population: 12.5 million
extension: 9.97 square kilometers
If you're in Spitak and interested in museums, you may want to visit the nearby city of Gyumri, which is home to several museums including the Museum of National Architecture and Urban Life, the Dzitoghtsyan Museum of Social Life and National Architecture, and the Sergey Merkurov House-Museum.
Armenian cuisine is diverse and flavorful, and there are many delicious dishes to try in Spitak and the surrounding regions. Some popular and typical dishes recommended by locals include:
1. Khorovats - grilled meat skewers usually made with lamb, beef or chicken, served with vegetables and lavash bread.
2. Dolma - stuffed grape leaves or vegetables, usually with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes meat.
3. Harissa - a hearty porridge made with wheat and meat (traditionally lamb), slow-cooked for hours until it becomes soft and creamy.
4. Kufta - spiced meatballs made with ground lamb or beef, served with a tomato-based sauce.
5. Lavash bread - a thin, soft flatbread that's a staple in Armenian cuisine and often used to wrap khorovats or dolma.
6. Armenian cheese - the country produces several types of cheese, including string cheese, Lori, Chanakh, and others.
7. Gata - a sweet pastry made with layers of dough and filling of sugar, butter, and local tarragon or nuts.
These are just a few examples, but there are many other delicious Armenian dishes to discover in Spitak and beyond.
As a language model, I don't have access to up-to-date information on local preferences and activities in Spitak. However, some popular activities in Armenia that locals enjoy include visiting historic sites such as monasteries and churches, hiking in the countryside, enjoying traditional cuisine, and attending cultural events such as music and dance performances. You may want to ask local residents or tourism offices for recommendations on specific activities and events in and around Spitak.