Matador Network's Blog, page 354

What To Expect When You Go Whitewater Rafting Down the Hudson River Gorge

If you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure, whitewater rafting through the Hudson River Gorge is a great way to explore the outdoors and get your heart racing. The Hudson River Gorge is one of the most beautiful river gorges in New England, winding through miles of lush green forests with plenty of exciting rapids to navigate.

The Hudson River Gorge is located in the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York. The river begins at Fort Edward and flows north until it reaches Lake Champlain at Whitehall. The gorge has been carved out by thousands of years of erosion and spans more than 40 miles. There are six sections of river ranging from Class I (the easiest) to Class V (the most challenging). The Upper section is known as the “Narrows” and it winds through eight miles of narrow gorges and rocks, making it ideal for those who want an intense experience. The Lower section is more suitable for beginners due to its gentler rapids.

There are numerous outfitters who specialize in guided whitewater rafting trips along the gorge’s various sections with varying levels of difficulty depending on your skill and comfort level. A typical trip will include safety instruction and equipment rental, including life jackets and helmets, so all you need to bring is yourself – no previous experience required. Delicious meals are offered at one of several riverside restaurants near Fort Edward, and there are overnight campsites if desired.

The scenery along the river is magnificent. In addition to towering cliffs, green forests, and rushing waterfalls, there are also several historical sites that are worth exploring as well. You can take time to visit Fort Edward which dates back to 1709 or tour Glens Falls which was once inhabited by Native Americans before being settled by Europeans in 1690. There are also plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, bird watching, and camping along the gorge—all of which make this area even more appealing.

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This Outer Space Themed Restaurant in Disney World Is Guaranteed To Be Out of This World

Disney World, day or night, is always on the next frontier for adventure, from the rides to the dining experiences. If you’re looking for the ultimate experience when you visit Disney World’s Epcot in Orlando? Look no further than the new Space 220 restaurant. Located adjacent to Mission: SPACE pavilion, this space-themed eatery will surely be a hit with travelers of all ages.

@foodwtf This dining experience is out of this world… literallyThe Space 220 restaurant at Disneyworld’s Epcot in #Orlando @Shawn | Food & Travel Creator #orlandofoodie #foodtravel #uniquerestaurant #disneyrestaurant ♬ original sound – Foodwtf

Space 220 transports guests on a simulated trip to the International Space Station, complete with stunning views of Earth from above the planet. The restaurant’s decor and atmosphere are inspired by the real International Space Station, with sleek, modern design and various interactive elements to make guests feel genuinely in space.

The menu at Space 220 offers a range of options for both lunch and dinner, including classic American fare with a modern twist. Starters include dishes such as “Starry Calamari” and “Blue Moon Cauliflower” For entrees, guests can choose from options like “Rocket Flame Seared Tuna” and “Spaceghetti & Shrimp.”

In addition to the food, Space 220 also offers a wide selection of specialty cocktails, beer, and even a wine room to complement your meal. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and reservations are highly recommended as Space 220 is one of Epcot’s most popular dining experiences.

So make sure to add Space 220 to your itinerary when visiting Disney World’s Epcot. This unique space-themed restaurant offers an out-of-this-world experience that will keep guests talking long after their visit has ended. Don’t miss your chance to board the most exciting culinary adventure in the galaxy.

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What to know before Angkor Wat

Cambodia’s star attraction, the Temples of Angkor are among the most fascinating and increasingly popular destinations in Southeast Asia. The excursion is more than worth it, but there are a few things you should know before arriving in Siem Reap. Here are 10 tips for making the most of your visit to Angkor Wat.

1. There’s a lot more to the temple complex than just Angkor Wat.

While Angkor Wat is the most famous and certainly among the most beautiful, there are more than 1,000 Temples of Angkor. Angkor was the capital of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to 15th centuries, both a fully functional city and a religious site.

The temples were constructed in the 12th century, and today make up the largest historical religious site in the world. If all you do is snap a sunrise selfie at Angkor Wat, you’re missing out on a lot.

2. Start early, and pack for multiple days of adventure.

I could spend a month exploring Angkor and still not feel like I’ve seen it all. At about 400 square kilometers, Angkor is impossible to experience in one day. Tickets are available in 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day options, and I encourage you to spend at least three days there.

Arriving early morning puts you ahead of the crowds and offers an opportunity to snap photos without having to spend five minutes figuring out how to frame out that line of tourists causing a traffic jam on the staircase. It also makes it much easier to plot out what you want to see over the course of your visit, as you’ll get a feel for how spread out the temples are and which ones are must-dos and which ones are maybes.

On a side note, you may feel “templed out” afterward. If other temple sites are part of your Southeast Asia travel plans, it’s best to space them out a bit (unless you’re a fanatic, in which case the 7-day pass is right up your alley).

3. Don’t throw away your ticket.

Multi-day tickets will be checked each time you re-enter the property. Replacing it means waiting in line and probably paying again unless your negotiation skills are on par with that of a defense lawyer. It’s best to just keep the ticket on you at all times.

4. Hire a local tuk-tuk driver instead of a tour operator.

I cannot emphasize this point enough. Ditch the tour bus, group package, and any other option that requires you to base your plans on other people’s timeframe and needs. Take your group in one tuk-tuk and have the driver shuttle you to the places your crew wants to see.

Also, the drivers know the area. They can make recommendations on the best times to visit specific temples and speed right by that giant tour bus, saving precious time.

One thing I found to be true in Cambodia, even more so than other Southeast Asian countries, is that drivers are eager to work with you for multiple days, maybe even your entire stay, as opposed to having to flag a ride each time. This provides a chance to get to know them, and equally as important, for them to get to know you. It didn’t take long for our driver to learn that my wife and I valued his opinion above that of the guidebook, resulting in more than one unexpected temple stop that we otherwise wouldn’t have seen or alternative entry point that we would never have heard about otherwise.

5. Skip sunrise at the main temple.

For real. It’s crowded. While breathtakingly beautiful, it’s hardly the only perfect sunrise spot in the complex. We shared our desire to view the sunrise at Angkor Wat with our driver, and he insisted that we instead take a twenty-minute hike up a path he knew about to an often-overlooked temple. We nearly had the place to ourselves, and it ended up being the most memorable sunrise experience of my life.

6. Angkor is inhabited by local villagers to this day.

Some residents have lineage dating back to Angkor’s heyday, with rice farming being a main source of livelihood for the many villages spread throughout the Angkor region. Respecting the residents, their villages, and customs is incredibly important. Treating historic sites with disrespect — being loud, drunk, obnoxious, or demanding — is in itself a shameful practice. Here, it’s not just shameful and disrespectful, it’s downright disgusting.

7. Hosting your own personal photo shoot is to be avoided, as well.

Of course, photos are part of the experience and part of the journey. But in my time at Angkor, I encountered a number of tourist groups occupying an entrance or popular area for far longer than appropriate, simply because each member had to get the perfect selfie followed by the perfect couples’ photo followed by the stoic shot followed by the standalone. Don’t be that group.

8. Bringing food and water is a good idea.

Another perk to hiring a local tuk-tuk driver –- on day two, he showed up with a cooler full of beer and water (which we reimbursed him for). We brought our own food to add to the mix and ended up perfectly satiated the entire day.

The temples are removed from central Siem Reap. It’s possible to buy food and water from local vendors on site, but much easier to bring your own.

9. Be ready to walk. A lot.

There were no elevators in the 12th century, and there certainly are none there now. The full experience requires a good deal of walking and stair climbing. Don’t whine — this is one of the most incredible experiences anywhere in the world. Going a bit deeper might just put you beyond the reaches of that busload of tourists that just pulled up and make the experience that much more memorable. You’ll encounter staircases, long paths to enter and exit temples, plus all of the walking around inside each one.

Additionally, many of the popular temples are far apart and require driving in between. This often leads to a number of impulse stops to check out other temples on the way, maybe buy a refreshment or hit the restroom. Be ready for a full day.

10. Bring a guidebook, even if traveling with a guide.

There’s simply so much knowledge to take in that it’s overwhelming without having a reference at your fingertips. Each temple has a story.

There are plenty of hawkers selling guidebooks onsite if you forget to plan ahead. Just be ready for a long chat if you’re feeling indecisive, as they aren’t keen on taking “no” for an answer.

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An Underwater Swing in the Maldives Is One Resort’s Not-so-Best-Kept Secret

When visiting the Maldives, there are plenty of luxurious resorts to choose from. But the Fushifaru Maldives resort has made it clear that they want to set themselves apart.

We hope you love the spaces and stays 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.

This resort is a tropical paradise that offers travelers a luxurious and unforgettable vacation experience located in the Maldives’ northeastern edge of Faadhippolhu (Lhaviyani Atoll). It’s accessible by a short domestic flight on a seaplane from the main Velana International Airport. One of the highlights of the Fushifaru Maldives is the underwater swing, an unforgettable experience for guests that can find the swing underwater in the Indian Ocean. The swing is located in the heart of the resort’s lagoon, and you’re likely to find it in the underwater playground by snorkeling around the ocean floor.

@matadornetwork If you visit #FushifaruResort in #theMaldives you must find their #underwaterswing @ieva #Fushifaru #visitmaldives ♬ Sands – Lethilda

The resort also offers a wide range of accommodation options, from beachfront villas to over-water premium villas, all of which are designed to provide guests with the ultimate comfort and luxury. The villas are equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and plunge pools, while the overwater villas offer spectacular views of the ocean and direct access to the water.

The Fushifaru Maldives is a perfect place for those looking for a relaxing and peaceful vacation, as lush tropical vegetation and crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean surround it. The resort offers a wide range of activities like diving, water sports, and other excursions.

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This resort is the perfect destination for travelers looking for a luxurious and relaxing vacation in a tropical paradise. With its beautiful surroundings, comfortable accommodations, and wide range of activities and excursions, it’s the ideal place to unwind and forget about the stresses of everyday life.

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Sushi Donuts Are Sweeping the US Thanks To This Restaurant Chain

Sushi comes in all shapes and sizes. Rolls, hand rolls, inside-out rolls, fish on rice, and just fish in the case of sashimi. Modern chefs have redefined the forms that sushi-inspired foods can take, from poke bowls that were popularized in Hawaii in the 1970s to sushi burritos that rose to fame in San Francisco in the 2000s. Now, there’s another fusion food with sushi in the title for Japanese-food-lovers to try — sushi donuts.

@foodwtf Sushi roll shaped into a donut might just be the new craze Poke Burri in #Texas @foodwithtory.htx #foodie #houstontexasfoodie #sushi #sushilover #sushitok ♬ My Humps – The Black Eyed Peas

Sushi donuts are exactly what they sound like — circular discs of rice with a hole in the center that’s topped with raw fish and other sushi toppings, such as spicy sauce and sesame seeds. And one restaurant chain, Poke Burri, is mastering the craft.

Poke Burri originally opened in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2016. As the name suggests, poke was its focus. Soon, the chain started garnering attention and winning competitions and awards. Poke Burri now has 10 locations across the US, including four restaurants in Atlanta, two outposts in Houston, Texas, and a restaurant on the way in Orlando, Florida.

In addition to all different types of poke bowls, sushi burritos, and sushi donuts, Poke Burri also has a secret menu that’s sure to keep customers guessing — and satisfied — with all of the creative fusion foods the restaurant has concocted. Some of the items on the secret menu include sushi pizza, sushi corndogs, sushi sandwiches, kimchi or jalapeno arancini, fried ramen carbonara, and sweets like matcha beignets and matcha and ube ice cream sandwiches.

Long story short, if you have a favorite food that doesn’t typically include raw fish or traditional Asian flavors, Poke Burri has probably found a way to sushi-fy it.

Where to find sushi donuts near youGeorgia

Poke Burri East ATL Village: We Suki Suki Food Court, 79 Flat Shoals Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316

Poke Burri Battery: 925 Battery Ave SE Ste. 1100, Atlanta, GA 30339

Poke Burri Coda: Georgia Institute of Technology, 756 W Peachtree St NW Suite H, Atlanta, GA 30308

Poke Burri Duluth: 3559 W Lawrenceville St #600, Duluth, GA 30096

Texas

Poke Burri Houston Midtown: 2503 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77006

Poke Burri Houston Sugar Land: 1525 Lake Pointe Pkwy Suite 400, Sugar Land, TX 77478

North Carolina

Poke Burri Raleigh: Falls Village Shopping Center, 6613 Falls of Neuse Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615

Florida

Poke Burri Jacksonville: 2545 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32204

South Carolina

Poke Burri CHS: 835 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29407

Pennsylvania

Poke Burri Philly: 255 S 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

More like thisRestaurants + BarsBirria Bao Buns Are the Latest Fusion Food To Obsess Over

Birria Bao Buns Are the Latest Fusion Food To Obsess Over

Behold, the latest fusion food you have to try if you’re traveling to Honolulu, Hawaii, or Las Vegas, Nevada — juicy, fluffy, and delicious birria bao buns from Aloha Mamacita.

But first, let’s break down what that means.

@foodwtf Aloha Mamacita in #LasVegas serves up birria bao buns Would you give this a try? @AlohaMamacitaLV #foodie #foodtiktok #lasvegaseats #birria #foodtravel #tacos ♬ Feliz Feliz – Mi Banda El Mexicano

Bao buns are a type of steamed and stuffed bun hailing from China. They’re typically made from a wheat-flour-based leavened dough, which means that yeast is used to help the dough rise. They are traditionally steamed, which helps with their characteristically fluffy texture, but some variations are fried or toasted for added texture. Traditional fillings can range from savory pork or beef to sweet ingredients like fruit jam or custard. A popular base for fusion creations today, bao buns have inspired everything from sandwiches to tacos, including as a vessel for birria in the case of Aloha Mamacita’s creations.

Birria is a Mexican dish from the state of Jalisco made of stewed meat, usually goat or beef, that’s been slow cooked in a tomato-based adobo broth with spices and herbs such as chili peppers, cumin, coriander, oregano, cinnamon, and cloves. It can be served in different ways depending on the region, but the most popular way to enjoy it is as birria tacos topped with additional ingredients like onions, cilantro, and lime.

Rather than a corn tortilla, at Aloha Mamacita, beef birria is stuffed into a taco-shaped bao bun with mozzarella cheese, red onions, and cilantro, and served alongside its consommé. That’s not the only fusion birria menu item on the menu either. You can get birria ramen, birria wraps, and birria bombs that are similar to jalapeno poppers, as well as more traditional birria tacos. Fried chicken bao buns are also on offer.

Where: 1130 N Nimitz Hwy Rm C110, Honolulu, HI 96817
Where: 4195 S Grand Canyon Dr Suite 104, Las Vegas, NV 89147

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This SoCal Restaurant Is Like an Outdoor Art Gallery But With Tacos

Usually, when you see an alleyway displaying eclectic art that’s tented by a blanket of large fake butterflies, you can be pretty sure you’ve stumbled upon an Instagram-bait pop-up museum, like Umbrella Alley in San Francisco. But if you’re in Riverside, California, about an hour east of Los Angeles, you probably stumbled upon Tio’s Tacos, a Mexican restaurant with so much bright, funky, life-sized artworks decorating the patio that it doubles as an open-air art gallery.

@foodwtf Quirky #diningexperience with eccentric artwork at Tio's Tacos in #Riverside #California It's a Mexican eatery with recycled art sculptures all created by the owner! @Jasmine #foodie #foodietok #mexicanfood #uniquedining #riversideCA ♬ Halloween ・ cute horror song – PeriTune

Tio’s Tacos is the brainchild of Martin Sanchez, who’s both the chef and artist behind the unique space. Sanchez moved to California from Michoacán, Mexico, in the mid-1980s and opened his now-beloved taco spot a few years later in 1990.

Sanchez’s motivation for creating an art-filled space was twofold: to open a Mexican restaurant in Southern California that stood out among its peers, and to repurpose used and discarded items to create something new and beautiful. The artworks on display at Tio’s Tacos are made from recycled materials ranging from empty beer cans, bottles, and bottle caps to old furniture, license plates, mannequins, and toys. From that, Sanchez has created a wide variety of statues and sculptures — even a chapel constructed of empty bottles that he built for his wife. Practically every inch of the property is covered with recycled art.

“I always say my dad is an organized hoarder,” his daughter Stephanie Sanchez, who now helps run the restaurant with her sister Kimberly, told KTLA in 2020. “We have some customers who sat [sic] for hours and never want to leave.”

But at the end of the day, Tio’s Tacos is still a restaurant, one with a menu that extends far beyond tacos. Diners can get everything from breakfast items like chilaquiles and huevos rancheros to lunch and dinner fare like smothered burritos, fajitas, sopes, quesadillas, enchiladas, ceviche, and a long list of shrimp dishes. Much like the materials Sanchez sourced for his artworks, it appears he cooks with just about every traditional ingredient imaginable.

Where: 948 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501

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This Venice Airbnb Has the Best Views of the Venetian Canal

Suitehouse 5 Venice Italy is a beautiful traditional Airbnb in the heart of Venice, Italy. This property offers guests the perfect blend of luxury and comfort, making it the ideal choice for travelers exploring all that Venice offers.

The property is located in the historic district of Cannaregio, just a short walk from the famous Rialto Bridge and the Grand Canal. The area is known for its picturesque canals and charming, winding streets, and SuiteHouse 5 Venice, Italy, is the perfect base to explore them.

Upon arriving at SuiteHouse 5 Venice, Italy, guests will be greeted by a traditional Venetian palazzo, complete with a charming garden and a beautiful terrace overlooking the canal.

@epic.stays #stitch with @sullystraveldiary #Airbnb linked in bioSuiteHouse 5 in #Venice #Italy ♬ original sound – epic.stays

We hope you love this Venice, Italy Airbnb! 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 property features a spacious living room area with a modern design and comfortable furnishings, a dining area, and a full kitchenette equipped with a microwave, kettle, toaster, and other materials to prepare meals during your stay. The property can accommodate up to four guests as it has one bedroom with a double bed and a sofa bed in the living room.

One of the highlights of SuiteHouse 5 Venice, Italy, is its location. The property is just a short walk from the famous Rialto Bridge and the Grand Canal and close to many of Venice’s most popular attractions, including St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes are nearby, making it easy to explore the area and experience Venice.

Overall, SuiteHouse 5 Venice, Italy, is the perfect choice for travelers looking for a traditional Airbnb in the heart of Venice. With its spacious design, beautiful decor, and unbeatable location, this property will surely make your stay in Venice one to remember.

The SuiteHouse 5 Venice costs an average of $173 per night.

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Take a Dip in These Infinity Pools at This Restaurant in Bali Creating a Relaxing Paradise

Indonesia has many unique dishes that are worth giving a try, like Pisang Goreng — a crunchy fried banana. And if you’re looking for a chance to try some of the countries remarkable dishes at a memorable restaurant,t Creta Ubud is the must-visit restaurant and day club for travelers looking for traditional Indonesian and international cuisine on their trip to Ubud. Nestled in the lush jungle, the restaurant offers a serene atmosphere perfect for a day away from the city.

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A post shared by Cretya Ubud by Alas Harum Bali (@cretyaubud)

Entry into Creta Ubud is just $5 per person, with a minimum spend for travelers who want to sit down. The menu at Creta Ubud features a variety of dishes, including salmon lodeh (served with vegetable curry), nasi kunig (coconut yellow rice), and sate lilit (minced fish satay). The ingredients are fresh and locally sourced, with bold and authentic flavors.

@matadornetwork The #pool at #CretyaUbud is simply stunning @Rikki Wild #infinitypool #epicpools #bali #balitravel ♬ The Spins X The Other Side x Kids – darcy stokes

In addition to its delicious food, Creta Ubud is also known for its stunning infinity pools. The restaurant has three stacked infinity pools that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and provide the perfect spot to relax and unwind after a meal. The infinity pools are set amidst lush greenery with a lookout over the rice patties, making them the ideal place to enjoy a refreshing dip or relax and soak up the sun. The restaurant and day club also has daily DJ performances making it a total hotspot.

The service at Creta Ubud is friendly and attentive. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and can make recommendations based on your preferences. They also make sure that the guests are comfortable and well-taken care of.

Creta Ubud is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique dining experience in Bali. The delicious food, stunning infinity pools, and beautiful surroundings make it the perfect spot to relax while enjoying Bali’s culture and natural beauty. Of course, if Bali feels a little too crowded, there are several other great islands that are worth a visit.

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The Interior of This Italian Church Is Like Nothing You’ve Seen Before

Naples, Italy, is crowded, noisy, and chaotic. The traffic is lawless and incessant, and the streets are narrow and packed with vendors hawking their wares, patio furniture from cafés and restaurants, and pedestrians trying not to get run over by vehicles. Visitors to the city who can only take so much of this madness would do well to take a quick break in a church. They are quiet, mostly empty, and they are just about everywhere in Naples. The Church of San Gregorio Armeno, for example, is located in one of the busiest and most famous streets of Naples, and will not only help you escape the outside tumult, but will blow your mind with its extravagant decor.

@visit The stunning Church of San Gregorio Armeno in Naples, Italy by @Simone Rocco #italytravel #churchtok #traveltok ♬ original sound – Visit

The Church of San Gregorio Armeno (Saint Gregory of Armenia), also known as the Church of Santa Patrizia (Patricia of Naples) dates back to the eighth century, but its dazzling interior decor is from the late 16th century. The church is indeed a striking example of Neapolitan Baroque architecture, a style whose purpose is to awe with lavish details and colours, and general over-the-topness and grandeur.

Photo: DinoPh/Shutterstock

Photo: DinoPh/Shutterstock

Photo: DinoPh/Shutterstock

Photo: Isogood_patrick/Shutterstock

Stand under the carved wooden ceiling, look at the painted cupola, and take in the imposing organ — seemingly every inch of this church is excessively gilded, painted, or carved.

Once your senses have been overwhelmed inside the church, make your way to the tranquil adjacent cloister and its lovely garden. There are benches where you can sit and admire the famous marble fountain of Jesus meeting the good Samaritan.

Visiting the Church of San Gregorio Armeno is free, but note that opening hours are restricted to 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM.

Address of the Church of San Gregorio Armeno: Via S. Gregorio Armeno, 1, 80138 Napoli NA, Italy

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