Matador Network's Blog, page 380
November 16, 2022
Airbnb Just Made It Easier To List Your Home on the Platform
Airbnb just made it easier to rent out your home, or just a room, while you travel. The company’s 2022 Winter Release includes the launch of Airbnb Setup, a fresh process for listing your home on Airbnb that also doubles as a sort of mentorship program for new hosts. Aspiring Airbnb hosts will now receive guidance and personalized expertise to help them optimize their listing to earn as much revenue as possible.
Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to list your home.
Once you sign up with Airbnb Setup, the company will pair you with an experienced Superhost to guide your journey up through your first hosting.
“Today, just like back then, more people than ever are looking for ways to earn extra money,” Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky said in a video announcing the program. He went on to say, “Airbnb Setup is designed around a simple idea – that the best way to do something new, is to do it with someone who’s done it before.”
The program matches you with a Superhost near you who can answer questions about the hosting process. Whether you choose to list a spare bedroom, a backyard cabin, or an entire mansion, the setup process has been changed to make it faster and easier. This includes the option to allow only experienced Airbnb users for your first booking, eliminating the risk of allowing someone into your home who hasn’t earned the trust of the Airbnb community.
In addition to pairing new hosts with a Superhost, Airbnb Setup adds the following perks.
Guest identity verification: In Spring 2023, the company will expand identity verification to all booking guests traveling to the top 35 countries and regions on Airbnb.Reservation screening technology: Also in Spring 2023, Airbnb will launch proprietary reservation screening technology in the US and Canada with the goal of reducing the chance of disruptive parties.$3M damage protection: Damage protection has been tripled from $1 million to $3 million and covers the home and contents.Auto and boat protection: Airbnb expanded damage protection to cars, boats, and other watercraft parked on property.Art and valuables protection: A wider range of fine art, jewelry, and collectibles will now be repaired or replaced at the appraised value.Easier to file a claim: The company sped up the process for hosts can now file a claim for damage protection.
This Endangered Missouri Language Is Named After a Tree
On a quiet stretch of state highway located some 60 miles southeast of St. Louis, blink and you’ll miss the sign that announces you’ve entered Old Mines. The unincorporated area in Washington County, Missouri, is dotted with small towns and tiny hamlets, and at the community’s heart is St. Joachim’s Catholic Church. At first glance, there’s not much else here, but just beneath the sleepy rural facade is a rich linguistic history that dates back centuries.
St. Joachim’s Catholic Church. Photo: Erika Ebsworth-Goold
Many who live in Old Mines today are descendants of French settlers who first arrived nearly 300 years ago. They trapped furs, farmed, and mined the land of its rich mineral deposits. And as they made the area their home, those settlers developed their own form of French, adopting new words and phrases that drew upon many influences, including Spanish, English, and Native American languages. A far cry from what many of us learned in school, it is its own distinct dialect.
The fight is now on to wrestle that Old Mines French—nicknamed Pawpaw French for the fruit-bearing trees that grow in the area—back from near-extinction. Linguists, historians, and artists are all doing their part to make sure the patois found only in this little slice of the state can stay alive for future generations.
Preserving and remembering Old Mines FrenchIn 1720, Philippe François Renault arrived from France and settled the area. Renault and his team found and smelted lead throughout Old Mines. The French they spoke evolved with them.
“When those settlers saw something they had never seen before out here, they had to call it by some name. And they were storytellers. So, if they didn’t know, they made it up,” explains Cindy Merx, whose husband traces his ancestors back generations in Old Mines. “This is Old Mines French. It has its own dialect, its own words.”
Old Mines’ isolation helped to cement its heritage. The land is bluffy, rugged, tough to tame; people who lived there stayed there. They depended on each other and kept free from outside influence for nearly 200 years. Families spoke their own form of French at home, as did priests at St. Joachim’s, and children were taught the language in school.
But at the turn of the 20th century, a perfect storm of societal change began to erode the tightly kept traditions. Mines were depleted, and men left to find work in an outside world that ridiculed the way they spoke. Schools began teaching only English due to a state mandate in 1888, and priests at St. Joachim’s also gave up French. By the time construction on Highway 21 started in 1922, connecting the area to St. Louis directly, the assimilation was well on its way. It took just a generation for Old Mines French to fade from daily life. Starting in the 1930s, researchers began to visit the area to document what they could of the vanishing language and folktales; locals also tried to engage their elders in the 1970s, when it became sadly apparent there was limited time to do so .
“It was hard because as we tried to get this out of the older folks, many of them would refuse to talk about it,” said Merx. “They wouldn’t speak the language at all, because it was stressed to them as children that they would be looked down on for speaking French.”
The Old Mines Area Historical Society has rebuilt and relocated several original cabins dating back to the 1800s. The goal: to recreate an Old Mines village representing what the area looked like in earlier days. Photo: Erika Ebsworth-Goold
The Old Mines Area Historical Society has rebuilt and relocated several original cabins dating back to the 1800s. The goal: to recreate an Old Mines village representing what the area looked like in earlier days. Photo: Erika Ebsworth-Goold
As president of the Old Mines Area Historical Society, Merx and other volunteers have tried to preserve the local heritage. The group has saved a handful of original Old Mines log cabins dating back to the 1800s. They’ve restored and relocated them to a parcel of land that sits atop a former barite mine. The goal is to re-create an historic village to represent what Old Mines might have looked like in its earlier days.
The group also holds a fête every autumn. During the party, crowds gather to celebrate and reconnect through music, dancing, crafts, and plenty of traditional food. There’s also storytelling, designed to revive Old Mines French — a labor of love that Merx says is well worth the effort.
“We don’t want these things to be lost, and we don’t want them to disappear. It’s who we are, and who our families have been. It’s like taking your grandma’s good china and throwing it out because it’s not needed anymore,” Merx said. “But you don’t do that. It’s the same with our language. You keep it, and you treasure it. That’s what we’re trying to do.”
An outsider on a quest to keep Old Mines French goingAs a child growing up near Vincennes, Indiana, Dennis Stroughmatt heard tales of the French fur traders who once populated the area. He developed an intense curiosity about the land known as Illinois Country, a vast swath of French settlement that stretched across portions of what is now the American Midwest.
“I continued to be interested in the culture and the history of the area,” he explains. “I couldn’t leave it alone.”
Later, while attending Southeastern Missouri State University in the early 1990s, he struck up a conversation with a professor about the state’s French roots. He asked what had happened to the language, and to the people who had once spoken it fluently.
“He told me ‘If you really want to find out more, you need to go to the place where people are still speaking French in large numbers.’ And that’s how I found out about Old Mines.”
A road trip quickly followed. At the time, Stroughmatt knew only a few words of French. He stopped at a small general store in Old Mines..
“I asked a woman inside where the French were. She told me ‘You found us.’ I then asked her if she spoke French and she said ‘Yes, but it’s probably not yours.’”
It wasn’t.
“Primitive but picturesque” was how researcher and language scholar J.M. Carrière referred to it in a 1939 academic paper, written after he’d conducted extensive interviews in the Old Mines region. There are significant differences between the patois he found and standard French. Among the most striking are the words that are Anglicized. In French, “game” is “jeu” or “partie”. In Old Mines French, it’s “guime”. And skillet, that old standby in every Old Mines kitchen? In standard French it’s “poêle”. The Old Mines version is “esquilette”.
There are grammatical differences, too. Some of the irregular verbs are conjugated differently, giving the patois a sound and cadence all of its own.
Soon enough, Stroughmatt was learning Old Mines French firsthand. He met with residents who patiently answered his questions and connected him with others in the community. The young man found himself spending every weekend away from university in Old Mines, and became a fixture in the area. He had just taken up the violin and started to play fiddle at house parties — or “bouillons” as they are known there — and began to pick up the elusive patois the locals called Pawpaw French.
“I learned the language through the songs,” he said.
The relationship has lasted decades. In 1997, Stroughmatt was asked to sing and play at the fête and he now returns year after year. As Stroughmatt became a musical ambassador for the language he loves so much, many of the people he first learned from passed away. It’s been difficult, but he takes comfort in knowing that he’s keeping parts of their tradition alive through music. And when he’s not on the road performing, Stroughmatt teaches at Wabash Valley College in Illinois. He plans to offer a class in Old Mines French there soon.
Musician Dennis Stroughmatt and his band, L’Espirit Creole, perform at the annual fête sponsored by the Old Mines Area Historical Society in Washington County, Missouri. People from all generations gather at the annual fete to celebrate their Old Mines roots, heritage and traditions. Photo: Erika Ebsworth-Goold
Traditional French food, including delicious pastry called croquignoles, is served at the annual fête, sponsored by the Old Mines Area Historical Society in Washington County, Missouri. Photo: Erika Ebsworth-Goold
Volunteers stir rustic ham and bean soup for visitors at the annual fête, sponsored by the Old Mines Area Historical Society, in Washington County, Missouri. Photo: Erika Ebsworth-Goold
“I’m just one guy trying to do what I can,” he said. “For a language to exist, it has to exist in the community. It’s fine if it’s just there on paper, or on a recording, but if it’s not actively being used, it dies. It continues in the spoken word, and that’s how it’s survived so far. It’s still here. Even after nearly 300 years.”
Keeping Missouri French alive through storytellingArtist, illustrator, and University of Kansas lecturer Brian Hawkins stumbled upon Old Mines French after completing his undergraduate studies in 2011 examining ragtime, another cultural phenomenon with deep Missouri ties.
“I was looking in my university library in a section devoted to folklore and history,” said Hawkins. “I found a book, Tales from the French Folk-lore of Missouri and started leafing through it. I was pretty blown away by the fact that there were people in the 1930s who were able to tell folk tales in French in Missouri. I didn’t really know Missouri had these French roots.”
As it had with Stroughmatt years before, a chance discovery at college launched a road trip, and Hawkins also headed to Old Mines.
“The more I spoke to people, and the more people I met, the more I became interested in the history of the community.”
Hawkins, whose art meshes audio clips with stunning visuals, accessed archival recordings of past Old Mines residents reciting their folktales. He knew they would be the perfect fit for his style of storytelling.
“Everyone enjoys watching an animated film, regardless of their age,” said Hawkins. “When there’s an effort to revive a language, I think it makes sense to capture that in animation. You can use archival audio of a native speaker, and you can have visuals so people can follow along. It’s easy to add subtitles. The people in Old Mines were supportive of that idea, and that was how my project started.”
Hawkins is currently working on a full-length feature documentary about the people of Old Mines and their folktales. Like Stroughmatt’s music, it’s an approachable way to learn more about Old Mines French.
“If you hear some of the songs Dennis [Stroughmatt] sings in the archive, they are usually a cappella, a very different format from the way he’s performing today,” Hawkins said. “He’s combined them with the fiddle tradition and created a hybrid that’s beautiful, easy to engage with, and can get people excited about learning the language. We’re working in a similar way to keep it relevant.”
“It’s Not Gone Yet”2023 marks the 300th year since the French first made their way to Missouri. With that commemoration comes big plans to celebrate in Old Mines. The party kicks off on New Year’s Eve with La Guiannée, a medieval French tradition featuring singers going door to door, ringing in the new year. A dinner dance will be held, the Historical Society will host an open house, and the fête will be back, bigger than ever.
And while there’s a renewed resolve to keep the language alive, from time to time there are surprising glimmers proving it isn’t a thing of the past quite yet.
“People try to put the nail in the coffin of our French and say ‘That’s it, nobody speaks it. It’s done.’, says Stroughmatt. “But I was in Jefferson City last year to perform at the Missouri Humanities Council and the son of an Old Mines fiddler showed up. He spoke to me in perfect Old Mines French. We talked for an hour.
It’s not gone yet.” 
The Top Portugal Airbnbs for an Unforgettable Trip To the Country’s Coasts, Hills, and Cities
Travel to Portugal is all about nature, wine, food, and culture. As such, you want a Portugal Airbnb that complements the experience. Whether you plan to visit the eccentric capital city of Lisbon, stroll the plazas of Porto, hang by the beach, or escape to the hillsides, these are the best Portugal Airbnbs to have an unforgettable vacation.
We hope you love the Portugal Airbnbs we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Beachfront Airbnbs in PortugalTop Airbnbs in Porto, PortugalThe top Lisbon, Portugal AirbnbsBest Airbnbs in Lagos, PortugalBest Airbnbs in Algarve, PortugalPortugal Airbnbs in the hills and countrysideBeachfront Airbnbs in PortugalYou can’t forget the charming coastal towns in Portugal. With their stunning beaches, historic landmarks, and explosive culinary scene, you will want to have a visit on your itinerary. Whether you visit the beautiful islands of southern Portugal or sunbathe on the Portugal beaches or visit the quiet town of Maderia, you surely won’t miss out on the culture of Portugal.
Luxury beachfront villa in Colares
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
The turquoise and blue waters of the Atlantic and the rugged yellows, browns and greens of the Portuguese coast have never come together so well. This luxury beachfront villa in Colares features a massive outdoor chilling area with a pool overlooking the ocean. There’s of course a pergola, and the entire setting gives way to a home that is nothing short of Hollywood-worthy. You can walk to the beach, cruise the sand, and then stroll to lunch or dinner at the plethora of nearby cafes and restaurants.
Sixteen guests, eight bedrooms
Price: $717 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Staying within a natural reserve near the beach is a vacation dream. This Alentenhana house is the living embodiment of that dream. Cozy and convenient, you’ll have easy access to the reserve and the beach. Hiking and long walks are aplenty. When it’s time to chill, the home has a fireplace and a large kitchen perfect for trying your hand at Portugal’s coastal classics (if you master a Cataplana de Marisco, please let us know your secrets).
Eight guests, flour bedrooms
Price: $271 per night
Penthouse Praia luxury surfshack and retreat
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This large penthouse unit sits just above Dona Ana Beach. The waves are nice, the water is comfortable, and the surrounding village is a beach lover’s paradise. Inside are the trimmings of royalty — the kitchen is well stocked and the open plan leaves the sun to fill in the voids. It’s luxurious to the fullest extent, with high thread counts and expansive windows opening to the ocean. And the sunsets over the water are the stuff of legend.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $258 per night
Sitting northwest of Portgual is the coastal town of Porto. This second-largest city in Portugal is known for its port wine, colorful buildings, amazing architecture, and views overlooking the Douro River. Dive into these Airbnbs that will surely give you the Porto welcome you’re looking for.
One-bedroom Porto apartment near the Rua de Santa Catarina
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Check out this colorful and bright Airbnb Portugal apartment. This apartment is nestled in one of the city’s popular and liveliest streets and is next to the Rua de Santa Catarina. This space features an open living area with two balcony areas and a fully equipped kitchenette. Discover the city as the apartment in the heart of the city and near popular sites.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $47 per night
Porto’s Casa do Gólgota mansion on the river
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
What if you could have the best of Porto’s vibrant city life and the privacy that comes with staying in a secluded mansion? You can at this luxe mansion on the river — a solar-powered oasis occupying a stretch of property between the ocean and downtown Porto since the 8th Century. Here, you’re literally staying in a piece of history — with all the trappings of modern luxury to boot. If visiting Porto with a larger group, there’s no better place to ensure everyone has space without sacrificing the convenience of urban living.
Sixteen guests, seven bedrooms
Price: $678 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Coffee on the terrace watching the morning boats go by sounds pretty incredible right now if you ask us. This suite on the Douro River in central Porto is the spot for just that — a top-notch accommodation with a comfortable living space and all the views that brought you to Europe in the first place. Gaze out over the cityscape, walk to cafes and restaurants, and don’t forget the wine — Porto doesn’t wait until 5:00 to indulge, and neither should you.
Fourteen guests, seven bedrooms
Price: $712 per night
As the capital of Portugal, Lisbon is not lacking in things to do, beautiful architecture, and historical character; this city truly has it all. No matter where you’re staying in Lisbon, you’ll be surrounded by excellent food and pristine views. Take in the electric city with these unique Airbnbs.
Chiado penthouse in central Lisbon
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Lisbon’s historical center is among Europe’s most charming destinations. A stay within it is a must-do for all travelers to Portugal. The way to separate your trip from the rest is to optimize that stay with the best possible property, the most gorgeous views, and the easiest access to the city’s food, cultural highlights, and nightlife. This penthouse apartment does just that. You’ll overlook water and cityscape, walk to everything, and return to a tricked-out pad that resembles something out of a Connery-era James Bond film. Optimization complete.
Five guests, three bedrooms
Price: $690 per night
Amazing penthouse apartment overlooking city center
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Look at photos of Lisbon and you’ll notice one recurring theme. The city’s red-roofed skyline plays a prominent role in defining the character of Lisbon. A stay in this luxurious penthouse duplex lets you take it all in from above — with a glass of local wine in hand, of course. You’ll be right on Bairro Alto, ready to explore the city on foot, though the unit comes with one free parking space in case you do have a car. The interior is equally charming with ample sitting room and a large kitchen.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $275 per night
Luxury villa just east of city center
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Caxias, just east of central Lisbon, is among the most charming places in Portugal. From this colorful luxury villa you’ll have easy access to the city, the beach, and lots of unique dining options that those who never venture from central Lisbon aren’t privy to. Oh, and there’s an absolutely gorgeous pool, which beckons day and night (or both, if you’re like us). This one’s built for groups and smaller stays, and comes with a game room stocked with a pool and foosball table.
Sixteen guests, four bedrooms
Price: $309 per night
This historic city of Lagos, Portugal, is the place for anyone looking for an ultimate beach getaway. If you’re looking to lounge seaside, this is your spot. Check out these Airbnbs that put you right on the coast with stunning views.
Charming unit situated in the city center
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Immerse yourself in this newly renovated Airbnb Portugal beachy space. This cozy home is located in the city’s center and near the historic center. The space has a spacious living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and an open patio area with a private pool, sunbathing, and sitting area.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $140 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Enjoy this modern two-bedroom apartment located in the Marina of Lagos. This modern apartment has a spacious living room with doors that lead to the private terrace with views of the marina and the river and a fully equipped kitchen. The apartment is only a five-minute walk to the historic town of Lagos, a two-minute drive to the Meia Praia beach, and a five-minute drive to other nearby beaches.
Seven guests, two bedrooms
Price: $73 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Truly experience the Lagos beach life with this authentic beach villa. This villa was built with sustainable materials and in the traditional Lagos style and features shades of white wood, lime, and unique architecture. The villa features a spacious living room with a kitchen and two cozy bedrooms. Hang out and soak up some sun in the outdoor area or chill out in the private pool.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $363 per night
The southern spot of Portgual holds its unique charm, characteristics, and history. With its stunning cliffside views, Atlantic beaches, and fishing villages, this town offers anything and everything for everyone of all ages. Get lost in the beauty of the miles of beaches, limestone caves, and bays along the coastline.
Beachfront apartment nestled on a cliff with views of the sea, coast, and marina
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This Airbnb Portgual unit has stunning beachfront views, perched on top of a cliff. This apartment has two large terraces that overlook the ocean below, and the unit has many gorgeous views of the sea, the coast, and the entrance to the marina. The newly renovated unit features modern finishings and has access to the beach that is a quick walk away, and it’s only a two-minute walk to the historic center of the city.
Five guests, three bedrooms
Price: $210 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
If you’re looking for a relaxing romantic getaway for two, this stunning vacation home is the place for you. This home is filled with white and patterned tiles and features Moorish exposed walls. The house has a beach theme throughout and has a spacious living room and kitchen and a large terrace area with outdoor furniture and the perfect space to relax and take in the beautiful weather.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $113 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This modern, bohemian-style apartment features a spacious living room and a well-equipped kitchen area. Relax, put your feet up on the large terrace area, and watch the sunrise or sunset. If you’re looking to explore a bit, the apartment is in the center of the historic center of the old town of Faro and near the Faro Cathedral, the old port of Faro, and traditional restaurants.
Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $95 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This secluded country villa was refurbished in 2020 and is located in the middle of vineyards, apple trees, and orchards. The remote home features a spacious living room perfect for entertaining families and friends and a well-equipped kitchen. The home also has a backyard area with stunning views of the Douro Valley area, a pool, a lounge area, and a dining area.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $207 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Have you ever taken a bath outside? After staying in this luxury villa you will have taken several. The outdoor bathtub is just one highlight — this property feels like a wine cellar, and that’s because there is one. There are also many excellent places to sip said wine, including a nook fit for a sommelier and a stove-heated living room comfortable even for large groups. If wine is the ticket to Portugal, this home is the venue.
Ten guests, five bedrooms
Price: $616 per night
Douro Green in the mountains east of Porto
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Stately swimming pools are a must when renting Portugal Airbnbs. The Douro Green has one of the finest, replete with a sauna, jacuzzi, and even an indoor gym to match. Gourmet meals are easily prepared in the chef’s kitchen, and taste even better when enjoyed al fresco overlooking the Douro River. The only excursion you’ll need to make is down to the dock to put into the river.
Ten guests, five bedrooms
Price: $502 per night
The 10 Best Lakes in Wyoming for Gorgeous Outdoor Recreation
With more than 4,000 lakes and reservoirs, Wyoming is one of the best states for a classic lakes getaway in outdoorsy surrounds. Whether you’d love to go stand-up paddle boarding on flat waters, fishing, kayaking, boating, or just bird- and wildlife-watch with binoculars from shore, you’ll find plenty of lakes in Wyoming to choose from.
Water levels can vary, so be sure to check before making plans, as high (or low) levels can impact everything from boat ramp access to water clarity. And be sure to take appropriate precautions near the water: be prepared for weather and conditions, always wear a life jacket or PFD as required by Wyoming law, follow recommended water safety practices, and check with land managers at each location to learn important safety information when you arrive. Different counties and lakes in Wyoming have different rules about bear and wildlife safety, and may have advisories about harmful algae blooms.
Where to find the best lakes in WyomingWyoming is a fairly large state, and the best lakes in Wyoming detailed below are scattered across the state. But since the state is generally so rural (and so outdoorsy), you can probably find a lovely lake near wherever you are in town.
Know that weather and seasonality mean some of the best lakes in Wyoming are frozen over come winter, and the parks inside the state’s national parks can be extremely crowded on summer weekends. If you’re visited a lake that isn’t on this list, do a bit of Googling in advance to find out the best times to visit, as well as what amenities (like kayak rentals or campgrounds) will be available nearby during your visit.
Paddleboarding: String Lake, Grand Teton National Park
Photo: Craigshiggins/Shutterstock
String Lake is about as picturesque a spot for paddle boarding as you can find. Inside Grand Teton National Park, this lake is fairly shallow, and a popular place to spend some time on the water with views of the incredible scenery. Be sure to follow the park’s rules about watercraft (which includes paddleboards), including permits and the required aquatic invasive species inspection. Know about the park’s bear safety information and be prepared if you encounter wildlife.
Speaking of wildlife: go early in the morning for the best chance of spotting the park’s resident mammals, like moose and elk. Early mornings usually offer the calmest water, too, since the wind usually picks up in the afternoon. If you don’t have your own paddleboard, rent an inflatable one from a store in Jackson Hole, like Rendezvous Sports.
Kayaking: Alcova Reservoir, near Casper
Photo: Ignore the Compass/Shutterstock
About half an hour from Casper, Alcova Reservoir is a favorite getaway and a convenient place to get out on the water for beginner and experienced kayakers alike.
Fremont Canyon is at the southwest end of the reservoir, and Alcova Resort offers rentals plus a seasonal shuttle service to transport kayakers up the canyon. Boaters can select whether to start paddling at the beginner, intermediate, or advanced drop-off points before making a self-guided journey back to the resort. It’s an ideal lake for paddling in Wyoming if you’re from out of town and don’t have multiple cars to carry kayaks or run your own shuttle. And the views aren’t too bad, especially in Fremont Canyon, which has sky-high rock walls hugging the narrow waterway.
Keeping everyone entertained: Fremont Lake, near Pinedale
Photo: Wyoming Office of Tourism
If you want to try something new like windsurfing, or are with a group where everyone wants to get out on the water but can’t decide how to do it, Fremont Lake, near Pinedale, is just the spot to go.
As the second-largest natural lake in Wyoming, it provides opportunities for recreationists to enjoy a wide range of activities, including boating, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and fishing, and it’s also near numerous hiking and camping options in Bridger-Teton National Forest. Wildlife watchers also love the lake for its abundance of animals, including moose, pronghorn, bears, and many different bird species, including ospreys and eagles (be sure to pack your binoculars). Download a birding app in advance if you think you’ll need help identifying the various calls, tweets, and hoots.
Wildlife viewing: Oxbow Bend, Grand Teton National ParkPhoto: Kenny Felt/Shutterstock
While technically not a lake, Oxbow Bend in Grand Teton National Park is an iconic place to watch for wildlife by the water. If you’re lucky (and patient), you’ll have a chance to snap an iconic shot of moose and other wildlife with the dramatic Teton Range in the distance. It’s near one of the most photographed lakes in Wyoming (Jackson Lake), and it’s a pleasant walk between the two (as well as between other nearby scenic spots, like the Willow Flats or Jackson Lake overlooks).
Scenic Oxbow Bend is an ideal place to watch the sun rise or set, and on a calm morning, photograph the mountains’ reflections in the water. Keep an eye out for moose, bears, otters, an array of birds, and other wildlife along the shoreline.
Geyser gazing: Yellowstone Lake, Yellowstone National Park
Photo: NPS/Public Domain
Yellowstone National Park is well-known for having more than 10,000 hydrothermal features, and its West Thumb Geyser Basin is a great place to see some of these wonders along the shores of Yellowstone Lake. Stroll along the boardwalks and marked paths for a peek at Big Cone Geyser, Lakeshore Geyser, Fishing Cone Geyser, and many others.
Interpretive signs provide information on the area’s fascinating geology, and the walkways are flat and friendly for visitors with limited mobility. The walkway is a .6-mile loop, and be sure to stay on it the whole time (and also follow the park’s rules, regulations, and recommendations for staying safe around the boiling-hot water).
The best lakes in Wyoming for boating and multi-day tripsIf you’re planning to put your own craft into the water at any lakes in Wyoming, read up on the state regulations around licenses, permits, invasive species inspections, and laws around safety (hint: you need a PDF for each person). It’s not highly regulated, though some state and national parks require additional permits or registrations.
Jackson Lake, Grand Teton National Park
Photo: Wyoming Office of Tourism
Jackson Lake is a favorite among boaters as it’s the park’s largest lake and the only place where water skiing is permitted. It has beautiful views of the Tetons and amenities nearby for boaters, like restaurants, a marina, a general store, and boat parking.
If you aren’t bringing your own boat, you can rent kayaks, pontoons, and small fishing boats from the lake’s Signal Mountain Marina. Be sure to get your boating permit in advance on recreation.gov and stop for the invasive species inspection before getting on the water.
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area & Reservoir, near Rock Springs
Photo: Wyoming Office of Tourism
Flaming Gorge Reservoir is 91 miles long and in both Wyoming and Utah. With such a large area to explore, a boat is a great way to get around, and it opens up opportunities to do everything from fishing to water skiing to multi-day kayak camping trips.
Lucerne Valley Marina, just a few miles over the state line into Utah, offers everything from paddleboards to houseboats available to rent, plus has a few rustic floating cabins for longer stays. Companies nearby offer multi-day packrafting and whitewater trips, and it’s also home to some of the best fishing in Wyoming. Nearby Two Rivers Fishing Co. in Pinedale is an Orvis-endorsed fishing trip outfitter, so you can count on a world-class fishing experience.
The best lakes for fishing in WyomingFishing is big business in Wyoming, a state known for some of the cleanest and healthiest rivers and lakes in the country. The state has an excellent brochure with all the information you could ever need about fishing, and you can buy fishing permits one of two ways. Either buy it online and print it yourself, or buy one in person at one of the many licensed retailers throughout the state. Anyone planning to fish at any of the parks, rivers, or lakes in Wyoming needs a fishing license, whether you’re a resident of the state or not.
Mirror Lake, Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests
Photo: Wyoming Office of Tourism /@picsbyjmoery
Enjoy lakeside fishing and stunning views at Mirror Lake, in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests. A picnic area offers 15 tables, and a number of hiking trails are nearby, as well as an abundance of other recreational activities in the area.
Mirror Lake is one of five lakes in a very small area, lending itself well to fly fishing in the connected rivers. In Mirror Lake, expect to catch several varieties of trout, including brook, cutthroat, and rainbow; the Wyoming Game and Fish Department stocks both lakes yearly.
Glendo Reservoir, near Glendo
Photo: Wyoming Office of Tourism /@Tippy13Kristie
At 12,000 acres, Glendo State Park is a hot spot for fishing and boating. The Platte County state park is centered around Glendo Reservoir, which has several boat ramps, an incredible walleye fishery, and opportunities to fish for bass, catfish, perch, and other species. Land lovers can also find hiking and biking opportunities, plus campgrounds with around 550 campsites.
Most people fish from boats, available to rent from Rooch’s Marina or Bellwood Boats. There’s also a fish-cleaning station in the summer at Bennett Hill. According to the park website, the best fishing is late spring through September, but you’ll find anglers out there most weekends outside of winter.
Boysen Reservoir, near Shoshoni
Photo: Kevin Kopf/Shutterstock
Anglers know Boysen State Park is a great spot for fishing, and more than a few of the largest fish ever came from this reservoir. Expect to catch walleye, perch, ling, largemouth bass, and a variety of trout, among other species. It’s one of the best lakes in Wyoming for year-round fishing, and ice fishing is usually possible between mid-December and late March, depending on the weather.
If you don’t have your own supplies, stop by Boysen Marina on the lake’s northeastern side. It offers a restaurant, campground, and general store with everything from bait and tackle to boat repair, cold local beer, and inflatable tubes for lazy summer days.
Treat Yourself To One of the Most Luxurious Spas in Spain at Club Med Magna Marbella
Club Med is back in Spain following a 72-year hiatus with the opening of its latest resort, the Club Med Magna Marbella. The opening of this new vibrant, modern resort marks a historic return for the brand, which opened its very first Club Med property on Spain’s Balearic Islands in 1950 (there are now locations all over the world, including a Club Med Quebec). I visited for the grand opening this fall and was impressed with the new resort’s focus on health and wellness.
Club Med is best known for pioneering the all-inclusive resort concept now entrenched in our holiday vacation planning vernacular. It is also famous for its family friendly atmosphere. However, for those who would rather not frolic with children on their vacation, the resort offers an adults-only Zen pool and a top-notch spa (with its own pool that is also adults only), plus a nightclub. The Marbella property has enough activities to keep adults entertained and children sequestered in their own areas.
“We understand that clients are seeking more disconnection and well-being when traveling and with that in mind, we have prioritized and adapted our wellness programming to meet this demand,” said Carolyne Doyon, President and CEO of Club Med North America and the Caribbean. “Club Med Marbella was designed with an overarching philosophy of ‘disconnecting to reconnect.’ To bring this philosophy to life, the resort offers numerous wellness offerings and activities for our guests.”
Where is Club Med Magna Marbella?
Photo: Club Med
On the Costa del Sol in the far south of Spain, Club Med Magna Marbella is perched on a hill overlooking the legendary Andalusian city. The resort’s main detractor is the location is not right on the beach, although it does have views of the Mediterranean Sea from many of its rooms and suites.
Photo: Club Med
That said, Marbella’s lively town center and beachfront are just a quick 15-minute walk away, making the city easily accessible. There are also plenty of taxis to get you into and out of town if you don’t want to walk (it is downhill on the way in but an uphill slog coming back).
The 35-acre resort features lots of lush greenery and colorful gardens as well as Arab-Andalusian influenced architecture. It is constructed around a lagoon swimming pool surrounded by cherry red parasols and cushioned sun-loungers.
Photo: Club Med
The 485 rooms and suites exude a playful ambiance with bold prints and a blue and white color scheme. Balconies offer views of Marbella as well as the Sierra Blanca Mountains and the sea beyond.
What to eat at Club Med Magna Marbella
Photo: Club Med
Club Med serves regional cuisine, so at Magna Marbella you can expect lots of jamón ibérico, fresh seafood and other Spanish delicacies. Club Med is also a French brand, so the selection of cheeses and quality of the croissants is also stellar.
There are two restaurants onsite. Suenos is the main dining room and serves an extensive buffet for three meals a day. I’m often put off by buffets but the food here was quite good. I loved the variety of food stations serving everything from pizza to Chinese dishes to sushi. There is also a rotating culinary theme to each dinner so you never have to eat the same thing twice — one night I was there the resort served oysters, for instance.
The second restaurant, Tierra Gourmet Lounge, requires reservations. It features a more upscale dining experience and serves a tapas forward small menu.
What to do at Club Med Magna MarbellaPhoto: Club Med
More than 25 sports and activities are available to try at Club Med Magna Marbella. The flying trapeze and circus classes are two of the most popular.
Zen yoga is also offered, and there is a golf course and mini golf course, archery, and numerous hard and clay tennis courts where you can learn the native to Marbella sport of paddle tennis. Guests can also take a dip in one of five pools including an indoor freshwater pool, the main lagoon pool, an adults-exclusive Zen pool, a dedicated kids pool for the Children’s Clubs, and a family-friendly water park area.
The spa at Club Med Magna Marbella
Photo: Club Med
The health and wellness focus at this Club Med is one of my favorite things about the resort. If you are looking to unwind, head to the CINQ MONDES spa complex. There are 14 treatment rooms and the menu features everything from a traditional North African massage to an anti-aging facial and manual anti-wrinkle Japanese Ko Bi Do ritual.
The spa area also has a steam room, sauna, and an indoor-outdoor long and narrow swimming pool with more lounge chairs and cabanas. I loved this pool and spent most of my time here over the rowdier main lagoon pool. To truly disconnect, head to the adults-only Zen Pool. In a separate part of the resort, it is a bit of a hike to reach, but worth the trek if you want to take a quiet dip followed by a fresh fruit smoothie from the booze free bar.
There are also two dedicated meditation zones with lounge chairs for guests to take a reflective, silent pause. You can get a workout in at the well-equipped gym, or join one of the classes from yoga to pilates or aerial fitness.
What do with kids at Club Med Magna Marbella
Photo: Club Med
If you are traveling with the kids, Club Med offers four award-winning children’s clubs for kids and teens from 4 months to 17 years old. While adults are enjoying the spa or Zen Pool, kids can participate in an array of customized activities for their age group.
Families can also participate in the Club Med Amazing Family program, an agenda of weekly activities for families to bond and spend quality time together. Amongst the resort’s plethora of family activities are paddle boarding, tennis tournaments, a stroll through the nearby Pueblos Blancos, an Andalusian garden party with unlimited sangria, tapas, and wine. Families can als stop by the Family Fun Zone featuring thrilling water slides, a variety of water games, a mini golf course, and a zip-line.
What do around Andalusia
Photo: Club Med
Andalusia, often referred to as “the garden of Europe” known for its manicured landscapes and rich Arab-influenced history. Club Med’s location in Marbella, the swankiest of the Costa del Sol beach towns, is ideal for exploring. Marbella’ charming Old Town has a central plaza filled with cafes serving tapas and cocktails under the shade of palms and colorful pastel buildings on windy bougainvillea draped lanes.
Marbella’s most storied neighborhood is The Golden Mile, and lucky for you, it’s within easy reach of Club Med. Known for posh beach clubs, posh resorts and Michelin-starred restaurants, you can pay to book chairs at the clubs and feel part of the scene without spending a fortune on lodging.
The resort is also just an hour drive from destinations like Ronda, Gibraltar, and Málaga. Even Morocco is accessible on a long day trip. Club Med can also set up excursions to the Doäana Natural Park and Caminito del Rey and four-wheel drive tours through Sierra de la Nieves. Any of these day trip excursions are a great way to experience the natural beauty and rich heritage of this part of southern Spain.
November 15, 2022
11 Airbnbs in Santorini With Epic Sea Views and Pools
Santorini vacation rentals are about as iconic as the island’s caldera, sunset lookouts, and volcanic black beaches. Cycladic-style properties in the vibrant capital Fira (Thira) and chic Oia are carved into the volcanic ash and partially underground to protect from the tempestuous climate. Scattered in quieter villages across the Greek isle, you’ll find luxurious Santorini villa rentals with pools. Read on for the most unique Airbnbs in Santorini, Greece, across cave houses and private estates.
Traveling to Greece? Check out Matador’s accommodation guides to Athens, the islands, and more:These Greek Villas Make for a Unique and Cozy Stay in Athens9 dreamy Airbnbs in the Greek islandsYou Can Literally Walk Into the Mediterranean Sea From This Airbnb in Greece
We hope you love the Airbnb Santorini 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.
Top-rated all-inclusive and luxury Airbnbs in SantoriniAirbnbs in Fira (Thira), SantoriniAirbnbs in Oia, SantoriniAirbnbs in Perissa, SantoriniTop-rated all-inclusive and luxury Airbnbs in SantoriniVilla Asterope luxury retreat
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
With a panoramic heated pool, hot tub, sauna, and stocked wine cellar, this deluxe property is one of the best all-inclusive Santorini villa rentals. Breakfast is delivered daily to enjoy on the terrace while the host provides a round pick-up service and complimentary car rental. Located in the peaceful and lesser-visited Pyrgos Village, the rental is still less than five minutes to Fira (Thira).
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $1,511 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This historic winery is the best Santorini Airbnb for large groups. The property has been reimagined as one of the best Santorini vacation rentals for larger groups. Spread over three villas, the complex is fitted with two outdoor pools, one of which features a cave nook. You’ll find sufficient sheltered areas for dining outside, Mediterranean-style, with mountain and sea views. Bedrooms are built into the original foundations of the cave residence with upscale bathing facilities and top-end bedding.
Fourteen guests, five bedrooms
Price: $920 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Once the home of a sea captain, this Airbnb in Fira, Santorini, has been regenerated into an exclusive cave villa in the heart of the island’s capital. Interiors revolve around archetypal Cycladic features with two terraces each with a hot tub overlooking the caldera. Breakfast and daily housekeeping are included in the rate while personal chefs, massages, and food delivery are available at a surcharge.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $619 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This cave-style Santorini Airbnb with private pools, an outdoor hot tub, and a steam room is perfect for honeymooners. Appointed with swanky furnishings and monochrome decor, the living spaces are an easy match for the lush terrace with a sea view. Drop down to the subterranean wine cellar and dining zone in the evening for a romantic dinner cooked by a Thira-based chef.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $494 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Encompassing the main house and a guest apartment, this Airbnb in Fira, Santorini, with a hot tub is suitable for a trip of couples or two families. Constructed in 1830, the villa displays Venetian exteriors and contemporary interiors with period furnishings following a recent facelift. Terraces with bougainvillea provide protection from the fierce sun and are a delight for morning coffee through to al fresco suppers. Consider hiring a local chef to elevate the experience.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $802 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This Airbnb in Oia, Santorini, with a private plunge pool overlooks the Aegean Sea and the two volcanic islands, Palia and Nea Kameni. The bedrooms and living room are minimalist, with full emphasis on traditional Cycladic architecture and unparalleled sunset views. One bathroom is fitted with a rainfall shower and the second with a soaking tub. Breakfast is supplied every morning to the villa.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $420 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
One of the coolest Santorini vacation rentals, this duo of picturesque whitewashed homes are brought to life with kooky pieces of art and intricately tiled bathrooms. The terraces and hot tubs survey the glamorous village of Oia and grant an unobstructed view of the famous sunset viewpoint. After hours, you can clamber down the ladder to your own little cave winery – designed to resemble a Greek tavern.
Nine guests, three bedrooms
Price: $602 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
If you like piña coladas, book this cave-house Airbnb in Santorini with a private pool, pronto! This traditional Cycladic dwelling has been renovated with modern luxuries while preserving its heritage legacy. The highlight is the partially covered exterior plunge pool with a whirlpool feature overlooking the volcano. This spills onto the sun terrace where you can top up your vitamin D and live like an A-lister.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $665 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Cast yourself to the quieter half of the island at this Airbnb in Perissa on Santorini’s southeast coast. Nature mingles with luxury in a garden teeming with bougainvillea, palms, and hibiscus while the private pool is sizable enough for getting some laps in. Bedrooms are simple with emphasis placed on comfort and there’s a charming kitchen where you can flex your meze-making skills – or outsource to a local chef.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $685 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This two-story Airbnb in Santorini with a private pool and outdoor Jacuzzi peers over the Aegean Sea and is a short walk or drive to the Greek island’s black beaches. Interiors channel a homely vibe through the careful selection of linens, art, and decorative trinkets. The host goes the extra mile by stocking the pantry prior to arrival and will work with you to personalize your stay for a special occasion such as a honeymoon or birthday.
Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $331 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This five-bedroom vacation home is another contender for one of the best Santorini villa rentals for larger groups and wedding parties. The swimming pool is equivalent to half Olympic size, making it one of the largest on the island – with a bridge for honing your finest belly flops! Daily housekeeping is included in the rate and the host can arrange breakfast, tours, and spa treatments upon request.
Fourteen guests, five bedrooms
Price: $953 per night
The Best Brunches in Nashville To Fuel Your Stay in Music City
Nashville is synonymous with a few things: live country music, hot chicken, and bachelorette parties. And that’s just scratching the surface of what Music City has to offer. No matter what brings you to Nashville, pretty much all visitors have one important interest in common: where to eat and drink during the day – in other words, they want to know where to get brunch. You can learn a lot about a city by its brunch culture, and predictably, Nashville’s restaurant scene is as quirky and flavorful as the city itself. Whether you’re in desperate need of a hangover cure after a raucous bachelorette party, looking to fuel up before heading over to the Country Music Hall of Fame, or just looking for an excuse to see a drag show before noon, these are the best brunches in Nashville.
The best brunches in Nashville everyone should try1. Makeready L&LView this post on InstagramA post shared by Makeready L&L (@makeready_nashville)
Makeready L&L is the perfect blend of Nashville’s storied historic and musical personality, and its legendary drinking culture. Located inside the Noelle Nashville hotel, Makeready is known for its $5 bloody marys and mimosas, as well as its selection of hard seltzers and champagne. The robust food menu is anchored by the chicken and waffles – a southern classic – and the hearty “Printers Plate.” While you dine, you’ll be surrounded by silhouettes on the walls in the likeness of famous Nashvillians, so if the conversation turns stale, you can pass the morning trying to guess their identities.
2. SinemaBrunch at Sinema might prove to be the best decision you make on your trip, or the worst. It all depends on your self-control. Their $51 Bottomless Brunch makes the place one of the best deals in Nashville, but of course, your finest hour might also be your final hour if you don’t know when enough is enough.
That doesn’t just go for Bloody Marys, either. The “bottomless” part of this brunch applies to food, too. You can indulge in the entire menu to your heart’s delight, including fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, chilaquiles, pancakes, and omelets. It’ll be an extra $5 if you prefer mimosas over Bloody Marys, but honestly, they could charge an extra $30 and it’d still probably be worth it.
3. White LimozeenView this post on InstagramA post shared by White Limozeen (@whitelimozeennash)
White Limozeen is exactly as swanky as it sounds. Located on the rooftop of the Graduate Nashville hotel, this bar and restaurant is known as one of the best brunches in Nashville for a reason. From the caviar & soft scrambled eggs to the French onion quiche, the menu items are as decadent as the atmosphere. Indeed, if you’re looking for an Instagram-worthy aesthetic, look no further. The restaurant has perfect views of the Nashville skyline, and a rooftop pool for taking a post-brunch dip under the hot Nashville sun.
4. Diskin CiderCider and brunch don’t sound like they go together…but why not? Diskin Cider is Nashville’s first craft cidery, but what makes it even more distinctive and distinguished is that it offers a brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays. That includes cider Bloody Marys and “Apple Cider-’Mosa” cocktails. The restaurant also hosts a Divas Drag Brunch, which features a family-style meal and, of course, all the cider-infused drinks you could hope for. The whole shebang is just $25, show entry and food included.
5. The Pool ClubThe Pool Club at the Virgin Hotel Nashville has a specialty brunch every Saturday and Sunday, complete with city views and poolside food and drinks. That means you can sip your Bloody Mary while wolfing down some Nashville hot chicken biscuits and taking in the skyline views. The brunch cocktail menu is expansive and creative (margarita-mimosa hybrid, anyone?), and The Pool Club itself fits right in with the Virgin Hotels’ quirky brand of opulence, styled like an oasis with cabanas and loungers, and plenty of Instagrammable backdrops.
6. Barcelona Wine BarView this post on InstagramA post shared by Barcelona Wine Bar (@barcelonawinebar)
Though it might sound more like a dimly lit date-night spot on the shores of the Mediterranean than one of the best brunches in Nashville, Barcelona Wine Bar is one of the city’s most interesting restaurants. Lined with barnwood and exposed brick, the bar offers a tapas-style menu filled with staples of Spanish cuisine. That applies to the brunch menu, too, which blends Southern comfort food with Latin favorites, like hot chicken and churros, shrimp and polenta, and a brunch bocadillo with egg and pork belly. That goes for drinks, too, from the Dos Peninsulas with tequila and agave, to the Bourbon Spice Rack with bourbon, maple syrup, bitters, and cardamaro.
7. Biscuit LoveThe brick-and-mortar version of a local favorite food truck, Biscuit Love is an aptly-named monument to Nashville’s love of biscuits. A casual, order-at-the-counter establishment perfect for a no-frills brunch experience, the restaurant specialized in the creative use of biscuits on its menu. That means a burger between two biscuits, biscuits topped with chicken, biscuit french toast, or a half-a-dozen biscuits ready to grab and go. No, biscuits don’t feature on the drink menu (probably a good thing), but you’ll have a choice of a mimosa, Bloody Mary (infused with pickled pepperoncini), bellini, or prosecco.
8. M.L. RoseView this post on InstagramA post shared by M.L.Rose Craft Beer & Burgers (@_mlrose)
M.L. Rose is where you want to go on a Sunday morning when you have absolutely no plans the rest of the day. Because after tucking into this restaurant’s decadent menu, you won’t want to leave the couch in your Airbnb. In addition to Southern brunch classics like chicken and biscuits, the restaurant is known for a hefty cinnamon roll waffle dripping with icing and maple syrup, and the Graceland Waffle which is topped with bacon, bananas, peanut butter, and whipped cream. Drinks – if you’ve got room for them – range from rosé mimosas, sangria, or the “Bloody Nola.”
This Reno Hotel Redefines Lodging in a City Known for Gaming Resorts
There’s a hotel in Reno that has a 164-foot outdoor climbing wall soaring above the Reno Arch on the corner of Virginia Street and Commercial Row. Not what you’d expect in a city packed with casino resorts and sports bars. But that’s what the Whitney Peak Hotel does: it shatters stereotypes. Instead of catering to a gambling crowd, it provides a refuge for outdoor enthusiasts and business travelers passing through.
I stayed at the hotel during a recent trip to the city and found it to be a comprehensive play on both adventure and comfort — a welcome change from the norm in a state where the air in hotels tends to be as toxic as a freeway during rush hour.
We hope you love the Whitney Peak Hotel! 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 Whitney Peak Hotel gives the Tahoe-bound a reason to stay in the city
Photo: Booking.com
The 310-room Whitney Peak Hotel opened in 2014 in a former casino space to become the city’s first non-smoking and non-gaming luxury boutique hotel. That distinction hardly describes the experience, however. Vintage ski trail maps decorate public spaces and a 7,000-square-foot indoor climbing gym couples with the outdoor wall. The on-site restaurant, Cafe Whitney, serves global cuisine in a posh but not pretentious setting. Of course, local brews are poured in abundance.
Rather than targeting the gaming crowd, the Whitney Peak Hotel seeks to provide a haven for active lifestyles. Reno is the gateway to Lake Tahoe — its airport is the closest international airport to many of Tahoe’s ski areas and resort villages.
I recently visited Incline Village for a conference and opted for a night in Reno before an early flight out the morning after the event. I spent about five minutes researching hotels in the city before deciding on the Whitney Peak, knowing after viewing its website that a quasi-snowboard-bum cleverly disguised as a near-middle-aged professional traveling on business would feel comfortable posting up here. Translation: The hotel’s branding efforts are working.
Well-appointed rooms with city or mountain views
Photo: Booking.com
As a traveling journalist, I’ve developed a firm standard for what constitutes an acceptable hotel room. Several factors must be met to hit the standard, but none of these include over-the-top luxury. The Whitney Peak Hotel surpassed each of these easily.
First, and perhaps most important, the hotel is quiet. My Club Level room at the Whitney Peak Hotel was silent, a heavy rainstorm endured throughout the night but I never heard a thing. (As a bonus, being 15 floors up in a high-rise during a brutal storm looks really cool when viewing from the window).
The second is a clean presentation and, hopefully, a bed without a box spring. If the aesthetic can be described as either “hipster-modern” or “adventure cabin,” all the better. The Whitney Peak falls more toward the former, with ample outlets to charge devices and a work desk that’s both comfortable and spacious. I slept well on the king bed. I loved the lounge chair by the window, where I took in the storm while trying to figure out why the building across the way has a giant bowling ball sculpture on its roof (as it turned out, that building is the National Bowling Stadium.)
All rooms (starting at $151) come with DIRECTV, a 40-inch HDTV, WiFi, USB/HDMI ports, a mini-fridge, a safe, and central air. There’s also a Keurig, though you shouldn’t use it unless you’ve brought your own biodegradable coffee pods. Dinner can be ordered for pick-up from Cafe Whitney, though during my stay, delivery to my room was not available. In the bathroom, zero-waste bath amenities from Zero Percent Collection are offered rather than disposable options.
Water bottle refilling stations are located throughout the hotel, a nice alternative to plastic water bottles. The hotel features conference facilities, valet parking, and spa services including a sauna.
Upgrading to the Club Level is worth it for those looking to lounge on-site
Photo: Booking.com
Guests have the option to upgrade their stay to the Club Level, located on the 15th floor. The upgrade adds access to a private and free happy hour with drinks and hors d’oeuvres served in the speakeasy-like Club Lounge. It’s hidden behind the door of the otherwise unassuming room number 1522. A room key for a room on the same floor, or with otherwise pre-purchased access to the lounge, is required for entry. Inside is a well-trimmed penthouse lounge complete with a bar and a charcuterie buffet for happy hour. The adjoining room is set up around a large TV that during my stay made for a great place to watch the World Series. The windows in both rooms offer expansive city views.
Breakfast is served daily in the Club Lounge, the only breakfast buffet on-site, meaning those who skip the upgraded booking will have to head elsewhere for the morning grub.
A hotel designed for climbing and rocking
Photo: Booking.com
The Whitney Peak Hotel’s most prominent feature is its massive climbing wall, which allows those with the skills and courage to ascent to the top of the pseudo-skyscraper, to be rewarded with views stretching across greater Reno and into the Sierras beyond. I did not attempt the wall — it was closed due to rain, giving me a convenient excuse — but I did spend an hour playing around the indoor climbing gym. The gym is populated by far more locals than tourists, indicating that it’s far more than just a gimmick. Several climbing walls are set up and each includes multiple routes to attempt. The gym also has cardio equipment and free weights, for a more traditional workout.
Also on site is the Cargo Concert Hall, a 1,100-capacity music venue that regularly hosts touring rock, metal, and folk acts, as well as other artists and genres. Modern and well-equipped, the venue is akin to a slightly smaller House of Blues. The venue is modern, well-equipped with its own bar. And, even when a show is popping off, it’s impossible to hear from the hotel’s well-insulated rooms.
Where To Stay, Eat, and Play in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is big. It’s home to more neighborhoods than officials can keep track of and covers nearly 500 square miles. It has too many restaurants and hotels to count, and too many excellent entertainment opportunities to choose from on any given day. While the immense range of choices is thrilling, it can also be the demise of the overachieving visitor. This first-timer’s guide to the best things to do in Los Angeles will help you plan a feasible visit that checks all the boxes, including shopping, beaches, shows, and food.
How do I get to Los Angeles?How do I get around Los Angeles?Best things to do in Los AngelesWhere to eat and drink in Los AngelesWhere to stay in Los AngelesHow do I get to Los Angeles?Los Angeles International Airport, or LAX, is the primary gateway to the city. Although the airport’s infrastructure is dated and the traffic around the airport can be off-putting, it’s generally your best bet for affordable flights and proximity to LA’s west side and neighborhoods to the south. For areas to the east and the San Fernando Valley, the Hollywood Burbank Airport is more convenient. In addition, the airfield’s two compact terminals make flying in and out super easy.
How do I get around Los Angeles?All of the rumors about LA traffic being a beast are true. Nevertheless, a car is essential as the top sites are scattered across the city. You’ll want to rent a car for ultimate convenience, but rideshare companies like Uber or Lyft work as an alternative. LA’s public transportation is improving, but its efficiency depends on your location. For example, the Metro’s Expo Line is only convenient for stops between Downtown LA and Santa Monica, a mere 15-mile trip. The city has some relatively pedestrian and bike-friendly neighborhoods, including the beach communities between Santa Monica and Playa del Rey. So, if you’re staying local, check apps like Lime and Bird for e-Bike and scooter sharing.
The best things to do in Los AngelesVisit the Downtown Arts DistrictPhoto: Ruben A Martinez/Shutterstock
From its roots as an underground artist refuge in the 1970s to the thriving creative neighborhood it is today, the Downtown Arts District is an unmissable destination in Los Angeles. Head to Art Share LA, a live/work and gallery space for emerging artists in a converted warehouse with an ever-changing slate of exhibits and performances. Thanks to a partnership with nearby Angel City Brewery, you can pair craft beer with Art Share LA’s themed exhibitions at the brewery’s Public House.
Where: 801 E 4th Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90013, Angel City Brewery 216 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Sun yourself at Playa Del Rey BeachJust north of LAX, the small beach community of Playa Del Rey has a gorgeous wide sandy beach easily accessed from the 22-mile Marvin Braude Bike Trail. This stretch of shoreline is virtually crowd-free due to limited public parking lots. Instead, opt for free street parking in the surrounding residential neighborhood, then stop at nearby Playa Provisions for a picnic lunch on your way down to the sand.
Watch a movie at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Photo: Alizada Studios/Shutterstock
The final resting place of Hollywood icons Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney may seem like an odd choice for a fun night out. Still, the Hollywood Forever cemetery attracts crowds each week between May and October for screenings of classic films projected onto a mausoleum once the sun goes down. Moviegoers bring blankets, chairs, and picnic spreads to the expansive Fairbanks Lawn for an unforgettable entertainment experience. Hollywood Forever also hosts the country’s largest Dia de Los Muertos – Day of the Dead festival each November, complete with a ritual procession, music, art, and food.
Where: 6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038
Catch a show at the Hollywood Bowl
Photo: Kit Leong/Shutterstock
The stage at the Hollywood Bowl, the famed outdoor music venue tucked into a canyon in its namesake neighborhood, has been graced by everyone from the Beatles to JayZ throughout its 100-year history. But it doesn’t matter who is performing because attending any show at the Hollywood Bowl is an experience. You can pack your own food or pre-order a gourmet meal from award-winning chef Suzanne Goin’s menu to enjoy in your box seats. If a picnic is more your style, the on-site marketplaces have plenty of take-out options for every taste, along with premium beer and wine.
Where: 2301 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068
Dive into LA’s Shopping sceneBeyond the famed Rodeo Drive, the city’s neighborhoods are peppered with impressive shopping streets.
Head to Abbot Kinney Boulevard, steps from Venice Beach, for a mile-long stretch of on-trend boutiques, cafes, and outstanding street art. Stop into Principessa for chic, bohemian women’s wear.
A 30 minute drive east of Venice, in LA’s Fairfax neighborhood, you’ll find La Brea Avenue, the place to go for vintage finds. Start at Jet Rag, a Los Angeles institution known for its $1 Sunday sales. Then head to Recess to source consigned vintage and contemporary Haute Couture treasures from designers like Givenchy and Christian Dior.
Larchmont Village, two miles southeast of Fairfax, has a small-town feel in a big city. The area’s main street, Larchmont Boulevard, is home to Chevalier’s Books, LA’s oldest independent bookstore. Finally, don’t miss nearby Res Ipsa for handmade Moroccan kilim shoes before grabbing a locally roasted coffee at Groundwork.
Where to eat and drink in Los AngelesGjelina
Photo: Ashley Randall
As soon as Gjelina opened its doors on Venice’s Abbot Kinney Boulevard in 2008, it attracted a fan base, and not much has changed since then. The stark concrete walls and brick floor contrast sharply with the large communal table and airy bar. Try the pizza with guanciale, Castelvetrano olives, and Fresno chilis or the tender beef tartare on sourdough. You cannot leave without tasting the butterscotch pot de crème topped with salted caramel and crème fraîche.
Where: 1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
Chiba SushiAngelinos love their sushi and will fiercely defend their favorite places. Still, Chiba, a family-run restaurant in an unassuming single-story building in North Hollywood, is the one to beat. Go for the Omakase or chefs’ choice. They won’t steer you wrong. For those with a more conservative sushi palate, the crunchy spicy tuna hand roll is perfect.
Where: 7515 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91605
Jitlada
Photo: Jitlada
Don’t let the East Hollywood mini-mall location fool you. Jitlada has the best southern Thai cuisine in Los Angeles. The focus here is on spice and lots of it. So be sure to specify your heat preference when ordering! The restaurant sells its famed red and green sauces so the brave can take a bit of Jitlada home.
Where: 5233 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
SlabWhat started as a backyard endeavor with a devoted underground following quickly became a mainstream BBQ sensation for pitmaster Burt Bakman. Slab, on West Third Street, is celebrated for Bakman’s expertly smoked meats. Stop in for a rack of spareribs or the ever-popular brisket.
Where: 8136 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048
GuelaguetzaMole is the main attraction at Guelaguetza, a gem of a Mexican restaurant serving Oaxacan fare in LA’s Koreatown. Go with a large group to sample a platter of Oaxacan favorites like carnitas and chorizo plus essential sides, including beans, grilled onions, cactus, and thick handmade tortillas.
Where: 3014 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90006
Genever
Photo: Bradley Tuck
You’ll feel like you’re stepping back into the 1920s at Genever, an intimate lounge in historic Filipinotown adorned with ornate chandeliers and gilded mirrors. Order one of its inventive cocktails, like Heaven Or Las Vegas, an elixir of St. George Spiced Pear, Åhus Akvavit, D’Anjou balsamic vinegar, Picon, and soda.
Where: 3123 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90057
Wally’s Beverly Hills
Photo: Wally’s Wine & Spirits
Wine connoisseurs should head to Wally’s Beverly Hills, a wine shop, bar, and restaurant all in one space. Wally’s expert sommeliers can recommend a wine for every palate. Enjoy a glass or two at the bar with a charcuterie board, or take a few bottles to go from their extensive retail selection.
Where: 447 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Where to stay in Los AngelesWe hope you love the hotels 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.
Nobu Ryokan
Photo: Nobu Ryokan
Photo: Nobu Ryokan
Photo: Nobu Ryokan
In a dreamy setting on Malibu’s Carbon Beach, the 16-room Nobu Ryokan pairs traditional Japanese minimalist design with elegant coastal comfort. Book a suite with a private teak soaking tub and indoor fireplace to cozy up on chilly Southern California nights. Nobu‘s famed restaurant is just steps from the hotel and has ocean views from the deck.
Where: 22752 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
Hollywood Roosevelt
Photo: The Hollywood Roosevelt
Photo: The Hollywood Roosevelt
Photo: The Hollywood Roosevelt
Photo: The Hollywood Roosevelt
Luxury and glamor await at The Hollywood Roosevelt, a historic hotel on the Walk of Fame that once hosted the likes of Marilyn Monroe. First, relax at the famous 1960s-themed Tropicana Pool. Then head down to the lavish lobby to dine at The Barish, Michelin starred chef Nancy Silverton’s on-site Italian steakhouse.
Where: 7000 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
The Hoxton
Photo: The Hoxton
Photo: The Hoxton
Photo: The Hoxton
Photo: The Hoxton
Check in to The Hoxton in Downtown LA for an old Hollywood meets retro East London vibe. The rooms have hardwood chevron flooring, wicker-style headboards, and plush club chairs. Be sure to spend an afternoon at the rooftop pool for some of the best views of Downtown.
Where: 1060 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Hotel June West LA
Photo: The Ingalls
Photo: The Ingalls
Photo: The Ingalls
Photo: The Ingalls
You can’t do better for early morning flights out of LAX than Hotel June West LA, just a five-minute drive from the airport. The Midcentury Modern rooms with noise-canceling windows and Aesop bath products are only part of the appeal. Rooftop dining at the Caravan Swim Club, with a menu inspired by California coastal cuisine is the perfect place to spend a final evening in Los Angeles.
Where: 8639 Lincoln Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045
6 Reasons To Ski Vermont This Winter
Skiing the East vs. the West is not a competition. And it’s not about ice vs. powder, either. While there are vast differences between the two regions, skiers and snowboarders who love the sport know Vermont is the real deal, with serious ski culture and history serving as a foundation for some of the best mountains — and best snow — anywhere.
Here are six reasons why Vermont should be at the top of the list for your next ski vacation.
1. Skiing Vermont is a badge of honor.
Photo: Corey Hendrickson/Courtesy of Saskadena Six
Vermont is a great place to learn how to ski, with plenty of easy trails and great ski schools. However, you’ll have to earn those turns out on the slopes. While almost anyone can learn to ski on fluffy powder, the state’s challenging terrain, and sometimes unpredictable conditions, often push skiers’ limits, which builds confidence and — likely — makes better skiers. Conquering an intermediate trail in the Green Mountains is akin to skiing a West Coast expert piste.
But have no fear, advanced skiers. Your skills will also be tested here. Vermont’s resort trails tend to be cut aggressively, narrow, and ledgy. So while there’s always something available for the beginner or novice, black runs tend to be steeper, more rugged, and wilder than what you may have experienced out West. In some places, the rocks never get covered. The iconic Mad River Glen is the epitome of this, a mountain with minimal snowmaking and grooming. Its motto says it all: “Ski It If You Can.”
2. It’s a myth that the East doesn’t get powder.
Photo: Ryan Denning/Shutterstock
Vermont gets its fair share of Nor’easters that can quickly dump 12-24 inches, along with Canadian clippers that quietly drop more snow in the mountains, so over a typical winter the state’s snowfall totals really stack up. If you’re looking for freshies, not only does Vermont have it, the backcountry is packed with it. Tree skiers should make sure to check out the back bowls at Smugglers’ Notch, the many gladed areas of Jay Peak Resort, and the steep tree lines of Magic Mountain.
There are other secret stashes — you just have to know where to look. Chat up a local on the lift and chances are they can point you in the right direction. Otherwise, try the Teardrop Trail, which was cut in the 1930s. It’s found on the west side of Mount Mansfield and offers some of the best off-piste skiing in the state.
When Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate, Vermont’s ski resorts do their part to sustainably keep their trails blanketed with snow, employing environmentally conscious techniques such as using high-efficiency snowmaking guns. And it’s not just the slopes that are going green. Many resorts take “reduce, reuse, and recycle” to a whole other level — harvesting methane gas from cows (Killington Resort), implementing wind power (Bolton Valley), and establishing a dedicated solar farm (Bromley Mountain).
3. Vermont’s ski history is extensive.
Photo: Bobby Knitz/Mad River Glen
The roots of skiing in Vermont run deep — you can feel it when you ski here — and the state is credited with lots of firsts for the industry. In the 1920s, during the days of leather-strapped skiing, the first backcountry Nordic trails were cut and cleared at Bolton Valley.
Established in 1934, the ski area of Saskadena Six (formerly known as Suicide Six) is the oldest in Vermont. Not only that, but the first-ever rope tow in America was installed here on Hill No. 6 by former Dartmouth College ski instructor Wallace “Bunny” Bertram.
Mad River Glen’s famous single-chair lift started operating in 1948, and it’s currently one of only two areas in the US where you can still ride a single chair. This ski-only resort has changed very little since it opened, even maintaining its rustic 1947 base lodge.
More than 260 Vermonters were members of the US Army’s elite 10th Mountain Division, originally formed during WWII, and received specialized training for fighting in mountainous conditions. For their contributions to the war effort as well as to the growth of skiing in Vermont and elsewhere, the group was inducted into the Vermont Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame in 2003.
4. Vermont churns out Olympians.
Photo: Adam Wilding/Shutterstock
The number of Olympians Vermont has produced is beyond impressive for such a small state — there must be something in the snow. Whether they were born here, grew up in the area, or just trained at one of the mountains, Vermont’s strong Olympic ties can’t be denied.
Alpine skier Michaela Shiffrin attended Burke Mountain Academy. Five-time Olympic snowboarder Lindsey Jacobellis went to Stratton Mountain School, and cross-country skier Jessie Diggins trains at Stratton Mountain.
Dozens of US Ski Team members have emerged from Cochran’s Ski Area, where the lineage is deeply rooted. They’ve sent multiple generations of their own family to the Olympics. Most recently, Ryan Cochran-Siegle won silver in Beijing (2022). And kids can still be taught today on that same ski hill by Barbara Ann Cochran, a former Olympic gold medalist (1972).
Eleven Olympians have called the small town of Norwich, Vermont (population 3,000), home. They include medalists Betsy Snite Riley, Mike Holland, and Hannah Kearney.
5. Independent resorts are at the heart of Vermont ski culture.
Photo: Corey Hendrickson/Courtesy of Saskadena Six
The Green Mountain State is home to 20 alpine ski resorts and 30 cross-country centers. While there are several well-known larger resorts like Stowe and Killington, the smaller locally owned mountains form the authentic heart of Vermont’s ski culture. They are the centers of genuine, laid-back communities where everyone seemingly knows each other. Here are a few standouts:
Mad River Glen is a co-op and America’s only skier-owned mountain.Bolton Valley is known for its epic backcountry guided ski tours, notable youth ski programs, and the state’s largest night skiing operation.Smugglers’ Notch is consistently voted America’s No. 1 family ski resort and is home to Burton’s Riglet Park, where little snowboarders can learn to shred.Cochran’s Ski Area is North America’s first nonprofit ski area. It’s dedicated to providing affordable skiing and snowboarding for all families — all from a rope tow!Magic Mountain has terrain to suit all abilities, from extreme and steep tree skiing to gentle cruises, all of which lead to a base area with a legendary après bar, the Black Line Tavern.Bromley Mountain is Vermont’s only south-facing mountain, meaning longer days, softer snow, and warmer temperatures. Gather at the end of the day for après on the Sun Deck.6. The après ski scene is legit.
Photo: DisobeyArt/Shutterstock
Whether you straight-lined or snowplowed down the mountain, heading to the pub in your ski boots after last chair to recount the glories of the day is a time-honored tradition. Après-ski, there’s nothing better than kicking back with an ice-cold cocktail…
Or is there? While all slope-side bars in Vermont serve local beers, why not grab that pint straight from the source? Several ski towns are just a stone’s throw from one of Vermont’s renowned craft breweries:
From Sugarbush Resort and Mad River Glen, head to Prohibition Pig and Lawson’s Finest Liquids.From Okemo Mountain, head to Outer Limits Brewing.From Stowe Mountain Resort, head to Idletyme Brewing Company, The Alchemist, and Von Trapp Brewery & Bierhall.From Jay Peak Resort, head to Kingdom Brewing.From Killington Ski Resort and Saskadena Six, head to Long Trail Brewing Co., Rutland Beer Works, and River Roost Brewery.From Smugglers’ Notch, head to Brewster River Pub & Brewery, Lost Nation Brewing, and Rock Art Brewery.From rookies to backcountry pros, Vermont has a trail for you. Which VT mountain will you tackle first?
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