Matador Network's Blog, page 315
March 21, 2023
If You Like Flea and Farmers Markets, You’ll Love Mexico’s Tianguis
Wandering around local markets is an excellent way to get to know a destination. In Mexico, there’s a particular type of market called a tianguis that’s especially worth visiting.
A tianguis is a type of open-air market that’s existed in Latin America for centuries. Similar to a flea market or farmers market, tianguis are generally held weekly, often on a specific day of the week, in an outdoor setting such as a plaza. Vendors gather to sell an array of goods, ranging from food and clothing to household items and handmade crafts. In addition to providing a place for people to exchange goods and services, tianguis also serve as social gathering places.
Tianguis can be visited in various cities across Mexico, from Mexico City and Oaxaca to Cholula, Zacatecas, Tijuana, and beyond. In many cases, these markets are held on specific days like Sundays or Thursdays in certain neighborhoods or plazas. Alternatively, there may also be larger regional markets which take place at certain times throughout the year.
Although a tianguis is typically seen as being more similar to flea market than a farmers market due to the fact that many of the products at tianguis are not locally produced or grown but rather bought and sold by individual vendors, there’s still plenty of opportunity to sample local food at tianguis. Depending on the location, visitors may be able to find a variety of fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables, as well as prepared foods like tacos and tamales. Regional specialties may also be available, such as mole sauces in Oaxaca or chili peppers. Prices for these types of items also tend to be cheaper than the supermarket.
The most famous tianguis in Mexico is probably El Tianguis Cultural del Chopo in Mexico City. This market has been a mainstay of Mexico City life for decades and is considered one of the most important places for cultural exchange in the country. Visitors can find handmade crafts, clothing items, jewelry, music, and more at this market every Sunday. The beautiful colonial city of Guanajuato also hosts one of the most popular tianguis in Mexico, El Tiangus de Valenciana, where locals flock to buy handmade crafts and clothing items. 
You’ll Feel Like Robin Hood Sleeping in This Woodland Treehouse Retreat
Escaping to the woods might sound like a cry for help, but it’s actually the motto of this woodland retreat in the UK, just outside Exeter. “Escape to the woods,” reads the website of Mallinson’s Woodland Retreat, and indeed, this place will make you feel like Robin Hood with its treehouse accommodations and total immersion in the forest.
@epic.stays Would you pick the outdoor shower or the bath?The Woodsman Treehouse in the #UK
@Mallinson’s Woodland Retreat #UKtravel #UKhotel #airbnbfinds #treehousestay #treehousehotel ♬ original sound – ♡
Mallinson’s is located on 40 acres of idyllic woodland and meadow, offering a sense of peace and tranquility that can only be found in a natural, remote setting. With its own private lake, an abundance of wildlife, and wooded trails, it’s easy to see why this is one of the most sought-after retreats in the country.
There accommodations here are what make this property truly special. There are three treehouses and one yurt available for booking, with the treehouses sitting high in the forest canopy. The treehouses come with log burning stoves, a fire pit and BBQ, hammocks, private hot tubs, and some even have a swing, sauna, and slide to help you reach the ground more quickly. The yurt, an additional accommodation option, is perfect if you’d rather sleep closer to the ground. Feeling more like a traditional campsite, it has a pizza oven, private deck, outdoor and “tree shower.”
For those looking for a little adventure during their stay, there are plenty of activities available on site or nearby. Guests can choose from fishing trips on a local river or lake (licences available from reception), walking tours around the local area (guided by experts), cycling tours around some of England’s most beautiful countryside roads, horse riding lessons at nearby stables or even hot air balloon rides over the surrounding landscape.
8 Direct Flights From LAX Starting Under $300
Los Angeles International Airport, more commonly called LAX, has an average of 645 commercial flights daily. It’s the top origin and destination airport in the world, meaning more people use it as a final or starting destination – rather than a place to connect – than any other airport worldwide.
Direct flights from LAX can bring passengers to 41 countries, so the options for adventures abroad are almost limitless. Residents of Los Angeles ready to leave the city can fly to Liberia, Costa Rica in just six hours, or head to Norway for a ski trip for less than $500 – a price almost unheard of from elsewhere in America.
But it isn’t just direct flights from LAX that can take you abroad. With John Wayne International Airport in Santa Ana and the Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, almost everyone in Los Angeles is within half an hour of an airport (if the I-5 is actually moving). That means jetting off to a new and exciting country is strikingly easy. And better still: there are plenty of direct flights from LAX under $500 round-trip – and some as low as $260.
Flights are in order from least to most expensive, though remember that flight prices can be impacted by everything from when you book to what day you fly to whether you’re visiting during that country’s peak season.
International direct flights from LAXLiberia, Costa Rica
Photo: Xenia_Photography/Shutterstock
Flight time: 6 hoursAirline(s): AlaskaLowest round-trip price in 2023: $260 (November)Winter is the best time to visit Costa Rica as it’s the dry season, so most most attractions are open and accessible. Liberia is the spot to go for reaching many of the best Guanacaste beaches and is known for being a gateway to the region. Take a direct flight from LAX to Liberia, and you’ll be near some of the best beachfront resorts on the west coast of the country. Liberia is also a great home base for exploring top spots along the Pacific Ocean shoreline.
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, Costa Rica is probably already on your bucket list. You can hike past volcanic pools at the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, hike to La Leona waterfall for a swim, or visit Parque Nacional Palo Verde; it’s one of the best spots to see tropical birds and monkeys in Costa Rica.
Calgary, Canada
Read more about Costa Rica:
The 7 best artsy villas in Costa Rica you can book on Airbnb These Costa Rica hotels put you close to amazing wildlife experiences 11 sustainable and adults-only eco-lodges in Costa Rica The best Costa Rica yoga reset to reset and recharge Tamarindo, Costa Rica, is ideal for solo travelers. Here’s why.
Photo: JZAerial Inc/Shutterstock
Flight time: 3 hours, 10 minutesAirline(s): WestJetLowest round-trip price in 2023: $279 (April)Canada might not top the average just of exotic destinations, but it’s not to be overlooked. Calgary is just outside Banff National Park, which means it’s ideal for winter travel if you want to get an adrenaline rush at Banff-Lake Louise or Sunshine Village ski resorts, or would rather do a summer trip hiking in the mountains and enjoying the lively nightlife scene in the evenings. Or you can skip the city entirely, hiking on trails like the Fairview Lookout, canoeing on the Bow River, and camping in Clearwater Tipi Park.
Getting around Calgary is easy, as it’s also home to one of the largest urban bike path networks in North America. There’s also a number of beautiful parks nearby, such as Prince’s Island Park, where you can ice skate on a frozen lake come winter (and attend awesome festivals in the summer).
Bogotá, Colombia
Read more about Calgary:
The best Airbnbs in Banff, Alberta How to take a cannabis yoga class in Banff You can spend the night at this castle inside a national park 8 tips to plan a confidence-boosting winter travel weekend in 2023 The 9 best winter activities in Banff that aren’t skiing
Photo: Streetflash/Shutterstock
Flight time: 7 hours, 50 minutesAirline(s): AviancaLowest round-trip price in 2023: $421 (May and September)Bogotá is Colombia’s sprawling, high-altitude capital with a cobblestoned center, spotlighting colonial-era landmarks history buffs will love (including the neoclassical performance hall and the 17th-century Iglesia de San Francisco church). Popular museums you won’t want to miss include the Museo Botero and the Museo del Oro (Museum of Gold), where you can see more than 55,000 pre-Columbian gold and metal pieces. Tours are in English and Spanish.
If you want to spend time outdoors, head to Tayrona National Park. The 58-square-mile park is a mix of tropical forests with breathtaking views, plus spectacular beaches. Popular hikes include the Pueblito Loop (a three-mile hike pat the park’s archaeological sites) and the El Mirador Trail — a roughly 1.1-mile hike to a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
With more than a hundred years of tradition, Colombia’s Carnival season is the longest in the world. It arrives in early February and lasts until early March. The wildest celebrations are in the beautiful Caribbean city of Barranquilla, which rivals Rio de Janeiro in terms of who parties harder.
Georgetown, Grand Cayman
Read more about Colombia:
Colombia’s ‘Liquid Rainbow’ river is the only place on Earth to see these colorful plants in full bloom How to swim, snorkel, and eat your way through Colombia’s Rosario Islands The most beautiful beaches in Cartagena for every type of traveler The top-rated restaurants in Bogota, Colombia
Photo: Richard Whitcombe/Shutterstock
Flight time: 6 hoursAirline(s): Cayman AirwaysLowest round-trip price in 2023: $493 (November)Grand Cayman Island is known for its sparkling Caribbean waters and powdery, white beaches, checking all the boxes for a classic Caribbean getaway. If you’re looking for a beach vacation with amazing water activities you can reach on a direct flight from LAX, this is the place for you.
Scuba divers can explore an underwater shipwreck, dive with sharks, and encounter an abundance of sea life like nurse sharks, parrot fish, and stingrays. For non-divers, activities from snorkeling to snuba to catamaran tours and banana boat rides abound.
Back on the mainland in a lush, tropical forest in Northside, Cayman Crystal Caves is the island’s newest nature attraction. The caves formed over millions of years and were under the sea at one point, as evidenced by fossilized shells and animals in the caves. As sea levels changed, the caves became dryer and rooms formed from erosion, creating the now three-chamber cave.
Oslo, Norway
Read more about the Cayman Islands:
7 Caribbean islands that feel like Europe This unique Cayman Islands rum is aged underwater The 15 best uncrowded beaches in the Caribbean
Photo: trabantos/Shutterstock
Flight time: 10 hoursAirline(s): Norse AtlanticLowest round-trip price in 2023: $500Dubbed the “newest capital of Nordic cool” by the Wall Street Journal, Oslo has everything from innovative architecture and world-class museums to hip bars and tasty eateries like the Norwegian restaurant Sofies Mat & Vinhus.
The recent expansions and renovations of two of the best art museums in Europe (the Munch Museum and the National Museum) and the city’s outdoor sculpture parks have made Oslo a must-visit destination for art lovers.
April is Norway’s first month of spring and brings warmer temperatures and budding flowers, while the snow melt creates roaring waterfalls near the city. This is when locals will enjoy the first utepils (beer enjoyed outside in the sun) of the year, while others opt for activities like bar-to-bar mountain hikes.
If you’re enticed by the thought of spending a day on a scenic fjord, go island hopping just outside Oslo. The ferries from Rådhusbrygga (the City Hall pier, near Aker Brygge wharf) offer a quick and inexpensive connection to many islands that make great day trips. The islands are some of the best places near the city to go for a (likely chilly) swim, picnic with friends, or simply soak up some rays by the water’s edge. And if you have energy left, don’t miss out on Oslo’s rather lively nightlife scene.
Barcelona, Spain
Read more about Norway:
A new Oslo hotel lets guests sleep at the home of artist Edvard Munch Camp next to sheep at this adorable Norway beach campground The sun never sets in this small region of Norway The ultimate Viking tour through Norway
Photo: Ignasi Jansa/Shutterstock
Flight time: 13 hours, 10 minutesAirline(s): IberiaLowest round-trip price in 2023: $518 (December)Barcelona one of the liveliest cities in Europe. The city’s culture is all about bright colors, high energy, and late-night socializing, and there’s always something going on for visitors to experience. Barcelona is one of the best direct flights from LAX for travelers who want to have an energetic vacation mixed with a rich history. The city was established in the Roman era, but it also has a large medieval area and a fabulous collection of buildings and parks from the 18th and 19th century Neoclassical and Neo-Gothic periods.
While there are must-see monuments throughout the city, from Gothic cathedrals to the Sagrada Familia to Park Güell, it’s the often-overlooked quirks of the city that give the Barcelona real charm — like a cursed skull and bones, a dubious letter-box, and the mysterious “13 geese of the cathedral cloister” are some of the hidden gems to look out for. (Google them — really).
In September, La Mercè Festival is celebrated for around five days at the end of the month. The streets fill with fun events, dances, and parades for residents and visitors alike, plus even a fire run or two. And don’t forget that Barcelona has great beaches, so you can combine a city visit with a beach vacation.
Tokyo, Japan
Read more about Barcelona:
The 7 best Barcelona hotels with amazing views 14 of the best Airbnbs in Barcelona This high-speed train between Paris and Barcelona takes you through the best of Southern France The best bars and restaurants at Barcelona’s El Prat Airport 8 rooftop bars in Barcelona for experiencing the city’s nightlife
Photo: Luciano Mortula – LGM/Shutterstock
Flight time: 11 hours, 45 minutesAirline(s): ZipAir, United, ANA, AmericanLowest round-trip price in 2023: $566 (October)Tokyo is the Japan’s cultural melting pot, filled with arts, sumo tournaments, historical sites, and pop culture. Visit the Shibuya District (one of Tokyo’s most popular shopping areas) filled with restaurants, giant shopping complexes, and a stunning cityscape — plus some of the best department store food courts you’ve ever seen in your life. While you’re there, take in the amazing city views from the Shibuya Sky rooftop observation deck, then see the madness/beauty of the famous “Shibuya Scramble Crossing” on the ground.
October is also when Japan’s fall colors come to life and exploring the outskirts of the city will give you the opportunity to experience this magical time of year in Japan’s forests. Called momiji or koyo in Japanese, autumn leaf viewing has been a Japanese tradition since the days of emperors and shoguns. You can see this colorful scenery in Tokyo’s surrounding areas and in the urban jungle of the Japanese capital itself.
Centuries-old forms of performing arts still play on stages, and sumo tournaments draw large diverse crowds of both locals and tourists alike. If you visit in spring, you can join the throngs of Tokyoites headed outside to appreciate the cherry blossoms – a tradition older than the city itself.
Helsinki, Finland
Read more about Tokyo:
5 of the best under-the-radar neighborhoods in Tokyo 12 Tokyo Airbnbs in the heart of the incredible city This rowdy alleyway is the best place to drink beer in Tokyo The 5 hidden temples in Tokyo you need to visit
Photo: Delpixel/
Flight time: 11 hoursAirline(s): FinnAirLowest round-trip price in 2023: $566 (October)The absolute best thing to do in Finland during the winter is to chase the northern lights. In northern Lapland, the aurora borealis is visible more than half the time, provided it’s a clear night, between September and March. In Southern Finland, it’s only visible about 10-20 nights a year. So head north if the night sky looks clear and starry, because you probably have a good chance of seeing Mother Nature’s most colorful show (well, one of them).
But there’s so much more this beautiful country has to offer, such as visiting the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, strolling around the central market, eating traditional dishes like karjalanpiirakka pie and salted herring, and taking in the sights at the harbor on the Baltic Sea.
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Read more about Finland:
The 5 most beautiful towns in Finland most tourists miss 5 places where you can ski under the northern lights Watch the northern lights from bed at this posh igloo hotel The best saunas and spas to visit in Helsinki, Finland
March 20, 2023
An Hour Outside of Marrakech, This Luxury Desert Camp Is One of Morocco’s Finest
Metropolises like Marrakech, Fes, and cinematically immortalized Casablanca drive a lot of tourism to Morocco. But the North African nation’s touristic value extends far beyond its big cities, from ports like Essaouira on the Atlantic Coast to the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert. Visitors might be surprised to learn how easy it is to plan a desert getaway from Morocco’s top destinations, especially if they set their sights on the Agafay Desert an hour outside of Marrakech.
To experience the best of the desert outside of Morocco’s cultural capital, while the snowy peaks of the Atlas Mountains serve as a backdrop, look no further than the Inara Camp.
We hope you love the Inara Camp! 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.
The Inara Camp has 18 luxury tents decorated to evoke the idea of exploration using Moroccan crafts and everyday objects collected from around Morocco. (Far visits are also on offer.) The tents are split into three categories: 270-square-foot Discovery Tents, 300-square-foot Emotion Tents, and 390-square-foot Inra Suite Tents. All tents come with king size beds, desks, lounge areas, and bathrooms with hot water and showers, while the Emotion and Inra Suite tents also have extra sleeping spaces, private terraces, wood stoves, and A/C. Breakfast and pool access are included for all guests. Meals are hosted in a communal area and prepared using fresh produce harvested from a nearby permaculture farm.
In addition to farm visits, activities at the Inara Camp include camel or horseback rides, quad biking, trekking, lunch homestays, mountain biking, and petanque, as well as water sports such as canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and jet skiing at Lake Lalla Takerkoust, which is located less than 10 miles from the camp.
Rates for the Inara Camp start around $200 per night, depending on the season and type of accommodation you decide to book.
4 Essential Stops on a Food Tour of Oaxaca, Mexico
Mexico is renowned for its delicious and diverse cuisine. Many travelers visit the country just to experience the amazing array of flavors from north to south, east to west. In southwestern Mexico, in the Sierra Madre del Sur mountain range, the state of Oaxaca has developed a reputation for being one of Mexico’s culinary capitals.
The food in Oaxaca varies from traditional Aztec and Mayan dishes to Spanish-influenced recipes, all of which come together using staple ingredients like corn, squash, beans, tomatoes, avocados, and chiles, in addition to various meats. Oaxaca is particularly known for its regional specialties, such as a variety of mole sauces, tamales, barbacoa (barbecue), and tlayudas (grilled flatbread). There are also a number of beverages to try, such as tejate (a cold maize drink flavored with cocoa) and pulque (an alcoholic beverage made from fermented agave sap).
Where better to start a food tour of Oaxaca state than in Oaxaca city? You’d be hard-pressed to find many bad Oaxaca restaurants, but these four Oaxaca restaurants are worth seeking out.
4 essential Oaxaca restaurants to tryAncestral Cocina TradicionalOne of the cutest Oaxaca restaurants to grab lunch or dinner, Ancestral Cocina Tradicional is a restaurant with garden seating located between Oaxaca’s Centro and Reforma neighborhoods. Dishes to try include the aguachile de tasajo (thinly sliced marinated cured beef) and tacos de camarones con tripa (shrimp and tripe tacos). Expect whatever you order to be beautifully plated.
Where: C. José López Alavez 1347, Barrio de Xochimilco, 68040 Oaxaca de Juárez
Cervecera Tierra BlancaCervecera Tierra Blanca is a brewery and restaurant that has been serving up delicious craft beers since 2009. The beers are brewed with locally sourced ingredients and made with an eye towards sustainability. In addition to the beers, guests can enjoy traditional Oaxacan dishes such as enmoladas (stuffed corn tortillas topped with mole) and choriqueso (cheese dip). This restaurant also hosts live music on the weekends.
Where: Calle de Armenta y López 202, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez
Terraza IstmoPart of the Hotel Casa Abuela Maria, Terraza Istmo is a rooftop bar and restaurant in the heart of Oaxaca. The interior has floor-to-ceiling windows and contemporary art pieces while the terrace is decked out in bright colors and has a beautiful landscaped garden. Be sure to try the mole tacos for a unique twist on an old favorite. In addition to food, Terraza Istmo has an extensive cocktail list which includes classics like margaritas and palomas, as well as house specials like the agave swizzle made with tequila, mezcal, agave nectar and lime juice.
Where: Av. José María Morelos 400, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez
Tierra del Sol
One of the coolest things about eating at Tierra del Sol, located in Oaxaca’s Centro area, is the tableside salsa service that lets you customize the spiciness and additions of the salsa you’ll snack on while you await the rest of your meal. The salsa is prepared in the traditional way using a molcajete, which is a traditional Mexican stone mortar and pestle. Downstairs, Tierra del Sol also has an “atoleria” that specializes in making atole, a sweet and creamy Mexican beverage that’s thickened with masa harina (corn flour) and is said to have Mayan origins.
Where: Reforma 411, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez
A version of this article was previously published on March 25, 2023, and was updated on March 20, 2023, with more information.
More like thisHow To Plan the Perfect One-Day Tour of Oaxaca’s Culinary and Cultural Scene10 Can’t-Miss Things To Do in Nashville With Kids
Appropriately nicknamed “Music City,” Nashville is one of the most popular travel destinations in the US – if you’re trying to have a good time on a budget, that is. It’s synonymous with bachelor and bachelorette parties, throwin’ back Tennessee whiskey, bar-hopping on Broadway, and mega-popular country music concerts and festivals. With its rather lively reputation, it’s easy to assume that Nashville isn’t exactly family-friendly.
But if you look beyond the neon lights and colorful nightlife, there are actually tons of excellent things to do in Nashville with kids. From interactive museums and outdoor activities to professional sports games and a surprisingly great food scene – plus a healthy dose of southern hospitality and extremely friendliness toward cute kiddos – there’s a lot more to Nashville for families than what you see downtown on Saturday nights.
Is Nashville kid-friendly?Photo: Fotoluminate LLC/Shutterstock
Nashville is a fantastic kid-friendly destination, as long as you know where to go and what to see (and don’t try to bring your kids to bars at 9 PM). Fortunately, with just a bit of advance planning, you can enjoy the best things to do in Nashville with kids and still see some of the city’s most iconic attractions.
There are so many fun things to do in Nashville with kids, in fact, that the trickiest part of the trip will be narrowing down where to go. Thankfully, the city is extremely walkable and has excellent public transportation, so it’s easy to check several things off your list even on a quick visit.
Go on a mural scavenger hunt
Photo: Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.
One of the most fun things to do in Nashville with kids also happens to be totally free. Music City is widely known for its elaborate murals throughout town on everything from storefronts to grain silos to random walls. They make excellent photo ops kiddos will love, and as a bonus, finding them essentially requires going on a scavenger hunt through the city.
There are more than 60 murals in Nashville, and some of the most popular with kids include the What Lifts You wings, Drippy Lips, and Love Y’all.
Walk across the pedestrian bridge
Photo: Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.
Another fun and free thing to do in Nashville with kids is strolling across the scenic John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. The pedestrian-only bridge crosses the Cumberland River, connecting downtown with Cumberland Park and East Nashville. It’s a quick walk that provides outstanding views of the city skyline and fun people watching.
Frolic in Cumberland Park
Photo: 4kclips/Shutterstock
Across the pedestrian bridge from downtown is Cumberland Park, the perfect spot to escape the energy of the city for a bit. It’s next to the river and has unique play structures that keep little ones busy for hours. Check out the climbing wall, maze, bouncy play area, or walking trail designed specifically to attract butterflies.
In the summer, Cumberland Park also opens its “sprayground” and holds frequent concerts at its outdoor amphitheater, both of which are popular things to do in Nashville with kids. You’ll see plenty of families attending the concerts, many of which have areas specifically designated for families (and start in the late afternoon).
Visit the Taylor Swift Education Center at the Country Music Hall of FameView this post on Instagram
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The Country Music Hall of Fame is one of the top things to do in Nashville with kids. If you have young children or think your kids aren’t really into museums, set that thought aside – it’s one of the city’s most kid-friendly things to do.
In particular, the Taylor Swift Education Center caters to kids (and any Swifties out there) with interactive programming. There are arts and crafts, songwriting workshops, dance lessons, and programs specifically created for toddlers and teens. One of the most popular activities for families is the scavenger hunt, which requires participants to find clues and objects throughout the museum. It’ll hold most kids’ interests for at least an hour, especially since the museum gives finishers fun prizes.
In Tennessee, Fridays are field trip days for schools in the community, so it’s a particularly busy day. If your visit falls on a Friday, try to visit in the afternoon to avoid large groups.
Honky Tonk-hop on Broadway (during the day)
Photo: Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.
A visit to Nashville isn’t complete without strolling along Broadway Street and popping into at least a couple honky tonks (roomy bars with live music and space to dance, Texas Two-Step or otherwise). This is Music City, after all, and you don’t want to miss out on the full experience. Once night falls, families will want to stay as far away from Broadway as possible. But during the day, hanging out on the main drag is actually one of the most fun things to do in Nashville with kids.
Robert’s Western World is one of the best family-friendly honky tonks, especially because it opens at 10 AM and has daily live music. The honky tonk welcomes all ages until 6 PM, and there’s never a cover charge (but don’t forget to tip your waitstaff and the band, of course).
Another great kid-friendly option on Broadway is Honky Tonk Central. The three-story bar and restaurant opens at 11 AM every day and even has a kids’ menu.
Centennial Park
Photo: Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.
Centennial Park is probably the most popular park in the Nashville area and has plenty to see and do for adults and children alike. The star attraction is the full-scale replica of the iconic Greek Parthenon. Visitors can tour the building and walk through the expansive indoor art, but families with younger children may be just as happy with the photo ops outside.
Besides the Parthenon, Centennial Park is also home to Lake Watauga and the one-mile path around it, immaculate sunken gardens, volleyball courts, a band shell that frequently hosts live music and other performances, and a dog park. Centennial Park hosts lots of family-friendly events throughout the year, ranging from weekend music to craft festivals and a community 4th of July celebration.
Nashville ZooView this post on Instagram
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The Nashville Zoo is just a few miles south of downtown and is a great place to visit for something parents will also enjoy. Aside from housing more than 6,200 animals, the zoo has a train and carousel, a 4-D theater, a massive playground with a special inclusive section for kiddos of all abilities, and a zip line that sends visitors flying 110 feet above the ground. It’s also home to the Grassmere Historic Home from 1810, though that may not be quite as exciting for kids.
Check the zoo website in advance for information on feeding times and animal encounters, including chances to feed colorful birds and interact with kangaroos.
Goo Goo Chocolate Co.
Photo: GooGooCluster Nashville
Iconic Goo Goo Clusters have been made in Nashville for more than a century. Today, visiting the storefront just off Broadway is one of the most fun things to do in Nashville with kids. Families can stop by the fun photo booth, sign up for chocolate-making classes, and even design their own custom candy bars. Chocolatiers build customers’ creations by hand on the spot in just minutes, which is pretty fun for kids to watch.
Cheer for the home team
Photo: Pavel L Photo and Video/Shutterstock
Music City is home to several professional sports teams, so there’s always a game to catch year-round. Families can cheer on the NFL’s Tennessee Titans, the Nashville Predators hockey team, the Nashville Soccer Club, the Sounds (minor league baseball), or the Vanderbilt Commodores college teams in any number of sports. All leagues have theme nights, discount bundles, family nights, and all kinds of other promotions, so getting in on Nashville’s sports action is always fun, even if your kids aren’t super into sports.
Kid-friendly hotels in NashvilleView this post on Instagram
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In a city known for over-the-top themed vacation rentals and glitzy hotels, some places are distinctly more family-friendly than others
Gaylord Opryland Resort: By far the city’s most family-friendly hotel, with elaborate tropical resort vibes, several casual restaurants, multiple pools, a waterpark, and even a lazy river.Omni Nashville: Walkable to everything downtown with several family-friendly amenities, including five on-site restaurants, a rooftop pool, and the Omni Junior Chef program (with welcome gifts and snacks).Lowes Vanderbilt: For families who want a bit of distance from downtown, this Midtown hotel adjacent to Vandy is ideal, offering kitchenettes, a board game library, and cribs and baby baths upon request. The hotel is also pet-friendly, in case you’re really bringing the whole family.More like thisRestaurants + BarsThe 8 Best Barbecue Restaurants in Nashville
How To Take the Perfect Music, Culture, and Food-Filled Road Trip Through Northern Mississippi
If you haven’t contemplated planning a road trip (or two) through the Magnolia State, with its undulating hills in the north and white sand beaches in the south, consider this your wake-up call. Mississippi is filled with scenic byways, state highways, and interstates with roadside stands and verdant overlooks. City stops in between are filled with quality restaurants, thoughtful museums, and world-class live music.
If you aren’t a fan of hot weather, you might want to skip a Mississippi road trip in the height of summer in order to make the most of the outdoors on cooler, less humid days. Otherwise, there’s not a bad time to visit.
The best way to experience the beauty of the state, and to stop in as many cities as possible, is a road trip. Bicycling trips are also options for those who want to tackle the historic Natchez Trace Parkway and nearby cities. Amtrak serves many Mississippi cities well. And Gulf Coast Amtrak service is likely to return to Mississippi in 2023 for the first time since Hurricane Katrina.
While the state isn’t particularly big (in terms of land mass, it’s 32nd in size) or population (35th overall), the best road trips allow for a little meandering and serendipity along the 350 or so miles from the northern border with Tennessee to the southern edge along the Gulf of Mexico. If you don’t have weeks to devote to a single trip filled with thoughtful museums, fragrant gardens, and tasty tamales, it’s easy to divide your adventures into several road trips.
Start with a focus on the rolling hills of north Mississippi (aptly called the Northern Hills) on a tour that includes one of the state’s favorite sons (that would be Elvis Presley), a Nobel Prize-winning author (William Faulkner), a former president (Ulysses S. Grant), and some of the best tailgating in the SEC.
Start in Tupelo
Photo: Visit Mississippi
Tupelo is a charming town 80 miles from the Mississippi-Alabama border. The city is best-known for being the birthplace of Elvis Presley, though Tupelo has much more to do than visit the King’s childhood home. And while all things Elvis are part of the city’s charm, the city is chockful of interesting attractions, fun facts, delicious food and drink, and access to the great outdoors.
As you are driving around town, neon-lovers will appreciate the iconic arrow-shaped city sign. It commemorates Tupelo being the first city to buy hydro-electric power from the new Tennessee Valley Authority in 1934. This move changed the lives of folks in the rural South. Grab a cup of coffee from Strange Brew Coffeehouse near the sign before heading the one mile downtown.
Photo: Hotel Tupelo
Nowhere in Tupelo is very far away, quick drives and easy walks are the hallmark of visiting town. Park downtown at the Hotel Tupelo on Main Street. This boutique will be your homebase for your stay. If you prefer exploring on two wheels, borrow a free bicycle from the hotel before setting out to explore downtown’s many shops and restaurants.
Reed’s Department Store has been a fixture in Mississippi since 1905 and is the place to look for shoes, clothing, and gifts to take home. Reed’s GumTree Bookstore, connected to the department store, features books by local authors as well as your favorite bestsellers. The streets are dotted with murals and small guitar sculptures (part of Elvis’ Guitar Trail), offering lots of opportunities for fun photos. Duck your head into the various shops, including Tupelo Hardware. A hardware store might not be on your typical vacation route, but this one is different. This is the place where Elvis’s mother bought him his first guitar. He wanted a BB gun, and she redirected his energy. Snap a picture in front of the neon-bedecked marquee of the nearby historic Lyric Theatre before heading out.
Photo: Visit Mississippi
From there, dive into Elvis’s past at the Elvis Presley Birthplace. This site includes a museum, his childhood home, and the chapel where he first sang before an audience. You’ll get guided tours to tell you about how the King found his voice, and how his family supported him in doing so. The site includes bucolic walking trails dotted with sculptures of Elvis and even one of his classic cars. You can continue your Elvis-themed exploration by having lunch at Johnnie’s Drive-In, a favorite fast-food spot during Elvis’ youth. You can even have your photo taken in his booth.
Photo: Queens Reward Meadery
For more substantial fare, book dinner at Park Heights Restaurant, a bright welcoming restaurant with a menu of Southern-inspired dinners. Or enjoy surf-style dishes at Jobos in the light-filled Hotel Tupelo. Stop by Queen’s Reward Meadery for a sample of honey-based drinks from Mississippi’s first meadery — the space has board games and a lovely outdoor space where you can hang out as you sip.
Before heading to Oxford, swing by Connie’s Fried Chicken for one of its famous blueberry doughnuts to eat in the car. Then, for the next stop on your Mississippi road trip, take a detour to the Natchez Trace Parkway Visitors Center. The Trace is a 444-mile historic route maintained by the National Park Service. Much of the Trace runs through Mississippi and includes battlefields, Indigenous mounds, and scenic vistas. The Visitors Center has a small museum and shows a film that gives you an overview of the Trace, so you can decide which sections you want to visit as you explore.
Head to Oxford
Photo: Greetings Tour
It’s just an hour’s drive west to get from Tupelo to Oxford, best known as the home of the University of Mississippi. If you’re a football fan, you’ll want to plan ahead (very ahead) to come to town on game days when Ole Miss plays at home, as hotels and tailgating space is at a premium. If you’re not, there is no shortage of other things to do in Oxford.
Photo: Square Books
The Square is Oxford’s picturesque downtown and is filled with boutiques, bars, restaurants, and music venues. It’s eminently walkable, so leave the car at The Graduate Oxford, an easy home away from home while in town. The colorful, welcoming hotel has plenty of space for lounging in the lobby, and Ole Miss-colored bicycles can be borrowed if you want to see the city at a faster pace. Square Books, open since 1979, has four locations on the Square, housing first-editions, children’s books, cookbooks, and pretty much anything else available on paper. End of All Music is the go-to for folks who like their tunes on vinyl.
Photo: Visit Mississippi
While wandering the streets you’ll see red phone booths, evocative of those from Oxford’s namesake across the pond. And, yes, they work for local calls. Go in and dial up a restaurant to make a reservation. Best bets include the first location of Big Bad Breakfast, for a hearty breakfast or lunch of Southern staples, and Emily Blount’s Saint Leo, a James Beard Award-winning semi-finalist thanks to its menu of wood-fired Italian treats.
Photo: Rowan Oak
Oxford’s other claim to fame is Rowan Oak, the former home of Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner. Located adjacent to the Ole Miss campus, Rowan Oak offers a look into the mind of the man who lived here for more than four decades. The walls include outlines for some of his works (this was before the days of the Post-It note) and insight on how the Mississippi landscape influenced him. Leave enough time to wander the grounds after your tour. You can walk across the street, too, to Oxford Memorial Cemetery, Faulkner’s final resting place. It is not unusual to see a fan has left Faulkner a bottle of whiskey to enjoy.
Head south to Starkville
Photo: University of College/Shutterstock
Mississippi’s other favorite college town, Starkville, is two hours south of Oxford. Home to Mississippi State University, Starkville is surrounded by wide-open expanses of farmland (great for catching some of the state’s best sunsets), while being home to a charming downtown and thriving university neighborhoods. Blues music fans should make a quick detour en route to West Point, which is home to Howlin’ Wolf Blues Museum.
Once in Starkville, you’ll want to park your car and walk through the MSU campus, a leafy oasis with sculptures of bulldogs, the school’s official mascot. (Cowbells optional unless you are planning on attending a football game.) The campus also houses the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library, an in-depth and informative look at the 18th president of the United States. The museum features interactive displays, life-size sculptures, and areas for scholarly research. The museum is in the school library building, which also houses the Charles H. Templeton, Sr. Music Museum, stocked with instruments and sheet music, and the John Grisham Room — both worth a look while on campus.
Photo: Visit Mississippi
There are three hotels near the Mill Conference Center at MSU. Nab a room at one of them and then spend some time checking out the renovated space in the former cotton mill. If you like historic buildings, eat at The Central Station Grill, housed in a former Borden dairy plant. The free Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum will give you a great overview of this city and the way in which the community grew to be what it is today.
Swing through downtown, with its boutiques, bookstore, and restaurants before continuing on your road trip. Starkville Café is a classic diner; a great place for breakfast before hitting the road (as well as a place to get the town gossip).
End the tour in Jackson
Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
Jackson is Mississippi’s state capitol and soul music center. It’s a little more than a two-hour drive from Starkville along a road surrounded by lots of greenery though the Tombigbee National Forest. This is another opportunity to get on a portion of the Natchez Trace Parkway, and that’s highly recommended if you have the time to take the scenic route. If you come to town from the Trace, stop at the Bill Waller Craft Center and peruse art from artists from across the state. If you are in town long enough, sign up to take a workshop and get your hands dirty.
As would be expected of Mississippi’s largest city, it’s easy to keep yourself busy. Make sure you come with enough time for museums, music, and food (not necessarily in that order). Jackson is a museum town, with some world-class opportunities. The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum is worth a trip to Jackson alone. It’s a thoughtful, difficult look at the fight for justice and civil rights in the United States. The interactive displays are well-marked, so visitors can make decisions about what kinds of material are appropriate for them. Plan on spending several hours here and then taking a break to decompress before your next activity. A trip to the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home, now managed by the National Park Service, is a good companion experience to the Civil Rights Museum. The first public school for Black students in Jackson is now home to the engaging Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center. The Mississippi Ag Museum is a good place to get outside, stretch your legs and see how Mississippi’s farmers shaped the state.
Photo: Chad Robertson Media/Shutterstock
If you spent time at Rowan Oak in Oxford, you’ll want to explore the Eudora Welty House and Garden in Jackson. The author’s former home has been preserved so it feels like she just stepped out for a minute, with piles of books she intended to read on the chairs and sofas. The gardens, which she built with her mother, are an explosion of color.
Photo: Elvie’s
After all the edification, you’ll need some sustenance. The all-day café Elvie’s from James Beard Award semifinalist Hunter Evans provides modern takes on classic Southern dishes and is just a few blocks from the Welty home. Or, head to the Fondren neighborhood where you can eat at a classic old-fashioned soda fountain at Brent’s Drugs. If you’re not full from a post-meal milkshake, walk across the street to Campbell’s Bakery, which has served the city’s favorite tea cakes and petit fours since 1962.
Take a break by checking into the Westin Jackson, a new shining star in downtown. You can relax at the spa or take a dip in the pool or just catch views from your modernly appointed room. Then, walk over to Hal and Mal’s. This second-generation restaurant is a friendly spot to catch Jackson’s signature sound: live music. If you want to keep the toe-tapping going, head to the Iron Horse Grill for more music and libations.
Live Your Best Life Down Under at These Gorgeous Sydney Airbnbs
It’s impossible not to fall victim to the charms of Sydney, Australia’s largest city. Days are spent roaming historic neighborhoods – flat white in hand – or chasing waves at the local surf beaches. At night, picture yourself diving into ocean-fresh rock oysters by the quayside or clambering up Harbour Bridge to see Sydney illuminated. Known as much for its livability rating as its landmarks, the accommodation scene gives you a peek into the life of a Sydneysider. Taste the Harbour City lifestyle at one of these beautiful Sydney Airbnb rentals close to beaches, the Rocks, and laid-back suburbs.
Traveling to Australia? Check out Matador’s Australia accommodations guides:8 iconic Sydney hotels that put you within walking distance of all attractions
We hope you love the Airbnb Sydney vacation rentals we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Oceanside Bondi Beach condo
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Wake to the sound of waves at this beachfront pad steps away from Australia’s iconic surf destination. Curated with a Mediterranean theme, the serviced apartment comes with a covered terrace laid out for relaxing and dining. The master bedroom and lounge have views of the beach with a nifty breakfast bar doubling up as a workspace or games table. Interiors mimic the landscape with seaside hues.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $598 per night
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Live like a “rockstar” at this ultra-modern Airbnb near Sydney Opera House. Sitting pretty on the 15th floor, panoramic windows in both the lounge and bedroom sweep over the CBD with a sly glimpse of Harbour Bridge. The sumptuous marble bathroom features a soaking tub plus a separate shower. During your stay, you’re welcome to use the property pool and gym.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $390 per night
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Situated on a row of fishermen’s cottages, this recently renovated guest house consists of one king bedroom, a sleek fitted kitchen, and a separate lounge. This opens out to a fully enclosed yard with a fire pit and outdoor shower. Stocked with luxury products, the bathroom features raw brass fixtures and terrazzo floor tiles. Adjacent to Little Manly Point Park, this is the ideal couples’ Airbnb for a romantic getaway in Australia.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $253 per night
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With soaring ceilings, a private courtyard, and designer amenities, this loft in a converted warehouse is one of the coolest properties in Australia. Notable touches include a Bose sound system, a rainfall shower, and a chef’s kitchen. A 10-minute drive from the airport yet a mere three stops to the CBD on the metro, the apartment works equally for flying visits and longer leases.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $140 per night
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Settle into this one-of-a-kind terraced house spread over two floors in leafy Paddington, Sydney’s fashion capital. Lavishly appointed with ornate fireplaces, upholstered beds, and chandeliers, the three-bedroom home strikes a balance between the olde-worlde and the needs of a modern traveler. In addition to the street-facing balcony on the upper level, this family-friendly Airbnb has a garden patio for al fresco dining.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $829 per night
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Beautifully outfitted with whimsical wallpapering and art deco homeware, this apartment occupies the ground floor of a period property. One room functions as either a nursery or office and overlooks the garden while the window seat in the master suite is the perfect book nook. Convenient for the village as well as Bondi Beach, this Airbnb is suitable for couples and families seeking a peaceful vacation in the Sydney suburbs.
Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $223 per night
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A deluxe five-bedroom villa at Palm Beach, this Sydney Airbnb unfolds over multiple terraces that capitalize on the ocean views. The top-floor suite has its own rooftop hang-out furnished with a tub for bathing under the stars while the communal deck off the lounge has a grill. Offering absolute privacy, the vacation home is within walking distance of the beach, surf club, and brunch cafes.
Ten guests, five bedrooms
Price: $817 per night
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Located in Sydney’s bouge-iest neighborhood, this sophisticated open-concept studio contains a wood-paneled kitchen and hotel-standard bathroom. Sip your morning flattie with treetop views on the sunny balcony hanging over the quiet residential street. Handy for connections into Sydney Central, this pet-friendly Surry Hills Airbnb is a stone’s throw from Centennial Park.
Two guests, one bedroom (studio)
Price: $220 per night
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Views of Harbour Bridge don’t get better than this. Located across the bay in Kirribilli, the two-bedroom apartment is furnished with two balconies where you can sip a glass of shiraz and watch Sydney transform into night. Recently remodeled, the entire space is spotless with a spanking-new kitchen for throwing together a meal. A scenic 10-minute ferry ride drops you downtown – or stroll across the bridge.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $338 per night
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This family-friendly vacation rental is carefully decorated to feel like a sanctuary in the heart of the Sydney CBD. The kitchen is well-stocked for cooking your own meals to enjoy on the balcony with skyline and harbor views – plus, you can expect a welcome hamper from the host to start you off. Although not pictured, guests have access to the rooftop pool and hot tub. Not that you’ll need to drive, but one complimentary spot is provided in the secure parking lot.
Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $346 per night
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Right off King Street, this bohemian bungalow in Newtown puts you moments from Sydney’s top restaurants and bars. The enclosed backyard is teeming with plants where you can fire up the barbie for a real Aussie feast. There’s also a proper office unit indoors, making this a good fit for remote workers. As the personal home of the host, the cottage is lovingly maintained with eclectic furniture and trinkets adding a cozy charm that only an Airbnb can achieve.
Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $186 per night
This Indoor Hotel Pool Has Sweeping Views of the Dubai Skyline
Duabi is known for all things luxury, and the Address Hotel is no exception. From luxurious suites with private balconies overlooking the city skyline, to complimentary breakfast buffets, an indoor pool, spa treatments, and fitness center, this hotel won’t leave you starving for pampering.
One of the most visually stunning parts of the hotel is the rooftop pool, with sweeping views of the city skyline, and an outdoor terrace where guests can enjoy drinks or snacks in the sun. The pool features a sleek modern design, with white marble around the edges and chic blue tiles making up the bottom of the pool. There are also plenty of comfortable sun loungers surrounding the pool, making it easy for visitors to relax and soak up the rays and views.
@epic.stays This indoor pool is on the 54th floor of theYou'll get some incredible views of the skyline from here
We hope you love the Address Hotel in Dubai! 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.
One of the best ways to experience Dubai is through its cuisine. And the Address is home to several world-class restaurants where visitors can enjoy everything from classic international dishes to modern Arabic cuisine. There are also several bars located throughout the hotel that serve up local favorites as well as signature cocktails for guests to enjoy. Many of the restaurants even boast stunning views of the city skyline or surrounding desert landscape. Take Nezesaussi Grill, for example; this rooftop restaurant offers panoramic views of downtown Dubai as you enjoy your meal. Or if you’re looking for something a bit more intimate, try out The Courtyard where delicate Middle Eastern fare is served in an intimate outdoor setting surrounded by lush gardens and water features.
The hotel is also conveniently located near some of the city’s most popular attractions like Burj Khalifa and The Walk at JBR beachfront promenade. The area is also home to many delicious restaurants, offering cuisine from all over the world as well as nightlife venues where guests can check out vibrant bars, clubs, and lounges. For those looking to explore more of what Dubai has to offer beyond downtown, Dubai International Airport is just 20 minutes away by car.
March 17, 2023
Soak in a Whirlpool During a Private Film Screening at This Paris Hotel
Franceâs capital city has no shortage of romantic accommodations, from beautiful Parisian boutique hotels to Paris Airbnbs with Eiffel Tower views. (In fact, you can find excellent Airbnbs in all of Parisâs top arrondissements.) But how many hotels have a spa where you can book a private session to soak in a whirlpool with your partner while a short film is screened against the wall of the hammam-style bath? Thereâs at least one, and itâs called the Dadou Hotel Paris.
We hope you love the Dadou Hotel Paris! 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.
@epic.stays It doesn't get any better than a movie and spa day in #Paris
The Dadou Hotel in Paris is located between the 17th arrondissement of Paris, a stoneâs throw from the Place de LâEtoile and the Arc de Triomphe. The boutique hotel is designed to evoke the feeling of a pied-a-terre, a French phrase used to describe a type of home thatâs primarily used for short stays or vacations. With five types of rooms fit to accommodate everyone from solo travelers to families, Dadou Hotel is at once homey and chic, modern and classic.
Hands down, one of the coolest features of the Dadou Hotel Paris is its spa, called La Nouvelle Vague, or âthe French New Wave.â The spa was inspired by the hammam, or Turkish bath, a type of steam bath or bathhouse originating from North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of the Mediterranean Basin. Hammams are said to release tension and stress and even induce better sleep.
Exclusive to guests of the Dadou Hotel Paris, and located in a period vault made of Paris stone conceals, the spa also has a whirlpool with a cinema screen. Both the hammam and whirlpool can be reserved for 50-minute private sessions.
Price per night: From $183
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