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Best late night bars in Manhattan

New York City is known as the city that never sleeps for a reason. If you want Chinese food at 2:00 AM, there’s something open. If you’ve got insomnia and need sweets to munch on while you watch TV, there’s something open. If you need a bottle of wine to celebrate some fortuitous occurrence at 3:30 AM, you’re more than covered. Any kind of establishment you can think of will have at least one place open that caters to your needs. It’s something locals take for granted, and when we travel elsewhere, we’re shocked when a place closes before midnight. But as visitors to NYC, you should definitely take advantage of all the city has to offer at night. Our nightlife is known the world over, and a countless number of bars keep their doors open well into the wee hours of the morning. These are the best places for a late-night drink in Manhattan.

1. Ace Bar

Photo: Ace Bar

If the routine of bar hopping, drinking, and dancing is starting to get a little old, then you can switch it up by combining drinking and gaming at Ace Bar. It packs a lot into its two-room space, including a couple of Skee-Ball lanes, pool tables, pinball machines, board games, video games, and darts. There’s also a jukebox, so you can have that classic dive bar experience of drinking beer, shooting pool, and throwing some coins in a jukebox to hear your favorite song. A nostalgia vibe is aided by the walls, which are lined with over 100 vintage lunch boxes. Drink prices are in the single digits here, with 12 beers on tap and a full liquor selection.

Where: 531 E 5th St, New York, NY 10009

2. 169 Bar

One of the worst things about Manhattan bars is how crowded they can get, which in turn means it’ll take a while to even get to the bar, let alone order. That problem is taken care of at 169 Bar, where you can order straight from your table via text. This kitschy spot is decorated with a New Orleans meets the ‘70s theme, and has drinks that’ll keep you going well into the night. Prices are reasonable for the Lower East Side, ranging anywhere from $5 to $12 — and the same goes for food prices, too. The food here is especially good, and dishes like oysters, po’boys, and dumplings will help those late-night munchies.

Where: 169 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002

3. Beauty Bar

Beauty salons are known for being a focal point to trade gossip. People go out, see something that raises eyes, and make a mental note to mention it next time they’re at the salon. Well now, you can discuss the latest gossip right as it happens at Beauty Bar, a combination of salon, bar, and nightclub. It was a salon for around 40 years until the current owner found it and converted it into a “beauty saloon.” When you walk in, you’ll see a long bar on one side and hair dryer chairs and nail artists ready to give you a manicure on the other. Beauty Bar even offers a manicure and drink special, where you can get both for just $10. In a separate room at the back, you’ll find the dance floor, where you can jam out to best of the ‘80s and ‘90s while you sip on some strong drinks for a decent price.

Where: 231 E 14th Street, New York, NY 10003

4. Karaoke City

Photo: Karaoke City

Something magical happens when you mix alcohol and classic songs that everyone knows the lyrics to, like “Mr. Brightside” — most people, if not all, join in, and you’ll have the entire room singing along and potentially meet some new friends who share the same taste in music. Karaoke City is a karaoke bar where you can rent a private room, but you’ll want to stay in the main bar area so you can experience that same magic. Thousands of songs are available to choose from, and a giant screen projects the lyrics. The signature cocktails, like the mango mojito and the orange-ginger margarita, cost $14 and beers go for between $6 and $8. If you get hungry, there are typical bar snacks on offer, but you’re allowed to bring in outside food.

Where: 7th floor, 22 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001

5. Double Down Saloon

Being the younger sibling of a Las Vegas location should already hint at the kind of establishment the Double Down Saloon is. One of the last true punk rock bars in NYC, it’s credited with the creation of the bacon martini, among other innuendo-like inventions. There’s plenty of space, including bar seating, booth seating in the front and middle areas, and “backyard” benches for some drinking in the open air. It’s a great place to hit on your night out or as the last stop, as long as you don’t break the single cardinal rule of, “You puke, you clean.”

Where: 14 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009

6. Barcelona Bar

Shots are a divisive topic; people either love them or hate them. There’s no better way to figure out where you really stand than by visiting Barcelona Bar, where the menu includes over 100 different types of shots. There’s a full liquor bar and beer here too, but with shots named Harry Potter, The TARDIS, and Pokemon, there’s really no question about what you should be ordering — but maybe pace yourself by taking a shot of water with each regular shot you have. To add to the fun, some shots come with related garb from whatever the drink is named after. For example, order a Return of the King shot and you’ll be given a crown by the bartender and take the shot from a goblet. For a Full Metal Jacket shot, you’ll be putting on a helmet. Each drink has its own ritual. Of course, you’re not required to participate, but if you do, you’ll have a lot of laughs. Shot prices start at $5.

Where: 923 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019

7. The Duplex

Photo: The Duplex Cabaret and Piano Bar

In a similar vein as karaoke, but slightly fancier, piano bars like The Duplex let you belt out tunes with live piano accompaniment. Opened in 1950, it’s the city’s oldest cabaret theater, and has seen famous faces (like Joan Rivers!) perform early work. The french doors belie the size of the place, as the inside is massive. The main floor is where you’ll find the piano bar. The pianists take requests, but expect the vibe to err more on the show tunes side. Upstairs is a lounge area with its own bar, so you won’t have to trek downstairs to get your next drink.

Where: 61 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014

8. William Barnacle Tavern

While it was a speakeasy back in the day, you won’t have to jump through hoops to enter William Barnacle Tavern. Just walk through the front door on St. Mark’s and you’re inside the intimate space that has gone from speakeasy to jazz club to absinthe bar. The menu has an extensive selection of absinthe, with over 20 different varieties. All are served in the traditional manner, by pouring the green spirit over a sugar cube that’s lit on fire and atop the glass. Prices range, but we recommend trying the $10 absinthe sour. The place fills up, but you’re more likely to rub elbows with locals than other tourists. Bonus: It doesn’t get loud and rowdy here, so you’ll actually be able to hear any conversation you might have.

Where: 80 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003

9. Doc Holliday’s

Photo: Doc Holliday’s

Doc Holliday’s as close to a country dive bar as you’ll get in the Big Apple. There’s a pool table, well-worn booths, signs, posters covering the wood walls, Big Buck Hunter, and Miller High Life tall boys. While Doc Holliday’s isn’t anything near what you’d call a classy establishment, you can always count on drinking some of the most affordable beer in New York City in a crowd of the least pretentious people. Just be sure to follow the rules to drinking here (you can’t miss them as they’re posted right above the bar): Leave if you don’t like honky tonk music, meaningless convos, drinkin’ to the max, sayin’ please ‘n thank u, tipping big $$$, putting your phone down, and waiting for your turn to order.

Where: 141 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009


More like this: The best places to drink wine in New York City

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Where to eat at Chicago airport

Chicago is one of America’s great food cities. The Chicago O’Hare International Airport is, well, not a terrible place to find some decent food and good drinks. There are some local spots from the city that built outposts in the airport, like Tortas Frontera and Publican Tavern, as well as beer and wine focused bars, including craft beer from Chicago favorite Goose Island.

This is where to eat and drink at in every terminal at Chicago O’Hare.

Terminal 1

Photo: Chicago O’Hare International Airport/Facebook

Tortas Frontera: A grab-and-go tortas shop from Rick Bayless with a limited number of seats. These sandwiches aren’t just good for airport food, they’re good in general. Order online while you’re wading through the snaking TSA line so your food is ready as soon as you’re post security. There are also locations in Terminals 3 and 5.

Wicker Park Seafood and Sushi Bar: Classic sushi bar and restaurant where you can get basic rolls, original rolls, nigiri, and sashimi. There’s plenty of sake and shochu from the bar to complete your meal. Order from the to-go area if you’re in a rush, but you’ll surely find a place to eat if you’ve got the time because the location has 200 seats plus bar seating. There’s also a location in Terminal 2 that has 104 seats.

Berghoff Cafe: A German restaurant that’s the perfect place to pop in for a filling breakfast, lunch, or dinner. There are sandwiches like a Reuben, but you can veer away from the German food with pizzas and poke as well.

Beaudevin: A wine bar where you might struggle to find a seat, but for good reason. There are more than 20 wine options, and depending on the length of time before your flight, you can order by the glass or bottle. Sandwiches and small plates are available on the food front.

Terminal 2

Photo: Chicago O’Hare International Airport/Facebook

Publican Tavern: Chicago is one of the best cities for craft beer in the US. Publican has bottles, cans, and 10 draft lines that feature some of the best around, as well as classic bar food like burgers and chicken.

Wicker Park Seafood and Sushi Bar: Classic sushi bar and restaurant where you can get basic rolls, original rolls, nigiri, and sashimi. There’s plenty of sake and shochu from the bar to complete your meal. Order from the to-go area if you’re in a rush, but you’ll surely find a place to eat if you’ve got the time because the location has 104 seats plus bar seating. There’s also a location in Terminal 1 that has 200 seats.

Summer House Santa Monica: You may be in the middle of the country, but you can eat like you’re on the West Coast if you’re in the airport. Get closer to the Pacific in your mind with California-style tacos, burgers, and salads.

Terminal 3

Photo: Chicago O’Hare International Airport/Facebook

Goose Island Beer Company: Goose Island was the brewery that put Chicago craft beer on the map. You can find it anywhere in the country now, but you can get one last taste of the beer in its hometown straight from the airport. Drink beer, obviously, and eat a light panini.

Tortas Frontera: A grab-and-go tortas shop from Rick Bayless with a limited number of seats. These sandwiches aren’t just good for airport food, they’re good in general. Order online while you’re wading through the snaking TSA line so youre food is ready as soon as you’re post security. There are also locations in Terminals 1 and 5.

Bubbles Wine Bar: The ambience at this little wine bar is blue. Like, underwater in the crystal-clear Caribbean blue. Order some sparkling wine (get it, “bubbles”) and some small plates.

Terminal 5

Hub 51: There’s a wide variety of options here for food so long as you’re not one of those people who thinks that a restaurant trying to do everything is good at nothing. Try the chicken nachos. The real draw, however, is the big bar with cocktail options, local beer, and wine.

Big Bowl: Chinese and Thai dishes with seasonal ingredients, local produce, and sustainably sourced meat and fish. Grab some potstickers or noodles and be happy.

Tortas Frontera: A grab-and-go tortas shop from Rick Bayless with a limited number of seats. These sandwiches aren’t just good for airport food, they’re good in general. Order online while you’re wading through the snaking TSA line so youre food is ready as soon as you’re post security. There are also locations in Terminals 1 and 3.

Tocco: Neapolitan-style, wood-fired pizzas are the main draw here. Also some pastas and salads if you’re looking for something a little lighter.


More like this: The do’s and don’ts for eating in Chicago

The post Where to eat and drink at Chicago O’Hare International Airport appeared first on Matador Network.

Best waterfront bars in the world

Whether you’re overlooking a pristine, tropical beach or the glittering skyline of a booming metropolis, there’s something special about enjoying cocktail hour on the water. Oceans, lakes, and rivers bring us a sense of calm, especially if we’re relishing the view with an icy beverage in hand. From a cocktail bar situated on the beach of a Spanish Mediterranean village to a towering lounge overlooking New York City, these are some of the most stunning waterfront bars in the world.

Veronica’s Bar at Blue Waters Resort & Spa — St. John’s, Antigua

Photo: Antigua Blue Waters Resort & Spa

All-inclusive resorts all too often offer fairly mediocre food and beverage programs, even if the surroundings are beautiful. But Blue Waters Resort & Spa in Antigua is a different story. The property has three restaurants helmed by chef Lisa Sellars and three gorgeous bars, all of which offer top-notch food and drinks. Our favorite is Veronica’s Bar, which is situated right on the beach to provide glittering views of the Caribbean. Sit back and relax with one of the signature tropical libations like the Antigua Smile, which is made with light rum, creme de banana, and pineapple juice.

The Regent Cocktail Club at Gurney’s — Montauk, New York

Photo: Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa/Facebook

During the summer high season, Gurney’s is a bonafide hot spot that caters to city dwellers and party people who migrate east from New York City on the weekends. But as Montauk’s only year-round resort, we much prefer to enjoy the hotel’s dining options, world-class spa, and Atlantic Ocean views when the crowds aren’t so thick. Whatever your preferred scene, The Regent Cocktail Club at Gurney’s is the place to grab a beautifully crafted oceanfront drink from renowned bartender Julio Cabrera. Plop down on a leather couch or head outside to the fire pit while enjoying something spritzy and refreshing, like the La Grand Fizz made with vodka, St. Germain, prosecco, and lime juice.

Guanabanas — Jupiter, Florida

Photo: Guanabanas Island Restaurant and Bar/Facebook

This tranquil tropical oasis is so surrounded by rich vegetation that you might think you’re on a private island far, far away rather than on the coast of Jupiter, Florida. As dreamy as it is, Guanabanas is a very real place that serves delicious food and drinks on the bank of the Intracoastal Waterway. The lush oasis was opened by local surfers in 2004 as a sandwich shop, and has grown to become a Palm Beach County institution. Saddle up to the open-air, woven tiki bar and take in some live music while you sip on an organic or biodynamic wine, summery cocktail, or rum from the impressive international spirits selection.

Cabana Beach Kiosk — Narrabeen, Australia

Photo: Cabana Beach Kiosk/Facebook

If you want to enjoy Sydney’s stunning beaches without the staggering crowds, head north to the suburb of Narrabeen, where you’ll find this hidden gem. Cabana Beach Kiosk opened in 2018, and is already known for its delicious fresh fish, tasty cocktails, and sweeping views of the South Pacific. Since it’s open from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, you can catch the sunset while you sip on something icy (and maybe even see the sunrise if you arrive early for a morning smoothie). Choose from a large list of iced coffee drinks, juices, beer, wine, and cocktails like mojitos and mango caipiroskas.

Tavern & Table — Charleston, South Carolina

Photo: Tavern & Table

There’s no better place to catch a sunset in Charleston than overlooking the Shem Creek, and Tavern & Table is the place to be as golden hour approaches. Along with the sky’s deep orange and pink hues, you’ll find one of the best food and drink menus in the area. The bar has 18 beers on tap and a solid wine list, as well as signature twists on classic cocktails and a seasonal barrel-aged cocktail. Try the Sorghum Sour — made with High Wire Sorghum Whiskey, simple syrup, lemon juice, egg white, and a red wine float — or come for happy hour when an Aperol spritz is only $5.

Boia Nit — Cadaqués, Spain

Photo: Boia Nit/Facebook

Located in Spain’s Girona province in the romantic Mediterranean village of Cadaqués, Boia Nit is one of the best cocktail bars in the country, and maybe even the world. This watering hole has been open since 1947, and is currently helmed by cocktail master Manel Vehí, who has worked for the likes of Ferran Adrià at El Bulli and Grant Achatz at Chicago’s Alinea. The gorgeous outdoor bar offers unbeatable views of Cadaqués Bay, excellent tapas, and, of course, top-notch cocktails to wash it all down. Think concoctions like the Passionate Coconut, made with vodka, coconut cream, lemongrass, kaffir lime, Buddha’s Hand, and lime juice. Each cocktail looks as pretty as it tastes, garnished with fresh and dried fruits.

Boathouse on the Pier — South Lake Tahoe, California

Photo: Tahoe Beach Retreat/Facebook

If you’re more of a lake person than a beach person, a trip to Lake Tahoe is one of the best vacations you can take no matter the time of year. If you find yourself on the California side of the grandiose natural wonder, pop into Boathouse on the Pier for drinks and snacks. The bar and restaurant is part of The Beach Retreat & Lodge, which has the longest pier in Tahoe. Go during the afternoon happy hour to watch people kayak and paddleboard around the lake, or arrive before dinner to watch the sun set behind Mount Tallac while you sip a classic cocktail or crisp glass of beer or wine. If hunger strikes, the fish tacos and crab sandwich are both excellent choices.

Brooklyn Heights Social Club — Brooklyn, New York

Photo: 1 Brooklyn Bridge Hotel

The best part about being across the East River from Manhattan is getting to enjoy a view of its extraordinary skyline. There’s no better place to do so than Brooklyn Heights Social Club, which has a panoramic view of downtown Manhattan, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Lady Liberty. Perched atop the 10th floor of 1 Brooklyn Bridge Hotel, the lounge is open daily and often features live DJs spinning ambient tunes. Many of the cocktails here are expertly made classics like the Paper Plane (made with bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice) with a few signature recipes sprinkled in. We suggest the Medicina Agrio because its mix of mezcal, honey, ginger, lime, egg white, and bitters will bring some sunshine to happy hour no matter the time of year.


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Swingers resort Desire Riviera Maya

You are one step closer to living your own Eyes Wide Shut.

We can’t guarantee the new mansion at the Desire Riviera Maya will be teeming with libertine socialites and masked escorts. But we can confirm the world’s first “adult mansion” will be opening this December, inviting those who aren’t fans of clothes or convention to come enjoy its opulent surroundings.

So you’re not confused: The mansion isn’t a private home where some shadowy billionaire throws orgies. It’s actually an eight-suite, resort-within-a-resort at Desire, where adventurous couples can enjoy even greater privacy than they’d have on the main property. Done up in white marble, black ironwork, and plenty of mirrors, the mansion will resemble something of a cross between Scarface and the house from Crazy, Rich Asians, with a little dose of by-the-hour motel.

“We are thrilled to announce Desire Mansion as the latest addition to our growing brand and the place where opulence and sensuality will meet for couples seeking to indulge beyond pleasure,” said Rodrigo de la Peña, CEO of Desire’s parent company Original Group, via a press release.

What does he mean, exactly, by, “indulge beyond pleasure?“

Photo: Desire Resorts

Well, for the unfamiliar, Desire is a sprawling clothing-optional resort along the coast of Quintana Roo, a popular destination for couples who euphemistically refer to themselves as “in the lifestyle.” That’s a nice way of saying swingers, if you weren’t picking up on it, and guests here are welcome to traipse through many of the resort’s clothing-optional areas wearing nothing but a tan.

The resort is also home to a number of “playrooms,” where adventurous couples go with other couples, presumably to discuss the finer points of supply-side economics and 19th-century literature. And possibly enjoy a rousing game of bridge.

The mansion will have its own playrooms, available exclusively to guests in its eight suites. It’ll also have its own clothing-optional pool, private kitchen, lounges, and living rooms.

Photo: Desire Resorts

The eight suites will be divided between three floors, with the three ground-level suites offering private, swim-up pools. There’ll also be two suites on the middle floor, and two Royal Suites atop the mansion, with balconies looking out over the resort like kings and queens of all they survey.

The good news is you won’t need a secret password or a mask to access the mansion. The bad news is you will need a ton of cash. Though starting rates were not disclosed, regular rates at Desire can top $700 a night in-season. So expect the mansion to be upward of that.

But can you really put a price on living out all of your high society swingers’ dreams? Yeah, probably. But if you’ve got the money and an open mind, you’re not finding a better vacation in 2020.


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The post Mexico’s swankiest swingers resort is opening an ‘adult mansion’ later this year appeared first on Matador Network.

The best places to kayak in the US

Kayaking is a sport that can be done for leisure, exercise, or passion. Regardless of the reason, it’s a great way to enjoy nature and get a different perspective on your surroundings. With so many diverse landscapes, the United States is packed with places to kayak. From Alaska to Florida — on wild rivers, quiet lakes, open ocean, and glacier-fed bays — this country is a perfect natural playground for kayakers of all abilities. Here are 10 unique kayaking destinations around the US.

1. Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska

Photo: Sergey Yechikov/Shutterstock

Alaska is just breathtaking. There’s no way to downplay it. If you don’t mind a little chill, then kayaking in the remote Alaskan wilderness is for you. Kayaking in Glacier Bay National Park offers paddlers an array of natural beauty and scenic mountain vistas. The NPS website has information on where to rent kayaks there.

Kayakers could have a close encounter with puffins, sea lions, orcas, or even a humpback whale. Being at sea level offers one of the few and most moving ways to appreciate the larger than life glaciers and icebergs that, sadly, won’t be around forever.

2. San Juan Islands, Washington

Photo: oksana.perkins/Shutterstock

The San Juan Islands in northwestern Washington are places of rugged beauty. They are also one of the few places to kayak and see orcas at the same time. Kayaking around these famed islands often provides paddlers with close-up views of killer whales, sea lions, seals, dolphins, otters, and so much more.

Beyond the sea life, you can explore a number of charming coastal towns and tranquil coves amidst the backdrop of beautiful mountain scenery. You can rent kayaks on the three larger islands: San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez. Washington’s coastal beauty and rocky shoreline will enthrall even the most experienced kayaker.

3. Colorado River, Arizona

Photo: Jim David/Shutterstock

For many, kayaking the Colorado River is a bucket list item. Have no fear though, kayakers of all ability levels can experience a ride through the river that carved out the Grand Canyon. There are several guides in Arizona that take visitors through the waters of this mighty river.

Stretching 1,450 miles, the Colorado River has sections with gentle stretches, as well as those with rougher waters for the expert thrill seekers. Regardless of your experience level, paddling through a giant canyon has to be an adventure of a lifetime.

4. Salmon River, Idaho

Photo: Sarah Jessup/Shutterstock

Idaho’s Salmon River is known as the river of no return — because its speed and rapids make it so difficult to navigate back up. It’s one of the top kayaking destinations in the US, due to intense water flow and its deep canyons. Given the whitewater, kayaking here requires a higher skill level.

Guides often take kayakers on multi-day hiking and paddling trips through various sections of the river and camp on the riverbank’s beaches. If you’re an experienced kayaker and are up for the challenge, the Salmon River could be the spot you’re looking for.

5. Na Pali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii

Photo: Melissa Burovac/Shutterstock

For a tropical experience that’s out of this world, an ocean paddle along Kauai’s Na Pali Coast is needed. Considered the Everest of sea kayaking, this 17-mile voyage is not for novices. Kayakers will view majestic cliffs and fruit valleys, waterfalls spilling into the sea, and loads of marine life. This Hawaiian coast kayaking adventure is sure to remind you of remote islands seen only in movies.

Since April 2018 floods closed the island’s northernmost stretch of road, kayaking outfitters like Kayak Kauai have started the kayak expeditions to the Na Pali cliffs from Polihale on the west side and have found it less arduous. (When the road reopens, excursions will be available from both locations.) Either way, due to dangerous swells at other times of the year, this kayaking expedition can only be completed from May to September.

6. Lake Powell, Utah and Arizona

Photo: oksana.perkins/Shutterstock

Many kayakers rank Lake Powell in Utah as the most beautiful spot to paddle in the US. It’s considered a hidden gem in the Southwest, and a very popular destination due to the deep slot canyons that surround the lake. Beginners and experts alike can paddle through scenic geological wonders and see these stunning canyons up close and personal.

Most people take a tour through the flooded section of the most famous slot canyon, Antelope Canyon, which can also be organized through outfitters on the Arizona side of the winding lake. It is without a doubt the most intimate way to explore the beauty and splendor of Lake Powell.

7. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan

Photo: Craig Sterken/Shutterstock

Located on the shoreline of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore will come as a surprise to many. The stunning beauty of the towering cliffs, waterfalls, and rocky archways paired with the blue and green water are simply remarkable.

Starting in the town of Munising, where you can rent your kayaks, you’ll hug the coastline and paddle through secluded coves and under colorful rock formations. These 42 miles of lakeshore beauty are a superior kayaking destination.

8. Mangroves in the Everglades, Florida

Photo: mariakraynova/Shutterstock

If kayaking near a gator doesn’t frighten you, paddling through the wetlands of Florida is an activity you should try. The Everglades are home to various ecosystems and traveling eye level through the marshes is remarkable. Paddling through the streams, mangroves, and the “river of grass” is quite a peaceful ride.

Kayakers should see a variety of birds, and yes, the occasional alligator basking on the shore or with its snout peeking over the water. With gators about, you may prefer a guided kayak tour; Everglades Area Tours is one option for such. The climate in southern Florida is usually hot year-round, so trying this adventure in the winter or spring is your best bet.

9. Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada

Photo: pierdest/Shutterstock

The serenity and crystal-clear water of Lake Tahoe, North America’s largest alpine lake, make this an ideal kayaking destination. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to this area, staying either on the California or Nevada side, to enjoy the calm blue water and to paddle against a backdrop of jagged mountains and evergreen forests.

The shoreline around Lake Tahoe varies by location — and several kayak rentals are available on the south shore, as well as along the northwest shore — but kayakers can expect to paddle around massive boulders in the east to soft sand alcoves in the north. Regardless of your preference, these 75 miles are a paddler’s paradise.

10. Sea caves, Mendocino, California

Photo: Aubrey Laughlin/Shutterstock

The sea caves located just offshore in Mendocino, in northern California, are truly a sight to see. Kayakers depart from the beach at Van Damme State Park and within minutes can paddle toward narrow sea caves and shallow coves. Kayakers will love paddling near the cliffs and enjoy spotting some harbor seals and other marine shorebirds nearby.

It’s a great place to kayak because the naturally formed channels in this area allow paddlers to steer clear of the high wind and surf from the Pacific Ocean. You can also organize tours through Kayak Mendocino. Kayaking in and out of the sea caves and over kelp beds is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.


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Best things to do with kids in Japan

Japan often brings to mind the teeming but ordered masses on Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest intersection, or Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion, a must-see — if you can peer through the throngs of tourists. But there’s a lot more to this nation stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk to the South China Sea. The natural and cultural landscape is one of the most varied you’ll find in one island nation, and it’s a great place to discover with kids.

The ancient rubs up against the modern almost everywhere, and a dedication to public safety means that you won’t feel like you’ve got to hold on so tightly to your children that you can’t all enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors of this land of contradictions: traditional and futuristic, Western and Eastern, man-made and natural, congested and quiet. Here are some of our favorite places to experience with children. A Japan Rail pass will make your visit easy and allow access to the famous shinkansens.

Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi

Photo: 501room/Shutterstock

The famed, sacred mountain and its attendant lakes are fascinating natural wonders for kids and their adults. Beyond the natural high everyone can expect from climbing the tallest mountain in Japan, you can enjoy uniquely Japanese treats on the lake — notably a view of the orange torii gates of Hakone Shrine and a 70-minute round-trip tour on a “samurai warship,” which to Westerners looks like a pirate ship. Japanese are noted for their affinity for nature, and the indigenous Shinto religion worships awesome natural features.

For the iconic, 12,388-foot mountain, we recommend a two-day trek with a bilingual guide, allowing for a night in a mountain hut as well as hot prepared meals and a summit sunrise. The best way to get to the mountain lake is on the scenic Hakone Tozan Railway. The railway has small mountain trains running over gorges and through landscapes dotted with thousands of hydrangeas, which are illuminated in the evenings. (June and July are the ideal months for this experience.)

Hakone-Yumoto to Gora Station is the section you’ll want to ride. After this, take a cable car covering a rise of almost 700 feet in 10 minutes. The final leg to the lake is by the Hakone Ropeway. Of the many sites to visit nearby, check out the Hakone Ekiden Museum, memorializing one of Japan’s most followed sporting events, a collegiate relay marathon that starts and ends in Tokyo, turning around at Lake Ashi.

Kyoto: Temples, shrines, monkeys, and boats

Photo: Aleksei Potov/Shutterstock

With over 1,600 temples, Kyoto can be overwhelming — unless you plan it well. Thanks to the fact that each temple or shrine is surrounded by gardens and open space, and that there are numerous parks, Kyoto is Japan’s greenest city. It’s also a great city to explore on a bicycle — which you can ride to visit some of the ancient capital’s most beautiful, striking structures. The Temple of the Golden Pavilion, coated in gold leaf, is a must. Relatively small, it nevertheless will impress even the smallest child; people tend to go silent at the sight.

Another indelible memory will be made at Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, which was created to cover an entire mountain in the southeast section of the city. In about three hours, you can make a round-trip hike from Fushimi-Inari or Inari Station, passing through hundreds of vermilion torii gates and past multiple shrines and sub-shrines. By the time you’ve summited Mount Inari, you’ll see a grand view of southern Kyoto. Inari is the god of the rice harvest, whose messenger is the fox, so be prepared for awesome fox statues, some holding the key to the rice storehouse in their mouths.

When you’re ready for some crowds and amazing food, head over to Nishiki Market, a 400-year old institution known as Kyoto’s Kitchen. Nishiki is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The Japanese separate their foods, so expect to browse through variety within variety: pickle stands; shops featuring kyoyasai (41 distinct designated traditional vegetables cultivated since the Edo era); rice shops offering fresh rice balls and dry rice for your pantry; freshly made senbei (rice crackers) with different flavors; mochi of all shapes and sizes; and, a favorite with my kids, fresh grapefruit juice, with the straw stuck straight into the fruit. Cucumbers on a stick are refreshing if you visit in the summer.

Photo: Phattana Stock/Shutterstock

Adventurous kids will love a two-hour riverboat ride on the Hozu River, part of a 1,000-year history of water transport. With dozens of others, you’ll be rowed from Tanba Kameoka to Arashiyama in Kyoto. Without having to propel the boat yourselves, you can experience rapids, waterfalls, deep pools concealing meter-long carp, and plenty of mountain views. Look for the marks on the banks where for centuries boatmen have pushed their poles to avoid the boulders in the stream. As you approach the end of your trip, a motorized floating convenience store pulls up — treat the kids to a snack.

The Japanese have a peculiar (to Westerners) relationship with fauna; at Nara Park, they sell special shika senbei (deer crackers) you can feed the deer roaming around. At the Iwateyama Monkey Park in Arashiyama, you can buy apples and other treats to feed the 120 snow monkeys, the same kind you’ve seen in pictures bathing in hot springs. Being allowed to see monkeys in their natural habitat will certainly thrill not only kids but adults as well. Just be sure to follow the directions on the signs: no staring them in the eyes or touching.

Hiroshima: Memorial Museum, paper cranes, and a pancake feast

Photo: StreetVJ/Shutterstock

The site of an atomic bomb disaster might not seem like something kids would enjoy, but Hiroshima does tourism particularly well. Unless your children are toddlers, they’ll be fascinated by the exhibits of artifacts, particularly the clothing found after the blast. They’ll learn firsthand about the suffering of real people, including children; understand the dangers of nuclear weapons; and recognize that this planet belongs to all of us, and it’s our responsibility to protect one another.

After visiting the Peace Memorial Museum, the Orizuru Tower provides a respite. There, on the 12th floor, you can fold paper cranes for peace; you’ll learn how from a webinar provided on tablets arranged on tall tables. Then walk on a plexiglass floor to drop them into the transparent “Orizuru Wall,” where your cranes will join those of thousands of other visitors. After, take a walk up the spiral slope to the rooftop cafe and turf-lined “Hiroshima Hills” — a sloping area open to the elements, where you can borrow a lap blanket and eat some cake from the standing wooden tray provided.

Photo: Africa Studio/Shutterstock

Then comes the best part: When you’ve had your fill of quiet meditation on the roof, descend by slide to the ground floor. You have to take a break at each floor to get on the next section, but you’ll feel as giddy as a schoolchild when you’re at the bottom. An attendant told us that the adults enjoy the slide the most.

Hiroshima is known for its own version of okonomiyaki, in which the ingredients are layered, rather than mixed as they are in the Kansai area. Okonami means “as you like,” and yaki means “grilled.” This is a savory pancake with batter, pork, cabbage, yakisoba or udon noddles, fried egg, sometimes octopus or squid, and sauce. Before WWII, it started out with the name issen yoshoku, or “Western food for a dime.” While you can get it at many places in Hiroshima, why not visit the food-themed, four-story Okonomiyaki World? Choose from 24 restaurants, each putting their own spin on this local dish.

Tropical Japan: Enjoying nature in Okinawa

Photo: imacoconut/Shutterstock

Part of Japan for just 135 years, Okinawa, the southernmost prefecture, has a culture of its own — one much more laid-back, which perhaps explains Okinawans’ renowned life spans. Long influenced by other cultures, including China and Thailand, Okinawa is also more tolerant of foreigners. And its nature is astounding. Almost 20 percent of the prefecture is designated as “natural parks,” including a national park and a quasi-national park.

If your kids loved the monkey park, they’re going to be overjoyed when they get the chance to monkey around themselves at Forest Adventure Onna, with a number of adventure courses, including zip lines and suspended bridges. Built by the French company Altus, these courses provide an opportunity for the kids to experience a natural forest, and not a constructed, Disneyland-type ride.

You might be surprised to hear that the islands of Okinawa are surrounded by great coral reefs, with 200 of the world’s 800 species in existence, offering a terrific location for snorkeling and scuba diving. There are even private, English-language scuba diving tours which will film you with a GoPro down in the famous Blue Cave. Tours are available for visitors from 10 to 60 years old, so maybe the grandparents would like to help out with this one while the parents enjoy their own adventure.

Photo: Isaac Mok/Shutterstock

To finish off your Okinawan nature experience, visit the spectacular Churaumi Aquarium (one of the largest in the world), where hands-on exhibits of the shallow water known in Okinawa as “Inoh” present sea cucumbers and starfish common to the islands. The aquarium is part of the Ocean Expo Park, a complex that includes a tropical and subtropical arboretum. Focusing on education and preservation of our seas and rivers, the Churaumi Aquarium introduces visitors to the local environment, including 70 types of coral and 740 species of fish.


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How Tamu Bakery empowers women

In 2012, I had my very own Eat, Pray, Love moment. Recovering from a rare type of cancer in my late twenties, I decided to change my life radically. All thanks to baking.

During the anxious time of this medical drama, I found the simple and repetitive nature of kneading dough by hand utterly absorbing and very calming. I noticed that no matter how stressed I was, baking made me feel alive. While baking, your senses are stimulated. You touch, see, and smell, and this increases feel-good endorphins in the brain. To top it all off, you get the pleasure of seeing others enjoying what you’ve lovingly made. Baking became my savior, my passion, and a kind of meditation all rolled into one.

At the same time I was recovering and baking, I quit my job in journalism and started working in women’s empowerment.

I founded Tamu Bakery in 2013. Tamu is Swahili for “sweet and delicious” and “soft and gentle.” My NGO is dedicated to fighting gender-based violence around the world by empowering girls and women to speak out. Our supporters order our cakes, and the funds help run baking therapy sessions in partnership with host organizations. This is my story of traveling the world baking, and what I’ve learned first-hand about how baking can change lives.

Kenya

Photo: Tamu Bakery

During my first volunteer trip to Kenya, in the midst of Masai Mara land, I was running human rights workshops with girls who had early marriages. While sharing ugali with them at lunch, one girl asked me what kind of food I usually cook back home. As I attempted to explain the intricacies of a Ukrainian borsch, drawing on the earth with a stick, it struck me that describing my native cuisine to these young women simply would not do. Plus, it did not seem fair after I had had the chance to try all the traditional Kenyan dishes. I had to make something with them.

I didn’t have the right ingredients in the rural Masai Mara to cook any of my British or Ukrainian favorites, so we came up with a crazy idea — we would bake a cake together. No oven? No electricity? No problem! “We’ll find a way,” I thought, “and besides, if baking has helped me, maybe it could help those girls to overcome their traumas too.”

So we constructed a makeshift oven out of hot sand, gathered a pan and a lid, and then put the cake mixture in the pan and put hot sand on top. It took the whole night to bake the cakes, but the Victoria sponges were finally ready for a luxurious breakfast. The girls sang traditional songs and shared details of their lives. The process of making that first cake outside of my kitchen, with a tribe of people I had very little in common with at first, I can only compare to the intimacy of giving birth. Such a connection, forged in an improvised oven, made me feel part of something special.

Rajasthan

Photo: Tamu Bakery

Since that moment in Kenya, I’ve experienced many times how baking helps women to reconnect with themselves and gain a sense of sisterhood with others. In Rajasthan in northern India, I baked with women from the Dalit community. Due to their perceived low caste status, Dalit (also known as “untouchable”) women suffer terribly from harassment and patriarchal dominance. Together, we created a recipe for iron-rich biscuits based on molasses and apple sauce to improve the nutrition of their families.

Waiting for the biscuits to be baked, taking turns to adjust the temperature on the traditional gas cooker and sipping spicy masala chai, the feeling of togetherness is there without the need for a single spoken word to be translated. After all, no matter our nationality or religion, we all cook and eat every day. Recipes differ, but the secret ingredients added to dishes in kitchens the world over are love, care, and a wish to nurture others.

Kosovo

Photo: Tamu Bakery

In Kosovo, where the cuisine is influenced by Albania and Turkey, there’s a strong tradition of making savory cakes with lots of fresh dairy products. One vivid memory of working with the war widows there is sharing a flija, which is a cake made with multiple crepe-like layers brushed with cream and served with sour cream. It’s cooked in the villages in a traditional outdoor earthenware oven. Only by sharing a country’s traditional dishes can you get nearer to understanding its past and present. Baking in a village in the Gjakova region of Kosovo, using honey freshly harvested by the industrious women who are leading the revival of agriculture after the conflict with Serbia was a lesson in history that no book could ever teach.

Sri Lanka

Photo: Tamu Bakery

One of the most deeply ingrained food traditions I’ve come across in my baking is the making of sweet treats for the Avurudu festival in Sri Lanka. There, I found kokis, which are thin and crispy biscuits made from a batter of rice flour and coconut milk and then deep-fried in the shape of a cartwheel. Also kevum, oily cakes with a crispy skin and moist inside, and kiribath, a Sri Lankan version of rice pudding. All are served during Sinhalese New Year. During my first Avurudu on the tropical island, I didn’t understand the meaning of all of the dishes just by tasting them. But once I shared the cooking element with local women during my second year there, I felt the pride and importance of the harvest month of April through the sweetness of the jaggery and coconut used in the food.

Baking always brings me nearer to women and cultures around the world, whether I’m shaping momos in Nepal, mixing date paste for ma’amouls in a Palestinian refugee camp in Beirut, wrapping green rice cakes in Vietnam, or rolling burek in Montenegro.


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Best things to do in Brighton, UK

Brighton is sometimes referred to as “Little London by the Sea.” Situated on the south coast of Sussex, Brighton is a mere 50 minutes from London by train, which means tourists usually just go for a day trip — if they bother going at all. But you should consider basing yourself in Brighton instead. You’ll have the best of both worlds — the myriad of attractions that Brighton has to offer and easy access to The Big Smoke — along with more affordable accommodation, a slower pace of life, and of course, seaside views.

With its quirky stores, cool coffee shops, and lively nightlife, there is much to keep you occupied in between jaunts to London. Brighton’s chilled-out seaside vibe is absent in the capital, making it a more relaxed environment in which to stay while in the UK. Here’s how to leverage a sojourn in Sussex and flip the tradition of a “day trip to the coast” on its head.

Indulge in some traditional seaside fun.

Photo: Mitotico/Shutterstock

Brighton is an appealing concoction of traditional seaside delights. Upon arrival, head on down to Brighton’s seafront. Whether it’s a stroll along the prom or a thrilling fairground ride on the end of the Victorian Palace Pier, Brighton is all about recreation and fun. In the summer, join the daytrippers who flock to the pebble beach to soak up the sun and take a dip in the chilly English Channel. Enjoy a cold beer and a bite to eat at one of the many bars along the beach or take a whirl on the old-fashioned carousel.

Drink Champagne in the sky.

Photo: ShutterStockStudio/Shutterstock

Take a ride on the i360, one of the UK’s tallest towers, and get a bird’s-eye view of Brighton and the south coast from 531 feet above the ground. Located on the seafront, the tower opened in 2016 and is one of Brighton’s main tourist attractions. Enjoy a decadent glass of Champagne at the Sky Bar as you make the smooth ascent in a futuristic glass viewing pod. The best time to take a flight is as the sun goes down and the twinkling lights of the city come up. You can even take a yoga class amongst the clouds or abseil down the tower, taking in the panoramic views as you go.

Check out one of England’s premier art scenes.

Photo: ShutterStockStudio/Shutterstock

Brighton is brimming with artists, writers, poets, and musicians, and on any given evening, there is an abundance of events to choose from. See a West End show at a fraction of the price you would pay in London, take in a poetry reading, or listen to a folk musician playing in the basement of a pub. Each May, the city plays host to Brighton Festival, the largest arts festival in England and a particularly vibrant time to visit. Street musicians play in the trendy North Laine, Shakespeare pitches up in the park and every pub, club, and cafe becomes a venue for a cultural event. If you have an appreciation for art, take a walking tour of the open houses and check out how the city’s creative residents display work in their homes.

Explore the city’s boho heart.

Photo: Michaelasbest/Shutterstock

North Laine is Brighton’s bohemian hub. With an abundance of off-beat indie stores and funky cafes, the area is a refreshing alternative to the soulless chain stores which dominate many a city center across the UK. Explore the narrow streets and discover colorful street art hidden in nooks and crannies or peruse the knickknacks in Snooper’s Paradise, an indoor flea market and Brighton institution. Enjoying an alfresco drink at one of the many coffee shops is an opportunity to watch the world go by and perhaps spot one or two of the city’s colorful characters. On Saturdays, Upper Gardner Street is the scene of an eclectic market where you can buy anything from antique clothing to innovative pieces designed by local artists.

Eat, drink, and dance until dawn.

Photo: Michaelasbest/Shutterstock

Brighton’s nightlife attracts partygoers from all over the country, with its free-spirited attitude and large LGBTQ population creating an inclusive social scene. Whether your idea of a wicked night out is watching a drag queen belt out show tunes, dancing the night away to trance music, or taking in a burlesque show, a boozer on every street corner ensures that you don’t have far to crawl between pubs. From the Plotting Parlour, a cocktail bar which transports you back to the 1920s, to the Prince Albert, a live music venue with a huge mural of dead musicians on its exterior, watering holes in Brighton are abundant and diverse.

Both within and beyond the bar scene, Brighton puts out some good food to go with all that liquid courage. If you love seafood, The Salt Room is a cutting-edge restaurant offering locally sourced seafood served with a view of the English Channel. There’s also plenty of veggie eateries, which in a very meat-and-potatoes country makes Brighton a haven for vegetarians. Food for Friends is an award-winning vegetarian restaurant whose delicious dishes appeal to carnivores as much as non-meat eaters.

Visit a prince’s party pad.

Photo: Farrington3/Shutterstock

The resplendent Brighton Pavilion should look more at home in Rajasthan than at the Sussex seaside, yet somehow it fits in just fine. Built in 1823 as a pleasure palace for playboy Prince Regent (who was later crowned King George IV), its minarets and domes are a remarkable sight. Although the exterior is impressive, the inside is equally fascinating — a blend of Regency, Chinese, and Indian grandeur. In the surrounding landscaped gardens, you can have a picnic on the grass or watch a zebra playing a keyboard, a perfectly normal sight in Brighton.


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Barbados rum train

Barbados is considered to be the birthplace of modern rum. The first commercial sugarcane crop was planted in 1640, but before that, settlers grew sugarcane on a small scale to make kill-devil, a precursor to rum with a name that references its harsh alcoholic burn. Suffice to say, the category has come a long way.

A new rum train excursion through the sugarcane fields of a farm-to-bottle distillery shows visitors just how far Barbados rum is from its kill-devil past. The train’s place in the fields is important, because those fields are the foundation for a spirit that’s intrinsically linked with the Caribbean islands.

The rum train, called the St. Nicholas Abbey Heritage Railway, is operated by the St. Nicholas Abbey Great House Plantation and Distillery, which is located in Saint Peter Parish. The train is a restored Badger locomotive that was formerly used in the steel and coal industry in the UK. The original purpose for the train, said Anna Warren, who owns the railway, Plantation House, and the distillery with her husband Larry, was to “compliment our original intent for the property without destroying the ambience of the place, which has always been our paramount concern.”

The 400-acre property has a history that dates back 350 years, with a pedigree that makes it worthy of measured and careful preservation. The Warrens purchased it in 2006 and have meticulously restored its different parts over time, including the Great House, rum tasting area, bottling plant (formerly the overseers’ quarters), steam mill, and distillery. They’ve also brought back sugarcane production for their rum, taking the initiative to hand cut and grind the stalks before pasteurizing the pressed cane juice into a syrup to be used for the brand’s single cask unblended rum.

Photo: St. Nicholas Abbey

The idea for the rum train railway came from the Warrens’ son, Simon. The tour lasts about an hour, and includes an introduction on the train’s history. “The ride traverses in front of the Abbey, around a lake [and] through the abandoned limestone quarry with 40-foot cuts up to the Atlantic view at Cherry Tree Hill,” said Anna. Along the way, riders see plantation fields, villages, and cane fields up to the north. Concerns about fires from the diesel-fueled engine led the Warrens to remove a few fields that were particularly close to the tracks, but there’s still plenty to see. As the locomotive switches directions by way of a turntable, visitors can either remain on the train or step off for a photo opp before it retraces its steps. After visitors return to the Abbey, they can choose to stay on the property to tour the Great House and taste the rum. This is the best chance to get a sip, as you can’t bring food or drink on the ride. A train ride costs $30 per adult, and the ride plus the tour and tasting is $45.

The owners collaborated with master distiller Richard Seale of R.L. Seale and

Foursquare Rum Distillery (also on Barbados) for the St. Nicholas Abbey portfolio of rums. The flagship expression is produced in a pot still and is matured 18 years in oak casks that were previously used for bourbon. It’s hand-bottled straight from the barrel at cask strength in a glass decanter with an etched image of the Great House, and then sealed with a mahogany-capped cork topped with embossed leather, an homage to the first mahogany trees planted on Cherry Tree Hill more than 250 years ago. The label is also added by hand, and each bottle is denoted with a number and date.

Photo: St. Nicholas Abbey

There has been a rise in interest in trains and boozy trains over the past decade. There are tequila trains, beer trains, and wine trains. None, however, combine spirits, trains, and farm-to-bottle booze like the Barbados rum train. It’s an event that appeals to rum fans as well as anyone loco for locomotives.

“Train enthusiasts marvel at the steam train circa 1914 and its history and workings,” said Anna. “And visitors enjoy the combination of heritage and the hand-done operation of our rum, ‘cane field to cask to bottle’ — almost unheard of in the world of alcohol these days!”


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New Scotland light installation

Inventive light installations, such as the new Van Gogh exhibits in Paris or the Tokyo Digital Art Museum, tend to be inspiring sights, but this one has a less cheerful, more cautionary message. Lines (57° 59′ N, 7° 16’W), a light installation on the Outer Hebrides island of Lochmaddy, Scotland, gives a visual representation of how much the sea level will rise if global warming continues at its current rate.

Three synchronized installations of light were set up using sensors that track the rising tide and project light across the surrounding landscape. The line of light is intended to show the future sea levels at high tide.

Photo: Pekka Niittyvirta

The installation was developed by artists and co-collaborators Timo Aho and Pekka Niittyvirta, who hope the work will raise awareness of rising sea levels. According to the website, “The installation explores the catastrophic impact of our relationship with nature and its long-term effects. The work provokes a dialogue on how the rising sea levels will affect coastal areas, its inhabitants and land usage in the future.”

Photo: Pekka Niittyvirta

Addressing why the Hebrides was chosen as the site of the installation, the pair wrote that rising sea levels are “specifically relevant in the low lying island archipelago of Uist in the Outer Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland, and in particular to Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum & Arts Centre in Lochmaddy where the installation is situated. The Centre cannot develop on its existing site due to predicted storm surge sea levels.”

Photo: Pekka Niittyvirta

Photo: Pekka Niittyvirta

H/T: Kottke.org

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