Matador Network's Blog, page 396
October 7, 2022
The Auto Train Is the Most Unique and Unexpected Train in the Whole Amtrak Fleet
When you board Amtrak’s Auto Train, you’re doing something unique that happens on no other train within the Amtrak system. First of all, you and your vehicle (car, motorcycle, van, small trailer, or SUV if it meets the measurement limits) must both be on board. You can’t go without it and it can’t go without you.
The Auto Train runs between Lorton, Virginia (about 20 miles south of Washington, DC), and Sanford, Florida (about 25 miles north of Orlando), a distance of 855 miles that lets you avoid 900 miles of driving on the I-95. No more cries for bathroom or stretch breaks, stopping to refuel, or searching for a hotel or restaurant.
It leaves Lorton at 5 PM and arrives in Sanford by 10 AM and vice versa. And there’s only one scheduled stop: a short 15 minutes just south of Florence, South Carolina, for a crew change and refueling. Otherwise, once the train leaves the station, no other passengers or vehicles board or depart the train. When fully booked, the Auto Train holds 650 passengers and 330 vehicles in 18 passenger cars and 33 auto rack cars. The Auto Train measures more than three quarters of a mile, making it the longest passenger train in the world!
Inside, it’s much more comfortable than your vehicle; you can choose to sleep in Coach class on a reclining seat or in a bed in one of the sleepers. And, you won’t have to dine or breakfast on gas station food — the café provides you with sustenance while the train keeps putting on the miles.
Unlike many long-haul Amtrak trains, there’s no observation car because most of the scheduled 17-hour trip is done at night. But for the few hours of daylight you’re on board, make sure to look out the window; you’ll see a variety of landscapes, animals, cityscapes, Colonial towns, urban areas, country estates, farms, industrial plants, broad rivers, and swampland.
How much does it cost to ride the Auto Train and what’s included?At the time of writing, the fare is $89 per passenger and $269 per car. For an additional amount, you can book sleeping accommodations instead of spending the night on a reclining seat. Note that Amtrak has frequent sales and promotions if you want to snag a deal on your future Auto Train journey.
The Auto Train’s café car is available to buy food and beverages. A complimentary continental breakfast is provided. Sleeper car passengers get to enjoy dinner in the dining car which includes a complimentary glass of wine or bottle of beer.
Unlike other Amtrak routes where no animals are allowed on any route that’s longer than seven hours, service animals are allowed on the Auto Train.
How does the Auto Train work exactly?
Passengers and their vehicles must arrive at the station between 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM to check in. A magnetic number plate is attached to the driver-side door of your vehicle and it is video graphed against damage claims. Leave your key in your unlocked car. An attendant places plastic sheets in the driver’s footwell and on the driver’s seat to prevent dirt and it’s driven to an Autorack railroad car. Once your car’s checked in, you can’t access it until your destination.
The Lorton station is a pleasant place to wait for your unusual ride. Walls of glass make the place bright and airy for the 450 waiting passengers that can fit inside. The station is home to a gift shop, a coffee shop, restrooms accessible for people with disabilities, an ATM, and WiFi. Outside are benches and an enclosed children’s play area.
The Sanford station has curved glass walls and seating for 600 passengers. It has a ticket counter, restrooms, gift shop, and café, all accessible.
Passengers start boarding at 2:30 PM and both the Lorton and Sanford stations have high platforms for ease of wheelchair boarding. The train leaves once all the vehicles have been stored. Then, just settle into the gentle rocking of the train and enjoy not being behind the wheels of your vehicle.
The vehicles are unloaded at your destination, with thirty available priority vehicles coming off first. It takes approximately one hour to get your car back. The number you were given when you checked in will be called when your car is ready.
Accommodations on board the Auto TrainCoach class seating is a two-and-two configuration and each seat pair has a two-plug outlet under the window for your electronics. You might want to bring ear plugs, eye mask, blanket, pillow, and fan, depending on how fussy your personal thermostat is.
There are four different sleeping arrangements in sleeper cars: Roomettes, Bedrooms, Family Bedrooms, Accessible Bedrooms. In each, pillows and blankets are provided and you can control the temperature. All rooms have a small pull-up-and-out table for game-playing and dining. You can choose to eat in the dining car or your room.
Roomettes are designed for two people, with two seats that are pulled toward each other to make the lower bed and an upper bunk that lowers from the ceiling.Bedrooms have a sofa that pulls out for the lower bunk and an upper bunk that lowers. They also have a small bathroom/shower room. You can reserve two adjacent bedrooms with a connecting door for a suite setup. Family Bedrooms sleep two adults and two children in beds made from chairs for the lower bunk and a pulldown bed. The room extends the full width of the car.The Accessible Bedrooms have two chairs that form the lower bed and an upper bunk is lowered. There’s a sink, toilet (with a privacy curtain), several handrails, and windows on either side. The shower is nearby.Expert advice to take the Auto Train from a seasoned passenger
Photo: richard pross/Shutterstock
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October 6, 2022
Gulf Shores Airbnb Rentals Near the Beach and the Best of the City
Head to Alabama’s gulf coast and experience the state’s white sand beaches and attractions. Between Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, the two give many opportunities for adventure and exploring. Whether you’re looking to sit out on the beach all day, do some shopping, fill your body with incredible foods or tackle an outdoor adventure, the beach town got you covered. Get a head start on your Gulf Shores experience by staying at one of these Airbnb Gulf Shores properties.
Traveling to Alabama? Check out Matador’s Alabama accommodations guides:Book these gorgeous Birmingham Airbnbs near the heart of the cityWhy it’s more important to visit Alabama now than ever
We hope you love the Airbnb Gulf Shores 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.
Airbnbs in Gulf ShoresPet-friendly Airbnbs in Gulf ShoresAirbnbs in Orange BeachAirbnbs in Gulf ShoresGulf Shores Airbnbs are proficient in three things. First, giving you easy access to the beach, of course. Second, bottling those beachy vibes and bringing them home. And lastly, being cozy and fit for the entire family or group These Airbnbs in Gulf Shores fit that bill, to the “T.”
Romantic retreat with views of the Little Lagoon
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Are you and your partner looking for a romantic getaway in Gulf Shores? Then check out this perfect getaway condo with a stunning view of the Little Lagoon. This elegant beach condo features an open living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony overlooking the water.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $127 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This newly renovated condo features a fully stocked kitchen and spacious living area with doors leading out to the balcony, where you have a full view of the water. This centrally located condo is near popular Gulf Shores family-friendly attractions like Waterville USA, Tiki’s Mini Golf, Pirate’s Island Aventure, and more.
Seven guests, two bedrooms
Price: $165 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Check out this perfect spot for a relaxing and fun vacation. This spacious and colorful home has beautiful Gulf views, a private pool, and a secluded cabana. The house has three bedrooms that can sleep up the eight guests, a spacious living room for entertaining, and it’s a short walk to the beach. The home is a three-minute walk to the Gulf State Public Beach, The Hangout, and a 13-minute drive to Orange Beach.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $273 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Unpack and relax at this cozy beach condo steps away from the sand. This comfortable home features an updated kitchen and a spacious living area with doors leading to the patio overlooking the water. The apartment is within walking distance to The Beach House Kitchen, Bahama Bob’s, Waves and Package Store, and other popular Gulf Shores attractions.
Eight guests, two bedrooms
Price: $219 per night
Bringing the dog along makes travel that much better. These pet-friendly Gulf Shores Airbnbs allow Fido to come, play, and have just as much fun as the rest of the family.
Sunnyside Up Retreat
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Sit back and relax at this Gulf Shores Airbnb beach home located in a quiet neighborhood with everything you need for a relaxing vacation. This beach home features a spacious living area and a fully equipped kitchen. The house has a view of the water and an oversized front patio where you can sit out and hear the sound of the waves crashing against the sand.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $198 per night
Orange Beach is — secret’s out — the most beautiful part of the Gulf Shores area. Getting away from the bustle adds extra relaxation, and that’s exactly what’s on offer at these Orange Beach Airbnbs.
Luxurious Gulf front home steps away from the beach
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Round the whole family up for a stay at this Airbnb in Gulf Shores. This home is full of space for entertaining both kids and adults alike. The gulf-front home has a stunning deck area that overlooks the Gulf of Mexico and a private pool. Not only is the home steps away from the beach, but it’s also near beach bars, restaurants, markets, shops, and more.
Sixteen guests, eight bedrooms
Price: $873 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Enjoy a relaxing stay at this modern condo that gives you all the views you need. The condo provides stunning ocean views from the kitchen, living room, and master bedroom, so if it’s the views you want, you won’t miss out. This condo is directly on the beach, just a short walk to Orange Beach and only a short drive to stores, restaurants, and shopping areas.
Ten guests, three bedrooms
Price: $242 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Have some fun in the sun at this newly renovated Gulf Shores condo. This beachy abode features a spacious patio that overlooks the water and is the perfect spot to sit and watch the sunrise and sunset. The condo has direct access to the beach and is only minutes away from popular and family-friendly Gulf Shores attractions.
Six guests, one bedroom
Price: $238 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Escape to this Airbnb in Gulf Shores for your Alabama beach getaway. This cozy bungalow is just across the street from the beach and has a wide variety of amenities like beach access, a large saltwater pool, a splash pad for the kids, a lazy river, a water slide, and more.
Eight guests, two bedrooms
Price: $287 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This contemporary beach condo is located in the heart of Orange Beach. The condo features a spacious living room and a fully equipped kitchen. The condo has a balcony with beach views, and other amenities include a sauna, steam room, indoor pool, BBQ, and more. If you’re looking to take a walk around town and explore, the condo is near many dining, shopping, and entertainment options that Orange Beach offers.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $285 per night
In Switzerland, People Commute From Work by Floating Down This Gorgeous River
Nothing is so universally detested as a work commute. No matter how you slice it, carving out precious minutes of your day simply to travel somewhere you may or may not hate — or return from there tired, depleted, and annoyed at your co-workers — is a huge inconvenience. Until 100 percent of the planet starts remote work, commutes are here to stay, but people in Switzerland have figured out a way to make commuting fun.
In the Swiss capital of Bern, locals and visitors have long used the Aare River as a vehicle for sightseeing. Exits marked by red bars line the river, meaning if you have a small boat, kayak, or floatation device, the river can serve as a hop-on, hop-off vehicle for getting around the city. Some even use the river as a means of getting to and from work.
Evelyn Schneider-Reyes, a Bern resident, uses the river for her summer commute home. “I only had like 30 seconds walking from my office to the river,” she told Le News. “I had an ‘Aare Bag’, where I put all my clothes, my smartphone, wallet and shoes. I put on my bathing suit and swam home. I would leave the Aare at Lorrainebad, then I walked up the hill for 8 minutes and was already home. From my office to the Lorrainebad it usually took me about 15 minutes in the water. Lovely!”
This creative use of the river as a commuting tool is on full display in this TikTok video by pubityearth.
@pubityearth Interesting and healthy way of getting home from work!#swim #travel #viral #earth #fyp (credit: @unravelledtravels ♬ original sound – Pubity Earth
The river also functions as a social forum, particularly in the summer months.
It goes without saying that if you’re visiting Bern, you shouldn’t just strip down, jump in the river, and expect it to magically carry you to your destination. It’s important to be aware of the currents, and the best places to enter and exit the river. Inflatable boats can be rented to make your river commute easier.
How To Make the Most of a Trip To Boston
Boston is a perfect city for first visits. For a major metropolitan area, it feels surprisingly small and walkable, but it also has one of the best public transit networks in the country. The birthplace of the American Revolution, today’s Boston is a college town that buzzes with the youthful rebellion of some 150,000 students. It has a legendary sports heritage, a fertile arts scene, and a host of restaurants and bars that are as nourishing for the belly as the city’s open spaces are for the soul. First time to the Massachusetts capital or not, here are some of the best things to do in Boston if you’re still getting to know the city.
We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend. Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.
The best historical sites in BostonThe best museums in BostonThe best parks in BostonThe best free things to do in BostonThe best things to do in Boston with kidsThe best things to do in Boston at nightThe best restaurants in BostonThe best bars in BostonWhere to stay in BostonThe best historical sites in Boston
Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
Boston is nearly 400 years old. In that time, the city has welcomed quite a few of America’s firsts — its first subway system, public park, and college, to name a few. Many of these superlatives still exist in physical form. Even Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, is the oldest baseball stadium in the country that’s still in use by a major league team. It’s hard to say how long it would take to see all of Boston’s historic sites. Probably a lifetime. Luckily, these two walking trails in north Boston conveniently connect the city’s most significant landmarks.
The Freedom Trail
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Set foot in Boston’s North End and you may notice a red line snaking through the neighborhood. This line runs for 2.5 miles and connects 16 historical sites. It’s called the Freedom Trail. The majority of the stops on the Freedom Trail trace back to the Founding Fathers and the American Revolution, but its landmarks span the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Some highlights include the Paul Revere House, the Boston Massacre Site, the Old South Meeting House where the Boston Tea Party began, and the Old State House, Boston’s oldest surviving building. Official tours are often led by costumed guides, but you can also tackle the trail on your own at no cost.
The Black Heritage Trail
Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
In 19th-century Boston, a sizeable Black community occupied the north slope of Beacon Hill. This 1.6-mile trail showcases 14 historic sites that celebrate Boston’s Black heritage, from the Lewis and Harriet Hayden House that was Boston’s most trafficked sanctuary on the Underground Railroad, to the Abiel Smith School that became an icon in the fight for equal rights to education, to the African Meeting House that was an epicenter for political activism. Like the Freedom Trail, the Black Heritage Trail can be self-guided, but National Park Service rangers also lead 90-minute tours starting at the Massachusetts 54th Regiment Memorial and ending at the Museum of African American History.
The best museums in Boston
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Boston can feel like one big living museum, but there are plenty of dedicated spaces to celebrate art, science, and history. Some of these spaces are as exciting as the collections they house — just wait until you climb aboard the USS Constitution at the end of the Freedom Trail. It’s hard to play favorites, but if your museum time is limited, beeline for Huntington Avenue in the Back Bay neighborhood, also known as Avenue of the Arts. There, you’ll find institutions such as Symphony Hall, the New England Conservatory, and Horticultural Hall standing alongside Boston’s two most famous art museums.
Museum of Fine Arts
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Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) is one of the biggest museums in the world, with over 100 galleries and 450,000 artworks spanning centuries and continents — including the largest collection of Japanese art outside of Japan. Formerly located in Copley Square, the MFA is now a highlight of the Fenway neighborhood. It’s a 10-minute walk from the Red Sox stadium and a five-minute walk from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum — more on that below.
Where: 465 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
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Isabella Stewart Gardner was an American art collector and philanthropist whom a reporter once described as “one of the seven wonders of Boston.” Her private collection is on display a few minutes from the MFA. Titian, Rembrandt, Boticelli, and Vermeer are among the greats whose work Gardner collected — some of which was stolen in a legendary heist in 1990 and never recovered. The artwork that remains is incredibly impressive, as is the Venetian-palace-style building in which it’s housed and the courtyard garden at the center.
Where: 25 Evans Way, Boston, MA 02115
The best parks in Boston
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Scenically perched on the Charles River, Boston is blessed with two kinds of parks: green spaces and waterfronts. More than 1,000 acres of the city’s open space comprises what’s called the Emerald Necklace, a seven-mile network of parkways and waterways that runs throughout Boston and the town of Brookline in the greater metropolitan area. Some highlights include the Back Bay Fens, Franklin Park, the Riverway, and the Arnold Arboretum, but none compares to the Boston Common or Boston Public Garden — both equal parts beautiful and historic.
Boston Common
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Whether or not you decide to follow the Freedom Trail, a stop at the Boston Common is always worthwhile. America’s oldest park, the Boston Common has been around since 1634 and today spans 60 acres. It’s conveniently located in downtown Boston and flanked by major streets including Beacon, Boylston, and Tremont, as well as landmarks such as the Massachusetts State House. Attractions within the park include the Boston Massacre Memorial and Central Burying Ground. But of all the park’s icons, it’s the Frog Pond that garners the most attention — especially come winter when it becomes a beloved ice-skating rink.
Where: 115 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116
Boston Public Garden
Photo: NoyanYalcin/Shutterstock
America’s first public botanical garden, the Boston Public Garden starts where the Boston Common ends. The garden plays host to more than 80 species of plants, as well as human-made additions like the bronze “Make Way for Ducklings” sculpture. Even more notable is the garden’s swans, both the real ones that swim in the central lagoon and the Swan Boats that people have been pedaling across the pond since 1877.
Where: 4 Charles St, Boston, MA 02116
The best free things to do in Boston
Photo: Stefan Ugljevarevic/Shutterstock
Between the Freedom Trail, the Black Heritage Trail, the Boston Common, and the Boston Public Garden, a lot of the best things to do in Boston are free. If you’re short on budget but also on time, there’s still the issue of deciding what to prioritize while you’re in town. From a standout stop on the Freedom Trail to an outdoor venue specializing in free events, here are a couple more ways to spend little to no money in Boston while still seeing the best of the city.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Photo: CL-Medien/Shutterstock
Faneuil Hall is a big name in Boston. In the city’s early days, the hall was a meeting place for revolutionaries, earning it the nickname the “Cradle of Liberty.” But the name Faneuil Hall is also shorthand for a large, bustling plaza that now serves as an epicenter of street entertainment and an emporium of shops, restaurants, and markets. Quincy Market is the busiest of four markets within the Faneuil Hall Marketplace. It’s particularly worth a visit whether you grab picnic ingredients to enjoy at the nearby Boston Harbor or simply want to walk around.
Where: 1 S Market St, Boston, MA 02109
Boston Public Library
Photo: eskystudio/Shutterstock
Sure, not everyone’s going to want to spend their vacation at the library, but Boston is a book lover’s dream, and the Boston Public Library (BPL) is one of its most impressive literary landmarks. Built in 1848, the BPL is among America’s oldest public libraries and today has 25 neighborhood branches. Its central location in Copley Square is the one you want to visit, notably the McKim building with the library’s special collections, priceless historical artworks, and Bates Hall reading room where you might see university students cramming in style.
Where: 700 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116
Hatch Shell
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Every Fourth of July, a huge crowd descends on the Hatch Shell pavilion on the Charles River Esplanade. People come to see the fireworks, of course, but also to watch the annual performance of the Boston Pops orchestra, one of many free shows that takes place at the open-air venue throughout the year. Hatch Shell hosts everything from holiday concerts, to communal Zumba classes, to movie nights some Fridays. Check the events calendar to see what’s on — and free — next time you’re in Boston, especially if you’re there in the summer.
Where: 47 David G Mugar Way, Boston, MA 02108
First Fridays or Second Sundays in SoWaIf you’re in Boston between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM on the first Friday of the month, or between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM on the second Sunday of the month, beeline to the Design District in the South End to find the art galleries, showrooms, and shops south of Washington Street — aka SoWa — exercising an open-door policy. When you’re done peering into workshops, admiring exhibitions, and mingling with as many as 90 local artists, take advantage of the South End’s epic dining scene to spend some of that money you saved on the day’s activity.
Where: 450 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118
The best things to do in Boston with kidsMuseum of Science
Photo: James Kirkikis/Shutterstock
Kids or no kids, Boston’s Museum of Science makes for a fun and educational afternoon. Permanent exhibits explore topics ranging from the human body and vaccines to dinosaurs, insects, nanotechnology, and the cosmos, and there’s always an exciting new rotating or featured exhibit to check out. There’s also a planetarium, an IMAX theater, live presentations, and a 4-D theater that incorporates sights, sounds, smells, and sensations to make you feel like you’re really immersing in the content — even swimming with sharks.
Where: 1 Museum Of Science Driveway, Boston, MA 02114
New England Aquarium
Photo: Pavel L Photo and Video/Shutterstock
Boston has both a zoo and an aquarium, but if you’re coming to the city with little ones, prioritize the New England Aquarium. It’s one of the largest aquariums in the country with roughly 1.3 million annual visitors, a Giant Ocean Tank filled with 200,000 gallons of water, and the largest shark and ray touch tank on the East Coast. At the Simons Theatre, visitors can screen flicks such as “Incredible Predators” and “Cephalopods: Aliens of the Deep.” From March to November, the museum also teams up with Boston Harbor City Cruises to offer whale-watching excursions from the city’s Central Wharf.
Where: 1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110
The best things to do in Boston at night
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Boston is a college town, which means nightlife is inevitable. But the city’s nightlife isn’t limited to bars and clubs. From a sunset harbor cruise to live entertainment, here are some of the best things to do in Boston at night — whether or not you can legally drink.
Boston Harbor Cruise
Photo: https://www.shutterstock.com/search/sunset-cruise-boston/Shutterstock
No list of the best things to do in Boston is complete without a mention of harbor cruises. Admiring the skyline from a schooner is memorable any time of day, but it’s particularly magical when the sun is setting — particularly if your sunset cruise involves cocktails. Countless operators sail visitors through the harbor and down the Charles River in the evening. Boston Harbor City Cruises and the Classic Harbor Line Boston are two popular options.
Where: 1 Long Wharf or 60 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA 02210
Improv AsylumBoston’s no New York City or Chicago, but it does have a solid comedy scene. A stone’s throw from Paul Revere House in the North End, Improv Asylum is one of the best places to catch an improv show. All ages are welcome, and while every show is different, the venue describes its comedy as PG-13 with the exception of Raunch, an uncensored improv show hosted at 11:59 PM every Saturday after the Main Stage and NXT shows have wrapped for the night.
Where: 216 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113
The Middle EastIn a city as jam-packed as Boston, it’s impossible to pick one restaurant, bar, club, or live music venue to recommend for a single night out. Ironically, that’s what makes it so easy to recommend the Middle East — which is all of the above. The Middle East is split into five parts: ZuZu, a Lebanese restaurant and bar that hosts live music throughout the week; Corner, a bigger restaurant and bar that hosts live performances ranging from music to comedy to belly dancing; Upstairs, an intimate concert space; Sonia, a 300-plus-person venue; and Downstairs, a large concert hall that attracts big names including national artists.
Where: 472-480 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139
The best restaurants in Boston
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Making a list of the best restaurants in Boston is no easy task. Narrowing down eateries that serve the same iconic dish is hard enough — be it clam chowder or cannoli — but you can find every type of cuisine in Boston, from dumpling houses in Chinatown to empanada emporiums in Jamaica Plain. No single list will ever capture the breadth of Boston’s food scene, but the one below is as good as any to get you started.
Saltie GirlSalty like the ocean, this Back Bay restaurant specializes in all things seafood — raw fish, smoked fish, grilled fish, fried fish, and entire seafood towers among them. You’ll find requisite New England seafood dishes like clam chowder and lobster rolls on the menu, but Saltie Girl’s offerings are extensive, so be sure to take a good look before you order.
Where: 279 Dartmouth St, Boston, MA 02116
O YaOne of the best fine-dining restaurants in Boston comes in the shape of a Japanese restaurant with unbeatably refined sushi and seasonal creations to round out its 20-course omakase experience. O Ya’s menu is always chef’s choice, the bill is always astronomical, and the waiting list is always long. But if you know you’re planning ahead, it’s worth trying to snag a reservation.
Where: 9 E St, Boston, MA 02111
El Oriental de CubaEntirely forgettable from the outside, this Cuban joint in Jamaica Plain serves some of Boston’s most memorable Caribbean food, plus tropical shakes that come in flavors like guava, guanabana, tamarind, mamey. Anything you order is bound to be delicious — and made that much better with a side of fried green or ripe sweet plantains.
Where: 416 Centre St, Boston, MA 02130
Mamma Maria
Photo: Kan Kankavee/Shutterstock
A lot of North End eateries claim to be the best Italian restaurant in Boston. Realistically, no restaurant in the kitschy quarter deserves that title, but if you came to Boston to eat spaghetti in Boston’s oldest residential neighborhood, Mamma Maria will do the trick. The menu is old school, the white tablecloths are classic, and the bolognese is one of the best around.
Where: 3 N Square, Boston, MA 02113
Bova’s BakeryAsk anyone in Boston for a cannoli recommendation, and they’ll probably send you to one of three places in the North End: Mike’s Pastry, Modern Pastry, or Bova’s Bakery. All three serve excellent Italian pastries, but Bova’s inches ahead with smaller crowds and 24/7 hours.
Where: 134 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113
ToroThe brainchild of two James Beard Award-winning chefs, Toro brings an exquisite taste of Barcelona to Boston. Alongside classic and creative tapas, the restaurant curates a variety of drinks menus: cocktails, wine, beer, vermouth, sherry, cider, spirits — you name it, they serve it.
Where: 1704 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118
Tasty BurgerSay what you will about Whataburger, Five Guys, or In-N-Out — Boston’s contribution to the fast-casual burger scene is without competition. Tasty Burger is equal parts substance and style with a retro feel, a draft list three times as long as its milkshake menu, and at least one of five locations with Pulp Fiction decor and a pool table inside.
Where: Various
Regina
Photo: QualityHD/Shutterstock
A college town without pizza? Impossible. Although with relatively early hours and prime real estate in some of Boston’s busiest areas, the chain caters more to the tourist crowd than the drunk student set. Wherever you are, from Fenway and Faneuil Hall to the North End and South Station, you’re never far from a solid brick oven slice at Regina Pizzeria.
Where: Various locations
BeehiveSpecializing in New American eats and boozy brunches, the South End’s Beehive succeeds more in its ambiance than its cuisine, although the food and craft cocktails are far from disappointing. The restaurant doubles as a live jazz venue and oddities emporium, with an eclectic, electric vibe that’s hard not to love.
Where: 541 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116
Taiwan CafeA Chinatown mainstay, Taiwan Cafe is one of the most affordable restaurants in Boston that serves the sit-down experience. The menu is massive with more than 200 items, so you’ll never get bored, and the restaurant stays open until midnight, so it’s always an option.
34 Oxford St, Boston, MA 02111
The best bars in Boston
Photo: Brett Welcher/Shutterstock
Boston’s drinking culture is legendary. Everybody contributes — undergrads, Red Sox fans, workers, Patriots fans, foodies, Celtics fans, grad students, Bruins fans, and of course tourists. Local lagers and craft brews both have a place in Boston’s beer scene, dive bars rub elbows with cocktail joints, and local bands play every night of the week. Even though Boston’s iconic Cheers bar has permanently closed, rest assured that it’s always happy hour somewhere.
DrinkThis bar near Boston’s seaport knows what its patrons want — to drink. Specifically, they want to drink craft cocktails, and they want to drink them in a hip warehouse-style watering hole, which this industrial yet trendy bar in the Fort Point neighborhood delivers.
Where: 348 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210
JJ Foley’sJJ Foley’s is the stereotypical Irish pub you’re scanning this list to find. Now with two locations, the downtown spot is popular with the after-work crowd, whether people are coming to down a few pints of Guinness or an order of shepherd’s pie.
Where: 117 E Berkeley St, Boston, MA 02118
Wally’s CafeBetween Back Bay and the South End, Wally’s is a jazz club that’s known as a local haunt for the Berklee College of Music set. Professors and students alike come to perform at and patronize the wonderfully cramped, authentically bluesy dive — but all are welcome to enjoy.
Where: 427 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02118
Bukowski TavernJury’s out on whether Charles Bukowski, the poet for which this tavern is named, would enjoy drinking here. It’s probably livelier than the loner-artist type would have liked, but that’s exactly what makes it so fun for the rest of us. If you’re going to be in Boston for a while, consider joining the Mug Club, which gives you six months to finish every beer on the bar’s drink card.
Where: 50 Dalton St, Boston, MA 02115
Yvonne’sYvonne’s calls itself a supper club — an elegant mahogany-and-marble lounge that’s somewhere between a dinner spot and a social club. Despite being known first and foremost as a cocktail bar, the food at Yvonne’s also gets rave reviews — a one-stop shop for date night.
Where: 2 Winter Pl, Boston, MA 02108
Brick & MortarWhether or not you scoff at the term mixologist, the bartenders at this hidden bar in Cambridge’s Central Square deserve to be recognized for the level of artistry they bring to their drinks. In true speakeasy fashion, the entrance is not marked — find the door to the left of sister restaurant Central Kitchen and walk up two flights of stairs for creative cocktails and indulgent bar snacks.
Where: 567 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139
Delux CafeLong live Elvis at this adorably gimmicky restobar in the South End. There’s as much to eat as there is to drink at Delux Cafe — including full entrees and signature cocktails — but most of the regulars know it as a funky neighborhood hole-in-the-wall. Note that Delux Cafe is cash only.
Where: 100 Chandler St, Boston, MA 02116
Where to stay in Boston
Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
While Airbnbs in Boston are always an option, hotel locations can be hard to beat. Luxury brands like the Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental have properties in Boston, as do mid-range chains like Courtyard by Marriott and Doubletree by Hilton. At both price points, the city also has unique properties that you’ll only find there. Boston even has a couple of hostels for the budget conscious. A quick Google is all it takes to find the right hotel in your perfect neighborhood at the right price point — here are three stays to get your search started.
The Newbury BostonFormerly a Ritz-Carlton, this landmark hotel is located on fashionable Newbury Street across from the Boston Public Garden. Expect a five-star price tag and the service to match whether you’re relaxing in your suite, dining at the rooftop restaurant Contessa, drinking at The Street Bar, or lounging in The Library. The hotel even organizes experiences — such as private tours of the Boston Public Garden — to give guests VIP access to the best things to do in Boston.
Where: 1 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116
Omni Parker House
Photo: Brett Welcher/Shutterstock
Proximity to historic Freedom Trail attractions like the Boston Common and Old South Meeting House is a definite perk of the Omni Parker House. But the hotel is historic in its own right. Built in 1885, it’s often touted as the longest continuously operating hotel in the country and once served as a venue for the Saturday Night Club, a meeting of great literary minds including Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nathanial Hawthorne. Today, the Omni Parker House is four-stay hotel with a well-known restaurant and bar.
Where: 60 School St, Boston, MA 02108
The Revolution BostonAptly named, the Revolution Boston caters to hip crowd that likes bold design and modern amenities like a textable guest services crew and Peloton bikes in the fitness center. (The hotel also provides complimentary bikes for exploring the city.) There are four levels of accommodation — rooms with private bathrooms, rooms with shared bathrooms, lofts and suites, and accessible rooms — as well as a coffee shop and Mexican eatery and bar on site. Space can be tight in the rooms, but you’re probably going to want to hang out in the beautifully muraled common areas, anyway.
Where: 40 Berkeley St, Boston, MA 02116
This Exclusive List of Uncrowded Hiking Trails Is Only Available if You Sign an NDA
Anyone who has ventured out into the great outdoors over the past couple of years knows that they weren’t the only one with the same idea. Overtourism has hit mountain towns especially hard, and hiking trails are facing issues ranging from overcrowding to there being too much human poop. By some counts, nearly 59 million people hit the trails last year.
But if you’re looking for a trail where you won’t see an influencer staging a photoshoot or hear a “hiker” blasting their speaker as they walk, Busch Light has the answer: a secret trail list curated by trail expert Kimberly Hodoval, who has hiked in 62 of the 63 national parks across the United States. The promotion is in celebration of Busch Light’s new camo packaging.
You heard our Busch Guyd, sign the Busch Guyd NDA so you can unlock a database of the nation's most serene hiking trails!
First 200 people (21+) per week that sign will also get beer on us for their next adventure.
Sign here: https://t.co/m9va0DAbJa pic.twitter.com/rIIDaXUsVu
— Busch Beer (@BuschBeer) October 5, 2022
Called the Busch Guyd, the list has trails in every state and it’s shared only to the first 200 people per week who sign up from October 5 through November 1. (In addition to the list, those selected will also get a beer on Busch Light.) Oh, and there’s one other catch: anyone who wants to see it has to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). That means no geotagging about the trail and no putting it on trail apps or social posts.
Sure, that means you won’t be able to show off these amazing new trails that you get to see. But that’s kind of the point, and if you can’t enjoy the hike without posting about it, then there are plenty of places online to find the “bucket list” hikes with the “best views” that you can post about.
This Secluded Caribbean Resort Is Only Accessible by Boat and Comes With a Private Butler
Arriving at Rosewood Little Dix Bay on Virgin Gorda (a Caribbean island in the British Virgin Islands), it’s easy to think you have been transported to a deserted island in the South Pacific. Set in a cove of crystal-clear water and framed by verdant green hills, the resort emerges from the landscape subtly, its peaked wooden roofs blending seamlessly among the palm trees and lush foliage. I recently traveled there with my family – five of us in total – seeking a week of pampered solitude, great food, and a little adventure. We discovered that Rosewood Little Dix Bay more than delivered on that promise.
Where is the Rosewood Little Dix Bay resort
Photo: Rosewood Little Dix Bay
Located on the island of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, Little Dix Bay is a Rosewood property with only eighty rooms spread across 300 acres. The resort’s sprawling grounds and staggering half-mile of private sandy beach provide the utmost seclusion.
How to get to Rosewood Little Dix Bay resortPhoto: Rosewood Little Dix Bay
Visitors can fly into the Tortola airport or like my family did, fly into St. Thomas then take a ferry to Tortola or directly to Virgin Gorda. Most guests arrive via the resort’s catamaran transfer from Tortola, and the twenty-minute ride past small islands, many of them uninhabited, signals the fact that you have entered a quieter part of the Caribbean. There isn’t a high rise or jet ski in sight, and the only traffic is a few sailboats gliding silently across the sea. As you round the corner to Little Dix Bay and the unspoiled beach comes into view, you may pinch yourself to see if the dreamy landscape is, in fact, real.
Arriving via catamaran to the resort’s private dock, we were greeted by our personal butlers, Riju and Hubert. They graciously explained that they would be our guides for the week, handling everything from spa reservations to jeep rentals.
Since our room wasn’t ready yet, we were whisked to the resort’s Sugar Mill restaurant, an open-air beachfront space with a focus on Caribbean tapas and seafood. One bite of the local lobster salad sandwich, and the farm greens salad—harvested from the resort’s farm—and we knew we were in for a week filled with fresh, mouthwatering culinary fare.
Once the room was ready, we were driven to our room by golf cart. Despite its vast acreage, the resort is walkable, though we chose to utilize the complimentary bikes at every opportunity.
What are the rooms like at Rosewood Little Dix Bay?
Photo: Rosewood Little Dix Bay
When we arrived at our two-bedroom suite, we discovered that it was more like a one-story villa, complete with expansive patio and back garden only steps to the sand. The large living area was decorated in soothing neutrals with woven textures, and a sleek, mid-century beach vibe. A dining area was fully stocked with refrigerated minibar drawers, dishware, and a wine machine that dispensed cold white and rosé by the glass.
Photo: Rosewood Little Dix Bay
The two-queen bedroom is spacious with a natural rock wall, plentiful storage, and its own front door entrance and back sliding doors that access a patio. The king bedroom featured a four-poster bed, rock wall, and separate patio access.
Both bedrooms boasted identical bathrooms that were almost as large as the bedrooms. With floating wood vanities, large soaking tubs and showers that could fit at least three people, the bathrooms were some of the most well appointed I have experienced in a resort. Each shower also contained a door to a private, outdoor shower, should you wish to hear the rustling of palm trees or smell the salty sea air while you clean up. Walk-in closets contained built-in dressers with robes, raffia beach bags, and lounge wear sets by luxury brand, Edie Parker.
What to do at Rosewood Little Dix Bay
Photo: Rosewood Little Dix Bay
After settling into our room, we didn’t waste a minute getting our toes in the sand. Every room comes with its own set of teak loungers and a palapa, where beach service is as easy as the press of a button.
Watersports, including snorkeling gear, Hobie catamarans, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards are complimentary at the resort. Little Dix Bay is also known as a tennis destination, with six tennis courts, and two dedicated pickle ball courts.
The cove is protected by a reef so you can swim peacefully without the worry of boat traffic or strong currents. Within minutes, we spotted a sea turtle swimming alongside us, as well as small fish and stingrays.
The snorkeling, water sports, and fitness activities at the resort are enough to keep any family busy for the week, but if you choose to venture outside the resort, as we did one day, jeeps can be rented right at the resort for only $95 per day. The Baths National Park is just a ten-minute drive away and Virgin Gorda is an island easily explored in a single day.
Where to eat at Rosewood Little Dix Bay
Photo: Rosewood Little Dix Bay
Meals at Little Dix Bay are a highlight, and each of the property’s four restaurants features a menu that focuses on seasonal produce and inspired international cuisine. Pavilion, the resort’s signature restaurant serving breakfast and lunch, is the only building that has remained a part of the original resort since 1964. With peaked shingled roofs, woven furniture, and a massive stone veranda, the restaurant boasts some of the best views in the Caribbean.
The menu focuses on slow-cooking, fresh vegetables, and tandoori-style meats. Drawing inspiration from the island’s cultural roots are dishes like Trinidadian seafood pot and Puerto Rican plantain mofongo.
Photo: Rosewood Little Dix Bay
The Reef House restaurant is an intimate space set directly on the beach, just at the waters’ edge. With a menu focused on vegetarian dishes like whole roasted cauliflower, and handmade pappardelle with pine nut sauce, it offers a true farm-to-fork fine dining experience. Another dining option is the daily afternoon tea served in the resort’s lounge and bar, The Rum Room. The complimentary spread includes a full English-style tea with sweets and savory snacks.
More than twenty-five percent of the resort’s produce, greens and botanicals are harvested on the resort’s farm, including botanicals used to distill the resort’s own brand of gin. The farm at Little Dix Bay is also home to dozens of chickens that provide fresh eggs for each restaurant. Seafood, which compromises much of the menu at every restaurant, is sourced from local purveyors at the resort’s dock.
Opportunities for guests to immerse themselves in the resort’s farm are plentiful. From private farm dinners to cooking classes with the chef utilizing freshly harvested ingredients, the farm plays a significant role in bespoke guest experiences. Children may visit with the farm animals at any time of day, participate in a farm tour or help with the daily harvest. The resort is in the process of expanding the farm to nearly double the output of produce used in the restaurants.
Is Rosewood Little Dix Bay sustainable>?
Photo: Rosewood Little Dix Bay
The property has a zero single-use plastic policy, and resort recycling practices include an on-site glass crusher that reduces waste back into sand. Little Dix Bay also partners with the area’s Reef Keepers Association to ensure the health and safety of the property’s wildlife, regularly tagging and measuring the resident sea turtles.
A stay at Rosewood Little Dix Bay is a splurge; villas run at about $1,300 per night, but can go up to over $2,000 per night depending on when you book your stay. After a week of indulgent pampering from our butlers, and delicious, farm-fresh dining, my family felt completely spoiled. We spent mornings snorkeling and hiking, and long lazy afternoons with our toes in the sand. Rosewood Little Dix Bay embraces the barefoot luxury it was founded upon, and the unspoiled landscape feels like another world, one where the fantasy of paradise becomes a reality.
Everything You’ll Find Inside the Iceland Penis Museum
Museum manager Thordur O. Thordarson (Þórður O. Þórðarson) doesn’t play favorites at his establishment but, he admits, “Our walrus phallus always gets a fun reaction. Those guys are packing!”
Phallus. Packing. Walrus. The Penis Museum might not be your grandma’s idea of a cultural institution, but as Thoradarson promises, “you will get a totally unique museum experience.”
How did Iceland’s Penis museum come to be?How long does it take to visit the Penis Museum?How much does it cost to visit the Penis museum?What’s the best time to visit the Penis Museum?Food at the Penis MuseumIs there an age requirement to visit the Icelandic Phallological Museum?Is the Iceland Penis museum actually full of penises?The must-see items in the Penis museumHow did Iceland’s Penis museum come to be?
Photo: Kollawat Somsri/Shutterstock
The Icelandic Phallological Museum (phallological meaning related to the study of penises; the museum is also commonly called the Penis Museum) began as a private collection in 1974. Sigurdur Hjartson found himself with an abundance of maritime penises during his tenure teaching at a school near a whaling station in West Iceland; friends who worked at the station started gifting them to him as a joke. Hjartson’s curiosity grew beyond the joke, however, and he began teaching himself preservation techniques and started wondering if he could collect a specimen from every species in Iceland. By 1997, Hjartson’s collection totaled 62 specimens and he received a grant from the city council to establish a public display. In 2004, the museum was relocated to Húsavík, a village in northeastern Iceland, and then moved back to Iceland’s capital of Reykjavik in 2011. After a second move in 2020, the museum now resides on the first floor of a classy building in the city center, in a space almost three times larger than its previous location. How long does it take to visit the Penis Museum?
Photo: Chalie Chulapornsiri/Shutterstock
While the specimens on display at the museum may seem super-sized, the gallery itself is quite petite. “Average time to check out the exhibit is about 40 minutes to an hour,” says Thordarson, “and that does not include the time if people order food.” Small in size, however, does not equate to lacking in passion, and Thordarson urges visitors to “give themselves the time to read the information presented with the exhibits; if people just rush on through they’re [going to] miss most of the humor and of course, learn a lot less.”How much does it cost to visit the Penis museum?Standard tickets are 2500 Icelandic Krona (ISK) as of publishing, or approximately $18. If you’ve made your way to Reykjavik and not yet discovered the eye-watering price of most entertainment, this might catch you off guard. Discounts are available for children under 13, pensioners, and people with disabilities. But can you really put a price on the experience of visiting a penis museum?
What’s the best time to visit the Penis Museum?Given its small square footage and central location, there isn’t really a bad time to visit the Penis Museum, though you can expect it to fill up more in the afternoons during peak tourist season (mid-June through August). The museum is open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM (hours may vary slightly during holidays so check their website and Facebook page for updates). I visited around 10:30 on a June weekday with plans to stay for lunch; the museum was nearly empty when I arrived but started to bustle by the time I finished lunch around 12:30.
“It´s hard to say about the best time to visit the museum but as we have a bistro which serves sweet and savory meals, as well as drinks, the afternoon or late in the day is as good as in the morning,” says Thodarson. He adds that you could even enjoy the exhibits with an adult beverage in hand — while ordering a cocktail at a penis museum is an obviously enjoyable pun, the bar ups the game with a selection of small-batch draft beers including IPA (Icelandic Penis Ale), Dick Johnson, and Moby Dick Pale (Wh)Ale.
Within close vicinity of the Penis museum you’ll find the art museum, Museum of Photography, the Settlement Exhibition, and the Icelandic Punk Museum, as well as restaurants ranging from casual to high-end, including the beloved hot dog stand Baejarins Beztu Pylsur.The Penis museum serves food, but what should I order?One of the most noteworthy improvements to the museum in its newest location is that it now features a phallus-themed bar and café, The Phallic. Largely for this reason, I’d recommend timing your museum visit around brunch, lunch, or cocktails, though I suppose one doesn’t need a designated time to indulge in penis-themed dishes. You also have the option of visiting the café without purchasing a ticket to the exhibit.
Waffles are big in Iceland, and during my visit I enjoyed the penis-shaped waffles topped with caramelized bananas and ice cream. For his part, Thodarson “heartily recommend(s) the reindeer meatball savory penis waffle.” If you’re not hungry, a cappuccino featuring appropriately themed latte art, or one of the phallic-themed beers on draft, should hit the spot. Expect menu prices to be on par with most Icelandic restaurants, i.e. pricey.Is there an age requirement to visit the Icelandic Phallological Museum?There are no age restrictions. The exhibit makes a conscious effort to avoid the salacious, and there’s really very little that is sexy about the museum, unless you’re particularly fond of formaldehyde-preserved organs in jars.
“I feel that guests are generally surprised to see how serious we are about the subject and that we are actually a serious and tasteful museum, not a small sideshow,” says Thordarson. “What we want most people to know is that we are a proper museum which deeply appreciates all of our visitors.”
Tickets for children under 13 are even free, provided they’re accompanied by an adult.Is the Iceland Penis museum actually full of penises?
Photo: trabantos/Shutterstock
Yes and no. It turns out that there’s much more to a penis than meets the eye. In addition to the approximately 300 penis specimens on display, you’ll also find historical artifacts, oddities, and artwork. Perhaps more importantly, you’ll find a wealth of knowledge you likely weren’t expecting. Go for the novelty, sure, but expect to learn plenty. I found myself engrossed in the detailed descriptions of the mating habits of the species on display, as well as the anthropological and historical context of the artifacts on show. The museum holds a specimen from every mammal found in Iceland, making it fascinating for outsiders; they also have specimens from 16 types of whale, seven kinds of seal and walrus, and 46 different land mammals, including humans.
When I visited the Penis Museum, my docent advised me to take my time in the last room of the exhibit, and indeed this turned out to be my favorite part of the museum. This room perfectly embodies the tongue-in-cheek vibe of the rest of the museum. I found myself giggling aloud, for example, at the competing mermaid specimens and description of mating habits of the Invisible Man. The must-see items in the Penis museumPhoto: Dan Shachar/Shutterstock
The Penis Museum is meant to be explored in a counter-clockwise direction. After passing through some turnstiles with your ticket, you’ll enter the first room, which is more or less an introduction to phallology and includes things like walking sticks and canes made of bull penis, and spiced horse penis (once a delightful snack, to some.) After that, collections are grouped by type — ungulates, sea mammals, canines, rodents etc. You’ll likely want to spend the bulk of your time (and photo-taking) in the cetacean and pinniped sections.
There is a human specimen on display. It’s located in the second-to-last room, and by the time you get to it, it’s not as shocking as you’d expect. After glancing at hundreds of species’ specimens in the previous rooms the homo sapiens’ is, in fact, just another thing in a jar. More fascinating, perhaps, is the story behind the donated penis as well as the multiple letters on display from individuals eager to donate their organs following death. Museum founder Hjartson had hoped that the museum could acquire its first human specimen prior to his retirement in 2012, sparking a competition of sorts between an elderly Icelandic man and a younger American man to become that first specimen (the story plays out in the oddly emotional 2012 documentary The Final Member). Also in this room are ancient recipes for enhancing erections and phallic artifacts such as carved figurines and a certified plaster mold of Jimi Hendrix’s penis.
In the final room of the Phallological Museum you’ll find a collection of 24 folkloric specimens, most of which come from unique tales specific to Iceland and the Arctic region. This provides a good space to decompress if you’ve hit your limit on preserved members for the day and places the museum in the broader context of the curious, imaginative, and open culture of Iceland.
October 5, 2022
This Sonoma Hotel Is the Perfect Blend of Luxury, Adventure, and Wine
A trip to the AAA Four-Diamond Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa feels like a transformative journey into an unparalleled state of relaxation. This California wine country resort boasts a myriad of luxurious amenities in addition to a 40,000-square-foot state-of-the-art spa.
We hope you love the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & 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.
A resort with both history and legendPhoto: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
The property’s story dates back hundreds of years to the original inhabitants of the land — the Pomo, Coast Miwok, and Wappo peoples — who were the first to discover the natural underground hot mineral waters used in the spa today and considered the area a sacred healing ground.
The mineral springs the Inn sits on today were commercially developed for the first time in 1840. In 1895 when Captain H.E. Boyes struck 112-degree water 70 feet below the surface while drilling a well, the Boyes Hot Springs Hotel was soon to follow on the site of the current hotel. Before long, San Franciscans were arriving in droves to experience this new phenomenon of “heated soaking.”
In 1923, a devastating fire burned down most of Boyes Hot Springs, but the Inn was reborn in 1927, reconstructed as an accurate replica of a California Mission, welcoming guests to what’s known today as one of the most luxurious Inns in Northern California.
The Inn has since gone through various owners over the decades, including a brief closure during The Great Depression and a stint being operated by the U.S. Navy, who used the property as a destination for rest and recuperation for sailors and marines until 1945. In 1980 the property underwent a massive renovation, returning it to its original splendor of 1920s design.
A rundown of amenities at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
The Spa as we know it today officially opened in 1981, attracting visitors again to experience the healing mineral waters (this time from around the globe), and when the property acquired the Sonoma Golf Club in 1998, it became the only complete destination resort experience in the Sonoma Country wine region. There have been several renovations since, constantly keeping the property and its amenities up to date with the highest standards of luxury.
Guests can spend time lounging in the luxurious rooms or getting cozy with a glass of wine out by one of the various firepits sprinkled throughout the property. The interior design of the public spaces and individual rooms pay homage to the Inn’s rich historical heritage as a landmark in Sonoma County while also offering the upscale amenities desired by the modern traveler.
There are ample dining options to enjoy on-site. Visit 38° North Wine Bar to experience Sonoma’s hottest lounge setting. This venue boasts a sleek design fitting the property’s minimalist aesthetic while also offering maximum enjoyment of big and bold quality wines. The inspiration behind this unique lounge and its name is the temperate latitude of the 38th parallel, where many well-known wine regions of the world are perched — including Spain’s Alicante, Italy’s Calabria, and of course, Sonoma Valley.
For a more casual dining experience, stop by Water Tower Bar — a full-service bar featuring a thoughtful selection of regional craft beers and handcrafted cocktails paired with a Sonoma-inspired menu of fresh food in a lively atmosphere adjacent to the pool. Or, visit Californi, an elevated Airstream outpost set in front of the property, serving seasonally-inspired, locally sourced Sonoma street eats in a laid-back outdoors setting.
Those seeking a more formal dining experience can stop into Santé at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn, which serves “California fusion with a Sonoma passion.” The culinary team aims to serve dishes with simple preparation using local and sustainable ingredients. The approachable menu features a multitude of flavors, cooking styles, and recipes from many different cultures.
The resort fee of the Inn goes above and beyond a standard resort fee, covering a myriad of added amenities — starting with the offering of a “Sparkling Wine Country” welcome arrival experience. Each guest 21+ will receive a glass of bubbly upon arrival at Wine Country, and there’s also a welcome bottle of wine waiting for visitors to enjoy in their room.
This fee also covers experiential offerings, such as a daily wine tasting pouring Sonoma and Napa’s finest from 4:30 P.M. to 5:30 P.M. each day — and docent-led hikes every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings from 8 A.M. to 10 A.M.
Other included amenities include self-parking, 24/7 access to the resort gym and fitness studio, bicycle rentals (based on availability), complimentary coffee and tea in the lobby until 11 o’clock each morning, access to lawn games strewn across the property (including a bocce court), and an on-site shuttle service that takes guests to Sonoma Plaza for off-site exploration, and the Sonoma Golf Club.
Beyond wine touring, the hotel is a haven for golfers and pets
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Golf aficionados will revel in a trip to the Sonoma Golf Club — a private club reserved for members and their guests, as well as guests staying at the property. The 18-hole, par 72 course was designed in 1928 and was the former home of the PGA Champions Tour Charles Schwab Cup Championship. It’s set on 177 acres of well-manicured terrain featuring beautiful sights of lakes, vistas, and the neighboring vineyards.
The Inn is dog-friendly, welcoming furry family members for an added fee. There’s even a friendly “Director of Pet Relations” named Chardonnay (full name Chardonnay Madison Fairmont) serving as the official Canine Ambassador. Guests can find (and pet!) Chardonnay with a proper belly rub as she greets guests in the lobby and around the hotel grounds on most weekdays.
And the incredible Fairmont Spa is open for resort guests and non-guests to enjoy for a fee that is waived with the purchase of a qualifying treatment. The 28-room treatment spa offers treatments paired with the healing waters for a special experience.
There are five thermal mineral pools ranging from 92 to 102 degrees. These ancient thermal mineral waters flow up from 1,100 feet below the surface of the resort and contain 27 different minerals.
Be sure to pop beneath the waters of the Watsu Pool to hear the sounds of relaxation, which are piped directly into the water for a unique sensorial experience. Inside the spa’s Roman-style bathhouse, guests will find a Roman soaking pool and hot tub along with a Halotherapy Sauna and an Aromatherapy Steam Room.
More like thisSustainabilityHow Sonoma Became America’s Most Sustainable Wine RegionSee 26 Glaciers in Five Hours: the Alaskan Fjord Near Anchorage You Need To Visit
Alaska has no shortage of beautiful places that look like fjords straight out of Norway, but two tend to get the most attention: Glacier Bay National Park near Juneau, and Kenai Fjords National Park, near Seward.
Unfortunately for visitors to Anchorage, Alaska, both of those places are really far away. It’s a two-hour flight to reach Juneau from Anchorage, followed by a four-to-six-hour ferry to Glacier Bay. Kenai Fjords is a bit closer, requiring a three-hour drive to Seward, followed by a ferry along the park’s coast.
But travelers with only one day to spare — or even half a day — have an equally beautiful and far less crowded alternative to the coastal parks: the Prince William Sound.
Photo: Troutnut/Shutterstock
The body of water is named for English King Charles III’s son Prince William IV, who later became king in the mid-1800. Travelers access the Sound from the town of Whittier, just over an hour from Anchorage (or from Valdez, about five hours north of Anchorage).
With multiple options for wildlife cruises and more than 150 named glaciers along its 3,800 miles of coastline, the Prince William Sound is a stunning alternative to Alaska’s more oft-photographed coastlines. Here’s everything to know to plan your trip.
Where is the Prince William Sound?
The Prince William Sound is on Alaska’s central coast east of Anchorage, roughly even with the Canadian/US border. The Sound is huge, but the two main towns that provide easy access are Whittier and Valdez. Whittier is easiest for most visitors to reach as Valdez is a mountainous five-hour drive from Anchorage.
The closest commercial airport is Anchorage, though there are small airports in Valdez and further south in Cordova. Visitors without cars can take the Alaska Railroad’s 2.5-hour Glacier Discovery route from Anchorage to Whittier (daily in summer), but there are no public transportation option for getting to Valdez.
Using the Whittier train tunnel
Photo: Suzie Dundas
Whittier sits at the shoreline surrounded by mountains (or water) on all sides, which means it’s impossible to build new auto roads into town. The only way to reach Whittier is through a 2.5-mile long railroad tunnel. But since cars do need to reach Whittier, there’s only one solution: share the tunnel.
It’s actually safer than it sounds. Cars headed to or from Whittier line up on either side of the tunnel. The tunnel opens to cars going to Whittier on the half-hour (10:30, 11:30, and so on) and open to cars leaving Whittier on the hour. Drivers have about a 10-minute window to make the tunnel, so if you plan to drive to Whittier through the tunnel at 10:30 AM, you’ll lose your chance by 10:40 AM. So it’s best to plan to arrive a little early.
Depending on the season, traffic is allowed through the tunnel from 5:30 or 7:30 AM to 10 or 11 PM. There’s a $13 fee to drive through the tunnel, which is open only to trains during all other times.
History of the Prince William Sound
A 19th-century photo of the Prince William Sound’s Washington Glacier. Photo: Library of Congress/Public Domain
The Prince William Sound was formed by the very same thing that draws visitors to the area today: glaciers. Eons ago, the glaciers once topped these mountains, which mostly lacked valleys between them. Over time, their movement — and the accompanied movement of rocks, water, and earth — slowly eroded the mountains, forming the Sound as we know it today.
Several European expeditions entered the Sound between the 1700s and early 1900s, but it’s probably most famous for the 1964 tsunami that flooded the town of Whittier (as well as most of the US and Canadian West Coast). Now, all residents of Whittier live in one apartment building in the center of town.
Today, the Prince William Sound is one of the most stunning day trips to take from Anchorage and home to an amazing array of wildlife (including seal and bird rookeries), as well as world-class fishing opportunities. And the Lazy Otter Cafe makes pretty tasty pastries.
Prince William Sound boat tours
Photo: Suzie Dundas
Three major companies offer boat tours of the Prince William Sound from Whittier: Phillips Cruises, Lazy Otter Charters, Saltwater Excursions (primarily fishing tours, but they’ll do custom sightseeing cruises), and Alaska Sea Kayakers (kayaking tours).
By a long shot, the cruises from Phillips Cruises are the most popular. The company’s multi-level boats are large and stable, complete with an on-board bar, comfortable bathrooms, and indoor and outdoor viewing areas.. The company’s aptly named “26 Glaciers” cruise is a five-hour tour passing the glaciers closest to Whittier in the Sound, while the “Glacier Quest” cruise is a shorter 3.75-hour version. Both include lunch (including a shockingly tasting seafood chowder) and narration from an on-board naturalist. The boats can hold 200 people each, though with assigned seats at the indoor dining tables, it rarely feels like you’re competing for space.
Photo: Suzie Dundas
Lazy Otter and Saltwater Excursions offer smaller custom charters on boats that usually hold no more than 20 people. The boats are much smaller and far more subject to swells and rough water, though the Sound is fairly well-protected by their inland location. Operating out of the Lazy Otter Cafe, Lazy Otter Charters offers semi-regular trips, several boats available for charter, and guided summer kayak tours, complete with gear, guides, and lunch and snacks.
From Valdez, visitors can tour the northern parts of the Sound, including the Port of Valdez, with Stephen’s Cruises to the Columbia or Meares glaciers (similar to Phillips Cruises), or take combination kayak, glacier, and hiking day tours with Anadyr Adventures, though they don’t go as far into the actual Sound.
Wildlife
Photo: Suzie Dundas
The Prince William Sound is teeming with wildlife. But since it’s a heck of a huge body of water, covering 10,000 square miles, there’s still no guarantee that you’ll see anything.
There’s a chance of spitting orcas year-round in the water as several pods live in the Sound. But more common are humpback whales, which pass through the Sound while migrating in May, June, and July. Harbor seals and stellar sea lions like to hang out on the Sound’s iceberg floats and rocky islands, respectively, and sightings of otters floating around the shorelines are quite common.
Alaska’s Prince William Sound is also home to more than 220 species of birds, including arctic terms, bald eagles, and puffins. And species visitors may see traveling along the shorelines include black bears, moose, or dall sheep.
Glaciers and mountains
Photo: Suzie Dundas
The Chugach Mountains surround the Prince William Sound to the north and East and the Kenai Mountains to the west. And Mount Marcus Baker is the highest point in the Chugach Mountains at more than 13,000 feet above sea level, just north of the Harvard Glacier. As the Prince William Sound sits at sea level, that’s a pretty significant vertical drop to see from the deck of a relatively tiny boat.
The Prince William Sound has more than 150 named glaciers, 17 of which are tidewater glaciers, which means they touch the water. These tidewater glaciers, which are the ones the boat tours can get closest to, are generally the most exciting for travelers as they offer the chance to see calving: huge pieces of ice falling from the glacier into the water, usually accompanied by an extremely loud cracking sound just a second or two before.
The Harriman Glacier in Alaska’s Prince William Sound. Photo: Suzie Dundas
The Prince William Sound has more glaciers than any other region of Alaska, and the largest is the Columbia Glacier at roughly 32 miles long and 1800 feet thick. Glaciers may expand or retreat annually based on snowfall and temperatures, but climate change hasn’t spared any of the Prince William Sound glaciers, and the Columbia Glacier has shrunk by 400 to 1000 feet on both ends. Interestingly, the Sound’s Meares Glacier is advancing. However, that means it’s shifting, not growing.
On most boat tours from Whittier, the highlight of the trip is a visit to the College Fjord, home to five tidewater glaciers and many more alpine glaciers. The Harvard Glacier is one of the largest, but all the fjord’s glaciers are named for colleges. That’s because the Harriman Expedition that first explored the region (co-led by naturalist John Muir) was funded by a collection of East Coast colleges. Now, the massive glaciers bear names like “Yale” and “Smith.” Cruisers into the College Fjord will likely see seals and otters drifting on small pieces of ice as they near the shoreline.
It’s also possible to reach the College Fjord from Valdez, though it’s a slightly longer trip. However, Valdez is closest to the Columbia and Meares glaciers, as well as the Valdez Glacier.
Weather and seasonality
Expect extremely cold temperatures and wind on the water year-round, but especially in winter. Photo: Jim Schwabel/Shutterstock
As with most places in Alaska, the main tourist season is summer, and it’s rather short. However, because Whittier is a relatively easy drive from Anchorage, even in poor weather, the season in Whittier is a bit longer. Rather than closing in mid-Sept, many businesses in Whittier are open until very early October, including Phillips Cruises. Most tours and businesses around the Prince William Sound open in late May.
Whittier is a year-round town, but with a population of just 300, it doesn’t offer much to do in the winter, when many businesses have shortened hours. However, Lazy Otter does offer shorter cruises in March, April, and May.
In Valdez, Valdez Outfitters offers winter sightseeing and fishing tours, with schedules based on demand. Even on summer tours, guests will want insulated jackets and beanies, so be sure to bring multiple warm layers on winter boat tours.
Lodging and dining
Photo: Suzie Dundas
Because of its proximity to Anchorage and Girdwood (home of Alyeska Resort), the lodging options for people visiting the Prince William Sound aren’t limited to just Whittier. But travelers staying in Whittier will be able to walk everywhere they need to go.
Camping in WhittierThere are two campgrounds in Whittier: Whittier Parking and Camping (no reservations, open mid-May to early October) and the City of Whittier Campground (no reservations, with a maximum stay of seven nights).
The Inn at WhittierThe Inn at Whittier is the only hotel option in Whittier, the rest of the options are home/cabin rentals or bed and breakfasts. The hotel isn’t akin to a five-star experience, but it’s comfortable and has a great waterfront location. There’s an on-site restaurant and tavern and staff can help arrange any type of area activity for guests.
Camping in Valdez
Photo: Discover Valdez/Jiyeon Juno Kim
There are plenty of places to pitch a tent or park an RV in Valdez, though most will be closed outside of the tourist season. Eagle’s Rest RV Park and Cabins is the closest to downtown and offers rental cabins and basic safari-style glamping tents, plus a first-come, first-served area for tent campers.
Hotels in ValdezValdez has a wider range of options. There are four hotel options (Best Western, Totem Hotel and Suites, Keystone Hotel, and Mountain Sky Hotel), plus three more Alaskan-style lodges (Robe Lake Lodge, Ravencroft Lodge, and the Prince William Sound Lodge). Beyond that, the options are primarily bed and breakfasts or cabin rentals. Any hotel in the downtown area will be walkable to the various boat tours (as well as restaurants and other services).
This Barcelona Bar Was Just Crowned the Best in the World
In the bar industry, the annual World’s 50 Best Bars awards are an anticipated event that has always featured two cities — New York and London — at the top of the list. This, things happened differently: Barcelona’s Paradiso, a top destination on any Barcelona itinerary (and a speakeasy style bar that, word has it, includes a speakeasy-within-a-speakeasy), won number one in 2022.
It seems fitting that Barcelona bars landed so high on the list. The awards ceremony was held in Barcelona — the first time it’s been held outside of London.
“The fact that this is the first time we have crowned a bar outside New York or London as The World’s Best Bar is a testament to the huge achievements of Giacomo, Margarita, and their team,” Mark Sansom, content director of World’s 50 Best Bars, said in a statement. “Since being named One To Watch in 2017 a year after opening, Paradiso has been a firm fixture of the 50 Best list, enhancing its ranking year after year.”
The city also had the number three bar, Sips, which moved up 34 places since last year, and the number seven bar, Two Schumcks, that rose four places. This wasn’t the only evidence that incredible cocktails are being recognized in cities other than those that have historically been at the forefront of cocktail culture. In all, 26 cities had bars on the list, including Athens, Bangkok, Dubai, Hong Kong, Florence, Lisbon, and Naples.
Licoreria Limantour in Mexico City had the highest ranking in North America at number four, while New York’s Double Chicken Please was the highest new bar to make the list at number six. New York has the most bars on the list overall with six.
For a cocktail experience you won’t forget on your next city vacation, but sure to add the following 50 bars to your list.
The 50 Best Bars 2022 winnersParadiso, BarcelonaTayēr + Elementary, LondonSips, BarcelonaLicorería Limantour, Mexico CityLittle Red Door, ParisDouble Chicken Please, New YorkTwo Schmucks, BarcelonaThe Connaught Bar, LondonKatana Kitten, New YorkAlquímico, CartegenaHandshake Speakeasy, Mexico CityJigger & Pony, SingaporeHanky-Panky, Mexico CityBangkok Social Club, BangkokSalmon Guru, MadridDrink Kong, RomeCoa, Hong KongFlorería Atlántico, Buenos AiresThe Clumsies, AthensBaba au Rum, AthensCafe La Trova, MiamiAttaboy, New YorkSatan’s Whiskers, LondonTropic City, BangkokKumiko, ChicagoSidecar, New DelhiTres Monos, Buenos AiresArgo, Hong KongMaybe Sammy, SydneySwift, LondonLine, AthensBaltra Bar, Mexico CityManhattan, SingaporeOverstory, New York1930, MilanDante, New YorkA Bar with Shapes for a Name, LondonZuma, DubaiLocale Firenze, FlorenceRed Frog, LisbonCantina OK!, SydneyCoChinChina, Buenos AiresHimkok, OsloCarnaval, LimaGalaxy Bar, DubaiL’Antiquario, NaplesEmployees Only, New YorkBar Benfiddich, TokyoLucy’s Flower Shop, StockholmBulgari Bar, DubaiMore like thisTravelThis New Barcelona Hotel Is the Perfect Base Near the City’s Best Bars and RestaurantsMatador Network's Blog
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