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The Irish Sun
01-08-2025
- The Irish Sun
I ditched New York City for upstate and found hundreds of vineyards, NASCAR racing experiences & world famous waterfalls
STANDING on Hurricane Deck with water whipping around me and Niagara Falls thundering behind, I'm experiencing a different side of New York. Most visitors cram into Manhattan, but New York City takes up just 0.56 per cent of the entire state. 6 With water whipping around me and Niagara Falls thundering behind, I'm experiencing a different side of New York Credit: New York State Department of Economic Development (NYSDED) 6 Watkins Glen is a charming village that also hides a legendary race track where Formula 1 once raced - and I took a thrilling ride in the pace car Credit: Alice Penwill 6 Buffalo is the gateway to Niagara Falls, just a short drive away Credit: Getty Beyond the concrete jungle of America's most populated city lie vineyards, breweries, lakes, a whole lot of classic US charm and, of course, those famous falls. Upstate New York, despite its high-end reputation, is also much kinder on your wallet. The cost of two days in the city is equivalent to about six days outside when it comes to accommodation, dining and activities. My journey began in Syracuse, in the heart of the Finger Lakes region — a lush green area known for its scenic beauty and more than 1,600 vineyards. READ MORE TRAVEL GUIDES Without much persuasion, I stopped at a few to sample the local produce — I had a tipple at Anyela's vineyard and the Beak & Skiff brewery, which had very tasty ciders. A half-hour drive away is Skaneateles (pronounced skinny atlas), one of the region's most exclusive spots. Lake Skaneateles is said to be the cleanest in the world, but what really stands out is the shorefront, which is full of sprawling manors with sweeping lawns, guest houses and boat garages. It's a popular place for celebs, with former President Most read in News Travel Just south of Syracuse lies Watkins Glen, which looks like a Hallmark movie set until you hear the roar of engines. The charming village is home to the Watkins Glen International track, where Formula 1 raced for 20 consecutive years from 1961 to 1980 before Nascar took over. Martin Lewis warns about strict passport rule that could see you board your flight - only to get sent home on arrival I had a ride in the back of a pace car for a speedy lap (in motorsport, a pace car leads the racers in warm-up laps). And I saw a bright yellow American school bus — full of grinning students — tear around, too. Turns out that anyone can give it a try. You can even take your own car, or bus, for a spin. Rochester, a mid-sized city on the southern shore of These days, it's better known for the Strong National Museum of Play, a huge, hands-on museum dedicated to toys, games and childhood. Here, I attempted (and failed) to beat other players at From there, I headed west to my final, and favourite, stop: Buffalo. Sitting where the Buffalo River meets Lake Erie, it proved that the state's 61 cities beyond NYC are also well worth exploring. Screams of delight I followed the riverfront past guided missile cruiser USS Little Rock, through Veterans Memorial Park, and on past the restored 1920s carousel at Canalside, where families queued for a ride. The standout spot, though, was RiverWorks — a creative reinvention of old grain silos, now home to ziplines, climbing walls, a big wheel, kayaking and lively bars. Buffalo is also the gateway to I arrived at night to see the illuminations, a spectacle in itself. 6 Naval history fans will love taking a look at the guided missile cruiser USS Little Rock Credit: Getty 6 Strong National Museum of Play, a huge, hands-on museum dedicated to toys, games and childhood Credit: New York State Department of Economic Development (NYSDED) 6 The Sun's Alice Penwill gets a close-up view of the Niagara Fall Credit: Alice Penwill But at that point I didn't quite grasp the full power of the famous waterfalls. The next day, I saw them in all their glory. Looking like a blue penguin in my oversized anorak, I boarded the Maid Of The Mist tourist boat to get closer to the thundering cascade. At first, the boat bobs along at a glacial pace. Then, after a light spray of water, the full force of the falls hits. Picture screams of delight, anoraks flapping and thousands of gallons of water crashing into the river below. If you want to feel it properly, head to the top deck. Prefer to stay dry? Stick to the lower level. The boat tour is a must — and so is the Cave Of The Winds. This attraction is a series of wooden walkways leading right to the base of Niagara's Bridal Veil Falls and up to the Hurricane Deck, where the water spray slams sideways and where standing still is a feat in itself. I managed to hold my pose just long enough for a photo, before stumbling away, soaked and buzzing with adrenaline. The Big Apple is a bucket-list must, of course, but don't forget to take a bite out of the rest of New York State, too. GO: NEW YORK STATE STAYING/GETTING THERE: An 11-night fly-drive tour of New York State costs from £2,770pp based on two sharing, including car hire, Top Of The Rock Observation Deck in NYC, Niagara Falls Tour and return flights departing Heathrow on April 27 2026. See OUT & ABOUT: For Watkins Glen International see The Strong National Museum of Play costs $25 (£18.45). See Maid of the Mist tickets are $30.25 (£22.33) and the Cave of the Winds costs $23 (£17.12) at MORE INFO: For New York State see
Scottish Sun
01-08-2025
- Scottish Sun
I ditched New York City for upstate and found hundreds of vineyards, NASCAR racing experiences & world famous waterfalls
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) STANDING on Hurricane Deck with water whipping around me and Niagara Falls thundering behind, I'm experiencing a different side of New York. Most visitors cram into Manhattan, but New York City takes up just 0.56 per cent of the entire state. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 With water whipping around me and Niagara Falls thundering behind, I'm experiencing a different side of New York Credit: New York State Department of Economic Development (NYSDED) 6 Watkins Glen is a charming village that also hides a legendary race track where Formula 1 once raced - and I took a thrilling ride in the pace car Credit: Alice Penwill 6 Buffalo is the gateway to Niagara Falls, just a short drive away Credit: Getty Beyond the concrete jungle of America's most populated city lie vineyards, breweries, lakes, a whole lot of classic US charm and, of course, those famous falls. Upstate New York, despite its high-end reputation, is also much kinder on your wallet. The cost of two days in the city is equivalent to about six days outside when it comes to accommodation, dining and activities. My journey began in Syracuse, in the heart of the Finger Lakes region — a lush green area known for its scenic beauty and more than 1,600 vineyards. Without much persuasion, I stopped at a few to sample the local produce — I had a tipple at Anyela's vineyard and the Beak & Skiff brewery, which had very tasty ciders. A half-hour drive away is Skaneateles (pronounced skinny atlas), one of the region's most exclusive spots. Lake Skaneateles is said to be the cleanest in the world, but what really stands out is the shorefront, which is full of sprawling manors with sweeping lawns, guest houses and boat garages. It's a popular place for celebs, with former President Bill Clinton and his family known to holiday there. Just south of Syracuse lies Watkins Glen, which looks like a Hallmark movie set until you hear the roar of engines. The charming village is home to the Watkins Glen International track, where Formula 1 raced for 20 consecutive years from 1961 to 1980 before Nascar took over. Martin Lewis warns about strict passport rule that could see you board your flight - only to get sent home on arrival I had a ride in the back of a pace car for a speedy lap (in motorsport, a pace car leads the racers in warm-up laps). And I saw a bright yellow American school bus — full of grinning students — tear around, too. Turns out that anyone can give it a try. You can even take your own car, or bus, for a spin. Rochester, a mid-sized city on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, was once a boom town built on flour mills and photography — it's the birthplace of Kodak. These days, it's better known for the Strong National Museum of Play, a huge, hands-on museum dedicated to toys, games and childhood. Here, I attempted (and failed) to beat other players at Pac-Man and gazed at an enormous collection of Barbie dolls that my five-year-old self would have loved. From there, I headed west to my final, and favourite, stop: Buffalo. Sitting where the Buffalo River meets Lake Erie, it proved that the state's 61 cities beyond NYC are also well worth exploring. Screams of delight I followed the riverfront past guided missile cruiser USS Little Rock, through Veterans Memorial Park, and on past the restored 1920s carousel at Canalside, where families queued for a ride. The standout spot, though, was RiverWorks — a creative reinvention of old grain silos, now home to ziplines, climbing walls, a big wheel, kayaking and lively bars. Buffalo is also the gateway to Niagara Falls, just a short drive away. I arrived at night to see the illuminations, a spectacle in itself. 6 Naval history fans will love taking a look at the guided missile cruiser USS Little Rock Credit: Getty 6 Strong National Museum of Play, a huge, hands-on museum dedicated to toys, games and childhood Credit: New York State Department of Economic Development (NYSDED) 6 The Sun's Alice Penwill gets a close-up view of the Niagara Fall Credit: Alice Penwill But at that point I didn't quite grasp the full power of the famous waterfalls. The next day, I saw them in all their glory. Looking like a blue penguin in my oversized anorak, I boarded the Maid Of The Mist tourist boat to get closer to the thundering cascade. At first, the boat bobs along at a glacial pace. Then, after a light spray of water, the full force of the falls hits. Picture screams of delight, anoraks flapping and thousands of gallons of water crashing into the river below. If you want to feel it properly, head to the top deck. Prefer to stay dry? Stick to the lower level. The boat tour is a must — and so is the Cave Of The Winds. This attraction is a series of wooden walkways leading right to the base of Niagara's Bridal Veil Falls and up to the Hurricane Deck, where the water spray slams sideways and where standing still is a feat in itself. I managed to hold my pose just long enough for a photo, before stumbling away, soaked and buzzing with adrenaline. The Big Apple is a bucket-list must, of course, but don't forget to take a bite out of the rest of New York State, too.
The Irish Sun
14-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
I visited the best seaside town in the UK during a heatwave – with a beach bar that feels like it's in the Mediterranean
HOVE is the vibey neighbour of the popular Brighton - and my top choice for a weekend break when temperatures hit an all-time high. It's a tad more relaxed, still with a pretty pebble coastline and blue waters, but much quieter. 7 Rockwater is literally on the seafront in Hove - and where I spent my weekend Credit: Alice Penwill 7 The beach of Hove is still has the pebbly shoreline and bright blue waters Credit: Alice Penwill On Friday afternoon, just under two hours from my home in The seaside town that everyone knows and loves for its sea lanes, pop-up market stalls, quirky creatives and music scene. But shortly after arriving, I left and decided to head over to Just a mile's stroll down the front, which is delightful on a bright summer day, and I was there. Read More on UK Breaks It was immediately quieter with a notable absence of Brighton's squawking seagulls. Hove still retains its beach charm, and in fact, it's recently been named one of the best seaside towns to live in. "Here you'll find a more relaxed lifestyle that is heavy on yoga, wellbeing and barista-made flat whites." Most read in Beach holidays Almost as soon as I hit Hove, I discovered a gem of a beach bar called Rustic-looking on the outside, Rockwater completely blends in with its surroundings with wooden slatted exterior, huge glass windows. and the inside is spectacular. The UK's best beach bar – with DJ sets, sunset views and signature cocktails 7 The rooftop bar is a popular spot with incredible views over Hove beach Credit: Alice Penwill 7 Alcoholic drinks at Rockwater start from £7 and there's a huge list of cocktails Credit: Supplied It has plush chairs, a beautiful bar and a holiday-like atmosphere - imagine the sun shining through open windows, the clinking of glasses and happy tourist chatter. Just like me, visitors have been so impressed by Rockwater that they feel like it's transported them to another country entirely. One wrote on The popular beach bar that's open from dawn until dusk has various areas to relax in, from the dining area to cosy nooks and even a corner filled with books and magazines. But, the jewel of Rockwater is the I opted for a table downstairs next to the huge open windows which look out directly onto the I'm nosy, and love nothing better than sipping on a cocktail and people-watching at the beach. Rockwater has an extensive drinks menu from classic I opted for an Aperol Spritz for £12, while the food options varied from salads to lobster and crayfish mac'n' cheese, burgers, steak, a variety of pizzas and of course, It's not just for adults either, there's a kids menu with the likes of sausage and chips, pasta and desserts from chocolate brownies to 7 The downstairs looks right onto the promenade - and is great for people watching Credit: Alice Penwill 7 Inside are places to eat but also relax on squishy sofas and stools Credit: Rockwater If you come to the seaside with your dog, Rockwater is dog-friendly, so they are welcome inside - the only rule is that they're not allowed on the roof terrace after 8PM. Around the back of the beach club are Unlike other beach bars, Rockwater hosts all sorts of activities, too, including early morning The summer evenings are dedicated to Rockwater's Sunset Sessions x Cafe del Mar where a There's also silent yoga discos, book club socials, sound bath sessions and the fad that I had to get involved in - puppy yoga. The There's also a second venue on the promenade at Branksome in Poole. Sun Travel also visited the Plus, the three 7 I enjoyed a drink in a beach club that looked like it was on the Mediterranean Credit: Alice Penwill
Scottish Sun
14-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
I visited the best seaside town in the UK during a heatwave – with a beach bar that feels like it's in the Mediterranean
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HOVE is the vibey neighbour of the popular Brighton - and my top choice for a weekend break when temperatures hit an all-time high. It's a tad more relaxed, still with a pretty pebble coastline and blue waters, but much quieter. 7 Rockwater is literally on the seafront in Hove - and where I spent my weekend Credit: Alice Penwill 7 The beach of Hove is still has the pebbly shoreline and bright blue waters Credit: Alice Penwill On Friday afternoon, just under two hours from my home in Hertfordshire, I hit Brighton. The seaside town that everyone knows and loves for its sea lanes, pop-up market stalls, quirky creatives and music scene. But shortly after arriving, I left and decided to head over to Hove instead. Just a mile's stroll down the front, which is delightful on a bright summer day, and I was there. It was immediately quieter with a notable absence of Brighton's squawking seagulls. Hove still retains its beach charm, and in fact, it's recently been named one of the best seaside towns to live in. The Times said: "With plenty of beach to go around, and vibrant culture and nightlife, Hove (actually) is the UK's best place to enjoy a city-by-the-sea lifestyle — it's far less crowded and chaotic than Brighton with its relentless stream of boozy day-trippers. "Here you'll find a more relaxed lifestyle that is heavy on yoga, wellbeing and barista-made flat whites." Almost as soon as I hit Hove, I discovered a gem of a beach bar called Rockwater. Rustic-looking on the outside, Rockwater completely blends in with its surroundings with wooden slatted exterior, huge glass windows. and the inside is spectacular. The UK's best beach bar – with DJ sets, sunset views and signature cocktails 7 The rooftop bar is a popular spot with incredible views over Hove beach Credit: Alice Penwill 7 Alcoholic drinks at Rockwater start from £7 and there's a huge list of cocktails Credit: Supplied It has plush chairs, a beautiful bar and a holiday-like atmosphere - imagine the sun shining through open windows, the clinking of glasses and happy tourist chatter. Just like me, visitors have been so impressed by Rockwater that they feel like it's transported them to another country entirely. One wrote on Tripadvisor: "We managed to catch the sun-setting over the sea making it feel like we were on holiday abroad." The popular beach bar that's open from dawn until dusk has various areas to relax in, from the dining area to cosy nooks and even a corner filled with books and magazines. But, the jewel of Rockwater is the rooftop bar which has sun umbrellas, and it's enclosed with a glass balcony to lessen the sea breeze. I opted for a table downstairs next to the huge open windows which look out directly onto the seafront promenade. I'm nosy, and love nothing better than sipping on a cocktail and people-watching at the beach. Rockwater has an extensive drinks menu from classic cocktails, to refreshing summer coolers, the price of a glass of wine starts from £7. I opted for an Aperol Spritz for £12, while the food options varied from salads to lobster and crayfish mac'n' cheese, burgers, steak, a variety of pizzas and of course, classic fish and chips. It's not just for adults either, there's a kids menu with the likes of sausage and chips, pasta and desserts from chocolate brownies to sundaes. 7 The downstairs looks right onto the promenade - and is great for people watching Credit: Alice Penwill 7 Inside are places to eat but also relax on squishy sofas and stools Credit: Rockwater If you come to the seaside with your dog, Rockwater is dog-friendly, so they are welcome inside - the only rule is that they're not allowed on the roof terrace after 8PM. Around the back of the beach club are food trucks for anyone who wants the same food, but would rather enjoy it on the beach. Unlike other beach bars, Rockwater hosts all sorts of activities, too, including early morning yoga and sea swims as well as evening craft workshops, comedy nights, and live music. The summer evenings are dedicated to Rockwater's Sunset Sessions x Cafe del Mar where a DJ entertains guests with music on the roof from 5PM until midnight. There's also silent yoga discos, book club socials, sound bath sessions and the fad that I had to get involved in - puppy yoga. The Yogi Paws team hosts an hour-long session of puppy yoga at Rockwater which is held in the mornings and trust me, it really helps to unwind. There's also a second venue on the promenade at Branksome in Poole. Sun Travel also visited the new London riverside beach club that feels like you're in the south of France. Plus, the three UK beaches named the best in Europe by Tripadvisor this year.
Scottish Sun
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I tried the new Race Across the World The Experience – fans of the BBC TV show will love it
WHO doesn't want to Race Across the World like they do in the TV series? To ditch the 9-5 to go on an epic quest and see incredible destinations along the way? But let's face facts, most of us can't take months out of our lives to do that. So I tried out the best next thing, the new Race Across the World The Experience - and fans of the show (just like me) will love it. 5 I recruited my friends to play Race Across the World The Experience Credit: Alice Penwill 5 We ventured around London solving puzzles and brain teasers Credit: Alice Penwill On one of the hottest weekends of the year, myself and a team of three willing friends, met at the game's starting point: London Liverpool Street. As a fan of the BBC series Race Across the World that sees contestants racing across multiple countries without using flights or smartphones for a huge cash prize, I was desperate to try out the UK version that launched this spring in both London and Manchester. Just like the series, the experience is a race against the clock to get from one checkpoint to the next. But unlike the show, you get there by solving lots of puzzles, which are sent through WhatsApp - which is very against the rules of the show, but essential for the experience. To begin, I simply typed 'ready' into my screen and despite having no idea what to expect, sent the message, and the experience began. The first stop was a cafe where I told the man behind the counter I was 'with the race', and he handed over very first task, which was one of the few physical puzzles. It was very maths-heavy, so I wasn't off to a great start and had to take a step back while my friends took over. The answer led us to the very first checkpoint, where the clock began to tick. There are three legs throughout, with options to take different routes along the way varying in complexity and cost. Along the way you have to solve riddles that will guide you to the checkpoint, and keep an eye out because the answers are simple but easy to miss, like a name on an engraving or plaque. I went on my first Disney cruise with classy champagne bars, watercoasters and West End-style shows 5 There are some physical puzzles around London too Credit: Alice Penwill WhatsApp is crucial as you text the answers throughout to confirm you're in the correct location and not aimlessly wandering about. If you don't know the area around Liverpool Street very well, the experience is still very doable as long as you pay attention to what you see. Just like in the TV series, you need 'money' to continue. Each route you choose takes cash out of your budget which initially is £30. To top this up you'll have to 'work', although there's no pulling pints in a London pub - instead, this is done is by solving tricky brain teasers. On the weekend we did the race, it happened to be one of the hottest weekends of the year but you do get breaks and plenty of time to enjoy them too. After reaching each checkpoint, the clock stops to give your team an optional break and at each is a venue where you get an exclusive discount off drinks and snacks. My team and I stopped in at one of the pubs to enjoy a cold drink and some much-needed shade. 5 All the routes cost money which you can top up by doing 'work' tasks Credit: Alice Penwill If you are a large group, you can be split into teams to play against each other with different start locations, but will end in the same place. If you choose to play as a whole team instead, you will be put against other teams with similar times to you. At each leg the game will update you on how you do in comparison, and it does a lot to stir the competitive spirit - by the end, my team and I had set ourselves a fast pace in order to come out on top. At the very end, we got our results and were pretty chuffed to find ourselves at the top of our leader board, and in the top 17 per cent of overall racers. The race can take up to three hours which doesn't include breaks. We completed the experience in just under two hours, but with our breaks, were out around three and a half. The website says that you can play the game multiple times, as there are route variations - but these aren't guaranteed to be different when you book. And one of the downsides is that the physical puzzles at each checkpoint also remain the same so you'll know the answer to those if you play more than once. But it is also running in Manchester so you can give the other experience a go in a different city. Tickets for Race Across the World The Experience are £50 per person. But the cost is reduced the more people you book, for example, a team of eight adults is £200, which works out as £25 each. The opening times are during Monday–Saturday from 9am to 7.30pm (last entry at 7.30pm) Sunday 9.30am to 4.30pm (last entry at 4.30pm). For more information and tickets go to: Other things Sun Travel has tried are the viral Dubai chocolate ice cream, and even travelling to America for Crumbl Cookies. My Top Tips for completing the Race Across the World The Experience Dress for the occasion Wear comfy shoes and bring some water and snacks too if you don't want to take advantage of the checkpoints. Consider playing work puzzles Play work puzzles throughout the game even if you have money in your budget- the more money you have at the end, the better, as this counts towards your result. Check your spelling You have to send answers to the puzzles through WhatsApp and when you do, double check the spelling. We were caught out by auto correct and receive a fault which affected our score. It's in the details Input everyone's phone number before the experience begins so the whole team can read the questions throughout the game. Lots have images and prompts, so if you want a good time, this is key. Running or walking? Speaking of, decide at the very start what your game-plan is, whether you want to win the race or take your time so everyone's on the same page.
