Travel Profile: The Romance of Northwind 7/18/3132
INN - Interstellar News Network
Situated only 35 light years from Terra, Northwind has long been stop-off point for
travelers, but in recent years the capital of Prefecture IV has become a tourist
destination in its own right. The world's Scots-Irish heritage has survived the
Succession Wars, the Blake Jihad and the Reformation and has become a major factor
in the tourist boom.
The capital city of Tara is the principal destination of visitors, its buildings a mix of
the old—some, like the Hall of the Clans, date back to the 22nd century—and the
new, like the thirty-year-old Prefectural Assembly. The Montgomery Institute is
without doubt the prefecture's pre-eminent modern art gallery, containing noted
works by McRae, Ito and Starling. The luxuriant grounds surrounding the Institute
are a popular venue for walks and picnics; the paths winding through the arboretum
are a favored venue of young couples. The centrally located Highland Royal Hotel in
the heart of Tara is the ideal base for exploring the city, with 500 well-appointed
rooms, the well-regarded Stuart Restaurant and courtesy shuttles to major sites in the
city and the spaceport.
Equally popular are the rolling heather moorlands of Strathconnor, at the heart of the
New Lanark continent, whose late-summer blooms transform the black and green
hills into a riot of purples and yellows. The Tilman Gorge and the Willesdon Falls are
the best-known natural features, each attracting tens of thousands of visitors each
year particularly in the high summer. The Dunmore Hotel at Willesdon provides
superb views over the falls, and organizes walks and pony treks around the area,
including an indispensable stop at the Star League fortifications of "the castle," now
classified as a historic monument. The Dunmore also features a popular health spa for
those preferring more sedate vacations.
The best-kept secret on Northwind is the Argyle Islands, the windswept and desolate
—but fiercely beautiful—archipelago surrounding Halidon. Though lacking in the
technological or cultural amenities of other destinations, the Argyles are ideal for those
desiring to escape the modern world and experience a lifestyle that has remained
nearly unchanged for a millennium. Sailing and diving are popular pastimes, with the
Loch Kinnis holiday village a basic but comfortable venue with a twice-daily shuttle to
Halidon Port. Loch Kinnis is particularly suitable for those seeking to add an adventure
element to their vacation, but is not appropriate for children under 12.
INN - Interstellar News Network
Situated only 35 light years from Terra, Northwind has long been stop-off point for
travelers, but in recent years the capital of Prefecture IV has become a tourist
destination in its own right. The world's Scots-Irish heritage has survived the
Succession Wars, the Blake Jihad and the Reformation and has become a major factor
in the tourist boom.
The capital city of Tara is the principal destination of visitors, its buildings a mix of
the old—some, like the Hall of the Clans, date back to the 22nd century—and the
new, like the thirty-year-old Prefectural Assembly. The Montgomery Institute is
without doubt the prefecture's pre-eminent modern art gallery, containing noted
works by McRae, Ito and Starling. The luxuriant grounds surrounding the Institute
are a popular venue for walks and picnics; the paths winding through the arboretum
are a favored venue of young couples. The centrally located Highland Royal Hotel in
the heart of Tara is the ideal base for exploring the city, with 500 well-appointed
rooms, the well-regarded Stuart Restaurant and courtesy shuttles to major sites in the
city and the spaceport.
Equally popular are the rolling heather moorlands of Strathconnor, at the heart of the
New Lanark continent, whose late-summer blooms transform the black and green
hills into a riot of purples and yellows. The Tilman Gorge and the Willesdon Falls are
the best-known natural features, each attracting tens of thousands of visitors each
year particularly in the high summer. The Dunmore Hotel at Willesdon provides
superb views over the falls, and organizes walks and pony treks around the area,
including an indispensable stop at the Star League fortifications of "the castle," now
classified as a historic monument. The Dunmore also features a popular health spa for
those preferring more sedate vacations.
The best-kept secret on Northwind is the Argyle Islands, the windswept and desolate
—but fiercely beautiful—archipelago surrounding Halidon. Though lacking in the
technological or cultural amenities of other destinations, the Argyles are ideal for those
desiring to escape the modern world and experience a lifestyle that has remained
nearly unchanged for a millennium. Sailing and diving are popular pastimes, with the
Loch Kinnis holiday village a basic but comfortable venue with a twice-daily shuttle to
Halidon Port. Loch Kinnis is particularly suitable for those seeking to add an adventure
element to their vacation, but is not appropriate for children under 12.
| July 18, 3132 |