The Begiuinage (spelling might be off) is a tranquil area where unmarried women and widows shared their lives without entering a convent. It is still very peaceful. I'm not sure the Half Moon Brewery is open, but if it is go in for a tour and a free beer (StrasseHenrik - Strong Henry). It's a medieval brewery and a good tour. Taking a canal trip is also very nice. We stayed in a delightful B&B close to the old center and run by a couple of artists. They are listed in Rick Steves guide. He mentions that they both are artists and that it is down from the old fish market.

Posted Aug 01, 2012

For sure the canal trip; climb the tower in the town square; visit the lace making center; eat great food at one of the terrific restaurants around the square or along the canal; the Beguinaage convent is quite beautiful.

Posted Aug 02, 2012

Hi Spencer,

IN BRUSSELS
walk down Dansaertstraat. There are great cafés and restaurants left and right (MapaMundo, Le Roi Baudoin) and at the very end of Dansaertstraat (De Walvis), great for people watching. If you're into Belgian beer you can try an authentic café like 'Mort Subite' (sudden death) that's right in the centre, walk through the Galleries de La Reine to get there. Or more quaint even is 'Moeder Lambic'. De Marollen is an area in Brussels with a lot of brocante shops and a fun flea market early morning. Great bread and baguettes at Charly.

BRUGGE:
go on a bike tour, a fun way to see more of the city.
Jos is the guide and he's great!
http://www.quasimundo.com/
My favourite place, apart from the city itself, is the St. John's Hospital and the Groeningemuseum (i love the Flemish Primitives)
Awesome local artisanal chocolate shops run by locals in Bruges. about 40 of them in the town centre.

GHENT
Great atmosphere, wonderful locals.
fun thing to do: go and buy a spray paint canister and go to the Graffiti Street to paint some (legal) graffiti.
have a coffee/tea and cake at Julie's Place.
Climb the Gravensteen castle, in the middle of the city.
stop at Simon Says, a wonderful place for lunch or a mid-day break.

you can search accomodations here:
http://www.visitflanders.us/where-to-stay/accommodation/

have fun!
Geri

Posted Aug 03, 2012

Hotel Adornes in Bruges is reasonable. Also the Guest House De Bleker is nice, centrally located and reasonable.

New city museum in Bruges opens this fall. Called historium and, as the name suggests, gives a history of Bruges. Procession of the Holy Blood is one of the word's most famous religious celebrations. Happens in May though, on Ascension Day. Worth a trip back for. There used to be 25 windmills around bruges, and now I think there are only 3-4 and you can visit them. Peaceful walk or bikeride.

Ghent, be sure to eat Cuberdons, from a cart found in the street, often in the Groenten Markt. Julie's House is a great spot for coffee and pastries. Tierentyn Mustard (also on Groenten Markt) is a MUST. Only found in Ghent, made here since the 1790 and pumped from the factory below the store into a barrel where it is then scooped into a jar for you. It's awesome. Knocks any wimpy dijon variety on its arse. Maybe you can bring me back some? :)

Posted Aug 04, 2012

Spencer you may want to check out "2be Bar" for a bar with huge selection of Beers...There are 2 links below >>>

http://www.2-be.biz/en/fotos.php

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g188671-d2602583-Reviews-2be_Beer_Wall-Bruges_West_Flanders_Province.html

Posted Aug 04, 2012

You have more answers on Facebook too! http://www.facebook.com/AfarMedia/posts/264579123657764 Hope you're having a blast. Looking forward to all your Highlights! :)

Posted Aug 07, 2012