Matador Network's Blog, page 1237

Virgin Voyages onboard tattoo parlor

People get tattoos for all kinds of reasons. Self-expression. Honoring a loved one. Showing the world your steadfast devotion to Tweety Bird. Or, as of 2020, because you’re on a cruise ship and there’s nothing better to do.

Virgin Voyages — Sir Richard Branson’s foray into the cruising industry primed to set sail in 2020 — announced this week that it’s introducing the first-ever tattoo parlor at sea aboard the forthcoming Scarlet Lady, cleverly called Squid Ink. So when an Instagram selfie just isn’t quite enough to tell the world you were on a Virgin cruise, now every time you look at your ribcage, you can remember those seven magical days you spent floating around Nassau.

The tattoo shop is partnering with renowned tattoo artist Lou Rubino, Jr. of World Famous Tattoo Ink and Freshly Inked Magazine. He’ll be personally selecting the steady hands tasked with permanently marking your skin on a listing cruise ship and already has Spike TV’s Ink Masters’ Sarah Miller, surrealist specialist Arlo DiCristina, and illustrative specialist Jime Litwalk committed to guest stints in 2020. In addition to the special guests, two full-time staff artists will be onboard at all times.

“World Famous… has been working with sailors, pirates, and rock stars for over 50 years,” Rubino said via a press release, though he did not expand on where, exactly, he found said pirates. We’ll assume he did a lot of work for Bobby Bonilla in the ‘90s. “Partnering with Virgin Voyages gives us the unique opportunity to bring color to places people never thought possible.”

So if you ever doubted someone’s ability to put a tattoo on the top of your scalp, apparently Scarlet Lady’s artists will prove otherwise.

Photo: Virgin Voyages

Additionally, if a week in the Caribbean led you to think a tongue piercing was a good idea, World Famous Tattoo Ink has you covered. It’ll also offer body piercing and permanent makeup treatment, giving Scarlet Lady the cruise industry’s largest selection of souvenirs that keep on giving.

While you’re welcome to get your seven-day-cruise girlfriend’s face tattooed on your back, the ship will also have special commemorative tattoos available only onboard the ship. In case you feel like advertising for Virgin Voyages for the rest of your life.

To celebrate the announcement, Soho Ink at 285 Lafayette Street in New York City will be giving away free nautical micro-tattoos to the first 100 people who ask for one. Post a pic of your new ink on Instagram, and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win a free voyage aboard Scarlet Lady, where you can complement your free tattoo with one on your other butt cheek.

Photo: Virgin Voyages

If you can’t make it to Soho Ink, you can also register to win a free voyage (and a free micro-tattoo while onboard) at www.virginvoyages.com.

Even if you don’t win, this new ship looks like nothing the industry has ever seen and might be the most eagerly anticipated new ship in history. Since taking a sail around the Caribbean on the Scarlet Lady will clearly be the “it” vacation of 2020, it’s perfect justification for getting a souvenir of it tattooed on your neck. Or, maybe, somewhere a little more subtle.


More like this: Virgin Voyages released the first pics from its first ship and it looks insane

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Best European cities to visit winter

Peak season for European travel runs from June to August, but that doesn’t mean you can’t roam around the continent the rest of the year. Cities like Vienna and Berlin garner much-deserved attention during the winter holidays, largely thanks to their famous Christmas markets, but locales all across the landmass are made even more charming by blankets of snow between November and February. This year, trade in a refreshing Aperol spritz for a warming espresso in Italy or skip sunbathing on the Croatian coast in favor of a cozy getaway in Zagreb. Whether you’re a skier, sightseer, or foodie, you’ll find something you like in these seven European cities this winter.

1. Venice, Italy

Photo: duchy/Shutterstock

For most, Venice conjures up images of romantic gondola rides down canals and children chasing pigeons in Piazza San Marco under cloudless skies. But something special happens in the offseason: Venetians take back their city. Gondoliers float shrouded in silver mist; famed historic sights remain standing as they have for centuries, now free from the crush of summer tourists; and most days, clear skies still stretch overhead.

Walk along the water, down cobblestone alleys, and across bridges like the iconic Ponte di Rialto in the brisk winter air. Later, duck into the Basilica di San Marco to get in from the cold or take in a show at the La Fenice opera house. Best of all, leaning into the Italian coffee culture means never going without a warm drink in hand. Stops like Caffé Florian, operational since 1720 and touted as the oldest coffeehouse in the world, are attractions in their own right.

2. Braşov, Romania

Photo: Balate Dorin/Shutterstock

Framed by the Southern Carpathian Mountains, medieval Braşov is a gateway to Transylvania, whose mystical atmosphere intensifies in the season’s long dark hours. In winter, Gothic belfries rise up over snow-dusted rooftops, and the bohemian cafes lining central square Piaţa Sfatului welcome visitors with hot coffee and treats like chocolate krantz cake.

Bundle up for a free walking tour or the city, taking in architectural wonders like Biserica Neagră, or Black Church, and Braşov Citadel. Alternately, venture outside the city for a sleigh ride through the snowy surrounding forests or hit the slopes at Poiana Brașov, the largest ski resort in Romania. Before leaving town, be sure to take a cable car up Tampa Mountain to the lookout point at the Hollywood-esque Brașov sign for unparalleled views of the wintry city.

3. Zagreb, Croatia

Photo: phant/Shutterstock

Croatia draws huge crowds of sun-seekers to its pebbled beaches during summer, but inland capital Zagreb is ripe for a winter retreat away from the Dalmatian Coast. The yuletide spirit hits the city hard come Christmas when Advent festivities are in full swing. The holiday season is a flurry of Christmas markets smelling of cinnamon, nativity scenes staged between trees done up in twinkling lights, open-air concerts in Ban Jelačić Square, and even ice-skating rinks.

Skiers can steal away to nearby Medvednica and highest peak Sljeme for a weekend escape or day trip. Outdoorsy types looking for scenery but not slopes are also not far from Plitvice Lakes National Park, whose waterfalls take on a dreamy quality when frozen. Back in town, end any day with a glass of mulled wine and fritule, donut holes filled with liquor and dried fruit.

4. Edinburgh, Scotland

Photo: Heartland Arts/Shutterstock

Edinburgh never looks quite as lovely as it does frosted in snow. Admire historic sights like Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace blanketed in fresh powder, then hit Princes Street for some holiday souvenirs shopping and wind down by pub-hopping around Old Town. But above all else, plan to visit around New Year’s Day for the unforgettable days-long affair known as Hogmanay.

Celebrants usher in the next 12 months with torchlight processions, silent discos, and other events held on the streets while others dance the nights away in venues across the city. Elsewhere, bonfires burn, traditional Scottish music sounds, and costumed merrymakers wade in the frigid Firth of Forth estuary in a tradition known as the Loony Dook. Dive in if you dare.

5. Wroclaw, Poland

Photo: Mariia Golovianko/Shutterstock

Despite being the fourth largest city in Poland and the 2016 European Capital of Culture, Wroclaw has remained delightfully under the radar, particularly among winter travelers. Perhaps its biggest draw is that the city has a large student population and youthful energy, largely revolving around the cafes in Market Square where you can treat yourself to a paczki, or Polish donut.

There are several free themed walking tours of Wroclaw, including food tours that will introduce you to the rest of the local delicacies and tours dedicated to uncovering the many bronze dwarf statues that are hidden throughout the city. If you need to escape the chilly weather (it is winter, after all) you can also pop by the Wroclaw Opera for a bit of ballet.

6. Tallinn, Estonia

Photo: dimbar76/Shutterstock

Forget Christmas in Vienna. Head to Tallinn this year, instead. The medieval Town Hall Square plays host to one of the best Christmas markets on the continent. There, you’ll find a resident Santa Claus and merry-go-round for the little ones; song and dance performances; one of the oldest public Christmas tree displays in the world; and goodies like gingerbread cookies and mulled wine, known locally as hõõgveini.

Beyond immersing in holiday cheer, visitors can fill the wintry days with dog-sledding excursions just outside the city and trips to the Marzipan Museum Room in town, which chronicles the history of the sweet from the Middle Ages and displays everything from cakes to edible figurines. See the red-roofed city painted white by fresh coats of snow from the top of Toompea, or Cathedral Hill, then get toasty in one of the public saunas found around Tallinn.

7. Bled, Slovenia

Photo: Fesus Robert/Shutterstock

Between its castle perched in the mountains above Lake Bled and magical floating island church, visiting Bled is like stepping into a Disney movie. Significantly fewer people come during winter than summer, leaving the idyllic town to be toured in peace by those in the know. Get the best views of the city from Bled Castle, believed to be the oldest in Slovenia, which also houses a museum and wine cellar where guests can settle in for tastings. Later, stroll through town in search of the perfect cream cake, a pastry so beloved it’s a symbol of Bled.

There are also several ski resorts in the Julian Alps just outside the city where skiers and snowboarders can get a downhill fix. Best of all, most of the hotels in the area come equipped with saunas and hot tubs, promising a cozy end to every enchanting day.


More like this: Every European capital ranked from most expensive to cheapest

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Breastfeeding rooms now mandatory

Traveling with a newborn baby can be stressful, and it’s even more anxiety-inducing when mothers can’t find a private place in airports to breastfeed. Usually, if they want a bit of privacy, they’re forced to express milk in public toilet stalls, which isn’t the most comfortable or hygienic situation. Now mothers traveling in US airports won’t have to worry about that, thanks to a new law that took effect earlier this month. The Friendly Airports for Mothers Act, part of the broader Federal Aviation Reauthorization Act of 2018, requires all large and medium-sized US airports to provide a designated space in each terminal for breastfeeding or pumping. The space must also have a lockable door, table, electrical outlet, and be accessible to those with disabilities.

Photo: Leonard Zhukovsky/Shutterstock

Mona Liza Hamlin, chair of the US Breastfeeding Committee (USBC), said in a statement, “No one likes delays, but for people who are lactating, extra time in the airport can mean finding a place to express milk or risking a swindling milk supply or even infection.” Amelia Psmythe, interim executive cirector of the USBC, added, “An airport is just one of many environments where people face challenges trying to find a clean, private space to nurse or pump…these new provisions help ensure that all lactating travelers have a smooth and supported experience.”

The new act is part of the government’s broader mission to make airports more accommodating for breastfeeding travelers. In comes on the heels of the BABES Act, passed last year, which requires TSA officers to undergo educational training on breastfeeding equipment travelers may be carrying aboard.

H/T: Travel & Leisure

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The scariest urban legends from each US state

Local stories and legends have the power to tie a community together with a shared mythology, which endures from one generation to the next. Some of the most memorable urban legends are those grounded in fear, told in whispers by the light of a flashlight. They shiver the spine and make children afraid of the dark, and they never go out of fashion.

Redditor Artemistical posted this chart of the scariest urban legends in each US state. They range from stories involving freakish goblins and radioactive hornets to dark portals. Terrifying creatures like the Goatman and the Bunny Man are sure to make for great Halloween stories if you want to scare the heck out of a bunch of kiddos on a sugar rush.

Photo: Artemistical/Reddit

Photo: Artemistical/Reddit

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The post The scariest urban legends from each US state appeared first on Matador Network.

You can buy Drake’s Island

If you have $7.9 million laying around, you might want to go ahead and make an offer on this prime piece of real estate. The cost might sound a little steep, but considering it used to belong to Drake, the price is a steal. No, not Drake the Canadian rapper, but Sir Francis Drake, the explorer. Although he may not have been able to write catchy hooks or lay down fire beats, he was a pretty huge celebrity in his own right in the 16th century. The island is located right off the coast of Plymouth, England, and was originally used as a fort to defend the town from French and Spanish invaders.

Photo: JLL

Drake used the island as a launching point for his 1577 voyage around the globe, but you can use it for whatever you like. Recent owners had been planning to build a luxury hotel and spa on the six-acre site, and the necessary permissions are in place for you to continue down that avenue, but you can use your imagination to determine the property’s best use. Currently the island is home to some ruined walls of old Tudor fortifications, a network of underground tunnels, and a pier.

Photo: JLL

In its previous lives, the island has functioned as a prison, religious center, and a refuge. Aidan McCauley, current owner of the island, told The Independent that his father bought the island in the 1990s, and “has long held a vision to see the island brought back into use. As a family and as a company, we are passionate about seeing his vision turned into a reality.”

To potentially make Drake’s Island your own, you can reach out via the JLL real estate website to make an offer.

H/T: The Points Guy

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The post This island off the coast of England is on sale for $7.9 million appeared first on Matador Network.

Komodo National Park photography

Komodo National Park is not just home to the largest lizard in the world. This group of 29 volcanic islands in the Indonesian archipelago is packed with adventure, both around its mountainous landscape and under the sea. These images of Komodos resting in the sun; hiking through stunning, arid landscapes; and enjoying the region’s warm, turquoise waters reveal the magic of Komodo National Park.




1

The beauty of Komodo National Park will take your breath away before you even set foot on its islands. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to diverse coral reefs, fantastic trekking, and world-class diving.

2

Because there are 29 islands to explore, the best way to get around Komodo National Park is by yacht. We adventured on a traditional Phinisi-style boat, a two-masted sailing ship made out of wood. You can also book low-cost boat tours from the port of Labuan Bajo.

3

Nearly two million people live on the main island of Flores, the gateway to Komodo National Park. While tourism is the main economy, the people of Flores also rely on agriculture as another form of industry.

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4

Over 3,000 Komodo dragons live in Komodo National Park. These reptiles carry deadly bacteria in their mouth, so their bites can kill prey over a period of days. Once the prey has fallen, dragons from up to three miles away can show up for the feast.

5

Residents of the island of Rinca have learned to coexist with Komodo dragons. Here, animals outnumber the residents over five times. Attacks don’t happen very often, but locals also have to worry about three deadly snake species inhabiting the island.

6

The sunsets in Komodo National Park seem to last forever. As the sun dips through the jagged mountains and seemingly into the Flores Sea, the sky lights up with an impressive color display. With no tourists around for miles, a peaceful feeling washes over you during the sunrises and sunsets - as if you were all alone in the world.

7

While there are plenty of treks and on-island activities, visitors to Komodo National Park shouldn’t forget to play in the fun Flores Sea. The warm waters and plentiful sea life create the perfect environment to swim, scuba dive, and snorkel.

8

While Rinca Island and Komodo Island are the most popular islands in the park, Gili Laba Darat is the most beautiful. It’s one of the 24 islands in Komodo National Park that does not have Komodo dragons. The arid landscape and mountainous terrain make them a perfect option for hikers.

9

During the dry season from June to September, the temperature in Komodo National Park reaches up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit without much precipitation. However, during the rainy season, torrential rains fall on the islands for months on end.

10

Guides are required when trekking through the five islands that have Komodo dragons. Unlike safaris where guides are armed with guns, the local guides in Komodo National Park protect themselves and their guests with wooden sticks.

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The post 10 stunning photos that prove there’s more to Komodo National Park than dragons appeared first on Matador Network.

Top drunk-food restaurants in the US

The best part about going out on Friday isn’t the bar or the dance floor, it’s the late-night snacks you eat before the night ends. Often, that means using a rideshare service to get to said late-night spot. So, when it comes to getting the scoop on what, exactly, America’s favorite drunk food is, who better to ask than Lyft drivers? Yes, the patient, saintly Lyft drivers who cart drunken 20-somethings around town, praying they don’t puke in the car.

Food & Wine asked Lyft for the data on the most popular late-night food destinations in seven cities: Austin, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, and San Diego. The results reveal a lot about American eating habits.

“We identified the late-night bites by looking at the top rides on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights between 11:00 PM and 4:00 AM local time in each city from January-October 2018,” Lyft told Food & Wine. “And from there we pulled out the top restaurants/fast food by total ride volume.”

Plenty of standard fast-food options make the list, but some cities really shine when it comes to late-night drunk food. In Philly and New York, people gravitate toward local fare the city has a reputation for, like classic Philly cheesesteaks and pizza. It might come as no surprise that three of Philadelphia’s top four restaurants are cheesesteak establishments or that In-N-Out is the second most popular spot in Los Angeles. In Austin, people seem to prefer cafes and diners after their nights out while Chicago has an unapologetic love for Taco Bell and McDonald’s. Hey, we’ve all been there before, and we’re not judging.

Note: Just because someone is getting a ride to a restaurant between 11:00 PM and 4:00 AM doesn’t necessarily mean they’re inebriated. The data from some cities, like San Diego, appear to be skewed since the top location is a restaurant-bar. However, it’s fair to say that, for the most part, these are the places people want to eat at after having a few.

Austin

Photo: Whataburger/Facebook

1. Whataburger

2. Kerbey Lane Café

3. Magnolia Café

4. 24 Diner

5. Voodoo Doughnut

Chicago

Photo: Taco Bell/Facebook

1. Taco Bell

2. McDonald’s

3. Velvet Taco

4. Dimo’s Pizza

5. IHOP

Denver

Photo: Lodo’s Bar and Grill/Facebook

1. Lodo’s Bar & Grill

2. ViewHouse Eatery, Bar & Rooftop

3. Avanti Food & Beverage

4. Denver Diner

5. IHOP

Los Angeles

Photo: Denny’s/Facebook

1. Denny’s

2. In-N-Out Burger

3. Clifton’s Republic

4. McDonald’s

5. El Tejano

New York

Photo: Joe’s Pizza/Facebook

1. Joe’s Pizza

2. Artichoke Pizza

3. The Halal Guys

4. Kellogg’s Diner

5. Katz’s Delicatessen

Philadelphia

Photo: Wawa/Facebook

1. Wawa

2. Pat’s King of Steaks

3. Jim’s Steaks

4. Geno’s Steaks

5. Applebee’s Grill + Bar

San Diego

Photo: Backyard Kitchen & Tap/Facebook

1. Backyard Kitchen & Tap

2. Denny’s

3. Firehouse American Eatery & Lounge

4. Waterfront Bar & Grill

5. El Chingon

H/T: Food & Wine

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5 easiest places to move to in Asia

Whether you just need a change of scenery or it’s always been a life goal to live in another country, many of us have considered moving abroad at some point. The prospect can be highly tantalizing: A fresh slate in a new, exciting country with different food, interesting culture, and expanded career opportunities. The question is: Where to go? And how?

Due to its relatively low cost of living and fairly straightforward visa processes, Southeast Asia tends to be a popular landing spot for American expats. While many European countries may require you to have a certain (enormous) amount of money in your bank account or wade through mounds of paperwork before issuing an extended-stay visa, most Asian countries are slightly more relaxed. Here are the five Asian countries most accessible for American expats to move to.

1. Cambodia

Photo: Sakdawut Tangtongsap/Shutterstock

Cambodia’s low cost of living makes it incredibly attractive to expats. Coffee costs the equivalent of 75 cents, an average meal costs about $2, and for just $1,000 a month, you can maintain a comfortable standard of living, including eating out regularly and frequent travel. Although many expats work locally in education, medicine, or tourism, if you’re lucky enough to earn a US salary while living in Cambodia, you can really live like a king.

Cambodia is one of the easiest countries in the world for most nationalities to get a visa. You can receive a one-month tourist or business visa upon arrival or online, and a business visa can be extended for up to 12 months. You don’t have to jump through any crazy hoops to do it, either. Just take your passport to a local travel agency along with a $280 payment. When your year is up, simply apply for a new visa, and you can continue doing this as long as you want to live in Cambodia.

Also note: While it’s called a “business” visa, you’re under no obligation to actually start a business unlike in many other countries.

2. Philippines

Photo: Phuong D. Nguyen/Shutterstock

You might find yourself more at home in the Philippines than in other Southeast Asian countries. Due to its previous status as an American colony, the Philippines shares more cultural similarities with the US, like American TV shows, fast food, and English language proficiency. They even drive on the right side of the road. The country itself has some of the world’s most incredible beaches, dive sites, and natural scenery, especially in the province of Cebu.

The Philippines offers a number of visa options depending on your specific needs and circumstances. If you’re only planning on staying for six months, you’ll want to look into the Long-Stay Visitor Visa Extension, which lets you extend your initial tourist visa. If you’re prepared to invest a significant amount of money in Philippine business or property — to the tune of $75,000 — you should apply for the Special Investor’s Resident Visa. If retiring in the Philippines is your goal, it offers a Special Resident Retiree’s Visa, which allows tourists over 50 to stay indefinitely.

3. Vietnam

Photo: Blue Planet Studio/Shutterstock

Foodies should look no further than Vietnam when considering their next landing spot. Vietnam is widely known to have some of the best cuisine in the world. Pho, banh mi sandwiches, an unparalleled street-food scene, and beer for 20 to 50 cents a glass all make Vietnam a mouthwatering destination. It’s also got some pretty spectacular beaches, especially on the Phu Quoc and Con Dao islands. They’re not as well known as Thailand’s beaches, but that means they’re also less overrun by tourists.

Vietnam’s tourist visa is relatively strong, allowing you to stay for three months with multiple entries. You can’t simply show up in Vietnam and be granted a tourist visa, however. You need to apply for a visa approval letter online, which is easy to obtain. Once you arrive at the airport, simply bring your approval letter along with a filled-out visa application and a small photo, and you’ll have your visa in a matter of minutes. To stay longer than three months, you’ll need to obtain a work visa, which is valid for a maximum of three years. It’s common to enter the country on a tourist visa, use that time to find employment, and then trade in your visa for a work permit.

4. Malaysia

Photo: TTstudio/Shutterstock

Malaysia is becoming one of Southeast Asia’s most attractive destinations for expats, mainly due to its tropical weather, affordability, and rich blend of cultures. Since Malaysia is home to a variety of ethnic communities, including Malay, Chinese, and Indian, the cultural experience and food options are truly diverse. English is widely spoken, however, so a language barrier shouldn’t present too significant of an obstacle. Much like Vietnam, Malaysia’s beaches are quiet compared to those in Thailand. Langkawi and Pangkor are two islands particularly rich in beaches and diving spots. Add to this that meals can cost as little as $3, and it’s easy to see why more and more people are moving to Malaysia.

Malaysia is among the more expat-minded countries in Southeast Asia with its “Malaysia, my Second Home” (MM2H) program. For foreigners who meet certain criteria, the program offers a renewable 10-year, multiple-entry visa and allows visa holders to bring spouses and young children. The MM2H program is open to applicants of any country recognized by Malaysia, and in major cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang, organizations like Alter Domus specialize in helping foreigners relocate.

5. Indonesia

Photo: Guitar photographer/Shutterstock

The cost-reward balance of Indonesia is one of the best in the world. International Living estimates that a couple in Bali can live comfortably on a $1,410 monthly budget, which is insanely cheap given the natural beauty of Bali’s beaches and rice paddies, as well as the vibrant nightlife that’s available. If you want to live even cheaper, you could settle into the more rural island of Lombok or find a place on Java. Pretty much anywhere you go in Indonesia, you’ll have access to beaches, temples, and hiking trails around volcanoes.

Like many countries, you can enter Indonesia on a 30-day tourist visa, but the country actually lets you extend it twice. Just go to any immigration office in the country. Like Vietnam, a longer-term stay will require you to find employment within Indonesia and apply for a VITAS — a temporary-stay visa for workers that is valid from six months to two years. And if you’re over 55 years old, you’re in luck. You qualify for a retirement visa, which means you can spend the rest of your days on the warm, tropical beaches of Bali without having to constantly worry about renewing your paperwork.


More like this: The 9 most difficult travel visas for Americans to obtain

The post The 5 easiest countries to move to in Asia appeared first on Matador Network.

Phoenix has the best airport food

I’m not a Phoenix homer. I understand Phoenix is hot and sprawling, and while it definitely has its charms, it might not be everyone’s cup of tea. I don’t live there or visit the city much, nor do I have friends at the airport I’m trying to help out. I do, however, fly a lot — about 200,000 miles a year — and I have layovers in Phoenix pretty regularly. I can safely say that in addition to golf and desert landscaping, there’s one thing Phoenix does better than anyplace else in the country, and that’s airport food.

I’ve been to One Flew South in Atlanta and Deep Blue at JFK, Whitetail at DFW and Tortas Frontera at O’Hare. All great. But one great restaurant does not necessarily make for a great food airport. What makes for a great food airport, in my mind, is showcasing what the city does best in a convenient, accessible way so that pretty much anyone traveling through can see the best of your city’s food scene.

Phoenix does that better than anyone, and it’s not even close. And it’s not just because it has a recording of Phoenix City Councilwoman Vania Guevara calling it “America’s Tastiest Airport” playing on a loop, either. Yeah, that not-so-subliminal advertising probably works. But it’s the rare baseless brag that’s completely true. And here’s why.

1. There are plenty of local restaurants.

Photo: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport/Facebook

Phoenix Sky Harbor fits more local restaurants into a small space than anywhere else. While airports around America are making an effort to include local restaurants, you can literally eat your way around Phoenix without leaving Terminal 4. No fewer than 26 restaurants sit in that terminal — post security — ranging from authentic Mexican to brasserie to local ice cream shops.

“I think it’s because Phoenix has such a great diversity in its food scene,” Sky Harbor’s public information manager Heather Lissner told me when I called to ask why Phoenix did food better than other airports. “We’re able to take a lot of that and put it in our airport to show people how fantastic it is.”

Sky Harbor doesn’t just put a few fast-casual joints in the terminal and call it “going local.” The airport really offers a taste of the city, with iconic spots and local gems sharing the same sets of gates. Perhaps the city’s most iconic restaurant, Matt’s Big Breakfast, has a location at the airport where you can get the breakfasts made famous on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives at all hours.

Photo: Blanco Tacos + Tequila/Facebook

Mexican food and tequila are in abundance. One of the city’s most beloved Mexican restaurants, Silvana Salcido’s Barrio Café, has a full-service location here. For quicker food and tequila cocktails, you can hit Blanco’s Taco and Tequila for burritos with caramelized onions and fresh cilantro rice. Or Sir Veza’s tacos. Or Los Taquitos. You’ve got options. If you want authentic Southwest Mexican food and are only in Phoenix to change planes, it’s easier than getting Wendy’s.

Not content to rest on its Mexican-food laurels, Sky Harbor also showcases the city’s West Coast influence at Olive and Ivy. There you’ll find light Mediterranean fare like farm-fresh salads, shrimp scampi, and fine California wines.

Photo: Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles/Facebook

There’s even a local brewery, Four Peaks Brewing Co., with a taproom in Terminal 4, so you can try a local beer on your layover instead of sticking with something familiar. There’s another local brewery, O.H.S.O, located pre-security. Also pre-security, you can find Lolo’s Chicken and Waffles and Joe’s Real Barbecue, both of which show a side of Phoenix cuisine that doesn’t usually get discussed.

The most notable pre-TSA spot you’ll find is Chelsea’s Kitchen, a massively popular local restaurant that serves everything from green chilli burgers to jidori chicken to ahi tuna tacos. Lissner told me that locals often drive to the airport to eat at this Chelsea’s because it’s easier to get a table.

2. Sky Harbor has reasonable prices.

Photo: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport/Facebook

The words “reasonable prices” and “airport food” really shouldn’t be in the same sentence in the era of $4 bags of Cheetos. But Sky Harbor’s prices are, according to Lissner, only a 10 percent markup from what you’d pay on the street. So, where two slices and a soda from Pizza Villa might run you $14 in the food court at MIA, you can get that same two-slice-and-a-soda combo at NYPD Pizza in Sky Harbor’s Terminal 4 for only $8. That might be the best lunch deal at any airport in America.

It’s not just pizza that’s reasonably priced. The burrito with caramelized onions and braised meat at Blanco’s is $10, and it’s big enough to be two meals. Ditto for the burgers at Modern Burger. Though the sandwiches at Wildflower Bread Company aren’t quite as robust, they’re also not all that expensive. I’ve had lunch there with chips and a drink (and a cookie if I’m particularly hungry) and never dropped more than $16. Oh, and they’re open 24 hours, too.

Photo: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport/Facebook

This is where Sky Harbor outshines the airports in which award-winning chefs set up outposts with $50 entrees. While Phoenix might not have the star power of Kevin Rathbun’s Whitetail or Todd English’s Bonfire at JFK, it offers up food that pretty much anyone who can pay for a plane ticket can afford. This allows Phoenix to showcase its food scene to everyone, not just the people who can afford fine dining.

3. You can eat great food even on a short layover.

Photo: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport/Facebook

Again, the problem with spots like One Flew South or Whitetail is that you need some time to eat there. The service at those restaurants may be designed for people with planes to catch, but if you’ve only got 50 minutes to make your connection to Fresno, you’re not realistically eating there.

At Sky Harbor, the fast-casual offerings are numerous, most of which can be ordered and devoured with enough time to calmly walk to your gate. Terminal 4’s quick bites include pitas at Pita Jungle, burgers at Delux Burger and Modern Burger, fresh sandwiches and salads at Wildflower, and tacos at any of the aforementioned Mexican spots. If you’re traveling in a group, everyone can split off and get what they want without having to wander too far. Sky Harbor is really more like a food hall with airplanes than it is like an airport.

4. Good food is easy to find and get to.

Photo: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport/Facebook

With that abundance of food, you never have to walk more than a few gates to find something great. At many airports, you have to slog through franchise after franchise to find a local gem. In Phoenix, the restaurants are in one of three concourses in Terminal 4 — and all have front-facing counters or host stands, so you’re never going upstairs or behind a nondescript door to find them. While that kind of thing might be cool for a Friday date night, most people at an airport don’t have time to search for a place.

Thanks to that combination of great food, value, and accessibility, I actually look forward to layovers at Sky Harbor now. When I hear the pilot announce the final descent, my mouth starts to water thinking about the fresh guacamole I’m going to get at Barrio Café or the sweet, rich ice cream at Sweet Republic. I’ve only left the airport and ventured into Phoenix proper three times in my life, but I feel like I know the food scene here better than some cities I’ve been to far more often. As a frequent flier and consumer of airport food, I can say with confidence that Phoenix showcases its food better than any other city’s airport. And you don’t even have to leave the air conditioning to try it.


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China to launch an artificial moon

Technology can be used to create pretty much anything these days, but few probably thought we’d be creating a planetary body. In essence, that’s what the Chinese city of Chengdu wants to do. City officials are planning to build an artificial moon by 2020 to hang over the city; it would be a massive illuminated orb, eight times brighter than the actual moon.

No, they’re not doing it because the people of Chengdu are all lunar enthusiasts. It’s actually intended to save the city money by eliminating the need for streetlights.

While the moon would be able to illuminate an area up to 50 miles in diameter, it would be visible all throughout China and even overseas. The man-made moon is designed with a highly reflective coating, which would reflect light from the sun with adjustable solar panels. Although the fake moon would provide significantly more light than the regular moon, it would only be capable of a dusk-like glow, so the city won’t exactly be bathed in light at 1:00 AM.

Chengdu’s moon project might be ambitious, but it isn’t the first of its kind. In 1993, the New York Times reported a failed Russian attempt to launch a solar reflecting system, or “space mirror,” to produce light “equivalent to three to five full moons.” The original idea for an artificial moon actually came from a French artist, who envisioned hanging a necklace of mirrors above Earth to reflect the sunshine throughout Paris all year round.

Because the moon can impact the routines and behaviors of many animals, some are concerned that this artificial moon may have ill effects on local wildlife. However, since the moon will only provide a dim, “dusk-like glow,” it should not have any negative effects on animals.

H/T: Live Science

More like this: This traveling moon exhibit lets you bathe in moonlight up close

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