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9 adventures just out of Las Vegas

A whole other world lies just beyond the neon lights of Las Vegas, though most don’t realize it — the 24-hour glow tends to be a bit distracting. Yet just a few miles off the Strip, stars are putting on their own light show, single track awaits, and yogis are getting their goat on. Even casual champions of fresh air should take note: The outdoor activities surrounding Las Vegas will get your blood pumping like no half-priced buffet or happy hour ever could. Below are just a handful.

1. Practicing yoga (in meadows or with goats)

Photo: Goat Yoga Las Vegas

A trip to Vegas generates more than its fair share of adrenaline, but it doesn’t all come from lucky rolls and endless bites — proof comes in the form of a day pass for Spring Mountain Ranch State Park. Yoga on the Meadow is hosted here Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, where trained instructors lead free group sessions on park grounds. This was once a luxury retreat of millionaire Howard Hughes, which should give you an idea of the level of beauty we’re talking.

But if a regular yoga class seems too ordinary for your Vegas vacay, call in the goats. Just 13 miles south of downtown, Goat Yoga Las Vegas puts on outdoor yoga with adorable and super-curious baby goats. These critters come from a local petting zoo and love to get in on the action, so prepare to make a four-legged friend during your n-a-a-a-a-maste session.

2. Stargazing in Cathedral Gorge

Photo: BLM Nevada

If the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the words “Vegas” and “star party” is Céline Dion rubbing elbows with Barry Manilow, that’d be understandable. But astronomy should be a close second — outside the city, the skies get unreal. Set up camp at Cathedral Gorge State Park and that’s exactly what you’ll find. These star parties — in May and September — include an evening of astrological talks and the use of high-intensity telescopes to get an amazing view of the sky above.

Closer to the Strip, join the Las Vegas Astronomical Society for their Astronomy in the Park nights. Stargazing sessions are held regularly at parks surrounding Las Vegas. And in case you missed the memo, the area surrounding Vegas is just about as dark as it gets.

3. Hunting for petroglyphs in the Valley of Fire

Photo: John Fowler

There are national parks that struggle to hold a candle to Valley of Fire State Park — it’s one part Arches, one part Grand Canyon, one part The Wave, all parts ancient, petrified, red rock wonderland. Just standing still anywhere in its 40,000 acres qualifies as an adventure.

…But then you’d be missing Atlatl Rock. An atlatl is a device used to launch a spear, and the petroglyphs here do an unmistakable job — even after 1,500 years — of depicting its use. Getting to it is an easy mile hike, and once you’ve crossed this off your list, start your second (and third and fourth) search for “white domes,” “beehives,” and the “seven sisters.”

4. Chasing waterfalls

Photo: Lake Las Vegas

Waterfalls aren’t common in Nevada, but they do exist. If you have the motivation and determination (congrats on that, btw), a hike through Ice Box Canyon is a great way to check out some seasonal waterfalls. The park’s name alone should let you know you’re in for a chilly, who-knew-this-was-here kind of treat. If Nevada has had a wet winter, your best bet for discovering a waterfall with an easy hike is Lost Creek at Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area. The short trail leads to a waterfall sprouting from a rock chute way overhead.

If you really want a water-themed adventure, though, Lake Las Vegas is the go-to spot. Think paddleboarding, flyboarding, kayaking, and leisure boating, all under and hour from the city.

5. Hiking the Nevada desert — at night

Photo: BLM Nevada

Hiking the Nevada desert is practically a rite of passage in these parts, and hiking it at night takes it up a notch (and cools it down). Pick a full- or almost-full-moon night, and join one of the two-hour ranger-led hikes through Sandstone Canyon in Spring Mountain Ranch State Park. The landscape is rocky, but the two-mile hike is actually suitable for ages 7+. Otherwise, check out one of the kid-friendly Full Moon Hikes at Mt. Charleston. A naturalist guide accompanies you, pointing out all the nocturnal animals you never normally get to see.

And for the sweat-addicts among us, there’s Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area. Whatever hike you choose, it’ll be a tough workout rewarded with incredible summit views and wildlife-watching. Look for the petroglyphs listed on the National Register of Historic Places, load up on water, and wear comfy shoes!

6. Warming up your spear-launching arm

Photo: Caitlyn Willows

Have you ever been so stressed out you wish you could destroy things? You could do as you normally do and destroy some Ben & Jerry’s — or you could just go throw some spears.

Throughout the year, Ancient Spear-Throwing Workshops are put on at Cathedral Gorge State Park, and outdoor archery lessons take place at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park. So let the rage flow forth from your spear-happy, Katniss-deft hands. Vent that steam. Laugh off your stress. You’ll get a how-to training session — all jokes aside, you do need to be safe — and then you’ll be let loose to throw spears or zoom arrows. The twang of the bowstring? Oh man. Electrifying.

7. Pedaling into the wilderness…

Photo: Interbike International Bicycle Expo

About 15 miles southeast of Las Vegas you’ll find Henderson, and if you’re the biking type, this is where you should start paying attention. There’s more than 180 miles of top-rated trails here, including the family-friendly (paved!) Burkholder Trail. Wetlands Park Nature Preserve Loop — a super scenic 1.6-mile river trail — is less than half an hour outside the city, too. (Note: Keep your eye out for horseback riders.)

For the more experienced cyclist, the Park-to-Park Pedal Extreme ride event offers a choice of the 40-Mile Helix, 60-Mile Double Jack, or 100-Mile Extreme route through a handful of Nevada’s best public lands.

8. …or hopping on horseback

Photo: BLM Nevada

You’re allowed to “forget” your workout shoes at home. If that scenario describes you, Cowboy Trail Rides in Red Rock Canyon, just 20 miles west of downtown, has five equestrian trails to choose from and a whole bunch of horses (get ready to meet like Big Joe and Licorice). All experience levels are welcome, the natural scenery is incredible, and workout gear is totally unnecessary.

For even ranch-ier action, visit Sandy Valley Ranch — bet you haven’t joined a cattle roundup before. Or just enjoy the private riding experience on their trails through the Mojave Desert. When people ask you about your “trip to Vegas,” they’ll need pictures to believe it.

9. Time traveling all the way back to the 1800s

Photo: Esudroff

Rewind to a time before street performers and neon and highways. Take down the high rises, and put up the timber-framed saloons, liveries, and meat markets. Add in a healthy dash of street gun fighting between cowboys, showgirls, and parties in the town square. That’s Bonnie Springs Ranch, a super immersive and supposedly haunted replica of an Old Nevada mining town. This is also where you’ll find the only hotel in the Red Rock Canyon area, so consider it a primo home base for hiking, climbing, and basking in the outdoors.

Pioneer days might be over, but pioneer adventures certainly aren’t.

The post 9 incredible outdoor adventures near Las Vegas you’ve probably never considered appeared first on Matador Network.

Fourth of July traditions in the US

At some point in 1776, Thomas Jefferson probably turned to John Hancock and said, “You know, John, someday people will spend entire days drinking light beer, packing themselves into public parks, then trying to figure out how to use the bathroom once the fireworks start to celebrate this declaration!” This is pretty close to what happens when you attend one of the big, famous Independence Day fireworks shows in this great nation of ours.

Although seeing fireworks over the National Mall in DC or the Gateway Arch in St. Louis is great, those outings are also often a logistical nightmare. Luckily, there are other celebrations in America that are just as grand, some even bigger, and far less crowded. From an anvil launching in New York to the biggest fireworks display you’ll ever find in a city of 14,200, here are 10 fantastic Fourth of July celebrations you’ve probably never thought to attend, but should.

Photo: Genesee Country Village & Museum

Mumford, New York

What could be more American than watching the newest group of US citizens get sworn in at Town Hall to kick off Independence Day? Firing large metal objects in the air, you say? Done and done, thanks to the little Finger Lakes town of Mumford. In addition to swearing in 100 new citizens, the Genesee Country Village & Museum will follow the 19th-century tradition of firing a 100-pound anvil several hundred feet in the air. Assuming it ends better for the people of Mumford than it usually does for Wile E. Coyote, there will then be performances from the Genesco Concert Band and 1876 Grand Parade.

Photo: The Key Lime Festival

Key West, Florida

For lovers of seafood, tart desserts, and clothing-optional bars, there’s no better place to spend the Fourth of July than Key West. Here, you can kick off the day with the annual Key Lime Pie festival, downing Key lime cocktails, watching or participating in Key lime pie eating contests, and trying frozen Key lime pie on a stick. Then, you can head over to the beach at the Casa Marina hotel, where there will be a big seafood grill out on 1,100 feet of beach, culminating in the big fireworks display on the water. Or, you can see it all from the clothing-optional rooftop bar on Duval Street, Garden of Eden.

A post shared by Laurie Gillard (@freespiritfun22) on Jul 4, 2017 at 1:18pm PDT

Huntington Beach, California

The largest Fourth of July parade west of the Mississippi is in Huntington Beach, the Southern California beach town best known as Surf City, USA. The festivities kick off at 7:00 AM with a 5K and a pancake breakfast (you can just have the pancakes, don’t worry) then continue with a 10:00 AM parade full of bands, floats, equestrian groups, and celebrity grand marshals. The beach party continues all day, ending with a 9:00 PM fireworks display and live entertainment on the HB pier.

Photo: Virginia City, NV

Virginia City, Nevada

Overhead fireworks are cool and all, but how much cooler would they be if they exploded right at eye level, with massive echoing booms and zero chance of permanent injury? That’s what you’ll get in this little old mining town southeast of Reno, where fireworks are set off in a canyon below street level, meaning that by the time they get to peak elevation they’re right smack in front of you. It’s the biggest display in northern Nevada and caps off a fun-filled day of wild-west gun shows, a parade, and historic mine and museum tours. Just consider leaving anyone averse to loud noises at home.

Photo: Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau

Put-in-Bay, Ohio

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to combine Spring Break and the Fourth of July, get yourself to Put-in-Bay, friend. “The Key West of the North” lives up to its name on Independence Day, where this little island in Lake Erie is awash in pool parties, jam-packed bars, and half-naked people. The bars and restaurants are filled with folks from northern Ohio making the most of their short summers, and on the Fourth of July, the island that played a key role in the War of 1812 fires muskets and carronades near the landmark Commodore Perry Memorial all day long. Those who can still stand sometimes attend the concert by the Central Ohio Symphony at the end of the day.

Photo: Visit Yorktown

Jamestown-Yorktown, Virginia

If you’re looking for an educational Fourth of July, suit yourself, but your best bet is Yorktown’s Liberty Celebration. It’s a full day of reenactments and demonstrations that’ll excite history buffs like Black Friday excites bargain hunters, when 11:00 AM fifes and drums give way to an 11:30 AM artillery demonstration. You can also see what training for Washington’s Continental Army was like during special training sessions, plus pose questions to soldiers in a recreated encampment, then watch live demos of military drills. It’s as close to living the revolution as you can get on the Fourth of July without somehow contracting smallpox.

Photo: The Queen Mary

The Queen Mary, Long Beach, California

At one time this was the world’s most famous ocean liner. Now, it’s maybe the third most famous thing in Long Beach behind Sublime and Snoop Dogg, but it still throws a better Fourth of July party than either of them. On board this ocean liner docked at the port of Long Beach, you’ll find patriotic theatrical performances, games, drinks, and a private fireworks display over the Pacific Ocean. It’s not every day you get to spend the Fourth of July watching fireworks from the decks of a famous cruise ship, which is why this event typically sells out every year.

Photo: Visit Addison

Addison, Texas

Texans are a lot of things. Subtle is not one of them. That’s why one of the state’s best Fourth of July parties is simply called Kaboom Town, during which the Dallas suburb of Addison puts on a more impressive show than any other city in the Metroplex. The day features a full-on airshow with skydivers, aerobatic pilots, and military aircraft. It then transitions into a nighttime concert culminating with a 9:30 PM fireworks show, one of the biggest in Texas. This means that by regular standards, it’s probably 10 times the size of what you’re used to.

A post shared by Visit-StAugustine (@visitsta) on Jul 2, 2018 at 4:42pm PDT

St. Augustine, Florida

You’ve probably watched enough Jeopardy! to know that St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States. But did you also know that it’s home to the largest fireworks display on the East Coast (no, New York, it’s not you). The twenty-minute program explodes over the historic Castillo de San Marcos on Matanzas Bay, leading to an all-night party in the many haunted bars in the old city. The show is put on by the same folks who coordinate displays just down the road at Disney World and SeaWorld, and it’s set to patriotic music blared over loudspeakers along the waterfront.

A post shared by Telluride.com (@telluridedotcom) on Jul 5, 2017 at 12:16pm PDT

Telluride, Colorado

Watching fireworks against majestic Colorado peaks is beautiful just about anywhere in the Rocky Mountain State. Of course, even reruns of Fat Albert can be beautiful in Colorado if you stop by the right store first. But in Telluride, you won’t need any herbal help to enjoy the beauty, especially when the local historic museum has free admission and root-beer floats all day long. They’ll taste extra refreshing when you catch an air show with F-16 flyovers and the biggest fireworks show in southwest Colorado, all over one of the most picturesque small-town Main Streets in America.


More like this: These are America’s top 10 spots for fireworks this 4th of July

The post The best Fourth of July celebrations you’ve probably never heard of appeared first on Matador Network.

Fun date ideas in NYC for under $50

Let’s face it. New Yorkers are spoiled. We have endless things to eat and places to see, as well as the option to have a unique adventure at any time of day right at our fingertips.

With so many choices, don’t let your dates be the same rinse and repeat of grabbing drinks or going out to eat. Do that and you’ll be swiping right for a while. That ends now. Here are 10 unique outings on the cheap to spice up your next Tinder date.

1. Kayaking on the Hudson — Reade Street Pub and Kitchen — Nish Nūsh

A post shared by Downtown Boathouse (@downtownboathouse) on Aug 27, 2016 at 12:22pm PDT

A post shared by Downtown Boathouse (@downtownboathouse) on Sep 10, 2016 at 1:02pm PDT

From late May to October, the Downtown Boathouse at Pier 26 offers free, walk-up, 20-minute kayaking sessions on the Hudson River. It’s open weekends from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM and Tuesday through Thursday from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. All you have to do is show up and sign a waiver, and you’re good to go. Volunteers provide newcomers with brief kayaking instructions, and there are on-site lockers and changing rooms.

After you’ve worked up a sweat, walk down to Tribeca and grab an $11 pitcher of the house ale at Reade Street Pub and Kitchen, a dive bar with a solid beer menu. If the date is going well, carry on with dinner at Nish Nūsh, a vegan Mediterranean restaurant serving up tasty hummus in a fast-casual setting. Order the falafel trio ($13), which includes roasted pepper, greens, and spinach and mushroom falafels served with hummus and an Israeli salad.

2. Roosevelt Island Smallpox Hospital — LIC Market

A post shared by The Ruin, New York City (@nycruin) on Sep 25, 2017 at 9:33am PDT

For the cost of a subway ride, take the Roosevelt Island Tram at 59th and Second Avenue for sweeping views of the city and the East River. Once you’re there, head to the southern tip of the island and take a peek into the Smallpox Hospital. Originally built in 1854, the site served as one of the first US hospitals for smallpox victims, as well as a prominent nursing school. It was designed by James Renwick Jr. who also designed Manhattan’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C., and the Lighthouse on Roosevelt Island.

Although the building is now only viewable through a metal fence, it’s worth seeing. Designed in classic Gothic-Revival-style architecture, it has a hipped roof leading to an oriel window and ivy crawling up the structure’s granite-veneer facade. After taking in this classic New York City landmark, take the F Train one stop to the 21st Street-Queensbridge station for lunch at LIC Market. Get the duck hash, burger, or sausage and onions sandwich (all under $20), and you won’t be disappointed. There’s also a great weekend happy hour from 4:00 to 6:00 PM with $5 beers, $7 sparkling wines, and a discounted bar menu.

3. Bushwick Collective Street Art — Tortilleria Mexicana Los Hermanos

A post shared by Bushwick Collective (@thebushwickcollective) on Jun 1, 2018 at 5:43pm PDT

The Bushwick Collective was founded in 2012 by Joseph Ficalora, a businessman and local celebrity whose late parents inspired him to beautify the streets of Brooklyn with vibrant street art. Artists from around the world like Damien Mitchell, Case Maclaim, and Dasic Fernandez create temporary murals that grace the walls for less than a year.

Most of the murals are completed at the annual Bushwick Collective Block Party in June. Start by taking the L to Jefferson Street and wandering down Troutman Street, Starr Street, and St. Nicholas Avenue. Brooklyn Unplugged Tours has an online walking guide. Finish your journey with a trip to Tortilleria Mexicana Los Hermanos, a tortilla factory where $20 buys you five tacos and a couple of Mexican sodas.

4. The Cloisters — Fort Tyron Park — Patacon Pisao

Photo: Manuel Hurtado/Shutterstock

What better way is there to get the conversation flowing than with a garden stroll and some medieval art? Gifted to the City of New York by John D. Rockefeller and designed by the Olmsted Brothers, Fort Tyron Park covers 67 acres in upper Manhattan and includes the city’s largest garden, with over 500 varieties of plants and eight miles of pathways. Once you’ve had your fill of meandering, skip the crowds at Museum Row and opt for the Cloisters Museum located in the northern end of the park.

The Cloisters Museum features over 2,000 pieces of art, architecture, and gardens from medieval Europe. Admission is $25, but NY residents — as well as students from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut — are asked to pay whatever feels right. (This is also true for the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Met Bruer.) If you’re looking for a quick bite to hold you over, Patacon Pisao has you covered. Beginning as a food truck, the Venezuelan spot serves up patacones (plantain sandwiches), cachapas (sweet corn crepes), and arepas (cornmeal patties stuffed with meat or cheese) for around $6.

5. Green-Wood Cemetery — East Wind Snack Shop

A post shared by Green-Wood (@historicgreenwood) on May 24, 2018 at 5:26am PDT

Walk through 478 acres of hills, glacial ponds, and paths through a massive collection of 19th- and 20th-century statues and mausoleums. Green-Wood Cemetery houses 175 years of history, including permanent residents such as Civil War generals, baseball legends, politicians, artists, entertainers, and inventors. Additionally, Green-Wood Cemetery is the site where the Battle of Long Island was fought during the Revolutionary War in 1776.

Make sure to check out the free walking-tour app, Green-Wood Discover, which includes maps, commentary by author Pete Hamill, recent photographs, poems, and dramatic readings. Once you’ve finished your tour of the historic landmark, head down to East Wind Snack Shop, inspired by old Chinatown tea houses. Everything here is cooked from scratch with locally sourced ingredients. Order either the vegetable or pork dumplings ($7), dry-aged beef potstickers ($7), pork belly ($7), sweet chili ribs ($14), and a side of vegetables ($12).

6. Sunshine Laundry – Đi ăn Đi

Photo: Sunshine Laundromat and Pinball

Although doing your laundry together isn’t a traditional first date, don’t let outward appearances fool you: Sunshine Laundry is more than just a laundromat. Nestled between washers and dryers are old school pinball machines, including the Addams Family, AC/DC, and Big Bang Bar. The real kicker is the hidden beer bar behind the dryer-machine door in the back of the laundromat, which features rotating taps of Other Half Brewing and Barrier Brewing.

If you’re hungry after all the pinball playing and beer drinking, check out Đi ăn Đi, a Vietnamese restaurant specializing in Ho Chi Minh City-style pho. Expect to see add-ons like extra sauces, kinds of vinegar, herbs, chilis, and various beef cuts. Less than $15 gets you a bowl, with the brisket and beef cartilage being two standout choices.

7. Magnet Theater — Larb Urbol

A post shared by Magnet Theater (@magnettheater) on Nov 17, 2017 at 8:23am PST

You can vet your date by seeing his or her sense of humor in action. Magnet Theater is an improv theater featuring multiple shows throughout the week for under $10 a ticket. One of the best is Trike, which goes on every Saturday night at 9:00 PM. The New York Times named it one of the best improv performances in the city, in which Nick Kanellis and Peter McNerney take a topic suggestion from the audience and perform an hour-long unscripted show based upon it.

Once you’ve had some laughs, chow down on some authentic Isan Thai food at Larb Urbol. Get your hands on the som tum salad, pad ped moo krob (pork and eggplant stir fry), and crispy pork larb for under $15 a piece.

8. Elsewhere — Strange Flavor

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If you’re going on a date where you’ll want options of things to do — if all goes well, of course — Elsewhere in Brooklyn is the spot. Elsewhere is a multi-floor space with a nightclub, music venue, rooftop, and coffee shop in one. Whether it’s taking in the view of the skyline with a frozen drink on the roof or catching a live show from an up-and-coming artist, Elsewhere has something for everyone.

Tickets for all events run from $10-$25. For a quick bite to eat, stop by Strange Flavor, a burger joint with a Sichuan flair. Order the Pop’s Burger ($11) with a side of animal-style fries ($7) and grab a drink from the ‘70s-style retro bar in the back of the restaurant.

9. Syndicated

A post shared by Syndicated Brooklyn (@syndicatedbk) on Jun 4, 2018 at 10:31am PDT

Dinner and a movie is a classic date, but Brooklyn’s Syndicated puts a new-wave spin on it. The movie theater plays two to three movies a night ($4 for classics, $7 for reruns). Food and drinks are served right to your seat, and the menu is curated based on film showing. A sample of the current menu includes familiar favorites like the fish tacos ($11) and chicken sandwich ($12), along with new additions like the lentil-walnut burger ($12) and beer-battered cauliflower ($10).

10. Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club — Baba’s Pierogies

Photo: The Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club

Tropical drinks, live DJs, and a competitive game of shuffleboard — what better way to ease the awkwardness of your date? During floor shuffleboard, each player uses cues to slide weighted discs down a court with the goal of having the discs land within a marked scoring area. Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club charges $40 per hour for a court rental.

When you’re done, head over to Baba’s Pierogies where these Eastern European dumplings are made by hand from an old-school recipe. Choose between fillings (among them sauerkraut and bacon-cheddar), preparation (boiled or pan-fried), and toppings/dips (such as sauteed mushrooms or caramelized onions). For under $10 for a small order, your bellies will thank you.


More like this: 9 hardest to find speakeasies in New York City (and how to find them)

The post 10 unusual date ideas in NYC for under $50 appeared first on Matador Network.

Local's guide to Vegas off-strip

It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve visited Las Vegas. Until you work your way off the Strip and into the neighborhood nooks, take it from this local: You’re missing out.

For starters, Vegas has a notable coffee scene, with independent roasters crafting small-batch beauties all over the place. Our dimly lit small-bite eateries and old-school lounges are topping “best of” lists year after year. And then there are the incredible shopping and nightlife venues off-Strip… But you need to know where to find these things. Here are a dozen-plus spots to include on your next trip to (the other) Las Vegas.

THE COFFEE SCENE
The Latin-inspired Makers & Finders

Photo: Makers & Finders

Start your Vegas day with coffee from or at Makers & Finders, a relaxed cafe with a location halfway between the Strip and downtown’s Fremont District. The neon behind the bar will remind you you’re still in Vegas despite the ultra, ultra urban vibes, and the coffee menu spans from new-age (turmeric in your latte, anyone?) to kid-age (spoonful of nutella, please).

Apart from their awesome coffee roasted in-house, the brag-worthy matcha and tea bar makes coming every morning not at all routine (and totally understandable). And we haven’t even gotten to the food yet! Breakfast ranges from a mean veggie hash to coconut tres leche waffles to what they’re really known for: their Latin bites (empanadas highly recommended). Grab a seat on their sidewalk patio for people-watching on a laid-back morning, and dig in.

The house-roasted and innovative Mothership Coffee

Photo: kennejima

Off to hike Sloan Canyon for the day? On the way there, drop into Mothership Coffee for serious baked goods and uhhhh-mazing house-roasted coffee. The coffee shop is ultra-cool with minimalist design, and so are their offerings. The menu isn’t huge, but everything they do, they make sure they do well.

This is the spot to go in Las Vegas for dedicated coffee culture — the kind that’s an art form — without commercial pretension. Local favorites include the nitro cold brew, lavender and maple-cardamom lattes, and gluten-free quiche. But a plain cup o’ black can do the trick here, too.

Bad Ass Coffee (a la Hawaii)

Las Vegas has long been known as Hawaii’s ninth island, so it’s no wonder you’ll find a little island influence around town if you know where to look.

If you’ve ever been to Bad Ass Coffee in Maui’s Lahaina village, here’s some good news: A Bad Ass Coffee Truck motors around Vegas on the daily. In addition to legendary Kona beans (this is a “gourmet coffee truck,” after all), they’ve got Hawaiian shaved ice, tropical smoothies, and teas. You can check their online schedule to know in advance where to find this Maui cafe on wheels.

LOCAL BITES
The always-fresh Las Vegas Farmers Market

Photo: Downtown Summerlin

From afar, it may not seem possible to tire of all-you-can-eat buffets and celebrity-chef restaurants, but trust me — it can happen. When that mood strikes, head to the Las Vegas Farmers Market — an easy ask, considering they have five locations. If you need it narrowed down, Saturdays at the downtown Summerlin location are always bustling.

You’ll find local honey, organic produce, grab-and-go foods, and a lively community culture with musicians and artisans. Bring reusable bags and cash, and feel good supporting local businesses.

PinkBox Doughnuts, the king of sweet

Maybe you’ve spotted PinkBox Doughnuts along the Strip, but visiting their full-sized doughnut shop takes it to a whole other level, if for nothing but the sheer ambiance of being surrounded by so many tiny rings of happiness. If you’re looking for award-winning doughnuts, PinkBox is a great place to get your breakfast/snack/dessert fix.

Go for classics like a maple bacon bar or warm apple fritter, or live large and order from the highly decorated menu. Presley fan? There’s the Fat Elvis. Love pink? Their strawberry shortcake doughnut is well dressed with fresh berries and a smooth whip atop a squishy glazed circle of sweetness. Most are so done up you’ll wonder if they technically qualify as doughnuts. They do — and yep, you can have two.

The old-school Peppermill Restaurant & Fireside Lounge

Photo: Peppermill

Settle in for a retro vibe at the Peppermill Restaurant & Fireside Lounge, a 24/7 eatery that’s been thriving in Vegas for more than 40 years. Have you done anything remarkable consistently for 40 years? Yeah. That’s not easy.

Movie buffs will recognize the swanky venue from Casino and Showgirls. The place is decked out in moody neon lights and fitted with round cushy booths, supper-club style. Prepare for huge servings of diner classics like country-style steak and eggs, pastrami sandwiches, half-pound burgers, and more. And definitely be sure to pair your breakfast with one of their signature Bloody Marys.

The late-night Raku

Photo: Johnn

Vegas insiders will tell you Raku, a Japanese charcoal grill, is the place for late-night dining in the city. Omakase, a chef’s choice selection of shared plates, is the experience here, offering highlights from the menu along with daily specials. With this approach, you’re likely to nibble on house-made tofu, oysters, bacon-wrapped enoki mushrooms, Kobe beef, and a sashimi platter.

Reservations are suggested for this small, in-demand venue, and don’t you dare think about getting anything smaller. You’d only regret it.

SHOPPING
The retro Charleston Antique Mall

Photo: Charleston Antique Mall

When you need a break from your normal Vegas adventures, slot in a few hours for strolling the Charleston Antique Mall. In this massive cornucopia of vintage and resale goods, you’ll find reasonably priced mid-century furnishings, antiques and collectibles, kitschy accessories, and vintage toys and games. The thrill of the hunt is half the fun here, but don’t be surprised if you find an absolutely perfect accent for your home or wardrobe. You never know what to expect in Vegas, and you really never know what to expect at Charleston.

The stylish Patina Decor

A top local (and celebrity!) resale shop favorite is Patina Decor, located in the heart of the Arts District. They stock hand-selected vintage clothing, retro couture, and stylish home furnishings — it’s a fabulous shop with unique finds for dressing up head to toe before a night out. Be sure to check out their designer jewelry selections, and make it an event. You’ll walk in wearing jeans, but you’ll walk out ready for a night on the town — complete with your new Vegas persona.

The local-favorite Amber Unicorn Books

Bibliophiles should plan a visit to Amber Unicorn Books. This locally loved bookshop carries an extensive collection of modestly priced used books, but they’re also known beyond the Vegas border for carrying impressive rare collections. You’ll find vintage cookbooks, first editions, and antiquarian goodies in this awesome-smelling hideout. Keep an eye out for author-signed hardbacks!

BARS & NIGHTLIFE
The surprisingly Midwestern Big Dog’s Brewing Company

Big Dog’s Brewing Company may be packed with Midwestern cheer, but it’s also considered a hometown brewery for Vegas — the hometown brewery for Vegas. Order up some Wisconsin cheese curds, Bavarian soft pretzels, and walleye tacos to pair with one of their signature lagers, stouts, ales, or IPAs — try the Red Hydrant Brown Ale, an English-style brew that’s won gold twice at the World Beer Cup.

Oh, and expect to come and cheer on the Badgers. The Rebels. The Packers. Whoever. This barn-shaped brew house is all about camaraderie, and it’s a great place to kick back with friends and enjoy some Wisconsin — or otherwise — fandom.

The no-frills Hop Nuts Brewing

Photo: Hop Nuts Brewing

Hop Nuts Brewing is a go-to spot if you’re in the mood for craft beer in a #chillaf neighborhood bar — and they’re also the first microbrewery in the Vegas Arts District. They have 20 brews on tap, with about a dozen brewed in-house, and, despite their name, you don’t have to be a “hop nut” to get down here (their “Harry Porter” is a prime example).

You can sneak a peek at their brewing in progress, get in on a game of darts with friends, or just kick back on the patio with a “Summertime in the LVC.” Happy Hour runs 4-7pm with $4 pints, or you can sample their not-hoppy-to-super-hoppy varieties in a flight any time of day. Starting at, say, Friday at 11am, is allowed — you’re on vacation.

Bunkhouse Saloon (awesome band bar)

One of Vegas’s top venues for catching small-space live music is downtown’s Bunkhouse Saloon. They’ve been around since 1953, and their dance floor and variety of shows have kept it a contemporary local favorite for a while now. Bands vary from rock to blues to punk, with DJ theme nights thrown in for good measure. All that being said…it’s definitely still “saloon” themed. Even if you’re shredding to some metal, you’ll be shredding to some metal next to an old piano and some farm tools.

Pro tip: If you prefer a quiet(er) spot to catch up with friends, head to their backyard and gather around the fire pit. There are tons of picnic tables, too.

The bluesy (and brews-y) Sand Dollar Lounge

Photo: The Sand Dollar Lounge

The absolutely iconic Sand Dollar Lounge has been around since 1976, catering to the rock and blues crowd — this is “where music lives.” Early years saw Muddy Waters, BB King, and Mick Jagger stopping by, and now you’ll find a mix of touring acts and regional up-and-comers, all Sand Dollar-approved.

Check out their extensive and music-themed cocktail menu, with drinks like “La Bamba” and “Smoke on the Water” (they’ve got a sizable beer selection, too). In addition to nonstop shows, there’s a popular billiards area and plenty of seating, and they’re open every night save Monday till 3am.

The jazzy Dispensary Lounge

The Dispensary Lounge is a dive bar with late-night entertainment, and it’s almost always some kickin’ live jazz. Here’s the scene: No loud voices competing to be heard over the band. No wishing you’d stayed home with a book. No ear plugs. And no overpaying for your drinks. You will feel like you’re in Adele’s living room…if Adele’s living room tables came with wait service (maybe they do?). Explains why Thrillist named this place one of the best dive bars in Vegas.

All in all, this is where to go for settling in with a drink and listening to groovy tunes among friends. Turns out, in Vegas, you can roll hard or take ‘er easy — or both.

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Try this bookshop Airbnb in Scotland

If you want to really throw yourself into Scottish culture on your next trip to the UK by living a cozy life in a small countryside town, The Open Book on Airbnb may be the ultimate accommodation for you. You’ll be staying in Wigtown, Scotland’s official National Book Town located in the lowlands, and sleeping right above a local bookshop.

As a guest of The Open Book, you will be supported during your stay by a team of bookshop volunteers, who are there to make your vacation as comfortable as possible. The goal of The Open Book residency is to celebrate independent bookshops and welcome people from around the world to Scotland’s National Book Town. Because The Open Book is a nonprofit, the cost is surprisingly low at only $55 per night.

Many guests choose to spend their nights at Wigtown’s pubs or exploring the nearby woodlands, castles, bike trails, farms, and whiskey distillery. Renting a car is encouraged, so you can access everything the Scottish lowlands and Galloway have to offer.

Keep in mind that The Open Book has a minimum stay of six nights, but at this price, why wouldn’t you want to stay at least a week?

H/T: Airbnb

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9 small airlines you should be using

You know the saying: bigger isn’t always better. Often it seems like the larger the airline, the longer the check-in line, call-center queue, and baggage-claim lines — thanks to those massive marketing budgets. As you may have found throughout your travels, a bigger airline does not always mean better service — or a better product.

If you’re looking to mix things up on your next trip, why not consider flying some of these smaller, lesser-known airlines? With a bit of luck, you’ll either save some money on the fare or experience much better service than on a standard American or European flag carrier.

1. Azul Airlines

The founder of JetBlue, David Neeleman, knows a thing or two about running a good airline. He started Azul Airlines in Brazil in 2008, and though it’s one of the larger airlines on our list, it remains relatively unknown in the US. Offering flights throughout Brazil from Fort Lauderdale or Orlando — as well as from Brazil to Buenos Aires, Montevideo, and Lisbon — this airline is a fantastic alternative to some of the dusty flag carriers operating in South America.

2. WOW Air

Okay, this one comes with a bit of a caveat: it’s a low-cost, budget airline. It’s known for having some pretty lax customer-service offerings, and everything is an “extra”. But, for a lot of people, WOW Air has made Iceland an accessible destination. It flies its low-cost flights from the US to Iceland and many cities across Europe at eye-popping prices. You get what you pay for, but it’s the destination at the other end of the flight that really counts!

3. Wizz Air

Not to be confused with WOW Air, Wizz Air is based in Hungary and offers low-cost flights around Europe. One thing it does have in common with WOW Air is charging for every amenity, but its basic fares are so cheap, you can’t really blame the airline. It flies to a huge number of destinations throughout Europe and shouldn’t be overlooked for your European short hops.

4. Porter Airlines

From controversial beginnings, Porter Airlines has become a solid alternative for travelers between Toronto and US cities, including Boston, Chicago, Newark, and Washington DC. Passengers praise the airline for its no-frills, efficient service, as well as its cost-effective flight offerings compared to major airlines. The only slight downer is the occasional delayed flight — but what airline doesn’t struggle with timeliness?

5. Air New Zealand

This airline certainly punches above its weight in terms of size. Despite being a comparatively small international airline, Air New Zealand consistently wins awards, including 2017 Airline of the Year, for its overall performance, service, and reliability. With connections through LAX, the airline can take you all the way to London in style, and with connections from various Asian cities to New Zealand, it can really add to your visit to the Antipodes.

6. Air Transat

Ever heard of Air Transat? No? You’re not the only one. This Canadian carrier, based in Montreal, has a fleet of around 35 planes and flies to destinations in 30 countries. It’s a charter airline, so you might find schedules erratic (or non-existent) at certain times, but it offers great holiday deals to airports like Acapulco, Lyon, Madrid, and Montego Bay. If you’re not fussy about where to go, it has some great last minute deals, too.

7. Nok Air

If you’re looking to make your way across Asia, Nok Air is your ticket to ride. You may have seen the airline’s interesting-looking planes if you’ve been to Thailand, where the airline is based. The planes are colorfully painted with a bird’s beak on the tail, a nod to their name, meaning “bird” in Thai. While Nok Air mainly operates domestic flights, it also offers connections within Thailand and China, as well as Vietnam, Singapore, and Myanmar.

8. SATA Airlines/Azores Airlines

I flew this airline last week and was pleasantly surprised by the excellent customer service both on-board and at the Lisbon and Ponta Delgada airports. Based in the Azores, SATA offers flights to San Francisco, Boston, and London, among other cities. While the planes are a bit old, the seats are comfier — and larger — than they are on most of your modern carriers. Plus, with an awesome geometric whale or bird pattern on the fuselage, the planes are hard to miss!

9. Alaska Airlines

While it’s one of the best-known airlines on this list, Alaska is still a small fry compared to the major American players. However, the friendly customer service, range of destinations throughout the US and beyond, and high rating from passengers help it remain a competitive travel option. While the product might be a little older, Alaska Airlines has picked up planes from a former Virgin America fleet, which offer slightly more space and modernity. As an added bonus, most of the planes in the combined fleet will be refreshed with a new interior from fall 2018.


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9 examples of Soviet-era structures

Everything about the Soviet Union was enormous: the land mass, the historical feats, the ambitions, and the mistakes. The USSR has fallen, but its obscure creativity still stands in the shape of massive concrete buildings that reflect the unique spirit of the socialist state. Here are nine examples of big, stark, extravagant Soviet-era constructions that look like science-fiction creations.

1. Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument, Georgia

Photo: Michal Piec/Shutterstock

Created in 1983 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Treaty of Georgievsk, which established eastern Georgia as a protectorate of the Russian Empire, the Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument (also called the Peace Monument) is located smack dab on the only road from Russia to Tbilisi. The arch stands on a viewpoint overlooking the deep ravines and immense mountains of the Caucasus range. Inside the stone-clad semicircle designed by architect Giorgi Chakhava (also the creator of the iconic Soviet-era “Ministry of Roads” building in Tbilisi) is a huge, colorful Soviet-style mosaic depicting scenes of Georgian and Russian history.

2. National Library in Minsk, Belarus

Photo: BAHDANOVICH ALENA/Shutterstock

Soviet architects Viktor Kramarenko and Mikhail Vinogradov designed the daring new Minsk Library in 1989, but it took 13 years to actually build the giant polyhedron towering over Belarus’ capital today. The unusual geometry of the building is meant to symbolize the vastness of the world and the supreme importance of knowledge for those who live in it. Its surface consists of 18 squares and eight triangles covered by heat-reflecting mirror glass, which colorfully lights up at night.

3. The Memorial House of the Bulgarian Communist Party, Bulgaria

Photo: Marianna Ianovska/Shutterstock

In the mountains of central Bulgaria, on Buzludzha Peak, stands an abandoned monument that was built in 1981 as a tribute to the Bulgarian Socialist Party. The Buzludzha Monument is a saucer-shaped building with a close-by tower bearing a star. Inside the saucer, three immense mosaic panels covered 510 square meters and depicted an allegorical history of the Bulgarian Communist Party.

After the fall of the Soviet Union and regime change in Bulgaria, the memorial was abandoned and left vulnerable to looters and vandals. Nowadays it still lies in ruin, yet people come from far and wide to visit this vestige of the USSR’s past.

4. The Kruševo Makedonium, FYROM

Photo: roibu/Shutterstock

Makedonium, also known as the Ilinden Memorial, is a complex of several sculptural and memorial elements dedicated to the fighters and revolutionaries of the Ilinden uprising of 1903, as well as the WWII soldier-partisans who fought for the liberation of the country. The complex, located in Kruševo, was built in 1974, and the most significant element is the dome, which looks like a naval mine. The white, 25-meter-tall concrete monument is round with multiple protruding windows, four of which are covered in beautiful stained-glass panels. If you make it to the Kruševo Makedonium, go inside the dome. It’s the most beautiful part of the whole complex.

5. Ninth Fort, Lithuania

Photo: MoLarjung/Shutterstock

The Ninth Fort, located in the city of Kaunas, was the imprisonment and murder site of 50,000 people, most of them Jews, during the German occupation of Lithuania between 1941 and 1944. After WWII in 1958, the fortress was transformed into a museum and memorial. In 1984, a 32-meter-tall sculpture created by A. Ambraziunas was erected in honor of the victims of fascism and symbolizes “pain, sorrow, tortures, and eternal remembrance.”

6. The Pyramid of Tirana, Albania

Photo: saiko3p/Shutterstock

The Pyramid of Tirana, dedicated to former Albanian communist dictator Enver Hoxha, was built in 1988 by Hoxha’s daughter and son-in-law. In 1991, after the collapse of communism, the structure was used as a conference and fair center before falling into disrepair. The site is currently neglected and covered in graffiti, but there are plans for a Dutch architecture firm to revitalise the abandoned Communist building and turn it into a center of technology and culture.

7. Institute of Robotics and Technical Cybernetics, St. Petersburg, Russia

Photo: Mihashi/Shutterstock

The futuristic design of the Institute of Robotics and Technical Cybernetics, one of the largest scientific centers in Russia, matches its purpose. The RTC participated in the development of the series of Soviet spaceships Soyuz, the robotic probe Luna 16, and the robots used in the reconnaissance and liquidation of the radioactive contamination at the site of the Chernobyl disaster. The 77-meter tower has a sharp-angled facade and looks like a rocket about to take off, but locals have nicknamed it the “White Tulip.”

8. Druzhba Sanatorium in Yalta, Ukraine

Photo: Peter Gudella/Shutterstock

The Druzhba (Friendship) Sanatorium stands on a hill above the shore of the Black Sea in Crimea. This icon of Soviet-era architecture was designed by architect Igor Vasilevsky and built in 1986. According to the Los Angeles Times, the strange-looking building was mistaken for a launch pad by the Pentagon. The circular building with a saw-tooth facade is “lifted off the ground” by three pillars, allowing nature to grow below and around it. The design also provides each room with sunlight and views of the sea. According to the New York Times, “To enter, visitors cross a bridge encased in a glass tube and then descend into the complex, which is supported on massive legs housing the elevators and stairs.” If you’d like to check out this unusual building, you can book a room in it here; the inside design and views are allegedly just as cool as the facade.

9. Miner’s Monument, Kosovo

Photo: knovakov/Shutterstock

In the city of Mitrovica, on Miner’s Hill, stands a huge concrete statue of a mining cart in tribute to the Miners Troop, a group of Serbs and Albanians who united to resist Nazi occupation during WWII. The monument was meant to symbolize the friendship between the Albanian and Serbian people and is still considered the most significant monument of the city.

Yugoslavian monuments such as the Kruševo Makedonium (see above) and Miner’s Monument are often referred to as spomeniks, or “memorial structures built from the 1950s-1990s during Tito’s Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, whose primary intent was to honor its people’s resistance struggle during the National Liberation War (1941-1945),” explains the Spomenik Database.


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Tokyo's digital art museum is grand

Even for the most avid museum nerds, a traditional museum format can start to feel a bit repetitive. If you’ve ever found yourself wishing displays were more interactive, this digital art museum in Tokyo might be right up your alley. The MORI Building Digital Art Museum in Tokyo’s Odaiba district combines art, science, technology, design, and images of the natural world with computer-generated simulations. It’s the largest museum in the world dedicated to digital, interactive art, and its main draw is being “borderless” — breaking down all barriers between the artwork and visitors.

The museum is composed of five connected zones: the “Borderless World” is an interactive digital landscape, including digitized waterfalls; the “Athletics Forest” is meant to reflect the brain’s spatial recognition abilities; the “Future Park” is a children’s park with imaginative games and activities; the “Forest of Lamps” is a place where visitors are engulfed by hundreds of colorful lamps; and the “En Tea House” is where guests can sip cups of tea and are encouraged to converse, while augmented reality makes digital flowers bloom inside their cups.

At roughly $21 per adult ticket, this museum might seem expensive, but that’s linked to the high cost of creating the art. Note that thanks to the digitized nature of the exhibits, they will be constantly changing and evolving, so visitors can return to the museum again and again for an entirely new experience.

H/T: Smithsonian.com

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Amsterdam canal full of history

If you’ve ever wondered what lies at the bottom of a river, you’ve got your answer. Archeologists recently drained a canal in Amsterdam, and catalogued everything they found. The findings date all the way back to over 100,000 B.C., and present a comprehensive picture of what objects have been important to Dutch society throughout history.

You can start browsing the catalog from either the top (2005) or the bottom (-119000), but the oldest artifacts found in the river were shells thought to be over 100,000 years old. As for human remnants, there are old rock-carved blades and utensils belonging to prehistoric man, dating back to 5,300 B.C., and even the ancient bones of large mammals like bears, sheep, and goats.

Moving forward in time, the objects become slightly more recognizable, with urns, glassware, and ornamental plates from the 16th and 17th centuries, and rusty tools from the 20th. Perusing the findings from the 21st century might feel like taking a nostalgic trip back to your childhood. There are old Nokia cell phones, Pokémon toys, baby dolls, and dice, among tons of lost credit cards, driver’s licenses, keys, and other trinkets.

You could spend hours looking through this catalog, and it wouldn’t be time wasted. It truly paints a detailed picture of life in Amsterdam from, essentially, the beginning of time. To see all the objects found, check out the catalog here.

H/T: Below the Surface

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Italian town to use silent fireworks

While humans are used to the loud noises associated with fireworks, our canine friends don’t adjust quite as easily. Sudden loud noises can not only startle dogs and make them run away, but also cause heart problems, nausea, and panic attacks. This is especially true of dogs with sensitive hearing. Collecchio, a small town in Italy, is making fireworks more animal friendly by enacting a law that requires all fireworks in their town to be silent.

The law is an effort to reduce the stress of fireworks on pets and local wildlife, and we wouldn’t be surprised if it starts a trend. Pet owners are increasingly sensitive to the anxiety levels of their dogs, and for that reason, loud fireworks shows easily deter many dog owners from attending. Setti Fireworks, an Italian fireworks company, specializes in making customized silent fireworks.

The law does, however, raise an interesting question about the overall turnout at silent fireworks shows. While dog owners might feel more comfortable attending, will others be deterred by the silence? Although the visuals are undoubtedly the most spectacular part of a fireworks display, will the absence of sound detract from the experience? Collecchio certainly doesn’t think so.

H/T: Dogtime

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