Recommend September 2011 - (Page 49)

Brussels Whether because of its status as the “capital of Europe,” thanks to the fact that it’s home to the European Union, as well as NATO, or because of its carefree charm and vibrant cityscape environs, Brussels is fast becoming one of the more popular and trendy cities in Europe. Much of that charm, no doubt, has a lot to do with the fact that it’s probably one of the most international cities in the world with more than 27 percent of its population coming from other countries, adding to its reputation as the so-called, “European Village.” But while its history goes back to the 13th century, there’s more of a sense of modernity to it than most iconic European capitals, probably because when it became the capital of the new country of Belgium back in the early-19th century, it was out with the old and in with the new—rebuilding the old city in a neo-renaissance style and adding to that a half-century later with an emphasis on Art Deco design. The result is an intriguing mix of the serious with the whimsical and architectural surprises throughout this energetic and vital city. Brussels today reflects a reverence for art and design, an imaginative approach to food and dining options and a fascination and focus on beer variations, chocolate, waffles and Belgian fries that borders on the obsessive, an obsession that’s soon shared by just about everyone who tries out these delectable treats. But there’s also plenty of both contemporary and historical attractions that capture the attention of visitors and you can be sure there’s plenty of unforgettable experiences around every corner in this legendary city. 48 Hours in brussels Morning—Day 1 A good way to start off a day of sightseeing in the lovely capital city of Belgium is with a good breakfast at the Mokafé in the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, the glazed shopping arcade that opened in 1847 as a precursor to modern-day enclosed malls. Located near the Grand’Place—the starting point for your day of sightseeing—the arcade is encased under a glass pane roof supported by delicate, cast iron framework and is a must-see attraction on its own. It’s filled with shops, many offering a myriad selection of Belgian chocolates, the ever-present dainty lace stores and cafes, and for this morning’s purpose, a good place to start the day with a delicious breakfast in a charming, timeless environment. Next, take a short walk to the Grand’Place, Brussels’ aptly named, huge central square surrounded by its elegantly designed and colorful City Hall and guild buildings that today house restaurants, shops and hotels. Historically, the Grand’Place goes all the way back to the beginning of the 13th century when it started off humbly enough with three cloth-covered markets selling bread, cloth and meat, followed by more and more markets over the next hundred years when the construction of City Hall began. Within decades after City Hall was begun, the guild buildings started to go up and by the late-16th century, looked very much like it does today. It was destroyed in 1695, however, by a French bombardment. Rebuilding started almost immediately and over the years, it’s been returned to its former glory, earning a place on UNESCO’s prestigious World Heritage list in 1998 after an extensive reconstruction effort. After visiting the Grand’Place, take some time to go through some of the city’s more interesting museums including the Rene Magritte Museum, open since 2009. It’s part of the Royal Museums of Fine Tips from Locals Arts of Belgium and over 500,000 visitors come through within a ✔ Head to Moeder Lambic to take in year, attesting to the popularity of the ambiance of a typical beer cafe the famed Surrealist painter. The ✔ Shop for designer clothing at museum contains more than 200 Hunting & Collecting works consisting of oils on canvas, ✔ Walk through comic strip history gouaches, drawings, sculptures and around the city-center with murals painted objects as well as advertisof comic strip figures ing posters, music scores, vintage ✔ Have lunch at Chez Henri, offering photographs and films produced delicious food with a modern twist by Magritte himself. ✔ Dine at Vismet, seafood and The Royal Museums of Fine meat dishes with a canteen-style Arts of Belgium—located on the ambiance and open kitchen west side of the Place Royale— ☞ www.visitflanders.us / F7 http://www.visitflanders.us

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend September 2011

Editor's Notes/Agent Speak
Hotel Desk: Hilton Hotels & Resorts
Tour Talk: Abercrombie & Kent
Sunset Key Guest Cottages, Key West
Can't Get Enough of Jupiter Beach, Florida
Hanging Out in the Outer Banks
Aloha to Families in Hawaii's Resorts
Cruise Stockholm
Galapagos Islands- Cruising 101: Back to Basics
The Ultimate Family Adventure in Costa Rica
Flanders Travel Planner
Fabulous Family Voyages
China: A Wonderland for Kids
India: Pure Wonderment
An African Adventure
Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa, D.R.
The Bahamas: Islands of Adventure
Cayman Islands: A Home Away from Home
Mazatlan Reinvigorated
CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort

Recommend September 2011