Matador Network's Blog, page 1158

Virgin Voyages open for bookings

Virgin Voyages is about to set sail for the first time, and reservations are officially open. The luxury, adults-only cruise line is slated to make its first trip on April 1, 2020, from Miami to the Caribbean.

The cruise line’s trips are all-inclusive, meaning you won’t be hit with extra fees. Guests can enjoy any of the ship’s 20 restaurants, group fitness classes, unlimited WiFi, and non-alcoholic drinks (like soda, teas, and drip coffee, as well as still and sparkling water) for free; alcohol, however, will require you to break out your wallet. But you won’t have to tip the staff — it’s all taken care of.

The cruise line’s first ship, Scarlet Lady, has already released an itinerary for its Caribbean adventure. It includes a stop at The Beach Club at Bimini in the Bahamas for an epic beach day.

Photo: Beach Club at Bimini/Christina Baez for Virgin Voyages

Photo: Beach Club at Bimini/Christina Baez for Virgin Voyages

Described as a “24/7 festival at sea,” a trip with Virgin Voyages is not your parents’ cruise. With a bar space straight out of the ‘70s and a huge entertainment space, Virgin Voyages is for travelers who like wild parties.

Photo: Virgin Voyages/Facebook

Photo: Virgin Voyages/Facebook

The Scarlet Lady is scheduled to sail between April 1 and October 21, 2020. To be among the first to experience this new cruise line, you can book your spot now.


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Travel company for trips with dogs

There are plenty of tour companies out there offering adventure excursions for you and your friends, but far too few are catering to you and your canine companion. Happy Tails Canine Adventure Tours is one of the few companies that organizes tours designed especially for travelers and their doggies.

Traveling with a dog can often prove difficult, especially when it comes to finding pet-friendly accommodation, activities, and transportation. To remedy those problems, Happy Trails is offering two organized trips that will make it easy for dog owners to take their pups on an adventure:

The Coyote Tour is designed to allow you to see all the Southwest’s highlights in an eight-day journey. This trip across the Southwestern US includes destinations such as Grand Canyon National Park, Lake Powell, and Utah’s Mighty Five national parks among others. You and your dog will take part in hiking, boat trips, and jeep tours. The Coyote Tour is scheduled to run from April 7 to April 15, 2019.
The Peaceful Paws tour starts in Las Vegas and includes stops at the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, and Monument Valley Tribal Park among others, as well as activities like hiking and boating. The tour also features meditation sessions a mile down into the Grand Canyon, morning yoga at Monument Valley, and teachings on holistic living with your dogs. The tour is taking place from May 5 to May 13, 2019.

David Blank, the company’s 27-year-old founder and professional dog trainer, said in a press release, “Some of my most precious memories are of me camping and hiking with my dogs. But too many times I was forced to leave my favorite companions at home due to rules, logistics, lodging… The reasons kept coming. I knew there were others out there like me that want to experience the great outdoors with their best friends, so I had to create this experience on my own.”

Coyote Tours begin at $5,765 per person. Peaceful Paw tours start at $4,995 per person. Visit the website for more information or to book.


More like this: The 7 best places in the world for dog lovers

The post This tour company offers epic vacations for you and your doggy appeared first on Matador Network.

Ryanair's new frequent flyer program

Ryanair is a budget airline, but only when it comes to ticket prices. When you start adding seat selection, a checked bag, or want to make a change to your booking, the fees pile up, and they are substantial. That’s why the airline is offering the Ryanair Choice program for 2019, which aims to eliminate some of these fees for frequent flyers.

There will be 152 million people flying Ryanair in 2019, and those who fly with the airline regularly will be rewarded for their loyalty. For just $225 a year, frequent Ryanair travelers can take advantage of free seat selection, fast-track, and priority boarding.

Ryanair is also rolling out other “customer care improvements.” Now, if customers are able to find a cheaper fare within three hours of purchasing their Ryanair flight, they will be paid the difference and get a $6 Ryanair credit. The airline is also introducing a 48-hour grace period after purchase for passengers to make changes to their bookings free of charge. Previously, the grace period was only 24 hours.

Other big changes coming in 2019 include new airplane interiors with more legroom and improvements to Ryanair’s website, including a new fare finder.

H/T: Lonely Planet

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Best cities for craft beer in Europe

Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a summer of backpacking, no European trip is complete without a couple of cold ones along the way. You can find a pint anywhere, but having a decent experience at the pub or brewery isn’t always as easy as it sounds. The trick is to think beyond the big names of Munich, Dublin, and Pils. The best beer experiences happen in smaller cities around the continent where you’re free of the crowds of St. James Gate or Oktoberfest and can actually chat it up with locals who are just as passionate about their brews. These beer hotspots have plenty of regional variation on offer, ideal for any true beer connoisseur.

1. Maastricht, The Netherlands

Photo: trabantos/Shutterstock

Maastricht is known as the beer capital of The Netherlands, an honorable title in a country rich in pub culture and craft breweries. It’s just a few minutes from the Flandrian border, so expect plenty of Belgian influence in this Dutch student town. Specifically, you’re likely to find yourself enjoying something sour and brewed on a farm in one of the myriad pubs and cafes. This is especially true in places like De Gouverneur, a beer cafe focusing almost entirely on Belgian-style brews. If lambics and saisons aren’t your bag, you’ll be relieved to know that more modern (and dare I say Americanized) styles are also available. Brouwerij Bosch and Brouwerij Klinker are must-dos on the brewery circuit, and don’t miss the dedicated walk-in craft beer fridge in Cafe de Zwaan.

2. Gdansk, Poland

Photo: Konstantin Tronin/Shutterstock

Poland is more known for stronger, clearer liquids than beer, and while there’s plenty of fun to be had in Gdank’s vodka bars, ignore its beer scene at your own peril. Situated on the banks of the Baltic Sea, the city has accommodated its fair share of German sailors over the centuries. With that global influence, you could be forgiven for thinking you were in Munich. Your first order of business should be to seek out a decent weiss beer, preferably one that was brewed in-house. LaBeerYnt has you covered on both accounts. It’s also a perfect spot to recover if you do happen to overdo the vodka. Brovarnia is a brewpub located inside the luxurious Hotel Gdansk, a solid stop for live music and housemade beers both light and dark. Before leaving town, swing by The Old Gdansk Beer Pub & Cafe, another spot for live music that brings in specialty beers from across Europe.

3. Cologne, Germany

Photo: yotily/Shutterstock

Cologne isn’t like other German cities. There’s no beer mädchens, no gigantic maßkrugs, and not a tremendous amount of lagers or weissbiers. Instead, Cologne has its own thing going on, and that thing is Kölsch, a hybrid beer that can legally only be brewed within 30 miles of the city. There are beer halls dedicated to the stuff, such as Bierhaus en d’r Salzgass and Peters Brauhaus, but the service takes a bit of getting used to. The staff circulates with trays of 12 200-milliliter glasses. If they see that you’ve finished, they’ll bring you a new one and mark your beermat to keep track of your tab. When you’re ready to tap out, you place the beermat on top of an empty glass. Be sure to do this if you ever hope to get out of there because they’ll just keep coming by with more beer, and you don’t want to embarrass yourself by not being able to finish what’s in front of you.

4. Bergen, Norway

Photo: Grisha Bruev/Shutterstock

Bergen is the largest city in Vestlandet, the southeasternmost region of Norway, and it’s a packed with craft beer options. If you only try one bar while you’re in town, it should be Henrik Øl og Vinstove as its 50 taps include local brews, as well as the big names in Scandinavian brewing like To Øl and Mikkeller. But in the grand tradition of revelry, heading out for one pint invariably leads to more, and the Fest Bier at Bergenhus Bryggeri is worthy of your stop. Vestlandet is experiencing a craft culture renaissance of sorts, with hipster-friendly options stretching out beyond Bergen. Be warned, though; beer in Norway does not come cheap. If you want to save a bit of cash, stock up in Bergen airport when you arrive. There’s a bottle shop in arrivals with a really very impressive range of craft options.

5. Bristol, United Kingdom

Photo: Bristol Beer Factory/Facebook

Although the city has historically been known for cider, Bristol has evolved into the UK’s craft beer capital. With a wealth of former industrial buildings, it is fertile ground for young innovative microbrewers to ply their trade right in the city center. To borrow a phrase, it’s hard to beat drinking a beer in the building it was brewed in, and you’ll have plenty of chances to do just that.

Make Bristol Beer Factory stop one for a pint of the signature Nova ale, followed by one of the area’s most well-known breweries, Arbor. Head to Zerodegrees Microbrewery Restaurant when hunger kicks in, and round out the night at Wild Beer at Wapping Worf, easily the most epically named beer hub in town. Bristol’s brew scene is so beloved by the locals that every September a team of volunteers hosts Bristol Beer Week, a festival celebrating all things independently brewed. As young people flock west to escape the high rents of London, Bristol has also become home to some of the country’s best street art and up-and-coming nightlife culture, offering the perfect opportunity to work off some of those calories.

6. Zadar, Croatia

Photo: DarioZg/Shutterstock

Croatia is the newest member of the EU, having joined in 2013. In the years since, it’s successfully positioned itself as one of the continent’s most popular tourist destinations, especially for those looking for a wallet-friendly beach holiday. This stands in contrast to the local palate, which opts for darker brews. The first place to head is Brlog, a female-run, cooperative community brewery working hard to earn the town’s beer scene a firm stamp on the map. The Garden Brewery is another local brewhouse growing its presence around town. Elsewhere, the beer you’re most likely to encounter in the bars of Zadar is Tomislav, which at 7.3% volume is a dark, chocolatey beast. As many of these bars are on Adriatic coast, you can enjoy the unique experience of having your head blown off by a strong stout while dipping your toes in the ocean. It really doesn’t get any better than that.

7. Belfast, Northern Ireland

Photo: The Woodworkers/Facebook

Visitors to Ireland inevitably have preconceptions about the pubs. To be fair, Belfast has no shortage of open fires, traditional music, and pints of the black stuff. But people in Ireland don’t really drink in tourist bars. Since the Troubles ended in the late 1990s, Belfast has emerged as one of the most eclectic and fun-loving cities in Europe, a characteristic reflected in the local beer scene and nightlife.

That’s not to say it’s forgotten its roots though. Nowhere embodies these two extremes better than the Sunflower Bar. The one-time security cage around the front door is now used to hang flowers rather than keep out nefarious elements. Inside, you’ll find nothing but independent beer, including a tap permanently dedicated to Kinnegar farmhouse brewing. The interior walls are adorned with images of local heroes while the beer garden is decorated by local street artists, and the pizza is great. Find local brews at Boundary Brewing Hercules Brewing — try the Yardsman Lager — and sample a rotating variety of craft brews at The Woodworkers.

8. Malmö, Sweden

Photo: Malmö Brewing Co/Facebook

With just over 300,000 inhabitants, Malmö is Sweden’s third largest city. It’s hardly a small town, but it’s just small enough to maintain that strong community feeling, and the local craft beer scene is no exception. Since 2010, this has centered around Malmö Brewing Co, a brewery, taproom, and club and event space right in the middle of town. With 42 taps, you won’t have to leave your chair to sample enough goodness for an entire trip. Elsewhere in town, South Plains Brewing Company and Ångström Bryggeri offer strong housemade ales, and the Olkafeet brings local and regional brews together in right in the heart of town.

9. Tartu, Estonia

Photo: Maya Afzaal/Shutterstock

Estonia became independent in 1991, but the people have retained much of their DIY ethos from the Soviet days. This is reflected in the country’s fledgling brew scene. Perhaps the best example of this is Anderson’s Craft Beer, started in 2014 by two guys who were frustrated by the lack of great beer in their own country. Each of their beers is made in batches under 2000L, the highlight of which is Applehoff, a sour ale reminiscent of apple pie. Puhaste Brewery is another big player in the city’s booming craft scene. In Tartu, the best place to find Anderson’s and pretty much any other craft beer is De Tolly. Be warned, though; you’ll probably end up staying to chat for hours with the barman. Hope you don’t have any other plans. The entire craft scene is bottled and celebrated up the street from De Tolly at Gambrinus Beer Shop.


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The best king cakes in Louisiana

It’s not Carnival season in Louisiana without king cake. The sweet dessert is filled with a cinnamon-sugar dough, and the outside is layered with purple, green, and gold icing — the traditional colors of Mardi Gras. Inside every cake is a plastic baby, which is a symbol of luck and prosperity (although whoever gets the slice with the baby has to provide the cake for the next year).

Today, you can find king cakes pretty much anywhere in the US from Epiphany in early January up to Mardi Gras in March. That means even if you don’t get the chance to go to New Orleans and hit Bourbon Street’s best bars to celebrate — and cure the inevitable hangover with the best brunches in New Orleans — you can still get a taste of the party when it comes to cake eating. For the best of the best in king cakes, however, nowhere does it like Louisiana. These are the best king cake bakeries in Louisiana to try this Carnival season, many of which ship worldwide.

1. Randazzo’s Camellia City Bakery — Slidell

Photo: Randazzo’s King Cakes/Facebook

Randazzo’s Camellia City Bakery dominates the king cake scene, and it’s not afraid to show it (just look at the bakery’s website URL, kingcakes.com). The bakery makes thousands of cakes by hand each year, from the kneading of the dough to the packing. Its cream-cheese-filled king cake is among the best, but if you’re looking to go above and beyond, pay a few bucks extra for the pecan-praline filling.

Location: 3501 Pontchartrain Drive, Slidell, Louisiana

2. Manny Randazzo King Cakes — Metairie

Manny Randazzo King Cakes in Metairie is part of the same Randazzo family as Randazzo’s Camellia City Bakery. The family truly knows its cakes, and Manny Randazzo’s has earned a reputation as one of best king cake makers in the New Orleans area. The business started as a full-service bakery in 1992 but devoted itself solely to king cakes in 1995 and hasn’t looked back since. The Pecan Praline King Cake won King Cake King during a blind taste test in 2012, and the Royal King Cake made with strawberry, lemon, and apple filling is perfect for the person who can’t decide on which flavor they want.

Location: 3515 N Hullen St, Metairie, Louisiana

3. Cajun Market Donut Company — Acadiana region

Photo: Cajun Market Donut Company/Facebook

Cajun Market Donut Company lives up to its slogan, “Not Just Donuts.” This bakery opened in 2014 and puts out king cakes fresh every day from January to Mardi Gras. If you’re looking for something a little different, Cajun Market Donut Company turns the traditional king cake on its head with a turtle version made with cinnamon, chocolate, pecans, and caramel with your choice of cream cheese or Bavarian cream.

Location: Five stores in the Acadiana area

4. Tastee Donuts — New Orleans

For decades, when New Orleans locals talked about king cakes they were talking about the ones from McKenzie’s Bakery. The simple cake had bright purple-, green-, and gold-colored sugar and won the hearts of many before the shop closed for good in 2001. All is not lost, though. Tastee Donuts, a onetime rival, purchased McKenzie’s king cake recipe and now sells the classic cakes in shops around the New Orleans area, including a version made with McKenzie’s famous buttermilk drops. The bad news? You can only buy them in person. The good news? Another reason to visit New Orleans.

Location: Multiple locations in New Orleans

5. Lilah’s Bakery — Shreveport

Photo: Lilah’s Bakery/Facebook

Shreveport’s Lilah’s Bakery has developed quite the reputation for its king cakes since opening in 2006. Owner and head pastry chef Sopan “TK” Tike grew up in Mumbai, India, and worked as a pastry chef at a hotel and for Carnival Cruise Lines before moving to Louisiana in 1997. He and his wife now make what has become one of Shreveport’s best king cakes. From bananas foster to black forest and even maple bacon, Lilah’s has a king cake for just about everyone.

Location: 1718 Centenary Blvd, Shreveport, Louisiana

6. The Ambrosia Bakery — Baton Rouge

Located in the state capital of Baton Rouge, Ambrosia Bakery opened a small storefront in 1991. It’s since upgraded and expanded (twice) while still pumping out signature cakes and desserts. The Ambrosia Bakery has a trademarked cake called the Zulu King Cake, which blends coconut, cream cheese, and chocolate in a sinfully delicious cinnamon and sugar dough and is then topped off with more chocolate and toasted coconut. If you’re not up for tackling a large portion, or just want a personal to-go, it comes in three sizes from mini to large.

Location: 8546 Siegen Lane, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

7. Sucré — New Orleans

Photo: Sucré New Orleans

Sucré makes a king cake that’s almost too beautiful to eat — almost. The bakery is named for the French word for sugar, which is all too appropriate. Sucré’s big draw is the King Cake Bundle made up of two cakes. The first cake is the Sucré King Cake, made with a buttery brioche dough that’s sweetened with cinnamon and sugar, filled with whipped crème cheese, and topped off with Sucré’s gorgeous signature glaze. The second is the Sucré Sugar + Spice King Cake that’s made with that same sweetened buttery dough, filled with Swiss chocolate and whipped cream cheese filling, and then accented with Tabasco habanero sauce.

Location: 3025 Magazine Street, New Orleans, Louisiana

8. Caluda’s Bakery — Harahan

You don’t have to wait until king-cake season to get a king cake from Caluda’s, but there’s hardly a better time to go out of your way to try one. In addition to the traditional king cake, Caluda’s Bakery in Harahan also offers a new flavor each week. Flavors for 2019 include Oreo cream cheese, chocolate chip cookie dough, and white chocolate bread pudding.

Location: 1536 River Oaks Drive West, Suite A, Harahan, Louisiana

9. Bittersweet Confections — New Orleans

Photo: Bittersweet Confections

Cheryl Scripter opened Bittersweet Confections in 2002 as a chocolate shop focused on using as many local ingredients as possible. As the years went by, Scripter added more things to the menu, including the king cake. Try the original styles like the bourbon, satsuma, and pecan king cake. Whatever you do, don’t miss the chocolate king cake (made with brioche, chocolate cream cheese, dark chocolate ganache, and sand sugar), which has won numerous awards as best king cake in New Orleans.

Location: 725 Magazine Street, New Orleans, Louisiana


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The post The 9 best places to try king cake in Louisiana this Mardi Gras appeared first on Matador Network.

Best First Nations activities in BC

There’s something special about Vancouver International Airport, the gateway to British Columbia’s biggest city. All throughout the hub are striking sculptures and carvings created by First Nations artists, reminders to those bustling in and out of the province that the area’s traditional landowners are integral to British Columbia’s history and culture. In fact, this particular province is one of the most diverse in Canada with around 200 different Indigenous groups and more than 30 languages representing its aboriginal roots. Naturally, this means lots for visitors to see, do, and learn. Matador Network spoke with Paula Amos from Indigenous Tourism BC to determine the best ways to experience First Nations culture in British Columbia.

Of Squamish and Hesquiaht descent, Amos grew up on Vancouver Island where she earned her degree in First Nations Studies and Business Management from Vancouver Island University in hopes of promoting economic development in First Nations communities. She currently works as the Director of Partnerships and Corporate Initiatives at Indigenous Tourism BC, a leading non-profit dedicated to growing First Nations tourism. Here are her picks for the coolest and most beneficial ways to immerse yourself in Indigenous culture.

1. Get acquainted with First Nations culture at Vancouver’s Museum of Anthropology.

Photo: Museum of Anthropology/Facebook

According to Amos, the Museum of Anthropology is a “great way to get a good overview of First Nations people here in British Columbia,” making it the perfect jumping off point for anyone interested in Indigenous tourism. This is hardly surprising given the museum’s extensive collection of First Nations artwork and artifacts; even the building’s design is a nod to First Nations culture as architect Arthur Erickson modeled the site on a Haida village.

On display in the Great Hall are traditional objects like canoes, woven baskets, and textiles along with creative expressions like sculptures, totems, and works by contemporary artists. There’s also a permanent collection here dedicated to Haida artist Bill Reid, aptly called the Bill Reid Rotunda. Fans of Indigenous art visiting downtown Vancouver have another solid option in the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art. If you have time, do both.

2. Venture out into the Great Bear Rainforest in search of a spirit bear.

Photo: NaturesMomentsuk/Shutterstock

The traditional territory of the Kitasoo/Xai’xais Nation, the Great Bear Rainforest on the east coast of BC is a mighty expanse of temperate rainforest. It’s home to a variety of plants and animals, including cedar and spruce trees, eagles, wolves, and multiple bear species. You might see grizzlies or black bears, but most exciting of all is the Kermode bear, a subspecies of black bear with white fur that’s otherwise known as the spirit bear. Legend has it that one in every 10 or so black bears is born white as a reminder of the glacial landscape that once covered the area to help Indigenous inhabitants better appreciate their fertile land.

Day trips to the Great Bear Rainforest can be arranged, but the spirit bear is rare and often elusive, so your chances of seeing one right away are slim. The best way to better your odds and invest more fully in the experience is to spend a few days at the Spirit Bear Lodge in the heart of the rainforest in Klemtu. The lodge itself is Indigenous-owned and mainly staffed by locals. Outside of spirit bear season between September and October, knowledgeable guides host outdoor excursions like kayaking, whale watching, and grizzly bear sighting.

3. Visit the last intact traditional Indigenous village on Vancouver Island.

Photo: Kiixin

Named a National Historic Site in 1999, Kiixin is a traditional village on the west coast of Vancouver Island that was inhabited by members of the Huu-ay-aht First Nation for millennia. It’s the only known intact village on the southern coast of British Columbia and remarkably has traditional longhouses still standing today. “This is a really amazing opportunity,” says Amos of being able to see a village site with its original house poles.

A moderate, pleasant hike through old-growth forest leads visitors to Kiixin. Once there, tours pass through the main village, historic longhouses, a fortress, and other archaeological sites left behind when the village’s inhabitants relocated in the 19th century. Tours last around three hours, during which guests will learn all about the history and culture of the Huu-ay-aht Nation from expert local guides.

4. Take a walking tour of Stanley Park with Talaysay Tours.

Photo: Songquan Deng/Shutterstock

Stanley Park is one of Vancouver’s top attractions. Most visitors end up there anyway, so a guided tour is a great way to double down on your walk in the park with an educational cultural experience. Indigenous-owned Talaysay Tours offers two different Stanley Park excursions: the Talking Trees Tour, a roughly mile-long walk that focuses on the native flora and its longstanding use by First Nations people as food and medicine, and the Spoken Treasures Tour, which takes visitors along the coast and culminates at the Stanley Park Totem Poles.

All tours are led by First Nations guides who are eager to share the history, folklore, and culture of the area’s earliest inhabitants, particularly as they relate to the land itself. Both the Talking Trees and Spoken Treasures outings last about 1.5 hours and cost $30 for adults and $24 for children under 18. Neither is prohibitively challenging for those less athletically inclined although sturdy walking shoes, lots of water, and the right attire for the weather go a long way toward enjoying the excursion. After either tour, grab a bite to eat at Salmon n’ Bannock, an Indigenous-owned restaurant with a delicious, traditionally inspired menu.

5. Weave bracelets from “tree of life” bark at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.

Photo: Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler/Facebook

Choosing just one way to experience the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is difficult. There are exhibits to check out, drum performances to take in, and traditional eats to sample at Thunderbird Cafe. Luckily, anyone who joins one of the hourly tours automatically gets to enjoy a cedar-rope bracelet-making workshop on top of everything else.

The cedar tree was and still is essential to the Squamish Lil’wat and other First Nations on the Pacific Northwest Coast. “That was one of our mainstays in many areas of British Columbia,” Amos explains. “It was used for canoes, homes, clothing, firewood… so it’s known as our tree of life.” During the workshop, visitors will learn about the significance of the cedar tree and the technique used to turn cedar bark into rope, which can then be woven into jewelry, baskets, home furnishings, etc.

Those interested can pony up an extra $5 for a necklace-making workshop, as well, featuring a cedar paddle symbolizing unity and lots of beadwork. Should you be interested in crafting but less so in jewelry, the cultural center organizes workshops for making hand drums, dreamcatchers, buckskin medicine bag, rattles, and more.

6. Canoe through the Indian Arm fjord with Takaya Tours.

Photo: Takaya Tours Inc./Facebook

Indigenous tourism is filled with opportunities for immersive outdoor experiences that are particularly appealing for families and kids, Amos notes. Her first suggestion for getting outdoors with the little ones is to go canoeing in a new yet traditional vessel. Takaya Tours is an ecotourism outfit owned by the Tsleil-Waututh Nation that organizes canoe tours, hybrid canoe and walking tours, and even multi-day excursions. Along the way, First Nations guides share facts about the native flora and fauna, point out village sites on the water, get into old folklore, and even sing and beat drums as part of the full experience.

Canoe tours cost $52 per adult and $30 per child for a two-hour trip. Adding a walking component guarantees the same education plus an up-close look at some of the wildlife and cultural sites for just $3.80 more per adult. To really go all out, stay the night in Tsleil-Waututh territory at either the Twin Island or Granite Falls camping area. Both day trips and the overnight option are possible with Takaya Tours between May and October.

7. Do lunch and a tasting at an Indigenous-owned winery in Kelowna.

Photo: Indigenous World/Facebook

British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley is a celebrated wine region. First Nations winemakers have been involved in the industry for decades, making wine tasting one of the most unexpectedly popular ways to support Indigenous-owned businesses and learn more about First Nations culture. One of the bigger enterprises, Indigenous World Winery, describes its mission as “merging modern culture with Indigenous history” by producing wine that reflects the land on which the Syilx Nation has subsisted and revered for generations.

Tastings are held in a traditional teepee with pairings from the winery’s Red Fox Club restaurant. If you want to top off the afternoon with a proper meal, expect an Indigenous-inspired menu serving up dishes like elk with wild rice, seasonal salads with locally sourced or foraged ingredients, and, of course, bannock, or traditional fry bread.


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The post The 7 coolest ways to experience First Nations culture in British Columbia appeared first on Matador Network.

Blue Ridge Parkway sights and stops

One of the most underrated road trips in all of the United States, the Blue Ridge Parkway passes some of the Southeast’s most stunning landscapes and intriguing historical sites in its winding, 469-mile journey from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. Touching thousands of miles of hiking trails, passing through dozens of state parks and national forests, and connecting hundreds of scenic overlooks, America’s longest linear park is nearly impossible to explore in its entirety. Still, you owe it to yourself to travel as much of the Parkway as you can in your lifetime, so here are the eight best places to start.

1. Natural Bridge — Milepost 61

Photo: Zack Frank/Shutterstock

Natural Bridge is one of the most stunning and unique sites along the Parkway. The 215-foot-tall structure reaches 90 feet across a limestone gorge carved out by Cedar Creek. A longtime attraction, the bridge was once a sacred site of the Monacan Indian tribe of Virginia. Early frontiersman and colonialists were also drawn to the site, including a young George Washington who surveyed the site in 1750. Thomas Jefferson purchased the bridge in 1774 along with 157 acres of surrounding land upon which he built cabin retreat.

Just a short drive off the Parkway, the area is now a Virginia state park complete with hiking trails through the land’s forests and meadows and down to 30-foot cascade Lace Falls. There is also a Monacan Indian Living History exhibit on site where visitors can learn and experience firsthand the Monocan history and their ancient way of life. Adjacent to Natural Bridge State Park, visitors can explore the spectacular Caverns at Natural Bridge, more than 34 stories below the Earth’s surface.

2. Blue Ridge Music Center — Milepost 213

Photo: Blue Ridge Music Center/Facebook

Established in 1997, the Blue Ridge Music Center was built with the mission to celebrate and enshrine the rich musical tradition of the Blue Ridge mountains. The center has an outdoor amphitheater, an indoor theater, and a museum. It hosts performers playing bluegrass and old-time music, as well as a variety of exhibits celebrating the region’s cultural heritage. For strangers to mountain music, the Blue Ridge Music Center is the perfect place to be introduced, and for bluegrass lovers, the place is a pilgrimage.

Open May through October, visitors can expect to hear banjo, guitar, and fiddle music any time they visit, whether there’s a concert going on or not. Rest in a rocking chair and listen to local volunteer musicians who come to play for the public. Visitors are even encouraged to join in and pick along if they’re able! Exhibits tell the history of music in the Blue Ridge mountains, as well as its influence on other genres, and the theater plays films and hosts educational speakers. At the instrument shop, you can even see how string instruments are crafted.

3. Moses H. Cone Memorial Park — Milepost 294

Photo: digidreamgrafix/Shutterstock

In the late 19th century, Moses Cone helmed one of the largest denim empires in the country. Suffering from a frail constitution, and ravaged by decades of stress from running his business, Cone acquired 3,600 acres near the resort town of Blowing Rock, North Carolina, in order to build a mountaintop escape. He constructed the 23-room Flat Top Manor as the crown jewel of his estate, which included apple orchards, farmland, 25 miles of carriage roads, and two man-made lakes, which he kept stocked with bass and trout.

The estate was donated to the National Parks Service in 1949 and was dubbed Moses H. Cone Memorial Park. Today, over a quarter of a million visitors come each year to explore the lands of the historic estate and marvel at the mansion — a monument to America’s Gilded Age. Locals use the old carriage trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing, and people still fish the man-made lakes. The park is also home to a craft center that displays a variety of artisan wares from the Southern Highland Craft Guild, an artist collective that preserves the historic craft traditions of the North Carolina High Country.

4. Linn Cove Viaduct — Milepost 304

Photo: Cvandyke/Shutterstock

This iconic bridge, widely regarded as a marvel of engineering, is one of the most photographed sights on the Parkway. Before the viaduct’s completion in 1987, a “missing link” in the Parkway existed at the area surrounding Grandfather Mountain due to fear from environmentalists that a traditional cut-and-fill road would do irreparable harm to the fragile and ancient Grandfather Mountain ecosystem. The problem went unsolved until 1979 when construction began on an ambitious S-shaped bridge that would float beside the rocky edges of Grandfather mountain. The bridge is 1,243 feet long and consists of 153 50-ton concrete segments, and it has won countless international awards and become a destination in its own right.

Visitors have a number of ways to experience the bridge, apart from driving over it. A hiking trail at the visitors center passes beneath the bridge to give viewers an up-close look at the engineering wonder. The Tanawha trail, which also passes through the very popular Rough Ridge overlook nearby, runs alongside the bridge and even passes below it, offering hikers unparalleled views of the viaduct from the Grandfather escarpment. But perhaps the best time to see the bridge is in the winter when the Parkway is typically closed. Parking at the nearby highway 221 overpass, it’s only a short hike to reach the Viaduct heading north. Since the Parkway stays closed to drivers for most of the winter, you’ll be able to cross the bridge on foot and take your time enjoying the views that you would normally be driving through.

5. Linville Falls — Milepost 316

Photo: Mary Terriberry/Shutterstock

Sometimes called “The Grand Canyon of North Carolina,” the Linville Gorge has granite walls that snake 12 miles through the rugged backcountry northeast of Asheville. At the head of the gorge lies Linville Falls, a three-tiered waterfall that plunges 90 feet into the Linville River below. Because it is so easily accessed via the Parkway, it is probably one of the most popular waterfalls in North Carolina. Two trails from the visitors center link to five different viewing points of the falls, including at the base. There are also a picnic area and a campground on site.

But while getting to the falls may be easy, navigating the gorge is not. As the nation’s first designated wilderness area, the steep and rugged trails of the gorge are neither well-maintained nor well-marked. Still, it is one of the most popular backpacking destinations in western North Carolina and is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the Linville River while escaping the crowds at the falls. This section of the river through the gorge is also great for fishing as it receives much less pressure from the crowds at the falls.

6. Mount Mitchell — Milepost 355

Photo: MarkVanDykePhotography/Shutterstock

At 6,684 feet, the highest point east of the Mississippi, Mt. Mitchell affords views that are a must-see for anyone traveling the parkway. That is, if you catch it on a good day. The summit stays covered in cloud and fog eight out of 10 days. But even on a cloudy day, you owe it to yourself to go to the top, if for no other reason than to know that you’d have to look west of the Mississippi to find someone as high up as you are. Besides, it’s easy to get to the top. A scenic drive from milepost 355 will take you all the way to within a quarter mile from the summit. From there it’s a paved path all the way up to the 360-degree observation deck.

If you can’t see anything when you get to the top, don’t sweat it. There are plenty of other things to do here. There are miles of hiking trails within the state park that will allow you to explore the mountain’s unique ecosystem. Due to its high elevation, the flora and fauna of Mt. Mitchell are more similar to Southeastern Canada than to the rest of the surrounding Appalachians. And if the weather is no good at all, you can check out the museum or the restaurant just below the summit.

7. Black Balsam — Milepost 420

Photo: Jon Bilous/Shutterstock

The Black Balsam area is a favorite hiking spot for locals, providing some of the biggest and best views along the parkway. The most prominent peaks in this area — Black Balsam Knob, Sam Knob, and Tennent Mountain — are unique because they are mountaintop “balds,” or treeless meadows covered with grass and low vegetation. Without any trees to block views, Black Balsam offers some of the most panoramic vistas in all of the Blue Ridge. The Art Loeb Trail connects Black Balsam to the nearby Shining Rock Wilderness, as well as Cold Mountain, the inspiration for the 2003 film and the novel it was based upon.

Lots of people do short day hikes in this area or take picnics up to the top. Camping is also very popular here, and a number of backcountry sites along the ridgeline offer spectacular views. Many people also backpack in the Black Balsam area, following the Art Loeb trail to the Shining Rock Wilderness or to the nearby Graveyard Fields. Both Black Balsam and Graveyard Fields are also very popular for wild blueberry and blackberry picking, and in the summer months, it’s not uncommon to see people toting jugs or plastic bags full of berries. Bring a container and try it out for yourself. Just watch out for the black bears that are common here.

8. Oconaluftee — Milepost 469

Photo: Gingo Scott/Shutterstock

The Blue Ridge Parkway ends at Oconaluftee, a former Cherokee village and the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. About two miles south of where the Parkway ends at highway 441, the Oconaluftee Indian Village recreates life in a Cherokee village in the 1760s. Villagers replicate every aspect of Cherokee life of that time, from building canoes and tanning hides to weaving baskets and making pottery. Some craft-making classes are offered, as well as seasonal shows and special events. One of those shows is the acclaimed outdoor drama Unto These Hills, which recounts the triumphs and tragedies of Cherokee history, up through their removal and relocation to Oklahoma on the Trail of Tears.

Just north of the Parkway lies the Oconaluftee Visitors Center, the site of an old Appalachian farmstead and the present-day entrance to the national park. Adjacent to the stone-strewn waters of the Oconaluftee River, the visitors center lies in the open meadow of the Oconaluftee Valley, offering gorgeous views of nearby Rattlesnake Mountain. Visitors can stock up on supplies or get advice from rangers before heading into the park. In addition, the Mountain Farm Museum is a collection of old wooden barns and cabins from across the park, assembled together to recreate an Appalachian farmstead. There are also ample opportunities to spot wildlife in the meadows around the visitors center, including deer, wild turkeys, and even elk, which were reintroduced to the park in the early 2000s after being eradicated over 200 years prior.


More like this: How to use Asheville as your base for Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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Shark tagging in the Bahamas

Rolling out on the Orca boat with Richard Dreyfuss doesn’t seem like much of a vacation. Sure, there’s a good dose of this-would-never-happen-at-home adventure in joining the hunt for a man-eating shark. But there’s also that whole getting eaten thing. Which is why, theoretically, shark-chasing travel is best done from an automated boat at Universal Studios.

The truth, of course, is that most sharks have very little interest in making brunch out of your right leg, and even cage diving with Great Whites is usually less dangerous than a night out with Kiefer Sutherland. Which is why one resort is offering its guests the chance to not only see sharks but also spend some quality time tagging them for scientific research.

The Grand Isle Resort and Spa in Great Exuma, Bahamas, is sending guests out with marine biologists on shark-tagging missions, catching sharks, tagging them, and collecting essential data to help with their conservation.

If this is the point where you’re imagining your left hand being bitten off in a fit of “What the $*#& are you attaching to my ear” shark rage, rest assured these shark breeds are all highly friendly and not at all threatening to humans — read: not Great Whites.

Photo: Sami Kattan

For a charitable, $500 donation to Beneath the Waves — an NGO dedicated to the conservation of sharks and their habitats — you’ll join renowned marine biologist Dr. Austin Gallagher and his colleagues aboard a small research vessel. You’ll spend the day scouring the turquoise waters off the Bahamas for tiger, hammerhead, reef, and nurse sharks.

You and the team of marine biologists will catch the sharks then apply satellite tags that help researchers and conservationists track the animals, learning where they’re moving and hopefully understanding why. You’ll then assist, as much as someone completely unqualified for shark research can, in the collection of important data from said sharks, like taking measurements and tissue samples. The process is completely humane and fairly integral to ensuring the world has a shark population in the future.

“The Bahamas is one of the most important areas for sharks globally, and conducting our shark tagging research in the Exumas will help us gather the necessary data to determine the value of protecting sharks for the environment and economy,” Dr. Gallagher said via a press release.

Photo: Sami Kattan

The staff will go into more detail during the trip, which will also include light snacks and drinks. Think economy-class domestic flight with more legroom and, for some reason, live sharks.

So if you love sharks like Drake loves puffy vests, this might be the vacation for you. The first trip goes out February 20, continuing with daily excursions through the 24th, weather permitting. Then more missions in the future, which you can learn about from the resort. For $500 it’s about as close as you can get to sharks in nature without a scuba certification or death wish, and it helps conserve their habitat in the process. A day chasing Jaws it’s not, but that’s probably a good thing. Better to help do some research than return home minus a limb.


More like this: The best places in the world to dive with sharks

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Pandan desserts from Southeast Asia

Some of the tastiest, most eye-catching desserts in Southeast Asia are bright green. While most neon desserts can typically credit their hue to artificial dyes, the verdant color is all thanks to a single natural ingredient: pandan, a plant that tastes of vanilla, tropical fruits, and flowers all wrapped in one. From silky, sweet custards to sticky rice cakes, the spiky leaves of the tropical pandan plant give desserts a distinctive grassy sweetness and a playful green hue.

Also known as screwpine leaf, pandan is spread onto toast and mixed into desserts in Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and beyond. It’s as common a flavoring as vanilla is in the West and has a pleasant flavor despite the plant’s beguiling appearance of tough leaves that look more like leek greens than dessert fodder.

Pandan is often pigeonholed as Southeast Asia’s vanilla, but apart from making a regular appearance in sweets and desserts, that’s where the similarities end.

What is pandan, and what does it taste like?

Photo: KungChuyada/Shutterstock

Pandan’s blade-like leaves grow like weeds across tropical areas of Southeast Asia, making it easy to find and dirt cheap to buy. A perennial that grows year round, there are some 600 species of pandan plant, but only one is used extensively in Southeast Asia’s most tempting desserts.

It can be hard to pin down the unique flavor of pandan, and descriptions range from herbal to floral to bubblegum. Some might even say popcorn. Strange as it may sound, though, popcorn is not that far off the mark. In Harold McGee’s book On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen, he explains that the main volatile compound found in pandan is also found in basmati and jasmine rice, as well as (you guessed it) popcorn, which helps explain the nutty notes in pandan-infused desserts.

Pandan’s fibrous leaves are too tough to eat and are usually chopped or blended to create pandan extract. There are some recipes, however, that call for the leaves to be bruised, tied in knots, and added directly to ingredients to be boiled or steamed.

Pandan’s perfect partner is coconut, and this happy union works its way into the region’s jellies, rice cakes, spreads, sponge cakes, and custards. The desserts can range from a subtle matcha color to a shocking neon green if the cook’s been a little heavy handed with the food dye.

The humble pandan plant is no one-trick pony, though, and it has non-edible uses too. It’s used as a natural air freshener, and if you take a ride in a Malaysian taxi you’re likely to find pandan leaves perfuming the air. It’s also used as a cockroach deterrent — apparently, they find the smell of pandan repellent.

Other uses aside, nothing shows off pandan quite like putting it in desserts. These are the best pandan desserts from across Southeast Asia.

Khanom chan from Thailand

Photo: Supit Choosavang/Shutterstock

Chewy and sweet khanom chan translates to layer dessert, and that’s pretty much what it is: steamed rice flour or mung bean flour combined with tapioca, arrowroot, palm sugar, and coconut. The green treat is chewy and squishy, kind of like mochi. Khanom chan is traditionally made with nine layers as the number nine occupies an auspicious place in Thai culture.

Bánh bò nướng from Vietnam

Photo: /Shutterstock

This is a soft cake that’s sometimes called honeycomb cake because of its texture. The tapioca starch creates a dense sponge while the pandan adds the distinct herbaceous flavor and makes the inside of the cake bright green. Bánh bò nướng can be either cooked into a large shape like a bundt cake or made into smaller bite-size pieces.

Ondeh-ondeh and klepon from Malaysia and Indonesia

Photo: Aris Setya/Shutterstock

Ondeh-ondeh in Malaysia, called klepon in Indonesia, are bright green glutinous rice balls wrapped in a furry coat of grated coconut. Each bite into the small dessert brings the sensation of liquid palm sugar bursting in your mouth. Variations are also made in Brunei and Singapore.

Dadar gulung from Indonesia

Photo: Aris Setya/Shutterstock

These lurid green pancakes might look gimmicky, but the flavor certainly isn’t. Besides, who doesn’t want to try green pancakes at least once in their life? The light crepes are stuffed with grated coconut and gula jawa, or coconut sugar, which turns the coconut a toasty brown color.

Buko pandan from the Philippines

Photo: Kim David/Shutterstock

A Filipino favorite, this dessert salad features vibrant green cubes of pandan-flavored gelatine and young coconut meat that’s drowned in a mix of cream and condensed milk. It’s served chilled and is a popular thirst quencher in humid weather.

Pandan chiffon cake from Malaysia and Singapore

Photo: Audrey C/Shutterstock

This ring-shaped sponge cake looks decidedly average from the outside, but cutting a slice reveals a pretty, olive-hued interior. Stemming from the colonial era, it’s a fusion of western cake-making techniques and the tropical flavors of pandan and coconut.


More like this: 8 sweet, chewy, and colorful Korean desserts you’re missing out on

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Best weed dispensaries in the US

Recreational cannabis is legal in 10 states, and a number of states like New York and New Jersey are in the process of legalizing. And it’s not just for the locals — cannabis tourism has shifted from something you did once while in Amsterdam to something you can do without leaving the US.

For people new to the idea of legal weed, the novelty of being able to stroll into a business and walk out with a bag of marijuana will be cool the first couple of times you do it no matter which shop you go to. But after a while, just like what happens with bars and restaurants, you’ll only settle for the best places. We turned to Sean Cooley, director of content for Weedmaps, to give us the lay of the (legal) land. He hipped us to some spots around the nation where even if you’ve never bought marijuana at a dispensary, are not sure how much an eighth is, or still can’t remember what THC and CBD do, the trusty budtenders will have you covered.

Best dispensaries in Alaska

Photo: The High Expedition/Facebook

High Expedition in Talkeetna: With massive glaciers, soaring eagles, and world-class fishing, the US sometimes forgets that Alaska jumped on the legal weed train a few years ago. This charming, historic mountain town two hours north of Anchorage opened what can best be described as the country general store of dispensaries. High Expedition has a rustic little storefront with a small, wooden sign reading “Cannabis Purveyors.” The store is set in a cabin originally built for intrepid mountain climber Ray Genet who died in 1979 on Mt. Everest. Inside, you’ll find a store steeped in mountain climbing lore, with a small museum dedicated to Genet and the climbers that made Talkeetna a destination. You’ll also find enough weed to make it worth the trip from Anchorage. “I can’t think of a better Alaskan trip than smoking from an antler pipe carved by local Alaska Natives while viewing the northern lights,” Cooley says.

Great Northern Cannabis in Anchorage: The biggest name in Alaskan cannabis is Great Northern, a downtown Anchorage dispensary that recently opened a second location in the city’s thriving Dimond neighborhood. The majority of the products here are grown in Alaska, and though the state is known more for its tundra than its terroir, the indica, sativa, and hybrid strains Great Northern produces have gotten rave reviews. As the place puts out about 120 pounds of cannabis a month, and Alaska has less than 750,000 people, you’ll have plenty of inventory to try if you find yourself in Anchorage this summer.

Best dispensaries in California

Photo: Harvest off Mission/Facebook

Harvest in San Francisco: As dispensaries begin to reflect the cities they serve, Harvest might just be the most Bay Area spot to hit the market. Flower, concentrates, edibles, and topicals sourced from local growers line the open shelves, making both the Geary and Mission stores feel a bit like natural foods co-ops full of cannabis-infused goodies. The friendly staff roams the floor answering questions, and nothing is locked up behind a counter, creating a free and trusting atmosphere that feels like a throwback to pot culture of a different era.

Cookies in Los Angeles: “When the bassist for System of a Down wants to debut his new line of incredibly sticky and sweet strains, he does it at Cookies LA,” Cooley says. Cookies has a number of noted strains and products like Shavo Odadjian’s 22Red collaboration with the iconic cultivators at Wonderbrett. Be sure to try the churro cookies from the Venice Cookie Company. Cookies has parking, a rarity in LA, making this spot one of the most convenient dispensaries in Los Angeles and California as a whole.

Exhale Med Center in West Hollywood: Go past the soothing fish tanks in the lobby of this dispensary tucked into a WeHo outdoor plaza and you’ll find one of the friendliest staffs of any business in the city, pot-slinging or not. Chris Joynt (clearly his God-given name) and his colleagues can help guide you through the extensive selection of products, as well as the shop’s vast array of clones if you want to try your hand at growing your own Strawberry Cough. There’s also a rosin press in the store, so fans of cannabis concentrates can squeeze hash oil out of their new purchases. “The laid-back atmosphere makes even first-time buyers feel comfortable,” Cooley says.

Best dispensaries in Colorado

Photo: Oasis Cannabis Superstore/Facebook

Oasis Superstore in Denver: Sometimes described as “The Walmart of Weed,” Oasis is a gargantuan superstore with over 200 strains, 180 different pre-rolled joint, and an overwhelming selection of smoking accessories and glass pipes. But unlike the retail giant to which it’s compared, Oasis has actually helpful staff who know about all of the products and can help you navigate your way through the maze of glass cabinets filled with green jars. It has two locations, Denver South and Denver Northwest, the former of which also dispenses medical marijuana. For the indecisive consumer who likes to weigh their options, this is Colorado’s best stop to get oriented.

Native Roots in multiple cities: Native Roots has won a staggering number of CannAwards, taking home the 2016 Best Adult Use Dispensary honor, as well as awards for infused products, creative marketing, and five titles at the Denver Cannabis Cup. Its success has led to more than 20 locations throughout Colorado, and while the Denver Downtown flagship store gets the preferred nod from Cooley, you can enjoy the selection and hospitality from Vail to Aspen to Longmont.

Silverpeak in Aspen: Silverpeak is the kind of store where you fully expect to turn around and see an NBA lottery pick standing at the next case. Not just because pro basketball players know where to get the best weed this side of Death Row Records but also because the place feels more like it should be selling $50,000 Rolexes, not Purple Dogbud vape cartridges. The very Aspen-feeling dispensary exudes luxury with its soft accent lamps, dark wood tables, and highly trained staff. It’s not winning any awards for low prices, but if you’re in Aspen, that’s probably not much of a consideration anyway.

Best dispensary in Massachusetts

NETA Northampton in Northampton: The highly medical sounding New England Treatment Access (or just NETA) was one of the two original recreational dispensaries to open up in Massachusetts in November. But it’s not just a lack of competition that makes this one of the best shops in America. This store in downtown Northampton is vertically integrated with a grow facility in nearby Franklin, offering more than 50 strains and an impressive array of products, whether you’re looking for a kief-rolled joint or a Rubi vape pen. The interior is done up in light woods and track lighting, providing a relaxing, professional shopping atmosphere. Even as competitors plan to open in droves over the next few years, this original is well positioned to outlast them all.

Best dispensaries in Nevada

Photo: Planet 13 Las Vegas/Facebook

Planet 13 in Las Vegas: It didn’t take long for Las Vegas to build the biggest, busiest, and most multi-sensory dispensary on Earth. Planet 13 spans a massive 40,000 square feet, beginning with 15-foot LED lotus flowers on the roof that change colors depending on the whim of visitors on the ground. The light show continues with an LED water feature that’s sort of like the Bellagio of pot shops, visible from 65,000 hotel rooms around Sin City. It also has light-up LED floors, orb shows, and 16,500-square feet of cannabis retail space with 42 open registers. “I’d recommend picking up a few grams of Blue Dream from Green & Gold and thereby exponentially improving your Blue Man Group experience,” Cooley says.

Essence Las Vegas Strip in Las Vegas: Nothing in Vegas is going to top Planet 13 for a full-on dispensary show. But for convenience, quality, and service, Essence is the best option for tourists on the strip. Set in the shadow of the towering Stratosphere, this big, bright dispensary looks a little like a cross between an art gallery and a luxury car dealer’s service department, and it has Vegas’s best selection of products outside the superstore. The strip location is the only dispensary along that famous stretch of neon and sin, and Essence also has locations in Henderson and Tropicana West.

Best dispensaries in Oregon

Photo: Tokyo Starfish/Facebook

Tokyo Starfish in Bend: This three-location dispensary has quickly become a favorite of locals and visitors alike in the funky, high-desert town of Bend. For locals, the staff is the sort of small-town friendly where everyone remembers not only your name but also your preferences and questions from past visits. For visitors, Tokyo Starfish offers what is, to our knowledge, the world’s only “Bud and Breakfast,” a two-bedroom apartment set atop the store’s Westside location that’s available for rent. The bud and breakfast is conveniently close to downtown, the Deschutes River, and the Les Schwab Amphitheater, and it’s completely weed-friendly if you want to supply yourself downstairs.

Kings of Canna in Portland: Perhaps because Portland, Oregon, is a city that’s never quick to choose big business over the corner store, it’s been slow to get into the mega-dispensary game. The highest-quality dispensary in the city, however, is Kings of Canna, which calls itself a “canniboutique” and fills its store with wood-and-glass cases set under cleverly exposed grating. Inside the cases, you’ll find Portland’s best selection of products with over 35 strains, edibles, oils, and anything else you can think of. While it’s not on the scale of some of the Colorado and California superstores, for small business-friendly Portland it’s just about perfect.

Best dispensaries in Washington

Lux Pot Shop in Seattle: A two-store chain in Ballard and Lake City, both of which are sleek and high tech. The stores are brightly lit, and neon-clad shops where staff kindly welcome both cannabis vets and newcomers. The selection is on par with anywhere you’ll find in Seattle, but what sets this place apart is the high-functioning staff, who receive extensive training both in service and product knowledge.

Best multi-state dispensaries in the US

Photo: Apothecarium

Apothecarium in San Francisco and Las Vegas: At first glance, the sleek white and grey countertops make this Bay Area dispensary look a little like a kitchen furnishings store. Only, instead of Sub-Zero, you’re buying a pack of Henry’s Starry Night pre-rolled joints. Apothecarium has been selling marijuana since 2011 when it started as a full-service medicinal dispensary specializing in customer education and community events. With the legalization of recreational pot, the business expanded to three locations in San Francisco and a third in Las Vegas.

Diego Pellicer in Denver and Seattle: While some dispensaries opt to go with an old-school apothecary motif and others try to be like a less-addictive Apple store, Diego Pellicer has gone all-in as a sweet-smelling cigar shop. Deep woods and green plants fill the stores while rich glass cases contain high-end pot products and masterfully rolled joints. “It’s one of the few places you’ll see rolled products displayed in wooden boxes lined with velvet as if Winston Churchill was about to stroll in to toke up,” Cooley says. For a high-class dispensary experience, Diego Pellicer is best in the nation.

Have a Heart in Hawaii, California, Iowa, Ohio, Oregon, and Washington: If there’s such thing as a big, brand-name dispensary in the US, it’s Have a Heart. The company runs medicinal and adult-use shops in six states and offers frequent-buyer discounts to its best customers. It’s already built brand loyalty in a space where many Americans know no brand names, offering frequent sales and beating most other dispensaries on price. It’s positioned itself in medicinal-only states like Iowa and Ohio, so people know where to go when recreational weed comes. If you see a sign for one in a weed-legal state, it’s probably the safest bet for a quality experience.

MedMen in Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Nevada, and New York: As the name might imply, MedMen rooted its business on the medicinal side, forming an operation that stretches from New York to LA with stores on both the recreational and medical sides. Every location has the sleek, high-tech look of a modern electronics store with a knowledgeable staff and perhaps the most recognizable brand name in the industry. Though mom-and-pop pot stores, such as they are, tend to sneer when the name MedMen gets brought up, it’s remained a popular choice in California and has a reliable selection of top name brands like Lowell Smokes, Lord Jones gummies, and Papa & Barkley body products.


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