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11 reasons to visit Curaçao

Curaçao makes up the “C” in the trio of islands often referred to as the ABC Islands — Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao — located off the northern coast of Venezuela. As a Caribbean island, Curaçao has the sunshine and crystal-clear waters you’d expect, but if you want more from your vacation than a perfect tan, the island is also loaded with adrenaline-pumping activities that you won’t find anywhere else.

1. Embark on a deep-dive submarine.

Photo: Substation Curacao/Facebook

Descend 1,000 feet below sea level for a look at the dark underworld of the ocean — as well as some of the predatory sharks of the Caribbean. Substation Curaçao has a shark-centered deep-dive excursion that is dedicated to spotting local shark species, including big-eyed Cuban dog sharks, sevengill sharks, and green murray sharks. Travelers will embark upon their undersea journeys in the Curasub, a certified mini-submarine, which allows you to explore depths that are unreachable even to scuba divers.

2. Ride an ostrich at the ostrich farm.

Photo: Curacao Ostrich Farm/Facebook

For a mini safari involving up-close encounters with six- to nine-foot flightless African birds without actually going to Africa, check out the Curaçao Ostrich Farm. The Curaçao Ostrich Farm even offers the chance to ride an ostrich; you’ll find hourly rides through acres of land occupied by ostriches, emus, and crocodiles. When you’re done, order an omelet or ostrich steak at the on-site Zambezi restaurant — one ostrich egg provides the equivalent of 80 to 100 chicken eggs.

3. Cliff dive at Playa Forti.

Photo: Gail Johnson/Shutterstock

In Playa Forti, brave cliff divers can access a diving platform by walking along a narrow path next to Restaurant Forti (built in 1958 on the ruins of an English fortress) where a 40-foot plunge into the clear waters below awaits. Standing on the edge, divers can see as far as Playa Piskado, where small fishing boats are docked in the harbor.

4. Swim with sea turtles in the wild.

Photo: Gail Johnson/Shutterstock

Sea life is abundant in Curaçao, especially at Playa Piskado, a pristine cove that has become famous for its free-swimming population of sea turtles. Playa Piskado is a spot where fishermen dock and cast off their scraps; the sea turtles quickly found out about the free meal and warm, shallow waters and decided to take up residence. Now, divers and swimmers can enjoy frolicking with the turtles as they lazily lunch on whatever leftovers the fishermen toss them in their natural habitat.

5. Have a bite of iguana.

Photo: Zina Seletskaya/Shutterstock

If you want to walk out on a culinary limb and channel your inner Andrew Zimmern, there’s an abundance of places in Curaçao that will serve you iguana in all its forms — it’s a popular dish on the island, and with the right seasoning, it’s not bad. Check out hole-in-the-wall Jaanchie’s in Westpunt for an authentic experience.

6. Climb through sea caves.

Photo: Gail Johnson/Shutterstock

At the western end of Curaçao, Westpunt beaches are striking in their dramatic landscapes. At Shete Boka National Park, you can even crawl through caves carved from limestone over the years and marvel at the power and force of the ocean as large waves crash in and out of the rocky outcroppings, creating gigantic sea sprays and a marvelous display of nature.

7. See legendary performers at the Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival.

Photo: Curacao North Sea Jazz Festival/Facebook

The Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival is one of the best-kept secrets of the Caribbean. The three-night festival is a wild celebration of both jazz legends and hit artists of recent years. For example, this year’s lineup included acts as varied as Patti LaBelle, Daddy Yankee, Burt Bacharach, KC and the Sunshine Band, Christina Aguilera, Jason Derulo, Spyro Gyra, Damian Marley, Sting and Shaggy, Grace Jones, CeeLo Green, and more. Schedule your trip to coincide with this annual music festival for a memorable musical experience.

8. Learn to kiteboard.

Photo: NIX Kiteboarding Kitesurfing School Curacao/Facebook

Consistent tradewinds in Sint Joris Baai (on the northeastern side of Curaçao) make it one of the most ideal places to learn to kiteboard, and instructors at Nix Kite School offer kiteboarding lessons for all skill levels. It generally takes three classes or a full-day lesson before novice kiteboarders are ready to stand up on the board, but on occasion, the instructors will allow smaller guests to take a “monkey ride” on their back across the lake.

9. Tour an aloe plantation.

Photo: Curaloe – The plant in a Bottle/Facebook

Curaçao’s warm, dry climate makes it a prolific breeding ground for aloe vera plants, which grow in abundance at the Curaloe® plantation in Willemstad. Curaloe®’s aloe vera products are sourced from the plantation’s 100,000 plants and distributed worldwide. Visitors can learn all about the natural healing benefits of the aloe vera plant and even take a bite of fresh aloe vera gel straight from a stalk of one of the plants. The gift shop has everything from cosmetic products to aloe vera juices, which carry a wide range of benefits from gut health to immune boosts to cardiovascular support.

10. Hike up Mt. Christoffel.

Photo: Gail Johnson/Shutterstock

Located within the largest national park in Curaçao, Mt. Christoffel reaches a height of 1,230 feet, making it the tallest peak on the island. There are eight hiking trails around Mt. Christoffel, so visitors have several route options, ranging from an easy stroll to a more challenging hour-long hike to the top. The park also offers epic experiences like mountain biking, full moon hikes, cave excursions, and safaris.

11. Hunt for lionfish and save the Caribbean.

Photo: Luiz Felipe V. Puntel/Shutterstock

Lionfish are infiltrating the Caribbean as an invasive species and destroying the delicate balance of the marine ecosystem, so you can feel good about doing your part to eradicate lionfish populations. Aspiring conservationists can book a lionfish hunt with CURious 2 Dive, which departs weekly to East Point, a reef on the island’s eastern tip that’s also home to schools of tarpon, sharks, eagle rays, barracuda, and turtles. Once the divers resurface with their catches, the guides will teach participants how to clean the fish and then provide a chance to sample them at The Pier, a restaurant in the Jan Thiel area.


More like this: Around the Caribbean in 17 national dishes

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Why whiskey fans will adore Ireland

Scotch whisky and bourbon have taken the limelight over the past couple years, but there’s another famous whiskey region that’s ready to shine: Ireland. Irish whiskey is the fastest growing spirit category in the world, selling 20 percent more whiskey in 2017 than it did in 2016, with expectations of doubling the amount of whiskey made in 2014 by 2020. This may all just sound like a bunch of numbers, but it means one important thing: There’s never been a better time to visit Ireland’s whiskey distilleries.

“What makes Ireland an exciting place for whiskey fans to visit right now is the fact that the country is undergoing a whiskey renaissance,” Alex Conyngham, the co-founder of Slane Irish whiskey, says. “For many years, there were only a handful of distilleries in Ireland. Today, there are about 30 distilleries that are operational or being planned to open soon.”

The current number of distilleries might not sound like a lot compared to other historic whisky-making destinations (more than 70 in Kentucky and over 120 in Scotland), but don’t count it out. Ireland holds 32,600 square miles (about the size of Indiana) of whiskey history. People have been making whiskey in Ireland for centuries, which is probably why the Gaelic for whiskey — uisce beatha — means “water of life.”

Photo: Bene Images/Shutterstock

Since Americans are known for repping their Irish heritage hard, it’s no surprise that they’re the biggest fans of the whiskey outside Ireland. Drinkers in the US bought 43.92 million bottles of Irish whiskey in 2016, and that number is only going up. It won’t be long before Irish Americans start flocking to distilleries to see where the whiskey is made firsthand, just like they do to the Guinness Storehouse for the perfect pint or the pubs in Temple Bar.

So whether you’re a longtime Irish whiskey lover, a spirits enthusiast that likes to stay abreast of the biggest trends, or you’re simply obsessed with everything from the Land of Éire, now is the time to go and see the best of what Ireland has to offer before the rest of the world catches on. Here are five of the best Irish whiskey experiences to get you started.

Photo: drserg/Shutterstock

1. The Jameson Midleton Experience

There’s something to be said for Jameson’s swanky new set up in Dublin. It’s easily accessible, it’s designed for people who’re curious about the history of the brand, and you get to try plenty of whiskey out of the barrel. But the actual liquid isn’t made there, making it kind of like visiting EPCOT. For the full Jameson experience, head down to County Cork, where all of the Jameson whiskey enjoyed around the world is produced. Jameson moved its operation to Midleton in 1975, and some of the buildings on the grounds go back to 1795. The regular tour shows you around the basics, while people who choose the Distiller’s Apprentice Tour get to taste the spirit straight from the stills, as well as sample whiskey fresh from the barrel. Other Irish whiskey brands like Powers and the historic Redbreast brand are also produced in the County Cork distillery, so its possible to get a little more than just classic, reliable Jameson. Jameson is by far the largest and best-known Irish whiskey brand, so no whiskey trip would be complete without it.

Photo: Pearse Lyons Distillery/Facebook

2. Pearse Lyons Distillery at St. James Church

Pearse Lyons is located in what was once Dublin’s St. James Church. It’s possibly the only place where the distillery tour also includes a walkthrough of an on-site church graveyard, which is a trip in itself seeing as the church dates back to the 12th century. If drinking anything other than communion wine inside of a church appeals to you, Pearse Lyons will allow you to try three different types of Irish whiskey in the nave of the church next to the copper-pot stills. Depending on your beliefs, you may or may not feel more than one type of spirit when you visit.

Photo: Slane Distillery

3. Slane Distillery at the Slane Castle in Boyne Valley

On the list of things that Ireland is famous for, whiskey and castles are right there near the top. Slane has both. The brand calls its castle the Slane Castle Estate home, and the 1,500-acre estate has long been run by the Conyngham family. The 250-year-old stables that once housed horses are now where Slane Irish whiskey is produced. The building itself is also the home of Rock ‘n’ Roll in Ireland, bringing together the age-old duo of music and whiskey with acts from bands like U2, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and Guns ’N Roses. Slane is relatively new to the world of Irish whiskey, but it’s already won people over with its flagship triple-cask blended expression. Anyone who made the mistake of booking too short of an Ireland trip (Conyngham suggests at least a week) can check whiskey distillery and castle visit off their list in one go with a trip to Slane.

Photo: Anton_Ivanov/Shutterstock

4. Old Bushmills Distillery

On the coast of Northern Ireland in the village of Bushmills, you’ll find the oldest licensed Irish whiskey distillery — and the oldest continuously licensed distillery, period. Whiskey-making began with a grant from King James in 1608, and the trademark license was given in 1784. Yes, Irish whiskey is having a moment and there’s lots of new brands and expressions popping up, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore what’s come before (long, long before). Every batch of Bushmills is made at the distillery, from the single malts to the blended whiskeys, making it one of the only Irish farm-to-glass distilleries. You can get a sense of that history and see what makes Bushmills one of the best-selling Irish whiskeys today on the tour. Plus, you get to sample more than five expressions that the brand makes. Fit some time into your schedule for this historic brand because without it, Irish whiskey wouldn’t be at the point it is today.

Photo: Attila JANDI/Shutterstock

5. Kilbeggan Distillery

The only distillery with a claim to history like Bushmills is Kilbeggan. The original distillery license dates back to 1757, which, if you’ve been paying attention, is 27 years before Bushmills. Kilbeggan, however, stopped distilling for a number of years before starting back up again. Today, the two brands have competing stories of which one is the real OG when it comes to Irish whiskey distillation. Perhaps the best way to decide whose side you’re on is to just visit both. In addition to tasting whiskey, you’ll get to see the original mash tuns and fermenters in their original positions on the Kilbeggan tour, along with new fermenting vats and an epic, 186-year-old pot still.


More like this: The 5 most epic whisky experiences in Scotland

The post Why Ireland should be on every whiskey lover’s bucket list appeared first on Matador Network.

What to do in the Languedoc

Visiting the south of France is a bucket list item for many travelers; however, not all things ‘sud de la France’ are created equal. As much as the idea of Provence reigns king in the minds of Mediterranean-bound travelers, the reality is that the region is being overtaken by tourist-ridden beaches, overpriced lodging, and gimmicky shops. But all the features that make up your Provencal dreams — endless wineries, picturesque hikes through the forest, and quaint seaside villages — still exist in a much more locals-only setting, for a significantly more affordable price. Introducing the Languedoc, southern France’s lesser-known, crowdless gem — at least for now. Here are five reasons why it’s the next must-see destination in France.

1. Montpellier is France’s fastest growing city.

Photo: FredP/Shutterstock

The Languedoc region, formally called Languedoc-Roussillon, comprises 10,570 square miles, spread across five major départements: Aude, Gard, Hérault, Lozère, and Pyrénées-Orientales. From beaches to cities to medieval citadels, the Languedoc’s diverse number of features is truly astounding. But the best way to begin your journey is in its main city, Montpellier. The bustling, food and wine-soaked capital of the region is comparable to the seaside city of Marseille in Provence, with a little more local charm.

Here, you’ll be able to marvel at the Place de la Comédie, a historic city square lined with captivating architecture, along with a handful of churches, interesting museums, and live music venues. Another draw is the Jardin des Plantes, a 450-year-old botanical garden that serves as a quiet, green escape from the city (not that it ever gets too chaotic downtown). Countless restaurants and wine bars line the tiny, inclined streets, and it’s pretty hard to go wrong when southern French food is as good as it is. So don’t stress over picking between them — just go where there appear to be locals, order a glass of wine, and tuck in.

Because of the city’s international university, nightlife and young people are also in abundance. If you don’t mind sharing the city with some visitors, head to Montpellier during the Festival Radio France for endless live jazz concerts, film showings, and talks, or the annual Cinemed festival — France’s second largest, just after Cannes.

2. There’s endless outdoor adventure opportunities.

Photo: PHB.cz (Richard Semik)/Shutterstock

Outside of the city, you’ll find over 90 hiking trails in the Languedoc, 40 of which lie within the Pyrénées-Orientales. We recommend checking out the Gardon Gorges or Sentier des 1000 Marches; for a simpler stroll, look no further than the Canal du Midi — and if you happen to pass the Pont du Gard, even better.

For water-focused activities, such as sailing, windsurfing, or renting a yacht, you’ve got the right place. With dozens of marinas dotting the Languedoc’s coast, it’s almost harder to avoid the opportunity to partake in water activities than to actually participate. We recommend visiting the Centre Nautique Grande-Motte, La Franqui’s Adrénaline Kitesurf, or Centre Nautique de la Ville de Sète to take advantage of the sparkling coastline.

3. There’s more to drink than just rosé.

Photo: PAUL ATKINSON/Shutterstock

As much as we love Provencal rosé, the Languedoc’s viticultural scene is far more diverse, producing an array of reds, whites, rosés, and naturally sweet wines (vin doux naturel) across a spread of appellations. The Languedoc has over 700,000 acres under vine, making it France’s largest wine-producing region; in fact, the region alone is responsible for more than one-third of the country’s annual wine production. Sip on local Grenache-based reds, GSM blends, or an array of international varieties; or quench your thirst with a diversity of whites, including the lip-puckering whites of Picpoul or refreshing bubblies of Limoux. And of course, don’t forget a few glasses of rosé, made from local varieties.

Notable wineries to visit:

Mas de Daumas Gassac (Aniane)
Maxime Magnon (Corbières)
Maison Ventenac (Ventenac-Cabardès)
Domaine Gayda (Brugairolles)
Château l’Hospitalet — Gérard Bertrand (Narbonne)

4. You can get an up-close look at Medieval history.

Photo: leoks/Shutterstock

For the history buff, head to Carcassonne, the Languedoc’s instant transport to medieval history. Located 80 kilometers east of Toulouse and wedged between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, the city’s strategic location proved optimal throughout multiple periods of history, from Neolithic times through the Middle Ages. The city’s fortified hilltop, known as the Cité de Carcassonne, was constructed during the Gallo-Roman times, and was expanded upon in the 13th and 14th centuries. Today, Carcassonne is the largest walled city in Europe, gaining UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1997. Take a self-guided walking tour through the city’s fortified walls and browse for regional products, such as Mediterranean sea salt and honey, at an array of tiny shops.

5. The beaches are stunning.

Photo: PHB.cz (Richard Semik)/Shutterstock

People come to the south of France to ogle at the glittering seaside, and the Languedoc does not disappoint. There are over 40 different beaches in the region, all with fewer tourists than Nice and St. Tropez. To the east, Espiguette is delightful, boasting coves, flamingos, and an array of lagoons. Carnon is easily accessible from Montpellier’s city center, offering a sandy escape from the city’s abundant shops and nightlife. Further west, the beaches of Narbonne are not to be missed; they’re close to the city center, yet vast enough to never feel crammed. La Franqui is also located next to a cute village center, with a handful of laid-back restaurants to sit and sip a beer at. And in Perpignan, to the west, sits Argeles, considered one of the best beaches in the whole country; it’s large and open, with a breathtaking Pyrénées backdrop, surrounded by flowers and trees. The Catalan-influenced seaside village of Collioure is also worth a visit, brimming with seafront restaurants and bars, ancient architecture, and a bustling promenade.


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Baby snow monkeys in South Dakota

We had you at baby snow monkeys, admit it.

And seriously, what’s not to love about a troop of macaques? These adorable red-faced primates first grabbed our collective hearts during the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan, when video clips of them relaxing in natural hot springs like jacuzzis at an après ski were all over TV. The macaques — or Japanese snow monkeys — are the northernmost non-human primates in the world, native to the mountainous regions of Japan, and the only ones other than humans to live in cold weather. And the only place you can see baby ones is in Japan.

Well, there and South Dakota.

The Great Plains Zoo in Sioux Falls welcomed the two newest baby macaques in America this summer, bringing the number of animals in the zoo’s troop up to 16. Though 14 zoos across the country have macaques, this is the only one where you’ll see babies this young. And as primates go, they might be the most entertaining to watch.

Photo: Great Plains Zoo

Head to the exhibit in Sioux Falls this summer, and you’ll see the baby macaques basking in the sunshine, with adults perched on tree branches in order of hierarchy. In the winter, you can catch them rolling snowballs and rolling down snow hills, just like your kids.

“They’re like holding a mirror up to yourself as a primate,” says Ali Wunderman, founder of The Naturalist magazine. “You look at them and think, ‘I’m like that!’ They have complex facial expressions, different eye color, nurturing, pair bonding. They make you appreciate humans’ place in the animal kingdom.”

In addition to playing in the snow, you can also catch them taking their traditional hot-tub soaks like we saw during the Olympics. The only jacuzzi-dwelling macaques in the world are native to Jigokudani near Nagano, but because South Dakota gets just as cold, they do it here, too.

“It’s a nice warm pool, just like the hot springs you find in the mountains of Japan,” says zoo president and CEO Elizabeth Whealey. “So you’ll see them swimming in there, or dangling food in to wash it.”

But getting these monkeys to breed was a major undertaking.

Photo: Ondrej Prosicky/Shutterstock

Breeding is harder than just showing up at the hot tub.

If we’ve learned anything from 16 years of watching The Bachelor, it’s that hot tubs are a great way to get the reproductive process started. With macaques, however, it’s not as simple as popping a bottle of Moet and inviting over the girls from the next tree branch.

Though these animals aren’t critically endangered, safely breeding them is an important step in preserving the world’s macaque population.

“We’ve pushed so many animals into tiny corners of their natural habitats; human encroachment has made a difference in Japan onto their territory,” says Whealy. “It’s up to us to make sure they don’t go extinct.”

However, breeding macaques is difficult because of their complex social structure — which is why the Sioux Falls babies are being celebrated so widely.

“It’s like pandas,” says Wunderman. “You can’t just force it to happen by putting two macaques together.”

The Great Plains Zoo works like an expensive matchmaking service, working with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (or SSP) to match females with males for the best breeding potential.

Photo: Great Plains Zoo

“First, we look at who is going to be the best mate across time,” says Great Plains’ Whealey. “The SSP looks across all 14 zoos (with macaques), and it’s not just genetically who’s going to be best, but who’s going to be accepted. Like humans, they’re very complex.”

“We determine who would be most open to a new situation,” she continues. “Maybe it’s their demeanor, or who would be the best breeder for the bloodline. Like with livestock, you want a lot of biodiversity. We’re not going to introduce you to your cousin and say, ‘Oh, we think she’d be great for you to marry.’ She may be perfectly nice, but that’s not going to work out well down the road.”

Inbred macaques, apparently, are not nearly as adorable.

Photo: Tetyana Dotsenko/Shutterstock

Beyond making sure their exhibit doesn’t turn in to rural Appalachia, the breeding program also has to ensure it doesn’t turn into a primate production of Mean Girls. Because breeding often involves moving macaques from one zoo to another, they must make sure the new animal will be accepted into the troop.

In practice that means once the SSP has determined which animals would be viable to breed, they then figure out which zoo would be the best place for them socially. Perhaps a female in Milwaukee is best suited to mate with the breeding males in Sioux Falls. But kinda like the new girl in high school, if she’s not accepted by the females, too, it’s going to be a tough road for her, no matter how popular she is with the fellas. Especially in the matrilineal society of macaques.

“They look at the makeup of the females and males in the troop,” says Whealey. “And if they’d end up having a little gang fight if we brought the wrong one in. Again, they’re very complicated.”

Photo: Great Plains Zoo

Assuming the new macaque would blend in with his or her new surroundings, it’s then moved from one zoo to another, and the breeding process begins. Although, like with dating, it’s never a 100 percent guarantee. But in the case of the Great Plains Zoo, love was indeed in the air, and the troop welcomed its two newest members over the summer.

The troop now has young macaques ranging in age from babies up to four-year-olds, and regular visitors can watch them grow up and interact with their mothers — or just enjoy watching them lounge in the hot tub, throwing snowballs at each other. Winter in South Dakota might not sound like the most inviting place, but with adorable red-faced baby snow monkeys and a heated viewing area, it might be worth braving the cold.


More like this: The 11 best places to travel to if you’re obsessed with monkeys

The post South Dakota just got two new baby snow monkeys, and visiting them this winter will be extra adorable appeared first on Matador Network.

Hurricane Florence impending

Starting tomorrow (Thursday, September 13th), Hurricane Florence is expected to bring as many as 40 inches of rain and over 150 inches of floodwater to North and South Carolina, leading to what many experts say could be widespread flooding that topples buildings and downs power lines and other structures. The life-threatening storm shifted slightly southwest on Tuesday, potentially increasing the total area of impact. You can follow the path of the storm here.

Photo: National Hurricane Center

For residents of the Carolinas and Mid-Atlantic states, the chaos has already begun. More than one million South Carolina residents are already under evacuation orders, and that number is expected to rise. The National Weather Service branch located in Wilmington, North Carolina, released a statement Tuesday warning residents in the area of a potential “storm of a lifetime.” A report posted by the National Hurricane Center stated that the “combination of a dangerous storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline.” As of Wednesday morning, Florence was still listed as a category four hurricane with hurricane-force winds, barreling towards the coastal United States.

#1 reason why #HurricaneFlorence is so dangerous to the coast. #StormSurge This is what a 12ft. surge could bring to anyone who doesn't evacuate. More on how high the surge could be @nbcbayarea 11 #MyrtleBeach #Wilmington #TopSail #Hatteras pic.twitter.com/gyZsnlxsho

— Jeff Ranieri (@JeffRanieri) September 12, 2018

While winds are expected to die down slightly prior to landfall on Thursday, the expected levels of seawater are causing panic along the coast. The NHC encourages residents to take all safety precautions to protect both lives and property and to heed evacuation orders today.

Travel on the southeastern coast is expected to be under heavy delay in the coming days. Most major airlines — including Delta, American, United, Southwest, and JetBlue — are offering waivers or waving rebooking fees for travelers impacted by canceled or delayed flights, with United offering up to one year to rebook. In addition, The New York Times reported that Amtrak has canceled many routes heading south from Washington, DC.

H/T: Business Insider

More like this: What travelers need to know about hurricane season

The post Hurricane Florence is dangerously charging towards North and South Carolina appeared first on Matador Network.

World’s largest indoor skiing China

Indoor skiing and training facilities are nothing new in a destination ski location like Colorado, where skiers can learn the basics at SnoBahn just outside of Denver, or master their freestyle technique at Woodward at Copper without ever stepping into nature. But the indoor ski industry is being driven forward by warm-weather destinations such as Dubai, which opened Ski Dubai in 2005, hoping to snatch a piece of the multi-billion dollar industry. Dubai’s 5.5-acre ski area brought slopes and terrain features, as well as the industry-standard high-end lodging to the sun-baked Middle East.

Now, the Chinese are breaking into the industry in a momentous way by announcing Wintastar, the world’s largest indoor ski and snowboard resort located in Lingang City, just outside of Shanghai. The facility, set to operate as a full-scale ski resort, will feature a “Ski & Snow Park” covering more than 22 acres with three separate ski slopes, including a training facility matching Olympic standards, as reported by The Points Guy.

Photo: KOP Properties/Wintastar

There will be retail and entertainment facilities on-site including movie and production theaters. Checking out Wintasar will be worth it even if skiing isn’t your thing, as the forthcoming resort will host more than 25 on-snow activities for non-skiers. No open date has yet been set, but it’s safe to say that it’ll take at least a few years to build such a large project.

H/T: The Points Guy

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Map of best food joints in US

Deciding where to eat can be the most fun aspect of a road trip. Leaving your usual food haunts behind and setting out on the open road, where the dining possibilities are nearly endless, can be truly exciting. But it can also be super stressful, especially when it’s been eight hours since your last meal, and your itinerary isn’t dotted with five-star restaurants. Thankfully, Orbitz has compiled a helpful guide for road trippers to sample the best local food along their route, no matter where they’re going.

From cider donuts in Michigan, gumbo in Louisiana, and fish tacos in California, the Ultimate Foodie Road Trip maps each state’s best local fare, and where to find it. The map already has a route charted between prime dining destinations, taking you to all four corners of the country and everywhere in between. But if you want to chart your own food journey, you can — just choose which recommendations look most appetizing, and plan your trip accordingly.

If you follow the Orbitz guide exactly, you’ll be driving through 48 states, hitting at least one epic food stop in each one. While you might not be a certified culinary expert by the end, you’ll have some pretty impressive knowledge on a wide range of local fare from all around the nation.

H/T: Travel & Leisure

More like this: This map of Italy’s famous pasta dishes is mouthwatering

The post This map of each state’s best local food joint will help you plan the most delicious road trip appeared first on Matador Network.

Habits people from Maine have

When you live in Maine for a little while, the state’s way of life gets under your skin. From the tip of Aroostook County to the 4,600 islands along the coast, Mainers have unusual habits that are hard to shake off, especially when they leave the state boundaries. Here are seven quirks deeply ingrained in every Mainer out there.

1. Saying “wicked.”

It’s not just “good,” it’s “wicked good.” It starts out as a joke — a wink and a nod to the old Mainer caricature — and before you know it, you’re telling your buddy about that “wicked” Ghost of Paul Revere concert you went to and the “wicked good” hummus sandwich you ate for lunch. When your travels take you elsewhere, it’ll be hard to shake the phrase. But be warned: exclaiming that Aunt Josie’s Georgia peach pie is “wicked” at a church picnic might earn you sideways glances.

2. Waving to everyone.

Driving or walking through rural Maine you’ll receive a brief raised-hand acknowledgment from just about everyone — even people you barely know or strangers. Waving quickly becomes a habit. There’s the two-finger salute, the full hand salute, or if you’re really excited to see someone — a full hand wave, complete with a grin. The drive-by wave is a simple acknowledgment of humanity. It says, “Oh, hey there! I haven’t seen another human for a while and not sure when I’ll see one again; it’s been nice socializing with you.”

3. Getting money for your recyclables.

Mainers tend to be less concerned with the redemption of souls than they are with the redemption of bottles. A recent hot-button topic addressed by Maine’s legislature was whether or not to tag a five-cent redemption cost onto the single-serving liquor bottles, called “nips,” that often pile up on the side of the road. Mainers tend to be sensitive to the environment and our state government often employs policies that reflect this, so recycling and upcycling are expected. There have even been instances when transfer station employees have rifled through residential trash in order to identify and chastise non-recyclers. When you leave Maine, emotionally prepare yourself for the death of recycling bins.

4. Paying unexpected visits.

Although this practice may seem rude and intrusive when out of state, Maine is the kind of place where it’s socially acceptable to pop in on a neighbor or relative uninvited. Depending on the distance, you may call to say, “I’m on my way,” but it’s not necessary. It wouldn’t be unheard of to come home to a note from a relative who had stopped by, or having neighbors come over to share garden-fresh produce or to just say “hi.”

5. Talking about the weather.

Small talk about the weather is one way Mainers connect. It often gets a bad rap as being shallow and lame, but it’s hard to deny the technique’s usefulness in finding a footing with others.

6. Eating whoopie pies.

Whether it’s the original whoopie pie, a spin-off like Red Barn’s ice cream-filled whoopie pie, or a gluten-free version from your local baker — leaving behind this confectionary habit will be difficult. Definitely request a care package from your favorite Mainer.

7. Being self-sufficient.

Everyone in Maine thrives to be self-reliant and strong — even women. The traditional Maine woman might not identify as a feminist, but she operates as one. By example, our mothers and grandmothers have taught us to thrive and be independent. We hunt and fish, we sew and cook, we educate ourselves, we lift heavy objects. We don’t have time for weakness and ineptitude. Don’t bother trying to shake this habit.


More like this: 13 phrases and words to know before going to Maine

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7 great experiences in Franklin, TN

Enter to win an epic trip to Franklin, courtesy of our friends at the Williamson County Convention and Visitors Bureau. 1

There’s a reason country music’s megastars (we’re talking the people who sell out stadiums) live in suburban Franklin and Leiper’s Fork, just to the south of Nashville proper. These towns seem like they’re straight out of a movie set, with perfectly manicured landscapes abutting preserved Civil War sites.

While it is kinda crazy postcard pretty, the area’s worth visiting even for those of us who don’t look like we just stumbled out of Instagram. Hightail it here when you’re ready to learn more about American history, and then wash it down with good food and better whiskey (this is Tennessee, after all). Here’s how to go about it.

1. Take in the view from the Double Arch Bridge.

Photo: Visit Franklin

If you’re really into architecture and engineering, you probably know about the Double Arch Bridge, which is near the northern terminus of the historic 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway. That’s because it was the first bridge in the US built from segments of concrete. Only, unlike probably every other bridge you’ve ever admired, the arches aren’t symmetrical. Instead, they’re designed to flow with the rolling hills of the Tennessee countryside.

There are two great vantage points to take in said countryside: The first is the pull-off just north of the bridge, called Birdsong Hollow, which lets you see Franklin from some 150 feet above the valley. Or drive over the bridge and then swoop down, where there’s a pull-off at ground level — and you can see those asymmetrical arches up close.

2. Cruise the Natchez Trace Parkway.

Photo: Scantonio

From the aforementioned bridge, you can set out on a 444-mile drive (car, motorcycle, or bicycle) all the way to Natchez, Mississippi…or you can just travel the section around Franklin and Leiper’s Fork. Either way, the rewards are plentiful when it comes to unspoiled scenery. The Natchez Trace Parkway is a two-lane road managed by the National Park Service that documents tons of important junctures in America’s past, from Native American villages and Civil War-era inns (called “stands”) to African-American history, wildlife, and great scenery.

The Trace is a designated bike route, which means bicycles are entitled to the full lane. Not only that, but commercial traffic is prohibited — yep, no semis, dump trucks, or buses to worry about. You can stop at pullouts every few miles and learn about what happened there, or you can pick and choose and opt for short, easy hikes, like the one to Jackson Falls or the Baker Bluff Overlook.

3. Experience Civil War history at Carnton.

Photo: Visit Franklin

In 1864, located what at that time was behind the Confederate line, Carnton became a makeshift Civil War hospital for hundreds of injured and dying Confederate soldiers from the Battle of Franklin (and later, recovering veterans, too). You can witness this up close and personal when you take a guided tour of the mansion and self-guided tour of the grounds (which include a smokehouse, slave house, and garden). Tour leaders bring the history to life and paint a picture so vivid you’ll feel like you were there.

While on the property, you can’t miss the McGavock Confederate Cemetery, which is the largest private military cemetery in the country — and the final resting place to some 1,500 Confederate soldiers.

4. Drink whiskey with the man who made it possible.

Photo: Mayter Scott Photography / H Clark Distillery

Seven days a week, you can take a free tour of H Clark Distillery, just south of Franklin. It opened in 2014, making it the first new legal distillery in the county in more than a century. This happened because the owner, Heath Clark — who’s also an attorney — helped get laws changed to permit distilling in the area. Now they’re bottling up gin, bourbon, and whiskey on the regular.

Lots of other businesses are thankful to Clark for his work, and you can check out some of them via the Masters & Makers Trail. If you only have time for one stop, don’t miss Leiper’s Fork Distillery, with its classic truck out front and joke-telling tour guides inside.

5. Go back in time with the small-town feel of Leiper’s Fork.

Photo: Visit Franklin

Speaking of Leiper’s Fork — this is a tiny unincorporated town west of Franklin, with one main retail strip on Hillsboro Pike in its quaint “downtown.” But big country music stars call it home and tourists flock here for reasons that belie its tiny population. Case in point: Some businesses here have erected fire pits, porch swings, and benches, and owners offer free s’mores supplies for anyone who wants to roast marshmallows.

And then there’s antique boutique Serenite Maison, which has a “pickin’ corner” where you can pick up an instrument and sit down and play. The whole idea is to get to know the locals rather than looking at your phone — the scenery’s not bad, either. If you’re in town on a Thursday, head to Puckett’s Grocery for open mic night (plus a plate of fried chicken).

6. Catch a flick or a show at the restored 1937 Franklin Theatre.

Photo: Ron Cogswell

When you walk down Franklin’s Main Street, it isn’t hard to imagine what it was like a generation ago — it’s old-Hollywood-charming, with everything designed just right. The marquee on the Franklin Theatre is the beacon of this downtown landscape…and has been since 1937.

Like many small movie theaters, it went through a period of neglect. In 2011, it was re-opened after an $8 million renovation, and it’s worth catching a movie or concert (lots of good local acts book here) — not just for the show, but to see the wallpaper, fabrics, and other features that have been brought back to their former, Depression-era glory.

7. Make an appointment for some retail therapy.

Photo: Visit Franklin

Main Street in Franklin is seriously so chock-full of shopping opportunities you could spend a full day buying gifts for friends and family and treats for yourself. Favorites include Tin Cottage, with its kitchen and home decor items, and Hester & Cook, which stocks pretty paper and art. Nearby, The Factory at Franklin, a 1929 former Dortch Stove Works factory, houses tons of restaurants, live music venues, and stores, including a vinyl record shop and a Made in TN shop — all under one giant roof.

When you’re making your trip itinerary, plan a “nothing-to-do” day to hit up the above spots. You’re in the hills now, and you’re allowed to slow down.

1 This sweepstakes is solely sponsored by the Williamson County Convention and Visitors Bureau and is in no way sponsored or administered by Matador Network.

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Tips for renting cars abroad

Renting a car when you travel is one of the best ways to give yourself ultimate freedom. Rather than restricting yourself to a single town or city — or relying on potentially confusing, inconvenient public transportation — a car allows you to come and go as you please. It gives you the flexibility to cover more ground, make last-minute alterations to your itinerary, and beat your own path through unfamiliar territory, which often leads to more unique experiences. Renting a car is not, however, always smooth or simple. Almost like choosing a hotel or Airbnb that suits your specific needs, myriad factors should be taken into account when renting a car. Here’s everything you need to know before you book — it could make or break your vacation.

Don’t let people’s warnings scare you.

It’s hard to remember a time when I’ve rented a car abroad and haven’t heard from my friends or family, “You’re driving? I heard drivers there are crazy!” People seem to have a natural tendency to consider foreign roads “dangerous” and foreign drivers “maniacs.” And usually, the people who call Roman drivers maniacs are the same ones who tailgate at 95 mph when they’re two minutes late for work.

I got so much grief for daring to rent a car in Italy — you know, all those “crazy” Italian drivers — that I actually considered changing my entire trip to avoid it. Yeah, rules of the Italian road seemed to be more like guidelines, but the drivers knew how to handle themselves, and I didn’t witness a single vehicular incident. Remember, everyone just wants to get where they’re going in one piece, and that’s universal.

Get creative with pick-up and drop-off locations.

You don’t have to pick up your rental car directly at the airport. Sometimes it’s cheaper to pick it up just outside of the realm of the airport, potentially closer to your actual destination; you can always Uber it to the rental location. It’s also easy to forget that you don’t actually have to drop your rental car off at the same place you picked it up. You’ll pay a little extra for a different drop-off location, but it’s often well worth it. By returning to a different location, you save tons of time by not having to retrace your steps, driving back to the initial pick-up point. This is especially useful for road trips where you really want to maximize your time spent on the road.

If you’re traveling to the UK, for example, you might be tempted to pick up your car in London, travel around to nearby towns, and then return to London. If you pick up your car in London with a drop-off in Newcastle, however, you have the luxury of making your way north through Cambridge, Leeds, York, the Lake District, and anywhere else along the way to Newcastle without worrying about budgeting enough time to return to London.

Do your own inspection.

Theoretically, cars are supposed to be rented out to customers in good condition with any scratches or issues already documented. This isn’t always the case. If you rent a damaged car, and the rental company thinks you were responsible for it, you’ll be charged a pretty hefty fee. Preventing this is extremely simple. Even if the car looks good at first glance, when you first get the keys, make sure you take pictures of the car from every angle. That way, if you return it and the company tries to claim a scratch was your doing, you can show them the pictures to prove otherwise.

On returning a rental car in Venice, the agency informed me that my license plate was bent and that I was on the hook for the repair. Since I didn’t buy the insurance, this small fix would have cost me (according to the rental contract) about $3,500. Although I was saved by a sympathetic manager, that was the last time I ever rented a car without first taking photographic evidence of its condition.

Think twice before taking the insurance.

Whether or not to get the insurance is probably one of the most controversial subjects when it comes to renting a car abroad. Abiding by the old blackjack rule, I rarely spring for the insurance. The cost can run up to $30 extra per day, and depending on your insurance back home, you may actually be covered abroad. On the other hand, if you’re driving through particularly turbulent weather, on rough roads, or a type of car (manual) that you’re not entirely comfortable with, insurance could give you valuable peace of mind. My issue with the license plate dent could have gone a lot worse if I ended up dealing with a power-tripping employee.

Iceland is one of the more confusing places to rent a car, as it offers several types of unconventional insurance due to its diverse geography. Among the options are gravel, sand and ash, and collision. An active volcano and rugged terrain can make the more unconventional insurances necessary, depending on the nature of your trip. Unsure of what to do, I asked the rental agent what insurance he would recommend based on my trip plan, and he told me to get gravel insurance and forego the others. Always research what’s recommended in your specific location beforehand, and see what others have done.

Make sure you can actually drive the car.

There’s nothing worse than showing up at the rental building, excited to get behind the wheel and start exploring a new country, and then discovering that they drive on the left side of the road — or worse, you booked a manual when you can only drive automatic. The cheapest rental cars in Europe will often be manuals, and they’ll appear at the top of the search list. So don’t be too quick to pull the trigger if you can’t actually drive one (though you’ll probably save a few bucks by being able to do so). Don’t panic if the driver’s seat is on the opposite side than you’re used to; if you’re a competent driver, you’ll get used to it pretty quickly.

Another consideration to remember is that many rental agencies will require you to have an International Driver’s Permit. Don’t worry, you don’t have to take the test again. It’s just a document that’s valid overseas, which takes the place of your home driver’s license. Getting one is pretty simple, especially if you have AAA. Just submit this application at least a few weeks ahead of your trip. If you’re already abroad, you won’t be able to get a permit — it can only be received while at home — but it is possible to find rental agencies that don’t require it. You’ll probably pay extra, and those agencies might not be the most reputable, but I’ve done it before, and it certainly works. Every country has its own law regarding international permits, so be sure to do your research.


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