Matador Network's Blog, page 114
September 13, 2024
Where to Play, Eat, and Stay in Wichita, Kansas
Wichita, the most populated city in Kansas, seems to be on the cusp of an Austin-like boom. Right now, it’s the final frontier of what you’d expect from a Midwest city, occupying that sweet spot between being affordable and traffic-free and still providing the sights and excitement of a booming city. That means now is the time to visit.
Plan to go in late spring or early summer if you want to catch Riverfest, Wichita’s longest running festival. Typically held during the first week in June, the free event is an extravaganza of music, food, and family fun. Early fall is another great time to go, especially if you want to add in a weekend road trip through southeast Kansas to experience small-town football traditions.
No matter the time of year you decide to visit, these are some of the best things to do in Wichita, plus where to eat and stay when you get there.
Things to do in WichitaFor everyoneKeeper of the Plains
Photo: Nagel Photography/Shutterstock
The number one Wichita must-do is a visit to the Keeper of the Plains. The 44-foot statue by Kiowa-Comanche artist Blackbear Bosin stands above the point where the Little and Big Arkansas Rivers meet. During the day, the statue can be accessed from the Mid-America All-Indian Museum, but I’d recommend visiting in the evening.
On my first night in Wichita, I took the footbridge to the statue. After soaking in a bit of history from the plaza and getting up-close statue views, I walked back over the bridge and along the river until it was time for the Ring of Fire lighting. From the river, I watched the group of fire pits in front of the statue burn. The Ring of Fire lasts 15 minutes nightly, starting at 9 PM in spring and summer and 7 PM in fall and winter.
While exploring the next day, I kept my eyes peeled for Keepers on Parade, a project that commissions local artists to paint 10-foot replicas of the statue, which are then sprinkled all over the city. The Keeper of the Plains is open from 5 AM to midnight. Admission and parking (at Central Avenue and North Nims Avenue) is free.
Keeper of the Plains: 339 Veterans Pkwy, Wichita, KS 67203
Botanica
Photo:
photojohn830/Shutterstock
Confession time: The only class I ever failed was a botany class. Plant identification was my downfall. I actually failed it twice. I’ve never kept a plant alive before or since, yet I loved the quiet hour I spent wandering around Botanica.
The garden’s lush and shady 18 acres were full of flowers I couldn’t identify but delighted in nonetheless. The children’s park features a yellow brick road under the rainbow, a sweet nod to Oz. Also in the park is a carousel that used to be part of Joyland, a Wichita amusement park that closed in 2004.
Botanica is open from 9 AM to 5 PM on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, it stays open until 8 PM, and on Sundays, it opens at 1 PM. Tickets are $10, and parking is free. I’d recommend going during those Tuesday or Thursday evening hours when everything is quiet and cool.
Botanica: 701 Amidon St, Wichita, KS 67203
For familiesTanganyika Wildlife ParkView this post on InstagramA post shared by Tanganyika Wildlife Park (@tanganyikawildlifepark)
Tanganyika is smaller than most zoos and features fewer animals, but the tradeoff is more encounters. Admission includes the opportunity to feed five animals, like giraffes, lorikeets, or tortoises. There’s a petting zoo, playground, and summertime splash park (all included with admission). The wildlife park is located about 15 miles outside of Wichita and is a great spot to visit right after flying into town, as it’s near the airport. Spring and fall hours are 10 AM to 4 PM. Summer hours are 9 AM to 4 PM, and the park is closed during the winter. Tickets are $49.99 per adult and $39.99 per child, but you can save $10 per person by purchasing online.
Tanganyika Wildlife Park: 1000 S Hawkins Ln, Goddard, KS 67052
Exploration Place
Photo: Kit Leong/Shutterstock
Wichita is known as the Air Capital of the World, thanks to its prolific aerospace manufacturing industry. It makes sense, then, that aviation is one of the focal points of this science center on the Arkansas River. Exploration place is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM (8 PM on Thursdays and Fridays). Tickets are $20, and parking is free. Visitors can also catch a glimpse from the Keeper of the Plains statue from here.
Exploration Place: 300 N McLean Blvd, Wichita, KS 67203
Riverfront StadiumView this post on InstagramA post shared by Wichita Wind Surge (@windsurgeict)
Riverfront Stadium is the home of the Wichita Wind Surge, the Double A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, hosting games from April to September. With a kid’s play area, between-innings entertainment, and endless hot dogs, nothing is more family friendly than a minor league baseball game. Check the schedule on the team’s website for game dates, as well as information on parking and public transportation.
Riverfront Stadium: 275 S McLean Blvd, Wichita, KS 67213
For cultureWichita Art MuseumView this post on InstagramA post shared by Wichita Art Museum (@wichitaartmuseum)
From powerful rotating exhibitions to a permanent collection featuring works by artists like Edward Hopper and Georgia O’Keeffe, this free museum is a must for anyone interested in American art. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays, the museum is open from 10 AM to 5 PM Wednesday through Sunday, with extended hours on Friday.
Wichita Art Museum: 1400 Museum Blvd, Wichita, KS 67203
Mid-America All-Indian MuseumView this post on InstagramA post shared by Mid-America All-Indian Museum (@midamericallindianmuseum)
This small museum mostly features art and information on Blackbear Bosin who designed the iconic Keeper of the Plains statue. Bosin’s cartoons, murals, and paintings are featured here along with exhibits that rotate quarterly. The museum doubles as a space for tribes to gather today, providing pictures and information about recent events and festivals. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM. Admission is $7.
Mid-America All-Indian Museum: 650 N Seneca St, Wichita, KS 67203
Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum
Photo: Kit Leong/Shutterstock
The Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum takes visitors through Wichita history, from prairie wilderness to the Air Capital of the World statue. Walking through a replica of an 1890s house and mayor’s office is particularly delightful. I appreciated the dimes available to make a real phone call from a real phone booth on the first floor. If the prairie vibes of the museum strike your fancy, make your next stop the Old Cowtown Museum, an open-air living history museum. And if it’s Wichita’s aviation history that intrigues you, you can learn more at the Kansas Aviation Museum.
Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum: 204 S Main St, Wichita, KS 67202
Chester I. Lewis Reflection SquareA short walk from the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum is a little pocket park that tells the story of how Civil Rights leader Chester I. Lewis guided successful student sit-ins at the Dockum lunch counter in 1958. The square’s mosaic map, which shows the history of redlining in Wichita, is particularly poignant. To learn more about Black history in Wichita, add the Kansas African American Museum to your to-do list, too. (Note that it’s moving to a new location at 201 North Main in downtown Wichita.)
Chester I. Lewis Reflection Square: 205 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67202
For shoppingDouglas Design DistrictView this post on InstagramA post shared by The Vault Collection (@thevaultcollection_)
Stretching along the east side of downtown, the shops on Douglas Avenue make up the Douglas Design District. Shop The Vault for mid-century modern or Art Deco pieces for your home, and peruse Watermark Books for your next read.
Heading west on Douglas Avenue, you’ll find something of an arts district. Visit The Workroom, a two-story store with curated gifts and home decor on the first floor and spaces for individual storefronts on the second floor. For fine art, check out Gallery 12, Wichita’s first cooperative gallery.
Douglas Design District: 1336 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67214
RevolutsiaView this post on InstagramA post shared by Revolutsia (@revolutsiaict)
If you prefer to do your shopping inside shipping containers, head to Revolutsia, where 36 shipping containers make up a shopping plaza. After loading up on romance novels from Blush Bookstore or new grips for your bike at Prairie.Bike, hang out around the community fire pit or head to Prost and enjoy kartoffelpuffer (German potato pancakes) or Jägerschnitzel (pork or veal cutlets) on one of the restaurant’s Oktoberfest-style benches. Most shops and Prost are closed Mondays.
Revolutsia: 2721 E Central Ave, Wichita, KS 67214
Where to eat and drink in WichitaWichita Brewing CompanyView this post on InstagramA post shared by Wichita Brewing Company (@wichitabrewing)
The Wichita Brewing Company launched in 2011 when two home brewers decided to bring their beer to the good people of Wichita. They’ve since expanded into two restaurants, as well as a canning and distribution center. When I arrived and plunked myself down at the bar, an old guy sitting nearby assured me that I’d found the best beer in Wichita. He insisted I order the 5:02 Amber.
Never one to discount beer advice from old guys, I followed orders. We clicked our glasses, and I soon appreciated his recommendation. The light caramel beer went perfectly with my Cajun bacon ranch pizza. The old guy disapproved of my pizza choice, as the alfredo sauce was indicative of strange city folks, but I thought it was delicious. In March, you can run a marathon between the brewing company’s two locations, if you can stomach running 26.2 miles between slices and pints.
Wichita Brewing Company: 8815 W 13th St N, Suite 100, Wichita, KS 67212 & 535 N Woodlawn St, Wichita, KS 67208
Mort’s Cigar and Whisky BarView this post on InstagramA post shared by Mort's Martini Bar (@mortsmartinibar)
After a busy weekend, Old Town Wichita is typically quiet on Mondays. But if people are out, they’re probably at Mort’s Cigar and Whisky Bar for the half-priced Martini Mondays. Follow the sound of restaurant chatter, and you’ll end up at a little building with a big porch. One hundred years ago it was a gas station, and 30 years ago it became Mort’s. Signs indicate that tables are for sharing, but feeling shy, I squeezed onto a barstool, ordered a pink martini, and lamented my dislike of cigars. Inside is full of TV screens and black-and-white photos of famous patrons. Outside is a year-round patio, often with live music. Note that there’s a $2 cover charge.
Mort’s Cigar and Whisky Bar: 923 E 1st St N, Wichita, KS 67202
HomeGrownView this post on InstagramA post shared by HomeGrown Wichita (@homegrownwichita)
The next day, I enjoyed an avocado-toasted brunch at HomeGrown, a daytime eatery with locally sourced ingredients right on Naftzger Park. (The restaurant also has West Wichita and Bradley Fair locations.) HomeGrown is open for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, with a long list of sweet and savory options for your first meal of the day, as well as sandwiches, soups, and salads. Beverages range from caffeinated or boozy to juicy and refreshing. Be sure to check out the seasonal offerings to see what specialty dishes HomeGrown has in store when you visit.
HomeGrown at Naftzger Park: 645 E. Douglas, Suite 102 Wichita, KS 67202
Public at the BrickyardView this post on InstagramA post shared by Public (@publicoldtown)
Public at the Brickyard has a tucked-away feel. You go down a set of steps before choosing your path: left towards the restaurant or right to The Brickyard, a small outdoor music venue with a stage rising above the red-brick courtyard that’s full of tables. The restaurant is a bit of a treasure hunt, featuring historical Wichita details and concert posters. Don’t miss the homemade pickle board or the pork bao appetizers. Public is closed Mondays and only open for special events on Sundays.
Public at the Brickyard: 129 N Rock Island Ave, Wichita, KS 67202
DockumView this post on InstagramA post shared by Dockum (@dockumwichita)
For after-dinner drinks, I headed half a mile west from Wichita’s Old Town to Dockum, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar. After finding the Siena Tuscan Steakhouse and taking the elevator down, I ignored the “Closed: Violation of National Prohibition Act” sign and knocked on the door to my left.
Even though prohibition is long gone, it was still a relief to be let in. The dark bar has an extensive drink list. I had a refreshing Cucumber Cure. The steakhouse is the former site of a Dockum Drugstore, where Chester I. Lewis inspired students to stage a sit-in during the summer of 1958 to protest segregation. The three-week sit-in was successful, and Lewis arranged for the students to meet with NAACP leaders across the South. Sit-ins spread following the Wichita success at Dockum.
Dockum: 104 S Broadway, Wichita, KS 67202
Where to stay in WichitaHotel at Old TownView this post on InstagramA post shared by Hotel at Old Town (@hotelatoldtownwichita)
The recently renovated Hotel at Old Town was once a warehouse that morphed into a hotel in 1999. The lobby features a brick facade and fountains that give it an expansive outdoor feel. The rotary phones, exposed brick walls, and historic memorabilia extend the feeling that you’re stepping into another era, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights when live jazz music plays from the 1906 Bar & Lounge.
The hotel’s name is a nod to the building, which opened in 1906 as a four-story warehouse facility for Keen Kutter, a tool and hardware company. Many of those tools have been tracked down and are now featured in historic displays around the hotel. Wichita’s history as the Air Capital of the World is also celebrated on the hotel’s Aviation Floor, where the hallways are filled with artifacts and photographs from the Kansas Aviation Museum.
Hotel at Old Town: 830 E 1st St N, Wichita, KS 67202
How to get to and around Wichita
Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
The Wichita Airport (ICH) hosts direct flights from 16 different cities, including LA, Seattle, Washington, DC, and Chicago. Rental cars can be easily picked up at the airport, and the drive to downtown is less than 10 minutes.
Once you’re in Wichita, it would be helpful to have a rental car. While the Old Town is walkable, and public transportation routes can get you downtown, sites like the Tanganyika Wildlife Preserve and Douglas Design District are best accessed by car. Parking is ample and free, and the streets are easy to navigate. 
Coolest Kissimmee Vacation Rentals for Families
Twenty miles south of Orlando, Kissimmee is a hub for family vacations in Florida. Walt Disney World Resort is a 15-minute drive from the lakeside city which makes an equally convenient base for LEGOLAND Florida, Peppa Pig Theme Park, Cape Canaveral, and the Atlantic coast. The “Vacation Home Capital of the World” isn’t short on thrilling rentals with themed bedrooms to delight toddlers through to grandparents. These are the coolest Kissimmee vacation rentals for families in Florida’s entertainment capital.
Family house with Mickey and Moana-themed bedrooms
Traveling to Orlando, Universal Studios, or Disney World? Check out Matador’s guides to the best places to stay in the area: 8 of the coolest Airbnbs near Disney World, Florida These Disney World Airbnbs Are Rated The Best By Guests 15 beautiful Florida Airbnbs for every type of traveler 6 Kissimmee Airbnbs for a multi-generational family Disney trip Bookend your Disney trip at these beautiful Orlando airport hotels The best 11 Airbnbs near Universal Studios 10 family-friendly Orlando resorts minutes from all major theme parks These downtown Orlando hotels put you near the best of the city center Top Orlando Airbnbs with a pool for the ultimate Florida getaway These Airbnbs put you a stone’s throw from Peppa Pig Theme Park These Walt Disney World Resort hotels deliver an epic parks experience
Photo: 
Photo: 
Photo: 
Photo: One of the best Kissimmee vacation rentals for multigenerational families, has a Moana-themed bunk room and a Mickey and Minnie’s Jungle Safari suite. The remaining rooms come with upholstered beds and private bathrooms. Gather downstairs to finesse your air hockey skills in the Star Wars games room or partake in Disney rewatches over popcorn in the movie theater. The screened-in patio has a pool and spill-over hot tub.
Eleven guests, five bedrooms
Price: $880 per night
Photo: 
Photo: 
Photo: 
Photo: Designed for anyone who never wants to grow up, has a swashbuckling bedroom to rival the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. The rest of the home is elegantly appointed with heavy wooden moveables and antique collectibles. The pool has a slide, fountains, and splash pads to offset Florida’s baking-hot summers. Back inside, you’ll find a games room stocked with air hockey and ping pong.
Fourteen guests, six bedrooms
Price: $361 per night
Photo: 
Photo: 
Photo: 
Photo: Hanging off the edge of the championship-rated Highlands Reserve Golf Club, this golfer’s paradise has a landscaped pool with a second-floor lanai overlooking the tropical reserve. A safety net and pool alarm system provide peace of mind for parents. leaving space for two cars on the driveway. Disney, Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park, and Old Town are 30 minutes or less.
Twelve guests, five bedrooms
Price: $326 per night
Photo: 
Photo: 
Photo: 
Photo: This family-friendly Vrbo with themed kids’ bedrooms might be even more exciting than getting a selfie with Mickey. Little ones can toss coins for Moana, Spiderman, Indiana Jones, and Star Wars while teens – and let’s be honest, adults – will be googly-eyed for the gamer’s bedroom. has a private pool, games room, and home cinema for everyone to enjoy. Kissimmee Airport is a five-minute drive and you’re spoiled for choice in terms of restaurants and attractions.
Twenty-two guests, 10 bedrooms
Price: $369 per night
Photo: 
Photo: 
Photo: 
Photo: While many Kissimmee rentals cater to dynasties, this top-rated Vrbo from a premier host is tailored for smaller clans of eight. Minutes from Medieval Times, has traditional decor and one Mickey Mouse-themed bedroom. The screened-in pool and hot tub back onto a peaceful reserve in the Whispering Oaks community. It’s close to all the attractions yet a far cry from bustling Orlando.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $150 per night
Photo: Vrbo
Photo: Vrbo
Photo: Vrbo
Photo: VrboSee more photosThis luxurious house at Kissimmee’s Bella Vida Resort is full of Floridian charm. It has a private pool with enviable views of the lake plus a spacious sun deck with barbecue facilities. If you need a change of scene, dive into the resort pool or take the kids on a nature walk. There’s a games room with arcade basketball and two themed bedrooms for children. As for the location – Tinker Bell, Peppa, and Co are practically neighbors.
Seventeen guests, eight bedrooms
Price: $264 per night
Photo: Vrbo
Photo: Vrbo
Photo: Vrbo
Photo: VrboSee more photosAnother whopping big Vrbo in Kissimmee for large groups, this family-friendly vacation house has Harry Potter, Minions, and Disney Princess-themed rooms to squabble over. Venture over to the dark side in the home cinema and see how many rewatches you can tick off. The pool and hot tub overlook the resort lake, a welcome sight after a thrill-packed day at theme parks and airboating alligator-infested swamps.
Twenty-three guests, ten bedrooms
Price: $316 per night
Photo: 
Photo: 
Photo: 
Photo: It looks like a regular suburban home on the outside but is a castle indoors. The open-concept lounge has a sumptuous settee overlooked by a state-of-the-art kitchen. Kids can sleep in enchanted carriage beds or Spiderman bunks whereas teens will be starry-eyed for the Star Wars suite. There’s a Mickey Mouse-themed games room and heated pool plus complimentary use of the resort’s water slides and lazy river.
Twenty guests, nine bedrooms
Price: $468 per night
Photo: Vrbo
Photo: Vrbo
Photo: Vrbo
Photo: VrboSee more photosThis 10/10 rental is one of the closest Vrbos for Disney World. It has a swimming pool and jacuzzi sunken on a screened porch with ample seating for a post-theme park debrief. The airy master bedroom has an en suite with a heart-shaped corner tub, perfect for a bubble bath. Cook anything you want in the state-of-the-art kitchen or rent a barbecue grill. Baby essentials are provided free of charge.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $208 per night
Photo: Vrbo
Photo: Vrbo
Photo: Vrbo
Photo: VrboSee more photosLongtime fans will be “Buzzed” to see posters from classic Disney and Pixar movies plastered all over this lakeside townhome. Whether for kids or adults, all beds are wrapped in cartoon linens while shower curtains will inspire a morning sing-a-long. The rental is part of a luxury resort with five pools and a clubhouse where kids can trade trivia and practice their cannonballs. Don’t be afraid of the mice in the kitchen – they’re old friends.
Seven guests, four bedrooms
Price: $112 per night
Photo: 
Photo: 
Photo: 
Photo: Aye aye, the more the merrier at for multiple families with a taste for the high seas. Besides cartoon-themed kids’ bedrooms, adults can fall asleep on the sets of Game of Thrones, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Stranger Things, and Breaking Bad. There’s a private Mickey Mouse clubhouse for tots and a pirate ship movie theater with space for everyone to come aboard. Not forgetting a lovely pool with a projector screen.
Thirty-eight guests, 15 bedrooms
Price: $595 per night
TSA Makes Travel More Convenient With Digital IDs Now Accepted in 11 States
Regardless of how prepared you are for navigating the airport, long queues, cumbersome security checks, and the constant fear of missing flights are almost guaranteed. And believe it or not, the TSA doesn’t like it any more than we do. Recently, the agency published a list of helpful tips to streamline the screening process just in time for the chaos of Labor Day travel, and last month, it was announced that the TSA is adding Hawai’i as the 11th state from which it will accept digital identification at certain checkpoints.
“We are pleased to have partnered with the Hawai’i Department of Transportation to make the digital ID a reality in the Aloha State. This is another way of integrating technology into the aviation security process at no additional cost to the passenger,” says TSA federal security director for Hawai’i, Nanea Vasta.
The Digital ID program is designed to simplify the airport security screening process by eliminating the need to present traditional driver’s licenses or state IDs physically. Instead, participants can use their smartphones to display a digital version of identification, which can be verified by TSA officers using advanced biometric technology.
Travelers with ID cards from these 11 states can add their info to their Apple Wallet.
ArizonaCaliforniaColoradoGeorgiaHawai’iIowaMarylandNevadaNew YorkOhioUtahAs more states adopt digital identification technology, the program is likely to continue growing and expanding in the coming years. However, it is still in early development. Only select airports are piloting digital ID technology. Before flying, make sure you check TSA’s list of participating airports. You can not travel internationally with a digital ID, but if you want to try it out and reside in one of the 11 states, it’s pretty simple to set up.
To participate in the Digital ID program, you must first download a compatible mobile app, such as the TSA Mobile app or the state-specific app provided by your respective state government. Once downloaded, you can add your digital driver’s license or state ID to the app by following the on-screen instructions.
It’s also worth noting that TSA PreCheck and the Digital ID program are not linked. You don’t need to apply and be accepted for PreCheck to get through security with your phone.
TSA Makes Travel More Convenient With Digital IDs Now Excepted in 11 States
Regardless of how prepared you are for navigating the airport, long queues, cumbersome security checks, and the constant fear of missing flights are almost guaranteed. And believe it or not, the TSA doesn’t like it any more than we do. Recently, the agency published a list of helpful tips to streamline the screening process just in time for the chaos of Labor Day travel, and last month, it was announced that the TSA is adding Hawai’i as the 11th state from which it will accept digital identification at certain checkpoints.
“We are pleased to have partnered with the Hawai’i Department of Transportation to make the digital ID a reality in the Aloha State. This is another way of integrating technology into the aviation security process at no additional cost to the passenger,” says TSA federal security director for Hawai’i, Nanea Vasta.
The Digital ID program is designed to simplify the airport security screening process by eliminating the need to present traditional driver’s licenses or state IDs physically. Instead, participants can use their smartphones to display a digital version of identification, which can be verified by TSA officers using advanced biometric technology.
Travelers with ID cards from these 11 states can add their info to their Apple Wallet.
ArizonaCaliforniaColoradoGeorgiaHawai’iIowaMarylandNevadaNew YorkOhioUtahAs more states adopt digital identification technology, the program is likely to continue growing and expanding in the coming years. However, it is still in early development. Only select airports are piloting digital ID technology. Before flying, make sure you check TSA’s list of participating airports. You can not travel internationally with a digital ID, but if you want to try it out and reside in one of the 11 states, it’s pretty simple to set up.
To participate in the Digital ID program, you must first download a compatible mobile app, such as the TSA Mobile app or the state-specific app provided by your respective state government. Once downloaded, you can add your digital driver’s license or state ID to the app by following the on-screen instructions.
It’s also worth noting that TSA PreCheck and the Digital ID program are not linked. You don’t need to apply and be accepted for PreCheck to get through security with your phone.
September 12, 2024
From the Depths of Our Blue Planet, These Photographers Showcase the Fragility and Beauty of the Ocean
The prestigious Ocean Photographer of the Year contest has once again showcased the breathtaking beauty and fragility of our planet’s oceans. This year’s winner, Rafael Fernández Caballero, impressed with his stunning image of a Bryde’s whale feeding on a baitball. The photograph, selected from over 15,000 submissions, offers a glimpse into the extraordinary underwater world.
Ocean photographer of the year 2024 winner, Rafael Fernández Caballero. Photo: Ocean Photographer of the Year/Rafael Fernández Caballero
Caballero expressed his deep joy and gratitude for the opportunity to witness and capture such a remarkable moment. The win also marked a significant milestone in his career. “This is a dream come true. Spectacular. Being a part of the best compilation of ocean photography this year — and receiving the top recognition — drives me to keep believing in what I do and to continue showcasing the ocean’s wonders,” says Caballero.
Jade Hoksbergen took second place for her photo of a northern gannet diving into the water to catch its prey in the Shetland Islands, Scotland. Photo: Ocean Photographer of the Year/Jade Hoksbergen
Presented by Oceanographic Magazine and Blancpain, the 2024 competition featured a diverse range of captivating images, from dramatic wildlife encounters to poignant reminders of our impact on the marine environment. A baitball being devoured from above and below, eels slithering over rocks at low tide, and a mahi mahi caught with a mouthful of prey were just a few examples of the stunning wildlife showcased in the contest.
Overall third place went to Thien Nguyen Ngoc for their shot of a fishing boat off Hon Yen, Vietnam. Photo: Ocean Photographer of the Year/Thien Nguyen Ngoc
Beyond the awe-inspiring beauty, the photographs highlighted the complex relationship between humans and the ocean. Images of boat crews hauling massive nets, conservationists tending to coral nurseries, and freedivers exploring the depths of blue holes depicted our connection to the marine world.
Conservation and hope winner, Shane Gross. A green sea turtle is released by a researcher after being caught while trying to catch sharks. Photo: Ocean Photographer of the Year/Shane Gross
Conservation and impact winner, Frederik Brogaard. The second biggest whale, the fin whale, lies waiting for its turn to be butchered at a whaling plant in Iceland before getting sent to Japan. Photo: Ocean Photographer of the Year/Frederik Brogaard
Adventure winner, Tobias Friedrich. A scuba diver is dwarfed by a shipwreck in the Bahamas. Photo: Ocean Photographer of the Year/Tobias FriedrichThe contest also serves as a reminder of the challenges facing our oceans. Photographs of an octopus sheltering in a plastic bag, a fin whale being hauled ashore for butchering, and a gannet accidentally hanged by its unnatural nest highlighted the devastating consequences of human activities on marine ecosystems.
Wildlife winner, Manuel Castellanos Raboso. A triumphant mahi-mahi or common dolphinfish proudly displays its catch amidst a feeding frenzy in Baja California Sur. Photo: Ocean Photographer of the Year/Manuel Castellanos Raboso
Fine art winner, Henley Spiers. Juvenile Munks devil rays are attracted by a green light, seemingly flying through the water in Baja California Sur, Mexico. Photo: Ocean Photographer of the Year/Henley Spiers
Human connection winner, Zhang Xiang. A beach reflects the golden haze of the sunset, while a traditional fisherman wades through the water in China. Photo: Ocean Photographer of the Year/Zhang Xiang“Photography is a powerful ally in ocean exploration and conservation,” says Marc A. Hayek, president and CEO of Blancpain. “We applaud the Ocean Photographer of the Year winners not only for their art but for their help in educating a wider public on the marvels found in the seas.”
Jacob Guy wins the young photographer division for this beautiful image of an algae octopus in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Photo: Ocean Photographer of the Year/Jacob Guy
If you’d like to view the photographs in person, the 2024 Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibition will make its debut at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney on November 28, followed by additional venues in early 2025.
The Cheapest and the Most Expensive US Airports to Rent a Car
Renting a car from the airport is a vey convenient way to explore a new city independently, but convenience has a price, and it’s often very high. Once you’ve added the airport fee, the damage insurance, and the liability insurance on top of the price of your rental, you’re often looking at a daily amount that reaches three figures. Car rental companies do vary their prices from one airport to the next, however, and some are significantly cheaper than others.
This fall, CheapCarRental.com compared car rental rates in 100 US airport and ranked them from the cheapest to the most expensive. During the process, they noticed that fall rates (from September 1 to November 31, 2024) were about 28 percent cheaper than summer rates — another good reason to travel during shoulder season.
What’s striking about this survey is the fact that the average price of renting a vehicle from the priciest airport on the list is an impressive 2.3 times more expensive than the renting one from the cheapest airport. The reason behind the price discrepancy isn’t easily explained; there are large, busy, and well-connected airports, as well as smaller airports, on both ends of the ranking.
The 10 cheapest US airports from where to rent this fall a car are:
Raleigh, North Carolina, (RDU) with an average daily rate of $41Bozeman, Montana, (BZN): $42Kahului, Hawaii, (OGG): $45Portland, Oregon (PDX): $45San Juan, Puerto Rico, (SJU): $47Miami, Florida, (MIA): $47Fort Myers, Florida, (RSW): $47Tampa, Florida, (TPA): $47Honolulu, Hawaii, (HNL): $48F. Lauderdale, Florida, (FLL): $48The 10 most expensive US airport where to rent a car are:
Little Rock, Arkansas, (LIT) with an average daily rate of $95Charleston, South Carolina, (CHS): $91Madison, Wisconsin (MAD): $87Reno, Nevada, (RNO): $86St.Petersburg, Florida, (PIE): $86Boise, Idaho (BOI): $85Palm Springs, California, (PSP): $83Colorado Springs, Colorado, (COS): $82San Francisco, California, (SFO): $82Los Angeles, California, (LAX): $80More like thisTravelTested: How Kyte Is Making the Often Frustrating Car Rental Process More Seamless
A Utah Ski Resort Is Selling Lift Tickets for Just $19 Per Day
In an era of $200-a-day and up lift tickets at ski resorts throughout the US, one Utah resort is trending in a different direction — at least for a few days this season.
But one resort, sitting in the mountains north of Zion National Park, announced it’s selling $19 lift ticket to celebrate its 60th birthday during the upcoming winter season. Brian Head lift tickets are currently available for as low as $19, covering most of the resort’s early dates, beginning with opening day on Friday, November 8. The resort uses dynamic pricing, automatically raising the prices as demand increases, so it’s best to buy tickets as early as possible to get the lowest rates. Brian Head also announced it invested $1.4 million into on-mountain improvements like new snowmaking equipment, lift accessibility improvements, new lighting for night skiing, and three new downhill trails.
Today, Brian Head has more than 70 trails and eight lifts, as well as the highest base elevation in the state at 9,600 feet above sea level. That makes its snow dry and fluffy, rather than wet and heavy.
Utah is known for cold and powdery snow, but Brian Head’s high elevation makes it especially fluffy. Photo: Brian Head Resort/Jessee Lynch
As of early September, advanced purchase rates at Brian Head range between $19 and $48, but jump to anywhere between $58 and $81 for the period between Christmas break and New Years Day. But rates drop back to $21 and up for dates in January through the end of the season, scheduled for May 4, 2025. Until further notice, skiers who buy tickets online in advance will also get a $10 resort credit per ticket, effectively allowing you to ski for as little as $9 — assuming you would have spent $10 at the resort to begin with.
Brian Head Resort is approximately four hours south of Salt Lake City, making it a bit removed from the crowds of bigger SLC-area resorts like Snowbird, Park City, and Alta. It’s about a 90-minute drive from the airport in St. George, Utah, or three hours from Las Vegas, NV. That makes it ideal for a weekend trip from Salt Lake City or as a stop on a longer point-to-point ski trip through Utah.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Brian Head Resort (@brianheadresort)
While it’s not among Utah’s largest resorts, which are some of the most popular ski resorts in the United States, Brian Head lift tickets are among the most affordable in the state. Most US resorts use dynamic pricing and offer lower prices for advanced purchase or multi-day tickets. So prices can vary. But as a general estimate, you can expect advanced purchase lift tickets to cost quite a bit more at larger resorts, including Park City (starting at $259 for a single day), Deer Valley (starting at $189 for a single day), and Snowbird (starting at $184 for a single day).
If Brian Head isn’t your vibe, you may want to check out lift ticket costs at some of the smaller resorts owned by Brian Head’s parent company, Mountain Capital Partners. It has some of the lowest-priced ski resorts in the US, including Purgatory in Colorado, where tickets can be as low as $9.
This Historic Pennsylvania Train Ride Showcases the ‘Holy Grail of Fall Foliage’
There are plenty of amazing leaf-peeping opportunities in the US. A romantic road trip to see the covered bridges of New England is one, taking an air balloon ride to see the foliage from above is another. But the most relaxed and nostalgic way to experience fall in all its glory is by train. There are multiple vintage railroads in the United States that will transport you back in time while you admire the fall colors, but few do it as well as the East Broad Top railroad.
The trains on the East Broad Top railroad are pulled by coal-fired steam locomotives. Photo: Dak Dillon / East Broad Top RR
The East Broad Top railroad was built in 1847 and transported coal until it ceased operation in 1956. The historic railroad, a National Historic Landmark since the mid-1960s, was saved from destruction, restored, and started running again as a tourist attraction in 2021. Since then, you can ride the railroad’s coal-fired steam-engine trains from May until October every year.
Photo: Mark Turkovich / East Broad Top RR
For the fall season (from September 1 to October 27 in 2024), the East Broad Top railroad operates multiple times per day every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The extremely scenic rides last one hour and cover nine miles; starting from the Orbisonia Stations to Colgate Grove, and back. Although it’s a short journey, passengers get treated to what the railroad calls “the Holy Grail of Fall Foliage” while traveling though farmland and along beautiful Aughwick Creek.
Photo: Matthew Malkiewicz / East Broad Top RR
Travelers keen to ride the East Broad Top railroad this fall can choose their own experience. There are three classes of services on board, including open-air cars, enclosed cars, and cabooses, the comfiest way to ride. Traveling in one of the open cars or the enclosed cars costs the same ($22 for adults and $16 for children), but it’s $3 extra to ride in the caboose.
The enclosed cars and the open-air cars on the East Broad Top railroad. Photos: Matthew Malkiewicz / East Broad Top RR
Those with small children may consider booking a ticket for the PEANUTS
The Great Pumpkin Patch Express which takes plane during three weekends in October. The experience last 2.5 hours and includes a scenic train ride to the Sincere Pumpkin Patch where children will meet Snoopy and Charlie Brown, pick their pumpkins and decorate them, play games, and more. The special event costs between $30 and $35 for adults and between $24 and $29 for children, depending on the class of service you opt for.
Peanuts: The Great Pumpkin Patch Express event at East Broad Top railroad. Photos: Matthew Malkiewicz / East Broad Top RR
More like thisTravelThe 13 Best Places for Leaf Peeping in United States in 2024This Nashville Hotel Is Steps From the Action and a Retreat From the Noise
Big cities are my Roman Empire. I love staying in the heart of a city, but it can be hard to find hotels that offer a prime location and perfectly blended amenities that suit my travel style. Enter the Hyatt Centric Downtown Nashville.
The boutique hotel opened in 2021, offering a simple elegance with an understated nod to its Music City surroundings. Despite its young age, the Hyatt Centric has quickly become a staple of Nashville’s SoBro neighborhood. Two blocks from Broadway Street, the hotel stands in the heart of the city’s action, surrounded by honky-tonk bars and local landmarks. Yet, within its walls, the Hyatt Centric Downtown Nashville provides a tranquil escape from the lively urban energy.
Nashville had been high on my list of places to visit for a while. After spending a few days exploring the city, using the Hyatt Centric as my home base, it was clear that the city was much more than a checkbox on my travel to-do list.
A short drive from the airport, a quick walk to downtown Nashville
Photo: Hyatt Centric Downtown Nashville
One of the hallmarks of the Hyatt Centric brand is centrally located properties in the heart of popular destinations. Hyatt Centric Downtown Nashville follows this standard to a tee. The drive from Nashville International Airport to the hotel was short, barely allowing enough time to catch my breath or text travel updates to my wife. After a quick zip down the highway, my driver exited onto 2nd Avenue, which quickly led us directly to the hotel’s parking lot and front entrance.
In addition to being close to the airport, Hyatt Centric Downtown Nashville is within walking distance to many of the city’s landmarks, attractions, and culinary hotspots. My flight from Cleveland arrived early in the morning, which gave me a jump on exploring the area. After a quick five-minute walk, I found myself on Lower Broadway, affectionately known as Nashville’s Honky Tonk Highway. The ambiance by daylight contrasts starkly with the scene after dusk, when the neon lights transform the atmosphere into a vibrant, glowing spectacle. After completing the customary hunt for family souvenirs, I headed back to explore more of the hotel.
The rooms at the Hyatt Centric Downtown Nashville
Photo: Kevin Payne
From my first step inside, I knew I was going to love this hotel. The open-air lobby was inviting, with multiple seating areas surrounded by a carefully curated collection of artwork from local artists. To the right was Ella’s, the hotel’s primary dining option.
I made my way up to the 15th floor to check out my digs for the next few days. The room featured a simple yet contemporary design, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the neighborhood and the hotel’s pool. I have relatively simple travel needs but do enjoy spacious accommodations and thoughtful amenities. At 320 square feet, the room offered plenty of space for work and relaxation. It featured a plush king-size bed, a cozy seating area and table, a suitable writing desk, and a stylish wardrobe. My favorite room fixture was the sleek cabinet, which housed a mini-fridge, an in-room safe, and a coffee maker. The cabinet’s interior panels nodded to Nashville legends like Elvis, Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift, and Tim McGraw.
Photo: Hyatt Centric Downtown Nashville
The bathroom featured a large glass shower with a high-pressure shower head, the same one I recently installed in my master bathroom at home. The long marble-top vanity had one sink and ample counter space. Bathrooms at the Hyatt Centric Downtown Nashville come equipped with Bee Kind bath amenities, a countertop vanity mirror, and a Drybar Buttercup hair dryer. Other room amenities included plush bathrobes and slippers.
The Hyatt Centric Downtown Nashville has a wide selection of rooms — 252 guest rooms and 11 suites — including single and double beds and accessible rooms and suites to accommodate every traveler’s needs.
Photo: Kevin Payne
The Presidential Suite is a homerun for families or large groups. It offers luxury amenities like full-size hidden kitchen appliances, a large island and bar seating, a sectional sofa bed, and a handcrafted wooden ping-pong table. Oh, and there’s a stand-up arcade game for extra measure. Plus, the Presidential Suite has a separate bedroom with a king bed and a spacious bathroom with a large walk-in shower and a separate chic bathtub.
Dining at the Hyatt Centric Downtown Nashville and nearby
Photo: Kevin Payne
My early arrival gave me the opportunity to grab breakfast at the hotel before venturing out into downtown Nashville. Ella’s by Christian Petroni is a bright, inviting dining space serving thoughtful brunch favorites in the morning and coastal Italian cuisine for lunch and dinner.
Formerly known as Ella’s on 2nd, the restaurant now features a revamped menu thanks to a recent partnership with Food Network star Christian Petroni and Red Pebbles Hospitality. The space features an open kitchen, giving diners a bird’s-eye view of the culinary staff in action. Ella’s also features a spacious, inviting cocktail bar and seating area, perfect for pre-dinner beverages or networking.
The ricotta pancakes with maple butter were light yet packed with flavor. They were good enough to become a staple each morning I spent at Ella’s. In addition to a list of entrees, Ella’s brunch menu includes appropriate cocktails and a selection of bakery items, including cornetti (Italian croissant-like pastries), scones, and Nutella pizza bread.
Photo: Kevin Payne
For my lone dinner at Ella’s, I enjoyed an assortment of starters from the menu, including the best housemade mozzarella sticks I’ve ever had. The fried meatballs, shrimp scampi, and fire-roasted carrots were equally delicious, as was the Margherita pizza, which I watched being tossed and prepared. It’s hard to go wrong with a steak, so I opted for the New York Strip as my entree, which was perfectly prepared. Although I didn’t dine at Ella’s for lunch, the restaurant serves some dinner entrees plus a few sandwiches.
The hotel’s other culinary offering is Lala’s, a rooftop pool bar and restaurant on the ninth floor. Unfortunately, due to rainy skies, Lala’s was not open during my stay. The popular gathering spot features limited hours and a small, curated menu. Beverage selections include wines, ciders and seltzers, draft and canned beers, craft cocktails, and frozen drinks.
In-room dining is also available from morning until late night seven days a week for hotel guests.
Next door to the Hyatt Centric is Nashville staple The Pancake Pantry, which has been serving up breakfast classics since 1961. Its expansive menu includes nearly 20 types of pancakes and other delicious bites to start your day. I’ve been on a not-always-strict health kick lately, so I opted for gluten-free buttermilk pancakes. Outside of placing my order, I forgot they were gluten-free, a testament to the restaurant’s expertise in perfecting the art of pancakes. If you’re thinking of visiting The Pancake Pantry, be sure to arrive early to avoid the long line that frequently extends around the block.
Photo: Kevin Payne
It’s not necessarily a requirement when visiting Nashville, but I couldn’t leave the city without sampling some hot chicken. Prince’s Hot Chicken is considered to be the birthplace of the spicy delight, with dozens of local restaurants staking their claim for the best birds in town. The closest location on Broadway is less than a half-mile from the hotel, where you’ll also find a Hattie B’s. With a history only dating back to 2012, Hattie B’s is a relative newcomer in the hot chicken game compared to other hot spots. But what it lacks in history, it makes up for in flavor.
The menu features a collection of chicken dishes and ridiculously good sides. My favorite was the Dirty Bird Fries, a basket of piping hot crinkle-cut fries, pimento mac and cheese, chicken tender bites, and comeback sauce. Hattie B’s chicken comes in six heat levels ranging from Souther (no heat) to Shut The Cluck Up. I’m no spice king, so I opted for a medium chicken sandwich, which turned out to be the perfect level for me.
Of course, curiosity got the best of me, and I asked the manager if I could sample the hottest chicken. He obliged, delivering a small sampling of spicy tenders with a nearly indescribable reddish-brown exterior that both delighted and frightened me. It was the hottest thing I’ve ever tasted, with a sting that lingered long after I left. For spice fans, though, it may not be as bad.
A short walk from Hyatt Centric stands the River House, a stylish upscale restaurant with a business casual dress code. The restaurant’s menu features a collection of seafood, sushi, steaks, and chops. I enjoyed The Hemingway, a center-cut filet mignon covered in cognac cream. The River House’s interior is as elegant as its food, a sharp contrast to the Honky Tonk bars located blocks away.
Modern amenities with a personal touch at the Hyatt Centric Downtown Nashville
Photo: Hyatt Centric Downtown Nashville
The hotel is a bright, beautiful space with as much charm as the city itself. A stop on the ninth floor leads to one of Hyatt Centric Downtown Nashville’s central hubs of activity. On one half of the floor, you’ll find a collection of rooms and spaces for meetings, conferences, and other events. On the other half sits the hotel’s pool and rooftop bar and a 24-hour fitness center.
The rooftop pool looked so inviting looking down from my hotel room window despite the rain. Pristine white lounge chairs line both sides of the pool, with umbrellas on one side for those who enjoy the shade. There are also three in-pool chaise lounge chairs at one end of the pool so you can catch some rays while taking a dip in the crystal-clear water.
The blue-and-white-striped hallway leading past the pool features playful swimming-themed artwork, restrooms for guests, and a water bottle refilling station.
Photo: Kevin Payne
Behind the large glass doors at the end of the hall sits one of the largest hotel fitness centers I’ve experienced. As you enter, you’ll find towels for guests to use during workouts and a mini-fridge filled with complimentary ice-cold bottled water. On the counter lie cards with a map of the surrounding area and directions for suggested running routes from the hotel. They featured a scannable QR code to access the map from your mobile device.
As I walked past the counter, I was captivated by what was undoubtedly the building’s most striking piece of art — a colossal mural of Dolly Parton riding a Peloton.
The fitness center is open 24 hours a day and features an array of exercise equipment for guests to use, including free weights, kettlebells, medicine balls, exercise balls, bands, mats, and foam rollers. The opposite end of the space showcases floor-to-ceiling windows yielding neighborhood views, lined with ellipticals, treadmills, and Peloton bikes. There’s also plenty of open space to use for yoga, stretching, and recovery.
Things to do in Nashville
Photo: Kevin Payne
During my stay, I had several opportunities to explore downtown Nashville. The city has become an instant favorite of mine, and I’ll return to it soon with my family. The hotel’s prime location places you within easy reach of Nashville’s cherished attractions, including the honky-tonk-lined Broadway Street, diverse shopping, dining, and a wealth of entertainment options.
The Country Music Hall of Fame is well worth a visit, even if you aren’t a huge fan of the genre. The museum features a perfect blend of tributes to country music pioneers and legends while tipping its hat to modern artists.
Photo: Kevin Payne
I spent considerable time at Fifth and Broadway. Located across from Bridgestone Arena, the complex features a collection of retailers, restaurants, and Nashville’s largest food hall. Besides my spice-filled adventure at Hattie B’s, I also indulged in an assortment of tacos at Velvet Taco, located in the Assembly Food Hall. As a donut enthusiast, I couldn’t resist visiting Tennessee’s Five Daughters Bakery to sample its famed Hundred Layer Donuts. The bakery’s Chocolate Sea Salt Hundred Layer Donut is exceptional, truly in a league of its own. Also located in the complex National Museum of African American Music, where I could’ve spent hours immersed in the museum’s interactive exhibits.
Across the street from Fifth and Broadway stands the famed Ryman Auditorium, a musical landmark with a history spanning over 130 years. I loved touring the iconic venue, including looking out over the hallowed auditorium for a complimentary on-stage photo opportunity.
Photo: Kevin Payne
On my last night, I took one last venture down Broadway to soak in as much live music as possible. The first stop was the world-famous Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, which offers three floors of bars, dining, and live music. My night ended with a quick stop at Morgan Wallen’s This Bar, one of the newest bars and restaurants on Lower Broadway. Just off the main drag, it’s one of the many bars and honky tonks owned by country music stars and other famous musicians, including Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Kid Rock, and Jon Bon Jovi.
Experience Liverpool’s Music History With a Stay at the Club Where the Beatles Played Some of Their First Gigs
The Casbah Coffee Club, a cultural landmark for Beatles fans in Liverpool, England, has recently opened its doors to Airbnb guests. It’s here, in this basement of this home, where The Beatles played some of their earliest gigs.
We hope you love the Airbnb 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.
The Airbnb is hosted by Pete Best, the band’s one-time drummer, and his brother Roag, who lived in the house as teenagers. The house was originally owned by the bother’s mother, Mona Best who transformed the property’s cellar into the music venue, Casbah Coffee Club in 1959. The club quickly became a go-to for local musicians, providing a platform for emerging talent. Its intimate atmosphere and unpretentious charm made it an ideal venue for bands to hone their craft and connect with a dedicated audience.
Photo: Airbnb
After providing a stage for the Beatles for over 40 performances, the band played their final gig here on the club’s closing night in 1962. The British government granted the historic venue protected heritage status in 2006 and reopened its doors to the public as a tourist attraction.
“I think it’s a good idea to let people know about the Casbah,” says Sir Paul McCartney on the club’s site. “The Casbah was the place where all that started. We helped paint it and stuff. We looked upon it as our personal club.”
Photo: Airbnb
Today, visitors have the opportunity to stay in the very place where the legendary band began their musical journey. The Airbnb has posters, guitars, photographs, and other Beatles-themed items throughout, with rooms named after band members.
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbThe McCartney Suite sleeps up to two people and includes access to a living area and a fully equipped kitchen. You can enjoy the club’s original features, such as the exposed brick walls and the stage where The Beatles once performed. The nightly rate of around $195 gives you access to the club’s museum, allowing you to delve deeper into the venue’s history.
Matador Network's Blog
- Matador Network's profile
- 6 followers
