Discover Idstein from the top of the Witch Tower!

Discover Idstein from the top of the Witch Tower!

Idstein is a charming and remarkable old town that makes for a wonderful day trip! Also you have the opportunity to see the sites from the top of the Witch Tower (Hexenturm)!

I had a simple day planned, to get some coffee and walk around Idstein. However it turned into an adventure where, to my surprise, I actually swapped my car key for the key to the Witch Tower!

Idstein is a place that visitors quickly fall in love with because it is a fascinating and historic city. It was mentioned in documents for the first time in 1102 and the city was given charter in 1287! It is an incredible feeling to walk around and admire the half-timbered houses are from the 15th to the 18th century. The architecture is rich with colorful carvings and impeccable detail.
  

This adventure starts in the gardens right below the Witch Tower. Parking is available in the area or you can park at the Hexenturm car park. Above is the Idstein Castle and the Witch Tower. Located next to the tower is this sign with information on how to visit inside.

The tower sign tells you to go to the tourist office to get information about getting into the tower. I thought that someone would come open it for me or there would be a group going inside on a tour. To get there you must, walk around the corner into the courtyard of Idstein. Walking into the arched tunnel is such an enchanting experience and when you come out of the tunnel, it is one of my favorite views in Germany!

The tourist office is in the center square and it is a beautiful building!

The woman inside was very friendly and of course spoke English. I expressed that I would like to go inside of the tower and then she asked me for my car key as a deposit. I couldn’t believe the awesome old skeleton key she handed me in return for my boring Ford car key!! They ask you to lock yourself inside when you go in (GULP!) and to return in about 45 minutes.
 

So key in hand, off I went to the (mine, for 45 mins,) tower!

As I walked in, there were some people outside watching me and I felt pretty important with my big key. I stepped inside and then locked the door behind me. Yes that felt kinda creepy!

The stairs go up and lead to more stairs, with nice window views along the way.

Then you come to a tunnel and you are in the wide part on top of the tower.

Looking up!

Here is the final staircase so you can look out from top window of this 42 meter tower!

Beautiful Idstein from high above, all alone in (temporarily) my tower!

Time to head back to the office, walk back down the step and triple check that I locked the tower properly.

In the tourist office I learned a lot about the history of the Witch Tower. It was originally built as a watchtower for the city of Idstein. Between the years of 1449 to 1779 it was used to lookout for enemy strangers and also to alert the town of any fires in the area. The name "Hexenturm" emerged from locals only since the year 1900 because of the town’s history with witch hunts in the late 1600’s.

Almost 20 years before Salem, Massachusetts had their Salem witch trails, Idstein also experienced witchcraft accusations on their citizens. From 1676 and 1677, a total of 35 women and 8 men were accused of witchcraft and executed in Idstein. This is where the nickname of ‘Witches Tower’ comes from. There is a remembrance plaque for the victims of the witch hunts located below the tower.

All this tower climbing and witch hunt history has made me hungry and I need coffee. The best place to go is the Bäckerei Huth Café right in the center of the town next to the tourist office.

This bakery is so relaxing and welcoming! As an added bonus they have free WiFi and also a children’s play area. I might just stay here all day!

Across the street is a lovely shop, TrendHaus where you can find unique gifts and seasonal decorations.

You can even celebrate your achievement of walking up the Witch Tower by buying a miniature version of your own!

For a bigger hunger, in the same square there are several welcoming restaurants with amazing aromas wafting from inside!

Idstein a purely wonderful all year around! Surely do not miss their Christmas Market from only 4-6 Dec 15!

Also the very popular Idstein Jazz Festival is from 08-10 Jul 16!

About the author: Gemma is a mom, a veteran and an Army civilian living in Wiesbaden, Germany. With New Jersey roots, she is enjoying her extended European vacation.
Follow her at: https://www.facebook.com/AJerseyBroadAbroad/

Opel Zoo in Kronberg

Opel Zoo in Kronberg

Normally indigenous to the Taunus Mountains are the brown foxes, wild boar and red squirrels. However, there are few guests, like elephants, giraffes and hippos thanks to the Opel Zoo in Kronberg!  

 The Opel Zoo
is a wonderful place to visit to see all of the animals up close and personal while also taking in the beautiful forest scenery of the park. You feel very one with nature here and not many zoos have views of breathtaking castles.

When you first arrive in the park you are greeted by their tallest residents: the giraffes! Their area is in a big open field in the center and it is really a sight to see right when walking in. Also at the entrance is the very popular goats! They are happy to see you because you are able to feed them and boy are they hungry! At the ticket counter you have the opportunity to buy a bag of carrots and at the goat area there is a vending machine for grain.

 
The path along the zoo is designed in one big loop, with other areas off the route. The next big stop is the elephants and they are one of our favorites. You can toss them carrots as well and you watch them pick it up with their long trunks.

Cat lovers like us love looking at the not so domestic, wild cousin of your cat at home.

Clearly the main attractions are the numerous animals, but the zoo also has an amazing playground area! They offer pony and camel rides for kids! Also wooden hut that has a ball pit inside.

One of the most interactive animals are the lamas! It was so fun to feed them carrots. They really are friendly and come right up to you so you can pet them.

I really believe he is saying “Cheese”!!!

I love pigs! Here they have some big piggies!

There are many food stands around the zoo. My favorite is the one next to the playground so I can get some coffee while watching the little ones run around.

Price:

Adult: 14 euro

Child: 7,50 euro

Year Pass:

Adults: 45 euro

Child: 20 euro

I am a huge believer of year passes because you have the freedom of going anytime you like and even if it is for only a few hours. It pays off!

Opening Hours:

Winter Time 9:00 - 17:00

Summer Time 9:00 - 18:00

Enjoy the zoo! Here is a selfie with my new Lama friend

About the author: Gemma is a mom, a veteran and an Army civilian living in Wiesbaden, Germany. With New Jersey roots, she is enjoying her extended European vacation.

Follow her at: https://www.facebook.com/AJerseyBroadAbroad/

 

8 Tips for German Christmas Markets

8 Tips for German Christmas Markets

It may be hard to believe but Christmas is upon us! While living in a Country that does not celebrate Thanksgiving, it seems like Christmas comes knocking at your door before you are done eating your kids Halloween candy after they go to bed. First, the advent calendars, stollen cakes, spekulatius cookies and decorations appear everywhere. Then comes what we have all been waiting for, which puts you right into the Christmas spirit and what could warm even the Grinch’s two sizes too small heart: The German Christmas Markets! 

There are so many wonderful markets to see in Germany so you actually must do some prior planning. Here are 8 tips for the German Christmas Markets:  

1. Make a plan: Think of briefing your family and friends like a coach in the locker room before a big game with chart and all. “We are going to hit up Stuttgart, hit Heidelberg the next day then swing over to Wiesbaden in the final hours”. Don’t miss your favorite city! Every town/ city has its own dates and are not always all December long. Here is the mother of all Christmas Market websites that I have used for years: http://www.germany-christmas-market.org.uk/

2. See some big ones: There are a few remarkable big markets that you just must see during your time here. Here are some recommendations:

- Nuremberg (27 Nov-24 Dec) Highlights are the “Prune People” figures made out of prunes and the Nuremberg roast sausages.

- Rüdesheim (23 Nov-23 Dec) Try the famous Rüdesheim Coffee while watching boats float by in the upper middle Rhine Valley.

- Rothenburg ob der Tauber (27 Nov- 23 Dec) With enchanting medieval surroundings try the local “Schneeball

" pastry then visit the biggest Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas store.

- Heidelberg (23 Nov – 22 Dec) Scattered over not one, but five gorgeous market squares where you can eat, shop and drink while gazing upon the Heidelberg Castle that hovers above the town.  

3. Make a weekend out of it: For either a local market or a road trip worthy city, try booking a room in the city center to spend the weekend there. Perhaps even a hotel or bed and breakfast that looks out onto the charming lights of the market. How romantic!

4. Go to your local small fest: Meet some neighbors and go to your local fest that may only be one weekend or one night. You will meet people at their best! They are in the Christmas spirit and they will have a good gluhwein buzz. You may make new friends for life!

 
5. Dress Warm: Seriously. Some of my coldest moments I can remember in my adult life is from standing at a Christmas Market not dressed properly for the cold. Do not let the smile in your gluhwein mug selfies say, “I am having so much fun but I can’t feel my limbs anymore”. Dress for the extreme cold and remember you might not be moving much at times, which would normally keep you warm. Layer with clothing that ensures no bare skin is exposed.

6. Bring the kids: The markets are very child-friendly! They even have rides, games and treats for kids. On a weekend, the markets can get very packed and I do not suggest trying to push a stroller through a crowd of people who are mostly standing in place. Try a body wrap or backpack carrier instead. (Extra warmth too!)

7. D.D, Cab or Train it: Unless you are going to warm your belly with cups of Hot Chocolate all night, gluhwein has alcohol in it and may affect you more than you expect. There is also a market specialty drink called Feuerzangenbowle (say that 5 times fast) and it has rum soaked sugar burned on top with sometimes a side of some more rum inside! The ceremony of burning the sugar is the attraction and the drink celebrates the gathering of friends… but for lightweights like me, there should be no driving after this drink.

8. Meet your friends: More than the shopping, eating and drinking, the fests are about being with loved ones and spreading holiday cheer. Germans have an expression for this feeling of being cozy, socially accepted and friendly called: Gemütlichkeit. It comes from the adjective of ‘Gemüt’, which means "heart, mind, temper, feeling".

So drop your shopping list, give your friends presents of your presence and share some Gemütlichkeit this year at a German Christmas Market!
 

About the author: Gemma is a mom, a veteran and an Army civilian living in Wiesbaden, Germany. With New Jersey roots, she is enjoying her extended European vacation.

Follow her at: https://www.facebook.com/AJerseyBroadAbroad/

 

 

 

Ponyland: Pony Rides, Camping and More!

Ponyland: Pony Rides, Camping and More!

Ponyland Ebentaler Hof is a happy oasis nestled above the hills of Rüdesheim! With animals, camping and a café it is a perfect escape in the beautiful forest.

One of the great aspects of Ponyland Ebentaler Hof is that it can be a fun day trip or it can transform to a weekend away. Ponyland has guest rooms available and also a lovely campground.

We bought our tickets for the pony ride at the shops window then explored the area. We first had to say hello to all of the other animals. We even fed some hungry goats!

Next to the pony area there is a fun vintage playground which looks like it has been entertaining children for many years.

Every child loves to be able to climb up on a real bright-green tractor!

Also which turned out to be tons of fun, was the vintage merry-go-round that costs one euro. I was sure that it was only for show because it was from the 70s but it actually still worked really well!

The park was a great time but now it was time to get our pony! Here is how it works: After buying your ticket you go into the pony area and give it to the woman in charge. The cost is 8 euro and the walk lasts for about 20-30 mins because you are on your own pace. Then they find a pony that is the right size for your child. We had our eyes on this little guy! How adorable!

The pony attendant gets your mighty steed ready for the journey and ensures that he is the right size.
   

You are given some instructions, such as where to hold the brace around the pony to pull him along and to not let your pony eat any grass along the way. I learned the hard way, that if you let them eat once they sense your weakness and will keep trying to eat more the entire ride! So you must be firm right off the bat.

So we were ready to go!!

The path is gorgeous and it travels through their animal fields then through the enchanting woods.
  

We had a fantastic time on the walk and our horse was so well behaved. We worked up quite an appetite and thirst. Located in the main building is a picturesque cozy café with seating outdoors.

Cake and coffee was in order and it was delicious. The apples in the cake were local apples, very fresh and so scrumptious. 

Be sure to check out Ponyland the next time you are sightseeing around the Rheingau!

Address: Hof Ebental, 65385 Rüdesheim am Rhein

Hours: Mon-Sun: 10:00 am-6:00 pm

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ebentalerhof?fref=ts


About the author: Gemma is a mom, a veteran and an Army civilian living in Wiesbaden, Germany. With New Jersey roots, she is enjoying her extended European vacation.

Affordable Weekend Trip to Disneyland Paris

Affordable Weekend Trip to Disneyland Paris

Affordable Weekend Trip to Disneyland Paris…yes it is possible! A trip to the happiest place in Europe that won’t break the bank is attainable with prior planning.

Save money at the gate: Buy your park tickets online! Here you can find tickets for one day or two.

http://www.disneylandparis.com/en-us/

Top up: When leaving home, leave with a full tank of fuel and add money for 2 tanks of fuel on your fuel card.

First fuel stop: Stop here before you cross the border and top up your tank. Even if you fill up a quarter of a tank, it is worth it. Address:

Esso Station
Hochstr 34
66450 Bexbach
Deutschland

Instead of a turn and burn trip, to be safe and also to enjoy yourself more it is better to stay in a hotel. I suggest to either stay the night before and then an optional night after if you feel like staying late at Disneyland.

Where to stay for the first stop:

Qualys Hotel Reims Tinqueux

1 Avenue D'Afn - Tinqueux
51430 Reims, France

It is a great place to stop for many reasons. The location is right off the autobahn, so you don’t waste any time or gas traveling to the hotel. There is free, safe parking right in front of the hotel and you can see your car from the window. They have strong WiFi in the rooms. It is an hour away from Disneyland so when you wake up the next morning, have their great breakfast with amazing French coffee (oh yes!!) then you feel refreshed and ready for the day at the park.

 

 

Getting to the park:

Parking cost 15 euro. But Hooray! You made it!! The excitement level in the car at is about at a 10 right now!

Saving in the park:

It is possible to not spend any money when you get into the park. First way to save big is to bring in your own drinks and snacks. They tell you that picnicking is not allowed in the park, but you can bring small snacks and sandwiches. Everyone can carry a backpack, or if you have young kids, it is a great idea to bring in a stroller, if not for the kids than for your bag of snacks! Bring a big water bottle so you aren’t needing to buy the expensive gifts in the park.

Another way to save is with the gift shops. There are so many shops and your kids will see everyone with princess dresses and Mickey ears. The items cost much more than what we are used to. A good idea is to bring dresses, ears and even new toys that you bought before and give it to them in the park!

Where to stay the second stop:

This stop is good for if you stay late at the park and you feel like you can’t drive home. If you are trying to save some money, it is better to leave the park after the last parade at 6:30pm and just drive home.

This is a FUN and awesome hotel for kids. It is an Explorer themed hotel, with a huge ship in the middle and also a very cool pool with slides. We felt like pirates!! Argh matey!!

Explorers Hotel
50 Avenue de la Fossé des Pressoirs,
77700 Magny-le-Hongre, France

Fuel in France: Check your GPS to see how far it is to Homburg, Germany. My car needed about 25-30 Euros of Fuel in France. There are many along the highway and I stopped at one where you are able to pay at the pump. This saved a lot of time!

The tolls: The tolls are very easy and contrary to rumors they are not that expensive. It was perhaps 30 euro each way. Being a frequent traveler of the New Jersey Turnpike I am familiar with tolls…but perhaps not everyone is. Don’t be intimated by them! I first I was reluctant to go to the credit card lane because I thought it was only for a European chip card but there was a huge line in the cash lane, so being the daredevil I am I went to the credit card lane. Luckily they take any credit card. I took some photos of the different types of the tolls. Either you will come to a toll where you have to take a ticket or one where you pay with your card/ cash. They have an option for English.

Last fuel stop: Stop here to fill up with your fuel card to get you back home!

Holger Doetsch
Autobahn
66424 Homburg/ Saar
Deutschland

Need for speed?: Follow the speed limit in France. They definitely don't want to hear the excuse of oh sorry I'm used to Autobahn like you think you can pull when you go and leave in the States. Admit it: You thought of that! I don't think I have to go into detail about it, but I would definitely eliminate all possibilities of getting pulled over as an American with German license plates driving too fast in France! Set that cruise control and tame your heavy foot.

Well you are all set to go enjoy the magic of Disneyland Paris!!
  

Author’s Profile: Gemma is a mom, a veteran and an Army civilian living in Wiesbaden, Germany. With New Jersey roots, she is enjoying her extended European vacation.