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Steveston Village Comes Alive in Spring. Here’s How to Enjoy It on a Trip to Richmond, BC.

A 20-minute drive from Vancouver International Airport, Steveston is a historic fishing village at the southwestern tip of Richmond whose maritime heritage, natural landscapes, and exciting culinary scene invite visitors to explore. Dating back to the 1880s, the waterfront destination was once known as one of Canada’s most prolific salmon canning centers. Today’s Steveston remains a busy commercial fishing harbor while its well-preserved 20th-century buildings and wooden boardwalks along the Fraser River serve as magnets for the tourism and film industries.

With opportunities to immerse yourself in local events, bask in the coastal atmosphere, and savor some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever eat, spring is the ideal time to visit Steveston.

Get the inside scoop on Richmond’s great outdoors.

Photo: Tourism Richmond

As warmer weather and longer days arrive, Richmond comes to life with blooming flowers and greenery that make spring the perfect season for time spent outside. And Steveston’s location on the southwest corner of the island, bordered by water and greenspaces, provides easy access to it all.

Start any spring day on the 3.7-mile West Dyke Trail for a dose of fresh air, activity, and vistas spanning from the surrounding marshlands to the Gulf Islands and mountains farther afield. As you stroll or pedal the flat gravel path, stop at the many benches along the trail to soak in the scenery. If you’re looking for bike rentals, Village Bikes in the heart of Steveston has you covered.

The West Dyke Trail is also popular among birdwatchers, especially in the spring when some 1.4 million birds return to British Columbia via the Pacific Flyway. If you’re new to birdwatching and not sure where to start, join a guided tour with expert birder Liron Gertsman. With over 15 years of experience in the area, Gertsman will teach you the ropes and ensure you have a good time.

Hop on a Zodiac boat for a three- to five-hour adventure through the photogenic Gulf and San Juan Islands. You may spot gray and humpback whales, as well as other marine wildlife such as porpoises, orcas, seals, and sea lions. Richmond’s whale-watching season kicks off in April and continues through October, making spring an excellent time to join a tour with Steveston Seabreeze Adventures or Vancouver Whale Watch.

To make like a local, take a stroll down the Steveston Harbour Boardwalk while enjoying a cup of coffee or frozen yogurt. Combining waterfront views with rich maritime history, the boardwalk stretches from the heart of the village to the Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site, where you’ll find souvenir shops, cozy cafes, and seafood restaurants, in addition to a fascinating history lesson. Explore the site’s collection of well-preserved boatyards, bunkhouses, and residences dating back to the mid-1800s. Other recommended stops along the harbor include the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site, once the largest salmon cannery in British Columbia, and Imperial Landing Waterfront Park, where anglers cast their lines from the floating dock.

Celebrate spring’s bounty in Steveston.

Photo: Tourism Richmond

From cherry blossom festivals to farmers markets, there’s no shortage of opportunities to take advantage spring’s abundance, not to mention Richmond’s cultural diversity, in and around Steveston.

With large grassy fields, log-strewn beaches, and a Japanese garden honoring the first Japanese immigrant to arrive in the area in the late 1800s, the 75-acre Garry Point Park opens to broad views of the Fraser River and the distant Gulf Islands. It’s a popular spot for picnics and kiting, and in spring the waterfront park bursts into a display of color as more than 250 Akebono cherry trees blossom. Join the local community in admiring the blooms and celebrating Japanese culture at the Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival. Calligraphy and origami demos, along with performances by taiko drummers and dancers, add to the festive vibe.

Spring also welcomes the return of the long-running Steveston Farmers & Artisans Market, which kicks off on May 5 this year and takes place every second Sunday through September. Shop for baked goods, crafts, and locally grown produce against a backdrop of live music. And for even more high-quality produce — such as beets, garlic, kale, and fresh-cut flowers — don’t miss Athiana Acres. Open since 2022, the farm also runs a weekly farmers market starting in June where you can shop for goods.

Score wharf-to-table seafood with waterfront views.

Photo: Tourism Richmond

Steveston Harbour is the heart of British Columbia’s fishing industry, hosting hundreds of commercial fishing vessels. Translation: Restaurants serve fresh seafood year-round, and come spring you can begin to enjoy it outdoors.

Spring also brings the highly anticipated spot prawn season, which typically runs from May to June. When planning your visit, be sure to look into the Steveston Spot Prawn and Seafood Celebration for the most up-to-date details on culinary festivities. During the season, participating restaurants serve exclusive dishes showcasing spot prawns, and chefs take part in cooking demonstrations to share seafood-handling tips. Outside of the season, visitors can still enjoy a bounty of fresh seafood that’s available throughout the spring months, including Dungeness crab, halibut, sablefish, and sea urchin.

To recharge after your outdoor excursions, try a pint of the refreshing and fruity Adrift Blonde Ale, a staple at Britannia Brewing Company. Pair it with unique coastal fare like the oven-baked wild sablefish with truffle cream or the Steveston spaghettini, featuring a medley of sockeye salmon, sablefish, and mussels. To sample the local seafood Japanese-style, head to Ichiro. Grab a bento box to take to Garry Point Park, or dive into steaming bowls of udon topped with crunchy tempura and rice bowls with succulent sashimi.

For the full waterfront experience, Catch Kitchen + Bar serves up pretty views of Steveston’s harbor from its rooftop patio, alongside hearty seafood dishes like shellfish steamed with white wine and Alaskan king crab legs served with rice and vegetables. Nearby Pajo’s Fish & Chips is one of the wharf’s most popular options for a casual seafood meal, especially on sunny days. The restaurant plates up sustainable, Ocean Wise fish and chips — including wild sockeye, cod, and halibut — plus bottomless fries from a floating dock.

But to really get a taste of what Steveston Village is all about, you have to check out Fisherman’s Wharf. This is where local fishing boats dock when they come back from a haul to sell their fresh and frozen catches directly to the public. What better way to connect with your food, right at the source? Fisherman’s Wharf is open 7 days a week, with offerings ranging from salmon to halibut to prawns (and much more!), based on what’s in-season. Check the Steveston Harbour Authority site for details during your visit.

After taking in the sights and scenes, learning about the local history, and indulging in as much seafood as your visit allows, you’ll see why spring is the season to enjoy the best of Steveston Village in Richmond, BC.

This List Ranks Every National Park According to Data

Historian Wallace Stegner famously said that preserving sacred natural spaces as national parks was America’s “best idea.” The second-best idea, then, is to visit those parks. Which to prioritize depends on factors like time of year, your location, and your preferred manner of outdoor recreation. With 63 parks to choose from, narrowing it down to one or two to visit is a process in itself – fortunately, a new data-backed ranking from trip-planning site Travel Lemming breaks down where each park stands based on a variety of factors.

Meg O’Connor, one of the authors of the ranking and a data scientist by trade, broke down the data points and why they’re so important when plotting your journey.

“Most travelers have heard of the major parks, like Grand Canyon and Yosemite,” O’Connor told Matador. “Our list can draw attention to the hidden gems that would require a bit more effort to find.”

Notable metrics and placements on the list

Photo: Penny Richard/Shutterstock

Among those more unknown national parks is Washington’s North Cascades National Park. The park is the 7th least crowded, with just .08 visitors per acre, and offers striking views of many of the most stunning peaks in the Cascades. Amenities are scarcer than at nearby Olympic National Park, but for hiking, backpacking, and deep natural immersion, few national parks out-deliver this one. There are also nearby Airbnb and hotel options near North Cascades National Park for when you need a shower and a bed.

“I think a visitor can have a fantastic experience at both the larger, more ‘iconic’ parks and the smaller ones off the beaten path,” O’Connor says. “Some of the choice will come down to personal preference.”

That makes Grand Canyon National Park, which ranks 6th on the list, an ideal stop both for active recreators who wish to hike down into the canyon and more casual travelers who’d rather post up at the North Rim overlook and marvel at the views. Afterward, head a couple of hours north to Utah’s Capitol Reef National Park, which sees far fewer visitors (5.25 visits per acre) but a similar climate for hiking and marveling at seemingly otherworldly natural rock formations.

Data points included in the ranking include accessibility to a major airport, the average amount spent per visitor, weather, crowds, and visitor reviews. The most unique data point used to rank the national parks is job creation. America’s national parks create tens of thousands of jobs, with Great Smoky Mountains National Park – the most visited in the parks system – linked to 32,600 jobs and Zion National Park linked to 10,800 jobs. Even parks that see fewer visitors due to their remote location can provide ample employment boost for surrounding communities – think Florida’s Dry Tortugas National Park, which is mostly underwater but still supports 58 jobs.

“It was important to us that the list didn’t “penalize” these iconic parks without having a metric that captured their massive influence as cultural institutions and landmarks,” O’Connor says. “In that sense, the jobs metric helps create a proxy for that intangible idea of influence on the local community. It slightly balances out metrics like crowds and average cost per visitor, where less well-known parks often score higher.”

The list shows how the parks fared this year compared to Travel Lemming’s prior rankings, and offers a detailed explanation of what sets each park apart. To quell curiosity, the top-ranked park is Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park, while the bottom-ranked parks tend to be hard-to-reach options that aren’t near a major airport, don’t create a lot of jobs, and cost a good amount of money to get to. These include Alaska’s Gates of the Arctic National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park, among others.

How the national park ranking came together

Capitol Reef National Park ranks 21st on the list. Photo: Galyna Andrushko /Shutterstock

Ranking the 63 national parks became a team effort for the Travel Lemming crew, with multiple writers compiling data and putting it into action.

“There were two drivers that helped us decide which data points to use,” O’Connor says. “We wanted variables that would appropriately capture the experience of visiting the park, and we wanted data sets that were complete and would allow us to easily compare across parks.”

Many things considered “favorites” or “iconic destinations” by travelers are often judged subjectively based on individual experiences and perceptions. This makes it difficult to clearly state that one national park is better than another. That’s where the diverse variety of data points came in.

“With data analysis, it’s often important to use a proxy variable that’s easier to access/measure than the phenomenon you’re trying to capture,” says O’Connor. “An example is using the distance from a major airport (a highly specific figure) as a proxy variable to estimate “accessibility,” which is an important but vaguer and more abstract term. To select these proxy variables, we asked ourselves what actually impacts the visitor experience, and how we could capture that numerically.”

One thing the team intentionally left out of rankings was traveler preferences for specific activities, since this would be purely a subjective measurement.

“Since everyone has different preferences in that regard, it would be difficult to use those hobby- or interest-oriented metrics to influence the ratings,” O’Connor says. “Our current rankings do include a biodiversity score that captures the amount of wildlife a nature-lover might encounter.”

Tips for planning a national parks road trip

Mesa Verde National Park tied with Guadalupe Mountains National Park for 52nd on the list. Photo: Sopotnicki /Shutterstock

Aside from the data, O’Connor offers tips to help road trippers plan out a more efficient and enjoyable journey.

“Pick up a U.S. Park Pass ahead of time to cover your entrance fees with a one-time payment,” she says.

This pass covers entrance not only to the 63 national parks but also to more than 2,000 other outdoor recreation sites managed by the US federal government.

Also, O’Connor notes, it’s important to show up prepared for anything.

“Plan for the elements,” she says. “Hiking and camping in many national parks can be a true feat and can include harsh conditions. Make sure you take a realistic approach to what your group will enjoy and put ample effort into researching the right gear and equipment.”

Equally important is crafting an itinerary that doesn’t expand your bandwidth in the first day.

“If you’re going on a longer road trip to see many parks, plan your itinerary so you’ll have some ‘rest parks’ scattered in with the more rigorous and adventurous parks,” O’Connor says. “Maybe you’d enjoy going to a bathhouse at Hot Springs National Park or on a glass bottom boat in Biscayne Bay if your feet start to get blistered from your otherwise-active adventure.”

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Experience The Best of Italy’s High Country at Montana Lodge & Spa

Dust off your salopettes at one of the finest resorts in the Alps where you’ll have your pick of Italian and French pistes – and minimal competition for the ski lifts. Known as “Little Siberia” to the Italians, La Thuile in the Aosta Valley has flown under the radar of international tourists who flock to neighboring Courmayeur. Montana Lodge & Spa is the village’s sole five-star hotel and at 400 meters from the slopes, it’s practically ski-in/ski-out.

Once the snow melts, the green valleys of La Thuile pivot into a hub for hiking, biking, and rafting. Back at base camp, you’ll tend to sore muscles in the Montana Lodge Spa and feast on seasonal Italian fare at the bistro before retreating to your room with a view.

We hope you love the Montana Lodge & Spa! 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.

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Rooms and suites at Montana Lodge & SpaPhoto: BookingPhoto: BookingPhoto: BookingPhoto: Booking

Make yourself at home in one of the 55 rooms and suites at Montana Lodge & Spa, by R Collection Hotels. Accented by traditional Valdostan wood these are loosely styled on traditional chalets and mimic the alpine scenery through snow-white Italian linens and earthy textures. The vast majority have a private balcony overlooking the mountains. All units have a coffee machine and iPod dock plus all the trappings you’d expect from a luxury hotel at any altitude.

Deluxe and grand deluxe rooms accommodate up to three guests and are perfect for couples and smaller families. Push the boat out with a loft room complete with a mezzanine nook. Top-tier suites come furnished with a Hästens bed you’ll want to steal and an open-plan bathroom with a whirlpool tub.

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Activities for all seasons in La Thuile

Skiing and snowboarding are the main draw for winter guests at Montana Lodge & Spa – but that’s just the start. Freeriding, snowkiting, and heli-skiing are also on the table. As part of the Espace San Bernardo ski area, La Thuile (1,440 meters) and La Rosière (1,850 meters) provide over 99 miles (160 km) of uncrowded slopes.

A complimentary shuttle drops you at the lifts serving Les Suches and Mont Belvedere where you’ll warm up on twisty reds before tackling the 73% gradient Franco Berthod, Italy’s steepest and toughest piste. Federica Brignone made history on this very slope as the first Italian female racer to win the Women’s Ski World Cup in 2020.

Beginner skiers have a reasonable 8 miles (13 km) of blue and green runs although there’s certainly more here for intermediate and advanced skiers. The Aosta Valley is the sole Italian ski region where heli-skiing is permitted. Choppers circle the peaks of Rutor (3,486 meters) and Miravidi (3,051 meters) before dropping you on the French or Italian side of the Alps. Mixed-ability groups and families can sign up for three cross-country loops and guided snowshoeing excursions.

Summer brings an outdoor pursuits bonanza in La Thuile. High-altitude mountain biking trails traverse ancient paths carved by the Romans whereas road cycling tracks follow the route of the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia. Hikers have over 186 miles of terrain while climbers can ascend Testa del Rutor or the Grand Assaly. The Dora Baltea River offers powerful Grade III and IV rapids from June through August.

Rejuvenate in an alpine spaPhoto: BookingPhoto: BookingPhoto: Booking

The full-service wellness center at this boutique ski resort will see to any aches and sprains – not that you should need an excuse to visit. Erre Spa comprises an indoor heated swimming pool, outdoor hot tub, Finnish sauna, Vitarium, and Turkish bath. Herbal tea and healthy snacks are laid out in the relaxation rooms.

Treatments start at 126 EUR ($136) for a 50-minute massage or ritual. Private spa packages merge ancient and modern practices in a scrub, wrap, and massage combination delivered in exclusive suites. This is priced at 245 EUR ($265) per person.

Italian cuisine in the Aosta ValleyPhoto: BookingPhoto: BookingPhoto: Booking

Round off a day on the slopes or trails with a signature cocktail or hot toddy at Ottavio’s Lounge Bar. The Montana Mule swaps out vodka for gin while the Bombardino sees mulled brandy garnished with whipped cream and cinnamon. Pizza, club sandwiches, salads, and gelati are served with a view over the mountains.

Restaurant Bistro’ Alpino hits the spot through seasonal menus based on the freshest ingredients sourced regionally. Look out for cured meats served with chestnuts, hearty legume soups, and black truffle tajarin pasta plus an assortment of chops and steaks in winter. Menus are created with all diets in mind including vegetarians, gluten-free diners, and children. Rates include a daily breakfast.

The laid-back restaurants of La Thuile are a 10-minute walk where a hushed après scene keeps you on track for a bright and early start.

Getting there

Montana Lodge & Spa arranges private and shared transfers from Geneva Airport. The closest train station is in Aosta which is accessible from Turin and Milan. Shuttle buses also operate between these cities from early December until the middle of April.

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The 10 Top Rated Bars in Charleston

There’s so much going on with Charleston’s bar scene that you’ll be hard-pressed to accomplish everything in one trip. The city is home to some of the best cocktail bars in the South. The team at Doar Bros., for example, could go head-to-head with the finest bartenders in New York City, and lounges like the Belmont and 1920s-inspired Prohibition offer a sophisticated atmosphere and celebrate carefully chosen local ingredients for elevated classics.

Doug Warner, Executive Vice President at Explore Charleston, shares the best bars in Charleston are built on the back of “well-practiced mixologists,” who are imaginatively reinventing traditional drinks in a manner that “pays homage to the rich tapestry of flavors that define modern southern culture.”

Charleston’s craft beer scene is also flourishing. From established names with regional recognition to up-and-coming artisanal producers, there’s a lot to get excited about. Two breweries ranked in the top ten, with customers praising the taproom’s range of local beers, excellent comfort food, and welcoming laid-back vibe.

With so many great places to drink (and eat), Matador raked through patron’s reviews on Google Maps and Yelp to bring you a list of the top-ranked bars in the city. Ratings (out of five) on both platforms were added together for an aggregate overall rating. And although customer reviews should be taken with a grain of salt, collectively, they offer insight into the overall landscape. To further ensure accuracy, Matador only selected venues with more than 100 reviews.

To help you navigate the city and not miss out on the skills of some of the best bartenders, sommeliers, and brewers in the South, these are the best bars in Charleston, according to reviews.

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15 Airbnbs in Charleston to Experience True Southern CharmThe Best Boutique Hotels in Charleston, South Carolina
7 Stylish Hotels in Downtown Charleston for the Ultimate Southern Getaway

Doar Bros.

Photo: Doar Bros.Photo: Doar Bros.Photo: Doar Bros.

Rating: 9.8 (4.9 Google Maps, 4.9 Yelp)

Family-run cocktail bar Doar Bros. has one of the most experienced crew of bartenders in town. Despite the small space, the bar and accompanying food menu pack serious heat. Bartender Stephen Blackmon says they have “an unmatched cocktail-focused program,” and that’s evident in the near-perfect score on Google Maps and Yelp.

The elegant European meets New York-style vibe attracts locals and visitors looking for a decent drink. The talent behind the corner bar allows for creativity, or you can sample the well-thought-out modern seasonal cocktail menu or fall back on classics like a Vesper or Hemingway Daiquiri. Pair your tipple with a side of paddlefish caviar and potato chips, whipped ricotta, and beetroot crostini — at a charming outdoor table — and you’ve got a fantastic afternoon set up.

Doar Bros.: 225 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401

Bin 152

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Rating: 9.2 (4.7 Google Maps, 4.5 Yelp)

Wine bar, market, and art gallery rolled into one, Bin 152 is where you go in Charleston for a glass of wine. The concept is simple: cozy atmosphere with exceptional wine, charcuterie, and cheese.

Ran by husband and wife duo, the bar’s international list will take you on a trip around the world with Old World French whites and heady Napa Valley cab sauvs. The cheese menu is equally impressive. La Tur, a soft from Piedmont, Italy, sits beside Bijou, a goat’s cheese from Vermont. Bin 152 does not accept reservations. If you want to snag an outdoor table (highly recommended in reviews), get there early or expect a wait.

Bin 152: 152 King St, Charleston, SC 29401

Bar167

Photo: Bar167Photo: Bar167

Rating: 9.2 (4.7 Google Maps, 4.5 Yelp)

Bar167, a Mediterranean-inspired bistro and lounge, occupies the historic building that formerly housed Fulton Five (a well-known northern Italian eatery.) Though originally conceived as an overflow space for the popular seafood restaurant 167 Raw, located around the corner, Bar167 has evolved into a destination in its own right.

Yes, you can come here for an ice-cold gin and tonic before eating next door, but the bar deserves your attention for longer than an aperitif stop. You’ll need more than one chili-salt rimmed Mallorca Margarita, and popular dishes such as the caviar cones with parmesan custard, arroz con negro with house-made aloi, and lobster pasta more than suffice for dinner.

Bar167: 5 Fulton St, Charleston, SC 29401

Belmont Lounge

Photo: Belmont LoungePhoto: Belmont Lounge

Rating: 9.1 (4.6 Google Maps, 4.5 Yelp)

If you’re in search of a sophisticated drink in Charleston’s vibrant Upper King district, head to Belmont Lounge. In contrast to the lively energy of the street outside, the Belmont provides an intimate space where you’re guaranteed a well-mixed drink.

Belmont Lounge is considered one of Charleston’s pioneering craft cocktail bars. If you don’t know your Paper Plane from your Naked and Famous, just ask one of the bartenders, and they’ll run you through the classics and signature offerings. It’s a perfect spot for a bachelorette, but be prepared to heal up, as a Yelp reviewer says you’ll find “well-dressed locals” at this sleek establishment.

Belmont Lounge: 511 King St, Charleston, SC 2940

Frothy Beard Brewing

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Rating: 8.8 (4.4 Google Maps, 4.4 Yelp)

Charleston breweries draw afternoon crowds with comfort food plates or locally owned rotating food trucks and, of course, expertly crafted local beer. One of the better taprooms is the Frothy Beard Brewing Company.

Beloved for its friendly atmosphere, come here if you’re interested in trying something different from the standard mass-produced beers. You can take a tour of the brewery before sampling a flight of mango and passionfruit golden ale, jalapeño pale ale, and a New England-style IPA. Yelp reviewer Bruce F recommends The Sip Sip Pass IPA, which you can get in a six-pack to take home with you.

Frothy Beard Brewing: 1401 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Charleston

The Peacock

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Rating: 8.7 (4.6 Google Maps, 4.1 Yelp)

The Peacock has multiple levels and a very different vibe (and crowd), depending on whether you’re there for an afternoon meal or a late-night rooftop hang. Peacocks is where you go with a group that appreciates a chic ambiance and is willing to dress up.

The second-floor Peacock Lounge opens at 5:00 PM and has an Instagrammable decor that takes inspiration from the venue’s namesake. V’s, a popular spot for live music, is on the same floor. It has a VIP area, which you can enquire about before arrival. It also has one of the best rooftop bars in Charleston, with stunning cityscape views. Five-star Yelp reviewers rave about the level of service and the efficient management of group bookings.

The Peacock: 404 King St Suite 107, Charleston, SC 29403

Burns Alley Tavern

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Rating: 8.7 (4.6 Google Maps, 4.1 Yelp)

Burns Alley Tavern quickly became an institution since opening in 2006. The popular neighborhood bar is tucked away in an alley off King Street. It has a distinct dive bar feel, with exposed brick walls, a well-worn wooden bar, plenty of vintage beer signs, and University of North Carolina memorabilia (a nod to the owner’s roots). The beer is always flowing and you can expect decent live music on weekends. Yelp reviewers comment on the warm welcome they received and the friendly staff and locals who have taken up residence at the bar.

Burns Alley Tavern: 354B King St, Charleston, SC 29401

Holy City Brewing

Photo: Holy City BrewingPhoto: Holy City BrewingPhoto: Holy City Brewing

Rating: 8.9 (4.5 Google Maps, 4.4 Yelp)

Established in 2011, this award-winning brewery has become a beloved local institution, offering a wide selection of delicious beers and a fun atmosphere.

Located in North Charleston, just a short drive from the historic downtown area, Holy City Brewing has an excellent taproom with a large indoor seating area, an outdoor patio, and a mezzanine level for events. There are 28 beers on the taproom list, ranging from a tropical pilsner to a barrel-aged stout, and there’s always some sort of event going on. A rotating roster of bands plays every Friday and Saturday, and an all-day brunch menu with cocktails is available on Sundays.

Holy City Brewing: 1021 Aragon Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405

Prohibition

Photo: ProhibitionPhoto: Prohibition

Rating: 8.5 (4.4 Google Maps, 4.1 Yelp)

As the name suggests, Prohibition takes patrons back to the 1920s with vintage-inspired decor, and dim lighting, that creates a speakeasy atmosphere. The cocktail bar, now in its 11th year, is the brainchild of James Walsh and Jim McCourt, who’ve even expanded their concept with a new location in Columbia, South Carolina.

The mastermind behind Prohibition’s inventive cocktail menu is Jim McCourt, the bar director and partner. Be sure to try some of their most popular creations, like the S’Express — a twist on the Espresso Martini featuring house-made espresso vodka, coffee liqueur, cold brew, and a touch of lemon oil. Prohibition also has the largest menu of Irish whiskey in South Carolina. There are three areas to the venue, the main bar (with live music), a small more intimate setting, and the patio — which is where you want to be on a balmy night.

Prohibition: 404 King St Suite 107, Charleston, SC 29403

Camellias

Photo: Camellias/Jayro WilliamsPhoto: Camellias/Andrew Cebulka and Jason WilliamsPhoto: Camellias/Modus Photography

Rating: 8.5 (4.3 Google Maps, 4.2 Yelp)

Located within the Hotel Bennett, bar/lounge Camellias is known for its decor — inspired by the Russian Faberge’ egg — afternoon tea and Champagne list.

The décor is a bold pink, accented with marble reclaimed from the historic library that once stood on the same spot. The pink theme flows through the drinks menu, too. And although this might seem like a ploy to keep everything aesthetically in check, cocktails such as the Pink Perfection (Titos, St-Germain, citrus, topped with French sparkling rosé) sounds absolutely delicious. Book in advance if you are coming with a group, and consider looking into the afternoon tea experience, especially if you’re planning a classy bachelorette to Charleston.

Camellias: 404 King St Suite 107, Charleston, SC 29403

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8 Tips and Tricks You Need to Know Before Driving on the Left Side of the Road

When I was just 22 and lived and worked as a French language teacher in Ireland, my good friend Lars, who taught German and lived in the same small town as I did, died in a car accident. Lars was 24. In an attempt to be more independent and explore the country freely, he had brought his red Toyota Yaris from Germany after the Christmas break just two weeks before. I had traveled with him part of the way from continental Europe, along with another friend of ours, Stephanie, and a friend of his from Germany, Stefan. I remember all of us squeezed in the small two-door car, driving through the night on Ireland’s small, twisty roads. I don’t recall being scared with him behind the wheel, even though I knew he had no experience driving on the left side of the road. About 15 days after our arrival, on January 10, 2007, Lars took his car to take Stefan to the Dublin airport so he could catch his flight back to Germany. They left at 4 AM when the roads were quiet for the 1.5-hour drive. Less that 20 minutes after they departed, Lars forgot he was supposed to drive on the left side of the road and hit a truck coming the other way. He died instantly and his friend was seriously injured. Months after the accident, Stefan, then in his mid-twenties, was still working to re-learn how to speak, read, write, and walk.

Driving on the left side of the road when you’re not used to it is not an easy task. Even if you feel confident about your abilities and have extensive driving experience, it requires serious preparedness and a high level of alertness. Here’s what driving experts have to say about what you should do to be ready and stay safe when driving on the left side of the road.

Rent the right car

Photo: byswat/Shutterstock

Unless you’re bringing a left-hand drive vehicle with you (say, if you’re coming from continental Europe), you’ll have to rent a right-hand drive one on site. If you don’t feel confident shifting gears with your left hand, make sure to rent an automatic vehicle rather than a manual. You’ll be more comfortable and able to focus on the road rather than on the gear-shifting process.

If you can’t rent an automatic vehicle, Amanda Benson, owner of the blog Dusty Trail RV, full-time RVer, and a lifetime traveler, recommends that you “spend some time getting to know the vehicle’s layout before hitting the road. Remember, the gear shift will be on your left. Consider spending at least 30 minutes familiarizing yourself with the vehicle’s controls [pedals, lights, indicators, windshield wipers, etc.] and features before driving.”

Joe Giranda, the Director of Sales & Marketing for CFR Classic, a company specializing in international car shipping and relocation, suggests that you rent a car with a GPS. “GPS devices can be invaluable in helping you navigate unfamiliar territory, reducing the cognitive load of driving and allowing you to focus more on adapting to the new driving environment,” he explains.

Renting a vehicle with cruise control and lane-keep alerts will also allow you to drive at the appropriate speed and stay in your lane. Just make sure you know how to use the those tools prior to setting off.

Ready yourself for the new experience

You can prepare yourself even before going to the country where you’ll have to drive on the left side of the road. While planning your trip, watch explanatory Youtube videos and ask the car rental agency or your insurance for possible literature they might have on the topic. Take the time to look at how the rules of the road and the signage differ in the country where you’re going prior to your trip. Learning those things on the go will only make you feel overwhelmed and distracted.

Once you have your rental vehicle and have spent a good amount of time familiarizing yourself with all its buttons, control sticks, and other features, you need to carve a couple of hours to practise.

Rose Smith, owner of Winston Express Haulage in Australia, recommends “exercising in a parking lot or on calm suburban streets [to] assist you in acclimating to the demands of heavy traffic.” Blake Shaw, the automotive expert, car enthusiast, and blog author at the All About Wheels blog echoes smith’s advice and explains that “to feel safe, you need to have confidence, which you can gain through practice. Start driving during less busy times of the day and stay away from busy areas until you feel ready.”

If it’s all too much for you but you have time to spare, Noman Kenneth from UK car leasing company LeaseLoco, recommends “reaching out to a driving instructor for a refresher lesson.”

Adjust your mirrors

Small things can make a world of difference when adapting to driving on the left side of the road, including adjusting your mirror. Beson explains that “properly adjusting your mirrors can help compensate for the changed perspective.” She recommends checking and adjusting mirrors every 15 minutes during the first few hours of driving.

Use visual reminders

One of the most difficult aspects of driving on the opposite side of the road is to remember to stick to the left. Fatigue, distraction, and unfamiliar roads can lead drivers to forget that they should stay on the left-hand side. Giranda explains that “some drivers find it helpful to place a small sticker or note on their dashboard as a continual reminder to stay on the left side of the road.”

Don’t drive alone

Better than a sticker, a co-pilot will not only keep you awake and alert, but they will remind you to stay on the left side of the road and will take care of everything else while you’re focusing on driving.

Arturo, Travel vlogger at Dashing Elsewhere, explains that “it takes a little time for your spacial awareness to adjust. It’s very easy to hit something with the left side of the car when you’re not used to sitting on the right. A co-pilot will be able to help you gauge distances while you adjust. A co-pilot will also be able to navigate where you need to go, change music in the car, warn you of dangers, etc.”

Avoid the distractions until you feel confident

to stay focused on the task at hand, whether that be sticking to the left, finding your way, managing heavy traffic, driving on unfamiliar roads, or even driving at night, avoid distractions like loud music or podcasts. Sturgeon Christie, CEO of Second Skin Audio which manufactures audio control equipment for cars, recommends “staying away from podcasts on meatier topics, as well as from new music or releases. These are more likely to pull your attention away from the road, and require more thinking and immersion when you really just want to stay in the present.”

Don’t drive when you’re tired

Because driving on the left side of the road isn’t what you’re used to doing, if you do it in a state of tiredness, you’re more likely to make mistakes, such as veering to the right, which can be potentially disastrous. When you feel like your attention is waning, stop and rest. Note that because driving on the left side of the road requires a lot of cognitive effort, you’ll tire out more quickly so don’t plan hours-long drive without breaks.

Watch out for roundabouts

Roundabouts, while not very common in North America, are just about everywhere in the UK, Ireland, and other countries where people drive on the left side of the road. To eliminate confusion and potential accidents, it is essential that you familiarize yourself with how roundabouts work by learning the answers to the following questions prior to getting behind the wheel of your rental car:

What does the signage for roundabouts look like and what does it mean exactly?Do I come to a full stop at the entry to a roundabout? What lane shall I take for what exit? How and when shall I use my indicator? Do I yield for upcoming traffic when I am driving around a roundabout?

Once you understand the mechanics of a roundabout, all you have to remember is that in countries where people drive on the left side of the road, roundabouts operate clockwise.

Which countries drive on the left side of the road?

In Europe:

United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, as well as island like Guernsey, Jersey, and the Isle of Man)IrelandMaltaCyprus

In the Caribbean:

U.S. Virgin IslandsJamaicaAntigua and BarbudaBahamasBarbadosDominicaGrenadaMontserratSt. Kitts and NevisSt. LuciaSt. Vincent and the GrenadinesTrinidad and Tobago

In South America:

GuyanaSuriname

In Asia:

JapanSingaporeMaldivesThailandIndonesiaMalaysiaHong KongIndiaBangladeshBhutanBruneiEast TimorMacauNepalPakistanSri Lanka

In Oceania:

Australia and its territories (Christmas Island, Cocos Islands, and Norfolk Island)New Zealand and its territories (Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau)FijiPapua New GuineaSamoa (since 2009 only)TongaKiribatiNauruSolomon IslandsTokelauTuvalu

In Africa

South AfricaKenyaMauritiusBotswanaNamibiaSeychellesEswatiniLesothoMalawiMozambiqueTanzaniaUgandaZambiaZimbabwe

Note that people also drive on the left in the following inhabited British Overseas Territories: the Falkland Islands (South America), St. Helena (Africa), Ascension Islands (Atlantic), Tristan da Cunha island (Atlantic), Anguilla (Caribbean), Montserrat (Caribbean), Turks and Caicos (Caribbean), Bermuda (Caribbean), Cayman Islands (Carribean), Pitcairn Islands (Oceania), and the British Virgin Islands.

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Enough Already: Stop Calling Everything a ‘Travel Hack’

I love travel hacks. But if social media content has taught me anything, it’s that the average person has no idea what a “hack” actually is. And to paraphrase a popular saying, if we can’t start using the words “travel hack” correctly, then we shouldn’t use them at all.

In recent years, “travel hack” seems to have become a synonym for “travel tip.” And that’s pretty annoying, because a travel hack is a very specific thing.

It’s easy to qualify what counts as a hack as it only needs to meet two criteria. One, you need to be using something in a way it’s not intended to be used. And two, doing so should benefit you more than it would otherwise (usually in the form of saving you time, money, or stress).

Here’s a short list of some of the more egregious, offensive, and eye-rolling uses of the word “hack” I’ve seen lately that made me feel a need to draft this angry op-ed.

The coconut airport security “hack”

 

 

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Since you can’t carry water through TSA, one man has a genius suggestion: just carry an entire bag full of coconuts onto your plane. Eye roll.

This is one of the worst hacks I’ve ever seen that clearly was posted just to get people to talk about how stupid it is, not to be actually helpful. In this video, a man suggests that instead of carrying an empty water bottle to fill up once you get through security, you literally just toss a few heavy, bulky, and fiber-covered coconuts in your carry-on bag.

Never mind the inconvenience of somehow cutting into a hard-as-rocks coconut mid-flight, or the inconvenience of carrying the extra weight in your bag. Not only is this not a hack — drinking out of a coconut isn’t “hacking” it — but it’s also way, way, way less convenient than just carrying an empty water bottle. This is truly one of the stupidest videos I’ve ever seen on Instagram.

The points “hack”

I won’t call the publication out, but I was recently reading an A-list publication and clicked on an article called “How to hack free upgrades using airline points.”

Reader, I regret to inform you that the “hack” didn’t exist. All 1,200 words or more of the article were devoted to how you should join an airline loyalty program to eventually earn enough points and status to get upgraded. Why is this not a travel hack, you ask? Because that is literally exactly what airline loyalty programs are for. Using points for upgrades isn’t “hacking” travel any more than paying for Prime is “hacking” Amazon.

Packing cube “hacks”

Photo: stockfour/Shutterstock

You want to know what a packing cube hack would be? Me too. Because all I know to use packing cubes for is to compress your clothing to make it take up less space in a suitcase. That’s exactly what packing cubes are made for, which means it’s not a hack — but that doesn’t seem to matter to any number of luggage websites or Youtube videos that seem to think using packing cubes is the ultimate travel hack.

I love packing cubes and use them all the time. But they’re not a hack. They’re just a good idea.

Why it matters

Photo: New Africa/Shutterstock

Why does this matter, you ask? Aside from the dumbing down of the internet, getting thousands of people to waste time making and watching videos and blog posts on useless tips that waste everyone’s time, it’s stressful. Suggesting that people should be hacking travel, or hacking productivity, or cooking, or anything else that takes time, just implies that people are “doing it wrong” if they’re not maximizing every opportunity.

It creates a fake promise that if you just watch this video, or just buy this product, or just work a little harder, you’ll be better and happier. It’s the same with every other industry that promises shortcuts or other unrealistic results. They make people feel bad and send the message that you’re not doing it — whatever it is — as well as other people. American culture doesn’t need even more pressure to maximize every second of every day.

Sure, promising hacks to make travel better isn’t as bad as promising health or financial hacks that crush viewers’ self-esteem or risk their financial futures. But it’s along the same lines.

Of course, real travel hacks are out there, and Matador has covered more than a few. (We’re also guilty of being generous with what we call “hacks,” admittedly).

Hangers are key to a popular hack for sleeping better in hotels. Photo: sixninepixels/Shutterstock

This travel hack is one of my favorites for watching videos on a plane when you don’t want to strain your neck by staring down at your phone. Better still, it’s an actual hack, since it’s using an airline sick bag for a very, very different purpose. So too is this post a great travel hack, since pillows aren’t designed to help carry extra clothing. There’s also this thread, advising to use hotel hangers to cinch your curtains and keep the sun from blasting you in the face in hotel rooms.

It’s fine to use the word hack if it’s really a hack. I encourage it, actually. But if people can’t use it correctly, and are just going to start calling anything related to travel a “hack,” then we should stop using it entirely and just call everything a travel tip — or, in the case of the coconut video, just a ridiculous idea. I know I’m guilty of overusing it, especially since putting the word “hack” in a headline is a guaranteed way to get clicks. But I’ve seen the error of my ways, and from this point on, I’m going to be much more judicious with what I refer to as a travel hack. And I’m going to encourage all my fellow writers to do the same.

If you want useful travel hacks that don’t waste your time, consider signing up for Matador’s newsletter; every Wednesday is packed with travel tips. We’ll include any real trending travel hacks, so you don’t have to waste time scrolling on Instagram, plus travel tips for everything from booking cheap flights to finding free tours in nearly every city you visit.

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Take Part in Pioneering A New Yemen Trekking Route In 2025

Yemen doesn’t top desired destination lists for most casual trekkers. However, guided treks in the Arabian Peninsula and eastern Mediterranean countries have become more established in recent years, according to James Wilcox of tour operator Untamed Borders. The global travel operator will offer its first-ever guided trek in mainland Yemen for nine days in early 2025, giving 10 trekkers the chance to explore the country’s Hadramout region along with an Untamed Borders guide and local Bedouin villagers assisting en route.

Logistics for embarking on Untamed Borders Yemen trek in 2025

Trekkers will pass this canyon in Wadi Dawan. Photo courtesy Untamed Borders

The trek will cover the wadis, or dry valleys between desert mountains, and desert-scapes of eastern Yemen’s Hadramout region, beginning January 28 and reaching the end of the trail on February 6. Travelers must arrive in Cairo prior to the departure date and will fly together to Seiyun, Yemen, from there. Following the trek, the group will return to Seiyun to fly back to Cairo.

“There’s an area called Wadi Dawan, and others wadis in the region, and inside these wadis (are) villages,” Untamed Borders founder James Wilcox told Matador. “They’re all mud-built, not really towns but more like oases. We’ve set up a route to visit them and experience what their life is like.”

These areas house the route Untamed Borders has established for this trek. The only flights into the mainland of Yemen are with Yemenia Airways, a Yemeni airline that flies in from Cairo. The airline’s flights aren’t generally listed on flight comparison sights, and as such, Untamed Borders handles the booking of its guests’ flights into and out of the country. Travelers are responsible for getting to Cairo, and everyone on the trek will fly into Yemen together. Other logistics, including visas and additional paperwork, will be handled in advance by Untamed Borders.

“We need a whole bunch of documentation from the Yemeni government,” Wilcox says. That’s because guests need a visa, a security document, and other permissions. There are effectively three governments that must provide permissions – the Houthis, as well as two anti-Houthi groups, including the Southern Transition Council (STC) and the old Yemeni government.

Travelers will receive confirmation of their visa status and permissions prior to flying into Yemen. Once in-country, the group will head to Shibam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Manhattan of the Middle East for its mid-rise mud buildings. Here, the group will experience one of the country’s poshest hotels overlooking Wadi Dawan and take in the sunset over the UNESCO site. The 8-day trek begins at Wadi Darwan. The operator provides all food and camping equipment and hopes to include a toilet and shower tent — quite a luxury in this wild landscape. Trekkers will carry daypacks with minimal supplies, the rest being carried by the camels. Throughout, guests will interact with local Bedouin villagers and experience Yemeni cuisine and culture.

Check out Matador’s podcast interview with Untamed Borders founder James Wilcox

What is the trail like, and how did this trek come to be?

Photo courtesy Untamed Borders

The idea was born between Wilcox and two of his guides, including Ade Summers, who will lead the 2025 expedition. The group planned to develop a trekking route through multiple wadis and villages, partnering with local residents to provide an economic boost to their villages and a more thorough experience for the trekkers. Over the winter of 2024, the team visited the region to develop the route and work through the logistics with locals on the ground.

“There was some tourism there before the current conflict, but no one had really done trekking trips to those areas,” Wilcox, the tour guide, says. “The route that we’ve done is a new route. We’ve come up with it ourselves in collaboration with the local team. As well as it being something fun for our clients, we think it’s really good that we get to work with the local guys there and train them up to be competent enough to be able to do this for future tourists, and future income for the area. It’s not just cultural tourism, they’ll have other types of tourism as well.”

Trekkers will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shibam, known as the Manhattan of the Middle East. Photo courtesy Untamed Borders

Lest you think you’re tossing yourself into the abyss with an overly ambitious crew, Untamed Borders began organizing tours and private trips for journalists and other professionals in Pakistan and Afghanistan in 2008. It has since expanded across the region to include other parts of the Middle East, northern Africa, and elsewhere. The company has employed the first female tour guide in Afghanistan and Tajikistan. In 2019, the company piloted its first traveler-oriented trips in Yemen with Summers at the helm.

“Most of the trails on this trek are goat tracks,” Summers says. “We’re using camels as our logistics, which is quite cool. They’ll be carrying the tents and the food.”

In the case of an emergency, the trail will not be more than about 13 miles from a Jeep road, and Jeeps will be used as emergency response vehicles if necessary.

Summers is a former engineer who became bored with office life. After overlanding across Australia, he moved to Mongolia, and eventually made his way to Pakistan and elsewhere in the region. He developed a desire to help shatter preconceptions about this part of the world and show those interested the nuanced splendor of traveling beyond the usual tourist and backpacker circuits.

“Because people perceive this to be such an extreme place, and the history and culture of the place,
the experience of traveling (in Yemen) is so much richer,” Summers says.

How current events play into the trip-planning process

A Bedouin village along the route. Photo courtesy Untamed Borders

During the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the organized Hothi group of Yemen has launched assaults on maritime vessels passing through the Red Sea. The Untamed Borders team team saw no problems with the current conflict during its route-planning expedition in January. The trek is not in an area of the country experiencing Houthi-driven conflict, passing instead through remote and largely self-sufficient villages and areas. Part of the trip’s goal, Wilcox emphasizes, is to showcase to travelers that there’s more to Yemen that what is portrayed in the mainstream media.

“As soon as you start doing a bit of research and asking the right questions, you’ll soon realize there’s no conflict in that area,” says Summers. “It’s all on the coast and in what we’re calling the west of the country. It’s not like the whole country’s in conflict.”

The precautions taken by Untamed Borders and its local partners mean it can offer a safe route for guests, in which they can interact with locals in the desert villages along the way. The experience in Yemen speaks to Untamed Borders larger goal of helping the public see through widely-held misconceptions about this part of the world.

“At a cursory glance, this may not seem like a good place to go,” Wilcox says. “But when they actually go they realize that it’s a lot more nuanced.”

Photo courtesy Untamed Borders

The company was formed as a collective initiative between Wilcox, a Pakistani contact, and an Afghan contact, the former of whom is still involved in the company. It’s earliest work was organizing trips for war journalists and other professionals assigned to cover difficult-to-access regions. Wilcox saw the value of helping them provide a better understanding of these places, and felt that providing the same service to the general public could be quite an opportunity.

“For me, it doesn’t make any sense to promote the countries we go to in any other way than the multi-faceted places they are,” Wilcox says. “Which has really interesting culture, really interesting architecture, geography, history. The geopolitical aspect is really interesting, but that’s just one facet of it. The guys we work with on the ground in Yemen, they’re really proud of Yemen and they really want to do this.”

The overarching goal, in addition to an incredible experience, is to create a lasting economic impact for the villagers and for the trekkers, to provide a desire to constantly broaden their broader worldview and spark continued curiosity. “Maybe this experience will spur another trip,” Summers says. “We’re trying to promote a longer legacy of trekking for our travelers.”

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You Can Now Search Hotels With EV Chargers and Local Charging Stations On Google Maps

EV drivers can now take advantage of new features from Google Maps and Google Search. The most notable is EV charger locations searchable on Google Maps. Additionally, users can now search for hotels with EV chargers on Google Maps.

EV charging locations listed on Google Maps also now include information about the charging stations. Users can see the number of chargers available as well as the kW of each charger. Google Maps also lists the brand of charging station. This is helpful because many EV drivers are members of one program or another, such as ChargePoint or Electrify America, and therefore prefer to charge with that company to take advantage of lower rates for members.

Screenshot/Google Maps

One primary benefit of this is that it allows users to not only located the specific charging company they wish to charge with, but route directions directly to that charging station including distance and travel time to get there. Not displayed, however, is how many of those chargers are occupied or out of order. Drivers will still need to reference mobile apps or other sources for this information.

Screenshot/Google Maps

For users of Google Search, running a search for hotels in a specific location with EV chargers now returns those hotels displayed at the top of the page. This precedes other results from other websites that may include hotel websites and sites from media companies and others reporting on hotels with EV chargers in that location.

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Lake Como’s Hotel Royal Victoria Is A Must-Stay In Northern Italy

An idyllic setting on the shores of Lake Como is enough to kindle wanderlust but why not push the boat out and stay in the hotel where a British monarch once spent the night? Queen Victoria slept at what later was rechristened the Hotel Royal Victoria the year after her coronation. Before being reimagined as a hotel fit for royalty, the building had humble origins as a mill. One thing that hasn’t changed is the spectacular views of Northern Italy’s cherished lake.

The Hotel Royal Victoria by R Collection Hotels is located on the southern edge of Varenna. Direct trains take just over an hour from Milan, making this small resort town on the eastern side of Lake Como an ideal contender if you’re traveling without a car. Whether, like the monarch, you’re celebrating a recent career milestone or are looking to experience the Dolce Vita lifestyle, here’s what to expect from this historic luxury hotel in Northern Italy.

Book Now

We hope you love the Hotel Royal Victoria! 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.

Rooms with a view on Lake ComoPhoto: BookingPhoto: BookingPhoto: Booking

This four-star hotel is composed of 39 elegant guest rooms and four refined junior suites. Classic rooms overlooking the main square in Varenna are kept simple with premium satin linens and plum or Champagne paintwork. Deluxe rooms peer over the lake while the top-tier prestige rooms go one step further with a furnished balcony. Go on, order an aperitif, and drink up those views – the boat tour can wait.

Suites at the Hotel Royal Victoria are ideal if you appreciate extra living room while on the road or plan on returning to basecamp for regular siestas. All junior suites have a seating area while bathrooms come with a tub and a separate chromotherapy shower. In terms of views, these are comparable to the prestige rooms so the main gain in upgrading is the additional space.

Spa and pool facilities

The outdoor pool is the star of this coveted Lake Como hotel. You’ll enjoy an eyeful of the famous lake and the surrounding mountains from both the water and the poolside where refreshments are served.

Meander your way through the grounds and you’ll soon wind up at the Hotel Royal Victoria’s spa suite. Hotel guests are invited to reserve a private pampering session and claim exclusive use of the oak sauna, eucalyptus steam bath, and relaxation zone. These facilities feature customizable lighting and an audio kit to set your own spa soundtrack.

Casual and fine dining at the Hotel Royal Victoria

Hotel Royal Victoria by R Collection Hotels gives guests the choice of three restaurants. Ristorante Visteria has a panoramic dining room plus a verandah granting views of the lake towards Bellagio. It’s hard to tear your eyes away from the water but do take the time to admire the artful food – particularly if you opt for the tasting menu. The chef is known to pop out of the kitchen from time to time to hear the verdict on his latest creations. This and the à la carte is a fusion of Italian and Mediterranean styles and all desserts and pastries are made in-house.

The Victoria Grill is a laid-back affair where pizza and tiramisu are served with a view of Varenna’s Old Town. Alfresco appetizers and spritzes are best enjoyed under the vines in the waterfront Bar Giardino.

Around the hotelPhoto: BookingPhoto: BookingPhoto: Booking

Varenna has all the charm of bustling Bellagio (a 15-minute hop on the ferry) while benefiting from a calmer experience in the evening. The town does tend to fill up during the day as day trippers arrive to marvel at the waterside gardens and savor views across the lake. Come nightfall, it’s noticeably quieter and you can enjoy a handheld stroll along the Passeggiata degli Innamorati – the Lover’s Promenade.

Wake up early and idle through the hotel gardens to the sister property. Hotel Villa Cipressi by R Collection is another heritage manor on a separate plot of land. This garden is open to the public and you’ll appreciate a head start as spring tips into the summer high season.

Villa Monastero stands right next door to Villa Cipressi. The House Museum at Villa Monastero comprises 13 rooms furnished with 19th-century art and carpentry and a sumptuous neo-Pompeian bathroom. Cypress trees, yuccas, citrus fruits, and rare botanical species bring a bounty of color to the gardens and terraces. It’s no surprise that these two garden villas are the destinations for wedding photoshoots in Northern Italy.

Journey back further in time at Castello di Vezio. It’s a 40-minute climb to reach this 12th-century defensive castle and the views over Lake Como justify every step.

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What It Looks Like Inside the World’s Largest Underground Cave Waterfall

Deep within Lookout Mountain, on the outskirts of Chattanooga, Tennessee, is Ruby Falls, the world’s largest underground waterfall. Accessible by a glass elevator that descends hundreds of feet into the earth, this is one of the coolest outdoor experiences you can have in the state.

The journey begins with a 260-foot descent by a glass-fronted elevator, offering a glimpse of the mountain’s interior before plunging you into the cavern. You can then join a guided tour that takes you along a paved half-mile trail past rock formations sculpted by millennia of water erosion.

Photo: Ruby Falls

As you near the end of the path, the cavern opens into a breathtaking chamber where Ruby Falls crashes down a moss-covered cliff illuminated in lights.

Photo: Ruby Falls

The tour also offers information on the cave’s history. You’ll learn about Leo Lambert, the man who stumbled upon the waterfall in 1928, and how he transformed it into a popular tourist destination named after his wife, Ruby.

There are a few tour options to choose from. For the adventurous, there’s the Lantern Tour — limited to a small group, the after-hours experiences take you through the cavern with hand-held lanterns, an early morning Gentle Walking Tour, and the Low Sensory Cave Tour.

Included in your ticket is entry to The Lookout Mountain Tower, which offers panoramic vistas of the Cumberland Plateau and the Tennessee River winding through the valley below.

A separate ticketed activity, the High Point Zip Adventure course, will take you on a zipline through the mountain forest.

Photo: Ruby Falls

The Ruby Falls Castle also has a cafe that serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and lighter fare. The seasonal menu is complimented by a range of local craft beer and Chattanooga-roasted fair-trade coffee. You can also stay overnight in one of the luxury treehouses and take advantage of the stunning Tennessee mountains.

The Cave Walk tour to the waterfalls costs $25.95 for adults, $15.95 for those aged three to 12, and free for those under two. The Lantern Tour and the Gentle Walking Tour tickets are $39.95 and are available to those over five. You also get a keepsake miner helmet with admission. If you’re local or intend on visiting more than once, there are season passes for purchase.

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