Matador Network's Blog, page 1293

Fired bridesmaid offered free trip

If you’ve ever watched Bridezillas, you know that being part of a wedding party is the best way to ruin a friendship with the happy couple. That’s exactly what happened to Courtney Duffy, who was asked to turn in her sash when she notified the bride that she was too busy with schoolwork to attend the pre-wedding bridal activities. While she wasn’t uninvited from the wedding itself, the ex-bridesmaid understandably soured on the idea of going to the wedding at all, and asked JetBlue via Twitter for a flight refund.

In her request, Duffy included the email sent to her by the bride, containing proof of her firing, and even a request to return her bridesmaid jumpsuit. “When I asked you,” the email reads, “I was really hoping that you could be part of this whole thing…[but] the whirlwind nature of what your travel has become just won’t work with the duties of a party member.” The bride did, however, add, “I love you and value your friendship so much and I fully understand the need for you to prioritize school!”

Not only did JetBlue refund the flight, but did her one better.

Hey Courtney, we’ve been thinking. The jumpsuit may have been borrowed, but we’ll bring the (Jet)Blue. When you’re ready to patch things up, we’d like to help make your old friendship feel like new. A future girls’ weekend is on us!

— JetBlue Airways (@JetBlue) 28 juillet 2018

Duffy might be skipping the wedding, but we all know nothing repairs a damaged friendship like a free trip. After tweeting her surprise and gratitude to JetBlue, Duffy added, “Weddings have gotten totally out of control…I’m hoping this thread reminds lovebirds and bridal parties to keep their feet on the ground :)”

H/T: CNN

More like this: Here’s why British Columbia is the most romantic place to elope (and how to pull it off)

The post JetBlue refunds bridesmaid’s flight after she’s fired from a wedding appeared first on Matador Network.

Best places to travel this September

September might be the best-kept secret in travel. It’s technically still summer, but since school is back in session, crowds pretty much everywhere thin out considerably after Labor Day. That means you can enjoy all the great lakes, oceans, historic sites, and restaurants that were jam-packed with tourists a month earlier — often at cheaper, shoulder-season prices. September also brings some fantastic festivals, from harvest fests in wine country to a gorilla-naming ceremony in Rwanda, as well as film festivals in the mountains and on the shores of Lake Ontario. Whether you’re looking to get out of the country this September or make the most of what America has to offer, here are the best places to travel in September.

Photo: Rolf_52/Shutterstock

Sonoma County, California

It’s harvest season in California’s wine country, so the whole state will be chock full of music festivals, wine tastings, and general grape-picking celebrations. Sonoma is the most well-rounded locale of them all, home to some of the most scenic wineries in Dry Creek Valley, famous breweries like Russian River Brewing, and lively towns like Santa Rosa and Petaluma. In addition to the requisite Sonoma Valley Crush festival, during which you’ll tour over a dozen boutique wineries in the region and meet the people behind the labels, the area has other festivals throughout the month worth traveling for.

For art lovers, Plein Air festival brings artists to Sonoma for its fifteenth year. They’ll have quick draw competitions, art auctions, and endless displays of art inspired by the region. The month ends with the Sonoma Valley Vintage Festival, which extends far beyond a celebration of wine. The community festival has been held in Sonoma Plaza since 1897; local food and wine is served in abundance, and visitors get to meet the people that make this such a vibrant community.

Photo: Martin Castrogiovanni/Shutterstock

Black Hills, South Dakota

There’s an old country song about having a home where the Buffalo roam, and while that’s probably not true for most of us, in September you can at least visit a place where they not only roam but downright stampede in one of the most dramatic annual events in America. On September 28, cowboys converge on Custer State Park in the Black Hills for the annual Buffalo Roundup, herding all 1,300 bison in the park. You’ll sit atop a hill and watch the prairie below where the bison move in perfect synchronization — like a real-life Dances With Wolves where you’ll literally feel the ground shake from their power.

That Sunday, the Crazy Horse Memorial hosts its biannual Volksmarch. The most popular organized hike in the US, this 6.2-mile uphill trek takes you to the top of this ongoing mountain carving built in tribute to the great Lakota chief. You’ll stand below the massive carved face and look out over blue sky into the majestic Black Hills. And after one visit, you’ll realize why South Dakota is America’s most underrated state for scenery.

Photo: J. Henning Buchholz/Shutterstock

Japan

If you’re into art, or sumo wrestling, or artistic sumo wrestling, September is the time to visit Japan. The Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, one of the world’s largest art festivals, finishes its run in Niigata on September 16. Here, you’ll be able to see over 50 large-scale art installations that “examine the role of architecture and the power of art in the world.” Each of the pieces is designed to fit seamlessly into this pristine, natural region, integrating themselves into rice terraces, old schools, and forests.

For something a little more in-your-face, the Grand Tournament of sumo wrestling runs from September 9 to September 23 in Tokyo. The biggest and best wrestlers in the country compete in matches beginning at 8:30 AM each day, running all day until the main event at 4:00 PM. InsideJapan runs tours that include the tournament, and you can also make arrangements for tickets for those traveling to Tokyo independent of the full tour.

Photo: Danica Chang/Shutterstock

Telluride, Colorado

This picturesque mountain town in southwest Colorado is a world-class destination any time of year, but September’s shoulder season makes it particularly alluring. It’s not quite ski season yet, but you can still hike many of the 14,000-foot peaks around the city, take the gondola up over the mountain if you’re feeling lazy, or just enjoy beers at the state’s best rooftop bar at the New Sheridan. The summer crowds have subsided and the snow crowds haven’t arrived, so the town will feel a little more empty.

The only time the town really fills up is during the celebrity-studded Telluride Film Festival, which runs from September 1 to September 4 and has premiered flicks like Slumdog Millionaire and Juno in the past. September 14 through September 16 also brings the 25th annual Blues and Brews festival, headlined this year by Robert Plant and lots of Colorado beers. Then, close out the month between September 27 and September 30 at the Telluride Festival of Cars and Colors, where vintage and exotic cars line the streets and set up demos on the Mountain Village golf course.

Photo: Jurgens Potgieter/Shutterstock

Rwanda

Convenient? No. But few great adventures ever start with a quick, convenient car ride. Those willing to take a last-minute (by African standards) trip to Rwanda will be there for the highlight of the year: the baby gorilla naming ceremony at Volcanoes National Park. And nothing, nothing, is cuter than a baby gorilla. Each September, over 20,000 people head to Kinigi on the outer slopes of the park where all the new baby gorillas in the park get their names. This year, there will be 18 lil’ guys participating in a Rwandan tradition that dates back centuries, though the official party has only been going for 14 years. This year’s rendition is on September 7.

Of course, you’ve gone all that way, so there’s no point in turning around and going home right after you attend your first primate name reveal. Spend a week at Volcanoes Safaris’ Virunga Lodge and you’ll have plenty of chances to head out into the park and spot the babies, and adults, in their natural habitat.

Photo: JFL42

Toronto, Ontario

What do we really know about the biggest city in our neighbor to the north other than the fact that it pioneered retractable roof stadiums and gifted the world Drake? Not much. But North America’s third-largest city is one of the most international metros in the world, full of diverse people, food, and nightlife. September is still warm here, meaning Torontonians will be out in force, making the most of the city’s rooftop bars and sandy beaches. (Yes, Toronto has beaches.) It’s the perfect time to join the locals for one last hurrah of summer.

September also brings the renowned Toronto International Film Festival (September 6-16) where Hollywood heads north of the border and King Street becomes a giant red carpet. The Just for Laughs Comedy Festival runs from September 20 to September 29, headlined this year by Joe Rogan, Seth Meyers, Wanda Sykes, and Hannibal Buress. And after a long delay, Toronto’s Museum of Contemporary Arts opens September 22.

Photo: TravnikovStudio/Shutterstock

Lucca, Tuscany, Italy

Touring Tuscany in the summer is a beautiful experience… that you’ll end up sharing with every college student and Euro-tripping twentysomething in America. But September still has all that glorious Mediterranean sunshine and stunning scenery with a fraction of the people. And, in the little town of Lucca, there are tons of cool events going on.

The town of Lucca, west of Florence and northeast of Pisa, sits on the Serchio River surrounded by a landscape of colorful rolling hills. This month it hosts September Lucchese, during which an epic amusement park opens up right in the center of town and draws thousands of people all month long. Earlier in the month, the city throws the Nozzano Medieval Festival, a slightly-more-realistic take on your local renaissance fair where you’ll eat Italian food from the 13th century and trade in your euros for period-specific coins to buy stuff.

Photo: Micha Weber/Shutterstock

Colombia

We’re all over the misconception that Colombia is “dangerous” by now, right? It sure seems like it considering flights from the US have gotten cheaper and easier over the past couple of years. It also seems like Colombia is only a couple years away from people the world over coming here in droves. For now, September sees travel slow down a bit, but the culture, history, scenery, and nightlife are no less exciting.

Dip your toes into Latin America in the colonial city of Cartagena where the fortress in the old city houses lively bars and delicious restaurants that stay open well past when you’re comfortable. Cartagena also has the best beaches of any large city in the country, and though they can get packed on weekends, if you plan a long enough trip, those crowds are avoidable. Then, head to Tayrona National Park where you’ll hike through the jungle up seaside mountains with magical views of the Caribbean. There’s plenty more in the country, and if you’re keen to explore the whole thing, Intrepid Travel runs a ten-day Explore Colombia adventure that hits all the sites for $1,750.

Photo: Cedar Point

Northern Ohio

Cedar Point might be the best amusement park in the world for hardcore, balls-to-the-wall roller-coaster riding. The problem is that the rest of the world is in on the secret, and going during the summer means hours spent shuffling through lines in the brutal Ohio heat or buying a FastPass that costs more than your car payment. This is why September is THE time to head to Sandusky — school is in and the temps are down. Hit the park during the week and the only line you may encounter is on the phone-eating Steel Vengeance.

Even if coasters aren’t your thing, the islands in Lake Erie are not the Spring Break shitshows they are during the summer, and you can enjoy the wineries, hiking trails, and waterfront serenity of places like Put-In-Bay and Kelleys Island — or any of the other fantastic islands in the Great Lakes. September is also a great time to check out better-than-you’d-think Cleveland where the Indians are usually in the thick of the pennant race and the outdoor dining along East 4th Street is still warm and friendly.

Photo: Luciano Mortula – LGM/Shutterstock

Turkey

Ask anyone who’s been to Turkey in the past couple years, and they won’t only tell you that it’s safe — they’ll tell you that it’s better than it was before. September is still the height of resort season here, where the seaside towns of Bodrum and Alacati teem with European visitors getting in their last slice of summer parties. And for music lovers, Bodrum hosts its annual jazz festival from September 1 to September 8.

Beyond that, September sees the opening of the long-awaited Troy Museum, situated on the archeological site of Canakkale with 150 exhibits and 2,000 artifacts from the famous Trojan War. The museum opens as the site celebrates its 20th anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and welcomes a cycling race from the 20th to the 22nd.

Finally, the city of Cappadocia out in Turkish wine country hosts its harvest festival, which begins September 9 and lasts for a month into mid-October. It runs parallel to the Forgotten Flavors of Goreme food festival where you’ll sample Turkish food and wine from the 24th to the 30th. And what better way is there to send off summer than with a magical hot air balloon ride?


More like this: The 18 best trips for 2018

The post The best places to travel this September appeared first on Matador Network.

Summer weekend in Aspen on a budget

Aspen might not be the first place you think of for summer vacation, but this ski town nestled in the Rocky Mountains offers a good deal of adventures. Summer is also a great time to visit one of Colorado’s most upscale ski resorts with little damage to your pocketbook. With cars full of good friends and packs full of gear, we made the 3.5-hour trip from Denver to enjoy a summer weekend in one of Colorado’s best-known ski towns. Our goal: to explore this incredible landscape without breaking the bank.




1

There are a few free campsites situated around Aspen. They tend to fill up fast, so the first step of your budget weekend should be reserving a campsite in advance. Alternatively, get to Aspen as early as possible to find a place to pitch your tent. Whether you stay in a national forest or national park, always follow location rules, obey fire bans, and practice the leave-no-trace principles. This waterfall was about 100 feet from our designated campsite. Every night, we fell asleep to the soothing hum of the water.

2

Endless opportunities for adventure call for long days and little sleep. The Maroon Bells are the most photographed peaks in Colorado. Before 8:00 AM, you’ll have to pay a $10 vehicle fee plus the parking cost to get out there to see them, although you can also get there by bus. Head up around sunrise to find out why the Maroon Bells were given their name - for a short span of time, they glow an incredible maroon hue.

3

Don’t forget to take a hike. The breathtaking landscapes of the Aspen-Snowmass area are crisscrossed with trails for all abilities. Whether you’re looking for an undulating walk through a vibrant forest or a trek through sun-drenched mountainside with views of the town, Aspen offers a wide range of trails at the cost of only the gear on your back and a few snacks. When hiking, always come prepared with enough layers, food, and water.

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4

If you’re looking for a little more than a casual stroll through the woods, try trail running. In Aspen, trail running is one of the more challenging (free) activities available to get your heart pumping. Just make sure to drink plenty of water and pay attention to how your body is feeling; at this elevation, you’re sure to get the views and workout you’re craving.

5

After a morning of adventure, head into town for a relaxing time at one of Aspen’s public parks. A little rest and relaxation are sure to get you rejuvenated while having summertime fun at 7,908 feet above sea level.

6

If you have a permit, grab your gear and head out fishing. Aspen’s lakes have crystal-clear water and are framed by striking mountains drenched in aspen groves and pine trees. Whether you’re an experienced fisherman or new to the game, you’ll have a great time in the stunning surroundings.

7

Mountain biking lets you take in a lot of the scenery while having a blast with friends or family. Aspen has tons of trails for every skill level, so bring your own mountain bike or borrow one from a friend and hit some of the single-track trails in the area.

8

A picnic is one of the cheapest ways to up your food game. While meals around Aspen can add up over a weekend, stocking up on snacks and groceries at a market and planning food for different activities can reduce your overall costs.

9

However, with both ambiance and taste for the price of one, Aspen restaurants do it right. If you do want to treat yourself, head to one of the many restaurants that have an outdoor patio for dining with a view. Bonus: Some establishments (such as the Red Onion, pictured above) offer outdoor seating with live music – so you can get delicious Colorado cooking, music, and views all for the cost of your meal.

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10

Do you know any expert rock climbers? If you don’t have your own gear, or don’t know anyone to borrow from, renting it can be inexpensive. Pick up a harness and shoes in town, ask a knowledgeable friend to hit the crag with you, and head out to one of the towering walls around Aspen.

11

Campsites aren’t just for sleeping. Whether you’re cooking dinner, stargazing, or talking about the meaning of life, spending time at the campsite is often underrated. Make sure you make the most of nature by remembering to stop and savor the moment with good friends - under a sky speckled with an indescribable amount of stars.

12

It’s easy for groups to try stand-up paddleboarding in Aspen. Rent a board with a larger group and take turns shuttling people, giving everyone a chance to sightsee from the water while not breaking the bank. If you’re going to one of Aspen’s creeks, make sure to read the regulations on where you can access beaches because humans can seriously impact the riparian and marine ecosystems. Aspen wants to keep these areas pristine for all to enjoy.

13

A plethora of activities await you at the top of Aspen Mountain. If you prefer not to pay the $25 for a ride up the gondola, grab your pack and hike the 5.3-mile, round-trip Ute Trail, which connects to well-marked ski runs taking you up to the top of the mountain. If you make the hike up, you’re rewarded by being able to take the gondola down for free. With a sun deck, badminton, nature walks, and other activities, it’s easy to spend the better part of a day overlooking the surrounding Elk Range.

14

Make friends with the locals. From ski bums to TV stars, Aspen is home to many walks of life. George was one of the friendliest Aspen Ski employees we met, and he makes sure to greet everyone at the top of Aspen Mountain.

15

Who says kids are the only ones who can play with rope swings? Take a dip in one of Aspen’s swimming spots on your way out of town to feel refreshed for your drive home. (Just be sure to use eco-friendly sunscreen that won’t harm the aquatic life.) And get ready to tell everyone about all the money you saved during your action-packed Aspen weekend.

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The post How to spend an epic summer weekend in Aspen on a budget appeared first on Matador Network.

US beach town in landlocked states

When people think of beaches in the US, they usually picture Miami, the Venice Beach boardwalk, or maybe even the rocky cliffs of the Pacific Northwest or the Jersey Shore. Very rarely do we think about beaches not on either coast — and especially not in landlocked states.

However, some of the country’s most beautiful beaches happen to be on lakes throughout the Midwest and non-coastal western states. Not only is the scenery spectacular, but many of these beaches have vibrant small towns with communities that rival the famed beach towns of the coasts. These 11 best beach towns in landlocked states are definitely worth traveling to.

1. Glen Arbor and Empire (Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore), Michigan

Photo: Craig Sterken/Shutterstock

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is probably the most famous dune location in the United States. It stretches 35 miles along the Lake Michigan coastline and encompasses two towns: Glen Arbor and Empire. Both are really small, with only one road that runs through them and just a few restaurants and stores, but they’re good anchor points for reaching the beaches and hikes of Sleeping Bear Dunes.

For more amenities, Traverse City is one of the biggest towns in northern Michigan and a popular base for reaching Sleeping Bear Dunes, as well as the Upper Peninsula. It’s easy to get to by car and has a wide selection of trendy stores, restaurants, and coffee shops.

Best Beaches: Sleeping Bear Point Beach, Van’s Beach, Good Harbor Bay Beach, North Manitou Island

2. Sandusky and Lakeside Marblehead (Kelleys Island), Ohio

Photo: Ernst Sibberson/Shutterstock

Sandusky is famous for Cedar Point, the second-oldest operating amusement park in the country, which has a whopping 17 roller coasters. Cedar Point Beach is located on the same peninsula as the amusement park, with Nickel Plate Beach only a short drive away in Huron. Not too far away from Sandusky, the town of Lakeside Marblehead is also known for its beach at East Harbor State Park. East Harbor State Park is a great recreation area with camping, wildlife viewing, beaches, and scenic wetlands.

Sandusky is also the ferry access point for Kelleys Island, home to Kelleys Island State Park, which has camping, fishing, boat launches into Lake Erie, and beaches. A quick ferry ride away from Lakeside Marblehead are also the islands of Middle Bass, South Bass, North Bass, and Catawba. Each island has its own small community and access to more beaches.

Best Beaches: Cedar Point Beach, Kelleys Island State Park, East Harbor State Park

3. Duluth, Minnesota

Photo: LIKE HE/Shutterstock

Duluth is a port city on the coast of Lake Superior, on the edge of the Minnesota and Wisconsin border. Park Point Beach and 12th Street Beach lie along a thin small strip of land that juts out into Lake Superior. With a nearby state park, historic buildings, and homes, this area has a wonderful community feel. Park Point Beach also has a trail that leads to a scenic overlook and a lighthouse.

Best Beaches: Park Point Beach, 12th Street Beach at Franklin Square, Brighton Beach, Iona’s Beach

4. Bayfield (Apostle Islands National Lakeshore), Wisconsin

Photo: Hoogz Photography/Shutterstock

Bayfield is a small, sleepy town surrounded by farmland and beautiful Midwestern homes rising up the hill overlooking the marina and Lake Superior. The town connects to the islands that form the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, a chain of islands in Lake Superior known for their dunes and beaches. The best known is Madeline Island with its small town of La Pointe and Big Bay State Park. The second largest island, Stockton Island, is home to the best beach in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Julian Bay. In addition, many smaller islands — such as Raspberry Island, Michigan Island, Basswood Island, Oak Island — are just as beautiful but much more difficult to get to.

Best Beaches: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Julian Bay, Bayfield City Beach, Big Bay Beach at Town Park, Friendly Valley Beach

5. Petoskey, Michigan

Photo: aceshot1/Shutterstock

Close to Mackinac Island, Petoskey is a larger town than Charlevoix and others nearby, but it still has amazing beaches. Petoskey has many breweries, restaurants, shopping, bookstores, and coffee shops. It also has an awesome marina with tons of water-sport opportunities and several paved walking trails. The beaches in Petoskey are a good place to look for the Petoskey stones that gave the town its name. They’re fossilized coral with a unique hexagonal pattern and can be found on most northern Michigan beaches.

Best Beaches: Petoskey State Park, Magnus City Park Beach, Thorne Swift Nature Preserve

6. Michigan City (Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore), Indiana

Photo: Anna Westman/Shutterstock

Michigan City is located on the coast of Lake Michigan just 10 minutes away from the Michigan border — but on the Indiana side. The town is the connecting point for the Indiana Dune National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes State Park, and it offers 15 miles of shoreline and beaches perfect for swimming, hiking, and bird watching. Washington Park Beach is located in downtown Michigan City while the other beaches are a quick drive to the west and scattered along the lakeshore. The Indiana Dunes State Park also has amazing hiking trails that offer views of the dunes, the surrounding scenery, and the lake.

Best Beaches: Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Washington Park, Porter Beach, Central Beach

7. Incline Village (Lake Tahoe), Nevada

Photo: Jannis Tobias Werner/Shutterstock

Lake Tahoe is a beautiful alpine freshwater lake that is straddled by the states of Nevada and California. It’s the largest alpine lake in the country and the second deepest after Crater Lake in Oregon. Besides its stunning turquoise water, Lake Tahoe is surrounded by pristine beaches on both the Nevada and California sides. However, the beaches on the Nevada side are more popular tourist destinations.

Sand Harbor is the most famous of the Lake Tahoe beaches because of its white granite boulders, which contrast with the blue of the water. Hidden Beach and Secret Grove are more secluded, and many people tan nude on the sands of Secret Grove. Other recreational opportunities here include kayaking, boating, stand-up paddle boarding, and hiking in the many surrounding state and national parks. A quick drive around the lake also brings you to beautiful beaches like Lester Beach, Vikingsholm Beach, Kiva Beach, Pope Beach, and Bliss Beach on the California side.

Best Beaches: Sand Harbor, Hidden Beach, Secret Grove

8. Ogden, Utah

Photo: IrinaK/Shutterstock

Ogden is about 30 minutes north of Salt Lake City and acts as the gateway town to such ski resorts as Snowbasin, Powder Mountain, and Nordic Valley. It is also the closest town to Antelope Island State Park in the Great Salt Lake. The state park has many trails for hiking and horseback riding, and it’s known for its free-roaming bison, as well.

Although they don’t have the typical fluffy white sand, Antelope Island State Park beaches are unique because of their location on the Great Salt Lake. A trip to these beaches is more for viewing the salt flats and dramatic snow-capped mountain scenery in the background versus laying out to get tan. Although it’s a different beach experience, it’s worth doing all the same.

Best Beaches: Antelope Island State Park

9. Okoboji, Iowa

Photo: Jesse Kunerth/Shutterstock

For being centered in a landlocked state, Okoboji offers incredible beach access. The town is bordered on three sides by West and East Okoboji Lake. Beaches abound across town, as well as across Smiths Bay in Arnolds Park. The waterside Gull Point State Park, where you can get your camping and barbecue fix just off the water, is a short drive west. Also worth a visit is Arnold Park Amusement Park, which has its own beach in case you’re craving a quick game of volleyball between rides.

Best beaches: Arnolds Park Public Beach, Terrace Park Beach, Spirit Lake Pump House Beach

10. Heber Springs, Arkansas

Photo: George Lehmann/Shutterstock

Greers Ferry Lake is a popular destination in north-central Arkansas with the town of Heber Springs offering great access to relaxing beaches and a chill, lakeside charm for when it comes time to hit the town. Sandy Beach sits on the edge of town across from the Heber Springs Marina, a perfect spot for swimming and pushing out in tubes and kayaks. The water is as blue as the sky, and you’ll find plenty of camping near the beach if you want to keep the fun going for multiple days. The Cardboard Boat Race is a prized annual event; it’s worth a visit in itself as the beach turns into a frenzy of racers and revelers from around the region.

Best beaches: Sandy Beach, Old Highway 25 Park Beach

11. Munising (Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore), Michigan

Photo: /Shutterstock

Another national lakeshore, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Pictured Rocks, which stretches for 42 miles, has fascinating rock formations. Common activities here are kayaking along the lakeshore to see the rock formations and enjoying time on the beaches. The towns of Munising and Grand Marais are the starting points to Pictured Rocks. Besides kayaking and sunbathing, you can hike along some of its many trails, take a boat tour, and stay at one of several campgrounds in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Best Beaches: Twelvemile Beach, Sand Point Beach


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The post 11 awesome beach towns you’ve never heard of in landlocked states appeared first on Matador Network.

Best rooftop bars in all 50 states

In case the sweat you broke walking to your car this morning didn’t tell you, we’re in the full swing of summer. And nothing says summer quite like hitting up a sun-drenched rooftop bar and beating the heat with an ice-cold cocktail. As rooftop drinking has been the warm-weather happy hour of choice in America for the past decade or so, literally every state has a bar or restaurant that’s made the most of its elevated outdoor space. Some are breweries with views of the mountains, others swanky rooftop joints in big cities that make you feel a part of the skyline. Some have $150 minimums. But wherever you live, you’re guaranteed to have at least one great option; here is the best rooftop bar in all 50 states.

Alabama

Battle House Hotel

Mobile

When the historic, iconic Battle House was constructed way back in 1852, the founders obviously had only one thing in mind: rooftop pool parties. That kinda went by the wayside when the place served as a Civil War hospital, which later burned down in 1905, but the reconstructed version now boasts a rooftop bar with views out over the bay and Mobile skyline, complete with a big swimming pool to cool off on those hot Alabama summer weekends.

Alaska

49th State Brewing

Anchorage

Nothing lets you know you’re in Alaska like sitting under the sun at a rooftop bar, gazing out at Cook Inlet and the Alaska Range in the distance… and realizing it’s almost midnight. But that’s totally the thing to do during summer when the expansive rooftop patio of this local brewery has some of the best vistas of any place in the city, available at almost all hours. On particularly clear days, you can even snag a view of Denali, though those are few and far between.

Photo: J. Lauren

Arizona

Lustre Bar

Phoenix

About this time of year, getting even a few stories closer to the sun in Arizona sounds downright painful. So maybe wait until sunset and enjoy the changing colors against the red mountains at this rooftop bar at the Kimpton Palomar in Downtown Phoenix. As you look at said sunset, cool off with a Papa Piña with Hornitos tequila, caramelized pineapple, lime, and agave, then relax on a comfy couch under purple evening lights and enjoy the sun’s absence.

Arkansas

Agasi 7

Little Rock

Brand new to the swanky rooftop bar scene, Little Rock welcomed its first full-scale rooftop bar on the roof of the Hilton Garden Inn last year. And in the months since it’s been a roaring success. The bar has unobstructed views of the city’s downtown and the River Market neighborhood, with industrial grey furnishings contrasting with the Arkansas blue sky in the summer. The best bet here is to order one of the smoking cocktails as the spirit offerings aren’t extensive. But for a real summertime scene in Little Rock, there’s nowhere better to drink.

California

The Rooftop at The Standard

Los Angeles

Tempting as it may be to go with someplace newer, or chicer, or somewhere in Sacramento to just piss everyone off, sometimes you just need to play the hits. The Standard is, as the name implies, the benchmark by which all other rooftop bars are judged. Nowhere else can you feel completely surrounded by Los Angeles, not just because of the iconic skyscrapers but also because of the models, aspiring entertainers, and might-be celebrities lounging by the pool on curved white chairs that might be the most famous pool furniture in the world. Other places might be newer, or more innovative, or maybe boast better views — but nothing else is The Standard.

Photo: Visit Telluride

Colorado

The New Sheridan

Telluride

There may be no prettier main street in America than the one in Telluride where meticulously maintained mining-era buildings line a perfect path to the towering San Juan mountains. The best place to see it all is on the rooftop of the city’s most historic hotel, the perfect place to kick back after a hard day of hiking and still breathe in some of the Colorado mountain air. Sure, Denver’s got some pretty swanky rooftop spots too, but no rooftop is as quintessentially Coloradan as the one at the New Sheridan.

Connecticut

Rooftop 120

Glastonbury

If Cliff Clavin were still spewing useless facts from his barstool at Cheers, he’d undoubtedly mention that the largest year-round rooftop bar in New England is in Glastonbury, Connecticut, at Rooftop 120. Here, fire pits and sliding doors allow drinkers and diners to take in the downtown scenery year round. So, if you’re in the mood for a Rooftop Hurricane with Cruzan 151, SoCo, pineapple, orange, and grenadine in the middle of February, mother nature can’t stop you.

Photo: La Vida Hospitality Group

Delaware

Big Chill Beach Club

Bethany Beach

If there’s one thing we know about Delaware aside from its abundance of credit-card banks, it’s that it has some pretty spectacular beaches. So it makes sense the state’s best rooftop bar would be inside the Delaware Seashore State Park. At the Big Chill Beach Club, you can watch the sun set behind the Indian River Inlet Bridge with a 360-degree view of the ocean and bay at night. By day, you can sip beers while you get your beach tan, minus the sand. A towering rooftop it’s not (it’s only on the second story), but that just means you’ll be close to the waves.

Florida

Sugar

Miami

Miami has grown a lot since the Golden Girls/Scarface era when it was one big retirement home with a coke problem. And the best way to discover all that Miami has become is with twilight drinks in this Asian garden atop the East Hotel. Sip on craft cocktails as you gaze south at the new Brickell skyline backed by Biscayne Bay, then look north to downtown and east to South Beach. Come here just before sunset to see the glorious teals and purples of Miami before sunset, then transition into its glittering lights come nighttime.

Photo: SkyLounge Atlanta

Georgia

Skylounge

Atlanta

Few rooftop bars on the planet give you the chance to cheers a guy riding the top of a Ferris wheel. But this ATL rooftop at the Glenn Hotel doesn’t just have a massive view of the city skyline, it looks right out onto the iconic Centennial Park Ferris wheel. The menu here is also stacked with warm-weather cocktails; for a summer happy hour, go with the Glenntini — made with cucumber, mint, and green-tea vodka — or Stephanie’s Kiss, with jalapeno-infused vodka, ginger beer, pineapple, and raspberry liqueur.

Photo: SKY Waikiki

Hawaii

Sky Waikiki

Honolulu

While nobody was paying attention, tourist-heavy Honolulu developed a pretty solid bar scene for the people who live there. This is not part of that scene. This is a spectacular bar set atop the 19th floor of a Waikiki high-rise with views of Diamond Head and the ocean, everything any self-respecting tourist comes to Honolulu to see. The bar makes you feel like you’re sitting right on Waikiki beach but with cushy couches and fruity drinks in hand. A local hangout it may not be, but it’s one of the most epic-looking rooftop bars that rivals the best on the mainland.

Idaho

Warfield Distillery and Brewery

Ketchum

Idaho is best known for three things: potatoes, mountains, and beer. The Warfield Distillery in Sawtooth National Forest is the best place to get your fill of all three. (The Idaho fries are on point.) Set in the center of downtown Ketchum, this building was the landmark Slavey’s bar for years until it fell into disrepair. Even before it housed one of the state’s best breweries and distilleries, it was known as a top-flight drinking deck. Now, you can enjoy craft beer made literally feet away as you relax in the sunshine after a hard day on the hills.

Photo: Cindy’s Rooftop

Illinois

Cindy’s

Chicago

Unless you can make a year’s worth of rent in three months, rooftop bars in Chicago need to be able to operate indoors during the frigid, windy winter. At Cindy’s atop the Chicago Athletic Association, big rolling glass panels surround the brick-walled bar, making it feel a bit little like a 1930s indoor pool. From the deck, you’ll be able to look down into Millennium Park and see the famous bean. Nandini Khaund’s cocktail menu has a sort of apothecary theme with eclectic drinks like the Walk on Water, which is made with Letherbee gin, Cocchi Americano, tomato water, watermelon, and lime.

Indiana

Sun King Spirits

Carmel

Indianapolis is severely lacking in rooftop bars, so this new, hybrid bar/food hall concept from one of Indy’s most popular local breweries was extremely welcome when it opened this summer in the tiny suburb of Carmel. The brewery partnered with local distilleries to offer a unique collection of spirits, from bramble-berry-hibiscus-flavored vodka to Jamaican-style rum. It also features food from three of the city’s most popular restaurants: Mexican stalwart La Margarita, sausage purveyor Oca, and pizza-staple Pi. The space is open to all ages during the day, so it’s popular with families. It might not be as posh as rooftop bars in other cities, but on a sunny afternoon, it’s every bit as fun.

Photo: Mullets

Iowa

Mullets

Des Moines

The nice thing about having a diminutive skyline is that a rooftop bar with a panoramic view doesn’t need to be much over two stories. That’s the case at Mullets — open exclusively during the summer — where you’ll spot downtown in one direction, the state capitol in another, and the convergence of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers in another. It’s Iowa, so the crowd here is always casual, whether it’s grabbing drinks before a Cubs game at Principal Park or getting a cold beer after a long ride on the Great Western Bike Trail.

Kansas

Industry Old Town

Wichita

Kansas’s largest city is one of those places you find yourself having a great time and wonder why nobody’s in on how cool the city is. This is especially true at Wichita’s only rooftop bar, Industry Old Town, set among the stately brick structures of the namesake Old Town. The bar has a strong focus on local stuff with cocktails made from Kansas distilleries and loads of craft beer. It’s not at all trendy or pretentious, just friendly and fun like the city itself.

Kentucky

Belle’s Cocktail House

Lexington

Louisville certainly has no shortage of fancy, big-city rooftop bars. But nothing is more Kentucky than a rooftop bourbon bar, and that’s why the Bluegrass State nod goes to Belle’s. Here, guests can enjoy bourbon-based cocktails and an extensive selection of whiskeys on an intimate rooftop over downtown Lexington. The bar is named after famous madam Belle Brezing, and though the building is not where her landmark brothel once stood, you can learn a lot of Lexington’s sordid history by having a drink at the tavern named in her honor.

Photo: Salamander Hotels

Louisiana

Above the Grid

New Orleans

New Orleans is really more about balcony bars, but this bar atop the NOPSI hotel in the old Public Service building gives the Big Easy a first-class option. By day it’s the hotel’s rooftop pool, but at night that pool turns a glowing blue as the lights of New Orleans come on around it. Above the Grid serves craft cocktails that are a welcome departure from the glut of Hand Grenades and Hurricanes on the streets below. Drinks like the Packing Heat — Xicaru mezcal, green tea, mint, and jalapeño — are especially refreshing on a steamy New Orleans evening.

Maine

The View

Camden

While the red couches you recline on at 16 Bay View Hotel won’t have you sitting next to Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar, don’t be too disappointed. The bar isn’t named after your favorite daytime TV show but rather the spectacular panorama out over Camden Harbor, where sailboats lounge in the water and little islands dot Penobscot Bay. It’s the kind of place that just looks like Maine, and when the sun goes down and it starts feeling like Maine, don’t worry — the tables are equipped with fire pits to keep you nice and cozy.

Maryland

LB Skybar

Baltimore

Baltimore might not have the biggest skyline in America, but it certainly has one of the most recognizable. This bar on the 19th floor of the Lord Baltimore hotel is an especially pretty place to take it in. As you relax on the couches enjoying classic cocktails, you’ll look straight up at the green roof and brick façade of the Transamerica building and the skyscrapers that surround it. And while the cocktail menu here isn’t groundbreaking, no other bar in Maryland has a sense of place quite like Baltimore’s first rooftop.

Photo: Outlook and Lookout at The Envoy Hotel

Massachusetts

Lookout

Boston

Take all the fire pits and waterfront views of The View in Maine and supersize them for the big city, and you’ve got New England’s preeminent rooftop bar. Pictures from the Envoy Hotel’s rooftop are unmistakably Boston, with the skyline and harbor seemingly butting up against the glass partitions that surround Lookout. As is necessary for a big city, the cocktail menu has elevated itself to match the setting with stuff like the Southie Riviera — made with Crop Meyer lemon vodka, elderflower liqueur, grapefruit, and prosecco — leading a menu of drinks that pair perfectly with the sights.

Michigan

3Fifty Terrace

Detroit

Maligned as Detroit might be, when it comes to cocktails and nightlife anyone who’s been there will attest that they’re doing it as well as anyone. Case in point is this 10,000-square-foot rooftop nightclub that feels like a little slice of South Beach got dumped in the rust belt. The purple-lit dance floor and VIP booths sit against the classic brick wall of the building next door, with a neon Music Hall sign hanging over it all. It’s not quite the gritty vibe one expects in Motor City, but that’s exactly what makes this downtown rooftop such a unique spot in Michigan.

Photo: Brit’s Pub

Minnesota

Brit’s

Minneapolis

Rooftop lawn bowling — it’s a thing. Or at least it’s a thing in this British-themed, second-story rooftop pub in Minnesota. This bar essentially surrounds a lush green bowling lawn like standing-room-only stadium seating. But if you’re not keen on watching other people toss balls down the grass — or doing it yourself — you can sip on some English imports whilst strolling by red phone booths and watching EPL matches. We’d say it feels like London in the middle of Minneapolis, but Minnesota summers actually involve the sun.

Mississippi

The White House

Biloxi

Finding a beachfront rooftop bar in Mississippi is about as easy as finding someone who’ll admit the SEC ain’t really all that. But if you’re gonna find an outlier in this state, it’ll be along the Gulf Coast, hence the spectacular rooftop bar at the historic White House Hotel. This Roman-columned gem fell into disrepair and was shuttered for 30 years until it reopened in 2014. Now it boasts panoramic views of the beaches and the Gulf of Mexico, making this little corner of Mississippi feel like a cool Florida getaway.

Photo: 360

Missouri

360

St. Louis

Those mounds past the outfields at old-time ballparks used to be called “Cheapskate Hill” because you could watch the game for free from the top of the grass. While we’d hesitate to call anything at 360 “cheap,” the bar looks straight down into Busch Stadium, allowing you to watch the game without a ticket. Granted, the view’s not exactly front row, but it’s still a cool way to catch the Cards. If you’re not into baseball, this bar also has an excellent view of the Gateway Arch and the Mississippi River, plus a full menu that sadly lacks peanuts and Cracker Jacks.

Montana

Casey’s Sky Bar

Whitefish

When you’re in a place called Big Sky Country, your rooftop bars must deliver. Nowhere in the state lets you drink under the big sky better than Casey’s. Though it’s not the rough, cowboy-country watering hole you might expect, this upscale spot overlooks the Whitefish main drag of Central Ave with big views of the Whitefish Mountain Resort and Glacier National Park in the distance. Plus fireplaces on the tables help fight against the crisp Montana air come nightfall.

Photo: Barry’s

Nebraska

Barry’s Bar and Grill

Lincoln

Nothing is more Nebraska than Cornhuskers football, so of course the best rooftop bar in the state is this spot overlooking Memorial Stadium. On game days, it’s a jam-packed sea of red and effectively ground zero for partying that’s not at a tailgate. The rest of the year, it’s still worth a visit as the Husker pride runs deep, earning this spot the nickname “The Nebraska Bar.” With a name like that, it would be hard to choose anywhere else.

Photo: Apex Social Club

Nevada

Apex Social Club

Las Vegas

Once upon a time, the swankiest rooftop venue in America, Ghostbar, stood in this very spot. But as The Palms faded, it did too. Until now. As part of the resort’s $620 million renovation, the rooftop club was completely redone and reopened as Apex Social Club. The one-time untz-untz discotheque is now a sculpture garden and lounge where four 3,000-pound “Psychogeographies” dot the deck, as well as other provocative artwork. You can interpret all of it or just look around the 360-degree view of the strip and the desert — easily the best rooftop vista in Vegas. If you’re not into the scene and more into the scenery, you might find this a marked improvement over the old version.

New Hampshire

Bernie’s Beach Bar

Hampton Beach

When one thinks hot beach bars, there’s really no state that compares to New Hampshire. No? Well, if your only exposure to Granite State beach bars was Bernie’s — where the rooftop has live music all day, every day and front row seats to the boardwalk — you’d probably think so. It’s not cheesy background beach music either; Bernie’s is one of the best music venues in New Hampshire, so even on not-perfect weather days the rooftop is a worth a visit.

Photo: RoofTop at Exchange Place

New Jersey

Rooftop at Exchange

Jersey City

Funny that the best view of New York City isn’t in New York at all but rather at this spot across from lower Manhattan in Jersey City. From the 10,000-square-foot rooftop, visitors get views usually reserved for ferry riders with the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and One World Trade all seemingly arms-length away. It’s a fairly new entrant to the Jersey City nightlife scene — which is a fairly new scene in and of itself — but it’s been a big hit with locals this summer. And with a retractable roof, it promises to offer those same fantastic views well into winter.

New Mexico

Bar Alto

Santa Fe

To enjoy sunsets against the mountains and views out over scenic Santa Fe, it’s hard to beat Bar Alto atop the iconic Drury Hotel. The bar is part of the hotel’s recent major overhaul and includes a swimming pool and craft cocktails like the Seaside Negroni, made with gin, cappelletti, Cardamaro, and seawater. It also serves food from the hotel’s hit restaurant Eloisa, so you’ll get some of Santa Fe’s famous cuisine with your sunset beverage.

Photo: Gallow Green

New York

Gallow Green

New York City

Manhattan might have more rooftop bars than it does pizza shops at this point, so picking one is kinda like picking the best flavor or Skittles. But what sets Gallow Green apart is neither the lush plants filling the space — making it feel like a romantic little forest in the middle of the West Side — nor the gravel paths that run through the tables like a rooftop hiking trail. It’s that his bar atop the McKittrick hotel features live interactive theatrical shows like the mind-bending Sleep No More, a very creepy, very loose interpretation of Macbeth. It’s both bizarre and charming, and it’s one of the most unique experiences you can have in the city.

North Carolina

Fahrenheit

Charlotte

Though some might knock Charlotte for having about as much character as an airport terminal, it’s hard to deny it has one of the prettiest skylines in America. Don’t believe us? Check it out for yourself at this bar atop the Skye Condominium tower in Uptown, which doubles as a pan-Asian restaurant for renowned chef Rocco Whales. It’s best visited for after-dinner drinks as the long patio invites endless pictures of the surrounding buildings and fire pits keep you warm when the Carolina weather starts to dip. The drinks here tend toward colorful and fruity; try the Spicy Charlotte with Stoli Vanil, vanilla syrup, jalapeños, lime juice, and honey.

Photo: Luft

North Dakota

Luft

Bismarck

Let’s just stop for a second and marvel at the feats of engineering that allow a year-round rooftop patio… IN NORTH DAKOTA. The people who also run Humpback Sally’s downstairs designed this wood-and-wilderness space with four-season business in mind; strong sliding doors allow guests to get out on the patio in the summer while staying warm in an indoor beer garden in the winter. The cocktails are inventive with names like Swipe Right and Mexicali Blue. But when there’s homemade Zima on the menu, is there really anything else to order?

Ohio

Azure

Cleveland

The Met at the 9 Hotel in downtown Cleveland feels a little more like Vegas than it does the Great Lakes with trippy, colorful hallways and showers in the middle of the rooms. It feels like a little slice of Sin City at this rooftop bar, which is not technically on the roof of the iconic 9 Hotel building but rather sits on the top floor of the hotel. Here, you can see both the city and Lake Erie while sitting on sleek couches amongst an attractive crowd. Just make sure you go in summer, or the first gust of wind will have you remembering you’re not in Vegas REAL quick.

Oklahoma

Welltown Brewery

Tulsa

Oklahoma is the kind of place that embraces simplicity, which is why the best rooftop bar in the state isn’t a bunch of plush couches, firepits, and craft cocktails; it’s beer on wood benches surrounded by red brick. The beers at Welltown taste refreshingly cold on a hot Oklahoma evening, and sipping one as the sun goes down over Tulsa might be the best way to end a workday in Oklahoma’s hippest city.

Photo: Departure Portland

Oregon

Departure

Portland

The thing about humanely raised, non-GMO, vegan, organic, fair-trade, no-juniper-berries-were-harmed-in-the-production-of-this-cocktail bars is that they don’t show up on rooftops, so Oregon’s best entrant is more of a classic lush rooftop bar. Departure is a pan-Asian restaurant with white couches, bright orange umbrellas, and views of the Portland skyline and Willamette River. In addition to bao buns and Asian tapas, it also serves homemade ice cream during the warmer months, allowing you to double up on summer refreshment with a scoop and a cold Oregon beer.

Pennsylvania

Bok Bar

Philadelphia

The kids who went to Edward W. Bok Technical High School probably never expected the roof of to someday become the coolest rooftop bar in the state. But such is how South Philly reinvented this old high school into a multi-use space that’s anchoring the neighborhood. The rooftop Bok Bar has the best city views of any Philly bar, and it doesn’t just sling delicious drinks. It also offers rooftop yoga classes, Cambodian dance lessons, Middle Eastern street food, and family Sundays when you’re welcome to bring your dog.

Photo: Providence G

Rhode Island

Rooftop at the Providence G

Providence

Providence might be the most underrated party town in America with five universities in the city and a bar density on par with nearby Boston. Its swanky rooftop offering is this lounge with a retractable glass roof and fire pits for cool fall nights. During the summer it can almost feel like the islands with fruity drinks and live reggae and Caribbean music — though the entire Providence skyline surrounding you might snap you out of that illusion faster than you’d like.

South Carolina

Up on the Roof

Greenville

Much like it boasts more great restaurants per capita than any city in America, Greenville also offers the best selection of rooftop bars of any small US metro. The pick of the litter is this new-ish spot right on the south side of the Reedy River with its spectacular views of downtown Greenville, the river, and the Blue Ridge Mountains beyond. The whole space is covered in comfy chairs and big TVs, and it’s just as perfect for an afternoon of watching college football as it is for sunset drinks. It’s also one of the city’s best brunch spots, where Sundays filled with $25 bottomless mimosas often blend into Sunday nights — since skipping the sunset up here would be almost criminal.

Photo: Vertex Sky Bar

South Dakota

Vertex Sky Bar

Rapid City

You need to visit South Dakota once to appreciate the understated beauty of the Black Hills. And no rooftop bar in the state shows them off better than this one atop the iconic Hotel Alex Johnson. The two-story venue has indoor seating for the brutal mountain winter and seating for 150 people on this rooftop deck. If you find yourself making a pilgrimage to Mount Rushmore, do yourself a favor and stop here for a drink on the way back. It’s far less crowded and not nearly as disappointing.

Tennessee

Bobby Hotel

Nashville

With the 2017 eclipse’s line of totality passing right over Music City, rooftop bars became the hot new thing to open. But despite the slew of new entrants last year and plenty of rooftop music venues, this classic still takes the title. Why? Because it’s got a bar in a bus. Taking a cue from the St. Louis City Museum, the Bobby Hotel hoisted a 1956 Greyhound bus onto the roof and made it the centerpiece of its rooftop bar, which also includes a swimming pool, a checkered-floor cocktail bar, and views over the Nashville skyline and 4th Ave below.

Texas

Soda Bar

Dallas

If any state can pull off an infinity pool looking out over sprawl and an interstate, it’s Texas. The NYLO Hotel on Dallas’ southside has done this masterfully, mostly because the view in the other direction is of the Dallas skyline, and at night it’s an almost-peaceful escape from what can sometimes be hectic nightlife in the Big D. The grey wood deck is open to people of all ages before 9:00 PM, too, so if you want to take your kids up there for some fried pickles, a fried chicken sandwich, or a kale and Asian pear salad if they’re doing the Whole30 thing, they can enjoy the view right along with you.

Photo: Alleged

Utah

Alleged

Ogden

Back in the day, Ogden was the most dangerous city in America — a cross-country railway stop full of outlaws, drifters, and mobsters. Most of that old-west insanity happened on 25th Street, which now serves as Ogden’s main drag, full of historic buildings and Wasatch Mountain views. High atop the 25th Street edifice that was once the town’s biggest brothel, this rooftop bar has spectacular views of both the street and the mountains, with a cocktail menu of drinks named after old Ogden legends.

Vermont

Whetstone Station

Battleboro

This bar set right on the Connecticut River offers an outdoor second floor with firepits and stunning views that might not look like a rooftop but is still better than most alleged “rooftops” elsewhere. While the local beer and spectacular scenery are great, the most unique thing about Whetstone is that it juts out onto the river and into New Hampshire, giving you the Instagrammable novelty of having a drink in two states at once.

Virginia

Byrd House

Richmond

Rooftop pool parties are the kind of thing you expect to end up at if you go to a fine academic institution like the University of Miami. But Virginia Commonwealth? Yes, as of this year when this rooftop drinkery opened up on the roof of the Graduate Hotel. The Graduate is, expectedly, just a few minutes from VCU and boasts a big sexy rooftop pool looking out over colonial Richmond. Though it hasn’t drawn girls in bikinis and high heels quite yet, give it time. Richmond parties harder than you’d think.

Photo: The Nest at Thompson Seattle

Washington

The Nest

Seattle

If you weren’t somehow aware that Seattle had gone from blue-collar Jet City to a tech hub full of rich people, one trip to the Nest will teach you real fast. The bar on the roof of Seattle’s Thompson Hotel sits right above Pike Place Market with Elliot Bay and the snow-capped Olympic Mountains in the distance. No rooftop in the state captures the summertime majesty of the Pacific Northwest quite like the Nest. And nowhere captures its ballooning cost of living like the HUNDRED-AND-FIFTY-DOLLAR MINIMUM for the pleasure of drinking here.

West Virginia

Montmartre

Morgantown

Though a beautiful place full of world-class nature and vacation-worthy recreation, nobody ever accused West Virginia of being on the cutting edge of trends. That’s why the best rooftop bar in the state isn’t so much a bar as a fine-dining restaurant that probably won’t kick you out if you want to sit there and just order drinks. This spot on top of the Clarion Hotel Morgan serves up steak, seafood, and other fancy restaurant staples alongside an extensive wine list. It’s still a beautiful setting to take in the place they call Almost Heaven, and what the state lacks in rooftop bars, it makes up for in rooftop scenery.

Photo: The Outsider

Wisconsin

The Outsider

Milwaukee

Disappointment doesn’t even begin to describe the feeling when you see the cocktail menu here doesn’t include anything called Two-Bit, Sodapop, or Ponyboy. But you’ll stay golden when you order something else and relax on one of the cushy beach-house chairs on the top floor of the Kimpton Journeyman Hotel. The views stretch out over the classic Milwaukee skyline and out to Lake Michigan. While drinking in Milwaukee is always a good time, it’s particularly pretty when you do it here.

Wyoming

Lift

Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole might not be the wild-west outpost it once was. Then again, rooftop bars were never really a thing in the wild west, so it makes sense that Wyoming’s boujee-est city would also be home to its best rooftop bar. With an emphasis on local craft beer and simple public-house cuisine, it feels far less pretentious than most Jackson Hole nightlife spots. There’s also views of Snow King Mountain to look at while you drink, which reminds you that despite the money, you are still very much in Wyoming.


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Best live music venues in Brooklyn

Brooklyn’s been undergoing a ton of changes over the years, whether it’s hipsters taking over more and more neighborhoods or the L train shutting down for repairs and turning every commuter’s life into a living nightmare. But one of the ever-changing features of the borough all New Yorkers can agree on is Brooklyn’s art scene, which is expanding and evolving at a rapid rate. The borough is home to a number of spaces dedicated to the performing arts, and NYC residents are pushing for these mediums to be accessible to all. What stands out the most compared to other boroughs is the sheer volume of venues, both independent and otherwise, dedicating themselves to the art of music. To help navigate the vast nightlife scene, here are our 10 favorite venues for live music in Brooklyn — just don’t ask us what subway route to take to get there.

1. Brooklyn Night Bazaar

Photo: Brooklyn Bazaar

Located in the former Polonaise Terrace building, a historic 15,000-square-foot banquet hall, the Brooklyn Night Bazaar is a jack of all trades. The maze-like, oddly lit vintage rooms lend themselves to a unique experience where, depending on which room you choose to post up in — the banquet hall, ballroom, lounge, and restaurant — you can have completely different experiences. There’s live music every weekend and at least one or two music events during the week. Performers range from popular DJs to up and coming indie artists. The space also hosts dance parties, karaoke, screenings, and flea markets. The Bazaar is free to enter but some events are ticketed with varying prices. While the venue is open to all ages, anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

150 Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222

2. House of Yes

Photo: House of YES

Artists Kae Burke and Anya Sapozhnikova opened the House of Yes in 2007 with the vision of creating a “temple of expression, dedicated to connection, creativity, and celebrating life.” After switching locations due to rising rents a few years ago, it’s now located in Bushwick. House of Yes is weird and wonderful and there’s no end to the surprises you’ll find there. While the music is primarily DJs (though the genres can range from soul and R&B to disco and funk), they also host live music performances from many singers. The real draw is the themed events, such as aerial circus shows, full moon parties, and ‘90s nights. Many people come in costume — and likely under the influence of more than just booze — and shenanigans are often unexpected (think bubbles and glitter), so you’re guaranteed to never experience the same night twice.

2 Wyckoff Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237

3. Saint Vitus Bar

A post shared by Saint Vitus Bar (@saintvitusbar) on Jun 28, 2018 at 11:22am PDT

Saint Vitus feels like a speakeasy, but don’t expect people to be doing the Lindy Hop. It’s a classic, gritty rock and roll bar with black painted walls and dead roses hanging above the bar. The live music that’s on almost every night pays respect to rock, punk, metal, and experimental music. It may not be the best spot if you want to have a quiet conversation, though, because it’s undoubtedly going to get loud in here.

1120 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222

4. Prospect Park Bandshell

Photo: BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn Festival

The Prospect Park Bandshell is an open-air stage that hosts different live entertainment. This is where to go if you want to hear live music and be around other people without the feeling of being packed like sardines in a small bar or underground warehouse. The most popular event held in the Bandshell is the BRIC. The festival puts on music, performances, and exhibits from people of diverse backgrounds.

141 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn, NY 11215

5. Kings Theatre

Photo: Kings Theatre

This Flatbush venue is beautifully and ornately decorated. Inside, the 3,250 newly reupholstered red plush seats make Kings Theatre one of the largest art centers in New York City. The 70-foot-tall lobby boasts walnut paneling, pink-marble staircases, curved ceilings, and glass chandeliers. The building was originally a movie theater, operated by Loews Theatres. After being unused for years, renovations began in 2010 and Kings reopened as a home for the performing arts in 2015. It’s now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Besides concerts from iconic artists like Diana Ross, there’s also comedy shows and theater listed.

1027 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11226

6. Music Hall of Williamsburg

Photo: Music Hall of Williamsburg

Music Hall of Williamsburg is managed by the same people that run the Bowery Ballroom in Manhattan, and just like its counterpart, it’s known for its excellent acoustics. What makes it different from the Bowery is that the space is wider and allows for more breathing room. Before undergoing new management in 2007, the venue was purely a rock club, but now its lineup has expanded to other genres, as well.

66 N 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211

7. Elsewhere

Photo: Elsewhere

Part live music venue, part art space, and part nightclub, Elsewhere aims to combine art and partying. There are multiple rooms: the Hall, where larger concerts, performances, and immersive art experiences are held; Zone One, a smaller space where new and rising artists showcase their talent; the Loft, a cafe; Skybridge Project Space, a floating project space for art installations; and the Rooftop, a rooftop bar that hosts parties and DJs. If you somehow end up getting bored in one room, just pop on over to another for something new. Live music is offered seven nights a week and an eclectic mix of people make up the crowd on any given night, from people in their 60s to those in their 20s. Elsewhere is likely to get crowded, so make sure you’re okay with rubbing elbows with your neighbor before you head out.

599 Johnson Ave #1, Brooklyn, NY 11237

8. St. Mazie Bar & Supper Club

Photo: St. Mazie Bar and Supper Club

St. Mazie is an aesthetic, cozy spot that’s great if you want to hear music and be able to sit at the same time. On most nights starting at 7:30 PM or later, some form of live music will be on inside or outside on the patio, whether it’s bluegrass, jazz, or flamenco. There’s even a restaurant in the basement below in case you get peckish.

345 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11211

9. Bar LunÀtico

Photo: LunÀtico

Bar LunÀtico is a place to eat and drink by day, a musical party by night. It shares ownership between three different touring musicians — Richard Julian, Rosita Kess, and Arthur Kell. Every night is a big, fun jam session and the experience is made even better if you go in with no knowledge of who’s playing that night. The music really varies here; one night you could hear dubstep, another could be Bollywood songs, and another could be Brazilian forró.

486 Halsey St, Brooklyn, NY 11233

10. Skinny Dennis

Photo: Skinny Dennis

Skinny Dennis is named after Los Angeles country musician Skinny Dennis Sanchez. Sanchez played in Guy Clark’s band when Clark visited LA, and he’s even mentioned in one of Clark’s famous songs, “L.A. Freeway.” Skinny Dennis’ interior is designed like a country saloon with a wooden ceiling and walls, mismatched seating, neon signs, and a hanging American flag. Drinks are cheap and the music is great. If country and roots music are your thing, it’s the only genre you’ll hear played here, and Skinny Dennis is one of the only places to enjoy that type of music in the whole city.

152 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211


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Swimming with dolphins in Egypt

Floating face down in a Red Sea coral lagoon off the coast of Egypt, I watched five adult male dolphins tumbling about like a litter of puppies. Forty feet from me, they nipped each others’ noses, tugged on fins, and corkscrewed their sleek gray bodies around each other like acrobats. Barely fluttering my flippers, I was careful to follow the first rule of wild dolphin interaction: do not interfere.

That’s when one of those 500-pound predators noticed me. Distracted from the rough and tumble play of his four mates, he pointed his nose upward and rose towards me like a seven-foot rocket.

There was nowhere to hide. Given the modest propulsion provided by my fins, fleeing was not only out of the question, it was laughable. And laughing into my face mask would have fogged it, obscuring the close encounter with a wild dolphin I’d come here for.

I was here, after all, on a dolphin seafari with Eric Demay, the man I call “the dolphin whisperer” — as he has devoted his life to this highly intelligent mammal, learning its habits and behaviors over nearly three decades of work on three continents.

Swimming with wild dolphins has become something of a craze, trending in Hawaii, Australia, and recently the Red Sea. A lot of it is done rather unscrupulously, on day-trip boats with unschooled guides who know little about dolphin behavior. The constant presence of humans, splashing on the surface, grabbing at fins even during the dolphins’ sleep, has put enough stress on the animals that some have fled their normal territory.

When I decided to venture into dolphin territory I wanted to be with someone who had the animals’ interests at heart. I also wanted to have enough time to get over the excitement of that first glimpse and settle into participating in what’s happening around me. A quick dunk in the sea wasn’t going to do it. The six-day seafari with Demay promised the beauty of being with wild animals who, we hoped, would be as interested in sticking around with us as we were with them.

So when I found myself afloat in the Red Sea off the coast of Hurghada, I stayed where I was.

Photo: Andaman/Shutterstock

Dolphins are blessed with a face fixed in a perpetual grin. They always seem delighted to see you. That’s a giant leap of anthropomorphic faith, I know, but plenty of studies have shown how we, even as babies, respond to a smile with a smile. Here was one smiley-face dolphin coming my way and I figured if I smiled at him, maybe his four buddies would join us. He reached me in under five seconds, coming within inches of my face before diverting with a lazy barrel roll. He was so close I could count the dozens of fine white gouges where he’d been raked by dolphin teeth, both friendly and otherwise.

His tail did a virtual caress of my body as he swiveled around for a closer look, first with one eye and then with the other, exposing his ivory belly speckled with large beige spots. It was all I could do to keep my arms at my side, so strong was my urge to hug him with joy, but I knew the second rule: physical contact with the wild dolphins is a no-no unless they touch you first.

Curiosity satisfied (his, not mine), he chirped what I decided was a sign of approval, because in an instant his cohort left the white-sand sea floor and rose in a swirling mass to join him. One came at me nose to nose, while the other two twirled around me as if they were an electric mixer and I the batter. I swiveled inside the scrum as they continued their acrobatic play around me. Thus was my introduction to Tursiops aduncus, the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin, smaller cousin of the common bottlenose found in Hawaiian coves.

Hurghada itself is Egypt’s main dive center, reached via a shiny new international airport, where we were collected by Demay’s van driver for the ride to his boat, Shaheen I. Hurghada sprawls along 25 miles of Egyptian coastal desert, just south of the Gulf of Suez. The town, which has well-stocked supermarkets, busy cafes, and several international chain hotels, caters to everyone from beach enthusiasts to snorkelers to avid divers. On our ride to Shaheen’s marina, we passed more dive shops in a 10-block span than exist in most countries, let alone one town.

Mornings began early on our boat, sheltered in the turquoise waters of a coral reef. As the sun lifted above the coastal haze, we’d scan the horizon for the graceful, glittering arc of a leaping dolphin, or the rhythmic rise and fall of a group of dorsal fins. Like most predators, dolphins tend to hunt at night, taking their rest each morning within the reef’s calm waters. Spotting a flash or a fin nearby, we’d writhe into our wet-vest and grab masks, fin and snorkels, underwater cameras, and GoPros. We’d then climb into the Zodiac bobbing off Shaheen I’s stern, with Mohammed, our expert Zodiac operator, at the tiller.

Mohammed, a wiry man in his mid 40s with a ready smile, was dolphin djinn to Eric’s whisperer, able to spot a fin where we saw only a wave. I was reassured knowing that Mohammed’s sharp, sea-savvy eyes were on us while we swam. Mohammed used to be a fisherman; with the catch from his small boat he had been able to provide for his family by selling it to the hotels in Hurghada. As tourism faded away following the 2011 revolution in Egypt, hotels closed, taking with them the kitchens that once supplied his main source of income.

From the Zodiac, Eric showed an unerring ability to figure out the dolphins’ path. He’d grab the bowline, lean back to pull up the prow and as the Zodiac jounced across inlets and channels, he looked like a saddle bronc rider. Except he was wearing a swimsuit. Knowing wild dolphins means not only understanding their behavior, but figuring out how they may respond to outside stimuli. With a small gesture left or right, or a quiet word, he’d direct Mohammed to a point where he felt sure we would intersect them.

The key was for us to enter the water without commotion; no cannonballing, no plunging backwards off the Zodiac as divers like to do. Major splashing, even with flippers, was a big dolphin turn-off. It only took one experience of seeing a big group hightail it away for us to all agree that we’d be very calm and quiet forever after.

After gently entering the water, we’d swim in the direction we expected the dolphins to travel. With a mix of checking above the surface for fins, looking back to Mohammed for directions, and scanning below the surface for movement, we met dolphins every day without disturbing them. About half our group were comfortable free diving to the dolphins’ depth, while the rest of us stayed on the surface. Regardless of our position, the dolphins came and went, and, in some cases, seemed to encourage us to join them, or at least to stay.

Photo: Kristina Vackova/Shutterstock

It’s said that when a dolphin encounter goes well, the dolphin is as intrigued by our presence as we are with theirs. Although I’d spent weeks on wildlife safaris in Africa, traversing bush and savannah on horseback, this was the first time I’d experienced a wild mammal be interested in letting a complete stranger be part of their life. Not forever — but at least for some time.

I marveled endlessly at their grace and loveliness. Every time I was close to them — and those encounters of dolphins swarming me happened daily — I felt the profound privilege of a wild being opening their world to me. I felt free to make an idiot of myself; I uttered high-pitched squeaks to see if a dolphin might talk to me, and made silly fluttering motions with my hands hoping to attract a dolphin’s attention.

During midday lulls, Eric would regale us with stories of his dolphin past while a few of us manned the upper deck, searching for the telltale arc of a leaping dolphin. Having spent nearly 30 years working with dolphins, Eric had an enviable history with a number of individual dolphins, identifying several we met by their unique dorsal fin shape.

And then would come the inevitable call, “I see one. Over there!” Everyone would scramble topside to squint and confirm, followed by hours in the water as anywhere from three to 16 dolphins shared their life with us, playing, feeding a baby, fighting for dominance, looking to mate, or simply exploring the waters.


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The 7 weirdest sports in the world

Sports have come a long way since the first Olympic Games, when the events were mostly running, discus tossing, and wrestling. Throughout history, athletes have invented plenty of tests for the human body’s strength, coordination, and endurance, and widespread sports like soccer, surfing, and snowboarding help connect the world together. But a few sports are so unusual — like wife-carrying, a real sport in Finland — that they only happen in select places, so you’ll need to travel there to see it happen in real time. Here are the seven most unusual sports around the world worth traveling to see.

1. Caber tossing

Photo: photo-denver/Shutterstock

In Scotland, the caber toss is a traditional athletic event in which contestants toss “cabers” — trees that have been felled and trimmed so that one end is slightly wider than the other. Contestants cup the smaller end in their hands, then throw the caber so that the large end hits the ground first. Rather than distance, the aim is to get the caber to land in a 12 o’clock position in relation to the thrower.

The sport is said to have grown from when lumberjacks needed to form bridges for rivers or streams during wartime, and tossed logs to get across. Nowadays, Scotland has plenty of bridges, and caber tossing is a focal event at the Scottish Highland Games, where kilts are mandatory for all competitors.

2. Sepak Takraw

Photo: Shahjehan/Shutterstock

Native to Southeast Asia, sepak takraw’s name comes from the Malay word “sepak,” meaning “to kick,” and “takraw,” the Thai word for a woven ball. But while its name literally translates to “kickball,” players are actually allowed to use their feet, knees, chest, and head to kick a woven rattan ball over a volleyball-length net.

As a result, all six players often leap into the air and kick the ball over with impressive karate-style moves. To see this for yourself, you’ll have to travel to Southeast Asia, but this might not be the case for long. There’s a strong movement in the countries where sepak takraw is played in to have the sport included at the 2022 Olympics.

3. Wife-carrying

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While some husbands complain about getting their wives off their backs, the sport of “eukonkanto” or “wife-carrying” involves male competitors racing one another with female contestants literally on their backs. Originating in Finland, where the Wife Carrying World Championships are still held every year, the sport is inspired by tales of 19th-century bandit “Ronkainen the Robber” whose men supposedly raided Finnish villages and ran away into the forests with the villagers’ wives on their backs.

Admittedly, this is only one theory. Another is that Ronkainen has his thieves train by carrying heavy sacks on their backs. Whether from here or from the wife-stealing, the sport evolved and now, international rules state that each pair must get around a 253.5-metre track with two dry obstacles and one water obstacle as fast as possible. The winning pair, in most competitions, is rewarded with a cash prize and the woman’s weight in beer.

4. Pelote basque

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What your accent reveals about you

Your accent is obviously a good representation of which part of a country you’re from, but it can reveal much more than that. UK-based transcription agency McGowan Transcriptions put together an infographic on the stereotypes surrounding UK accents, and there are a number of notable findings.

Based on information derived from a number of sources including The Guardian and The Independent, this infographic introduces us to the term ‘accentism,’ i.e. prejudice surrounding an accent. Accentism is widespread across the UK and particularly prevalent in the workplace — 80 percent of employers admit to making discriminating decisions based on regional accents. Consequently, those from working-class backgrounds, who are more likely to have a regional accent and thus more likely to be victims of accentism, earn an average of £6,800 ($8,919 USD) less per year than those with no noticeable regional accent. As a result, many aspiring employees try to shutter their accent during a job interview, with one in three feeling ashamed at having done so.

But accentism is common outside the workplace as well. Those with a Devon accent are perceived to be far more trustworthy than those with an accent from Scouse. The Devon accent also ranked as the friendliest, while those from Manchester and Birmingham are perceived to be the least friendly.

There were some positive findings in the infographic, however. There is in fact no proven correlation between intelligence and accent.

Photo: McGowan Transcriptions

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The worst US states for bedbugs

It might not be too high on your list of travel concerns, but bedbugs can really ruin your hotel or Airbnb stay. It’s pretty unnerving to settle into your bed after a long day on the road, or on an airplane, and realize that you’re sharing the mattress with hundreds of critters. While it’d be nice if you could simply look at a lodging’s website for a convenient heads-up on the probability of encountering bedbugs, it unfortunately doesn’t work that way. Luckily, this helpful chart provided by Mattress Clarity shows you where in the US you’re most likely to encounter bedbugs, based on the number of incidents reported.

Photo: Mattress Clarity

It’s no surprise that, according to the chart, most bedbug incident reports come from major cities. San Francisco had 446 reported incidents last year, and there were 403 in Los Angeles. New York City dwarfs them both, with a whopping 4,490 bedbug incidents reported. But New York City doesn’t top the list of worst cities for bedbugs, that title belongs to Baltimore, followed closely by Washington D.C. and Chicago.

There are few surprises on the list of affected cities, as all represent densely-populated areas. If you’re looking to book a vacation with the smallest possible chance of encountering bedbugs, it looks like Alaska is your best bet.

H/T: Mattress Clarity

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