Matador Network's Blog, page 402
September 23, 2022
10 Finger Lakes Wineries To Visit on a Fall Getaway
Upstate New York offers more than stunning mountain ranges and sporting events. Head west of Buffalo, and you’ll encounter the state’s 11 Finger Lakes. Ranging in size and location, the lakes earn their title; each one appears thin and lanky, finger-like in form. Yet while the lakes may seem delicate, their depth of offerings is vast. More than 100 wineries span the region, each with sweeping views, snaking vines, and fresh lake air — and the region is legendary for its cider, too. Finger Lakes wineries located near Keuka and Seneca lakes offer enough activities and tasting to keep you entertained for a weekend or longer. Smaller fingers like Conesus and Hemlock are ideal for relaxing day trips.
Photo: PQK/Shutterstock
The Finger Lakes are known for cool climate wines that are capable of enduring even the coldest and longest of New York winters. Vitis labrusca grapes, like concord, are a common varietal. Riesling, chardonnay, and pinot noir have also become staples of the region, though these wines fall under the vitis vinifera umbrella and have proven more challenging to grow upstate. To overcome New York’s harsh weather, the region’s winemakers have learned to rely on their surroundings; each Finger Lake tempers New York’s cold environment, creating a microclimate that alters the growing season. Because of the lake effect, vinifera grapes — as well as other varietals — can flourish in an otherwise restrictive climate.
Clearly, each Finger Lake does more for the region’s wine than simply offering up a nice view. Finger Lakes wineries in Seneca, Canandaigua, and Cayuga are plentiful, and you can easily stretch a 40 mile drive around Cayuga — the region’s longest lake — into a multi-stop road trip. Or, start slightly smaller, and pick a lakeside vineyard along Keuka’s fork. Here are the Finger Lakes wineries every visitor to the region should check out – even if it takes you more than one trip. The region’s pristine scenery is in full-focus at each of these Finger Lakes wineries — no matter how much wine you sample.
Finger Lakes wineries everyone should knowDeer Run Winery, Conesus
Photo: Deer Run Winery
As Conseus Lake’s oldest operating winery, Deer Run Winery is run by a father-son team. They have been experimenting with various wine-making techniques since 2003. Their vineyard sits on a five-acre farm, where it grows about 20 percent of the grapes used for its wines. The remaining grapes come from an assortment of the area’s other vineyards, so the wine-making process is truly a regional affair. For a hyper-local taste, pick up a bottle of Conesus White.
With a full cafe menu, Deer Run is primed for a leisurely, boozy lunch, as well as tastings and tours. It’s located on the northern end of Conesus — the region’s westernmost lake — so a stop here will appeal to anyone starting their wine tour from Rochester or Buffalo, or looking to stretch their Finger Lakes outing as far west as possible.
Where: 3772 W Lake Rd, Geneseo, NY 14454
O-Neh-Da Vineyard, HemlockView this post on InstagramA post shared by O-Neh-Da&Eagle Crest Vineyards (@onehda_vineyard)
Head east of Conesus to encounter holy ground. A wine tasting at O-Neh-Da is akin to a religious experience — literally. As one of the world’s few remaining sacramental wineries, O-Neh-Da was founded in 1872 under Bernard McQuaid, the then-Bishop of Rochester. Since then, the winery has produced bottles for churches throughout New York state, and even delivered altar wine to Pope Francis back in 2015. Beyond sacramental wines, O-Neh-Da also sells cabernet, chardonnay, and riesling, among other varieties. Each of the bottles consists of natural, pure grapes that make a stop at Hemlock worthwhile, no matter your denomination.
As one of the oldest wineries in America, O-Neh-Da, which overlaps with Eagle Crest Vineyard, has plenty to offer. The winery is 100 percent solar powered. Come for weekend wine tastings, as well as live music performances and events. If you book for a private party, you can enjoy your wine with pizza made from a wood-fire oven.
Where: 7107 Vineyard Rd, Conesus, NY 14435
Arbor Hill Grapery & Winery, CanandaiguaNaples, New York is known for grapes. Every year, the village puts on a grape festival, which simultaneously bodes well for grape pies and the town’s wines. Just west of Lake Canandaigua, Arbor Hill Winery takes full advantage of the beloved fruit; the winery boasts both wines and wine sauces made from the region’s grapes. Pick up a bottle of semi-sweet traminette and a wine syrup of your choosing.
In the tasting room, you can order flights of wine suited to your preferences or opt for a guided tasting that walks you through your choices. Beyond the wine barn, the grapery’s complex also consists of a retail shop, as well as the eatery Brew and Brats. The latter is the perfect option for satiating your hunger, and sampling the best of the Finger Lakes through a beer can in addition to a wine glass.
Where: 6461 NY-64, Naples, NY 14512
Heron Hill Winery, KeukaView this post on InstagramA post shared by Heron Hill Winery (@heronhillwinery)
This winery overlooking Keuka Lake will transport you from Upstate New York to a European vineyard. Elevated just enough to offer glimpses of the fork in Keuka, Heron Hill has plenty of seating that comes with your choice of vista. On a nice day, opt for an outdoor picnic table directly in line with the vines. Meanwhile, fall’s crispest days may be better suited to the indoor tasting room, where a peek out the window will align you with the great outdoors. If you’re one to patiently nurse a wine flight, you may even spot bikers making their way around the lake.
Heron Hill offers tastings at both its Keuka flagship location and its Canandaigua tasting room. You’ll have your pick of wines to sip at your leisure, though Canandaigua also offers tours that explain how those wines made it to your glass. Plus, the winery is pet-friendly, so you don’t have to leave your furry friends behind.
Where: 9301 Co Rd 76, Hammondsport, NY 14840
Dr. Konstantin Frank, KeukaView this post on InstagramA post shared by Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery (@drfrankwine)
Hailed as a pioneer of vinifera grapes, Dr. Konstantin Frank — the vineyard’s namesake — planted some of the first European grapes on the east coast. Back in the 1960s, Dr. Frank, as he’s known, experimented with over 60 iterations of vinifera. The Keuka vineyard has since honed in on a few signature wines and offers 11 total varieties, all planted on 70 acres alongside the lake. Visitors can pick up a bottle of riesling produced on vines from 1958, as well as chardonnay from 1962.
To taste the difference for yourself, you can visit Dr. Konstantin Frank for an in-house wine tasting, a wine-paired dinner, or a grab-and-go bottle. While the signature winery overlooks Keuka, the vineyard also owns a 60-acre plot along Seneca Lake.
Where: 9749 Middle Road, Hammondsport, NY 14840
Belhurst Estate Winery, Seneca
Photo: Leonard Zhukovsky/Shutterstock
If you’ve ever fantasized about drinking like a king, don’t miss Belhurst Estate Winery. Housed in a castle, this winery sits on the north end of Seneca Lake, and is a popular stop along the Seneca Wine Trail. The vineyard sells whites, reds, roses, and dessert wines, so you can have your pick. Stay for a tasting to alternate between sips of sauvignon blanc, dry rosé, and cabernet sauvignon. Belhurst also offers 30-minute tours to educate visitors on the wine-making process.
Doubling as a hotel, this winery is perfect for a late-in-the-day happy hour, where you can watch the sunset over a flight. Belhurst also gives guests the option of a wine-and-cheese pairing, so go ahead and turn that snack into a pre-dinner aperitif. If you’re still hungry afterward, stay for dinner and embrace the luxury side of the Finger Lakes.
Where: 4069 W Lake Rd, Geneva, NY 14456
Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars, SenecaOn the east side of Seneca Lake, Lamoreaux Landing boasts more than 119 acres of vines — all suited to sustainable, in-house wine production. Over the course of three generations, the vineyard has bottled wines like riesling, chardonnay, and cabernet franc. Enjoy your choice of drink from the vineyard’s indoor tasting room or from any Lamoreaux’s outdoor tables overlooking scenic Seneca. The vineyard also grows gewürztraminer, merlot, and cabernet sauvignon. Or, opt for a tasting to sample a series of cool climate wines. You really can’t go wrong.
The winery offers daily tastings right from its estate. With 10 wine varieties grown on-site, Lamoreaux sells more than 90 kinds of wine, so you’ll have no shortage of options. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy from an outdoor table, and get to sipping.
Where: 9224 NY-414 Lodi, NY 14860
Hermann J. Wiemer, SenecaView this post on InstagramA post shared by hermannjwiemer (@hermannjwiemer)
Hermann J. Wiemer winery takes full advantage of its setting. Situated in a sprawling field, the winery produces more than 90 wines. Guests can purchase a bottle from the estate or head to Seneca’s east side to Standing Stone Winery, a nearby vineyard acquired by Hermann J. Wiemer’s owners in 2017. Standing Stone has plots of riesling and chardonnay that date back to the 1970s, making Seneca a wine lover’s paradise — whether you’re visiting the lake from the east side or the west.
At a Hermann J. Wiemer tasting, you can sample wine by the glass, bottle, or flight. In-house wine experts will walk you through your choices, which you can try from inside the estate’s converted barn. The barn combines the rustic Finger Lakes ambiance with a sleek, chic interior — not unlike the estate’s balance of historic vines and contemporary wines.
Where: 3962 NY-14 Dundee, NY 14837
Bright Leaf Vineyard, CayugaEast of Cayuga, Bright Leaf Vineyard is a winery that takes its name seriously. The leafy, 14-acre plot is primed for sunshine and that Cayuga Lake breeze, creating the optimal environment for ventilation and grape growth. The vineyard has both an upper and lower field suited to different kinds of soils. You’ll find the white varietals — riesling and chardonnay — planted along the uphill (read: cooler) block, while the reds originate closer to the lake. There, the rich soil yields the likes of merlot, lemberger, and pinot noir.
Guests can get to know Bright Leaf wines with a flight of four, two-ounce wines. While you can’t bring your own food to the vineyard, you can pair your wine with a chocolate tasting.
Where: 1250 Clearview Road King Ferry, NY 13081
Anyela’s Vineyards, SkaneatelesView this post on InstagramA post shared by Anyela's Vineyards (@anyelasvineyards)
Skaneateles is one of the easternmost Finger Lakes. A visit to Anyela’s Vineyards offers breathtaking hills, local charm, and, of course, ample wine offerings. A three-generation winery, the vineyard uses a tried-and-true formula to combat Upstate New York’s cold, winter climate. Before the harsh weather can set in, the staff removes vines from their trellises and buries them in the earth. Come springtime, the experts re-trellis the vines, giving them a new life.
Anyela’s Vineyards offers daily tastings on-site, so you mix-and-match your favorite wines. Or, forgo the paradox of choice with a flight curated by the staff. Whatever you choose, raise your glass and drink in the view.
Where: 2433 W Lake Rd, Skaneateles, NY 13152 
New Traveler Study Found The 5 Best (and Worst) Airports in North America
TSA lines are long, parking lots are full, and the gates are standing room only — travel is back and in full swing. And while the industry hasn’t entirely recovered from the pandemic, flight prices are falling. But the experience at some airports is falling, too. J.D. Power recently published its annual customer satisfaction index rating to find the best and worst airports in North America.
Travel levels have reached 91 percent of what they were pre-pandemic. However, the industry is still struggling to hire workers, leading to flight cancellations, overcrowded airports, and consumer dissatisfaction. The index found that 58 percent of airport travelers find the terminals moderately to severely crowded. And what seems like a continuous problem made worse, airport food is far too expensive (consider the $27 airport beer).
The study categorized airports by size: mega, small and medium. Mega airports were defined as having at least 33 million passengers every year. Minneapolis snagged first place, scoring 800 out of 1,000, while San Francisco International Airport took second with 796 points, and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (791) and John F. Kennedy International Airport tied for third with 791 points.
Best mega airports in North AmericanMinneapolis-Saint Paul International AirportSan Francisco International AirportDetroit Metropolitan Wayne County AirportJohn F. Kennedy International AirportHarry Reid International AirportWorst mega airports North AmericanNewark Liberty International AirportO’Hare International AirportLos Angeles International AirportBoston Logan International AirportToronto Pearson International AirportLarge airports were defined as having 10 to 32.9 million passengers per year. Tampa International Airport earned first with a score of 846 and was also the highest-ranking airport overall. John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California, scored 826, and Dallas Love Field barely trailed behind with 825 points.
Best large airports in North AmericanTampa International AirportJohn Wayne Airport, Orange CountyDallas Love Field AirportLouis Armstrong New Orleans International AirportRaleigh-Durham International AirportWorst large airports in North AmericanPhiladelphia International AirportDaniel K. Inouye International AirportKansas City International AirportLaGuardia AirportSt. Louis Lambert International AirportTo create the index for North America’s and worst airports, J.D. Power compiled the results of 26,529 surveys from August 2021 to July 2022 from US or Canadian residents that traveled through at least one airport, including connecting flights, in the US or Canada within 30 days of taking the survey. The survey covers both departure and arrival experiences and measures overall traveler satisfaction in mega, large
and medium North American airports using six critical measures for a total of 1,000 points: terminal facilities; airport arrival/departure; baggage claim; security check; check-in/baggage check; and food, beverage and retail.
Can You Guess What These Funny Australian Slang Phrases Mean?
If “G’day, mate” and “Slip some shrimp on the barbie” are the only two Australian slang phrases you know, you’d better study before you make your way to Oz. Australians love their abbreviations more than most (“barbie” for barbecue, “garbo” for garbageman, etc.) and are not afraid of putting a little fun in everyday conversations — Australian slang is plentiful and hilarious, but not always easy to understand for outsiders.
Take the quiz below to test your knowledge of Australian sayings. If you want to study before you take this quiz, check out this guide to Australian slang.
The Best LGBTQ+ Bars in Miami
Sip poolside cocktails, see high-octane drag shows, or join thumping parties that pulse until dawn. Magic City is a rainbow of queer revelry with a little something for all tastes. It might seem strange, then, that there’s only a handful of gay bars in Miami.
This is the town of Gay Ocho — the nation’s largest Hispanic LGBTQ+ gathering. It’s where the Black gay community comes for Sizzle every Memorial Day, where lesbians flock for parties thrown by Lezchic and Pandora Events, and where boys get wild on the dance floor at Climax. Wilton Manors, a 45-minute drive north, is one of the country’s queerest zip codes. The city’s Atlantic shore even sports two beaches where the sugar-white sands are practically pink.
But if you know where to look, Miami’s LGBTQ+ community sizzles, and perpetually-packed Twist isn’t the only spot turning up the heat. There are quirky dives, top-tier restaurants, and a series of LGBTQ+-friendly spaces stretching along South Beach’s electric-blue shoreline, around Brickell’s shiny skyscrapers, and through the street-art-strewn walls of Wynwood.
Check out these ten spots to see why Miami still earns praise as one of the East Coast’s most hedonistic queer havens.
1. Twist
Two floors, seven bars, three dance floors, and a back room filled with enough gyrating go-go boys to fill every float at Miami Beach Pride: Twist is the Renaissance man of queer clubs — it does a little bit of everything. Hoping to save a buck? There’s never a cover, and happy hour offers two-for-one drinks, 3:00 to 9:00 PM daily. Jonesing for show tunes? A VJ blasts Broadway’s best belters from the Bungalow Bar on Wednesdays. Dance to Latin grooves, see drag performances, get down to house music, or chill and chat bar-side. The crowd tends to pick up after midnight, but no matter when you arrive, the party’s already bumping. This is the only multi-environment club in Miami where you can bar hop without leaving the actual bar. No wonder it’s been going strong since 1993.
Address: 1057 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Opening hours: Daily 11:00 AM — 2:00 AM
Photo: Miami and Beaches
The queer joy at Palace is so uncontainable it literally spills onto the street. Dynamic drag shows — which take place seven nights a week and during weekend brunch — occasionally flood the sidewalk, conveniently located a stone’s throw from SoBe’s gay beach. If you want a table, reserve one in advance: this bar takes pride of place along South Beach’s busiest stretch, attracting big crowds with expert entertainers (dance queen Mhi’ya Iman LePaige is a flip-tastic standout), a full food menu (Latin flavor, American favorites), and refreshing cocktails (the blueberry mojito and Chandon Garden Spritz are both thirst-quenchers).
If drag isn’t your thing, fear not — this kingdom isn’t only for queens. Head to the sixth-floor rooftop, equipped with lounge chairs and a pool, to soak up rays with like-minded royalty while admiring ocean views.
Address: 1052 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Opening hours: Daily 11:00 AM — 2:00 AM
Who cares that video killed the radio star? It also birthed this South Beach pop culture bar, and for that, we couldn’t be happier. Nab a seat in one of six themed sections with screens playing episodes from television favorites like Sex and the City, Stranger Things, and The Brady Bunch — the perfect place to discuss who’s the Samantha and why you still have a Marcia complex. Unlike up-all-night Twist, where bar owner Nathan Smith worked as a VJ for two decades, this tiny cocktail lounge is best for low-key nights with friends (including Joey, Monica, Phoebe, and the rest of the gang). Points to whoever spots the Pink Panther demanding you “Send Nudes” first.
Address: 1216 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Opening hours: Daily 7:00 PM — 5:00 AM
They don’t call Miami the Capital of Latin America for nothing. Name a country from the Caribbean or anywhere south of Texas, and it’s likely represented in the city. Azucar celebrates this sweet melting pot every Thursday through Sunday with glitzy drag shows and hip-happy dancing so wild it likely shakes Gloria Estefan from her sleep. (Don’t be surprised to see someone impersonating Estefan on stage — the Cuban-American chanteuse is arguably Miami’s most beloved pop icon). The best part? This bar, located near the southern tip of Little Havana and welcomes all queer folks with open arms — fluency in Spanglish is not required. These bartenders were clearly taught good manners by their abuelas.
Address: 2301 SW 32nd Ave, Miami, FL 33145
Opening hours: 10:00 AM — 1:30 AM Thursday to Sunday, 10:00 AM — 10:00 PM Monday to Wednesday
Photo: Miami and Beaches
This is Miami’s only gay watering hole where stumbling home might mean heading upstairs. Located in the lobby of the MiMo-style Hôtel Gaythering (complete with a clothing-optional men’s sauna), guests are only a skip away from spacious rooms ideal for catching z’s — though you’ll likely want to stay up until the bar’s last call.
Themed parties during the week attract a friendly mix of men: German drag import CC Glitzer sets the tone with Monday karaoke, Wednesday trivia and Thursday bingo promises potentially-free cocktails (try the Alvin Shakers: Gray Whale Giin, Lillet Blan, clementine, citrus, and a bitter apéritif), and Friday night’s “Bears and Hares” brings furry boys to the fore. The best thing about Bar Gaythering? Laidback, cozy, and unpretentious — it’s a welcome departure from the sceney club-thumping of other SoBe spots. The daily happy hour from 5:00 to 7:00 PM doesn’t hurt, either.
Address: 1409 Lincoln Rd F1, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Opening hours: Monday — Thursday 5:00 PM — 12:00 AM, Friday — Sunday 5:00 PM — 2:00 AM
There might not be any lesbian-centric bars in Miami, but at least there are Tuesday nights at Blackbird Ordinary, located 30 minutes from South Beach in skyscraper-sprinkled Brickell. Although it isn’t LGBTQ+-focused, ladies drink for free from 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM — which is precisely why the city’s Sapphic set decided it was worth queer colonization. And while we’re talking about queer, this bar fits the bill: somewhere between cocktail club and dance hall, Blackbird Ordinary breaks the binary. Sip avian-themed drinks while lounging in a leather banquette, or cut a rug on the dance floor until morning’s wee hours. Gals might have to deal with the unwanted male gaze, but at least there’s no worry about a boy buying you a drink.
Address: 729 SW 1st Ave, Miami, FL 33130
Opening hours: Daily 3:00 PM — 5:00 AM
Photo: Miami and Beaches
Thursdays at Gramps are a drag — a good thing if you enjoy watching avant-garde art performed by Miami’s most wig-tastic bar stars. Bearded-and-brassy Karla Croquetta hosts the long-running party in Wynwood, which makes a strong case for staying out late on a school night. Don’t forget your dancing shoes — with DJs Mystic Bill, Hottpants, and Zehno spinning tunes, it’s hard to resist grooving between performances.
Gramps isn’t LGBTQ+-centered throughout the week, but it’s always queer-friendly. Stop in for pizza, craft beer, live music, pinball, Sunday’s pop-up vintage market, or the monthly erudite Nerd Nite — there’s always something fun going on, and the crowd is always cool.
Address: 176 NW 24th St, Miami, FL 33127
Opening hours: Monday — Thursday 4:00 PM — 1:00 AM, Friday 4:00 PM — 3:00 AM, Saturday 12:00 PM — 3:00 AM, Sunday 12:00 PM — 1:00 AM
An astronaut hangs from the ceiling, Bruce Lee karate chops over the bar, and stenciled lips on stools promise to kiss you where the sun doesn’t shine. The atmosphere at this queer-friendly dive is as quirky and eclectic as it looks, with themed nights throughout the week — including burlesque on the Lord’s Day (Sunday) and live music on Wednesdays. For definitive LGBTQ+ flavor, visit on Friday, when a ferocious coven of queens kick, split, and whirl around the slender slip of a bar. Those who prefer to take center stage should consider Thursday’s karaoke, hosted by bearded comic queen Auntie Maim. Is it really a night out in Miami if you’re not scream-belting local Latin heart-throb Enrique Iglesias’s “Hero” to a sea of strangers?
Address: 222 Española Way, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Opening hours: Daily 8:00 PM — 4:00 AM
Photo: Miami and Beaches
Husbands Rocco Carulli and Owen Bale, co-owners of R House, have myriad reasons to be proud of this restaurant. The building is covered in murals and outfitted in art; the Latin-inspired menu ranges from tasty Venezuelan arepas to Brazilian moquecas. Then there’s the crowd — uber-inclusive, ultra-trendy, and as colorful as Wynwood, the arty neighborhood it calls home.
But Carulli and Bale should be most proud of their political achievements: their venerated drag brunch is so titillating that in July 2022, it sent Florida’s anti-LGBTQ+ governor Ron DeSantis into a fire-breathing tizzy. (You know you’re doing something right when a prejudiced politician tries to shut you down.) The extravaganza, which takes place on Saturdays and Sundays, is a feast for the senses. Graze on dishes like cayenne fried chicken, chimichurri sliders, and French toast with guava syrup while downing bottomless mimosas and cheering on drag queens lip-syncing for their lunch money. Make reservations well in advance to ensure a seat.
Although the bar isn’t 100 percent LGBTQ+ all the time, it’s always worth a visit thanks to the classy-casual atmosphere and expertly mixed drinks (the Piña Loca — a piña colada served in a whole pineapple with sparklers, flamingo straws, tiki umbrellas, and five shots is a crowd pleaser).
Address: 2727 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127
Opening hours: Monday — Tuesday closed, Wednesday — Thursday 4:00 PM — 10:00 PM, Friday 4:00 PM — 12:00 AM, Saturday 11:30 AM — 12:00 AM, 11:30 AM — 6:00 PM
This “hetero-friendly” hotel is an art déco beauty boasting multiple bars ideal for laid-back day drinks and early evening pre-games. Sun-kissed clientele sip pomegranate margaritas poolside until 8:00 PM, and as night descends, the crowd moves to Sky Bar for martinis and music until midnight. While Friday happy hours and Sunday pool parties often rival the banana-hammock parade on SoBe’s 12th Street gay beach, AxelBeach attracts a mixed crowd; it’s possible to find the alphabet-soup mafia’s full spectrum imbibing here in style. An attached restaurant — serving grilled sandwiches, salads, chicken wings, and more — makes this spot worth an all-day hang.
Address: 1500 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Opening hours: Daily 9:00 AM — 8:00 PM
Escape To a Luxury Waikiki Resort This Winter for 50% Off With This Exclusive Deal
We’ve got two pieces of news for you. First, today is the first day of fall. That means that cooler weather is on the way, and while this is a welcome reprieve for those of us who’ve lived through a scorching hot summer, it also means that the frigid winter chill isn’t too far off.
We hope you love the Embassy Suites – Waikiki Beach Walk! 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.
Second, there’s an easy way to escape that winter chill this year by escaping to a luxury resort in Hawaii with a partner, and it likely costs less than one month’s rent. This Travelzoo deal lands you four nights at the Embassy Suites – Waikiki Beach Walk for only $1,627 for two people — that’s 50 percent off. This deal is for a one-bedroom oceanview suite, one of the resort’s best rooms, complete with a living room and balcony to welcome the mornings and catch sunsets over the water.
Photo: Travelzoo
Photo: Travelzoo
Photo: Travelzoo
Photo: Travelzoo
The best part is that because this a Travelzoo deal, your purchase waives the $35 per night resort fee, so you get high-speed WiFi, beach towels, a nightly poolside cocktail reception, and more, all for free. This deal also includes free breakfast daily, and with the resort’s onsite dining and the nearby restaurants of Waikiki, you’ll have all the incredible meals you could ask for right near your room.
There’s no better way to escape the cold this winter than heading to Waikiki — and no better deal than this one to keep some bucks in your pocket without sacrificing the luxury experience that made the resort village famous. You know where to find us once the snow starts flying.
September 22, 2022
This Flight-Attendant-Approved Travel Essential Is Only $50
If there’s one job that requires you to spend ample time in the air and hotel rooms, it’s flight attendant. These helpful hands in the sky often have some of the best travel tips, like the best way to pack and what you should and shouldn’t drink on a flight. And then there’s what to pack. Flight attendant and TikTok influencer @flywithmerm recently revealed her must-have travel gadget that you probably didn’t even know you needed.
@flywithmerm Flight Attendant Must Haves#flightattendant #blackflightattendants #traveltiktok #travelmusthaves #foryou #cabincrew #traveltok ♬ 1 Thing Showmusik Remix – Showmusik Sounds
We hope you love the products we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page.
And the best part is that the travel kettle is under $50 on Amazon.
Let’s be honest — how often do you think the hotel coffee pot gets cleaned? On top of that, if you prefer coffee over tea, often using the hotel coffee pot will land you a cup of coffee-flavored tea. Yuck.
This collapsible mug won’t force you to take up valuable space in your carry-on. The kettle comes with:
Foldable Electric KettleCollapsible CupDetachable power cord (US Plug)Travel AdaptorZipper BagManualCustomer reviews also rave about the kettle:
“I purchased this after I saw a friend with one while traveling. The dual voltage allows use anywhere in the world. I’ve learned that having an electric tea pot is very useful. With the right products, you can do so much with boiled water! The problem with many is their bulk. The product easily collapses. It is sturdy enough to survive airline baggage handling. The collapsible cup and carry case make bringing it anywhere a snap. One caution. The pot will auto stop when it reaches a certain temp, however if you do not put the cover on in the closed position, all the water will bubble out. Also remember to shut off the pot because it will begin heating again after it cools down enough.” — Elle
“Perfect for travel! I was on a business trip. I was tired of making tea with the sad hotel room coffee makers with barely hot water that taste [d] like coffee. This worked perfectly! I will be bringing this on all my trips.” — Customer X
“Loved this little kettle. [It] Made it easy to keep water in my room even if it wasn’t for tea over my water bottle. I thought I read the instructions but somehow missed that if the boiling cycle is done, the kettle will keep your water hot. Since I don’t always remember these things, I would unplug it when empty just in case. Great traveling kettle & never need to worry again about when the last time that coffee pot was actually washed or what it may have been used for. I would recommend this product.” — Heather Switzer
So run, don’t walk to add this to your packing list.
Georgia Is a Surprising Must-Visit Destination for Great Wine
Most people don’t think of the South when they think of great wine, but there are so many incredible wineries and vineyards all over the state of Georgia.
Georgia is home to two AVAs (American Viticultural Areas): the Upper Hiwassee Highlands designated in 2014, which encompasses three northern Georgia counties and two western North Carolina counties; and the Dahlonega Plateau designated in 2018, considered the heart of Georgia’s wine country.
It’s the soil and elevation of the rolling hills at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains that make this area ripe for growing grapes – the features are comparable to that found in Italian wine regions and makes it possible to grow European grape varietals like Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Merlot.
But cultivating vinifera is not without its challenges, and many Georgia wineries are embracing the muscadine grape. Muscadines are native to the Southeast, are hardier and more disease resistant, and need less care than European grapes. Muscadine wines are known for being sweet, often combined with other fruit flavors like peaches, but they can also be dry and crisp depending on the winemaking process.
The majority of Georgia’s wineries are located in the North Georgia Mountains, just a two-hour drive from Atlanta, and this is where you’ll find an array of American and European varietals you know and love. You can easily plan a weekend getaway full of wine tastings or a day trip from the city.
If you want transportation to each winery, you’re in luck – there are plenty of services that will pick you up from your cabin or hotel in the area or even from Atlanta to drive you from vineyard to vineyard.
Don’t sleep on the vineyards in South Georgia, though. While they are further away, they offer a more laid-back pace from the northern vineyards with just as unique styles of winemaking, typically more focused on muscadines.
Each of these award-winning Georgia wineries is worth a taste. And each one provides a special experience with activities like live music, vineyard tours, food, luxury lodging, and weddings.
The best Georgia wineries everyone should knowHabersham Vineyards & Winery
Photo: Paige Watts
Habersham Vineyards & Winery in Helen is one of the oldest and largest wineries in Georgia. They’ve been producing award-winning wines since 1983.
At their Stonepile Vineyard in Clarkesville, their original vineyard planted in the late 1970s, they have 30 acres of grapes including Chardonnay, Seyval Blanc, Vidal Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chambourcin, Traminette, Aromella, and Chardonnel. Their newest Nacoochee Vineyard adjacent to the tasting room has over 10 acres producing grapes for their Habersham and Creekstone labels.
The North Georgia winery is open daily for wine tastings. You can try their Habersham and Creekstone labels of varietal vinifera wines and blended wines using vinifera and French-American grapes, as well as their Southern Harvest label of Southern Muscadine wines. Their tasting room also has a large gift shop full of wine gifts, gourmet foods, imported cheeses, and wine specialty items.
Where: 7025 S Main St, Helen, GA 30545
Tiger Mountain VineyardsTiger Mountain Vineyards began in 1995 as an attempt to save the farm land that has been in the family for five generations. It was the first vineyard in Georgia to successfully establish European vines. Today, its one of the longest running and most award-winning vineyards in the state, with more than 250 national and international awards since 2001.
At this North Georgia vineyard, you can taste grapes harvested by hand and wine made in the old-world style. Tiger Mountain offers luxury experiences like a VIP Tour & Tasting, a picnic for two, or food pairing flights. Reservations are required for specialty experiences, but you don’t need a reservation for wine tastings at the Wine Bar in the Red Barn or in the Cellar Tasting Room.
Where: 2592 Old 441 S, Tiger, GA 30576
Frogtown Cellars
Photo: Paige Watts
Frogtown Cellars is in the heart of Georgia wine country in Dahlonega. It is one of the most awarded wineries in the region: Since 2010, they have been awarded 2 Platinum, 36 Gold, 82 Silver, and 92 Bronze Medals. They’ve even won four consecutive Double-Gold Medals at the 2016 San Francisco International Wine Competition and the 2017, 2018, and 2019 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
The winery’s wide open tasting room overlooks their 44 acres of vineyards and a pond. They plant 25 different grape varieties in their North Georgia vineyards as well as 25 acres of vineyards in South Georgia where they grow 14 different varieties of muscadines and bunch grapes known as Florida Hybrids. Frogtown does not add back any sugar to their dry wines.
While you enjoy your tasting, you can relax on Frogtown Cellars’ porches overlooking the vineyards and North Georgia Mountains. Order a hand-crafted pizza, panini, charcuterie tray, or try the Sunday brunch to go with your drink, all of which are made from scratch on-site.
Where: 700 Ridge Point Dr, Dahlonega, GA 30533
Engelheim Vineyards
Photo: Engelheim Vineyards
Engelheim Vineyards planted its first grapes at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Ellijay in 2009. By 2014, they had opened up their Bavarian-style tasting room as homage to the Engel family’s German heritage.
This North Georgia winery has won over 20 awards for their wines, including many double gold and silver metals from the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. In 2018, they were named Georgia Winery of the Year.
You can enjoy Engelheim’s elegant tasting room 7 days a week and listen to live music on the weekends. Sample any of the vineyard’s 20 wines on a 4-wine flight board, no reservations required, while cozied up near the fireplace, sitting on the enclosed sunroom, or on their pet-friendly grounds.
Where: 120 Lakeview Rd, Ellijay, GA 30540
Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery
Photo: Wolf Mountain Vineyards
One of the state’s most popular wineries, Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery in Dahlonega was established in 1999. The vineyard gained prominence by winning Georgia’s first-ever Gold medals at the San Francisco Chronicle and Los Angeles International Wine Competitions.
The vineyard’s wines are made in the French style with an emphasis on blending European varietals. At their Estate Vineyard, they grow Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Syrah, Mourvedre, Tannat, and Touriga Nacional which are blended to create their Reserve Estate Red Wines. And the winery invested in other local Dahlonega vineyards to grow Chardonnay, Viognier, and Merlow.
Grab a seat at this hillside vineyard and winery that offers winery tours, estate tastings, Sunday brunch, café lunches, and gourmet dinners. Wolf Mountain’s profile of wines include dry whites, dry rose and reds, semi sweet and port wines, and Méthode Champenoise Sparkling Wines.
Where: 180 Wolf Mountain Trail, Dahlonega, GA 30533
River’s Bend Winery & VineyardRiver’s Bend Winery & Vineyard is a family-owned winery in West Georgia near Columbus. They planted their first vineyard in 2016. The 10 acre vineyard also includes a small blueberry orchard with a U-Pick season. The wine list includes Georgia-grown fruit wines – like The Naked Apple, The Naked Blueberry, and Blanc du Bios – and a number of wines made from California grown grapes.
Enjoy the vineyard’s outdoor seating with a cheese platter made by a local Georgia creamery. Sit back with a glass, tasting, or bottle at their tasting room – you’ll likely be welcomed by River Bend’s beloved winery dog and door greeter, Zoey.
Where: 692 Adams Rd, West Point, GA 31833
Paulk VineyardsPhoto: Paulk Vineyards
Paulk Vineyards in the small town of Wray in South Georgia sits on land that has been family-owned for six generations. With over 600 acres, they are the largest muscadine vineyard in the world.
After decades of growing muscadines for use as fresh produce, juices, jellies, supplements, and wines for other wineries, Paulk Vineyards began making and bottling their own wines in 2017.
This winery has 11 award-winning muscadine and other fruit wines, as well as the Sweet Tree line of fruit-infused wines. It’s an out-of-the-way drive to the small tasting room, but you’ll be greeted with plenty of Southern Hospitality. Take a seat at the bar for a tasting of the Family of Wines named for family members, the Farm Wines named for the local area, and their Sweet Tree fruit wines.
Where: 1788 Satilla Rd, Wray, GA 31798
This Sleeping Bag Liner Is Perfect for Fall and Winter Camping, and It’s 20% Off Right Now
I’ll let you in on a little secret: I hate camping when I’m cold. It’s not the weather so much that bothers me, but my own lack of preparedness. I’ve spent many frigid nights curled into a semi-fetal position in my sleeping bag, cursing the rush I was in when I packed for the trip and hoping that morning comes quickly. Finally, a couple years ago, I alleviated this strain by purchasing a new Cocoon Silk Mummy Liner ($69.95) for my sleeping bag. I always have it with me in my camping supplies, and now, when the weather bites, I slide into the liner before tucking in for good and generally sleep as well as I do at home.
The mummy liner has revolutionized my year-round camping setup, and here I’ll break down exactly how that happened.
We hope you love the Cocoon Silk Mummy Liner. 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.
An extra layer when you need it most
Photo: REI
The Cocoon Silk Mummy Liner is designed to boost your sleeping bag’s temperature rating by up to 8.4 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes a 0-degree bag warm enough for winter camping in many mountainous locations and makes a 30-degree bag suitable for nights like the one described above. No matter how durable or reinforced your tent is, it’s the temperature in your sleeping bag that really matters.
The liner weighs just 4.7 ounces and stuffs into a 3-inch by 6-inch sack. As such, it takes up next to no room in your backpack, and what I’ve started doing is keeping it inside my sleeping bag. That way, I always have the liner with me if I need it. At 95 inches long by 35 inches wide, it’s both tall and wide enough for just about anyone. I’m 5’7” and enjoy the lack of crowding when using the liner. In fact, on more than one occasion I’ve forgotten that it’s even there, and have exited and rolled up my sleeping bag with the liner still inside.
Another plus of the Cocoon Silk Mummy Liner is its durability. No matter your outdoor pursuits of choice, it’s there for you. The liner is great for canoe and raft trips when sleeping waterside makes for cooler nights. For overnight backpacking trips, it gives you the versatility to choose a wider range of campsites even if some are more exposed.
How the Cocoon Silk Mummy Liner performs in snowy conditions during winter campingThe first time I ever used my Cocoon Silk Mummy Liner was on an overnight splitboarding expedition in the Colorado backcountry in early March. We camped at 10,000 feet. It had just snowed unexpectedly, and as such, forecasts called for temperatures close to 0 degrees overnight. As I said goodnight to my fellow campers around the fire, I mentally prepared myself for a long night with frequent wakeups due to cold temperatures.
I slept in normal pajamas — including long cotton pants and a long-sleeve shirt — in a mummy sleeping bag rated to 15 degrees. Using the liner kept me much warmer throughout the night than I’d expected. The first time I awoke and checked the time on my phone, I was in disbelief — it was nearly 7:00 AM. I’d slept through the night without any of the hiccups I’d envisioned, and was warm enough that I easily found the motivation to get up and melt snow for coffee, to boot.
Cocoon Silk Mummy Liner: Decision-making factors on whether to buy
Photo: REI
In addition to its durability while camping and backpacking, the liner has a major perk for travelers. It’s ideal for when you’re staying in hostels or less-than-clean hotel rooms and want an extra layer of protection from the sheets. In warm climates, you can even use the liner in place of a comforter or linen, as its thin silk lining is enough to keep you warm and provide that familiar feeling of being tucked into bed, without getting too toasty.
Sleeping out under the stars is the best way to make use of the Cocoon Silk Mummy Liner during warm summer nights. I learned this on a clear July evening and can confirm that opening your eyes to the Milky Way is much more inspiring a view than the inside of a dark tent.
Downsides to the Cocoon Silk Mummy LinerThe one complaint I have about the Cocoon Silk Mummy Liner is that I’ve found it easiest to get myself into the liner first, and then into the sleeping bag after, which can be tricky in a tight tent. It’s never been impossible to do, and indeed this is more a personal gripe than a functional issue. What I now do on multi-night camping trips is leave the liner inside the bag from start to finish.
People Are Stowing Carry-On Bags All Wrong, According To United Airlines
There are two types of travelers in this world: Those who pack as much into their carry-on luggage as they can, and those who prefer to always check a bag. Checked bag fees have understandably pushed people toward the former category, which often translates to a mad rush to board first and secure a spot in the overhead compartment. But there would be more room for everyone if people just put their bags in the bin correctly, according to a viral United Airlines TikTok.
@united Answer @im_siowei had to show our new overhead bins some love #travel #traveltiktok #luggage #comedy #unitedairlines ♬ Up and down girl – mik :-))
According to the airline, newer planes have larger overhead bins that allow carry-on size luggage to be put wheels first on their side instead of flat. Or, as it was put in a recent Wall Street Journal feature, like a taco.
Flight attendant Susannah Carr told the publication that people who don’t travel as much face a learning curve and push back and tell her things like, “That’s not how bags fit in the overhead bins.” Yet in what shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone, flight attendants really do know how to fit bags into the overhead compartment, even if they’re technically not supposed to lift the bags themselves on some airlines.
The United Airlines video was originally posted in 2021 and was recently reposted as the brand’s most viral video of the year. Word is still out if this is reaching the right audience of carry-on-stowage offenders, but as the United social team put in a response to a comment on the video, “we’re doing our best to educate here.”
The 10 Best Fort Lauderdale Kayaking Spots, From the Ocean To Canals
Fort Lauderdale has been dubbed the “Venice of the Americas,” and not just because tourists flock here for half the year and the pizza’s pretty good. It’s because Fort Lauderdale has over 165 miles of canals, running past stately Mediterranean revival mansions and some of the biggest yachts in the world. That makes the city ripe for exploring via kayak, whether you’re perusing the canals, the Intracoastal Waterway, or the Atlantic Ocean. Find the right spots, and you can also escape into mangrove tunnels full of native birds. Even if you don’t have a kayak, the city has no shortage of places that’ll rent you one right onsite, making kayaking Fort Lauderdale a breeze.
We hope you love the kayaking Fort Lauderdale experience we recommend. Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book.
Dr. Von D. Mizell — Eula Johnson State Park
Photo: Matt Tilghman/Shutterstock
This is the last undisturbed stretch of coastal wetland in the county. It is located just east of the Fort Lauderdale Airport and Port Everglades. The best place for kayaking is shallow Whiskey Creek, a channel lined with mangroves that run through most of the park and out into the Stranahan River. It also passes by the Whiskey Creek Hideout, a breezy outdoor bar and café where you can reward yourself with a cold beer once you’re paddling is through. Rentals are available inside the park.
New River — Cooley’s Landing
Photo: Visit Lauderdale
Plenty of motorized boat tours will take you through the glamorous islands near downtown Fort Lauderdale. But if you’d like to paddle it yourself, jump in just across from the Broward Center for Performing Arts at Cooley’s Landing. As urban kayaking goes, the city has some of the best in the US. From launching, you’ll travel down the New River, through the bustling shops and restaurants of Las Olas Boulevard, and out into Las Olas Isles.
On the way back, you may face some current, but you’ll be treated to a magnificent view of the Fort Lauderdale skyline and the bridges over the river. Just be prepared, this route is also popular among pleasure boaters who aren’t always paying close attention, so paddle with caution. If Cooley’s Landing is too busy, you can also put your kayak in at Riverland Wood Park, Lewis Landing, and Coontie Hatchee Landing, all of which are within a couple of miles.
Tarpon River
Photo: Kristi Blokhin/Shutterstock
Another route you can take from Cooley’s Landing brings you south and west down the Tarpon River. This smaller, far calmer channel runs through residential areas south of downtown, much of it shaded in tropical foliage. It feels a bit like a trip down the Amazon — albeit with million dollar boats and five-bedroom houses — and ends at a swinging bridge into the Sailboat Bend neighborhood. Find a spot to tie up and stop for a beer at Riverside Market, an old convenience store-turned-craft-beer-bar, where you’ll find an incredible selection of beers.
Victoria Park and Anne Beck Park
Photo: Rolando Otero/Shutterstock
If you’ve got your own kayak and a way to transport it, take it to either Victoria Park or Anne Beck Park — in the Victoria Park neighborhood. Both give you instant access to the canals around Nurmi Isles and Sunrise Key and will bring you out to the Intracoastal if you’re up for braving those busy waters. Along the way you’ll see everything from celebrity mansions to eight-figure mega-yachts, a calming way to observe the tropical lives of the rich and famous.
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Photo: Visit Lauderdale
For beginning kayakers — especially those staying in Fort Lauderdale Beach — the best spot in Broward County is at this park just north of Sunrise Boulevard on A1A. The lush wilderness offers kayak rentals through its calm waters to Long Lake, and also provides easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway if you’re looking for something a little more challenging. For those who want to give back during their vacation, Friends of Hugh Taylor Birch offers regular clean-ups, where you’ll help clear trash from Long Lake as you paddle along.
Middle River
Photo: Harry Powell/Shutterstock
Fort Lauderdale’s suburb of Wilton Manors is surrounded by water, and you can kayak the entire seven-mile circle along the New River. The easiest place to begin and end your journey is the Colohatchee Park Boat Ramp, and while the scenery isn’t exactly time-traveling to Old Florida (the bulk of your views will be of people’s backyards and swimming pools) locals are friendly, greeting you with a wave and if you’re lucky, a cold beer. The route is lightly trafficked by other kayakers and paddleboards so that you won’t be contending with an armada of speedboats like you might in other parts of Fort Lauderdale.
Loggerhead Park
Photo: cindylindowphotography/Shutterstock
Ocean kayaking can be much easier in the calm Atlantic waters off South Florida than in, say, the Pacific Ocean. And though the turquoise waters are inviting, always remember kayaking in these currents is a different skill set than what you’ll find inland. That said if you catch a quiet day and want to get out on the ocean, bring your kayak to Loggerhead Park. Though it’s mostly known for shore dives, it also has easy access for kayaks and about a dozen parking spaces.
West Lake Park
Photo: Maridav/Shutterstock
A little south of the canals and yachts of Fort Lauderdale, you’ll find an odd slice of natural Florida in the middle of Hollywood’s sea of subdivisions. This is West Lake Park, saved in the 1970s from rampant development. Today, you can rent a kayak and paddle through one of three well-marked mangrove trails, which take you under spidery canopies and out to the expansive lake. Marked Red, White, and Blue, the trails all feel far removed from the surrounding city, totaling about three miles of untamed wilderness. Two miles into your paddle, you’ll have the option of parking your kayak and exploring the boardwalks around the Anne Kolb Nature Center. Along the way, you’ll see herons, ibis, and even raccoons in their rare natural habitat.
Pond Apple Slough
Photo: Francisco Blanco/Shutterstock
Another far-flung swath of old Florida nature sits just south of Interstate 595 at Pond Apple Slough. While you can’t really access the slough by land, you can start at the Bill Keith Preserve near Davie Boulevard and head away from the ocean. You’ll pass through a sea of over-the-top yachts as you paddle around Marina Mile, a sight that’s both impressive and quintessentially Fort Lauderdale. Continue upriver until you pass the Secret Woods Nature Center, then turn left under 595 at the Bradford Marine Boat Yard.
Once you’ve cleared the expressway, it’ll seem as if you were magically transported to a 19th-century Florida mangrove forest, where pristine wetland, birds, and lush vegetation provide an instant oasis. It’s not a quick trip, but certainly, the road — or canal — is less traveled, so like many places that take a lot of work to reach, you’ll rarely share it with others.
Glow Night Kayak
Photo: Airbnb
For something a little more adventurous, you might want to consider kayaking Fort Lauderdale at night with Glow Night Kayak. This experienced tour will take you through the basics of kayaking before launching and exploring the water and city in lights down the New River Canal and along Downtown Las Olas. Local kayaker, Carlos, leads the group and has superb knowledge of the waterways.
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