"Drygate Brewing Co. Converted from an old warehouse just a beat from the heart of the city in Glasgow’s East End, Drygate Brewing Co. is the United Kingdom’s first experiential brewery. Sit in the Brewhouse Restaurant and you’ll be treated to a view of Drygate’s alchemy in operation. Sip a schooner of delicious microbrewed beers from around the world (the bar boasts 25 draught lines) while taking in comedy, music, dance, or art, with shows hosted year-round in the event space under the building's iconic seven-peaked roof. (Moriarty notes that there is some bias in this top pick as he works for Drygate, but advises that he was a customer first!) Sponsored by Glasgow City Marketing Bureau"

"Glasgow: The Dear Green Place The Gaelic translation of Glasgow , Glaschu, literally means “dear green place”—an appropriate name for a city which boasts over 90 parks and gardens within its city boundaries. A fantastic example of this is the sprawling Botanic Gardens, which encompasses more than 40 acres of meticulously maintained lawns, flowerbeds, herb gardens, and exotic trees. Walking paths that wind among them make for some of the city’s prettiest spring- and summertime strolling; but even in winter, you can browse among the thousands of blossoming plants collected in the property’s twelve glass houses—including tropical palms, ferns, water lilies, and myriad species of orchids. The largest and most unusual of the glass houses is the Kibble Palace, an 1873-built wrought-iron wonder covering more than 20,000 square feet. For more information about the places and people who make Glasgow special, visit peoplemakeglasgow.us Sponsored by Glasgow City Marketing Bureau"

"Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park Full of wild scenery, fascinating history, and delicious local food, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park is a Scottish treasure. At the center of the park is Loch Lomond, the largest body of freshwater in the U.K., featuring ample recreation (everything from kayaking and canoeing to jet-skiing), 30 islands (visit Inchconnachan in spring to see a blanket of bluebells), and miles of bonnie banks (for strolling in the shadow of Ben Lomond). Beyond the lake, the park is packed with interesting corners to explore, from the lush landscapes of the southern section to the sprawling glens and rocky peaks in the north. For the best views, cycle the challenging Loch Eck Loop, or hike the craggy Cobbler. Also worth seeking out are villages like Balmaha, national scenic areas such as Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, and more off-the-beaten-track areas like the Cowal Peninsula and Breadalbane."

"Hiking Along the West Highland Way Challenge yourself over 12 days and 95 miles, crossing the woodlands, moorlands, and mountains of Western Scotland. The long days on foot are rewarded with a good night’s rest at local inns. From $2,095. This appeared in the March/April 2014 issue."

"Art and the Park Two of Glasgow's top cultural draws -- Pollok House and The Burrell Collection -- are located in this huge expanse of greenery, a 10-minute train ride from the city's Central Station. On a hot summer day it is the park itself that is the main attraction."

"Take A Trip "Doon The Watter" Long before the advent of cheap package breaks, the typical Glaswegian summer holiday ritual was to take a trip "doon the watter" on one of the pleasure boats that serviced the seaside resorts on the Firth of Clyde. With several cruise companies operating routes is still possible to escape the city in such a fashion. Especially evocative is an excursion on the Waverley -- the only sea-going paddle steamer in the world."

"A Caledonian Carnival A creative carnival celebrating Glasgow's vibrant West End, this month-long event takes place every year during June. Featuring local and international performers, the extravaganza takes in everything from traditional folk music sessions to comedy shows and colourful processions."