Matador Network's Blog, page 167

Stock Up For Summer Adventures With These Rock-Bottom REI Outlet Deals

Summer trail and beach season is upon us. This weekend you can take advantage of a massive sale at REI Outlet to ensure you’re stocked and dressed for success this year, with massive discounts on name-brand outdoor gear and clothing from companies including PrAna, Vasque, and Outdoor Research. Check out the full rundown. Also available through April 29, REI members can take advantage of a free $20 digital gift card when they buy a gift card of $100 at REI.com right now. That quick math you just did in your head is correct – buy a gift card for yourself, and get $20 more for free. Here are Matador’s top picks from the sale (and check out the full rundown).

We hope you love the deas at this REI Outlet Sale! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to make a purcahse. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Alpine Mountain Gear Weekender Tent 6

Photo: REI

Getting a new tent at the start of camping season is the perfect way to motivate yourself to actually get out there this summer. If car camping with a family or small crew, this tent from Alpine Mountain Gear is perfect – it can fit up to six people, but is perfectly comfortable for three to four people with gear. The 2-pole quick-up design sets up in a few minutes and that includes adding the rainfly. Even if you have a full family, the gear loft ensures everyone has space to put their pack and basics – you’ll just have to ration time on the included power port.

Price: $81.73, normally $199.99

Specs:

Sleeps 6 peopleWeighs 13 lbs. 8 oz.Has 1 doorBest for 3-season campingMeasures 120 x 108 inches on the floorHas a peak height of 68 inchesMade with fiberglass poles

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Dragon Eden Glasses

Photo: REI

Dragon is a top name in winter eyewear, and the brand’s Eden Glasses extend that reputation throughout the year. The frame is made of Injection-molded recycled PET and the lenses offers 100 percent UV protection. These sunglasses actually look good on both men and women, and are designed to pair well with outdoor clothing and gear. You’ll not only see well, you’ll feel just as smooth.

Price: $57.73, normally $145

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Vasque Torre AT GTX Hiking Boots – Women’s

Photo: REI

The Vasque Torre AT GTX hiking boots are waterproof and lightweight, designed for comfort and performance. They are made of suede leather and mesh. Of particular note are the All Terrain Compound mid-soles with cushioning pods that allow you to step with confidence whether on a damp trai in the Pacific Northwest or a rocky outcropping in the Utah desert. TheVibram® Wavelength II outsoles feature extra grip designed specifically for loose terrain, so even if you’re hiking in the spring or fall when various types of moisture keep trais inconsistent, the boots will help you climb and descend at a steady rate with confidence.

Price: 4179.23, normally $220

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Mountain Equipment Starlight I Sleeping Bag – Men’s Long

Photo: REI

A two-pound sleeping bag is a win for camping trips. Finding one that is rated to 41 degrees (lower if you add a liner) that is also anatomically shaped with a full-length zipper is a season-changer. The Mountain Equipment Starlight I ticks all those boxes. It also looks good, in case you find yourself cozied up adjacent to a striking morning view and your camping partner can’t help but to take a photo of you sleeping with the sun rising beyond. Don’t worry – the mummy top will mask your ragged hair.

Price: $85.73, normally $215

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Outdoor Research Helium Wind Hoodie – Women’s

Photo: REI

A wind hoodie built for activewear should do three things quite well. First, it should fit tight to the body so that it moves with you. Second, it should have adjustable straps, hood, and other doo-dads so that it’s easy to fit it properly. Lastly, it should do all of this without sacrificing comfort, style, or its ability to be waterproof. The Helium Wind Hoodie from Outdoor Research does all these things, with the current bonus of being severely discounted. It’s on closeout at REI, so snag this jacket now before it’s sold out.

Price: $59.73, normally $119

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Tommy Bahama Deluxe Rush Lifeguard Hat – Men’s

Photo: REI

When it comes to practical uses in the wilderness, this hat won’t top your list. But for chill beach days, trailhead beer sessions, and travel days, it’s as useful an accessory as any. It has an elasticized COOLMAX sweatband, after all. Tommy Bahama knows a thing or two about the beach, so it’s no surprise that REI looked its way when in need of a solid lifeguard hat. Grab it now while it’s on clearance.

Price: $23.73, normally $60

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Outdoor Research Astro Shorts – Men’s

Photo: REI

Outdoor Research Astro Shorts are pull-on shorts made from the brand’s lightweight, stretchy, and durable Astroman and Ferrosi fabrics that makes them suitable for various environments and weather conditions. There’s also UPF 50 sun protection included. Fortunately, they also look pretty darn cool and match with plenty of outdoor clothing, so you’ll look as good on the trail as you do at happy hour afterward.

Price: $48.73, normally $79

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PrAna Sky Canyon Jogger Pants – Women’s

Photo: REI

Joggers (yoggers, as they’re known around here — it’s a “soft J”) are useful for so many things. Jogging, of course, but also gym sessions, chilling on the porch, and other casual revelry where the intended goal is function and comfort over strict fashion. These PrAna joggers are super comfy, stretchy, and not too thick, so you won’t be sweating into your socks the entire time you’re out on the run. The UPF 50 sun protection and water-repellant surface are a nice finishing touch.

Price: $27.73, normally $89

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Freewaters Becca Print Flip-Flops – Women’s

Photo: REI

It’s officially flip flop season. If you’re like this Matador editor, you work through a pair each year, and while end-of-season sales are often a good time to pick up a pair for next year, this year you don’t have to get down on yourself for missing out last fall. Grab these Becca Print Flip-Flops and stroll in style all summer long.

$11.73, normally $30

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7 Places for the Best Lake Diving in the US

When most people think about scuba diving, they think about tropical destinations, clear water, and boat rides in the sunshine to reach coral reefs or underwater rock formations. But if you live near one of the lakes below popular with scuba divers, you may be surprised to realize that some of the best diving in the US is far from any ocean coastline. Lake diving can be more varied, more exciting, and more adventurous than your standard coral reef drift dive, and comes with the added bonus of getting to visit some of the prettiest lakeside destinations in the US.

Today, more and more divers are realizing the beauty of lake diving: diving in fresh water in more inland locations. These often challenging and rewarding destinations are ripe for underwater photography and once-in-a-lifetime adventures in otherworldly landscapes, sometimes surrounded by dramatic backdrops like alpine forests or rocky cliffs and gorges.

These are seven of the best lake diving locations in the US, plus the run-down on what skills and equipement you’ll need for each one, as well as recommended dive shops.

Diving in Lake Tahoe (California and Nevada)

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Lake Tahoe covers nearly two hundred square miles on the intersection of California and Nevada. While the towns around Lake Tahoe are more known for sports like skiing and hiking, the lake itself is actually quite popular with area divers.

There are a few places to scuba dive in Lake Tahoe, but Emerald Bay is probably the most impressive underwater attraction. You’ll dive next to submerged trees from a rockslide in the steep canyon, over a dumping ground for the historic Emerald Bay Resort (closed in the early 1900s), and along a purpose-build underwater trail. It’s called the Emerald Bay Maritime Heritage Trail and includes dozens of vintage artifacts and the remains of several historic boats.

In total, there are four dive sites at Emerald Bay. On the Barge Dive Site, you’ll find the remains of two massive barges used by Tahoe’s lumber companies in the 1800s, while the other three sites (Passenger Launch, Wooden Fishing Boat, and Hard Chine Skiff) show off the history of Emerald Bay Resort. And Tahoe’s cold, still water helps keep everything very well preserved.

Lake Tahoe sits about 6,200 feet above sea level and is cold year-round, even in summer. While you can get away with a 7-mil wetsuit (plus a hood, gloves, and booties), almost all divers dive in drysuits. So you’ll need your own drysuit, or need a drysuit certification to rent one. While the dives at Emerald Bay aren’t particularly deep, maxing out at about 60 feet, there are deeper dives in other areas of the lake that require an advanced open water certification.

 

 

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You also need experience diving at altitude. The math gets complicated, but essentially, since the pressure at Tahoe’s surface is less than the pressure at sea level, you need to readjust the calculations for how your body will respond to gas at depths. The long and short of it is that you can easily get the bends if you treat it like a dive at sea level. There are also no decompression chambers around the lake if you make a grave mistake.

There’s only one scuba diving shop in Lake Tahoe, on the Nevada side near the south shore. It’s called Tahoe Dive Center and runs dives from roughly May to September. You can also find shops with experience diving in Lake Tahoe in Reno, Nevada, about 35 minutes away from the lake. Good Reno options include Adventure Scuba or Sierra Dive Center.

Diving in Ginnie Springs (Florida)

Photo: Valerijs Novickis/Shutterstock

Northern Florida is often referred to as “cave country” by in-the-know divers, and Ginnie Springs is considered a world-class freshwater site. It’s one of the region’s most spectacular cavern diving sites with options to suit every skill and comfort level. Ginnie Springs is also an excellent choice for divers hoping to log multiple days in the water, with tent camping and cottages for rent near the spring, as well as a full-service dive center on the property.

Ginnie Cavern is a massive and open underwater formation that even newly certified divers can safely explore. In the upper chamber, expect to see panoramic views of naturally illuminated and highly reflective limestone. Head a bit deeper to the Ginnie Ballroom, and you’ll see fascinating rock patterns dotted with thousand of tiny impressions that some say resembles Swiss cheese. Divers will need lights, but since Ginnie Cavern has a huge opening and is quite shallow (the Ballroom maxes at 50 feet deep), it’s one of the few places in the US where divers can experience a cavern without any formal cavern diving training.

 

 

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Ginnie Springs is part of a larger cavern system that includes Devil’s Eye, Devil’s Ear and Devil Spring, all of which are limited to cave- and cavern-certified divers. You can also do drift dives when the water level is high enough in the Santa Fe River. While diving, look along the riverbed for supersized fossils, including ground sloths from the Pleistocene Era.

You can rent dive gear on site at the full-service dive shop and a full setup with lights will set you back $70 for the day. You can also book guided dives through nearby outfitters like Crystal River Kayak Company, but since it’s easy diving and a contained site, most people just go on their own. If you’d like to get certified or work on your cavern certification, the on-site shop works with instructors at Cave Max to do instruction at Ginnie Springs, too.

Diving in Lake Huron (Michigan)

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Sometimes referred to as “shipwreck alley,” the massive underwater marine preserve called Thunder Bay in Michigan’s Lake Huron is home to more than 100 shipwrecks, dating from the 1850s through to the 1960s. Most were lost to collision or accidental grounding, and today, tell the story of this region’s shipping and mercantile past. Divers can tour sunken hulks ranging from wooden steamboats and schooners to modern steel freighters, with depths and dive site conditions for all skill and certification levels (including technical exploration hundreds of feet below the surface). Lake Huron’s visibility can top out at 80 feet, making it a beloved wreck diving destination for underwater photographers and videographers.

The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary is best dived by boat, making it easy to hit all the park’s best wrecks in just a few days. Some of the most desirable sites here include the ruins of the Windiate, Kyle Spangler, Defiance, and Audubon, each worth at least a few dives for internal and external exploration. You’ll find several dive centers around the Great Lakes, each offering guided exploration and scuba courses, plus rental equipment and tank fills. Some of the closest shops to the sanctuary include Huron Scuba, Nautical North Family Adventures, and Great Lakes Divers, among many other options.

 

 

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Drysuits aren’t mandatory, though they are recommended. Hearty divers doing just a dive or two can probably get away with a 7-mil wetsuit in the summer, though throwing an extra 3-mil vest on top of that wouldn’t hurt.

On your way to or from diving, you may want to stop by the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center. The exhibits, artifact galleries, and archaeological conservation lab are loaded with insight into the region’s wrecks, and history. There’s also a visitor center in the nearby town of Alpena with extensive information about the marine sanctuary and shipwreck alley.

Diving in Clear Lake (Oregon)

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Have you ever dreamed of scuba diving in a submerged forest? Some of the underwater landscapes at Oregon’s Clear Lake are absolutely otherworldly, allowing divers to weave around towering tree trunks in submerged forests and peer into “potholes,” where you can see ice-cold underwater springs pumping out water from deep below the earth’s surface. Visibility is usually quite good, averaging around 100 feet. There are a few places to dive in the lake, with most divers going no deeper than 50 or so feet.

Diving at Oregon’s Clear Lake is easy, with shore access that requires just a short walk from the parking area. Diving here is pretty relaxing, since no motorized watercraft are allowed on the lake. In addition to its fascinating topography, this site is home to freshwater fish and shrimp, with curious trout often approaching divers for a closer look.

 

 

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This is one of the coldest lake diving destinations on this list, with average daily temperatures in the 30s and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Drysuits and regulators designed for cold water are mandatory (so don’t bring your warm-water, tropical dive gear), but freeze-ups can still happen. Like Lake Tahoe, it’s also an altitude dive at more than 3,000 feet above sea level, so you’ll need to adjust your dive profile for elevation. You should be an advanced open water diver and confident on handling underwater emergencies, especially as there are no dive shops nearby. So you’ll need to be entirely self-sufficient (though there is a restaurant at the Clear Lake Resort).

Scuba diving in Lake Jocassee (South Carolina)

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Lake Jocassee, a reservoir tucked away in a park in South Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, offers a surprisingly world-class scuba diving experience. Regularly cited as one of the top 15 freshwater dives on the planet, the lake boasts exceptional water clarity, with visibility often exceeding 50 feet.

Lake Jocassee’s is a flooded river valley, with an unexpectedly varied submerged landscape. Divers can navigate past submerged rock outcroppings, descend alongside sheer underwater cliffs, or explore sunken forests where fish weave between fallen logs. Deep wall dives are available to challenge experienced technical divers (like the 70-foot-deep South Wall), while shallower sites like Jenny’s Drift are a good introduction to lake diving (and SC’s fish population). Also dotted across the lakebed are sunken houses, relocated cemeteries, and even a shipwreck, called the “Junk,” resting at a depth of 60 feet.

Water temperatures in Lake Jocassee fluctuate with the seasons. While the surface can reach comfortable levels in the low 80 degrees Fahrenheit, temperatures drop significantly with depth. Most divers wear drysuits year-round, but especially outside of the late summer/early fall.

 

 

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Despite being a freshwater ecosystem, Lake Jocassee has plenty of aquatic life. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of fish species, including largemouth and striped bass, bream, crappie, and catfish, plus the potential to spot freshwater mussels, crayfish, and even the occasional shy turtle.

Lake Jocassee diving is usually arranged via nearby operators, since there’s no scuba shop within Devil’s Fork State Park. However, there are plenty of nearby shops that offer rentals and/or guided trips, including The Scuba Shop, Scuba Johns, Lake Jocassee Dive Shop, Dolphin Dive Center, and many more.

Diving in Lake Travis (Texas)

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Lake Travis, a reservoir on the Colorado River west of Austin, Texas, provides a unique but challenging scuba diving experience. Visibility can be good if you’re lucky but usually averages around 15 to 30 feet, depending on recent weather. But it barely matters, since the primary draws are the lake’s historical artifacts and submerged structures. The underwater landscape consists of natural rock formations, underwater cliffs, and man-made structures like those at a site called Starnes Island, known for its wall dives and sunken boat hulls.

At Windy Point, divers can find underwater sculptures, and at West Point, be sure to look for the old washing machine and other domestic remains. Popular with experienced divers is the eerie Fiesta Haus Wall, a deep site with a large grotto. And at Wreck Alley, divers can encounter sunken boats and barges – remnants of the lake’s history as a popular recreational area.

The season for scuba diving in Lake Travis is relatively long, spanning from spring through fall for most divers (though you can dive it year-round). Diving Lake Travis is generally warmest in the summer, reaching the mid-80s Fahrenheit at the surface. However, due to the lake’s depth, temperatures drop rapidly. Drysuits are recommended year-round to maintain comfort during dives, though you’ll find a decent amount of people wearing seven-mils with hoods and gloves/booties in the summer.

 

 

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The difficulty of diving Lake Travis varies depending on the location and depth. Shore entry is available at some sites, but many require boat access. Dives range from shallow depths suitable for beginners to deep wall dives exceeding 100 feet, which are appropriate for experienced technical divers only. Strong currents can be present at some locations, and proper buoyancy control is essential throughout the dive. Flashlights are recommended, owing to the iffy visibility.

Scuba Diving in Lake Michigan (Midwest)

Diving the Fred McBrier, in the Straits of Mackinac, in northern Lake Michigan. Photo: Dan Lindsay/Shutterstock

Lake Huron isn’t the only Great Lake popular with scuba divers. Scuba diving in Lake Michigan is an awesome adventure for cold-water divers, with excellent visibility sometimes exceeding 80 feet (but usually closer to around 40). While the frigid water temperatures are a major hurdle, the payoff is worth it for many divers.

Scuba diving Lake Michigan is a draw for divers who like shipwrecks, as the lake’s minimal currents and freshwater mean hundreds of wrecks are well-preserved. The wrecks range from shallow wooden schooners to massive steel freighters, some dating back more than a century. Popular dive sites include the SS Palo Alto, a WWI freighter resting at 100 feet; and The Rouse Simmons, resting at about 150 feet. Both are suitable only for advanced open water divers. But sites like the Yuba Wreck (15 feet deep) and the Lady Elgin (45 feet deep) are popular with beginners.

The diving season is compressed due to the extremely cold winters. Dives are generally restricted to the summer months, from July to August for most divers. Diving in Lake Michigan is always cold, with water temperatures at the surface maxing out around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning it’s much colder at depth. A seven-mil wetsuit may be okay for one summer dive on a hot day, but you’ll want a drysuit otherwise.

 

 

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Lake Michigan spans four states (Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana), and because it’s so big, you can dive from a few different towns. If you’re diving in the Grand Traverse Bay Underwater Preserve, you’ll want to work with a dive shop in Traverse City, Michigan, such as Scuba North. Otherwise, most of the major cities around Lake Michigan have shops that offer rentals, classes, and guided trips to scuba dive Lake Michigan, including Shipwreck Explorers or Aquatic Adventures, both based in Milwaukee; Berry Dive Center, about 20 minutes north of Chicago in Evanston, IL; or Shipwreck Adventures, in Two Rivers, WI.

This article was first published in August 2021 and updated in April 2024.

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Cash for Cancellations: New DOT Rules Are Making Airline Refunds Easier

Until recently, the rules surrounding flight compensation in the event of delays and cancellations have been murky at best, with domestic airlines deciding terms for reimbursement independently. Earlier this week, the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a new set of rules that serve to standardize when and how airlines are required to issue refunds to passengers.

According to a DOT release, passengers who experience significant flight disruptions will now receive “automatic” and “prompt” cash refunds from airlines. Examples of refundable disruptions include flight and baggage delays, cancellations, and notable changes to bookings, such as rerouting passengers to a different departure airport or adding extra connections. Failure to provide paid-for services such as in-flight WiFi or seat upgrades also necessitates refunds.

Airlines may still offer alternatives to passengers, including new flights or travel credits, but if denied, they’re required to provide refunds for the full amount of the original fare. Failure to provide paid-for services such as in-flight WiFi or seat upgrades also necessitates refunds.

As part of these new rules, the DOT is clearly defining what constitutes a significant flight delay across US airlines for the first time: Passengers whose departure or arrival times are pushed back by more than three hours on domestic flights, or six hours on international flights, will be reimbursed in full. Checked bag fees must also be refunded if baggage is delayed for more than 12 hours on a domestic flight or 15-30 hours on an international flight, depending on the route.

That airlines were previously allowed to set their own standards for “significant” delays and disruptions posed challenges for passengers. Not only did it put the onus on travelers to instigate the reimbursement process, but it also forced passengers to navigate confusing policies and withstand long, drawn-out communiques with reluctant airlines. Rather than monetary compensation, this often resulted in reimbursement via travel credits or vouchers.

According to US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, the new rules are intended to help passengers get the refunds they’re owed without “headaches or haggling.”

As an alternative to immediate cash refunds, passengers are eligible for reimbursement in the form of their original method of payment, including credit card purchases or airline-mile redemption. If reimbursed via credit card, passengers can expect to see full refunds within seven business days. The standard for other forms of payment is now 20 calendar days.

As part of the promise to refund passengers in full, travelers should also note that refunds are due for the total amount of what they originally paid, including taxes and fees.

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Embrace Summer Nights on Tennessee’s 9-Stop Stargazing Trail

The Tennessee Night Sky Trail takes you through Northeast Tennessee and the Appalachian Mountains. The celestial road trip makes a perfect getaway to explore the area. It’s drivable, so all you need a vacation rental near the mountains, and after the sun goes down, you can head out and enjoy Tennessee’s pristine night sky.

The trail encompasses nine locations, each offering a quality vantage point for observing the cosmos. From panoramic vistas atop mountainsides to the serene tranquility of lakeside spots to a modern observation deck, whether you’re a seasoned astronomer, astrophotographer, or a new stargazer with little gear, the Tennessee Night Sky Trail caters to all experience levels. So grab your star chart, bundle up, and head out to these remote dark sky locations.

Tennessee Night Sky Trail

Photo: Johnson City Aerial Photography

Check out the Tennessee Night Sky Trail website for an interactive map. These are nine of the designated stargazing locations scattered across Northeast Tennessee.

Viking Mountain, Greeneville

Viking Mountain, also known as Camp Creek Bald by some, is located within the Bald Mountains, straddling the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. The Appalachian Trail threads its path just beneath the summit, and it’s one of the best places in the state for stargazing. You’ll need a 4WD to access this spot in rain or snow, and it’s advised to come during the day so that you can make a camp and check out your bearings.

Viking Mountain: Viking Mountain Rd. to Bald Mountain Rd., Greeneville, TN 37743

Crockett Springs Park, downtown Rogersville

After an afternoon exploring Rogersville’s historic downtown and grabbing dinner at one of the many excellent restaurants, head to Crockett Springs Park. The park is a certified arboretum and is a lovely place to sit under the blanket of stars.

Crockett Springs Park: 200 Crockett St., Rogersville, TN 37857

Bays Mountain Park, Kingsport

Bays Mountain Park collaborates with the Bays Mountain Astronomy Club to host public stargazing sessions called StarWatch. These programs, typically held on Saturdays during spring and fall, provide a guided night sky tour. Knowledgeable volunteers can explain constellations and answer astronomy-related questions.

Bays Mountain Park: 853 Bays Mountain Park Rd., Kingsport, TN 37660

Photo: Serge Skiba/Shutterstock

South Holston Dam Spillway Trail, Bristol

South Holston Dam Spillway Trail in Bristol is a moderate 3.5-mile round-trip trail that offers scenic views of the surrounding area. Due to minimal light pollution outside of Bristol, it is a great spot for stargazing. On a clear night, you can see the Milky Way and constellations like the Great Bear and Orion.

South Holston Dam Spillway Trail: 918 Holston View Dam Road, Bristol, TN 37620

Osborne Farm by the Appalachian Trail, Shady Valley

Osborne Farm was acquired by the United States Forest Service in 2001. Covering a half-mile stretch along the Appalachian Trail, this area of open fields with minimal obstructions provides excellent conditions for stargazing. It’s worth coming before dark to enjoy the panoramic views as the sun sets.

Osborne Farm by the Appalachian Trail: 3372 TN-91, Shady Valley, TN 37688

Roan Mountain on the Appalachian Trail

Roan Mountain, straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, is a section of the Appalachian Trail home to some of the darkest skies in the eastern US. This makes it a perfect spot for stargazing, offering a breathtaking view of the Milky Way, constellations, planets, and even meteor showers, depending on the time of year. Several open areas on Roan Mountain, including Round Bald and Carver’s Gap, provide clear views of the dark night sky. You can hike half a mile up to Round Bald on the Appalachian Trail for even better conditions. Just be sure to have a redlight head torch.

Roan Mountain on the Appalachian Trail: Nearby city: Elizabethton

Photo: Johnson City Aerial Photography

Chestoa Recreation Area, Erwin

Chestoa Recreation Area is within Cherokee National Forest, away from major sources of light pollution. Scouting for an open area with minimal obstructions is key here, so visit the forest during the day to plan where you’ll set up your viewing. Near the Nolichucky River, there are picnic tables, grills, changing rooms, and restroom facilities. It’s also an excellent fishing spot.

Chestoa Recreation Area: 4 Jones Branch Rd, Erwin, TN 37650

Winged Deer Park, Johnson City

Away from the lights of Johnson City, Winged Deer Park’s lakefront offers incredible views from its two public parking lots, which are open until 9:00 PM.

Winged Deer Park: 4137 Bristol Hwy, Johnson City, TN 37601

Tri-Cities Airport Observation Deck, Blountville

Tri-Cities Observation Deck provides panoramic views of the night sky. Accessible by elevator or stairs, you can enjoy the stars as airplanes take flight into the night sky.

Tri-Cities Airport Observation Deck: 2525 TN-75 Suite 301, Blountville, TN 37617

Where to stay in near Tennessee’s stargazing spots

We hope you love the Airbnbs we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Elegant mountain home with indoor pool in Sevierville

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Sevierville is a fantastic base for a Tennessee stargazing road trip. It is also near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which has exceptional dark skies. This stunning new mountain home is near Sevierville and has some of the best views in the area. These can be enjoyed from the house’s indoor pool, hot tub, fire pit, and generous windows.

10 guests, four bedroom
Price: $399 per night

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Lakeside lodge at the doorstep of The Smokies

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This lakeside lodge overlooks Douglas Lake and can accommodate up to 12 guests, making it one of the better rentals in the area if you’re traveling with a large group of friends or extended family. The Airbnb has stunning views over the lake, an indoor swimming pool, a hot tub, a fun-packed games room, a private theater, spacious living areas, multiple viewing decks, and direct access to the lake where you can rent watersport equipment.

12 guests, five bedroom
Price: $291 per night

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Home with private dock in Butler

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On the edge of Watauga Lake, surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest, this waterfront Airbnb has a private dock, hot tub, kayaks, paddleboards, a fire pit, and a sprawling balcony. The affordable vacation rental is one of the best in the state. From here, you can watch the sunset over the forest before enjoying the nearby dark skies.

10 guests, three bedroom
Price: $319 per night

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Boone lakeside cottage in Piney Flats

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This four-bedroom, three-bath cottage is on the edge of Boone Lake, a popular destination for fishing, boating, and other water-based recreation activities. The house has great outdoor living spaces, including a screened-in dining area, patio, and a hammock, where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful lakeside location.

10 guests, four bedroom
Price: $333 per night

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The 15 Most Remote Dark Sky Places in the US for Uncrowded Stargazing

If you live in or near a city, you’ll be used to looking up to a hazy night sky. Light pollution from artificial lights, from streetlamps to billboards, washes out starlight, hindering our ability to see stars and fainter celestial objects like nebulae, galaxies, and comets. The further from populated areas you go, the darker the night sky will become. With this comes a sense of peace and solitude, ideal conditions for sitting under a star-studded sky on a warm summer evening. So where do you go? To help you plan your next US stargazing trip, the accommodation booking site HomeToGo has ranked the most remote dark sky places in the US.

HomeToGo’s 2024 Stargazing Index, inspired by the recent total solar eclipse in April, is a research-driven curated list of the best stargazing destinations across the US. The index identifies 24 stargazing spots in nine states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Texas, and Utah. These communities prioritize minimal light pollution, ensuring an exceptional view of the night sky. Each location was ranked for factors such as how well-known the place is, how much it costs to visit, the clarity of the night sky, and a solitude score.

The HomeToGo Stargazing Index’s solitude score highlights a crucial factor for prime stargazing conditions. A high result indicates minimal light pollution, allowing for a clearer view of the night sky. Locations with a high solitude score often have open and unobstructed horizons, maximizing the visible area of the sky. And solitude translates to a more peaceful and immersive stargazing experience. Less light pollution and fewer crowds create a tranquil environment ideal for appreciating the beauty of our night sky.

These are 15 of the most remote dark sky places in the US for uncrowded stargazing:

Beverly Shores, IndianaBlanco, TexasBorrego Springs, CaliforniaTown of Castle Valley, UtahCottonwood, ArizonaCrestone, ColoradoDripping Springs-Wimberley, TexasGroveland, FloridaHorseshoe Bay, TexasJonestown, TexasJulian, CaliforniaRidgway, ColoradoSedona, ArizonaTorrey, UtahWestcliffe & Silver Cliff, Colorado

Check out Matador’s calendar of every stargazing event in 2024. Whether you’re a beginner stargazer with little equipment or a seasoned astronomer, there’s every date you need to put on your astronomy calendar. All you need to do is head out to a remote spot to enjoy it.

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Türkiye’s New Sleeper Train Will Take You to Cappadocia and Beyond

Istanbul is undeniably the most well-know part of Türkiye, but it’s far from being the only one worth visiting. If you’re keen to explore the country further but want to keep your carbon footprint down, you can opt to travel by train. The rail network in Türkiye is relatively extensive, with high-speed trains linking Istanbul to Ankara, Konya, and Sivas, local trains, long-distance routes, sleeper trains, and even touristic trains covering large swathes of the country. The Mesopotamia Express, a sleeper train that travels 653 miles across Anatolia is Türkiye’s latest touristic, long-distance sleeper rail offering.

The Mesopotamia Express is a sleeper train which operates between Ankara to Diyarbakır, a journey of over 650 miles. The route includes stops in Kayseri, the historical capital of Cappadocia; the ancient city of Malatya; and Elazığ, famous for its vineyards and orchards. Passengers have three to four hours in each stop, giving them ample time to explore the area.

The Mesopotamia Express can accommodate up to 180 passengers in nine sleeper cars. Each cabin can welcome up to two travelers and include seats that convert into beds, a sink, a refrigerator, and a closet. There is one dining car on board where Anatolian cuisine is served, including kebabs, baklava, and more traditional dishes concocted with locally sourced ingredients.

The cost of riding the Mesopotamia Express start at $277 (9,000 TL) for a room in a sleeper car on the Ankara-Diyarbakır route, and $246 (8,000 TL) on the Diyarbakır-Ankara route. The best way to book a trip on this train is to download the Turkish State Railways, AKA TCDD app.

The Mesopotamia Express’ inaugural journey took place on April 19, 2024, and was followed by a return trip to Ankara on April 21, 2024. The train departs every Thursday from Ankara at 3:55 PM.

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US Tourist Faces 12 Years in Caribbean Prison After Not Emptying Bag From Previous Trip

The typical piece of luggage sees a lot go in and a lot come out. Ideally, the bag is emptied entirely after each trip, or at least before the next trip. If not, travelers may inadvertently end up bringing something prohibited into another country.

A man from Oklahoma, Ryan Watson, went on a vacation to Turks and Caicos and is now facing a 12-year prison sentence after he claims he unintentionally left bullets from a previous whitetail deer hunting trip in the luggage he brought to the island. Watson was visiting the island with his wife, Valerie, as well as friends for a 40th birthday celebration. Airport security searched Watson’s carry-on bag as they prepared to return home and found the Ziploc bag of ammunition, according to Global News. While both were initially detained and had their passports confiscated, Valerie has since been let go and is back at home with the couple’s kids.

Watson told Today that he thought his duffel bag was empty before leaving. He also said that he doesn’t recall putting the ammunition in the bag, “but somehow they ended up in there” — and stayed there through to the end of their trip for Turks and Caicos airport security to find.

Turks and Caicos has a 12-year minimum sentence for ammunition possession, regardless of whether there was criminal intent or not.

@nbc10boston We spoke to Ryan and Valerie Watson, who were arrested in Turks and Caicos Islands for allegedly violating the British Overseas Territory’s strict ammunition law. “This was a complete innocent mistake,” said Ryan, who remains there, unable to return to his kids over hunting rounds he says he’d forgotten to take out of his bag. More in the #linkinbio. #nbc10boston #caribbean #news #video #fyp ♬ original sound – NBC10 Boston

Watson isn’t the first American to be held for an ammunition charge in Turks and Caicos since the island tightened its firearms laws in 2022. Three Americans are currently on bail for ammunition or firearms charges, and eight prosecutions have taken place. Last September, the US embassy in the Bahamas issued a travel alert after Michael Grim was detained for ammunition possession.

Each country has its own laws and regulations. An infraction that could be a slap on the wrist in the United States may have drastically more severe consequences elsewhere. Drugs and weapons that are legal in the US top that list, though even something as small as a piece of food could lead to hefty fines. It can be easy to miss something small floating in a pocket or the bottom of a bag, but luckily there’s an easy way to avoid the issue entirely: always unpack completely and double check your bag is empty before packing for your next trip.

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Can Bamboo Architecture Help Save the World? A Builder in Bali Is Leading the Way

Construction is one of the largest carbon dioxide emitting industries in the world. Building accounts for as much as 36 percent of emissions, 11 percent of which comes from making materials like steel, cement, and glass. Yet in some parts of the world, a sustainable, natural material can lessen the impact: bamboo.

Bamboo U in Bali focuses on inspiring and educating people around the world about bamboo architecture. On the latest episode of No Fixed Address: The World’s Most Extraordinary People, host Micahel Motamedi speaks with Orin Hardy, the founder of Bamboo U, and other members of the Hardy family to learn more about utilizing this natural resource and living in close harmony with nature.

On location in Bali, Motamedi arrives at the Bambu Indah Hotel, run by John Hardy. It’s in Ubud, overlooking the Ayung River and surrounded by rice paddies.

“It’s like a fairy tale,” Motamedi says in the episode. “I’m looking at a treehouse unlike any other treehouse I’ve ever seen in my life. It’s an intricately woven basket with a spiral bamboo staircase suspended in the air floating amidst the trees.”

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Yet the bamboo-centric design is more than just eye-catching. It’s also sustainable. To hear the full story, listen to No Fixed Address on your favorite podcast platform.

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Rare Mammal Safaris: All About the Growing Travel Trend

Anyone who’s been on an African safari knows all about the thrill of looking for wild animals. The fact that you have to keep your eyes peeled, be patient, and hope you’re lucky enough to see animals like lions and zebras makes the activity feel almost like a treasure hunt.

But after you’ve done a few game drives in Africa, you may realize that spotting famous species like elephants, hippos, and giraffes isn’t actually all that hard. The species are large and follow predictable patterns, and safari guides usually have at least a vague idea of where the animals will be at any given time.

That’s why rare mammal safaris are becoming more and more popular. When you’re on a unique safari to see a rare mammals like aardvarks, Pallas’s cats, or Iberian lynx, the challenge gets kicked up a notch. Safaris to see elusive animals go to unexpected destinations, are generally more active, and require more patience and skill, as looking for a single animal can often take days.

 

 

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“There’s this interest out there in seeing these more unusual species,” says Dan Free, general manager of Wildlife Worldwide, which runs dozens of safaris, including 20 focused on seeing rare mammals. “People are looking for their next wildlife fix. It taps into the ‘primitive man’ kind of mindset, the thrill of the chase,” he says. “It’s the challenge of the more difficult things to see. It’s its like people trying to climb Everest. It’s there to be done.”

To learn more about the growing trend of unique safaris to find rare mammals, Matador spoke more with Free to get the scoop on the company’s rare mammals tours, what travelers may see, and what makes them so special.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

A clouded leopard in the wild. Photo: Signature Messages/Shutterstock

Matador: Tell us a bit about the company’s rare mammals wildlife tours. How’d they get started?

Dan Free: Well, it’s a combination of factors. Personally, I come from a zoological background, and went on to do a graduate degree in sustainability in business. Then after uni, I worked as an ecologist doing protected species surveys, so that was always kind of an interest for me. And increasingly, I became kind of more interested in the rare mammals overseas, and would travel overseas.

What happens is you do an African safari experience, and you fall in love with that. In particular, people become interested in big cats, but then you realize there are various big cats that can be seen around the world. People realize you can see tigers in India or jaguars in the Pantanal. So I jumped to wildlife travel. Everything at the time was quite bird-focused, but it became apparent that there were many people out there that were well traveled and keen to see some of the more unusual stuff. At that point, I came up with a trip to see clouded leopards in Borneo, our first rare mammal tour.

 

 

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What makes the rare mammals safaris different from the more traditional African safaris?

There’s a lot. With some tours, like our tour to see clouded leopards in Borneo, it operates completely at night. We spend seven nights at a lodge going out with a spotlight.

There’s this whole supporting cast of mammals people were keen to see on African safaris, but are often overlooked. People were tired of being on safari and seeing the big five, and then talking with their guide about “What’s the rarest animal to see,” and their guide says, “oh, aardvark.” The more difficult it is to see, the more appealing it is.

On a normal safari, you may say something like “what will be will be. We’ll see what we see.” But on the rare animal safaris, there’s more thought that goes into searching for specific animals. So they are a bit more full-on in terms of the hours in the field, and a bit more dedicated in their approach. You’ll have it mind that you’re going to see aardvarks today, maybe, because we’ve seen fresh signs, we know there are burrows, so we’re going to target those areas. They’re a little more niche.

They require putting in a little more work to see the species. There’s typically more time in the field, with opportunities to see diurnal (editor’s note: meaning “active in daytime”) species, but quite often, we’ll spend a big portion of the trip doing night drives and trying to see some of the more nocturnal animals.

Aardvarks aren’t necessarily rare, but they’re seldom seen. Photo: Thomas Retterath/Shutterstock

Have the trips been popular?

The rare mammal trips are some of our best sellers. We come up with trips for species we’d like to see ourselves. If we’d pay money to do the trip ourselves, we know the guests would do the same.

A lot of these mammals, people haven’t even heard of. And that kickstarted the rare animal trend. You know, people are competitive. Anyone can go out there and buy the latest gadgets or see the big five; it doesn’t take any luck to do that. But to go see some of these unusual places and see these animals, thats something to be quite proud of. There’s an element of competition there — the challenge of trying to see something no one else has.

You also spend longer at specific lodges, so even if you don’t see, for example, clouded leopards, there’s all these other crazy mammals — moon rats, five species of civet, slow loris, all these wonderful mammals that you just don’t see during the day. So even if people don’t see the animal they came for, they do come back with having experienced a different trip.

A big thrill of wildlife watching is the highs and lows of seeing these things, or not seeing them. It’s an emotional roller coaster. It’s a bit more of an adrenaline rush. But it’s not always just rare animals — it’s probably more accurate to say elusive mammals. But they’re animals you just don’t see.

Slow loris is a rarely seen primate occasionally spotted on unique safaris in Borneo. Photo: kunanon/Shutterstock

Who are your guides? Are they locals? Certified naturalists?

We always have local guides involved, and will also occasionally send leaders from the UK. For example, if it’s a photography-focused trip, we may send a UK photographer.

But the local guides are essential. They’re always qualified naturalists with various qualifications in their field, and usually hold degrees. You need that local knowledge. First, it’s imperative that you’re supporting local populations and guides and providing a financial incentive to protect these areas. But second, you just can’t complete with them with their knowledge. They’re out every day, identifying behaviors and patterns and such. There’s just no way someone could fly in for two weeks and have the same knowledge.

 

 

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On that note, tell us about your conservation efforts.

It’s quite exciting to work with conservation bodies and conservation efforts. We have partners in all of these countries and they all provide evidence of what they’re doing locally to support the lodges and guides and families associated with them. We’re very picky with who we work with. We work with smaller operators more locally based, rather than larger operators, like a South African-based one dealing with most of southern Africa.

We stay clear of that and just use the smaller guides. It sometimes makes it a bit more tricky — they may not be as slick as some of the bigger outfits, but we recognize the importance of working with those chaps. The whole team comes from a wildlife background, first and foremost, they’re all conservation motivated. We all firmly believe that what we’re doing can be a force for good, and I think that flows through the company.

Every year, there’s a pot of money from a conservation donation built into the cost of trips. That all goes into a pot distributed to the various conservation bodies we work with. We partner with research bodies and NGOs on the ground to do talks, or take guests out for days in the field with experts and scientists and such.

Some tours go to very small towns, like the village of Khichan in India, on a quest to see demoiselle cranes. Photo: Don Mammoser/Shutterstock

How about and the ethics and impact of bringing people into remote, non-touristy areas?

By showing people these animals, people are paying to visit areas, which may not necessarily be of interest otherwise as they may not have your typical mainstream species. But now, they’re becoming protected and managed for those species. We’re identifying different reasons for visiting.

Our group sizes are six to eight people with a very responsible guide, and driving at nighttime and moving slowly, so the impact on the ground is spread out over such a wide area that it’s minimal. I feel it’s more than justified, given that these regions are starting to conserve these species, rather than using the land for logging or grazing.

The challenge is to stay ahead of the competition. What else can we see that is not currently offered? And that means speaking to and working with NGOs and conservation bodies, reading research papers, or supporting projects like planting fruiting trees to create wildlife corridors.

A sloth bear in Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka. Photo: Martin Mecnarowski/Shutterstock

What’s the most popular tour? Which is the hardest rare mammal to see?

The African-based ones, either to Botswana or to the Kalahari to see aardvarks, have been very popular. I think aardvark is just an iconic species that captures the imagination. Also the clouded leopard trips to Borneo, those are probably the most challenging. But Borneo just has so much other good stuff that people aren’t ever disappointed.

A new one is the Sri Lanka tour, for sloth bear and leopard. But at night, we’re also looking for fishing cats, civets and such. That’s a nice one, and a bit more affordable in terms of pricing. It’s certainly a very niche product, and we have to be clear when people call up — we don’t have to vet them, but we just have to make sure they know what they’re signing up for. It’s high risk, high reward.

Rare mammals you can see on safari

Wildlife Worldwide runs several safaris to some of the most unique places on Earth in the search for rarely seen animals. The main price includes flights from the UK, but all trips have a slightly lower price available for people buying their own international flights from somewhere else. However, there are also a few operators in the US and Canada running unique safaris, as well as local operators in most countries. For example, Chile Nativo runs overnight puma-trekking tours in Patagonia.

Snow leopards

Photo: Ondrej Prosicky/Shutterstock

Snow leopards are large felines that live in the high mountain ranges of Central and South Asia. They can thrive in the snowy and cold environments thanks to thick fur that can be up to five or six inches long (and camouflages perfectly against gray rocks). Sadly, the creatures are classified as vulnerable, with estimates suggesting there are only between 4,000 and 6,500 left in the wild. Poaching and habitat loss are the biggest threats to their survival.

To see them with Wildlife Worldwide, check out the Snow Leopards of Ladakh tour through India. It runs for 14 days and starts at 4,495 pounds (about $5,596) per person, not including international flights. AndBeyond runs slightly pricier trips starting around $7,202 per person for groups of eight; and Discover Altai, based in Mongolia, runs trips to find snow leopards that start and end in Ulaanbaatar, the country’s capital city.

Northwest Bornean orangutans

Photo: Denys.Kutsevalov/Shutterstock

Orangutans live in the wild in Borneo, with estimates suggesting there are about 100,000 left in the island’s dwindling jungles, which are being deforested at an alarming rate. Adult orangutans can weigh more than 200 pounds and live for up to 45 years in the wild. The best chances of spotting them are by visiting protected reserves, but that doesn’t guarantee you’ll spot them — just that they’re likely in the area.

Wildlife Worldwide’s orangutan tour visits three wilderness areas to find orangutans, staying at various nature resorts away from cities. The nine-day trip starts at 4,470 pounds (about $5,578) per person, excluding international flights. Orangutan Trekking Tours offers shorter three-to-six day trips based on a rustic houseboat, which may be better for budget-focused travelers as they start around $250 per person per day. Budget travelers may also want to consider this three-night orangutan watching safari from locally owned Orangutan Applause, which includes shared accommodations on a boat with mosquito nets, or a night in a locally run homestay for a small upcharge. It’s very reasonably priced at $404 per person, all in.

Mountain tapir

Lowland tapirs are one of a few species found in Colombia. Photo: Diego Grandi/Shutterstock

Mountain tapirs in Colombia are quite rare, and classified as endangered by the IUCN. They have an estimated population of only around 2,500 individuals, currently declining, which makes them a high conservation priority. Their biggest threat is habitat loss, as cloud forests are being cleared for agriculture and livestock farming. And they’re sometimes hunted for meat.

Unfortunately, spotting a mountain tapir in the wild is quite challenging, as they’re nocturnal, skittish, and usually found in dense undergrowth. Wildlife Worldwide’s trip looks for tapirs around Otún Quimbaya Sanctuary, where you may also spot two-toed sloth as well as spectacled bear and rare birds. The Mountain Tapir Project runs occasional expeditions with the chance to volunteer for a day, and Birding EcoTours runs two-week birding tours with the potential for seeing tapirs. But otherwise, there aren’t that many tour options available, given how rare the species is.

Ground pangolins

Photo: 2630ben/Shutterstock

African ground pangolins, also known as Temminck’s pangolins or steppe pangolins, are one of the four pangolin species native to Africa. They’re not particularly rare, but they are elusive, due to being nocturnal and their solitary habits. However, their populations are decreasing, so they could become endangered in the near future. The biggest threats to ground pangolins are habitat loss due to agriculture, as well as illegal hunting for their scales, which are used in traditional medicine in some parts of Asia.

Spotting ground pangolins is a challenge as they’re excellent burrowers and spend a good portion of their time underground. Wildlife Worldwide’s trip is on the more luxurious side, starting at more than $13,000 per person for eight days. But you’ll stay at a high-end lodge on a private reserve, spending days and nights looking for species like pangolin, aardwolves, leopards, honey badgers, and more.

For something a bit more budget, you can book a few nights at a hotel like Pangolin Chobe Hotel in Botswana and try your luck spotting pangolins on safari, or Sangha Lodge in the Central African Republic. The latter offers speciality night and spotlighting walks to try to find white-bellied pangolins, as well as other rare mammals.

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The Real Reason You Cry at Movies on Flights

Airlines have done a decent job curating the menu of films available on their inflight entertainment systems. Depending on the carrier (some are more strict than others,) it’s rare to stumble across a movie or series with lots of naked bottoms, drug abuse, and terrorist events, which is excellent. I’d rather not watch Idris Elba passing notes around a hijacked plane while sitting at 36,000 feet. I did, however, make the rookie mistake of watching A Star is Born for the first time on a long-haul flight to Australia, which left me uncontrollably howling like the baby a few rows back and hitting the call button for napkins to blow my nose.

Crying on planes is a common phenomenon — so much so that Virgin Atlantic has trialed “weep warnings” before movies it deems emotional to help passengers make emotionally sound decisions. These were first introduced in 2011 after the airline ran a Facebook poll that found that 55 percent of flyers agreed they had experienced heightened emotions while in the air.

But why do you cry more on a plane? The scientific community has only dipped its toe into research, but there are theories.

In a study that surveyed 1084 adults in the US who had watched a film on a plane in the past 12 months, a team of researchers from Cambridge, Massachusetts, found that 25 percent of participants reported crying at movies in the air and 22 percent cried on the ground. One of the researchers, Paul Wicks, PhD, of PatientsLikeMe, states the “phenomenon” might well be a social construction fueled by celebrities telling of crying fits in click bate reporting and the fact that during a flight, there are no distractions, we’re not mindlessly watching content like we can do at home. Because of this, we are more emotionally invested in what we are watching, and Wicks argues that more people will remember and recall their emotional state more clearly.

Other studies point to physical changes in the airplane environment that can make people more susceptible to emotional highs and lows. Mild hypoxia, for example, is a condition in which the body’s tissues are deprived of adequate oxygen supply, and it typically occurs due to the decrease in atmospheric pressure as the aircraft climbs. “These lower oxygen levels can affect your brain and how you process emotions,” says consultant practitioner Dr Ahmad to Matador. Ahmad states that mild hypoxia can lead to people feeling “stressed, anxious, or experiencing mood swings.”

As many of us feel anxious while flying, mild hypoxia might exacerbate this feeling. The body’s response to low oxygen can mimic some stress symptoms, leading to feelings of anxiety or irritability.

The impact of mild hypoxia on flyers’ emotions is a complex topic with ongoing research. It’s important to note that healthy individuals usually don’t experience severe symptoms at these commercial flight altitudes. People have varying tolerances to hypoxia. Some individuals might be more susceptible to emotional changes at lower oxygen levels than others.

Vikas Keshri, psychotherapist and clinical director at Bloom Clinical Care Counselling and Therapy Services suggests that changes in our emotional state might also be caused by other environmental factors. “We’re in a confined space with limited control, dealing with potential turbulence and unfamiliar noises,” says Keshri. This, he states, could lead to a range of emotions as our bodies stay alert in the heightened environment.

And, of course, we can’t deny that travel can be emotionally charged. Saying goodbye to loved ones, navigating airport hassles, and the general stress of flying can leave you more vulnerable. This underlying emotional current can make you more receptive to the movie’s impact. Couple this with other environmental factors such as the dimmed cabin lights, none of our usual daily distractions, and no cell phone, and it’s easy to see how we might come to feel isolated and more easily triggered.

So, if you’re concerned about sobbing embarrassingly, don’t be. You’re in good company, but perhaps steer clear of My Girl.

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