? NO trip to Belfast is complete without a history lesson from a cabbie. Hop into a traditional black taxi with Belfast Black Cab Tours and get the real story behind the city's religious divide. It's eye-opening and packed with stories and pub recommendations you won't find in any guidebook. For those more thirsty for booze than history, there's Belfast's Oldest Pubs Tour. For £15, you can join the Belfast Pub Crawl, which takes in five taverns full of character. It kicks off at Kelly's Cellars, which has been pouring pints since 1720. Then it's on to White's Tavern for the creamiest Guinness in Belfast, before hitting up Henry's & The Jailhouse, a former prison. After a pit stop at McHugh's, with its creaky wooden floors, the night winds down with live music at The Thirsty Goat. WHERE SHOULD I EAT? BELFAST used to be all about the Ulster fry — bacon, eggs, black pudding, sausages and potato farls. Chuck the lot into a bap and you've got yourself an on-the-go version of the traditional meal. Belfast Baps in St George's Market is the place to grab one. Each is stuffed to bursting and only costs £8, a steal when they're the size of your face. If you're after something a little more formal, Belfast is also packed with top tier restaurants, being named one of the UK's best food cities for 2025 by Time Out. With a place in the Michelin Guide, Yugo is a popular industrial-style spot tucked down a quiet street. It's Asian-fusion menu focuses on small plates created with local ingredients. Be sure to try the crispy chilli pork dumplings and the chef's sushi, made with fish fresh from the nearby lough. I FANCY A DRINK . . . PUBS in Belfast aren't just about the booze, they're the city's living rooms, where music, stories and lots of craic all come together. And with craft breweries, such as Bullhouse East, popping up all over town, there's loads of new spots to try alongside the classics. Despite this, The Sunflower Bar, a local friend told me, is a 'must-visit' for a proper pint with real character. To get in, you have to walk through an old caged door which was used for security purposes in the 1970s. Out back you'll find a big beer garden serving wood-fired pizza, perfect for soaking up those Guinness. For those craving a caffeine hit, Belfast's not short of cool, hip coffee spots. Established Coffee was one of the first to arrive, serving top-notch brews alongside some tasty snacks. Don't miss their lemon sherbet pie if it's on the menu. It tastes even better than it sounds, if that's actually possible. WHERE SHOULD I STAY? FOR a luxury yet affordable stay right in Belfast's heart, Room2 does hit the spot. This 4H 'hometel' on Queen Street is just a stone's throw from shops and bars and a 15-minute bus or taxi ride from Belfast City Airport. With a cute tea room, eclectic lounge area and an art gallery, it feels like a mix of stylish hotel and your mate's fancy city pad. Plus, guests get two free drinks on arrival. And a live singer in the lobby gets the good times started straight away.
Miami Herald
24-07-2025
- Miami Herald
10 Family-Friendly Mountain Destinations in the Southeast
Portions of this piece were hosted. All opinions are my own. The Southeast will always feel like home to me. It's where my husband and I grew up, met, and now raise our daughter. But there's something extra special about the region's mountain towns that keeps pulling me back. As someone who loves hiking and spending time outdoors, I've explored mountain towns all over the country, but the Southeast has some of my absolute favorites. If you're looking to take your family on a getaway that offers fresh air, scenic views, and a chance to truly unplug, these destinations are the perfect place to start. Pigeon Forge is a favorite for families, and it's easy to understand why. Tucked in the Smoky Mountains, this vibrant town is filled with attractions that appeal to all ages. Dollywood stands out with its exciting rides, live entertainment, and a water park during warmer months. Families can also enjoy go-karts, mini golf, and indoor spots like WonderWorks and the Titanic Museum. On our last-minute trip, we booked through Whimstay, a vacation rental site that works well for spontaneous getaways. We found plenty of charming, family-friendly cabins near top attractions and close to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which made exploring the outdoors a breeze. Are you ready to explore more destinations? Get inspired with our newsletter! Shenandoah National Park is one of the best places for families to unplug and enjoy the outdoors together. Skyline Drive winds through the mountains with scenic overlooks that even kids will love hopping out of the car for. There are hikes for all levels, from gentle waterfall trails to fun scrambles like Bearfence Mountain with rewarding views at the top. For a great place to stay nearby, I recommend Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views in Luray. It's close to the park and offers glamping options, RV sites, and traditional campsites, along with family-friendly amenities like a pool and playground. Asheville blends mountain adventure with artistic flair, making it one of my favorite places to visit with kids. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, the city offers a mix of scenic beauty and a lively downtown filled with kid-friendly restaurants, quirky shops, local bookstores, and laid-back breweries. For a memorable stay, I recommend the Omni Grove Park Inn. It's beautiful and welcoming for all ages, with a spa and golf course for adults and a pool, kids' programs, and seasonal camps for the younger crowd. Asheville has that perfect mix of nature and creativity that makes family travel feel effortless. Gatlinburg sits right at the doorstep of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making it a perfect base for families who want both outdoor adventure and fun attractions. The town is packed with things to do from riding the scenic SkyLift and walking across the SkyBridge to family-friendly trails like the Sugarlands Valley Trail inside the national park. I recommend browsing properties on Whimstay when planning a visit because it's great having your own space where the whole family can relax and spread out. Many of the rentals are tucked into nature, which makes them ideal for spotting wildlife too! Helen stands out as one of the Southeast's most unique mountain towns, thanks to its Bavarian-style architecture and festive, family-friendly atmosphere. The town fully embraces its alpine-inspired roots, especially during seasonal events like the Christmas market in winter and Oktoberfest in the fall, both of which add to its storybook charm. Outside of festivals, families can enjoy tubing down the Chattahoochee River, hiking to nearby Anna Ruby Falls, playing mini golf, visiting candy shops, or taking a horse-drawn carriage ride. For lodging, the Helendorf River Inn is a favorite, it looks just like a cozy German inn that would be tucked into the European countryside. Fayetteville is an adventure hub that's also incredibly welcoming for families. It sits right next to New River Gorge National Park, which is packed with easy hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and opportunities for rafting or ziplining for older kids. The town has a laid-back feel with cool coffee shops, casual dining, and colorful murals throughout. Families can stay in nearby cabins, lodges, or campgrounds. I recommend staying at The Outpost New River Gorge campground as it has cabins, tent platforms, and RV sites. It's a fun way to introduce kids to the thrill of outdoor adventure in a low-key, supportive setting. Walhalla is a small town with big access to nature, making it an underrated gem for a family mountain escape. Located at the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, it offers a quiet setting with plenty to explore nearby. Families can visit Issaqueena Falls, hike the Stumphouse Tunnel Trail, or picnic at Oconee State Park. Lodging ranges from nearby cabins to state park campsites, all surrounded by lush forests and waterfalls. I recommend camping at Oconee State Park for plenty of time in nature! Located along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Blowing Rock is a peaceful yet fun place for families to slow down and soak in mountain views. Kids love Tweetsie Railroad, a Wild West theme park with train rides, shows, and family-friendly fun. For outdoor lovers, there's the easy Glen Burney Trail or a stroll through Moses Cone Memorial Park. Downtown is filled with quaint shops and casual restaurants, and there are plenty of cabin rentals and cozy inns nearby. I recommend staying at the Chetola Resort as it offers countless amenities for adults and children ranging from fishing, hiking, kayaking, an indoor pool, a playground, and so much more. Banner Elk is a lesser-known gem that's perfect for families, especially those who love year-round mountain fun. In the summer, enjoy scenic hikes, gem mining, and visiting Apple Hill Farm, where kids can meet alpacas and goats. During the winter, Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain offer skiing, tubing, and snowboarding, all beginner-friendly. The town itself is small and welcoming, with family-owned restaurants and mountain-style lodges, my favorite being the Best Western Mountain Lodge at Banner Elk Lodge. Whether you're sipping hot cocoa by the fire or hiking through wildflowers, Banner Elk is an easygoing destination with a little something for everyone, without the crowds of bigger mountain towns. Mentone is a peaceful mountain town perched on Lookout Mountain, and it's perfect for families looking to truly slow down. The pace here is quiet, the people are friendly, and the natural beauty is stunning. Families can explore DeSoto State Park, with its kid-friendly hiking trails, waterfalls, and picnic spots. Little River Canyon is another highlight for scenic drives or overlooks. In town, enjoy browsing local art shops and stopping for homemade fudge or a casual bite to eat. Cozy cabins and local inns, like the Mentone Inn Bed and Breakfast, make it easy to settle in for a relaxing stay. Where to Find Snow in the South from North Carolina to TexasSouthern Hospitality on Four Wheels: Charming Road Trips in America's SoutheastMountains, Rivers, Beaches & More: Things to Do in North Carolina With KidsGorgeous Georgia Waterfalls and Nature Hikes The post 10 Family-Friendly Mountain Destinations in the Southeast appeared first on She Buys Travel. Copyright © 2025 SheBuysTravel · All Rights Reserved
BBC News
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
U2's the Edge buys Titanic artwork at Belfast charity auction
It's not every day one of the world's biggest rock stars rocks up and buys something you've why Belfast artist Stephen Whalley found it "a bit of a shocker" when U2's The Edge found his portrait of the Titanic Museum even better than the real thing, before buying it at a charity auction last who created the painting live during the event at the museum, described it as "a bit of a pinnacle" of his career."I was so pleased, I couldn't believe it," he told BBC News NI. "It's sort of like a pat on the back for myself, to say, you know: 'This is working. You must be doing something right to be standing up here and for this to happen.'"I've been a big U2 fan myself from when I was a wee boy - and I'm listening to it here most nights as well when I'm painting in the studio."Stephen, who worked on the painting while guests attended the event for the Cancer Fund for Children, said the Edge gave him some wordless encouragement during the evening."He walked past me and sort of looked over at the painting, at what I was doing, and he sort of just nodded and gave me a thumbs up and a little wink." The Paints are Coming That encouragement turned real when the Edge began bidding on the painting, a move that left Stephen, who said he put his "heart and soul" into the artwork, feeling "very humbled"."I was up on stage, I said my piece, they started auctioning it off - the Edge was sort of sitting looking at me, sort of smiling and it got to the point where he started bidding."And I don't think anybody wanted to try to outbid him on the night, so he won the painting in the auction. I was so, so pleased and I couldn't believe it." The artist said the process of painting live is "slightly different" to being in his studio but that he focuses on "making it the best I can". "I'm generally a bit of a show off anyway, so it sort of helps that I've got a crowd to watch it, and it really puts me under a little bit of pressure to make it even better."Stephen said the painting sold for four figures and he's "just so happy for the charity" and felt "a bit of a spur" to raise money for it. But why paint the Titanic Museum? For Stephen, it's partly due to advice from his grandfather to take photos of things so "you can look back" because they "might not be here" said ongoing development around the Titanic Museum means the view he painted won't be the same in the future."With the likes of the Titanic [building], there's development going on and things will happen.""It's hard to take for a lot of Belfast people when they're going to drive over the M3 and they sort of can't see it anymore."As for the Edge, Stephen said the guitarist was very down to a photo after the auction, the artist "went to stand at the other side of the painting and he said no, no, come over beside me, and he got me to put my arm around him and he put his arm around me". "It was quite a lovely moment."
Irish Post
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Post
Unseen works by Lucian Freud go on display in Belfast
A NEW exhibition showcasing work by the esteemed artist Lucian Freud has opened in Belfast. Lucian Freud's Etchings: A Creative Collaboration features a collection of Freud's etchings, many of which have never been previously exhibited. It opened at the Titanic Belfast this month, marking the first port of call for its global tour. Pictured at the launch at Titanic Belfast, David Dawson, Freud's Studio Assistant (1991-2011); Judith Owens, Chief Executive of Titanic Belfast, and Gill Saunders, Curator for the V&A's Lucian Freud's etching exhibition The museum is the only Irish location which features in the tour, and its CEO Judith Owens confirmed they are 'honoured' to welcome the display. 'We are thrilled to display never seen before pieces from one of the world's most renowned artists and bring yet another reason for people to visit Belfast,' she said this week. 'The exhibition is particularly special for Titanic Belfast given its links to our Chairman Pat Doherty and will be free for people to view, and we are delighted to enhance our visitor experience over the busy summer period,' she added. The artworks featured tell the story of Freud's collaboration with the master printer, Marc Balakjian, including his 2007 piece Donegal Man - the sitter for which was Mr Doherty. Titanic Belfast currently has more than 60 of Freud's etchings on display, alongside a recreation of his Kensington studio. The exhibition gives visitors the chance to view over 60 of the renowned artist's famous etchings 'Piled with rags to clean his brushes, the studio became a living artwork itself and will bring another dimension to the exhibition experience,' a Titanic Museum spokesperson said. Visitors also get the chance to listen to interviews with key figures in Freud's life including David Dawson, Freud's long-standing assistant and frequent model; Andrew Parker-Bowles, who sat for The Brigadier; Gill Saunders, curator of the collection; and Sally Clarke, owner of Clarke's restaurant, where Freud dined daily. The exhibition run at Titanic Belfast until September 'The testimonials will offer further insight into his work, bringing the etchings to life and offering insight into the artist's habits, relationships and overall vision,' the spokesperson added. "Made over a period of 25 years, Lucian Freud's extraordinary etchings demonstrate his developing mastery of this challenging medium,' Gill Saunders, Curator of the V&A's Lucian Freud's Etchings exhibition, said. 'Shown together for the first time, this unique collection of trial proofs offers fascinating insights into Freud's working process, and shows us how his achievements in print depended on his close collaboration with the master printer Marc Balakjian.' Lucian Freud's Etchings: A Creative Collaboration is a free exhibition open to the public at Titanic Belfast until September 30. See More: Exhibition, Lucian Freud, Titanic Belfast
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
113 Years Later: Titanic artifacts on display in Branson
It was 113 years ago today, on April 15, 1912, when the Titanic struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic. Of the total 2,240 passengers and crew on board, more than 1,500 lives were lost and 706 survived. As part of Titanic Remembrance Week, the anniversary is being marked with a special event at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Missouri. On April 16th and 17th, the attraction is welcoming back one of its most dedicated and long-standing collectors, Tony Probst, for a special visit. Probst is one of the museum's original five collectors, first partnering with the attraction in 2001. Ozarks First's Bailey Strohl caught up with Tony Probst, as well as First Class Maid Jamie Terrell to talk about the displays visitors will be able to see. You can watch their full discussion in the video above. Probst and Terrell were also joined by Claire Centko, a descendant of a Titanic survivor. Her great-grandmother Hilda Maria Hellstrom was a 3rd class passenger. The museum says Tony's private collection is recognized among the top five in the world and many of his rare and historic artifacts have been featured in the Titanic Museum Attraction's galleries. This week, Probst returns for the first time since the Titanic Museum's grand opening in 2006. Here's a look at what people can expect when visiting the Probst's display this Wednesday and Thursday: A Historic Interview: Lifeboat Plaques Probst will be filming an in-depth interview with the museum attraction about his ownership of the Lifeboat Plaque from Lifeboat #12, a symbolic piece of Titanic history. He previously owned the only other known plaque from that same lifeboat, which now belongs to musician and collector Rick Springfield. Both plaques currently are on display, bringing together five of the 14 known life jackets left to exist from the RMS Titanic. An Exclusive Display: Rare Titanic China Collection Probst also owns the largest known collection of Spode-designed China believed to have been originally made for Titanic in 1911. This striking set features cobalt blue and gilt with the OSNC emblem at the center, a design so rare it was later featured on the Olympic, which is Titanic's sister ship. During his visit, the Titanic Museum will be documenting this complete collection in photographs. A Special Week of Reflection Probst's visit to the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, MO coincides with Titanic Remembrance Week, and this important collector's presence and contributions will add a meaningful layer to this commemorative time. These special events will be open to the public. To find out more details visit the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
