We are now one step closer to my favorite things (Scotland version) – the Highlands, Whiskey and Shortbread Biscuits now that American Airlines launched their new (seasonal) direct flights from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Edinburgh (EDI) this week.  For East Coast travelers that fly out of Philadelphia, this is great news as we don’t have to connect via London Heathrow (LHR) anymore.

What’s nice about this new service is that you can have two holidays (vacations) in one if you book a flight to Edinburgh and home from London on American Airlines (OneWorld partner of British Airways) or vice versa during the seasonal service period. There are frequent East Coast direct trains between Edinburgh and London which take you from city centre to city centre with no need to deal with airport security, baggage check and the stresses of the airport. So maybe consider a plane – train – plane option for your next trip to the United Kingdom.

So what to do in and around Edinburgh?  There’s a checklist of attractions for the first time visitor as well as many tempting private whiskey or golf tours to arrange.  Or you can choose to enjoy the food, drink and shopping. A few highlights from my last trip to Edinburgh.

Where to Stay in Edinburgh and What to Do

When trying to decide where to stay in Edinburgh, I consulted my go to guide at the Telegraph – Travel Section.  I saw that the Sheraton Edinburgh was rated highly and I had point to use so that was an easy decision.  Using my Marriott hotel points, I booked an award stay at the centrally located Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa Edinburgh.  The Edinburgh castle view room was perfect base for exploring the city by foot.  Lining the main road outside the hotel were restaurants, pubs, a movie theatre and other convenient shops.  Walking ten minutes in one direction took you to the shopping of Princes Street and the pedestrian zone.  Ten minutes in the other direction you arrive at the Royal Mile.  At one end is the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the Queen in Scotland (not to be confused with Balmoral, the Queen’s privately owned home in Scotland) and at the other end is Edinburgh Castle where you can explore with a guide or do it yourself.   In between these two castles is a street (the Royal Mile) full of life day and night.  Tourists trying to get the best selfie, lining up for ghost tours or bus tours of the Highlands.  Other visitors are exploring The Real Mary King’s Close (a quirky visit into a hidden street and life of residents in the past), St. Giles cathedral and a plethora of souvenir shops.

Day Trip to the Scottish Highlands

I was tempted to book a whisky tour but since I had done that on a previous trip, I decided to book a day trip to the Scottish Highlands and Stirling Castle with Timberbush Tours. The small tour bus held a maximum of twenty passengers but wasn’t full that day.  Our driver and guide was retired from the government where he held senior level and dignitary roles which made him more than qualified (really overqualified really) to lead us around town and out of the city. When he wasn’t talking, he regaled us with Scottish music that added a lovely bagpipe background to the views going by. Along the highway we passed the Kelpies art sculptures.  We would visit Stirling Castle, which I preferred over Edinburgh Castle, as it was less crowded and had actors reenacting castle residents telling tales of the fashion, architecture and life of a castle resident. It added a bit more color to the self-guided visit.

A leisurely boat ride on Loch Lomond was the perfect entry point to the calm and serenity of the glorious nature and natural beauty that is Scotland. The final stop of the day was to visit Fiona, a Scottish Hairy Coo (Cow).  Like a dog running to see its owner, Fiona only needed to hear her name to come over to see our guide with the carrots for her. You can’t pet her but you can get close enough for a selfie if you dare.

Day Trip to St. Andrew’s and St. Andrew’s Golf Club

You can join an organized tour from the city or take the local train to St. Andrew’s for the day.  The high street is filled with shops and restaurants.  At one end of town the famous cemetery is open to visitors and a twenty minute walk near the center of town is the legendary home of golf at the Old Course at St. Andrew’s Golf Club. You need to reserve your tee times and qualify to play on the Old Course.  If you want to learn more about the origins of the modern golf tournament and learn who was that guy in the cemetery who passed on Christmas Day, then find the 2016 movie “Tommy’s Honour“

In Search of Loch Ness Monster

The legend and the lure of Loch Ness.  Over twenty years ago, I endured the very, very, very, long bus ride (3.5 hours each way give/take) to Loch Ness which is a lake far, far, away from Edinburgh. There, you can ride a boat on the lake in search of Nessie.  Maybe you will have better luck than I did.  For those short on time, Loch Ness can be skipped because a 12+hr tour day with nearly 8+ hours on a bus isn’t the best way to explore Scotland in my opinion.  I’ve endured it (in the time before smartphones, headsets and playlists) so you don’t have too. But if you absolutely must, be prepared for a long day on a bus (or in the car) – bring entertainment and some snacks. Scotland’s beauty is the stunning nature and you will see that at least at Loch Ness.

Train from Edinburgh to London

Once you have had a bit of the city (Edinburgh), the country (Scottish Highlands) and your fill of whiskey, it’s time to stock up on the shortbread biscuits and board the East Coast train to London (or points in between).  The four hour journey has a few stops but otherwise is a lovely way to spend the day watching the world (and sea) go by. From city center to city center, the stress of the airport journey is all gone and you can use Wi-Fi to keep up with the world on social media or escape to a streaming or downloaded movie. When do you ever get four hours to just chill?  Enjoy the train, the scenery and prepare for the vast difference in cities.

Now that Philadelphia to Edinburgh is a possibility, it also opens up the world to your award points and miles.  If the flight to London doesn’t have any award seats, consider a one way to Edinburgh and then search for a flight home from London.  Edinburgh can be a quick getaway (three days in Edinburgh is a good Scotland sample) or longer if you add other Scottish cities in (easily reachable by train) or venture further afield to London for a few days.  Ah the possibilities…..