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Underrated hikes in the US

Hiking is a popular pastime in the US for good reason. Its free, relaxing, and easily accessible to most people with a car (and sometimes even that’s not a necessity). The popularity of hiking is great for keeping people active and stoking interest in wilderness conservation, but it often leads to congestion on the trails. Not only do crowds lead to a less-than-peaceful nature experience, but they can also negatively impact wildlife and trail maintenance. Luckily, many famous hiking trails have sibling routes out there that share similar characteristics. They may not be as popular, but they are often just as beautiful and typically don’t include a railroad line of hikers chugging down the trail.

From desert canyons to forested canopies, there are trails in the US that still offer some degree of solitude in nature. Expand your hiking’ bucket list to include some of these alternative trails which deserve just as much attention as their famous counterparts.

1. DIY Loop, Maroon Bells Wilderness Area, Aspen, Colorado

Photo: Joseph Sohm/Shutterstock

Alternative to the Four Pass Loop, Maroon Bells Wilderness Area, Aspen, Colorado

The Maroon Bells area of Aspen, Colorado, is a photographer’s paradise. The mountain formation known as the Maroon Bells is easily recognizable in postcards and advertisements all over Colorado. The peaks are formed in jagged, red stone that is often banded with strips of snow. From the lakefront at the main trailhead, the bells are one of the most visited locations in Colorado.

Many choose to hike the four-pass-loop trail around the Bells. Named after the four high passes the route traverses, the trail offers the chance to see Pyramid Peak, the Bells, and Snowmass Peak. The trail is very crowded in the summer, however, and competition for campsites can be irritating.

To avoid the crowds in this wilderness area while still seeing the highlights, there are several custom loop routes that can be built from its network of trails. For instance, several interloping hikes can be connected to create a five-day trek that includes views of Snowmass Peak, Capitol Peak, and a portion of the four-pass loop.

The Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness area is over 180,000 acres of protected national forest. There are hot springs, 14ers, mountain valleys, and alpine lakes to explore. Building a custom route allows hikers the chance to see beautiful, remote sections of this wilderness that are not as crowded.

Start with a detailed map of the area and study intersecting trails to build your own route through this spectacular national forest.

2. Sierra High Route, California

Photo: robert cicchetti/Shutterstock

Alternative to John Muir Trail, California

The John Muir Trail is named after conservationist John Muir, who founded the Sierra Club in 1892 and was a lifelong advocate for preserving wild places in the US. The route is a wonderful mix of high peaks, national parks, and sections of the Pacific Crest Trail. Permits are in great demand to get a chance to hike the trail, and it can be crowded.

The Sierra High Route is also located in California. Where the JMT is a maintained trail, the Sierra High is a boulder-traversing, scrambling, sometimes off-trail adventure that maintains high elevations throughout its route. It is much more remote, and hikers can expect to find a satisfying degree of solitude at its higher elevations. Some of the visual highlights of the trail are its alpine lakes, open fields of wildflowers, exposed rock basins, and views of seemingly endless mountain peaks.

This trail is not for the casual hiker, requiring strong backcountry skills to navigate safely. It covers a little over 200 miles in distance and crosses 33 punishing mountain passes. Prior training and high fitness levels are necessary to finish it. You will also need a very detailed map and a strong sense of adventure to complete this one.

3. Cirque of the Towers, Wind River Range, Wyoming

Photo: Paul E. Martin/Shutterstock

Alternative to Cascade Canyon Trail, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

The Tetons and the Wind River Range in Wyoming have one thing in common: They are made up of jagged, towering, humbling mountain ranges.

As for their differences, the Tetons are in a national park while the Wind River Range is in national forest land. Being located outside of a national park makes the Cirque of the Towers trek slightly less prone to overcrowding. The area is still popular, so you can increase your chances of solitude by hiking during the working week and avoiding holidays.

The Cirque of the Towers trail is a three-day backpacking loop beginning at the Big Sandy Trailhead. The route is covered in alpine meadows, wildflowers, and pointy granite peaks. Wildlife in this forest includes deer, marmots, and black bears. This area requires no permits to camp or park at the trailhead, but be prepared for lots of bugs and store your food properly to avoid an unpleasant bear encounter at your campsite. Also be mindful of summer thunderstorms when exploring at higher elevations, and as always, carry a map and compass.

4. Buckskin Gulch, Utah

Photo: kojihirano/Shutterstock

Alternative to The Narrows, Zion National Park, Utah

The deserts of Utah are a compelling place to visit in the summer. The heat of the day contrasted with the cool of the night, the complex coloring of the sandstone walls, and the unique ecology create a bold sensory experience for hikers. The national parks of Utah are especially busy this time of the year.

Zion National Park in Utah has several desert canyon trails that have high foot traffic in the summer months. The Narrows is one of these trails and requires a permit. Aptly named, the trails is one of the more narrow slot canyons in the park.

To hike a similar desert canyon in less-crowded conditions, consider Buckskin Gulch. This trail traverses the bottom of a deep slot canyon in the wilderness near Kanab, Utah. It is one of the longest canyon hikes in the US, extending for approximately 21 miles.

The various color patterns in the sandstone walls in Buckskin Gulch are formed from the erosion caused by floodwaters coursing through the canyon. The walls loom above the trail, at their highest point reaching 500 feet above the sand. Overhead, flood debris made up of large boulders, logs, and sometimes animal remains is often wedged between the walls where it was left by the swelling waters.

If you choose to hike this trail, know that it is very remote, and you will be completely reliant on your own knowledge and resources in an emergency. Make sure you are fully prepared and do ample research ahead of time to tackle the 20-plus mile trek.

5. South Fork Mineral Creek Falls, Colorado

Photo: Andriy Blokhin/Shutterstock

Alternative to South Fork Mineral Creek Falls, Colorado

In Colorado, Hanging Lake is located close to Denver, and the Mineral Creek Falls are located close to Durango. These two Colorado waterfalls both display a vibrant shade of turquoise in their falls and lake basins.

Hanging Lake has become an almost unbearably crowded trail. The short hike to the falls and its proximity to Denver make it appealing as a quick family-friendly day hike. If you visit here, you are undoubtedly going to be surrounded by people.

On the other hand, Mineral Creek Falls is in the San Juan National Forest and is not as easily accessible. Getting to the trailhead at the South Mineral Campground requires some dirt-road driving off the main highway. But when you get there, there are over 20 campsites if you want to stay overnight.

The Mineral Creek Falls route includes several waterfalls, the largest being only a couple of miles away from the parking area. The unique blend of minerals caused by erosion during glacial movement and melting turns the water a bright blue color. Ice Lake, another vibrant blue lake, is also accessible from this trailhead. The trail to Ice lake is more strenuous and sits at a higher elevation than the lower falls, so use backcountry hiking precautions if you plan on exploring here.

6. Long Distance Trails: Arizona Trail, Superior Hiking Trail, Florida National Scenic Trail

Photo: Shackleford Photography/Shutterstock

Alternatives to the Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail and Continental Divide Trail

If you are interested in trying out long-distance hiking or thru-hiking, famous long trails like the PCT or AT can be intimidating. They are all over 1,000 miles long and take months to complete. And let’s be honest: Not every hiking enthusiast has the luxury of taking that much time off from life at home.

To get a less time-consuming taste of thru-hiking, consider hiking a state trail. Several states in the US — such as Arizona, Minnesota, and Florida — have organized state traversing trails. These trails typically take less time to complete and often highlight the most scenic areas of a state’s wilderness.

In Arizona, the Arizona Trail is one of the longer trails, spanning 800 miles across the state. Its route highlights the diverse landscapes of Arizona from its mountains to its deserts. It also includes a section in the Grand Canyon National Park.

The Minnesota trail is called the Superior Hiking Trail and highlights the lake-based ecosystems of the northern state, specifically around Lake Superior. Otters, moose, and black bears live here alongside a variety of bird and fish species. The lake is chilly even in the summer due to its immense size, but a brave hiker can enjoy a swim at the end of a long trail day.

The Florida National Scenic Trail is another longer hike that extends over 1,000 miles down the length of the state. Alligators, cypress groves, and backwater swamps engage hikers along this unique trail’s route.

Check to see if your state has a long distance trail to plan your own thru-hike.


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

The post Lesser-known US hikes that are just as amazing as their famous counterparts appeared first on Matador Network.

Staying in a tiny-house hotel

I am not what you would describe as a small person. Nor graceful. Bull in a china shop would probably be a more accurate description. I’ve knocked pictures off the wall by gesturing too much. I spill other fans’ beers at football games from excessive arm flailing. You get the idea. The word “tiny” just makes me think of dented walls and broken glasses. In Europe, I get claustrophobic.

So when I was invited to spend the night in a tiny house out in the middle of the Arizona desert, my first reaction wasn’t — like a number of people on my Instagram — “OMIGOD SO CUTE!!!” It was more along the lines of, “That just sounds like a lot of hitting my head.”

But with tiny houses becoming an alluring alternative for young people in cities with skyrocketing housing prices, this seemed like an excellent way to see if this minimalist lifestyle could actually be comfortable. Even if just for a couple days.

Photo: Tony Marinella

Tiny houses as hotels are a legitimate possibility.

Though no official figures exist on the numbers of people moving into homes under 500 square feet, nearly a third of people between 18 and 34 say they’d live in one, according to restoringsimple.com. And the massive popularity of the show Tiny House Nation demonstrated people have, at the very least, a healthy curiosity about them.

Of course, people may not be prepared to trade in their 2,500-square-foot suburban McMansions for a house the size of a large walk-in closet just yet. But tiny houses may change another industry in big ways, as well: lodging. As hotel rooms get smaller, scrapping amenities and catering to travelers who leave the room rather than relish in it, a tiny house makes sense as a small home away from home.

One company has already effectively become the first-ever tiny-house hotel. Getaway, a company that sends its guests out into the woods for a weekend of total disconnection, uses 128-square-foot cabins to help stressed city folks get back to nature. Though the company is unaffiliated with the house I stayed in, its concept of using small spaces for natural escapes seemed a lot like what I was doing.

“We discovered tiny houses and thought it would be a really interesting way to escape to nature,” says founder and CEO Jon Staff. “Architecturally, this was the best design for us; it’s a piece of hardware that really lets you escape to nature, with everything that you have and nothing that you don’t.”

Getaway began with only three tiny houses and now has eight outside New York, Boston, and Washington, DC. Staff says his houses are regularly 90 percent sold out, and they have a huge number of repeat customers. Clearly, there’s something about being in that small space that appeals to travelers. But is it for everyone? Namely oversized, clumsy people who regularly hit their head on kitchen cabinets? That, to paraphrase the Wizard of Oz, is a trailer of a different color.

Photo: Tony Marinella

A night in a tiny house is easier than I’d thought.

The tiny house I was assigned to sat at a KOA campground in Apache Junction, Arizona, about 30 miles east of Phoenix and within driving distance of a Starbucks and an Orangetheory gym. So it wasn’t exactly an off-the-grid escape. It measured a spacious 170 square feet, 13.5 feet tall and 8.5 feet wide. Laying horizontal across it, I couldn’t stretch my arms completely above my head.

Zack Giffin from Tiny House Nation designed the space, a pretty simple setup with a small walkway leading into a living room comprised of a stiff couch set against one wall, a table, and backless benches against the other. Beyond that was the kitchen and bathroom, set on opposite sides of the house. The kitchen had a two burner stove and a sink, set above a mini fridge with pots hung on the wall and plates and glasses set on shelves next to it. The bathroom was a narrow room with a shower head on the ceiling and a toilet against the wall. Atop the toilet, where the tank lid might usually be, was a sink.

“The toilet fills with the wastewater from the sink,” my tiny house guide cheerily pointed out. I was wondering how I was supposed to brush my teeth with two gallons of water to get the thing to flush.

Above the kitchen and bathroom was the sleeping loft, a classier version of the frat-house variety constructed to allow more space for beer pong. It was about seven feet high, which meant if I got a little too excited chopping onions in the kitchen I’d smack my head on the ceiling.

Photo: Jennifer Verrier Photography

Cooking in a tiny kitchen forces you to adapt.

If tiny houses were truly meant to be back-to-nature escapes, I reasoned a person would need to be able to cook in them. So I attempted to make an authentic southwestern dinner of tacos with fresh pico de gallo. Typically, when I have to chop anything more complicated than an orange, roughly 10 percent of whatever I’m cutting ends up on the floor. With counter space at a premium in the tiny house, I fully expected the vinyl plastic floors to look a little like the Tijuana Flats salsa bar by the time I was done.

I was also a little confused as to how I’d make rice, beans, meat, and warm tortillas with two burners and no microwave.

Because the counters were so small, I was forced to put things in bowls as they were chopped instead of leaving them on the tiny cutting board. Which meant that while a few specks of cilantro fell to the floor, the pico-making process was far cleaner than it was at home. To manage the burners, I boiled the beans while cooking the meat. When the meat was done, I removed it and cooked the rice, then took the beans off to warm the tortillas. Tiny-house tacos took a little more thought than usual but may have come out even better than they would have in a bigger space.

Photo: Jennifer Verrier Photography

The living room table, which doubled as the office space, worked well for one person. The wooden benches were still a comfortable distance from the table, and when I set up my laptop to enjoy a little Santa Clarita Diet with my dinner, I was able to put my laptop screen a comfortable distance away. Eating on the couch wasn’t really happening, though, since there wasn’t exactly room for a sprawling coffee table.

Photo: Matthew Meltzer

Sleeping as a tall person is a challenge.

After dinner, I ascended the floating stairs for bed, and immediately upon stepping on the top step hit my head on the ceiling. I laid down with my feet facing the living room and my head on the far wall, which was fine except for the massive fan behind my head placed there to keep the elevated space cool.

My choices were to either leave on the roaring fan or sleep through the heat. I spent the entire night switching back and forth between both, drinking about a gallon of water and hitting my head about half a dozen times.

Photo: Matthew Meltzer

Using the bathroom isn’t as awkward as you’d think.

Despite the lumps on my head, I woke up the next morning and made coffee using the French press sitting on the tiny counter, boiling water on one of the two burners. While it boiled, I went into the bathroom to brush my teeth, leaning over the toilet the entire time so my head was over the sink. This was slightly awkward but perhaps the one time being tall was advantageous in the tiny house — though I definitely spilled a fair amount of toothpaste on the floor. Good thing it also doubled as the shower drain.

After coffee, I ventured out to the nearby Orangetheory and returned to test out the shower. The head was one of those overhead rain showers, popular in boutique hotels but a bit like bathing in a monsoon. The water pressure in the tiny house might have been the biggest thing about it, and with a faucet handle right next to the toilet, it actually provided JUST enough room to stand outside the water while you waited for it to get warm.

Aside from showering right in front of the bathroom window, it was one of the better hotel showers I’ve experienced. I hope the good people of the KOA campground enjoyed their show.

Photo: Jennifer Verrier Photography

Cleaning the house is an absolute dream.

Before leaving my tiny house, I thought I should clean up a little of the dinner mess I made the night before. And that, friends, is perhaps the best thing about living in a small space: There’s almost nothing to clean. I ran a Dustbuster across the kitchen floor, wiped it with a sponge and my used bath towel, and wiped down all the counters. It might have taken 10 minutes in total.

With less space also came less aggravation and an increased sense of resourceful creativity. The tiny house challenged me to find new ways to do things, which for some people is part of the point of travel. Parts of it were uncomfortable, and it wasn’t a perfect duplication of a big space, but even for a large person, a tiny house can make for a nice getaway. And — theoretically, anyway — a cheaper way to live. As long as you remember to watch your head.


More like this: Canadian company makes tiny homes that you can assemble anywhere

The post What it’s like spending a night in an actual tiny house appeared first on Matador Network.

Penang, Malaysia, is a foodie haven

Street food is an integral part of Southeast Asian culture, and if you don’t indulge your senses over cheap, delicious meals enjoyed on little plastic stools, you haven’t really experienced the region at all. The scene in Penang, Malaysia, is unique from more popular hubs like Singapore, where street vendors have been confined to a number of organized hawker centers throughout the city, and Bangkok, which appears to be headed in that direction. The iconic vendors of the state of Penang, many carrying on multi-generational traditions, line the urban streets of the capital city, George Town, serving recipes representing the region’s Indian, Chinese, and Malaysian heritage. The UNESCO-protected city center is one of Southeast Asia’s most underappreciated culinary hotspots. Here’s how to experience it like a local.

George Town is a melting pot of Asian cuisines.

Photo: Kjetil Kolbjornsrud/Shutterstock

First, some background on Penang itself. Penang is a Malaysian state along the coast of the Malacca Strait. The vast majority of the state’s population lives in the metro area along the coast and just offshore on Penang Island, home to the state’s capital city of George Town. The bustling capital is lined with bright buildings in every color imaginable, the spicy aromas of freshly cooked meats and veggies permeating alleyways and street corners and adding to the city’s hospitable charm. It has long served as a shipping port and major stopping point for English-driven trading routes, and it didn’t take long for the flavors of India and the rest of Asia to blend in with traditional Malay recipes.

George Town rose to regional prominence during British colonization in the late 1700s. This city of about 700,000 anchors the greater metropolitan area of over two million that stretches across the Penang Bridge onto the mainland, and it’s here that you’ll find the easiest access to the rich, multicultural layers of Penang’s cuisine. Penang International Airport is located about 25 minutes south of the city.

Take in Little India and Chinatown in the same afternoon.

Photo: TY Lim/Shutterstock

Plan to spend the bulk of your time in Penang meandering through the city center, home to George Town’s Little India and Chinatown. The streets don’t follow a grid by any means, but you’ll pick up on the patterns as you walk around. The most important thing to note beforehand is that most streets are labeled either as Jalan, if it’s approximately running east to west, or Lebuh, if approximately running north to south, although they often veer off the axis quite a bit.

Penang is one of the best places in the world to get Indian food outside of India, rivaling even the hawker centers of Singapore and the plethora of hidden hideouts sprinkled throughout Kuala Lumpur. Over one-third of Penang’s population is descended from Chinese ancestry, and the capital city’s hectically inviting Chinatown offers the spice, rice, and flavors locals and their ancestors brought with them. The island is also a hop, skip, and a jump from Phuket and the rest of southern Thailand, allowing strong influence from Thai cuisine in the food culture here, as well. This is most noticeable in the ready availability of incredibly hot spices. While not every dish is burning hot, don’t be offended if asked about your tolerance for heat — and don’t be overconfident about it either.

Walk through George Town’s Little India.

Photo: BoyCatalyst/Shutterstock

Show up to the waterfront hungry — and with a good pair of walking shoes. Start here, then make your way down Gurney Drive where the smell of rice, veggies, and meats bathing in ghee rises from the street. The seemingly square neighborhood is bordered by Market Street, Queen Street, China Street, and King Street. Vendors dot Chulia Street, one of the city’s oldest thoroughfares, for the evening market where you’ll find fresh batches of biryani, curry, and naan along with chili dishes and more customized family recipes. Everything from fresh meats grilling streetside to sit-down establishments where you can escape the crowds is within a few blocks during the day, as well.

Penang Special Samosa on Queen Street is the perfect place to grab a bite for the walk, but you absolutely must try the Chicken Tandoori at Sri Ananda Bahwan, which has a few hawker outlets across the area. If your feet need a rest, hop in the back of a trishaw and be sure to chat up the driver. While this area is driven by Indian cuisine, the neighborhood’s thriving Muslim population has its own hotspots, and your driver will likely have a few gems for inquiring minds. As is typical of Little India neighborhoods the world over, there is no shortage of shops hawking everything from jewelry to clothes to electronics. Carry Malaysian Ringgit with you, and don’t be afraid to bargain.

Eating your way through Chinatown.

Photo: Ariyani Tedjo/Shutterstock

Penang’s Chinatown does Hainan Chicken Rice as well as any in Southeast Asia, and Wen Chang Hainan Chicken Rice is the place to indulge and set the standard. The dumplings at Cintra Food Corner on Jalan Ria are second to none, with multiple styles to choose from. Chicken Siew Pau, a flaky bun stuffed with BBQ chicken, is a hot commodity from the street vendors and certainly worth a try. On Lebuh Kimberly, try Steamboat Soup, a piping hot soup that simmers on your table as you add vegetables and meats to taste.

The street becomes a slightly chaotic market at night, with pedestrians dominating the streets and bicycle rickshaws and motorbikes pushing through. There’s also plenty of options for dim sum, another must try. Because of Penang’s large Muslim population, pork options will typically be separate from fish and other meats, making it easier to identify what you’re getting. If you’re feeling brave, plug your nose and dive into a fresh durian.

Char Koay Teow is another staple meal throughout Penang. This noodle dish evolved in the Guangdong province in China and combines prawns stir-fried with flat noodles, soy and chili sauces, blood cockles, bean sprouts, and often other proteins like egg or chicken. Try it from a street vendor, and if it suits your fancy, sample a few offerings throughout your trip.

The best of the rest:

Photo: Alan Tan Photography/Shutterstock

Perhaps the biggest draw to Penang’s foodie scene, in addition to the flavors themselves, is the versatility. Whatever you’re craving, you can not only find and devour it but also often choose how much ambiance you’re willing to pay for. For off-the-street dining, the Michelin-starred PUTIEN just off Gurney Drive is the place for date night. Plan to drop at least $200 per person, much more than you’d spend in a month on street food — but the abalone is the best you’ll find in the region. For high-end Indian cuisine, Karaikudi in Little India serves the best masala in town, along with Indian-inspired seafood and chicken dishes. When the Chinese craving hits, settle in at 7 Village Noodle House or Teksen Restaurant on Lebuh Carnarvon.

If ambiance isn’t your top priority, one thing you’ll fast figure out in Southeast Asia is that the old mantra of patience being some kind of virtue can be tossed right out the window. Penang starts eating before the sun rises, and there’s certainly no reason to wait until midday to indulge in culinary delicacies. You can indulge in Malaysia’s national dish, Nasi Lemak, as early as 5:00 AM in many parts of the city. The dish features white rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf, and it’s served with boiled egg, cucumbers, sambal, and typically lamb curry and even anchovies. No problem if you’re still asleep at that time — the dish is served all day.

Penang also has plenty of food courts throughout the city that offer multiple cuisines under one roof. Sri Weld Food Court is among the most popular, located on Lebuh Pantai a few blocks off the waterfront in George Town’s city center. Red Garden Food Paradise on Lebuh Leith is popular, as well. If every last craving isn’t satisfied when it’s time to head home, it’s a sure sign you didn’t spend enough time looking.


More like this: 16 travel experiences to have in Malaysia before you die

The post Penang, Malaysia, is the most underrated foodie capital of Southeast Asia appeared first on Matador Network.

Ancient Roman coins found in Como

Generations of starving actors at this Italian theater probably would have liked to know that there was a hidden stash of gold coins right under their noses. The historic Cressoni Theater in Como closed in 1997 and has since been demolished, but the site is now being excavated in preparation for its repurposing as residential apartments. The coins, uncovered during the excavation and dating back to the 4th or 5th century, were spilling out of a soapstone jar buried in the dirt and were stacked in rolls. According to CNN, rare coins expert Maria Grazia Facchinetti said at a press conference that whoever buried the jar did so “in such a way that in case of danger they could go and retrieve it.”

The coins bear the engravings of late Roman emperors Honorius, Valentinian III, Leon I, Antonio, and Libio Severo, leading Facchinetti to believe that “the owner is not a private subject, rather it could be a public bank or deposit.” And as it turns out, just because the coins are old, it doesn’t mean they’ve lost their value. Como’s local archaeology superintendent, Luca Rinaldi, told London’s The Times that the value of the coins is inestimable, and that “we are talking about an exceptional discovery.”

The discovery of ancient Roman coins in Italy might not sound too surprising, but treasures of the Roman Empire actually seem to have a penchant for turning up all over the place. In 2016, archaeologists discovered a 2,000-year-old Roman coin in Jerusalem, and similar coins have been found as far east as Japan.

The Como treasure stash has been transferred to a restoration laboratory in Milan, where archaeologists hope to learn even more about their cultural and historical significance.

H/T: NPR

More like this: Rome subway construction uncovers ancient incredible artifacts

The post Secret stash of Roman gold coins found in theater basement appeared first on Matador Network.

Food and wine in Europe's Georgia

When we say that Georgia may be the most underrated food and drink destination in the world, we’re not talking about peaches and sweet tea. At the intersection of Europe and Asia lies Georgia — the country — one of the most culturally rich, diverse nations in all of Eastern Europe.

Although it’s small in size, Georgia has a rich and extensive history, with layers of occupation, war, and fights for independence woven in between. After hundreds of years of Russian occupation, the former Soviet republic finally declared its independence in 1991, electing its first president on May 26 that same year. Beyond its modern history, Georgia is rich in antiquity, much of which is still readily available for travelers to see. Traditional song, stunning architecture, and outdoor adventures in the Caucasus Mountains and Black Sea abound, but the real draw for travelers in-the-know today is the food and drink.

From old-school, homemade Georgian cuisine to innovative, modern fine-dining (and, of course, plenty of amber-hued qvevri wine), Georgia fulfills the stomach as much as it does the soul. It won’t be long before Georgia is on the lips of foodies and winos everywhere, and tourists start to descend en masse. For now, though, it’s still soaring under the radar. So swap your dollars for lari and hop the next flight to Tbilisi — Georgia’s bustling, culturally rich capital — and dig in.

Photo: Aleksei Lazukov/Shutterstock

Visit the birthplace of wine.

The cultural and historical Georgian wine is enormous within the country, but it’s also massively influential to the entire world. Georgia is known as the birthplace of wine altogether and has produced ghvino for 8,000 consistent vintages.

Before you start on your gastronomical quest through the country, get a taste for how wine was made back in the old days. Head to Vardzia, a 12th-century cave monastery dug out from the Erusheti Mountain, located along the Kura River. Winemaking was in no shortage here, and ancient stone presses are still present at the site. It’s also rumored that the world’s oldest vine sits just at the foot of this ancient cave monastery — we challenge you to find it. Vardzia is currently under submission to be listed as a future UNESCO World Heritage site.

Photo: Radiokafka/Shutterstock

Indulge in a supra.

With such a tumultuous history, the Georgian people have seen a lot yet remain some of the most kind, hospitable people on the planet. Resilience stories, family history, and past trials reside within every family, so you should chat with as many locals as possible. One of the best ways to hear them tell their tales is over a supra, a Georgian feast and one of the country’s biggest traditions. The word supra actually means “tablecloth” in the local language, which is laid on the ground for feasting if no table is accessible. A supra is always led by tamada, the “toastmaster,” no matter how many people are in attendance — which leads us to our next tradition.

Photo: Yulia Grigoryeva/Shutterstock

Raise a glass… or a horn.

The tamada is always chosen by the host or guests of the supra, who will then propose toasts throughout the meal, discussing the topic of each toast in detail. Glasses will be raised, though not sipped from, as the toast moves around the table from person to person. If someone in attendance doesn’t feel compelled to speak, they may sip from their glass. Feasting on food is certainly acceptable during these long toasts, but chatting is not. Once the topic has passed around the table, the toast is complete… well, until a new toast topic is proposed.

You may find at these supras that people are using drinking horns instead of wine glasses for their toasts. Georgian drinking horns (kantsi) are crafted from the horns of bovids and originated in ancient times, remaining prevalent throughout the Middle Ages. Today, kantsi are still staples of celebratory drinking.

Photo: Yulia Grigoryeva/Shutterstock

What to drink:

The country is synonymous with natural wine production, that is, the creation of wine from organic fruit, with zero additives and non-manipulated juice. Over 470 grapes are cultivated within Georgia, with Saperavi (red) and Rkatsiteli (white) dominating in popularity. However, Mtsvane, Tsolikouri, and Chinuri are unmissable whites (especially when vinified into skin-contact-style amber wines), as well as Alexandrouli and Tavkveri for reds.

Photo: Sunil Onamkulam/Shutterstock

To sample the wines at the source, head west to Kakheti, which is divided into the two smaller regions of Kvareli and Telavi. Nearly 80 percent of the nation’s wine is produced here, and it’s possible to visit both big estates and smaller, family-owned wineries — the latter of which we recommend more if you’re keen on personalized hospitality. Some of the best wineries in the west include Oda Family Winery and Baia’s Vineyard. Elsewhere in the country, we’d recommend Pheasant’s Tears and Okro’s Wine in the east and Iago’s Winery in central Georgia.

Photo: Tetiana Dolhachova/Shutterstock

No visit to Georgia would be complete without trying a historical glass of amber wine produced from a Georgian qvevri: tear-shaped, ancient clay pots sunken beneath the earth and used to ferment and age wine naturally. Qvevri pots have been added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List for their cultural impact and significance on vinification history.

Photo: AdrianScoffham/Shutterstock

What to eat:

You’d be forgiven for not being able to list one dish that’s native to Georgia, which could make ordering from any of restaurant menu intimidating. Don’t worry, all of the key ingredients in Georgian cuisine are crowd pleasers. Fresh produce; warm, gooey cheese; walnuts; and pomegranate seeds play a huge role in the food of Georgia, making it especially appealing to vegetarians. Here’s a crash course in dishes you’ll probably find everywhere.

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1. Khachapuri

Khachapuri, traditional Georgian cheese bread, varies in style and preparation from region to region, but it always remains a staple on any Georgian table. Adjaruli Khachapuri is one of the most decadent renditions, with dough formed into a boat-shaped vessel, loaded with hot cheese and butter, and topped with an egg.

Photo: Andrey Starostin/Shutterstock

2. Khinkali

Khinkali, aka Georgian dumplings, are a solid staple for any late-morning lunch — especially after a night of copious amounts of local wine. These dumplings are formed by molding lumps of dough into twisted, knob-shaped vessels, stuffing them with meat (optional), cheese, and spices. Pork or beef fillings are generally more common, with lamb being used more frequently in the mountainous regions.

Photo: MagicBones/Shutterstock

3. Badrijani Nigvzit

Don’t be turned off by the complex name — these eggplant slices are worth embarrassing yourself by butchering the pronunciation. Stuffed with walnut paste and crunchy pomegranate seeds, this simple dish is a flavorful staple on Georgian tables, generally served with a bottle of wine before the main course of a meal.

Photo: Andrey Starostin/Shutterstock

4.Pkhalia

Pkhalia is a traditional vegetarian appetizer crafted from spinach and pomegranate seeds, though many other vegetables can be substituted. If you happen to come across a roasted beet riff on the dish, we wouldn’t pass it up.

Photo: Aleksei Lazukov/Shutterstock

Where to dine in Tbilisi:

If you’re short on time, the best place to try as much Georgian food and drink as possible is in the capital city. Tbilisi has charming cobblestone streets and plenty of tiny, family-owned spots for local wine-sipping and people-watching. Once you’re done taking in sites like Narikala (a fourth-century fortress), the Art Museum of Georgia, and the Bridge of Peace, here is where you absolutely must eat and drink.

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1. Poliphonia

Natural wine, local decor, and an abundance of vegetarian options make Poliphonia one of our favorite restaurants in Tbilisi. Fresh ingredients, flavorful salads, and a lively ambiance (don’t be surprised if a band of local singers comes to serenade your table) make a visit to Poliphonia far more than just a great meal — it’s an all-around sensory overload of an experience.

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2. Barbarestan

For impeccable service, stunning food, and an in-house sommelier, hit Barbarestan. It’s known for local cuisine, a hospitable staff, and mouthwatering desserts, which we suggest you save as enough room for after dinner.

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3. Lolita

This café-bar hybrid, new to Tbilisi’s food and wine scene, is worth checking out. Great music, chill vibes, and an open-view kitchen allow diners to view local chefs preparing their meal right up until it hits the table.

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4. Vino Underground

For full bellies, Vino Underground is the perfect after-dinner spot, as the food focus is on small plates and snacks. But the real reason for visiting VU is the wine. Over 100 family-owned wineries are represented on Vino Underground’s list, most of which are produced in qvevri.


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The post Why Georgia (the country) is the next must-see destination for wine and food lovers appeared first on Matador Network.

Why you should visit Lviv, Ukraine

If you’re visiting Ukraine, you likely have Kiev and Odessa high on your list of places to see. Likely, they’re the only stops you plan to make in this Eastern European nation. But to find the true heart of Ukraine, you’ll need to venture away from the Russian influence expected of most post-Soviet cities and into the western borderlands. Here you’ll find the city of Lviv, with its well-preserved town center, bustling coffeehouses and restaurants, and rich history rivaling more popular European destinations like Prague and Vienna.

Lviv gives its visitors the best of both worlds, delivering cultural experiences typical of big-name Western European cities at Eastern European prices. Plus, the city is a world apart from the unrest around the nation’s Eastern border. Here are seven reasons why Lviv, Ukraine, should be your next Euro city trip.

You can experience centuries-old coffeehouse traditions.

Photo: Ruslan Lytvyn/Shutterstock

Vienna gets all the credit, but the Austrian capital actually has Lviv to thank for its elegant coffeehouses. Legend has it that in 1683, Yuriy Frants Kulchytsky, a former soldier from Lviv, settled in Vienna after years of fighting. He spent time as a prisoner of war in Turkey where he learned of the magic of the coffee bean. When the Ottoman Turks came for the city of Vienna, Kulchytsky disguised himself and snuck through enemy lines to convince allied forces to rescue the city. He chose bags of coffee beans for his reward, which he roasted himself to open one of Vienna’s first coffeehouses — the Blue Bottle.

But the coffeehouses in Lviv aren’t all as chic as their Viennese cousins. Instead, Lviv’s coffeehouses teem with warm, communal character. Aromas of ground coffee beans and steaming roasts waft about dimly lit caves of cold stone and brick flooring. Wooden tables and chairs marked with age scuffle across uneven floors. For the ultimate experience, check out Pid Synoyu Plyashkoyu (Under the Blue Bottle) for the modern tribute to Kulchystky’s original spot, or descend into darkness for a flaming cuppa at Lvivska Kopalnya Kavy (The Lviv Coffee Mine). Lviv’s coffeehouses are places for deep conversation and filling your notebook with creative prose. Look like a local and stay a while — ordering coffee to go breaks tradition!

The city center is a UNESCO Heritage site bursting with beautiful architecture.

Photo: Ruslan Lytvyn/Shutterstock

A settlement has existed in Lviv since the Middle Ages, as far back as the 5th and 6th centuries. Its geographic location on the western border of an Eastern European country allowed the area to flourish economically, politically, and culturally with influences from both its Eastern neighbors and countries like Italy, Germany, and Austria.

What’s amazing about modern-day Lviv is the preservation of the urban layout of old streets and squares that make up the historic center. Like rings of a tree, the city’s architecture captures its growth over the centuries. Beautiful Catholic and Armenian churches share space with synagogues and mosques while Renaissance and Baroque monasteries and residences still stand. Many of these structures are a short walk from Rynok Square, the market square with a tall town-hall tower you can climb to look down at the center. Catch the trumpets sounding from the top at 6:00 PM.

These buildings showcase Lviv’s diverse ethnic and religious past, where each group carved out small communities of the city to maintain its distinct culture with pride. But passing these structures, you also get the sense that Lviv reached such great heights politically and economically because of a level of interdependent tolerance between groups.

You can escape the city in one of Lviv’s lush parks.

Photo: Ruslan Kalnitsky/Shutterstock

Matching the man-made history found in Lviv are its parks and public gardens, some of which have trees that have watched the city grow and change for centuries. Individual monuments in many of these spaces tell distinct stories of the city’s history.

There’s Ivan Franko Park — one of Ukraine’s oldest. Ivan Franko was a Ukrainian writer, poet, and political activist (among other things) credited for writing the first detective novels and modern poetry in the Ukrainian language. The park sits on land that at different points in history belonged to a Venetian family, the Jesuit order, the Moscow army, and the Holy Roman Emperor before its redesign as a park by horticulturist Karl Bauer in 1855. A towering statue of Franko looks down on his visitors.

For stunning views of the city, throw on some proper footwear and get up to High Castle Park, located on the city’s highest hill. You won’t find a castle up there anymore, but there’s a nice observation platform to catch beautiful sunsets over Lviv and the surrounding area.

There’s so much more to the food than just borscht.

Photo: Liudmyla Leshchynets/Shutterstock

Due to its geographic location, various ethnic groups that traded and settled in Lviv brought with them distinct foods and drinks. You’ll find them served in a number of funky themed restaurants happy to share the histories of their respective cultures. Lviv manages to do themed restaurants right, avoiding the normal tackiness you’d expect by sticking to its authentic roots.

Western Ukrainian cuisine provides a smorgasbord of savory options. If you’re looking for an authentic Galician gastronomic experience, throw salo (cured bacon) on some dark bread, add pickles (but don’t smother the salo!), and pair this with a shot (or three) of horilka (Ukrainian vodka). Spirits aren’t your style? Wash down kruchenyky (stuffed meat rolls) and kovbasa (sausage) with one of the tasty local beers.

If you’re vegetarian, Lviv has you covered with countless starchy dishes like its own version of borscht (cabbage and beetroot soup to which they add sour cream and garlic-covered buns) or holubsti (stuffed cabbage rolls).

You’ll learn about Lviv’s proud Jewish past and World War II history.

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Most World War II buffs jet off to Berlin, Poland, or even Amsterdam for a look at some of the memorials to those who suffered atrocities under the Nazi regime. But Lviv has its own Jewish past as Jews played a significant role in the synergistic relationship between ethnic and religious groups that makes this city UNESCO-worthy. You can see the Holocaust Memorial in the city center and venture out for other significant stops.

To the northwest of Lviv center lies Yanivsky Cemetery, where a large number of Jews lie buried in their own section beneath headstones inscribed in Hebrew. Further down the road towards Poland, you’ll find the most haunting site — a plaque marking the location of the Janowska concentration camp, where Nazis murdered most of Lviv’s Jewish population.

The arts and museum scenes are on point.

Photo: Ruslan Lytvyn/Shutterstock

Catch a performance at the Lviv Theater of Opera and Ballet without breaking the bank. As with most of the historic Old City, this beautiful building has withstood the test of time since its construction in the late-19th century, and while constructed on a former marsh, it’s no longer sinking. Inside, sculptures and paintings line the halls. Shows often take place on weekends, and you can purchase tickets to operas, ballets, and comedies online or right at the venue.

There are over 50 festivals each year.

Photo: Ruslan Lytvyn/Shutterstock

Lviv marks itself as the heart of Ukrainian culture with over 50 festivals each year celebrating everything from art and film to beer and doughnuts. No matter when you arrive, your visit is sure to line up with an event.

Decorate Easter eggs throughout April during the Pysanky Festival or dance in the streets with locals during one of the summer jazz (Leopolis Jazz Fest) or folk music (Festival Etnovyr) festivals. For a real taste of Ukrainian pride, make sure you’re there August 24th to celebrate Ukrainian Independence Day. And if you make it for Independence Day, you might as well stick around until the end of September when Lvivites pay homage to their favorite caffeinated beverage: coffee.


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The post Why Lviv, Ukraine, should be your next Euro city trip appeared first on Matador Network.

Where to travel in November

Traveling in November is usually reserved for long, stressful journeys through crowded airports to spend time with family around a big stuffed bird. And we can’t fault anyone for reserving their November vacation budget for Thanksgiving. But if your family isn’t doing a big dinner this year, or you’re not feeling the whole over-the-river-and-through-the-woods thing, November is a fantastic month to travel for yourself. Fall is still in full swing in some parts of the country, and warmer southern destinations aren’t packed into high season quite yet. Things like harvest festivals happen all month, and the good cheer of the holidays is already becoming infectious. From Dominica to India to Eastern Pennsylvania, here are the best places to travel in November, even if you are still planning to go home for Thanksgiving.

Photo: Hops in the Park

Virginia

The first Thanksgiving may not have happened in this colony, but hey, details. Virginia still has that autumnal colonial feel that’ll get you feeling pilgrim-like all month long. Kick off the month at Richmond’s Fire, Flour and Fork festival from November 1st to the 4th, where you’ll eat and learn from the top chefs in that city. Get in the fall spirit a week later by sipping cider and mead at the Hops in the Park festival on November 11. Closer to Thanksgiving, you can celebrate like the early Jamestown settlers at the Food & Feasts of Colonial Virginia from the 22nd to the 24th. You’ll discover how they gathered food, preserved it, and learned to cook from the Powhatan Indians. After, learn all about the women who helped develop early Jamestown at the TENACITY: Women In Jamestown And Early Virginia exhibit at the Jamestown Settlement.

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Cuba

Though travel to Cuba has cooled off in 2018, it’s still a fascinating and beautiful island to visit, even if you’ve already been. Though Havana is the big draw, November is an ideal time to get out to some of the beach cities like Varadero and Cayo Coco, where it won’t be as oppressively humid as during summer months — or as crowded. Visitation requirements can be complicated and logistically frustrating, but Intrepid Travel offers an organized people-to-people cultural trip that takes you to several cities throughout Cuba and takes care of all the visas and other red-tape stresses for you. The nine-day tour begins on November 17 and again on the 24th. November 25 also marks the two-year anniversary of Fidel Castro’s death, which will be commemorated island-wide and is sure to be a fascinating experience.

Photo: Visit Bucks County

Bucks County, Pennsylvania

Sometimes a quick fall getaway is about finding tranquility and charm, and this little county between Allentown, Pennsylvania, and Trenton, New Jersey, might be one of the most unheralded fall escapes in the northeast. The dozen covered bridges that dot the county make for some fantastic photo ops on a last-chance fall leaf-peeping trip. The annual Apple Festival in Lahaska on the 4th and 5th fills the cobblestoned streets of this 18th-century shopping village with smells of pie and cider, giving the place the warm, homey feel you want in a country escape from the city. The weather still should be pleasant enough to get out and enjoy the views at High Rocks at Ralph Stover State Park, where you can rock climb to vistas over Tohickon Creek and the valley below.

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Dominica

A year ago, this island looked lost to disaster. Hurricane Maria effectively wiped the island out for the latter part of 2017. But because the epic nature on this tiny island is its main allure, Dominica’s bounced back amazingly quickly. If your idea of vacation is hiking through thick tropical jungle to crystal-clear rivers and 200-foot waterfalls with nary a soul around, nowhere in the Caribbean compares. Hikes here are the most challenging in the region and involve climbing up muddy cliffs and traversing steep ravines, with a payoff of your own little slice of paradise. Spots like Boiling Lake and Freshwater Lake are the famous ones, but almost anything along the 115-mile Waitukubuli National Trail will both challenge and awe you. Relaxing after a brutal day just got easier, too, as the fabulous Secret Bay resort and its six private villas reopen on November 1 after closing due to hurricane damage.

Photo: Chris Allan/Shutterstock

Charleston, South Carolina

Not that there’s ever really a slow season in America’s favorite city for colonial southern charm, but as people gear up for holiday travel, Charleston gets a bit of a breather from the usual rush of tourists. This allows locals to get out and enjoy stuff like live Bluegrass music at the annual Harvest Festival on November 3 or eat Mac and Cheese from 25 different local restaurants at the Mac Off from November 5 to 6. For a more sophisticated South Carolina food experience, hit the Lowcountry Food Feast on the 11th for a full afternoon of farm-to-table creations.

If you start fiending for Christmas as soon as the weather turns cold, Charleston gets you your fix; the Holiday Festival of Lights begins on the 11th and runs through December. Or if you just didn’t get enough creepiness in October, the King Charles Inn is offering a Secret Charleston Life of Edgar Allan Poe Package, which includes a two-and-a-half-hour walking tour of Poe’s Charleston haunts and a couple of Raven-themed cocktails at the bar.

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India

Good news for anyone who wants to explore the subcontinent of India — WOW has some insanely cheap flights there right now. Perfect timing, as the balmy month of November is an ideal time to make the trip. The famous beaches of the Andaman Islands are getting ready for the high season, which means you can visit the swimming elephants without hoards of people. November 15-23 brings the annual Pushkar Camel Fair to Rajasthan, where 50,000 camels and 200,000 people descend on the city for a week of mustache competitions, sports, circus acts, music, and, of course, camel races. If India’s frenetic, chaotic pace might deter you from making the trip, Red Savannah offers tours to the festival that have actual itineraries and bring you to events you might not otherwise see.

Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Though technically hurricane season isn’t over yet, its last month is typically uneventful as cooler temperatures hit South Florida, and Mondays at the beach become a regular thing. You can take a water taxi through this massive city of canals, floating past opulent mansions and historic old homes on your way from Ft. Lauderdale’s booming downtown to its luxurious beaches. Stop for a waterside meal at Stephen Starr’s Mexican spot El Vez at the W, or try the best rum drinks in Florida at Burlock Coast. If you still want ice cold AC, the Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival runs from November 2nd to the 18th. Or, head here at the end of the month for the Riptide Music Festival, where you can see Panic! At the Disco, Sugar Ray, Cold War Kids, and other A-list bands from November 30 to December 2.

Photo: darqdesign/Shutterstock

El Salvador

Unlike in the US, where it seems every week has three made-up national food holidays that aren’t celebrated by much more than two-for-ones at your local sports bar, National Pupusas Day is a big deal in El Salvador. The second Sunday in November (the 11th for 2018) celebrates the country’s national dish, pupusas, which are thick corn tortillas stuffed with a savory filling. A massive pupusas fair hits the streets of San Salvador, and thousands of locals make a pilgrimage to Olocuilta, home of the world’s largest pupusa. That isn’t the only reason to come to El Salvador this month, though. The last Saturday of the month, November 24, is the San Miguel Carnival. As the name implies, it’s a massive parade with up to a million attendees full of music, food, and possibly a drink or two. It’s a venerable Salvadorian Mardi Gras kicked off with a mass to honor Our Lady of Peace.

Photo: Cayman Islands Pirates Week Festival/Facebook

Cayman Islands

They didn’t call the movie Pirates of the Caribbean because they wanted an excuse to film in paradise. Pirates were a real thing in this part of the world, and no Caribbean destination does more to celebrate pirate culture than the Cayman Islands. This month, the islands hold Pirates Week, which is actually a month-long festival on Cayman Brac, Grand Cayman, and Little Cayman. Highlights include big pirate parades every weekend, mock pirate invasions, and plenty of rum-filled parties. Even if you’re not big into pirates, the festival offers other stuff, like a food festival in Grand Cayman on November 9 and 10, a 5k swim, and the To Hell and Back 10k run along 7 Mile Beach on the morning of the 11th, plus loads of street dances and fireworks at night.

Photo: ichywong/Shutterstock

Argentina

Big country, yes, but if you’re making the trip this far south you might as well see it all, right? Buenos Aires is just peeping into spring, which means the café culture of one of the most gorgeous cities in South America will be at its fullest. Jacaranda flowers cover the city in bright highlights of purple, and hotels are a little cheaper as the country moves from ski season into summer vacations. Down in Patagonia, wildflowers dot the remote landscape, and the unforgiving winter weather has subsided for better hiking and easier exploring. And in wine country, the ideal weather makes for perfect sipping and relaxing in the shadow of Aconcagua Mountain.


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The post The best places to travel in November appeared first on Matador Network.

Best US cities for a girls trip

When the going gets rough, the girls get going. Few things do a woman more good than getting away from it all with her besties for a few days (or a few weeks — whatever it takes). But when you’ve done Vegas, Nashville, and Miami, and you’re over your home turf, it can be difficult to figure out where to book tickets for a rejuvenating and fun-filled time away.

In these underrated party cities across the US, you’ll find ideal and affordable destinations for your next girls trip. Whether it’s great eats, a secluded setting, or an over-the-top (and under-the-radar) party scene, these spots will provide you with the getaway you need with your favorite girls by your side.

1. Mackinac Island, Michigan

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There’s something about an island setting that encourages you to let loose and enjoy yourself, no holds barred. But this island is no beachy tropical paradise; instead, Mackinac is a 3.8-square-mile seasonal destination in northern Michigan. Tucked between Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas in Lake Huron, Mackinac Island is only open to visitors between the months of May and October, and there are no cars on the island. The only available modes of transportation are bicycles, horse and carriages, or your own two feet. Mackinac is famous for its old-timey charm by day and raucous nightlife scene once the sun sets. One late night of dancing and live music at the Pink Pony and you’ll see what I mean. As the night winds down, whether you take a carriage ride back to the iconic Grand Hotel or book other Mackinac Island lodging options, stumbling home late at night is perfectly safe. Spend your days strolling the quaint Main Street, and make sure to sample all the Mackinac Island fudge you can.

2. Key Largo, Florida

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Few places are more laid-back than the Florida Keys, and this northernmost key is no exception to the casual “no shoes, no shirt, no problem” vibe. While Key West is the well-known wild child of the Keys, carousing in Key Largo will give you a run for your money, too. Conveniently located just an hour or so south of Miami, the two-lane bridge into Key Largo immediately transports you to island time, where you’ve got nowhere to go and all day to get there. There may be more retirees than millennials living in Key Largo, but trust me, you’ll have a hard time keeping up with the party-hardy locals at hotspots like Gilbert’s, the Caribbean Club, and Sharkey’s. Don’t leave without digging into a fresh fish sandwich at the family-owned Fish House, and any visit to Key Largo must involve a scuba or snorkel trip to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, where you’ll find colorful reefs teeming with sea life — and an underwater statue of Jesus. Stay at Playa Largo Resort & Spa for an ideal base in Key Largo; the beachy resort offers water activities like sailing lessons, sunset cruises, parasailing, and more.

3. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Photo: Jimack/Shutterstock

Anyone into desert vibes and self-care from the inside out will fall head over heels for the spiritually charged city of Santa Fe. Set at an elevation of over 7,000 feet, this hotspot in the American Southwest seems to carry with it an air of mystery, a sense that people play by their own rules here. With ingredients like a funky downtown, New Mexican cuisine, and judgment-free locals, Santa Fe makes for a perfect place to get away from it all. Kick off your trip with a cooking class at the Santa Fe School of Cooking to orient yourself with local eats; then, stay at La Posada de Santa Fe if you desire easy walking access to Santa Fe’s downtown, or check into Sunrise Springs: An Ojo Spa Resort for a completely transportive stay filled with locally inspired spa treatments, mineral soaks, wellness classes, and a meditative 70-acre setting fed by natural springs.

4. Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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Branch out from South Beach and check out the rest of South Florida. Cities like Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach are on the rise, offering the heat and flavor of the Miami experience for a fraction of the price — and with a lot less traffic. For drinks with a view, check out the new bar Rooftop, or check into any of the modern-luxe resorts lining Fort Lauderdale Beach if you’d prefer to enjoy amenities like spas, rooftop pools, chef-driven restaurant concepts, and more. Fort Lauderdale’s white-sand beach is significantly less crowded than anywhere you’d find in Miami but just as eye-catching. Head to Las Olas Boulevard for shopping and restaurants, FAT Village for an art-filled industrial district (and murals that make for perfect Instagram backdrops), or Riverwalk for a pleasant waterfront stroll. Best of all, the recent advent of the high-speed Brightline train gives you the ability to hop between Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Miami in under an hour, so the party never has to stop.

5. Santa Maria Valley, California

Photo: Peter Bowman/Shutterstock

Santa Maria Valley, set along California’s dramatic Central Coast, is a visually stunning, affordable, and largely unknown destination for a girls trip. It’s located halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, making it accessible yet irresistibly off on its own. With 13 beaches, 34 wine tasting rooms, and 24 hikes all within a 30-minute drive, there’s no way your group will grow bored. Whether you and your friends are in it for the wine scene — the area is known for its chardonnays, pinot noirs, and syrahs — or adventurous activities like hiking, cycling, and riding dune buggies, Santa Maria Valley is the kind of spot that’s sure to receive an immediate thumbs-up text from everyone in your group chat.

6. Atlantic City, New Jersey

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Considered the Las Vegas of the East Coast, Atlantic City is dotted with casinos, resorts, hotels, and restaurants along its landmark four-mile boardwalk and six miles of beach. The city is within driving distance of one-third of the country’s population — both New York and Philadelphia are easily accessible from Atlantic City — so chances are, all your girls can find a way to make the trip. Whether you head to Atlantic City for the nonstop party, the daily headlining entertainment, the spas, the shopping, or simply the friendlier price point, this oceanfront spot somehow remains under the radar, giving you the chance to enjoy a memorable time without the stressful bustle of more popular girls-trip destinations. To kick off your night, check out the rock-n-roll tequila bar called Gypsy Bar inside the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, then choose from a range of fine-dining restaurants by celebrity chefs, including Bobby Flay, Wolfgang Puck, Geoffrey Zakarian, and Michael Symon.

7. Bowling Green, Kentucky

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If you’ve seen and done it all in Nashville, consider heading an hour north to Bowling Green, Kentucky. This down-home spot is relaxed yet packed with unique activity options, from trekking the longest underground cave system in the world at Mammoth Cave National Park to taking a zip-line tour at Lost River Cave. If you end up staying out way past your bedtime, no worries: you’re up at the perfect time for a sunrise hot-air balloon ride over Kentucky’s rolling green hills. Penthouse suites at the Kentucky Grand Hotel & Spa start at just $459 per night, so you and your girlfriends can live it up without breaking the bank. Combine your trip with a jaunt to Louisville to enjoy the Urban Bourbon Trail; the state of Kentucky is the birthplace of bourbon, after all.

8. Aspen, Colorado

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If you and your girls are into classy escapes to world-renowned ski capitals, look no further than ritzy Aspen, Colorado. There’s a reason it’s a preferred winter destination for celebrities and the jet set. Spend the day on the slopes, then defrost your digits with après ski libations and comfort foods — after all, you won’t have to worry about squeezing into a bikini on this snowy trip. Heat things up in one of the town’s nightclubs, like Escobar or Bootsy Bellows (an outpost of the Sunset Strip hotspot), or find a hot tub somewhere to decompress in quintessential ski-bunny fashion. If you’re in town after President’s Day, scout out the Oasis Veuve Clicquot, a secret pop-up bar that moves locations every weekend. Don’t worry if a ski-season trip isn’t in the books this year: in the summertime, Aspen transforms into an outdoor lover’s paradise, highlighted by mild weather and sunny hikes among fields of wildflowers.

9. Memphis, Tennessee

Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

Home to live music venues and breweries, Memphis is made for girls trips where late nights, great drinks, and high energy are a must. From historic Beale Street to the Levitt Shell, where Elvis Presley held his first public performance, this music capital invites visitors to sing along to the most popular tunes of yesterday and today. To balance out the beers and bar crawls, Memphis also holds space to unwind in nature. At over 4,500 acres, Shelby Farms Park is one of the largest urban parks in the country, and visitors can rent a canoe or kayak on the lake or go on a horseback tour of the park. Alternatively, get the girls together for a downtown bike ride across the longest bridge on the Mississippi River, Big River Crossing, which stretches from Tennessee to Arkansas. And no, it’s not your imagination: drinks really do taste better in Memphis. The city sits on an aquifer, and all spirits are made from a base of this naturally filtered water.


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New York immigrant infographic

The impact immigrants have had on New York City is immeasurable. This infographic, created by LibertyCruise and posted on Reddit by user FoxyFoxMulder, shows how the city’s immigrant population has changed over the past 50 years, and which countries currently claim the largest piece of the Big Apple.

If you thought that Italians had the highest numbers in New York, you’re about 40 years behind the times. While Italians made up the highest percentage of immigrants up until the 1980s, their numbers have been in sharp decline ever since, with just under 50,000 remaining. There are currently over 450,000 immigrants from the Dominican Republic in New York City, far more than from any other country. Quite a few New Yorkers come from a Chinese heritage — about 330,000, according to the chart. Also on the rise are Guyanese, Indians, and Bangladeshis, each accounting for a rising percentage of the city’s population. There are also about 185,000 Jamaicans in New York.

Photo: Liberty Cruise

There are currently over 3 million foreign-born residents in the city, according to Huffington Post. As the population ebbs and flows, each group weaves its lasting imprint into the the ever-evolving tapestry of the city’s history. While Little Italy and Chinatown may be the most famous immigrant neighborhoods now, it won’t be long before places like Korea, Jamaica, and India reach similar acclaim.

H/T: Reddit

More like this: Exploring New York City’s 5 boroughs

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River Thames to have parks added

London is adding to its already impressive expanse park system. Seven new parks are in the works, each to be located at a different spot adjacent to the River Thames and added to the 47 percent of the city limits already covered in green space. The seven parks are being created as part of the city’s Thames Tideway project, an ongoing effort to construct a massive sewer underneath the riverbed. The project aims to clean the iconic river as it passes through the city. While the scheduled completion date isn’t until 2023, the London of the future will have both a nice, clean river and plenty of spots for residents to take it in as they picnic.

“The construction of London’s new super sewer will create three acres of new public space designed to reconnect the capital’s residents and visitors with the River Thames,” said Tideway’s Chief Technical Officer Roger Bailey. “In keeping with Bazalgette’s legacy, the new public spaces will be designed to enhance the environment and provide a lasting legacy. Our ambition is to celebrate the River Thames as the heart of London.”

Chelsea Embankment, designed by Hawkins\Brown, Aecom, Gillespies, Studio Dekka. Photo: Tideway

Or, as it turns out, take a quick stroll through the water to cool off. According to a report in Secret London, the Victoria, Chelsea, and King Edward Park locations will be specially designed for controlled “floods” during peak tide, bringing the water level up over the edge of the park and creating a sort of urban, riverside beach — albeit one that moves at a perpendicular angle, so be sure to keep your footing.

Victoria Embankment designed by Hawkins\Brown, Aecom, Gillespies, Studio Dekka. Photo: Tideway. Photo: Tideway

Much of the added parkland will be built on platforms protruding out over the water itself, a unique concept that, according to the Tideway’s website, has not been allowed previously. Once completed, the tunnel will keep millions of tons of sewage out of the river each year. Construction on the tunnel is set to kick off in late 2018.

H/T: Secret London

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