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Glasgow Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
6 hidden gems in London open to the public this September
The Open House Festival is an annual event that celebrates London's architecture, neighbourhoods, and the people who make them. The festival, organised by charity Open City, shares it was created to help "make the built environment more open, accessible, and equitable." This year, the Open House Festival will take place from September 13-21. A preview of what will be open to the public for the festival has been announced, and we've rounded up six unmissable locations. If you would like to step inside any of these buildings, you can book a slot when bookings open at midday on Wednesday, August 20. You can see the full preview for the 2025 Open House Festival here. 6 wonderful hidden gems open to the public this September Fitzrovia Chapel Location: Fitzrovia Chapel, Fitzroy Place, 2 Pearson Square, London W1T 3BF Find out more about Fitzrovia Chapel here. Fitzrovia Chapel is a Grade II listed building that was built as part of the Middlesex Hospital. The building from the outside is described as "unimposing", but the inside is a "riot of Gothic Revival design" with golden mosaic along all walls. Designed by Victorian architect, John Loughborough Pearson, the chapel is now a cultural space for "creative health and wellbeing". Fitzrovia Chapel will have drop-ins available on September 15, 16, 17 and 18 between 11am and 5pm. The Old Fire Station Location: 84 Mayton Street, N7 8HA You can find out more about The Old Fire Station here. The Old Fire Station is now a community centre run by the Holloway Neighbourhood Group that was saved by a group of locals in the 1970s. The locals squatted in the building to make sure they could secure it for community use, and 50 years later it's now a pillar of the community. The building still has many original features and has drop-in dates on September 20 and 21 from 1pm to 4pm. 81 Columbia Road Location: 81 Columbia Road, E2 7RG You can find ore more about 81 Columbia Road here. Overlooking London's famous flower market, 81 Columbia Road is described as offering a "historic charm". The Victorian terraced house is used as a space for local artists who have a passion for photographs of London architecture. The studio has drop-ins on September 14, 20 and 21 from 11am to 5pm. Croydon Town Hall Location: Katherine Street, Croydon, CR0 1NX You can find out more about Croydon Town Hall here. Croydon Town Hall is offering a limited number of guided tours, giving guests the chance to see the building's "unique Victorian-style". Designed by architect Charles Henman, the town hall opened in 1896 and includes former courtrooms, now the Lifetimes Museum exhibition galleries. Croydon Town Hall will have three guided tours on September 13 at 10am, 11am and 12pm. Hoxton Hall Location: 130 Hoxton Street, N1 6SH You can find out more about Hoxton Hall here. Built by architect James Mortimer in 1863, Hoxton Hall has a traditional music hall design, combining "instruction with amusement". The Grade II listed building has seen many changes through the years, but still continues to reflect "the diversity and voices of local people". Hoxton Hall will be open for guided tours on September 20 at 11am, 12pm and 2pm. Anderson WW2 Bomb Shelter Location: 68 Richborne Terrace, SW8 1AX You can find out more about Anderson's WW2 Bomb Shelter here. Recommended Reading This original Anderson Shelter is in the back garden of a four-storey 1850s terraced house and is set in a concreted area covered by earth. The shelter could accommodate four adults and two children and was built to be very strong to withstand the forces of nearby bombs. The WW2 Bomb Shelter will be open for two days on September 13 and 14 from 2pm to 5pm.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
This Cheery Florida Beach Town Is So Happy Bob Ross Once Owned A Home Here
Here are the best things to do in the sunny coastal town of New Smyrna Beach. Bob Ross's mountainside evergreens, better known as 'happy little trees,' were a staple on his long-running PBS show 'The Joy of Painting, but the Florida native was probably more familiar with palms. Beloved for his gentle nature, part of Ross's sunny disposition might be a result of his time spent in New Smyrna Beach, where he owned a home and opened a workshop and gallery. Just south of fast-paced Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach is the quieter beach community that melds small-town sensibilities with excellent food, art, and surf scenes. Its five distinct communities have a lot to offer beyond just the 17 stunning miles of sugar-white sand beaches—though those are a big draw. Stroll the charming historic district with its Victorian-style inns and colorful galleries. Spot wildlife on the expansive Canaveral National Seashore. Enroll in surf school. Or have dinner and drinks inside a treehouse. Everything in New Smyrna is meant to bring joy and spark genuine delight. Keep reading for the best things to do in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Related: 15 Dreamy Beach Towns In Florida Things To Do In New Smyrna Beach, Florida Explore the Canaveral National Seashore Cross the causeway and explore this barrier island that holds the longest stretch of undeveloped Atlantic coastline in the state. There are gorgeous swaths of untouched beaches, as well as dune, lagoon, pine flatland, salt. Marsh, and hammock habitats to explore. Wildlife, from endangered loggerhead and leatherback sea turtles to manatees is abundant. Birders will have more than 310 species to identify. In addition to you usual list of beach activities, Viking Eco Tours can take you out for an unforgettable kayak tour. Morning kayak tours are ideal for spotting dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles, while nighttime tours give an opportunity to spot bioluminescent plankton and comb jellies. 386-428-3384 See Ponce Inlet Lighthouse The state's tallest lighthouse is open to the public. For just $7 admission, you can climb to the top of the 175-foot beacon and drink in the sweeping ocean views, then learn more about what you're seeing inside the Ponce De Leon Inlet Lighthouse Museum. For just a few dollars more, gain admission to the Pacetti Hotel Museum, an 1880s building that's one of the county's oldest structures. 4931 South Peninsula Drive, Ponce Inlet, FL 32127; 386-261-1821 Stroll Flagler Avenue New Smyrna's main drag can be found along Flagler Avenue, a historic hub that spans barrier island in five blocks that stretch from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Indian River in the west. The lively area is littered with local boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and bars. It's also the central location for several events throughout the year including chili and chowder cook-offs, wine walks, and more. Two spots to make sure you stop at include the Coronado-Mainland Shuffleboard Club, where you can try your luck at this Florida-favorite pastime and the Beachfront Park. Live It Up On Canal Street A second spot to check out in New Smyrna is the historic business district of Canal Street. Like Flagler, Canal Street is home to dozens of shops, eateries, museums, and vibrant galleries and art spaces like Jane's Art Center and the Hub on Canal, where you can take classes and workshops and see work from local artists in rotating exhibits. When you need a little refreshment after your day of strolling and shopping, stop into New Smyrna Beach Brewing Company for a cold pint. Check out the weekly farmers' market Saturdays starting at 7 a.m. or time your visit to coincide with Canal Street Nights, a monthly street festival with live music, vendors, activities, and more. Join The Local Surf Culture Surfing is a big part of life for locals in New Smyrna. Join in on the hang 10 culture by taking a surf lesson with a local outfitter like the Jimmy Lane Surfing Academy or Surfin' NSB. The waves in New Smyrna are ideal for beginners as well as pros; the American Professional Surfing Association even hosts one of its premier competitions here each year. If you're curious to learn more about the town's surf culture, head to the New Smyrna Museum of History to check out the East Coast Surf Exhibit, alongside other exhibits that focus on everything from the town's railroad era to its pioneer years to its Native American history. Visit the Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum Another place to learn important New Smyrna history is the Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum, a free museum housed in an 1899 church building that uses photos, oral histories, and artifacts to tell the story of African Americans in small town Florida over the course of the 20th century. 314 N. Duss Street New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168; 386-478-1934 Discover the Art Scene If the creativity on Canal Street has you feeling inspired, delve a little deeper into New Smyrna's excellent arts scene by visiting two more iconic spots. The Bob Ross Art Workshop & Gallery was opened by the artist himself in 1993. Inside, you'll find a staggering collection of the TV-famous artist's original oil paintings. You can also sign up to take a painting class from certified teacher trainer Nicholas Hankins, who teaches Ross's special Wet-On-Wet style of oil painting for subjects including landscape, seascape, floral, and wildlife. You can discover an entirely different side of New Smyrna's expansive art scene at The Little Theatre of New Smyrna, a community theater that puts on multiple plays, musicals, and special performances each year. Where To Eat In New Smyrna Beach, Florida Dine At A James Beard-Recognized Restaurant One of New Smyrna's most popular restaurants, Third Wave Café & Wine Bar is known for many things—its whimsical outdoor garden dining room, ever-changing global-inspired menu, and leading the way in sustainable seafood sourcing (as part of the James Beard Smart Catch program). Come for the crepes, Neopolitan pizzas, and brunch specials served during the day. Or make a dinner reservation to dine on well-composed plates like local swordfish with housemade chimichurri, Yukon mashed potatoes, and green beans or roasted ocotpus with grilled heirloom peppers and onions, toasted chickpeas, peas, and a sweet chili drizzle over Spanish Bomba rice. 204 Flagler Avenue, New Smyrna, FL 32169; 386-402-7864 Eat Dinner In A Treehouse Delight your inner child by spending an evening at Norwood's Eatery & Bar, a two-story restaurant where you can dine inside a treehouse. The restaurant has been open in some capacity 1964, but its latest iteration is the most fun—and memory worthy. The expansive menu features everything from hand-cut filets to giant seafood platters. The cocktail menu is just as bountiful with concoctions like the Still Hot In Here (tequila, mint, passionfruit, pineapple, and lime) and Purpe Rain (gin, beets, honey, lime). Happy hour, which is held from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 p.m. to close in the Treehouse Bar features $4 house wine, domestic beers, and select well drinks. 400 E 2nd Ave., New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169; 386-428-4621 Share Tapas at Spanish River Grill Two-time James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef South, Henry Salgado takes diners on a journey to Spain at Spanish River Grill. Start with a glass of the house special red sangria, then take your pick from an extensive menu of tapas or small plates that range from Spanish classics like Patatas Bravas (fried potatoes). Gambas a la Plancha (shrimp with grilled bread), and Croquetas (ham stuffed fritters) to smoked pork belly and lamb chops with porcini crust and arugula chimichurri. Don't leave without ordering the Burnt Basque Cheesecake for dessert. 1518 S Dixie Fwy, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168; 386-957-4788 Have A Burger at The Breakers There's no better place to get lunch in all of New Smyrna than The Breakers, an iconic pink-brick eatery plopped directly on the sand at the end of Flagler Avenue. You can get classic seafood shack meals here like fried shrimp and clam strips or a mahi sandwich, but the thing The Breakers is most famous for is its burgers. Have it topped any way you want with a side of fries, macaroni salad, potato salad, or coleslaw. Order a daiquiri or pina colada to wash it down with and enjoy the unencumbered views of the crashing waves. 518 Flagler Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169; 386-428-2019 Pick Up Pastries at Mon Delice French Bakery The pastry case is always overflowing with perfectly flaky croissants and glistening fruit-filled tarts at Mon Delice. Owned by Serge Sorese, who grew up in Southern France, the shop specializes in French pastries, breads, baked goods, cakes, and pies, alongside a few savory lunch options like sandwiches, quiches, and soup. Go early to get the best selection and make sure to order a couple extra treats, whether a cinnamon roll or an apple Danish, to snack on when those late-afternoon munchies hit. 557 E. 3rd Ave., New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169; 386-427-6555 Enjoy Brunch at The Baker's Table Husband-wife duo Jaime and Jeanette Quintana went from vacationing in New Smyrna Beach to making the cross-country move from New Jersey to their favorite little beach town. They share their talents and passion for food at their restaurant The Baker's Table, which is open for brunch Fridays through Sundays and dinner Wednesdays through Sundays. We recommend going for brunch to try the conch fritters with black pepper honey, stuffed challah French toast, smoked salmon latkes. 4154 S. Atlantic Ave., New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169; 386-423-6656 Where To Stay In New Smyrna Beach, Florida Rent A House or Condo If you're planning a longer stay in New Smyrna (and wouldn't want to?), consider a home or condo rental so you have plenty of room to spread out and can cook some meals at home. Local businesses like NSB Realty, MoonTide Condos and CasaGo Coastal Volusia can help you find the perfect rental for your trip, whether you're traveling with a multifamily or multigenerational group or if it's just you and a special someone. The oceanfront views and walk-off-your-porch access to the beach will have you considering a permanent move. Stay At A Boutique Inn Elegant inns and cozy bed and breakfasts are also great options for accommodations in New Smyrna. Most are locally owned, and several are housed in historic homes, making your stay all the more special. The Black Dolphin Inn, Riverview Hotel, and Victoria 1883 all offer riverfront views with unique amenities including a hidden speakeasy at Victoria 1883, a spa at Riverview Hotel, and private balconies at the Black Dolphin Inn. Read the original article on Southern Living Solve the daily Crossword
UPI
5 days ago
- Sport
- UPI
Canadian woman breaks two speed records on penny farthing bike
July 23 (UPI) -- A Canadian woman with a talent for riding big-wheeled bikes broke two speed records at an Australian track while pedaling a penny farthing. Lizanne Wilmot climbed her Victorian-style bicycle in Burnie, Tasmania, and broke the Guinness World Records for the fastest speed on a penny farthing (female) and fastest 1 kilometer on a penny farthing (female). Wilmot rode the 1 kilometer (.62 mile) distance in a time of 52.75 seconds. Her top speed was clocked at 25.92 mph. Wilmot previously held the record for the farthest distance on a penny farthing in one hour (female), but she lost the title to British woman Melissa Eisdell.
The Citizen
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
2Summers takes us on a tour of Brixton
Let's take a trip around Brixton, shall we? Through the eyes of someone whose own personal experience of this vibrant community, helps navigate this trip to spaces that are now pieces of her heart. Heather Mason, an American who left Washington DC for Johannesburg in August 2010. Read more: Brixton opens Putney Road to the community In that year, she experienced two summers, which lent itself to her calling her, now very popular blog, 2Summers. Through it, she allows others to see what enchanted her most about this city: Its people, food, culture, and art. 2Summers recently celebrated its 15th anniversary, and Mason grabbed at the opportunity to celebrate, as, due to Covid-19, she didn't get to celebrate her 10th anniversary. 'Today we're just going to do a walking tour around Brixton,' she said, together with her partner Thorsten Deckler, who led about 20 people through Brixton. First on the tour was Frayznix Vintage Rack, a clothing store that sells thrift clothes and has managed to keep its old Victorian-style building. Next, they stopped at local mosaic artist, Bronwen Findlay's art space, to see what art her and her team were currently working on. They also visited one of the community's oldest homes, found along Fulham Road. Its owner has a chicken coop, and they support him through buying the eggs his chickens lay. Another stop was at Dennis Dlomo's fitness club. 'Thorsten and I train with Dennis in the morning at Kingston Frost Park,' Mason told the tour group. Proceeds from ticket sales for the tour went towards buying new equipment for the club. Mason first lived in Melville for 11 years, before finding a certain kind of intimate quality in Brixton she had not experienced anywhere else. 'It has smaller houses, which are closer to the street. There's always activity on the street, which makes it's easier for you to walk out and greet people, and there's also a lot of creatives. I'm part of that creative community, so it makes it easy to relate to people.' She says her identity is tied to Johannesburg, and in that, more so to Brixton. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts!
Fashion United
04-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion United
Wax London expands retail presence in the Gleneagles, Scotland
British menswear label Wax London has expanded its retail presence at the Gleneagles Retail Arcade in Edinburgh, Scotland. Located with the iconic Gleneagles Hotel, the Victorian-style retail arcade houses a range of luxury boutiques including Pringle, Edamame, and Daughter. From July onwards, the Retail Arcade offers an extended range of Wax London's signature menswear pieces, offering a broader assortment of styles, designs, and colours. The retail expansion at Glenagles Retail Arcade is part of the brand's expansion plan for the United Kingdom, which sees Wax London strengthen its physical presence in key markets. Offering visitors and locals alike the opportunity to discover the brand in person, the expansion in Scotland comes two months after Wax London entered the US market through an exclusive residency with Los Angeles retailer The Optimist, marking its first physical presence in the country. Co-founded in 2015 by Tom Holmes, who also serves as designer to the brand, Wax London is inspired by global travels and British heritage. The brand currently operates three retail locations in London, its home base, and first ventured into retail in 2020 after previously focusing on building its presence via wholesale and online sales.
