Matador Network's Blog, page 1250

Gender reveal party ends in wildfire

At a gender reveal, you typically see a lot of blue or pink, depending on the baby’s gender. At this particular gender reveal, the scene was dominated by glowing reds and oranges as a massive wildfire tore through Arizona’s Coronado National Forest.

Things didn’t exactly go according to plan for Dennis Dickey, who inadvertently started the destructive Sawmill Fire in April 2017. For the big moment, the 37-year-old Border Patrol agent had planned to fire a rifle at a target filled with Tannerite, a highly explosive substance — the target would then burst into a dazzling display of blue or pink. Instead, the blast sent sparks into the dry brush, starting a fire that torched 47,000 acres of grasslands, displaced residents from their homes, required 800 firefighters to extinguish, and cost authorities over $8 million.

The 40 mph winds and dry conditions didn’t help the situation. The fire burned for nearly two weeks before firefighters were able to extinguish it though, luckily, no buildings were actually destroyed. While the incident occurred in 2017, Dickey pled guilty this week and agreed to a sentence of five years’ probation, along with a payment of $220,000 in restitution. In a court document, Forest Service Special Agent Brent Robinson said that Dickey “immediately reported the fire to law enforcement, cooperated, and admitted that he started the fire.”

According to the Arizona Daily Star, Dickey told the federal court judge, “It was a complete accident… I feel absolutely horrible about it. It was probably one of the worst days of my life.”

Perhaps the most ironic piece of the story: the gender of his baby has yet to be revealed publically.

H/T: BuzzFeed News

More like this: 5 underrated alternatives to America’s busiest national parks

The post Worst gender reveal party ever results in massive wildfire appeared first on Matador Network.

Guide to skiing in Jackson Hole

Mention Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and any outdoor enthusiast’s eyes light up. There are fewer places more idyllic for a ski strip than this small mountain town at the base of the Tetons. Booking a trip to “the hole” is a once-in-a-lifetime — or annual, if you’re lucky — chance to shred some of the best runs in the country. From getting there, drinking with the locals at their favorite watering holes, and eating gourmet cuisine to the skiing itself, a ski vacation in Jackson Hole is just what you need to make your winter season epic.

Getting there and getting around.

Photo: Kevin Cass/Shutterstock

Flying into Jackson Hole Airport is your best bet for saving time, as “the hole” really is just that — a valley squeezed between the Teton and Gros Ventre Mountain Ranges in the northwest corner of Wyoming. Around a dozen major US cities (including Denver, Chicago, San Francisco, and New York) offer nonstop flights directly into Jackson Hole, and the airport is serviced by United, Delta, American, and Private Jet Services. Jackson Hole Airport is the only commercial airport located within a national park (Grand Teton), and flying in with views of the Teton Mountains below is an experience in itself.

Those looking for a road trip might choose to fly into the regional airport at Idaho Falls, about two hours west of Jackson Hole, or Salt Lake City International Airport, five hours south. You can also book a shuttle from Idaho Falls and Salt Lake City via Salt Lake City Express for about $80 round-trip or $125 round-trip, respectively.

Once in Jackson Hole, you may consider renting a car to get around, and unless you plan on going over Teton pass to Idaho in a snowstorm, don’t bother with 4WD. If you’re able to secure a Subaru with AWD (All Wheel Drive), that would be a great choice for your trip. In inclement weather, the pass will close anyway, so a front-wheel-drive vehicle will suffice. Because the town of Jackson is extremely walkable, travelers can skip the rental car altogether and take the START (Southern Teton Area Rapid Transit bus) from the airport, to and from the ski hill, and around the valley. For fare information and schedules, visit www.startbus.com.

Where the locals ski.

Photo: Kevin Cass/Shutterstock

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village, about a 10-minute drive from downtown Jackson, is your reason for the season. Ride the Bridger Gondola from the base up to the Casper Quad Chair. Once atop, enjoy some “true blue” turns down the recently regraded runs. The newish Teton Quad Lift, opened in 2015, will give you access to some of the best and newly accessible terrain on the mountain. For wider-spaced glades, check out Moran Face or make the hike to Lumber Pine Chute or Sheridan Bowl.

You can’t “do” skiing in Jackson without dropping into, or at least visiting and staring directly into, Corbet’s Couloir. Take the “Big Red” tram up to the 10,450-foot summit and stand near the left-side windows for unobstructed views of the famous spot. Once off the tram, head skier’s left of Rendezvous Bowl and ride near the cliff edge towards Corbet’s Couloir. They say even the pros get butterflies dropping the five to 15 feet in from the mouth, but the plunge is worth it — the powder after the initial jump is called “Meet Your Maker” and proves itself time and again to be the crowned jewel of runs in the skiing world.

Jackson is also famous for its backcountry terrain, and there are over 3,000 acres of it. If you plan to head out the back gates, make sure you go with someone who can show you the ropes, and bring the proper gear. For a challenging and adventurous run, head out of Gate #3 after skiing down Rendezvous Bowl from the top of the tram. You’ll want to keep heading left to reconnect with the inbounds terrain around the middle of South Hoback. If you’re going “off the map,” allow extra time for hiking and bring a beacon, probe, and shovel.

Where to stay.

Photo: WitGorski/Shutterstock

Mountain Modern Motel, a few blocks from Town Square, has rates in January averaging $125/night for double occupancy while its deluxe rooms have two queen beds with two platform bunks, sleeping six for around $190/night. The rooms are akin to mini studios with kitchenettes and ample room for ski gear.

For larger groups, Cowboy Village Resort is the best affordable option. The in-town property is six blocks from Town Square, and you can experience western hospitality by staying in one of the log cabins. Your stay includes free WiFi, free breakfast, and an indoor hot tub. Conveniently, the START bus stop is also right outside. You can rent a cabin that sleeps five, with two queen bunks and a pullout sofa, for around $200/night.

What to do in town.

Photo: f11photo/Shutterstock

Bin 22:

Half upscale beverage store, half tapas bar, Bin 22 is the perfect après-ski spot. Inspired by the specialty grocers and wine bars of Tuscany, Bin 22 is a taste of the Mediterranean in the middle of a ski town. You can purchase a bottle of wine on the store side and bring it over to enjoy with dinner on the restaurant side. Standout appetizers include the stuffed piquillo peppers with lamb and manchego cheese, and the duck sausage with caramelized pears.

Local Restaurant:

The best burger in Jackson Hole, and perhaps all of Wyoming, is at Local Restaurant in Town Square. The Chef’s Burger gets everything right, from the locally ranched Wyoming beef to the tomato jam, bacon, and cheddar cheese. Its selection of whiskeys, beers, and cocktails will keep you satisfied throughout your meal and well after.

Million Dollar Cowboy Bar:

The title of the most famous watering hole in Jackson Hole goes to the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, smack dab in the middle of Town Square. You can’t miss the bar’s kitschy Wild West rooftop sign of a cowboy riding a bucking bronco. Walk in and take in the Old West nostalgia, from saddles in place of traditional bar stools to antlers lining the walls. The name of the game here is drinking and dancing. If you’re looking for a gourmet bite, dine elsewhere — though the adventurous might order the Rocky Mountain oysters from the take-out window.

Pinky G’s Pizzeria:

If your thing is PBR tallboys, a local music act, and a slice of really delicious pizza, look no further than Pinky G’s just off Town Square. It hosts an open-mic night on Mondays and live music throughout the week. The Pink Garter Theater & The Rose upstairs also attracts musical talent from all over the world.

Best time to visit.

Photo: CSNafzger/Shutterstock

Deals on lift tickets happen in October before ski season starts, or in January after the mad rush of skiers around the Christmas/New Year holidays have packed their bags and left town. You’ll also want to consider holding off on your trip during Martin Luther King Jr. weekend as prices are higher and the crowds are thicker. You can find discounted room rates and lift tickets by booking directly with the resort.

Snow King Mountain Resort, located right in town, is Jackson Hole’s original ski hill with 32 named runs, and it offers considerably lower lift rates than nearby Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. A single day pass during non-holiday periods is $59, compared to Jackson Hole’s $136.

Mid-to-late January through before spring break in March will give you access to non-crowded slopes and fresh powder straight through early spring. That being said, Wyoming’s been known to get heavy snow in early December before the holidays. If you can swing a trip around mid-December, you might have the season’s first go down the best runs.


More like this: 3 awesome ski vacations you should be planning now

The post A local’s guide to a ski vacation in Jackson Hole appeared first on Matador Network.

Visit Lithuania's Hill of Crosses

If the thought of an eerie walk through hundreds of thousands of crosses, pegged haphazardly into the ground on an ominous hilltop in rural Lithuania, hits the perfect amount of macabre for your Halloween bucket list, you’re in for a treat.

Lithuania’s Hill of Crosses may be creepy, but it has been an important pilgrimage site for more than 150 years. Over its history, it has been a controversial destination and has faced frequent demolitions by Soviet forces, who suppressed all forms of religion. But since the country’s independence in 1990, the hill is here to stay, and it’s currently seeing reinvigoration as a popular dark tourism site that’s equal parts enthralling and chilling.

Photo: A. Aleksandravicius/Shutterstock

The hill, north of the city of Šiauliai, has been a sacred place for residents of Lithuania since the devastating battles in 1831 against the Russian Empire. Known as the November Uprising, the battles resulted in extensive casualties for Lithuania. As a tribute to those who died, relatives started leaving crosses on the unassuming hill.

Photo: krivinis/Shutterstock

What began as a trickle of mourners soon turned into a flood of crosses and pilgrims. But it wasn’t until 1850 that the hill, known as Jurgaičiai, was renamed the Hill of Crosses.

When Tsarist authorities outlawed similar crosses on roadsides and in cemeteries in 1863 as part of their general rejection of religion and religious symbols, many traveled to the hill to erect their memorials as a show of defiance and determination.

With the new name and a ban on public crosses, the hill became inundated with new installations — though many saw it as a dangerous and forbidden destination, particularly during the periods of Soviet rule.

The Hill of Crosses has been the subject of frequent raids and demolitions at the hands of Soviet authorities. In 1961, a late-night operation saw all the crosses bulldozed down the hill. Wooden crosses were burnt on the site, concrete structures were crushed, and any metal was salvaged as scrap or melted down, leaving the hill bare.

But determined pilgrims returned soon after with new crosses, and authorities removed them at least four more times. So fervent were the rebuilds that eventually the demolitions ceased, and the cross-covered hill inadvertently became a symbol of hope and perseverance.

Photo: Birute Vijeikiene/Shutterstock

Today there are an estimated 100,000 densely-packed crosses on the small hill, a number that continues to climb ever since Lithuania achieved independence.

Although Lithuania was the last country in Europe to adopt Catholicism, and its residents faced ongoing persecution for making crosses, cross-making is an important past-time there — so much so that UNESCO recognized its importance in 2001.

The haphazard collection of crosses reflects this tradition. They cover a wide variety of shapes and sizes — some are several feet high and beautifully ornate, others are smaller and more humble. They’re also accompanied by hundreds of holy statues and rosaries, turning the destination into a creepy memorial maze and one of the country’s most intriguing tourist attractions.

Photo: Fotokon/Shutterstock

Spurred on by a visit from Pope John Paul II, who held a mass there in 1993, the hill has become a popular destination for international pilgrims and curious visitors. And although the thousands of crosses are undeniably eerie, the hill is also a place of somber tranquillity and reflection.

Photo: A. Aleksandravicius/Shutterstock

The hill is located seven miles north of Šiauliai, which is easily reached by train. From Šiauliai, there are regular buses that travel to the Domantai stop — from where the Hill of Crosses is a 1.2-mile walk.


More like this: The 7 creepiest places to visit in Europe

The post Lithuania’s Hill of Crosses is delightfully creepy appeared first on Matador Network.

Best outdoor experiences Macedonia

With neighbors like always-popular Greece and even coastal Albania, Macedonia might not be on your radar for countries to visit in Europe. But packed into an area just bigger than the size of Vermont are lush mountains rising into the clouds, a vast network of trails to explore them by, and clear mountain lakes hiding remnants of past civilizations in their depths. This nation, once part of the former Yugoslavia, boasts some of the most underrated terrain for adrenaline junkies and adventurers. Here are eight such experiences in the “Pearl of the Balkans.”

1. Scale Mt. Vodno and hike into Matka Canyon.

Photo: mbrand85/Shutterstock

After arriving in Skopje, the nation’s capital, you’ll find the mountain of Vodno just 15 minutes away. Follow well-marked trails beneath the cover of trees, over ridges, and past the small houses and monasteries that dot its slopes. Your goal is the peak at Krstovar, where the Millenium Cross, one of the largest Christian crosses in the world, is located. From there, you can snap Insta-worthy panoramic shots of the city and surrounding areas before descending into Matka Canyon. Take in the historical mysteries at a number of medieval monasteries, including the St. Nikola Monastery that was built sometime before the 17th century.

From there, you can cross the gorge by bridge or by boat depending on the path you choose. Matka Lake, the country’s oldest artificial lake, awaits hikers at the bottom of the canyon. Continue exploring the 5,000-hectare canyon, go rock climbing, or check out other outdoor activities on the lake itself.

2. Rage the rapids or lounge and sail.

Photo: John_Walker/Shutterstock

Once you’ve made it down to Matka Lake, grab a paddle and brave the rapids on a whitewater kayaking or rafting trip. You can also paddle around the calmer areas of the gorge and take in the towering cliff sides surrounding you. For serious adrenaline junkies looking to venture outside of Matka Canyon, the Vardar River offers whitewater rafting and kayaking tours, too.

The country’s popular Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa sit side by side along the borders shared with Albania and Greece, and are perfect locations for water sports to visit on your way into one of those countries. Here, you’ll also have the chance to sail and relax as you stare in awe at the lush mountain scenery and discover more monasteries along the shores.

3. Get a bird’s-eye view of Macedonia.

Photo: Paragliding Tandem Flights/Facebook

If you only paddle your way around Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa, you’re missing out on seeing the natural beauty of Macedonia from a totally different perspective. Choose the lake you want to soar over in a guided paragliding experience and launch yourself from the 2,254-meter high mountain of Galičica, situated conveniently between both bodies of water. Up to 40 minutes in the air gives thrill-seekers plenty of time to snap stunning photos of the lake and surrounding villages, forests, and mountains. With good weather conditions, you’ll even get the chance to grab the reins and guide your glider for the ultimate rush.

4. Scuba dive at the Bay of Bones UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Photo: AnnaSoboleva/Shutterstock

This is not a typo: you can get your scuba certification with Amfora Dive Center in the landlocked Republic of Macedonia. The result is an epic experience, but not for the reason you’d expect. While the Bay of Bones does host fish and plant life (look for the Ohrid sponge), it’s the rich cultural history hidden beneath its depths that draw outdoor adventurers to its shores.

Finding your way beneath a reconstruction of the 8,500-square-meter, pile-dwelling settlement that once existed during the Bronze and Iron Ages, you’ll uncover the secrets of Plocha Michov Grad. Stone and ceramic artifacts and animal bones litter the muddy lake floor near the wooden piles, giving divers a unique glimpse at remnants of a prehistoric past. The museum above displays more of the artifacts and educates visitors on the people who called Lake Ohrid home.

5. Ride horses like the locals.

Photo: Thomas Dekiere/Shutterstock

Get out of the clamor of the city and slip into the mountains on horseback. Riding horses is a popular outdoor activity for tourists because it lets you reach the more mountainous and remote corners of Macedonia and Mavrovo National Park, all the while experiencing the culture of the people who call these hills home. Sleep in old villages or with the sky and stars as your ceiling in the warm months of summer. Meet locals and learn about their cooking and farming techniques as you sample meals born of ancient recipes. This experience reinforces the connection between animals and people as well as people and nature, far from the distractions of modern life.

6. Carve up the slopes across Macedonia in the winter.

Photo: Igor Talevski/Shutterstock

In winter, snow covers Macedonia’s mountains, and the shredding commences. There are a number of ski resorts located around the country with tracks to challenge those who are beginners up to alpine competitors. Visitors can enjoy Popova Sapka in the Šar Mountains above historic Tetovo, a city with ancient roots revealed in beautiful mosques, monasteries, and fortresses. Another popular resort is Kruševo, the highest town in Macedonia at over 1,350 meters. In the winter, locals hang yambolias (handwoven shaggy blankets) from their balconies as snow settles peacefully on the old-fashioned houses.

7. Tackle the mountainous terrain by bike.

Photo: andreas ehrensberger/Shutterstock

Macedonia’s thousands of kilometers of trails serve as your mountain biking playground. Bikers rate many of these trails, like the Skopje-Veles route, as difficult or expert-only tracks, so ride at your own risk. But the variety of landscapes allows for easier rides as well, and a trip with a tour group can help with transfers and add cultural experiences like food and wine tasting to the ride.

For a circuit of one of the best mountain regions in Macedonia, cycle off-road in the Šar Mountains, through Mavrovo National Park, and around the lakes and mountains of Galičica National Park with a tour of the Macedonian high trails. They’ll even coordinate wine tasting in the Demir Kapija region, as well as sightseeing at the UNESCO Heritage Site of Ohrid.

8. Toast to a great trip at Izlet in Skopje.

Photo: mastapiece/Shutterstock

If you’re flying to your next destination out of Skopje, grab a beer or a coffee and kick it at Izlet. This shady, green oasis of calm sits off a quiet street near the center of the city. It’s the perfect place to gather with friends and recount your tales of bravado (or your wipeouts!) as your Macedonian adventure comes to a close.


More like this: Why Lesotho should be on every mountaineer’s radar

The post 8 epic outdoor experiences in Macedonia appeared first on Matador Network.

The Orionid meteor shower 2018

Stargazers, mark your calendars. On October 21st and 22nd, the Orionid meteor shower will be visible overhead, and it’s a spectacle you won’t want to miss.

The Orionid shower occurs when Earth passes through the remnants of Halley’s comet, called meteorites, which burn up in Earth’s atmosphere and leave streaks of light across the sky. Because the meteor shower occurs around the same time each year (mid-October), it’s pretty easy to predict and watch.

The best part about the shower is that it’s not limited to just a few hours. While the best nights to watch are on October 21st and 22nd, meteorites can actually be spotted from early October through November 7th. Given the fullness of the moon around the 21st, you might actually get a better view of the bright meteorites a week or so earlier.

The Orionids got their name because they seem to radiate from the Orion constellation, which is easily recognized by its three stars arranged in a line. While the Orionid meteor shower is relatively small — about 15 meteors per hour in a moonless sky — it’s known to be one of the brightest, most impressive celestial phenomenons. It’s also one of the easiest to spot.

That said, for the best viewings, NASA recommends that you observe them during the hours after midnight, in an area with little light pollution, while lying flat on your back with “your feet facing southeast if you are in the Northern Hemisphere or northeast if you are in the Southern Hemisphere.” It takes about 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark, so be patient and you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful shower.

H/T: The Independent

More like this: These images from NASA will rock your world

The post The incredible Orionid meteor shower will be visible later this month appeared first on Matador Network.

Signs you are in Arizona

We Arizonans already know our state is unique, but we often lose sight of just how extra special — some would say flat-out weird — it is. So what really makes Arizona stick out from the rest of the nation? From driving in kilometers to dodging horses, cattle, and ostriches on the road, here’s some surefire signs you’re in Arizona.

1. Autumn means absolutely nothing to half the state.

The temperature has dropped to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The rest of the state is getting out their puffy jackets and snow chains.

2. There are mountains everywhere.

From low-lying rolling hills covered in spring and autumn wildflowers to 10,000-foot skiable peaks, there are no flatlands in the Baby State.

3. All the ladies and gents are packing pistols.

There’s signage prohibiting firearms and ammunition at various places of commerce, education, and sometimes worship. But you’ll see a shootout reenactment in many an old-timey township — and right near a school.

4. Road signs suddenly switch to kilometers.

Certain parts of the state, down by the border, measure distance not in miles but in metrics. Yes, we’re worldly that way.

5. The streets are full of horses, cattle, and ostriches.

You still see people riding down a paved road in full Western regalia on a Tuesday, as well as horses hitting up drive-through liquor stores or hitched up outside taverns.

6. There is no shortage of bars.

We probably have more bars than churches, though the race is a close one. The only things we have more of are mattress stores, casinos, and antique shops. So we can get drunk, pray, pass out, play blackjack, and buy a vintage chandelier all within an afternoon. And we do.

7. Everything is in Spanish.

Street names, city names, building names — you don’t even realize it if you’re from here, but if you’re not, you’re probably having a heckuva time with Siri. And if it’s not in Spanish, it’s a derivative of an indigenous word.

8. It can be hard to find food that’s not spicy.

The cuisine has diversified from old folks’ buffets and taco stands to food trucks, international restaurants, and haute cuisine — but it’s all spicy!

9. You drive really, really, really fast.

That is until you come up on a two-wheel-drive truck loaded well past its roof with everything they bought from a little old lady’s yard sale — then you have to slam on your brakes.

10. The governor is impeached — again.

And the capital city’s sheriff is in jail — again.

11. Fresh fish is not available on menus.

Except for the most expensive restaurants, which get it flown or driven in from California or Mexico. Tortillas, on the other hand, will always be fresh.


More like this: 13 signs you’ve become an Arizonan

The post You know you’re in Arizona when… appeared first on Matador Network.

The best song about all 50 states

When people from outside the US visit our country, they’re always surprised at how vast it is. And how each state is really like its own little country. Or in the case of California or Texas, a pretty big country. If you’re embarking on a cross-country road trip, having the exact right song to play when you cross the state line is an essential part of the experience. The songs about each of our 50 states and the cities in them are as different as the states themselves, often capturing the character of the place in a brief three-and-a-half minutes. So for your Spotifying and road-tripping pleasure, here are the best songs written about all 50 states.

Alabama
Sweet Home, Alabama
Lynyrd Skynyrd

Wonder how many Crimson Tide fans, while completely losing their minds as the opening guitar riff of this song blares over the loudspeaker at Bryant-Denny Stadium on gameday, could tell you that the band who sang it is actually from Florida? Over/under six.

Alaska
North to Alaska
Johnny Horton

There is nearly one song called “Alaska” for every Alaska resident, but this classic still tops them all. Johnny Horton’s timeless marching song about the brutal cold, grittiness, and loneliness that marked the Alaska Gold Rush was his biggest hit, though he never lived to see it hit #1 after dying in a car crash shortly after its release.

Arizona
Take It Easy
Eagles

Though Public Enemy’s “By the Time I Get to Arizona” is certainly a more biting, famous protest of the state, it’s pretty anti-Arizona. Locals would probably rather you look to what’s widely considered to be the best Eagles song. Winslow, Arizona, gets the only state shoutout, but the whole vibe of the song — chilling out and driving down flat roads — is a pretty great encapsulation of the southwestern way of life.

Arkansas
Mary, Queen of Arkansas
Bruce Springsteen

Fun fact: This was actually one of Bruce Springsteen’s audition songs when he played for CBS records in 1972. Springsteen went on to Rock and Roll superstardom and Mary went on to be the female protagonist in about a dozen other of his songs.

Photo: California Love, 2pac feat Dr. Dre

California
California Love
2Pac

Tough competition here as the word “California” appears in roughly 77 percent of every song ever written, but this rap classic featuring Dr. Dre has a video that looks like Death Row Records does Burning Man and will get anyone with even a minimal tie to California to crank their stereo any time it comes on.

Colorado
Rocky Mountain High
John Denver

You don’t see an entire bar of dudes in flannel spontaneously singing along with String Cheese Incident, do you? No, no you do not. Those Coors Light guys knew what the heck they were doing.

Connecticut
I Live in Connecticut
Aerosmith

Upon further examination of tax records, exactly zero members of Aerosmith live or have ever lived in Connecticut, which may explain why this song is only 57 seconds long and has no words — though it has a pretty badass guitar riff.

Delaware
Delaware
Perry Como

“Delaware” is perhaps the pinnacle work of the state/pun music genre, with such timeless lyrics as “What did Delaware, boys? She wore a brand New Jersey!” Or revealing that Missi was, in fact, sipping a “Minne sota.” Or that “Ore gone” to pay his Texas. Ok, this song is basically about every state, but only one gets to lay claim to the title.

Florida
Seminole Wind
John Anderson

For some reason, many a Florida State University student and alum seem to think this song is some alternate fight song for their football team, when it is in fact about the dredging and imminent destruction of the Everglades. Probably because they went to Florida State.

Photo: JRP Studio/Shutterstock

Georgia
Georgia on My Mind
Ray Charles

We’ll give Johnny and the Devil and their respective fiddles their due, but this song was Ray Charles, and though you can never really be sure whether he’s singing about a state or a lost love, the true beauty of the song is that it doesn’t matter.

Hawaii
Over the Rainbow
Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

Up until Hawaii icon Iz did a cover of Over the Rainbow, this song was firmly associated with Kansas and the Wizard of Oz. However, this moving, extremely popular rendition of the song on the ukulele is now the most iconic song of Hawaii. And the beautiful state does seem to be exactly what Dorothy was pining for, even if she didn’t know it.

Idaho
Private Idaho
B-52s

“Private Idaho” is as much about Idaho as it is about patios and swimming pools (drug addiction… it’s about drug addiction), but you cannot argue with the sheer mid-century, surreal, stoic brilliance of this video, which is both disturbing and strangely upbeat.

Photo: The Blues Brothers

Illinois
Sweet Home, Chicago
The Blues Brothers

It’s ok Kanye, we’ll letchya finish, but this song, originally by blues man Robert Johnson, is the greatest song about anything in the state of Illinois ever.

Indiana
Small Town
John Mellencamp

Though he never actually calls out Indiana as the home of his small town, he also never really specifies where the Tastee-Freez is or what street the little pink houses are on. It’s like the Springfield of classic rock lyrics, but we’ll just assume everything is somewhere near Bloomington.

Iowa
The Dry Cleaner from Des Moines
Joni Mitchell

Who knew the best song ever about getting lucky at a slot machine would be about Iowa?

Kansas
Kansas City
Wilbert Harrison

It’s not up to us to decipher whether the Kansas City with all the crazy little women was in Missouri or Kansas. For today’s purposes, let’s assume it was on the west side of the state line and move on to states with simpler state line delineations.

Kentucky
Blue Moon of Kentucky
Elvis Presley/Patsy Cline

We can’t help but think this song about staring up at the moon and wishing for it to shine over a long-lost lover was somehow the inspiration for the tear-jerking “Somewhere out There” in An American Tail.

Louisiana
Johnny B. Goode
Chuck Berry

There’s no shortage of songs paying homage to New Orleans, but telling the story of a borderline illiterate who could play the hell out of a guitar and rose to fame and fortune is about as Louisiana as a song gets without mentioning alligators.

Maine
Going to Maine
Mountain Goats

You ever notice people in Maine either seem like they’ve lived there for 500 years or they’re getting away from something? This song about a cheating couple planning to run away explains one of those.

Maryland
Good Morning, Baltimore
Hairspray

You will never in your life hear anyone as excited about waking up in Baltimore as Tracy Turnblad, even Joe Flacco after he somehow convinced the Ravens he was worth $120 million.

Photo: MPH Photos/Shutterstock

Massachusetts
Shipping Up to Boston
Dropkick Murphys

The song doesn’t really talk as much about Beantown as it does about losing one’s leg. But we dare you to spend a night out in Boston without hearing it at least six times.

Michigan
Detroit Rock City
Kiss

No rock song has turned into a civic anthem stronger than “Detroit Rock City.” And though we didn’t really need KISS to let us know we gotta lose our minds there, put this song out around a bunch of Detroiters and you’ll see how literally they take it.

Minnesota
The Biggest Ball of Twine in Minnesota
Weird Al Yankovic

Though it’s not a straight parody in the style of “Like a Surgeon” and “I’m Fat,” this nearly seven-minute folksy ballad sends up the likes of Harry Chapin and Gordon Lightfoot, replacing songs about lost fathers and shipwrecks with one about a family road trip to a bizarre roadside attraction.

Mississippi
When the Levee Breaks
Led Zeppelin

Rock fans often forget “When the Levee Breaks” is actually a cover of an old blues song by Kansas Joe McCoy and Memphis Minnie — two names that clearly do not originate from Mississippi. They probably also forget that the song is about a devastating Mississippi flood in the 1920s.

Missouri
St. Louis Blues
Louis Armstrong and Bessie Smith

Wonder if Vladimir Tarasenko knows the team he plays for is named after a Bessie Smith song. Or who Bessie Smith is.

Montana
Montana
Frank Zappa

Only a guy who named one of his kids Dweasel would write a song about moving to Montana to raise a crop of dental floss. And maybe Weird Al.

Photo: Matteo Chinellato/Shutterstock

Nebraska
You and I
Lady Gaga

If you’ve ever written Gaga off as an auto-tuned pop star, take a listen to one of her first forays into country-inspired music to hear the full range of her vocal power. Though not much past her belting “Nebraska” over and over relates to the state, it’s far more comforting for a road trip than Springsteen’s spree-killer ballad.

Nevada
Viva Las Vegas
Elvis Presley

Before movie-quoting hacks started ending every conversation about Sin City with “Vegas, baby, Vegas,” there was this song — the anthem of 1970s Las Vegas in the mob-and-leisure suit era, when the bright light city set even Elvis’s soul on fire.

New Hampshire
New Hampshire
Sonic Youth

Those who haven’t been to the Northeast probably don’t know much about New Hampshire beyond the cabin where they stuck Walter White. But now you can add the fact that BB King turns New Hampshire Boys on. Thanks, Sonic Youth.

New Jersey
Atlantic City
Bruce Springsteen

There might not be a better opening line to any Springsteen song than, “Blew up a chicken man in Philly last night,” and though this isn’t the most flattering musical portrayal of the Garden State, it does capture the desperation and violence of the mob-run AC of yesteryear — and it’s sung by Springsteen, so everyone from Jersey loves it no matter what.

New Mexico
New Mexico
Johnny Cash

Driving through New Mexico is the most underratedly awful road-trip experience in America. It’s a state where you can go from clear skies to torrential downpour to high-desert snowstorm in a matter of miles. The Man in Black encounters all of that in this song, which like so many of his tracks clearly comes from real-life experience.

Photo: mark reinstein/Shutterstock

New York
Theme from New York, New York
Frank Sinatra

There are lots of songs about NYC, but it’s pretty much impossible to find one better than the theme song from Martin Scorsese’s 1977 film “New York, New York.” And you’ll hear it everywhere, from inside pizza shops to Central Park to Times Square on New Year’s Eve when the ball drops.

North Carolina
Raise Up
Petey Pablo

It’s not gonna be a popular pick, but does James Taylor give you a rush of North Carolina pride-driven adrenaline every time the chorus comes on? Probably not. I’m not even from North Carolina and I get pumped up hearing this song. Let the debate rage.

North Dakota
North Dakota
Lyle Lovett

Since Wiz Khalifa still has yet to come out with a “Black and Yellow”-like anthem for his home state, the duty has fallen to Texan Lyle Lovett, who begins this song by explaining, “The boys in North Dakota, they drink whiskey for their fun.” As if there was any other reason.

Ohio
Escape from Ohio
Electric Six

A song bagging on Ohio by a group from Michigan has to be taken with a requisite grain of salt, but no other song asks such important question as, “What’s so great about a Buckeye?” and “Why does every city start with C?” Electric Six may hate Ohio, a lot, but even people from Ohio can take a joke and laugh at this song, which harangues the state for giving us John Boehner.

Oklahoma
Okie from Muskogee
Merle Haggard

If you’re a coastal person who sometimes wonders about the mindset of the deep-red plains states, look no further than this 1960s Merle Haggard jam. The song might be over 50 years old, but the longing for a place where they don’t smoke marijuana or take LSD — and still wave Old Glory down at the courthouse — hasn’t gone much of anywhere since.

Oregon
Portland, Oregon
Loretta Lynn

Although this is technically a Loretta Lynn song, the duet with Jack White has a hard-driving, stripped-down guitar underlay that makes it sound more like a White Stripes song with Loretta Lynn doing vocals. Either way, we’re into it.

Photo: The 66th Annual Academy Awards

Pennsylvania
Streets of Philadelphia
Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen, still with more Oscars than Johnny Depp.

Rhode Island
Road to Rhode Island
Family Guy

The smallest state in the country might also have the fewest songs about it, and nearly all of them come from a Family Guy episode. Though it’s not quite as funny as the “You’ve Got AIDS” barber shop quartet number, it’s also a little more relevant to Rhode Island.

South Carolina
The Charleston
James P Johnson

This song from the 1920s musical Runnin’ Wild that spawned the hottest dance craze of the 1920s has, thankfully, held up a little better than the Soulja Boy.

South Dakota
Big Foot
Johnny Cash

Johnny Cash’s sad, melodic drawl is almost the perfect instrument to tell the Sioux Indians’ side of the battle of Wounded Knee. It’s only a couple of minutes long but a better history lesson than you’ll get in most textbooks.

Tennessee
Hard out Here for a Pimp
Three Six Mafia

There might be more country songs about Tennessee than there are about trucks and breakups, but did any of them win an Oscar? No, they did not. And can you really ever hear this song without picturing the sweltering, sweaty scenes of Hustle and Flow?

Texas
Deep in the Heart of Texas
Gene Autry

Texans will happily tell you they have the most, oldest, longest, biggest, and greatest of pretty much anything, though there are surprisingly few great modern-era songs about the Lone Star State. Probably why this Gene Autry classic holds up.

Photo: Randy Miramontez/Shutterstock

Utah
Salt Lake City
The Beach Boys

This song sounds like a radio promo the Beach Boys recorded for a concert in Salt Lake City, which with a few small lyrical tweaks has also been recorded as “Ok-la-homa!” and “South Da-Kota!” And it’s still the best song ever about Utah.

Vermont
Moonlight in Vermont
John Blackburn and Karl Suessdorf

This song was written in the ‘40s by and first introduced by songstress Margaret Whiting. But since then, it’s been covered by Willie Nelson, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Sarah Vaughan, Nat King Cole, Ray Charles, Tommy Dorsey, and Billie Holiday. How cool would it have been if they could have done a We Are The World thing in the ‘40s and gotten all these people on one track? Except for Willie Nelson; he’d have been ten.

Virginia
Carry me Back to Ol’ Virginia
Jerry Lee Lewis

Virginia’s another state that people seem to like to sing about “going back” to. Which begs the question, Jerry Lee, if this place is so great, why’d you ever leave?

Washington
Posse on Broadway
Sir Mix-a-Lot

Don’t you dare call Mix-a-Lot a one hit wonder. Sure, maybe outside Seattle people only remember him as the guy who had giant rubber butts on his turntable, but this song is so big in Seattle that the Seattle Symphony actually performed a version of it with him.

Photo: Steve Broer/Shutterstock

West Virginia
Take Me Home, Country Roads
John Denver

Some people get tears in their eyes every time this song comes on. And some WVU alums instinctively try to burn a couch.

Wisconsin
My Cousin in Milwaukee
Ella Fitzgerald

The rhyming in this song is worthy of the Chainsmokers, but with Ella Fitzgerald’s satin voice rhyming “Milwaukee” with “gawky” doesn’t seem so bad. Also, Ella’s affinity for her nightclub-singing cousin, who had boyfriends by the dozen, is also admirable.

Wyoming
Paint Me Back Home in Wyoming
Chris LeDoux

This song from the most renowned country singer to come out of Wyoming sounds almost biographical, a spoken-word story-song about a cowboy who sees a young woman painting in New York City and asks her to paint a picture of him back in the place he loves.


More like this: The 25 coolest towns in America: 2018

The post The best song about all 50 states appeared first on Matador Network.

The 7 best coffee houses in Vienna

Having been a meeting place for creative types and thinkers (think Sigmund Freud and Gustav Klimt) for centuries, coffee houses are an institution in Vienna. Both locals and visitors go to Viennese coffee houses for the delicious cakes, the peculiar formality of the waiting staff, and the Viennese practice of table-sharing. Yet, because there’s one pretty much on every corner of Vienna’s inner city, you’ll want to choose wisely. Factors like the interior decor, a special house cake, or the quality of the service tend to separate the ordinary from the extraordinary. And since nobody’s got time for the ordinary, here are the seven best coffee houses in Vienna.

1. Cafe Frauenhuber

Photo: Cafe Frauenhuber/Facebook

For every flashy and OTT cafe in Vienna, there’s an understated one like Café Frauenhuber. Rather than wowing people with glamour, the oldest running café in the city is simply cozy, quiet, and low-key — the kind of place where you want to spend hours chatting away. Best of all, you should be able to get a table straight away since there are few tourists. Enjoy it because it probably wasn’t all that quiet when Mozart and Beethoven performed here for the café’s guests.

Of course, Café Frauenhuber still has the trademark formality of Viennese coffee houses, but it also has a more intimate feel. Take the service, for example. It can be challenging to get a typical waiter’s attention in Vienna, but not here.

Café Frauenhuber is the perfect place to try an Austrian classic: strudel. You’ve got your choice of the standard apfelstrudel with apple or the less common house special zwetschgen strudel with plum.

Hours of operation: 8:00 AM — 11:00 PM from Monday to Saturday; 10:00 AM — 10:00 PM on Sundays

2. Café Sacher Wien

Photo: Sacher Hotels/Facebook

The most famous Viennese cake is undoubtedly the incredibly rich chocolate sachertorte. Made with a lot of chocolate, a little apricot jam, and topped with plenty of whipped cream, you probably won’t be getting seconds. While it’s available in many Vienna coffee houses, you have to try it where it was first created in 1832 — Hotel Sacher. It’s in the café of the hotel, Café Sacher, that you can now taste this famous treat. There’s more to this coffee house than one cake, though, as you sit in its plush salon lined with red damask. Positioned on a busy pedestrian street, the café is also a great place to people watch. While it’s normal for there to be a line to get a table, you can visit after 4:00 PM to get in quicker.

Hours of operation: 7:30 AM — 10:00 PM from Monday to Saturday; 10:00 AM — 10:00 PM on Sundays

3. Café Central

Photo: Cafe Central/Facebook

Coffee houses in Vienna have a habit of collecting famous regulars, and no other in the city has a greater collection than Café Central — Freud and Trotsky certainly brought fame to the establishment. But the elegant décor inside also plays a huge part in Café Central’s reputation. The café is in a grand building that once housed Vienna’s national bank and stock exchange, with small tables set between thick marble columns under an elaborate vaulted ceiling. It’s much snazzier than your average Starbucks.

Café Central is very popular, so avoid the long lines by getting there before 10:30 AM or after 8:00 PM on weekdays; noon is definitely the worst time for you to show up. Once inside and shown to your table, it’s more efficient to visit the cake display than simply read the menu. If you’re struggling to decide, consider house specials such as the chocolate-orange Café Central Torte or the lemony cream of the Café Central Schnitte. For something lighter, the small lemon curd tart goes down well.

Hours of operation: 7:30 AM — 10:00 PM from Monday to Saturday; 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM on Sundays

4. Café Gerstner

Photo: Gerstner KuK Hofzuckerbacker/Facebook

When it opened in 1847, Café Gerstner was just a small pastry shop, but by 1873, it had become the dedicated supplier of desserts to both the Opera House and the royal family, so all of Vienna’s high society congregated here for cakes and pastries. The cafe’s full name, Gerstner K. u. K. Hofzuckerbäcker, actually means the “Confectioner to the Imperial Court.” Looking at the display cabinets, that prestige is easily noticed with several of its desserts, which use gold flakes as an element of presentation.

Each level of the Café Gerstner comes with its own style, from the elegant ground-floor confectionary store to the cool, intimate cafe/bar above. What takes the cake, though, is the upstairs salon, which looks like a royal residence with its chandeliers and hanging portraits. This cafe is one of the few places that gets busier in the evening, but even if there’s a line, it’s usually a short one.

Hours of operation: Open daily 10:00 AM — 11:00 PM

5. Café Prückel

Photo: AchimBieniek.com for Cafe Pruckel

Café Prückel’s decor may not be as sumptuous as the ones mentioned previously, but it’s still pretty fancy for a café. Inspired by a more modern design, the banquette-booth by the windows and the seats are straight out of the 1950s while the grand chandeliers are full-on Art Déco. Café Prückel is far more popular with locals than tourists, which is a shame because it has a staggering selection of local and international newspapers, as well as several drinks that you can only find here. The Prückel Creme, a small mocha with whipped cream, as well as various liqueur coffees, including the Original Fiaker with rum and Saloneinspänner with vodka, are some of the house specialties. Naturally, there are also various cakes to accompany your hot beverage, including topfenkuchen, which is a standard Austrian cheesecake.

Hours of operation: Open daily 8:30 AM — 10:00 PM

6. Cafe Hawelka

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kob Parachasit (@kobkp) on Jun 25, 2017 at 4:17am PDT

Not all of Vienna’s coffee houses have been around for a century and a half, but that doesn’t mean that they lack either history or character. Café Hawelka is proof of that. This coffee house doesn’t look as if it has changed one bit since it reopened in 1945 after the war. That’s no surprise given that the same couple, Leopold and Josefine Hawelka, ran the cafe for its first 66 years in business.

Café Hawelka is a popular spot for artists and writers. With its humble wood panellings and modest decor, it’s a lot more low-key than places such as Café Central. You’ll often find locals having buchteln, sweet buns filled with jam made from a family recipe, with their coffee here. Into the evening, locals and visitors take advantage of the cafe’s peace and quiet to read a book or the many newspapers available.

Hours of operation: 8:00 AM — 12:00 AM from Monday to Thursday; 8:00 AM — 1:00 AM from Friday to Saturday; 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM Sundays

7. Vollpension

Photo: Vollpension/Facebook

Vienna’s grand coffee houses can sometimes feel formal and impersonal. If you’re after a more cozy touch, head to Vollpension. Located outside Vienna’s inner city, this family-owned café focuses on home cooking to accompany its coffee. Using local ingredients, locals come here to find food that resembles what their omas made back in the days. All the cooks in the house actually are Austrian grandmas, and the café decor — with all its mismatched chairs and nicknacks — looks like grandma’s house, too.

Hours of operation: 9:00 AM — 10:00 PM from Monday to Saturday; 9:00 AM — 8:00 PM on Sundays


More like this: Vienna just edged out Melbourne as the “World’s Most Liveable City”

The post The 7 best coffee houses in Vienna appeared first on Matador Network.

Haunted hotels around the world

When some people vacation, they like to relax. Tropical beaches, sunny weather, cocktails by the pool — you know the drill. For others, though, something off the normal circuit is in order, something… freaky. If you’re looking for that kind of holiday experience, these ghostly getaways give you the opportunity to experience a little bit of the paranormal first hand — or spook yourself out trying. There are locations all across the United States where you can spend the night searching for spirits, in addition to haunted accommodations as far and wide as New Zealand and Wales. If you’re looking for the ultimate Halloween getaway, these are the most haunted hotels to sleep in — with one eye open.

1. Ruthin Castle Hotel, Wales

Photo: Ruthin Castle Hotel & Spa/Facebook

The Ruthin Castle Hotel in Wales hosts comfortable rooms in a refurbished setting — plus, its home to a drowning pool, a few dungeons, a whipping pit, and a lot of creepy things that go bump in the night. The site of a few historic murders, the hotel welcomes visitors who might be lucky enough to spy the ghost of Lady Grey, who was eventually sentenced to death after murdering her husband’s mistress. A stay here is sure to be fun for the whole family, as long as no one is particularly queasy.

2. The Queen Mary 2, California

Photo: Queen Mary

This is the place to combine your love of nautical niceties with spooky sightings. The Queen Mary 2, docked at Long Beach, California, is apparently haunted by a lady in a white dress who can be seen wandering the decks at night. There are also the ghosts of guests who have died in the swimming pool, so unless you’re a strong swimmer, maybe avoid taking a dip. It even hosts a “Dark Harbour” Halloween event each autumn based around paranormal activities that have taken place on the ship.

3. Ballyseede Castle, Ireland

Photo: celticcastles.com

The female equivalent of Casper the friendly ghost can be found at Ballyseede Castle in Ireland. The castle is haunted by the ghost of Hilda, the last of the Blennerhassett family, who built the current castle in the 18th century and is very benevolent. You can typically find her in her old bedroom, the Crosby Room, and she’s known to leave the scent of rose petals when she moves about the grounds. Hilda likes to admire the estate out the window and has been known to have a good old chat with visitors — she’s even made a few predictions of guests fortunes.

4. The Farnsworth House Inn, Pennsylvania

Photo: Historic Farnsworth House Inn/Facebook

During the Civil War, The Farnsworth House Inn sheltered Confederate sharpshooters, and a stray bullet unfortunately struck the one civilian woman in the house, Mary Virginia “Jennie” Wade. It’s said that these days, a number of soldiers haunt the house with the sound of footsteps and music. They’ve also been rumoured to make an occasional visit to the bedrooms of visitors. Many guests describe entities that skulk through the rooms at night, believed to be the souls of young men who died during the war.

5. The Chateau Tongariro, New Zealand

Photo: Chateau Tongariro

The Chateau Tongariro, a fancy hotel located at the base of Mount Ruapehu in New Zealand, used to be a women’s asylum. Staff at the hotel mention the spirit of a nurse called Charlotte who died there, as well as other unknown patients who killed themselves while living on the grounds. It’s common for curtains to move, fires to splutter and go out, and doors to open and close without reason. The isolation of the place certainly adds to the spooky atmosphere, even if you are surrounded by some pretty plush digs.

6. Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast, Massachusetts

Photo: Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast/Museum/Facebook

The name is a dead giveaway with this one. The Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast is based in the former home of its namesake, everyone’s favourite axe murderer. Located in Fall River, Massachusetts, the house was the scene of the brutal killings of various members of the Borden clan. You can stay in the very rooms where they met their endings or in Lizzie’s room itself. Tours of the house are run every day, or you can rent the whole house for an extra creepy family reunion.

7. Castello della Castelluccia, Rome

Photo: Castello della Castelluccia/Facebook

The Castello della Castelluccia in Rome offers a multi-faceted approach to paranormal activity as it is apparently haunted by several prominent ghosts: Emperor Nero, an alchemist who was killed in a lightning strike, and a full-on herd of horses that insist on galloping around the property at night. Staying in the local castle, you’ll hopefully luck out and experience at least one of its long-term residents.

8. The Stanley Hotel, Colorado

Photo: Phillip Rubino/Shutterstock

We, of course, can’t overlook The Stanley Hotel, the Colorado mountain town standby which gained fame as the inspiration for the Overlook Hotel in Stanley Kubrick’s >em>The Shining, based on the Stephen King book of the same name. The Stanley family, who established the remote hotel to experience the healing winter air of the high Rockies, apparently never actually checked out of the place. It’s reported that they haunt the corridors, which provided ample inspiration for the creepy book and movie, as well as the nightly tours that draw ghost fanatics from around the globe. The Stanley Hotel hosts an annual Shining Ball, sure to provide lots of freaky festive fun and the perfect opportunity to incorporate that hatchet into your Halloween costume.

9. Tulloch Castle, Scotland

Photo: celticcastles.com

Scotland’s Tulloch Castle is said to be haunted by the ghost of a lady in green — Elizabeth Davidson, a daughter of the former owner. If you spy her, she’s apparently a bit of a sad soul, often spotted wandering the hallways mournfully exclaiming “why” over and over. Guests report feelings of overwhelming sorrow in her presence. Sinister.


More like this: The ultimate Dracula tour of Transylvania for Halloween

The post 9 haunted hotels you can actually spend the night in appeared first on Matador Network.

New Cloud Cabin bus from LA to SF

Seven hours is a long time to spend twiddling your thumbs on a bus, but sadly, most of us are simply bored to tears on lengthy commutes. Sleep is certainly an option on overnight trips, but with all those bumps in the road, it can prove an impossible prospect. One bus service provider is trying to solve this issue, using the latest technology to create a smooth ride and help passengers get a solid night’s sleep.

While Cabin has been transporting passengers between Los Angeles and San Francisco since 2017 and is already known for its hotel-like, comfortable accommodations, it’s now kicking it up a notch. It’s introducing a suspension system called “Cabin Cloud,” designed to help passengers sleep as soundly as possible. By muting turbulence and reducing road vibrations, the goal is to make passengers forget they’re on a bus at all. “We’re obsessed with architecting the perfect environment for sleep travel,” said Tom Currier, Co-Founder and CTO of Cabin, in a press release, and it seems they’ve done just that.

Photo: Cabin

After conducting extensive research, Cabin discovered that active suspension was the most effective way to reduce road turbulence. The bus service developed proprietary software to identify the major bumps along the route, then installed the necessary hardware into the bus to deal with them. Now, when the bus encounters a bump, the technology responds by moving the passenger’s bed either up or down to accommodate the bump, thereby preventing a jarring jolt.

Photo: Cabin

To experience “Cabin Cloud” technology for yourself, visit Cabin’s website to book a ticket. Prices range between $84 and $124 for a one-way fare.

H/T: Lonely Planet

More like this: 9 hacks to make bus travel less miserable

The post This high-tech Cloud Cabin bus will help you sleep soundly from LA to San Francisco appeared first on Matador Network.