Forests and trees at the various tourist spots in Baguio City provide shade to the already cool weather of the city.Pine trees and horsesAfter breakfast, what better activity to do than enjoy a view of classic Baguio – towering pine trees, cold weather, and horseback riding! Proceed to Wright Park from Café by the Ruins by taking the cab (Baguio is known for very honest and friendly cab drivers).Wright Park has a horse-riding circle that’s a hit among kids. The horse coral, where the animals are kept, is a great place to go for pictures as the horses have been dressed-up like colorful, mystical animals.There are also shops around the park where you can dress-up like an authentic Igorot, and even have your picture taken beside the biggest, friendliest St. Bernard.The stair leading up from Wright Park will bring you to the spot where the “Pool of Pines” is located. This is a man-made rectangular pool that clearly reflects the beautiful pine trees around it. Walk straight along the pool, and you will arrive at the gates of The Mansion – the President’s summer haven.Strawberry Fields foreverYou can rest along the tall pine trees if you opt to, or you can get a ride that will bring you to La Trinidad, Benguet – 15 minutes away from Baguio. Here, you can indulge in a famous tourist activity – picking strawberries!The strawberry fields of Benguet are famous even among kids. Acres of strawberry shrubs with succulent berries. Aside from fruit picking, you can also do shopping for souvenirs, and try the famous strawberry taho or strawberry ice cream.Walk a few meters away, and check out the La Trinidad Historical Museum to know more of the important events and culture of the province.OMG!Strawberry picking might leave you famished for a big lunch. But opt for something healthy and head to Session Road to Oh My Gulay! This restaurant offers vegetarian dishes that are delicious and quite affordable.The place is also decorated to pay homage to Baguio’s folk art, which you can enjoy while dining on salads and OMG’s famous pastas.After lunch, just walk a few blocks from the restaurant to the Baguio City Market. You can start buying pasalubong at this time as you might not have an opportunity later. Buy vegetables, strawberries, coffee, peanut brittle, and brooms at very affordable prices.Burnham ForeverSpend the rest of your trip reminiscing at the famous Burnham Park. You can stroll along its flowery gardens, or take a ride on the bike. Go boating around the lake as well, and complete the circle of your childhood vacation.Up for a retail adventure? Go around the province’s well-known wag-wagan or ukay-ukay for that one-of-a-kind fashion statement. Have dinner at the surrounding grill stations, and order a hot bowl of dinengdeng (a famous Ilocano vegetable stew) to keep you from getting cold.Take it easy after and have coffee or beer in one of the restaurants along Session Road. After dinner, you can proceed to Victory Liner once more, and book a comfortable ride back to Manila.Repeat once more if you need a quick escape!
