The Japanese Friendship Garden was created out of reverence to San Jose’s sister city, Okayama, Japan. It is now an amazing and breathtaking park that is used quite often for weddings. There are six acres of waterfalls, landscaping, bridges, Bonzai plants and much more. Take a stroll or picnic in one of San Jose’s most beautiful treasures.

Turtle Rock Ridge Winery embraces an Italian philosophy of winemaking in the heart of California's Ramona Valley. Tour the gorgeous estate and winemaking facilities, then relax with a glass of wine as the sun sets over the picturesque landscape.

A weekend trip to Ghent is simply not complete without a visit to the mysterious ‘Castle of the Counts’. This important sight in Ghent is a castle with a very turbulent past, closely intertwined with the complex—often stormy—political and social history of the city. It is the only remaining mediaeval castle with a moat and largely intact defence system in Flanders. Your visit to the Castle of the Counts will give you a complete picture of heraldic culture in the 12th century. The gatehouse, ramparts, keep, count’s residence and stables are open to visitors. Be sure to go up the long spiral staircase to the museum of torture devices on the top floor of the Castle of the Counts. Here, you will find a unique collection of instruments for torture and coercion, as well as a collection of weapons. The Castle of the Counts also hosts all kinds of cultural activities, events and activities, for example during the Ghent Festivities. It is also a popular place to get married for Ghent’s locals. Let’s not forget the time the Castle of the Counts was occupied by protesting students in 1949! Explore the castle during your weekend trip in Ghent and find out all about the ‘Battle of the Castle of the Counts’. The keep, symbol of the Counts’ power Go back in time inside this majestic fortress. Its history goes back to the time of the Roman occupation, when there was already a settlement on a sand bank by the River Lys. After a brief period of Viking plundering, the Counts of Flanders converted the earlier wooden constructions into a keep (living quarters) in the Middle Ages, with ramparts built entirely of stone, replete with 24 towers. The imposing building with its military architecture was a symbol of the Counts’ power in the turbulent city of Ghent. Do you want to dig deep into the history of Ghent? This is where you need to be. Ghent, full of charming history and modern vibrancy.

Horseback riding is a big deal in New Zealand. You'll find numerous companies that let you experience relaxing rides through the green hills, or teach you to gallop along the black sand beaches. Some will even pair your equestrian experience with wine tasting. Saara and Simon from Muriwai Beach Horse Treks subscribe to three main principles: happy horses, happy customers and happy staff. You can trust them to take good care of you as you trek along the picturesque black sand beach of Muriwai, and through the enchanting Woodhill forest.