Finding the Unique with Google Maps

In my travels, I use Google Maps to help me design my destination spots. I've used maps for the usual uses like finding great hotels and restaurant and also to get directions to those locations. I've also, in large part used Google Maps to explore and find the interesting or unusual. Something that might have a little something special to offer a visitor.

In Seattle, WA I made plans to go check out the ever-popular Fremont Troll and, in exploring Google Maps in advance, I also found a couple of unique sights to check out, like the Center of the Universe Sign and a fantastic bookshop where I was able to indulge my love of books with three new stories! Little did I  know, there was more to discover on this side journey on my exploration of Seattle. A short distance from the sign was a grouping of Google Office buildings and an awesome draw bridge, the Fremont Bridge.

Other trips I found, using Google Maps, an awesome Riverboat converted into a hotel and restaurant right in the heart of Old Town Sacramento! Imagine having a fantastic meal while floating on the water and watching tall ships sail past the window. That was my experience. After my tasty breakfast, I was able to explore Old Town Sacramento which boasted many unusual shops, a museum, and other unique rustic features that one would only find in this place. If it weren't for maps, I'd never have made Sacramento a stop on my trip through California and would never have seen the neat things I did.

On another journey through Montana, I was lucky enough to find a unique bed and breakfast, Toad Hall Manor. This place was fantastic with owners who were lovely, friendly, and welcoming people. They invited those of us who were staying in their B&B to join them for a dinner of homemade jambalaya. Breakfast was started with a small scone and tea or coffee brought right to your room on a tray that guests could enjoy while getting ready for their day. This place reminded me so much of many of the places I had stayed at when I was traveling through Ireland. It was gorgeous and so comfortable.

Speaking of Ireland, an experience in itself. I used Google Maps so much to explore the country. I used it many times in advance to gauge directions and familiarize myself with the lay of the land as we would be driving around the country. One find we had that stood out was our visit to Kilmokea Tea Garden. We were lucky enough to make it just before they closed. We had intended just to stop long enough to use the bathrooms and maybe snag a cup of tea before heading out not wanting to impose too much on the owner. Instead, we found ourselves invited to stay, have a snack and a cup of tea while chatting with the owner who sat down to converse with us. He told us that when we finished our tea we were welcome to wander the gardens and gave us a map saying the only thing he requested was that we be on our way before dark. Since we began our garden exploration after the place closed we had the garden entirely to ourselves. The experience was like a cross between Alice in Wonderland, a fairyland, and The Secret Garden. The visit left us breathless and with a desire to come back and see more.

In all, Google Maps has afforded me so many unusual and wonderful experiences and I love using the site to look for more. Even now I'm planning a new road trip and I'm using Google Maps to dig out fun and unique places to visit. (Guess what? I found a hotel, where each guest gets their own cabin! Bet you know where I'm going to be staying!)