Edinburgh, a literary landscape, is a city for book lovers. As a UNESCO World City of Literature, Edinburgh’s literary history has no shortage of book-related landmarks, museums, bookshops and notable coffee shops where authors made a special appearance. This literary tour will walk through some of the most historical sites and places known to the famous Scottish poets, writers and authors.

Scott Monument
Sir Walter Scott was a popular Scottish poet, novelist, playwright, historian and biographer. In the mid 1790’s, Scott became interested in German Romanticism, Gothic novels and Scottish ballads. In 1796, he published his first pieces, The Work and William and Helen,  a translation of German Romantic Balladeer G.A. Bürger. Scott became one of Scotland’s most profound poets and writers using strands of novel-writing techniques, which he fused with his interest in Scottish history and antiquarian lore. Scott died in 1832, and the city congregated to agree on a monument dedicated to this prolific writer. In 1836, the city launched an architectural competition and what you see today are the results from George Meikle Kemp’s winning bid.

The Writer’s Museum & Makar’s Court
The Writer’s Museum is free and dedicated to Scottish writers, specifically Robert Burns (1759-1796); Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832); and Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894). Special exhibits and collections frequently visit the museum. Explore a variety of rare books, portraits and writing desks. Check for hours as the museum is closed on Monday and Tuesdays beginning October 1, 2016. 

Makar’s Court is the area surrounding the museum. Keep your eyes peeled on the ground for famous quotes etched in stone, some of which date back to 14th Century writers.

The Conan Doyle
This traditional pub is most notable for being close to the original birthplace of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock  Holmes. Located nearby is Picardy Place, where the author was born on May 22, 1859. Today, a statue of Holmes stands erected, opposite of his birthplace. The food serves up traditional Scottish cuisine, but thankfully there are several options for vegetarians. 

The Royal Mile & Adam Smith Statue
If you can imagine the creepy feelings you get while walking through a cemetery on Hallow’s Eve, that is exactly how the Royal Mile feels, specifically at night. The medieval architecture inspired plenty of writers, including James Hogg’s Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner.
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Look out for Anchor Close, a crusty old lane located off the Royal Mile as this was the birthplace of the first-ever published Encyclopedia Britannica in 1768.

Near St. Gile’s Cathedral is the Adam Smith statue. In 1776, Smith published The Wealth of Nations which gave birth to the free market in economics. Smith is buried a few hundred meters away in Canongate Kirkyard. Here, discover a statue dedicated to the poet, Robert Fergusson at the gates. 

The Scottish Poetry Library
Nearby the Royal Mile is the Scottish poetry library, a unique national resource for poetry. Beyond poems, discover an array of books, events and dust-collectors for purchase like poetry mugs. 

Burns Monument
In 1812, Mr. John Forbes Mitchell in Bombay proposed the idea to erect a monument dedicated to the notable poet, Robert Burns. In 1819, a committee gathered at Free Mason’s Tavern in London and in 1824 John Flaxman R.A. was directed to construct the monument. He was one of the finest sculptors during that era. The monument is on Queen’s Street in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. 

Robert Louis Stevenson Sites
Stevenson is the prolific author of the world-renowned, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. At 17 Heriot Row is the childhood home where the Stevenson family moved to in 1857 when Robert was seven years old. The Mound is an architectural piece created from the rubble of Nor’ Loch. The façade had a “split personality,” which may have contributed to the Jekyll and Hyde persona. The famous criminal Deacon Brodie also provided inspiration for Jekyll & Hyde, who was highly regarded cabinet maker and citizen but a burglar at night in hopes to pay off his debt. It is said Stevenson owned a Brodie Cabinet. Experience more at Lawn Market and Brodie’s Close.  

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What's your favorite literary spot in Edinburgh? Let us know! Let's connect!
Looking for other things to do in Edinburgh? 

This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to A Literary Tour in Edinburgh, Scotland

Dear Friends, 

Hope you are having a lovely summer. I have applied for the Weleda Global Garden Contest and hoping you can take a moment to vote for me? Weleda is a holistic German product line and is looking for a blogger and creative artist to explore their meadows, gardens and farms located around the world. As someone who lives by the motto, "a lifestyle inspired by nature" and created The Lemon Tree, nature, travel and interconnectedness between man, earth and cultures is not only important to me, it is my lifestyle. 

Nature is what peaks my curiosity and inspires my creativity. I believe the birds, flowers and everything created is a messenger and a reflection to our inner and outer world. 

I need to make it into the top 6 for the USA, and from there Weleda chooses one of us to go to Germany this fall to compete to become the "chosen one." Voting ends 9/10 and the winner of each country will be announced on 9/12/17. The vote is official once you click on the confirmation link in your email inbox. Weleda does not store emails. 

Click here to vote today or follow this direct link: https://www.weledaglobalgarden.com/usa/candidate/2594

Thank you for your time and consideration. 
​Elizabeth 

​Tallinn, Estonia contains one of the most majestic Old Town in Europe. From the medieval era to the Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic, Tallinn experienced its fair share of brutal history. Today, visitors enjoy lattes and chocolate cake in some of the most historic buildings and cafes in and around the old city. When in Tallinn, stay warm at some of the most buzz-worthy cafes you can't miss while in Tallinn.

Choco - Chocolaterie de Pierre
Hidden in an ancient courtyard on Vene Street is the Choco café. The actual cafe opened in 2003 with roots dating back to 1937. The interior transports you back into ancient Europe. The cozy café features a plethora of golden-rimmed paintings, Victorian candles, red velvet chairs and an old sign in book to explore where travelers come from. Enjoy a latte, or a Chai tea, accompanied with a slice of European-style cake or small square of chocolate. During the warmer months, enjoy the makeshift “couch” along the exterior’s stairs.

Kohvik Dannebrog Café – Old Town Tower & Walkway Café
Built between 1402 and 1404, this is the most unique café located in Tallinn. Climb 115 narrow stairs; using a walled-in chain to aide your adventures up the steep stairs toward the tower. Be careful on the way down, especially with dress shoes. A bit expensive, visitors pay for the view and the experience (around 5 euros for a coffee). But, there are not many places in the world where you can hangout in a medieval tower for 5 euros! 

Maiasmokk Cafe
Maiasmokk is Estonia's oldest cafe. Established in 1864, a bakery and shop occupied this space since 1806. This era was a time when locals dreamed many little dreams of inventions to the creation of photography. In 1941, the Soviet occupation incorporated the business with other confectioneries. Legend has it that Tallinn is the birthplace of marzipan and used to prevent lovesickness during the medieval era. Today, marzipan is still handmade in the shop where guests shop and watch storekeepers paint marzipan. 

Energia Kohvik 
If you're feeling nostalgic for the Soviet Union, explore Energia Cafe. Some claim the only thing that has changed is that the waitresses are now old ladies. There are few authentic Soviet cafes left in Tallinn, and this is one of the closest ones to Old Town. Established in 1964, this is one of the cheapest places to eat and drink. Besides coffee and pastries, explore a variety of Eastern European soups and simple sandwiches. The decor is modest and as plain as and uninspiring as you can get during the Soviet era. 

Kehrwieder Saiakang Chocolaterie
Kehrwieder has several locations within Tallinn and roasts it's coffee locally in town. The established cafe is not that old, but resides in some of the most historic spaces and buildings in town. Besides coffee and chocolate, Kehrwieder hand makes their own ice cream without preservatives or artificial coloring. 

Reval Cafe
This Old Town Vene location is a beautiful spot to visit to soak up the historic atmosphere. Open earlier than most cafes in the neighborhood, it's an affordable breakfast destination. With two stories, stay warm as the heat rises, which is essential during the cold winter months.  Reval is now one brand that united several cafes throughout the city. With 11 cafes located throughout the city, I recommend spending more time at the other cafes, but having breakfast or an early AM coffee here. 

What's your favorite cafe in Tallinn? Let us know so we can check it out on our next trip! 

This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to The Best Historic Cafes in Tallinn, Estonia. 

Queen Anne is a family-friendly neighborhood located north of downtown Seattle. Here, you'll find a variety of interesting characters and families roaming around the neighborhood. Queen Anne is divided into two sections, Upper and Lower Queen Anne. Thanks to modernization, Lower Queen Anne is a cluster of goofy-looking box and glass apartments, with a few rare old buildings left, clinging for its life. Upper Queen Anne where most of the families live and here you'll find a blend of historic businesses alongside modern establishments. 

The coffee culture represents the neighborhood, a blend of the old and new. Although the new is gaining momentum, there's still some old-world charm establishments still left. But if there's one thing these two worlds have in common, its that a high standard for good, quality coffee is a must. And luckily vegans have no problem finding soy or almond milk at nearly every establishment. 

Craftworks Coffee 
Craftworks Coffee features a rotational list of artisan coffees from various Pacific Northwest roasters. With a fine selection of teas and hand-crafted brewing methods, explore a wide range of menu items from cold brews to herbal teas. My favorite is the strawberry and peach tea, but whatever you fancy, the cafe is chic, clean and bustling with freelancers poking away on mac laptops.  

Nielsen's Pastries
If you'd like something sweet to go with your coffee, head to Nielsen's, a Dutch bakery, in business since 1965. This is a place to find locals and affordable coffee and treats. Tucked away on 2nd Avenue West, it's easy to miss Nielsens unless you discover the sidewalk sign decorated with Dutch flags. Experience gluttony with the "potato," a cream-filled pastry wrapped in marzipan and dunked in Dutch cocoa powder. Most say it's like consuming heaven on earth and best washed down with a cup of Olympia Roasted coffee.  I love the decor as it feels like a walk back into 1970's Europe. 

La Marzocco
La Marzocco is a coffee-maker company that now has a cafe inside the KEXP building. The cafe features over-priced coffee, but you pay for the atmosphere. With comfy couches located under street-side cafe lights, hipster congregate here for the cool-vibes atmosphere and the occasional live music jazz or jam session. I find the espresso to be like crack, it's so strong I'm strung out for days. 

Uptown Espresso
The beloved Uptown Espresso is one of Lower Queen Anne's long-standing coffee establishments. My first experience here is when they dripped the coffee through coffee filters. Enraged with anger, the next time I went there they told me they accidentally messed up the bean to water ratio and so basically I drank four shots of espresso. Yikes, but, after that mistake all has been good. The inside is basic a mix of various sized wooden tables next to walls decorated with European-style fine art. It's the perfect place to grab a cup of Joe before hopping on a bus downtown. 

Caffe Zingaro
This LQA cafe is tucked away on a corner adjacent to the Seattle Center. Known for it's tea selection and local pastries, Caffe Zingaro keeps Queen Anne buzzing with odd-concoctions like a Cuban latte and golden milk-inspired flavors. I'm not sure about turmeric coffee, but everything is worth trying once!

Tully's
One of the last remaining Tully's is located in Queen Anne. Although I am not a fan of mainstream establishments, I like Tully's as the people are friendly and it's what is left of this regional chain before Starbuck's bought them out. 

S&L Coffee
Previously named Bustle, new owners have revamped the menu and now offers ice cream alongside the traditional coffee and pastry options. Discover rare flavors like the London Fog and lavender and blueberry ice cream. 

Coffee Mind Cafe
Located on the slope of Queen Anne, is this Turkish coffeehouse and boutique. Eat, drink and shop your way into the heart of the Mediterranean. Besides Turkish Coffee, Coffee Mind features a variety of teas, American and Turkish pastries and cold food and beverages. Whether you're looking for home textiles or a Turkish tea cup set, cafe-goers experience the best of both worlds, the east and the west. 

Storyville Coffee
​As my Polish friend says, "Storyville is the cadillac of cafes in Seattle." He's in love with everything about the flavor of the beans. Storyville has several locations in Seattle and is a privately-owned company. Storyville donates to reputable organizations who help fight human trafficking. 

Caffe Fiore 
This beloved organic cafe is a place to mingle with locals enjoying a latte and the sun on the adirondack chairs.  All coffee is brewed from 100% organic coffee beans, which ignites a flavor that locals are obsessed with. 

La Reve
For a taste of Paris, head to La Reve for a coffee and a french pastry. The old-world charm transports you back to what Paris used to be like. The pastries aren't cheap, but well worth every penny. I recommend the almond croissant. Located in a house on Queen Anne Avenue, during the summer enjoy the Seattle sun on the front patio.  

El Diablo
If the devil worships anything, it's this place. Equipped with potent coffee and vegan-friendly treats, El Diablo is one of the most popular cafes in Queen Anne. There is no shortage of colorful chairs, quirky artwork or mac laptops that hog almost every table. 

Cafe Ladro
Cafe Ladro has an upper and a lower Queen Anne location. The first Ladro location opened in Queen Anne in 1994. With several locations around town, Ladro expanded their business to become a roaster in 2011. There is no shortage of baked good options, including several vegan-friendly sweets. The only thing I do not like about Ladro is that the Upper Queen Anne location plays the music so damn loud. Seating is limited, but both locations offer outdoor adirondack chairs. 

What's your favorite cafe in Queen Anne? Let us know! 

This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Seattle's Best: A Guide to the Best Cafes in Queen Anne. 

As Germany’s main international airport hub, Frankfurt is a popular destination for busines and international travelers who arrive with intentions of heading elsewhere.  Frankfurt doesn’t attract mass tourism like Berlin, Munich and Hamburg, but still has plenty of historic sites to see in an afternoon’s time while waiting for a train or a flight. Go ahead and skip modern Frankfurt, and indulge in the history of Frankfurt am Main. 
 

Schindler’s Memorial Plaque
Adjacent to the Hauptbanhof is the home of where Oskar Schindler, the man who saved 1,200 Jews at Auschwitz, lived between 1965 and 1974.  On the facade, a plaque rests in honor of his bravery in World War II.
Am Hauptbahnhof 4, Frankfurt am Main, Hessen, Germany

Goethehaus - Goethe’s Home and Museum
On August 28, 1749, at the strike of midday, or twelve, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was born. This is the home where Johann and his sister Cornelia. Goethe is known as the “Shakespeare of Germany,” and is one of the most prolific writers in western civilization.  In 1733, Goethe’s grandmother purchased the home. The house was destroyed during the war and rebuilt with original belongings. The museum is insight into Goethe’s life and a walk through 18th Century aristocratic luxury. Visitors will see everything from a 1700’s kitchen to Goethe’s writing desk. The museum is a must visit and nearly one mile from Hauptbanhof.

Altstadt – Old Town
Cute, quaint and small, Altstadt is one of the few remaining historical areas in Frankfurt and is a short walk from Goethe’s home. No matter what Old Town you visit while in Germany, Altstadt is the center of where every city began. Frankfurt’s beginnings date back to 794, but sadly, because of World War II only part of the Old Town has been preserved. The Römerberg is the central square where you’ll discover ancient buildings and German restaurants and cafes.
 
Eat lunch or grab a coffee at Haus Wertheym, an authentic German restaurant serving traditions since 1479. Not only is the food excellent, with plant-based options, inside contains an array of historic artifacts from ancient pots to weathered signs. During the late spring and early summer, order the white asparagus soup, a German favorite. 

Kaiserdom Sankt Bartholomäus – St. Bartholomew Church  
This is the most impressive imperial church in the city. The church was built during the 14th and 14th Century and the emperors of the Holy Roman Empire were crowned here. 

Alte Nikolaikirche and Paulskirche are two other noteworthy churches located in Altstadt. 

Riverfront Promenade & Old Bridges
Frankfurt am Main refers to the river that flows through the city. There are eight bridges in Frankfurt with Alte Brücke ("Old Bridge"), the 11th Century bridge and the 1868 Eiserner Steg ("Iron bridge") tied for first place in popularity. Walk the promenade or take a river cruise, the choice is yours but hanging out here is a way to see the locals enjoy simple and thoughtful living. 

From here retire your afternoon by walking back to the train station to catch your train, bus or flight. I completed this itinerary in four hours, while spending one hour at the Goethehaus.  

What's your favorite Frankfurt site or landmark?

This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to How to Spend an Afternoon in Frankfurt, Germany. 

Jardin del Turia
Without a care in the world, get lost in one of Valencia’s most prominent park. During the spring, beautiful blossoms flow in the wind, which at times, feels like its snowing purple petals. The air is fragrant, with plenty of orange trees to admire.  Picture-worthy historical sites along the garden includes Real Palace, Torres de Serranos, a place to capture city views from a 1392 Gothic monument and Porta de la Mar. ​

Valencia’s Seaside
End your day with a beach walk admiring the sun setting over the grandiose seaside. With a total of 8 beaches, El Cabanyal is the most popular beach and features plenty of chic restaurants and beach cafes along the boardwalk.  Before entering the beach, look for the locals grilling corn smothered in olive oil and sea salt. At night, several restaurants turn into a lounge/nightclub so don’t forget your dancing shoes.   
 
To get to the beach, take the green line L5 metro to Maritim Serreria. From here walk to the sea or take the tram to Mediterrani.