Written by Anne Rumpf: I started out September with a trip to Belgium for a week. Though I was there for business, fortunately I was able to squeeze in one day of sightseeing. Since I spent most of the week in Brussels, my friend and I decided to take the train an hour north to the city of Bruges. Over the years the medieval city of Bruges has gone by many names: Venice of the North (thanks to the canal system), City of Romance and even the City That Time Forgot. However, none of these accurately capture this enchanting place. Click Read More for photos and additional information from my trip to Bruges.

Strolling along the maze of winding cobbled alleys and 11 miles of canals, it is easy to imagine medieval times. From its 13th-century origins as a cloth-manufacturing town to its current manifestation as a tourism hot spot, Bruges seems to have changed little. You will immediately notice that this city has always carefully cherished its architectural and artistic treasures from the past.

Since the city center is closed off to cars, all the stunning beauty and culture of this unforgettable city can be easily explored on foot, by horse-drawn carriage among cobblestone streets or by boat via the quiet canals. Although Bruges is a small city it could take more than one day to explore all the architectural and artistic treasures, folklore, chocolate and lace shops and charming restaurants. We missed the train back to Brussels twice as we kept saying just one more street…

Places to See: Space to Take Place, A 100 Meter Bench
Places to See: Dublin’s Light House Cinema
Places to See: California Academy of Science is Super Green

Note: Photos by Anne Rumpf & V. Burton