by Robert Bell
Russia is rapidly becoming one of the most fascinating destinations in the world. Since the fall of Communism, Russian traditions that were hidden for decades have revived and are rapidly making up for lost time. Russia, the most massive country in the world by land area, offers many other options, most Western visitors to Russia start at Moscow and St. Petersburg. Here are four fetching places to visit in Russia.
Abramstevo photo by Eden87/Wikimedia
Abramtsevo colony that looks more like a fairytale village is just north of Moscow, was once a retreat for artists and writers in the 1800s. Originally owned by Sergei Aksakov, writers and artists like Nikolai Gogol visited often as guests. They wanted to purge Russian art with outside influences to create a more genuine Russian ethos. In 1870 it was taken over by Savva Mamontov, and under his influence, Russian art thrived there. Abramtsevo contains a charming church, winding paths through wooded areas, and of course the unusual house straight out of a fairytale. The main structure may have been the inspiration for Chekhov's setting for The Cherry Orchard.
Gorky Park Ferris Wheel photo by Jeanpieranaya/Wikimedia
Winter at Gorky Park in Moscow is one of the most romantic places to visit Russia. The footpaths ice over, turning much of the setting into a lively skating rink. Gliding across the ice hand in hand with your favorite person is an incredibly tender way to spend a day. If you go in the summer, you can enjoy the many rides, cafes, and market stalls where you can shop for classic memorabilia. Opening for the first time in 1928, Gorky Park was covered in vibrant flowers and foliage as the royal gardens of a nearby palace. Whether you go in cold or in warm weather, you will discover hidden treasures that are fun and memorable. All this and an enjoyable view of Moskva River, perfect for a leisurely sunset walk.
Hermitage Winter Palace Grand Room photo by Sergey Zaryanko/Wikimedia
The Hermitage Winter Palace is considered to be the most stunning place in St. Petersburg. With its innumerable architectural touches, this magnificent monolith has over 1,000 rooms. In the past as the residence of Russia's tsars, it also was the location where in 1917 Bolsheviks began their coup d'etat. While that specific event of the Revolution was not as savage as it was later reported, it did herald civil war and the Bolshevik triumph in 1921. Today, the Winter Palace is home to the Hermitage Museum, the most expansive art gallery in Russia. Paintings by da Vinci, Raphael, and Rembrandt are just some of the works, in this vast art collection.
The Grand Hotel Europe is luxurious and a delight to stay. The most delicious food can be found in any one of the seven restaurants. The hotel has a long and enchanting history. Among the Grand Hotel Europe's countless historic visitors was Fyodor Dostoyevsky. From this hub of decadence, visitors can easily get to St. Petersburg's most famous sites. As a setting for bliss, Grand Hotel Europe cannot be surpassed. It is like going back to an earlier era, with opulence and beauty complemented by 21st century amenities.
While Russia is blessed with many enchanting sites, these four are great choices for inexperienced visitors. The stunning architecture of Eastern Europe combines with a 20th century mostly filled with stories that are unfamiliar to Westerners make Russia a nontraditional, but very exciting vacation.
For an unforgettable backdrop for romance.send flowers to Russia - visit http://www.sendflowers.ru/eng/flowers-russia/
Here are a few suggestions for good eats in Moscow:
Ekspeditsiya (Explorer)
Traditional Russian Cuisine
Pevchesky pereulok, 6
Moscow
Russia 109028
Tel: (495) 775-60-75
http://www.expedicia.ru/
Excellent food with decent prices. Try the Reindeer Stroganoff with grilled onions and horseradish. Arctic décor including Polar Bears
Café Pushkin
26A Tverskoy Bulvar
Moscow
Russia 125009
Tel: 7 (495) 739 0033
Lively café that not only has great food but hopping nightlife for clubbers
Open 24 hours
Goodman Steak House
Tverskaya ulitsa 23
Moscow
Russia
Tel: 7 (495) 775-9888
The most taste tempting meats anywhere in Russia. Tender cuts with tasty seasonings. Try the peppercorn or the Mushroom sauce delicious! Also offers Lamb, Chicken, Pork Ribs and Seafood.
Teplo
45 Bolshaya Morskaya Ulitsa
St Petersburg
Russia
Tel: 7 812-570-19-74
Excellent food in a down home environment. The cuisine is a mix of traditional and trendy. Good stroganoff, salads and you have got to try the salmon ravioli....superb!
