Matador Network's Blog, page 112

Japan Airlines Are Offering Free Domestic Flights for Those Wanting to Explore the Country

To encourage travelers to Japan to get off the beaten path, delve deeper into the country’s cultural heritage, and venture beyond the popular tourist destinations, Japan Airlines is offering complimentary domestic flights all across the archipelago.

Reports of overtourism in specific areas of the country could also be a driving force behind the initiative. Places such as Shibuya’s scramble crossing, viewing spots for Mount Fuji, Kiyomizu Temple, and other sites in Kyoto are at capacity.

Photo: Richard Whitcombe/Shutterstock

“Japan may be both experiencing overtourism in some places and witnessing the opposite in others,” says the Japan Times.

By encouraging visitors to travel to other areas of the country, it’s hoped that tourist numbers will be more equally distributed across Japan’s thousands of islands.

The complimentary domestic flight offer has already been launched in some countries, with plans to expand its availability to the remaining destinations throughout September and beyond.

At the moment, the offer is open to passengers departing from the US, Canada, Mexico, Thailand, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. Those arriving from Vietnam and the Philippines can book from September 25 and Indonesia, India, China, and Taiwan from September 27.

To qualify, travelers must book an international ticket to Japan with Japan Airlines and a corresponding domestic flight in the same reservation. Separate domestic bookings will not be eligible.

A stopover fee of $100 will be applied to travelers coming in from the US, Canada, Mexico, and China if they stay in their first destination in Japan for more than 24 hours. Passengers from other countries will not incur additional charges for the domestic segments.

This could likely be an attempt to get travelers arriving in Tokyo out of the capital and into nature as quickly as possible.

To make the journey out to more remote areas seamless, the offer includes a generous free luggage allowance of 23kg across two bags.

UNESCO World Heritage Site Koyasan temple and Nachi Falls. Photo: fukez84/Shutterstock

The award winning airline recommends several domestic destinations, such as Hokkaido, known for its national parks and skiing resorts, and Wakayama, home to the temple enclave of Koyasan and Japan’s tallest waterfall, Nachi Falls.

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This Recently Revamped Colorado Springs Hotel Strikes Gold For Travelers

The Mining Exchange Hotel sits in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs, serving as a historic, revamped reminder that now matter how drastically the city has changed since its early prospecting days, some things have remained the same. Its name is a nod to the Centennial State’s “gilded past” — , having originally served as the city’s stock exchange for precious gold and silver in its heyday. Back then, it quickly became a local hangout spot for those seeking to strike it rich (and those already wealthy). Inside, the atmosphere is ritzy and refined but not unapproachable. Stepping into the lobby is like partaking in a living history film as it’s playing out right in front of your eyes.

Visitors check in and out at the regal front desk, made of strong dark wood and complemented by a brick backdrop dotted with real keys (but you’ll get an electronic key card, one of the many modernities this property has incorporated into its contemporary offerings). The floor-to-ceiling windows in the lobby let in an abundance of sunlight, which brightens the space and makes it feel warm, airy and welcoming. Being inside this building feels like entering into a more sophisticated, traditional era of travel — almost as if I should’ve worn my finest “dress clothes” (instead of my yoga pants).

The lobby is an enormous, open room furnished with a collection of various cozy but classy seating arrangements. It’s more like an opulent version of a community living room than a hotel lobby. Other timeless design elements like hardwood floors and exposed brick make the space feel smart and elegant. Also, in the lobby, folks can find a collection of historic artifacts, such as mining stock certificates, to see into the living history of this transformed space.

I appreciated how the redesign team was mindful to preserve the elements on-site that made the original property special, such as the vault doors, which have been transformed into modern day “housekeeping supply vault” doors.

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Dining and drinking at The Mining Exchange Hotel

Photo courtesy The Mining Exchange Hotel

There are currently two newly unveiled food and beverage concepts at The Mining Exchange Hotel, with still more to come in the future. Visitors can quench their thirst for a craft cocktail at Golden Hour, with decor that’s said to be inspired by the gilded era of this building back when it was a buzzing stock exchange. This venue encompasses an abundance of indoor and outdoor space. One side of Golden Hour’s bar is indoors — and its counterpart on the other side of the wall is outdoors, in the courtyard. The ambiance in both areas draws inspiration from the peaceful, enlightening feeling experienced when the light shines into the space at the “golden hour” times of day, surrounding sunrise and sunset.

The brick-bound, gold-accented indoor bar sparkles (literally and figuratively) with a menu of craft cocktails, beer, and wine alongside a selection of bites ranging from light options such as a charcuterie board to a full meal, like a cheeseburger.

Those seeking fresh air can sip al fresco surrounded by stone and brick in the alleyway on the other side of the lobby’s walls. The gorgeous courtyard space out back is intimate and secluded but spacious enough to soak in the night’s fresh air — I didn’t want to leave it. On Thursdays, jazz fans can revel in live jazz music hosted in partnership with Dizzy Charlie’s — a local music curator that organizes jazz pop-ups throughout Colorado Springs.

Caffeine fix at BLK MGK

Photo courtesy the mining exchange hotel

Open from 6 AM to- 4 PM daily, the property’s on-site coffee bar, BLK MGK, feels like more than just a standard coffee shop. And it does serve as more than just a coffee shop when the space hosts events like weekly programming including ”aura and astrology” readings and guided coffee tastings.

The shop proudly uses locally roasted beans sourced from Hold Fast Coffee Co., an innocent sort of contraband they appropriately label as the “other black gold.” Visitors can choose from a diverse breakfast and lunch menu that features a range of choices from standard drip coffee to seasonal lattes (they call these “potions”) with fun flavors. I had the “pumpkin s’mores” seasonal latte, and it did not disappoint. There are also fresh pastries, small bites and sandwiches like the “Tiramisu Brioche” which is topped with whipped ricotta, coffee cream and cocoa, and Jambon Beurre — and a generous menu of cooked-to-order breakfast and lunch selections.

My personal favorite part of the selection were these offerings that make this spot feel a bit more unique than just a standard coffee stop. The “tincture menu” lineup features a selection of everyday remedies, like “detoxing” activated charcoal drinks and “tummy tame” assorted bitters, which can be added to any beverage.

Even though I’m trying to do Sober September (so I didn’t really require this particular concoction this time around), I tried the “Hangover Helper Latte,” which is made with a slightly sweet and soulful blend of Earl Grey tea, steamed almond milk, and charcoal foam. Those who do desire to imbibe can try one of their coffee-based cocktails or locally sourced craft beers and wines by the glass.

Both of these dining and drinking establishments are open to the public to enjoy with no reservation needed. While I was there, it was nice to see this space is clearly a hangout spot where locals come to spend time and grab a drink for a classy night out on the town.

Guest rooms at The Mining Exchange HotelPhoto courtesy the mining exchange hotelPhoto courtesy the mining exchange hotel

There are 128 recently revamped guestrooms that pay homage to the history of this storied destination, with rates from $230 per night. I was in awe at the high ceilings, white oak flooring, and large double-paned windows (don’t worry, the outdoor elements won’t get to you, here, despite the property’s golden oldie age), which made my room feel bigger and brighter. The exposed brick and naturally inspired art add a touch of nostalgia — and each guest room features its own commissioned work of art from native Colorado Springs plein air painter Emma Kelly.

I was told there are six different types of wallpaper that cover the wall space behind the beds, too, meaning you could stay overnight six different times, and have a completely different guest room experience during each visit. The timeless but traditional furniture in each room includes pieces such as custom wingback armchairs, colorful rugs, sturdy oak desks, a Victrola Bluetooth speaker (I loved how the radio was set on a local radio station when I walked into my room), a flatscreen television, and comfortable, clean beds.

The bathrooms — which I’ve heard claim to be “Insta-worthy” and do say I agree based on my experience — are adorned with vibrant green porcelain tilework, marble-topped vanities, bronze fixtures, a sleek walk-in shower, and sometimes even a delightful soaking tub. Room categories are labeled “Bronze, Silver, and Gold” as they relate to their square footage, in tribute to some of the minerals that originally made this region notorious.

On-site programming, activations, and amenities

Photo courtesy the mining exchange hotel

This property will also be a space for local artists to showcase their work, in “The Vault” — an on-site, rotating art gallery. It’s currently a stop on the city’s year-round First Friday gallery tour. Art enthusiasts who want to make their stay exceptionally special can purchase the “Peaks & Paintbrushes” package to indulge in a self-guided art experience inspired by the work of Emma Kelly and other original plein air artists. Upon check-in, they’ll get art supplies and suggestions for specific picturesque spots across Colorado Springs to paint.

Crystal nerds like me will agree with one of my favorite potential parts of a visit — the “crystal concierge.” This in-room wellness inclusion is the opportunity to personalize your stay and add a touch of magic to the experience. Guests just stop by the front desk or call down to request a healing stone to be delivered to their room, which they can keep for their stay (many of which were locally mined in Colorado).

For a more literal and less metaphysical sort of healing service, there’s a full-service spa nestled underneath the hotel offering more traditional “potions and remedies” for visitors and locals, including massage treatments, nail services, a steam room and sauna, and a salon. The existing full-service spa is currently open, but it’s also set for an upcoming refresh. Adjacent to the spa, there’s a compact underground fitness center for those who want to get in an indoor workout while on the road.

Photo courtesy the mining exchange hotel

Pet-friendliness

I brought my pup to experience this storied property with me, and I think he had just as much fun as I did. When we arrived at our room, dog treats and bowls were waiting for us to use throughout our stay. Even though we self-parked, the valet folks were incredibly kind when we walked into the lavish lobby space and asked if they could give him a treat (how could I say no?).

I actually forgot the dog bed I had brought with me from home in the room — and I didn’t realize it until we got back to my apartment in Denver. But I called the hotel, and they set it aside so I could drive back and pick it up the next day. Luckily, Denver is just about an hour north of Colorado Springs, so it wasn’t too much of a trek — but my dog wasn’t very happy to be without his bed for even just a single night, so I’m very grateful their on-site team for being mindful enough not to get rid of the dog bed as soon as we’d departed.

Other things to do in town

This property is located in a location that’s central to everything a visitor would likely want to explore while visiting town. It’s 15 minutes from Garden of the Gods, 20 minutes from the new Ford Amphitheater, 70 minutes from the tip of Pikes Peak, and walkable to the many shops and restaurants of downtown such as The Exchange On Tejon—which is one of my favorite coffee shops on this Earth. I’d recommend a stay for those who want a staycation, are traveling for a vacation, or just seek a unique upscale overnight experience in downtown Colorado Springs.

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How to Make Sure Your Next Cruise Isn’t Ruined by Screaming Children

Nobody wants to go on a cruise where there are hundreds of children. Even parents with small kiddos would rather not be among so many munchkins. That’s because, as lovely and entertaining as children are, they are also loud and boisterous (as they should be) making rest and relaxation almost impossible, not only for their parents but for everyone around them. And if there’s one vacation type that’s all about unwinding, it’s cruising, so why not try to do everything in your power to avoid kids during your next sailing?

Look at the calendar closely

In the past two years, I’ve been on six cruises with five different cruise lines and I’ve learned about the best times of the year to cruise without being surrounded with kids.

It goes without saying that taking a cruise outside of school holidays is the most surefire way to not be bothered by the presence children. June, July, and August are obvious no-gos, while January, May, September, October, and early November are great options.

“On average, September and October have fewer family bookings versus the months of June through August on Norwegian Cruise Line ships for guests who want to sail with less children on board,” a spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line explained in an email.

I sailed the Mediterranean with Princess Cruises onboard the Sun Princess on the last week of May 2024 and while I can’t say that the ship was overrun with little ones, it certainly was the most children I’ve ever seen on a cruise.

Post-labor day cruises, like the cruise to Alaska that I took with Holland America in late September/early October in 2022, the Mediterranean sailing that I experienced with Oceania in November 2022, the circumnavigation of Iceland that I took with Atlas Ocean Voyages in September 2023, and the transatlantic crossing I did with Holland America in November/December 2023 were almost entirely devoid of children. That means that the pool was never packed with splashy, floaties-wearing mini tornadoes, that meals in the various dining venues were quiet, and that the activities and entertainment were focused on adults only, providing a huge variety of fun things to do at all times of the day and night.

Tricks to employ to avoid children while cruising

Of course, it’s not always possible to avoid the summer months, spring break, or the holidays. If you don’t have a choice but to cruise when you know there will be kiddos on board, there are some ways to dodge them.

The first is to book a longer cruise. As pointed out by cruisers on multiple Reddit threads, families with small children tend to go for shorter cruises (seven or eight-day sailings maximum), making longer voyages more adult centric.

The second is, when you can, to splurge for the exclusive onboard spaces, where the number of passengers are limited and where children are often persona non grata. On Holland America, that means signing up for Club Orange so you can have breakfast and dinner in a private venue. On Princess Cruises, you can pay for the Sanctuary Collection, which grants you access to a private restaurant, the private and adult-only Sanctuary Club with its own pool and cabanas, and the Suite Lounge a private space located on the top deck. On MSC, the Yacht Club, while not an adult-only area, is a retreat space that caters mostly to grown-ups with a private restaurant and pool, and exclusive services, reserved to few passengers. Carnivals cruise ships have their Serenity Adult-Only Retreat and Royal Caribbean’s have the Solarium, a retreat space for 18-plus passengers.

Not every cruise line, or cruise ship, offers exclusive, kid-free spaces, however. If you’re totally averse to spending any time being surrounded by children, look at adult-only cruises.

Adult-only cruises

The only two cruise lines that advertise themselves as adult-only are Virgin Cruises and Viking Cruises. They have vastly different offerings and atmospheres, and, as such, attract a very distinct clientele.

There are many cruise lines that don’t explicitly say that they don’t accept children on board, but on whose ships you’ll never see any kids. Those are the cruise lines that don’t have any programs or activities for children on board, no playground, and skew towards a more mature, wealthy audience, including Oceania, Crystal, Ponant, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Silversea. Look at the ship you’re interested to travel on carefully and if you don’t see any children areas, waterslides, or bumper car rides, you should be in the clear.

River cruises and expedition cruises also tend to be off limits to children. For example, on its website, Scenic Cruises & Tours explains that “Luxury expedition style cruising is not recommended for children under 12. Guests under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by an adult and must share their accommodation with an adult. No children programs or babysitting services are available on board.”

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Vape Pens Can Catch Fire. That’s Why You Don’t Put Them in Your Checked Luggage.

Another day, another instance of vape pens catching fire. This time, the explosion occurred in the cabin of an EasyJet flight from Heraklion, Greece, to London, England, as passengers were still boarding. So now is probably a good time to remind everyone why those incidents happen and how to travel safely with a vape pen or e-cigarette.

Why do vape pens and e-cigarettes catch fire?

Like most of our electronic devices, vape pens and e-cigarettes are powered by lithium batteries which, like the ones in our phones, laptops, tablets, smart watches, power banks, and the such, can overheat and even create sparks if they are “damaged, overheated, exposed to water, overcharged, or improperly packed,” the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) explains. Not only that, but vapes pens also contain a heating element that can be activated by accident and lead to fires, says Transport Canada.

That’s why it’s strictly forbidden to pack vape pens, along with all other lithium batterie-powered devices, in your checked luggage. If a fire were to break out in the the luggage hold while in flight, it would be very hard to notice and therefore nearly impossible to contain. All lithium battery-powered devices, including vape pens and their spare batteries, must be packed in travelers’ personal belongings or carry-on luggage so that the users and the flight crew can have quick access to them in case of malfunction. Ideally, vape pens and e-cigarettes should be within arm’s reach.

According to the FAA, between March 3, 2006, and August 24, 2024, there have been 554 lithium batteries air incidents in the US, 118 of which are linked to vape pens and e-cigarettes. Vapes and e-cigarettes were the leading cause of lithium battery incidents on aircraft in 2022, of which there were 74.

What you can do to stay safe

Besides never packing your vape pen, e-cigarette, and their spare batteries in your checked luggage, it is also imperative that all spare batteries be individually protected by either keeping them in their original packaging or in a bag. You can also use tape on the terminals of the batteries to keep them from short-circuiting.

Because there is a higher risk of fire when vapes and e-cigarettes are charging, it is prohibited to charge them on board a plane.

Like other lithium battery-powered items, if your vape pen or e-cigarette were to fall down in between the seats of an aircraft, do not try to remove it yourself. Ask a crew member, who is trained for such situations, for assistance.

And, of course, like traditional cigarettes, vape pens and e-cigarettes should never be used in an aircraft.

The infographic below, created by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA), can help you choose a safer vape pen and use it as safely as possible, whether at home or while traveling.

Photo: FDA

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Travelers Dropped $26 Billion on US Parks in 2023. Here’s Where They Went.

A new report from the National Park Service (NPS) analyzed the economic impact of National Park Service sites across the US and found which parks generate the most income for local communities. And the takeaway is that having an NPS site near your town is almost guaranteed to bring in big bucks.

The report, entitled “2023 National park visitor spending effects: Economic contributions to local communities, states, and the nation” and released in late August, details the economic impact of the 429 sites manages by the National Park Service, of which 63 are national parks. (Since the report was issued, two new sites have fallen under NPS management). It considered factors like the number of jobs created and supported by the park and the economic contribution the park’s visitors made to gateway economies (towns closest to park entrances). It’s important to know that this is different from how much money the park itself makes directly from visitor revenue, though the former National Park Service director has said that national parks make more money for the government than they get back.

A fascinating interactive data table is available here.

How much did park visitors spend in 2023?

National park spending over time is trending higher each year. Photo: National Park Service/Public Domain

According to the report, visitation to NPS sites in 2023 was up four percent over 2022, totaling 325,498,646 visits. The report estimates that these visitors had an economic impact on local gateways towns of $26.4 billion. Lodging was the largest share at $9.9 billion, followed by restaurants at $5.15 billion, gas at $2.79 billion, recreation industries (like guides and gear rentals) at $2.22 billion, and retail, at $2.14 billion. The rest of the spending was a mix of other transportation costs, camping fees, and grocery costs, totaling $4.17 billion. It’s more than a 10 percent increase over spending in 2022, thought the report notes that inflation could be driving some of that increase.

When it comes to lodging — the lion’s share of the economic impact of National Park Service sites — the largest section of guests stayed in lodging outside the park (38.5 percent of visitors). Only .7 percent of visitors stayed in lodges inside NPS-managed sites, though 2.5 percent of visitors camped inside NPS-managed borders. Another 8.1 percent camped outside the NPS sites. Roughly 12 percent of visitors reported their lodging as “other, and 37.5 percent of visitors were daytrippers who didn’t spend on lodging. Visitors who stay in lodges drive spend the most money in local economies, with the report calculating that parties who stay inside NPS-managed sites spend roughly $516.42 per group, per day, while parties that stay outside NPS borders spend roughly $403.56 per group, per day.

Jobs and income created by NPS-managed sites

Photo: Kristi Blokhin/Shutterstock

NPS-managed sites also support thousands of jobs in gateway towns, most of which tend to be on the smaller side. In 2023, NPS estimates that sites it manages created or supported 415,400 jobs (247,300 directly and another 168,100 indirectly), which created a spend of $19.4 billion in labor income. Most of those jobs were in hotels and lodging, followed by restaurants and guiding. Interestingly, 13 percent of the jobs directly created were in the recreation industry, but it only accounted for $2.2 billion, or roughly eight percent, of the total money spent by visitors in 2023. This could indicate that recreation guides are underpaid, and/or that for visitors, hiring guides or taking tours is still a relatively well-priced option.

At what national parks do visitors spend the most?

Great Smoky Mountains National Park brings billions into local economies. Photo: Jon Bilous/Shutterstock

When comparing spending, it’s important to consider several factors. Some destinations are inherently more expensive than others. And the more people visit a specific national park or NPS-managed site, the more money will enter the economy — but that doesn’t necessarily mean each individual visitor spent more money. Other factors that influence each site’s economic influence are limited visitation seasons, the size of each site, the accuracy of guest data reporting and data collection, and the number of in-park hotels, campgrounds, and restaurants. That’s why some of the most popular locations managed by the National Park Service, like Yosemite National Park, aren’t the top drivers.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: $2.2 billion

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park, split between North Carolina and Tennessee, drove the most money into local economies. It’s one of the most-visited national parks in the US, which likely explains part of the reason it took the top spot. There are multiple nearby gateway towns, including Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Townsend. And as the park’s own website acknowledges, it’s an incredibly convenient destination. “It lies within a day’s drive of more than half the U.S. population and thus offers the opportunity for tens of millions of people to have a national park experience close to home,” writes the park description.

Grand Canyon National Park: $768 million

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Visitor spending was second-highest at Arizona’s iconic Grand Canyon National Park, at $768 million. That’s likely not only because it’s a destination so intrinsically tied to America as a country, but because of the multitude of activities. Though it offers plenty of hiking, it also has an extensive menu of options for visitors who aren’t up for much walking, including whitewater rafting, mule trekking, observation decks, train tours, and more. It’s also an extremely popular overnight trip from Phoenix, which is the fifth-largest city in the US.

Grand Teton National Park: $738 million

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It may not be suprising to see Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park come in third, especially as it has several in-park hotels. But it’s not in the top five most visited parks in the US, and sometimes, it’s not even in the top 10. So the massive economic impact can probably be explained by its proximity to Jackson, Wyoming, one of the most expensive tourist towns in the United States. Jackson is the only gateway town for Grand Teton (the next closest is Driggs, ID, at more than an hour away), so guests who want to visit the park have no choice but to shell out. Luxury hotels can easily be well over $1,000 a night, with even basic motels asking close to $300 per night in August.

Zion National Park: $676 million

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Ever-popular Zion National Park in Utah brings in close to $700 million for gateway towns, but likely, almost all of of it goes to Springdale. The town sits at the entrance to the park’s popular Zion Canyon, where the vast majority of park visitors spend their time. It’s so popular, in fact, that cars are banned in the busy season.

From Springdale, it’s easy to walk into the park, and Zion’s extremely popular Watchman Campground is just a few minute’s walk from restaurants and shops. So it’s likely campers at Zion spend more money than campers in other parks. And “The Narrows,” one of the most famous hikes in the park, is through a water-filled slot canyon — meaning many of the hundreds of thousands of people who hike it each year likely rent waders, waterproof boots, and hiking sticks from the many outfitters scattered around the park entrance.

Yellowstone National Park: $623 million

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It would be surprising not to see Yellowstone on this list, as the park has several popular gateway towns known for sky-high prices in the popular summer months. With five entrances, hundreds of companies offering single-day and overnight tours, and more than a dozen places to stay within the park, it’s no wonder it drives more than $600 million into economies for towns like Gardiner and West Yellowstone, MT, and Cody, WY.

Rocky Mountain National Park: $569 million

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Rounding out the top five is Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the most-visited national parks every year. The park has hundreds of miles of hiking trails, and sits just 90 minutes from Denver, making it a popular day trip for city visitors and residents. Many park gateway towns like Estes Park have massive guiding and recreation communities, and the surrounding landscape is filled with pricey wilderness and glamping lodges, all of which offer day trips to the park. RMNP is also accessible year-round, with backcountry skiing and snowmobile tours driving winter spending.

The numbers above represent the national parks that generated the most income for local communities. But other NPS-managed sites that aren’t national parks also drove plenty of money into local economies. Golden Gate National Recreation Area spurred $1.5 billion in spending in 2023, potentially because it’s in the middle of the extremely expensive San Francisco Bay Area. Next was the Blue Ridge Parkway at $1.4 billion in visitor spending, likely because there are so many towns spread along the parkway’s 469 miles in Virginia and North Carolina. Visitors also spent $644 million around Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina, $540 million around Glen Canyon Recreation Area in Arizona and Utah (home to the famous “The Wave”), and $534 million at Cape Cod National Seashore in Massachusetts.

Which NPS sites generated the least income?

The parks on the list below generated the least income for gateway towns, but that’s not reflective of their beauty or appeal. Most likely, it’s because they don’t have nearby towns, they’re near other NPS sites and income is counted toward that site, admission is free, or they’re very undeveloped. For some travelers, those may be strong selling points.

Carter G. Woodson National Historic Site in Washington, DC: $0 in visitor spending (and temporarily closed) Rainbow Bridge National Monument in Utah: $10,000 in visitor spending Alagnak Wild River Alaska in Alaska: $13,000 in visitor spending Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument in Washington, DC: $44,000 in visitor spending The Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial in California: $51,000 in visitor spending

You can search every park’s spending my category on an interactive map on the National Park Service website.

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Two Kansas Small Towns for an Idyllic Midwest Road Trip

For those of us who travel to hear stories, it’s hard to beat small Midwestern towns. Everyone, everywhere, has a story to tell, but Midwest folks take the time to tell you theirs.

On a recent road trip through two small towns in the southeast corner of Kansas, Pittsburg and Humboldt, I heard from a man whose great-great-grandparents came to the state on a covered wagon. I spoke with Pittsburg State University alumni who were thankful to be raising their kids in their college town. I heard the story of how Humboldt was transformed by one man and his trailer hitch. I learned how socialism, labor unions, the Civil War, the Underground Railroad, and a vegetarian movement all touched small Kansas towns.

Of course, small towns hold more than just stories. There are adventures to be had, delicious food to eat, and gorgeous sights to behold. Pittsburg and Humboldt are proof of that.

Pittsburg

Photo: Jennifer Vandenberg

Pittsburg lies 150 miles east of Wichita, the largest city in Kansas and where I started my road trip, nearly to the Missouri border. It’s a town that’s been able to do what many American small towns wish they could do: constantly renew itself. Four generations ago, Pittsburg was a coal-mining town, full of hard workers and labor union activists. The coal is long gone, but the population never dwindled. Now, hard workers are renovating storefronts in the historic downtown district, artists are covering the town with vibrant murals, and university students infuse new life into the town every single school year.

“We’re used to welcoming a new crop of students every year,” says Sarah Runyon, a community development specialist for the city and graduate of Pittsburg State University, “and that translates to visitors, as well.”

I spent a day exploring Pittsburg, starting with a walk through leafy Lincoln Park. A river winds through the park’s rolling hills, and its amenities are plentiful. There are pickleball courts, Bocce courts, and a disc-golf course. On weekends, a kiddie amusement park with carousels and spinning tea cups opens for tots. An aquatic center sits at the southern end of the park, and the Four Oaks Golf Course sprawls out to the north. A tree-lined RV park and tent camping for cross country cyclists sits just beyond the golf course.

Photo: Jennifer Vandenberg

I grabbed an Italian panini to-go from The Blue Spoon, a food truck that recently expanded into a storefront downtown, and brought it to the park for an early alfresco lunch. Then I headed downtown to peruse the shops and admire the murals.

My favorite shop was The Literary Cat Co. where a variety of cats wind between stacks of books and patrons’ legs. Dozens of cat perches meld well with book displays. I also popped into The White Elephant Emporium, a funky shop full of the types of treasures you’d expect at this aptly named store, from upcycled home furnishings to framed art pieces. Pippi Mae’s Curated Home is another fun stop to shop for home goods, and Miners + Monroe keeps the men of Pittsburg clothed in the latest fashions. If I wasn’t worried about liquid restrictions on airlines, I would have picked up some beard oil for my hirsute husband.

If you can, time your visit to coincide with a Pittsburg State University game day. Even if you can’t get tickets for a Saturday football game, head to Carnie Smith Stadium (“The Pitt”) for pre-game tailgating and to cheer on the home team as they parade past Gorilla Village to the stadium. The band will be playing “Welcome to the Jungle,” and the crimson-and-gold-clad crowd will be raucous. Pittsburg State’s campus also hosts shows and performances at Bicknell Family Center for the Arts. Broadway’s The Addams Family Musical will be in town this winter.

Gus the Gorilla (left) + Bicknell Center (right) Photo: Jennifer Vandenberg

After getting to know downtown Pittsburg, it was time for dinner. I started with an appetizer at the Brick + Mortar Social House. I’m not usually a Brussels sprouts fan, but after three days in Kansas, I was desperate for vegetables, and Brick + Mortar’s came with delicious bacon bits. Then I moved on to the 5th Street Bar & Grill, a place known for burgers although I ordered a salad. Don’t make the same mistake I did. Skip the taco salad and try the Mexican burger instead (or the inferno burger if you can handle cayenne pepper, jalapenos, and hot sauce). The brick-walled outdoor dining space sometimes features live music.

Lacking a downtown hotel, Pittsburg overnight choices are the chain hotels a few miles south of town or AirBnBs. I stayed at the Hampton Inn & Suites Pittsburg Kansas Crossing. The staff was friendly, the pool was clean, and the casino next door wasn’t a bother. It’s conveniently located off US-400. There’s also a La Quinta Inn & Suites a little closer to town. A batch of downtown AirBnB’s are in the works, as store owners are setting up spaces above their stores. Currently, Beds on Broadway is available right over The Blue Spoon.

Humboldt

Photo: Jennifer Vandenberg

The gooseneck hitch is largely responsible for Humboldt’s success over the past couple of decades. In the late 1980s, Roger Baker and Joe Works designed the hitch that removed the inconvenient ball that’s welded into truck beds. Their innovative design took off, and B&W Trailer Hitches thrived. When demand plummeted during the Great Recession, Joe Works paid his employees to work on public buildings and revitalize spaces around town. Since then, Works has challenged his grown children and neighbors to open new businesses and attract growth and tourism to the rural Kansas town as part of an initiative called A Bolder Humboldt. Now, the town is bursting with new places to eat, drink, shop, find entertainment like virtual golf, and enjoy outdoor activities like glamping and biking.

I began my morning in Humboldt by exploring the BaseCamp glampsite’s bike barn, hammocks, and bike challenge course before heading off on a morning run on the Southwind Rail Trail, a 6.5-mile trail that connects Humboldt to Iola, the next town up. In Iola, the trail connects to the Prairie Spirit Trail, which continues for another 60 miles, all the way up to Ottawa, Kansas. I didn’t make it to Ottawa (or Iola for that matter) but enjoyed a pleasant few miles on the tree-lined path. The Southwind Rail Trail is located right next to BaseCamp.

Downtown, I walked over to Neosho Valley Woodworks, which is housed in an 1800s building. There, crafter Pat Haire still uses 1800s methods to handcraft his cabinets, and he welcomes questions and conversation if you pop into his woodshop.

Photo: Jennifer Vandenberg

For lunch, I grabbed a gyro at Cozy’s Grindhouse, a restaurant that also has pinball and arcade machines. Continuing my romp through town on foot, I stopped by a boutique called Jae & Co to shop. Jeanie, the owner, walked me down to her daughter’s shop, The Wild Poppy, and her husband’s Stick’s Golf Lounge, where you can stand in a bay and choose from over 100,000 virtual golf courses to play. All three of the shops are run in historic downtown buildings, with gorgeous molded ceilings and exposed brick walls.

For a bit of a history lesson, I visited some of the stops on the self-guided Civil War tour of Humboldt. Confederates raided and burned the town back in 1861, and several historic markers throughout town tell stories of soldiers killed, books saved from burning, and mills being raided. Particularly interesting was the information about the Neosho River Park.

Today, the Neosho River is a favorite spot for fishing, but back in 1859, a drought caused the river to dry up. This supports the theory that enslaved escapees could have walked the river bed at night and slept in caves along the riverbank during the day. Hand-dug tunnels link caves to several hiding places at cabins and buildings that were nearby, further supporting the theory that Humboldt was an important stop along the Underground Railroad.

I wasn’t really hungry for dinner but drove out to the brand new Union Works Brewing Co. with plans to just get an appetizer and a drink. I love that the restaurant lets you get beer by the five-ounce glass for $2. However, my plans for apps and tiny glasses of beer were quickly squashed when I saw ovens for wood-fired pizza. I ordered the roasted pistachio pizza with pesto sauce and thick slices of fresh mozzarella. It was so worth it.

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That night, I stayed at , a recently renovated accommodation that features several apartment-style rooms perched above the town’s main intersection. It has an elegant common room, with velvety blue couches, a fireplace, and a shared kitchenette, as well as a ping pong table. Downstairs is Perrenoud’s Cocktail Bar, which is open on weekend evenings. The town park and Humboldt’s iconic water tower are across the street, and coffee and brunch are right downstairs. At The Bailey, the whole town is at your fingertips.

However, if you’re willing to trade brunch for s’mores and luxurious digs for paddleboarding on a pond, BaseCamp has you covered. Just a mile outside of town, the glampsite features a collection of tiny loft cabins on a pond, perfect for refined outdoor overnights.

BaseCamp cabin Photo: Jennifer Vandenberg

For breakfast the next morning, I looked longingly at the HoneyBee Bruncherie, but I still had leftover pizza to eat. So I grabbed a cup of coffee at Octagon City Coffee Co. instead. On the wall, a painted comic strip apprised me of the tale of Octagon City, the pipe dream of a group of families who traveled to Kansas in 1855 with the intention of establishing a vegetarian utopian community. The colony failed, but Octagon’s coffee sure didn’t. It sustained me all the way back to Wichita where I had to catch my return flight back home to Seattle.

It was hard to leave the prairie behind, but I learned a lot on my Midwest road trip through these two Kansas small towns. And you will, too.

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Americans Can Now Renew Their Passport Online

After a two-month trial program that took place over the summer, on Wednesday, September 19, 2024, the US Department of State will finally open the online passport renewal system nationally.

Thanks to the new program, passport applicants will be able avoid a trip to the passport agency or to the post office to mail their application.

This summer’s short trial of the online passport renewal system was the second time that the Department of State allowed Americans to renew their passports online. A previous pilot program took place between August 2022 and March 2023.

Not all those needing to renew their passport will be able to do it online, however. Applicants must meet the following requirements:

The passport being renewed is or was valid for 10 years, and the applicant is 25 years of age or older.The passport being renewed is a regular tourist passport.The passport being renewed was issued over nine years ago but less than 15 years ago.The applicant is not changing their name, gender, date of birth, or place of birth.The applicant must have no plan to travel internationally for at least eight weeks.The applicant lives in a US state or territory.The passport being renewed is in good condition and has not been reported as lost or stolen.

The processing time for an online passport application is the same as an application sent by mail, and so is the price: $130. Applicants can use either a credit card or a debit card to pay for their online application.

The first step to applying for a new passport online is to create an account on MyTravelGov. After that, all the applicant needs to do is click the “Renew Your Passport” button and follow the instructions. During the process, applicants need to enter information about their current passport, as well as their upcoming travel plans. They must also upload a digital passport photo before signing their application and making the payment.

Applicants will receive their new passport by mail after the application is approved.

Be aware that upon submitting your application online, the passport you are renewing gets canceled and can’t be used any longer.

US citizens can also renew their passport in person at passports agencies, passport fairs, or by mail.

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You Could Be Fined for Bringing Too Many Electronic Devices Into This Country

For those of us who work online, vacation mode often means reduced or no screen time. That said, it’s rare for me not to travel with at least one laptop if not two — even if I’m on PTO. And I’ve never considered for a second (other than for my mental health) that this would be an issue. But this week, USA Today reported that a seasoned traveler named Tammy Levent was fined approximately $200 for possessing multiple electronic devices upon entry into Cancun International Airport.

Levent’s recent experience at Cancun aiport highlights a seemingly growing trend: the imposition of strict limitations on the number of electronic devices that can be brought into Mexico. This regulation, often unknown by visitors from the US, can result in significant fines.

According to Mexico’s General Rules for Foreign Trade, under the baggage allowance section, foreign arrivals are permitted to bring only one portable computer per person. This restriction applies to both laptops and tablets. Travelers who violate this rule may face taxes of up to 19 percent of the deemed value of the device, with a maximum value of $4,000. The law is designed to prevent the smuggling of electronic goods for resale and to discourage the establishment of personal electronics manufacturing facilities within Mexico.

But this is the first I’ve heard of it. I’ve been to Mexico a handful of times with either two laptops or a laptop and iPad and never had an issue. It was news to Levent, too. She has visited two to three times a year on work trips over the past decade and had never encountered this before.

“At the end of the day you want tourism but you’re driving people away,” Levent says to USA Today. “You have huge companies like pharmaceutical companies…(bringing bring groups in) and they’re coming with laptops and iPads.”

Cancun International Airport is the busiest airport in Mexico, serving over 13 million passengers annually. With such a large volume of travelers, it is likely that many are unaware of the electronic device restrictions. As a result, the airport has seen an uptick in the number of cases where travelers have been fined for possessing multiple devices says the Riviera Maya News.

Considering my personal experience traveling into Mexico, and specifically Cancun airport, it seems these checks and the follow-through with fines are happening at random. And that’s exactly what furious Levent claims, too. Levent has followed up this experience with a letter of complaint to Mexican officials. USA Today contacted Cancun Customs Administration for a statement, but at the time of publication, they have not had a response.

Although these regulations seem outdated, they are legal and travelers to Mexico should adhere to the one permitted electronic device rule to avoid the possibility of a fine.

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What I Packed for One Week in the Swiss Alps in Autumn

When I first arrived to the Gstaad, Switzerland train station, it was late at night. I couldn’t see much, and I was so tired that I quickly made my way to my hotel and went to bed.

But when I woke up the next morning and walked around town, seeing impossibly green mountains in the distance and chalet-style buildings covered in flowers along every street, I realized that the town was exactly like I pictured — no “Instagram vs. reality” issues whatsoever.

But while I knew weather in the mountains could be unpredictable, I was surprised to find that over the course of a week in September, I experienced all four seasons. We had heavy rain, days so hot that I was sweating in a tank top and shorts, and mornings so cold that I wished I had brought two down jackets. Fortunately, I somehow correctly figured out what to pack for Switzerland for a week without feeling like I brought too much or too little. With the items below, I had everything I needed for activities ranging from hikes in the Alps to high-elevation glacier trekking, going to elegant restaurants, wine tasting, cruising on Lake Geneva, and much more.

Here’s my travel-tested list of what to pack for Switzerland’s mountain regions in the fall, as well as some of the items I found absolutely essential.

We hope you love the gear we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to make a purchase; it’s part of how we keep all our editorial content free for readers. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

What I packed for Switzerland in the fall

The weather forecast for my trip ranged from very hot to cold and rainy, and I was visiting several different areas, including Zurich, Lake Geneva, and Gstaad. So I focused on items I could layer and rewear for different activities, as well as items that would dry quickly in case we did have rain every day. That’s why I didn’t bring items like jeans or chunky sweaters — they’d stay wet for days if they got soaked. I also made sure my wardrobe was mostly neutral colors so everything would match with everything.Clothing

Photo: Suzie Dundas

Two pants: Black joggers*, and a wide-leg cropped pantThree shorts: One tailored (nice looking) short, and two hiking/active shortsT-shorts/tanks: Three tanks for layering or wearing solo*, one moisture-wicking T-shirtLayering: One fleece pull-over, one thin insulated down jacket*Jackets: Two rain jackets, two super-thin (and packable) wind layersShoes: Trail shoes*, sandals, nicer boot (not a hiking boot)Long-sleeve shirts: Three solid-color SPF sunshirts*Other: A nice button-down short sleeve, pajamas (or whatever you want to sleep in)Accessories: Five pairs of socks, underwear, a few sports bras, one swimsuit, sun hat/baseball cap, sunglasses

This list served me quite well, and because I chose packable items, I could have fit it all in a carry-on (but I checked a bag). The items with asterisks are the ones I wore on the plane, and because they were some of the bulkiest items, they saved a lot of space in my suitcase. In the future, I probably could have brought just one rain jacket. I figured if it was was super rainy, I would appreciate having a dry jacket to put on, but there wasn’t consistent enough rain to get it soaked. I also probably didn’t need the nicer pair of boots as I didn’t go anywhere fashionable, and most restaurants in the Swiss Alps seemed used to accommodating hikers dressed casually.

Otherwise, I wore everything I packed multiple times.

Advice for selecting clothingJackets

Layering my two Fjällräven jackets created a warm combo without looking bulky or overly outdoorsy. Photo: Suzie Dundas

I spend a lot of time outdoors and have lots of rain and down jackets. But most of them are bright and colorful, and I didn’t want to necessarily walk around every day in a neon-colored jacket that screamed “tourist.” So I brought two Fjällräven jackets with a slightly more subtle, tailored look, while still being super waterproof and warm. I brought a mid-weight down jacket and a waterproof jacket, both in black.

Buy Now: Women’s Insulated Jacket: $205
Buy Now: Men’s Insulated Jacket: $205

That made them look a little less outdoorsy, and I could even use the down jacket like a sweater indoors when it got chilly. On the coldest day I spent outside (temps in the 40s Fahrenheit with high winds atop Glacier 3000), the rain jacket over the down jacket made for a super-warm, super-windproof combo. The rain jackets have zippers to vent the sides, so I didn’t get sweaty or overheated when wearing it, even when the weather was relatively warm.

Buy Now: Women’s Rain Jacket: $275
Buy Now: Men’s Rain Jacket: $275

Shoes

My Forsake Cascades were the perfect shoe to pack for the Swiss Alps in fall. (Ignore those hot leg scars). Photo: Suzie Dundas

I brought three pairs of shoes but really only wore two. The Swiss Alps are so outdoorsy that you really don’t need to wear heels or have any kind of fancy footwear. As long as you have a nice-looking pair of sandals (like Birkenstocks or such), you should be fine.

I brought my Astral Webber Sandals, which look like a high-end sandal but have enough protection around the foot and traction on the bottom that you can use them when you’re going to be on your feet all day (like for exploring Swiss wine country). You can slide your feet into them, so they work just fine for wearing to beaches or pools. And because the straps are fabric, rather than plastic, my feet didn’t get sweaty or slippery.

Buy Now: Women’s: $55+
Buy Now: Men’s: $110

For hiking and other more active adventures, I brought my Forsake Cascade Low Trail Shoes. Forsake is a brand that for some reason doesn’t seem to get a lot of attention in the US, but it makes excellent shoes I’ve always been pleased with.

When deciding what to pack for Switzerland, I knew I needed something waterproof that could handle rain and mud, but I wanted it to be subtle enough to not draw attention if I was just walking around town. My blueish-grey Forsake kicks were the perfect pair. They’re comfortable, lightweight, and left me with absolutely no blisters or rubbing, even after my steeper, rockier hikes. The price is also great: $130 for a waterproof hiking shoe is pretty solid.

Buy Now: $130
Thin, packable layers

I wore my packable, lightweight wind layer quite a bit on my trip. Photo: Suzie Dundas

I brought two wind jackets for layering, and while one probably would have been fine, they both pack up so small that it wasn’t much hassle to bring two. Both were from Mountain Hardware. I also wasn’t sure if I had packed quite enough actual shirts and layers, and bringing a wind jacket gave me the peace of mind of knowing I’d have a extra layer I could throw on in a pinch. It packs up to about the size of an avocado (an organic one, not a massive GMO’d avocado), so I was able to carry it every day when I didn’t know what kind of weather to expect.

Mountain Hardware is a brand that can be a bit pricey, but makes items that seem to last quite a while and don’t feed into the “fast fashion” problem as much as more budget outdoor brands. I brought a half-zip SPF pullover and a very light wind jacket (above). The latter was especially useful for activities that were breezy but not cold, like taking a boat tour of Lake Geneva.

Other useful items I’m glad I brought

A plug adapter

Photo: Amazon

I bought this plug adapter years ago on Amazon and it’s the only one I ever use. It works for every type of port in the world and has a main three-prong plug, plus multiple USB and USB-C ports. I can charge all my devices at once on it, and it comes with a tiny storage bag to keep dust and dirt from getting into the ports while you’re traveling. I recommend getting a bright color if you’re prone to leaving things behind in hotel rooms so you notice it on the walls.

Buy Now: $22.99
A packable backpack

Photo: Amazon

I usually use a large camera backpack as my carry-on item, but it’s big with lots of padding, so overkill for carrying while sightseeing or hiking.

That’s why I always bring a packable backpack to use while sightseeing for things like water and a jacket, or for light day hikes. The features I care about are a side pocket big enough for a large water bottle and a small top pocket for things like lip balm or credit cards. Bags like this are not padded, so you can feel the contents on your back sometimes. But that actually isn’t as annoying as it sounds, and it’s a fair trade-off for packability, considering it packs into a stuff sack smaller than an apple. The 4Monster hiking daypack is inexpensive, comes in a bunch of colors, and is water-resistant — something you need to pack for Switzerland in the fall, since rain is common.

Buy Now: $18.99+
A big water bottle

Photo: Suzie Dundas

I don’t know how people aren’t dehydrated all the time in Europe, as it seems like people don’t drink water that much. In most places in Switzerland, you have to order bottled water in restaurants, and it’s usually served in tiny glass poured only half full. So I bring a water bottle basically everywhere I go when traveling, but especially when I’m doing active things like day-long wine tastings or hikes. Most small towns have public fountains with clean, flowing water, but you need to BYO bottle. I always use a plain old Nalgene, because (a) they hold quite a bit of water and (b) I am prone to dropping things, and they’re basically indestructible. They come in a bunch of color combos and are usually about $15.

Buy Now: $15+
A portable Wifi hot spot

Photo: Amazon

I learned as soon as I arrived in Zurich that it’s hard to get by on Wi-Fi only if you don’t have an international cell phone plan. To connect to most Wi-Fi networks in the country, you have to input your email or phone number, and then the network texts you a code. If you don’t have cell service, you can’t get the code. So basically, you either can’t use most free Wi-Fi networks, or you have to turn on international roaming on your phone to get the code (which, for me, is $10 a day).

Fortunately, I have a portable Wi-Fi hot spot from Solis that works anywhere in the world there’s a cell network. A 24-hour pass for unlimited data is $10, meaning I can connect as many devices as I want and use as much data as I want. On my phone, I’m limited to a small amount of data use, so I can’t tether to my laptop for Wi-Fi access. But with the Solis hot spot, I can get work done with traveling by train, waiting for buses, or sitting in the airport.

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The Most Beautiful Places Across the US for a Last-Minute Fall Escape

Brisk temperatures are no match for fall’s bevy of pumpkin patches and spookesome shenanigans. In most parts of the country, outdoor pursuits stay on the agenda until the Halloween decorations are boxed up and the trees have cast their final leaf. Other popular ways to celebrate fall in the United States include foliage drives or squeezing in one last national park odyssey. Still, nobody is judged for choosing early hibernation in a cozy cabin rental. Surrounded by forests and mesas, these fall destinations and their dreamiest Airbnbs are primed for autumnal adventuring.

We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Salem, Massachusetts

Photo: Wangkun Jia /Shutterstock

The setting of the infamous 1692 witchcraft trials is now a vibrant and peaceful haven for modern Wiccans and curious souls. Voodoo drives tourism all year in Salem with tarot readings, spell jar workshops, ghost walks, and immersive tours bewitching even the most skeptical. But nowhere does spooky season quite like Witch City.

Salem Haunted Happenings, the world’s largest Samhain celebration, takes over the seaside town throughout October. Magic shows, costume balls, haunted cruises, and after-hours ghost hunts make Salem a prime fall destination for Halloween hijinks. Also a major maritime center, ferries to Salem from Boston take one hour and the city slots into a New England fall road trip. It may even be possible to fly home after crafting a broomstick at The Witchery.

Conjure up the witchiest Airbnbs in Salem

Hartford, Vermont

Photo: Sharon Singh/Shutterstock

Alongside New Hampshire, Vermont is New England’s quintessential leaf-peeping destination. Historic covered bridges and ruby-red barns nestle amid the crimson maple trees and there are apple orchards aplenty. Sitting at the junction of interstates 89 and 91 near the state border, Hartford is a convenient base for scenic drives and stocking up on syrup.

Emerald no more, the Green Mountain State transforms into a wonderland of reds, oranges, yellows, and golds from top down with Hartford peaking in early to mid-October. Hiking and biking trails weave through Quechee State Park’s gorge and the lower Green Mountain National Forest. Picturesque Woodstock, home of Billings Farm Museum, is 10 minutes down the road while Riverview Farm is on stand-by with pumpkins and apple cider.

Connect with nature at a Hartford Farm Stay

Bar Harbor, Maine

Photo: Mihai_Andritoiu /Shutterstock

Bar Harbor is the gateway to Acadia National Park’s hiking trails, lakes, and windswept overlooks. The park claims the eastern half of Mount Desert Island with craggy inlets and lighthouse-topped isles fanning out around the coastline. Hopping over to Bar Island at low tide and walking the Shore Path is just the start of a car-free fall getaway on Maine’s largest island.

Complimentary Island Explorer buses connect Bar Harbor with trailheads and points of interest. Besides the viewpoints, Asticou Azalea Garden and the Wild Gardens of Acadia are autumnal utopias. The night skies are at their sharpest in fall so it’s worth planning a visit purely for constellation spotting from Cadillac Mountain. Back in town, Bar Harbor Ghost Tours organizes deliciously creepy picnics for Halloween.

Steal away to a top-rated Airbnb in Bar Harbor

Walla Walla, Washington

Photo: Danita Delimont/Shutterstock

Creatives, oenophiles, golfers, foodies, and historians gravitate towards Walla Walla, one of the prettiest rural towns in Washington State. Main Street hums with vintage stores, tap houses, and artisanal cafes. There’s always something going on, whether it’s a First Friday art tour, a food truck festival, or a farmers’ market.

One of the country’s most fertile agricultural areas, the Walla Walla Valley is famed for its sweet onions and grapes. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec flourish at over 120 wineries with harvest season bowing out with the annual Fall Release Weekend in early November. Wine Valley Golf Club, the state’s premium facility, welcomes non-residents. It’s a hole-in-one for romantic weekenders and late-season golf vacations.

Uncork a bottle at a Walla Walla Vineyard Airbnb

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Photo: Jeff Morgan/Shutterstock

Quirky and wholesome, autumnal adventures in Eureka Springs range from horse trekking (or zip wiring) through coppery woodlands to antiquing and chugging pumpkin ales. Cradled by the Ozark Mountains, the country’s most haunted hotel is among the resort’s Victorian-era buildings. Sleeping at the Crescent Hotel when paranormal activity ups the ante isn’t for skittish types although it’s safe to sign up for midnight ghost hunting.

There’s no swimming permitted at the Blue Spring Heritage Center but the vintage mineral suite at the Palace Bath House (and a dozen downtown salons) will ease you through those darkening days. There’s something in the diary every day in this artsy town, be it live music, trivia nights, or a festival.

Cocoon at a storybook cabin in Eureka Springs

Moab, Utah

Photo: Fotogro/Shutterstock

Saving Moab for fall avoids the scalding summer heat and makes pre-dawn hikes optional. Temperatures gradually drop to daytime averages in the fifties which is far more comfortable for getting out amid the buttes and cool dusks yield deeper sunsets.

A short drive from Arches and Canyonlands, Moab is an adventurer’s playground. Hiking and mountain biking trails depart from downtown, as do Colorado River rafting tours and follow-along jeep safaris. These sandstone towers have climbers chomping at the bit while novices can scale water-carved canyons with a guide. The hardiest explorers can try out BASE jumping – an adrenaline rush that’ll see you through the holidays.

Back in town, the Moab Museum is a primer for the dinosaur track trails dotted around eastern Utah. Meanwhile, the Moab Folk Festival line-up gets better every year.

Camp out at the best Moab Desert Airbnbs

Columbia Falls, Montana

Photo: Danita Delimont/Shutterstock

Marking the boundary between Flathead County and Glacier Country, Columbia Falls is a one-stop-shop for water recreation and mountain pursuits. Although open in all seasons, fall is the best time to visit Glacier National Park for access-all-areas. The trees start turning early in the season with the leaf-peeping window open until the middle of October.

Going-to-the-Sun Road, crossing the Continental Divide, is ablaze with autumnal colors while sunrises and sunsets bring dazzling photogenic ​Alpenglows. Interrupted by only the clearest lakes and wildest rivers, the Flathead National Forest offers a bounty of fishing, boating, hiking, biking, and horse riding. Camping is a popular pastime but a cabin is more tempting while the grizzlies and black bears line their tummies for winter.

Search Columbia Falls Airbnbs with amazing views

Mills River, North Carolina

Photo: Jjo Crebbin/Shutterstock

North Carolina’s best-kept secret sits right on the cusp of the Blue Ridge Parkway at the crossroads of Asheville, Hendersonville, and Brevard. Despite being at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains, Mills River is one of the most underrated fall destinations. The foliage season drags its feet more so than the northern states with moderate color lingering before eventually peaking around Halloween.

This laidback town has, seemingly, more breweries than grocery stores. As well as standard brewery tours, the eastern outpost of the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company runs guided nature hikes followed by tastings of limited-release brews. Coinciding with the spooky season, award-winning beers are paired with candy. Mills River Brewing Co and Bold Rock Cidery also host regular live music and trivia nights so don’t plan too early a start.

Find the most convenient Airbnbs in Mills River

Fruita, Colorado

Photo: Linda Armstrong/Shutterstock

Guarding Rim Rock Drive’s northern entrance, Fruita is an offbeat alternative to Grand Junction for a fall escape in Mesa County. The overlooks dotting this 23-mile scenic route grant sensational sunrises, sunsets, and starry night skies to rival any foliage display. As a mountain biking hub, cyclists can pedal to Grand View or tackle the entire route. The Kokopelli and 18 Road trails are challenging whereas novices can follow the Colorado River.

Awesome for kids and would-be paleontologists, the Dinosaur Journey Museum exhibits fossils and bones excavated locally. Focusing on food, beer, music, and family fun, the Fruita Fall Festival takes place at the end of September. This is followed by the annual Moon Farm Pumpkin Patch complete with a petting zoo and hayrides. Wine lovers can pitstop at Palisade to taste Colorado’s finest wines.

Find Fruita Airbnbs near the trails and wineries

Superior, Wisconsin

Photo: Lonnie Paulson/Shutterstock

There are no tricks, only treats, for those heading to the American North and Superior’s boreal woodlands. Fall adventures on the water include paddling the St. Louis River Estuary or salmon fishing in the Bois Brule River. On nippier days, don your beanie and wave at ships passing the Twin Ports from Wisconsin Point. The red pines, cedar, and aspen trees of the Superior Municipal Forest shed their chlorophyll early in October. Crunchy walks accommodate families of all abilities and flights with Lake Superior Helicopters elevate the experience.

Superior is a thriving community with daily events including music, bingo, and sports. Oktoberfest and “Boo at the Zoo” have become October staples while downtown craft fairs and farmers’ markets run all until the holidays.

Sleep on the waterside at the lakefront Superior Airbnbs

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