Matador Network's Blog, page 405
September 19, 2022
The Best Places To Eat Inside the Pennsylvania Dutch Farmers Market
The Pennsylvania Dutch Farmer’s Market attracts locals and visitors alike to a 290,000 square foot center close to historic Annapolis, Maryland. Inside, vendors expertly knead bread dough, smoke locally-grown meats, and offer wares ranging from handcrafted chocolates to packaged homemade pastas ready to go home with visitors. There are a plethora of food options at the Annapolis Amish market for immediate eats, dinners at home, and snacks for later that won’t last past the car ride home.
When I stopped by the Pennsylvania Dutch Farmer’s Market on a recent Saturday, I discovered a delightful assortment of foods (including full breakfast, lunch, and dinner options) crafted from flavorful and homegrown ingredients. Offerings at this farmers market include organic produce, salads, a candy store, homemade snacks, desserts, cheeses, meats, barbecued and fried chicken, bulk foods, and even ice cream. Most of the wares are made close by in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, using Dutch methods that have been passed down through many generations.
To start your own journey through the Annapolis Amish market, head to the Annapolis Harbour Center, the outdoor mall which houses the market and enter through the doors on the side closest to Solomons Island Road. Make note of the colorful Adirondack chairs outside — you’ll want to claim some to chow down at once you grab your food. At the doorway, you’ll take a right; the left turn leads you to a room containing thoughtfully crafted vintage furniture which, while beautiful, is unfortunately not edible.
Upon entering the Annapolis Amish market, you’ll first encounter the bulk section, which has prepackaged items like popcorn, soups, teas, pastas, and more, in appealing uniform rows. While you could pour over these goods for ages, you’ll first want to get your bearings and hop in line before the market starts to fill.
Since it’s all indoors, the space itself gets quickly crowded. Routine visitors have their favorite routines and stalls – picking up a quiche for Sunday dinner, or grabbing a croissant for a hungover breakfast – so expect long lines.
Many of the stalls appear nameless, advertising only their offerings instead of a brand name. While it fits the spirit of the Amish market’s purpose, you’ll quickly notice which stalls are famed for which items. The number of stalls might seem overwhelming at first, so this guide to where to eat in the Annapolis Amish market should help.
The best places to eat inside the Annapolis Amish market1. John F. Martins & Sons
Photo: Grace Smith
One of the first stalls you’ll encounter past the bulk food stall operates as a butcher’s counter. This meat stall is renowned for its fine meat products, like naturally hickory wood smoked bacon and beef. Now a popular distributor across the country, the family-owned biz never forgets its roots in rural Amish country.
What to try: Fried mushrooms were the real winners here. The stall’s newest hit? Garlic Parmesan Party Wings.
2. Beiler’s Bakery And CheeseIf you’re a cheese aficionado, you’ll have heart eyes for the take-home offerings from the company’s dairy branch. Tubs, spreads, wheels, and cubes of cheese are displayed before you like a medieval feast.
What to try: Enjoy the Amish take on a Southern specialty: pimento cheese that has the consistency of mousse. More of a dessert person? Try the strawberry shortcake.
3. Beiler’s Coffee & Donuts
Photo: Grace Smith
Beiler’s is another beloved business — especially in the Philly scene. Its Maryland-based offerings live up to their reputation, with humble, memorable baked goods worth dreaming about. We understood why so many stumbled their way into a coffee and donut from Beiler’s after a Friday night out at the bars.
What to try: The donuts are made from scratch daily, and they sure taste like it. I had the pleasure of watching a man creating the blueberry donuts directly in front of me while I waited, and could think of little else after.
4. Candy Through The Decades
Photo: Grace Smith
Staffed by two disciplined ten-year-old boys, the Candy Through The Decades stall has a vast array of candies (and no small amount of charm). There are dozens of different types of chocolate truffles, and many more other confectionary treats. While this is one of the first stalls you’ll encounter from the Solomons Island Rd entrance, it should be the last visit on your trip, so that you don’t fill up on dessert first.
What to try: It may not be December, but the Homemade milk peppermint mark is melt-in-your-mouth divine. The milk toffee pretzel was also a winner, and the stall’s vast assortment of truffles is also tempting.
5. Dutch Market BakeryPlonked directly in the center of the building is a bakery station with a staggering selection of pastries, pies, breads, quiches, rolls, and more. This is where the market’s Lancaster roots really shine:. The stall’s whoopie pies were actually featured in an episode of The Best Of on the Food Network.
What to try: When I requested a cinnamon roll with glaze, I was strongly encouraged to opt instead for a cinnamon roll with cream cheese icing — the bakery’s specialty. I went with their suggestion and was rewarded with a delightful treat.
6. The Log StandWhile each stall has its value, this one was undoubtedly the hit of the Amish Market. The line for this one remained long all day. Eavesdropped conversations mentioned cravings, and regulars looked forward to their fixes all week. It was clear throughout my experience that people gathered from all over for various types of what the company calls loga, which are essentially stuffed pretzel sandwiches.
What to try: If you’re stumbling in first during the early hours, try the Breakfast Log with bacon, egg, and American cheese.
5. Stoltzfus Produce
Photo: Grace Smith
This stall was where I inhaled an indulgent caramel frappuccino. I must have hit it at the perfect time, because during my next lap, the line snaked around the corner. While I opted for beverages, the stall also sells produce: melons, apples, corn, and peaches.
What to try: Imagine fresh squeezed lemonade from your childhood — an idyllic, delightful treat. The fresh squeezed peach lemonade from Stoltzfus Produce recreates that simple pleasure. 
Guide To Wine Tasting in Valle de Guadalupe
Sure, you’ve visited Napa wine country, Sonoma wine country, and maybe even the Willamette Valley in Oregon. But have you considered a trip to Valle de Guadalupe, Mexican wine country in Baja California, just south of the US-Mexico border? Imagine all of the things you love about Mexico but with a stunning wine country backdrop.
A decade ago in Valle de Guadalupe, there were only 15 bonded wineries, and they didn’t talk much or collaborate with each other. Now, according to locals, there are dozens of wineries and a much more collaborative spirit.
Investment and experimentation reign. The region does not have one grape to hang its hat on, and like most New World wine regions, there is little to no regulation. It has a bit of a Wild Wild West feel…as a grape grower and a winemaker, you can decide what grapes to plant, when to harvest, and how to make the wine.
Refreshing about Valle de Guadalupe is the absence of McChateau structures, expensive cars, and stuffy tasting rooms. “Valle” (as locals call it) has a distinct look and feel to it: earthy, rustic, and natural. Many of the tasting rooms and restaurants seamlessly blend indoors and outdoors with a natural, earthy, burnt sienna palette.
If you are considering visiting one of the Valle de Guadalupe wineries, here’s everything you need to know to plan a trip to this beautiful region.
How to get to the Valle de Guadalupe wineries
Photo: Bruma Winery
Valle de Guadalupe is approximately 90 miles south of San Diego. Coming from San Diego, there are two ways to cross the border into Mexico: drive or walk. If you go across the border in your car, be sure to secure Mexican car insurance.
Be aware that if you drive across the border and you do not have Global Entry/SENTRI access, you can expect to wait anywhere from three to six hours in the car line to return back to the US, which can be grueling. With Global Entry/SENTRI, the wait is less than an hour generally.
If you opt to walk across the border, you can easily park at any of the long-term parking lots on the US side, queue up on foot, show your passport, and arrive in Mexico in a few minutes. With this option, you’ll want to be sure you have a tour guide or driver hired.
Once you’ve arrived in Mexico, and start the drive to Valle de Guadalupe, take the “Scenic Road” (it is labeled as such) and enjoy the beautiful Mexican beach coastline all the way down until you arrive at the turnoff for La Ruta del Vino. If you’re hungry, stop in the town of Puerto Nuevo for an inexpensive and fresh langostino lunch overlooking the water.
Getting around Valle de Guadalupe
Photo: Vinos Lechuza
Hiring a driver or tour guide will make your Mexican wine country experience that much better. Mariana of Tours by Mariana is first rate. Mariana is expertly versed in wine, beer, local history, and culture. She can also craft an itinerary to suit your interests. If you opt to drive to Valle yourself, Mariana will meet you at your lodging location and will be your guide throughout your time there. If you’re worried about navigating the border crossing, she can meet you at the parking lot on the US side to collect your bags and escort you to the border crossing. Mariana has dual citizenship and is registered with the Mexican Tourism Registry.
A 10-hour day rate (for up to three people, including transport) is 3600 pesos (approx $175 UD).
Where to stay in Valle de GuadalupeThe one thing you will spend money on in Valle is a hotel. You will save money with literally everything else, as the food and wine is quite affordable, especially for the quality. An alternative option to a hotel is a vacation rental. They are popping up all over Valle de Guadalupe and include spartan, simple homes or luxurious high-end properties with a price tag to match. Or you might opt to stay in Ensenada (about 30 minutes outside of Valle) for more of a city vibe and access to nightlife.
El Cielo Resort
Photo: El Cielo Resort
El Cielo Winery & Resort is a great hotel option for the Valle de Guadalupe first-timer. The rooms are clean, bright, comfortable, and luxurious, with a living area, mini-fridge, and minibar.
Photo: El Cielo Resort
Bathrooms are also stunning with dual sinks, a huge shower, a separate toilet room, and cushy robes. Definitely worth every penny.
The best Valle de Guadalupe wineriesClos de Tres Cantos Winery
Photo: Clos de Tres Cantos Winery
First off, the grounds of Clos de Tres Cantos are absolutely gorgeous. Everything feels “of the earth,” as if the buildings arose from the ground. The orange, brown, and reds of the soils match the colors of the structures onsite. At your visit and tasting, you might get lucky and meet Joaquin, the owner, a philosopher and a former professor and lawyer from Mexico City. An incredibly interesting guy to talk to while you sip your Mexican wines.
Vinos Lechuza
Photo: Vinos Lechuza
A visit to Valle is not complete without going to Vinos Lechuza. Their wines are the benchmark for the region, proven by the fact that they are carried in various Thomas Keller restaurants, including The French Laundry in Napa. Tastings take place on their outdoor patio under a pergola and overlooking estate vines. Be sure to try Pluma, their chilled red wine made with Nebbiolo grapes.
Bruma Winery
Photo: Bruma Winery
Book your dinner reservation at Fauna (see below) and then enjoy your final wine tasting of the day at Bruma, on the same property. Bruma features adventurous wines on the natural wine spectrum. Bring a fully charged phone for pics, as the property is one of the most beautiful in Valle. It features large-scale art pieces that meld into the natural landscape.
Where to eat in Valle de GuadalupeFauna
Photo: Fauna
The only time to experience Fauna is at sunset. When you book your Valle de Guadalupe trip, let this be the first reservation you confirm. Like many Valle spots, the restaurant is campestre (country) style with blurred lines between indoor and outdoor. An impressive grill frames the outdoor dining area. Request a table in this area for the best sunset views. The tasting menu at Fauna is perhaps the best meal in Valle de Guadalupe.
La Justina ValleHands down, La Justina Valle is the most Instagrammable spot in the Valle. Come for lunch, order the pulpo (octopus) tostadas, and wash it down with a carajillo (iced espresso cocktail) for a little pick-me-up before your afternoon wine-tasting appointment.
Finca Altozano
Photo: Finca Altozano
For a vibrant and energetic outdoor dining experience, famed Mexican chef Javier Plascencia’s Finca Altozano fits the bill. The focus here is on grilled meats and shared plates. Animal lovers will appreciate the potbelly pig who sometimes walks through the tables, and the farm animals adjacent to the dining area.
Best travel rewards credit cards
We’ve partnered with UpgradedPoints.com to help make recommendations on our favorite travel rewards credit cards.
If you love to travel, getting a great travel rewards card can take your traveling to the next level by earning you points towards free flights or hotel stays, offering perks that help you travel in style, and providing protections to help keep you covered should anything go wrong.
All of that sounds great, right? But if you’re new to the world of travel rewards credit cards, you’re probably wondering, “How do I determine which card is right for me?”
We’ve assembled a detailed look at some of the very best travel rewards credit cards available so that you can determine which card is the best fit for you based on the perks you’re looking for, your spending habits, and your overall travel goals.
SummaryTravel Rewards CardBest ForMain Benefits Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card First-time cardholdersEarn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on dining and 2x points on all other travel purchases.Bonus valuation*: $1,200 Chase Sapphire Reserve® Frequent travelers and travel insurance$300 annual travel credit. Earn 5x points on air travel and 10x points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, then 3x points on other travel and dining
Bonus valuation*: $1,000 The Platinum Card® from American Express Luxury travelers & lounge accessUp to $200 in airline fee credits (enrollment required), up to $100 fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, and up to $179 back per year on your CLEAR® membership. Earn 5x on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel, and for flights booked directly with airlines or with Amex Travel (up to $500,000 per calendar year). Terms Apply.
Bonus valuation*: $2,200 American Express® Gold Card Everyday spendersEarn 4x points at restaurants, including takeout and delivery, and earn 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per calendar year; 1x thereafter). Terms Apply.
Bonus valuation*: $1,320 Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card Frequent travelersEarn 3x points on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Points are worth 25% more when used in the Chase Ultimate Reward Travel Portal.
Bonus valuation*: $2,000 The Business Platinum Card® from American Express Luxury travelersEarn 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com, complimentary access to lounges worldwide, $200 airline fee credit (enrollment required). Terms Apply
Bonus valuation*: $2,640 American Express® Business Gold Card Big spendersEarn 4x points on the 2 select categories where your business spent the most each month (up to $150,000 in combined purchases), “Pay Over Time” option. Terms Apply.
Bonus valuation*: $1,540 The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express No annual feeEarn 2x points on all eligible purchases (up to $50,000 in purchases per year; 1x thereafter), no annual fee (see rates and fees). Terms Apply.
Bonus valuation*: $330 Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card No annual fee big spendersEarn 1.5% cash-back on all purchases, no annual feeBest Card for First-Time CardholdersChase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase
Current Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Bonus Value*: $1,200
If you’re just getting started in the world of travel rewards, it is likely that you would like a card that is straightforward, offers plenty of flexibility, and isn’t very expensive to hold. All of these reasons and more are what make the Chase Sapphire Preferred card the perfect option for first-time cardholders.
With the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, you’ll earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on dining and 2x points on all other travel purchases, plus your points are worth 25% more when redeemed through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal.
Cardholders also enjoy benefits like a DoorDash DashPass membership, access to Chase transfer partners, travel and rental car insurance, zero foreign transaction fees, and flexible point redemption options. When you add up all the benefits you receive, all for a low annual fee of $95, it is easy to see why this card is often the first travel rewards card that people choose.
Best Card for Frequent Travelers and Travel InsuranceChase Sapphire Reserve®
Photo: Evgenia Parajanian /Shutterstock
Current Welcome Offer: Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Bonus Value*: $1,000
The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is widely regarded as one of the most well-rounded and versatile premium travel credit cards on the market and is effectively a significantly better version of the Chase Sapphire Preferred card.
After cardholders redeem their $300 annual travel credit, they will earn 5x total points on air travel and 10X total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on other travel and dining, 10x Ultimate Rewards points per $1 on Lyft purchases, and your points are worth 50% more when redeemed through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal.
You’ll also receive plenty of excellent benefits like a $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass lounge access, a Lyft Pink and DoorDash DashPass membership, a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, and access to the Chase travel transfer partners.
One area where the Chase Sapphire Reserve card really shines is its excellent travel insurance that covers a variety of different issues to help keep you covered no matter what happens during your travels. Here are some of the travel protection you receive from the Chase Sapphire Reserve card:
Trip Delay Reimbursement: coverage of up to $500 in eligible expenses per ticket if your flight is delayed more than 6 hoursRental Car Coverage: primary coverage for damages caused by theft or collision up to $75,000Baggage Delay: if your baggage is delayed by more than 6 hours, you’ll receive up to $100 per day for up to 5 daysTrip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: if your trip is canceled or cut short due to sickness, severe weather, or other covered situations, you can be reimbursed up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for your prepaid, non-refundable travel expensesEmergency Evacuation and Transportation: if you or a member of your immediate family are injured or become sick during a trip that results in an emergency evacuation, you can be covered for medical services and transportation up to $100,000While the Chase Sapphire Reserve card is not cheap with an annual fee of $550, we feel that you can easily get more value than that out of it when you factor in its point-earning, benefits, and top-notch travel protections, making it an easy pick for the best card for frequent travelers.
Best Card for Luxury Travelers and Lounge AccessThe Platinum Card® from American Express
Photo: Carlo Tan/Shutterstock
Current Welcome Offer: Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards points after you use your new card to make $6,000 in purchases in your first 6 months. Terms Apply. Plus, earn 10x points on eligible purchases on the Card at restaurants worldwide and when you Shop Small in the U.S., on up to $25,000 in combined purchases, during your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Bonus Value*: $2,200
If there is one word that comes to mind when you think of the Amex Platinum card, it’s luxury. This card is all about upgrading your travel experience and comes packed with many stellar benefits that do just that.
While the Amex Platinum card has a main category, it is a great one, as you’ll earn 5x Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 on purchases per calendar year; 1x thereafter), and earn 5x Membership Rewards points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. So if you’re someone who travels often, this is an easy way to rack up points quickly.
But by far the best thing about the Amex Platinum card is all of the benefits that come loaded with it. Here are some of our favorites:
Up to $200 annual airline fee credit upon enrollment in benefitUp to $100 annual Saks Fifth Avenue creditUp to $200 annual hotel creditUp to $275 annual digital entertainment creditUp to $300 annual Equinox creditComplimentary Hilton Honors Gold and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status upon enrollment in benefitGlobal Entry/TSA PreCheck creditCLEAR® membership creditAccess to Amex International Airline Program and American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts ProgramAccess to American Express transfer partnersTerms ApplyAs if all of those benefits weren’t enough, the Amex Platinum card is the best card on the market when it comes to airport lounge access. While there are a handful of cards that offer Priority Pass lounge access, the Amex Platinum takes this a step further by giving cardholders access to 6 lounge networks. These lounge networks include Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium lounges, Airspace lounges, Escape lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), and its own swanky lounge network — American Express Centurion lounges.
If you’ve never visited one, airport lounges are the perfect way to level up your travel experience. Instead of waiting for your flight at the gate, or paying exorbitant food rates at the airport food court, you can relax in a secluded lounge, away from the hustle and bustle, enjoy free food and drinks, charge up your devices, and some lounges even offer spa services or shower facilities.
The $695 annual fee of the Amex Platinum card might be a little difficult to stomach at first, but if you’re someone who travels frequently, and likes to do so in style, it is easy to see how you can easily get more value out of all of the benefits of the card than what you pay for the annual fee (see rates and fees). In that case, it makes the Amex Platinum card a must-have for luxury travelers and those who want best-in-class lounge access. Terms apply and enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers.
Best Card for Everyday SpendersAmerican Express® Gold Card
Photo: American Express
Current Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new card within the first 6 months. Terms Apply.
Bonus Value*: $1,320
Those who are looking for a card that will really help them rack up the points quickly need look no further than the Amex Gold card. This point-earning powerhouse earns 4x Membership Rewards points per $1 at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per calendar year; 1x thereafter), and at restaurants worldwide, plus 3x points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or with Amex Travel. Terms Apply.
While the Amex Gold card doesn’t offer anywhere near the level of benefits that the Amex Platinum card offers, it still has some excellent perks that make it a worthwhile addition for travelers, such as up to $120 annual dining credit, access to the American Express Hotel Collection, and access to American Express transfer partners.
So if you’re a frequent traveler who spends a lot of money at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets, and you want a card that is great at earning points but is significantly less expensive than some of its premium counterparts, then the Amex Gold card might be the perfect fit.
Best Business Card for Frequent TravelersInk Business Preferred® Credit Card
Photo: Chase
Current Welcome Offer: Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
Bonus Value*: $2,000
If you’re a frequent business traveler, you likely want a card that is rewarding for the items you spend the most on and comes packed with benefits that are helpful for your business and your travels — the Ink Business Preferred card is that card.
With your Ink Business Preferred card you’ll earn 3x Ultimate Rewards points per $1 spent (up to $150,000 per year) in the following bonus categories:
Advertising on social media and search enginesTravelShippingInternet, cable, and phoneSmall business owners who have expenses that would meet the $150,000 threshold will be able to earn a staggering 450,000 Ultimate Rewards points each year, and since your points are worth 25% more when redeemed through the travel portal, this represents $5,625 in travel savings.
The Ink Business Preferred card offers much more than just the opportunity to earn points. It includes perks like cell phone theft and damage protection, purchase protection, primary rental car insurance, trip delay and interruption insurance, baggage insurance, and access to the Chase transfer partners.
When you factor in the earning potential of the Ink Business Preferred card along with the numerous perks and protections it offers, it is almost a no-brainer for any business owner who loves to travel or travels frequently.
Best Business Card for Luxury TravelersThe Business Platinum Card® from American Express
American Express
Current Welcome Offer: Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $15,000 within your first 3 months of card membership. Terms Apply.
Bonus Value*: $2,640
Business owners who travel often and prefer an elevated experience need a card that helps them do just that — enter the Amex Business Platinum card.
The card earns 5x Membership Rewards points on flights and prepaid hotels on Amex Travel, 1.5x points on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else (up to $2 million in purchases per calendar year), and 1x on all other purchases, making it easy to build up points quickly for frequent travelers and big spenders. You’ll also receive a 35% rebate when using miles to book flights on Amex Travel. Terms Apply.
Similar to the personal version of the card, the Amex Business Platinum card is absolutely loaded with benefits that give tons of value to cardholders. Here are some of the best perks:
Up to $200 annual airline fee credit upon benefit enrollmentUp to $400 annual Dell statement creditComplimentary Hilton Honors Gold and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status upon enrollmentUp to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck creditPurchase protection and return protectionAccess to 6 different airport lounge networks (including Priority Pass and Amex Centurion lounges)Rental car elite status with Avis, Hertz, and NationalAccess to Amex International Airline Program and American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts ProgramAccess to American Express transfer partnersTerms ApplyBusiness owners that make large purchases, travel frequently, and can take advantage of the card’s purchase protections, annual credits, and luxury travel perks will easily be able to get more value each year than what they’re being charged for the annual fee. This makes the Amex Business Platinum card the perfect option for the luxury business traveler.
Best Business Card for Big SpendersAmerican Express® Business Gold Card
Photo: American Express® Business Gold Card/Shutterstock
Current Welcome Offer: Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with the Amex Business Gold card within the first 3 months of card membership. Terms Apply.
Bonus Value*: $1,540
Business owners who have a large level of annual expenses can really rack up points with the Amex Business Gold card thanks to its 6 bonus categories.
With the Amex Business Gold card, cardholders earn 4x Membership Rewards points per $1 where your business spends the most each month from 2 of the following categories:
Airfare purchased from airlinesU.S. purchases for advertising in select mediaU.S. purchases made from select technology providers of computer hardware, software, and cloud solutionsU.S. purchases at gas stationsU.S. purchases at restaurantsU.S. purchases for shippingTerms Apply.The limit for earning 4x points per $1 is capped at $150,000 per calendar year, but those whose business expenses would meet that threshold will earn 600,000 Membership Rewards points each year — worth at minimum $7,500 in airfare. After you’ve hit the cap earning, you’d earn 1x.
Ames Business Gold cardholders will receive more than just the ability to earn points, though. You also receive access to the American Express transfer partners, Amex Offers, purchase protections, travel protections, and a 25% airline point bonus when paying with points. Terms Apply.
All in all, if you’re a business owner who would value the benefits of the Amex Business Gold card and you have a large amount of business spend that falls within 1 or more of the card’s 6 bonus categories, then the Amex Business Gold card just might be a must-add to your wallet.
Best No Annual Fee Business CardThe Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
Photo: American Express
Current Welcome Offer: Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
Bonus Value*: $330
The Amex Blue Business Plus card is a fantastic option for small business owners who are looking for a no-annual-fee credit card with flexible rewards and an uncomplicated earning structure.
With the Amex Blue Business Plus card, cardholders earn 2x Membership Rewards points per $1 on everyday business purchases, up to $50,000 in spending each year. After that, your rewards rate drops to 1x point per $1.
So a small business whose annual expenses are around the $50,000 threshold on the Amex Blue Business Plus card can earn upwards of 100,000 Membership Rewards points each year — worth $2,200 by our valuations.
Plus, the Amex Blue Business Plus card offers all of the same redemption options as other Amex Membership Rewards earning cards, including the ability to transfer your points to airline and hotel transfer partners. But that’s not all — cardholders also receive purchase protection, extended warranty protection, and can add employee cards at no additional cost. Terms Apply.
So all-in-all, those looking for a 1 size fits all card option that they can use to help maximize all of their business expenses will love the simplicity and flexibility of the Amex Blue Business Plus card.
Best No Annual Fee Business Card for Big SpendersInk Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Current Welcome Offer: Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 on purchases in the first 3 months after account opening.
Bonus Value*: $750
Another great business credit card that priorities simplicity and flexibility is the Ink Business Unlimited card, which earns an uncapped 1.5x Ultimate Rewards points for every $1 you spend on the card. Why is it a great fit for businesses with high spending? Since the 1.5x rewards are uncapped, there is no limit to the number of Ultimate Rewards points you can earn each year.
The no annual fee Ink Business Unlimited card also offers great benefits like rental car insurance, extended warranty protection, purchase protection, and free employee cards. Plus, you have all the flexibility of the Chase Ultimate Rewards program when it comes to redeeming your points for cash-back, through the Chase travel portal, and even access to Chase transfer partners when paired with a premium Chase card like the Ink Business Preferred card or Chase Sapphire Reserve card.
If you’re a busy business owner, you probably have better ways to spend your time than to worry about which credit card to use for which purchase. The Ink Business Unlimited card fixes that by providing you with an option that helps maximize every purchase you make for your business.
Final ThoughtsWhen it comes to picking a travel rewards card, you’ve got no shortage of good options. Fortunately, just as each traveler has their preferred style of travel, so do travel rewards cards.
If you’re brand new to the world of points and miles then maybe the Chase Sapphire Preferred card is the perfect fit. If it is premium benefits that you’re after then perhaps the Amex Platinum card would suit you best. Or if you prefer a premium card that is well-rounded and offers great insurance protection, consider opting for the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.
Whichever you decide, you’re sure to take your travel to the next level by earning valuable points and miles to reduce the cost of future travel or allow you to travel in luxury for pennies on the dollar. After all, the best travel is free travel!
For rates and fees of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they’re subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.[/mn-up-bottom]
Winner of Best Baguette in Paris Award Explains How To Find the Most Amazing Bread
French bread is a journey of the senses. You see the golden brown color. You feel the heat of a baguette fresh out of the oven. You smell its mouth-watering scent. You hear the crust cracking as you tear off a piece. And last but not least: You taste the subtle aromas of a bread that is crunchy and soft in all the right places. There’s a reason why the iconic baguette is in the running for UNESCO World Heritage status.
Making bread is a straightforward process. It requires just four ingredients: flour, water, salt, and yeast. It also only takes four manufacturing stages: kneading, fermentation, shaping, and baking. Yet not all bread is created equal, something that Damien Dedun, who received France’s top baker award in 2017, and whose baguette was voted the best in Paris in 2022, knows well.
The four principles of good bread“Good bread should have an appearance that makes you want to eat it,” Dedun says. “That means golden, with a shiny crust and a creamy, airy inside”. When it comes to taste, “you should be able to detect the aromas of wheat and fermentation,” he explains.
The color is the quickest way to judge the quality of the bread. “Homemade artisan bread can be recognized by a red tint, which is due to the caramelization of the dough. The sugars contained in the flour must be broken down to obtain this color, and the dough needs to have fermented for a long time,” Dedun says. Bread that comes frozen from a factory doesn’t have this tint because “industrial bread makers just use more yeast and bread improvers to speed up the process.” This makes the bread less colorful and less flavorful.
Even though bread seems like an easy, everyday food, there is a lot of work behind each loaf. Each batch takes five hours to make – which is why the best bakers start working in the middle of the night. “The longer the baker takes to make the bread, the longer it will remain fresh. This is a sign of good work from the baker,” Dedun says.
Good bread: an endangered productUnfortunately, despite how much the French love their bread, bread-making traditions are at risk in France. Each year, 1,200 bakeries close, in large part due to competition from cheaper supermarkets and chain stores. Bakers are forced to cut costs, endangering the quality of their loaves. “In my opinion, there are very few artisans who truly master baking,” Dedun says. “Most cut corners by buying ready-made compound flours stuffed with additives.”
As organic and natural foods have started coming back into fashion, however, there has also been a mindset change among the new generation of bakers. “There is a growing awareness, and an increasing number of young people are motivated to relearn how to achieve fermentation by natural leavening, which is essential to making good bread,” Dedun says.
How to find the best bread in Paris: Trust the localsThe best way for tourists to find good bread is to look online and read reviews, Dedun says. The French take their bread seriously, so reading what the locals have to say about their boulangeries is a great way to find amazing bread.
However, you don’t have to resort to technology if you’d rather not. To find out if a bakery is worthy of your hard-earned money, look for any place with a line outside in the morning or in the evening. A busy bakery is usually a good one. The French are more than happy to wait for half an hour for good bread – and so should you.
Where to find the best baguette in ParisFind Dedun’s celebrated baguette at Bakery Frédéric Comyn at 88 Rue Cambronne, 75015 Paris, France. The bakery is open daily from 7 AM to 8 PM.
September 17, 2022
A Woman Had Her Baby on a Plane and Her Sister Documented the Whole Thing on Tiktok
Some wild and unexpected things can happen while traveling. Take, for example, the one in 26 million passengers born on a plane. While incredibly rare, this happened recently when a woman had her baby on an American Airlines flight from New York to Punta Cana, Domincan Republic — and the woman’s sister, Kendalee Rhoden, posted all about the occasion on TikTok.
@pinkangel876 Welcome baby air #baby #air #airplane #airbaby #americanairlines #birthonairplane #foryou #trending #vacation #trip ♬ original sound – rayeem_
Rhoden said the baby was born premature, and her sister was in the third trimester. Doctors generally agree that it’s safe to fly while pregnant until about 34 to 36 weeks, but the cutoff might be shorter for a high risk pregnancy. American Airlines policy requires a doctor’s note if you decide to fly within four weeks of your due date.
@pinkangel876 Thank you for landing safely #baby #aircraft #air #foryou #trending ♬ Sungba (feat. Burna Boy) (Remix) – Asake
Rhoden notes in subsequent videos that four nurses on the flight helped to deliver the baby in first class with about 90 minutes left of the flight. When the flight landed, her sister met the pilots who safely got them on the ground.
@pinkangel876 Doing grate#airbaby #baby #mother #Dominicanrepublic ##skybaby##sky##fypシ##foryou##trending ♬ Baby – Justin Bieber
As for the baby’s citizenship, most countries follow the “jus sanguinis” principle that gives the baby the same citizenship as its parents. But if the baby is born over the ocean, it complicates things. Some babies are considered a citizen of the country that the aircraft is registered in, and some countries grant citizenship to babies considered to be in a country’s airspace (including the US). And while it’s true that some airlines have offered free flights to babies who were born onboard, it’s pretty rare. Regardless of what happens with the free flights, there’s no denying that this is one special baby.
September 16, 2022
The 13 Top-Rated Toronto Restaurants on Canada’s First Michelin Guide
If you love fine dining and pay attention to restaurant awards, you probably already know that Michelin-star restaurants can be found around the world, from small towns in Virginia and Italy to big cities like San Diego and Los Angeles. Now it’s time to put a trip to Toronto on your bucket list as another great food city. Toronto became Canada’s first Michelin-Star city and the sixth in North America this May and has officially received a Michelin Guide. The 74 restaurants recognized span over 27 types of cuisine, including Japanese, Mexican, French, and modern American.
Photo: Agato Consulting Inc. for Yukashi
Sushi Masaki Saito received two Michelin stars, awarded for its traditional Japanese cooking that focuses on the purity its ingredients, which are all seasonal. Twelve other restaurants were awarded one Michelin star, and the guide also announced 17 Bib Gourmand restaurants (an award bestowed on restaurants with high-quality food at budget-friendly prices) and 44 recommended restaurants.
Photo: Francis Jian Zhang for Enigma Yorkville
Restaurants are afforded a spot in the Michelin guide after being judged by anonymous visitors who observe on a universal scale the quality of the products, harmony of flavors, mastery of cooking techniques, the personality of the chef in the cuisine, and the consistency between each visit.
Canada’s award-winning Michelin-star restaurantsEdulisQuetzalFriluAloOsteria GiuliaSushi Masaki SaitoShoushinAlobar YorkvilleAburi HanaEnigma YorkvilleYukashiDon Alfonso 1890 TorontoKaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto
Photo: Paula Wilson for Don Alfonso 1890
“As a city, we are proud to offer a very diverse and unique culinary scene. That has been made possible from all of the people who come from all over the world to call this city home. Now, with this new Michelin Guide in Toronto – the first in Canada – we are able to showcase our city’s remarkable food scene,” said John Tory, Toronto’s mayor, in a press release. “With 74 restaurants selected for Michelin Guide Toronto, we hope more of the world will discover the city’s culinary excellence and will consider a visit to our great city. Thank you to everyone for working together to make this possible.”
The Michelin website compiles a comprehensive list of the over 16,000 Michelin-recognized restaurants worldwide (with almost 3,300 awarded stars in total).
Heli Hiking in British Columbia Offers Incredible Views You Can’t Find Anywhere Else
North of Jasper National park in British Columbia, the CMH Heli Cariboos Lodge is a remote mountain paradise that you can only access by helicopter. It has all the amenities you would find in a five-star resort, and is known for its winter heli skiing. In the warmer months, a new activity has popped up from its elevated heights: helicopter hiking.
Hiking in remote mountain destinations on glaciers or mountain tops is so often about getting to the summit and getting back down. For some, this can be intimidating. But what if you could skip that day-long trek and summit three peaks in a day? Heli hiking gives you that opportunity, as well as the chance to catch remote mountain meadows, navigate unbeaten paths to pristine alpine peaks, and find a ride waiting for you at the end.
Photo: Jeff Colhoun
There are few experiences that can match the beauty of heli hiking in British Columbia. While the views from the helicopter are simply stunning, the experience truly begins once you’re on the ground. The helicopter pilot can get you to parts of the landscape that would otherwise be inaccessible. Whether it’s romping through a grassy meadow with a glacier calving in the distance or scrambling up a rocky path to a glacier-fed alpine lake for a swim, the views are endless and will blow your mind.
With CMH Heli, you’ll have an experienced guide with you at all times who will get you outfitted with all the gear you need. Rain gear, boots, and trekking poles are all available to borrow in the cariboos lodge. Once you’re on the mountain, your guide explains the ecology of the landscape and how the glaciers have carved out where you’re standing. Most importantly, they also keep you safe in and around the helicopter.
Photo: Jeff Colhoun
Heli hiking just sounds like an opportunity that only experienced hikers can tackle. That’s not the case here. Whether you want to take your time walking three kilometers up encore ridge or experience the Zilmer Canyon Via Ferrata protected climbing route, CMH heli will tailor the experience to your comfort and fitness level.
Photo: Jeff Colhoun
Regardless of your experience level, if you’re someone who considers the biggest payoff of a hike are the endless views, then you’ll love how heli hiking lets you see more in less time. You don’t need to train or pack for a long hike with heli hiking and can instead get to the good part faster. Hikers get dropped off at the top of a ridge, where they can enjoy the view without having to worry about the long hike back down. Then, the team picks you up at the top to take you to the next staging point to do it all over again.
Photo: Jeff Colhoun
Another benefit of heli hiking is that you can access parts of the mountains that you wouldn’t be able to otherwise. The best and most beautiful areas that few people get to see are only accessible by helicopter, so if you want to explore everything that the cariboos has to offer, heli hiking is the way to go. And since there are typically only a few people on each tour, you can really take your time and savor the experience.
Photo: Jeff Colhoun
Experiences like these mean the outdoors is the major focus. But that doesn’t mean the time spent back at home base isn’t an incredible experience on it’s own. And at around $1,500 per night for summer trips, there’s a certain level of quality to expect.
One of the best things about staying in a CMH luxury lodge is the food. The chefs at CMH heli hiking lodges are experts at creating delicious, healthy meals to fuel your adventures. Breakfast, pack lunch, an afternoon meal, and a three-course dinner are all prepared by the chef and his kitchen staff. They use local ingredients to create dishes that are both nutritious and delicious.
Photo: Jeff Colhoun
The lodge amenities include a spa, massage therapist, and daily stretch classes to start your day. The lodge also features a lake where you can take a canoe or paddle board out, or go for a cold dip while winding down from a day on the mountain.
Photo: Jeff Colhoun
Traveling to a new place and exploring it is always exciting. However, sometimes the best of the natural world is hidden from us because we don’t have the time to explore it ourselves. This is all part of what makes heli-hiking perfect for travelers who want to see some breathtaking natural features while also enjoying the benefits of a luxury mountain lodge.
These Pensacola Airbnbs Let You Live Your Best Beach Life
Vacation time is calling, and Pensacola is the place to go for a place that suits every type of traveler. This westward city on the Florida Panhandle is known for bay beaches, barrier islands, and a laid-back lifestyle that caters to those looking to step away from the madness of Florida’s bigger cities. Check out these Airbnbs in Pensacola that put you near the best that the city has to offer.
Traveling to Florida? Check out Matador’s Florida accommodations guides:15 beautiful Florida Airbnbs for every type of travelerThe best 11 Airbnbs near Universal StudiosThe 12 best Miami Airbnbs from South Beach to Little Havana8 of the coolest Airbnbs near Disney World, Florida15 beautiful Florida Airbnbs for every type of traveler6 Kissimmee Airbnbs for a multi-generational family Disney trip11 Key West Airbnbs to experience the best of the island11 gorgeous Florida Keys Airbnbs to catch the ‘Keys Disease’These New Smyrna Beach Airbnbs showcase the best of Florida’s central coast
We hope you love the Airbnb Pensacola 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.
Beachfront Pensacola AirbnbsAirbnbs in Downtown PensacolaPet friendly Pensacola Beach AirbnbsAirbnbs in Pensacola Beach with a poolBeachfront Pensacola Airbnbs
Sea-Esta Beachfront condo
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Enjoy some fun in the sun at this Airbnb Pensacola beachfront condo. This condo features a spacious living room area and a fully equipped kitchen. There is also a balcony where you can sit out and enjoy the sounds of the ocean waves hitting the beach.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $197 per night
Emerald Isle
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Check out this fourth-floor calming beachfront condo. This beachfront unit has a spacious living room with stunning beach views through its floor-to-ceiling windows. There is an open-concept kitchen with equally epic views, as well. The condo is less than a mile to the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk and a walk to the Red Fish, Blue Fish, and Casino Beach pier. If you want to relax for the day, enjoy the two beachfront pools and the spacious patio with beach views.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $195 per night
Airbnbs in Downtown Pensacola
Two-story downtown Pensacola home
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Make this downtown two-story Airbnb in Pensacola your vacation stay if being within walking distance (or a quick Uber ride) to the best of the city is your priority. This home has plenty of space and is perfect for a family or friends’ vacation. The downtown home has an open floor plan with a living, kitchen, and dining area. If you’re looking to stay in and relax, the house has a top and bottom floor patio area where you can sit out and enjoy the Florida weather or explore restaurants, breweries, and bars within a quick stroll of the home.
Ten guests, three bedrooms
Price: $344 per night
Downtown Delight
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Stay at this charming downtown home on your Pensacola getaway. This upgraded downtown home has a spacious living room, a workspace, a fully equipped kitchen, and a four-seater dining area. Take advantage of the Flordia sun by sitting on the front porch or sunbathing in the backyard. The home is minutes from the beach, airport, and Pensacola attractions.
Seven guests, three bedrooms
Price: $112 per night
Intimate downtown getaway
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Need a couples getaway away from everyone? Then it’s time to sit back and relax at this charming downtown unit. Wind down in the living room with some TV or stay inside and cook a home-cooked meal in the fully equipped kitchen. The balcony overlooks the quaint street below and is a great spot for morning coffee or happy hour. Take a walk in the town as the home is within walking distance of shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $154 per night
Pet-friendly Pensacola beach Airbnbs
Spacious modern pet-friendly condo
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Are you looking to take your four-legged pal with you so they can splash in the water and bathe in the sun? Then this cozy home is the right place to be. This spacious, comfortable townhouse is in a gated community and features an open-concept living plan. The house is just a short walk to the sand, and other attractions include Lost Key, Soldiers Creek, Glenlakes Golf Clubs, Tropical Falls Theme Park, and more.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $277per night
Gulf Breeze Cottage
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Make this Airbnb in Pensacola your home away from home for your Florida vacation. This cozy home has everything you need for a family stay and even something for the dog. Unwind in the living room or cook it up in the fully equipped kitchen. Enjoy the spacious fenced-in backyard where you can sit out around the fire pit and for the dog and the kids to play. There are also two kayaks, one beach wagon, and four adult bikes for guests.
Nine guests, three bedrooms
Price: $247 per night
Airbnbs in Pensacola Beach with a pool
Quiet Coastal Hideaway
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This quiet Airbnb in Pensacola has an open-concept living room with a spacious kitchen with all appliances. The home is close to the beach and the bay and features an outdoor pool, a screech-in lanai, and a large backyard with plenty of space for some lawn games.
Twelve guests, four bedrooms
Price: $339 per night
Newly renovated condo with beach and pier access
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Kick back because it’s vacation time at this newly renovated Pensacola home. This waterfront condo has a fully equipped kitchen, a spacious living room with games, a kids sitting area, and a balcony. Take in the stunning view and sounds while sitting out on the patio. Enjoy the short walk to the beach and boardwalk or enjoy the shared Olympic-sized pool or tennis courts.
Eight guests, two bedrooms
Price: $173 per night
All the Flags of the Caribbean and the Meaning Behind Their Designs
The Caribbean was the last region of the Americas to be settled. Its first residents arrived in 8000 BCE from South America. Europe made permanent contact with the Caribbean in 1492 and changed world history forever. Several European nations vied for power and wealth in the Caribbean over the ensuing centuries, establishing colonies which thrived on African labor. Slavery was abolished in the 1800s and the following century was characterized by decolonization. This led to many Caribbean islands gaining independence. As a result, the national flags of the Caribbean are fairly new. Nearly all were created in the twentieth century.
Many people would struggle to name the 13 Caribbean sovereign nations, let alone place them on a map or identify their flags. These are the 13 Caribbean flags and the meaning behind each design.
Antigua and BarbudaThe BahamasBarbadosCubaDominicaDominican RepublicGrenadaHaitiJamaicaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesTrinidad and TobagoAntigua and Barbuda
Photo: Black Pearl Footage/Shutterstock
Known as the Land of 365 Beaches, Antigua and Barbuda hoisted its flag for the first time in 1967. This Caribbean flag is rectangular in shape and composed of an inverted triangle filled with horizontal stripes of black, blue and white on a red background. A rising sun is centered on the black stripe to represent the dawn of a new era, and its seven points stand for the island of Barbuda and Antigua’s six parishes. Black symbolizes the island’s African descendants, blue represents hope and the Caribbean Sea, while the red is for the vibrant energy of the people. The V-shape of the triangle symbolizes victory. The Bahamas
Photo: Barbara Ash/Shutterstock
In 1973, the Bahamas held a competition to design a national flag that would mark their independence. Instead of selecting one winner, the government combined several entries to create the new flag. The result is a rectangular flag with two aquamarine stripes that represent the ocean which surrounds the nation’s nearly 700 coral islands. Between the two aquamarine stripes is a gold one representing the sand and other land resources, while the black triangle represents the strength of the Bahamian people.Barbados
Photo: marko_nb/Shutterstock
Barbados also hosted a competition to design a national flag as its independence from the UK in 1966 approached. The winning flag is rectangular and has a gold vertical stripe to represent the beach. This is sandwiched by two ultramarine blue vertical stripes to represent the sea and sky. At the center of the flag lies the trident of the mythical sea god Neptune. Its shaft is broken to symbolize Barbados breaking ties with the UK.Cuba
Photo: George Alejandro Alvarez/Shutterstock
Cuba’s national flag was designed by poet Miguel Teurbe Tolón alongside Narciso López, a freedom fighter, in the 19th century. This rectangular flag consists of three blue stripes to represent the island’s three military districts under Spanish rule, and has two intervening white stripes to symbolize the purity of the patriot cause. The white star represents independence and lies on a red triangle that stands for the strength of the Cuban people. This is one of the few Caribbean flags which was flown before the country declared its independence.Dominica
Photo: Millenius/Shutterstock
Dominica’s flag is complex and full of symbols. It has three vertical and three horizontal stripes of yellow, black, and white. These form a cross on a rectangular green background, a color representing the island’s forests. This cross stands for the Trinity, a testament to the island’s Christian principles. The yellow stripe symbolizes the sunshine, the black stripe represents the country’s African heritage and rich soil, and the white represents the purity of the rivers, waterfalls, and the Dominican people. A red disc which symbolizes Dominica’s commitment to social justice lies at the center of the flag and cross. Within that circle is a Sisserou Parrot, Dominica’s national bird, encircled by ten lime green stars. These stars represent hope and the island’s ten parishes. Dominican Republic
Photo: a katz/Shutterstock
This Caribbean flag was first unfurled in 1844 after the Dominican Republic declared itself independent of Haiti despite the two nations sharing the island of Hispaniola. The Dominican Republic’s rectangular flag carries a central white cross which symbolizes peace and unity, and divides the flag into four equal rectangles. The upper left upper and lower right rectangles are ultramarine blue to represent the sky from which God rules and protects the nation. The remaining two rectangles are red to symbolize the blood shed in the fight for independence. At the center of the cross lies the Dominican coat of arms which contains an open Bible. The Dominican Republic is the only country in the world which has a Bible on its national flag.Grenada
Photo: railway fx/Shutterstock
Grenada’s national flag was created for its independence from Britain in 1974. This Caribbean flag is rectangular with a diagonally divided background of green representing its vegetation, and yellow for wisdom and the sun. These triangles have a red border as a symbol of harmony and unity. The seven yellow stars represent the island’s original administrative divisions. The nutmeg at its hoist triangle is symbolic of Grenada’s primary export which explains its nickname — the Spice Island.Haiti
Photo: Tatohra/Shutterstock
The French Revolution inspired a slave revolt in this former French colony, which led to its Black population declaring their independence. In 1803, Haitians removed the white stripe from France’s tricolor flag to symbolize the expulsion of the island’s White population. The remaining blue and red colors represented the island’s Black and mixed populations. Eventually, those stripes were turned horizontal and a white rectangle with the new coat of arms added to its center. This consists of a palm tree surmounted by a liberty cap and flanked by six flags, a drum, bugles, cannons, cannonballs, and ship anchors, all resting on a green lawn. A ribbon which bears the motto “L’Union fait la force” (Union makes strength) is also included.Jamaica
Photo: Wangkun Jia/Shutterstock
This Caribbean flag was hoisted for the first time in 1962 to mark Jamaica’s independence. Symbolically, Britain’s Union Jack was lowered simultaneously. Jamaica’s national flag is rectangular in shape with a gold diagonal cross to represent wealth and the natural beauty of sunlight. The top and bottom triangles are green to represent hope and the country’s fertile land, a tribute to the island’s name which means Land of Wood and Water in Arawakan. This language was spoken by the island’s now-extinct indigenous Taino people. The remaining two triangles are black to symbolize the resilience and creativity of the Jamaican people. Jamaica’s flag is the only national flag in the world without the traditional colors of red, white, and blue.Saint Kitts and NevisPhoto: EQRoy/Shutterstock
Saint Kitts and Nevis raised its current national flag for the first time in 1983 when it received independence. This unique Caribbean flag is rectangular with a green triangle for the fertile land, and a red triangle to symbolize the years of struggle against slavery and colonialism. Running diagonally through the center is a black stripe to represent the people’s African heritage. This stripe is bordered in yellow to reflect the brilliant sunshine. The stripe bears two white stars, one for each island, as symbols of hope and liberty. Like several other islands, this flag was chosen from a design competition held just before the grant of independence. Saint Lucia
Photo: Creative Photo Corner/Shutterstock
Saint Lucia’s flag is rectangular with a cerulean blue background to reflect the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea which surround the island. Two embedded triangles sit at the center which symbolize the Pitons twin volcano cones for which the island is best known. One triangle is white and black to represent harmony of the races living in Saint Lucia; the other one is yellow and represents the year-round sunshine and prosperity. Saint Lucia’s national flag was adopted in 1979 at independence, and last modified in 2002 where the yellow triangle was enlarged and the black and white triangle made narrower.Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Photo: Tatohra/Shutterstock
The national flag of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was officially adopted in 1985. This rectangular flag bears three green diamonds in its center. They are arranged in the shape of a “V” for Saint Vincent. These jewels also define Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as the gem of the Antilles. The flag has a tricolor background of blue which represents the sky and sea; gold for the warmth, bright spirit of the people, and golden sands of the Grenadines; and green for the lush vegetation and vitality of the Vincentian people. This Caribbean flag is sometimes called The Gems.Trinidad and Tobago
Photo: railway fx/Shutterstock
The national flag of this twin island republic was selected in 1962 to commemorate its independence. The flag is rectangular in shape and has a red background with a white-edged black diagonal band across it. The black represents the earth and dedication of its people, while the white represents the water resources, purity, and equality of all men under the sun. Red symbolizes fire — the vitality of the land, the energy of the sun, and the courage, warmth and friendliness of the Trinidadian people. This flag is affectionately called the Sun-Sea-Sand Banner by Trinidadians.
8 Ways To Rediscover the Magic of Fall in Minnesota
Summer in Minnesota is golden, no doubt about that. And winter brings all manner of snow adventures and indoor-cozy fun. But fall is when the state really shines. Thanks to Minnesota’s agricultural roots, blended with the best of urban living in the Twin Cities, autumn in the Land of 10,000 Lakes is something every traveler should experience.
Picture plucking juicy apples straight from the orchard, gaining a new appreciation for Oktoberfest, stumbling across the biggest pumpkin you’ve ever seen…it all becomes possible when the leaves start to turn. Here’s how to enjoy some of the most magical fall experiences in Minnesota.
1. Celebrate the Earth at harvest festivals
Photo: taras.chaban/Shutterstock
Minnesota’s agricultural bent means fall is synonymous with harvesting the crops that farms of all sizes have been laboring over all summer. For us non-harvesters, it’s really just an excuse to celebrate. The Twin Cities Harvest Festival in Brooklyn Park is a good example, with never-ending hot cider and donuts, live music, and sojourns into the state’s largest corn maze (save for a recent bid from St. Cloud).
A short drive from the Twin Cities, visitors will find the historic river town of Stillwater and its annual Harvest Fest. The celebration takes place the second week of October not far from the banks of the St. Croix River, the town crowded with trees whose colorful leaves shine when the temperatures start to turn. The fest’s surprisingly popular pièce de résistance? The pumpkin weigh-off contest. (Last year’s winner came in at nearly 2,000 pounds!)
For those who prefer gigantic fauna over gigantic flora, head north to Grand Marais on the shores of Lake Superior. Each October, this adorable resort town hosts a family-friendly shindig celebrating all things moose, the town’s mascot, during its Moose Madness Family Festival.
2. Take part in local — and global — traditions
Photo: New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce
A tiny town best known as the home of Schell’s beer, New Ulm throws a two-weekend Oktoberfest that’s one of the very best in America. Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2022, the event is renowned for festivities modeled after those in Munich, Germany. If nothing else, scope out the grape stomp at Morgan Creek Vineyards and nurse a cold pint at Schell’s Brewery.
Meanwhile, the Boats and Bluegrass Festival in Winona (namesake town of Winona Ryder) is a beloved fall tradition for anyone who enjoys music, camping, and boating. Bring the whole family, as those 16 and under get in free.
3. Peruse a pumpkin patch
Photo: The Speedy Butterfly/Shutterstock
Fall in Minnesota wouldn’t be complete without a trip to one of the state’s many pumpkin patches. In addition to pumpkins, hayrides, a petting zoo, a silly string zone (every kid’s dream!), and more can be found at Lake Elmo’s Country Sun Farm.
Glyndon’s Buffalo River Pumpkin Patch offers yet more pumpkin-plucking opportunities, alongside horse-drawn rides through a not-so-scary haunted forest, a straw maze, and even pedal-powered cruisers for the little ones.
4. Pick apples at an orchard
Photo: mythja/Shutterstock
Visiting an orchard for apple picking is an iconic Minnesota fall pastime. Emma Krumbee’s Orchard & Barn in Belle Plaine grows 12 varieties of apples and lines their shelves with baked-on-site apple pies, crisps, breads, and more. Bonus: It’s just an eight-minute drive from Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store, pure sweetness encased in an eye-catching yellow barn.
In Northfield, around 40 minutes south of the Twin Cities, you’ll find Fireside Orchard & Gardens, with a whopping 27 apple varieties for the picking nestled among picture-perfect gardens. Another quick jaunt from the metro area is Webster’s Sweetland Orchard, which includes pigs in the mix.
5. Get spooked at a “scream town”
Photo: Scream Town
For those who lean into the spooky aspects of fall and the holiday it brings, Chaska’s Scream Town won’t disappoint. It’s been dubbed one of the best haunted houses in the country. The middle-of-nowhere vibe adds significantly to super-scary attractions such as the “Psycho-delic” Circus, Zombie Apocalypse, and Ludicrous Labyrinth.
The Haunting Experience along Highway 61 near Hastings also makes the most of its isolated locale. Spooky hayrides through cornfields and forests are just the appetizer — only the truly brave enter the haunted house itself, one of the oldest and scariest in the Twin Cities region.
Adrenaline junkies can also get frightened offshore thanks to Duluth’s Haunted Ship. Every year for the month of October, the Irvin, a historic ore ship anchored in Canal Park, transforms into a haunted version of itself. That’s fitting, considering mysterious sightings have actually been recorded here.
6. Explore the “Halloween Capital of the World”
Photo: Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock
Halloween isn’t just about fright. Anoka, the self-declared Halloween Capital of the World, is believed to have been the very first city in the U.S. to host a Halloween celebration. The intent? Keeping youngsters from carrying out Halloween pranks. These days, the town hosts a block party and costume parade to keep the tradition alive.
One of the most wholesome, family-friendly takes on Halloween comes from Valleyfair’s Tricks and Treats extravaganza. Not only are the adventure park’s rides open, but The Land of Tricks offers slimy and strange experiences, while The Land of Treats delivers two sugar-filled zones: Everfall and Sweet Tooth Acres.
7. Sip local suds, cider, and spirits
Photo: Keepsake Cidery
For the 21+ crowd, a fall visit to Minnesota should include a tour of local breweries and cideries. Along the shores of Lake Superior, Castle Danger Brewery in Two Harbors has made a name for itself among the state’s crowded beer scene, largely thanks to its stone’s-throw-from-the-water setting and delicious brews like the Castle Cream Ale, a favorite far and wide.
Then there’s Dundas’s Keepsake Cidery and Tasting Room, tucked into a small town of less than 2,000. It takes a traditional English approach to cidermaking fueled by spontaneous fermentation and native yeast. The result is something more like wine than beer. Taste, buy, and enjoy its concoctions alongside local food in the tasting room that’s made for gathering.
For those who want to warm themselves with whiskey, Far North Spirits in Hallock, just shy of the Canadian border, is the northernmost distillery in the contiguous U.S. Fun fact: The rye for their whiskies is grown and distilled right on the family farm.
8. Spend a rainy day inside a one-of-a-kind museum
Photo: Weisman Art Museum
The weather doesn’t always cooperate with our fall travel plans, but that just makes for a great excuse to check out the many amazing museums that call the North Star State home. And some of them are truly only-in-Minnesota experiences.
Take the SPAM Museum in Austin, for example, dedicated entirely to the notorious cured meat! And anyone who loves Prince has to check out Chanhassen’s Paisley Park, the compound that houses the artist’s home, studio, and a truly epic shoe collection.
The Twin Cities, of course, are brimming with artistic offerings (shout outs to the Walker Art Center and the Mia, to name just a couple). And note that the entirety of the Weisman Art Museum on the Minneapolis campus of the University of Minnesota is free, encased in a Frank Gehry gem of a building overlooking the Mississippi River.
When you come to Minnesota in fall, expect to be wowed by more than just the colorful trees. That’s the magic of discovery!
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