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| Bell Tower Square in Bruges. |
1. Get to Ghent.
The Ghent Alterpiece is one of the most famous works of art in the world, and hands down the jewel of Belgium art. The altarpiece is breathtaking to behold, rich in color and expression. The altarpiece was stolen from its frames during World War II by the Nazis, only to be saved with just a few days to spare by the American Allied Forces and the men who became known as the Monuments Men. This is worth the trip to Ghent alone. It's absolutely worth the trip.
2. Don't say no to chocolate.
Belgium and chocolate goes hand in hand. I mean who doesn't dream of popping a Belgian Chocolate truffle in their mouth from time to time. We visited a few different chocolate shops around Belgium and none of them disappointed. I am a dark chocolate girl for sure, and each truffle was just perfect. It really was heaven on earth for a chocolate fan.
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| Awesome day at the Tour! Allez Allez Allez! |
3. Travel back in time.
Flanders Fields in Ypres in the sight of World War I history. There are dozens of memorials to all of the soldiers from around the world that lost their lives on these fields, as well as some fantastic museums. It really is such a marvel at how the style of war changed so drastically from WWI to WWII. WWI was one of trench warfare, and some bunkers are still visible amidst famers' fields.
4. Grab a bike.
Like Holland, biking is very popular in Belgium. Since much of the country is flat as well, its very easy to tour and beautiful from the seat of a bike. The walls of Bruges are particularly nice to tour via a bike.
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| Dan and I waiting for the peleton to arrive in Ypres. |
5. Don't forget about waffles!
Like chocolate, Belgians are known for their waffles. We grabbed an amazing waffle from a store front around the corner from the Basilica of the Holy Blood in Bruges. Have your waffle with cream and chocolate. It's a dream.
6. Get lost in the Ardennes.
Belgium is famous for another big standoff during war, this time during WWII. The Ardennes Forest is best known for the drawn out battle that occurred here around Christmastime, the Battle of the Bulge. The American Allied 101st Airborne Forces were pinned down in the forest outside Bastogne for days while reinforcements encircled Bastogne in attempts to drive out the Germans. The 101st held their position which was ultimately a major swing for the Allies.
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| On our evening walk in Ghent. |
7. Say hello.
The locals are extremely friendly and always willing to give a suggestion or two to make your trip even more memorable. There was not one person who was not kind or sweet.
8. France is for Wine, Beligum is for Beer.
We all know that France is the place for great wines, but Belgium is the king of beers. There are hundreds of breweries around the country and their beers are all excellent. Every restaurant seems to have at least a dozen beers on tap and their beer lists are far more extensive than any wine or spirits list. It is also a great way to enjoy an inexpensive cocktail during your meals.
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| Basilica of the Holy Blood in Bruges. |
9. Pick the B&B.
B&Bs are a great way to meet some locals and really get the insiders point of view on a location. They usually can share with their guests great tips for the area and unlike hotel reception desks, they have fewer guests so they can really share information about not only local sites and eateries, but history about the area.
10. Double and Triple Fried Frites!
The land where the french fry was born, Belgians love their frites. There are friteries around every corner and lets be honest who can say no to a french fry. Try them the way the Belgians do, with mayo instead of ketchup. Enjoy!
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| Grabbing chocolates at my namesake in Brussels. |
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