Do all love stories end tragically? I was charmed by our guide's story about the Lake of Love in…read moreBruges. Shall I tell you the story? You probably know some version of it from wherever you hail from. Star crossed lovers...tragic death...undying love. And poor Minne ends up under the water and this becomes the Lake of Love. Our guide also pointed out the Bridge of Love too.

What a picturesque park situated on the outskirts of town. The sleepy willows, "Lake of Love",…read moresquawking swans, and steepled church belonging to an active monastery are the perfect romantic backdrop for such a peaceful area. During the holidays, the Minnewater is host to an ice-skating rink with connected "winter bar" and small eatery. It is located right near the train station, so when you are planning your walking path to the city center, do make it your first and last stop during your day trip to Brugge.

Otherworldly. Not a…read moresingle sequence of words strung together could accurately review this moment in time. It's an experience that will remain with me forever. I now know that a courtyard filled with daffodils is something I absolutely aspire to have. I used to think it was a few blueberry bushes and maybe a gardenia plant or two with vines of midnight jasmine but now I'm tossing an entire courtyard of daffodils onto that list. I love moments filled with a light breeze and pure tranquility. This is that moment, and a place that will make you feel things you didn't know were possible. It was the most incredible surprise.

It's cozy... But thats about it‍. They used to have a small gift shop but couldn't find it.read more

Absolutely amazing recreational park! Soccer, water polo, kayaking, paddle boats, mini golf,…read morehiking, bike park, picnic area.....this place has it all. And did I mention the trolls??? Danish artist Thomas Dambo has built seven giant trolls from reclaimed wood using old shelves, pallets, and branches from fallen trees. Trolls are 13 to 60-foot-tall sculptures and are dotted around the forest with some practicing chores and others taking a rest. Super fun to discover! But be careful for mosquitoes - they are brutal in the wooded area. Mr & I got totally eaten. But better than being eaten by the trolls. This place absolutely rocks!

I used my Brugge Museum Pass (purchased online and most cost effective when visiting 3 or more…read moremuseums/activities in 72 hours) and had the QR code scanned for admittance. If you have any backpacks or bags then you must store them in the free lockers due to the tight confines on the staircase. The climb was up 366 steps that first started with stone but later turned into narrower wooden steps making a tight staircase with two way traffic. If timed correctly then you may see and hear the carillon in action for a few minutes. That was the highlight of my visit but there are scheduled carillon "concerts" to enjoy when in Brugge. The views were nice as could be on that cloudy morning. Wire screens on all opening impacted some photos but one can capture most of the city. On the way down I took my time and finally stopped to view the exhibits on the bells, drum (programming for ringing the bells), carillon, the tower history, etc. Before exiting the staff will rescan your ticket. There was a small gift shop after the turnstiles.

I told myself that I am going to the top of Belfort even if it kills me…read more This is the center of Bruges. U just have to do this if u r here. From the outside looks like a medieval castle but it is a bell tower built in the 13th century, actually Bruges is a medieval city. It has 366 steps but felt like 1,000. Going up my heart felt like it was going to explode, on the way down does not affect ur cardio but hard on the knees. There is a thick rope on the right side to hold on too. Right of way goes to people going down. There are three levels u can take a break. One rest has the mechanical carillon which controls the music box, I was fortunate to be there when it was activated. This was physically brutal but I felt like I accomplished something big. I am physically strong however I realize I need to work on my cardio. Additionally, there was a Christmas Market in front of Belfort as well as others within walking distance. So much delicious food at the Christmas Markets. Belgian waffles are delicious, but they don't put syrup on them, they uses strawberries and bananas, powdered sugar or nutella. Hot wine is a thing, probably because it is about 40 degrees. The streets and businesses have lights and Christmas decorations, so festive. There was a celebrity chef Kurt Mortier there making delicious bratwurst, the line was long, he was very friendly, sausages are a big deal here. My favorite food discovery was chicken in mushroom cream sauce, where has this dish been all my life? This is the Christmas magic I felt as a child. There is a Santa Claus.

From the owner: Parc de l'aquarium A deux minutes de la plage, ce parc se pare de nombreux parterres de fleurs et…read morede coins ombragés. Outre le portail de 1925 qui plante l'entrée, on retrouve le musée aquariophile et ses habitants criards, ainsi que plusieurs statues et fontaines qui ponctuent les allées du parc avec élégance et volupté.

So happy to find this place only a 15 minute drive from home…read more Plenty of space to walk around. Paths to ride bikes or run. Lake to fish. There's a big playground with plenty of shade. Downside for me personally is the sand but other than that my oldest (6 years old) enjoyed our visit here. They also have some tennis courts but not sure how it works out to utilize them or if they provide gear or not. There's a "bar" area but not sure what they serve besides beer, fries and ice cream. Nice place to take photographs.

I don't know, guys. Maybe it's just me, but I don't necessarily think this "lake" and park are…read moreworth the hype. We decided to do a day trip to Brugge and visit the canals which were breath-taking, as was the architecture and quiet feel of the town. My cousin said her friends rave about the "Lake of Love" so we drove out of our way to pay this spot a visit. Maybe it's because we visited on a gloomy Monday, or because I've been spoiled by Central Park, but I honestly thought this was more like a large pond with a bridge, and a confusing layout for anyone trying to navigate to the spots pictured when you look up the park on Google. Pretty, yes. Worth driving to if you're not in the area? No. Not in my opinion.

The Lake of Love in Bruges was the most romantic spot we visited during our recent trip to Europe…read more I recommend you come here late at night when the rest of the tourists have retired to their hotel rooms and the streets are virtually empty. There are no horse drawn carriages or bevy of swans at this time, though you may catch a glimpse of a swan or two waddling back to their nests. The Lake at night is eerie, silent and unstirring, where the only movement is the mist rolling across the surface of the water. The porch lights from the nearby homes and churches project a warm light across the lake and you will feel like you are alone in a place that time forgot. If you have a fondness, as I do, for things ancient and seemingly haunted you will not be disappointed.

This park is pure tranquility. My cousin and I found ourselves going from park to park in Brussels,…read moreand this one stood out the most. It's very cozy and tight nit, with beautiful trees, grass, and concrete (but not exactly sidewalk-like) walkways. Small wooden fences line many of the paths, and every now and then you'll come across a small field or areas made of dirt and pebbles to sit down while your dog or kids play. Additionally, there is a soccer court and playground hidden inside. The park is very clean, and has dog-waste baggies available to use. If you're in the area (or not), go here!

Parc Tenbosch is a small and unassuming park but walk in it and you will be wowed! I organized a…read morefriend's going away get together at this park (upon the suggestion of the said friend) and was so happy to have the chance to visit the park--it is extremely well tamed and cared for, no trash (outside of the trash bins) in site--a rare occurrence in Brussels, sadly! Unfortunately, we visited on a crappy (weather-wise) day, so didn't get to fully enjoy the park. There is a large area for kids to play in but leave the dog at home if you want to go in there as no dogs are allowed. My friend told me that when the weather is nice, they will put out beach chairs for people to enjoy and normally the park is quite crowded on these days! Looking forward to returning again when there is better weather!