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Wednesday, May 29, 2013

A Weekend Away...Montreal in May

Montreal is one of those nearby cities that can make you feel like you're a world away. With its cobble-stoned old town, the smell of crepes wafting from open doors in nearby boulangeries, and the sound of French being spoken all around you, it's easy to forget that you're only a few hours' drive away from Boston...well, six to be exact.

And, as home to a bustling nightlife and home to the legendary jazz festival, Montreal provides New Englanders with a perfect opportunity for a romantic weekend away.

We had the opportunity to spend the long weekend in Montreal and while the weather outside was frightful, especially for the end of May, the weekend away, nevertheless, was delightful.

Thanks to Priceline, we scored a four star feng shui-inspired hotel at the gate of Chinatown across the street from a metro station. A short walk to the right, up the hill and we were standing in the shadow of the grand Notre Dame cathedral. Across the street and up two blocks was the world famous, or rather infamous, Rue Sainte-Catherine, lined with restaurants, bars and other interesting retailers and services.  

We've been to Montreal many times before. And thank goodness, because it was barely 50 degrees and pouring rain...that is, until Sunday night. Nevertheless, we explored some  romantic, quaint corner coffee houses and the matrix of tunnels that lead to the "Underground City" of shopping centers, designed for residents and tourists alike to escape the Montreal's frigid winters.

Regardless of what Mother Nature has in store, here's a sampling of what you will find in Canada's Cultural Capital.



 
St. Joseph's Oratory of Mont Royal--Canada's largest church. You will find pilgrims going up the center stairs on their knees in sacrifice. Check out the views from the top...fabulous views of Montreal from the city's highest point.

And then there's Olympic Park, home of the 1976 Summer Olympic Games.
The Biodome is fun for exploring various ecosystems...the tropical one is my personal favorite. It also includes the botanical garden, which is lovely as well.
The bug museum, I could do without...but to each, his own.



And if you're a foodie like me, no trip to Montreal is complete without a Nutella crepe.


If you're from the Northeast, Montreal is a very doable and very fun weekend escape. It's only six hours from Boston, but it feels like an ocean away. Crescent Street is lined with terraced restaurants, bars and clubs. The hipster Mile End neighborhood is another must-see area to explore. And if you like to gamble, check out Montreal's casino, built on rock salvaged from construction of the city's metro system.

Foodies, shoppers, cultural enthusiasts, gamblers, outdoorsy types...there's something for everyone north of the border. Check it out, and you, too, will be able to say, Je me souviens.

Au revoir...












10 comments:

  1. Love this, I've been wanting to go to Montreal since I moved to Boston. It sounds like I need to just go.

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    1. It is such a fun city with so much to do. There is always some up and coming neighborhood to explore, restaurant to try or event to attend. And only a 5.5 hour drive from Boston. The metro system is so easy to use. Park and go. :-) Thanks for stopping by!

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  2. I've been wanting to go to Montreal also, and was lined up to go for a literary conference a few years back and had to cancel:(. I was terribly disappointed. I love traveling vicariously via other bloggers. Thanks for taking us with you! Thanks also for linking up this week at the Owl's Skull! Hope to see you back next week:)!! J

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    1. Thank you so much for stopping by and for the feedback! :-) Montreal is so much fun. And if you're there for longer than a weekend, there's many day trip options as well, like the very-French, walled old town of Quebec City. Thanks again. I will definitely be back to Owl's Skull...I'm thrilled for the opportunity to link up. :-)

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  3. I am absolutely a foodie like you. Yum! I've never been to Montreal but it sounds beautiful. I love knowing you used Priceline because I'm always a bit leery about that.

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    1. I was leery at first too, Fawn. But it's kind of fun playing the game...I always low-ball. Sometimes, it works, but sometimes I have to increase my bid a bit. I've never tried with flights...that's next. :-) Thanks for stopping by.

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  4. Thanks for stopping by at Provocative Manners! We are your newest followers! Love those pictures, especially of St. Joseph's Oratory.

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by! And for the follow. I can't wait to explore more of Provocative Manners...it's a great concept.

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  5. I have always wanted to visit Montreal! Hubby and I have been thinking of a little romantic getaway (sans kids) for a while. I think Montreal would be perfect!! I'm here via the NE bloggers weekend hop. Have a great weekend!

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    1. Welcome! Montreal is a very doable locale from just about anywhere in the Northeast for a long weekend away. Definitely do it...there's so many great neighborhoods to stay and it is definitely a romantic city. And, with the weather finally cooperating, it makes for a wonderful opportunity for dining al fresco. Enjoy! And please come visit again soon. :-)

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