Last-minute summer getaways for the family

The best way to soak up French culture is simply to stroll. Upper Town is surrounded by thick ramparts and occupies the crest of Cap Diamant overlooking the St. Lawrence River. It includes many of the sites for which the city is famous, among them the Basilica of Notre-Dame, the
Québec Seminary and Museum (houses French culture museum), and the Terrasse Dufferin. The Terrasse Dufferin is a pedestrian promenade that attracts crowds in all seasons for its magnificent views of the river and the land to the south.

The Lower Town encompasses the restored Quartier du Petit-Champlain, including pedestrian-only rue du Petit-Champlain; Place Royale and the impressive Museum of Civilization.

Summer is chock full of festivals in Quebec City:

• Quebec Summer Festival takes place the first two weeks of July, featuring local and international musicians. Visit: infofestival.com, 1-888-992-5200
• Loto-Quebec Fireworks competitions last two weeks of July — first week of August. Giant international fireworks competition. Visit: Lesgrandsfeux.com, 1-800-923-3389
• New France Medieval Festival: First week of August, Historic re-enactments, plays, concerts, fashion shows highlighting early days in Old Quebec. Visit: nouvellefrance.qc.ca, 1-866-391-3383

Sites to see:
Place-Royale:This is the most spectacular of the city's many squares, with all the historic buildings fully restored to their splendor. This is a must for capturing French culture. Folk dances, impromptu concerts, and other festive gatherings are often held near the bust of Louis XIV in the center of the square. Excellent visuals.

Grande-Allée: Known as Quebec's "Champs-Elysees," this boulevard passes the stately Parliament building as well as the numerous terraced bars and restaurants. It also skirts the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Plains of Abraham, where one of the most important battles in the history of North America took place between the French and the British for control of the city.

Petit-Champlain District: Narrow cobblestone pedestrian streets dotted with old houses and livened by street and commercial artists.

Jamaica
PACKAGE: “Simply Paradise” package
RESORT: The Ritz-Carlton, Rose Hall Montego Bay, Jamaica
PRICE: $1137
WHO: Family of four — kids 11 and under stay and eat free
INCLUDES:

• 4 days/3 nights
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Water sports

HOW: Within 4 hours flight from NYC, ATL, Miami. 15 minutes from Montego Bay’s airport.
BOOKING: (800) 241-3333 or ritzcarlton.com.

Ritz Carlton Rose Hall: Located in Jamaica's exclusive Rose Hall plantation area of Montego Bay, the 427-room AAA Five Diamond Resort offers the seclusion of a beachfront hideaway, complete with an 18-hole championship golf course, a full-service spa, a variety of water sports and recreational activities, as well as five dining outlets. 

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