Matador Network's Blog, page 1356

Textile maps of India and Pakistan

The textile art of India and Pakistan is grabbing international attention after online brands from the two countries released ‘textile maps’ showing the historical significance of certain fabrics and embroidery techniques in different parts of the countries. The maps are not only beautiful but also provide a reminder of how important textile art has been in the cultural history of both countries. The countries have over 2,000 miles of shared border, and these maps serve as crash course in the areas’ stylistic fashions.

Photo: Crafts Villa

The India map, created by Craftsvilla, provides a state-by-state demonstration of which textiles are used in each state within the country. This provides a roadmap of what embroidery techniques are popular and hand-woven textiles — demonstrating that fabrics used to make clothing in each state are as unique as the patterns in the finished products, such as the following explanation on the floral Phulkari textile.

Photo: Crafts Villa

“From the array of delicacies to the interesting customs, traditions and festivals we celebrate, every state has its own cultural identity,” Craftsvilla said on its website as part of its Fabric Tour of India. “And an essential part of that is the attire of the people.” The website explains in detail the historical significance behind many of the fabrics and designs, and the handwoven styles behind them.

The Pakistani map, created by Pakistani clothing website Generation, is equally rich in culture, showing techniques and styles of each region in the country. The map displays everything from the techniques used in Cross Stitch and Kashmir Tandi Daanka to the stunning designs of Ajrak, Shadow Work, and Kutch Embroidery.

Photo: Generation

More like this: Weavers of the sky

The post These beautiful maps highlight the embroidery techniques of India and Pakistan by region appeared first on Matador Network.

Rules for traveling with passport

Passports are not magical booklets that effortlessly let you travel the world without a spot of bother. First, your passport is the property of the United States government, not yours, so it has to follow the rules laid by the US government to be valid. Some of these rules are surprising, but if not respected, will wreck a trip real quick. Second, the immigration laws of the countries you plan to visit involve specific and unexpected requirements from your passport that have to be met. Although the US passport is the fifth strongest in the world, there are still ways it can keep you from traveling. Here are four of them.

1. You don’t have enough blank pages.

If you’re one of those travelers who enjoy collecting stamps and visas in your passport, watch out. According to the Bureau of Consular Affairs, you need two to four blank visa pages in your passport or you may be denied entry at the border of your destination or even turned down from boarding the plane that will take you there. Of course, it depends on each country’s immigration rules, but why would you want to take a chance? Make sure you send an application to renew your passport when it looks like you’re running out of space for customs to stamp, stick, or staple your visa. If you travel a lot, we suggest that you order a 52-page passport at no extra charge.

2. Your passport expires in 6 months or less.

It’s simple, if your passport expires in 6 months or less, you may be denied to travel. It sounds bananas — what’s the use of the expiration date, then? — but it’s very much something you should keep in mind. Horror stories of people being turned away at the check-in counter on the day of their departure are all over the internet.

The Bureau of Consular Affairs has made a handy list (click on the country you are traveling to on the map) of passport validity requirements by country. It varies greatly, so don’t assume that because you’re traveling to Sweden — where a 6-month validity is recommended — it will be the same in Spain — where you need a 3-month validity beyond your date of departure.

Of course, you can apply for an emergency passport if you’re stuck and absolutely need to go abroad, but we suggest you just make a note in your calendar to replace your passport six months early — it’ll save you a lot of anxiety.

3. Your passport is invalid for one of these small reasons.

If your passport is not signed, it’s not valid. It only takes 2 seconds, so do it before a fussy border agent pings you and gives you some trouble.
If you’ve drawn/written on your passport. Buy a notebook and get creative, but leave your passport alone and keep it away from your kids and their crayons.
Make certain you don’t bend it so the chip isn’t busted and ensure that everything is legible — if your document ever got wet and made some entries hard to read, you’re taking a chance to be turned down and/or have your passport taken away. Torn pages and cover are also a big no-no.
Unauthorized stamps like the fancy ones you get at Machu Picchu, at the post office in Monte Carlo, or at Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin are nothing but souvenir stamps that may get your passport declared invalid. Passport stamps are cool, so this sucks, but if you may need to walk the line if you want to keep your travel document valid for as long as you can. Note that unofficial stamps can have you denied entry in some countries; all it takes is a zealous border agent.

4. You didn’t bring your passport to fly domestically.

If you’re accustomed to just bringing your driver’s license to fly within the United States, you’ll soon run into major trouble if you hail from certain states. Boarding federally-regulated commercial aircraft will soon require all American travelers to have an ID that meets the REAL ID Act requirements. If your state has not yet made the switch (check out this map to see if that’s the case), it has until October 10, 2018 to do so. After that, you better get yourself a passport or you won’t be going anywhere by airplane.


More like this: Everything you need to know about using your passport effectively while abroad

The post 4 ways your passport can keep you from traveling that you never knew of appeared first on Matador Network.

Ultimate dream job with puppies

The web is flooded with dream job opportunities, but this one might take the cake. Or rather, the bone. A popular travel website is sending one lucky intern on the road this summer — with three adorable dogs by his or her side. For real — if you’re confident in your photography skills and have a keen ability to attract attention on social media, The Points Guy wants to pay you $20 per hour to hit the road with a crew of French bulldogs.

The gig lasts through the summer and is technically a paid internship, with the objective being to build the site’s social media following and produce content in the “pet travel” department. Your travel companions, Miles, Hootie, and Swisher, already have a commanding social media presence themselves. Their Instagram channel has over 10,000 followers and engagement levels many travel bloggers would trade their most trusted 60-liter backpack for without thinking twice.

The Points Guy is a travel blog started by Brian Kelly in 2010 which hit it big by teaching travelers how to go about using credit card points to maximize their travels. The site offers a curated list of the best travel credit cards, updated each month, along with a stream of flight-related news content. It’s now one of the most viewed credit card hacking websites on the internet, and adding a bunch of puppy pictures sure isn’t going to hurt that cause.

If this is an opportunity worth bailing on your day job for, start polishing your resume and grooming those social media channels. You’ll also need to film a short video of yourself showing as well as telling why you’re fit for the gig. Applications are due by May 15, and should be emailed to thepointspups@thepointsguy.com. The site will announce the lucky winner by Memorial Day Weekend.

A post shared by Miles + Hootie + Swisher (@thepointspups) on Apr 16, 2018 at 10:44am PDT

A post shared by Miles + Hootie + Swisher (@thepointspups) on Apr 3, 2018 at 8:12am PDT

More like this: 23 awesome travel jobs and how to get them

The post Ultimate dream job alert: Get paid to travel with adorable puppies appeared first on Matador Network.

Ultimate electric vehicle road trip

The times, they are a-changin.’ Americans’ love affair with road trips has existed since before Bob Dylan first sang those words in 1964. But thanks to increased environmental awareness and rapidly developing technology, the way we take these road trips is beginning to shift, as we begin to invest more and more in electric vehicles as a country. Thankfully, you can now take a cross-country road trip that passes through more than 35 states in an electric vehicle. We’re calling this trip “The most epic (-ally sustainable) American road trip. The route allows you to circumnavigate the continental US and take in a number of top attractions and major cities along the way, all without hitting the gas pump.

Before hitting the road, let’s cover some basic knowledge about travel with electric vehicles. First of all, it’s important to note that there are now over 15,000 electric vehicle charging stations in the United States. Here is a map of all of them. That said, there are more than 150,000 gas stations, and it takes significantly less time to fill up a gas tank than it does to charge a battery. It’s still much tougher to travel in an EV but hey — progress is progress.

Bloomberg even brought forward the idea that autonomously driven electric vehicles could shift the entire structure and economy of the traditional road trip, exploring what happens to highway shopping centers and truck stops when passengers no longer need to stop for gas. One concept author Conor Sen brings to light is that those commercial centers could become obsolete, replaced instead by the humble highway rest stop which already offers restrooms and is likely soon to be equipped with EV charging stations.

You can even charge your car while you sleep throughout much of the journey. Hotel chains such as Marriott and Best Western are leading the charge towards more sustainable road tripping by having EV charging stations available at many of their locations across the country.

According to technology publication Arstechnica, 199,826 electric vehicles were sold in the US last year. The increasing adoption of EV vehicles and the infrastructure needed to keep them running is likely to make this map completely obsolete in less than five years. For now, though, stock up your cooler with refillable water bottles and grab your recycled polyester Patagonia jacket because it’s time to hit the road.

The most epic (-ally sustainable) American road trip

To plan our road trip, I used an incredible site called PlugShare. Here, you can map out a trip around EV charging stations. You can even locate hotels that let you charge your car while you sleep (Bob Dylan wasn’t lying). Their new ‘Trip Planner’ feature is great, although there are a few kinks that need to be worked out by the site. Still, the ability to route a cross-country road trip in an electric vehicle in under an hour is an exciting development.

The idea of our trip is to see as much of the country as possible on one continuous journey. This trip is built around the average distance that 8 of the top 2017 model electric vehicles can go without a charge, which is about 121 miles. In a few cases, we have distances stretching to 140 miles. Tesla’s 2017 Model S can go 338 miles on a single charge, but I omitted that and the Tesla Model X from the calculation because they’re significantly more expensive than the other cars on the list. The slightly more affordable options hover around the 100-mile range, with many falling between 100 and 150 miles per charge.

Stops are up to the driver and passengers, this map solely shows the route and proves that it’s possible. Here’s a brief overview of what we’re looking at:

This trip requires 9,770 miles of driving, but guess what — you’re not going to have to stop for any oil changes.
The total drive time is 151 hours and 50 minutes, not including any detours to check out the sites.
The route offers dozens of hotel options with EV charging stations. Throughout much of the country, there is at least one per every 12 hours of driving. When the need to shower or that urge to go to town on a continental breakfast hits, you can be doubly productive.
The route passes through or near a number of National Parks and Monuments, as well as campgrounds for overnight stays.
There are a total of 250 charging stations along the way.

This map shows the route with EV charging stations. The green pins represent high-powered charging stations. Orange pins are regular charge stations, and the purple pins are the anchor stops.

This map shows each of the anchor stops along the way that were used to route the trip.

Here’s a rundown of anchor stops:

Anchor stop 1: Enjoy some wine at Mckenzie Orchards B&B

Anchor stop 2: Discover what makes Portland, Oregon weird

Anchor stop 3: Tuck into Alexander’s Lodge in Mt. Rainier National Park

Anchor stop 4: Check out Howard Miller Steelhead Park and explore Mt. Baker/Snoqualmie National Forest

Anchor stop 5: Cruise up Going-To-The-Sun Road in Glacier National Park

Anchor stop 6: Take in the beauty of Yellowstone National Park

Anchor stop 7: Experience downtown Salt Lake City, Utah’s unique culture.

Anchor stop 8: Marvel at the Rocky Mountains through Colorado and into Kansas, taking in some blues in Kansas City.

Anchor stop 9: Bundle up in Fargo, North Dakota

Anchor stop 10: Shop at the Mall of America in the Twin Cities

Anchor stop 11: Cruise through Madison, Wisconsin on your way to Chicago. Be sure to check out the famous Bean in Millenium Park.

Anchor stop 12: Stop at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland

Anchor stop 13: Pass through the beautiful Finger Lakes Wine Region and central New York on your way to Boston.

Anchor stop 14: Take your time and eat your way through the South. You can take a couple beach detours along way if necessary, and eventually find yourself in Jacksonville.

Anchor stop 15: Head over to Houston and check out their new “bean.” Compare to the one in Chicago.

Anchor stop 16: Ride through sunny El Paso to equally sunny Phoenix

Anchor stop 17: Then push through to Los Angeles to see how the rich and famous (and struggling art students) live.

Anchor stop 18: Head up the jaw-dropping Pacific coast through San Luis Obispo.

Anchor stop 19: San Francisco, where it all began. Raise a toast!

This is one heck of a journey. If you take it, be sure snap plenty pictures because we want to hear the story. The coolest thing about this map is that in one year, it might look completely different. You might be able to add a number of new stops and maybe even take it north to Canada — or across the pond to Europe. Both regions have growing EV infrastructure. Exciting times lie ahead as you’re able to drastically reduce the footprint of your travels.


More like this: This perfect road trip keeps you in 70 degree weather all year

The post The ultimate American road trip to take in an electric vehicle appeared first on Matador Network.

Pastries to travel to France for

If there’s one thing you’re sure to never be disappointed with in France, it’s sweet treats. There’s a bakery (boulangerie or pâtisserie) on every street corner, so you’ll never go hungry or have low blood sugar — but expect to go up one pant size after your trip. If you only know about macarons, you’re missing out on hundreds of different pastries to try in France. So to make things easy for you, we selected the ones that you will be able to find all over the country, no matter the bakery. As a French person with a sweet tooth and a last name that proves I am an expert in this field, you can be sure that this compilation of the 7 most delicious pastries in France will be up to snuff.

Editor’s Note: For the purpose of this article, we included what the French call “pâtisseries” (pastries and cakes) and “viennoiseries” (bread-based pastries) under the umbrella of “pastries”.

1. Cannelé

Photo: Solkanar/Shutterstock

If you want a bite-sized treat that is not a pretentious macaron, get a cannelé. It may not look as fancy as the hyped-up La Durée goodies or follow the colorful-cake trend that is all over The Food Network, but it tastes amazing — think custard with a hint of vanilla and rum. Cannelés originate from the city of Bordeaux (their full name is cannelés Bordelais), but can be found just about anywhere in France for less than 1.50 EUR a piece. My favourite way to enjoy them is with a cup of coffee of hot cocoa, but you can pop them in your mouth in any way you’d like and they’ll still be the bomb.

2. Tarte tatin

Photo: margouillat photo/Shutterstock

A tarte tatin is basically an upside-down apple tart with a twist — a super tasty layer of caramel. This tart’s layers combine a lot of different textures: a crunchy crust, soft, cooked apples, and sticky caramel. It’s a sweet dessert that packs the calories, but keep in mind that it’s got apples, so it’s somewhat healthy (not). You can usually find individual tarte tatins for about 3.50 EUR or less a piece, as well as large ones for 4, 6, or 8 people in just about any bakery. I personally like them warmed up a little, so if the baker asks you if you want it nuked for a second or two, say yes. If your tastebuds ask for more when you get back from France, note that it is a very simple dessert that can easily be made in your own kitchen — and because you’re home you can even add vanilla ice cream on the side.

3. Chouquettes

Photo: margouillat photo/Shutterstock

Chouquettes are usually sold per weight rather than per piece because they are nothing more than empty choux buns (or empty cream puffs, if you’d like) covered in sugar crystals. You’ll usually pay less than 2 EUR for 100g of these sweet treats packed in a paper bag. I suggest you never just get 150g — you’ll start eating them as soon as you step out of the bakery and because they are light and delicious, they’ll be gone before you know it. Chouquettes are often given to kids as their 4:30 PM snack, so reassure yourself in the fact that French kids eat these very frequently and never worry one bit about the nutritional information.

4. Mille-feuille

Photo: Picturepartners/Shutterstock

Unlike the pastries mentioned above, the mille-feuille is not snack material. Because it is filled with crème patissière (or pastry cream, if you must), it is difficult to eat without a spoon or dessert fork, so get it packed in a little box to be eaten after lunch or supper. Mille-feuille means “a thousand layers” and tastes just like a thousand flaky layers of delicious, super thin, and buttery strips of puff pastry separated by vanilla crème patissière. Mille-feuilles are quite rich, but they’re very much worth clogging your arteries for. They are easily distinguished by their marble-like top layer.

5. Religieuse

Photo: Natalie_Barth/Shutterstock

Religieuses are similar to éclairs, but their shape is different and they are bit bigger — hence our suggesting them! Religieuses are made with two choux buns (one big and one small) filled with crème patissière that is usually chocolate or coffee-flavored, stacked on top of each other, glazed with chocolate or coffee, and held together by buttercream. Sounds heavy-duty? That’s because it is. It’s the perfect dessert to have with a cup of coffee after a (light) meal. Like the mille-feuille, it’s not the easiest pastry to eat with your hands, so you’ll need cutlery. If you’re wondering why such a decadent pastry is called “nun”, you’re not alone. It is thought that this moniker comes the fact that the color of the pastry resembles a nun’s habit, but nobody really knows for sure. You’ll find them in just about any pastry shop in France for less than 4 EUR.

6. Kouign amann

Photo: Arancio/Shutterstock

The Kouign amann is a pastry that originates from Brittany (a Celtic region in northwestern France), so you’ll find it in every bakery in this area (and in Paris), but it might be a bit trickier to find it in other parts of the country. The kouign amann is the most buttery pastry I know and is the most delicious food item on this planet (I grew up eating these so I may be biased). If the baker asks you if you want it warmed up, go for it; they are much easier to eat that way and the taste of warm butter is divine. Kouign amanns are not meant to be desserts but rather morning or afternoon snacks. I like them best with hot cocoa around 4 PM, so you have plenty of time to digest the pound of butter before supper.

7. Baba au rhum

Photo: p.studio66/Shutterstock

The Baba au rhum is a dessert that you need a spoon for — mostly to scoop up the remaining liquor left at the bottom of the container that the pastry sits in once you’ve eaten it. The baba is a small and round yeast cake that is soaked in rum and topped with whipped cream and small fruits. It’s very boozy, so don’t eat two of them before hitting the road. This is a bit of an old-fashioned French pastry (it’s both my grandpa’s and my dad’s favorite), but you can find still them just about anywhere for about 3.50 EUR a piece.


More like this: 12 awesome spots to grab dessert in Montreal

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Get your face on a plane contest

The age of the selfie has officially reached new heights. If you’ve ever looked up towards the sky and thought, “Man, I would look really good up there,” you’re going to want to enter this contest. Thanks to a promotion from South African airline Kulula Airways, you can submit a photo of your face and potentially have it emblazoned across the side of one of the airline’s planes.

The winners will have have the joy of seeing their face stretched to almost 40 feet, a feat that is sure to draw attention not only to those boarding the plane but to anyone who witnesses it take off or land. The faces will remain on the plane for at least one week, according to a statement from the airline, and the winners of the contest will be the six entrants who submit the “funniest, silliest and wackiest faces.”

If you’re feeling a bit insecure about what your mug would look like on the side of a plane, have no fear — prior to submitting you can view a rendering of the final product. If you aren’t satisfied with what you see, just start the process over again.

Opportunities like this are rare for us everyday narcissists that can’t afford to pay to have our likeness on everything. In that light, major props to Kulula for this dose of high-flying, out-of-the-box thinking. The budget airline flies to destinations throughout southern Africa, meaning that if you win you’ll also be a recognized celebrity in Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Mauritius.The contest isn’t limited to South African residents, either. Anyone over the age of 18 can enter, as long as they get their submission in by the April 30 deadline.

H/T Travel and Leisure

More like this: 8 of the best outdoor adventures in Cape Town

The post You can have a 40-foot image of your face emblazoned on the side of this airplane appeared first on Matador Network.

Here's how to hack flight prices

Gone are the days of rock-bottom flight deals, but there are still ways we can cheat the system and save a few bucks. In an attempt to understand the current market, we reached out to renowned price hacking ninja, Jack Sheldon from Jack’s Flight Club. Taking a break from uncovering cheap flights and updating subscribers about deals, Jack shared with us some of his top insider hacks to get an epic steal on international flights.

1. Take your holiday to destinations that aren’t on holiday.

If you’re flying from Europe or North America to South America over Christmas time, flights will always be incredibly expensive. That’s because they’re likely to have the same summer and winter holidays as you. Look for holiday destinations that celebrate different events. For example, flights to China are particularly pricey during Chinese New Year, but you can often score an amazing deal during Christmas as it’s not widely celebrated in East Asia.

2. Don’t just search your closest airport.

Check all airports surrounding both your departure and destination. You can often save as much as 50 percent off by simply flying into, or out of, an airport a couple of hours away. For example, Boston is often cheaper to fly into than other East Coast cities, and the savings you make are often worth the extra time and train ticket, compared to flying into New York City — leaving you with more money to spend when you’re finally at your destination.

3. Check for hidden city fares.

Direct flights from major airport hubs are often much more expensive than single-stop flights traveling via those hubs. One way to take advantage of this is to look for hidden city flights traveling through your preferred airport. While you’ll have to travel to the departure city on the outbound journey, you can hop off mid-route on the return flight rather than completing the route. The only caveat here is that you cannot check a bag on your return journey, so you’ll need to travel light!

For example, if you’re flying from the US and trying to get to London, it may be cheaper to buy a flight to Dublin or another European city that uses London as a connecting airport. Simply leave the airport at London instead of using it as a layover, and skip the connecting flight to your final destination on the ticket. Fair warning though, some airlines are sticklers against this practice. And of course, make sure you have the proper visas.

4. Grab a last-minute flight with a charter airline.

Most airlines will increase their fares on last-minute flights in hope to take advantage of less price-sensitive business travelers who often buy tickets at short notice. However, some charter airlines will often do the opposite — dropping their last-minute fares to make sure every seat is filled.

For example, TUI and Condor are particularly famous for this and you can easily find a steal on their last-minute fares. We’ve previously seen flights from the UK to Cuba for $320 US and Germany to Mexico at $342 US for a direct return.

5. Book two holidays for less than the price of one.

It’s not uncommon for airlines to price flights cheaper to fly into one city and out of another. Turn your vacation into a 2-in-1 trip by flying into one city and out of another nearby destination you’d like to visit.

For example, if you live in London and want to visit San Francisco, it may be cheaper to buy a one-way budget flight to Stockholm, then get a flight from Sweden to San Francisco. Doing that could save you roughly 40 percent on the transatlantic journey, versus a simple round-trip ticket between London and San Francisco. Add in the budget flight to Sweden and you’ve still saved roughly 25 percent in total; and if you chose to stick around to explore your layover city for a day or two, you’ve also had the opportunity to visit two destinations for less than the fare of one single return ticket!

6. Track your dates.

Flight prices fluctuate wildly on most routes. It’s not uncommon to see certain routes increase by 50 percent in a day and then proceed to decrease a few days later. Apart from constantly checking your route, it can be difficult to tell if the price you’re seeing is a good fare price for the route you’re hoping to book. Google Flights, however, allows you to set trackers on the flights you’re hoping to take and will notify you within a few hours if the fare has changed. They even help you out with a clever line chart to see how the price has changed since you started tracking it. After a few weeks, you’ll know what a good price is and will be able to book your flight at best price that suits you.

7. Use OTAs Aggregators.

Search for mistake fares on Online Travel Agency aggregators. Mistake fares are often caused by glitches in the various pricing systems operated by airlines and OTAs all over the world. While they are tough to find and typically only last a few hours, catching and booking a mistake fare can save you as much as 70 to 80 percent off a standard fare. The best way to look out for these is to scour websites like Skyscanner and Momondo. They operate as OTA aggregators by showing the ones offering the lowest fares on each route.

8. Sign up to cheap flight alert mailing lists.

If you want to passively become aware of when cheap flights come up, sign up for a mailing list like Jack’s Flight Club to receive notifications when flights departing your local airport go really cheap. Then just wait for the right deal to drop into your inbox, leaving them to do the hard work for you, helping you save on your next trip.


More like this: 8 must-have flight apps that will save you money

The post How to hack buying your flight to get the best price, according to an expert appeared first on Matador Network.

The size of Brazil vs. Switzerland

It’s no secret that Brazil is a much bigger country than Switzerland, but because the Mercator map distorts the world, it’s hard to know exactly how big one is compared to the other.

The internet had already set the record straight about the real size of Alaska and Africa, but Redditor Pitfritsch took it upon themselves to show the world the real size of Brazil, using Switzerland as a unit of measurement.

Photo: Pitfritsch

Don’t bother counting, Pitfritsch managed to squeeze in 142 Switzerlands into the outline of Brazil. But, as another Redditor mentioned, you could actually cram in 206 Switzerland — the two countries’ shapes just make it difficult to form a seamless jigsaw puzzle.

The size of a country often reflects its population density and it’s certainly the case for Brazil and Switzerland. According to data from The World Bank, Brazil has 25 people per square kilometer while Switzerland’s population density is 8 times higher with 212 people per square kilometer.

In conclusion, if you want some space to roam, head to Brazil, but if you travel for cheese, chocolate, and mountain peaks, Switzerland is a much better fit — but you won’t be alone while enjoying them.


More like this: The true size of Africa

The post This map shows how many Switzerlands fit into Brazil appeared first on Matador Network.

David Chang has a new show

David Chang seems to be dominating all facets of his field at the moment, from his restaurant empire to multimedia content. If you’ve binged your way through his episodes on Mind of a Chef and his recent, massively popular Netflix series Ugly Delicious and are still hungry, you are in luck. After announcing the launch of a multimedia company last month, Majordomo Media, Chang is following that up with a new culture podcast series called, you could have guessed it, The David Chang Show.

Hosted on Bill Simmons Media Group’s The Ringer Podcast Network, it was reported by Eater that the new podcast will launch this Thursday on April 26th. It is being presented as a short series, but not much is known about the exact content or format of the show. But those familiar with Chang’s style can hope it will reflect his interest in the central importance food plays in society. The Ringer is no stranger to offering chat about food and culture with the listing of the House of Carbs podcast and essays from Danny Chau.

Chang first dabbled in creating content with writer Peter Meehan establishing the very popular magazine Lucky Peach, which sadly folded in 2017. The James Beard Award winner, food-centric indie journal came to a close, leaving fans grasping for final copies and complete 24-issue collections being sold for over $1000 US.

Although we’ll have to wait until this coming Thursday to find out what Chang will present to us on his new podcast, we can guess that it will make us just as hungry to eat our way around the world as Ugly Delicious did. Chang had this to say in a written statement about his continued ventures into content creation:

“Majordomo is a place for people to connect over the things I believe define culture: travel, food, music, sports, exploration.” He continues, “I don’t want to tell people what to do or show them the new cool thing. Plenty of places do that. I want to teach them how to find — and understand — new and different things.”


More like this: 8 streaming shows that will get you in the mood for travel

The post Attention fans of Ugly Delicious: David Chang is already launching a new show tomorrow appeared first on Matador Network.

18 gorgeous images of Virginia

Tour any part of Virginia for long, and you can’t help but figure this is what Katharine Lee Bates was picturing when she wrote “America the Beautiful.” From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Atlantic Coast, the state is covered in picturesque landscapes, is steeped in history, features two of the prettiest roads in the US (that’d be the Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive), and contains 554 scenic miles of the most famous long-distance hiking trail in the country — the Appalachian Trail.

All you have to do is get here and take a look around you. Check out the images below to see what we mean.




1

Grayson Highlands State Park

Most state parks wish they had this much game. Grayson Highlands sits next door to Virginia's two highest mountains (Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain) and contains several waterfalls, a short section of the Appalachian Trail, a herd of wild ponies, and, most importantly, views like the one above.
Photo: Sam Dean

2

Cascade Falls and Trail

The hike along the Cascade Falls Trail is a four-mile round trip through Jefferson National Forest to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Virginia. With a view like this, you know it's unlikely you'll have it all to yourself, so set the alarm early and come on a weekday. And take note: The trail splits in two pretty early on, the lower trail requiring more sure-footedness, keeping you closer to the water.
Photo: Divergent Travelers

3

Norton's Sailing School

You might assume that if you didn't learn how to sail as a kid, you're out of luck. But not here. Norton's Sailing School (in Deltaville) teaches you the ropes, even if watching Titanic is the closest you've ever gotten to a boat. Really, there's no excuse to let these photo opps go uncaptured.
Photo: Mark Atkinson

See more: The ultimate foodie road trip through Virginia




4

Afton Mountain Vineyards

Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gewürztraminer, and Sangiovese. No, not Napa, but no newcomer to the scene, either—Afton Mountain Vineyards (in Afton, just west of Charlottesville) is one of Virginia's first farm wineries, with some of their vines dating back to the 1970s. The tasting room is open year-round, but call ahead to reserve picnic times (because "grapes don't grow in ugly places").
Photo: Steven Morris

5

Street art in Richmond

When you think of street art, maybe you think of New York or Santiago, but you really should be thinking of Richmond, a city with an inspiring and vibrant art scene. Check out the galleries of Broad Street, and don't miss the epic street murals throughout downtown and the historic Fan district, as well as along the Canal Walk. And you should definitely leave time for a visit to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and the newly opened Institute of Contemporary Art.
Photo: Tom Woodward

6

Pippin Hill Farm

Charlottesville's Pippin Hill Farm is a boutique winery and vineyard, and they've upped the game with their sustainable viticulture program, purpose-designed event venues, and landscaped gardens and courtyards practically built for Instagram.
Photo: Sarah Hauser

7

Kayaking the Eastern Shore

The Atlantic barrier islands along Virginia's Eastern Shore Seaside Water Trail are beau-ti-ful. The trail itself is 100 miles long, connecting to both the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and the Assateague National Seashore (and the Assateague Canoe Trail).
Photo: Sam Dean

8

Red Wing Roots Music Festival

Natural Chimneys Regional Park and Campground absolutely lights up for four days in mid-July (though it's worth a stop any time of year). The Red Wing Roots Music Festival brings this limestone palace to life—food, craft vendors, outdoor adventure, and, of course, awesome live music day and night (and some pretty sweet views 24/7).
Photo: Jay Sansone

9

Lake Drummond

There's a bit of a mystery surrounding Lake Drummond, a strikingly circular lake sitting on top of a hill in the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge: No one's quite sure how it formed. For visitors, this peculiar and beautiful wilderness area has some great trails for hiking, birdwatching, and cycling, in addition to the obvious fishing and boating. To add to the fun, if you see the apparition of a ghostly white canoe lit only by firefly lamp, you won't be the first.
Photo: John Henley

Learn more: 8 outdoor adventures you had no idea were possible in Virginia




10

Virginia Beach Fishing Pier

Virginia Beach's three-mile boardwalk has views like this for as far as the eye can see. Look hard enough, and you'll find King Neptune lurking somewhere in the distance (along the boardwalk at 31st Street, to be precise).
Photo: Sam Dean

11

Road tripping Virginia

With the top down, Virginia is basically one giant scenic byway. Choose between the "Nickel & Dime" route, taking in dozens of Civil War sites and three presidential homes; US-250 from Staunton to Monterey, which cuts across the Shenandoah Valley; Skyline Drive, 105 miles of elevated scenery through Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Mountains; or the Colonial Parkway, which connects Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown. (And those are just a few ideas.)
Photo: Sam Dean

12

McAfee Knob

If you're familiar with the Appalachian Trail, you're probably no stranger to McAfee Knob—it's one of the most photographed sites along the entire route. A 3,197-foot-high ledge not too far from Roanoke, it provides a panoramic view of North Mountain, the Tinker Cliffs, and the Roanoke and Catawba Valleys. (If you're not hiking the AT, the trek to the knob comes in at 8.8 miles round trip. For the best photo opps, definitely visit on a weekday.)
Photo: Sam Dean

13

Carvins Cove Natural Reserve

Carvins Cove Natural Reserve is the country's second largest municipal park, coming in at around 12,700 acres (for reference, the entirety of Manhattan covers fewer than 15,000). More than 40 miles of trails wind their way through this terrain, and connections to the Appalachian Trail and the aforementioned McAfee Knob are nearby. It's a quick jaunt from Roanoke, and there's a huge reservoir here to enjoy, too.
Photo: Sam Dean

14

Claytor Lake State Park

Twenty-one miles long with plenty of cozy cabins, Claytor Lake—and its state park as a whole—is the place to get away for the weekend. Boating, swimming, camping, hiking, picnicking, and sport fishing are popular, but stand-up paddleboarding (with Mountain 2 Island Outfitters) might get you the best views.
Photo: Sam Dean

15

Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon, the plantation home of our country's first president, is aging well. What started out in 1735 as a modest house built by George Washington's father is now an ornate, 21-room mansion complete with an education center, 4D theatre, gristmill, tombs, gardens, and distillery—yep, a distillery. And you thought history was boring? You can even nab a bottle of George Washington's Rye Whiskey at The Shops at Mount Vernon (move fast—production is limited and they sell out quickly).
Photo: Cameron Davidson

16

Great Falls Park

The Potomac River picks up some pizzazz (and speed) in Mather Gorge, about 15 miles upstream of DC. The steep, jagged rocks—and the water that rushes around them—are the claim to fame in this 800-acre park, but the trails, rock climbing walls, and picnic spots keep visitors coming back, too.
Photo: Mark Mackoviak

17

Buggs Island Lake

Walking the perimeter of Virginia’s largest lake would take you longer than walking from Las Vegas to Denver. Yeah, Buggs Island Lake (aka, the John H. Kerr Reservoir) is big, with more than 50,000 acres of fresh water and 800 miles of shoreline dotted by coves and inlets. If you can dream it up, you can do it on the water here. And, clearly, that includes stargazing.
Photo: Sam Dean

18

Ravens Roost Overlook

The Blue Ridge Parkway is widely regarded as one of America's best drives, and the Ravens Roost Overlook is just one of the many spots that make the route such a road trip classic. Elevation here is 3,200 feet, and you'll spot it at milepost 10.7—meaning all you have to do is pull the car over and roll the window down to catch the view.
Photo: Wahoo Photography

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