Matador Network's Blog, page 1171

Super Bowl six-pick promotion

Even if you’re not into football, you’ll want to watch Super Bowl 2019 on Sunday, February 3. Hardee’s, the popular burger chain is offering free breakfast — a Made From Scratch Sausage Biscuit — if a pick-six happens in the Super Bowl.

A pick six is an interception that’s returned for a touchdown. And it’s actually not as much of a long shot as you might think. Since 2007 there have been six such played in Super Bowls — each occurring in a separate game. The longest play in Super Bowl history happened exactly 10 years ago, when the Steelers’ James Harrison intercepted Kurt Warner and ran the ball 100 yards for a touchdown.

If history repeats itself, you’ll be able to stroll into your local Hardee’s on February 8 between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM to pick up your free sandwich. Unfortunately for New England fans, there are no Hardee’s locations in New England, but watching Tom Brady collect his sixth championship ring should be a decent consolation prize.

H/T: Thrillist

More like this: 7 craziest international sports you need to see played in person

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Where to eat and drink ATL airport

Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport is the busiest airport in the world. Thankfully, the airport planners had restaurants, food, and drinks in mind when designing the terminals. There are places for classic southern staples like chicken and beer, as well as restaurants you likely already know, like P.F. Chang’s and Shake Shack. Not to mention fine dining like One Flew South, which sets the bar for the best airport food. Frankly, Atlanta is one of the best airports in the world if you’re looking for a kick-ass meal and beverage.

These are the best places to eat and drink in every terminal of the Atlanta airport.

Concourse T

Photo: Grindhouse Killer Burgers/Facebook

Grindhouse Killer Burgers: A local favorite, this burger joint serves breakfast, custom burgers, fries, and shakes. A full bar awaits anyone waiting out a delay. A constantly running projection screen keeps the masses entertained.

Atlanta Stillhouse: This barbecue joint is sponsored by Jim Beam. And while there’s food, you can’t go wrong if you’re just popping in for a bourbon or cocktail.

Concourse A

Varasano’s Pizzeria: This is not your average congealed cheese airport pizza. Varasano’s has thin-crust pizza and a decent wine list to match. Let the live piano music calm you down while waiting for your flight delay to clear up.

TAP: Atlanta has a burgeoning craft beer scene, and you can sample some of the best of it at TAP. Keeping with the theme of the name, there’s also wine on tap. And not keeping with the theme of the name, there are cocktails.

Piano Bar: Keep things low-key with a glass of wine while you listen to some calming live piano music.

Concourse B

Photo: Bobby’s Burger Palace/Facebook

Bobby’s Burger Palace: You know Bobby Flay from Iron Chef. Get to know him through his burgers (or at least a burger place with his name on it). There are also shakes spiked with vodka if you’re into that.

Paschal’s Southern Cuisine: If you’re looking to get a first or last taste of Atlanta without leaving the airport, come here. Paschal’s is famous for Southern soul food classics like fried chicken, catfish, mac ‘n cheese, and country fried steak. The original spot opened in the city in 1947, and the Atlanta airport location opened in 1979.

LottaFrutta: Maybe you’re done with the heavy fried food. If so, go to LottaFrutta for smoothies, fruit cups, and sandwiches.

Concourse C

El Taco: The airport location of the beloved Virginia Highland restaurant. Do things Atlanta-style and order a fried chicken taco. Match it up with a margarita from the bar and you’ll be set for a flight of any length.

Concourse D

Photo: Chicken+Beer/Facebook

Chicken and Beer: A restaurant from Chris Bridges, aka Ludacris, aka Luda, aka the best character in the Fast and the Furious franchise. Order beef cheeks, crawfish, garlic tater tots, and, naturally, fried chicken. Also don’t forget about the end of the name: beer.

Grindhouse Killer Burgers: The original airport location has what it takes to satisfy any burger, shakes, and fries craving you have. Keep an eye out for the robot mural.

40/40 Club: Originally backed by Jay-Z, this cocktail bar has a swanky vibe and prices to match.

Concourse E

One Flew South: This was the first upscale restaurant in the Atlanta airport. It’s still the best in the South, as well as one of the best airport restaurants anywhere. The restaurant serves everything from sushi to pork belly sliders. Cocktails with your meal is always a good choice here.

Concourse F

Photo: The Original El Taco/Facebook

El Taco: Like the spot in Concourse C, this location serves Tex-Mex, Oaxacan food, and a Southern twist on tacos with some fried chicken. Don’t leave without a margarita.

Ecco: Come for the fine cheese and charcuterie if you’re looking for a light snack, or stay for a flatbread or panini. This Italian restaurant has an upscale menu with plenty of wines by the glass to sip on and enjoy.


More like this: Airport food is actually good now, at least at these US airports

The post Best places to eat and drink in Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport appeared first on Matador Network.

World's first autism waterpark

Theme parks have been growing more and more inclusive. Sesame Place in Pennsylvania became the first theme park in the world designated as a Certified Autism Center in 2018, and now waterparks are following suit.

Aquatica Orlando in Florida is now the world’s first autism-certified waterpark. The autism certification was awarded after a collaboration with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards to have all staff properly trained in autism sensitivity, awareness, communication, and motor skills.

The park provides a Sensory Guide for families to be able to plan their trip to the waterpark, so that there’s no bad surprises during their stay. Within the park, there’s also a Quiet Room for children who need a break from sensory stimulation, and Low Sensory Areas, which offer adjustable lighting and comfortable seating areas.

The park’s ultimate goal, according to the website, is to “provide every family with an enjoyable and memorable visit to Aquatica Orlando, and we are proud to offer specialized services to guests with autism and other special needs.”

H/T: PureWow

More like this: Family trips we love for 2019

The post The world’s first autism-certified waterpark just opened in Florida appeared first on Matador Network.

Things to do in Aarhus

Danes claim to be the happiest people on the planet, and a stop in the city of Aarhus is the easiest way to see why. Here, in Denmark’s second largest city, bold architecture and top-notch interior design complement scenic harbors and a creative dining scene. Located on the Jutland peninsula that extends into the North Sea, this city surrounded by forests has the largest concert hall in Europe and apartments that look like icebergs. Here are some of its top sights.

Admire the city through rainbow-colored glass.

Photo: Oliver Hoffmann/Shutterstock

Located close to the city center and Aarhus River’s canal, the ARoS Art Museum is among northern Europe’s largest. The facility is housed in one of the city’s most iconic buildings, a cube-shaped, 10-story structure inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy. On the rooftop, visitors enjoy an astonishing view of the city through a 360-degree walkway with colorful glass called ‘’Your Rainbow Panorama,” an architectural wonder designed by the celebrated Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson. The museum’s other floors house a massive collection of Dutch art spanning a period of 300 years, as well as modern works from Dutch and international artists. Check the website for ongoing, impressive temporary exhibitions, as well.

Marvel at the city’s modern architecture.

Photo: ricochet64/Shutterstock

Aarhus is home to some of Europe’s most impressive architectural landmarks, most of which are located in Aarhus Ø, the city’s newest and most modern quarter. The “iceberg’’ apartment building is the best known among them. As the name suggests, this residential complex resembles floating icebergs and offers stunning ocean views to those fortunate to live there. Nearby, the neighborhood’s old harbor has been transformed into a massive library and community center called Dokk1. This strikingly renovated space is designed to “bridge citizens, technology, and knowledge,” essentially a sanctuary for those who value learning.

Dokk1 is near the classic Aarhus Theater, a brightly painted landmark building that hosts cutting-edge theatrical works. Lastly, there’s Musikhuset, the largest concert hall in Scandinavia, with six halls and nine different stages. Here, you can catch everything from ballet and modern dance performances to electronic DJs and musical acts like The Band of Horses.

Step into old Denmark.

Photo: HildaWeges Photography/Shutterstock

It may seem quaint, but Den Gamle By is a fun contrast to the Aarhus’s cutting-edge, modern architecture. Everyone working in this museum town dresses, acts, and plies trades straight out of certain time periods — be it the 1900s, 1920s, or 1970s. From the colorful wooden architecture and traditional outfits to old-timey food, the area is like a time warp that you won’t soon forget.

Picnic in the forest — with beer.

Photo: mpaniti/Shutterstock

Only a few kilometers from the Aarhus city center lies a vast, magnificent forest filled with oak trees, colorful flower fields, and rare species of plants. Marselisborg Forest is an excellent choice for a short excursion away from urban surroundings, ideal for a bike ride through the woods or a yoga session on grass-covered glade. During sunny weekends, the forest brims with locals out for a stroll along with their picnic baskets — and often an impressive amount of beer. The northern part of Marselisborg is inhabited by wild deer so accustomed to humans that you may be able to get close enough for a photo.

Go for a spin at Tivoli Friheden.

Photo: Tivoli Friheden/Facebook

Tivoli Friheden is the lesser-known counterpart of Copenhagen’s beloved Tivoli Gardens. Located in the heart of Marselisborg Forest, this amusement park is ideal for families and solo travelers alike. Thrilling roller coasters, colorful carousels, kid-friendly rides, and a long lazy river guarantee a fun day for both young and older visitors. After you’ve been turned upside down on the park’s rides, relax with a cup of coffee at cafe Sving, a slice of pizza at Karussellen, or traditional Danish hotdog at one of the park’s food stalls. If you visit from April to September, check out Friheden’s schedule. Its stages feature popular music concerts, plays, and other events during the warmer months.

Gorge on Danish cuisine at local food markets.

Photo: Artmim/Shutterstock

Having undergone a decade-long process of restoration, Aarhus Central Food Market reopened to the public in 2016. The waiting period has proven well worth it, as the market has become a small slice of paradise for foodies and gastronomy connoisseurs. Featuring over 20 different food stalls, the market offers delicacies from all over the globe — but you can’t leave without sampling authentic Danish dishes like krebinetteror smørrebrød. There are even frequent seminars and cooking classes where you can get acquainted with Scandinavian cuisine and learn the difference between a flæskesteg and a culottesteg.

Be awestruck by Denmark’s largest church.

Photo: Antony McAulay/Shutterstock

Standing at 300 feet tall in the heart of the city, the majestic Aarhus Cathedral is a mix of Gothic and Romanesque architecture and definitely most of the city’s most significant historical buildings. The cathedral’s exact date of erection remains unknown, but it is estimated to have been around the 12th century. Being the tallest church in the country, you can admire the fresco paintings and murals in the interior, as well as the legendary pipe organ with the baroque facade, built in the 18th century.

Spend a long, long summer day at the beach.

Photo: Sara Bisgaard/Shutterstock

During summer, the city of Aarhus feels oddly quiet, its shopping streets and squares nearly empty. That’s not surprising considering you can reach several beaches in only minutes from the city center. At its peak, Scandinavian summer grants almost 16 hours of daylight. Locals seem to spend most of their days relaxing, sunbathing, and swimming on Bellevue Beach or “den permanente,” both within a walking radius of the city center and also reachable by bus.


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Summer music festival lineups

It’s festival season! Ok, no, it’s not even close to festival season, and depending on where you are right now you may be staring out the window at an icicle the size of a power forward. But that just means you have plenty of time to daydream about what you’ll do once the snowbound apocalypse is over. Some of the big festival organizers know this and have done us the favor of releasing their lineups, so we can start planning our warm weather vacations now.

To assist you in your journey, we’ve compiled all the big summer music festivals that’ve released their lineups already, with some tips on acts to catch beyond the big name headliners.

Coachella — Indio, California

April 12-14, April 19-21

Photo: Coachella

Though it’s not quite the desert debauchery of Burning Man, this much-more-mainstream festival in the California desert often draws the biggest names of the season over two weekends. Its proximity to Los Angeles has also made it a spot for monumental musical moments, like the famous Tupac hologram and the long-awaited Guns N’ Roses reunion.

Headliners: Childish Gambino, Tame Impala, Ariana Grande

Who to look out for: Bob Moses is actually two people, and it’ll be interesting to see if these Canadians who scored big hits last year with “Back Down” and “Heaven Only Knows” can handle the desert heat. Another 2018 chart topper — Camelphat — hits the stage on Friday as part of the EDM lineup.

New Orleans Jazz Festival — New Orleans, Louisiana

April 25-May 5

Photo: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the largest jazz festival in America, which has grown far beyond jazz and now encompasses pretty much every genre of music. The festival runs over two weekends, bringing over 200 acts from bonafide hall-of-famers to high-energy local brass bands. It’s the kind of festival where you may have more fun skipping the big names and checking out the smaller venues, and much like the food, it’s hard to find bad music in New Orleans.

Headliners: The Rolling Stones, Dave Matthews Band, Katy Perry, Jimmy Buffett, Chris Stapleton, Bob Seger

Who to look out for: This lineup is more stacked than the Lakers after they pilfer Anthony Davis away from NOLA, but some of the more intriguing names here are the trap-rapping drag queen Big Freedia, Jerry Lee Lewis (yep, still alive), and the Marsalis family tribute where Wynton, Branford, and the rest of Jazz’s first family will perform together.

Stagecoach — Indio, California

April 26-28

Photo: Stagecoach Festival

Stagecoach is kind of country music’s answer to Coachella in that it’s held at the same Empire Polo Grounds in Indio the weekend after all those Rock/Pop/EDM heathens clear outta town. It’s steadily gained in popularity since its start in 2007, drawing a record 75,000 people last year. The festival used to include a full-on barbecue competition but now has a lone BBQ joint run by Guy Fieri. And in case you feel like dancing, Stagecoach also has an old-school dancehall, complete with air conditioning.

Headliners: Luke Bryan, Sam Hunt, Jason Aldean

Who to look out for: Lynyrd Skynyrd — the band from Florida that wrote a famous song about Alabama — plays Saturday before headliner Hunt. Poison’s Bret Michaels has a Friday set, which will be entertaining for the possibility of a Rock of Love “surprise guest.” If you’re looking for a country performer you might not have heard of, check out Tyler Rich on Friday.

Hangout — Gulf Shores, Alabama

May 17-19

Photo: Hangout Fest

This festival on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico is about as close to spring break as you can acceptably attend past the age of 22. Hangout is as much about the parties on the beach as the shows within the gates and has grown to draw nearly 40,000 people, some of whom watch the acts from inside the Gulf.

Headliners: Travis Scott, The Lumineers, Khalid, Vampire Weekend, Cardi B, Kygo

Who to look out for: Hippie Sabotage does some of the best pop remixes in the industry (Tove Lo’s “Stay High” is a Spotify favorite) and if you can catch them at a late-night set, it’s a perfect way to cap off the night. If you’re in the mood to dance, check out Loud Luxury whose hit “Body” makes it hard not to move.

Bottlerock — Napa, California

May 24-26

Photo: BottleRock

It might be the closest thing to an unrefined weekend you’ll find in swanky Napa Valley, when kids from all over NorCal descend on wine country for a rock and indie music festival over Memorial Day Weekend. The vibe here is considerably laid back, but the festival is fully aware of the typical Napa clientele and balances “classic” acts with new ones to keep everyone happy.

Headliners: Imagine Dragons, Neil Young, Mumford and Sons, Santana, Pharrell Williams, Logic

Who to look out for: We can’t be the only ones who wish we could be backstage when Santana runs into Imagine Dragons and is like “The f**k you guys doing?” Assuming you miss that sideshow, Too $hort is on the Sunday bill along with Jeff “The Fly” Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra. Even if you speak zero Spanish, check out Juanes for a little bit of culture.

Boston Calling — Boston, Massachusetts

May 24-26

Photo: Boston Calling Music Festival

Once upon a time this festival ran twice a year — in May and September — until we can only assume organizers realized it conflicted with Red Sox playoff baseball and moved it to an annual event over Memorial Day weekend. The festival is held at the Harvard Sports Complex, which isn’t technically on the Harvard campus but still feels smart. In addition to music, this popular festival also includes performances from several stand-up comedians.

Headliners: Twenty One Pilots, Travis Scott, Tame Impala

Who to look out for: Though it sounds a little more like music you’d hear sipping a Corona on the beach/at Hollister, Guster has a great, relaxing summer sound that’s worth checking out. Janelle Monae isn’t exactly under-the-radar but might be biggest all-around female musical talent alive. Imogen Heap is always a little weird but never not entertaining.

Governors Ball — New York, New York

May 31-June 2

Photo: The Governors Ball Music Festival

Governors Ball, currently held at Randall’s Island Park, draws its name from its origins at Governor’s Island where it set a single-day attendance record when it debuted in 2011. The festival has grown into a three-day extravaganza that’s the largest music event of the year in NYC. Last year it drew 150,000 people to see Eminem and Jack White, among others.

Headliners: Lil Wayne; Tyler, the Creator; Florence and the Machine; Major Lazer; The Strokes; Nas

Who to look out for: Ladies will love Charli XCX, who’s put out a string of “girl power” pop hits perfect for in-car sing-alongs. Ty Dolla $ign, who you may not know by name, is a voice you know from tracks like Fifth Harmony’s “Work from Home” and Pitbull’s “Better on Me.”

Bonnaroo — Manchester, Tennessee

June 13-16

Photo: Bonnaroo

This annual camping festival is held on a 650-acre farm at Great Stage Park between Chattanooga and Nashville. It’s been around since 2002 and draws around 80,000 fans annually for what’s morphed from a folk/hippie rock festival into a festival headlined by Post Malone.

Headliners: Post Malone, Phish, Childish Gambino, Cardi B, The Lumineers, Odesza

Who to look out for: The Wood Brothers, who toured with Zac Brown for a hot minute, are immensely talented guitar players and one of the best modern folk bands around. The Record Company is also solid, a band that is so entertaining to watch you don’t need to know any of their songs to enjoy a set.

Firefly — Dover, Delaware

June 21-23

Photo: Firefly Music Festival

Not to be confused with the we’ll-do-anything-for-water Fyre Festival, this actually happening Delaware music fest is the state’s biggest event of the year, drawing 90,000 people to the Dover International Speedway. It’s returning to its original three-day format this year after expanding to include Thursday shows from 2013 to 2018.

Headliners: Panic! at the Disco; Travis Scott; Post Malone; Tyler, the Creator; Kygo; Vampire Weekend

Who to look out for: In case you were wondering what Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes was up to after burning Andre Rison’s house down, her and the rest of TLC will be completely scrub-free on Friday. 3Lau is always a good show if your neck is up for some extreme head-banging. Andrew McMahon and the Wilderness and Bishop Briggs play Saturday, hopefully not at the same time.

Lollapalooza — Chicago, Illinois

August 1-4

Photo: Lollapalooza

What began as a Jane’s Addiction farewell tour in 1991 was re-hatched in the early 2000s as a full-fledged festival and now takes over Chicago’s Grant Park for the first weekend in August, drawing over 150,000 fans. The festival has also grown to include iterations in six other countries.

Headliners: Foo Fighters, Travis Scott, Lana Del Rey, Laleh

Who to look out for: Greta Van Fleet may be barely more than a Led Zeppelin cover band, but they’re certainly picking up steam with a recent SNL performance and Grammy nomination. The 1975 is also a crowd favorite that usually pulls headliner status at smaller festivals.


More like this: 7 cultural festivals you need to check out around the world

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Best secret hot springs in the West

Hot springs are nature’s spa. And since you find them in settings like vast deserts and moss-shrouded forests, they can often be combined with an outdoor activity, be it hiking, running, or even surfing. While some springs require reservations and planning — to avoid the crowds that make them seem more like water parks than quiet getaways — several lesser-known hot springs, from Death Valley to Vancouver Island, do offer welcome solitude. Here’s where to go.

A word on natural hot springs

These natural hot springs are private and often free, but what they don’t offer are on-site facilities. So accept the clothing-optional vibes where applicable and pack in (and out) everything you might need. Be sure to also carry plenty of water and stay hydrated.

1. Saline Valley Hot Springs, California

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There’s one reason why the Saline Valley Hot Springs, tucked into an out-of-the-way corner of Death Valley, remain pristine and, for the most part, uncrowded: They’re really, really remote. Directions are scarce since rangers are hesitant to give out information on the whereabouts of the hot springs, but if you find them, expect several hours of driving on a washboard road. Once you arrive, sweaty, dusty, and potentially with newfound experience in changing flat tires, expect an oasis. Palm trees cluster in thick stands around hot springs while creosote dots the valley floor and provide a sweet, smoky scent to the sunbaked earth.

Due to the isolated location, be prepared for high heat, cold desert nights, and a gang of resident wild donkeys to be a nuisance (or a delight, depending on your take). Clothing is optional. (Note: In mid-2018, national park officials took public comment on the hot springs. They’re considering removing the non-native palms and recent art, as well as setting up a permit system for some campsites — but will keep the hot springs open to the public.)

2. Hot Springs Cove, British Columbia

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Hot Springs Cove, located on the storm-ravaged western coast of British Columbia’s Vancouver Island, is accessible only by boat or by seaplane. Take a guided trip from Tofino, Canada’s surf capital, where you’ll step out onto a cedar boardwalk engulfed by bright green old growth forest. After a 30-minute walk, take a soak in one of several hot springs and enjoy waterfalls and a view of the ocean. While the hot springs can be packed in the summer, the off-season is a better time to go to avoid the crowds. Hot Springs Cove is family friendly; most don bathing suits.

3. Meadow Hot Springs, Utah

Photo: Kris Wiktor/Shutterstock

Stop in Meadow, Utah, scan the horizon, and you’re not likely to see anything. Drive down a country ride, follow the correct meadow-laced trail, and you’ll see it: hot springs so turquoise they rival the color of the Caribbean. The property owner allows visitors, so be sure to respect the signs and leave no trace. Choose between three pools, the warmest of which feels like a hot tub. For a fun surprise, hike over to the last pool where freshwater fish will nibble on your feet. Meadow Hot Springs is family friendly with bathing suits preferred.

4. Deep Creek Hot Springs, California

Photo: Nature Graphics/Shutterstock

California has numerous hot springs, and for the most part they’ve not been privatized. This is good news for the intrepid traveler who’s willing to drive far and hike farther. Deep Creek Hot Springs offers plenty of privacy due to the 45-minute hike from your parking spot at Bowen Ranch to the river where hot springs await. Take your time going down and, later, back up the steep trail — horny toads are frequently spotted, and Jerusalem crickets appear at dusk.

Due to the popularity of the trail, a $10 fee per person is required. The hot springs can be accessed from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, which provides plenty of time to relax in the warm waters before finding camp at least one-mile from Deep Creek, a recent requirement. Bring plenty of water; this trail is almost entirely exposed and temperatures can reach over 100°F in the summer months. Deep Creek Hot Springs is generally clothing optional.

5. Verde River Hot Springs, Arizona

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It’s a long, rough road to these secluded hot springs, but it’s well worth the drive. The Verde River Hot Springs have the same bohemian atmosphere as Sedona just a few hours to the north — the walls of one of the main pools has been painted in kaleidoscopic colors by visitors and locals alike. Admire the art while basking in 98°F water.

The current site sits on the grounds of a once-popular resort that sadly burned down in 1962. The hot springs remain an attraction as nearby camping makes for a great weekend trip. From the decommissioned Child Powers plant, follow the river for one mile before crossing over. Prepare to get wet, but avoid putting yourself or a loved one in a dangerous situation if the river is overly high or flowing strong. While nudity is prohibited, rules are not strictly enforced.

6. Sykes Hot Springs, California

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Located deep in Big Sur’s Ventana Wilderness, Sykes is perhaps the most rewarding hot spring on this list. That’s because the hike out there — more than just a long drive from San Francisco or a quick stop along scenic 101 — is a 20-mile round-trip trek. Backpack in, enjoy a clothing-optional soak at any one of the numerous baths, and then set up camp on the bank of the river. There, you can watch golden-crowned kinglets flit from tree to tree and let the warm waters rejuvenate your muscles. The trail to the baths have been closed since late 2017 but are set to re-open in mid-2019. Check the trail information for updates.


More like this: 7 wild hot springs around the world with amazing views

The post The 6 best secret hot springs the West has to offer appeared first on Matador Network.

Every type of clam chowder, ranked

All clam chowders are not made equal. You’re likely familiar with the basics of clam chowder, but if you’ve ever traveled up the Northeast coast, you know it’s much more complicated than a simple order. There are four distinct styles of clam chowder — and only one of them is the best.

All clam chowder has the basics: clams, potatoes, salt pork or bacon, and onion. After that, it’s a wild, wild clam chowder country out there. From the tip of New England to the bottom of Manhattan and everywhere in between, a debate rages on about which style of clam chowder reigns supreme. Sure, the debate is less fired up than the argument over the best style of pizza, but it’s no less important.

These are the four main types of clam chowder you’ll come across in your life, ranked from worst to best.

4. Rhode Island clam chowder

Photo: AnastasiaKopa/Shutterstock

Sorry, Rhode Island. First of all, this isn’t even a real chowder. A chowder is considered a soup that often uses milk or cream and has a thick consistency. Rhode Island clam chowder has neither of those characteristics. Nevertheless, it retains the name — hence its last-place spot.

Rhode Island clam chowder has a clear broth. It also has a strong presence of herbs like parsley and thyme. Rhode Island chowder makers also use a large regional type of clam, called a quahog, that the others don’t. There’s also a red version of Rhode Island chowder made with tomato puree, but it’s just about as thin as the clear broth chowder of Little Rhody.

No offense to Rhode Island in general, but this is more like chicken soup with clams thrown in.

3. Manhattan clam chowder

Photo: AS Food studio/Shutterstock

It’s easy to spot Manhattan clam chowder by the reddish broth from the addition of tomatoes. The add-in dates back to Italian and Portuguese immigrants in the early 1900s in New York City. A proper Manhattan clam chowder base always uses tomatoes or tomato paste. It also lacks the cream of a New England chowder. Manhattan clam chowder also has more vegetables like green peppers, celery, and carrots.

New Englanders, understandably, are not fans of this city-slick chowder. So much so that, in 1939, Maine introduced a bill that outlawed putting tomatoes in chowder.

Manhattan clam chowder is more like a hearty tomato stew than clam chowder. The acidity of the tomatoes can be overpowering, and the broth is often watery. It’s no Rhode Island, but it’s barely a chowder.

Note: New Jersey clung onto and copied New York’s chowder but added Old Bay seasoning. For the purpose of this list, it is in the same boat as Manhattan clam chowder.

2. Long Island clam chowder

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If a Manhattan and a New England clam chowder had a baby, it would be the Long Island clam chowder. This soup gets its name from its location between New York and the New England coast. It takes aspects of both for a marriage of flavor. Or it’s a cop-out, depending on your point of view.

Ingredients vary, but all Long Island chowders have tomatoes and cream. The broth tends to be a creamy tomato blend that’s thick like New England clam chowder. Long Island style is relatively new to the soup world, but it is catching on.

The best attribute about Long Island clam chowder is that it’s very similar to New England style. The combination of a light tomato broth with the addition of some cream is a perfect twist on a classic favorite, and you can’t be mad if it’s the only chowder on the menu.

1. New England clam chowder

Photo: Ezume Images/Shutterstock

The reigning champion of all chowders is New England clam chowder. It’s always made with heavy cream or whole milk as the base. That’s what gives a true chowder its white color and thick consistency. No vegetables besides potatoes are used. In addition, a cup of “chowda” is always served with some oyster crackers to crush and sprinkle on top.

This is the chowder to end all chowders. It’s served in restaurants around the country, but Maine and Massachusetts are where it’s most popular. This style of chowder dates back to the 1700s, and it’s been served in Boston’s Union Oyster House, the oldest continuously running restaurant in the US, since 1836. To many people, New England chowder is just known as clam chowder — and for good reason. It’s the best thanks to a balanced ratio of potatoes to clams and a broth that’s filling without being either watery or heavy. Plus there’s no better companion for oyster crackers.


More like this: Every American pizza style, ranked

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Hiking the Israel National Trail

If all those people hiking the Camino, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the West Highland Way have inspired you to pack a bag and take a long-distance walk, know that there is a lesser-known path in the Middle East that is just as rewarding and much less crowded. The Israel National Trail is a 683-mile hiking trail that crosses Israel between the southern and northern borders. It is the perfect endeavor for those who are looking for something challenging, not just physically but philosophically, with a dab of cultural exposure and political reality check, as well as jaw-dropping landscapes. Here is why you need to trek the Israel National Trail.

Israel is small but incredibly diverse, and you’ll see all of it.

The fact that Israel is a small country is a good thing since you’re not only going to walk across it, but you’ll be on a meandering path that turns the roughly 283 miles north to south into 683, not including the irresistible side-trips. Here’s the lay of the land.

The Negev desert

Photo: Jessica Stone

The remote and physically demanding Negev desert is often considered the most rewarding, with its canyons and craters, moonscapes and oases. It has its logistical challenges, but they are relatively easily overcome — water and supplies can be cached by you or by an operator (we recommend Yonatan from Shelter Hostel in Eilat) or simply hauled on your back and rationed more carefully. For a respite, there is fairly frequent access to communities not far off the trail and on trail diversions like Timna Park, with its unlikely pond and luxurious restaurant, or the sleepy town of Mitzpe Ramon perched on an amazing crater. Rustic camping conditions may also be augmented with a romantic night in a traditional Bedouin tent, and be sure to revive your parched body by cliff jumping at the Ein Akev oasis. There is nothing quite like sleeping out under the stars in the desert or in a tent if you don’t mind the weight — or worry about snakes and scorpions.

Central Israel

Photo: Jessica Stone

In contrast to the desert south, the trail through central Israel blends rolling forests, gorgeous coastline, and the steep rocky mountains around Jerusalem with their ancient terraces, springs, and scenes that can only be described as biblical. Relive the drama of the Burma Road, the impossible bypass that broke the siege of Jerusalem during the Independence War, and stroll through the forest of six million trees, planted in memory of the Holocaust victims. Ancient ruins and historic sites are everywhere — far too many to excavate and develop them all, which means you find yourself having breaks or taking shelter in some very ancient high-class settings. Though you will be winding your way through the most populated area of the country, the trail somehow manages to keep the culture shock to a minimum so that even the trail into Tel Aviv, with its tunnels of greenery, feels surprisingly remote.

The north

Photo: Jessica Stone

The north of Israel is an agricultural wonder where traditional Jaffa oranges, grapes, and olives grow next to the more modern climate-adapted avocados, bananas, and mangoes. The fields are interspersed with artsy communities; the cultural variety of Druze, Bedouin, and Arab villages; the classic waters of the River Jordan and Sea of Galilee; and everywhere, historic and religious sites that are guaranteed to be of some interest to just about everyone. Imagine the entertainment of the Roman/Muslim/Crusader theater in Caesarea or where Jesus was baptized by John in the River Jordan, but don’t miss the modern-day miracle of generosity at the Angel Shelter Khan Yotam just outside the artist’s colony of Ein Hod. There are also many caves worth exploring, so keep your eyes peeled. I found myself laying out my sleeping bag deep in a huge beautiful bell cave barely noticeable on the side of the trail. Even while the darkness hiding who-knows-what in the depths, combined with the undecipherable sounds, were intimidating, I couldn’t resist the beauty and welcome of nature’s shelter embracing me and slept like a baby. Try it.

You’ll truly get to know the country through its people.

Photo: Jessica Stone

On a long journey like this one, social interaction is very important, especially if you’re tackling it on your own, and the people is where the INT really shines. Since I took this trip in early 2018, I tell everyone that if they ever lose faith in humanity, go and hike the Israel National Trail. It will restore you.

The Israeli

Israel is a country largely populated by the returning diaspora of Jews from all of over the world, so Israelis themselves are as diverse as your fellow hikers. That said, there is a distinctly Israeli identity, and it can take a little bit of getting used to. The people there are very straightforward, but their honesty and lack of pretense are liberating and make for deeper or more meaningful conversations. If you have come to Israel with preconceived ideas related to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, or any of the other political issues of the Middle East, you’ll find it surprisingly easy to find people to discuss those ideas with. Take advantage of the rare opportunity for insight into one of the world’s oldest, newest, most hated, often envied, and undeniably enduring cultures of our times.

The trail Angels

On the INT, the Angels are accessed through Israel National trail app — the same app that leads you back to the trail if you miss a marker, warns you of the day’s challenges, reminds you where water is available and offers fellow hikers’ comments, among other things. Angels are listed by location, and like so many things in Israel, they’re delightfully practical: “shower, laundry, food, two beds.” Some will ask for prior notice, but most are flexible.

Whether you are hosted by the shin-shinim (young adults doing the popular, pre-army volunteer year of service), on a kibbutz, by fellow outdoor enthusiasts in a small yeshuv (community), or a friendly family in Tel Aviv, you’ll meet hosts with histories from around the world, sharing the typical Israeli curiosity and strong belief that everyone should go to bed clean and fed. And of course, hummus, pita, and black coffee.

Fellow hikers

On the trail, you’ll meet hikers from all corners, so you’ll be in good company when you want it. The trail is remote and still undiscovered enough to offer plenty of solitude and encourage generosity and solidarity amongst both thru-hikers and day-trippers. Israel has a very strong food culture, and casual encounters will often involve sharing — a bonus for the ever-starving trekker.

The side trips are mind-blowing.

Photo: Jessica Stone

The INT stays firmly in undisputed Israeli territory, avoiding the Occupied West Bank, which means it’s the perfect area for some great side trips. It also skirts the capital, Jerusalem, which is a trip on its own.

Jerusalem is the center of the monotheistic world and a crazy mixture of ancient stone architecture lining traditional markets and modern high-rises housing chic shopping malls. It is also a cultural, political, and culinary hub not to be missed. Visit the last remaining wall of the ancient Jewish temple, the Muslim mosque built on top of it, and the crucifixion site of Jesus, all in one afternoon. And if that doesn’t fill your divine bucket, Bethlehem is just around the corner.

The Dead Sea, the lowest place on Earth and a geographical wonder, is truly unique but sadly disappearing at an alarming rate. Enjoy an effortless float on water so dense with minerals it feels oily, your body so buoyant you could paddle to Jordan with no fear of drowning (not recommended). Just beware of splashes; while the salty water is great for your skin, it will burn your eyes, lips, etc. The Dead Sea Mud is more manageable for a facial; you can find it at some beaches and packaged in stores all around the country. From the Dead Sea it’s a short hop to Masada, one of Herod’s old fortresses and the site of a last-ditch refuge for a group of Jewish extremists escaping conquering Romans in the first century. It’s a beautiful desert scene with a rewarding hike (or cable car if you are needing a break) and a great story.

Practical info

Photo: Jessica Stone

When to go

Depending on your start date and fitness level you can choose to go in either direction, but note that north to south is easier if you start in late summer/fall, and south to north should be started anytime between November and February (the 250-mile Negev Desert portion is coolest between October and March, with awareness of flash flood possibilities in canyons during rainy periods).

What to pack

Thanks to Israel’s relatively dry climate and easy access to civilization, the equipment list is pretty basic. A comfortable, light backpack; good shoes (I wore sneakers); down sleeping bag (for cold desert nights); foamie (the blow-up mats hate those sharp desert rocks); cooking kit; sunscreen; and a hat are the base. The tap water is good, so buying water is unnecessary — just refill what you have. A wider-mouth insulated stainless cup not only extends coffee break but is good for water-rationing and doubles as an efficient slow-cooker. Your feet will thank you if you carry a pair of flip-flops for the evenings. But most of all — if you haven’t been converted, swallow your ego and take walking poles. They’ll save your knees, transfer some of the load to your arms, but most of all, free you up to enjoy the view.

Navigation

The trail markers are made of three painted lines: orange for the desert south, blue for the central coast, and white for the Mount Hermon snow. They are staggered to show direction and are mostly accurate.

Take your smartphone with you and use it. Israel National Trail app makes life very easy. The INT is part of a labyrinth of trails, but your GPS plotting on the app map will save you from missing those unlikely turnoffs. Phone plans are cheap in Israel, and reception is good almost everywhere, though in the desert you may have to climb (yet another) hill.

For pre-trip research, Tapatalk is an online forum for all of your questions and a great place to meet fellow hikers. I also recommend reading The Israel National Trail by Jacob Saar. It’s easily available online or in bookstores, as are detailed topographical maps.


More like this: 7 insane hikes with epic views that are worth your blood, sweat, and tears

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Can you bring CBD on planes?

Cannabidiol, or CBD, can be a stress-relieving godsend on a long flight. It can take the edge off and make you calmer, perhaps even help you ease into that ever elusive in-flight nap.

Since flights are regulated by the federal government, though, even states that allow recreational marijuana fall under the feds’ strict CBD rules. That makes flying with CBD about as complicated as keeping up with all the concurrent storylines in Game of Thrones.

You’re not alone if you’re feeling confused. Even major publications have wrong information when it comes to taking CBD and CBD oil on a plane. It’s not so simple a question as, “Can I travel with CBD and CBD oil?”

The first place to start when looking into if it’s legal to take CBD on a plane is what the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says. The TSA has an explicit no-go stance on CBD.

“Possession of marijuana and cannabis-infused products, such as Cannabidiol (CBD) oil, is illegal under federal law,” the TSA writes on its security screening explainer page. “TSA officers are required to report any suspected violations of law, including possession of marijuana and cannabis-infused products. TSA’s screening procedures are focused on security and are designed to detect potential threats to aviation and passengers. Accordingly, TSA security officers do not search for marijuana or other illegal drugs, but in the event a substance that appears to be marijuana or a cannabis-infused product is observed during security screening, TSA will refer the matter to a law enforcement officer.”

The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) considers CBD a Schedule I drug, so you could find yourself in some hot water if the TSA does decide to send you to the law. The 2018 Farm Bill is a sign that things are changing, however, and in some cases changing how you can fly with CBD. Legality only gets murkier from here, so buckle up.

How the Farm Bill changed flying with CBD

Photo: Lifestyle discover/Shutterstock

CBD can come from two types of cannabis plants: those with high levels of THC and those with zero to very little THC. The latter is called hemp and must, by law, have THC levels below 0.3 percent. Hemp fiber is in paper and cloth, and hemp oil is in food and supplements. Most important for anyone looking to take some body-calming CBD, hemp has cannabidiols. And how we regulate hemp is slowly catching up with how people actually use it.

In December 2018, President Donald Trump signed the 2018 Farm Bill. The signing itself was not exactly noteworthy — a version has been signed every five years since 1933, and it routinely regulates a range of vaguely agricultural-related topics, including food stamps. CBD companies and fans took special note this year, however, because the 2018 Farm Bill takes hemp and hemp derivatives out of Schedule I status under the Controlled Substances Act. In practice, this means that hemp products, such as hemp-derived CBD, are no longer in the same category as marijuana.

Removing the hemp production hurdle didn’t create sunny skies and smooth sailing, though. Hemp itself is now regulated by the US Department of Agriculture, but CBD is still generally illegal under federal law.

The confusion all boils down to classification. The DEA has different classifications for different types of CBD. If the CBD contains less than 0.1 percent THC and is approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), then the DEA lists it as a Schedule V drug — the same category as prescription painkillers. For what it’s worth, there’s only one FDA-approved CBD: Epidiolex, which is used to treat seizures. If it’s not Epidiolex, the DEA still considers CBD a Schedule I drug right up there with heroin.

To top it all off, there’s a line in the Farm Bill that allows states to put into place laws that are “more stringent.” Flying with CBD and CBD oil, therefore, is just as sketchy as it always has been until the DEA gets into step with the other parts of the federal government. Idaho, Nebraska, and South Dakota currently ban CBD.

There is one positive to all this, however. A DEA officer told Men’s Health that people are unlikely to be prosecuted for possessing or buying CBD products.

“As long as you abide by the two-ounce rule, TSA is not going to hassle you,” Curt Van Inwegen, the CEO of CBD company Life Elements, tells Matador. “We know from personal experience, feedback from our customers who travel, and frank discussions with people who know the TSA protocols that they are not looking for CBD edibles, tinctures, or anything that is not a bag of weed. If you are super nervous, pull the labels off. As with anything, you should take ownership and bone up on the rules and regulations of the places you are visiting.”


More like this: The pros and cons of taking CBD before flying

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Multiple tourist deaths in Maldives

The Maldives have surged in popularity recently as a preferred island getaway, but with growing tourism comes a growing number of tourist accidents. Five tourists have drowned in January alone due to the strong undertow current, which drags unsuspecting vacationers under at alarming speed. The north-eastern monsoon is causing tidal currents to be more powerful than usual, and the Maldives has issued an official safety warning to all resort officials.

While the Maldives is generally quite safe, the seas surrounding them have been known to have dangerous currents. And unlike most resort islands, where guests enter the water as part of a tour or guided excursion, in the Maldives guests are largely on their own.

Resorts across the 26 atolls are now advising guests to be extremely careful when swimming, snorkeling, engaging in water sports, and even wading out into the water, as all the deaths have been connected to these activities. To further ensure guest safety, tourism officials will be conducting reviews of the resorts to make sure they meet operating standards. Officials are also considering sectioning off specific areas across the islands for safe swimming to prevent guests from wandering into turbulent waters.

The Maldives is expected to do everything in its power to assuage guests’ fears as tourism is a huge part of its revenue stream. Around 1.4 million visitors per year flock to the Maldives, and despite the recent deaths, that number isn’t likely to drop.

H/T: Fodor’s Travel

More like this: Tropical islands suck. Go to these 7 islands instead.

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