Location: Ffestiniog Railway, South Stack Lighthouse (Isle of Anglesey), Llŷn Peninsula
There is no escaping the fact that slate plays a big part in the make up of Blaenau Ffestiniog!
But despite the foreboding façade of a town built almost entirely from the grey stuff Blaenau is actually a very modern, vibrant community with its own strong cultural scene. An annual Stomp 'Stiniog music and arts festival pulls in the crowds every June.
Lively crowds spill out on to the streets from the bar of the Queen's Hotel to listen to a whole host of local rock bands in the blazing summer sun (yes its true they do have sun in Bleanau Ffestiniog despite popular misconceptions!)
But to understand the town's present you need to step back in time to when Blaenau was one of the world's biggest slate importers. Llechwedd Slate Cavern provides an underground experience where you get a sense of what life must have been like for the miners.
The historic South Stack lighthouse is located on a small island reached via a descent of 400 steps down the steep mainland cliffs. Visitors may tour the former lighthouse engine room and exhibition area before climbing to the top of the lighthouse. South Stack is a wonderful place to watch thousands of breeding seabirds including guillemots, razorbills and puffins.
Whether it's the dramatic setting of the 19th century lighthouse and suspension bridge at the foot of 60 metre (200 ft) cliffs or the fragrance and colour of the coastal heath and spectacle of thousands of nesting sea birds perched perilously on cliff edges - you are bound to find something to delight when you visit.
The Llŷn Peninsula is celebrated across Wales for the mind blowing abundance and world beating quality of its locally caught seafood. And the best place to sample the riches of Cardigan Bay is Pwllheli because in early July the Llyn Seafood Festival takes place at the Hafan Marina.
But if you are more into an adrenaline rush then Glasfryn Park is not to be missed with a whole host of activities on offer like go-karting, quad bikes, archery, clay pigeon shooting and 10 pin bowling. And if you're into chilling out there's even space for a spot of fishing!