Top Five Travel: Discovering Scotland Coast to Coast

When visiting Scotland for the first time, one immediately notices green, everywhere the eye can see.  All the stories are true; yes, Scotland has hundreds of castles, and golf courses.  But in seeing it for yourself, you begin to take in the warmth of Scotland's people, it's history, and the mysterious way it makes you feel at home. Everyone should see the exquisite beauty that is Scotland at least once in their lives, so let's explore five of the most magnificent places Scotland has to offer. 


Discovering Scotland: Edinburgh, Capital of Scotland

The most famous city in Scotland, Edinburgh is both breathtakingly beautiful, and a cultural center of the world.  Robert Louis Stevenson once referred to Edinburgh as,  "The city Paris wishes it was".  Edinburgh has hundreds of bed and breakfasts, luxury hotels, and affordable rentals for vacationers year round. It boasts some of the best shopping in the world on it's main thoroughfare, Princes Street, and (contrary to what you've heard of Scottish food) has amazing restaurants.  Just off Princes Street, Princes Street Gardens is the Central Park of Scotland.  Filled with beautiful flower gardens, historical statues, and a 300 year old carousel, it is a wonderful place for the whole family to visit while staying in Edinburgh.  Inside another of Edinburgh's famous parks, The Meadows, is Arthur's Seat, a collection of distinctive hills that at least one million people a year hike.

When you visit Edinburgh, Scotland, you must see Edinburgh Castle, where Scottish Kings lived, and weapons and armour are housed.  It also houses the Royal apartments, inside which Mary, Queen of Scots once lived, and gave birth to a future king.  Nearby is also the Scottish National War Memorial, also a recommended visit in Edinburgh.  The grounds of Edinburgh Castle are home to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a festival held every year in August that includes music, pipes and drums, and marching, as well as historical military re-enactments.