Matador Network's Blog, page 381

This NYC Airport Is the Fastest Way To Get To Major East Coast Cities

Imagine if flying out of New York City were this easy: You depart from downtown Manhattan — no schlep out to Queens or New Jersey — arrive at the airport 10 minutes before your flight takes off, and skip check-in lines and TSA. Well, with Tailwind Air’s seaplane flights, traveling from New York to other East Coast cities, as well as a handful of popular beach destinations, it’s possible.

Operating out of the New York Skyport in Manhattan on the East River, Tailwind Air’s fleet of amphibious Cessna Caravans flies from New York City to Boston, Washington-Dulles, and a growing number of vacation destinations such as Provincetown and Sag Harbor. As demand for their flights booms, Tailwind plans to open routes from Manhattan to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket in the coming months. Customers can even charter private seaplanes to fly from Manhattan to places like Bar Harbor, Block Island, or Prince Edward Island in Canada. With the capacity to take-off and touch-down on land and water, the sky’s the limit, for future Tailwind routes.

Photo: Johnny Motley

Seaplanes are an old technology in the field of aviation. Although almost completely overtaken by jet planes by the 1950s, seaplanes were crucial to early air travel. In fact, seaplanes are the reason why so many major airports were built near bodies of water — think Boston-Logan, John F. Kennedy, and LaGuardia. In the late 1930s, Pan Am Clippers — colossal seaplanes fitted with ballrooms, dining rooms, and lounges — revolutionized travel by allowing for Pacific Ocean crossings via island hopping. If you wanted to visit, say, New Zealand or Australia, before the outbreak of World War II, chances are you would take a Pan Am Clipper. Eventually, jet technology, far faster and more profitable, signaled the death knell for these luxurious flying boats.

Now, nearly a century later, seaplanes are making a come-back. Seaplanes are not only more environmentally friendly than jets, but as it stands, they’re the fastest way to travel between East Coast hubs, making better time even than private jets. The Tailwind flight between New York and Washington-Dulles is roughly 80 minutes from take-off to touch-down, about the same airtime as on a commercial jet, but once you factor out driving to the airport, going through security, checking bags, and waiting at the gate, you’re looking at saving around two hours of travel time.

Beyond the convenience and timesaving, taking a seaplane out of Manhattan is an absolute hoot. (Who’s ever said such a thing about a Delta or Spirit flight?) After take-off from the East River, the small aircraft flies well below the cloud line, climbing past skyscrapers that look close enough to touch. While commercial jets cruise at 15,000 feet, seaplanes cruise at 8,000, an altitude allowing for wondrous views of the Mid-Atlantic’s forests, rivers, and lakes. Even with the noise from the propeller, Tailwind flights are relatively quiet and smooth, and you can comfortably chat with other passengers without having to shout.

Photo: Johnny Motley

Photo: Johnny Motley

Photo: Johnny Motley

Photo: Johnny Motley

In addition to Tailwind, several other companies are already vying for market share. Blade, a start-up best known for chartering private helicopters, flies seaplanes between New York City and the Hamptons, Montauk, and Nantucket as well as operating seaplane routes on the West Coast and in Europe. Phoenix-based Mesa Air plans to build a fleet of seaplanes to carry passengers from Miami to Washington, DC, New York, and the Florida Keys.

Tailwind Air flies five days a week (Monday to Friday). Flights from Manhattan to Boston ($495 each way) run approximately every three hours, and from Manhattan to Washington-Dulles ($595 each way) twice per day. While tickets are not cheap, Tailwind’s prices are comparable with train fares on Amtrak’s Acela. Also, since you can easily zip back and forth between cities on the same day, you’ll probably save some scratch on hotels. For those who plan to fly frequently on Tailwind, the company offers flexible packages that significantly reduce the cost per ticket.

Upon booking your ticket, Tailwind will ask you to provide your weight — important information given that the planes are small. While there are thankfully no limitations on body weight, your bag must weigh less than 20 lbs.

You can show up at the Skyport 10 minutes prior to departure. Mercifully, you won’t have to suffer any TSA rigmarole or long check-in lines. The Skyport is right off the FDR Drive, and if you drive, parking is available in nearby garages. If you choose to take the subway, the Third Avenue Station is the closest stop and about a 15-minute walk from the Skyport.

Note that the seaplanes do not have a bathroom, and since most flights are 80-minutes long, you’d be wise to hit the john before take-off. The views are best toward the front and especially on the left flank of the aircraft, the side facing Manhattan during take-off. On that note, make sure to bring a camera or fully charged phone — the Tailwind Air experience is oh-so-Instagrammable.

More like thisThe Best Scenic Seaplane Tours in America for an Epic Afternoon Adventure

Taste Your Way Across Germany: 5 Stops for a Culinary Tour

Foodies, take note: Germany is, without a doubt, one of Europe’s major culinary destinations. Regional specialties — which span hearty dishes such as Schnitzel, Sauerbraten, Käsespätzle, Maultaschen, and Rouladen — form the foundation onto which innovative fusion experiments and German takes on international trends are added. And thanks to the country’s burgeoning immigrant demographic, menus remain delightfully fresh with dishes that range from Mediterranean and Middle Eastern to South American and pan-Asian.

Of course, you shouldn’t overlook the fact that beer plays a significant role in German culture, meaning a diverse spread of world-class brews — and wines as well — are ubiquitous across the country. If all that sounds like a tapestry of tastes worth traveling for, here are five specifics to get you dreaming.

1. Savor the brews of North Rhine-Westphalia

A real Köbes (traditional Rhineland server). Photo: Ralph Sondermann/Tourismus NRW e.V.

No other part of Germany has such a varied and extensive culture of beer and brewing as North Rhine-Westphalia, the most populous state in the country. Get ready to uncover an impressive lineup of styles, tastes, and traditions when you visit.

Kölsch, the local style of beer in Cologne, is one of the most famous, and the city is justifiably proud of it. A light, top-fermented beer, it’s only brewed in Cologne and the surrounding area and is typically enjoyed in narrow 200-milliliter glasses, poured fresh from the barrel — elegant and eminently quaffable.

Altbier, meanwhile, is ostensibly Kölsch’s friendly rival. While both beers are brewed in similar ways, Altbier comes from the Lower Rhine and is associated with the city of Düsseldorf, where it can even be found as an ice cream flavor.

Craft beers produced by small independent breweries have also become common all over NRW, but the most popular tipple by far is pilsener, a pale lager. Some of Europe’s best-known brands — Krombacher, Warsteiner, and Veltins, for starters — hail from the region.

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2. Satisfy your cravings in Baden-Baden

Fine dining at Maltes hidden kitchen. Photo: Malte Kuhn

Baden-Baden, the vibrant and verdant city located at the foothills of Germany’s beautiful Black Forest, is notable for its gastronomic offerings, which range from upscale Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy, intimate taverns. The fertility of the surrounding region is a boon, furnishing the city with fruits, vegetables, and herbs, while the flora and fauna of the Black Forest provide mushrooms, venison, honey, and freshly caught fish.

Fine-dining hotspots like The Grill at the city’s flamboyant casino and the elegant RIZZI The Restaurant at Palais Gagarin are famous beyond Baden-Baden, as are NIGRUM and the Michelin-starred restaurant Le Jardin de France. But there are new surprises and experiences to be enjoyed too — such as Maltes hidden kitchen, headed by talented young chef Malte Kuhn. By day, it serves as an unpretentious cafe serving specialty coffee roasts and a selection of homemade cakes; by night its Michelin-star credentials are revealed with elegant multicourse menus that focus on the finest regional and seasonal ingredients — whether artichokes, beetroot, cauliflower, pears, mussels, or gooseberries.

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3. Raise a glass (and a fork) in Franconia

Nürnberger Rostbratwurst. Photo: Gert Krautbauer/erlebe.bayern

The state of Bavaria is well known as an epicurean destination, but its northern region of Franconia has its own diverse list of culinary specialties. The local 1,200-year-old white-wine-making tradition still produces some of the country’s best, most notably from the Silvaner grape. The white wine is often sold in unique bocksbeutel bottles: pot-bellied, flat bottles with a short neck.

Then there are the hundreds of breweries creating more than 2,000 varieties of beer, including specialties like Bamberg’s Schlenkerla Rauchbier, a “smoked beer” whose malt is exposed to the smoke of burning beechwood.

Delectable Franconian main dishes include crispy Schäufele (pork shoulder), Franconian Sauerbraten (marinated pot roast), Aischgründer carp (usually baked or steamed), and Klöße (dumplings). Visitors will also undoubtedly come across Nürnberger Rostbratwürste: small, thin sausages traditionally served three at a time in a sandwich known as a Drei im Weggla. Travelers with a sweet tooth will love Nuremberg’s Lebkuchen (gingerbread), which dates back centuries and is traditionally enjoyed during the Christmas market season along with a glass of Glühwein (mulled wine).

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4. Go way beyond the catch of the day in Bremerhaven

Fish Cooking Show. Photo: Agentur Kreativrudel/Erlebnis Bremerhaven

Schaufenster Fischereihafen (which translates to “Shop Window Fishery Harbor” or “Fishing Port Showcase”) is a pioneering development project where you can gain insight into the fascinating maritime industry of the North Sea port city of Bremerhaven and partake in its abundance of seafood.

Set inside the harbor’s former fish-packing hall (which dates to 1907), bars, cafés, and restaurants will thrill fish connoisseurs with everything from gourmet seafood meals to simple herring rolls. There’s a smokehouse with a shop, a convivial pub, and the nearby converted Fischbahnhof (fish shipping hall), which hosts a Sea Fish Cooking Studio with public presentations on how to prepare fish dishes, plus a fish buffet for hungry guests.

Historical boats, including steamers, fishing trawlers, and shrimp cutters, dot the marina, which also hosts open-air concerts and dragon-boat races. Look out for Fiedlers Fischmarkt anno 1906, which sells fresh and smoked fish as well as spices, marinades, spirits, and other specialties and delicacies.

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5. Find a paradise for oenophiles in Rhineland-Palatinate

View of Castle Marksburg, vineyards, and River Rhine. Photo: Dominik Ketz/Rheinland-Pfalz Tourismus GmbH

Although Germany has several world-renowned wine-producing regions, a mild, sunny climate and nutrient-rich soils have made the southwest state of Rhineland-Palatinate Germany’s No. 1 growing region. Some 70% of all German wine is produced here.

Though it was the Celts and Romans who planted the first grapes more than 2,000 years ago, the vines still grow along the Ahr, Moselle, and Nahe rivers in the Palatinate, as well as in Rhine-Hesse and the Middle Rhine Valley. Visitors will find superb cuisine in each of these regions as well as rich history and culture, splendid castles and palaces, picturesque rivers and lakes, and a volcanic landscape that dates back millions of years.

The jewel in the crown is the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005. Oenophiles can join a wine-tasting tour or attend one of the many wine festivals that take place in summer and fall. Like the food and drink options in Germany as a whole, there’s a lot of excitement for the taste buds to be found here.

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8 Ways To Embrace Winter in Minnesota

Those who love and live in Minnesota know the North Star State truly shines when the mercury drops. Sure, swimming and paddling the Land of 10,000 Lakes in summer and fall is great, but skating across them and experiencing public art installations built on their frozen waters is what Minnesota is really made for.

Not sure how to take in all of the state’s wintery goodness? Here are eight excellent events and adventures to get you started. Just make sure you bring the right gear — a sturdy pair of boots and a warm coat make all the difference. With a little preparation, you’ll soon be cozily enjoying everything Minnesota has to share with those who choose to embrace its signature season.

1. Take a selfie at the Art Shanty Projects.

Photo: Free Truth Media/Art Shanty Projects

Since 2004, January in Minneapolis means the Art Shanty Projects — a four-weekend public art event on Lake Harriet. The frozen lake is transformed into a public art fest inspired by pop-up ice fishing villages.

Local artists create interactive temporary sculptures and installations for visitors to enjoy alongside live music, yoga sessions, and other happenings. The event is free with a $10-$20 suggested donation, and in 2023 it starts on Jan. 21.

2. Warm up to winter at Ice Fest.

Ever wanted to cross-country ski surrounded by candlelight? Come January, you can do that and more at Central Minnesota’s Breezy Point during Ice Fest (Jan. 6-7, 2023). This annual winter celebration contrasts iconic offerings like bonfires and pond hockey with more unique and creative opportunities such as snow golf and an ice slide.

There’s plenty of wholesome, Midwestern goodness sprinkled in, too — think pancake breakfasts and horse-drawn sleigh rides.

3. Enjoy winter’s simple pleasures.

Photo: Visit Cook County

While the Danish word “hygge” can’t be perfectly translated, it refers to that warm, cozy, and comforting feeling that comes from enjoying life’s simple pleasures in the cold months of the year. Grand Marais’ Hygge Festival on the shores of Lake Superior celebrates all things hygge. The event (Feb. 4-14, 2023) brims with winter musts like mulled wine and vintage snowmobile rides.

If that’s not enough, February also brings Waseca’s Sleigh & Cutter Festival, a southern Minnesota joy complete with ice sculptures, horses, and a parade (Feb. 18, 2023) — fun for all ages.

4. Fish and sip in an ice bar.

The best way to enjoy a hot toddy, steamy eggnog, or other winter-appropriate concoction is while surrounded by ice. The Igloo Bar at Zippel Bay Resort in Lake of the Woods promises just that.

But don’t expect to sit around shivering. This structure (it’s actually built with metal framing and foam insulation) is propane-heated, decked out with plenty of big-screen TVs, and offers a menu of soups, hot sandwiches, and pizza to keep you warm. You can even fish while you sip — simply drop a line through one of the trap doors in the floor. How’s that for winter multitasking?

5. Take part in the “coolest celebration on Earth.”

Photo: The Great Northern

Designed to invigorate the body and mind while celebrating the creativity that winter brings, The Great Northern is a 12-day celebration (Jan. 25-Feb. 5, 2023) of all things winter spread across Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Don’t miss the skijoring (skiing while being pulled by a dog), fat-bike races, the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, public art installations, curated food and drinks, and performances by local, national, and international music acts. In 2023, the fun kicks off on Jan. 26.

6. Drop a line at the Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza.

If you’ve ever wanted to try ice fishing, this is the time and the place to do it. The Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza (Jan. 28, 2023) is an annual fundraising event held each January. Proceeds benefit Confidence Learning Center and other local charities.

While there’s over $150,000 in cash and prizes to be won, the jovial event is all about fun. Founded in 1991, it draws participants from around the country and the world to the frozen waters of Hole in the Day Bay on Gull Lake.

7. Watch (or join!) the longest sled-dog race in the continental U.S.

Photo: Heidi Pinkerton/John Bergrease Sled Dog Marathon

Northern Minnesota has been home to the longest sled-dog race in the contiguous United States for the last 40+ years. The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, a 400-mile race that honors an Anishinaabe mail carrier, garners participants and thousands of spectators from across the country each January. The event is also a qualifying race for the Iditarod.

The race takes off from Billy’s Bar in Duluth and concludes in Grand Portage on the Canadian border. In 2023, the race dates are Jan. 29-31.

8. Discover an icy oasis.

When winter comes, downtown Rochester leans into ice and everything nice for a happening called Social-ICE. This will be the event’s 15th year of unique, themed ice bars (each with its own signature drink), towering ice sculptures, and DJs each night. It’s free and open to the public. Don’t miss the Social-ICE FAM JAM, a family-friendly companion event that features ice cream instead of booze and takes place before the last night of the main shindig.

It should be obvious now, but in Minnesota, hibernating during the cold months is for the bears. Don some warm gear and head outdoors to embrace the chill.

Where To Eat, Drink, Sleep, and Experience Culture in Seville, Spain

Often considered the cultural heart of Spain, Seville oozes with history and a diversity of people, cultures, arts, and languages. With its warm climate, easy access to other parts of Spain, and colorful town squares filled with the sounds and aromas of busy restaurants, the town’s centuries-old streets are filled with travelers almost year-round. But the best time to visit Seville is probably autumn, when the crowds slightly decrease, the weather remains comfortable, and restaurants take advantage of fresh spoils available just after the country’s primary harvest season.

Photo: Gordon Bell/Shutterstock

Photo: Ivan Soto Cabos/Shutterstock

Photo: eskystudio/Shutterstock

Photo: Ewa Studio/Shutterstock

Seville is in southwestern Spain and serves as an ideal base camp for travel through Europe. It’s convenient to the rest of southern Spain (and anywhere on the EuroRail system) and close to the Portuguese border. That makes Seville, known as the “Pearl of Andalusia,” a fantastic place to start or end a trip through Morocco, Spain, Portugal, or countries even further afield. That’s especially true if you travel via trains, which are comfortable, roomy, equipped with Wi-Fi, and pass through some of the most beautiful parts of western Europe.

Seville is the perfect city for travelers who want to experience an array of Spain’s unique experiences, cuisines, and cultures. Here’s where to start if you’re planning your upcoming trip.

What to do in Seville, Spain

From day tours to museums to food tours, shopping, and historic sites inside and outside the city, you won’t have to look far to find something to do. But here are a few must-do activities for anyone keen on getting a taste of the city’s culture.

Make traditional ceramics

Seville is known for colorful ceramic tiles, which visitors will spot on buildings, walls, fountains, and more. Photo: joserpizarro/Shutterstock

Visitors can become a ceramist for the day in central Seville at the BarroAzul Ceramic Studio. Around 1492, the city saw an influx of artists relocating from conflict in other parts of Europe and North America. One of those artists was Italian Francesco Niculoso Pisano, who introduced Seville to the arista mosaic technique and began a widespread movement; soon, the city was filled with alluring tiles.

BarroAzul Ceramic Studio was started by local artists Paula Felizon and Antonio Librero, and offers locals and visitors the chance to learn about this particular discipline by joining ceramic classes or workshops. The studio is about a 15-minute walk from the city center, making it easily accessible from most hotels in the city.

Classes begin with lessons on the step-by-step process of tile-making, followed by free to exercise creative freedom and make your own mosaic – it’s a unique souvenir to remember Seville with far more meaning than your average overpriced tourist knick-knack. Classes are relatively affordable and range from short afternoon sessions to weekend workshops.

Take a city walking tour

Photo: magic26/Shutterstock

There’s so much history in Seville, so to get a good overview of the city before you start exploring more, start your trip with a walking tour. Tours usually visit the narrow streets of the Jewish quarter, will stop to admire the enormity of the Catedral de Sevilla (home of the tomb of Christopher Columbus), leave plenty of time to take photos in front of the colorful Plaza de Espana and its enormous reflecting pool, and appreciate the architecture and intricacies of the 10th-century Royal Alcazar Palace.

Plenty of companies offer group tours, but depending on where you’re staying, you may be able to book a private tour from your hotel (such as the Querencia de Sevilla, detailed below). Depending on the tour, some hotels may have special partnerships with various locations, including the chance to skip the line, extended access, or visits during off-hours.

Attend a Flamenco show

Photo: Corrado Baratta/Shutterstock

Said to have begun in the 15th century, Flamenco remains a huge part of Spanish culture. The first Flamenco bar in Seville opened around 1885, and the art quickly spread through the country as viewers showed enthusiasm for the history and art of the age-old tradition.

To feel the pulse of authentic Flamenco music and dance to the beat of tapping shoes, plan to see a show at Tablao Flamenco El Arenal. Three tickets are available, depending on whether you want just to see the show or would prefer to come early for dinner or traditional tapas and drinks ahead of time. The food is delicious, but when the lights dim and the show begins, it’s all about the vibrant dresses, swift movements, and musical art of the performers. Tablao Flamenco El Arenal is in the city center, and reservations are strongly suggested, as the shows tend to fill up rather quickly.

Where to eat and drink in Seville

Photo: Kite_rin/Shutterstock

It’s no secret that Spanish food offers a wide array of variety and flavors, many of which are influenced by the country’s proximity to North Africa. And perhaps the most well-known globally is Spain’s tapas culture. Almost an art form, tapas are small dishes – so you’ll certainly order at least three or four – usually made fresh with locally-sourced ingredients from around the country. They’re a favorite for many locals and visitors alike and lend themselves well to sharing and socializing.

The Terrace

 

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If you live for a good rooftop cocktail, look no further than The Terrace at The Corner House. The open-air bar is an ideal place for an expertly made cocktail or local glass of wine if you’re near Seville’s Alameda Square. While you can grab a table, you can also relax on a bean bag chair, swinging porch chair, or a cozy couch overlooking the city. Outdoor space is weather dependent, so swing by on a spring day if you’re hoping for a relaxed afternoon in the sun.

La Maestría

Photo: La Maestría

The vibrant La Maestría is in the Querencia de Sevilla hotel and serves highly-rated dishes celebrating the traditional flavors of Andalusia, especially its Mediterranean side. Especially noteworthy here are the interiors, designed with a modern take on Seville’s culture, as evidenced by details like the woven bullheads mounted on colorful flowered wallpaper.

Throughout the restaurant, small details bring the city’s outdoor vibrance to the dining experience through the pops of colors, books, handmade pieces, and unique art filling the walls. From the royal-blue couches to the colorful pops of pink fabrics and finishes, the restaurant offers an inviting space for guests to enjoy traditional Sevillian flavors.

Perro Viejo

Photo: PepeQuilez/Shutterstock

This tapas restaurant infuses centuries-old cooking techniques with modern ingredients to create mouthwatering dishes with exceptional presentation. Sit on the outside patio to enjoy people-watching along the buzzing street, or opt for an inside table to admire the moody and natural interiors, rough brick walls, tiled floors, and exposed wood features and high ceilings. Menu highlights include classics like croquetas de jamon Iberico (Iberian ham croquettes) and the tuna ceviche. Not surprisingly, there’s also a long wine menu.

La Casa de Maria

 

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This restaurant in Seville’s Tirana neighborhood on the city’s Guadalquivir River is the best place to watch the city come to (night)life during sunset. The fabulous location offers picturesque views of Seville – and the kitchen serves up mouthwatering plates.

The buzzing restaurant has a menu filled with various delicious tapas options, but the shining light of La Casa de Maria is the paella dishes. Offering vegetable, meat, and seafood options, there are few better places in the city to try the saffron-heavy rice dish.

Where to stay in Seville

Seville is a huge city with all manner of lodging options, so the recommendations below are hardly extensive – but they are some of the best options, which is saying a lot in a city filled with lovely options.

Querencia de Sevilla, of the Marriott Autograph Collection

Photo: Querencia de Sevilla, Autograph Collection

Opened in April 2022, Querencia de Sevilla, part of the Marriott Autograph Collection, was designed to reflect Spanish culture and history throughout its rooms and common spaces. It’s just steps from the city’s central Plaza de San Francisco and in an optimal spot for easy access to explore the best sights around the city. The sophisticated rooms have pops of greens and purples, much like the actual city. There are even handpicked scents for the rooms based on Seville’s culture; the orange blossom is particularly welcoming.

The hotel’s restaurant offers a fabulous breakfast, and the outdoor pool is a welcome respite on hot summer days. It’s an especially nice choice if you want to enjoy the city after dark as the outdoor spaces are the perfect place for enjoying a cocktail as the sounds of the city echo around you.

Hotel Casa del Poeta

Photo: Hotel Casa del Poeta

If you love the idea of staying at a historic property, book a room at the Hotel Casa del Poeta. It’s a small hotel is in a former mansion from the 17th century. Rooms open to central courtyard with balconies or patios, and though it has modern amenities like Wi-Fi, an art gallery, and live Spanish music every night, it retains much of its centuries-old feeling. While the rooms are roomy, comfortably, and richly furnished, they’re also bright and modernized, so you get the feel of a historical property but all the comfort you expect in the 21st century.

Meliã Lebreros

Photo: Meliá Lebreros/

If you prefer to sleep in modern surrounds, consider Meliá Lebreros, a modern, minimalist, and borderline avant-garde place to rest your head in Seville. In addition to plenty of right angles and black-and-white finishes, the downtown hotel has a huge pool and sundeck, plus three on-site restaurants (including La Dehesa Tavern, which does have quite a traditional feel). Guests less concerned about budget will want to book a room on “The Level” floor, which comes with a private reception area and access to an indoor/outdoor lounge.

How to get to Seville

Photo: ESB Professional/Shutterstock

TAP Portugal offers the fastest route to Seville for US travelers visiting from the East Coast, requiring just a short layover in Lisbon. TAP Air Portugal also offers a stopover program to visit cities in Portugal on the way, which is an amazing add-on for travelers with extra time. Otherwise, you’ll likely want to fly into a central European hub like London, Munich, or Paris, and book a quick and inexpensive connecting flight to Seville. There are direct flights to Seville from nearly every major European airport.

If cost isn’t a concern, the lie-flat seats, four-course meals, and comfort of TAP Portugal’s business class may be worth the splurge to ensure you get some much-needed rest before your trip and can hit the ground running when you arrive. You could also take a high-speed bullet train from Madrid, which takes only 2.5 hours, despite the long distance.

How to get around

Photo: SCP255/Shutterstock

No one knows exactly when people first started living in the area that would become the city of Seville, but it was certainly on the map by the 3rd century B.C.E., when it became part of the Roman Empire. You don’t need a Ph.D. in history to know that means the city was established when people had to do all of their shopping, errands, and travel on foot, and that remains the best way to see the city to this day.

Many of Seville’s most beautiful streets and alleys are best appreciated when you’re moving slowly, and the top sights in the city are within a roughly one-mile radius, including the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the old town.

Cycling is a popular way to explore the city as well, and the city runs a bike share program. Cycling tours around the outskirts of the city are quite popular as well. Otherwise, there’s a reliable and extensive bus system and the “The Metro-Centro” – a tram system that makes a half-dozen stops around the Seville Cathedral and nearby areas.

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10 Fun and Festive Brunch Places in Nashville for a Bachelorette Party

Brunches and bachelorette parties go together like brides and bridesmaids. It makes sense, then, that the home of the legendary Nash Bach is full of chic and delicious brunch spots. From Lower Broadway to The Gulch and Germantown, Nashville’s restaurants and social clubs deliver on all the promises of a good bachelorette brunch — festive vibes, room for big groups, craft cocktails, hangover cures, and above all else excellent food for every type of eater. Read on for 10 of the best brunch places in Nashville for a bachelorette party.

Liberty Common

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Picture a cute Parisian brasserie stretched to fit inside a bright, airy industrial space in downtown Nashville. That’s Liberty Common. The restaurant combines French and Southern flavors, leaving room on the brunch menu for chicken and waffles, croque madames, and even fusion waffle madames. Bring your appetite and a camera — Liberty Common’s immaculate interior is the perfect place to clink mimosa glasses during a bachelorette photoshoot.

Where: 207 1st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201

Suzy Wong’s Drag’n Brunch

Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Suzy Wong’s House of Yum hosts a riveting drag brunch with performances by three queens. You’ll need to make a reservation for one of two seatings at either 10:30 AM and 1 PM. The show is a steal at $29.99 per person, seeing as that price includes appetizers for the table, one entree each, and any non-alcoholic beverages. Reviewers agree that the breakfast-style fried rice and hilarious crowd work are highlights of the show.

Where: 1519 B Church St, Nashville, TN 37203

Adele’s

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One benefit of brunching at Adele’s is that it’s a buffet, so you’re not going to be waiting around for everyone in your group to get their meals. Another perk is its location in The Gulch, a hip neighborhood where bachelorette parties tend to congregate. The food at Adele’s is described as “farm-to-table comfort food” meaning there’s a nice balance of light and hearty fare. Think yogurt parfait, veggie frittata, and seasonal vegan soup on one end of the spectrum versus fried okra, pulled pork, and loaded bagels. Brunch is $32 per person every Saturday and Sunday.

Where: 1210 McGavock St, Nashville, TN 37203

Von Elrod’s

Mimosa pitchers are relatively common offerings at brunch spots. Von Elrod’s has the same concept, only this Germantown beer hall with picnic-style seating serves its “Big Ass Mimosas” in one-liter beer steins. The food menu lands somewhere between Oktoberfest snacks, Southern staples, and brunch classics, featuring dishes like hand-cranked sausages and pretzel monkey bread, smoked brisket hash, and malted blueberry pancakes. Brunch is every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 AM to 2 PM.

Where: 1004 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219

Saint Anejo

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This chic cantina in The Gulch puts on one of the liveliest and booziest brunches in Nashville, with more “brunch libations” than “huevos” dishes on the menu — and there are zero-proof specialty cocktails available too. Alongside egg dishes like chilaquiles and a chorizo scramble, your group can order a variety of share plates for the table, as well as individual dishes that fall into three categories: savory, sweet, and skinny. Sides, tacos, and desserts round out the brunch menu, while large convertible windows and a wide-open patio set the ultimate indoor-outdoor vibe.

Where: 1120 McGavock St, Nashville, TN 37203

The Hampton Social

The Hampton Social feels like it was created with women in mind with its Rosé All Day lounge. Located a block from Broadway Street where it meets the Cumberland River, the cuisine is “coastal-inspired” — read: seafood heavy — which also describes the easy-breezy-bougie ambiance. One of eight, the Nashville location spans three stories, with a lounge, dining room, and rooftop terrace. Brunch is served every Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 3 PM.

Where: 201 1st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201

White Limozeen

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If your bride likes day-drinking poolside, this glitzy venue on the roof of the Graduate Hotel is one of the best bars in Nashville for a bachelorette party. Weekends take things up a notch with a brunch service that feels like a grown-up tea party. In addition to hot teas and toasts with toppings like caviar and soft scrambled eggs, you can relish in specialty cocktails, fresh oysters, cheese and charcuterie boards, and full-sized meals like the White Limozeen benedict with country ham or plant-based sausage. Brunch starts at 10 AM — reservations required.

Where: 401 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203

Sinema

At Sinema, brunch is bottomless for $36 per person, including mimosas and Bloody Marys. Dishes are served family-style, which is ideal for a big group of friends. You’ll need to make a reservation, and there’s a special form for large parties of nine and up or private events that you can fill out online. For a fun treat, order at least one Sweet Platter for the table; it comes with Sinema’s signature Fruity Pebbles french toast, a brownie, a croissant, and a blueberry muffin. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 2 PM.

Where: 2600 8th Ave S Suite 102, Nashville, TN 37204

Henrietta Red

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Henrietta Red is an oyster bar in Germantown that makes for a surprisingly great brunch spot for vegetarians. Meat-free dishes like crispy delicata squash, mushroom polenta, and quiche with collards and fontal cheese join seafood classics like oysters, caviar, and crab cakes; brunch staples like the breakfast sandwich and brioche burger; and sweeter options like french toast and caramel apple donuts on the menu. Top it off with a mimosa, Bloody Mary, Aperol Spritz, paloma, coffee milk punch, or non-alcoholic sparkling rose to celebrate the occasion.

Where: 1200 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208

Pinewood Social

Part restaurant, bar, coworking space, and bowling alley — with a swimming pool to boot — Pinewood Social is a cool 13,000-square-foot venue with a killer brunch service on the weekends. The New American menu is extensive, with savory starters, sweet pastries, soups, salads, sandwiches, bowls, burgers, and miscellaneous mains ranging from challah french toast to steak and eggs. Come for expertly handcrafted cocktails — either bloody, bubbly, hot, or spirit-free — and stay for everything else the multi-purpose space has to offer.

Where: 33 Peabody St, Nashville, TN 37210

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This Antigua Resort Sets a New Standard for All-Inclusive Beach Stays

Antigua is a country of contrasts. There are mountains — some hundreds of feet high — and rugged cliffs that give way to pristine beaches. On the western side of the island, the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea sparkle like diamonds beneath a bluebird sky. On its eastern side, the Caribbean meets the choppy indigo-blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

One thing, though, ties the country together — the friendliness and overwhelming hospitality of its people. And that’s what you’ll find at Galley Bay Resort & Spa as soon as you step out of your taxi and are greeted with a welcoming smile and a rum drink or celebratory glass of bubbly.

Galley Bay Resort & Spa opened in the 1990s with just one restaurant, Sea Grape, and a handful of guest rooms. Since then, it’s grown into a world-class luxury resort spread over 64 acres with 94 guest suites, three oceanfront restaurants, four bars, and a nice mix of activities. This expansion, though, has evolved without deviating from the resort’s mission: to offer a private, adults-only escape that combines romance with top-notch service, ambiance, and all-inclusive amenities.

We hope you love the Galley Bay Resort & Spa! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

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The Rooms at Galley Bay Resort & Spa

Photo courtesy of Galley Bay Resort & Spa

Photo courtesy of Galley Bay Resort & Spa

Photo courtesy of Galley Bay Resort & Spa

Every room at Galley Bay offers views of the water, whether it be the ocean or lagoon. It all depends on what you’re looking for in a vacation.

Paved pathways snake through lush landscape throughout the property as though guests are walking through a Gauguin masterpiece, thus the name of a string of cottages, the Gauguin Suites, that are “ultra-private” and feature their own plunge pools. The suites are perfect for couples needing to spend some time alone — honeymooners or those needing to reconnect with some romance.

Beachfront suites are housed in a number of multi-story units with a number of superior deluxe suites that open directly onto the beach with living areas, private balconies, a wet bar, two-person tubs, and oversized showers. Suites on upper levels offer the same amenities and stunning ocean views, but without direct beach access since they are on the second floor.

All rooms have luxury linens and premium toiletries. The resort offers daily maid service, and the mini-bar is restocked daily. A three-night minimum stay is required.

Dining Choices at Galley Bay Resort & Spa

Photo courtesy of Galley Bay Resort & Spa

Think of this all-inclusive as a cruise ship on land. There’s the main open-air dining room, the Sea Grape Restaurant and Bar, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with amazing views of the sea. The dinner menu rotates every two weeks, so unless you’re staying more than 14 days, you won’t see the same menu twice. Galley Bay also boasts a small coffee shop with pastries for breakfast and a lunch menu with several sandwiches and ice cream. Barefoot Grill is another lunch option with burgers and sandwiches made to order. These three restaurants, plus drinks in the four bars — Tee Pee Bar, Rum Shack, Gauguin Bar, and Sea Grape Bar — are included in the price of your stay.

There are two specialty restaurants, though, that up the ante on dining at Galley Bay — Ismay’s and Gauguin, both offering dining directly on the beach. Gauguin is perhaps the most romantic restaurant on the island, with tables situated in their own small open tiki huts on the beach. Ismay’s offers more traditional dining in a large timber-framed restaurant near Shell Beach. Both feature steaks and seafood, such as a recent menu with fresh swordfish served with a delicate lobster sauce at Gauguin.

Reservations are necessary at each specialty restaurant and may be made through Guest Services. Ismay’s is an additional $45 per person; Gauguin costs $30 per person.

All eateries offer contemporary cuisines featuring farm- and ocean-to-table fare overseen by executive Chef Nathaniel, a native of Antigua who knew from a young age that he wanted to pursue a career in the culinary arts.

“My mother was a cook at Mill Reef Club and Half Moon Bay in Freetown,” he recalls. “I’d see all the chefs working at those places and admired them.”

A large percentage of vegetables and fruits are grown in the resort’s 13-acre garden, an expanse of land that will soon feature a hydroponic garden. This garden and the property’s other sustainability efforts earned it a Booking.com Travel Sustainably designation.

Activities Around Galley Bay

Photo: Anne Braly

Photo: Anne Braly

Photo: Anne Braly

Guests with limitless energy can choose from complimentary activities such as billiards, tennis, sailing, snorkeling, yoga, sea kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.

Check out the calendar located near Guest Services to see what activities are on tap for the week. Maybe a garden tour of the colorful flowers and other greenery led by grounds manager John Bowen? Bowen is a Jamaican transplant whose love of the land comes alive when discussing his gardens. Or take a walk through his vegetable garden to see what may appear on your dinner plate. Each Wednesday, there’s a manager’s cocktail party at the Rum Shack.

There’s a well-stocked fitness center to work off some of the delicious calories you’ll consume during your stay. You can also enjoy a massage or other body indulgence at Indulge Spa, or just sit back and relax on the beach beneath the palms with a cold pina colada, a book in your hand and your toes in the sand.

Visit Guest Services to arrange off-property tours of the island by car or catamaran, or take a walk into Five Islands Village or over to Hawksbill Bay with its palm-fringed beaches. Or get your game on at Antigua’s newest casino, Casino Royale, sporting table games and more than 80 slot machines. It’s a quick taxi ride from Galley Bay.

Getting to Antigua and the Galley Bay Resort & Spa

During high season November through April, several carriers offer nonstop flights into St. John’s, Antigua, from Atlanta, New York and other major hubs. Year-round, American Airlines services V.C. Bird International Airport with daily direct service out of Miami.

Once landed, hail a taxi or, for more personalized service, contact Eagle Discovery and Tours (eaglediscoverytours.com) and a representative will be waiting for you as you exit customs.

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11 Lisbon Airbnbs From Penthouses With Cathedral Views To Cottages in the Historic Center

In a city as vibrant as Lisbon, it almost doesn’t matter where you stay. Moorish architecture, seductive fado music, and understated tascas advertising chalkboard specials on small plates called petiscos greet travelers around every corner in the historic center. At the same time, trendier areas are chockablock with street art, international and fusion fare, concept boutiques, and wildly eclectic speak-easies. From the downtown drag to quaint, quieter pockets of the city, these Airbnb Lisbon rentals showcase the best of the Portuguese capital, no matter what your dream visit entails.

We hope you love the Airbnb Lisbon 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.

Charming Airbnb in Chiado

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

This cozy open-plan apartment is located between Chiado and Bairro Alto, one-half of Lisbon’s downtown core and its buzziest nightlife neighborhood, respectively. Despite its proximity to a host of lively bars, the apartment is tucked away on a quiet street that’s equally amenable to nights in, preparing locally inspired meals in the well-equipped kitchen. Past guests have raved about the hosts’ hospitality, including private airport transfers and personalized check-in upon request.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $65 per night

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Artsy studio in Principe Real

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

This colorful studio in Lisbon’s trendy Principe Real neighborhood is sure to catch any artist’s eye. The interior is bright and stylish, complete with thoughtful touches like accent rugs and tiled backsplashes. And the top-floor balcony overlooks Lisbon’s terracotta roofscape, sun-drenched Tagus river, and iconic Cristo Rei statue. Comfortably sleeping two, the space is ideal for solo travelers or a couple planning a romantic Portuguese getaway.

Three guests, two beds
Price: $71 per night

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Lovely apartment Airbnb in Graça

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

If the wall hangings celebrating Portugal’s literary greats and the traditional azulejo tiles adorning the building’s entrance don’t make guests of this two-bedroom apartment feel like Lisbon locals, their stay in the Graça neighborhood will. Though it’s within walking distance of all the major attractions, Graça sits outside the sardine circuit, as the city’s most heavily touristed areas are collectively known. After touring the neighborhood’s cobblestone streets, hopping from one scenic lookout to the next, guests will enjoy unwinding on the terrace with a bottle of vinho tinto, branco, or verde, Portugal’s red, white, or slightly fizzy green wine.

Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $80 per night

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Stylish cottage with stunning patio in Lisbon’s Alfama district

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Skirting the heart of Lisbon’s old town, Alfama, this one-bedroom cottage will suit all types of travelers. The shared patio alone is a universal selling point, fit for everyone from digital nomads seeking an open-air home office to sociable tourists looking to trade pleasantries with their neighbors. When they’re not taking advantage of the semi-private garden, guests will appreciate the apartment’s proximity to the 28 Tram for easy access to Lisbon’s top sites, not to mention the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora located a few steps away.

Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $90 per night

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Luxurious studio Airbnb in Chiado, Lisbon

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Chiado, where guests of this luxurious loft will call their temporary home, is downtown Lisbon at its finest. The apartment is a short walk from Praça Luís de Camões, a lively square home to the Manteigaria pastry shop, famous for its pastel de nata, Portugal’s trademark egg tarts. A stay here also positions guests by some of the city’s best restaurants, bars, shops, and attractions like the Museu de São Roque, National Museum of Contemporary Art, and Bica Funicular, where travelers can snap photos of Lisbon’s iconic yellow trams.

Three guests, one bed
Price: $101 per night

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Luxe apartment with large terrace and stunning views

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Soak in the beauty of the city while at this Airbnb Lisbon apartment. This luxe and bright apartment feature a large terrace with a dining area and lounge space with stunning Lisbon views. The apartment is in the center of Lisbon next to Campo dos Mártires da Pátria Garden and a short walk from Avenida da Liberdade.

Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $248 per night

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Tranquil apartment near Lisbon’s botanical garden

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Though Lisbon is better known for its miradouros (scenic viewpoints), a handful of parks are scattered throughout the city are prime for picnics and afternoon strolls. This gorgeous one-bedroom is not only located between Lisbon’s botanical garden and Praça da Alegria park, offering verdant terrace views but greenery is also featured throughout the interior. Situated between Principe Real and Avenida da Liberdade, one of the city’s main arteries, the apartment is equally close to popular dining, shopping, and sites, promising an experience that can be as quiet or lively as guests choose to make their stay in Lisbon.

Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $103 per night

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Stylish penthouse Airbnb near Baixa

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Apartments as stylish and fun as this two-bedroom in central Lisbon make it easy to forget that there’s an equally vibrant city to explore beyond its walls. When guests do step outside, they’ll find themselves in the heart of Lisbon, smack in the middle of the downtown districts of Baixa and Chiado and the up-all-night neighborhoods of Bairro Alto and Principe Real. The penthouse unit is best suited to visitors who are comfortable walking up five floors of stairs, as there’s no elevator in the building, but the views from the two balconies are more than worth the trek.

Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $149 per night

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Tasteful penthouse Airbnb in Lisbon’s city center

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Lisbon’s Sé Cathedral is one of its grandest attractions. At this two-bedroom penthouse, guests can enjoy views of the 12th-century site, the oldest church in the city, and the Tagus river from a cozy couch on the vine-covered balcony. The artful interior is just as striking, from the unique furnishings and clean, well-appointed bathrooms to the paintings hanging on the walls and the wallpaper itself. Though it’s the priciest apartment on this list, it’s also one of the roomiest, with enough space to sleep six guests.

Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $191 per night

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Charming apartment in a historic building with a private garden and heated pool

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

This spacious apartment is in a perfectly relaxing location with a private garden with a heated and saltwater pool a large patio area with tables, chairs, and a lounge area. The apartment is centrally located as it’s between the viewpoint of Portas do Sol (Alfama) and Graça viewpoint and it’s also a short walk from the castle.

Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $345 per night

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Lapa Garden apartment with balcony

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Looking for a cozy log term rental for your Lisbon getaway then check out this cute Airbnb Lisbon rental in Lapa Garden. This chic and cozy apartment is surrounded by many local cafes and restaurants and is the best place to really feel like a true Lisboeta. This apartment is near the Time Out Market and within walking distance of other restaurants, bars, supermarkets, and more.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $82 per night

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Go Green in Germany: 6 Ideal Spots for Nature Lovers

With its expansive northern coastline, mountainous southern regions, and more than 27 million acres of forest and woodland, Germany presents a lot of outdoors goodness to explore. The entire country is crisscrossed with nature trails for hikers and cyclists alike; if a leisurely tour from the comfort of a car or boat is more your thing, don’t worry, as you won’t miss any of the awe-inspiring landscapes. Germany’s mesmerizing scenic drives, endless wine country, and impressive post-industrial projects are out there for you to discover.

For time spent outside surrounded by glorious landscapes, here are six spots to get you dreaming about Germany.

1. Rewilding in the Ruhr

Tiger & Turtle at dawn. Photo: Johannes Hoehn/Pangea

The Ruhr area, the former industrial heart of North Rhine-Westphalia, has been utterly transformed in recent years. Once a formidable producer of steel and coal, it is now an oasis of rewilded green areas, cultural attractions, and recreation zones. And a unique and notable pastime in the region today is slag-heap hill-hopping.

What were once leftover waste piles generated by mining have been remade into accessible landscape features such as a plateau, table, spiral mountain, volcano, pointed cone, and more. Explore the 12 themed routes that connect these features with the natural green hills surrounding them. You’ll find not only stunning views from the top but also fascinating works of art (check out the Tiger & Turtle Magic Mountain, a walkable sculpture that resembles a rollercoaster). Some 150 virtual storytelling stations educate visitors on the history of the mining industry and the region’s cities, people, and industrial nature.

Seek out the Nature in Transition route — it’s about 10 miles long and passes through Europe’s largest slag pile landscape, the Hoheward in Herten, offering vistas across to Dortmund, Essen, and even Düsseldorf in clear weather. Meanwhile, the Vestischer Höhenweg route runs over 33 miles and can be tackled in three stages. If you don’t know where to start, guided tours are an option for most routes.

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2. The high road through the Bavarian Alps

Lindau on Lake Constance along the German Alpine Road. Photo: Bernhard Huber/erlebe.bayern

The Alps of Bavaria are — literally and figuratively — a high point in regards to outdoor beauty. The rugged peaks, peppered with lush green meadows and crystal clear mountain lakes, can be explored in a variety of ways, but one of the most memorable is the German Alpine Road. Germany’s oldest tourist route stretches for almost 300 miles through southern Bavaria, from the harbor town of Lindau on Lake Constance, to Schönau on Lake Königssee and the breathtaking Berchtesgaden National Park.

Along the way, don’t miss the world-renowned Neuschwanstein and Herrenchiemsee castles, the Rococo splendor of the Pilgrimage Church of Wies (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the striking Baroque architecture of the monastery of Ettal Abbey. Memorable towns such as Oberammergau, Füssen, and Garmisch-Partenkirchen also dot the route.

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3. Touring Bremerhaven’s Seestadt (seaside) by bicycle

Water, Wind, and Grasslands Route. Photo: Jan Rohrbach/Erlebnis Bremerhaven

Located right on Germany’s North Sea, the attractive port city of Bremerhaven is an ideal choice for cyclists thanks to its position on the highly popular Weser Cycle Route as well as the North Sea Coast Cycle Route, a 3,700-mile pathway that connects eight European countries. The Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest tidal flats system in the world, can be reached via the circular Teufelsmoor to Wadden Sea cycle path, which takes visitors through vibrant moorlands and meadows. And the local Water, Wind & Grasslands Route leads through the Luneplate nature reserve, home to birdlife, water buffalo, and Galloway cattle.

The (car-free) Luneplate is also easily accessible on foot, as is the city itself. The Seaside City Bremerhaven Route takes in the city’s highlights such as the Climate Experience Center, the German Emigration Center, and the German Maritime Museum, with bicycles, e-bikes, and information on cycling routes within the city available at local bike stations.

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4. Nature in the city of Dresden

Walking through the vineyards to the Spitzhaus in Radebeul. Photo: Erik Gross (DML-BY)/Dresden Marketing Board

Not many visitors realize this, but about a quarter of Dresden is covered by the romantic Dresdner Heide, one of the largest municipal forests in Germany. It’s a fabulous playground for those who love the great outdoors, home to streams, a waterfall, giant oaks, and moorlands. Another natural highlight is the Elbe River, which wanders 21 miles through the city and can be enjoyed on a paddle steamer that takes visitors past castles, villas, and vineyards.

Dresden also lies at the center of the Saxon Wine Route, a 37-mile trail along the Elbe that runs from Pirna to Diesbar-Seußlitz and passes through panoramic wine landscapes and picturesque villages, as well as historical buildings such as the castle complex in Pillnitz. The Elbe Cycling Route also connects with the Saxon Wine Route, and you can enjoy a glass of Riesling, Müller-Thurgau, or Pinot Blanc in the many taverns en route.

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5. Cycling through the Moselle valley

View of the River Moselle and Thurant Castle near Alken. Photo: Dominik Ketz/Rheinland-Pfalz Tourismus GmbH

The River Moselle meanders through some of the most stunning landscapes in Germany: Think steep, sloping vineyards, whimsical villages with timber-framed houses and cobbled streets, fairytale castles, and wine museums. This region of Rhineland-Palatinate, originally cultivated by the Romans, also offers vivid traces of history, most notably in the city of Trier, famed for its Roman-era Porta Nigra (city gate).

The valley’s key sights and prestigious wine culture can be enjoyed on foot and by boat, but one of the most popular methods is by bike. The dedicated Moselle Cycle Path, which extends for almost 155 miles, is a relaxed ride that winds among several notable landmarks, including the Deutsches Eck, where the Moselle and the Rhine conjoin; the imposing Cochem Castle; and the Moselle Wine Museum in the colorful medieval town of Bernkastel-Kues.

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6. A garden fit for a prince in Saxony

Muskau Castle at Muskau Park. Photo: Wolfgang Gärtner

Hermann Ludwig Heinrich Prince von Pückler-Muskau was a man of many talents to match his many names. He served in multiple armies and as the military governor of Bruges, traveled widely, and was a prominent writer. He was also a self-taught genius of landscape architecture whose influence went as far as America. His most famous work in Germany is the vast park he created around his castle and the town of Muskau (now Bad Muskau), Saxony, which he began in 1815.

In 1945 the Russian army burnt down the castle and the town, and the Neisse River, which runs through the grounds, became the new border between East Germany and Poland. The park was fortunately revitalized after German Reunification and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, the restored castle features an exhibition on Prince Pückler’s fascinating life, and the grounds can be toured via horse-drawn carriage.

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Whether from a bike seat, a boat, or on your own two feet, seeing green in Germany is easy no matter where in the country you travel.

The Best Miami Restaurants for Latin American Food

Dubbed the Capital of Latin America, Miami boasts a foodie scene that reflects the melting pot of cultures and culinary traditions that have taken root here. From Cuba to Colombia, to Venezuela, Brazil, and beyond, the food in Miami represents the diversity of its people. There are now more Latin American and Latin-fusion restaurants in Miami than you can shake a steak at, gaucho-style. Here’s a pick of the best restaurants in Miami for the cuisines of eight different countries in Latin America, from Peru to Nicaragua.

The Latin restaurants in Miami everyone should tryPeru: La Mar by Gastón Acurio

Photo: La Mar

The fabulous Mandarin Oriental lords over Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline from its perch on Brickell Key, but the hotel’s crowning jewel might well be its terrace restaurant, La Mar, where the dishes somehow upstage the view.

With cuisine coming from visionary Peruvian chef Gastón Acurio, the flavors taste like his home country – where else in Miami could you order fish sustainably caught from an Andean mountain lake? – and the influence of Asian cooking techniques is a loving nod to Lima’s cosmopolitan profile.

Start with some luxurious offerings from the cebiche bar, where catches of tuna, octopus and shrimp are combined with tangy tiger’s milk and trimmed with torched avocado or crunchy marble potato.

Where: 500 Brickell Key Dr, Miami, FL 33131

Colombia: Elcielo

At the Michelin-Starred Elcielo, Medellín-born Juan Manuel Barriento dishes up Colombian cuisine with a side plate of some serious flair. You’re not doing dinner properly here if you don’t opt for the “The Experience,” a tasting menu and culinary tour-de-force which consists of twenty-two “moments”, not courses, designed to activate all five senses. The highlight? The “chocola-therapy” treatment, in which diners are invited to wash their hands in a bath of liquid chocolate.

Where: 31 SE 5th St, Miami, FL 33131

Argentina: Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann

Photo: Nik Koenig

Argentine grill master Francis Mallmann chose Miami Beach as the location for his first restaurant outside of South America and it’s easy to see why. Looking good is the currency here and Los Fuegos, the swankiest steakhouse in town, with an interior from Oscar-winning production designer Catherine Martin and a celebrity crowd to match, fits in perfectly.

For a total meat feast, bring your friends on a Sunday and share the meat parrillada, a curated offering of prime steak, blood sausage, and lamb lovingly prepared with traditional open-fire cooking methods straight from the South American pampas.

Where: 3201 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140

Venezuela: Doggi’s Arepa Bar

Venezuela is one of the few South American nations not represented in Miami’s fine-dining scene. However, there’s still great food to be found at casual spot Doggi’s. This family-run specialty sandwich bar started life as a food truck but now has three locations across Florida, including its original flagship in Coral Way. The stars of the menu are the signature arepas – cornmeal patties generously stuffed with shredded meat, veg or fried plantain and slathered with melted cheese or creamy cashew sauce.

Where: 1246 SW 22nd St Miami, FL 33145

Mexico: Cantina La Veinte

At Cantina La Veinte enjoy a classy atmosphere and waterfront views. Dreamy dishes from the menu include the melt-in-your-mouth wagyu drizzled with crema and salsa verde cruda, and the striking huachinango, a whole red snapper dish. Enjoy it fried or marinated with a garlic lime sauce. Home-made tortillas and potent margaritas keep the menu grounded and, naturally, a Mariachi band swings by the tables in the evening.

Where: 495 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131

Cuba: Versailles

Photo: Versailles

In a way, it makes sense that the world’s most famous Cuban restaurant (at least that’s what is says on the website) isn’t actually in Cuba, but Miami. Decades of immigration have brought a uniquely Cuban flavor to Miami. Versailles, named after the French palace, has been a Little Havana favorite since 1971. As much a hit with locals from the Cuban community as with tourists, this is the place to grab a cubano, a mouth-watering sandwich stuffed with Swiss cheese, roast ham and pork marinated in mojo sauce.

Where: 3555 Southwest 8th Street Miami, Florida

Brazil: Fogo de Chão

The first Fogo de Chão was founded in the south of Brazil by gauchos who had perfected the art of churrasco (Brazilian-style barbecue) and the South Beach restaurant continues the churrascaria tradition. Waiters bring huge cuts of fire-roasted steak, chicken, and pork tableside to carve onto your plate at your discretion.

Don’t say no to the picanha, a prized cut of beef from the top of the sirloin and a national favorite in Brazil. Vegetarians might take some comfort from the bountiful salad and vegetable offerings at the restaurant’s Market Table.

Where: 836 1st St, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Nicaragua: El Novillo

More beef abounds at El Novillo, a laid-back eatery established in the 1980s by a group of Nicaraguan amigos. Sure, El Novillo is yet another Latin American steakhouse in a crowded market, but whilst it lacks the upscale polish of some of its finer-dining alternatives, with steaks priced around the $25 mark it’s going to be kinder on your wallet if not your waistline. It’s also worth a visit just for those tasty side plates exclusive to the Central Americas like gallo pinto (rice with beans) and vigorón (casava with pork cracklings and a cabbage and tomato slaw).

Where: 6830 SW 40th St, Miami, FL 33155

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See Grizzlies From Your Front Porch at This Canadian Wilderness Lodge

Good things come to those who wait at Tweedsmuir Park Lodge — and by “good things,” I mean epic grizzly bear encounters.

Tweedsmuir Park Lodge, near Bella Coola in northern British Columbia, isn’t especially hard to reach: it’s a one-hour flight to Bella Coola from Vancouver, then about a 45-minute drive to the lodge (in a shuttle service the hotel provides).

 

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Spread out on a grassy lawn along the Atnarko River, all rooms and cabins at the lodge are just a four-minute walk to the lodge’s raised viewing platform, which provides a shaded (and safer) area from which to hang out and look for Ursus arctos, the largest terrestrial predator in North America.

The raised wildlife viewing platform is in a prime spot for seeing bears either on the river or on Tweedsmuir Park Lodge’s large front lawn. Photo: Suzie Dundas

Of course, the operative word is look, and you really do have to wait patiently for the best encounters. Unlike some grizzly bear viewing platforms in Alaska or wildlife centers in the lower 48, these grizzlies aren’t always in the same spot. During my four-day stay, I saw absolutely no bears one day, while the next day provided several hours of bear-viewing of a mother and cubs.

This is not a detractor, but rather, a selling point: the whole time you’re there, you’ll need to keep your eyes open as sightings could appear at any time. It almost feels like a game, with the constant thrill of knowing you could have a sudden encounter with one of the deceptively cute bears at any given moment.

Grizzly bear viewing activities

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Most activities at Tweedsmuir Park Lodge are included with the cost of a stay, and depending on occupancy, you may end up having a private guide most days. Available activities include guided grizzly hikes to learn how to spot signs of grizzly activity, extended hikes along sub-alpine ridgelines for beautiful views of northern BC, a via ferrata, and nature walks and cultural tours.

Some lucky river floaters outside Tweedsmuir Park Lodge. Photo: Suzie Dundas

But my favorite was the river float, where a guide slowly leads a six-person zodiac boat down the Atnarko River, stopping to observe bears (or other wildlife) whenever possible along the way. The boats have swivel seats so you can scope both sides of the river, and it feels akin to an African safari. I highly advise bringing binoculars, so when you spot a grizzly, you’ll have plenty of time to ready your camera before getting close enough to start shooting.

Floaters may see half a dozen bears or none at all. The floats can be as leisurely as you’d like, but the hours fly by, even if you’re moving slowly: it’s a high-adrenaline adventure. That’s not because of the boat’s speed, but because a grizzly could step in front of you at any moment. You need to constantly look for movement along the riverbanks and around every river bend.

Wildlife photography

Grizzlies spend much of their days in September and October in the water, preying on the salmon that return to spawn in the area. Photo: Suzie Dundas

I would have loved to have a longer lens for this photo, especially as the sunlight lit up the bear (named Koko, according to the lodge guides). Photo: Suzie Dundas

Nearly everyone at Tweedsmuir Park Lodge in the fall carries a quality DLSR all day, and it’s for a good reason. Obviously, getting close to the bears isn’t an option. And when you take into account shadows, sun, mist, and the fact that bears are a similar shade of brown as a tree trunk, it becomes hard (though not impossible) to take great photos with a cell phone.

Fortunately, all the guides at the lodge know this, and every activity has the underlying goal of photographing bears, whether you’re hiking, river floating, or just taking a quick tour of the forested parts of the property. Travelers can even book private guides for a morning, afternoon, or their entire stay to focus exclusively on grizzly and wildlife photography — though seeing bears is mostly a matter of luck, so there’s no guarantee that having a long lens will get you the perfect shot.

A mom and last year’s cub in the river directly across from the viewing platform. Photo: Suzie Dundas

My first bear sighting at Tweedsmuir, actually shot on my iPhone. I saw this bear within just a few minutes of arrival. Photo: Suzie Dundas

I took my older, sometimes finicky DSLR with a 300 mm lens — not really long enough for shooting wildlife from a distance — with me to the lodge, and I still got what I think are some great shots. I recently bought a newer camera with a 500 mm lens, and I’d love to go back to shoot more photos. Because the bears are always on the move, every visit will offer different photography opportunities.

Non-bear activities

There are so many lakes along the rainbow ridge hike that most don't even have names. Even late in the hiking season (October) there was plenty of water in the lakes and streams. Photo: Suzie Dundas

The hike for rainbow ridge starts in the forest, but quickly gets into subalpine environments after roughly two miles of hiking. Photo: Suzie Dundas

Looking out at the colorful ridgeline in the distance, which may look close but is nearly a five-hour hike to reach. Photo: Suzie Dundas

Bright yellow wildflowers dot the alpine lakes, even above. the treeline. Photo: Suzie Dundas

Near the summit of the rainbow ridge lookout, about 6 miles from the trailhead. Photo: Suzie Dundas

Given that grizzlies come and go at their leisure, almost any activity could be a non-bear activity. But there are a few specific things to do where the gist is about adventure, not wildlife.

One of the most popular with families is the lodge via ferrata. And while most via ferratae are a bit tame for the average adventure traveler, the one at Tweedsmuir Park Lodge is relatively high, quite exposed, and offers two routes; the more challenging one involves what essentially amounts to a high-wire cross. And visitors 19 or older can take advantage of an optional charcuterie-and-sparkling-wine when they reach the top. It’s an add-on, but at $25, it seems like a no-brainer.

But for active travelers, a must-do activity not focused on wildlife is a hike to the “rainbow ridge,” so named for the red, orange, and pink hues of the ridgeline’s mineral-rich soil.

Tweedsmuir Park Lodge facilities

Photo: Suzie Dundas

The lodge is comfortable and not over the top, but that’s not to say it isn’t without its touches of luxury. Cabins (or rooms) are large and furnished with cozy beds, faux-fur covered chairs, large bathrooms, and roomy front decks that view the bear viewing platform –making it easy to see if there’s any activity in the area based on how the people on the platform are acting.

In the evenings, the silence is noticeable and should be a welcome respite for anyone who needs a break from the sounds of the city for a few days. And if bear viewing and hiking aren’t enough to tire you out, there’s a gym, axe-throwing, a small fishing pond, a pool table in the game room, plus hiking paths circling the property. Of course, since wildlife tend to be most active in the morning (one guest saw a grey wolf the day I arrived), a good way to tire yourself out is probably to wake up early and sit in the bear-viewing platform, peering through the mist for signs of movement.

Alcoholic drinks aren't included in the rate, but they're reasonable priced (and come with exceptional views). Photo: Suzie Dundas

All rooms at Tweedsmuir have decks overlooking the lawn -- and yes, bears frequently wander up to the lodge. Photo: Suzie Dundas

The comfortable dining room at Tweedsmuir Park Lodge is the main area for meals, but guests are welcome to eat anywhere on property they'd like (aside from the bear-viewing platform). Photo: Suzie Dundas

All visits to Tweedsmuir Park Lodge include meals available in the shared dining space, in your room, or out on the large patio — the only place you can’t have food is the bear-viewing platform, for obvious reasons. Most days, lunch is a sizable packed lunch complete with homemade cookies, and dinners are three-course meals made with local ingredients. In British Columbia, it’s easy to find fantastic fresh ingredients, and the food reflects that. I was pleasantly surprised by how tasty all the dishes were, considering the main draw to the lodge is the bears, not the breakfasts.

One of the few things not included with the rate are beer, wine, and spirits, but the prices were in line with what you’d expect (starting around $12 CAN or so for a glass of wine) and leaned heavily on options from BC.

The Price

Yes, you really can see grizzlies from your room. They come to the lodge grounds because they know it’s safe and humans won’t hurt them while they look for berries — not because they want to bother guests at all. Photo: Suzie Dundas

Most experiences like this are extremely expensive, especially if they include five-star amenities. While Tweedsmuir Park Lodge is closer to being between a three- and four-star lodge, the price is far lower than I expected. While it’s not cheap, it’s doable as a “splurge” item for many international travelers.

Guests who visit in the summer outside of grizzly bear viewing season will find rates starting at $995 Canadian dollars per night. In summer, grizzly bear sightings are possible, but most of the bears are still higher in the mountains, so the focus is more on general outdoor adventure.

Grizzly activity season starts September 1, and a three-night package with two full days of grizzly bear activities stars at $3,900 per person (total, not per night) in Canadian dollars. That’s about $2,800 USD per person for the whole stay. It’d make a fabulous special occasion trip for an anniversary or quick honeymoon.

When to go

A large grizzly shaking off on her way out of the river, as seen from a river float. Photo: Suzie Dundas

Travelers familiar with Bella Coola may recognize the name Tweedsmuir Park Lodge for a winter pursuit: it’s one of four lodges owned by Bella Coola Heli Sports, a heli-ski operation with exclusive rights to more than 3.5 million acres of the Coast Mountain Range. But from late spring to autumn, it becomes a wilderness lodge focused on outdoor mountain adventures (and grizzly bear viewing in the fall).

Grizzly bear season in the region matches salmon-spawning season, and bear viewing is likely (but never guaranteed) between early August and early October. Note that salmon are the main food source for bears, and salmon carcasses that have been torn apart by bears tend, understandably, not to smell very good. So peak salmon season (which is peak grizzly season) will also be the peak of the fish-smell season. But it’s only noticeable when you’re near the water (not near the lodge itself), and a fair trade-off for the chance to take epic grizzly pics.

By mid-October, most salmon reach the end of their lifespans, and the bears, ideally having eaten enough to survive the winter hibernation, make their way into their dens for the next three-to-five months.

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