Matador Network's Blog, page 1366

Drunk guy hikes up mountain

This is one drunken tale that we think most people can agree: we’ve not all been there. According to Italian news outlet La Stampa, an Estonian man, known as Pavel, took a wrong turn while heading home to the Italian resort of Cervinia and ended up ascending an Alpine mountain.

It was reported that Pavel believed he was sauntering up a rather snowy street, instead of climbing up one of the resort’s ski runs towards the summit.

After reaching one of the venues that tower over the resort, bar and restaurant Igloo, Pavel managed to break in to the establishment and find some bottled water from the bar to rehydrate from his hike.

Unknown to Pavel, a search party was established in the resort below, where people took to foot and drones were launched in an effort to find the missing man.

Pavel took refuge in the bar and was found the following morning by the staff of Igloo. It was reported he was fast asleep on one of the benches.

Like most incidents where the authorities are called out for a search and where the individual has put themselves in danger, it is expected that Pavel will receive a fine for his actions.

Although this story could easily have ended badly, we have a feeling Pavel will be recounting this saga for some time.

H/T Travel and Leisure

More like this: 7 best pieces of advice I’ve received from drunk travelers

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Overcome social awkwardness

For those of us who are introverted or slightly socially awkward, solo travel can be an intimidating prospect. After all, if you aren’t regularly meeting people while traveling alone, it can get really lonely really fast. There’s no one single solution to this problem, but if you don’t want social anxiety to hamper your ability to see the world, we have a few tips for how to meet people.

1. Stay in hostels or Couchsurf.

A really easy way to meet people is to just put yourself in a situation where you’re forced to be around a lot of people. Hostels are one of the better social environments for travelers because they automatically put you in close proximity with a bunch of people who are doing the same things as you. This automatically gives you something you have in common to talk about. Also, many hostels have pre-arranged social events like pub crawls and tours that are offered, and that’s an excellent way to make friends with other travelers.

Couchsurfing gives you access to fewer people, but basically guarantees you a local host. Couchsurfing, as opposed to a service like Airbnb, is not the rental of someone else’s space. Instead, a local is inviting you into their home to crash. Usually, they will have a lot of tips and advice for stuff you can do around the area, and often, they will join you on their excursions. Also, it’s free.

2. Ask trip-planning questions.

One of the biggest curses for the socially awkward is getting bogged down in trying to think of what to say next. Skip trying to be witty or interesting — people are most interested in themselves anyway, so the best move is to ask questions. And as a traveler, you’ve got a perfect question ready to go: “What is your favorite thing to do around here?”

Also: “What is the one thing everyone visiting this city should see?”

“What’s the most underrated spot in town?”

“What’s the best beer here?”

“Any restaurants I should try?

And so on. People will start giving you advice and the conversation can flow naturally from there. You might even get them to join you in your plans.

3. Mind your manners (and learn the local ones).

Etiquette exists for a reason — it’s so people have a set standard of rules to follow in their social interactions. Manners were invented explicitly to destroy social awkwardness: if the standard in a country when greeting another person is shaking hands and everyone knows that, then there’s no awkward moment where one person goes in for a hug and another tries for a bow. It’s easy enough to do a little research ahead of time to know how you should greet people in a country, and there are countless forums, articles, and infographics on what is and isn’t rude in a certain place.

In a pinch, though, you don’t need to know all of the intricacies of local etiquette: just be gracious and kind and mind your p’s and q’s. That will take you a long way in getting people to like you.

4. Don’t worry about making a good impression.

This is the converse of the manners rule: you’re never going to see any of these people again. This is not where you live, and they are not coming back with you. So if they don’t like you, it does not matter. At all. There are much lower stakes to your social interactions while traveling, which makes it easier not to beat yourself up about embarrassing moments.

5. Tinder can work for finding friends, too.

Tinder doesn’t have to just be a hook-up app. Matador contributor Eben Diskin regularly uses it as a way to meet local people while traveling abroad. It doesn’t have to go somewhere romantic — you can just say, “Hey, I’m in town, I’m looking for someone to show me the cool spots.” It makes meeting people as easy as a swipe, though we should note that you’ll want to a) be super straightforward about what you want, and b) trust your gut about going into bad situations.

6. Go to classes.

You can also try to find a class in the area you’re visiting — language classes are the most obvious bet, but cooking classes, hiking groups, and Meetups will all do in a pinch — as a way to force yourself into structured social interactions. These, like the hostels, put you in a situation where you’re surrounded by people who you already know like the same things as you.

7. Take advantage of technology.

If it’s been a minute since you’ve actually talked to someone else, take advantage of the fact that we live in a world where there are tools like Skype and Google Hangouts and call someone you love back home. This won’t do much to cure homesickness, but it’ll help you get any difficult feelings off of your chest, and it’ll put you in touch with a sympathetic voice, which may make it easier to get out there and try again.


More like this: The importance of traveling alone

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Best places for millennial birding

Millennials are ruining department stores. Millennials have put an end to the diamond industry. We’ve killed dinner dates, napkins, home ownership, and even sex. But, for all things we millennials have allegedly killed, you can thank us for bringing one thing back into popularity: birding. Millennials have made birdwatching trendy again, and are keeping the industry alive. The stereotypical demographic of birders was always decidedly older, possibly retired, but we somewhat-youngsters are breaking that mold.

Birdwatching can be social, and a good way to meet people, or it can be done alone, thus meditative. Birds occupy every continent on the planet, and creating a species bucket list is an excellent way to make travel decisions. Birding is by nature a means of exploration, so a pigeon could take you down a formerly unknown alley in a city, while a spoonbill could be the reason someone goes exploring a country they’ve never before visited. Perhaps most importantly, birding fosters appreciation for the natural world, making our collective community more inclined to protect it.

So download eBird, buy a field guide, and grab your binoculars because here are the best places to go birding around the world:

1. Montana, United States

Photo: Bob Martinka/Montana Audobon

“Big Sky Country”, as Montana is known, seems like the perfect place for birds to thrive, and it is. This state is a big hunk of land with barely a million people occupying it, so the more-than-400 species of birds that live here have room to stretch their wings. Montana’s chapter of the National Audubon Society, one of the largest bird conservation organizations in the world, is extremely active, with tours throughout the year and an annual summer festival with awesome field trips. Plus it’s home to Glacier National Park, and adjacent to Yellowstone National Park, both bird havens. Luxury-oriented millennials should head to Lone Mountain Ranch in Big Sky, as they are developing a birdwatching program for their guests, so you can enjoy wildlife and relax in tandem. Expect to see eagles both bald and golden, wily ravens, and the wild mating ritual of the greater sage-grouse, if you’re lucky.

2. Cayo District, Belize

Photo: Belize Bird Conservancy

Central American rainforests are teeming with wildlife, but Belize, the western part in particular, is really into its birds. Most hotels and lodges offer bird-watching excursions to their guests, and some like Hidden Valley Inn go as far as to host bird conservationists and let them release rare species on the property. Professional birding guides in Belize are typically young, adventurous, and extremely enthusiastic about birds, making for a relatively high energy bird-watching experience (at least in the context of being quiet enough to not scare away animals). Organizations like the Belize Bird Conservancy set the international example for how to protect birds, and visitors get to reap the benefits when their binocular lenses are full of parrots. Scarlet macaws, yellow-headed parrots, blue-crowned motmots, and a litany of hummingbirds are just several species among the many you may spot in Belize.

3. Antarctica

Photo: Bret Whitney/Field Guides Birding Tours

The White Continent is at the top of everyone’s list these days, especially birders. Penguins, petrels, and albatrosses are waiting in the world’s most remote corner for you to peep (but not touch) them. Field Guides runs a great bird-focused trip for those interested.

4. Rocky Mountaineer Train in Western Canada

Photo: Rocky Mountaineer

Train travel is another travel experience we are helping revive with our increased interest. Rocky Mountaineer is everything a birding millennial could want: you can spend the entire time sitting, drinking infinite glasses of wine, and spotting osprey nests and soaring bald eagles from the window. It’s the perfect combination of luxury and outdoor adventuring: the glass-ceilinged train winding through Western Canada shows a relatively unseen glimpse into the country’s wilderness. At the end of the trip, you will have more ‘grammable moments than you can know what to do with.

5. Westfjords, Iceland

Photo: Visit Westfjords – Iceland

With ridiculously cheap plane tickets from the US, millennials are all over Iceland. Oddly, we tend to skip the Westfjords, home to the Látrabjarg bird cliffs and a giant colony of nesting puffins (in the spring and summer). These small, adorable birds are borderline fearless and will allow people to get within mere feet of them, so you can get your wildlife photography kudos without much effort. Lucky birders may also glance a white-tailed eagle, one of the most sought-after bucket list birds in the world.

6. Colombia

Photo: Francesco Veronesi

Colombia is another recent addition to the travel hotspot list, but serious birders have been doing their thing here forever. 1,900 species make Colombia the most bird-diverse country on the planet, and their government is extremely committed to maintaining wild habitats, which range from high Andean with its condor to the Amazon basin with the resplendent quetzal. Birdwatching makes a great addition (or reason) for a Colombian adventure. Don’t leave without snapping a pic of a Cock-Of-The-Rock, which is never not a funny name.

7. Snowmass, Colorado, United States

Photo: Aspen Center for Environmental Studies

What’s better than aprés-skiing? If you ask me, or anyone else who has invested in expensive binoculars, it’s birding in a resort town where care has been taken to preserve the natural environment. The Rocky Mountains are glorious in their beauty and make for a great backdrop to searching for birds. Al Levantin, one of the birders represented by birding’s biggest movie “The Big Year” calls Snowmass home, so it’s a proven place to search for birds. The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES), is a great resource for tours and info on finding juncos, sharp-shinned hawks, and other Aspen fliers.

8. Tasmania, Australia

Photo: Sammy Sam

Australia’s southernmost state is a fairly compact place, so spotting wildlife happens without even meaning to, birds included. Native parrots like the rosella and the sulphur-crested cockatoo are easy to spot near more populated areas, and penguins can be found along the coast. Tasmania’s northwestern corner is home to the Tarkine, a rainforest region that is in danger of being destroyed. Head there for a one-of-a-kind birding experience that also supports saving the fragile environment where Tasmanian devils are found.

9. Sanibel Island, Florida, United States

Photo: J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge (Official)

Sanibel Island is home to 245 bird species, including the bright pink roseate spoonbill which roam the wetlands. The Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge ensures that waders, singers, and peckers have a place to call home, and they are generous enough to have created a checklist for you that includes information on what you can expect to find during whichever season you happen to be visiting. Just remember to glance down every so often while you’re searching the sky — alligators live here, too.


More like this: 12 colorful birds from around the world

The post Millennials are super into birding now. Here are the best places to go birding around the world appeared first on Matador Network.

Best podcasts for next flight

You have been counting down the minutes until your next trip, and finally it’s time to get going. Before you get to the destination of your next adventure though you have to put up with a seemingly endless wait at the airport, and way more time with only 30 inches of legroom than should be legal. Thankfully, we are here to help with a list of podcasts that will help you kill the time, get pumped, and perhaps teach you a thing or two before your adventure officially starts.

Podcasts that will get you stoked for your trip
1. Wild Ideas Worth Living

Perfect for: Igniting the stoke while you fly into a tiny, secluded airport at the base of the Andes or Himalayas.

Launched in 2017, Wild Ideas Worth Living is part of the REI Co-Op program. It’s hosted by surfer and travel writer Shelby Stanger, so you know it’s going to be jam packed with adventure and crazy stories. Podcast episodes regularly feature adventure seekers, explorers, record breakers and even business owners who have taken their ventures out of the office building and into the wild.

2. The Trip

Perfect for: Those whose idea of the perfect Sunday morning includes reruns of Parts Unknown and a helping of leftover goat meat from Saturday’s pit BBQ.

The Trip was created by Roads and Kingdoms, an Anthony Bourdain-funded online travel publication. The show is hosted by R&K co-founder Nathan Thornburgh, though each episode is narrated by a different journalist and takes you behind the scenes of a reporting trip to remote locations in places like Cuba, Madagascar, and Pakistan. It’s like a slice of your favorite Bourdain episode for when you’re without CNN.

3. The RV Entrepreneur

Perfect for: #vanlife lovers, also great for fans of the Becoming Minimalist blog.

Hosted by husband and wife duo Alyssa and Heath, The RV Entrepreneur exists to show you how to downsize your life, create a remote income, and work from anywhere in the world. In your earbuds, you will be joined by a different guest every week who shares tips on how to create a remote business so you can travel non stop, no matter what your chosen mode of transport is.

4. Nomadtopia

Perfect for: anyone who has ever uttered the phrase “I just wish I could keep traveling” on the last day of a trip.

Nomadtopia host Amy Scott has been interviewing location independent workers and entrepreneurs for over 3 years in order to learn exactly how people manage to travel non-stop by working remotely. Warning: everyone on this podcast has a serious case of wanderlust, making it ideal for a flight but not so much for when you’re back at work. It’s tough to be productive when you can’t stop checking airfare sales.

Podcasts to stimulate the mind
5. The Tim Ferriss Show

Perfect for: Hearing crazy stories about how head-turners like entrepreneurs, athletes, and writers were able to break away from the mold and build their own path.

Tim Ferriss is the New York Times bestselling author of the 4-Hour Work Week and a self-described human guinea pig. Every week Tim interviews some of the world’s top performers (I’m talking about people like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Tony Robbins here) in order to pull out the golden nuggets that have helped them rise to the top. Listen to this podcast 30,000 feet in the air and when you land there’s a good chance that you’ll be at least a little bit smarter than when you took off.

6. The School of Greatness

Perfect for: Those travel partners who aren’t wanting to do much more than lounge around on the trip. Share an earbud with them and after an episode they’ll be as motivated as you are to optimize each day.

From sleeping on his sister’s couch, to being named one of the top 100 entrepreneurs by President Obama, Lewis Howes has had quite a journey over the last 10 years. On his renowned podcast, Lewis interviews some of the most successful people from the realms of entrepreneurship, fitness, relationships, and mindset. The School of Greatness will help you get inspired and energized to hit the ground running at your next destination.

7. Joe Rogan Experience

Perfect for: Getting to know the weirder and more intimate side of your favorite celebrities, and a bunch of random pseudo-celebs as well.

No, this podcast is not about eating insects, but it is a wild dive into the mind of one of the most bizarre people in the entertainment industry. With over 1000 episodes featuring interviews with people like Russell Brand and Natasha Leggero and zero restrictions on topics, The Joe Rogan Experience is a podcast that will keep you entertained for hours on end.


More like this: Podcasts to binge on your next road trip

The post Best 7 podcasts to download at the airport before your next flight appeared first on Matador Network.

Visa Pan de Zucchero in Italy

Just off the extreme southwest coast of Sardinia, Italy is a famous faraglione (Italian for “stack,” describing a coastal rock formation eroded by waves) that entices cliff jumpers, divers, and climbers from all over the world. This particular limestone rock island is called Pan di Zucchero, or Sugar Loaf, as it resembles a huge cube of sugar bobbing in the sea.

Located off the coast Masua, a hamlet of Iglesias, Pan di Zucchero is not a large mass, only .03 square kilometers, but it’s quite tall, rising 133 meters (436 feet) above the sea surface. On the northwest and southeast side of the islet, where erosive forces are strongest, there are natural arches and tunnels, one of which can be passed through by small boat.

The Masua area of Sardinia was once perforated with mines. Just down the coast, you can catch a glimpse of Porto Flavia, a twentieth-century sea harbor carved into the reef and constructed to transport minerals directly from the mining tunnel on to the merchant ships. At the time of build in 1923, it was an engineering masterpiece.

Pan di Zucchero is only a few hundred meters from the coast, but you’ll definitely want to visit on a fair weather day, as the sea and winds can be treacherous. At sunset, Pan di Zucchero’s light-colored rock practically glows, reflecting hues of orange, yellow, and red.

How to get there

Pan di Zucchero is located in the small town of Masua in the coastal district of Iglesias on the south-west coast of Sardinia, Italy. To get to the Masua cove, Spiaggia di Masua, go to Masua center and follow the road down the hill to the bottom. The only way to reach this stranded stack is by sea. From the cove of Masua, there is a small sandy beach slinging all the necessary services — including boat trips, trekking, climbing and paddleboat rentals.

What to consider

This part of the island isn’t overrun by tourists and is great for some off the beaten path exploration.
The beach is a lovely respite, with a cafe, boat trips, and beach chairs and shades for rent.
The nearby museum of Porto Flavia is worth a visit.
If you don’t want to hire a boat to take you to Pan di Zucchero, the snorkeling from the beach is pretty good — clear water, plenty of fish.
There are no lifeguards on duty and the water can get pretty rough and rip-tidey, so make sure you’re a strong swimmer and take notice of your surroundings.
Parking is 4 euros a day.
Access to the beach is via a steep staircase, so not very accessible for those with limited mobility.



More like this: Rock climbing in Mallorca, Spain: An amazing deep-water soloing destination

The post Why Pan di Zucchero in Italy is a rock climber’s paradise appeared first on Matador Network.

Win a trip to see royal wedding

The British royal family has long been an obsession within the US — 23 million viewers in the US tuned in to watch the coverage of the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011 — but now you can take your love affair for the family out from your bedroom viewings of The Crown and actually travel to the next royal wedding for a measly few quid.

The recent engagement of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is seemingly endless gossip fodder and many are willing to make to trip to the UK to be part of the big day and, let’s be honest, an epic UK-wide street party. Markle and Prince Harry are tying the knot on May 19 of this year, and many in the US are chomping at the bit to get a last minute flight deal.

According to travel site Kayak, flight searches to London from the US increased by 29 percent after the royal engagement was announced, in comparison to the day before. The site has even set up what they call a “Royal Price Alert” because so many people are searching for a good deal for flights to the UK for the occasion. The alert sends you an email when flight prices drop, and when you sign up for the alerts, you’ll also be entered to win a two-person trip to London.

As of today, the average fare the week before the wedding from New York to London via Kayak is $410. Los Angeles to London via Kayak with British Airways is $694, while budget carrier Norwegian Air UK has cheaper options from the West Coast for under $600. Couple these low prices with the current currency exchange and the trip could be easily done without breaking the bank, leaving you with enough money for a new hat.

There is no doubt that accommodation options might be tight at this point of the year, but Airbnb still has full houses and rooms to rent in easy travel distance to the wedding. If this is something you are considering seriously, rest assured it will be one hell of a trip. Whether you get close to the wedding or not, London will have the bunting out, Champagne at the ready, and many a street party.


More like this: Visiting London for the second time: Everything you need to see that tourists miss the first time around

The post You can win a trip to see the royal wedding by signing up for a last-minute flight alert to the UK appeared first on Matador Network.

65-foot-tall lava dome

This is not trick photography. That is an actual, giant, 65-foot-tall, red-piping-hot ball of lava. Here’s what’s happening: From 1969 to 1974, the active Kilauea Volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii was erupting. At the time, the eruption, known as Mauna Ulu, was the longest in the volcano’s history. The US Geological Survey monitored the eruption closely and took a lot of pictures. A few days back, they tweeted out this photo from that eruption, and the internet has been understandably losing its mind.

What’s happening in the photo is called a dome fountain. It’s a pretty normal occurrence during eruptions, even if the shape of it is not. When volcanoes erupt, gas and lava spurt through fissures in the earth, and where they come out, they form fountains. Normally, this looks like what you’d think it would — think of a slow-moving river, or a fountain in a golf course water hazard. But this one was special: dome fountains are almost never this symmetrical.

Photo: USGS

What you’re seeing is not an air bubble building up under the lava. What’s happening is that the lava is shooting out of the ground at enough of an angle and with enough force to create this apparently spherical shape. The dark spots are where the air is cooling the outer layer of lava And those ripples you see in front of the dome are not waves: this happened on land. Those are hardened lava flows.

The Mauna Ulu eruption was epic — this particular fountain was not even close to the largest. That honor goes to the 1969 fountain that shot 1770 feet into the air.

Photo: USGS

At another point in the eruption, rivers of lava flowed into the ‘Alae crater, creating a spectacular lavafall that, at 330 feet, was higher than the Niagara Falls.

Photo: USGS

The eruption finally ended in 1974, when a giant 7.2 magnitude earthquake caused the summit to partially collapse, ending any eruptions at the volcano for the next three years. By the end of the event, 230 acres of land had been added to the Island of Hawaii.

While the Mauna Ulu eruption is over, you can still see volcanic activity at Kilauea if you visit the Big Island: the current eruption now holds the record for longest ever. It started in 1983 and hasn’t stopped.

h/t: My Modern Met and the USGS

More like this: 6 active volcanoes you can actually go and see up close

The post This mind blowing photo of a 65-foot tall lava dome isn’t photoshopped appeared first on Matador Network.

Top Alaskan food spots

Alaska may be best known for its wilderness and views, but our food scene is something we take pride in. Locally sourced and inspired fare take center stage in our cuisine, with Alaska-grown produce and only the freshest seafood. We’re big on hearty meals, but we also love our international influences. And most importantly, we’ve got to pair things with strong espresso or a good brew. Here are 13 spots where real Alaskans love to chow down.

1. Two Sisters Bakery, Homer

Filled with organic baked goods and hippy vibes, this seaside bakery is a local favorite. It’s a perfect spot to grab a sweet or savory pastry to munch on after walking Bishop’s Beach or savor fresh seafood and Alaska-grown veggies from a creative seasonal dinner menu.

2. Moose’s Tooth, Anchorage

It could be an hour wait for a table, but locals will tell you it’s worth it — we insist this is the best pizza in the States. They also have a rotating beer selection, including the ones brewed in-house.

3. Snow City Cafe, Anchorage

Anchorage’s favorite (and Obama-approved) brunch location, Snow City Cafe is a go-to. What better way to kill your hangover than with stuffed french toast, eggs doused in hollandaise, and mountains of hashbrowns?

4. A reindeer sausage cart

Whether set up at the State Fair, a Farmer’s Market, or the streets of downtown Anchorage, Alaskans flock to these vendors to get our reindeer sausage fix.

5. Middle Way Cafe, Anchorage

For health-conscious Alaskans (and vegans and vegetarians), Middle Way is a godsend. They serve K-Bay Coffee, smoothies with superfood additional shots, and super hearty but healthy breakfast and lunch fare. It’s a great stop on your way to REI or Title Wave.

6. Alaskan Brewing Company, Juneau

Home to Alaska’s favorite beer, the Alaskan Brewing Company put Alaskan craft brews on the map. Besides their flagship Alaskan Amber, their tasting rooms feature seasonal and limited edition brews to satisfy any palate.

7. Ludvig’s, Sitka

Founded by a former fisherwoman and featuring dishes likes Gnocchi and Wild Alaskan Paella, Ludvig’s is an experience worth splurging on. Sipping wines plus incredible seafood plus waterfront views makes this one of the best upscale dining experiences in the Southeast.

8. Denali Brewing Company, Talkeetna

Denali Brewing doesn’t stop at beer — it’s a brewery, distillery, and meadery wrapped into one. Tucked off of the Spur Hwy on the way to Denali, their Talkeetna taproom serves liquor up with all-American eats, and their spirits, IPAs, and barrel aged brews can be found all over the state.

9. Kaladi Bros Coffee

Our most prolific coffee roaster, Kaladi Bros embodies Alaska coffee culture. What started as a humble coffee cart in the ’80s has grown to fifteen locations where we can pick up smooth lattes and single origin roasts.

10. Salty Dog Saloon, Homer

Located in a historic lighthouse on the Homer Spit and filled with locals, tourists, and off-shift fisherman, the Dawg doubles Alaska’s favorite dive bar and sweatshirt-maker. Its walls are plastered in dollar bills, its Bloody Mary’s are legendary, and at 2 AM, those bar snacks and microwave hot dogs really do hit the spot.

11. Double Musky Inn, Girdwood

An Alaskan take on Cajun food, the Double Musky Inn puts a Creole spin on everything from halibut to scallops. We make the hour trek from Anchorage to devour their French Pepper Steak. And though the wait may be long, the jalapeno cheese bread makes it bearable.

12. A drive-thru coffee stand

A true Alaskan institution, we’ve perfected efficient java-delivery with the drive-thru coffee stand, which you can find on every few blocks corner or miles down the highway. Perfect for road trips and morning commutes, these ensure we don’t have to leave our cars in frigid temperatures and provides a one-stop shop for our caffeine and sugar addictions.

13. The Cookery, Seward

Fresh oysters and trendy New American fare are served side by side at the Cookery in Seward. As if the Pomegranate Mimosas and Porkbelly weren’t enough, they serve donuts (and cronuts!) with brunch.


More like this: 14 things Alaskans are weirdly obsessed with

The post You’re not a real Alaskan until you’ve eaten at these 13 food spots appeared first on Matador Network.

6 day trips out of Rapid City, SD

The first National Park cave, famous granite faces, needles made of stone, and lands so bad it’s in the name — this is what you can see on just a few of the monumental day trips within a couple hours’ drive of Rapid City. And that’s just the beginning. If you’re looking for the quintessential American road trip experience — only without too much driving — you’ll find it in western South Dakota. Here are six ideas to get you started.

Trip #1: Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse

Photo: The Digital Artist

Mount Rushmore National Memorial — the American icon that needs no introduction — is often the main reason travelers visit the city that locals simply call “Rapid.” Shoot southwest on Hwy 16 from downtown and only half an hour later the car will be parked and you’ll be parading down the Avenue of Flags. Spot your home state’s flag and pillar, and keep an eye on the four famous faces watching from above. Then, join travelers from all over the globe in some good old-fashioned selfie snapping, using these giants as a grand, granite backdrop.

Once you’ve walked the Presidential Trail and toured the Lincoln Borglum Museum on the lower level (and brushed up on your Mount Rushmore facts), it’s time to see the other massive granite memorial in the area — just down the road about 15 miles. Crazy Horse Memorial is the world’s largest in-progress sculpture carving, as well as the longest ongoing. It’s been in the works since 1948 and currently features little more than Crazy Horse’s profile, but once complete, the Oglala Lakota warrior and his steed will rise 27 feet taller than the four US Presidents.

When you’re at the site, you can either marvel from a distance or take a quick bus ride to the rocky base of the sculpture. If you want to get even closer, you’ll need to visit during either the spring or fall Volksmarch. The trek — a 6.2-mile round trip hike through the surrounding woods — culminates on the ridge of Crazy Horse’s arm. With 10,000+ people tackling it yearly, the Volksmarch is one of the most popular organized hikes in the country.

Trip #2: Wind Cave National Park and Jewel Cave National Monument

Photo: National Park Service

Travel south of Rapid City an hour toward Custer and take note: The landscape above ground may be stunning, but under the surface lie even more wonders. This is cave territory, formed by the sea some 330 million years ago. Jewel Cave National Monument and Wind Cave National Park are next-door neighbors — most people hit Jewel Cave first and end with Wind Cave, as the latter is a straight shot back to Rapid when you’re done. And by the time you’ve completed two cave tours, you’re exhausted and ready to nosh.

For both, you’re going to want to reserve a tour online. This will guarantee you a departure time, and also allow you to pick the tour of your preference. There’s quite a variety to choose from any time of year (even more in summer), and they’re all very different. Do your research and your reserving beforehand.

And repeat after me: Do both. One may be a National Park, the other a National Monument, but neither should be missed. Jewel Cave is the third-longest cave on Earth, and you’ll get to explore a portion of its 190+ underground miles, all lined by intensely intricate calcite crystals. Compare that to the (entirely different) boxwork and popcorn of Wind Cave, and you’ll practically be an expert in subterranean formations.

Bonus: The appeal of these parks doesn’t stop underground. Wind Cave has some 30 miles of hiking trails (look for bison, elk, and mountain lions), while Jewel Cave has a couple self-guided trails as well. And since the majority of visitors are busy exploring underground, these walks are even better than they sound. Both parks also offer nature talks, giving you the chance to touch some of the cave formations outside of the cave.

Trip #3: Badlands National Park

Photo: Sam Dean, courtesy of Visit Rapid City

As you drive east out of Rapid, you’ll start to notice that you’re creeping into a rugged, wilder realm. This red, white, cream, yellow, pink, and gray geological wonderland pops out of the prairie like you’ve crash-landed into alien territory — in actuality, the Badlands are the result of 500,000 years of ancient seabeds subsiding, streams carving the rock layers, open savanna being covered in ash, and the wind giving it all a good lash. (That said, some of the formations are a whopping 75 million years old.) It’ll all be gone in another 500,000 years, and for the record, existing for a mere million years is a geological blink. You’re looking at a snapshot in time.

Arrive early enough in the day to give yourself plenty of time to crawl all over this Mars-like fossil bed. You’ll want to drive all of Badlands Loop Road — around 30 miles — from park end to park end. Saddle Pass, Door, Window, and Notch Trails can all be completed in a day (they’re short but sweet), and if you’ve got more time, take on Castle Trail (10 miles). Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep, mule deer, pronghorn, bobcats, coyotes, and any of the many, many other animals that call this park home.

Bonus: Badlands National Park runs an awesome night-sky program. Friday through Monday during the summer, head to Cedar Pass Campground Amphitheater, where you’ll be given a telescope and some awe-filled memories.

Trip #4: Custer State Park and Needles Highway

Photo: Guimir

Speaking of wildlife, there’s nothing like a South Dakota safari. Climb into your ride and zip south of Rapid (as if you’re heading to Wind Cave again), aiming for the largest state park in South Dakota. Custer State Park is a world away from the flatlands of the rest of the state — here, you’ll find elevations into the 6,000s. It’s also not far from the Black Elk Wilderness Area, home to the state’s highest point (and the highest east of the Rockies), Black Elk Peak.

For most, a day trip consists of a drive through the state park and its Wildlife Loop Road. Roughly 1,300 bison call the park home, and they share the lands and lanes with bighorn sheep, burros, prairie dogs, and mule deer. That being said, getting out on foot is recommended (in designated areas).

Before you return to the bright lights of Rapid City, point your wheels to Needles Highway (SD-87). This National Scenic Byway offers ever-green scenery, from birch and aspen to flowering bushes, that will lead the way to the pièce de résistance: Needles Eye Tunnel. Stop and look around at the panoramic views, and then find the trailhead for the Cathedral Spires Trail. It’s only 1.6 miles, but it packs a punch. Steep at the start, it levels out into a granite amphitheater where you’ll be surrounded on all sides by the famous “Needles.” Climbing these spires is popular, too (as are other rock-climbing spots around nearby Sylvan Lake).

Trip #5: Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park and Skyline Wilderness Area

Photo: Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park

Somehow both remote and easy to reach from downtown Rapid, Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park is one big off-road adventure for mountain bikers and hikers. Take a look at a satellite image of the switchback trails to see a zigzag surrounded by the forest that gives the Black Hills area its name. Get to the park from West Omaha Street at Founders Park for a short one-mile jaunt straight up into the hilly, rocky terrain. The elevation of these 20 miles of trails provides a view of Mount Rushmore and Black Elk Peak that you likely haven’t seen in the postcards.

And then there’s Skyline Wilderness Area, which contains both the concrete kitsch of Dinosaur Park (great for kids) and 150 acres of the great outdoors. Bring a picnic lunch or hop right onto one of the trails — the first one you’ll come to will be Petrified Forest Trail, a good prehistoric-themed transition after Dinosaur Park, where you’ll see some petrified logs during your hike. Park at the trailhead and you can hike your way along several paths, too.

Otherwise, keep driving along Skyline Drive. At the southern end of the park — about as far down the road as you can get — is Stonewall Overlook, a spot with a restroom and a commanding view of the Black Hills.

Trip #6: Devils Tower National Monument

Photo: Guido da Rozze

While in Rapid City, make the short trip west over the state border into Crook County, Wyoming. Devils Tower, a formation sacred to the Northern Plains Indians, was declared by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906 to be the first National Monument in the US.

Thanks to the flatlands surrounding Devils Tower, you’ll see it long before you reach it — the 1,000-foot-high tower juts out of the ground in an almost supernatural manner. How did it form? One legend has it that two boys prayed to the Great Spirit to save them from a giant bear, and the tower sprang up at their feet, ushering them beyond the animals’ grasp. The beast clawed and clawed — forming the vertical striations along the rock — but the boys were safe. To add weight to the story, Ursa Major (“Great Bear,” or the Big Dipper), can be sighted just above the tower during parts of the year.

Geological reality is a bit less fantastical, but just as fantastic. Consensus has not been reached on how exactly this rocky sentinel came to be, but we know it’s a beautiful plume of magma, cooled to stone and exposed over millennia by erosion. Walk the boardwalk around its perimeter and marvel — it’s definitely a sight to behold.

Sufficiently awed, head back to Rapid to digest everything you’ve just taken in. Grab a pint at Murphy’s — and maybe some of their famous American buffalo stew — and then check out Main Street Square before turning in. In the morning, it’s time to hit the road again…what awaits you this time?

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Tourists miss first time in London

So, you’ve seen Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, and Big Ben, but now that you’ve ticked off the mega touristy sights on your first trip to London, it’s time to get down to the nitty gritty; to what really makes London the cool, quirky, and sometimes straight-up weird city that it is. From sky-high rooftop gardens to West End shows, here’s what you need to experience during your second time in London.

1. Broadway Market

A post shared by Broadway Market (@broadwaymarket) on Mar 27, 2018 at 12:38pm PDT

Broadway Market (also known to locals as Hackney Market) is one of the oldest trading streets in London. Every Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM, a small East End street between Regent’s Canal and London Fields becomes packed with vintage clothes, handmade crafts, and anything from traditional pie and mash eateries to cupcake stalls. The permanent indie music shops, quirky cafes, and old Victorian pubs are also worth checking out. Don’t miss Broadway Bookstore, ‘60s-themed Market Cafe, and the good old Cat & Mutton for a delicious roast.

2. Regent’s Park

A post shared by Pascal Seiler (@_passei_) on Apr 9, 2018 at 11:53am PDT

With lily-ponds, ornate fountains, rose gardens, and wooden footbridges, Regent’s Park is considered to be one of London’s most beautiful green spaces. In the summer, this is a great place to bring a picnic, hire a boat on the lake, or try out the UK’s favorite ice-cream: a Flake 99 from a Mr. Whippy ice cream van. If you’re here in the winter (or it’s just a classic British day), the park is still worth a visit, as it’s home to the London Zoo, Primrose Hill’s epic city viewpoint, and a whole host of music events.

3. Shakespeare’s Globe

A post shared by Shakespeare's Globe (@the_globe) on Mar 18, 2018 at 12:12pm PDT

Bang smack in the middle of the River Thames’ South Bank sits one of the coolest playhouses in the country — and maybe even the world. Shakespeare’s Globe, a reconstruction of the Elizabethan Globe Theatre famously built by Shakespeare’s Playing Company in the late 1500s, is the closest you’ll ever get to experiencing the real Shakespearean deal. Keeping to the original as much as possible, the building includes an open-air stage, tudor tiles, reed thatching, and even goat-hair walls. Performances, many of which are candle-lit and have actors perform in amongst the spectators, are no less authentic. Guided tours and show tickets can be found here.

4. Little Venice

A post shared by W9W2 (@w9w2pwmvs) on Apr 9, 2018 at 11:09am PDT

Almost every major city seems to have a “Little Italy”, but there are none quite like London’s Venice. While most other cities focus on Italian food, what makes Little Venice special are the beautiful tree-lined canals, colorful narrow boats heading to Camden Lock, and the many traditional canalside pubs serving locally-crafted ales. On a summer’s day, this is exactly where you want to be.

5. The Sky Garden

A post shared by Chillout London! (@chilloutlondon) on Jan 10, 2018 at 2:43pm PST

You probably spotted this building during your first visit to London: Sky Garden is the walkie-talkie-like skyscraper on Fenchurch Street. But did you get the chance to go to the top of it? On the 35th floor, you’ll find 3 levels of beautiful, tropical landscaped gardens, an outdoor cocktail terrace, four restaurants, and several observation decks. The building also has floor-to-ceiling windows, offering awesome panoramic views over the city skyline. Due to its popularity, you have to book a time slot on their website, which is released every Monday and can only be secured up to one week in advance.

6. Camden Passage

A post shared by Lena (@lena.hom) on Apr 8, 2018 at 4:06pm PDT

Camden oozes cool, and no second trip to London is complete without exploring its many awesome streets and locks. A great place to start is Camden Passage: a beautiful pedestrian alleyway filled with quirky antique shops, cafés, and vintage fashion boutiques. Every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, a street market selling retro clothes and random collectible adds even more character to this street. For a full list of shops, restaurants, and a weekly event schedule, check out the Camden Passage website.

7. The West End

A post shared by Jakob Olsson (@njvolsson) on Apr 9, 2018 at 11:19am PDT

If you didn’t get the chance to watch a West End show during your first visit to London, then you can’t miss it a second time. The biggies, some of which have been playing 8 times a week since the 80’s, are Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, and The Lion King, but there are other awesome, lesser-known comedies and plays on every street corner around Covent Garden and Leicester Square. If you have a specific show you want to see, you can buy tickets online. However, if you’re flexible and looking for a great deal, head to the TKTS booth in Leicester Square for discounted, on-the-day tickets. Tip: get here as early as you can to avoid long queues and for a better selection of tickets. And just like in New York City, don’t expect to just walk up to the Victoria Palace Theatre to see Hamilton.

8. Banksy Graffiti on Rivington Street, Shoreditch

A post shared by Roberta Varriale (@damaarien) on Jan 31, 2016 at 12:36pm PST

Every wall, bridge arch, and office block in Shoreditch is covered in awesome street art and has long been the main draw for tourists here. One of the earliest, and today’s most famous, however, is Banksy’s Rivington Street. Here you’ll find some of the artist’s earlier works including “Guard Dog,” as well as many other masterpieces from graffiti legends such as Thierry Noir, Cranio, and Zadok. If you want to learn more about Shoreditch’s art scene, the free graffiti walking tours (donation suggested) led by local street art enthusiasts are definitely worth joining.

9. The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art & Natural History

A post shared by Nadia King (@nadiakinguk) on Feb 10, 2018 at 8:09am PST

London prides itself on being quirky, and when it comes to the weird and wonderful, it doesn’t get any better than The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities. Inspired by Victorian cabinets of curiosities, the museum has everything from giant anteater and dodo skeletons to tribal shrunken heads and pickled genitals in glass jars. On the top floor, you’ll also find provocative art exhibitions, a carnivalesque cocktail bar, and taxidermy workshops. Think Natural History Museum; on mushrooms.

Please note: you have to be over 21 to visit the museum.

The post Visiting London for the second time: Everything you need to see that tourists miss the first time around appeared first on Matador Network.