By Norbert Figueroa

Winter is the perfect time to explore cultural hotspots that combine world-class art, history and free entertainment. Cities across the globe offer plenty of cost-free experiences, from iconic architecture and museum exhibits to vibrant public performances and holiday festivities.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable trip on a budget, consider these top destinations offering a blend of art, entertainment and seasonal charm. From London’s prestigious museums to street tango in Argentina, here are some of the best places to visit this winter to experience culture without spending a fortune.

London, England: Museums and iconic landmarks for free

London remains a prime destination for art and history enthusiasts looking to explore on a budget. The city is home to numerous renowned museums and galleries that are entirely free to the public, including the British Museum, National Gallery and Tate Modern. Visitors can take in famous artifacts, from Egyptian mummies to modern art installations, without spending a penny. Alongside these institutions, the Science Museum and Natural History Museum offer hands-on exhibits and seasonal programs that make them perfect for winter visits.

London’s winter holiday season also comes alive with free events and displays. One highlight is the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, which occurs multiple times a week and draws large crowds year-round. Additionally, Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, although it includes some paid attractions, features free light displays and live entertainment, making it a top destination for budget-conscious travelers. To maximize your time, consider visiting these iconic landmarks early in the day or just before closing for smaller crowds.

Washington, United States: A hub of free history and culture

The U.S. capital is renowned for offering some of the best free activities for travelers interested in history and culture. Washington, D.C., is home to the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum and research complex, with 19 museums, galleries and a zoo that are all free to enter. Among these, the National Museum of American History, the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of African American History and Culture are standout options.

During the winter, the National Mall becomes even more magical with seasonal lights, especially around the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial. The National Christmas Tree near the White House is lit up each December and is accompanied by free nightly musical performances. Winter travelers can also take advantage of the beautiful landscapes around the Tidal Basin and enjoy a peaceful stroll through the monuments in a more relaxed setting.

Barcelona, Spain: Gaudi’s masterpieces and festive charm

Barcelona’s distinctive architecture and vibrant street life make it one of the best countries to visit in winter for art and culture lovers. This city offers a chance to experience the famous Gaudi buildings in Barcelona, such as Parc Güell, La Sagrada Familia and Casa Batlló.

While entrance fees apply for some of Gaudi’s more intricate works, Parc Güell’s open areas are free and provide stunning views of Barcelona’s skyline. La Rambla, the city’s famous pedestrian street, also offers a lively atmosphere where visitors can enjoy street performances, local art and festive decor.

Winter is an excellent time to visit Barcelona, as the mild Mediterranean climate makes outdoor activities enjoyable. During December, you’ll also find special holiday markets like the Fira de Santa Llúcia near the Barcelona Cathedral, where local artisans sell handmade crafts and traditional holiday items.

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States: Free shows and neon spectacles

Known for its vibrant entertainment scene, Las Vegas offers a surprising number of free attractions that make it a fun, affordable destination for winter travelers. There are dozens of free shows in Las Vegas you shouldn’t miss. One of the city’s most popular free shows is the Bellagio Fountain, where water and light displays are synchronized to music every 30 minutes.

Fremont Street, another lively area, is home to the Fremont Street Experience, an LED canopy that features a light show every evening. The free circus acts at Circus Circus and the seasonal holiday displays in hotels along the Strip add to the city’s list of budget-friendly entertainment options.

Winter in Las Vegas also brings unique experiences like the Bellagio Conservatory’s winter garden, which features a holiday-themed floral display that’s free and open to the public. Additionally, the city offers outdoor events, including festive decor and entertainment along the LINQ Promenade. With mild winter temperatures, Las Vegas is an excellent choice for travelers seeking warm weather and abundant entertainment on a budget.

Paris, France: Art and architecture at no cost

Paris is a city where you can experience both rich cultural history and contemporary art for free. Among its highlights are landmarks like the Notre Dame Cathedral, which is still viewable from the exterior, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre, and Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, a serene green space with unique architectural elements. Art lovers can explore the Musée d’Art Moderne, which offers free admission to its permanent collections.

Winter visitors to Paris are in for a treat, as the city’s seasonal decor, especially along the Champs-Élysées and around the Eiffel Tower, makes it feel like a wonderland. The Musée d’Orsay provides free admission on the first Sunday of each month. At the same time, the Louvre is free on the first Friday of the month after 6 p.m., giving budget-conscious travelers access to this world-renowned institution without the typical entry fee.

Buenos Aires, Argentina: Dance, art and culture in the streets

Buenos Aires stands out as one of the best cities to visit for a taste of Latin American culture this winter. Known as the birthplace of tango, Buenos Aires offers free tango performances and open-air dance sessions, particularly in the historic neighborhood of San Telmo. Visitors can watch locals practice their dance steps in the streets or at the Feria de San Telmo, a bustling Sunday market with live performances.

Another key part of the city’s free attractions is the Recoleta Cemetery, famous for its elaborate mausoleums and architecture. Nearby, the Recoleta Cultural Center often hosts free art exhibitions and live shows, making it an ideal stop for culture lovers. Fun facts about Argentina: Buenos Aires is home to one of the highest concentrations of theaters in the world, and many offer free outdoor shows during the warmer months. Winter, which is summer in Argentina, provides pleasant weather for outdoor activities, adding to the appeal of the city.

Berlin, Germany: History and art for the curious traveler

Berlin offers a mix of modern art, historic landmarks and free public attractions, making it a top winter destination. The East Side Gallery, a remaining section of the Berlin Wall covered in murals, stands as an open-air art exhibit and a symbol of the city’s vibrant history. Other iconic sites, like the Brandenburg Gate and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, offer impactful experiences at no cost.

During the winter, Berlin’s holiday markets bring festive cheer with free entry and a chance to enjoy local crafts, seasonal foods and holiday decor. A visit to the Reichstag Building, which offers stunning views of the city from its glass dome, is also free with advance registration. For a unique experience, stroll along the Spree River to enjoy public art installations and take in Berlin’s winter ambiance.

Embrace winter travel with free cultural experiences

From the art-filled streets of Buenos Aires to Gaudi buildings in Barcelona and Las Vegas’s free shows, winter travelers have countless free art and entertainment options. These cities offer cultural immersion and iconic experiences without the high cost, making them some of the best places to visit for a budget-friendly winter getaway. Embrace the winter season with a journey to these cities, where unforgettable moments come without a price tag.

Norbert Figueroa of GloboTreks is an architect and travel writer on a mission to visit all 195 nations recognized by the United Nations, and beyond. He shares his adventures and passion for travel, architecture and culture on his blog and social media.

By Patrick Clarke, TravelPulse (TNS)

If it seems like the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales start earlier and earlier every year it’s because they do.

Or at least it feels that way.

But that doesn’t mean these awesome discounts and special perks on travel are to be ignored. Timing is everything.

Sure, a flooded inbox can be a turnoff but don’t let a minor annoyance cost you big-time savings this holiday season.

Airlines, cruise lines, hotels and resorts, tour operators and other travel suppliers are already offering up notable deals on travel whether you’re looking for one last getaway in 2024 or lining up your dream vacation for the New Year.

In many cases, travelers will have to be patient and book during special Black Friday and Cyber Monday windows that start just ahead of Thanksgiving and wrap up in early December.

Black Friday is November 29 and Cyber Monday is December 2 but oftentimes these offers extend beyond these dates.

Nonetheless, having a plan could net you some major deals, including an additional $1,055 in resort credits at Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico (November 21 to December 3), for example.

Airlines like Southwest are even extending their bookable flight schedules so that fast-acting travelers can book a getaway well in advance.

It’s true that some offers require travelers to leave home by the end of the year but there’s a sea of savings for those who want to have something to look forward to in 2025 while keeping their budget intact.

Working with an experienced travel adviser could score you even more special savings and perks, as these professionals have access to additional discounts and connections that will only enhance your trip while saving you headaches this holiday season.

©2024 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. Visit at travelpulse.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

By Lacey Pfalz, TravelPulse (TNS)

Some cruise destinations can require a little more persuasion than others to get someone to go, and this may be true about eastern Canada. Travelers who are used to sailing the warm Caribbean waters might feel hesitant to sail in the region’s colder aid, worried about seasickness or simply unsure about the destinations themselves.

I had the privilege to sail on a seven-day cruise from Quebec to New York City the last week of September. It sailed to Saguenay; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Sydney, Cape Breton Island; and Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Taking my experience in hand, here are a few things you should consider about a Canadian cruise.

Quebec is a great pre-cruise port

Old Quebec City is the most beautiful city in North America.

There, I said it.

While this might just be my own opinion, Quebec City is a perfect pre-cruise port. It’s walkable, has tons of history, and oozes Old World charm. It’s a great all-season destination, worth spending two or three days exploring. Don’t worry too much about speaking French, though I recommend brushing up on your bonjour and merci, just to be polite.

It’s also famous for fans of the Korean drama “Goblin: The Great and Lonely God,” which means you’ll find travelers, especially from Asia, taking pictures at various filming locations throughout the city, providing fans a fun way to connect over shared interests.

In the fall, residents and travelers alike all enjoy dining outdoors, even in their jackets, and some streets are closed in the evenings just for this purpose. Travelers can enjoy the fall colors everywhere in the city, but especially on the Promenade and in its several parks. We were a bit too early for the colors, but I enjoyed a few red maples that had a jump on the season.

Be warned, though: make some extra room in your suitcase for souvenirs, because this little city has a whole lot to offer.

Expert Tip: It should also be noted that Quebec can be a challenging destination to fly into, depending on where you’re coming from. Some travelers prefer flying into Montreal and taking the train a few hours to Quebec. If you have the option of choosing a cruise from Montreal and are wary of taking the train, maybe just choose the Montreal cruise instead. You’ll likely make a stop in Quebec either way, and Montreal is a much larger, but also lovely, city.

The weather changes

The weather in Canada is variable, depending on when you visit. Typically, Canadian cruises run through the fall, so if you’ll be traveling then, make sure you pack a few layers, including waterproof boots and jacket. But don’t forget a tank top or a pair of shorts, either.

While I got stormed out of Saguenay (not even my umbrella could save me), I had to take off a few layers in Halifax. It was around 70 degrees and sunny that day, so I walked around in a pair of jeans and a tank top the entire day.

If you’re prone to getting sunburn, bring along some sunscreen, too, just in case.

Expert Tip: If you don’t like the idea of being unable to go up on the top deck to swim or sunbathe, maybe rethink the Canadian cruise. We weren’t really able to go up on deck until the last three days of the cruise, when it was both warm enough and dry enough to sit outside comfortably. That means that the ship you choose is also important: does it have enough indoor spaces to sit and be comfortable? What about indoor activities?

The nature is pretty cool

My ship’s route from the St. Lawrence to the Atlantic Ocean was a beautiful one, filled with islands ringed in red-earthed cliffs and dark, forested riversides. While our cruise ship sailed through St. Lawrence’s Saguenay Fjords at night, and therefore we missed seeing them, they’re hailed to be a beautiful sight.

We also sailed through a region of water called a “whale anti-collision zone,” which led many of us to find a cozy spot by a window and watch for any whale sightings. Our ship went slower through this zone so as to avoid any unintentional collisions.

I was fortunate enough to see a pod of belugas come up for air near our ship—while I couldn’t see too much, I did see their spouts and enjoyed the sign of their presence.

Expert Tip: Bring a pair of binoculars with you. It’s nerdy, I know, but you’ll love being able to view any potential whale sightings and see the fjord (if you’re lucky) and the islands you visit as your ship pulls into view.

The cities differ in size and experiences

You might be a little surprised at the destinations you visit while on a Canadian cruise. Saguenay and Sydney were small towns, and likely more suitable for a tour farther inland to a larger attraction than an exploration on their own.

Sydney is especially more of a developing destination, so don’t expect anything too impressive there (unless you’re looking for the best fish and chips of your life, then get excited and go to the Governor’s Pub & Eatery).

Halifax and Charlottetown are perfectly charming and offer plenty for travelers to do themselves.

It should be noted, however, that Charlottetown is where travelers will be able to go on an hourslong tour in honor of Lucy Maud Montgomery and her beloved series, Anne of Green Gables. Those just visiting Charlottetown will enjoy wandering around a charming, mostly flat town with ample restaurants, bookshops and other attractions.

It should also be noted that Halifax is a hilly city, and so travelers who find it hard to walk steep inclines should consider getting a bus tour or find a more accessible way to see the city. Its waterfront area is well developed and worth a stroll, and the cruise ships dock within a good distance of several museums, restaurants and shops.

Expert Tip: A Canadian cruise is sort of like a Pacific Coast cruise, a blend of larger cities and smaller towns with mild, sometimes inclement weather. If you’re unsure about the cruise, consider your likelihood of visiting these destinations on their own. If you live in an area that makes it too challenging to fly into Charlottetown, for example, maybe choose the cruise first, and if you really love a destination, plan a longer trip later on. Many of our fellow passengers on the cruise were from Germany, China, Australia and beyond, attracted by the convenience of cruising and (likely) Anne of Green Gables.

So, should you go on a Canadian cruise?

What do you think? I hope you have a bit more knowledge and guidance to make a choice on whether to take a cruise in Canada someday. From freshly caught fish to history tied to First Nations groups, European immigrants and Canada’s confederation, this region of the world is home to a lot worth appreciating.

Overall, my experience was positive and I enjoyed being able to introduce myself to it. Who knows? Maybe I’ll find myself on Prince Edward Island or Nova Scotia again in the future, and for a longer trip!

©2024 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. Visit at travelpulse.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Gretchen McKay | (TNS) Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

HARPERS FERRY, W. Va. — Nestled along two converging rivers, with the Blue Ridge Mountains’ precipitous cliffs offering a backdrop, Harpers Ferry has long been praised for its rugged natural beauty.

Thomas Jefferson was definitely a fan. After visiting the West Virginia town at the height of fall color in October 1783, he wrote that “the passage of the Patowmac (Potomac) through the Blue Ridge is perhaps one of the most stupendous scenes in Nature…. It is as placid and delightful as that is wild and tremendous….This scene is worth a voyage across the Atlantic.”

The town named for millwright Robert Harper in 1747 soon became one of our third president’s favorite retreats, and today, the mound of Harpers shale on which he stood to survey the water gap below is a popular destination along the Appalachian Trail.

George Washington was more impressed by the small town’s “inexhaustible supply of water,” though for reasons other than today’s passion for tubing, rafting and kayaking on white water. Its gushing natural resources led the former president and wealthy landowner to choose Harpers Ferry for a new national armory in 1796. It turned what had been a somewhat sleepy hamlet into a prosperous industrial village. Between 1801 and 1861, the town produced 600,000 muskets, rifles and pistols for the Army.

Yet this easternmost town in West Virginia didn’t gain national fame until the Civil War.

It was here, in 1859, that abolitionist John Brown and his small group of men seized the armory in hopes of starting an uprising in the South against slavery. The raid itself was unsuccessful. His party was surrounded by federal troops, taking heavy casualties, and Brown was hanged in December 1859 after being convicted of murder, treason and inciting enslaved people to revolt. Many believe that it was the “spark” that ignited the Civil War.

If you love history, it lives on at Harpers Ferry, which became a national historic park in 1963. It focuses not just on John Brown’s raid, and the Civil War — Stonewall Jackson captured more than 12,500 Union troops here, the largest single capture of Federal forces in the entire war — but also shines a light on African American history, industry, transportation and natural heritage.

And if you find joy in hiking, cycling, mountaineering or paddling? You will find lots to do in and around this picturesque town on the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers. There also are numerous shops and restaurants, including in nearby Bolivar, if eating, drinking and shopping are high on your to-do list.

Food for thought

History buffs love Harpers Ferry because it played an important role in the Civil War. And walking around charming Lower Town gives the feeling of stepping back in time. One of the most visited historic sites is the only Armory building to escape destruction during the Civil War: John Brown’s Fort, where the abolitionist and several followers barricaded themselves during the final hours of their doomed raid. In 1891, it was dismantled and transported to Chicago for the World’s Fair.

Other buildings reach even further into the past.

When Robert Harper established a ferry across the Potomac River in 1761, it made the town a starting point for settlers moving into the Shenandoah Valley and further west. They included members of the famed Lewis and Clark expedition, who in 1803 made preparations here for their historic exploration of the western portion of the country after the Louisiana Purchase.

In addition to buying supplies and weapons, Meriwether Lewis had craftsmen design a lightweight iron frame for a boat he’d need once he got to shallower water out west. The boat, which was later outfitted with animal hides, was a disaster, sinking right away. But as you learn in the park’s exhibit space on Potomac Street, across the street from the town’s historic Victorian train station, that was the fault of the animal hides — not the ironwork of the town’s (excellent) craftsmen.

Harpers Ferry had become a ghost town by the 1950s and was reconstructed by the Park Service in the ’60s as a “multi-leveled interpretive proving ground.”

Wearing comfortable shoes? National Park Service rangers lead free tours detailing the history of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Or, take a self-guided Black heritage walking tour that includes 34 stops.

It starts at Lockwood House, which overlooks what was Harper Cemetery. Originally built in 1848 as housing for the armory paymaster, it transitioned after the Civil War into living quarters for formerly enslaved men and women at Storer College, a historically Black college that operated from 1867 to 1955.

Lower Town also includes an industry museum, a 19th-century “landscape” that will fascinate the kids and both Civil War and Black History museums. And if you climb the rocky set of 44 steps that were carved into the hillside in 1810 behind the museums, you can take in a view of the city below from the stone patio of St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church.

The great outdoors

West Virginia is famous for its variety of outdoor activities on both land and water, and Harpers Ferry does not disappoint. The Appalachian Trail, one of America’s most famous footpaths, passes through Lower Town, and visitors can trek or bike the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal towpath that runs along the banks of the Potomac River. (You’ll find maps at the Visitors Center.)

If you don’t mind breaking a sweat and have a few hours, a moderately strenuous but rewarding hike follows the Maryland Heights trailhead to Overlook Cliff. The climb is both steep (1,154 feet uphill) and long (a 4.5-mile loop). But when you get to the top, the view of Harpers Ferry below is bucket-list spectacular. And be forewarned: It takes fluids to get to the top and there are no restrooms (or water) on the trail. You’ll have to hold it for hours, especially if you pack a lunch!

The cliffside overlook also can be dangerous if you’re hiking with small children or are wearing the wrong shoes. There’s no fencing to stop anyone from toppling over the rocks — and people can get pretty close to the edge for that perfect Instagram photo.

Also Insta worthy, but on more solid ground: the rock climbers that can frequently be spotted scaling the southern face of a 300-foot vertical cliff leading to Maryland Heights.

Less challenging (but not accessible to those with physical limitations) is the hike up the Stone Steps to St. Peter’s church, past the ruins of St. John’s Episcopal Church, to Jefferson Rock.

You’re not allowed to climb onto the Harpers shale slab that gave Jefferson such pleasure, but you’ll share his terrific view. Continue up the hill a little farther and you’ll hit the Appalachian Trail on your way to Camp Hill, the 32-acre site that once housed Storer College and is now owned by the Park Service.

Harpers Ferry is considered the halfway point of the trail, and during the season weary-looking hikers are a common sight around town and on the towpath across the Potomac. Many stop at the trail’s hikers’ lounge on Washington Street to rest or take a picture on its front porch. So far in 2024, visitor center rep Dave Tarasevich has counted more than 1,240 northbound hikers.

“It’s one of the few places where the trail goes through town, literally,” he said.

Water sports, including fishing, are also popular here. Some people canoe and kayak through October; there’s also white water rafting in season. You also can go horseback riding.

Shop, eat, drink

After all that walking and history learning, you’re going to want to unwind with some good food and drink. While you won’t find big-city gourmet eats, you can get a pretty good meal at several places around town.

I had a tasty salad made with microfarm hemp hearts, greens, tomatoes and avocado on the patio at The Rabbit Hole, and a pretty good burger at Coach House Bar and Grill.

For coffee, fresh-baked pastries and sandwiches, head to Battle Grounds Bakery & Coffee. If you don’t eat meat, West Virginia’s very first vegan restaurant — Kelley Farm Kitchen in Bolivar — has got you covered with salads, Impossible burgers, hoagies and ramen bowls.

Some places are dog-friendly, including my favorite spot for pizza and a beer — Harpers Ferry Brewing in neighboring Purcellville, Va. Perched on the side of a mountain next to Harpers Ferry Adventure Center, it offers an awesome view along with local craft brews and live music on weekends through November.

Just know that everything in this small town, even the brewery, shutters pretty early. The only life downtown after dark is The Barn of Harpers Ferry, a music venue and bar that offers live music every night Wednesday through Saturday.

Want to take a piece of West Virginia home with you? In boutiques along High Street and Public Way, you’ll find everything from original art and distinctive jewelry crafted by regional hands to old-fashioned candy and confections, antiques and hokey souvenirs.

Getting there

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, is about a 3 1/2-hour drive from Pittsburgh on mostly highway roads (Interstates 76 and 70). If you’d rather be chauffeured, it’s about a six-hour ride on Amtrak, and the train drops you off right in town. A one-way fare runs $65-$220, depending on class. Once there, it’s easy to get around town by foot or bike.

An avid cyclist? Harpers Ferry is at mile 60.7 on the C&O Canal Towpath.

If you do drive, it costs $20 to enter the park (for three consecutive days) and both metered parking and park parking are extremely limited in Lower Town; on weekends it’s best to park at the Visitors Center at 171 Shoreline Drive and take the free shuttle into town.

Lodging options include bed and breakfasts, campgrounds, a hostel and locally and nationally owned motels. For a guide on where to eat, seasonal events and other attractions, visit wherealmostheavenbegins.com.

©2024 PG Publishing Co. Visit at post-gazette.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

By Morayo Ogunbayo, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (TNS)

ATLANTA — Many Southerners have at one point in their lives taken a trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. With its views of the Atlantic, boardwalks and ample seafood restaurants, it’s no wonder the area draws big crowds.

For some people, the area conjures images of spring break craziness, but it doesn’t have to be that way. With these travel tips, you can have a glitzy beach vacation just a few hours away from several major East Coast cities.

Stay at a nice beachfront hotel

The first step to an upscale beach vacation is making sure you’re not far from the whole point of the trip: the beach. The difference between being walking distance and needing a car can make or break your trip.

Island Vista Resort is farther from downtown than the typical accommodations there. The resort is known for its spacious rooms with views of the ocean, as well as three onsite dining options. If restoration and relaxation are the priorities of your trip, there are also an onsite fitness center and spa treatments available.

The Hilton Grand Vacation Club Ocean 22 is also a comfy escape from possibly rowdy beach town habitations. The resort has one-, two- and three-bedroom suites overlooking the ocean. The high-rise hotel is only eight blocks from the boardwalk, meaning you are not too far from the fun of the city. This Hilton hotel also boasts complimentary green fees to nearby golf courses for guests.

Rent a condo

North Myrtle Beach includes all the oceanfront fun of Myrtle Beach, just a few miles away. Vacation condos in this area give visitors the fun of a beachfront high-rise, without much of the hassle expected to come with it.

Airbnb is one place to begin your search, with a website that makes finding the exact accommodations you need easy. Many of the condos also have pools, so you won’t have to give up this hotel perk.

Try these restaurants

The thing that often makes a vacation good is the food, and a trip to Myrtle Beach can be no exception.

Hook & Barrel is a Myrtle Beach mainstay known for cooking local seafood and serving it alongside a large list of wines and spirits.

If you’re willing to drive a bit outside of Myrtle Beach, try Root in Georgetown, a waterfront restaurant with an ambience Eater calls a “coastal speakeasy.”

Clive Blossom in nearby Pawleys Island is perfect for an intimate dinner, with its grilled East Coast halibut or celebrated charred-octopus small plate.

For brunch, check out Winna’s Kitchen, known for its creative comfort food creations and friendly staff.

No vacation is perfect, but with this list you might get close. Stop passing over this beachfront gem the next time you’re planning a getaway, and reacquaint yourself with Myrtle Beach.

©2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

By Jim Rossman, Tribune News Service

I’ve been working with a laptop as my main computer for more than a decade.

I used to travel quite a bit for work, and being able to take my main computer with me on the road was very helpful.

At my desk, I’d connect that laptop to a full-size keyboard and mouse and one or more monitors so I’d be more comfortable and productive. When I traveled, I’d have to live and work with only the laptop’s single screen, but it was not a huge hardship.

Fast forward 10 years and now we have the ability to travel with external monitors that are the same size (or smaller) than the laptops we carry.

I’ve been reviewing an external monitor from Acer called the P163Q dual screen portable monitor. This is actually two LED panels connected by a hinge that folds up like a laptop.

The screens are meant to be placed horizontally, so that one is above the other. The bottom screen has a flip out stand that adjusts so you can adjust the height and view angle.

The stand is quite sturdy, and the screens don’t weigh all that much (3.4 pounds), so they stay where you put them. There are also four VESA mounting screws on the back, so you can mount these monitors on a wall mount or arm if you like.

Each screen measures 15.6 inches diagonally and they are really thin. The entire thing is less than one inch thick when its folded up. Putting this in your bag next to your laptop is a no-brainer. Each screen has a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels, with a refresh rate of 60Hz, a contrast ratio of 100 Million:1 and a brightness of 250 nits.

The screens are nice, and fairly bright, but I’m not sure I’d be using them for color-accurate photo retouching or gaming, but for normal office tasks, they are great. Oh, also, they are not touch screens.

The connectors are simple. There are two USB-C ports and one mini-HDMI port.

How you connect them to your computer will depend on what type of video outputs you have available.

The easiest way is if you have Thunderbolt 3 or 4, which is a port that uses a USB-C connector, but it can pass through all kinds of data, including video and power.

A single cable from Thunderbolt 3 or 4 to the screens is all you need.

You do need to install some Acer-specific drivers before you can get them both going from one cable. When you connect the monitors to your Mac or Windows computer, there is a small amount of USB storage built-in and you’ll notice them as a mounted flash drive, where you’ll find the driver installers. You’ll need the drivers to get both screens working.

If your computer lacks Thunderbolt, you can use USB-C and/or the HDMI port. One of the USB-C cables in the box is a power-only cable. This cable is needed if your laptop can’t output enough juice through USB to power the screens.

It might take a little trial and error with cables and power to get both screens working if your laptop is older.

The screens also have built-in speakers, along with a headphone jack. The speakers are tiny and won’t be winning any awards for sound quality, but they work. I tried the P163Q with a Macbook Air and a Dell Latitude 9430 laptop and both laptops’ built-in speakers were had better sound.

So, how easy is it to pack up, set up and use the P163Q?

Once you know how things are going to connect and get the right cables in place, set up is straight forward and fairly simple. You do need a good bit of extra desk space, so I’m not sure I’d be taking these along to work at my neighborhood coffee shop.

Where these monitors shine would be on a business trip, where a person might be able to set them up on a hotel room desk or other work area. They’d also be good during a presentation in a small conference room, where you could call up a slide presentation on your laptop and turn the screens to the audience.

The P163Q lists for $329 on Acer.com, but when I wrote this, the Acer had it on sale for $279.99. They are also available on Amazon.

I want to mention Acer sells other portable monitors, including a larger dual display with two 18.5-inch screens for $399. They also have single panel portable displays sized at 15.6 inches for $149.99 and at 17.3 inches for $179.99. As always, these prices are subject to change by the manufacturer.

Even though this is a review of a dual panel monitor, I want to encourage potential buyers to take careful consideration in determining if you really need three screens in your workday, or if two would be sufficient. Almost everyone I know uses two screens on their desk, but very few use three or more.

I’m a freak. I have four screens on my desk for daily work. Your needs will be different.

Jim Rossman is a tech columnist for Tribune News Service. He may be reached at jrossmantechadviser@gmail.com.

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©2024 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

By Lacey Pfalz, TravelPulse

Residents of Wisconsin refer to it fondly as a place to converge, relax and spend quality time with one another within a pristine natural environment. Add that to Door County’s International Dark Sky Park and endless lake views, and you have a few of the many reasons to put this region on the map for your next Midwest adventure.

What, and where, is Door County?

Imagine yourself surrounded on all sides by some of the freshest water on planet Earth, where arborvitae, maples, oaks and pines grow to enormous heights above clear, blue-green bays.

That’s Door County.

Geographically, it’s the county located in the small protrusion of northern Wisconsin called the Door Peninsula. The peninsula and the county both derive their names from the nearby region of Lake Michigan the French named Port de Mort, or Death’s Door, for its dangerous waters. But don’t let the name scare you.

Some of the county’s most popular towns include Egg Harbor (legendarily named so for an egg fight that may or may not have occurred in the harbor around 2 centuries ago), Ephraim, Fish Creek and Sister Bay. Its largest airport hub is in Green Bay, Wisconsin, though it’s a perfect destination for a summer or autumn road trip.

While Door County is most often visited in the summer and autumn, it’s becoming a more popular winter destination, too, home to ample snowfall and great opportunities for winter activities from ice fishing and snowmobiling to viewing the northern lights.

The peninsula offers views of the scenic, green-tinged Green Bay on one side and the vast blue waters of Lake Michigan on the other — offering a unique opportunity to watch both the sun rise and the sun set over the water in a single day, simply by visiting both sides of the peninsula.

The tricky part will be choosing whether the sunrise or the sunset was prettier.

Where art hides beneath the trees

While the whole population of Door County is only about 30,500, and its largest city, Sturgeon Bay, numbers under 10,000, it’s attracted artists from all walks of life. The region is home to several theater companies and a bevy of artists offering their own art galleries and studios for art lovers to enjoy.

Sturgeon Bay is home to a burgeoning arts district, called the Steel Bridge Creative Arts District. This once-industrial area of town is now home to several galleries and workshops travelers can visit.

Art lovers can learn about glassblowing techniques directly from glassblowing masters Jeremy Popelka and Stephanie Trenchard at Popelka Trenchard Gallery & Glass Studio. The married couple offers lessons to beginners and sells their creations in their studio.

A short walk down the street from Popelka Trenchard takes one to the M. Anderson Gallery, filled with landscapes both local and far afield. A stop inside brings travelers to meet the artist himself, and discover how he finds his inspiration in many of the area’s most beautiful natural landscapes.

“As a landscape painter, I’ve found Door County to be a treasure trove of inspiration,” said Anderson. “The scenery is quite diverse for being a relatively small area. We have a beautiful shoreline along Lake Michigan, smaller inland lakes, rural farmland, woodlands, charming villages, the list goes on. For me, however, it’s not just the subject matter. There is such an energetic and creatively stimulating atmosphere within the artist community here. It’s hard not to be inspired!”

The most special part of the arts culture in Door County is its connection to nature, but it’s not only the region’s artists that are inspired.

It also inspires actors and musicians alike.

Door County might have a small population, but it’s home to several incredible theater companies, all offering something different for residents and travelers.

Northern Sky Outdoor Theater offers a summer series of plays and musicals in an outdoor setting, nestled between the tall pines within Peninsula State Park. I watched a locally written musical called Hell’s Belgians during my time there, and it was the most magical setting for a theater performance I’ve ever experienced.

Peninsula Players Theatre offers a similar, yet different, experience. It’s the nation’s oldest resident summer theatre, offering a creative, outdoor space for new actors to hone their craft, many of whom move on to prestigious careers on Broadway and elsewhere.

Nestled within the trees along the scenic lakefront, guests can mingle and sip beverages in the theater’s waterfront beer garden area before entering the theater, which hosts performances all summer through October.

Lastly, one of the best-kept secrets in Door County is Fishstock. A play on the popular musical festival, Woodstock, Fishstock has been offering professional-style folk concerts in a humble, century-old barn for over 20 years.

Musicians from around the country such as the Caravan Gypsy Swing Ensemble, Stas and Misha and Mark Edgar Stuart were part of this summer’s music season, proving that great music can be performed anywhere music lovers gather.

Food for thought

It shouldn’t be surprising that a place as wondrous as Door County also inspires the chefs, bakers, brewers, distillers and vintners in the region. Driving through the peninsula, you’ll find no lack of family-run farm stores selling everything from seasonal cherries and blueberries to homemade pies, fudge and cheeses — all crafted, brewed and baked with love.

Travelers will find no lack of locally owned restaurants, either. Of the many that are around, my favorite (and a must-visit for any bread lover, gluten intolerant or not), is the MacReady Artisan Bread Company in Egg Harbor.

A former lawyer-turned-baker, Jenny MacReady and her husband bake some of the best breads on the planet using all-natural and locally sourced ingredients. A pop into their cute yellow cottage isn’t complete without at least one of their signatures: their cherry loaf or, for a bigger meal, a chicken salad sandwich.

And no visit to Door County is complete without a meal at Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant, “the place with the goats on the roof,” located in Sister Bay. Travelers will love the Swedish cuisine and ambience of the restaurant, which does indeed have goats on the roof, thanks to a joke that began 75 years ago with owner Al Johnson. Today, it’s the most famous restaurant in the region, and for good reason: goats and good food.

For the adult beverage lovers, the region supports several wineries, like Anchored Roots Vineyard & Winery, which uses sustainable winemaking methods to produce the Ledge Blanc, the new Wisconsin Ledge American Viticulture Area wine.

Hatch Distilling Co. makes use of the region’s natural bounty in a different way by utilizing locally produced honey to make mead and foraging for items like spruce tips to distill in some of their products. Viking’s Blood, a cherry-flavored mead, is just one of their locally inspired specialties.

Tips for visiting Door County

If you’re considering visiting Door County, here are some insider tips.

First, get a car. If you’ll be flying into Wisconsin from elsewhere, make sure to pick up a car rental, as this remote destination does not have a public transit system. If you’re heading there during the winter, I also recommend a car that drives well in snow.

While it’s easy to make the lake your focus of a trip to Door County, make sure to look up once in a while. It’s home to some of the best views of the stars in the entire state, and routinely welcomes the northern lights overhead.

Accommodations options include different styles and types, and many with scenic lake views. The Landmark Resort is the region’s largest resort and is perfect for families, while the newly opened Dörr Hotel offers a more romantic location for couples.

No matter how you choose to visit, you’ll find plenty to love in Door County, where nature and art prevail.

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