Matador Network's Blog, page 223
December 4, 2023
The Luxurious New Heartsong Lodge and Resort: An Ode To Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountains
Singer, songwriter, philanthropist — it seems like there’s nothing Dolly Parton can’t do. The same can be said of her success with her theme park, Dollywood, and resort, DreamMore Resort and Spa. Now the singer has further expanded her hospitality empire with the opening of her latest hotel, Heartsong Lodge and Resort.
A longtime Dolly fan, I jumped at the chance to stay at the brand-new resort just two weeks after opening. I couldn’t wait to experience the hotel’s live music, nightly singalongs, festive decorations, and, of course, visit the park during its annual Smoky Mountain Christmas festival. After my stay at Heartsong Lodge, like seemingly everyone else who travels these parts, I left believing there’s nothing Dolly can’t do.
Dollywood’s second act
Photo: The Dollywood Company
Since opening in 1986, Dollywood has attracted millions of visitors each year to its 165-acre theme park. Located just 10 miles from Smoky Mountain National Park, the most visited National Park in America, Dollywood is ideally situated for exploring a number of nearby attractions. When Dollywood opened DreamMore Resort and Spa in 2015, the resort fulfilled a longtime need for luxury accommodations in the area.
“After the success of Dollywood’s first resort, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, there was both need and demand for a second full-service resort property for guests who want to spend multiple days in our parks and region,” says Kevin Osborn, general manager at Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge and Resort.
Photo: The Dollywood Company
Since opening on November 6, Heartsong Lodge and Resort has sold out every weekend, an indicator that travelers are more than ready for Dollywood’s second act. Though Dollywood Resorts and Parks is co-owned with the Herschend family, who oversee much of the business aspects of the organization, Parton is still referred to as the “Dreamer in Chief” and her vision is foremost when designing guest experiences.
“Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge and Resort takes me back to when I was a little girl exploring my beautiful Smoky Mountains,” Parton said recently at the resort’s opening. “I have so many fond memories of the days when us kids spent hours playing in the creek and chasing fireflies after supper. I hope families who come to my HeartSong Lodge discover what makes these mountains so special to me, while creating their own precious memories.”
Named for her 1994 hit, “HeartSong,” Heartsong Resort and Lodge is meant to evoke the Smoky Mountain experience of Dolly’s upbringing. Details throughout the property pay homage to the area’s natural beauty. In the lobby, a screen behind the front desk plays a rotating display of seasonal images, such as falling leaves or a rushing mountain brook. Flying buttresses in the soaring atrium are designed to look like illuminated fireflies, and the two-story stone fireplace features an iron screen with an image of Dolly as a girl sitting on a tree branch.
Smoky Mountain elegancePhoto: The Dollywood Company
A dramatic stone and timber Porte cochere greets guests upon arrival at Heartsong Resort and Lodge. The spacious reception features a large portrait of Dolly playing guitar, while the soaring 4,000-square-foot atrium has a two-story fireplace with multiple seating areas designed for gathering. The adjacent Acoustic Lobby is an intimate pair of rooms showcasing Dolly memorabilia. Leather banquettes line plum-hued walls framed with some of Dolly’s handwritten lyrics, guitars, and performance costumes, and a guitar-shaped chandelier hangs overhead.
Outside the atrium, the massive Heartsong Fire Pit is the setting for nightly s’mores and singalongs. A half-dozen smaller fire pits with seating are also spread throughout the property. The Cove, the resort’s lagoon-style outdoor pool with waterfall and splash pad, also has a large heated outdoor hot tub that remains open year-round. A nature playground, walking trails and lawn games provide plenty of outdoor entertainment.
Photo: Heartsong Lodge and Resort
Heartsong Lodge has a large indoor pool with a lifeguard, and an area called The Porch where movies are shown every night. While I visited, The Porch screened holiday classics and had puzzles and board games set up daily. Camp DW offers weekly programming for kids like crafts, games, and pool parties during the summer months.
The Heartsong Events Center has 26,000-square-feet of meeting space for conventions and special events, while the resort’s compact fitness center offers state-of-the-art equipment and seasonal fitness activities. Honeysuckle and Pine Storied Goods and Mercantile sells a selection of Dolly-themed merchandise, in addition to locally made gift items.
Accommodations at Heartsong Lodge
Photo: The Dollywood Company
Rooms at Heartsong Lodge carry the Smoky Mountain theme throughout, and include details that evoke the natural setting. Bathrooms have barn-style sliding doors, warm wood flooring, and backlit mirrors illuminated with fireflies, leaves, and flowers. Room décor is done in tones of gray, brown, and green, with natural accents like leather and wood headboards, and lantern-style lighting. Every room has murals of the forest, waterfalls, and wildlife of the surrounding area. Rather than a traditional sound machine, guest rooms come with EZValo white noise machines with eight different sounds that can be mixed by volume to create a symphony of sounds like rain, crackling fires, and chirping birds while you sleep.
Standard king bed rooms also have queen sleeper beds and walk-in showers, while larger rooms have two queen beds and a shower/tub combination. Family suites are spacious, with a king bedroom and twin bunks. Suites have seating areas in addition to king or double queen bedrooms, bunk areas and sleeper sofas. More than half the guest rooms at Heartsong Lodge have balconies, some with Smoky Mountain views.
Food and drink at Heartsong Lodge
Photo: The Dollywood Company
The resort’s signature restaurant, Ember and Elm, serves elevated versions of Dolly’s favorite comfort foods. I loved the sticky short ribs, Brussels sprouts, and Springer Farms fried chicken, but the cast iron skillet meals, like the tender short rib over polenta with broccolini, are where the menu really shines. Dollywood resorts are known for country breakfasts, and guests lined up each morning to try hearty menu items like the ham biscuit Benedict and the hash brown skillet. The restaurant makes a great choice for a stick-to-your-ribs meal before heading out to the park.
For quick-service dining, The Songbird Market Grab and Go Eatery serves Starbucks coffee products, breakfast items, sandwiches, and made-to-order pizzas. Guests can even order some of Dollywood’s famous cinnamon bread, usually only available in the theme park.
The casual restaurant High Note serves craft cocktails, beer, wine, and flatbreads and sandwiches. During the warmer months, High Note offers an open-air dining experience adjacent to the outdoor pool complex.
Visiting DollywoodTo get the full Dollywood experience, one must visit the theme park. Guests at Heartsong Lodge receive complimentary transportation to the theme park on the resort’s trolley, early entry on Saturday mornings, and TimeSaver Passes for priority boarding on some park rides.
Though Dollywood has a reputation for its thrilling coasters and award-winning food, it is truly a park for music lovers. With seven theaters and outdoor stages, there is a show or theatrical performance happening at any time, making it a great theme park for visitors of all ages. TripAdvisor voted Dollywood the #1 Theme Park in America in 2022.
Dollywood is open mid-March through early January, and I was lucky to be there during the park’s annual Smoky Mountain Christmas festival. During the festival, Dollywood is decorated with more than six million lights, dozens of Christmas trees, and has a full schedule of holiday performances, including a nightly drone show.
The magic of Dollywood at Heartsong LodgeView this post on InstagramA post shared by Dollywood Parks & Resorts (@dollywood)
After a day at the park eating my weight in cinnamon bread and listening to some fantastic live music, I headed back to Heartsong Lodge. Walking into the pine-cone draped lobby to a blazing fire, it’s hard not to feel a sense of nostalgia. Couples gathered in the atrium to listen to an acoustic guitar player sing classics by John Denver. Outdoors by the fire pit, hotel employees laid the fixings for s’mores in anticipation of the nightly singalong.
If it all sounds a bit quaint, that’s because it is. The magic of Dollywood and Heartsong Lodge is that before you know it, you’re relaxing on a rocking chair, breathing in the mountain air, and envisioning a simpler time. It’s a Smoky Mountain reverie brought to life, exactly as the Dreamer in Chief imagined. 
8 Reasons 2024 Is the Year To Visit Saudi
What’s happening right now in Saudi is groundbreaking — literally and figuratively. Huge developments, so massive they’ve been dubbed “giga projects,” are transforming the country like nowhere else in the world, bringing in new attractions, opening next-level luxurious hotels, and even creating entirely new cities.
The incredible diversity of things to do in Saudi — and the increasing ease of getting to and exploring the country — promises to dazzle travelers, and those who make the trip in 2024 get to experience it first. Here’s why you should plan a visit to Saudi now.
1. There’s a new way to see the colorful Red Sea.
Photo: Saudi Tourism Authority
Saudi has more than 1,000 miles of coastline on the Red Sea, the longest of any of the surrounding countries. Think the distance from Houston to Phoenix or San Diego to Portland, Oregon. And this body of water shelters one of the most important but least shouted-about ecosystems in the world. Researchers think the reefs of the Red Sea could wind up being the last stands of coral anywhere on the planet because they’re already well adapted to warm waters. Scuba divers and snorkelers, on the other hand, are simply mesmerized by the hypnotic colors of the coral and schools of fish.
One of Saudi’s giga projects, the sustainability-focused Red Sea Project, has just started to welcome travelers. Red Sea International Airport, designed by renowned British architects Foster + Partners, saw its inaugural flights in September, and new high-end hotels are opening their doors. Six Senses is debuting its first property in the country, its design a nod to the area’s Nabataean history — that’s the civilization that carved the iconic architecture of Petra in Jordan and Hegra in Saudi. Also opening soon are the St. Regis Red Sea Resort, accessible only by boat or seaplane, and Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve with exclusive Maldives-style overwater bungalows.
2. New public transportation connects the capital.
Photo: KhaledSaad001/Shutterstock
Getting around the Saudi capital city will be easier than ever before with the opening of the Riyadh Metro in 2024, one of the largest such projects in the world, which has been in the works for more than a decade. The public transportation network’s six lines will extend nearly 110 miles with 85 stations across the city, including connections with the airport and downtown, and the driverless trains will be fully automated. The metro will link up with an extensive bus network to reach even farther into the city.
3. You can celebrate at Saudi’s unique festivals.
Photo: Saudi Tourism Authority
Saudi’s spirited festival scene fills the calendar year-round. The town of AlUla is a particular hot spot for unusual events, and in 2024 it’s hosting a handful of travel-worthy happenings. These include the AlUla Skies Festival, which will see the region filled with hot-air balloons for 10 days in April, and AlUla Desert Blaze, an extreme endurance race for runners held during the height of summer. And Desert X, started in California’s Coachella Valley, is returning with new contemporary installations as part of the AlUla Arts Festival that runs from February to early March.
AlUla certainly isn’t the only place in Saudi for festivals. Many Saudi cities have their own “seasons” that showcase live music, culture, heritage, and sports across the country. In winter, Riyadh Season puts on comedy nights, WWE wrestling, and pop-up shopping boutiques from local designers. Seaside Jeddah takes its season to the water with shark cage diving and jet-boat rides, as well as an art promenade on the Corniche. In 2024, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix zooms back to Jeddah as well.
4. Saudi is the Middle East’s new stopover destination.
Photo: futuristman/Shutterstock
In March, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced the creation of a brand-new national airline for Saudi Arabia, called Riyadh Air. The flagship carrier plans to serve more than 100 destinations around the world by 2030 from its strategic position at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Riyadh Air bills itself as the first digital-native airline, promising a smooth travel experience for passengers.
Earlier this year, the Saudi government also launched its first-ever stopover visa, allowing visitors to stay in the kingdom for free for four days. (A tourist eVisa for longer stays costs 535 SAR, about $140 US). If you book through Saudia, you can also get a free night in a hotel.
5. There are maiden-voyage cruises on the Red Sea.
Photo: Saudi Tourism Authority
From the Caribbean to the Mediterranean, cruises are booming, and the first recreational cruises are now setting sail in the Red Sea from Saudi. Plans for a new cruise terminal are underway in Jeddah. In 2023, Saudi launched its own cruise line brand, AROYA Cruises, and luxury operator Abercrombie & Kent has announced a new cruise itinerary for 2024 that links Greece, Turkey, and Saudi, sailing through the Mediterranean and into the Red Sea via Egypt’s Suez Canal.
6. You can glimpse the future at NEOM.
Photo: almozinisaleh/Shutterstock
Perhaps the most iconic of Saudi’s giga projects, NEOM is completely reimagining urban living. The Line, part of NEOM in northwestern Saudi Arabia, is a planned car-free and carbon-free smart city that will stretch out along 110 miles but won’t have any roads. While The Line is still in the works, travelers will be able to visit Sindalah Island, slated to open in 2024. It’s poised to be a big hub for yachties, with an 86-berth marina and 75 offshore buoys, plus posh shops, spas, and a beach club.
7. Saudi history and heritage is being revitalized in Diriyah.
Photo: Saudi Tourism Authority
On the edge of Riyadh but a world away, UNESCO-listed Diriyah was the original home of the Saudi royal family and is a must-visit for history buffs and lovers of traditional architecture. Founded in the 15th century, this area is home to palaces, museums, and other cultural attractions that highlight Diriyah’s important role in the development of the modern Saudi state. More parts of the district are becoming accessible as the government continues to restore buildings in the area, and hotelier Aman plans to open two properties inspired by historic Najdi architecture.
8. Saudi hotels are truly unforgettable.
Photo: Saudi Tourism Authority
New upscale hotels are sprouting in unbelievable locations around the country, guaranteeing unique sleeps no matter where you stay. Beyond the overwater villas and Nabataean-style dwellings on the Red Sea, Saudi will also soon see one-of-a-kind properties elsewhere along the coast. In Jeddah, Al Hamra Palace is being converted into a lavish hotel, and further inland, sci-fi-looking hotels are coming to futuristic NEOM. At Trojena — the first outdoor ski resort in Saudi (yes, really!) — luxury brand Anantara is building a property near a freshwater lake that’s nearly two miles long and surrounded by mountain peaks.
Near AlUla, The Chedi is opening a location inside the ancient archaeological site of Hegra, converting some existing historic structures such as Hegra Fort and a train station. Dar Tantora, an upscale ecolodge, will soon welcome guests in AlUla’s old town. Wherever you look in Saudi, things are changing fast — plan your trip for 2024 and be a part of it.
December 1, 2023
The 13 Essential Places To Eat and Drink in Scottsdale, Arizona
With its high-end resorts and spas, luxury department stores, and clean-cut golf courses, it is no wonder Scottsdale, Arizona, is such a popular destination — especially for bachelor and bachelorette parties. This being Arizona, it’s in the middle of the desert, but it’s far from the cartoon desert of Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner. For proof, all one has to do is consider the culinary scene and see just how good desert dining can be.
As someone obsessed with food, I jumped at the chance to experience food, drinks, and desserts around Scottsdale on a recent trip, and the city did not disappoint. Upon my arrival, the sun greeted me on a high beam, though the heat didn’t bother me too much coming from the summer temperatures in Florida. But I will say a nice cold drink or ice cream sounded so delicious as the first order of business.
For travelers looking for the best places to eat in Scottsdale — whether on a bachelor or bachelorette trip, a work event, or a weekend getaway — you’ll find what you’re looking for on this list.
The Mission
Photo: Jori Ayers
The first stop on my culinary trip was The Mission. The Mission is owned and operated by Chef Matt Carter, who owns four restaurants in Arizona. The Mission Old Town opened in 2008 and focuses on Latin cuisine. Take a trip to Spain, Mexico, and Central and South America while eating off this delicious menu. Start with handmade (right in front of you) guacamole that’s fresh, savory, and delicious.
For my main, I went with the crispy rock shrimp, which has raised my expectations for every shrimp taco I will have for the rest of my life. The shrimp were huge, and the crispy in its name did not lie — you could hear the crunch from a mile away. Let’s not forget the rocoto crema (a Peruvian pepper sauce), cotija, and the fresh cabbage that came with the shrimp. The Mission is a spot to go for a nice lunch or dinner, just make sure to have a reservation in the evening as it’s packed out the door.
The Mission: 3815 N Brown Ave, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
The Wine Collective
Photo: Experience Scottsdale
The Wine Collective is one of seven wine tasting rooms in Old Town Scottsdale. What makes this tasting room so different from the other six is that this is the only one-stop shop for Arizona wines. The Wine Collective has more than 40 wines you can taste and take home. Enjoy curated wine flight options like a Rosé All Day flight, Gold Rush flight (light and crisp wines), Bold and Beautiful flight (big red wines), Sweet and Savory flight, and, if you’re feeling wild, a Just Trust Me Flight where your wine concierge picks out a few Arizona wines for you.
The Wine Collective: 4020 N Scottsdale Rd suite 104, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Sugar Bowl
Photo: Thomas Trompeter/Shutterstock
If you, like me, started thinking about a cold, sweet treat as soon as the Arizona heat hit, this is the place to go. Sugar Bowl opened in 1958 as Scottsdale’s first family friendly restaurant and ice cream parlor. Not much has changed since, from the menu to the decor to the soda fountain. It honestly looks like a place right out of Grease. I opted for a strawberry sundae with extra cameral drizzle, and it instantly took me back to summer in my younger days sitting on my driveway with my neighbor with an ice cream in hand. If you want to experience a bit of nostalgia and mouthwatering ice cream, then Sugar Bowl is your place to be.
Sugar Bowl: 4005 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Weft & Wrap Art Bar + Kitchen at Andaz Scottsdale Resort and Bungalows
Photo: Experience Scottsdale
Photo: Experience Scottsdale
Photo: Experience ScottsdaleWhile in Scottsdale, I stayed at the beautiful and serene Andaz Scottsdale Resort and Bungalows. This 23-acre resort is a luxury desert experience. The bungalows are spacious and cozy, and don’t get me started on the bathroom. Someone should put up that bathroom for the best bathroom award for the space and the lighting that it gives.
At Andaz’s onsite restaurant, I experienced a seasonal cocktail-making class where my talented mixologist not only made delicious cocktails on the spot, but also taught us the way of the bar. After cocktails, we headed to the restaurant’s glass box exhibition in the kitchen, along with a chef’s table, where we had front-row seats of all the action in the kitchen.
The food at Weft & Wrap Art Bar + Kitchen is just as enticing as the cocktails. The shrimp curry is savory and cooked to perfection, with a curry that has a bit of a kick to it but isn’t overpowering with spice. The pickled cucumber tabouleh is a light dish I would whip up to beat the heat, made with eggplant, tomatoes, parsley, dill, onions, bulgur wheat, and sumac. Then there are the plates of pasta. All of the pastas are made in-house, so you can guarantee they’re fresh and top-of-the-line. I tried four: black pepper gemelli, tagliatelle, agnolotti, and pappardelle. The first two really stood out. The arugula pesto is creamy and savory on the tagliatelle, and the black pepper gemelli has a rich sauce balanced out by grana padano cheese and pancetta. Don’t forget dessert: the strawberry freezecake keeps it simple and is the ideal way to end the night.
Weft & Wrap Art Bar + Kitchen: 6114 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85253
The Herb Box
Photo: Experience Scottsdale
The Herb Box serves meals cooked with fresh and locally sourced ingredients. This modern hip-styled restaurant has two locations, one in Old Town and the other in Central Scottsdale. I visited the Old Town location, and the setting is sophisticated and relaxed. The refreshing pomegranate paloma cooled me down instantly. To start was Korean fried cauliflower, kale, corn, sweet onion pakora, and crispy Brussels sprout chips for appetizers. The crispiness of the Brussels sprouts, the kick of the Korean fried cauliflower, and the sweetness of the corn and sweet onion is a spot-on combination. Don’t miss the market sunflower salad made with grilled chicken, goat cheese, bacon, local strawberries and blueberries, sunflower seeds, and the tastiest and tangiest balsamic vinaigrette I’ve ever had.
The Herb Box: 7051 E 5th Ave, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Gelato Tour with JoyRides AZ
Photo: Jori Ayers
Ice cream is always a good answer in the Arizona sun, and there’s no shortage of options in Scottsdale. For a taste of what the town has to offer, consider the Gelato and Ice Cream tour with JoyRidesAZ. The company has a range of tours and was started in 2013 by husband and wife team Kirk and Monica. JoyRidesAZ is a great way to experience Scottsdale, all while being eco-friendly. JoyRidesAZ offers private tours and services from a local point of view so you can see downtown Scottsdale from a different aspect than every other tourist.
I visited three of the seven ice cream shops as well as the five gelato shops in Scottsdale on the tour. Some favorites were Jeni’s Ice Creams, Pussy Cat Gelato, and Yellow Spruce. In between stops, Monica gave me a tour of Old Town Scottsdale in their open-air vehicle and told us interesting facts about the city.
JoyRidesAZ: 7142 E 1st St, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Citizen Public HouseView this post on InstagramA post shared by Citizen Public House (@citizenpublichouse)
For upscale food and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere, Citizen Public House is the spot. There are craft cocktails like the bourbon-based bramble and appetizers like beer fondue with sausage, pretzels, bacon fat heirloom popcorn, and the chopped salad (a local favorite). For the main, consider the seared scallops with sweet corn grits. The scallops are well-cooked and large. As a girl from the South, grits are a special treasure, so I was a little hesitant ordering them off a menu in Arizona. Here, they aren’t like the fluffy, buttery, and sugar-filled grits from home, but the bold taste from the cola gastrique sauce and the sweetness of the corn heightened the taste. It came almost close to back at home, these grits were just more upscale.
Citizen Public House: 7111 E 5th Ave, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
FnB
Photo: Experience Scottsdale
FnB is a farm-to-table restaurant that opened in 2009, and it has been a hit ever since. Chef Charleen Badman, a recipient of the James Beard Foundation’s 2019 Best Chef of the Southwest award, owns the restaurant. She is well known for her bold flavors and seasonal menu that changes weekly based on locally sourced ingredients like tomatoes, carrots, mushrooms, radishes, garlic, celery, and peppers. If you want something vegan, vegetarian, or pescatarian, FnB can accommodate you. FnB’s menu constantly changes (on my visit, the vegetables with hummus and freshly made pasta with lobster particularly stood out). Along with the food, guests can get a curated wine pairing from co-owner Pavie Milic.
FnB: 7125 E 5th Ave #31, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
The Thumb
Photo: Jori Ayers
The Thumb was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, and if that doesn’t give the notion to visit, then I don’t know what will. After a long hike at the McDowell Sonoran and Gateway Trail Loop, my stomach yelled at me to get food. Driving past The Thumb, you might initially think that it’s just an ordinary gas station, but boy, is there more. The Thumb is also your one-stop shop for all things barbecue. It has award-winning barbecue, a bakery, and a huge gift shop. So basically, this could be a Scottsdale version of Buc-ee’s in terms of range of things to buy.
The Thumb: 9393 E Bell Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Postino Highland
Photo: Jori Ayers
Walking into Postino Highland, I could immediately tell this was a local hangout spot. There are many happy hour options like a 25-dollar bottle of wine and bruschetta board every Monday and Tuesday after 8 PM and $6 glasses of wine and pitchers of beer until 5 PM. Postino Highland is inside a restored 1960s bank designed by Drover, Welch, and Lindlan architect Frank Henry. The first Postino opened in 2001 in Phoenix, and has since expanded to other locations and cities. Scottsdale’s Postino Highland for wine and simple and delicious food like sandwiches, charcuterie boards, and salads.
Postino Highland: 4821 N Scottsdale Rd #109, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Century GrandView this post on InstagramA post shared by Century Grand (@centurygrandphx)
Century Grand opened in 2019, and won the Tales 2023 Spirted Awards for Best Cocktail Bar in 2023. It has three different immersive rooms. The cocktails served in each experience are not just any ol’ cocktail, but are carefully crafted and curated drinks to match your experience in whichever setting you’re in. There’s Platform 18, which gives you the experience of being on a train with “windows” and train sounds. Next is Under Tow, a nautical cocktail bar that gives off more under-the-sea vibes. Lastly, there’s the Grey Hen Rx, a New Orleans apothecary inspired cocktail bar. When I stepped into the Grey Hen Rx, I was immediately transported to New Orleans. It has a low-lit setting with vines above and many different liquors lining the wall. It’s truly as immersive as a Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disney.
Century Grand: 3626 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018
Hash KitchenView this post on InstagramA post shared by HASH KITCHEN | by Chef Joey (@hashkitchen)
Hash Kitchen is another hang-out spot and perfect for bachelorette parties. Husband and wife duo executive chef Joey Maggiore and Cristina Maggiore created Hash Kitchen. This bright, colorful, and airy establishment has a DJ jamming out and has the state’s largest build-your-own bloody Mary bar. When reviewing its extensive menu, I decided on a crowd favorite: the hangover hash with a tsunami strawberry shortcake pancake (a mouth full from the name to the actual dish). It’s served in a medium-sized skillet that’s filled with slow chile-braised beef, jalapeño cornbread and potato hash, mozzarella, your choice of eggs, and fried onion rings. The tsunami strawberry shortcake pancakes are precisely as worded. It’s three fluffy pancakes with a tsunami of strawberry shortcake waiting to overflow on top. If bloody Marys aren’t your style, Hash Kitchen has a mimosa flight with a daily selection of four mimosas. I tried the blueberry, pineapple, strawberry, and orange mimosas with some glitter for that added touch.
Hash Kitchen: 14838 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Canal Club
Photo: Experience Scottsdale
Photo: Experience ScottsdaleFor my last two nights, I had the pleasure of staying at The Scott Resort and Spa. This boho-themed resort transports you to something out of a movie. The resort is beautifully decorated and on par with the Scottsdale vibe with spacious rooms that have the perfect balcony access to sit and unwind. Last on my culinary adventure through Scottsdale was the Canal Club, the Scott Resort and Spa’s on-site restaurant.
They had a DJ playing 90s throwbacks, and the sun was setting in the distance. Since I had been out all day, I opted for a table for one inside and ordered the letter to a friend cocktail made with highland tequila, grapefruit, lime, and soda. I ordered an appetizer of queso dip and crispy skin salmon for my main meal. The latter came with purple potato hash and chipotle butter, but I took the leap to add a bit of queso dip to it and I highly recommend.
As the night came to a close I wanted a sweet treat to remember Scottsdale by, and what better way to do so than some churro doughnut holes? The cinnamon sweetness paired with the white chocolate anglaise guava jam was so tasty that I took the rest and snacked on those while hanging out on my balcony for the rest of the night.
Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel Is the Perfect Base For Exploring the City
Nathan Phillips Square is the heart of downtown Toronto with a lively yet laid-back atmosphere. The newly transformed Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, across the street from the main square, has a similar sense of vivacity and easygoing sophistication. On a recent trip, there was a humming bustle of locals and travelers alike in the inviting lobby, which recently had a modern makeover. With cozy lounge areas, flexible gathering spaces, and artistic nods to Toronto, the hotel is the ideal resting point for business and leisure travelers who want to stay near the city’s main attractions and gathering points.
Rooms and amenities at Sheraton Centre Toronto
Photo: Sheraton Hotels & Resorts
The Sheraton Centre Toronto offers an array of room styles from standard rooms to spacious suites that are designed to accommodate various preferences and budgets. During my stay, I had the privilege of experiencing one of the Club guestrooms with a stunning view of Nathan Phillips Square. The room itself was thoughtfully designed, featuring a comfortable king bed and a cozy seating area. The large windows framed the captivating cityscape.
Photo: Sheraton Hotels & Resorts
A stay in a Club guestroom comes with access to the 43rd floor’s exclusive Club Lounge. Here, a sumptuous breakfast buffet starts your day right and evening appetizers are available to start your night — and a beautiful elevated view is always right outside the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts
The hotel is brimming with amenities that cater to the diverse needs and desires of its guests. The recent partnership with Reese’s Book Club and Sheraton’s new program, Gatherings by Sheraton, adds an extra layer of enrichment to the guest experience. The Reese’s Book Club x Sheraton Lobby Library is a pop-up space within the hotel from January 8 through mid February where guests can explore a curated selection of books, participate in book club meet-ups, and engage in author events. It’s a literary oasis within the epicenter of the hotel.
Photo: Sheraton Hotels & Resorts
Apart from this cool addition, the hotel certainly acknowledges a traveler’s leisurely needs. With a well-equipped fitness center, and an inviting indoor/outdoor heated pool, everything is tailored to ensure a relaxing stay. The commitment to enhancing the guest experience is evident.
Sheraton Centre Toronto restaurants and bars
Photo: Sheraton Hotels & Resorts
On the lobby level, you’ll find 43 Down, a cocktail lounge known for its locally inspired drinks and tasty small bites. Theatrically pleasing cocktails, such as smoking in the sidecar that comes to the table under a smoke-filled cloche, are the stars of the menu.
For a casual bite to eat, choose from Dual Citizen’s quick grab-and-go options, coffees, and cocktails. Comfy sofas and long community tables spread alongside the kiosk restaurant, creating a social space and workspace in one.
Exploring Toronto from Sheraton CentreSheraton Centre Toronto is a gateway to the city’s vibrant entertainment and attractions. See the best view of the city’s skyline at Trillium Park, go shopping at the iconic Eaton Centre, or take a leisurely stroll through the Distillery District. The hotel’s central location makes it an ideal base for discovering all that Toronto has to offer, with the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, and Toronto’s historic St. Lawrence Market just a stone’s throw away.
Getting to Sheraton Centre TorontoPhoto: Sheraton Hotels & Resorts
Getting to the Sheraton Centre Toronto is a breeze. The hotel is conveniently located in the downtown area, making it easily accessible by various modes of transportation. If you’re arriving by air, Pearson International Airport is approximately a 30-minute drive from the hotel. Additionally, Union Station, Toronto’s major transportation hub, is a short walk away, providing easy access to the city’s subway and GO Transit services.
8 International Direct Flights From Miami, Starting Under $200
Travelers who live in South Florida rarely take for granted the warm weather and world-class restaurants available in the region, but enjoying that means sometimes it’s easy to forget how close Miami is to some of the most exciting destinations in the world. While people in the rest of America needs extended vacation time to visit countries like Dominica and Ecuador, Miamians can wake up, jump on a direct flight from Miami, and be in a new country in time for dinner (or maybe even lunch). And if someone in Miami gets a hankering to head to Europe, most of the continent is only an overnight flight away.
With airports in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, almost everyone in Mimmi is within half an hour of a hub, so escaping to a far-off land is laughably easy. And while you probably know about the heavy hitters like London, Paris, and Dubai, there are some fantastic direct flights from Miami you may not realize can get you to a new country surprisingly quickly.
The direct flights from Miami-area airports below are listed in order of cost by airport, starting with MIA — and yes, we’re also shocked that getting to Ecuador is under $400.
Direct flights from Miami International AirportDominica
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Flight time: 3 hours, 25 minsAirline: AmericanSeasonality: Year-round, three or four flights per weekLowest round-trip price in 2024: $493 (April)For those who love rugged adventures, one of the best direct flights from Miami will undoubtedly be to the island of Dominica in the Caribbean. It’s the kind of place where you’ll hike three hours on a muddy cliff to find a 200-foot-tall waterfall around the corner with absolutely no other tourists around to muck it up — and then you can do an even better hike the next day. While the signature treks are those to Boiling Lake (which passes steaming volcanic vents) and the 114-mile Waitukubuli Trail, the island has dozens more to fill an active vacation.
Dominica’s waters are equally alluring, whether scuba diving on the bubbly champagne reef or hopping on an all-day boat tour to spot sperm whales. While there are plenty of cool eco-lodges on the islands, a slew of new and higher-end properties have opened lately, headlined by Coulibri Ridge. It’s a sprawling resort that exemplifies how possible it is to be both sustainable and luxurious. There’s also the classic Fort Young Hotel and the relatively new Cabrits Resort and Spa Kempinski, both of which are also high-end.
Read more about DominicaDominica’s Stunning New Resort Proves That Sustainable Luxury Can Thrive11 Secluded Beaches You Need To Add To Your Bucket List7 Epic Adventures You Didn’t Know Were Possible in DominicaBonaire
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Flight time: 3 hours, 10 minsAirline: AmericanSeasonality: Saturdays, year-roundLowest round-trip price in 2024: $493(April)Bonaire bills itself as the diver’s paradise, which might seem a bit braggadocious for an island in a region where reefs surround nearly every beach. But Bonaire does diving a little differently, offering an island-wide tank refill program that means divers can come down for the week, get a rental car, throw as many tanks as they need into the car, and drive to one of more than 60 short diving locations. Rocks painted yellow mark spectacular shore dive sites along the coast, so you can literally road trip your way around Bonaire, stopping to dive wherever you see fit. Divers can then swap the empty tanks for full ones at multiple locations around the island.
The Salt Pier is one of the island’s most popular dive sites, where you’ll float between pylons and are likely to see squid, eels, and plenty of parrotfish. Advanced divers can explore the wreck of the Hilma Hooker, a 236-foot-long, fairly intact ship that sits at a max depth of 105 feet. Beginner divers should stay near the top but can still get close to the port side, which sits around 60 feet deep.
Above water, the bright old city of Kralendijk feels like a less-crowded version of Aruba or Curacao. And kicking back with drinks at Tiki & Co. is a relaxing way to end the day. But the reason this is one of the best direct flights from Miami is the price: by Caribbean standards, the island is pretty inexpensive.
Read more about BonaireThis island has the clearest waters – and best diving – in the Caribbean11 Secluded Beaches You Need To Add To Your Bucket ListCuracao
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Flight time: 3 hoursAirline: AmericanSeasonality: Saturdays year-round; additional flights around ChristmasLowest round-trip price in 2024: $305 (September)The most colorful island in the Caribbean feels like a European city dropped in the tropics, where floating bridges, streetside cafes, and art-filled neighborhoods give the place a decidedly continental feel. The winding streets of old town Willemstad are comparable to a warm-weather Amsterdam, and with cafe names like “Van Gogh” and “La Reina,” you may completely forget you’re in the Caribbean. The city’s Otrabanda area is plastered in murals, and you’ll find artists’ studios and cocktail bars – try Ochenta and the green-rum-slinging-Netto – tucked between gorgeous historic homes.
It’s not all drinks and cafes in Curacao, though, as the hike to the top of Mt. Christoffel is a manageable 45 minutes with a seriously panoramic payoff. You can also rent jet skis and cruise through the beaches and hidden coves along the island’s west side, with a stop to jump off the famous cliff outside Restaurant Playa Forti. Shete Boka National Park is also very worth a visit, both to see the wild flamingos and hear the boisterous blowholes where the surf explodes into the limestone shore.
Read more about CuracaoA First-Timer’s Guide To the Island of CuraçaoCuraçao Marriott Beach Resort Is the Perfect Home Base To Explore All the Island Has To Offer8 Curaçao Restaurants That’ll Give You a Taste of This Beautiful IslandSantiago, Chile
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Flight time: 8 hours, 15 minsAirline: American, LATAMSeasonality: Both airlines are daily, year-roundLowest round-trip price in 2024: $511 (May)Often forgotten when people dream of South American vacations is the bustling Chilean capital, which boasts all the culture, architecture, and vibrant neighborhoods you’ll find in other South American cities, but often with much smaller crowds. You’ll learn this while wandering the streets of Lastarria, where cocktail bars, murals, and cobblestone streets abound. You can also hike to the iconic cross atop the city at Cerro San Cristobal, though if you’re not up for the walk, there’s also a scenic gondola.
Santiago is also only a short drive to Chilean wine country, and within an hour, you can be sipping a Carménère at spots like Vina Cousino Macul and Vina Santa Carolina. And if you fly down in the summer – Chile’s winter – you can catch a quick ski weekend at Portillo.
Read more about Curacao6 Hikes Near Santiago, Chile, That Are Just as Dramatic as PatagoniaA Full Guide To Roadtripping ‘Route of the Parks’ in Patagonia, ChileDespite the Fiery Volcano and Roaring Rapids, Pucón, Chile, Is Totally ChillStockholm, Sweden
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Flight time: 9 hours, 25 minutesAirline: Scandinavian AirlinesSeasonality: November-AprilLowest round-trip price in 2023: $485 (January)Sweden’s largest city is chock full of history, architecture, and fantastic food worth exploring, even if you’ve only got a few hours of daylight in the winter. The colorful old city is packed with buildings more than 700 years old, and you’ll find everything from Burger Kings to beer bars to cool Airbnbs tucked inside them. Make time to slip into Pharmerium (a classy cocktail lounge set inside an apothecary) or grab a local brew in Zum Franziskaner.
Beyond drinking, this is one of the best direct flights from Miami if you like quirky vacations. You can learn about the history of Sweden’s greatest musical exports at the ABBA Museum or relive the life of EDM DJ Avicii at his new museum (which happens to be inside the world’s largest gaming arena, a marvel on its own even if you don’t play). You can also visit the Vasa Museum, which preserves a wooden warship that sank in the 1600s and was recovered roughly 300 years later.
Read more about StockholmThese Breathtaking Hotels Celebrate Stockholm’s Devotion To Cutting-Edge Design12 of the Best Airbnbs in StockholmThe 8 Coolest Places in Sweden Worth Visiting Outside of StockholmDirect flights from Ft. Lauderdale International AirportMontreal, Quebec
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Flight time: 3 hours, 30 minsAirline: Air Canada, Air TransatSeasonality: Daily, year-roundLowest round-trip price in 2024: $106 (February – May)One might not think the US’s immediate neighbor to the north would be all that exotic a locale, especially since it means swapping Miami’s warm weather for colder climes. But what Montreal lacks in physical distance it makes up for in Francophilia. It’s hard to find a city in North America where you feel more immersed in French culture than Montreal (and its nearby neighbor of Quebec City).
Yes, people in Montreal speak English, but it’s a little like Miami in that it’s not the primary language in some neighborhoods, and you’ll find many cafes and stores where French is the default language.
Montreal’s Old City is North America’s finest and certainly most beautiful, with a mix of buildings from the 1600s side-by-side with modern structures – a mix rarely seen outside Europe.
Though the city is always lively, visiting during one of Montreal’s many festivals is the move. The “Just For Laughs” comedy festival is probably the most famous, but the Jazz Festival might be its most prestigious as it draws top musicians from around the world. Montreal is also the birthplace of Cirque du Soleil, and you’ll see how acrobat culture influences the city during the Cirque Festival in July.
Read more about MontrealThe 8 Best Hotels in Montreal Close To the Must-See Sights13 Epic Airbnbs in Montreal for a Bachelorette WeekendYour Gaycation Guide To MontrealQuito, Ecuador
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Flight time: 4 hours, 15 minsAirline: JetBlueSeasonality: Daily, year-roundLowest round-trip price in 2024: $250 (nearly year-round)Few know that the Americas’ largest and most intact collection of colonial architecture is in Quito, Ecuador’s second-largest city (and the world’s highest capital city, at 9,350 feet above sea level). So does that mean your Floridian lungs might be gasping a little for your first couple of days? Sure. But it’s well worth the heavy breathing as this city is minutes from volcanoes, mountains, postcard-worthy lakes, and low-slung cloud lines, making it one of the world’s most beautiful mountain cities.
The churches around Plaza Grande should be your first stop as they show off Quito’s most ornate examples of Spanish colonial architecture. From there, trek to the top of the towers at Basilica Del Voto Nacional, and catch your breath as you gaze out at the expanse of the city. For an even better view, you can head to El Panecillo Hill, where a giant statue of the Virgin Mary awaits. And make sure to try traditional Ecuadorian foods like cuy and quimbolitos, washed down with a homemade horchata.
Read more about QuitoFour Dazzling Lakes in Ecuador You Can Reach on a Day Trip From QuitoEcuador’s Highlands Are Full of Rare Plants and Animals You Need To SeeThe 7 Most Fabulous Vacation Destinations for LGBTQ Travelers in 2022Oslo, Norway
Photo: Dmitry Naumov/Shutterstock
Flight time: 9 hoursAirline: Norse AtlanticSeasonality: Saturdays only, April-NovemberLowest round-trip price in 2024: $486 (August)While it’s tempting to land in Oslo and immediately run off to explore the country’s famous fjords, travelers should take a couple of days to experience one of the most advanced cities in Europe first. Your first stop should be the Norse Folkemuseum, an outdoor showcase of the country’s history with 150 buildings that date back hundreds of years. From there, you can stroll the National Gallery (home to the iconic “The Scream” painting), then peruse the restaurants along the Aker Brygge Wharf. And if you’re into art, you may want to stay at the hotel where Edvard Munch lived.
The city’s most compelling structure is its opera house, which in addition to its impressive glass walls, also boasts an extremely creative and pedestrian-friendly roof — the roof slopes to connect with the sidewalk, so you can walk to the top of the roof on the outside the building. The city also offers an abundance of free walking tours, an ideal way to get the lay of the land in an extremely walkable city. The tours are also a much-welcomed respite for your wallet – while it’s one of the more affordable direct flights from the Miami area to Europe, the country is known for being extremely pricey.
Read more about Oslo9 Oslo Airbnbs That Capture Norway’s Charm and Cozy-Chic AestheticA New Oslo Hotel Lets Guests Sleep at the Home of Artist Edvard MunchWhale Meat Is the Controversial Dish Every Visitor To Norway Should Try at Least OnceMore like this7 Parks in Miami for Alligators, Waterslides, Pineapples, and More
Check Out These Convenient and Historical Airbnbs in Bruges, Belgium
Bruges, or Brugge, is a small city in the Flemish Region of Belgium with a huge soul. The central area is formed by a web of medieval plazas and the iconic bell tower while picturesque canals curl around the downtown core. The Baudouin flows all the way to Bruges’s cruise port, Zeebrugge. Whether you arrive by sea or rail, you can see all the sights on foot with one of these brilliant Bruges Airbnbs close to chocolatiers and beer halls.
Traveling to Europe? Check out Matador’s Europe accommodations guides: These Greek Villas Make for a Unique and Cozy Stay in Athens 9 dreamy Airbnbs in the Greek islands 9 dreamiest Airbnbs in the South of France These Airbnbs Near the Eiffel Tower Offer Incredible Views of the Entire City 14 of the best Airbnbs in Barcelona 11 Best Airbnbs in Madrid, From a Luxury Penthouse To Artsy Apartments These Airbnbs in Ireland Showcase the Best of the Emerald Isle Stay like royalty at these Airbnb Ireland castle rentals These Vienna Airbnbs Showcase the Best of the Historic City Center
We hope you love these Airbnb Bruges vacation rentals! 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.
Secret palace with a private pool
Photo: Airbnb
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis former 19th-century notary has been beautifully transformed into a palatial Airbnb in Bruges with culinary extras for large groups. All suites are individually styled with the likes of sumptuous velvet drapes, chandeliers, and four-poster beds. Each comes with a personal salon and en suite bathroom. The estate features a natural swimming pool, hot tub, and sauna dotted among the landscaped gardens.
Sixteen guests, ten bedrooms
Price: $10,735 per night
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosFresh to the Bruges Airbnb marketplace, this upscale loft is held up by mighty oak beams and outfitted with superior furnishings. The gourmet kitchen has every gizmo and utensil thinkable and there’s even a scattering of cooking essentials to get you started. The bedrooms are nicely spaced out which makes the penthouse feel larger than your typical two-bed vacation pad.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $195 per night
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Photo: Airbnb
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis three-story folly is duly decorated using a mix of the grand Louis XV and the classical Louis XVI styles. The lounge and dining nook are warmed by an open fire while the bedroom is bathed in sun rays. Summer calls for dining al fresco in the private garden as birds chirp for scraps of bread. It’s walkable from the Belfry and Grote Markt although there’s free parking if you’re road-tripping.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $183 per night
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis massive Airbnb off Ezelstraat Street is spread over three floors with two living rooms. The basement is set up as a cinema den and opens onto the courtyard while one of the bedrooms has direct access to the barbecue deck. As the house is the residence of the host couple – a pair of avid travelers – you’ll appreciate all the comforts of home. Market Square is a five-minute stroll from the door.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $347 per night
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis lovely heritage apartment has undergone a facelift to bring it up to scratch with the modern traveler’s needs. Old-fashioned wooden couches and chairs are made comfy with plump cushions whereas a granite countertop adds a stylish touch to the kitchen. There’s a bureau à gradin for those working remotely and a sunny breakfast terrace for everyone to enjoy. Only 15 minutes on foot from the heart of town.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $226 per night
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis 17th-century dwelling is located in the historic and peaceful Sint-Gillis Quarter, a walkable distance to the center of Bruges. The decor sees posh Italian furnishings atop rugged terracotta flooring and exposed brick juxtaposed with cozy contemporary bedrooms. Spanning three floors in total, the family-friendly rental has a private courtyard and a hidden attic.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $199 per night
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Photo: Airbnb
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosCrackling fire, check. Clawfoot tub, check. Close to everything, check. This dreamy nest between Ezelstraat and Burg Square has all the ingredients for a couple’s getaway in Bruges. Despite the olde-worlde vibe, the space is tricked out with top-notch gadgets including a Nespresso machine and iPod dock. Breakfast is served next door but a token surcharge brings it to the cottage.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $217 per night
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Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosTechnically this rental doesn’t have a garden but the floral decor may well trick you into believing you’re sleeping in a fairytale glade. The apartment is well-stocked for a short stay with a smart TV, Wi-Fi, and basic kitchenware. Right out the door, you’ll have your pick of bakeries, bars, and boutiques as you meander the 10-minute route to Market Square.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $139 per night
Photo: Airbnb
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis self-contained cottage has its own kitchen, bathroom, and yard but is attached to an inn where you can order breakfast to the room. Various renovations have taken place since the 16th century while preserving original characteristics including hardwood flooring and beams. Boutique touches include a gas fireplace and a clawfoot tub. All windows overlook Groenerei Canal or the private garden.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $307 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosOut with the old, in with the new: this chic Airbnb in Bruges City Center is all about the minimalist mindset. The lounge roosts beneath a glass ceiling and light flows through the transparent doors into the bedroom. It’s well-equipped for cooking, working, and resting between the museums of which you’ll be the first to pass through the doors.
Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $146 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosOverflowing with character, this vacation home is typical of a West Flanders residence with a spiral staircase leading up to the snug attic. The facade is a distinctive canary yellow trimmed with sky blue while you’ll be greeted indoors by an Art Deco peacock mosaic. The cellar has been revamped as a kids’ playroom and the top floor unfurls onto a surprise terrace.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $318 per night
Bruges has a huge line-up of activities that mainly revolve around sampling Belgian food and marveling at the city’s Gothic landmarks. Here’s how to start your time in Bruges.
Explore Burg Square and Market Square. These two plazas sit by side and are flanked by grand buildings including Bruges City Hall and the Belfry where a 366-step climb rewards you with panoramic views.Visit the Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaerde housing estate where lay women lived since the 13th century. The compound is still the home of several nuns and women of Bruges but tourists are welcome to visit theWalk or cycle through Kruisvest Park where the only remaining windmills oscillate on the canalside.Pop your head into the medieval churches. The Basilica of the Holy Blood lays claim to a strip of cloth stained with the blood of Christ whereas the Church of Our Lady contains a Madonna sculpted by Michelangelo.Rent a bicycle and explore the canalways and country trails on the outskirts of Brugge. Guided bike tours run to Damme but it’s straightforward to cycle there and back independently.Hop on a boat and survey the architecture from the water. Most of the jetties are located along the Dijver Canal near the Magdalena Quarter and departures are increased between April and October.Visit Bruges in November and December to experience the festive markets and pick up artisanal holiday decorations.Pick up lace souvenirs. Once the epicenter of the European textile trade, Bruges’s legacy for lace-making stands firm with its lace handicrafts.Take a day trip to the North Sea resort towns of Zeebrugge, Blankenberge, or Ostend.View the 300-strong collection of sculptures and paintings by the master of Surreal art at the Salvador Dalí Exhibition.Eat all the pralines, bonbons, and truffles you can get your hands on. Any chocolatier in Bruges is worthy of your euros but Dumon, Neuhaus, and Olivier’s are fine starting points. Head to the Choco-Story Chocolate Museum if you want to satisfy your sweet tooth while sharpening your education.
In addition to the chocolate museum, you can dive into the real history of the “French” fry at the Frietmuseum or go Belgian beer tasting at the Bruges Beer Experience.Where to stay in Bruges?
Despite being the capital of West Flanders, Bruges is a small city that is relatively compact. It makes sense to stay close to the downtown area of Bruges your first time visiting. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is where you’ll find the buzzing Market Square, the Belfry, and the main attractions of Bruges.
Bruges City Center is encircled by the Ezelstraat, Sint-Gillis, Sint-Anna, and Magdalena quarters. Each of these is within walking distance of the main plaza although these neighborhoods are calmer in the evening. The Ezelstraat Quarter is slightly more convenient for Bruges Train Station and yields budget-friendly cafes.
Northerly Sint-Gillis works out as the quietest neighborhood to stay in Bruges. This quarter is popular with families and handy for hitting the cycling trails to Zeebrugge. Sint-Anna is the setting for the high-class restaurants of Langestraat as well as the four remaining windmills of Bruges. Close to the prettiest canalside parks, the romantic Magdalena Quarter is where to stay in Bruges for couples.
November 30, 2023
Everything To Know About the Reef Bay Trail, One of the Caribbean’s Best Hikes
Sitting 1,106 miles southeast of Miami, Florida, is one of the United States’ most remote and protected paradises: Virgin Islands National Park, in the US Virgin Islands. It covers two-thirds of the 20-square-mile Caribbean island of St. John and is a surreal tropical paradise, defined by lush hillsides sloping down to beaches with powdery white sand.
While the beauty of this national park certainly attracts beachgoers, it’s also popular among hikers drawn by the potential to explore more than 20 miles of hiking trails. And if there’s one essential trail hikers absolutely won’t want to miss in Virgin Islands National Park, it would be the Reef Bay Trail. The full out-and-back trail is about six miles long, and the experience of hiking Reef Bay takes you deeper into St. John’s history and culture than any other offering on the island.
The history of the Reef Bay TrailParking, packing, and other logisticsSights along the trailOther hikes in Virgin Islands National ParkThe best time to visit St. JohnHow to get to Virgin Islands National ParkGetting around on the island Where to stay on St. JohnHistory of the Reef Bay Trail
The former sugar factory at Reef Bay. Photo: Library of Congress/Public Domain
The Reef Bay Trail takes hikers through history, following the footsteps of people who have passed through St. John over the centuries. That ranges from the pre-Columbian Taino people to Danish colonizers and enslaved Africans.
The Taino first came to St. John between 1,000 to 1,300 years ago from South America, bringing skills like agricultural cultivation, building, and pottery making. Taino communities settled in various locations around the island, including Cinnamon Bay and Coral Bay, but gathered at Reef Bay to perform spiritual rituals.
The Taino mysteriously disappeared from St. John in the mid-1400s, just before Christopher Columbus arrived in the Virgin Islands. A period of European colonization followed, and by 1718, St. John was part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Slave labor was prevalent to produce sugarcane and other crops.
The Reef Bay Valley comprised 12 plantations, which were later consolidated into five larger units. Sugar production peaked in the 1770s, a time during which more than 400 enslaved people lived and worked at Reef Bay Valley estates.
After emancipation in 1848, a small population of former slaves continued to live in Reef Bay at the remaining plantations. Agricultural activity continued at the Par Force and Little Reef Bay estates into the 20th century, with around 25 people living in Reef Bay in 1900. The population declined in the following decades, and in the 1950s, Reef Bay Valley became part of Virgin Islands National Park.
Reef Bay Trail planning, packing, and parking
Photo: Kelly vanDellen/Shutterstock
You can hike the Reef Bay Trail either on your own or with a guided tour. There’s roadside parking near the trailhead, off Centerline Road near mile marker 5. The lot isn’t huge, so try to get there early and avoid weekends to ensure you can find a spot (or try another form of transportation in the park).
This moderately difficult trail weaves through a forest with plenty of tall, shade-giving trees. The six-mile round-trip hike can be rocky, and sometimes slippery as it descends 900 feet into the Reef Bay valley, eventually leveling off into flat dirt before reaching pebbly Reef Bay Beach.
This isolated beach is a peaceful place to eat lunch before beginning the return trip, especially as you’ll want the extra energy for tackling the uphill climb back to the trailhead. Bring plenty of water – at least one 32-ounce bottle, but ideally two. Many hikers also carry swimsuits and snorkel equipment to explore the gentle waters off Reef Bay. Bug spray may also be helpful, as are a lightweight SPF shirt to protect your skin and extra reef-safe sunscreen. You’ll probably want to wear a closed-toe hiking shoe with good traction to ensure you keep your footing on mud or wet roots.
For a deeper but still relaxing experience, you can join a seasonal guided hike with Friends of Virgin Islands National Park. Knowledgeable park rangers will bring the trail to life by pointing out useful plants, sugar plantation ruins, and other historical sites during the slow-paced walk.
The best part of a guided tour may be that transportation is included to and from the Cruz Bay Visitor Center, with a return trip via boat from Reef Bay Beach. That means you’ll only need to hike the three miles in, skipping the return hike’s strenuous ascent. And you won’t need to fight for parking at the trailhead.
Sights along the Reef Bay Trail
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Hiking the Reef Bay Trail is a chance to see what St. John was like before the island was a vacationer’s dream. You’ll pass under a giant Kapok tree, which the Taino used for stuffing mattresses and making early life preservers, and canoes. You’ll also find the Bromelia pinguin, or wild pineapple (which resembles an extra-spiky aloe plant) along the trail, which was used in the past as natural fencing. Along the trail, there are a few park service signs sharing information about the history and surroundings.
More tangible man-made creations also exist along the Reef Bay Trail. Just before the beach is the Reef Bay Sugar Estate, which remained operational to some extent into the 1900s. You can wander through the old factory’s large brick rooms, imagining the sweltering heat coming off the copper kettles during the height of sugar production.
Photo: Ken Wild/NPS/Public Domain
But the main star of this hike is the section of mysterious petroglyphs left behind by the Taino. To find them, turn right off the Reef Bay Trail about a half-mile before Reef Bay Beach. Follow the level, earthen path for about .25 miles until you encounter pools of water on large rocks fed by a gentle waterfall. Look carefully at areas where the rocks meet the shallow water, and you’ll see the images carved by Taino people sometime between 900 and 1500 BCE.
It’s not a coincidence that these symbols reflect into the water below. This was considered a sacred spot, so the Taino used the reflections during religious rituals to commune with and seek wisdom from their ancestors.
Other Virgin Islands National Park hikes
Photo: Scott Connor/Shutterstock
There are about 20 hikes in Virgin Islands National Park, many of which afford gorgeous coastal views of the sparkling Caribbean Sea.
Ram Head: (2.3 miles, 223-foot gain) Follow this out-and-back trail to the edge of a peninsula with panoramic sea views looking toward St. Croix. The trail lacks shade, so cool off from the hot sun at neighboring Salt Pond Beach afterward.America Hill: (1.2 miles, 413-foot gain) Across from Cinnamon Beach’s lengthy stretch of white sand on North Shore Road is the trailhead for this steep hike up the America Hill Trail. It’ll make you sweat, but at the top, you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with views of Maho Bay Beach out to the British Virgin Islands, and the interesting remains of a pink estate.Peace Hill: A mini-hike with a giant reward, this .1-mile uphill trek leads to 180-degree views of the neighboring Hawksnest Bay and Trunk Bay beaches. Don’t forget to explore the stone windmill ruins on the hilltop, but watch your step for donkey poop.When to visitPhoto: NPS/Anne Finney/Public Domain
High tourist season in Virgin Islands National Park spans from December to April, with the weeks over Christmas and New Year’s being the busiest. During this time, temperatures hover between 84 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit and average rainfall is the year’s lowest.
Avoid the winter crowds by visiting the island from May through July or in November (the wettest month) for a more relaxed atmosphere and better prices. While the summer temperatures can be intense, reaching the upper 80s F, the ocean is at its warmest.
Low season is between August and October and coincides with hurricane season, with the highest chance for trip-disrupting tropical storms with more rainfall. During this time, many restaurants and tour operators temporarily close, but you won’t be fighting for good beach spots or bumping elbows on trails.
How to reach Virgin Islands National Park
Virgin Islands National Park is on St. John, which does not have its own airport. Visitors should fly into Cyril E. King International Airport on neighboring St. Thomas and take the 20-minute ferry between the two islands.
After landing, head to the taxi stand outside the airport to take the 30-minute shuttle across the island to the Red Hook ferry dock. Ferries depart every hour on the hour and cost $8.15 each way and $4 for each bag. You can buy tickets online, but it’s not necessary, as they’re available for purchase at the ferry terminal.
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Taxis are available on the island of St. John, especially in Cruz Bay and near the popular north shore beaches. Taxis are usually easy to find and the fares are set across the island, so you don’t need to worry about getting overcharged.
But for many visitors who want the flexibility and freedom to go where they want (and want to be able to carry beach towels and snacks in their cars), the best way to get around is by renting a car. Rental car companies like St. John Car Rental offer online booking and are just steps away from the Cruz Bay ferry dock for easy pick ups and returns.
If you rent a vacation home, you’ll want to check with your rental listing in advance to ask about access. Some vacation rentals can only be accessed with a 4WD vehicle, in which case you’ll need to rent one of the many Jeeps you’ll see cruising around the island.
Where to stay on St. John
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There aren’t many hotels on St. John since the island’s protections ensure development stays minimal. That said, there are plenty of comfortable lodging options on the island.
Cruz Bay Boutique Hotel: An eco-friendly, mid-range boutique hotel in Cruz Bay, walking distance from the ferry terminal. There’s no pool, but you can walk to several beachesThe Westin St. John Resort Villas: A gorgeous all-villas resort with a large private beach, activities and amenities on site, and a massive pool and pool bar. Rates start around $390 per night in the low season but can be more than double that when it’s busy.Lovango Resort & Beach Club: A hotel on a legit private island with five-star glamping, treehouses, cottages and villas. Ferry service is complimentary, as are snorkeling, kids club programs, daily breakfast, and more. It’s technically on Lovango Cay, but the ferry to St. John only takes about 10 minutes.With so few hotels, most visitors to Virgin Islands National Park opt to stay in villas, cottages, and other vacation rentals. There are tons of great Airbnbs on the island, or you can book with a local company like St. John Villa Rentals if you’d rather deal with a local booking manager.
The Perfect Four-Day Massachusetts Road Trip For Art, History, and Culture
As the seasons change, there’s no better time to escape the busy city life and take a road trip. The New England region has a rich history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for scenic drives. If you’re in the northeastern United States looking for an escape, here’s an extended weekend guide sharing the best places to visit on a road trip through Central and Western Massachusetts, including small towns, historical landmarks, mountainous terrain — all with a stunning backdrop.
When to do a Massachusetts Road TripIf you’re interested in enjoying the warm weather and coastal areas, summer months are ideal. This time is perfect for for those who enjoy the outdoors. For some of the best fall foliage peeping in the US, late September to mid-October is the optimum time to catch the leaves at their most vibrant.
Day 1: Arrive in Northampton
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Start your road trip adventure in Northhampton, a town in the heart of Western Massachusetts. Throughout the year, Northampton hosts several events, such as the Chalk Art Festival and Arts Night Out, every second Friday of the month. These events celebrate the town’s cultural and art scene. If traveling from the New York City area, take the Amtrak from Penn Station to Northampton via the Vermonter. The scenic train ride will show a picturesque backdrop, setting the tone for your upcoming adventure as you capture views of the Northeast Corridor.
Photo: Joanna Niles
Check into Hotel Northampton, a hotel a short drive from the Amtrak station and within walking distance from Smith College. Hotel Northampton opened in 1927 and is known for its glass atrium, the Grand Ballroom, and notable past guests. With 14 distinct room types, you’ll find the perfect space to unwind at the start of your trip. Additionally, Hotel Northampton is a registered historic landmark, and the property has many photographs and artifacts from the original hotel, offering a glimpse into the past.
The hotel has two restaurants: The Coolidge Park Cafe, named after former President Calvin Coolidge, who served as the Mayor of Northampton and is open seven days a week, and Wiggins Tavern, a restored 18th-century tavern offering Sunday Brunch.
Hotel Northampton is close to many shops and popular restaurants in the area, including HighBrow Wood Fired Kitchen & Bar, known for its American cuisine with French and Italian influences, and Herrell’s Ice Cream and Bakery, founded by Steve Herrell, a business owner who popularized mixing candies, cookies, and other ingredients into ice cream.
Day 2: Explore Northampton, Florence, and Deerfield
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After breakfast at Hotel Northampton’s Coolidge Park Cafe, visit the Botanic Garden at Smith College, a 125-year-old garden free and open to the public year-round. The Church Exhibition Gallery, once a unique growing space, is an excellent starting point. The gardens are home to various plants from around the world and host multiple exhibitions and events throughout the year, including flower shows in November and March. Plus, you can explore the college’s rich history with notable alums such as Gloria Steinem, Julia Child, Nancy Reagan, and Sylvia Plath.
After exploring the Botanic Gardens, continue the cultural experience by visiting the Smith College Art Museum, which offers a range of contemporary and historic art collections. Admission is free, and the museum’s galleries rotate regularly. Smith College Art Museum is also well known for its two all-gendered bathrooms on the lower level, designed by artists Ellen Driscoll and Sandy Skoglund to represent functional art.
Stop for lunch at Paul and Elizabeth’s, a local restaurant that specializes in vegetarian and seafood dishes. The restaurant is in Thornes Marketplace, an old department store that has transformed into an indoor market. Today, the marketplace is an independent space with five floors of shops selling food, drinks, books, and clothing. Some highlights include Share Coffee, a local coffee shop offering freshly brewed coffee and pastries for a quick snack or a pick-me-up. And The Blue Marble a boutique selling clothing and handcrafted jewelry. It’s the perfect place to find a unique keepsake or gift for friends and family.
Photo: Emma’sPhotos/Shutterstock
Fall foliage in the hills of Florence.
Florence, a short distance from Northampton, is known for its association with the Underground Railroad. Several houses and landmarks in the area are designated for their historical significance, including the David Ruggles Center for History and Education, which honors David Ruggles and other participant’s contributions to the abolition of slavery in Massachusetts. There is also a memorial of Sojourner Truth, a formerly enslaved person, abolitionist, and activist who lived in Florence, in the mid-1800s.
Photo: Joanna Niles
Continue your road trip to Yankee Candle Village in South Deerfield, about 15 minutes from Hotel Northampton and the number one tourist destination in the Pioneer Valley for over 10 years. Founded in 1983, Yankee Candle is a New England staple offering over 200 scents and home essentials. Discover the Candle Emporium, which includes options to create a jar candle or a candle bar experience mixing fragrances for a custom blend. The fall and holiday seasons are the busiest. Throughout the year, there are over 40 events, including Fall Fun Weekends, Holiday Open House, Santa’s Arrival, and more during the spring and summer. The variety of activities at Yankee Candle makes it a perfect destination for families.
Photo: Alizada Studios/Shutterstock
Head north to take a trip to Historic Deerfield, which is the most southern town in Franklin County. Historic Deerfield is an outdoor museum of refurbished historic houses from the 18th century. General Admission to Historic Deerfield is $18 for adults, $5 for children 12-17, and free for children under 12, members, and residents of Deerfield and South Deerfield. In addition to providing daily tours of the historic houses, Historic Deerfield partnered with the Witness Stones Project, Inc., a Connecticut-based organization working to acknowledge and honor the men, women, and children enslaved in Historic Deerfield.
Visitors can stay overnight at the Deerfield Inn, a 24-room bed and breakfast located in the heart of Historic Deerfield. The property features Victorian-style decor with modern amenities, and a restaurant on site provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner using locally sourced ingredients.
Photo: Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock
For panoramic views of the Connecticut River, the Pioneer Valley, the Pelham, and Berkshire Hills, drive up to Mount Sugarloaf State Reservation. This area has over 500 acres of parkland and is great for birding, hiking, road biking, and picnics. Admission for state residents is $5 and $20 for non-residents.
An alternative to staying in Deerfield is driving 30 minutes south to Springfield, and checking into the MGM Springfield, a 250-room boutique hotel and casino in Metro Center Springfield. This smoke-free property has over 1,500 slot machines and a poker room, offers table games, has a sports bar, restaurants, a movie theatre, a bowling alley, and includes entertainment for comedy and concert lovers. The hotel incorporates industrial elements that pay homage to the history of the city and partners with local artists and artisans in the Springfield, greater Berkshires, and New England areas in their art collection.
End the night with dinner at Latitude Restaurant in West Springfield, an American restaurant by Jeffrey Daigneau offering unique dishes and cocktails using farm-to-table ingredients. Some local favorites include Brussels sprouts, sweet chili aioli, braised beef short ribs, traditional Caesar salad with anchovy dressing, and caramel apple creme brulee.
Day 3: Springfield to Worcester
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Springfield is also the birthplace of basketball, founded by James Naismith, a Canadian-American physical education coach at Springfield College, where the sport was created using two peach baskets attached to the walls as the original hoops.
Photo: Joanna Niles
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is an interactive museum celebrating the men and women coaches, professional and amateur players, and other contributors to the sport. Visitors can purchase passes from $18-27, and children under five are free.
Photo: 26ShadesOfGreen/Shutterstock
A short drive from the Basketball Hall of Fame is the Springfield Museums, which consists of five museums covering art, history, and science, and the Dr. Seuss Museum and National Memorial Sculpture Garden. Admission includes access to all the museums, and costs $25 for adults, $16.50 for college students and seniors over 60, $13 for youth 3-17, and free for children under three and residents of Springfield.
Before your next destination, have lunch at Frigo Foods Springfield, a family deli serving Western Massachusetts since the 1950s specializing in gourmet sandwiches, gift baskets, and catering services. You can’t go wrong with one of their daily soup specials. If you’re in a large group, order one of their boxed lunches from the catering menu, which includes a beverage, salad, cookie, potato chips, utensils, and condiments.
Take an hour’s drive to Worcester and check into the Beechwood Hotel, the only AAA 4-Diamond hotel in Central Massachusetts. This pet-friendly property has 52 guestrooms, 21 suites, a restaurant, and a cocktail lounge. Minutes from downtown Worcester are attractions like the Hanover Theatre, Wormtown Brewery, Quinsigamond State Park for swimming, sailing, fishing, and Tower Hill Botanic Garden. Have dinner at Gibbet Hill Grill, located next to Gibbet Hill Farm, which produces fresh ingredients for chefs in the area.
Day 4: Discover Worcester and Wachusett Mountain
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After breakfast at the Beechwood Hotel’s Sanoma Restaurant, head to the Salisbury Mansion. Salisbury Mansion is a restored 17-century former home and store of Stephen Salisbury and the only historic house in Worcester. Salisbury Mansion is also a short walk from the Worcester Art Museum, founded by Stephen Salisbury III in 1898.
The Worcester Art Museum serves as a teaching museum, engaging with the local community and fostering an appreciation for art and culture. Its mission is to allow visitors to see the world across the centuries, and the exhibits reflect this objective. The Jeppson Idea Lab also combines science and art, showcasing how various art pieces are preserved. Admission to the Worcester Art Museum is $18 for adults and free for college students and visitors under 18.
Photo: Joanna Niles
Have lunch at the Worcester Public Market, an indoor marketplace offering various cuisines from the Caribbean, North America, and Asia, which mirrors the diversity of the city of Worcester. Drink one of the 24 beers, hard seltzers, margaritas, or non-alcoholic beverages from Wachusett Brew Yard. There are also select seasonal drafts, such as Octoberfest Ale and Pumpkin Ale.
Photo: Monika Salvan/Shutterstock
Before heading home, end your Massachusetts road trip at Wachusett Mountain. The ski resort hosts several festivals and events, including Applefest, an annual event featuring local beer, food, craft vendors, live music, and entertainment for visitors of all ages. Take the ski lift to the top of Wachusett Mountain for scenic views as far as Boston on a clear day. After capturing breathtaking views, end your trip with apple cider donuts at a vendor booth from one of the local farms.
The Top Airbnbs For An Authentic Stay in Warsaw, Poland
Poland’s landlocked capital has a complex history that has seen the “Phoenix City” bounce back from conflict over multiple conflicts. Modern Warsaw is a mishmash of restored medieval structures and cutting-edge skyscrapers among which stands Varso Tower – the tallest building in the European Union.
Śródmieście forms the downtown zone and cradles the monumental Old Town on the western bank of the Vistula River. Powiśle and Solec follow suit along the waterside and offer a lively dining scene amid museums and parks. Over the river, Praga carries edgier shades that tempt travelers curious to see a less polished version of the city. Warsaw is huge and expansive which means choosing lodging close to public transport is essential. The following Airbnbs in Warsaw ensure a stress-free exploration around all downtown neighborhoods.
Traveling to Europe? Check out Matador’s Europe accommodations guides: These Greek Villas Make for a Unique and Cozy Stay in Athens 9 dreamy Airbnbs in the Greek islands 9 dreamiest Airbnbs in the South of France These Airbnbs Near the Eiffel Tower Offer Incredible Views of the Entire City 14 of the best Airbnbs in Barcelona 11 Best Airbnbs in Madrid, From a Luxury Penthouse To Artsy Apartments These Airbnbs in Ireland Showcase the Best of the Emerald Isle Stay like royalty at these Airbnb Ireland castle rentals These Vienna Airbnbs Showcase the Best of the Historic City Center
We hope you love these Airbnb Warsaw vacation rentals! 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.
Bohemian dream with swing in Śródmieście
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis blissful Airbnb with an earthy aesthetic is the perfect antidote to the roar and grind of Warsaw. One bed is concealed by a linen canopy while another is cocooned in the mezzanine lair. There’s a vintage dresser that just might lead the way to Narnia and a gorgeous bathroom stocked with organic products. A swing adds a final flourish to this boutique bolthole in the heart of Poland’s capital.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $93 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosSlap-bang in the middle of Stare Miasto, this monochrome pad is sandwiched between Castle Square and Old Town Market Square in a 17th-century residence. The attic has been completely revamped with top-notch gadgets and tasteful furnishings that allude to a miniature gallery. Pamper yourself with a bubble bath as winter snowflakes dot the skylight and be sure to take a siesta on that scarlet couch.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $66 per night
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosPerched on the edge of Saxon Garden (Ogród Saski), this stylish two-bedroom apartment is accented with botanicals and whimsical art. The central location is ideal for a first-time trip and the home itself will charm a couple or small family. Subway tiles and ivory cabinets add a wholesome vibe to the kitchen where you can map out a day of sightseeing over a Nespresso.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $237 per night
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Photo: Airbnb
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis comfortable Airbnb in Śródmieście features sky-high ceilings and raw materials that create a restful environment. The modular couch is the perfect place to curl up with a book or movie after a whirlwind day of sightseeing and the balcony is a bonus perk. Best of all, the proximity to Poznańska and Wilcza streets spares you the need to lift a finger in the kitchen.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $77 per night
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosContemporary, functional, and bathed in natural light, this three-bedroom pad will see that you get your downtime. The decor has a subtle nod to the theme of travel while there’s plenty of reading fodder in the bathroom. One bedroom roosts below the skylight whereas the other has direct access to the balcony. Situated on the eastern bank of the Vistula, you’ll have both of Warsaw’s major districts on your doorstep.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $154 per night
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosSupported by exposed brickwork and timber beams, this otherworldly duplex is richly appointed with warm hues and silky textiles. One bedroom is lodged in a secret nook on the lower level whereas the second claims the surprisingly light and airy loft. Sadly, the cat pictured doesn’t come with the rental but globetrotting pets are welcome at this apartment in the middle of Śródmieście.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $101 per night
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis atmospheric duplex in Wola is around the corner from Moczydło Park where you can brave the Mario bungee jump or trawl the Olimpia flea market. The living quarters are anchored around a gourmet kitchen and lounge with a darts board plus three private terraces with soaring views – one of which has a swing. When you tire of the local restaurants, hunker down in the master bed in front of the home cinema.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $94 per night
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosGet to grips with Polish fare in this Powiśle apartment where you take your pick from buzzing eateries and food trucks right on the doorstep. The vacation home is immaculately appointed with a high-tech kitchen (not that you’ll need it!) and a squashy couch that converts to a sleeper. This five-star rental unit is often occupied by repeat guests and you’ll likely find yourself one of them.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $125 per night
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosLook no further than this swanky studio for a cushy base in the Polish metropolis. The private roof terrace comes with a hot tub and sun deck plus there’s a sauna squirreled away indoors. The sleeping area converts to a movie den where you can crash with a home-cooked meal in front of the big screen. The Wola location is quiet yet close to the downtown attractions and has epic tram and metro connections.
Four guests, one bedroom (studio)
Price: $183 per night
Photo: Airbnb
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosOne of the best Warsaw Airbnbs for large groups, this four-bedroom apartment has all the appliances necessary for a longer stay. The rooms are nicely proportioned while the open-plan living space is tricked out for sociable suppers and chill movie nights. This residential block is quiet at night yet you’ll have all the al fresco eateries of Powiśle plus the Royal Castle within walking distance.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $254 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosAny cityscape is best enjoyed while swaying in a hammock with a cold beer. This homely Warsaw Airbnb on Wiejska Street is enhanced by a private balcony and a tuned piano where you can serenade your neighbors with a rendition of Chopin. The studio space is ideal for a solo traveler but roomy enough for a couple seeking a quiet yet central stay near the National Museum and Marshal Edward Rydz-Śmigły Park.
Two guests, one bedroom (studio)
Price: $68 per night
Poland follows Central European Time (CET). Daylight saving time is observed between the final Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October.
What is there to do in Warsaw?Brimming with eye-opening history museums and kooky attractions, Warsaw is a choice destination for knowledge-hungry travelers. These institutions are balanced out by over 80 glorious botanical parks and palace gardens and make Warsaw a four-season destination. This is a sample of how to spend your time in Poland’s largest city.
Wander around Warsaw Old Town (Stare Miasto) and climb the Observation Tower.Tour the apartments at the Royal Castle in Warsaw.Follow the Royal Route. This pedestrian trail connects Castle Square with King Jan III’s Palace atWilanów and passes by the Presidential Palace and Kazimierzowski Place.Check out the rooftop blooms and views from the Warsaw University Library Garden.Go bar hopping along the riverside Vistula Boulevards in Powiśle.See what’s on at the Palace of Culture and Science. Besides hosting performance art and movie screenings, the Socialist landmark has an observation deck.Keep a record of how many mermaid motifs you spot. The syrenka known as Sawa is the mascot of “Warszawa” and her image appears throughout the city with the main statue erected next to the Świętokrzyski Bridge.Learn about Poland’s fight for independence at the Warsaw Uprising Museum.Trace the development of Polish art at the National Museum in Warsaw.Explore five centuries of vodka craft at the Polish Vodka Museum in Praga.Stock up on Polish groceries at the Hala Mirowska food market.Rent a bike and explore the cycle paths and nature reserves of Mokotów. It’s best visited between spring and fall when the weather is warm and the parks are at their greenest.More like thisTravelWarsaw Is a Must-Visit for Vegetarians. Here’s Where To Eat Meat-Free in Poland's Capital City.
The Best Things To Do, Eat, and See on a Trip To Cartersville, Georgia
Founded in 1850, Cartersville, Georgia, rests between Atlanta and Chattanooga at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. A charming small city, Cartersville is carving a niche of its own as a cultural and historical hub for tourism. Headlining are a slew of museums: the Booth Western Art Museum, Tellus Science Museum, and Savoy Automobile Museum. In addition, Cartersville is home to two state parks, Red Top Mountain State Park and the Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site. Despite the attractions, the small town feels connected with a welcoming community.
Like many cities in America’s southeast, Cartersville showcases all four seasons and has a mild climate. With an average of 213 sunny days per year, there are plenty of opportunities for exploring the scenic outdoors. And there’s never a shortage of fun events to go to, places to explore, or food to ingest; the variety of good times at Cartersville occur throughout the year.
How to get thereLocated just north of Metro-Atlanta, Cartersville is easily accessible from I-75. It’s also 60 miles from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, one of the world’s busiest airports, or 70 miles from the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, so there are convenient options to get here.
What to do in Cartersville, GeorgiaSavoy Automobile Museum
Photo: Tammy McCracken
Weighing in at approximately 11,000 lbs., Bigfoot #20 is the world’s first electric monster truck.
With nearly 100 restored classic cars, the Savoy Automobile Museum has cordoned off 65,000 square feet of its 37-acre property to display the cultural diversity of the automobile.
The museum found its name during the clearing of the property when a rusty abandoned 1954 Plymouth Savoy was discovered and preserved. In addition to the galleries, Savoy showcases a 297-person theater, research library, cafe, private dining rooms, vehicle storage building, and an outdoor space that will accommodate upwards of 1,000 vehicles.
Savoy is focused on keeping their exhibitions fresh and rotates the displays in the Great Hall and Galleries A, B, and C on a regular schedule. Currently, it’s showcasing the evolution of Bigfoot, a prominent name in the world of monster trucks. The Savoy has several vehicles from the line that have continuously evolved over the past 48 years and prominently displays Bigfoot #20, the world’s first electric monster truck.
Savoy Automobile Museum: 3 Savoy Ln, Cartersville, GA 30120
Tellus Science Museum
Photo: Tammy McCracken
The “Thunder Lizard”. This 82-foot-long Brontosaurus was one of the longest and largest dinosaurs to roam North America.
The Tellus Science Museum is a world-class museum that features a variety of exhibits on science, history, and technology. With over 120,000 square feet of space, the museum features four main galleries: The Weinman Mineral Gallery, The Fossil Gallery, Science in Motion, and The Collins Family My Big Backyard, as well as a 120-seat digital planetarium and an observatory with a state-of-the-art 20-inch telescope.
Tellus Science Museum: 100 Tellus Dr, Cartersville, GA 30120
Booth Western Art Museum
Photo: Tammy McCracken
In 1992 Mehl Lawson was awarded Best of Show honors for a smaller version of this sculpture at the annual Cowboy Artists of America exhibition.
The Booth Western Art Museum was named America’s best art museum by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards in 2020, 2021 and 2022. Along with the Tellus, The Booth Museum puts Cartersville on the map as the smallest US city with two Smithsonian Affiliate Museums.
An architectural showcase, Booth is the world’s largest permanent exhibition space for Western art and the largest museum of its kind in the Southeast. It covers 120,000 square feet and has three floors devoted to Western art and the telling of America’s story.
Don’t miss “He is, They are” sculpture by Glenna Goodacre, where she expresses the banishment of Native Americans from their land in bronze.
Booth Western Art Museum: 501 Museum Drive, Cartersville GA 30120
Bartow History Museum
Photo: Tammy McCracken
The present Bartow History Museum served as the Bartow County Courthouse from 1869-1903.
The Bartow History Museum, housed in the refurbished 1869 Courthouse building, is in the heart of downtown and is the fourth museum managed by Georgia Museums, Inc. It displays Bartow County’s history that spans 200 years, from the early 1800s when the area was inhabited by Cherokee to exhibits that have influenced the town today.
Bartow History Museum: 4 Church St., Cartersville, Ga. 30120
Rose Lawn Museum
Photo: Tammy McCracken
Rose Lawn House Museum, home to Sam P. Jones; an American lawyer and businessman from Georgia who became a prominent Methodist Episcopal Church revivalist preacher across the South.
Rose Lawn, a restored 18-room Victorian mansion in Cartersville, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and was purchased by Bartow County five years later after lying abandoned for five years. It was once the home of evangelist Samuel Porter Jones. Local legend has it that Jones converted Thomas Ryman, a purveyor of spirits who attended one of his tent revivals in Nashville, prompting Ryman to build the Ryman Auditorium so Jones would no longer have to preach in tents.
Rose Lawn, a name derived from the 200 rose bushes planted on the property, began as a small, one-story structure. In 1872, the attic was converted in to bedrooms. And in 1895, the original structure was raised with hand jacks and mules to add a story underneath, leading to its present state. The museum now operates as a house museum, showcasing the writings and memorabilia of Jones and Rebecca Latimer Felton, the first woman to serve in the US Senate.
Rose Lawn Museum: 224 W Cherokee Ave Cartersville, GA 30120
Old Car City USA
Photo: Tammy McCracken
The Mayor of Old Car City USA, Dean Lewis, is starting a new collection of Hot Wheels lining his office walls.
Originating in 1931 and known as the world’s largest known classic junkyard, this forest of forgotten cars is a paradise for photographers and gearheads. With more than 4,000 unsalvageable mid-century American steel classic cars and six miles of walking trails over 34 acres of land, founder Dean Lewis has woven scraps of steel versus nature into more of an art project than a junkyard. Dean, a self-professed doodler, exhibits thousands (literally, thousands) of Styrofoam cup doodles that he’s crafted since 1978. In addition to the doodles, he’s midway through a project to line his office walls with Hot Wheels die-cast cars; needing another 5,000 more, he expects to complete this sometime next year.
Old Car City USA: 3098 Hwy 411 NE White, GA 30184
Red Top Mountain State Park
Photo: Tammy McCracken
A scenic viewing point on the edge of Lake Allatoona.
Red Top Mountain State Park is a favorite of Georgia’s parks. Named for the soil’s rich red color caused by high iron-ore content, Red Top Mountain was once an important mining area.
Located on the 12,000-acre Lake Allatoona, the lake serves as the population’s drinking water and is the setting for many things to do. The park offers something for everyone, but the highlight is access to the lake, a sandy swimming beach nestled in a cove, and 15 miles of easy-to-follow, clearly marked hiking trails. The most popular trail is the four-mile Iron Hill Trail, which is open to both hikers and bikers.
The park offers many amenities, including 20 cottages, group picnic shelters, 90 tent and RV sites, along with hiking trails, swimming, boating, putt-putt golf, fishing, and tennis courts. Visitors can bring their own boats or rent one from nearby marinas.
Red Top Mountain State Park: 50 Lodge Road SE Acworth, GA 30102
Walking tour of Historic Downtown Cartersville
Photo: Tammy McCracken
A perfect location for your social media pictures. Painted wall advertisement dating back to 1894.
Your visit would not be complete without exploring Cartersville’s downtown district. While known as a shopping destination, the district has wonderful restaurants and historic places and structures.
Authenticated and one of the most photographed locations, don’t miss the world’s first outdoor painted wall sign for Coca-Cola.
A local institution, 4 Way Lunch, has operated in the town since 1931. Also known as “Georgia’s Oldest Restaurant Without a Telephone,” this establishment serves up incredible countertop eating at a very affordable price. Get the fries.
Another fun stop is Olive Tree and Vine, a specialty shop and tasting room offering olive oils, balsamic vinegar, local art, wine, craft beer, and even a coffee shop. To sip and shop, JZ’s Taste of Georgia carries a wide selection of wine and beer made in the state, along with a selection of meads and curated Georgia-made gifts to take home.
Etowah Indian Mounds
Photo: Tammy McCracken
Burial Mound at Etowah standing approximately 65 feet high.
One of Cartersville’s most popular attractions, Etowah Indian Mounds, was home to several thousand Native Americans from 1000 to 1500 AD. Six burial mounds are scattered among the 54-acre site. The largest mound stands over 63 feet high and covers three acres.
The Etowah’s village was occupied for 600 years. The residents raised crops, hunted, fished for food, and established an education system for their children. After 1550, the residents abandoned the village, moving further down the river.
Beyond the mounds is a river walk and nature trail. Information signs are dotted along the paths highlighting how sophisticated this ancient civilization was.
Etowah Indian Mounds: 813 Indian Mounds Road SE Cartersville, GA 30120
Where to eat and drinkAppalachian Grill
Photo: Tammy McCracken
Appalachian Grill is a wonderful dining experience with a charming decor.
A do-not-miss restaurant in the heart of downtown Cartersville, tucked away under the bridge, is the Appalachian Grill. It offers a warm atmosphere, welcoming staff, and delicious food. An absolute must-order is the blackened salmon and shrimp over chipotle mashed sweet potatoes and sautéed spinach topped with a margarita beurre blanc. However, the menu is extensive and offers plenty of options for everyone.
Appalachian Grill: 14 E Church St, Cartersville GA 30120
Table 20
Photo: Tammy McCracken
Seed Crusted Bay of Fundy Salmon with sides of roasted sweet potato, goat cheese, and an olive tapenade.
Table 20 is a popular bistro in downtown Cartersville and serves contemporary, fresh American fares with a twist. Allie Bearden opened her restaurant with the goal of serving the freshest food with as many in-season ingredients as possible. Their craft cocktails menu is outstanding, and the atmosphere is quiet and relaxing.
Table 20: 20 S Wall Street Cartersville GA 30120
The City Cellar and LoftsThe outdoor section greets you with a few tables in a very cozy patio area. However, the best place to be is down in the cellar. This family-owned and operated eatery is a full-service restaurant and bar with craft cocktails and local brews for a post-dinner drink. Southern hospitality is on full display with — quite possibly — the friendliest staff in Georgia. Make sure you stay for dessert.
The City Cellar and Lofts: 110 N. Museum Drive Cartersville, GA 30120
Drowned Valley Brewing Co.Just off the center streets of downtown, Cartersville’s first craft brewery is just what is needed after a long day of exploration. Its inviting atmosphere, an outdoor fire pit, 16 (or more) beers and seltzers on tap, and a passion for exceptional craft beer are apparent in every corner of this renovated mechanic shop-turned-taproom. The brewery is family and dog-friendly, and you may stumble upon some live music and food trucks. The owners and staff are passionate about creating a space for all customers. You must try the Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Sour.
Drowned Valley Brewing Co.: 4 South Tennessee Street, Cartersville, GA 30120
Ross’ Diner
Photo: Tammy McCracken
Ross Diner, a central hub of Cartersville, where the locals go to eat.
This no-nonsense diner has been serving up southern-style breakfast and lunch items since 1945. It is the place to go to meet and mingle with the locals. The counters are filled around mealtimes, and the food and service are great. With a few tables outside, you feel even more connected to the buzz of the city center location. Come for the homemade biscuits and gravy, stacks of pancakes, and the best grits in town.
Ross’ Diner: 17 N Wall St, Cartersville, GA 30120
Noble & Main Coffee Co.
Photo: Tammy McCracken
Noble & Main serving up delicious coffee where the beans are roasted on premise.
Madi and Justin dreamed of this place for quite some time, and when the perfect location opened, they took their first steps in realizing their dream of sharing their passion for coffee. They took over the old service station on Main Street and turned it into a hub for those with a morning routine, a desire to gather, and remote workers carving out their workspace. Stop by for the blackberry mocha you won’t regret it.
Noble & Main Coffee Co.: 145 W Main St. Cartersville, GA 30120
Nagel’s BagelsWith the last name Nagel, owners Rich and Kelly have created an amazing space that serves up fresh artisan bagels with many flavors to choose from. The business began in their home and quickly expanded to the current brick-and-mortar location on Main Street. They don’t follow the ‘rules’ of traditional bagel making, and the results are extraordinary. The cranberry bagel with sweet cream cheese is fantastic, but if adventure is what you need, try the Cuban.
Nagel’s Bagels: 125 W Main Street, Cartersville, Georgia 30120
Southern Muggs Coffee ShopThis shop has layers — lots of layers. For your early morning routine, come for the coffee. But first, you’ll navigate through an extensive olive oil, wine, and craft beer section until you reach your goal. The shop is a gem, and the owner and staff are very friendly. The menu rotates and has seasonal offerings. If you get there in time, grab the blackberry pancake latte. It’s out of this world.
Southern Muggs Coffee Shop: 26 West Main Street, Cartersville, GA 30120
Ate Track
Photo: Tammy McCracken
Ate Track.
Lying amidst historic structures, you will find a rock ‘n roll-themed restaurant born out of love and a tribute to the nostalgia of the 60’s,70’s, and 80’s music world. Riddled with vintage collections and décor, the restaurant offers a diverse menu of taqueria-style dishes, house-ground steak burgers, and seafood and chicken entrees.
Ate Track: 25 North Wall Street Cartersville, Georgia 30120
Where to stayCourtyard by Marriott Cartersville
Photo: Tammy McCracken
Marriott
A relatively new property, the Courtyard has nice amenities to make your stay enjoyable. There’s Starbucks coffee in the main lounge, a superb breakfast, and dinner service, and quiet and comfy technology nooks. With phenomenal staff supporting your stay, pick this property when you go.
Courtyard by Marriott Cartersville: 5460 Highway 20, Cartersville, Georgia, 30121
Red Top Mountain State Park CabinsNot only does Red Top Mountain offer swimming and fishing areas, tennis courts, and some of the best hiking trails around, but they recently renovated their cottages and yurts for the ultimate glamping experience. You’ll be in awe of the incredible views surrounding your yurt or cottage. Go off the grid in one of the 20 cottages, which can accommodate up to 10 people and offer full showers and baths, a grill, cable, and a fireplace.
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