Matador Network's Blog, page 1008

Cookie Suite at Thai Banthai resort

This is one hotel you should definitely avoid if you’re on a diet. The Banthai Resort in Phuket, Thailand, just opened a Cookie Suite, and as advertised, it comes with everything a cookie connoisseur could possibly want. You’ll find cookie-themed pillows, towels, bathrobes, and the best part: a fully stocked cookie bar with an unlimited supply of freshly baked cookies. There’s also a massive neon cookie sign for the perfect photo backdrop.

Tim Tate, the general manager at DoubleTree’s Phuket Banthai Resort, said in a press release, “We have always welcomed guests at DoubleTree by Hilton with our Signature, Warm Chocolate Chip Cookies. Now, we have gone a step further to build a fun and experiential lifestyle destination around it, suitable for all ages.” He added that the chocolate chip cookie “represents our constant dedication to our guests and the thoughtful touches that ensure they feel special and cared for throughout their stay.”

In addition to the cookie suite, the experiential cookie package comes with free breakfast and sunset drinks at the hotel bar, a four-course meal at the resort’s restaurant, and a complimentary Thai cooking class.

If you’re interested, you’d better act fast. The package is only available through December 31 for a two-night minimum stay. To book, visit the official reservation website and request the “Cookie Themed Suite” package or Plan Code “PRCOOK.”


More like this: The 5 best dessert walking tours in the US

The post A cookie-themed suite just opened at this Thailand hotel, and it’s as delicious as it sounds appeared first on Matador Network.

Best things in Belgrade, Serbia

Rome has the Colosseum. Berlin has Checkpoint Charlie. Athens has the Acropolis. There is certainly no shortage of history and culture waiting for you in most of Europe’s major cities. Because of this, it’s easy to get swept up in the allure of big-name cities and forget all about what lies in the rest of the Old Continent. The Balkans, for example, despite the region’s off-the-beaten path vibe and sparse crowds, is worth a stop for those in search of underrated culture. Belgrade, especially, is a cultural gold mine with a heritage spanning centuries. Here are the best things to do in the Serbian capital for visitors who want to learn more about this under-the-radar destination.

Tour the fortress, which protected the city from every major empire that wanted it for themselves.

Photo: Mariia Golovianko/Shutterstock

Long before the era of Communism and Yugoslav rule, Belgrade was home to the Celtic Thracian and Dacian tribes, beginning in the second century BC. These tribes created a fort that was soon invaded by the Romans and later on by the Huns and the Byzantines. Although it wasn’t fully completed until the 1700s, the Belgrade fortress remains an archaeological treasure that documents the city’s change in ownership over time. Walk along and atop the fortress as it runs along the riverfront through Upper and Lower Town — you’ll see the locals do the same.

Multiple historic sites that showcase the multicultural heritage of the city are located in or near the fortress. Among the most recent is the Roman Well, built in the early 18th century. Damad Ali Pasha Turbeh, a piece of Islamic architecture in Upper Town, was built by the Ottomans in 1784 and is the best-preserved demonstration of the city’s Ottoman and Islamic past. To see Turkish influence, visit the Nebojša tower, a cannon tower that also contained a dungeon.

Near the city’s fortress lies Belgrade’s Military Museum. The city has seen its fair share of wars, and the military museum visually lays out how weapons, armory, and military tactics have changed throughout the ages. The museum features helmets from the ancient Greeks, Roman swords, and tanks used during the Bosnian War.

Visit Tito’s grave at the House of Flowers.

Photo: Sergei Afanasev/Shutterstock

Marshal Josep Broz Tito was the leader of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, of which Serbia was a part, from 1953 until 1980. Because of his legacy as a benevolent dictator, Tito’s grave has become a site of pilgrimage to many nostalgic locals to remember the so-called “good old days” despite the many controversies during Tito’s time in power, including his reputation as a strong authoritarian dictator.

Experience the socialist era for yourself at the Supermarket Concept Store.

Belgrade’s socialist period is well documented by its architecture and many museums, but the Supermarket Concept Store is the icing on the communist cake. Launched in 2008, the Supermarket Concept Store is a cultural space that houses cafés, fashion brands, a restaurant, a spa, and a hair salon that are all a throwback to the city’s past. The entire space, located in a former discount supermarket during Yugoslav times, was designed with the socialist aesthetics in mind. The Supermarket is a great place to shop while simultaneously peeking into the pre-consumer days of Belgrade, when options were few and far between.

Get to know the “inventor of the 20th century” at the Nikola Tesla Museum.

Photo: e2dan/Shutterstock

Nikola Tesla invented the “Tesla coil” in 1891, a revolutionary electrical transformer circuit that’s used today in everything from radios to televisions. He also developed the blueprints for the hydroelectric power plant at Niagara Falls. Though it is still a topic of debate whether Nikola Tesla can be claimed by Serbia, there is no doubt the so-called “inventor of the 20th century” is the country’s proudest export. In Belgrade’s museum dedicated to the late inventor, you can see the urn holding half of Tesla’s ashes (the other half is in the United States). Join a guided tour with an expert who will walk you through the Tesla technology we still employ today.

Drop by Europe’s second-largest Eastern Orthodox Church.

Photo: trabantos/Shutterstock

Up until very recently, Belgrade housed the largest Orthodox church in Europe. Now, the largest can be found in neighboring Romania, but the Church of Saint Sava is still a sight to behold. Named after the Serbian Prince and Ortodox monk, the Church of Saint Sava can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. Its central dome measures 230 feet and is adorned with a 39-foot tall gold-plated cross. The crypt under the church is covered with intricate gold detailing and features a giant crystal chandelier. You can check out the church during visiting hours during the day, but the best option for doing so is to sign up for a guided city tour. That way, you’re guaranteed entry and won’t miss out on any of the cultural details.

Wander around Belgrade’s coolest neighborhoods.

Photo: e2dan/Shutterstock

Skadarlija is known as the bohemian quarter of Belgrade. Just steps from Republic Square, the pavement turns to cobblestones, and you’re instantly transported back in time to the days when Serbian writers (most notably Dura Jaksic) sat outside of cafés penning novels. The neighborhood has an old beer factory that’s been turned into multiple disco clubs, as well as several craft beer bars worth checking out. This part of town is ideal for people-watching as you’re sure to see some characters hanging in the cafes and along the cobbled streets.

Notorious for its nightlife, the Savamala neighborhood has a reputation for being rough and rowdy. During the day, it is seemingly quiet, albeit rundown, and filled with vibrant street art. But as soon as the sun sets, Savamala is lit up with neon signs for basement-level cocktail bars — it’s the perfect place to head for a wild night out.

Check out the residence of Princess Ljubica.

Photo: Ivan Radojevic/Shutterstock

From the outside, this white rectangular building looks nothing like a palace. The structure originally served as a residence for Princess Ljubica and her two sons, designed to represent her vision of royal life in Serbia in the early 1800s. It served as the residence of Serbian royalty and is now preserved as a museum to showcase what decadence looked like during the era of Prince Miloš Obrenović. The interior, though simple in architectural design, is filled with beautiful furnishings, such as rugs, antique wooden furniture, and oil paintings. The residence, which is open to visitors, is considered one of the best-preserved cultural landmarks in Belgrade.

Visit the tallest structure in the Balkans.

Photo: TinnitusDoll/Shutterstock

Just a short drive or bus ride from Belgrade is Avala Tower, the tallest structure in the Balkans region. The tower was first completed in 1965, but it was bombed by NATO in 1999 during the Bosnian War. After four years of reconstruction, it was restored in 2010. Today, you can go up to the observation deck for panoramic views of the Serbian capital. There is even a café at the top for you to grab a drink.

Get cultured at FEST International Film Festival.

If you happen to be in Belgrade between late February and early March, swing by the city’s annual film festival, FEST. FEST has been held in Belgrade since 1971 and has generally been a high-profile affair, apart from a run in the 1990s when the international embargo against Yugoslavia kept Hollywood stars and films out of the festival. In 1993 and 1994, the film festival was completely canceled due to Yugoslavian censorship policies, and the festival was the site of a massive student protest in 1997 against police brutality.

After the fall of communism and the end of Yugoslav rule, the film festival relaunched but initially saw very few ticket sales and almost no clout until 2007, when FEST was revamped and French actress Catherine Deneuve opened the event. Two years later, Ralph Fiennes hosted the event, marking an official revival of Belgrade’s long-standing movie festival. Nowadays, over 80 films are shown at FEST.


More like this: Why you shouldn’t overlook Kosovo on your Balkan trip

The post The ultimate cultural tour through Belgrade, Serbia appeared first on Matador Network.

Sky in Indonesia turns red

At first glance, you might think this is a NASA image of Mars. Actually, it’s a picture of the skies over Indonesia, which turned red over the weekend due to widespread forest fires. The fires, eerily reminiscent of last month’s Amazon fires, caused a unique phenomenon called Rayleigh scattering wherein small particles produced by the fire multiply and cause the air to appear red. The haze was the result of open burning in Indonesia, which usually takes place between July and October during the dry season.

Zuni Shofi Yatun Nisa captured the phenomenon on video, and posted it to Twitter. In the caption, she wrote: “This is not Mars. This is Jambi. We humans need clean air, not smoke.”

Ini sore bukan malam. Ini bumi bukan planet mars. Ini jambi bukan di luar angkasa. Ini kami yang bernafas dengan paru-paru, bukannya dengan insang. Kami ini manusia butuh udara yang bersih, bukan penuh asap.
Lokasi : Kumpeh, Muaro Jambi #KabutAsap #KebakaranHutanMakinMenggila pic.twitter.com/ZwGMVhItwi

— Zuni Shofi Yatun Nisa (@zunishofiyn) September 21, 2019

According to Professor Koh Tieh Yong at the Singapore University of Social Sciences, particles about 0.05 micrometers in size are more abundant during periods of haze, and it’s “enough to give an extra tendency to scatter red light more in the forward and backward directions than blue light — and that is why you would see more red than blue.” He added that the reddish effect would appear most dramatic around noon when the sun hangs directly overhead.

Large corporations and small-scale farmers are both responsible for the burning, as they attempt to take advantage of the dry conditions to clear room for palm oil, pulp, and paper plantations. But although open burning may be the easiest way to clear land, it’s also highly dangerous (and illegal) as these fires often spread into protected forest.


More like this: The best places in America to try forest bathing

The post The sky over Indonesia turned blood red this weekend appeared first on Matador Network.

Things to do in Taos, New Mexico

Taos, New Mexico, ushers in a world unto itself where rugged vistas meet cutting-edge biotecture and imaginative Southwest-inspired cuisine. And don’t forget the art. Galleries line side streets and fill the nooks and crannies of this town steeped with Native American, Spanish, and European influences. Anchoring it all, Taos Pueblo exists as it always has: the oldest continually inhabited community in the nation. With all this in mind, here’s how to experience a slice of Taos in just 48 hours.

Living off the grid on Earthship

Photo: Kent Weakley/Shutterstock

Rising from the high desert outside of Taos proper, the Star Wars-like Greater World Earthship Community unlocks the secrets of living entirely off the grid. (It’s a slight detour on desolate roads through wide-open spaces of sagebrush framed by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.) Here, passive solar home construction meets eco-friendly practices in what creator Michael Reynolds has called “biotecture.” Sustainable in every conceivable way, these houses are built of natural and upcycled materials — earth-packed tires, glass bottles, and soda cans. Food grows via indoor gardens, and recycled water has multiple uses. A self-guided tour in the visitor center and 10-minute movie explain the design principles involved.

If you’re really interested in living off the grid for a night, rent one or both bedrooms in The Phoenix, a 5,400-square-foot Earthship. Bring groceries because one side of the rental comes with a full kitchen. Lounge on the outdoor patio, and in the evening, put your feet up in front of the waterfall fireplace.

Cross the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge

Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

Back on Highway US 64 heading into Taos, the mesa abruptly gives way. You’ll drive across the 656-foot-high Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, which arches over a spectacular gorge. Stop on either end for a stroll across the pedestrian walkway and a heart-stopping view as you look down onto the river threading through the valley floor. Completed in 1965, it ranks as one of America’s top 10 highest bridges. If there’s time, take the easy West Rim Trail for more mind-numbing views of the steel bridge as it seemingly floats above the chasm.

Visit the oldest community in the nation

Photo: Gimas/Shutterstock

Roots run deep in northern New Mexico. On the edge of town, Taos Pueblo remains the oldest continuously inhabited community in the nation — built roughly 1,000 years ago. Its adobe buildings appear much as they did when Spanish explorers first arrived in 1540 and believed the pueblo was one of the fabled golden cities of Cibola. Since there’s no electricity or running water, only five to eight families live in the pueblo full time. But more than 1,900 tribal members live on Taos Pueblo lands and occupy the pueblo’s houses for ceremonial occasions. The poignant graveyard surrounds the remnants of the original bell tower of San Geronimo Church, bombed in 1847 by the US Calvary. For an extra charge, take the 30-minute tour led by a tribal member highlighting the culture, history, and people. Check out the individual curio shops that are tucked into the adobe structure selling mica-flecked pottery, silver jewelry, and bread baked in traditional ovens.

Check into the historic Taos Inn

Photo: Elizabeth Hey

Directly in the middle of town, historic Taos Inn makes the perfect home base. A national historic landmark since 1982, the inn’s rambling adobe buildings are connected by walkways and courtyards. The spot dates back more than 100 years as the home of “Doc” Martin, the county’s first physician. In fact, his office and delivery room now welcome diners in the restaurant named in his honor. After Doc’s death, his wife, Helen, opened their home to artists and writers, which led to the formation of the Taos Society of Artists. Sip one of the inn’s renown margaritas on the front courtyard patio while noshing on New Mexico fry bread and listening to the night’s local musicians.

Savor Doc Martin’s chile rellenos

Photo: Doc Martin’s/Facebook

Or head to the exceptional Doc Martin’s restaurant where executive chef Nile Marquez has garnered local celebrity status. The stand-out menu features an award-winning wine list, in-house baked breads, regionally sourced beef and trout, and to-die-for desserts. Either way, don’t pass up Doc’s chile rellenos as an appetizer or entrée platter. Blue-cornmeal-beer battered Anaheim chiles come drizzled with chèvre cream and garnished with pumpkin seeds. They’ve inspired devotees to drive for miles just to get their fix.

Begin day two by checking out the local art, then grab lunch

Photo: Elizabeth Hey

The next morning, across the street from the Taos Inn, pop into the galleries fronted by garden courtyards on Bent Street. Or stroll around the block to the Couse-Sharp Historic Site, commemorating two artists who shared a common vision to bring the European art scene to Taos. You’ll step into one of the loveliest gardens in Taos snuggled up to a huge wrap-around porch, complete with rockers. All looks as it did 100 years ago: the studios of E.I. Couse and J.H. Sharp, their paintings, and original furnishings. Afterward, grab lunch at Manzanita Market, filled with farmhouse-white décor; organic, regionally farmed food; and small-batch ice creams swirled with homemade caramel, local herbs, and fruits.

River raft at sunset, then dine on the river bank

Photo: Elizabeth Hey

Weaving through the mesas, the Rio Grande is known for world-class river rafting. Declared by Congress as the nation’s first “Wild and Scenic River,” it delivers both tame and thrilling journeys. In the Taos Box, full-day trips plunge through 17 miles of intensity. Mellower Class 2 rapids on the Lower Gorge deliver laid-back half-day floats. Los Rios River Runners, operated by local Cisco Guevara for 48 years, guides a variety of trips. A full day on the river might include the Racecourse with Class 3 rapids, which can swell to Class 4 depending on rainfall. Trip variations add a land-based component of biking or horseback. Guevara’s preferred rafting experience pushes off before sunset when you’re most likely to spot river otter, beaver, eagles, and, if you’re extremely lucky, a bobcat. Dinner, served on the river bank, caps the evening.


More like this: Looking for one last big ski weekend? Look no further than Santa Fe

The post How to spend 48 hours in Taos, New Mexico appeared first on Matador Network.

Best things to do in Montgomery, AL

“What if the freedom riders had just decided to boycott Alabama instead?” Wade Preston wonders aloud from Prevail Union, his coffee shop on Dexter Avenue in Montgomery, Alabama. “What if they just ran the other way instead of straight into the hurricane? They saw a moral wrong and instead of canceling the state of Alabama, they ran to the state to be a part of changing it.”

Not to compare today’s leisure travelers to the group that rode integrated buses into the deeply segregated South in the summer of 1961. But when Alabama passed its controversial abortion ban in May, The New Yorker satirically quipped the Senate had voted to “virtually eliminate tourism to Alabama,” and it seemed blue state America was primed to stage an all-out boycott on visiting the Heart of Dixie.

That “vote with your travel dollars” mindset might make sense as a knee-jerk reaction. But delving a little deeper into what Alabama is, and the movements that grew from this sometimes-troubled state, can do a lot more for one’s cause than staying away.

Because if there’s one place to learn how true change is harder than social media posts, it’s where Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks did their finest work. As repulsive as Alabama’s politics are to some, its history of activism is equally as admirable. And boycotting the state does nothing to help the Alabamians trying to continue that legacy.

“We’re not Disneyland…we’re here to make you think.”

Photo: JNix/Shutterstock

“Alabama was, in a sense, ground zero for a lot of the change that was neccesary, to come about [in the 1960s],” says Randall Marshall, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union in Alabama and the man behind the lawsuit against Alabama’s abortion ban. “There’s so much to learn about human rights and the struggle in Alabama.”

That struggle, and the lessons we can learn from it, are on grand display in the state’s capital city of Montgomery. There, you’ll find the bus stop where Rosa Parks boarded her famous bus in 1955. Across the street from the stop sits the building where the Confederacy sent the telegram to attack Fort Sumter, starting the Civil War. That building looks out on Courthouse Square, which was a slave market in the 1800s.

On the opposite end of Dexter Avenue, you’ll find the Alabama State Capitol building, where both George Wallace and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. made famous speeches. King’s Dexter Avenue Baptist Church is about 200 feet from the Capitol’s steps. Those steps are also where Jefferson Davis was inaugurated as the first and only president of the Confederacy.

“When you can actually see the pulpit where Dr. King preached, when you can actually stand on the spot where Mrs. Parks was arrested for keeping her seat on a bus, it gives you a more profound understanding of the circumstances.” says Dr. Felicia Bell, director of Montgomery’s Rosa Parks Museum.

“We’re not Disneyland,” she continues. “We’re not here to make everybody smile and have a great time. We’re here to make you think a little bit. You might be uncomfortable and that’s okay. You should be, because we still have work to do.”

Learning tolerance in the most unlikely of places

The amount of work left to do became especially apparent during my second day in Montgomery, when Governor Kay Ivey signed the state’s controversial abortion ban into law. The steps of the Capitol were quiet; people didn’t seem to talk about it much. Most of the fervor came from my friends on the coasts who thought I was witnessing some kind of history. But the thing about Montgomery is, for the most part, people here have learned to get along.

“There does exist a place in America that is the cradle of the Confederacy and the birthplace of the civil rights movement,” Preston says. “There’s a place where those things coexist historically, and we’re not here throwing rocks at each other. We find ways to get along. Yeah, there’s tension, but there is civility and there is Southern hospitality and there is kindness, and there is common ground.”

Not that a place famous for race riots, police brutality, and steadfast segregationism should necessarily be held up as a model for buy-the-world-a-Coke harmony. But in an era where we increasingly choose to exist in social media echo chambers, traveling to a place like Alabama is the best thing you can do to try and bridge that divide.

“This is where Dr. King began,” Preston says. “And when you start to get a taste of that story, and the power that’s there, the cancel culture of boycotting things begins to melt away, and the focus becomes how can I be a part of that change, rather than insulating myself from things I don’t agree with.”

Though civil rights and reproductive rights are decidedly different struggles, they have both been championed by people in Alabama’s political minority. And those are the people who need support from the outside.

“If people are outraged — and they should be — they should come to Alabama and spend money on things that will help the good people doing good things,” says Marshall. “The Legacy Museum, the lynching memorial, visting sites in Birmingham and Selma. Those are all places your money is well spent, and helps low-income people to keep the economy robust.”

“From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration”

Photo: Equal Justice Initiative/Facebook

The museum and memorial Marshall is referring to is the provocative Equal Justice Initiative’s Legacy Museum and Peace and Justice Memorial, a space that hits so hard you’ll be hard-pressed to even talk about it for a couple of hours.

Its subtitle is “From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration.” It’s not subtle. Nor is it meant to be.

The museum, set in an old slave warehouse on Commerce Street, gives terrifying reality to the confines of the domestic slave trade, then moves on to graphic depictions of racial terrorism and lynchings, on to first-hand stories of inhumane conditions in American prisons.

On a green hillside not far away, the EJI’s National Memorial to Peace and Justice stands overlooking the city. It’s comprised of hundreds of hanging steel memorials, each bearing the name of an American county and all of the people reported lynched there. The numbers are staggering, and by some reports they’re not even half the victims of racial terrorism.

As Bell said, it’s not Disneyland.

The Equal Justice Initiative is trying to draw attention to exactly the kinds of issues those who are calling for Alabama boycotts want addressed. Avoiding the state does nothing to help the cause.

“I try and remind people that spirit of resistance was born here,” says Jonathan Kubakundimana, program manager at EJI. “That’s something that should bring everybody to Alabama, to bring people to that history.”

Boycotting just adds to the misery.

Warriors for social change may relish going on social media and telling everyone to stay away from the big red South. But often times people who call for such boycotts forget who those boycotts truly harm.

“The majority of women seeking abortions are low income, and disproportionally people of color,” says Marshall. “And they’re people who have jobs that are often times dependent upon the economy of the state. The more effective a boycott is, the more adversely affected are the people who are already disadvantaged. [Boycotting] doesn’t really help the people who are unduly burdened by the law, it just adds misery to the economy in Alabama.”

Staying away from parts of the country you don’t agree with is a soft fix. What’s hard is going and seeing how brutally difficult true change is, and exiting your comfortable bubble to affect it.

“A lot of people who come to visit Montgomery, while diversity might be a big value of theirs, they’ve never really been in a place that has the type of polarizing, dualistic diversity Montgomery has,” Preston concludes. “I’ll go to cities like Seattle, branded as diverse and inclusive places, and when I’m there, I don’t see a whole lot of cultural diversity. African-Americans and whites living in close proximity — that happens in the South all over the place. And we have tension, sure. But it’s easier to live in homogeny and contrive diversity, than it is to live in diversity and create community.”

Alabama isn’t a “racist shithole,” as one person commented when I posted pictures from Montgomery. It may not run as progressive as some would like, but it’s also not living in 1865. There are good people here doing good work and trying to change the world in the face of all of the stuff that causes calls for boycotts. Visiting Alabama can teach you something about how Americans in the past faced their greatest challenges, and inspire you to create similar change, ultimately making this country a better place.


More like this: 11 unforgettable moments you’ll experience on the Alabama Gulf Coast

The post Why it’s more important to visit Alabama now than ever appeared first on Matador Network.

The best beer drinking in Hallertau

When drinking a frosty, malty beer, we often take for granted the hard work that went into making it. We enjoy the nuanced flavors of said beer but rarely think of the farmers who grow the hops and barley or the hard-working brewers who turn the ingredients into beer. But if you ever get a chance to visit the Bavarian region of Hallertau in Germany, you’ll never take this fermented beverage for granted again. That’s because there’s no place on Earth where beer making and beer drinking are so connected.

The beer culture in Hallertau is rooted in German styles like weissbiers, lagers, and pilsners. Tradition dominates, especially when it comes to maintaining the German beer purity law, Reinheitsgebot, which dictates beer can only be made with hops, barley, water, and yeast. Hallertau is also one of the most well-known hop-producing regions in the world. Even if you’ve never heard of Hallertau, you’ve likely consumed the hops, or at least the hop variety that comes from the area.

Just like the beers and the hops from Hallertau are special, so is the drinking experience. It’s like taking a step back to a time when popping into a neighborhood pub meant ordering a pint of one of the three to five styles on draft. The opposite, in other words, of today’s bars that can have 50 beers on draft, 20 of which are hazy IPAs. No European country makes more beer than Germany, but the classic styles remain the most popular — and that’s not such a bad thing.

Photo: Fotorina/Shutterstock

Coming from a craft beer crazed country like the US, a visit to Hallertau reminds one why they love beer in the first place. Beers produced in the region are simple, perfect, and classic thanks to the Reinheitsgebot. It’s a big reason why Bavaria isn’t saturated with double IPAs, barrel-aged imperial stouts, and pumpkin ales.

“As all Bavarian Breweries, we are also obligated to brew all our beers according to the Bavarian purity law from 1516, which means that we are brewing all beers just with the four allowed ingredients: water, malt, hops, and yeast,” says Mirjam Riedel, who’s on the marketing and sales team at Weihenstephan.

One of a handful of breweries in the region, Weihenstephan is the oldest still-operating brewery in the world and you’d be remiss if you didn’t order one (or five) of the brewery’s beers while visiting the region. Better yet, stop into the brewery itself and enjoy traditional schnitzel and sauerbraten while sipping on a hefeweizen or doppelbock at the on-site restaurant Braustuberl Weihenstephan. Just make sure you’re ready to enjoy beer styles the locals have been enjoying for hundreds of years. You’ll find no triple IPAs here.

“We are only brewing traditional Bavarian beer styles,” Riedel says. “The Brewery combines almost 1,000 years of tradition and experience with the knowledge about the latest brewing techniques, producing premium beers according to the Bavarian purity law.”

Bavarian styles have always been popular in this region, and even hundreds-of-year-old styles are finding success. Riedel adds that the company’s 1516 kellerbier, created from an old Weihensephan recipe, uses a rare hop variety called record that’s only grown in Hallertau.

Photo: nnattalli/Shutterstock

Hop growing and hops are inherently part of the culture in Hallertau. Germany produces more than a third of all of the hops grown in the world, and a vast majority of those are grown in the region. The hop culture has had an impact on the drinking culture because, if your livelihood is so tied to one thing, you’re probably going to spend more time than most enjoying it. It’s safe to say that the people of Hallertau enjoy their beer.

Just because the region is steeped in history and has some fairly strict laws doesn’t mean every brewer is stuck in the 1800s.

“While the beer culture in the region is steeped in tradition, drinkers in the area are becoming more welcoming to new styles and brewers are innovating accordingly,” says Jennifer Glanville, Samuel Adams brewer and director of partnerships. Sam Adams’ founder, Jim Koch, has been going to the region to source hops for Boston Lager for the last 35 years, and the company is familiar with the mix of tradition and innovation in Hallertau. The area’s craft beer stays true to its roots while staying relevant in today’s innovation-focused beer market.

Like in the US, brewers in Hallertau are interested in experimenting with different styles of beer, barrel aging, updating traditional techniques, and using new ingredients. “There is an increase in craft brewers contributing to a growing and diverse beer industry in Germany,” Glanville says. IPAs in some of the smaller regions have been especially interesting to watch evolve. “Initially, men in town were averse to the style while women loved the IPAs.”

All in all, for beer fans, a trip to Hallertau is the best way to truly appreciate their favorite beverage. If you’re going to the region, stay in the town of Wolnzach. Here, you’ll find quaint and welcoming inns and pubs as well as the Hopfenmuseum Wolnzach, a museum dedicated to — you guessed it — hops.

“Drinking beer in Hallertau feels like a pilgrimage of sorts — to the motherland of hops,” Glanville says. “It’s drinking a beer straight from the source.”


More like this: Rochester has reinvented itself as the Northeast’s best beer town

The post What it’s like to drink beer in the motherland of hops appeared first on Matador Network.

The best hikes near Hiroshima, Japan

Hiroshima, Japan, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, with a wealth of sights and attractions to keep visitors busy. It’s a place that refuses to be defined by the tragedy in its past, and has rebuilt itself as a dynamic modern metropolis. If you do find yourself with a desire to get out of the cityscape, however, Hiroshima also has several gorgeous hiking spots in easy reach. Here are four day hikes to get you started.

1. Mount Mitaki

Photo: antb/Shutterstock

Mount Mitaki stands to the north of Hiroshima city, its forested slopes concealing the stunningly atmospheric Mitaki temple. As well as being home to three waterfalls, numerous moss-covered statues, and a tea house, the temple grounds are also the starting point of two hiking trails up to Mitaki’s 1,200-foot summit.

Although steep in places, these trails don’t pose too much of a challenge and are suitable for all ages and abilities. Once you reach the summit, there’s a spacious area with benches to sit on, so you can enjoy a picnic while admiring the view of Hiroshima. Both routes end here, enabling you to make a loop of them rather than having to backtrack. This also ensures you won’t miss the breathtaking bamboo grove at the base of one of the trails.

The hike is especially beautiful in autumn when the leaves change color, but be aware that the temple will be much busier at this time of year.

Getting there: The nearest station is Mitaki, which is 10 minutes from Hiroshima Station on the JR Kabe Line. The temple is about a 20-minute walk northwest from the station.

2. Mount Misen

Photo: Sam DCruz/Shutterstock

Located on the nearby island of Miyajima in Hiroshima Bay, Mount Misen offers three hiking trails and a ropeway up to its 1,755-foot summit. This is the highest point on the island, and the view from the top is magnificent.

The three routes up — Omoto, Daisho-in, and Momijidani — vary somewhat in length and difficulty, but should all take around an hour and a half to two hours to get you to the peak. Daisho-in is generally agreed to have the best views, while the forested Momijidani is the shortest and steepest path. Whichever trail you use, you’ll come across some interesting rock formations and several temple buildings as you reach the summit. Keep an eye out for the Reikado, or Hall of the Spiritual Flame. This houses the flame that was used to light the Flame of Peace in Hiroshima’s Peace Park, and, according to legend, has been burning for over 1,000 years.

While on Miyajima don’t miss the spectacular Itsukushima Shrine, with a torii gate that seems to float ethereally on the water.

Getting there: From Hiroshima Station, take the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajima-guchi Station. It’s a short walk from here to the ferry pier. Ferries depart frequently for Miyajima island, and the ride takes just 10 minutes. Once on the island, all the trailheads can be easily reached on foot.

3. Sandankyo Gorge

Photo: BlackRabbit3/Shutterstock

This hike is the most difficult on the list to access, as you have to take a highway bus out of the city. The extra effort is more than worth it, however, as it provides an ideal escape from the urban hub out into nature. The eight-mile trail takes you along a beautiful ravine of crystal-clear water, surrounded by fresh air and lush greenery.

Sandankyo is an out-and-back route, so you can easily judge how much time you need to get back to the bus stop. To complete it in full takes around five hours, but you can turn back at any point. Along the way you’ll pass cascading waterfalls, swirling rapids, and calm rock pools. There’s also an area where you can take a boat ride through the towering rock walls of the ravine during the summer months.

If you’re after a real adventure into untouched wilderness, complete with the most scenic of views, this hike won’t disappoint.

Getting there: You will need to take the morning highway bus from platform seven of the Hiroshima Bus Center to Sandankyo. The journey takes around 80 minutes.

4. Peace Pagoda

Photo: BlackRabbit3/Shutterstock

If you’re short on time, but still want to enjoy some mountain air, this short but sweet hike takes you up the 456-foot Mount Futaba. The trail begins behind Toshogu Shrine and leads up to the silver Peace Pagoda you can just spot glinting between the trees. Don’t go expecting a Japanese-style pagoda though. This is a dome-shaped Buddhist stupa, housing thousands of memorial stones for the victims of the 1945 atomic bombing.

The trail itself begins with a flight of stone steps beneath a mesmerizing tunnel of red torii gates. About halfway up you’ll see a set of stairs branching off to the left; this is an optional detour to a great observation point out over the city. Back on the main path, the stairs will eventually give way to a forest trail which brings you the rest of the way to the pagoda.

If you’re looking for an extra challenge, you can continue along the six-mile Futabanosato Historical Walking Trail, and take in several other shrines and temples in the area.

Getting there: The hike begins at Toshogu Shrine, which is a 10-minute walk north of Hiroshima Station.


More like this: 5 fantastic day hikes near Osaka, Japan

The post 4 gorgeous day hikes near Hiroshima appeared first on Matador Network.

Man drowns during proposal

While on vacation at the Manta Resort in Tanzania, American Steven Weber staged an elaborate underwater proposal to his girlfriend, Kenesha Antoine. They had been staying in a submerged cabin, and the proposal involved Weber diving to their room window underwater and asking Antoine to marry him by pressing a handwritten note against the cabin window. Unfortunately, he never resurfaced.

According to the Manta Resort, Weber “tragically drowned while freediving alone outside the underwater room.”

The cabin is anchored in water around 32 feet deep, and lies about 820 feet from the shore. The proposal occurred on the third night of the couple’s four-night stay, with Weber donning a mask and fins during the dive.

Photo:
Kenesha Antoine/Facebook

The proposal note read: “I can’t hold my breath long enough to tell you everything I love about you. But…everything I love about you I love more every day!” After pressing the note against the window, he turned the piece of paper over to reveal the proposal, and then pulled an engagement ring from his shorts. He drowned shortly afterward, before he could hear his girlfriend’s response to his proposal.

In a Facebook post, Antoine wrote, “You never got to hear my answer, ‘“Yes! Yes! A million times, yes, I will marry you!!’ We never got to embrace and celebrate the beginning of the rest of our lives together, as the best day of our lives turned into the worst, in the cruelest twist of fate imaginable.”


More like this: The 10 most cliche places to propose (and where to propose instead)

The post Man drowns during underwater proposal in Tanzania appeared first on Matador Network.

Most popular Groupon in every state

Figuring out what to do on vacation is tough. We get it. That’s presumably why you read travel stories and peruse websites to spark ideas. Or, at the very least, see who bought the most ad space on Yelp!

But you might also want to look at the activities people are choosing to spend their money on. That can be a difficult data set to collect, but thankfully the folks at Groupon have done the bulk of the work for you. Groupon took a look at the most popular offers for activities and attractions in every state, and made a list of the ones that sell the best. So no matter which state is next on your vacation list, here’s at least one idea for something to do (prices are on tours booked via Groupon).

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming



1. Alabama

Alabama Gulf Coast dolphin cruise — from $20.88

Orange Beach

Photo: Ed Rahe/Shutterstock

Perhaps you don’t associate Alabama with dolphins jumping through the Gulf of Mexico, but head to the southern part of the state and you’ll swear you were in Florida — especially onboard a cruise that takes you from Orange Beach into the gulf for two hours of cruising with dolphins. During slower times, the crew will also pick up a crab pot, so you can see the fresh seafood being caught that day.

2. Alaska

Whale watch and Mendenhall Glacier tour — from $152.25

Juneau

Photo: Anand’s Photography/Shutterstock

Not surprisingly, all the most popular Alaskan tourist excursions are based in Juneau, where cruise ship port callers take advantage of their few hours on land. The most popular is a two-in-one tour where you’ll spend half the day spotting orcas, humpbacks, and other whales from a heated cabin. Then it’s off to the Mendenhall Glacier, where return buses leave every half hour, so you can spend as long as you like hiking and won’t have to worry about missing your cruise ship.

3. Arizona

Upper Antelope Canyon — from $70

Page

Photo: Federico Franzone/Shutterstock

Well, this might explain why Antelope Canyon now feels more like a Disneyland queue than a natural attraction. If you can handle the throngs of “influencers” glued to their phones, this is one of the most spectacular natural formations in the Southwest, where light peers through the narrow cracks in the red rocks and casts marvelous shadows on the slot canyon below. Just make sure you show up at least 90 minutes early, or they may give away your spot.

4. Arkansas

Riverboat dinner and dance cruise — from $50

Hot Springs

The history of Hot Springs, Arkansas, is some of the most interesting in the state. It was once a spa town set in the Ouachita Mountains of Central Arkansas that used to be an exclusive getaway for southern gentry. You’ll learn of the rise, fall, and rebirth of the area aboard the 5:00 PM dinner cruise on the Belle Riverboat of Hot Springs, where a tour guide takes you around Lake Hamilton telling the story of the springs. Once the tour and dinner are over, it’s time to dance as the boat circles the lake to a beautiful sunset.

5. California

Muir Woods and wine country with optional gourmet lunch — from $134

San Francisco

Photo: Sundry Photography/Shutterstock

The top three attractions in Californiaf all center around the wilderness of San Francisco, and two-thirds of them involve wine. Color us shocked. The most popular, however, is an adventure that takes you from your hotel to Muir Woods. There, you’ll enjoy a guided tour through the serene redwoods before heading to Sonoma County’s Carneros region. There, you’ll hit three wineries for special tastings with the option for a food-and-wine-pairing lunch at a local restaurant. You’ll also enjoy free time on Sonoma plaza and a sparkling wine toast.

6. Colorado

Discover Rocky Mountain National Park — from $129

Denver/Boulder

Photo: bjul/Shutterstock

No trip to Colorado is complete without a venture into Rocky Mountain National Park, and if you don’t feel like renting a car during your time in Denver, you can opt for a guided day trip. The eight-hour tour cruises along the Front Range to Boulder, giving you views of the dramatic Flatiron Rock formations. Then it’s on to the park, where your guide takes you on a wildlife viewing journey, stopping at the best locations for spotting moose, elk, and deer. Active folks, don’t stress; you’ll also have ample opportunities to get out and hike along the way.

7. Connecticut

Mystic Aquarium ticket — from $36.99

Mystic

New England’s most popular aquarium is in little Mystic, Connecticut, where you can spend the day visiting beluga whales, African penguins, alligators, and tropical fish. Kids can reach in the touch tanks where they’ll have the chance to feel the sandy skin of sharks and stingrays. Take a tour of the animal rescue clinic to see how the aquarium works to help save endangered marine species.

8. Delaware

Windsurfing lesson on Rehoboth Bay — from $150

Rehoboth Beach

Sure, you could spend your week in Rehoboth Beach relaxing and stuffing yourself with Kohr Brothers custard. But why not learn a valuable new skill like windsurfing with a two-hour lesson? By the end of the morning you’ll know how to pull up the rig, sail, turn, and steer. And in the relatively relaxing waters off the Delaware coast you won’t face nearly the traffic or stress you might if you tried to learn in somewhere like California.

9. Florida

Key West sunset champagne and appetizer cruise — from $63

Key West

Since theme parks don’t typically offer specials on Groupon — and neither do South Beach nightclubs — the most popular activity in Florida is this sunset cruise off Key West. Avoid the crowds at Mallory Square and escape onto this 60-foot catamaran, where you’ll find all the sparkling wine, sangria, and premium beer you can drink, as well as a front row seat to the southernmost sunset in America.

10. Georgia

Savannah culinary and walking tour — from $56.95

Savannah

Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

Outside St. Patrick’s Day, there are really two things people come to Savannah for: history and food. Do a tour that combines both in a mile-and-a-half jaunt through the city, sampling foods like pork belly donut sliders, shrimp and grits, and honey. Along the way, you’ll enjoy Savannah’s famous dripping Spanish moss and elegant squares while learning the city’s history as you stroll through the 300-year-old City Market.

11. Hawaii

Paradise Cove Luau — from $102

Kapolei

What’s a trip to Hawaii without a classic Polynesian luau? The one at Paradise Cove may be the most extravagant on Oahu. During the five-hour fete, you can try spear throwing, haul in fishing nets to the rhythm of a conch shell, and learn the traditions of cooking in an imu (earth oven). You’ll also be treated to a fire dancing show and a full Hawaiian feast featuring roast pork and fresh seafood.

12. Idaho

Hells Canyon jet boat tour — from $180

Boise

The Snake River may just be the scenic highlight of Idaho, and cruising along its sometimes turbulent waters surrounded by Hells Canyon is the best way to see it. The 54-mile jet boat tour lets you bask in the mountain sun, departing at 10:00 AM and coming back only once the distance has been covered. The relaxed trip included a noontime lunch, but you’ll need to get to the launch point on your own. That’s hardly a drawback, however, as the drive through Hells Canyon Scenic Byway is an adventure unto itself.

13. Illinois

Chicago architecture river cruise — from $41.44

Chicago

Photo: f11photo/Shutterstock

Somehow beating out the Willis Tower Skydeck and the Crime and Mob Tour, this journey through America’s most architecturally fascinating skyline is an education in the great building designers of the 19th and 10th centuries. For 75 minutes along the Chicago River, you’ll learn all about famous sites like the Wrigley Building, John Hancock Center, East Bank Club, and the Old Post Office. And since it offers over 20 tours a day, it fits into almost any Windy City itinerary.

14. Indiana

Massachusetts Avenue food tour — from $62

Indianapolis

Take a tour along one of Indy’s hottest streets, where old industrial buildings now house creative new restaurants and lively bars. Here, you’ll find the city’s oldest restaurant — The Rathskeller — and eat through high-end Midwestern offerings and traditional German fare. Along the way you’ll learn how the city’s food scene has developed over the last 150 years — and taste plenty of local beer to go along with it.

15. Iowa

Field of Dreams movie site guided home tour — from $20

Dyersville

If you build it, they will indeed come. Especially if you’re on Groupon. Ok, so maybe Shoeless Joe Jackson and other long-gone baseball legends won’t wander out from the cornfields, but you can still visit the 1900s Iowa farmhouse and baseball park from Field of Dreams. The official tour includes a trip to the house and plenty of photo ops on the diamond.

16. Kansas

iFly Kansas City Skydiving — from $76.32

Overland Park

Not sure what it says about Kansas that its most popular activities were two escape rooms and an indoor skydiving chain in suburban Kansas City. But you can’t go wrong spending an hour or so at iFly. For those who want the thrill of a freefall without the threat of instant death, this experience offers you the chance to fly in a vertical wind column with an expert instructor. After a short lesson, you’ll get a couple of 60-second falls in the tunnel and a personalized flight certificate to take home at the end.

17. Kentucky

Bluegrass horse farm tour — from $40

Lexington

Horses and bourbon dominate the most popular activities in Kentucky. Take a trip behind the scenes of some of America’s most famous horse farms. You’ll see all that goes into breeding, raising, and housing thoroughbred racehorses, including up-close opportunities with these amazing athletes. You might even get a chance to feed them!

18. Louisiana

Steamboat Natchez harbor cruise — from $36

New Orleans

Photo: Steamboat Natchez/Facebook

Channel your inner Mark Twain as you board this historic paddlewheel riverboat and cruise along the Mighty Mississippi. Live jazz plays on deck as you float past the New Orleans cityscape, enjoying the sights from a different vantage point. Though it’s not included in the price of admission, you’d be remiss to skip out on the buffet lunch, which offers Cajun specialties like cornmeal-crusted fish and red beans and rice. The boat leaves from the edge of the French Quarter, too, so you can continue your historic immersion even after the ride is over.

19. Maine

Portland city and lighthouse tour — from $31

Portland

Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

Who better to teach you about life in Maine than a real-life local lobsterman? Take a tour with one along Portland’s waterfront, including the docks where these guys work and the Old Port District around it. You’ll also hit the road and visit three coastal lighthouses, including the Portland Head Lighthouse set atop a menacing rocky shore.

20. Maryland

Spirit of Baltimore dinner cruise with buffet — from $99.62

Baltimore

Just edging out an Annapolis seafood crawl as the Old Line State’s top activity, this luxurious cruise through the inner harbor offers the perfect beginning to a big night in B-more. Step aboard the Spirit of Baltimore and feast on a sumptuous buffet including braised short ribs, Atlantic flounder, and a carving station. Then sit back and enjoy a cabaret show followed by a live DJ spinning hits for your dancing pleasure.

21. Massachusetts

Boston to Martha’s Vineyard day trip — from $105

Boston

Getting out to “The Vineyard” can be a serious hassle, especially if you’re forced to deal with Boston’s famous drivers. Better to leave the driving to the pros and search Groupon for a Boston to Martha’s Vineyard day trip. You’ll be shuttled from Beantown to Falmouth for a 35-minute ferry ride to Martha’s Vineyard. Once there, you’ll have the option to upgrade to a three-hour guided tour of the island or just spend the day wandering around. At 3:45 PM, it’ll be time to board the ferry back home, achieving a full-day experience with none of the transport hassle.

22. Michigan

Five-hour Traverse City wine tour — from $59

Traverse City

The secret of Traverse City is out, though most people know it more for its abundance of breweries than for its spectacular wines. But this city — which sits on the wine-happy 45th parallel — is also home to some of the most scenic wineries in the world, perched on hilltops overlooking Grand Traverse Bay. Go on a guided tour and enjoy all the tastings you want without having to worry about driving home. Tasting fees aren’t included, but most won’t run you more than $5.

23. Minnesota

Sea Life Aquarium admission — from $23.30

Bloomington

The great thing about the Mall of America is that it’s the odd Minnesota attraction you can visit any month of the year. Ditto for the mall’s massive aquarium, Sea Life Minnesota, where 10,000 sea creatures live in replications of the Amazon river, tropical coral reefs, and Midwestern lakes. You can also effectively become part of the aquarium in Sea Life’s 300-foot tunnel, where you’ll walk along the sea bottom while tiger sharks and clown nose rays glide overhead. Visitors can also watch live shark and ray feedings, and learn about the successful breeding programs that have kept these animals on the planet.

24. Mississippi

Half-day fishing charter — from $450

Biloxi

Photo: Laila Stern/Shutterstock

Mississippi’s Gulf Coast is one of the more under-appreciated regions of the country. Here, you can find all the white sandy beaches and world-class fishing of Florida at a fraction of the price. Case in point: a private charter listed on Groupon that takes you out into the Gulf of Mexico for a half-day of hardcore fishing for about $150 less than you’d pay just east of here.

25. Missouri

Amazing acrobats of Shanghai — from $35

Branson

If you’ve never been to Branson, it’s like a scaled-down Las Vegas minus the casinos and plus a lot more roller coasters. And if a day of getting dipped and dropped has you longing to sit back and enjoy some feats of human strength, go see the Shanghai Acrobats. These marvels achieve the same level of aerial acrobatics as you might see at Cirque du Soleil for a far cheaper price, all in the lush Grand Shanghai Theatre. There are three shows a day at 10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, or 8:00 PM.

26. Montana

Half-day Flathead River whitewater rafting trip — from $65.27

West Glacier

If you’ve never experienced a white-knuckle, adrenaline-fueled afternoon of whitewater rafting, this trip is the perfect way to dip your toes in. The three-ish hour tour begins with a pleasant float by Glacier National Park, where you’ll see some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in America. After four miles of that, you’ll slide into John Stevens Canyon and rush through nine Class II and III rapids — just fast enough to get you wet but not so treacherous you never want to do it again.

27. Nebraska

Great Platte River Road Archway Monument — from $12.84

Kearney

Though a bit off the beaten path, this tourist attraction is worth a visit. It has life-size figurines that tell you stories of the Pony Express, the trans-continental railroad, and what life was like for early settlers moving west. Beyond walking through the massive red archway that stretches across I-80, you can also visit a replica sod house, let your kids run around the Trail Blaze Maze, and listen to a mocked-up Mark Twain tell you about his cross-country stagecoach journey.

28. Nevada

Grand Canyon All-America helicopter tour — from $399.99

Las Vegas

Photo: Benny Marty/Shutterstock

As ultra-luxe, “influencer”-worthy Vegas experiences go, this is one of the more affordable (and certainly the most naturally impressive). The trip begins with a limousine pickup from your hotel, then continues with a private helicopter flight to the west rim of the Grand Canyon. You’ll fly over the Hoover dam and onto a bluff overlooking the canyon, where you’ll enjoy Champagne and plenty of selfie time. You’ll then fly back over the canyon, through the desert, and past the glittering Vegas skyline, feeling like royalty until you remember you blew your whole hotel budget on this flight and you’re still staying at Terrible’s.

29. New Hampshire

Meet the winemakers Seven Birches winery tour — from $25

Lincoln

Seven Birches is one of the most impressive winemaking operations in America, and we do not say that lightly. Though the grapes aren’t grown onsite, the entire process — from crushing to blending to fermenting – is done inside the Riverwalk Resort at Loon Mountain, doing in a tiny space what some wineries do over acres. The wines are pretty solid, too, and after learning the process and touring the facilities you’ll get to try plenty of them. You’ll even get to taste a “wine in progress” to get an idea of what winemakers look for when polishing a final product.

30. New Jersey

New York helicopter tour: Skyline experience — from $244

Linden

Photo: Robert Jahns/Shutterstock

It speaks volumes about the Garden State that its most booked Groupon depends on its proximity to New York. In addition to this tour, New Jersey’s next-most-popular experience was a tour of… Niagara Falls? Groupon logic, what can we say. That said, the state’s biggest draw has you boarding a chopper in Linden and flying past the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, and the Brooklyn and Williamsburg bridges. Flights run from 7:00 to 10:00 PM, and it’s best experienced at sunset.

31. New Mexico

Albuquerque sunrise hot air balloon flight — from $158.99

Albuquerque

Photo: Steve Bower/Shutterstock

See, we told you there was a lot more to Albuquerque than Breaking Bad tours! Like hot air balloons, which were the other thing the city was known for before Walter White came along. This three-hour tour has you witnessing the colorful desert sunrise from high above the city, with views of the Sandia Mountains and the Petroglyph National Monument all around. After about an hour in the air, you’ll land somewhere outside town, where a “chase crew” will have Champagne and a flight certificate waiting for you.

32. New York

New York City Explorer pass — from $132

New York City

In a city like New York, picking just one experience won’t be enough. That’s why Groupon’s most popular purchase in the state is a pass that gets you into the Empire State Building, the American Museum of Natural History, the Statue of Liberty, and other top NYC attractions. And best of all, it lets you skip the lines at several of them.

33. North Carolina

Biltmore admission with audio tour and lunch — price not available

Asheville

Despite Billy Graham’s claims at the Charlotte airport, North Carolina’s most popular attraction is this 8,000-acre property, dubbed “America’s Largest Home.” It was constructed for the Vanderbilt family in 1895 and now stands as a living museum to Gilded Age splendor, complete with delicately manicured gardens and a winery. This pass gets you admission to the home and gardens, plus a self-guided audio tour and lunch at an on-property restaurant.

34. North Dakota

Fargo favorites food tour — from $55

Fargo

No, this won’t be a trip through the culinary faves of characters from North Dakota’s best TV show. But it will take you through the restaurants that helped revitalize Fargo’s downtown, including a legendary doughnut shop and a German beer hall. Along the way, you’ll learn the history of the city, as well as stop by a local farmer’s market and the Plains Art Museum.

35. Ohio

Nati in a Nutshell food tour and Carew Tower — from $49

Cincinnati

This unique food tour finds you boarding a historic Cincinnati streetcar and making your way through tastings at three local restaurants. You’ll also stroll through a farmer’s market and Washington Park as you hear about how the city has brought itself back in the last decade or so. Your final stop is up 45 floors to the top of landmark Carew Tower, where you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the city, across the Ohio River into Northern Kentucky.

36. Oklahoma

iFly Oklahoma City — from $65.12

Oklahoma City

Photo: iFLY (Oklahoma City)/Facebook

Look at you, iFly, the most popular thing to do in not one but TWO states. One would think in a state as vast and sweeping as Oklahoma, there’d be actual, toss-yourself-from-a-perfectly-good-plane skydiving that could top this. But iFly keeps the top spot here, just edging out the OKC National Memorial Museum and the OKC Ghost Tour.

37. Oregon

Morning half-day Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge waterfalls tour — from $65

Portland

The Columbia River Gorge could make a serious case for the most beautiful place in America. The canyon of jagged rocks is set against deep blue water with vineyards popping out from the hillsides. It’s also full of majestic waterfalls, which you’ll see on this half-day tour beginning with 249-foot Latourell Falls. Other falls on the tour vary by season, but the day always ends at Multnomah Falls, a 620-foot beast that draws over two million people a year.

38. Pennsylvania

Founding fathers tour of Philadelphia — from $39

Philadelphia

Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

Rocky statues and Paddy’s Pub aside, Philadelphia is one of the most historically significant cities in America, and sometimes trying to take it all in can feel a little overwhelming. That’s why spending an afternoon on this tour is an ideal activity, walking through the Betsy Ross house and the Old City, then on to Independence Hall and a home where George Washington once lived. You’ll also hit Washington Square and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier before finishing with a cold beer and an optional Philly beer tour.

39. Rhode Island

Newport gilded age mansion and trolly tour — from $39.95

Newport

This 90-minute tour through stately Newport brings you past 150 points of interest along Ocean Drive, Bellevue Avenue, and world-famous Cliff Walk. After learning all about this one-time summer escape for the ultra-wealthy, you’ll get to tour The Breakers, the Vanderbilt home that is the Newport mansion by which all other Newport mansions are judged.

40. South Carolina

Charleston old south carriage tour — from $28

Charleston

Photo: f11photo/Shutterstock

Locals may not love them, but horse-drawn carriage rides are the quintessential way to see all of Charleston’s historic charm. Belgian and Percheron draft horses take you through 30 blocks of the city’s historic district, covering 2.5 miles of road and 300 years of history. You’ll stop near meticulously preserved homes and traverse cobblestone streets, almost like you would have during the city’s original heyday.

41. South Dakota

Mount Rushmore and Black Hills tour — from $141.95

Rapid City

Photo: Adventures On Wheels/Shutterstock

Most people’s knowledge of South Dakota’s striking Black Hills doesn’t extend much past Mt. Rushmore and Deadwood. But this region offers so much more, and the daylong tour from Rapid City sold on Groupon takes you through it all. The day starts with a pancake breakfast then continues on to Mt. Rushmore. After an hour there you’ll drive the scenic Iron Mountain Road before stopping for buffalo stew at the Custer State Park lodge. Continue through the narrow rock formations along the Needles Highway — if your bus can fit — and see the ongoing work at the Crazy Horse Memorial. Finally, your day ends with dinner in Fort Hays Old West Town and a new appreciation for South Dakota.

42. Tennessee

Discover Nashville tour with admission to two attractions — from $78

Nashville

Locals might be surprised to see “Matching t-shirt bachelorette party bar crawl” somehow did not top Groupon’s list of most popular attractions. Though that’s probably only because there’s no Groupon for it. Lacking that, this guided tour going past landmarks like the Tennessee State Capitol and Riverfront Park takes the top spot. In addition to an education in the city, you’ll also get free admission to the National Country Music Hall of Fame and Ryman Auditorium — aka the “mothership of country music.”

43. Texas

Riverwalk cruise, hop-on hop-off bus and Tower of the Americas — from $55.99

San Antonio

Bit of a surprise in the Lone Star state that tourist-saturated Austin and booming Houston missed the top spot. But this combination ticket taking you through the best of the Alamo City gets the most love, beating out even tours of Daley Plaza in Dallas. Your day starts with a calming boat ride along the San Antonio River before jumping on a guided tour bus with 19 stops. Among those stops is the Tower of the Americas (whose observation deck is included in your tour) boasting the best views of the city and surrounding hill country.

44. Utah

Monument valley guided tour — from $75

Monument Valley

Photo: RomanSlavik.com/Shutterstock

This might be the coolest way to see the buttes and towers of Monument Valley that doesn’t involve a private pilot. On this tour, you’ll jump in an open-air vehicle with a Navajo guide, who will take you through little-traveled roads and restricted areas most tourists never see. Your guide will also hip you to a little bit of culture through ceremonial songs and music played on a Native American flute.

45. Vermont

Burlington brewery tour with lunch or dinner — from $90

Burlington

Much like a mouse will want a glass of milk with his cookie, so will you probably want a glass of beer with whatever else it is you came to Vermont to do. This tour scratches that itch with stops at four local breweries, including Magic Hat and Zero Gravity, with samples from over 15 beers. Plus, you’ll enjoy a beer-focused lunch or dinner at a local restaurant that may or may not involve pizza.

46. Virginia

Busch Gardens Williamsburg ticket — from $71.99

Williamsburg

There’s something decidedly appealing about a roller coaster park owned by a beer company. And when you see the German beer hall in this European-themed roller coaster park, you might think to yourself, “This is heaven.” Just be advised: There are nine roller coasters and three water rides at Busch Gardens, exactly none of which feel good with a stomach full of Berliner Weiss. Point being, your itinerary here should definitely be rides first, beer later.

47. Washington

Mt. Rainier day trip — from $145

Seattle

On a clear day, Mt. Rainier seems so close to Seattle that you could seemingly walk there for lunch from your downtown office. That is not, however, the case, and getting to its snow-capped beauty and wildflower meadows requires over an hour’s drive. That’s why the day trip tour has been so massively popular on Groupon, picking up in downtown Seattle and taking guests right into the heart of Mt. Rainier National Park. During the trip, you’ll visit Christine and Narada Falls and get a private, 30-minute slideshow at the visitor’s center in Longmire.

48. West Virginia

Whitewater rafting at New River Gorge — from $96.57

Glen Jean

Photo: Diane Fetzner/Shutterstock

If Montana’s most popular attraction is an ideal activity for those new to whitewater rafting, this trip is very much the opposite. The New River Gorge is the best whitewater you’ll find east of the Rockies, and though the scenery is beautiful, the river is not for the faint of heart. That said, if you like an afternoon of big drops and hard splashes, you’ll have the time of your life. Plus you’ll get a nice break for lunch next to the river.

49. Wisconsin

Milwaukee city sightseeing tour — from $40

Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a great Midwestern unknown, a place sports fans know for its hours-long tailgates and beer lovers know for its extensive brewing history. But there’s a lot more to this city by the lake, and during this tour you’ll learn all about it with stops at Milwaukee’s City Hall, the Milwaukee Art Museum, and, of course, Lakefront Brewery. You’ll also pass by the world’s only Harley-Davidson museum and stop for cheese samples at the city’s only cheese factory.

50. Wyoming

Yellowstone, Old Faithful, waterfalls, and wildlife day tour — from $265

Jackson/Teton Village

Photo: Dancestrokes/Shutterstock

Not that anyone would claim you can properly experience Yellowstone National Park in a day, but if you have limited time and want to get a little bit of everything, this 12-hour adventure is the move. Get up early and travel through Grand Teton National Park at sunrise, checking out the animals as they begin their day. Then move on to Yellowstone where you’ll stop at Old Faithful, Yellowstone Lake, Hayden Valley, and a number of other geyser basins. All while driving past elk, bison, bears, and moose, with commentary from a naturalist guide.


More like this: The oldest city in every state, mapped

The post The most popular travel experience in every state appeared first on Matador Network.

Best New England islands to visit

When it comes to New England island vacations, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket dominate the discussion. But unless you’re willing to shell out an exorbitant amount of money for a rental, they’re relatively inaccessible. The good news is that there are hundreds of islands are scattered throughout the coast of New England — and plenty of them make for a memorable getaway. While they may not have the notoriety of Nantucket, they’re more accessible and affordable, and you won’t feel the slightest pressure to dress like a walking Vineyard Vines advertisement. These New England islands are the perfect alternatives to Nantucket.

1. Isles of Shoals, New Hampshire

Photo: Allan Wood Photography/Shutterstock

The Isles of Shoals are actually nine separate islands off the coast of New Hampshire and Maine, but don’t worry — you don’t need to visit them all. Originally used as fishing camps in the early 17th century, the islands were named in 1614 by Captain John Smith. Since then, the islands have served various purposes, including as a bombing range for the US Navy, the site of a pirate honeymoon, and now home to a seal colony and wildlife sanctuary.

The second-largest island, Star Island was once the biggest fishing port on the East Coast, and in the 1800s, its Oceanic Hotel was a popular destination for artists, writers, and intellectuals looking for peace of mind. Still operational, the Oceanic is the only hotel on the Isles of Shoals, making Star Island the ideal base for your island getaway. When you’re not kicking back on the hotel porch enjoying the peaceful seabreeze, you can take a guided environmental tour, kayak around Gosport Harbor, or sign up for one of the many family programs offered on the island.

Smuttynose Island, on the other hand, is a day-trip kind of place. With no restrooms, trash cans, or tourism infrastructure on the island, this is as rugged a New England experience as you’ll get. That’s exactly what makes it special. Smuttynose Island is home to one of the region’s best walking trails, leading through wild brush, grass, and rocks to a cairn at the tip of the island.

Getting there: To get to Star Island, simply take the Isles of Shoals Steamship Co. ferry from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, which runs every few hours. Smuttynose Island is a bit more difficult to reach as it’s not serviced by a ferry; the only way to get there is via a small private boat.

2. Monhegan Island, Maine

Photo: E.J.Johnson Photography/Shutterstock

Monhegan Island is the perfect blend of relaxation and activity. With no pavement, cars, or even shops, the island is truly a far cry from the bustling cobbled streets of Nantucket. But tranquility doesn’t equal boredom. The island has an abundance of hiking trails for people of all skill levels, leading through untouched wilderness. The Whitehead Trail and Burnthead Trail are shorter, and perfect for beginners, while the Cliff and Blackhead Trails are better suited for seasoned hikers who want a more rugged wilderness experience. There are around 18 trails total, so you can choose which one is best for you.

Once you’ve finished your hike you’ll probably be in the mood for a cold one. If it seems like craft breweries are sprouting up all over the place, it’s not just your imagination. Even quiet Monhegan Island has its very own brewery, called the Monhegan Island Brewing Company. They specialize in craft beers brewed right on the island, including Balmy Days, Trap Stacker, and the Quadricentennial Pale Ale.

A few beers might also be the confidence boost you need to venture into the local art museum. There’s no need to be an art connoisseur to appreciate the Lupine Gallery, which showcases paintings and sculptures by over 50 local artists. There’s also the Monhegan Museum of Art & History, where you can learn all about the island’s history and artistic tradition.

Getting there: Located just 10 miles off the coast of Maine, it can be reached via ferry from Port Clyde, New Harbor, and Boothbay Harbor. Also note that as the island has no roads; ferries are for passengers only.

3. Block Island, Rhode Island

Photo: Justin Starr Photography/Shutterstock

About 12 miles off the coast of Rhode Island, Block Island has all the small-town New England charm of Nantucket without the country-club crowd. The town of New Shoreham has a population of just over 1,000 residents, and it’s the perfect base for a long weekend exploring the island.

The island’s entire perimeter is lined with 17 miles of free beaches, but when your skin is peeling and you’re looking for some alternatives, there’s plenty to do besides lounge in the sun. In addition to hiking or biking one of the island’s many nature trails, you can also go parasailing, kayaking, horseback riding, bird-watching, and fishing. And if it’s raining, there are dozens of specialty shops, art galleries, and antique stores where you can easily pass the day.

Getting there: The island is accessible via the Block Island Ferry from Galilee and Newport in Rhode Island, and Fall River in Massachusetts. The trip takes about an hour. Once on the small island, you could traverse it with a car, but at only seven miles across, it’s really not necessary. You could rent a moped for a more unique way of getting around.

4. Mt. Desert Island, Maine

Photo: Eric Urquhart/Shutterstock

Unlike other New England islands, which are small, remote, and only accessible via ferry, Mt. Desert Island is Maine’s largest island, and you can actually drive to it. If you haven’t heard of the island, you’ve likely heard of its most popular attraction, Acadia National Park. New England’s only national park, Acadia spans 47,000 acres and is comprised mainly of woodland, rocky beaches, and granite mountains. In addition to the abundance of hiking and biking trails, there’s a ton of wildlife to be seen, including moose, bears, seabirds, and even whales.

The best way to get the full Acadia experience is by driving the 27-mile Park Loop Road, which connects Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliffs, Jordan Pond, and Cadillac Mountain. If you couldn’t tell by the names, Acadia makes it pretty easy to have a beach vacation and rugged hiking adventure all in the same trip.

If camping isn’t really your thing, and you prefer venturing into Acadia for just a day trip, Bar Harbor is the perfect place to use as a base. A small coastal community of just 5,400 people, Bar Harbor is the gateway to the park and the perfect place to relax after a day in the wilderness. The town may be small, but there are plenty of restaurants serving fresh seafood, like Galyn’s and Reading Room.

Getting there: Although connected to the mainland and hence reachable by car, Mt. Desert Island isn’t exactly a quick jaunt from a major city. It’s a three-hour drive from Portland, and just over an hour from Bangor.

5. Chebeague Island, Maine

Photo: Chebeague Island Inn/Facebook

Just an hour’s ferry ride from Portland, Chebeague Island in Maine has something for everyone. Meaning “isle of many springs,” Chebeague is just five miles long and one-and-a-half miles wide, but it’s actually one of Maine’s most beautiful islands with a sophisticated infrastructure for accommodating visitors.

Beachgoers have no shortage of options, from the popular Hamilton Beach to the westward-facing Sunset Beach — which, you guessed it, is perfect for watching the sunset. In addition to offering great views, Sunset Beach is also the island’s most peaceful beach, located at the end of long dirt road. If you’re up for an adventure, you can walk to an even more secluded beach called Indian Point, only accessible at low tide by walking across the sandbar to Little Chebeague. This smaller island is no longer inhabited, but you’ll find the ruins of abandoned houses and some prime spots for camping.

Though relatively devoid of the crowds that plague many of New England’s more popular islands, Chebeague is by no means deserted. There’s one bar on the island called the Slow Bell, featuring live music, which is a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike. And if you want the true island experience, spend the night at the Chebeague Island Inn. Situated on a hill with a great view over the ocean to the west, the inn is the perfect place to enjoy lunch, a cocktail on the porch, and watch the sunset. You can also play a round of golf at the adjoining golf club, if you’re so inclined.

Getting there: Casco Bay Lines operates four to six ferries a day from Portland to Chebeague, depending on the weekday and season.

6. Sheffield Island, Connecticut

Photo: Allan Wood Photography/Shutterstock

Maine may lay claim to most of New England’s island getaways, but don’t sleep on Connecticut. Sheffield Island, a short ferry ride from Norwalk Harbor, might be one of the most serene island escapes in the region. The island doesn’t have a vast national park, extensive systems hiking trails, or a bustling town, but it does have a lighthouse dating back to 1868.

The two-and-a-half-story, 10-room lighthouse is the island’s main attraction, with period furnishings and guided tours available throughout the day. In addition to this dose of classic New England history, a peaceful nature trail also runs through the Stewart B. McKinney Wildlife Refuge. Though relatively small in size, the refuge has birds, mammals, rare plants, historic buildings, and observation platforms.

You won’t be able to stay overnight on Sheffield Island, but that’s okay. The scenic ferry ride only takes 45 minutes, so it’s easy to base yourself in in the seaside town of Norwalk and make a few excursions to the island.

If you really want a rugged island experience, however, head to nearby 45-acre Shea Island. If you have a permit, you can camp overnight at one of the16 campsites, which are equipped with solar-powered bathrooms. It’s more difficult to do, but the extra effort will only make your appreciate the island’s peace and quiet even more.

Getting there: On weekends, three ferries per day depart from Norwalk to Sheffield Island, arriving in 45 minutes. As for Shea Island, the ferry doesn’t go there, so you’ll have to take a private boat.

7. Grape Island, Massachusetts

Photo: Boston Harbor Islands National & State Park

When you think of the classic New England island escape, you’re probably imagining a paradise far from busy city streets. Indeed, it can be easy to forget that there are actually several islands right off the coast of Boston, many of which are great options for either a quick day trip or weekend getaway.

Part of the Boston Harbor Islands, the 54-acre Grape Island has woodland hiking trails, beaches, and places to camp. It’s also replete with history, being the site of several small battles between colonists and British forces during the Revolutionary War. The island’s name is actually derived from the “Grape Island Alarm,” a Revolutionary War skirmish.

Now, the island is the perfect place for seaside walks, picnics, kayaking, and bird watching. There are no hotels on the island, but there are plenty of campsites accessed by wooded trails, and you can always stay in Boston just a short ferry ride away.

Getting there: Take the ferry from Boston Harbor or Hingham to Georges Island and then from there to Grape Island. The whole trip should take just under two hours.


More like this: 10 unspoiled Greek islands that won’t stay that way for long, according to search data

The post 7 New England islands to visit that aren’t Nantucket appeared first on Matador Network.