Matador Network's Blog, page 10
August 21, 2025
World Europa Vs. World America: Which MSC Mega Ship Is Right for You
The life of a travel writer isn’t all about jetsetting to amazing destinations, staying in luxury hotels, or partaking in life-changing experiences. Sometimes, it’s about sailing on lavish cruise ships, too.
In the past three years, I’ve been on just about every kind of cruise you can think of: an adventurous trip to the Galapagos Islands on a 20-person boat, a transatlantic sailing on a mid-sized vessel, and a circumnavigation of Iceland on a luxurious ship that carried more crew than passengers, to name a few. Until last November, however, I’d never set foot on a ship that could carry over 5,000 passengers.
Somehow, the idea of having to spend a week floating around with so many people seemed almost grotesque to me. Then, I cruised around the Mediterranean for a week on MSC World Europa as a Yacht Club member, and I was sold. Give me a VIP section, a personal butler, and more refined food than I could ever eat, and I’ll promptly forget about the other 6,763 passengers.
While all the luxuries thrown my way were an undeniable incentive to test out World Europa, it’s MSC’s invitation to tour its then-under-construction ship, World America, at the Saint-Nazaire, France, shipyard that tipped the balance for me.
A childhood dream to look behind the scenes
Photo: Morgane Croissant
Because I grew up 10 minutes from Saint-Nazaire, a port city on France’s west coast, I spent my entire childhood seeing cruise ships being built. That said, it was always from afar. The road that leads from my hometown to the area’s main commercial center offers a glimpse of the ships once they’ve moved from a dry dock to a wet dock. If you make the drive regularly, you can see the progress — the ships going up one deck at a time like a Lego project.
When the ships are completed, however, you get to see them a little closer. There are usually announcements in the paper and on the radio so that we can all gather at the harbor to see them leave for good. I remember the crowds of people who attended Queen Mary II’s departure in 2004.
We don’t just assemble to be wowed by the launch of these mammoth ships. We go because the shipyard (Les Chantiers de l’Atlantique) is the biggest employer in the region, and everyone has a friend or a family member who works there — in my case, it’s my brother. It’s our way to celebrate their labor and to show pride in what the people of this industrial town can do. And when one ship leaves, we cross our fingers for more building contracts so that everyone can stay gainfully employed.
Photos: Morgane Croissant
Swiss-Italian cruise line MSC is certainly helping in that department. MSC has been trusting Les Chantiers de l’Atlantique with its ships for over two decades. Since 2003, the shipyard has built no fewer than 17 MSC cruise ships, and at the time of writing, there are four more in the works.
In November 2024, just a few days before embarking on board MSC World Europa, thanks to a press tour organized by the cruise line, I was able to make a childhood dream come true. I visited the then-unfinished MSC World America, tiptoeing about the 2,000 people with hard hats, harnesses, and toolbelts who were hard at work laying tiles, painting, and putting together light fixtures to make the ship’s delivery date.
Looking around at the masses of wires, plastic sheets, and mounds of dust, I never thought they’d be done on time, but the ship launched right at the end of March 2025, as planned. And by mid-June, I was on board, sailing around the Caribbean.
World Europa vs. World America
Photo: MSC
MSC World Europa, which launched in 2022, is the first of MSC’s World Class series ships. MSC World America is the second one and is therefore considered World Europa’s sister ship. Both ships are extremely similar, but not entirely. The cruise line implemented approximately 30 percent changes between the two ships. Some of it can be explained by the fact that MSC World Europa caters mostly to European travelers, while MSC World America attends to the US market, but not only. Feedback from World Europa travelers has also led to significant adjustments. MSC listens to its passengers carefully.
Because I spent seven days on board both ships within the space of eight months, I’ve been able to explore their every nook and cranny, from their restaurants to their spas, pools, shops, slides, and more. Here are the main differences to know about between the two ships.
The destinations
Photo: Morgane Croissant
The most obvious difference between the two ships is their itineraries. While MSC World Europa has been sailing the Mediterranean since its launch, MSC World America solely travels in the Caribbean Sea. However, routes will shift in 2026, when MSC World Asia launches, and again in 2027 when Z34 debuts. In the winter of 2026-2027, MSC World Europa will sail to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar, and World Asia will replace it in the Mediterranean.
One of the biggest advantages to cruising on board MSC World America instead of MSC World Europa is the stop at Ocean Cay island, the private MSC Marine Reserve. Ocean Cay, located in the Bahamas, is the highlight of any trip on board World America. A day on the island is everything you’d expect from a Caribbean vacation: white sand, turquoise water, tropical fish, lounge chairs, cocktails, and lovely food — it’s all very relaxing and luxurious, especially if you’re a Yacht Club member.
That said, it’s the only noteworthy destination on the Western Caribbean itinerary. The other stops are extremely crowded and tacky ports such as Cozumel and Roatan. There was very little local culture to be learned and room to move. If you’re a traveler whose main interests are history, local food, and cultural heritage, I would recommend MSC World Europa and its European itineraries. You’ll run into tourists, too, but you’ll have a chance to enjoy more of the authentic local offerings.
Bars, restaurants, lounges
Left: Eataly. Right: Paxos. Photos: Morgane Croissant
There are over 30 bars, restaurants, cafés, and treat venues on each ship, bringing a huge variety of flavors and atmospheres to passengers. While most of these food and drink options are the same on both ships, there are four major differences:
Eataly at sea: World Europa’s refined Chef’s Garden specialty restaurant was replaced by the very first Eataly at sea on board World America. While I personally liked the Nordic cuisine at Chef’s Garden, I must admit that Eataly is an excellent replacement. Every single course I tried was delicate and delicious, and the drinks on offer, including Italian cola and chamomile liquor, were unique and fun. Because MSC welcomes a lot of Italian travelers on its European itinerary, Eataly would not have been a good fit for World Europa; however, it’s perfect for American travelers who are already familiar with the brand.A venue for sports fans: Europeans like watching sports on TV, but not nearly as much as Americans do. That’s why MSC replaced the comfy, quiet, and unremarkable Malt Lounge on board World Europa with the All Stars Sports Bar on World America. The venue plays all the important (and not-so-important) games on dozens of screens, so no matter where you sit, you can catch all the action. The drinks menu at this venue is also adapted to North American taste buds — there’s a lot of beer on offer, including the ship’s own from the onboard brewery. I spent an entire evening watching the final of the Stanley Cup surrounded by Floridians at the All Stars Sports Bar, and the atmosphere was joyous, friendly, and very celebratory once the Panthers won.Tea time vs. live shows: One of my favorite spots on board World Europa, Raj Polo Tea House, didn’t make it on World America. The quiet, elegant, and comfortable lounge for high-quality tea was a haven of tranquility and a lovely place to retreat to when you had enough of the crowds. On World America, it was replaced by The Loft, a venue for live music and comedy, where there’s no such thing as peace and quiet. I don’t doubt for a second that this was meant to accommodate the preferences of the North American market, but it seems a shame to me to have lost a truly unique venue for another bar.A vegetarian-friendly swap: During my sailing on board World Europa, I did what every travel writer worth their salt would do and tried every single one of the specialty restaurants. La Pescaderia was my least favorite of them all for the simple reason that the menu was all about seafood. During my time on board, I noticed that the restaurant was consistently deserted, so it looked like I was not the only one taking issue with the restricted options. In World America, La Pescaderia was replaced by Paxos, a Greek-inspired restaurant that serves generous, rich, and exquisite food. The decor and location of the restaurant remained the same, but the more varied menu meant that vegetarians could eat there with their carnivorous friends and family members without struggling. Paxos is probably the best change MSC carried out, and it showed in the number of passengers eating there night after night.Fun and games
Photos: MSC
Some cruise lines are solely for adults, and others are very family-oriented, but MSC caters to everyone. Whether on World Europa or World America, if you’re traveling without kids and don’t want to have anything to do with any, your best move would be to opt for the MSC Yacht Club. That way, you can take advantage of the immense private and serene area reserved for members 24/7. If you’re traveling with young ones, however, the rest of the ship is yours. There’s age-appropriate entertainment everywhere, from arcade-game venues to slides, pools, a sportsplex, and activity-focused clubs. Despite all of that, after receiving feedback from World Europa passengers who were keen to enjoy more outdoor space for families, MSC made a few tweaks to its offerings on World America.
The biggest changes have been carried out on Deck 21. Much like on World Europa, the top deck of World America is equipped with thrilling water slides, a water park for little kids, and an impressive dry slide that spans 11 decks. And there’s more. An extensive rope course has been added for families to enjoy a safe yet adrenaline-pumping activity. But it’s the brand-new Cliffhanger that’s probably the most popular new attraction on board. The only over-water swing ride at sea is suspended 164 feet above the water and welcomes only the bravest of passengers. I did not partake, but I saw an awful lot of fearless children having the time of their lives. 
6 Changes You’ll Notice When You Visit the US’s Quietest Places
I first noticed the absence of sound on a crisp late September morning in Maine’s Baxter State Park. Though people may not know the park by name, it’s famous for being home to Mount Katahdin, the northern terminus of the 2,197-mile-long Appalachian Trail. It was a wholly widespread quiet, save for the occasional loon calling across the glassy lake, the rustle of delicate crimson and amber leaves, and the occasional splash from our canoe that punctuated the stillness.
For three days, we saw maybe three other people, one of whom was a park ranger. There were no planes overhead, no vehicles on the road, and no chatter from nearby campsites. It truly felt like just us and the wilderness, and was startling at first. Though my husband and I are both avid hikers and campers, after a lifetime of background noise, the silence felt almost loud, demanding our attention at all times.
As it turns out, this level of true quiet is rare in the United States. According to the nonprofit Noise Pollution Clearinghouse, only a tiny fraction of the country remains completely free from human-caused sound. Data shows that vehicle noise impacted 20-25 percent of the continental US in 1900. By 2000, that number was 97.4 percent. Meanwhile, the majority of Americans live in areas where background noise averages around 40-50 decibels (for quiet suburban areas) to 50-60 decibels (in urban areas with normal conversation). Sources of that noise include roads, railways, and even air traffic.
Those elusive pockets of serenity include the North Maine Woods, Minnesota’s Boundary Waters, and Glacier National Park and Bob Marshall Wilderness (both in Montana), along with about a dozen wilderness areas, mostly in the American West. Quiet Parks International also identifies quiet public spaces such as parks and trails that offer similar respites. But visiting them requires intentional planning, several days of PTO, and — most importantly — a willingness to completely unplug.
Visiting these places taught me valuable lessons that go well beyond personal reflection, and I came away with practical insights. These are six things travelers can expect when they visit quiet parks to make sure they’re getting the maximum benefit from experiencing genuine silence.
Photo: taramara78/Shutterstock
If you’re going to spend time in silence, treat it like any other journey — one you actually show up for. Put your phone away completely rather than checking it every few minutes. Leave headphones, podcasts, and playlists at home, or at least in the car. Skip the movie you downloaded “just in case.” The fewer distractions you bring, the more you’ll be forced observe and be present, and the more you’ll get out of the experience.
Even if you’re traveling with a partner or friends, try minimizing conversation. On trails or the water especially, quiet amplifies the experience while human sound often detracts from it. Silence can feel awkward at first, but studies show it lowers stress levels and promotes new cell growth in the hippocampus region of the brain, responsible for processing and regulating emotions. This is why giving the silence your full attention allows it to deepen into something restorative.
Photo: Stas Tolstnev/Shutterstock
Without noise, both literal and figuratively, the conversations you do have take on new depth. On our first anniversary in Baxter, my husband and I had one of the most serious, intense talks of our lives. Even in lighter moments, we learned new things and uncovered quirks about one another — like my absolute inability to paddle a canoe despite many years of kayaking. Quiet environments naturally shift our focus toward meaningful interaction, and resisting the urge to fill that silence allows these kinds of conversations to happen organically.
A misty morning in Glacier National Park, Montana. Photo: GC Quarterland/Shutterstock
Over many summers in Montana’s quiet wilds, I became more aware of my own thinking in ways I hadn’t previously. Even minor decisions, like which freeze-dried meal to make or whether to take the long trail or the shorter one, became surprisingly engaging. Without the usual background noise or distractions competing for my attention, I found myself noticing thoughts more clearly, even gong so far as to consider whether there were patterns or impulses behind each choice.
Over time, I realized I almost always choose the longer trail when I have a hiking buddy, but the shorter one when solo — perhaps a subconscious safety strategy. It wasn’t overthinking, exactly, but actively reflecting on my thought processes, weighing options deliberately until I reached a clear, confident decision. The stillness created a space where observing my own mind felt effortless, and self-reflection came naturally.
Photo: Kyle Lee/Shutterstock
With distractions removed, practical problem-solving rises to the forefront. Navigating trails, fishing, starting a fire, and basic first-aid without the help of, say, YouTube, all become exercises in focus and patience. The absence of background noise sharpens your attention, and forces you to rely entirely on observation, memory, and careful decision-making. Within hours, and certainly by the end of a weekend, trial and error combined with determination will likely lead to measurable improvement in these skills.
Over time, you also become hyper-aware of minutiae in nature’s symphony that might otherwise pass by unnoticed: animal tracks, wind direction, the current, bird calls, rippling water, the gradient of color in a single wildflower. Moving slowly and being fully present in these quiet parks accelerated my learning and observation without much of a conscious effort, and each new or newly sharpened skill gave me a deeper appreciation of the landscape.
Photo: Aleksey Matrenin/Shutterstock
I’m normally all for minimalism, but truly quiet places are usually remote and far from any help or conveniences. These are places where running to a store isn’t an option. I learned this the hard way in Baxter. While paddling our canoe (which I’ve since gotten better at, just to set the record straight), I splashed ice-cold water onto my hands, and onto my husband behind me. By the time we got back to camp, I was soaked, freezing, and unable to warm up until the next morning. Even after layering both our base layers, wrapping myself burrito-style in every blanket we had, and cranking our campervan’s heat, I couldn’t move my fingers and felt a bone-deep exhaustion that had me wondering seriously about hypothermia. I’d packed for the expected weather and activities, but hadn’t brought backup clothes, a heavy coat, or even hand warmers. In places this remote, “just in case” gear isn’t extra: it’s essential.
Moose crossing a river in Montana. Photo: acavemancandoit/Shutterstock
Animals act, well, wild when they’re not subjected to regular human interference. Evidence shows that human-generated noise increasingly diminishes animals’ ability to hear approaching predators and detect mating calls. But larger animals aren’t the only wildlife affected. Noise can drive away birds with lower song frequencies, as well as birds of prey, since noise impacts their ability to listen for cues to flee or hunt. By contrast, quiet places free of unnatural auditory interference allow for genuine wildlife observation, providing incredible viewing that’s all but impossible in more trafficked areas.
It should go without saying, though, that it’s still crucial to give wildlife plenty of space and to never approach. A good rule of thumb (pun very much intended): extend your arm and do the “thumbs up” sign. If you can’t cover the animal completely with your thumb, you’re too close. The quieter and farther away you are, the more authentic (and safer) the encounter.
August 20, 2025
Fidelity Hotel Embodies the Spirit of Cleveland’s Past and Hope for Its Future
Located in the heart of downtown Cleveland, within walking distance of well-known landmarks like the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and numerous trendy restaurants and bars, is the recently opened, gorgeously appointed Fidelity Hotel. This breathtakingly restored 11-floor, 97-room historic building-turned-boutique hotel (rooms from about $180) lives in Cleveland’s 103-year-old Fidelity Mortgage Building (aka the Baker Building), and hosts visitors in a most sophisticated style.
We hope you love Hotel Fidelity! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Fidelity Hotel is all about little details
Photo courtesy Fidelity Hotel
Artwork captures from the moment one walks into Fidelity Hotel. The paintings, sculptures, and unique light fixtures in the hotel’s common spaces make it feel like a pop-up showcase from the Cleveland Museum of Art. And in fact, nearly three dozen different local artists did work to craft designs throughout the hotel spaces.
Blending tradition with an air of contemporary flair, everything about the experience at Fidelity Hotel is comfortable, yet elevated. Every design element is thoughtfully executed to create an air of regal hominess. It’s approachable, like being in your own residence—that is, if you lived in a Neo-Classical-style mansion with ornate furnishings, vaulted ceilings, luscious furniture, and an on-site restaurant and bar space that’ll blow your taste buds away.
Dark, rich tones of color and provoking patterns, accents of brass and hardwood, and marble floors, large windows, and antiqued mirrors make the space feel dreamy – but in an old school way, during daylight and at night. With a color palette of plum, soft pink, gold, cyan, and deep wooden tones, the mood inside is slightly sultry yet still warm and welcoming.
Inside the lobby, which instantly greets your olfactory senses with the hotel’s divine signature scent, you’ll immediately notice the ornate tilework, locally sourced artwork, and enormous chandelier—all of which are a regal welcome. You can also see the building’s original mail chute on the wall, a testament to the preservation of the integrity of this historic space.
To the right of the entrance and down a set of stairs is the lounge. This area is outfitted with dark hardwood floors, soft green walls, blush colored curtains, a combination of patterned and velvet furniture, and thriving houseplants. This space is open for guests to work, play, and spend time together in an airy, welcoming space. This sizable room also serves as the entrance to the hotel’s restaurant and bar.
Dining and drinking at Fidelity Hotel
Photo courtesy Fidelity Hotel
Sitting inside the restaurant or at the bar feels like taking a step into Americana. The Club Room at Fidelity Hotel calls itself “an all-day affair for dining, socializing, and meeting.” On the menu, you’ll spy a combination of fan-favorite restaurant dishes and creative takes on classic Cleveland favorites. This spot serves breakfast, lunch, happy hour bites, dinner, and brunch on the weekends. I recommend the “Goat Cheese + Artichoke Dip” as a must-try indulgence, and though I didn’t try the “Polish Boy” made with a leavened bakery hoagie, j+j kielbasa, creamy slaw, french fries, house bbq, and hot sauce for myself, it looked like a satisfying choice from what I could glean—and smell—from my neighbor’s plate.
Don’t miss admiring the mural on the wall in the restaurant’s back sitting room by fourth-generation Cleveland artist Lari Jacobsen, which is dotted with secret Cleveland-themed easter eggs (think: “The Leg Lamp” from A Christmas Story which is hidden in the mural’s eaves, since the movie was filmed in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland’s west side—or Superman standing tall, but blending into the background as this well-known superhero is intrinsically linked to The 216). It feels like playing “I Spy, Fidelity Hotel restaurant edition”—and you’ll likely never be able to pick out all of the little hidden facets within this work of painted art. Jacobsen herself might be the only person to truly know.
A dose of “Royal Maximalism”
Photo courtesy Fidelity Hotel
Upon entering my room, I let out a sigh of relaxation. The space was just what I needed to step into after a day of traveling — a quiet, cool respite from the outside world. The room was furnished in a way that made me feel like I was straddling a lifestyle that was a combination of a business executive and royalty (or perhaps, a “corporate queen?”). Deep, rich tones of burgundy complemented polished gold fixtures and a thought-provoking, elegant floral wallpaper, which greeted me upon opening my door in the entryway.
To my left was a satisfyingly large bathroom, bright with natural light from the big frosted windows and adorned with more classic shining gold fixtures. A folding mirror set for showcasing different angles sat above a white ceramic sink topped with luxe toiletries.
Again, for me, the most impressive detail about this hotel’s visiting experience overall was all those little tiny details that someone who isn’t paying close attention might miss observing—but would still subconsciously soak in and process as luxurious. For example, there was a little flower design etched into the top of the bathroom mirrors, which added a hint of flair that made the room—and you, as the guest—feel fancy.
Photo courtesy Fidelity Hotel
Speaking of fancy, the bathroom was fixed up with a deep marble soaking tub surrounded by tan wooden tiling that inspired a feeling of being in a spa. The floor was patterned tiling that looked large and abstract, but if you squinted could make out a creatively fashioned flower pattern.
Outside of my bathroom was a walnut wood-colored wardrobe setup, complete with a set of robes, a mini-bar, a coffee setup, and a set of drawers. If you’ve read any of my other Matador Network hotel reviews, you know I appreciate a unique, solidly stocked and “serving” minibar—and this one most definitely went above and beyond its traditional line of duties.
For example, the hotel makes an effort to source as locally as possible, offering Malley’s Chocolates and Kernels by Chrissie in the minibar. Sidenote: Kernels by Chrissie is amazing—there’s a location across the street if you find yourself hooked and wanting to try the brand’s other flavors. I’m currently obsessed with the M&M Milk Chocolate Caramel Corn and Jalapeno Cheddar Popcorn flavors, which I may or may not have eaten as entire meals while on the go, out and about during my visit to Cleveland.
Upon entering the guest room, the wardrobe placement on my left side seemed impressively strategic, as it separates this section of the room from the sleeping and sitting area. Even though it was one decently-sized guest room with an attached bathroom, the designers managed to make it feel like two rooms and allowed for some privacy, hiding the bathroom from the view of the bed, which was adorned with a satin headboard and clean, crisp white linens.
An old-fashioned rotary-style phone (which worked like a normal phone, no need to learn how to twist the dial) sat on the bedside table, and a large flat-screen TV that’s equipped to connect to various streaming services hung across from the bed.
Other standout hotel amenities
Photo courtesy Fidelity Hotel
There’s a compact on-site fitness center at Hotel Fidelity, which seemed great for getting in some cardio on the go. Admittedly, I didn’t use it, since this hotel is so walkable to everything around—I found “getting my steps” to be my main source of exercise on this trip.
For those who seek somewhere classy to host an event or gathering, there are numerous group spaces for rent, which I got to tour and admire the interior design details of. Fidelity has its own team of in-house event professionals to support you if you book an event space and want to host anything from a corporate retreat to a wedding on-site.
Another notable element of this property is its dedication to the surrounding community. Hotel Fidelity partners with local creators, suppliers, and charitable organizations, such as the Greater Cleveland Food Bank ($10 of every night booked at the “impact room rate” will be donated to help ensure everyone in the surrounding communities can get the food they need).
And employees are outfitted in clothes by Ilthy, a Cleveland-based streetwear brand known for “championing the belief that art is transformative,” and that maintains a mission to “change the world through art, and cultivate a better way of life through individual expression.”
The hotel symbolizes to me a shift in the cultural impact Cleveland has even beyond the Midwest region. It’s more than just a place to stay; it’s a destination within itself, offering visitors and locals alike an experience that’s well worth walking through the doors.
Other Don’t-Miss Experiences in “The ‘Land”
Photo: M_Makarov /Shutterstock
While you’re in town, also be sure to check out The Arcade Cleveland, which is located at 401 Euclid Avenue. The arcades of Cleveland are an interesting part of the city’s history—this one dates back to 1890 and is known as “America’s inaugural indoor shopping center.” Back then, it was nicknamed “Cleveland’s Crystal Palace,” and it was the city’s first building to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s a gorgeous spot to explore and take a photo (or 12).
If you seek something adventurous and outdoors, get out on the water and paddle with Great Lakes Watersports. You’ll start from the Flats West Bank on the Cuyahoga River and enjoy a self-guided kayaking journey for a unique perspective of the shoreline. Or, head to Ohio City Co-op, which offers bike rentals (appointments recommended) so you can explore the city on two wheels. There are multiple nearby trails, such as the Red Line Greenway Metroparks Trail, which is a safe, two-mile paved all-purpose trail traveling through the heart of urban Cleveland.
I used my bike rental to cycle to West Side Market, which dates back to 1912, and is one of the largest indoor/outdoor markets in the country. The 44-foot-high Guastavino-designed vaulted tile ceilings and historic clock tower make this spot an architectural masterpiece. The marketplace was once where turn-of-the-century immigrants found their native foods and spices, and today it features local booths boasting the freshest selection of fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, produce, fresh baked bread, fish, ice cream, sweet treats, and much more.
And no trip to “The ‘Land” is complete without visiting one of the city’s fan-favorite microbreweries. Great Lakes Brewing Company first opened in 1988, serving beers that honor Cleveland’s history and culture and continues that tradition today. Collision Bend Brewery is another standout spot for outdoor seating and live music with waterfront views, craft beer, and a full-service restaurant directly along the banks of the Cuyahoga River.
Watch a sunset on the sandy shores of Lake Erie at Edgewater Beach, where you can take in views of Downtown Cleveland and snag a photo in front of the iconic Cleveland Script Sign (which is a short walk from the sand, located in Upper Edgewater Park).
Finally, no trip to Cleveland is complete without a trip to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which is undergoing a $135 million expansion, set to double its footprint and reimagine the visitor experience—expected to debut in early 2026. The beauty of this diverse, ever-changing museum is that you could spend just an hour or several hours exploring the various exhibits across the seven floors. There are four theaters, multiple interactive stations, and seemingly endless “one-of-a-kind” memorabilia on display. Since it’s always being updated, you’ll likely never see the same exact museum twice, no matter how many times you visit.
The Top Travel Gear, Clothes, and Luggage Matador’s Editors Are Actually Using Right Now
The Top Travel Gear Matador’s Editors are Actually Using on Their Trips Right Nowby Matador Creators
Keeping track of how many days you travel each year is as cliché as posting a fit check. That said, let’s leave it open-ended by saying the Matador Network team spends ample time on the road, from dawn patrol trail laps to midnight train hops across Eastern Europe. We’ve tested backpacks that held up to Himalayan switchbacks, binoculars that survived desert drop-kicks, and chargers that kept playlists alive from LA to Laos. In short: we’ve been there, carried that.
What follows is a rundown of what we used on our travels this summer. This guide is the result of thousands of miles, countless coffee-fueled debates, and a ruthless “only the good stuff” policy.
Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to make a purchase.
Clothing | Gear | Luggage and backpacks | Tech | Performance wearClothing
Photo: PAKAI live in the high desert of western Colorado. Temperatures frequently reach the mid-to-upper 90s during the day in summer. But mornings and post-sundown evenings remain cool, even when the days are long and scorching. I’ve preached from the high summits about the best practices for layering, but the new Paka Summer Sweater stopped me in my tracks this year. Rather than adding another piece of clothing to my repertoire, the COOLPLUS® fabric technology woven into the Peruvian alpaca wool means I can wear a sweater while REMOVING layering. All day, even – as long as the temps don’t hit triple digits.
This Paka sweater has traveled with me to the city, the coast, and even on a reporting trip to the mountains of West Virginia this summer, and I’ve never felt uncomfortable or awkward wearing long sleeves in the heat. — Tim Wenger
PAKA Ultralight COOLPLUS® Crew: $135
Photo: PAKAYou know something’s good when you try it on and immediately order more from the same brand. That’s exactly what happened with this hoodie from Paka. Made from alpaca wool, it’s incredibly soft, so much so that I didn’t want to take it off, and surprisingly versatile. It kept me warm before sunrise in Lake Tahoe, but was still breathable enough for a sunny July hike. It packs down to nothing, dries quickly, and works well as a layering piece for variable weather. After one wear, I bought another sweater, plus their shorts and socks. That’s how good it is. — Kelsey Wilking
PAKA Sol hoodie: $95
Photo: NorrønaI spend most of my time all summer outside, and in Lake Tahoe, that can easily mean temperatures in the 80s and 90s (with no air-conditioning inside). This makes it important to stay cool outdoors, which is why I’m currently loving the ultra lightweight jersey-style tees from Norrøna. I’ve been wearing the feather-light Fjørå Equaliser Lightweight T-Shirt for a few days in a row of heavy, sweaty cardio, and I love it. It has slightly longer (but still short) sleeves for extra sun protection (and to ensure it doesn’t get bunched up in your armpits) and is so good at managing moisture that it goes from soaked to dry in a matter of minutes. It’s super sustainable, and though it’s made for mountain biking, it’s equally suited to activities like hiking or general outdoor exploration. — Suzie DundasNorrøna hiking/biking jerseys: $59
Photo: OrvisAt least 15 years ago, I had a quilted jacket from the English brand Barbour. I wore it to death, until it was nearly see-through in some of the higher use areas. It stayed warm the entire time, and has that “I just came from a polo match at the country house” vibe, which helps my otherwise casual jeans and hoodies look a little more chic. Now, Barbour is partnered with Orvis to make a very similar item, called the Annandale Jacket. If it’s anything like the other jacket I had from Barbour (and Orvis, actually), it may be the next big item I buy for my outdoor wardrobe.
— SD
Orvis Barbour Annandale Quilted Jacket: $259
Photo: Free FlyI’ve been wearing sun hoodies from Free Fly Apparel for years, and doubt I’ll stop wearing them anytime soon. WIth clean lines, straight cuts, and useful features like thumb holes and sun hoodies, they’re a super-soft, sustainable way to keep the sun off your skin without slathering chemicals and sunscreen on. The fabrics have anywhere between UPF 20 to 50 sun protection, depending on your choice of hoodie, Sizing can be a little inconsistent, but with free returns and exchanges, it’s kind of a non-issue. My favorite style is the Bamboo Shade Hoodie II – in fact, I have two. — SD
Free Fly SPF Hoodies: From $31
Gadgets
Photo: Xgimi
I used to stream shows on my laptop propped on a duffel while camping, but this projector changed all that. It auto-focuses on any flat surface (like the side of a tent), doesn’t need a screen, and streams through Google TV. It has surprisingly good built-in sound and works with wireless headphones, which is perfect if you’re in a tent with someone who wants an early night. I recommend getting the package with the power base — with it, you have enough battery for a full movie without plugging in. This might feel like a luxury item that’s not necessary for camping, but it’s been the best addition to my gear this year.
— Katie Gavin
Xgimi MoGo 3 Pro Portable Outdoor Movie Projector: From $399
Photo: PockitI’ve flown around the world with this stroller to carry my toddler for long walks, naps, and everything in between (unless there’s a lot of loose gravel involved). Weighing just 10.4 lbs, its ultra-compact folding design is fully compliant with airplane hand luggage rules, meaning it can fit in the overhead compartment instead of the rough handling of a gate-check. — Nickolaus Hines
gb Pockit foldable stroller: $199.95
Photo: NocsI haven’t yet been pulled into the realm of “30-somethings getting really into birdwatching,” but I’m sure it’s only a matter of time. Fortunately, I have my super lightweight and portable Nocs standard issue binoculars at the ready. I first got them for a trip to Yellowstone National Park, but have since used them on safari vacations, in Oregon while trying to spot whales off the coast, and even in British Columbia to watch rock climbers while I hung out at the bottom. They’re easy to pack, weigh very little, and have clear, easy-to-adjust viewing, allowing you to hold them with one hand. With other binoculars, there’s a lot of blur around the edges, and I find it hard to stay focused. But these feel like binoculars for beginners, when you’re ready to have a nice pair you actually enjoy using. — SD
Nocs binoculars: $99.95
Photo: Satechi
Satechi makes travel tech that genuinely makes life on the road easier. I first picked up the Qi2 car charger after testing the passport cover. It locks onto the dash vent, charges fast, and doesn’t drop your phone when you go off-road. The On-the-Go 2-in-1 charger is just as good — it folds into a neat little square and opens up to charge both your phone and Apple Watch in one spot. Both are compact and well-built, and although Satechi devices come at a higher price point, they’re made to last.
— KG
Satechi Qi2 Wireless Car Charger + Satechi 2 in 1 charger: $59.99 + $79.99
Photo: ESPRO
This press has earned a spot in my pack. It’s compact, lightweight, and brews a great cup of coffee or loose-leaf tea. If you mentally prepare yourself for French press rather than espresso (and bring freshly ground beans), it’s one of the best travel coffee setups out there. The double micro-filter makes it easy to clean, the insulated body keeps your drink hot for hours, and it doubles as a mug.
— KG
ESPRO Ultralight Travel Coffee Press: $39.95
Photo: Slow & Co
I happened upon the Slow & Co shop in Kyoto in 2023, and fell in love with the Pueblo Card Case. It’s fully taken the place of any other wallet for a handful of reasons: premium leather feel, slim profile, and a patina that’s only made it look better after daily use since I bought it. The size is just right for my pocket tripod, five cards, my ID, and my health insurance card, plus a couple bills. (It does admittedly get a little tight if I need to keep receipts for work.) I was delighted to find the brand ships to the US, as great as it was to stumble upon the shop while traveling.
— NH
Slow & Co Pueblo Card Case: About $111
Photo: DMleatherLast year, I was on assignment in Turkey, and the other writers had these fancy leather notebook covers that left me feeling underprofessional. When I got home, I ordered one from DMleather on Etsy and it’s come with me everywhere I’ve been since. It holds one Moleskin notebook or two thinner notebooks comfortably, with additional room for a small notepad, pens, and a passport on the left interior. There’s also a card slot for an ID or Global Entry card. — TW
DMleather notebook: $58.99
Photo: VesselWhen I’m exploring my home state of Colorado, I like to keep my Vessel Cone with me. It’s faster than rolling a joint, more discreet than a pipe, and fits a little less than a half-gram — perfect for a quick walk. The pull is smooth as well, thanks to the internal design that helps cool the smoke. It takes frequent cleaning, but worth it. — NH
Vessel Cone: $50
Luggage and backpacks
Photo: JulyPacking a family for a big international trip is much easier when the entire family’s stuff goes into one suitcase. The July Checked Plus solved that problem for my family, and we rolled it with us on a two-week trip across central Mexico with no issues. Its zippered compartments make it easy to organize and find items, and as a bonus, my young daughter can sit on top of it while we wheel through the airport. — TW
July Checked Plus: $292
Photo: AwayMy now-wife got me Away’s smallest rolling luggage available for my birthday in 2019. I’ve since put it through miles of cobblestone streets and stairs in Istanbul, saw it topple off a sprinter van in Paris, and rolled through puddles in Jamaica. I’ve fit everything I need for a two-week trip without a single zipper issue. When my wheels felt a little slower, I emailed the company and they sent me an easy-to-install new set five years after my purchase, no questions asked. Away bags are ubiquitous (as are look-alikes), but I have yet to own any other piece of luggage with the longevity and durability as The Carry-On. — NH
Away The Carry-On: $275
Photo: No Reception ClubMy carry-on-only lifestyle ended abruptly with the birth of my first kid. Almost three years (and one more kid) later, and I’m still constantly surprised by just how much has to be packed for even a short trip. Yet run-of-the-mill diaper bag design is still dominated by large, ugly cavernous sacks that wear as well as they look. The Getaway Bag is not run-of-the-mill. It’s compartmentalized design has saved me more than once on long flights where snacks and distractions were needed five minutes before I realized. Blowouts have been dealt with and hidden away efficiently with confidence that the mess won’t touch anything else. Plus it’s simply comfortable to wear and looks as sleek as a weekender bag you’d carry even if there wasn’t a single diaper inside. — NH
No Reception Club Getaway Bag: $235
Photo: PatagoniaWhether heading to my coworking space, the airport, or a trail, I rarely leave home with the Patagonia Refugio on my back. The detachable laptop sleeve and its compartment hold all my work stuff, gear, clothing, and food go in the main compartment, and important must-haves like a spork and pen live in the small front pouch. It’s the perfect backpack for the traveling remote worker. — TW
Patagonia Refugio: $129
Photo: NEMOFor someone whose job requires frequent travel (and has for the past decade), I have long had a pretty lackluster packing solution on work trips. I’d bring my Away Carry-On for clothes along with a backpack for my work gear — regardless if the trip was only for a few days. That changed after getting this NEMO bag last year. The top pouch is more than big enough to fit up to four days of clothes (when packed right), while the many compartments in the back compartment hold everything I need and more to get my job done on the road. Sometimes that’s a trip to Mexico City, others it’s hopping from remote hotel to remote hotel. — NH
NEMO Vantage: $249.95
Tech
Photo: Samsers
I do a lot of work from my phone, and this portable keyboard makes writing everything from an email to a story easy. This ultra-slim, compact keyboard folds neatly to slip into your pocket or bag without taking up precious space. Ideal for the on-the-go worker.
— NH
Samsers portable keyboard: $27.83
Photo: SIMOOne of the perks of being a freelancer is that I can set my only schedule – but the flip side of that is I need to make my writing and editing deadlines, even when I’m traveling. Most hotels today have WiFi, but unless I want to burn through my cell phone’s international plan, it’s still hard to get full internet access when on the road outside of the US. That’s why I use the Solis Lite Wifi Hot Spot. I won’t lie, it isn’t perfect, as it only works when you’re within cell range for at least one cell phone network. That makes it not as reliable as a satellite internet device. However, it’s a heck of a lot cheaper at about $150 for the device, and $10-$20 for 24 hours of unlimited data transfer. I’ve used it on long bus rides through Bavaria, early morning safari drives in Kenya, and even from the world’s northernmost brewery in Svalbard Norway. It’s the next best thing to having unlimited satellite internet (or spending hundreds on your cell phone bill). — SD
SIMO Solis Lite 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot: $159.99
Photo: Matador
Yes, $60 is a lot for a laptop case – until you look at what it would cost to replace your laptop in a hurry. As a frequent adventure traveler, I’ve dealt with all kinds of laptop-related travel issues, ranging from dirt stuck in the charging port that blocks the cord to humidity and water damage from leaving my laptop too close to the edge of a pool. But when my laptop is in the Laptop Base Layer, it’s fully protected from the elements, including wind, rain, and snow – which comes in handy, if you like working outside on vacation but don’t like paying attention to weather forecasts. I use the small pocket for the charger and devices like USB ports, and the slim design allows me to use it within my travel backpack’s padded laptop sleeve.
— SD
Matador Laptop Base Layer: $60
Performance wear
Photo: Mountain HardwearI’ve been taking this lightweight wind jacket with me everywhere I go this summer, from hikes to bike rides to throwing in my bag in case it’s windy at the beach. It’s an extremely lightweight jacket that packs down roughly the size of a coffee cup, with stretchy loops that allow you to clip it to your backpack (or even wear it around your wrist). There are four large pockets, plus a simple but ingenious feature: a clip on the chest so you can keep it from blowing off, even without zipping it. It’s been very helpful on bike rides when I don’t want to zip it, but don’t want gusts of wind blowing it off my shoulders over and over. It comes in men’s and women’s and has been a heavily-used addition to my outdoor kit this summer. — SD
Mountain Hardwear Kor AirShell: $149.99
Photo: FjällrävenThe Expedition X-Lätt Jacket is my go-to when I need an everyday jacket. I’ve worn it to outdoor concerts in San Francisco, while camping in Oregon, or out to dinner in Vancouver. It has straight lines, a classic design, and an unbeatable repair program so you don’t need to replace it in five years. I have it in black, which maximizes its versatility, but it comes in a host of solid color designs. This is usually my go-to travel jacket, since it packs roughly into the size of a Nalgene water bottle by stuffing it into the chest pocket. I can whip it out on cold flights without feeling like my whole backpack is filled with a bulky jacket. — SD
Fjällräven Expedition X-Lätt Jacket: $205
Black Diamond backcountry layering
Photo: Black DiamondI’m in the process of optimizing my splitboard touring kit for the coming winter, primarily by filling in some holes that I’d noted over the past year. One aspect I’ve committed to doubling down on is layering. For this, I just acquired the Access down and Solution jackets from Black Diamond to fill two big gaps:
What to wear on the ascent: For many reasons, I’ve never been a fan of fleece in the high alpine (it’s never the right conditions for it, for one thing – always too windy or too sweaty). As such, I’ve historically gone with a lightweight midlayer or simply started the climb in my full downhill getup and shed layers as I heated up. Whenever I have to stop to remove a layer I’m always envious of the person who doesn’t – so I acquired the Solution shell to solve this problem. Its 20d, recycled nylon Micro Rip Stop is PFC free and the jacket promises to be both functional and comfortable from the trailhead to the summit.A down jacket that’s enough for hut trips and descents. The key to a successful hut trip is efficient packing – most everything should serve more than one purpose, because you don’t want to carry up more than you need. The Black Diamond Access Down will fit my kit by allowing me to wear the same jacket at the hut that I wore on the ride down to it. If hitting the trail early in the AM, as is typical, I can wear the Access Down from the trailhead and not even have to worry about a jacket taking up space in my pack (if the climb gets warm, I’ll simply take it off and tie it by the sleeves to the top of the pack until I get to the transition point).
I chose Black Diamond for two reasons. First, the brand’s gear is tough and tested. I already have Black Diamond’s ski touring poles, mountaineering gear, and harness, and the stuff has never let me down. Second, Black Diamond has taken great strides towards making its gear more eco-friendly and circular, and has advocated for recreation- and conservation-friendly legislation like the PARC Act. The company partners with factories that prioritize solar energy, water conservation, and recycled materials, and is pioneering end-of-life recycling programs like an expanded repair ecosystem and the industry’s first independently certified aluminum recycling program.
— TW
Black Diamond Access: $349
Black Diamond Solution: $249
Shop Black Diamond Solution
America’s 10 Favorite State Parks for Hiking, According to Google
With so many online reviews available online, it’s easy to get sucked into the trap of phony “research studies” that use poor data to make bold claims. For example, a “research” study may claim to know the most popular lakes in America, only to say later that all it did was rank lakes by the number of Yelp reviews. But when a study comes from Google Maps, you know the data is reliable. That’s because Google Maps has the largest global mapping and user dataset in the world, with nearly 1 billion monthly users. (The next closest is Apple Maps, with about 185 million monthly users).
And Google’s latest research is being used for good — at least, if you think checking out some of the most popular state parks in the country before summer ends is a good thing. In early August, Google shared on its blog three interesting lists: the most popular state parks of summer 2025 (based on how many times people requested directions in Google Maps), the most popular state parks for picnicking (based on reviews that mention picnics), and the most popular state parks for hiking, based on how many reviews mention hikes. While some of the results are probably explained by the parks being close to major cities and easily reached on a day trip, most are on this list for one reason: they’re truly fantastic places to be out in nature.
Photo: Google Blog
Of the three rankings, it’s clear that proximity to major cities is the least important when it comes to hiking — reviewers are praising state parks with excellent views and trails, not just those that happen to be close to their homes. Each state park on the list has something distinct about it; Devil’s Lake in Wisconsin and Turkey Run in Indiana are known for dramatic sandstone cliffs and trails through gorges, and Starved Rock State Park in Illinois has more than 10 canyons carved by still-flowing waterfalls. Out west, Smith Rock in Oregon and Valley of Fire in Nevada are renowned for otherworldly geography (think: volcanic rock spires and fiery sandstone formations), and Texas’ Palo Duro Canyon State Park has the well-earned moniker of “The Grand Canyon of Texas.” Here are Matador Network’s picks for the trail you won’t want to miss in each park.
Devil’s Lake State Park: West Bluff Trail: A loop past the park’s iconic quartzite cliffs and sweeping views over Devil’s Lake, passing “Devil’s Doorway” (the park’s most famous rock formation)Starved Rock State Park: St. Louis Canyon Trail: A short but dramatic trek into a sandstone gorge ending at one of the park’s tallest waterfalls, framed by sheer rock walls.Palo Duro Canyon State Park: Lighthouse Trail: An out-and-back to the park’s signature rock spire, “The Lighthouse,” with sweeping red-rock canyon views along the way.Watkins Glen State Park: The Gorge Trail: One of the prettiest trails in the Finger Lakes. From the trail, hikers can see 19 waterfalls, stone bridges, and narrow rock tunnels.Valley of Fire State Park: Fire Wave Trail: A quick and easy route to the park’s most famous formation, where swirled colors of rock look like frozen waves of fire.Turkey Run State Park: Trail 3: It’s the park’s most adventurous trail, winding up ladders and through creek beds and ravines. It feels more like a natural obstacle course than day hike.Bear Mountain State Park: Major Welch & Appalachian Trail Loop: Send it up a scramble on the Major Welch Trail, then have a gentler descent back down along the Appalachian Trail (plus Hudson River views from the summit).Letchworth State Park: Inspiration Point and Lower Falls via Gorge Trail: Often called the “Grand Canyon of the East,” (yes, it’s a nickname tossed around a lot), the trail strings together canyon overlooks and waterfalls that are especially strong in late spring.Cloudland Canyon State Park: West Rim Loop Trail: This trail hugs the rim of one of the state’s deepest canyons with cliffside views nearly the entire time.Smith Rock State Park: Misery Ridge and River Trail: A well-loved loop that starts with a steep climb to “Monkey Face,” the park’s famous rock spire.The most popular state parks of summer 2025
Photo: Google Blog
This summer’s most popular state parks, according to the Google announcement, are primarily those that serve as outdoor escapes for major population centers. Many are in the northeastern US, like Watkins Glen and Letchworth state parks in New York, along with Jones Beach on Long Island and Hammonasset Beach in Connecticut. That shows how much demand there is on the densely populated eastern seaboard for outdoor access, with residents of cities like New York, Boston, and Hartford probably looking for scenic day hikes and easy access to beaches.
However, not all the most popular parks can be explained away just by proximity to cities. Silver Falls in Oregon and Point Lobos in California prove that West Coast waterfall hikes and rugged coastal scenery will always be on road-trippers’ bucket lists, while Warren Dunes in Michigan and Starved Rock in Illinois highlight the Midwest’s well-known love of lakeshore beaches. Blue Spring State Park in Florida is known primarily for being a place to spot manatees in the wild. So while proximity may be a major driver for some parks, others are on the list simply for their protected natural wonders.
Photo: Google Blog
This summer’s most picnic-friendly state parks, according to Google, suggest that people are searching for a blend of convenience and nature. The fact that so many parks are again in the northeastern US, like Liberty State Park in New Jersey, Bear Mountain and Letchworth in New York, and Colt State Park in Rhode Island, probably means that city residents are seeking out places to find wide lawns and waterfront views without straying too far from home.
But there are some exceptions. Devil’s Lake in Wisconsin is known for its dramatic bluffs and lakefront beaches, rather than its proximity to population centers — the closest large town is Madison, about an hour away. And in Texas, while McKinney Falls State Park is relatively close to Austin, it draws picnickers for its things to do before and after lunch, including cliff jumping and waterfall-fed swimming holes.
Biometric Security Gates Let Some Travelers Skip the TSA ID Check at These 3 Airports
CLEAR and the Transportation Security Administration have begun piloting biometric eGates at three major US airports — Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, Ronald Reagan Washington National, and Seattle-Tacoma — in advance of an anticipated surge in international arrivals tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the US semiquincentennial.
The pilot program allows CLEAR Plus members to verify their identity at a facial recognition-enabled gate, which matches their live image to a boarding pass and government-issued ID. Once cleared, passengers bypass the TSA document-check podium and proceed directly to security screening. TSA maintains full vetting control but delegates the initial identity check to the automated system.
According to both agencies, the initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce congestion at security checkpoints through automation and public-private collaboration. CLEAR is funding the pilot, meaning there’s currently no cost to taxpayers.
The launch comes amid notable shifts in the TSA’s operational posture. In recent weeks, the agency eliminated the requirement to remove shoes during screening and started touchless ID for TSA PreCheck members. Further updates — including possible changes to liquid restrictions — are reportedly under consideration.
While biometric screening has faced scrutiny over privacy and accuracy concerns, the move signals increasing institutional comfort with automated identity verification. Unlike CBP’s facial recognition program at international arrivals, CLEAR’s system does not access government watchlists and cannot override TSA screening decisions. It also can’t open gates on its own.
CLEAR plans to expand the eGate program to 30 additional airports by the end of 2025. Whether the technology can scale to meet the demands of unprecedented global and domestic travel remains a central question. For now, it offers a preview of how airport security may be leaving the long lines behind just as it’s needed most with major travel events in the near future.
Play and Stay: This Waterpark Resort in Oklahoma City Is Making Waves
Oklahoma City’s OKANA Resort and Indoor Waterpark is the future of family vacations. A destination for multi-generational groups and thrill-seekers, OKANA is a resort with an expansive waterpark, exciting ziplines, and Indigenous art and heritage. More than that, it’s a destination with heart, intention, and history.
Funded and created by the Chickasaw Nation and announced in 2021, OKANA came with an ambitious budget of $400 million. Constructed on a refurbished oil field next to the Oklahoma River, OKANA was established with an 11-story hotel with 404 rooms, a 100,000-square-foot indoor waterpark, and a 4.5-acre outdoor lagoon complete with cabanas, an adults-only pool, and full-service swim-up bars.
This Indigenous heritage site perfectly blends Chickasaw artwork and culture with modern, state-of-the-art amenities. The inclusive and educational attention to detail by Chickasaw leaders is evident and beautifully entwined to foster an environment that makes OKANA’s guests feel that they are part of something special.
The waterparks at OKANA ResortThere’s an outdoor lagoon…
Photo: Kate Orlando
Consciously designed with a soft slope, OKANA’s Outdoor Waterpark begins shallow enough for young swimmers to wade in safely, deepening to six feet near the center, and gradually returning to a safe standing depth near a few waterfalls that create a picturesque backdrop for holiday photos.
This pool is beloved for its versatility, featuring a generous supply of lounge chairs. Be sure to arrive early at the lagoon to secure a shaded spot, as the areas under oversized umbrellas fill up quickly. Cabanas premium seating are available for rent and feature wondrous amenities, including an overhead fan that instantly cools in the hot Oklahoma sun, as well as a small television to entertain little ones. Each cabana comes with a personal waitstaff member who’s there to attend to your every need — the ultimate way to elevate your day at the pool.
…an adults-only oasis…
Photo: Kate Orlando
Those 21 and over can use the adults-only pool area, Cabana Cove, located at the far end of the lagoon. Set with multiple lounge chairs built into the water, guests can wander and explore the Swim-Up Bar, which serves as a quiet retreat for enjoying cocktails while keeping an eye on their families in the central lagoon.
…and a place to splash indoors all year long.
Photo: Kate Orlando
If you’re looking for aquatic fun that just won’t stop, look no further than SPLASH, the indoor waterpark at OKANA. SPLASH is maintained at a gorgeous 84 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, ensuring a tropical paradise regardless of the weather outside.
Upon entry, the first thing you’ll see is the gigantic wave pool, which activates every 10 minutes, making it the perfect place to start for the whole family. Located just behind the wave pool is a second adults-only location, an indoor sauna and hot tub. With its proximity to Dive Bar, this hidden spot is a hit for parents to unwind away from all the indoor splash zones.
Thrillseekers can enjoy the signature waterslide roller coaster, Wild Rapids. This one-of-a-kind watercoaster begins with a dramatic drop that propels you upwards through twisting loops and winding turns with the aid of water. Heart-stoppingly fast, this is a must-try for all those 48 inches and up.
The indoor park offers multiple other coasters for thrill seekers of all ages. There’s Racing Rapids, where you rush headlong on a multi-lane slide to find out who can coast the fastest. Whip Splash is a multi-directional journey with a backward section that’s perfect for teens. And lastly, Tidal Twist sends your group of five swirling to new heights in an oversized bowl.
SPLASH has something for everyone: a water sports zone complete with basketball hoops, a tidal surfing area called Flowrider for wannabe surfers, and an Enchanted (lazy) River for those who want to zen out and relax. At the center of it all is Splash Falls, an interactive play structure with mini water slides, interactive water features, and a tipping bucket that gushes water over you every 3.5 minutes.
For families with children two years old and under, the Low Tide Zone, located under the entrance to the indoor water park, features only a few inches of water and swings designed for little ones.
Accommodations and amenities at OKANA Resort
Photos: Kate Orlando
With 404 suites, OKANA Resort has lodging for every type of traveler, from cozy Junior Suites that are perfect for couples to spacious Multi-Room Suites that are ideal for families and larger groups, including options like the Family River Suite, Oka’ Suite, and Inkana’ Suite. If you’re traveling with young kids, Bunk Suites come with built-in bunk beds. All accommodations come with modern amenities; views of the Oklahoma River, lagoon, or city skyline; and include access to the resort’s indoor waterpark.
When you’re not enjoying your suite or tearing it up at the waterpark, The Spa at OKANA provides a range of services, including facials, body wraps, massages, and nail care. Be sure to carve out an hour to rest and rejuvenate after your time in the sun, guaranteeing a perfect ending to your time away from home.
The resort also has an indoor arcade called Okanarama, with a two-story laser tag floor, a mini mirror maze, and an immersive escape room that’s both enjoyable and challenging. This entertainment zone combines all your favorite games, including Skeeball, Bean Bag Toss, a VR Zombie Game, and Jurassic Park. Additionally, you can use your prize points at the photo booth to capture family memories.
Dining at OKANA ResortWith 13 restaurants to choose from, ranging from casual quick bites to signature dining, the food is one of the best parts of OKANA. Here are my top picks:
Jack Rabbit Gastropub
Photo: Kate Orlando
The best way to start your day is with the Jack Rabbit breakfast buffet, which costs $29 per person and has it all. You’ve got your early morning classics like bacon, eggs, pancakes, waffles, made-to-order omelets, and more. And, of course, a curated fruit and yogurt section, as well as overnight oats. There’s also a build-your-own-bagel station where you can enjoy butter and jam, or go nuts with lox and capers.
Then there’s the dessert bar, complete with a donut wall and a variety of sweet breads and cakes to enjoy before heading off to get your feet wet. They pair perfectly with the riverside view, ensuring a tasty and peaceful way to begin your day.
Smokehouse SocialMeat lovers rejoice in Smokehouse Social, which serves everything from smoked pork and grilled steaks to juicy chicken, and high-quality mac and cheese. Larger parties can enjoy the flaming tableside tomahawk steak, which isn’t just food; it’s a performance you and your kids won’t forget.
Sports enthusiasts will be enthralled with the virtual game bay — enjoy golf, archery, or perhaps save humanity from an alien attack. Sure, that last one might be less of a sport, but if you had fun, that’s all that matters.
Curveball Kitchen
Photo: Kate Orlando
Newly opened in July, Curveball Kitchen is making baseball more than a meal. Hot dogs inspired by various ballparks are as delicious as they are massive, plus an oversized pretzel makes the perfect starter dish. Salads, quesadillas, and multiple options of mac and cheese make this stop an outing with extra innings.
Don’t forget to save room for the Grand Slam Ice Cream Sundae, featuring vanilla ice cream with warm brownie chunks, accompanied by a souvenir baseball helmet that’s large enough for the whole family to share.
Wanna swing away and imagine yourself in the big leagues? Here, they have HD baseball simulators that allow you to “play ball” in the historic field of your choice. Channel that rookie luck, and try not to strike out before heading back to the room for the night.
OKANA Candy Co.
Photo: Kate Orlando
Before heading to bed, make sure to swing by the OKANA Candy Co. for an after-hours snack at the ice cream parlor and candy shop, where cotton candy and waffle cones are made fresh all day long.
Getting to and around OKANA ResortOKANA Resort is only a 15-minute drive from Will Rogers Airport (OKC) in Oklahoma City. Snagging a Lyft or Uber is the easiest way to get to the resort. Once you’ve arrived, the resort is quite walkable, with all restaurants and pools within a five-minute travel time from your room.
Soho House Goes Private in $2.7 Billion Deal While Trying to Balance Exclusivity and Travel-Friendly Scale
For Soho House members who know which corner of the rooftop to claim at golden hour in West Hollywood, or which spa therapist to book in Istanbul, the brand’s value is personal. Now there’s a more solid number to that value: the exclusive club is going into private ownership again for $2.7 billion, with a significant new investment from MCR Hotels — the third-largest hotel owner-operator in the United States and the brand behind beloved accommodations like the TWA Hotel and Gramercy Park Hotel.
Soho House debuted as a single London club in 1995 and grew to dozens of locations in major cities around the world over the next two and a half decades. The company went public in 2021 with the promise of global cultural cachet and members-only lifestyle hospitality. Since then, its footprint has expanded rapidly: from 33 Houses in 2021 to 48 operating or opening today. Along the way, it’s added more than 200,000 members worldwide. But the company traded far below its IPO price on the public market, and reviews of membership have been weighed down by criticism over diluted exclusivity and patchy service. As Jay Choyce Tibbitts put it, “exclusivity doesn’t scale.”
@jaychoycetibbitts Lowkey soho house is about to get so much better #sohohouse #luxury #lvmh #strategistreadstheroom ♬ original sound – Jay Choyce Tibbitts
It’s hard for a brand that’s in so many places to claim exclusivity, and even more so when popular places are slammed with members crowding the pool chairs. Expanding to new cities brought new members and higher annual dues — but also complaints of eroded service, long waitlists, and overcrowded rooftop pools, particularly in major cities like New York and Los Angeles. Leaving the growth pressures of the public markets could help the leadership focus on improving the existing clubs, experiences, and membership levels.
By stepping off the public stage, Soho House is betting on long-term control less dictated by quarterly earnings reports. For members looking for the level of service Soho House built its name on since before the turn of the millennium, the hope is that as much attention is paid to the travel set who want the exclusive atmosphere and community whether there’s a “House” there or not.
Luxury versus accessMuch of the brand’s traveler appeal lies in its physical Houses — stylish members-only properties in places like Amsterdam, Mumbai, and Nashville that combine boutique hotel rooms with lounges, pools, wellness facilities, and event programming. Members in the “Every House” tier can book rooms, attend global events, and plug into coworking or spa perks in more than 40 cities.
But Soho House has been scaling that value without relying on property at all. The “Cities Without Houses” (CWH) membership allows members to join communities without needing a brick-and-mortar presence. Think global access to club spaces, events, hotel rooms, and member benefits, even if your city has no Soho House at all. The CWH plan is available in 80-plus locations from Bogotá to Zurich.
The draw is clear for digital nomads, remote professionals, and frequent international travelers. The cost is lower than traditional tiers, the perks still include room discounts and club entry when traveling, and CWH members often get dedicated programming — from Milan Fashion Week art dinners to live jazz in São Paulo and curated weekends in the Scottish countryside.
Applicants still go through a vetting process focused on creative fields and cultural contribution. But the model has allowed the company to expand its member base, test demand in new markets, and foster community before committing to real estate — with the tradeoff between scale and exclusivity.
For travelers, the next chapter of Soho House may be defined not by luxury, but by access. As more professionals blend remote work with international travel, and lifestyle brands race to offer something “members-only,” Soho House is still one of the few with real-world infrastructure behind the brand mythology. Its value lies in the consistent vibe across time zones, the ability to land in Istanbul or Toronto and know there’s a network waiting.
Scenic train rides in the US in fall
Wow, where’d summer go? One minute you’re grilling up burgers for the Fourth of July and the next Labor Day is right around the corner. But don’t lament the end of summer; fall brings the nicest time of the year in many parts of the country — specifically, those parts where trees go from green to all shades of red, yellow, and orange. Driving to see those colors is fun, but to really experience their magic, a train ride is the way to go. Across the United States, there are some spectacular train rides to see autumn colors, from the famous fall foliage in New England to more underrated fall destinations like Colorado, Alaska, and Tennessee. Here are the 16 most scenic fall foliage train rides in the US to hitch a ride on.
Northeast | Appalachians and South | Rockies and West | AlaskaAdirondack Railroad — New York
Photo: Adirondack Railroad
When to go: Late September to mid-October.
This trip with Adirondack Railroad rumbles through New York’s High Peaks region, into Central New York, and on to Utica, past some of the most colorful leaves in the Empire State. The railroad is also partnered with rafting companies, hiking guides, and bike rentals so you can experience the colors up close once you disembark. Look out for Adirondack Railroad’s offers of fall beer- and wine-tasting rides during which you can taste some of the best drinks from the region as you watch the changing trees speed by.
Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway — Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
Photo: Thu Lai Photography/Shutterstock
When to go: Late September through early November.
In the historic town of Jim Thorpe, the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway is one of Pennsylvania’s most beloved fall traditions. The railway’s Autumn Leaf Train departs from a Victorian-era station and rolls deep into Lehigh Gorge State Park, where passengers can watch the surrounding Pocono Mountains ignite in shades of red, orange, and gold. The 16-mile round trip follows the Lehigh River, crossing bridges and hugging forested cliffs, making it one of the region’s most accessible and family-friendly ways to experience peak foliage.
Mount Washington Cog Railway — Mount Washington, New Hampshire
Photo: Richard Cavalleri/Shutterstock
When to go: Late September through mid-October.
This old cog railroad has been going through the mountains of New Hampshire for more than 150 years, taking visitors to the treacherous summit of Mt. Washington via one of the most scenic fall foliage train rides in the country. The charming wood cars of the Mount Washington Cog Railway chug up to the highest point in the northeast, a three-hour round trip that spends an hour at the top to take in the views over seemingly all of New England. The tableau of oranges, yellows, and deep reds below might be the most impressive sight of any ride on this list.
Strasburg Railroad — Ronks, Pennsylvania
Photo: George Sheldon/Shutterstock
When to go: Early to mid-October.
While the kids would surely rather journey on the Strasburg Railroad’s Thomas the Tank Engine replica, adults may be more interested in the first-class cars of the historic locomotive, instead. This brief trip through Pennsylvania’s Amish country offers rides done up in Gilded Age extravagance.
Delaware Ulster Railroad — Arkville, New York
Photo: Colin D. Young/Shutterstock
When to go: Early to mid-October.
This calming trip through the Catskills seems to traverse a storybook setting over rustic bridges, bubbling streams, and through colorful valleys — which makes sense as the Delaware Ulster Railroad‘s trademark ride is the Rip Van Winkle Flyer, which features a glass-domed dining car and meanders through the haunts of the most famous sleeper in history. Events with this railroad include the Taste of New York trains, where you can sample a whole ride’s worth of local food and beverages, and train-robbery rides set against some of the most spectacular fall backdrops in the US.
Green Mountain Railroad — Chester, Vermont
Photo: Allison Hahr Photography/Shutterstock
When to go: Late September through mid-October.
The most scenic five weeks in Vermont are during leaf-peeping season, and the Green Mountain Railroad operates five days a week, so you can see it all by train no matter when you go. The most popular ride is the three-hour fall foliage excursion, chugging to the top of Ludlow Mountain for the best perspective on the scenery. Weekend rides from Burlington to Middlebury often feature live music and seasonal cocktails. Saturday and Sunday nights, you can also enjoy a three-course gourmet meal on Green Mountain’s dinner train.
Essex Steam Train — Essex, Connecticut
Photo: Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
When to go: Early to mid-October.
Wanna take your transportation throwback game to a whole other level? Head out to the Connecticut River Valley and take this 19th-century steam strain through the bright rolling hills, then combine it with a ride on a riverboat down the Connecticut River. If that kinda time warp is just a little too much for you, the Essex Steam Train also offers pumpkin patch trips and Haddam Swing Bridge specials all autumn long.
Amtrak Cardinal — New River Gorge, West Virginia
Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
When to go: Mid-October for peak color in the gorge.
Running between New York City and Chicago three times a week, the Amtrak Cardinal is best known in fall for the stretch through West Virginia’s New River Gorge. Designated a national park in 2020, the gorge transforms each October into a corridor of blazing color, with scarlet maples and golden hickories lining the cliffs above the river. The train winds across soaring bridges and through remote valleys, offering views you can’t see from the highway. It’s one of the most dramatic long-distance rides in the East — and a chance to experience America’s newest national park from the comfort of a window seat.
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway — Blue Ridge, Georgia
Photo: Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
When to go: Mid-October to early November.
The Blue Mountains are grossly misnamed during the fall as the normally dark hills turn bright colors in September and October. This 26-mile train ride from Blue Ridge to the Georgia-Tennessee border is the best way to enjoy it, with a few hours to stop in the towns of McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee. Enjoy the crisp fall air from an outdoor car, as you pass through the Chattahoochee National Forest along the Toccoa River.
Arcade and Attica Railroad — Arcade, New York
Photo: Arcade & Attica Railroad Corporation
When to go: Early to mid-October.
A two-and-a-half-hour journey with Arcade and Attica Railroad take passengers through the rolling hills of Wyoming County, starting and ending on Main Street in charming downtown Arcade. Special fall foliage train rides will depart on weekends throughout October. World War II-era diesel locomotives offer theme rides too, like Great Train Robbers or a haunted Halloween train.
Durbin and Greenbrier Railroad — Elkins, West Virginia
Photo: Mountain Rail West Virginia
When to go: Early to mid-October at higher elevations; mid- to late October in valleys.
The sheer size of the mountains in West Virginia makes fall the most impressive time to visit, with steep curtains of orange, red, and yellow throughout the state. The Durbin and Greenbrier Railroad offers the best variety of ways to see it, from a 4.5-hour venture to the third-highest peak in the state on the Bald Knob trip to the two-hour Whittaker trip on the coal-powered Durbin Rocket.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad — Bryson City, North Carolina
Photo: Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
When to go: Mid-October through early November.
This quintessential southern leaf-peeping train ride goes through the colorful hills of western North Carolina. Go in October and you can catch the Nantahala Gorge Excursion, a 4.5-hour trip along the Tennessee and Nantahala Rivers, across the historic Fontana Trestle bridge, and to the vibrant reflections off Fontana Lake. You can also take trips that include beer tasting at a station along the way or take your kids on the Peanuts Pumpkin Patch Express.
Tennessee Valley Railroad — Chattanooga, Tennessee
Photo: Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
When to go: Mid- to late October.
The most popular ride in the town famous for its choo-choo is the Missionary Ridge Local, a 65-minute ride over four bridges and through a mid-19th-century tunnel. But to really get the most of the fall colors in this area, opt for the Hiwassee River Rail Adventure (AKA Hiwassee Loop), which takes you on a longer ride through the Cherokee National Forest, surrounding you with brilliant leaves and thick foliage.
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad — Cumberland, Maryland
Photo: Steve Heap/Shutterstock
When to go: Mid-October.
Maryland screams all-you-can-eat crab cakes, not all-you-can-peep foliage. But come fall, the Allegheny Mountains will leave you speechless, same as any other range belonging to the East Coast’s expansive Appalachians. Take a spin on Western Maryland Scenic Railroad’s Frostburg Flyer to see iconic sites like Helmstetter’s Curve and the 914-foot Brush Tunnel look even more dramatic against the changing leaves. In all, the Cumberland-Frostburg loop takes 4.5 hours. Splurge on the club car if you want to travel forward on the tracks but back in time: the deluxe service is 1950s-themed, complete with a carful of servers dressed to match.
Rockies to the Red Rocks — Denver to Moab
Photo: Rocky Mountaineer
When to go: Late September through mid-October.
On one of the newest luxury train journeys in the US, the two-day trip on the Rocky Mountaineer between Denver and Moab climbs through high alpine passes lined with golden aspens before descending into Utah’s deep red sandstone canyons. The sharp contrast — snow-dusted Rockies glowing yellow above the tree line and fiery cliffs below — makes fall one of the most visually dramatic times to ride.
Combres and Toltec — Antonito, Colorado
Photo: Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad
When to go: Mid-September to early October for the aspens.
The American West doesn’t get a lot of credit for its fantastic fall foliage, what with the abundance of evergreen trees and sprawling desert. But this ride with Combres and Toltec through the Rockies in New Mexico and Colorado is one of the most stunning rides in the United States any time of year. You’ll see plenty of colors in the desert foreground through the Toltec Gorge and across Combres Pass — the highest pass reachable by rail in the US. The train speeds past little Western towns and towering mountains, across a sheer rock face and into tight loops. The ride is so picturesque it was actually featured in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway — Colorado
Photo: Nick Fox/Shutterstock
When to go: Late September to early October.
Normally, it’s near-impossible to say which of Colorado’s seasons is most spectacular. Spend a couple of hours hugging high-altitude passes in San Juan National Forest in September or October, however, and you’ll be sure that season is fall. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway tours the best of Colorado’s southwest, much of it inaccessible to other vehicles. Hop on the Canyon Express at Rockwood Station just north of Durango, cozy into a restored 19th-century coach or open-air gondola, and try not to blink until you reach Cascade Canyon.
Mount Hood Railroad — Hood River, Oregon
Photo: Mt Hood Railroad
When to go: Mid- to late October.
The Columbia River Gorge is one of the nation’s scenic highlights any time of year, but the blue waters of the river shine especially bright when set against the oranges, yellows, and purples of autumn. Mount Hood Railroad is among the most Instagram-friendly on the list, too, with scheduled photo stops along the way. Plus you’ll get to sample a collection of local craft beers — one of the other biggest draws to this region.
Coast Starlight — San Francisco, California, to Seattle, Washington
Photo: Amtrak
When to go: Mid-October through early November.
If you’re looking to make an entire vacation out of looking at leaves from a rumbling train, hop aboard Amtrak’s Coast Starlight. The eight-day trip gives you ample time to discover the fall colors of Muir Woods near San Francisco, then venture up the West Coast to Portland, where you’ll have a day to cruise the Willamette Valley and see the colors there. Then it’s up through the towering trees of Washington to Seattle, where the changing colors at the Washington Park Arboretum make you forget you’re in a place called the Evergreen State.
Denali Star — Anchorage, Alaska
Photo: David Gillet/Denali Star
When to go: Late August to mid-September.
If you want to get a jump on the fall colors and don’t feel like waiting until it interferes with college football, head to Alaska where this train runs through the fall colors of Denali National Park starting in summer. The 12-hour trip on the Denali Star to Fairbanks stops in Wasilla, Talkeetna, and Denali National Park. And on clear days, you’ll see all those fantastic leaves fronting the snow-capped peak of the tallest mountain in the US at Denali.
August 19, 2025
A Birthday Gift and a Memory for Life: Exploring the Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island
I grew up with tennis. My mother, a lifelong fan of the sport and follower of its iconic superstars, introduced me to the sport early in grade school. I took lessons for several years, eventually getting as far as my high school’s Junior Varsity doubles team. I enjoyed playing but never obsessed over it, and as is the case during childhood my focus eventually shifted elsewhere. At 41 years of age, I blame the general lack of influence of tennis in my adult life on a lack of bandwidth on top of career and parenting, and not a result of disdain or disregard. But for my mom’s 75th birthday, I could think of no more appropriate gift than a visit to the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island. The Hall impressed – and for two Coloradans aching for a taste of coastal life, Rhode Island made for an ideal summer getaway. It also served as the backdrop for a rare few days of unbothered bonding between mother and son, forging memories both overdue and that may never come again.
Teaching new-age urbanism to my mom in downtown Providence
Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
Basecamp for our trip was The Beatrice. This boutique hotel in downtown Providence is housed in the Exchange Building, a circa-1887 mid-rise in the city’s National Historic District that formerly housed the National Exchange Bank. Staying in the city allowed us easy access to the airport as well as an easy way to avoid peak season prices in tourist-heavy Newport. It also put us within walking distance of attractions including the RISD Museum, where we meandered through galleries of contemporary art often heavily charged with the progressive social messaging of well-known Rhode Island School of Design alums like Shepard Fairey (known for designing the iconic HOPE poster used during Barack Obama’s presidential campaign and the well-known OBEY street art) and the painter Jenny Molzer, whose work often addressed war, gender violence, government secrecy, and human rights abuses.
Much of the best dining in Providence is also within easy reach. On our first evening in town my mother and I walked from the hotel through the Kennedy Plaza transit center across the street and past the roller rink at Biltmore Park to Track 15, a diverse food hall in a former train depot. As a devout urbanist, many things excited me about this short jaunt. The walkability from our hotel, of course, coupled with the chance to stroll a multimodal transit depot that was humming with activity on a Friday evening. Track 15 itself is a lesson in proper urban renewal and small-business advocacy. Adjacent to its namesake train tracks, the food hall showcases local restauranteurs and chefs including Dune Bros, run by husband and wife Nicholas and Monica Gillespie, from whom I had a fantastic Lobster Roll, and There, There, where my mother ordered a burger from chef Brandon Teachout. The food hall is centered around a large bar and has ample patio seating along the tracks that nearly spills over into Union Station Brewery next door.
The evening was the first my mother and I have shared on our own in many years, and was made special by the fact that we were able to tour part of the city center on foot to make it happen. It was an exercise in new urbanism broadly – people interacting with the built environment in a manner that brings them closer together while benefitting the community and the environment at large.
Over three nights and two days in Providence we also dined at Ellie’s, a Parisian-influenced cafe a few blocks from the hotel. Here we had egg dishes and coffee before strolling to the riverfront, the true star of Providence. Much of the Providence River as it flows through the city center is lined with parks and crossable at multiple points on pedestrian bridges. We had lunch at Plant City, a vegan restaurant and market adjacent to the Brown University campus and strolled through a maker’s market across the river on our way back to The Beatrice. I recalled how at no point during our time in the city did humidity overwhelm us – a rarity owed here to the lower dew point than is found in most cities along the eastern seaboard. The maritime moderation here keeps temps cool, while the New England climate doesn’t brink on sub-tropical.
Exploring the Rhode Island coast, its cuisine, and classic cocktails
Expansive mansions line the coast off Newport, Rhode Island. Photo: Tim Wenger
Another unique factoid about Providence is that the city, and The Beatrice, are home to the only New England location of Bellini – the Italian restaurant chain owned by the Cipriani family, who famously invented the drink of the same name at Harry’s Bar in Venice back in 1948. The Providence outpost is well-trimmed but, like the hotel that hosts it, not intimidating or overbearing. My mother and I enjoyed a chef’s tasting menu here (I of course had to try the namesake drink) and the pasta rivals the best of Boston’s North End.
In Newport, we boarded the “Rum Runner II” with Newport Classic Cruises for a happy hour sail through the harbor and wharf, looking at the classic mansions and estates that line the shores just outside town. I’ll never have that kind of money – here was the heart of the Gilded Age, which we’d trolled underneath at The Breakers earlier in the day – but gazing upon beautiful architecture and striking waterside cliff bands near where Narragansett Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. The beauty of this area is encapsulated by Beavertail State Park and its lighthouse, and the rocks on its shore where we watched cliff jumpers hurl themselves into the water from intimidating heights.
My mother and I also dined quite well during our day in Newport. We had lunch at Giusto, a popular Italian seafood spot on Hammet’s Wharf. I had a fresh mussel escabeche, in an aioli that paired perfectly with the salty mussels. For dinner that night we dined on the patio at Stoneacre Brasserie, where I again opted for fresh seafood – this time Moules Frites, while my mother enjoyed the veggie burger. I don’t often eat seafood back home – hard to maintain any semblance of sustainability when the ocean is hundreds of miles away – but thoroughly enjoyed the binge over the course of this trip. I hadn’t expected the food to be such a highlight of our trip to Rhode Island, but didn’t have a bad meal the entire time. The food was outdone by the impetus for the trip, however.
Coming full-circle at the International Tennis Hall of Fame
Tne interior courtyard of the International Tennis Hall of Fame is a grass court, surrounded by the historic Newport Casino building. Photo: Tim Wenger
The acclaimed "wall of balls" inside the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Photo: Tim Wenger
Jerseys, cups, and memorabilia from the early days of pro tennis are on display at the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Photo: Tim WengerThe sky opened blue before us as my mother and I made the five-minute walk from Kaffeology in Newport – best coffee of the trip, bar none – to the International Tennis Hall of Fame. I’d visited Cooperstown a few years prior, and along the walk wondered aloud why major halls of honor tend to be located in small towns that remain relatively obscure outside of specific niches – and I hoped these walls that honor Agasi and Ashe would live up to those that hold the legacies of Ruth and Robinson.
The facility is housed in the historic Newport Casino, a social-club-cum-tennis-society commissioned by James Gordon Bennett Jr., the wealthy publisher of the New York Herald. Gambling wasn’t the activity du jour here – rather, it was a place to get rowdy (Bennet had been kicked out of another social club nearby for being toorowdy, and had this one erected in 1880 as a rebuttal). Lawn bowling, tennis, and a theater were all held onsite. Now, the large building surrounds 13 glass courts and a clay court, and has one of the few active indoor “court tennis” courts in the US.
Inducted players receive a bronze racquet. Photo: Tim Wenger
The grounds honor important figures from throughout the history of the sport. Photo: Tim Wenger
Grass tennis courts are hard to find - but the International Tennis Hall of Fame has plenty. Photo: Tim WengerWe were both taken aback by the thoroughness of the exhibits. We learned of the sport’s early history as a sort of “social club” for well-to-dos, and that the US Open originated right here on the courts outside. One highlight of the hall is the extensive collection of tennis ball containers, of which the museum continues to add to as enthusiasts from around the world uncover rare ball stashes in their attics and locker rooms. Match-worn jerseys from Serena Williams, Roger Federer, and many more are on display, along with iconic works of art and advertisements from the sports storied history. Then there’s the Hall of Fame itself, where the sport’s elite have their names enshrined on bronze racquets. The facility is open 10 AM to 5 PM daily, with court rentals open to the public.
Life happens – I married and moved away from Denver. Work and travel and the vice of life’s frenetic lexicon mean that my three-year-old daughter doesn’t see her grandparents as often as they’d like. Moments that bring us together may be few, but here my love for travel and my mother’s love of tennis came together to create a lasting, meaningful experience. Walking through the hall and the museum galleries, surrounded by accomplished legends whose actions speak the testament of a lifetime of hard work and perseverance, is enough to make anyone emotional.
I don’t recall if I said it to her then or not, but having this time with my mom felt full-circle in that something we shared in my childhood became one of the defining moments of our relationship now that I’m an adult. It also meant that when we departed for lunch I walked outside onto Bellevue Avenue with eyes wetter than a Wimbledon court after a proper downpour.
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