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Best things to do in Padua, Italy

Both Padua and Venice lie in Italy’s Veneto region in the country’s northeast, but while Venice has recently had to introduce tourist taxes for day-trippers to deal with its over-tourism issue, Padua is crowd-free and tranquil. With one of the most ancient universities in Italy along with daily food markets, stunning buildings, and the claim of being the inventor of Aperol (the essential ingredient for a Spritz), Padua is the perfect alternative to Venice. Here are some ways you can enjoy a stay in Padua.

Check out the amazing frescoes.

Photo: EQRoy/Shutterstock

In Padua, there are three monumental fresco cycles that visitors should check out.

The most famous is the Scrovegni Chapel, frescoed by the 14th-century master Giotto. You’ll want much longer than the 15 minutes they allow for visits (a restriction in place to prevent damage to the frescoes) as you follow the biblical scenes peppered with mysterious, humorous, and innovative artistic details.

The second cycle can be found in the Baptistery beside the Cathedral of Padua. It has a separate entrance to the right of the Cathedral and charges a small fee. Its domed interior is entirely covered in 14th-century frescoes by the artist Giusto de’ Menabuoi, and the cycle is considered one of the most important of that century after Giotto’s work. Look up at the hypnotic concentric circles of saints and angels in the dome, and try to spot the various many-headed beasts of the apocalypse around the walls.

Finally, visit the ornate hall of the Palazzo della Ragione for a fresco cycle of even bigger proportions. This Palazzo reputedly has the largest unsupported roof in Europe, as well as many feet of frescoes all around the walls depicting biblical scenes, astrological signs, and allegorical puzzles.

Wander around a pedestrian-friendly center.

Photo: Catarina Belova/Shutterstock

One of the appeals of Venice is the lack of cars. But Padua, too, is a walking and cycling city. Almost all of the old town has restricted access to vehicles, and there are several big pedestrianized squares in the center. These squares are given over to daily markets and plenty of outdoor seating for Italy’s café culture scene. The narrow streets in the center are flanked with amazing architecture, making it a real pleasure to wander around.

Explore the old center and pop into the shops along the way. Via S. Martino e Solferino, in the old Ghetto, is full of quirky little stores, such as tea shop Dolciaria with a surprisingly extensive range for a country with such a coffee-driven culture, fabric shops that will make you immediately want to redecorate your home, and antique shops with everything from bibles once belonging to nobility to gilded religious sculptures.

Try the local food at the daily markets.

Photo: Javen/Shutterstock

There’s no need to step inside an anonymous supermarket if you stay in Padua. The daily markets, both outdoor and indoor, have every food item you could desire. Before you get down to the business of buying, take some time to wander around and take in the atmosphere; you’ll find sellers greeting their customers by name and asking if they want their usual order, shoppers stopping for a pre-lunch glass of wine at one of the bars in the covered market, and a good deal of noise as vendors try to get customers’ attention.

Head to the outdoor market in Piazza delle Erbe for vegetables and fruit, all beautifully arranged. Produce here is seasonal and fresh so ask the seller what they recommend and they’ll surely give you some cooking tips passed through their family for generations along with the vegetables.

Inside the covered Sotto il Salone market, you’ll find delicatessen stalls, butchers, fishmongers, and bakers. Stop by I Trulli for fresh cheese from Puglia, like burrata and stracciatella, Da Giacomin for giant rounds of parmesan, and Salumeria al Desco for regional cold meats like prosciutto and salami. This is also the perfect place to try some of Padua’s street food cuisine. You can sample light, fluffy focaccia from Violante’s Deli or takeaway tartar from Tartare 18.

Discover the three “withouts.”

Photo: Sven Hansche/Shutterstock

As well as its frescoes and churches, Padua is famous for its tre senza, or the three “withouts.” This curious claim to fame refers to three of Padua’s most important monuments. The first is the Caffé Pedrocchi, known as the café without doors. Once a meeting place for students, academics, and intellectuals, it supposedly used to be open 24 hours, hence having no need for doors. The elegant bar is now a sophisticated, if a little costly, aperitivo spot and definitely somewhere that should be on your pre-dinner drinks route.

The second is the Prato della Valle, the second-largest square in Europe. It’s known as the “lawn without grass,” as its name prato translates as lawn, but there is only a small section of grass in the vast square (a recent addition). The attractive oval space is decorated with statues and obelisks and hosts fruit and vegetable markets, flower markets, and a monthly antique market, which is well worth a rummage if it coincides with your trip.

Finally, Padua has a mysterious saint without a name. This refers to its patron saint, Saint Anthony of Padua, who is known in the city simply as Il Santo. The Basilica di Sant’Antonio di Padova is also referred to as the Basilica del Santo. That being said, you may hear the occasional exclamation “Sant’Antonio da Padova!” in the streets as it is a kind of tame blasphemy used here.

Be inspired by historic places of learning.

Photo: EQRoy/Shutterstock

Padua’s university is one of the city’s top cultural attractions. Founded in 1222, it quickly became a pioneering place of scientific learning under its motto Universa Universis Patavina Libertas, or “complete liberty for all at the University of Padua.” It has seen students, researchers, and professors from all over the world under its roof, astronomers Copernicus and Galileo among them.

Some of the most important developments in anatomy and medicine came out of Padua, from groundbreaking human dissections by anatomist and physician Andreas Vesalius in the 16th century to the first human heart transplant in 1985. You can experience some of this firsthand by visiting the 16th-century Anatomical Theatre, a wooden-paneled room formed like an inverted cone with a series of concentric tiers for spectators. One warning — be prepared for a few grizzly stories on the tour.

Following another branch of science, you can also visit the Botanical Gardens, the oldest university botanical garden in the world and a UNESCO heritage site. It was integral to the studies of medicinal plants for medical students and also to the Italian culinary scene as these gardens introduced new species to Italy, such as sunflowers, potatoes, and jasmine. It’s the perfect oasis on a hot summer’s day, and it offers guided tours and educational workshops for all ages.

Try a world-famous drink where it was invented.

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Padua is, in fact, hallowed ground aperitivo-wise as it was here that the essential ingredient for Spritz was created. Aperol was originally produced by the Padua-based Barbieri company, although now it is made by the Campari company. Sit outside in the sunshine at one of the bars in the main squares (Piazza delle Erbe, Piazza della Frutta, or Piazza dei Signori) to sample a Spritz while indulging in some people watching. Alternatively, take a tour of some of Padua’s more atmospheric drinking dens, such as the rustic Corte Sconta or Jamaican-style bar La Yarda, which may play reggae music but does very Veneto-style food and drink.


More like this: Anzio is the most relaxing day trip from the chaos of Rome

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New Rage Yoga classes

When we think of yoga, it’s generally in a peaceful, meditative kind of way. “Rage Yoga,” however, is all about achieving a state of calm and getting a good workout by cursing, shouting, and boozing it up.

Lindsay Istace, the founder of Rage Yoga, explains on the Rage Yoga website that it is “a practice involving stretching, positional exercises and bad humor, with the goal of attaining good health and to become zen as f*ck. More than just a practice, Rage Yoga is an attitude.” According to Ashley Duzich, Rage Yoga instructor at Brash Brewery in Houston, Texas, Rage Yoga is an outlet for people to release their frustration in a healthy way. “We are all angry about something,” she said to CBS DFW, “and we all have been holding onto an F-bomb for a little bit too long.”

Photo: Ashley Duzich Wellness/Facebook

Even if it involves the traditional poses, a Rage Yoga class is not a typical yoga session. According to Duzich, “We actually take beer breaks during the class. It’s definitely not for everybody and that’s totally OK… I also don’t recommend bringing your children.”

There are three official Rage Yoga locations — Calgary, Edmonton, and Houston — with certified instructors leading each class. To learn more about Rage Yoga, visit the official website.

H/T: CBS DFW

More like this: 10 must-haves for the traveling yogi

The post ‘Rage Yoga’ lets you curse and drink beer to achieve inner peace appeared first on Matador Network.

Best destinations for LGBTQ weddings

So far, 29 countries in the world have legalized same-sex marriage — with two more (Costa Rica and Taiwan) preparing to do the same. And just as numerous countries around the world have become increasingly more progressive in the previous years, so have wedding destinations normally frequented by heterosexual couples. From typical beach destinations like Mexico to the more underground ventures like Iceland, there are more places than ever open to giving you and your partner an unforgettable wedding ceremony and honeymoon.

Whether you prefer planning an elaborate ceremony in a luxurious location with an on-site wedding planner or would rather head to an adventurous escape with just your partner by your side, there’s a queer-friendly destination for every personality and wedding ambiance that exists. So, without further ado, here are the best LGBTQ-friendly wedding destinations on the planet.

1. Queenstown, New Zealand

Photo: Radoslav Cajkovic/Shutterstock

Since 2013, same-sex marriage has been legal in New Zealand, and it’s still considered to be an incredibly queer-friendly vacation spot. This is why LGBTQ couples looking to tie the knot overseas often choose to do so in Queenstown — a welcoming and accepting metropolis surrounded by heart-pounding outdoor excursions like whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, and skydiving. Queenstown also holds an annual Winter Pride Festival, in which queer people from all over the world attend a week full of skiing, dance parties, and mountain walks.

2. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Photo: Valentin Valkov/Shutterstock

The beaches of Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic are among some of the best in the world — and happen to be an accepting place for members of the LGBTQ community to get hitched. Aside from taking a dip in the legendary neon-blue lagoon, Hoyo Azul, you can book your unforgettable wedding ceremony at Jellyfish, a seaside restaurant that actually helps you plan your perfect beach wedding — from the food to the first dance.

3. New Orleans, Louisiana

Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

The laid-back attitude in the Big Easy is the perfect backdrop for an LGBTQ destination wedding. If you decide to have your destination wedding in New Orleans, then it’s essential that you celebrate your impending nuptials with a Second Line parade — a celebration of your love with a brass band and a large crowd of supporters following you through the city. And say your “I dos” in the Bourbon Orleans Hotel — a historic and elegant hotel in the heart of the French Quarter.

4. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Photo: Oleg Senkov/Shutterstock

Nine years ago, Argentina became the first South American country to legalize same-sex marriage — a feat that’s representative of the open-minded and accepting nature of this country. This is especially the case in Buenos Aires. To experience the full richness of the culture of the city, seek out wedding venues in Puerto Madero, a chic neighborhood with plenty of waterfront views and event spaces. After your ceremony, spend your honeymoon soaking in the luxurious accommodations at the gay-friendly Faena Hotel.

5. Ireland

Photo: Bartlomiej Rybacki/Shutterstock

Back in 2015, Ireland became the first nation in the world to legalize same-sex marriage (as opposed to civil unions). While Dublin is an ideal destination for queer couples, it’s actually worth heading west to the restored medieval Ashford Castle near Cong. This 83-room luxury hotel is full of fine restaurants, a spa, and expansive grounds. For those couples seeking the ultimate romantic destination wedding, Hideaway Cottage, a former boathouse, can be rented and provides a private retreat with lush gardens and lakefront views.

6. Trancoso, Brazil

Photo: otorongo/Shutterstock

While Rio de Janeiro may seem like the obvious choice for a destination wedding in this accepting and open-minded country, don’t overlook the city of Trancoso, a beach town that contains two LGBTQ-friendly hotels. For the best views and historic accommodations in Trancoso, look into UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa as a place to say your vows and enjoy your first few nights together as a newly married couple.

7. Iceland

Photo: Radoslav Cajkovic/Shutterstock

If you find wedding planning to be a stressful activity on your own, enlist the help of Iceland-based and lesbian-owned Pink Iceland — a company that specializes in gay wedding and honeymoon planning. From quaint church weddings to scenic mountain vistas, this agency will help you score the most gay-friendly and unforgettable wedding that the country of Iceland has to offer.

8. New Brunswick, Canada

Photo: Algonquin Resort, Autograph Collection/Facebook

Since 2005, Canada has made marriage equality a top priority — which is why heading to this welcoming nation is a must for your impending nuptials. You’d be especially wise to head to New Brunswick to tie the knot at the world-famous Algonquin Resort, a queer-friendly retreat with a unique history and sprawling gardens that prove to be the most romantic backdrop in the country.

9. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Photo: Almar Resort

Despite the fact that only civil unions are legal in Mexico — not same-sex marriages — the city of Puerto Vallarta offers a romantic retreat on the beach. For your wedding ceremony, look no further than the city’s own “luxury LGBTQ” Almar Resort — where the in-house wedding planner and stunning views make this destination well-worth the plane ride. After you exchange your vows, leave all of the stress of wedding planning behind with a venture to the gay-owned Oceano Sapphire Beach Club, where you can enjoy delectable cuisine surrounded by unforgettable ocean views.

10. Manchester, England

Photo: trabantos/Shutterstock

Right in the center of Manchester lies the world-famous Gay Village — with the LGBTQ Heritage Trail that leads visitors to important civil rights locations around the city. For those of you who wish to simultaneously celebrate your love for your partner and your status as a member of the LGBTQ community, heading to Manchester to tie the knot is surely the way to go. After you’ve walked along the paths that other LGBTQ trailblazers once have walked, tie the knot at the gay-operated Hope Mill Theatre — a truly breathtaking space with a unique history.

11. Sitges, Spain

Photo: Brian Kinney/Shutterstock

Considered to be one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world, Spain provides a serene destination wedding in its enchanting coastal city of Sitges. Located just south of Barcelona, this city has a stunning coastline and a colony of artists that have occupied the land for decades. And, thanks to both of these positive attributes, Sitges is the ideal romantic location — especially if you decide to have your ceremony at Dolce Sitges, a resort that offers LGBTQ-specific wedding coordination and amazing views of the Mediterranean as you say your “I dos.”

12. San Francisco, California

Photo: Lucky-photographer/Shutterstock

For over 50 years, San Francisco, California, has served as the epicenter for the queer culture in America. Especially in the Castro District, a number of restaurants, bars, hotels, and yes, even wedding venues, cater to the LGBTQ crowd. To find the perfect wedding venue, you have to venture out of the Castro District and into Fisherman’s Wharf to exchange your vows at The Argonaut. Located in the historic Haslett Warehouse, this boutique hotel combines the best elements of Gold Rush architecture with elegant wedding planning designed just for LGBTQ couples. To celebrate your new life together, take a walk through the Garden of Shakespeare’s Flowers in Golden Gate Park — bonus points if you can recite a few lines of poetry.

13. Civita di Bagnoregio, Lazio, Italy

Photo: canadastock/Shutterstock

Purchased in 2011 by architect Patrizio Fradiani and his partner, this 14th-century medieval home is now a private retreat atop a volcanic plateau with underground caves. Though same-sex marriage is still not legal in Italy, commitment ceremonies have become a regular accommodation at Domus Civita, which feels like a castle at your disposal, complete with an indoor cave pool.

14. Boston, Massachusetts

Photo: XV Beacon/Facebook

It makes perfect sense that the city of Boston would hold promises of romantic magic for LGBTQ couples — seeing as the fact that the state was the first to legalize same-sex marriage. That’s right, despite its history, Boston is home to a plethora of LGBTQ-friendly wedding planners and venues. For a truly magical wedding, the XV Beacon will provide a cozy and historic ambiance for your impending nuptials. After that, take advantage of all that the city has to offer by embarking on a wine tour with your partner.

15. Mykonos, Greece

Photo: ZGPhotography/Shutterstock

Since former First Lady Jackie Kennedy claimed Mykonos to be a chic escape, the city has witnessed an astounding amount of destination weddings — and it’s easy to understand why couples of all sexual orientations seek the beginning of marital bliss in this seaside town. Even though same-sex marriage is not legal in Greece, a commitment ceremony amid the endless blue and rocky scenery of Mykonos’s San Giorgio Hotel (with its inner gardens, impeccable cuisine, and whitewashed exterior) will give you a true taste of what falling in love in Greece truly feels like.


More like this: The 10 most LGBTQ-friendly countries in Europe

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Best wine bars in New York City

New York City is full of dive bars with happy hours, beer and shot specials, and well drinks galore. But sometimes, you just want to have a nice glass of wine and drink it in an establishment that will have more than the house chardonnay. While atmosphere is key, people assume all wine bars are pretentious and expensive, and they’re often apprehensive about going inside if they aren’t knowledgeable enough about wine. Yes, New York City can be expensive, as can wine, but there plenty of places where you can go to get your money’s worth without breaking the bank and feel at ease. From a rooftop doubling as an urban vineyard and winery to a wine and oyster happy hour, here’s where to drink wine in New York City.

Lois

Photo: Lois/Facebook

You’ve heard of bars and breweries with an endless number of beers on tap, but what about wine on tap? That’s exactly what Lois has on offer — instead of serving wine from the bottle, Lois has 16 wines on tap to keep prices low and reduce waste. Owners Nora O’Malley and Phoebe Connell created the wine bar with the idea that accessibility and quality when it comes to wine are not mutually exclusive. In 2015, Lois became the first bar in NYC to ban tipping and pays its employees an increased wage due to such. Prices range from $7 to $60, and there’s a rotating menu of small plates in case you get hungry.

Where: 98 Avenue C, New York, NY 10009

Rooftop Reds

Photo: Rooftop Reds/Facebook

An urban city likely isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think of vineyard destinations, but a company down in Brooklyn is changing that. Opened in 2015, Rooftop Reds is the first commercial vineyard and winery on a rooftop in the world. The unassuming exterior and lack of signage may lead you to believe you’re in the wrong place, but make no mistake, you’re right where you need to be. Follow the directions from your navigation app and then find Building #275, which, once inside, turns into the rooftop and wine bar.

The space is huge at 14,800 square feet, and it has 42 planters to grow its grapes, which are then used to produce Rooftop Red’s six wines. Admission is free, but you’ll have to make a reservation to visit; spots for the winter are full but keep an eye on the website for when spring spots open up. No outside alcohol is allowed, but you can bring whatever you want food-wise. In addition to wine and a great view of the area, visitors can enjoy pop-up dining experiences, tastings, pizza and wine movie nights, barbecues, yoga, viticulture tours, and the like.

Where: 299 Sands St BLDG #275, Brooklyn, NY 11205

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Best cannabis dispensaries in Denver

As of 2018, there are more than 150 recreational dispensaries in Denver. That makes the city one of the best in terms of access to legal cannabis, but it also makes it one of the most challenging in terms of narrowing down where to go. That’s all the more true for the more than 30 million visitors and tourists who come to the city every year.

Once you know the basics of cannabis tourism in Denver, you need to know where to go. These are the best recreational cannabis dispensaries in Denver in no particular order.

1. L’Eagle Service

Photo: L’Eagle Services, LLC/Facebook

L’Eagle opened in 2010 and is one of Denver’s oldest recreational dispensaries that’s still in business. The indoor grow facility uses organic cultivation methods, and the shop side of the business has a wide range of edibles, concentrates, and flower. As of early 2019, L’Eagle is growing more than 40 strains.

2. Altitude

Altitude has three locations in Denver and Aurora. You won’t be disappointed no matter which you go to. A large part of the buying experience comes from the budtender, and at Altitude, every employee is knowledgeable and eager to help you find something new or answer any questions you may have. On top of that, there are more than reasonable prices.

3. Diego Pellicer

Photo: Diego Pellicer Colorado/Facebook

Walking through Diego Pellicer feels like a luxury shopping experience thanks to dark wood cabinets and house plants. The chain started in Seattle and came to Denver in 2017. Just because the interior is nice doesn’t mean the prices are out of this world. You can find affordable products across the board no matter what you’re looking for.

4. Ballpark Holistic

While far from the largest dispensary in Denver, there’s something to be said about convenience. Ballpark Holistic is just two blocks from Coors Field and stocks everything you need for a quick and efficient dispensary stop. In 2014, one of the dispensary’s strains, Denver Maple, won third place in the Cannabis Cup, which is, indeed, a real thing.

5. Kind Love

Photo: Kind Love/Facebook

You don’t have to rush in and out of Kind Love, but if you’re in a hurry it’s hard to beat Kind Love’s speedy service. Clones, seeds, oils, flower, beverages, and edibles are all available. Kind Love focuses on quality cannabis products, but be prepared to pay a higher price than you would at many other places in the city.

6. Botanico

If you’re looking for a one-on-one talk with a budtender about the best product for what you’re looking for, Botanico is the place to go. The VIP service (which might be the only free VIP service in any industry) gives you the chance for a consultation before you shop and pick up what you want. Botanico is an especially good place for concentrates.

7. The Green Solution

Photo: The Green Solution/Facebook

Budtenders are available to walk you one on one through hundreds of products available at The Green Solution. If you already know what you want, you can make a reservation online and pick it up at any of The Green Solution’s locations (there are four in Denver). Be sure to check out the signature strains and transdermals.

8. The Herbal Cure

Founded in 2009, The Herbal Cure (THC) is one of the OG recreational cannabis companies in Denver. It cultivates the entirety of its cannabis, which includes more than 60 strains that are harvested biweekly. The vibe inside is relaxed, and the prices are right in the middle compared to similar quality places in Denver.

9. Native Roots

Photo: Native Roots Dispensary/Facebook

Native Roots has a number of locations, but it’s hard to beat the convenience of the spot that’s right next to the Denver International Airport. You can stop by as soon as you get off the plane — perfect for anyone ready to get going the Colorado way without any delay. While convenient for visitors, Native Roots’ other locations also cater to people looking for a regular dispensary they can count on.

More like this: Everything you need to know about cannabis travel in Colorado in 2017

The post 9 best cannabis dispensaries in Denver appeared first on Matador Network.

Amtrak offering two-for-one sale

It might be a little late to buy a Valentine’s Day gift, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it up to your partner with some cheap tickets for an epic train journey. Amtrak is setting you up perfectly to plan the ultimate spring or summer getaway with your significant other, offering a special two-for-one deal on tickets. From February 14 to 18, anyone who books a ticket on one of Amtrak’s trains will get a second ticket free. Tickets are valid for nationwide travel anytime between March 25 and July 29, 2019.

Fares are available between cities all across the country. You can travel between Portland, ME, and Boston for just $29; Seattle to Portland, OR, for just $35; and Detroit to Chicago for $39. For a full list of travel options, browse the full list of routes.

There are no blackout dates for this deal, and tickets are valid across all reserved service trains. They cannot, however, be applied to unreserved service routes including the Capital Corridor, Hiawatha Pacific Surfliner, or sections of the Pennsylvanian and Keystone Service.

Note that each pair of passengers is expected to be on the same trip, and booked under the same reservation.

H/T: Travel & Leisure

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The post Amtrak is running an amazing two-for-one sale for your next epic train trip appeared first on Matador Network.

Super Snow Moon coming to the US

The biggest supermoon of the year is coming next week. On Tuesday, February 19, the Super Snow Moon will be closer to earth than at any other time during the year. While it won’t be quite as dramatic as last month’s red Super Wolf Blood Moon total lunar eclipse (though that’s a pretty tough name to live up to), it does promise to be the biggest and brightest.

Supermoons occur any time the moon looks larger than usual due to its closeness to Earth, but the best supermoons, like the one next week, happen when they also coincide with a full moon. On February 19, the moon will be just 221,681 miles from Earth, which might sound pretty far, but it’s actually incredibly close.

You will have three chances to view next week’s supermoon from the US and Canada. The first comes on Monday evening at around 4:30 PM EST, then the following morning at 6:55 AM EST during sunrise, and again Tuesday night at 5:46 PM.

If you miss this one, the next supermoon occurs on March 20, the same day as the Spring Equinox, and is called the Super Worm Moon (not as romantic). And you’ll want to mark your calendar, as it will be the last supermoon of the year; the next one after that won’t happen until March 2020.

H/T: Travel & Leisure

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The post Next week’s Super Snow Moon will be the biggest and brightest of 2019 appeared first on Matador Network.

Senate passes conservation bill

In a surprising display of bipartisan effort, a new bill passed the US Senate on Tuesday calling for the enlargement of Joshua Tree and Death Valley national parks. The bill will also give government protections to several river landscapes in California and Utah, as well as over a million acres of new wilderness and conservation areas across the western US. The Natural Resources Management Act passed 92-8 in the Senate — a surprising landslide considering the reluctance of the Republican-controlled body to take steps toward conservation.

In California alone, the bill protects nearly 500,000 acres, adding 43,000 acres to Death Valley and Joshua Tree, the latter of which was heavily damaged during the government shutdown. The bill also allocated 375,000 acres of new wilderness in the southern California desert — an important ecosystem for wildlife and cultural history like the Old Spanish Trail. Maite Arce, president and CEO of the Hispanic Access Foundation, explained the importance of these conservation efforts to the region. “Latinos make up nearly 50 percent of the population in the California desert. Protecting this area is significant to people across many cultures and communities.”

The bill will also protect 30,000 acres adjacent to the Yellowstone River in Montana from mining and promises the conservation of 100,000 acres of the Umpqua watershed in Oregon. Nearly 620 miles of river are now classified as “wild and scenic,” prohibiting federal support for dam construction and other similar projects. Perhaps most significantly, the bill renews the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which uses income generated by offshore oil and gas leasing to protect natural areas.

While President Trump has yet to sign the bill into law, its overwhelming passage in the Senate suggests that both Democrats and Republicans stand firmly behind these conservation efforts.

H/T: The Guardian

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The post Senate passes monumental conservation bill to enlarge national parks appeared first on Matador Network.

Best brunch spots in New Orleans

It’s easy to walk around with a devil may care attitude as you bar hop through Bourbon Street’s best bars until 4:00 AM. But nights eventually end and the inevitable morning comes, leaving you to fight off whatever demons are lingering from the night before. Luckily, New Orleans has a brunch scene that can cure any ailments.

It should be a rule that you can’t make fun of Millennials who boozy brunch before partaking in a boozy brunch in NOLA. There’s a little something for everyone, whether you’re into bottomless brunch, a drag queen show while you eat, upscale Louisiana cooking, jazz, or burlesque. The city really knows how to treat that weekend meal that’s too late for breakfast but too early for a proper lunch.

Throw your diet in the trash and enjoy yourself. These are the best brunch spots in New Orleans.

1. The Country Club

Photo: The Country Club/Facebook

Every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, The Country Club offers brunch with a full Bloody Mary bar complete with house-made pickles and all the hot sauces you could want. In terms of food, The Country Club is the type of place where you can order a starter of truffle mac n’ cheese and follow it up with grilled gulf fish without feeling guilty. The real draw, however, is the drag brunch, which has shows that run every Saturday at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM — just be sure to book early because spots fill up far in advance.

Location: 634 Louisa Street New Orleans, LA

2. Fullblast

Photo: Fullblast Brunch/Facebook

Brunch is, in some circles, more than just a meal. For Fullblast, it’s literally everything. The all-brunch restaurant has menu items like crab cake Benedict, shrimp and grits, and chicken Milanesa Benedict. You can wash it all down with a standard brunch cocktail (or an Old Fashioned if you’re really feeling a beverage), and the indecisive can get a mimosa flight with a line up of traditional, mango, and cranberry.

Location: 139 S Cortez St New Orleans, LA

3. Muriel’s

Muriel’s occupies a corner of Jackson Square in the French Quarter. During Sunday brunch, a live jazz band plays in the corner. If that’s too lively, there’s also a balcony where you can people watch as you eat elevated Louisiana cuisine. Get a New Orleans cocktail like a brandy milk punch, Sazerac, or Ramos Gin Fizz instead of the usual Bloody Mary and mimosa.

Location: 801 Chartres St New Orleans, LA

4. Vessel

Photo: Vessel NOLA/Facebook

If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “I want to brunch but also want to go to church,” then Vessel is your spot. The restaurant is inside a church built in 1914 and serves brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Consider it the church of brunch. Order up some shrimp and grits and ham and cheese croquettes. Vessel pays special attention to the cocktails that it serves and has an extensive wine list as well.

Location: 3835 Iberville St.New Orleans, LA

5. Atchafalaya

Photo: Atchafalaya/Facebook

Atchafalaya is worth the journey into the mostly residential neighborhood of the Irish Channel. There’s a classy vibe to the place, but it’s also not afraid to let its hair down. Live music every weekend sets the soundtrack to your brunching. When Atchafalaya opened, it didn’t yet have a liquor license and allowed people to bring their own alcohol to add to whatever they created at the custom Bloody Mary Bar. The restaurant has its own alcohol and cocktails now, but the famous Bloody Mary Bar remains.

Location: 901 Louisiana Ave. New Orleans, LA

6. Toups Meatery

Toups Meatery has been open since 2012 and serves up, as the name suggests, delicious meat-based dishes. Think lamb on stone ground grits, fried quail, oxtail poutine, and foie gras torchon. Come with a group and enjoy cocktails by the pitcher.

Location: 845 N. Carrollton Avenue, New Orleans, LA

7. Pythian Market

Photo: Pythian Market/Facebook

Pythian Market is one of the only places you’re going to be able to brunch on breakfast tacos while being treated to live jazz music. This food hall has 10-plus vendors, making it ideal if you’re with a group or people who can’t all agree on what they want. Or if you’re with one other person and you can’t agree on what you want. Whatever you choose, you can get discount drinks during brunch hours (11:00 AM to 2:00 PM) from Bar 1908.

Location: 234 Loyola Ave. New Orleans, LA

8. Biscuits and Buns on Banks

If you’re not feeling up to a boozy brunch, head to Biscuits and Buns on Banks. Make sure to fit a biscuit into your meal here at some point. Better yet, center your meal around a biscuit with an order of pot roast served over grits with a biscuit or a chicken tender biscuit smothered in honey sriracha sauce.

Location: 4337 Banks St, New Orleans, LA

9. SoBou

Photo: SoBou/Facebook

Burlesque brunch with live music sounds like a concept someone would make up as a mash-up parody of the things that New Orleans is known for. Yet it actually exists at SoBou, and it’s very much worth seeing for yourself. SoBou serves a three-course Creole brunch meal during the “legs and eggs show” while Bella Blue performers provide the entertainment. Order a hooch cocktail for the table to share that comes in a giant flask.

Location: 310 Rue Chartres New Orleans, LA

10. Madam’s Modern Kitchen and Bar

Photo: Elegent bar in New Orleans/Facebook

New Orleans’ red light district may be a thing of the past, but Madam’s Modern Kitchen and Bar is channeling the less seedy side of that part of the Big Easy’s history. The bar and restaurant has upscale takes on brunch dishes, like a croque madame made with truffle bechamel. The drinks trend on the higher side as well with cocktails like Reawakening (dry vermouth, Giffard Pamplemousse, Peychaud’s) joining the ever-present brunch favorite of bottomless Mimosas. Eat brunch, nap, then come back for the Red Light happy hour specials.

Location: 1300 Canal St New Orleans, LA

11. Surreys

Cleanse yourself from all the debauchery of the night before with fresh pressed juice and health food at Surreys. Or keep the party going — this place lets you bring in your own alcohol.

12. Brennan’s

Photo: Brennan’s Restaurant/Facebook

Brennan’s opened in 1946, and today serves up a menu inspired by French and Spanish food. It’s got a certain je-ne-sais-quoi Old World elegance, and the dishes are more on the side of fine dining than casual brunch. Make a reservation or be prepared to wait. Make sure to finish your meal with Bananas Foster.

Location: 417 Royal St, New Orleans, LA

13. DTB

Photo: DTB/Facebook

DTB stands for Down the Bayou, and the menu is filled with coastal Cajun food and inventive cocktails. Don’t let the Spanish moss hanging from the chandelier fool you; there’s nothing old about DTB. There are classic dishes like etouffee Benedict, originals like mushroom boudin balls, and original takes on classic dishes like the crispy oyster croque madame.

Location: 8201 Oak St #1, New Orleans, LA

14. Commander’s Palace

Photo: Commander’s Palace/Facebook

Around since 1893, Commander’s Palace is a New Orleans staple in the Garden District. It’s made a hell of a name for itself with seven James Beard Foundation Awards for the haute Creole cuisine, but that doesn’t mean they’re above a good ol’ jazz brunch. Brunch here is on the pricier side, but with options like the crispy Des Allemands catfish served over jambalaya grits, it’s worth it. To drink, order a classic Bloody Mary that’s spiked tableside.

Location: 1403 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA


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Sri Lanka’s best hikes

Given Sri Lanka’s jaw-dropping beaches, chilled mountain towns, epic train journeys, and ruins of ancient kingdoms, it’s no surprise that many travelers to this island nation never go hiking. But beyond all of its other sights, Sri Lanka is also a perfect destination for both beginners and advanced trekkers. Deep inside its central highlands, there’s a raw, breathing jungle begging to be discovered. The lowlands, meanwhile, are dotted with abruptly rising rocks, some of which were citadels in medieval Sri Lanka. If you are going to Sri Lanka, here are eight hikes and treks you need to check out.

1. Hiking Ella Rock for sunrise

Photo: N1924/Shutterstock

Ella is no longer a little-known destination. The Nine-Arch Bridge appears every day on our Instagram page, and Little Adam’s Peak is now a crowd-favorite for sunrise. However, due to its relatively strenuous nature, Ella Rock still remains slightly offbeat. From start to finish, the hike to Ella Rock takes about four hours, which means that you’d need start as early as 3:30 AM for sunrise. It’s also a quite steep climb, but it’s all worth it when you see the golden light flickering through the eucalyptus trees. Once you’re on top, take time to sit down on the perched edge and soak up the breathtaking views. Early mornings are also the best time for your hikes in Ella, as the midday sun is quite unbearable.

After your hike, come down for breakfast with a cup of good coffee at Buds and Beans Speciality Cafe in Ella. About five years ago, it was hard to even find a tiny shop in Ella, but this small town is now swamped with hostels, hotels, resorts, and homestays. For budget backpackers, Hangover Hostels Ella is the perfect place. If you are looking for a luxurious stay, check out 98 Acres.

2. Climb Adam’s Peak

Photo: shutterlk/Shutterstock

Adam’s Peak is in chilly Nallathanniya, a wet green place in Sri Lanka’s highlands surrounded by little cascades. A sacred place for most religious groups living in Sri Lanka, Adam’s Peak has a hike that usually starts at two in the morning to see the sun rising above the eastern skies. In early mornings, the funnel-shaped mountain is swathed by clouds, and golden light reveals the carpets of green, expanding over the horizon. A 6,000-step climb, it usually takes four to five hours to reach the summit.

The season for Adam’s Peak runs from December to May. Avoid full moon days as they are crowded with Buddhist pilgrims. It’s also best to skip weekends, other public holidays, and Sinhala and Hindu New Year season in April. From May to November, the region receives heavy rainfall, and the mountain top is usually covered by a thick, murky layer of fog.

Stay in Maskeliya by the beautiful Castlereigh Reservoir, which is eight miles away from Nallathanniya and can easily be reached by a tuk-tuk.

3. Climb the first two peaks of Hanthana Mountain Range

Photo: Hashan98/Shutterstock

As a little girl growing up in Kandy, I’d wake up every day to the beautiful views of Hanthana. The Hanthana Mountain Range consists of several peaks. The first two peaks are easily ascended in a day and perfect for beginner hikers. There are a few entry points, one of which is located close to the University of Peradeniya. Patched with thick grasslands, the trail is often home to bloodthirsty leeches. If you are adventurous enough, climb the highest peak, Ura Ketu Gala, and move to Katusu Konda (another nearby peak) for overnight camping. A guide is highly recommended for your hike and can be easily arranged by your hotel or hostel in Kandy.

4. Day trip to the Knuckles Mountain Range

Photo: Nuwan Liyanage/Shutterstock

In the Knuckles Mountain Range, for most of the year, mist cloaks the changing terrain of montane forests and rugged peaks. Tiny cold cascades, hiding from the tropical sun, stumble down the rocks and join swiftly flowing rivers. Hardly known to foreign tourists, the mountain range is a frequented place by local trekkers. You can easily spend one or two weeks here, but if you have little time, a day trip can be arranged in the nearby towns of Kandy or Matale.

If you are coming from Matale, stop by Bambara Kiri Ella Falls, a picturesque waterfall with a stunning blue base pool. Take a dip and enjoy your Sri Lankan breakfast from a small family-run shop next to the waterfall. After two to three hours, you will reach Pitawala Pathana, a grassland which takes you to a few cliff edges, known as the Mini World’s End. If time permits, visit Sera Ella Waterfall before you reach your accommodation. Journey Through Sri Lanka also organizes customized single-day and multi-day tours to the Knuckles Mountain Range.

5. Stay in Meemure

Photo: bestsrilankatrip/Shutterstock

Meemure is no longer hidden to the outside world. The village, however, is still very remote with no public transport from the nearby towns. It lies in the Knuckles Mountain Range and has no cellular coverage. The tiny hamlet, with about 400 people, is home to paddy terraces, natural bathing pools, and stunning mountains. One of those mountains is Lakegala, a bare rock outcrop. The hike to Lakegala is not for those who are fainthearted. If you an adrenaline junkie, however, contact Ceylon Ramblers’ Club, which organizes both private and group tours to Meemure and Lakegala.

6. Climb Pidurangala

Photo: Oliver Foerstner/Shutterstock

An Instagram-favorite, Pidurangala overlooks the Lion Rock in Sigiriya. Climb either for sunrise or sunset. The climb up usually takes 45 minutes to one hour depending on your fitness levels. One of the many reasons Pidurangala became popular was the smaller entrance fee of less than $3 was much less than the $30 fee for its neighbor, the Lion Rock. You will also meet a few friendly pooches who guide your way through and chase away monkeys on top.

Hangover Hostels has a hostel in Sigiriya, located close to Pidurangala for those who are on a budget. If you are looking for a peaceful stay in an eco-friendly accommodation with authentic local elements, stay at Mahagedara Wellness Retreat deep inside a rural village.

7. Hike the Idalgashinna-Ohiya Railway

Photo: Matyas Rehak/Shutterstock

Sri Lanka is home to some of the most beautiful train routes — one reason to get off the train and follow the railway tracks. Idalgashinna is a sleepy village before you arrive at Haputale. Idalgashinna to Ohiya is a five-mile walk along the railway tracks. The trail welcomes you with rolling hills, mist curling up over pine-clad mountain peaks and some 14 tunnels (tunnel numbers 35 to 22). Be aware of the occasional train, especially when you are inside a tunnel.

Once you are in Ohiya, stop for a fresh cup of Sri Lankan tea from a tiny boutique before moving to Hill Safari Eco Lodge to stay a night or two.

8. Summit Lipton’s Seat

Photo: Marius Dobilas/Shutterstock

To visit Lipton’s Seat, base yourself in stunning Haputale, a mountain town that neighbors Ella (much quieter than Ella). The four-mile climb up takes you through tea plantations and occasional tea plucking ladies dressed in sarees. Although often glamorized for tourism purposes, workers in the tea plantation sector have a complex past and suffer low wages despite long hours of work.

The views from Lipton’s Seat are quite stunning. On top, there’s a statue of Sir Thomas Lipton, with a cup of tea on his hand. You will have to reach the top before 10:00 AM as clouds come rolling in, leaving you with nothing but a mystic layer of fog.


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