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Cheapest beach towns in the US

Nothing feels more like summer than spending weekends at the beach, the smell of sunscreen and saltwater lingering in your nose long after the days have turned cold. What can also linger is the debt you rack up trying to pay for a beach vacation, as hotel, food, and drink prices in top beach destinations can be seriously jacked up. But believe it or not, there are still some beach towns that won’t dredge your bank account. To help you find those cheap slices of paradise, Homes.com took a survey of nightly rental prices in almost 50 coastal destinations around the country, and found a dozen that you can actually afford.

1. Cherry Grove Beach, South Carolina

Average cost per night: $126

Photo: Ben Whalen/Shutterstock

About half an hour up the grand strand from the affordable-vacation paradise of Myrtle Beach you’ll find Cherry Grove, an even more affordable alternative with a fraction of the crowds. Here you can meander up the 1,000-foot pier, where fishermen have been known to snag sharks and other sea giants without ever having to step foot on a boat. If you do want to get out on the water, there’s no shortage of fishing charters, as well as kayaking and paddleboarding through the inland swamps. You can also feast on all the fresh seafood at spots like The Shack and Duffy Street Seafood in nearby North Myrtle Beach. You’re also only a few minutes from literally dozens of golf courses, if laying in the sand and eating isn’t active enough.

2. Siesta Key Beach, Florida

Average cost per night: $148

Photo: fotomak/Shutterstock

The beaches along Siesta Key are regulars atop Dr. Beach’s vaunted “Best Beaches in the World” rankings, and for good reason. The soft, powdery sand and turquoise water make the rest of beach-heavy Florida jealous, with soft waves perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, or just going for a swim in the ocean. The beaches are right off Sarasota, too, with all the restaurants of St. Armands Circle and the Ringling Circus Museum only a short drive away. The clear waters offer perfect snorkeling conditions at Crescent and Turtle beaches. And on Sundays, you can take in the belly dancing and sword balancing at the Siesta Key Drum Circle — or join in the performance yourself!

3. Gulf Shores, Alabama

Average cost per night: $151

Photo: Darryl Vest/Shutterstock

Few people from outside the South know Alabama’s Gulf Coast has beaches every bit as tranquil and picturesque as its neighbors in Florida. That’s why this colorful little beach town about 45 minutes west of Pensacola is able to stay so affordable. In addition to playing host to the Hangout Music Festival, Gulf Shores is also home to Gulf State Park, where 28 miles of bike trails take you through some of the best beachside wilderness in the southeast. Inside the park, you’ll also find the gleaming new Lodge at Gulf State Park, where modern waterfront rooms sit over a restaurant where you’ll dine to the sound of lapping waves. In town, be sure to hit Big Beach Brewing to cool off, and visit America’s best small-town zoo at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.

4. Orange Beach, Alabama

Average cost per night: $156

Photo: Sara Louise Singer/Shutterstock

Just down Highway 182 from Gulf Shores you’ll find Orange Beach, with all the nature and a slightly more upscale vibe. Orange Beach is home to The Wharf, a sprawling dining and entertainment complex that’s played host to the World Food Championships on multiple occasions. After you’ve taken in a panoramic view of the coast from the top of its Ferris wheel, check out some of the restaurants that have made Orange Beach one of the best dining destinations on the Gulf Coast. Anchor Bar and Grill sits right on Hudson Marina and offers ramped up bar food like wagyu short rib tater tots and yellow sriracha buffalo wings. Or stay at The Wharf and try new spots like Yo Ho Rum & Tacos and The Bling Tiger.

5. Carolina Beach, North Carolina

Average cost per night: $156

Photo: T. Markley/Shutterstock

The least known of the Wilmington-area beaches, Carolina Beach still boasts miles of beautiful white sand where you’re welcome to bring a Jeep and your dog and camp out overnight. If you’d rather limit your beach time to daylight hours, hike the sandy trails at Carolina Beach State Park, culminating in a relaxing overlook above the Cape Fear River. No trip to Carolina Beach is complete without stopping at Britt’s Donuts, a destination breakfast spot for Wilmington locals. And be sure to enjoy a sandwich and a rum drink at the SeaWich restaurant and tiki bar, about as close to a Polynesian vacation as you’ll get in the Carolinas.

6. Panama City Beach, Florida

Average cost per night: $157

Photo: Rob Hainer/Shutterstock

Though Panama City proper is still recovering from last year’s devastating hurricane, Panama City Beach is still thriving. It’s moved far beyond its spring break reputation, banning on-beach drinking and inviting a far more family friendly crowd. The natural highlight is St. Andrew’s State Park, an untouched slice of natural Florida with powdery sand and abundant wildlife. Jump on the Shell Island Shuttle and you’ll take a short boat ride to an even more secluded barrier island full of unique shells. Back in town, catch live country music at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge. Or indulge in Instagram-worthy milkshakes at Gulf Coast Burger Co.

7. Miramar Beach, Florida

Average cost per night: $163

Photo: Ruth Peterkin/Shutterstock

South Walton Beach might be the most underrated beach destination in Florida, a place that a handful of vacationing Southerners know yet remains anonymous to most of America. It has the same pristine sand and turquoise water of your Florida fantasies, but remains far less overdeveloped and tourist-clogged than the rest of the state. It’s also a fantastic place to go shopping, with one of the largest outlet malls in the nation at Silver Sands. Miramar Beach also offers surprisingly diverse culinary offerings with everything from Southern barbecue at Lillie’s Q to Asian fusion at Thai Elephant.

8. Ocean City, Maryland

Average cost per night: $170

Photo: Eliyahu Yosef Parypa/Shutterstock

Those who went to high school in the mid-Atlantic — and anywhere within a day’s drive — remember OC as the home to Senior Week. And if you’re longing for the good old days of unsupervised teenage fun, the good news is that not much has changed. This funky little beach town at the end of US-50 has a boardwalk filled with fried food, midways, and T-shirt shops, where the fries at Thrasher’s and the Orange Crush at Harborside Bar and Grill are the stuff of summertime legend. For something a little more adult, hit up Seacrets, a massive tiki-themed complex where you can have your drink delivered on an inflatable raft.

9. Seaside, Oregon

Average cost per night: $181

Photo: Marisa Estivill/Shutterstock

A tropical beach destination it is not. But for hiking, surfing, and craft beer it’s one of the West Coast’s best small towns. Every August it hosts the world’s biggest beach volleyball tournament, which now welcomes over 1,500 teams. If you’re not in town for that, you can also meet adorable harbor seals at the Seaside Aquarium, or drink fresh craft beer at Seaside Brewing Company. Just down the coast you’ll find Cannon Beach, where you can hike in the hills over Haystack Rock (recognizable from The Goonies) while enjoying views reminiscent of the British Isles. Or hike through the Tillamook State Forest, and check out its World War II bunkers and the iconic Tillamook Rock Lighthouse.

10. Lincoln City, Oregon

Average cost per night: $184

Photo: Dee Browning/Shutterstock

About halfway down the Oregon coast from Seaside sits little Lincoln City, seven miles of undisturbed coastline off US-101. The eerie beaches here are dotted with sharp rock formations, creating a misty forest of stone perfect for sunset photo-ops. You can also visit one of the state’s largest kite festivals that’s held every June, or visit in mid-October and hunt for artistic glass orbs along the beach during Finders Keepers. This year marks the 20th anniversary, and orbs are being hidden all year, if you feel like visiting when the weather is warmer.

11. St. Pete Beach, Florida

Average cost per night: $185

Photo: Felix Mizioznikov/Shutterstock

Just a short drive from Tampa across the Howard Frankland Bridge brings you to the Gulf Coast’s most fun beach town. St. Pete Beach isn’t just home to the iconic Don Cesar Hotel — the “Pink Lady” that was a symbol of 1920s excess — it’s also got some of Florida’s best beach bars at the Undertow and the Drunken Clam. Head over to the Hotel Zamora for a spectacular Sunday brunch before wasting away the afternoon next to turquoise waters and fine white sand. Or head over into the city of St. Petersburg and tour through the state’s best beer town, featuring Florida’s only all-sour brewery at Inoculum Ale Works, and its oldest craft brewery at Dunedin Brewery.

12. Cocoa Beach, Florida

Average cost per night: $188

Photo: ESB Professional/Shutterstock

Visitors to Orlando — and more specifically, visitors to its glut of theme parks — are often disappointed to learn that they’re in the odd part of Florida that’s nowhere near a beach. Still, Cocoa Beach is just over an hour away. Drive past the Kennedy Space Center and onto Atlantic Avenue, then cruise the state’s funkiest beach town. Here you’ll see surf shacks and pizza joints lining the streets as surfers clamber to catch Florida’s best waves. On Sundays, it’s also home to Florida’s best beach party when the sand behind Coconut’s turns into a giant waterfront tailgate with no actual event to slow down the action.

13. Indian Harbour Beach, Florida

Average cost per night: $195

Photo: Durango/Shutterstock

Though Indian Harbour might not be the center of beachside excitement in Florida, it does offer a peaceful, affordable jumping off point to some of the cooler stuff along the state’s central Atlantic Coast. It’s about 40 minutes from the Canaveral National Seashore, which has 24 miles of undeveloped beach. Near there, you’ll find the Kennedy Space Center, as well as the surfing and beach parties of Cocoa Beach. Just inland from Indian Harbour you can also visit Melbourne, which has Brevard Zoo, one of the surprisingly best small-town zoos in America.

14. Fort Myers Beach, Florida

Average cost per night: $203

Photo: Jillian Cain Photography/Shutterstock

Perhaps you hadn’t given Fort Myers Beach a second thought since that spring break you vaguely remember spending at the venerable Lani Kai. Refresh your memory relatively affordably this summer and head back to this Gulf Coast gem. You can still get a fruity drink at a considerably quieter Lani Kai, as well as a number of other beach bars like Bongo’s, The Salty Crab, and the creatively named Florida Beach Bar. If you’re down for a short drive, you can also head into downtown Fort Myers for some mid-sized city nightlife and, for your money, the best slice of New York-style pizza in America at the Downtown House of Pizza.

15. St. Simons Island, Georgia

Average cost per night: $206

Photo: CE Photography/Shutterstock

The largest of Georgia’s Golden Isles is surprisingly affordable given its massive popularity among honeymooners and weekend-trip couples. The stunningly romantic island is covered in oak trees draped with Spanish moss, giving it a deeply Southern feel unlike any beach town in America. The place is steeped in history too, whether you want to visit a lighthouse dating to 1872 or Christ Church at Frederica, which has held services continuously since 1736. It even has an archaeological site at Cannon’s Point Preserve, which has artifacts dating back to 2500 BC.


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‘Murder Mystery’ under fire

Cities are usually thrilled to be featured as the backdrop of a movie, but Málaga, Spain, can’t shake the inaccurate clichés that plague this Netflix film. Murder Mystery, which stars Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler, harps on all the wrong Spanish stereotypes, and makes the locals see red.

In the movie, the pair is greeted upon arrival in Málaga by a flamenco dress-wearing dancer and a man playing a guitar, standing next to an old, run-down bus that reads “Gonzales Tour” — very subtle.

Photo: Netflix

According to The Guardian, not a single scene of the movie was filmed in Málaga, its supposed backdrop, but in various locations in Montreal and Italy.

Auturo Bernal, director general of the Costa del Sol tourism department, accused the filmmakers of a lack of research, and invited the Happy Madison production company to come see the city for themselves so they can come to realize how wrong they have it.

Far from being a retrograde town, as the movie may suggest, Málaga is a cultural destination with 37 museums, including the Picasso Museum; magnificent churches such as the Sagrario and Santiago; and palaces and historic monuments.


More like this: Los 10 mejores restaurantes de Málaga

The post Adam Sandler movie under fire for cliché portrayal of Spain appeared first on Matador Network.

Body of Kenya Airways stowaway falls

A person who snuck on a Kenya Airways flight en route from Kenya to the UK was found dead in a garden in London on Sunday.

The victim, believed to be a man, fell from the landing gear compartment when the aircraft came in to land at London Heathrow, and crashed into a garden in the Clapham neighborhood. It is still unknown if the person died during the flight or because of the fall.

According to a next door neighbor, the body fell violently three feet from a resident while he was sunbathing in his garden.

“I heard a ‘whomp,’” he said to the Press Association. “I went upstairs to look out of a window. At first I thought it was a [homeless person] asleep in the garden. He had all his clothes on and everything. I had a closer look and saw there was blood all over the walls of the garden….I realized immediately that he had fallen. So I went outside and it was just then the neighbour came out and he was very shaken. He had been sunbathing and he had landed one metre away from him.”

A plane spotter following the flight saw the body fall from the airplane. According to The Guardian, a bag, water, and food were later discovered in the landing gear compartment, confirming the stowaway theory.

The identity of the victim and their reason for hiding on a flight to London are still unknown.


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The post Body of plane stowaway falls into London garden appeared first on Matador Network.

Dishes to try while in Shanghai

Shanghai is not an ancient major city. It wasn’t until the opening of its treaty port in 1842 that the former fishing village really became a prosperous industrial center and trading hub with worldwide renown. With the city’s economic takeoff, the culinary culture also boomed, echoing Shanghai’s refined and sophisticated urban life. Today, the city is filled with so much good food that pretty much the only place an eater will be disappointed is the Shanghai airport.

Today, people often think of soup dumplings when they think of Shanghai food. But the city’s vibrant food scene has a lot more to offer, from breakfast street foods, to delicate Shanghai snacks, to Western-inspired soups. Below are five iconic Shanghai dishes locals love.

1. Hong shao

Photo: Paul_Brighton/Shutterstock

Hong shao, or “red cooking,” is a cooking style that entails cooking a protein in a soy-based sauce with a touch of rice wine and rock sugar to give the dish a shiny glaze, rich aroma, and balanced taste. Like red sauce to Italian food, hong shao is essential to Shanghai cuisine, and local chefs never seem to agree on a “best” hong shao recipe.

Pork is most common in hong shao dishes, which is called hong shao rou, as well as hong shao pai gu, which is made with pork ribs. The red braised pork belly is slow cooked with spices to make a delectable dish, but home cooks also love to “red cook” other local delicacies and vary the use of spices and herbs accordingly. Jiyu, a delicate freshwater fish, is braised with the whole stems of scallions to bolden the taste. And beltfish freshly caught from the sea is cooked with a hearty amount of ginger to balance the piquant flavor. Another favorite is kaofu, or wheat gluten, braised with assorted mushrooms, which makes an appetizing starter in family banquets.

2. Yan du Xian

Photo: HelloRF Zcool/Shutterstock

Yan du Xian is an iconic Shanghai soup. To make it, dry-aged ham and succulent fresh pork are simmered for hours on very low heat until the umami flavor is fully released, the pork fat emulsified, and the meat meltingly tender. Added to the broth are crispy bamboo shoots. The end result is a soup loaded with umami.

Although it’s often served as a festive dish in formal banquets, the recipe is error-tolerant and family-friendly. Home cooks improvise with whatever seasonal ingredients they have. Spongy frozen tofu or tender gourd slices are often used to enhance the taste and texture of the dish. The leftover soup is never wasted as it makes a great base for a savory congee, another local favorite.

3. Chinese mitten crabs, or hairy crabs

Photo: Sumeth anu/Shutterstock

Hairy crabs are native to the intertwined river network around Shanghai. Every year in late fall, when the crabs are at their most delectable, the city falls into a crab craze. The crustaceans are everywhere in farmer’s markets, and locals are more than willing to pay a hefty price for the fattest ones. For centuries, they’ve been not only a favorite hors d’oeuvre in aristocrats’ literary salons but also a treasured delicacy on family dinner tables.

Steaming is the simplest but most ritualized way to cook a crab. Take the time to twist the legs, crack the claws, and pick the meat before popping open the shell and scooping out the buttery roe. Dip the sweet meat in a zesty ginger-vinegar condiment, and pair it with warm huangjiu, a fermented grain alcohol with a sweet taste that’s around 20 percent ABV. You don’t gobble down the flesh to satisfy hunger. It’s slow food that’s part of a social, tasty pastime every Shanghai local enjoys.

4. Shengjian

Photo: ymgerman/Shutterstock

Unlike its famous cousin the soup dumpling, which requires elaborate preparation, the humble shengjian is more grassroots but equally satisfying. Meat and gelatine are mixed with minced scallion and wrapped in a semi-leavened dough. The buns are tightly gathered in a flat cast-iron pan and pan-fried until golden brown. This gives shengjian a complex texture. The first bite breaks into the crunchy exterior, which leads to the steaming puffy wrap, which leads to the juicy meat inside.

Shengjian was first served as a side dish in local teahouses and soon became a favorite comfort food to be consumed at any time of the day. In the communist era, factory workers snacked on them before their graveyard shifts. Nowadays you can see school children and office workers queuing in front of hole-in-the-wall shengjian stores, waiting for a freshly fried batch of shengjian to be devoured on their morning commute.

5. Luo song tang, or Russian soup

Shanghai saw a steady influx of foreign settlers with the expansion of international trade in the 19th century. Many opened restaurants serving food from their home countries, which were frequented by both expats and local high society. Over time, their food collectively evolved into a cuisine called haipai, which refers to food with Western origin that’s been adapted to Shanghainese tastes and ingredients.

One of the most popular haipai dishes is Russian soup, or luo song tang, a local adaption of Russian borscht. Since Shanghainese were unaccustomed to the tangy taste of fermented beetroot in the traditional recipe, local chefs skipped the beetroot altogether and doubled the use of tomatoes to enhance the sweetness of the dish. The soup proved popular, and eateries of all types added different touches. Today, Russian soups in high-end restaurants call for oxtail while factory canteen versions are loaded with potato and rarely have any meat. Home cooks make it in all seasons with beef and a good amount of braised vegetables.


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The post 5 essential Shanghai dishes you need to try that aren’t soup dumplings appeared first on Matador Network.

Etiquette for dog-friendly hotels

Being a polite hotel guest doesn’t always come naturally to dogs. Frankly, it doesn’t always come naturally to humans, either. The constant elevator dings, strange smells, and unfamiliar surroundings can lead to a dog-vs-hotel disaster in no time at all. However, with a little planning, you can enjoy the luxury of a hotel and travel with your pooch. Here’s how the two of you can find yourselves enjoying hotel life together, perhaps even wrapped in an Egyptian cotton duvet dining on buttery croissants.

1. Make sure your pet is actually allowed.

No matter how well behaved your dog is, if he’s not invited, he’s not going to impress the hotel staff. Call ahead to ensure the hotel allows pets and double check on any weight restrictions, pet fees, and other requirements. Some hotels only accept pets of a certain weight or breed, so it’s best to be upfront about your dog on the phone. It is tempting to lie about your pet’s size or demeanor and hope for the best upon arrival, but this often leads to you and your pooch being turned away. Being honest and doing research about hotel pet policies will ensure a less stressful stay for everyone involved.

Some hotels are more pet-friendly than others and offer perks such as goodie bags, dog beds, and outdoor play areas, so shop around if you can afford to be flexible or if your dog has special needs. Sites such as Go Pet Friendly make searches for dog-friendly accommodation and itineraries as simple as typing in your destination, giving travelers great options for their pets.

2. Be realistic about your dog’s behavior.

Not every pet is cut out for travel. Dogs with separation anxiety, spotty potty training, or barking habits make impolite hotel guests and will need adequate training before your trip. If you have the time, find a trainer who will work with your dog’s specific needs, so your pooch can behave when out and about. The American Kennel Club recommends finding trainers who’ll use positive reinforcement and work with your dog’s learning style, which will help speed along the training process and instill confidence in your pooch. If training isn’t an option, find alternative arrangements for your trip, such as a doggy daycare or pet sitter. The Spruce Pets suggest checking with your veterinarian for recommendations or searching for local sitters through Pet Sitters International or the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters.

3. Pack a suitcase for your pooch.

Plan ahead and prepare a suitcase or backpack. Pack their favorite blanket, bed, and toys to provide familiar comforts and smells while on the road and in the hotel. Setting up an area that is “theirs” in your room will reduce anxiety and make them feel more at home. This means setting out the bed, giving treats and praise, and making sure they have access to a water dish. Pack food and water bowls along with a leash, poop bags, and food to avoid frantically trying to find these necessities at your destination. (And, if your food is canned, remember to bring a can opener!) It’s a good idea to stock up on high value treats to make the trip extra special, and these can also aid in bribing your dog to stop barking or jumping on furniture.

4. Location is everything!

Some room locations are better than others when traveling with dogs. When booking, ask for a ground floor room with quick access to a grassy outdoor area. Rooms tucked away from busy areas and elevators can help eliminate unnecessary noise and help your dog feel more relaxed in your room. If your dog is struggling to settle, play soft music and spend a quiet hour in your hotel room. These actions can help your hotel room feel more like “home” for your pet, especially if you are calm and comfortable. Remember, dogs feed off human’s emotions.

5. Don’t leave your pooch alone in the room.

Before planning your trip, research ways to incorporate your dog into your daily itinerary. There are many resources online, such as Bring Fido, that can help you find dog-friendly activities, ranging from quiet sidewalk cafes to adventurous hikes. Be realistic about your dog’s needs, abilities, and comfort levels when choosing activities. Pushing your dog to participate in activities outside their physical ability or comfort zone can lead to injuries or misbehaving.

If your day includes non-dog-friendly activities, find alternative daytime solutions for care. Even if your dog is fine being left at home all day, they may not be when left in an unfamiliar room. Check in with your hotel for local doggie daycares or in-room pet-sitting services. Sites like Pawshake and Rover allow you to search for sitters locally and by the type of care you need, such as an in-home sitter or single dog walk.

If you do need to leave for a short time, crate your dog if they are used to that environment. According to The Humane Society, crate training can be a long process, so be sure to start training well before your trip if this is your solution. Turn on the TV or music to make them feel more at home and provide a distraction from outside noises. Hang the “do not disturb” sign on the door to avoid anyone coming in and startling your pooch — or being startled by them! Finally, leave your phone number with the hotel staff, and let them know to contact you if there’s an issue.

6. Respect all rules.

You and your pet may be special guests, but remember, you don’t own the place. Be sure to follow all hotel rules, even if they’re different from how you behave at home. Keep your pooch on a leash in common areas, keep them off furniture, and clean up after messes immediately. Unless of course it’s encouraged by hotel staff to let them join you in bed — in which case you’ve found yourself a great hotel!

7. Try to stick to a routine.

Dogs thrive on routine. You may be looking forward to luxurious sleep-ins and room service, but your dog will still be expecting their morning walk and breakfast. Though it’s expected to switch up routine a bit on vacation, try to give your day structure for your dog’s sake. Schedule potty breaks and meals around the same time you would at home, and be sure to dish out plenty of treats to reward your well-behaved pup!

8. Own up to all messes, immediately.

Accidents happen, especially in high stress or new situations. If your pooch makes a mess, even a little one, let the hotel staff know immediately. There might be special procedures for clean up, so it’s best to be honest about the mess right away. Remember, all pets have accidents and pet-friendly hotels prepare for this. Be proactive and pack some spot cleaner and a rag to be able to clean up little messes yourself. A towel for muddy paws is a lifesaver on rainy days.

9. Know your dog’s stress signs.

Even well behaved dogs struggle in new situations. The unfamiliar surroundings, people, and schedules can be overwhelming and cause stress. Remember that you are your dog’s best advocate, so look out for these signs of stress. According to Rover, signs of stress are different for every pooch but can include excessive yawning, panting, and whining. If your dog’s normal behavior changes, take note and try to comfort them.

Sometimes it’s best to leave the situation for a quieter spot and give your dog a mental rest. Similar to people, it’s okay for a dog to be overwhelmed, so don’t expect them to be perfect in every new situation. If they are showing signs that the day has been far too much, find a quiet park to walk them through to allow time to destress and relax. Sometimes a quick jaunt in nature is all they’ll need to be refreshed.


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Niagara Falls beyond the Falls

“That place felt like a prison,” my friend told me as he got in the car at the Embassy Suites Clifton Hill, on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. “It was just KIDS, running. Everywhere. Lobby full of Mennonites. Lines for EVERYTHING. Why would anyone want to come here?”

My friend, apparently, wasn’t aware of the tourist bonanza that is Niagara Falls. It’s a great natural wonder of the world, yes. But also a great natural wonder of humanity, where on weekends during the summer you might find yourself sharing the falls with the entire population of Rhode Island. Don’t get me wrong, Niagara Falls is absolutely worth seeing, and if you can snag a spot on the zip-line you’ll get the odd moment of peace over the water.

But once you’ve seen the falls, there’s a lot more do than tourist traps. It’s one of the best wine regions in North America, where the rolling hills of Southern Ontario are lined with vineyards and best seen by bike. There are also adorable little towns, sprawling craft breweries, jet-boat rides, and hikes through the gorge. Offering far more to a vacation than waiting in line to take selfies.

1. Take a jet-boat ride down the river.

Photo: Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours/Facebook

Next to the Hornblower cruises and the Journey Behind the Falls, the Whirlpool Jet Boat tours are probably the next most popular attraction. But when you’re speeding over Class V rapids on a boat that looks straight out of Miami Vice, the fact you’re sharing it with 45 other tourists is easily forgotten.

Whirlpool doesn’t give you that snazzy yellow slicker as a fashion statement, either. You’re getting WET, which can be refreshing if you’re here in the height of summer. Enjoy racing through the green canyons of the Niagara River Gorge, with the US on one side and Canada on the other, racing through rapids made famous in Superman II.

2. Ride a bike through wine country.

Photo: BobNoah/Shutterstock

The area around Niagara Falls is homes to dozens of wineries, which cover the landscape along the Niagara Escarpment in rows of meticulous grapes. And yes, they make a lot more than ice wine. Rent a bike and spend the afternoon rolling through the countryside, stopping intermittently and tasting some of the most surprisingly great blends in the hemisphere. Zoom Leisure Bikes is probably the biggest supplier though County Cycle in Beamsville will get you a little closer to the action.

The big winery names will be Peller Estates and Two Sisters in Niagara-on-the-Lake. But you’ll be better rewarded heading a little further out to the smaller, boutique spots. Start your day at Vineland Estates in Vineland, a hilltop winery with two helipads, popular among celebrities visiting the area. Enjoy a spectacular view and stunning reds like the Cabernet Franc and Elevation Cabernet Sauvignon.

Photo: Tawse Winery/Facebook

Continue pedaling a mile or so down the hill to Tawse Winery, where you can taste the subtle Riesling in a cave, then enjoy a glass while watching a herd of sheep groom the vineyards. Tawse also has an in-house distillery, if you want to mix some spirits into your drinking tour.

Gear up for your steep climb back up to Megalomaniac Wines, where you’ll find a view worthy of a hyper-inflated ego. You’ll also find the perfect gift for the arrogant prick in your life, with bottles named Contrarian White and Pompous Reserve. Some labels are printed backward, too, ideal for the selfie-obsessed.

From there, close the day at Ridgepoint Wines, a family-run estate winery with the friendliest tasting room in the region. Their reds are the go-to, particularly the Meritage and Sangiovese. It caps off a day riding an easily traversable wine trail, even for novice cyclists. And easy to manage even after a day’s worth of samples.

3. Bask in the sunshine while drinking craft beer.

Photo: Niagara Oast House Brewers/Facebook

Wine not your thing? That’s cool, Niagara Falls has an entire ale trail you can follow, boasting over a dozen breweries within a short drive of the falls. The closest to the falls is Niagara Brewing, and though it’s on Clifton Hill, it doesn’t feel overrun with tourists. If you want to get out of the madness, though, make the short drive to Oast House in Niagara on the Lake. This old farmhouse makes some of the finest farmhouse ales in the land, from its signature saison to a refreshing watermelon gose. The high-ABV stuff is best enjoyed on Oast’s sprawling back patio, paired with Brushfire BBQ’s brisket.

Another outdoor drinking destination is Bench Brewing, set atop a small hill in the heart of wine country. The massive operation is partially contained in an old schoolhouse, where Erik Peacock — one of its proud alums — has crafted the best brewery menu in the region with stuff like Moroccan chicken wings and dry rub beef ribs. The beers are standouts as well, with the Ball’s Falls session IPA drinking especially nicely on a sunny day on the patio.

4. Sample the freshest cheese in Canada.

Photo: Upper Canada Cheese Company/Facebook

Cheese tourism hasn’t exactly caught on like beer and wine has. But if you’re pedaling through Niagara’s wine country and see an unassuming little roadside shop called the Upper Canada Cheese Company, make a stop. Inside, an eager and knowledgeable staff of cheese mavens will walk you through some of the tastiest cheeses in the country, with free samples for all who stroll through. Upper Canada’s cheeses all come from Guernsey A2 cows raised just up the road, giving them a fresh, unique flavor you won’t find back in the States. Go for the Niagara Gold and Comfort Cream, which have both won awards in national competitions.

5. Eat dinner at a vineyard.

Photo: Redstone Winery/Facebook

After a day of standing in lines, getting cold water sprayed in your face, and dodging unsupervised children at your feet, few things sound better than a relaxing dinner in a vineyard. If you’re into pairing wood-fired pizzas with wine, make the drive to Honsberger Estates, where an Italian chef has set up a brick oven within smelling distance of the vineyards. Here you can relax as the sun sets over the farm, smelling the wood-burning oven cooking your dinner. The restaurant is set between an old barn and a brick farmhouse, where you’re best to pair the 2015 Cab Franc reserve with the pie of your choice.

If pizza isn’t your first choice — or you’d rather eat indoors over a sweeping vineyard view — opt for Redstone Winery, walking distance from Bench Brewing. The glass-walled estate serves up $1.50 oysters on Sundays and a menu of New American stuff like Elora chicken with raisin-carrot puree and lamb with smoked paprika marmalade. The indoor setting makes it perfect if the weather isn’t cooperating, and it’s every bit as calming as its outdoor counterparts.

6. Spend the night in a charming village.

Photo: Inn On The Twenty/Facebook

Though there’s no shortage of hotels near Niagara Falls, if you really want to avoid the hordes, make your escape an overnight. The little village of Jordan Station feels like it was dropped from Northern California on the shores of Lake Ontario, with a small strip of boutiques lining one side of its main drag and the colonial-style Inn on the Twenty on the other. The Inn is full of two-story suites where you can relax with a glass of wine by the fireplace on the lower level, and inside a jacuzzi on the upper level.

Across the street you’ll find the Cave Springs Cellars tasting room, so you can keep the wine-tasting party going. It’s the perfect spot for a little pre-dinner Riesling; three of its vintages scored over 90 from Wine Spectator. After dinner, walk five minutes to the other end of town and the Jordan House Tavern. It’s about as close to a locals’ bar as you’re getting, with wood-lined walls and big screen TVs perfect for enjoying a hockey game and a big, draft Canadian.

7. Hike the Niagara Gorge.

Photo: lastdjedai/Shutterstock

Eating and drinking your way through Niagara Falls might leave you feeling a little… heavy. Not that an afternoon on the gorge will negate a weekend’s worth of beer and wine, but it is a scenic way to get your heart pumping after a couple days of gluttony. The Niagara Glen Gorge offers plenty of hiking trails with postcard views out over the Niagara River and the lush gorges around it. From there, you can spot all the boats jetting through and be thankful you’ve found a way to separate from the masses.


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Ultimate guide to Turkish baths

You’ve likely heard travelers from all over laud their Turkish bath experience, and you’ve probably added it to your bucket list without even fully understanding what exactly a Turkish bath even is. First things first: Turkish baths aren’t only found in Turkey. They span the Middle East and Asia, from Morocco to Syria to India, and have even cropped up in Western countries, specifically England. From knowing how much to tip to knowing exactly what state of undress you should expect to be in, here’s everything you need to know about experiencing your first Turkish bath and why you should give it a try.

Origins of the Turkish bath

Photo: Mazur Travel/Shutterstock

The first signs of Turkish baths date all the way back to the 14th century, during the Ottoman Empire’s vast reign of much of the Middle East and Europe. Inspired by Roman practices in bathing, Turkish baths were a source for both community gathering and hygiene maintenance. With indoor plumbing not coming into existence for another few hundred years, communal baths were designed to be a focal point in city centers, accessible to everyone. The origins of Turkish baths can also be tied to Islam as a form of cleansing before entering a mosque for prayer. Today, remaining Turkish baths can often be found close to Mosques in the city center.

What to expect at a Turkish bath and what to wear

At most Turkish baths, there will be separate entrances and sections for men and women, so if you’re going with a friend of the opposite sex, expect to meet them out at the other end. Every bath is a little different in terms of the amount of clothing coverage most people wear, but it’s accepted that you keep a bathing suit on if you’re not comfortable donning the thin disposable underwear they often provide. We recommend bringing flip flops, as well, which you can wear throughout the changing rooms and public pool areas. And don’t forget a fresh change of clothes and your own toiletries if you want to do as the Turks do and consider this your bath for the day.

The one main feature of a Turkish bath that is different from a Russian bath or Moroccan hammam is that there will be small rooms of dry heat, rather than saunas. After building up a sweat for 10-15 minutes in the dry heat room, you’ll enter the larger communal pool, usually an ornately built marble room with tall ceilings and skylights for natural lighting, where you can relax alone as long as you wish.

The Turkish bath experience can also vary depending on if you’d like individual treatments or to wash alone. We recommend going all in and paying extra for an attendant to wash and scrub you. You may think you know what exfoliation is, but until you’ve experienced a Turkish bath, you actually have no idea.

You’ll be lathered up with soap (always by an attendant of your same sex); scrubbed down with an exfoliant paste, most often a gommage or savon beldi, which are gentle and painless exfoliants that are most effective when the applier rubs vigorously; and then washed and rinsed again but with cool water. Don’t be alarmed when you see gray-colored “noodles” sloughing off your skin during exfoliation. Those are just the layers of dead skin you probably didn’t know you had before you walked in. A traditional treatment usually includes a massage, as well — these massages are pretty quick with deep pressure, so we recommend those for people who are familiar with massages.

How much should you tip?

Photo: Levent Konuk/Shutterstock

It’s recommended to tip your attendant about 15 percent, so make sure to take out some cash in the country’s currency before heading in. Towels, a wash basin, and maybe a robe should all be included in your treatment. After your treatments, feel free to relax in the bath for as long as you please. An entry fee permits you to lounge all day, with some baths staying open until midnight. When we said Turkish baths are a place for community gathering, we meant it!

Why you should go to a Turkish bath

Walking into a traditional Turkish bath feels like a step back in time. It will be easy to envision life during the Renaissance when Arab nations built ornate and intricate mosques and baths that could withstand the elements for hundreds of years. Besides experiencing one of the oldest still-practiced cultural traditions of the East, you’ll want to partake in a Turkish bath because of its health benefits as well.

Because of the hot temperatures, you’ll experience increased circulation and an opening of the pores that will prepare your body for deep cleansing and exfoliation. Heated air and water provide for muscle relaxation, so even if you don’t decide on a massage, you’ll be receiving similar benefits. Dead skin renewal during the exfoliation treatment will leave your skin soft and more elastic. When your skin has been heated up and exfoliated, it’s in an optimal condition to absorb moisture, resulting in an observable “glow.”

And maybe the most important benefit of a Turkish bath is both physical and mental relaxation from your travels. The sudsy massage will relax your muscles and joints and allow for your body to heal from jetlag, long periods of sitting, and the tension that sometimes follow sleeping in an unfamiliar bed.

Best places for a Turkish bath in Turkey

While you can find Turkish baths worldwide, there really isn’t anything like experiencing it Turkey. Before you go, you’ll want to do your research on which Turkish bath fits your price point and desired experience. Some are more tourist-oriented and housed in luxury hotels while the traditional bath structures built hundreds of years ago are more affordable and visited by locals.

Cağaloğlu Hamamı

Photo: Cağaloğlu Hamamı/Facebook

The Cağaloğlu Hamamı was actually the last Turkish bath built by the Ottoman Empire as its reign was declining in the 1700s. It has unique architecture harkening to the Baroque style with a bright white stucco interior. Visitors rave about the kind staff and vigorous scrubs.

If you’re a big planner and want to make sure you’ll be fit in for a scrub and massage as soon as you arrive, visit Cağaloğlu Hamamı because you can book a reservation slot before you go. A little on the pricey side, this bath is pristine. It also offers couples treatments if you want to stick with your partner or friend the whole time.

Address: Alemdar Mh., Cağaloğlu Hamamı Sk. 34, Fatih, Turkey

Ağa Hamam

The Ağa Hamam resides on the corner of one of Istanbul’s most famous streets. You’ll be able to seamlessly slip in after a full day of shopping, eating, and sightseeing. Popular with visitors, the Ağa Hamamı is also Istanbul’s oldest bath, dating back to 1454. They have a separate area upstairs for oil massages as this location tends to get crowded.

Address: Kuloglu mahallesi, Turnacibasi sokak No:48, Istanbul 34433, Turkey

Cukurcuma Hamamı

Photo: ÇUKURCUMA HAMAMI 1831

Recently renovated, the Cukurcuma Hamamı dates back to the 1830s. It is highly recommended that you book your preferred services in advance due to its popularity. There are couples’ services too, so this is a unique hamam that you can experience together with a significant other or friend of the opposite sex.

Address: Firuzaga Mahallesi , Cukurcuma Caddesi No:43 | Beyoglu, Istanbul 34425, Turkey


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Amsterdam to apologize for slavery

Over 300 years after Amsterdam played a major role in the slave trade, the city will officially apologize. During the 17th and 18th centuries, slavery made Amsterdam the richest city in the western world, and though its slave trade ended centuries ago, its new left-leaning government has vowed to issue an apology.

Now that the GreenLeft party is the largest party on the city council, pro-apology members of the council form the majority for the first time ever. Even the conservative Christian Union group is in favor of the apology, with Don Decar, its council leader, saying, “This should have happened much sooner.”

Over the course of the next year, the council will conduct extensive research on the city’s slave-owning past and then make a public apology at the annual July 1 Keti Koti festival — an event that commemorates Amsterdam’s slave trade history.

The remnants of slavery in Amsterdam can still be seen today, in the stately canal houses of the inner city. Built by Dutch merchants who drove the slave trade, the houses were intended to display their immense wealth, and indeed, many of Amsterdam’s grandest buildings have links to slavery.

“Even though slavery has been abolished since 1863,” said D66 councilor Dehlia Timman, “the traces remain visible everywhere around the city today. This vote is a historic moment. I hope it can end a period which has been very painful for the descendants of slaves, many of whom came to the Netherlands and have been instrumental in shaping our multicultural society.”

H/T: The Irish Times

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The best traditional Bavarian food

There are many countries that may seem to rank above Germany when it comes to opportunities for “adventure eating,” but if you define being an intrepid foodie as stuffing your face with food you’ve never heard of and can’t pronounce correctly, we present leberknödelsuppe. Bavaria, the German state encompassing Munich and bordering both the Czech Republic and Austria, is worthy of an extended gastronomic detour. In addition to sausages, sauerkraut, and giant soft pretzels, this southern region is also the country’s culinary heartland. Here are seven traditional dishes you should experience while visiting Bavaria.

1. Weisswurst

Photo: Jiri Hera/Shutterstock

Bavarians love their sausages, and weisswurst is no exception. These savory veal-and-pork links have a distinctive white color and flavors of parsley and onion not found in other German sausages. They also have a less meaty aftertaste, making a weisswurst paired with a citrusy weissbier particularly delightful. Although weisswurst is a mainstay at local farmers markets, it also takes top billing in the weisswurst fruhstuck, a rousing breakfast served in both Bavarian homes and taverns.

Where to find it: Zum Spöckmeier in downtown Munich for melt-in-your-mouth weisswurst with soft pretzels and sweet mustard.

2. Bretzl

Photo: istetiana/Shutterstock

Though their exact origins are shrouded in mystery, traditional soft pretzels — locally referred to as bretzls — are ubiquitous in Munich and across all of Bavaria. A bretzl is not just a pretzel. It’s durable, able to accompany added ingredients and letting them accentuate — but never overtake — the doughy epicness that hooked us to them in the first place. It’s kind of like the pizza of pretzels in that way. You will find these twisted breads everywhere in Bavaria, from bakeries and beer halls to parks and street carts.

Where to find it: If you find yourself leisurely strolling through the Viktualienmarkt in Munich’s Old Town, stop by Karnoll’s for a classic bretzl and freshly brewed coffee. If that’s not enough to tickle your fancy, though, visit one of the city’s many Wimmer bakery-cafes for butter-glazed and cheese-filled pretzels.

3. Obatzda

Photo: Foxxy63/Shutterstock

Even though Bavarian pretzels are delicious on their own, you will often find them served with a side of obatzda. This savory spread blends two parts soft cheese, often Camembert, with one part butter and sometimes onions for an added kick. Additionally, depending on where you are in the region, you might encounter obatzda with some locally brewed ale, lager, or pilsner mixed right in. Remember though, this is the home of Oktoberfest, so don’t ever let a spoon of beer in a recipe deter you from ordering a glass on the side.

Where to find it: Der Pschorr in Munich’s busy Viktualienmarkt dishes up a variety of Bavarian classics, but definitely make room for its obatzda with onions and chive bread.

4. Käsespätzle

Photo: Martin Rettenberge/Shutterstock

If you are a mac and cheese aficionado, then käsespätzle is right up your alley. This distinctly Bavarian spin on the iconic comfort food was born when local cooks added melted cheese to their traditional spaetzle, and as melted cheese tends to do, the result took the humble egg noodles to a whole new level. The name — spätzle with cheese — is as straightforward as the dish, and it’s now popular across the region and can be found in western Austria, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland — coincidentally all spots that love their cheese.

Where to find it: Käsespätzle is served all over Bavaria, but the emmentaler- and mountain-cheese-topped spaetzle at Augustiner Klosterwirt in Munich should be your first port of call. Klosterwirt also offers a variety of local brews on tap.

5. Bavarian sauerkraut

Photo: yingko/Shutterstock

Though sauerkraut is a global superstar of side dishes and a favorite hot dog topping back in the United States, it has not forgotten its German roots. As with käsespätzle, the Bavarian version of sauerkraut, known as blaukraut, is a ramped-up version of what most typically associate the dish as being — fermented cabbage. While in most sauerkraut recipes the cabbage has few if any accompaniments, crafty Bavarians made this simple side dish even more flavorful by adding onions, pork fat, and even some grated apple for a bit of sweetness. Blaukraut is served as a side with more complex meat courses, though you can always do it old school and just toss some blaukraut on top of a sausage. It’s a Bavarian experience either way.

Where to find it: Try it alongside a few brats and a tall stein of your favorite beer at the iconic Hofbräuhaus, or even by itself if you so desire.

6. Leberknödelsuppe

Photo: Eder/Shutterstock

Liver has been a popular dish in Bavarian households for generations, and whether visitors (from both around Germany and abroad) love it or hate it, traditional recipes built around liver are only gaining popularity in the region. Among the most traditional methods for serving this often-reviled organ meat is to cook it into a hearty soup called leberknödelsuppe. Made with a savory blend of liver and flour, the dumplings — or knodel — are served in a clear broth but vary quite significantly in shape and size. For instance, you might find spaetzle-shaped knodel at one restaurant and ball-shaped ones at the next.

Where to find it: Head to Munich’s Old Town and grab a seat at Haxnbauer, a restaurant and brewpub.

7. Kaiserschmarrn

Photo: A_Lein/Shutterstock

Venture into the Bavarian Alps and you’ll find a plethora of local bakeries and restaurants serving kaiserschmarrn, a primary way for Bavarians to satisfy their sweet tooth. Scrambled until it is lightly caramelized, this golden-brown Alpine dessert pancake is rich in either apple, cherry, or almond puree, depending on whichever local fruits and nuts are in season.

Where to find it: Even though you will encounter kaiserschmarrn in eateries throughout the Alps, stop by the Berggasthof Neureuth beer hall near Tegernsee for this tasty treat. It’s the perfect way to indulge after a long day of strenuous hiking or even simply admiring the idyllic mountain scenery.


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Sport climbing part of Olympics

For months, climbers have been actively campaigning for the inclusion of sport climbing in the 2024 Summer Games that will take place in Paris and their efforts have paid off.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has just voted unanimously (as a provisional decision) to add sport climbing to the roster of events in the 2024 Olympics Games. During the June 24 vote in Lausanne, Switzerland, surfing, skateboarding, and break dancing were also accepted. “The four sports that Paris has proposed are all totally in line with Olympic Agenda 2020,” said IOC President Thomas Bach, “because they contribute to making the program more gender balanced and more urban, and offer the opportunity to connect with the younger generation.”

Sport climbing will make its debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics with four events (two male events and two female events). Each event will combine bouldering, lead, and speed. According to the IOC, “in Lead [athletes] have one attempt to reach the top of a 15m high wall counting on their tactics and endurance, while they have to complete several 4.5m high routes made of spectacular movements in Bouldering. In Speed, athletes race against each other, and the world record time, on a standardised wall.”

While the IOC vote is certainly encouraging to climbers, it is only a provisional vote thus far. The IOC’s executive board will make the final decision on the proposed new events for the 2024 Games in December 2020. Until then, the popularity and success of climbing competitions — including in Tokyo 2020 — will be monitored by the IOC, with the format for Paris subject to change based on their findings.


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