Matador Network's Blog, page 408
September 30, 2022
Nelson 151 Is Virginia’s Best Road Trip for Anyone Who Loves Craft Drinks and Outdoor Adventure
Meandering through Rockfish Valley, a scenic highway in Nelson County, Virginia called Route 151 has become a hot destination for those craving locally fermented spirits with some added hiking on the side.
Located outside of Charlottesville, Route 151 has been drawing in craft beverage entrepreneurs, in turn attracting tourists to what has since become a craft beer beverage trail. Nelson 151 as it is known locally boasts seven wineries, four breweries (with more slated to open), and one distillery. There are three places to get hard cider and even a spot to try mead.
But tasting isn’t the only thing to do. The Blue Ridge Mountains and nearby Blue Ridge Parkway offer hiking year-round and, in the winter, Wintergreen Resort provides skiing that is easily accessible to anyone who happens to be passing through the region.
Where to stay near Nelson 151The Nelson 151 craft beverage road runs through beautiful Virginia countryside. This is a place to take in fall foliage views and pastoral farms. Every season offers something special.
In keeping with the untouched nature of this area, there aren’t many options in the way of hotels or motels near route 151. Wintergreen Resort does offer lodging, including condos and houses, up on a mountain ridge, but there are also cabins and Airbnbs along the route, such as a farmhouse within walking distance to one of the biggest stops on the trail. But if you want to be as close to the wineries as possible, consider one of the cottages at Afton Mountain Vineyards.
If a rural stay isn’t for you, Charlottesville is 40 miles away – around a 50 minutes drive. If you opt to stay in the city, just make sure you have a designated driver to get you back home. If you do decide
Where to drink and eat along Route 151It’s not a risk to step into any brewery, winery or distillery on Nelson 151. Some spots are time-tested favorites, and new businesses pop up regularly. There are several spots, however, that should be top of your list when you visit.
Blue Mountain BreweryPhoto: Blue Mountain Brewery
This brewery sits at the northern end of Nelson 151. It was the region’s first rural brewery, opening in 2007. Blue Mountain Brewery brews around a dozen beers, and the space includes a family- and pet-friendly patio, complete with fire pits, cornhole and mountain views. Blue Mountain Brewery can get crowded on nice days, but the wait is always worth it.
Where: 9519 Critzer Shop Rd, Afton, VA 22920
Veritas Vineyards and Winery
Photo: Abby Grace Photography
This winery, established on what was once a horse farm, includes a farmhouse that offers lodging. The big veranda overlooking manicured rows of grapevines, and a large, sloping lawn are the perfect places to enjoy a picnic lunch alongside a bottle of their flagship Veritas Reserve red blend.
Where: 151 Veritas Ln, Afton, VA 22920
Silverback DistilleryView this post on InstagramA post shared by Silverback Distillery (@silverbackdistillery)
Silverback Distillery is the only distillery on the trail, and it is also mother-daughter-owned. The distillery’s spirits have been winning awards for years. The popular Blackback Honey Rye Whiskey (using raw honey from a farm nearby in Nelson County) is arguably the most intriguing.
Where: 9374 Rockfish Valley Highway, Afton, VA 22920
Bold Rock Cidery
Photo: Bold Rock Cidery
Bold Rock Cidery is a great spot to hit on a crisp fall day or after snow tubing at Wintergreen. A large patio extends out the back, offering fire pits surrounded by Adirondack chairs. The location here is the headquarters of all Bold Rock Cidery’s operations and opened in 2014. The cidery nicknamed itself the “Chapel of Apple,” and visitors can take in the views of the Rockfish River while sipping on some Imperial Cider. If you have time, take a walk along their property down to the river.
Where: 1020 Rockfish Valley Highway (RT 151) Nellysford, VA 22958
Devils Backbone Basecamp BrewpubPhoto: Bold Rock Cidery
Devil’s Backbone Basecamp and Meadows is located on the southern end of the craft beverage trail and offers an entire world catering to outdoor adventurers, complete with campsites, hiking trails and outdoor concerts. It is now owned by Anheuser-Busch but was founded by Steve and Heidi Crandall, who wanted a local place to enjoy European-style beers. The location, closest to Wintergreen Resort, has remained true to its roots while offering extensive grounds to enjoy with family and pets. The menu also keeps visitors coming back to lounge around a big fire pit and eat the Drunken Chicken Dip with friends.
Where: 200 Mosbys Run, Roseland, VA 22967
Where to go an outdoor adventure along Nelson 151Wintergreen ResortView this post on InstagramA post shared by @wintergreenresortVA (@wintergreenresortva)
Wintergreen Resort is a year-round adventure playground. In the winter, people arrive for skiing and tubing. The small size of Wintergreen makes it an easy resort to navigate for large groups with skiers of all levels. The rest of the year, Wintergreen is open for golfing and hiking.
Blue Ridge TunnelBut you could also pack your flashlight and walk through the Blue Ridge Tunnel, located near the town of Afton. This old railway tunnel was recently renovated and converted into a multi-use trail. At just over 4,000 feet long, it’s a short walk through the unlit tunnel, but certainly a memorable one.
Rockfish Valley trailsIf you’d rather take an easy stroll through meadows that kiss a clear mountain stream, spend some time on the Rockfish Valley trails. With four trailheads and a few miles of flat paths along the Rockfish River and adjoining meadows, these are an easy way to take in some fresh air between craft brew stops.
If you have extra time, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah National Park aren’t far away, either, and offers hundreds of hikes for all abilities and desires, some with majestic valley views and some with dripping waterfalls. 
Everything You Need To Know To See Llanos de Challe National Park, Chile’s Flowering Desert
As the driest place on earth, you might expect the Atacama Desert to be a barren affair. Yet, every couple of years, a tiny section of Chile’s far north coastal desert erupts with the desierto florido, or desert bloom. This springtime phenomenon paints the dunes of this coastal region with a myriad of colors from cerise pink to snowdrop white.
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Chile’s botanical spectacle takes place in the Coquimbo region with the Llanos de Challe National Park at the heart of the magic. Due to the unique climate of Llanos de Challe and its usual parched status, this floral sensation is rare and never guaranteed.
While the Atacama Desert – known for its volcanoes, geysers, and hot springs – stretches across 40,440 square miles, the humble Llanos de Challe claims less than one percent of that land. Coined the “Little North” of the country’s “Big North,” the reserve is a 10-hour drive south of San Pedro de Atacama.
Flower power in the Atacama Desert
Photo: abriendomundo /Shutterstock
Murmurs of Chile’s flowering desert start in August with the main show surfacing in early spring. Down in the Southern Hemisphere, this means late September through the end of November is the best time to plan a trip. It comes about at its greatest following hefty rain. Heavy downpour this past winter hints that 2022 could be the “super bloom” Chileans have hoped for, and that the pageant of flowers may become more regular.
Endemic to Chile and Argentina, añañucas (Rhodophiala) are the emblem of the world’s driest non-polar desert. Lemon-colored añañucas amarillas and ruby-red añañucas rojas take center stage and you’ll soon spot fields of these as you follow the seaside road.
Clans of scarlet garra de león (Leontochir ovallei), or “lion’s paw,” dance alongside butterfly-resembling cacatùa (Schizanthus) and swathes of fuchsia pata de guanaco(Cistanthe grandiflora). Braving the harsh desert and coastal winds, dainty huilli(Leucocoryne appendiculata) burst from the soil alongside the sturdier oreja de zorro (Aristolochia) – affectionately termed “fox ears.” There’s no need to be a botanical genius or a pro photographer to appreciate this sea of flowers and enjoy learning their playful names.
Even when rainfall is less abundant – as has been the case for over a decade during Chile’s megadrought – the presence of light drizzle and thick ocean fog continues to nourish the terrain. More than 1,100 vascular plant species, of which 980 are native, persistently nudge at the desert rubble and reveal this vivid patchwork of color.
Besides the flowers, the desert provides habitat to species including guanaco(lama guanicoe) and the near-endangered pampas cat,gato colo colo. Aguilucho (red-backed hawk) and cernicalo (kestrel) circle overhead while chincol (Andean sparrows) peck for insects. These shy creatures keep their distance and chances of encountering the wild cats are slim, but that doesn’t detract from the experience of stretching your legs with a light hike in the park.
Hiking at Llanos de Challe National Park
Photo: oscargutzo /Shutterstock
The vast majority of Llanos de Challe is undeveloped and left as a habitat for flora and fauna. There are however three trails varying from 1.5 to 6.8 miles. The Sendero Interpretativo Centenario is an easy loop that takes less than two hours to complete and grants wonderful views over the Pacific Ocean. Tread a little deeper with the longest of the trio. Sendero Alberto Villegas passes underground water outcrops before gaining elevation for panoramas across the reserve. Picking flowers is forbidden, and you must remain on the marked paths to avoid disturbing the seeds.
Payable at the ranger’s station, a permit of 3,700 CLP ($3.70) is required to hike in the park. Beyond the trailheads, you have free reign to explore the wider landscape which changes at every mile. Parts of the park nod toward the Grand Canyon, other segments feel practically Martian, while snow-capped peaks loom on the horizon. Stick to the highway and resist the urge to amble into the depth of the park, as like many hiking trails in Chile, this is no place to wander off track.
Getting to and around the park
Photo: John Doe/Shutterstock
Renting a vehicle and self-driving is the typical method of getting around Llanos de Challe. This way, you can pull over as you like for a closer look at the flowerage. Owing to the fragility of the ecosystem, vehicles (including sand buggies) are not permitted on the dunes. Ruta 5 on the Pan-American Highway splinters off at Vallenar toward Huasco from where a scenic coastal road connects the Llanos de Challe National Park and the desert flora begins.
Public buses do not serve Llanos de Challe although some tours operate. You can arrange these on the ground from the closest towns: Huasco, Vallenar, Caldera, La Serena, and Copiapó.Atacamensis and Go Chileschedule tours when the petals emerge. If the botanical wonderland continues to blossom, the provision of tours may well “bloom” as local authorities aim to reduce carbon emissions.
Where to stayOne option is to pitch a tent – or park your motorhome – at Playa Blanca Llanos Del Challe. Sited directly on the powdery white beach next to the warden’s station, the campsite is basic but there’s tons of space and the potential for stargazing is unreal. Restrooms are available while hot showers are dependent on the solar panel. Contact details are published on the Corporación Nacional Forestal (CONAF) website.
Otherwise, you can take your pick from hotels and Airbnbs in those border towns mentioned previously. This two-bedroom condo in Huasco overlooks the Pacific Ocean and the desert. Vallenar’s Hotel Puerto de Vega comes with creature comforts and a pool while Krreteros Restobar in Plaza de Armas is recommended for a bite or a beer.
A sky full of starsOnce you’ve dusted off the sand, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the lower portion of the Atacama Desert near the Llanos de Challe National Park. Each of the gateway towns mentioned above is worthy of a visit or you can tap on a visit to the Elqui Valley. Besides producing the Chilean national spirit, pisco, and a percentage of Chile’s leading wines, this lush region is the country’s capital for astrotourism.
Patagonia’s New Alpine Climbing Film Gives Us Hope About Climate Change (and Life)
“When we can lead with hope, everybody can be a part of it,” says Molly Kawahata, an alpinist and former White House Climate Advisor during the Obama administration. In Patagonia’s new film The Scale of Hope, Kawahata makes two major points: that viewers should adopt a “the next peak can always be conquered” attitude, and that focusing on progress is the best strategy for winning the fight against climate change.
Kawahata spent four years on the White House Climate team, working to protect air and water for future generations. She discovered a love of mountaineering during that time — and discovered she was bipolar, which she was diagnosed with on her second day at the White House.
As a student activist since high school, sticking to her ideals and driving influence came naturally to Kawahata. The Scale of Hope follows her journey as an activist, a climber, and a person dealing with what can be a difficult mental health condition, discussing the challenges of overcoming all three. The result is a pointed take on the importance of hope in any context, and a stunning tale of attempting to summit some of the most challenging and stunning mountains outside Talkeetna, Alaska.
A major takeaway from the film is that travelers and lovers of the outdoors must use their adventures, and indeed their entire lives, to advocate protecting the areas where they live and recreate. By making value-led decisions while traveling and in day-to-day life, each person has the power to drive society and humanity at large toward a more sustainable way of life.
“We have these narratives in the outdoor community, and more widely in society, of, like, there was a struggle, and then there was a victory,” Kawahata says, alluding to her illness, the climate fight, and alpinism. “But you don’t try to climb something that’s literally impossible. You have to know that you could get to the top. And the climate movement, we need to do the same. You have to know that that solution, that promised land, it is there, and we are well on our way. That’s why when you lead with hope . . . when you know that’s possible, then it keeps you fighting another day.”
Watch: Two People Set the Record for Longest Slackline Over an Active Volcano
In recent years slackline, a sport similar to tightrope walking, has become increasingly popular. It’s also been taken to extreme new heights. Case in point: the two people who walked over an active volcano with nothing but a small piece of cloth underneath your clothes sounds terrifying. In April of 2020, Rafael Zungo Bridi and Alexander Shulz broke a Guinness World Record for the longest slackline over an active volcano. The company recently released video of the feat.
Bridi, from Brazil, and Shulz, from Germany, walked 856 feet across Mount Yasur, a stratovolcano on Tanna Island in Vanuatu, at the height of 137 feet above the crater. “Lavaline Project” was Schulz’s idea. He was inspired by his father, who’s a volcanologist. Yasur has been continuously erupting since at least 1774. The logistics of the Lavaline Project came with its challenges. The pair considered the Erta Ale in Ethiopia, the Masaya in Nicaragua and the Nyiragongo in the Democratic Republic of Congo before settling on Yasur. Once they arrived, the two had to slackline in extreme humidity and acid rain while red hot lava poured and spewed out toxic fumes.
Bridi also holds the world record for the highest slackline walk set in December 2021 when he walked 59 feet on a one inch slackline between two hot-air balloons at an altitude of 6,236 feet above Praia Grande in Santa Catarina, Brazil. The altitude was twice that of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. Both records were ratified by the International Slackline Association (ISA).
If slacklining looks like something you’d be interested in, you don’t have to do it high in the sky or over lava. Practicing in your backyard or local park is a great way to start.
This Is the Fastest Way To Get Approved for Global Entry
If you’ve been looking into getting TSA PreCheck or Global Entry and decided to go with the latter, you probably already know that the legwork is a little more involved. Global Entry enrollment can be done at a limited list of cities with international airports and the Homeland Security site states that getting an appointment at one of these centers can take up to 18 months. To expedite the process, your best bet is to do enrollment on arrival. Melissa, a finance influencer known as @Millennialindebt, posted a TikTok about how she was able to get approved for Global Entry in only 10 days.
@millennialindebt All about convenience ! Here’s how I got global entry in 10 days #globalentry #traveltiktok #travel #traveling ♬ Munch (Feelin’ U) – Ice Spice
By applying and getting approved for conditional approval shortly before an international flight, she was able to utilize the travel she was already doing to get to her interview appointment.
There are 14 airports internationally that offer Global Entry Enrollment on Arrival, along with 51 domestic airports.
International airports with Global Entry Enrollment on ArrivalAruba Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA)L.F. Wade International Airport (XKF)Calgary International Airport (YYC)Edmonton International Airport (YEG)Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)Montréal-Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport (YUL)Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW)Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG)Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ)Vancouver International Airport (YVR)Dublin International Airport (IDW)Shannon International Airport (INN)Lynden Pindling Nassau International Airport (NAS)Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)Domestic airports with Global Entry Enrollment on Arrival Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)Fairbanks International Airport (FAI)Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)Oakland International Airport (OAK)Sacramento International Airport (SMF)San Diego International Airport (SAN)San Francisco International Airport (SFO)Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT)John Wayne Airport – Orange County (SNA)Denver International Airport (DIA)Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)Miami International Airport (MIA)Orlando International Airport (MCO)Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)Tampa International Airport (TPA)Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)Honolulu International Airport (HNL)Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI)Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)Kansas City International Airport (MCI)St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)McCarran International Airport (LAS)Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO)Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLT)Portland International Airport (PDX)Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)San Antonio International Airport (SAT)William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)General Mitchell International Airport, Milwaukee (MKE)Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU)Indianapolis International Airport (IND)To be eligible for this program, you must have conditional approval from Global Entry and be returning from an international flight. Otherwise, you’ll have to make an appointment like everyone else. You’ll need to bring your passport and proof of residency to the interview. To receive conditional approval, you can complete the Global Entry application online on the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) portal. Keep in mind the background check can take up to 90 days, meaning your conditional approval might not process in time for your trip.
September 29, 2022
Headed To Europe? Here’s Why You Should Add Madeira To Your Trip.
For adventure travelers, Madeira has long been on the map as a must-visit destination. The large island north of the Canary Islands is part of Portugal, though it’s technically a hundred miles or so closer to Morocco.
Because of its lush, mountainous, and beachy terrain, Madeira offers travelers everything from world-class mountain biking and hiking to canyoning, scuba diving, paddling, and epic beaches dotted with natural ocean-filled swimming pools. And the food is a fantastic mix of fresh seafood, diverse fruits and vegetables, and a touch of African influence that makes it spicier and more unique than most food you’ll find in mainland Europe.
Not yet sold? If you live on the US East Coast, you may be once you learn you can fly direct to Madeira, Portugal, from NYC (on Azores Airlines) in about six hours. You can also connect through just about any European city if you want to extend the trip.
But if you’re planning to visit Madeira, Portugal, know that technically being part of the mainland European country doesn’t mean the culture is similar. These are 10 of the most unique aspects of Madeira that make it a must-visit, especially if you’re already in western Europe.
Madeira is safer than most mainland destinations
Photo: Suzie Dundas
In defense of Portugal’s cities like Lisbon and Porto, nearly every major city in every major country has areas you generally want to avoid at night or if you’re solo. But Madeira doesn’t really have any of those places, even in the capital city of Funchal. Sure, as a general rule, you won’t want to linger in dark alleyways at 3 AM — but aside from perhaps getting overcharged for an “I love Madeira” t-shirt, it’s really quite a safe place.
It’s a slower pace of life
Expect a slow pace of life, even in Funchal — even midday lunches are leisurely and relaxed. Photo: Suzie Dundas
Like on most islands, life moves a little slower in Madeira than in mainland Portugal. There’s not as much traffic, starting times for tours and activities are more suggestions than firm rules, and no one is too stressed. It’s a lovely way of life, but it does mean you should expect fine dining in restaurants to take about three or four hours –and you’ll want to leave a buffer between activities if you’re scheduling tours back to back.
Christmas shuts down the island
Photo: AlexMorozov1204/Shutterstock
Christmas is a big deal in Portugal, where roughly 80 percent of the population consider themselves Roman Catholic.
But it has nothing on Madeira.
The island’s Christmas celebrations — called Natal, running from December 1 to January 15 — basically mean that work and other responsibilities get set aside for six weeks.
On December 1, traffic is backed up as everyone drives around to see the massive Christmas light displays outside nearly every home and business. It’s so common for guests to drop by any day at any time that every home keeps traditional fruitcake and meat dishes for guests on hand. And every Sunday is a party, starting with Catholic mass around 7 AM, then turning into a party in the streets. After the party, some people go to work, but many continue the revelry at Christmas markets or in private homes until 1 or 2 AM. This happens nine Sundays in a row, representing the nine months of Jesus’ gestation as per the Catholic bible.
To put it diplomatically: “December is not the most productive month of the year,” said Sofia Maul of Wine Tours Madeira.
The plant life is endless
Photo: Suzie Dundas
Photo: Suzie Dundas
Southern Europe has good growing conditions for many fruits, veggies, and plants. But Madeira, Portugal, is one of the best climates in the world for growing just about everything, from tropical plants to pine trees to cacti to grapes and vegetables. Locals say “everything grows here,” and they’re not wrong, especially since the island’s elevation varies more than 6,000 feet, creating a massive variety of growing climates and conditions. As a result, food is bountiful, and nearly every fruit and vegetable you eat while visiting has likely been grown on the island.
The wine is very, very different
Photo: Suzie Dundas
Madeira’s most famous wine is not your normal table wine. It’s fortified brandy and is much sweeter, akin to a port or a sherry. In fact, you usually can’t even tell what type of grapes vintners used to make any particular Madeiran wine.
Wine from Madeira, Portugal, has a unique connection to the United States: because of how well it travels, it was one of the few wines that could make it from Europe to the colonies in the 1700s — and it was Madeiran wine that America’s earliest founders drank when they signed the Declaration of Independence.
Madeira does make some unfortified table wines — Quinta do Barbusano is a particularly nice brand — but most traditional Madeiran wine is stronger and sweeter than what you might expect. Take a walking tour with Madeira Food Tours or tour the Blandy’s Factory to learn more about how and why Madeiran wines are so different. And if you want to buy a bottle, you’ll likely be able to enjoy it for some time: unlike most table wines, exposure to heat and oxygen won’t damage fortified wines as quickly. So you can continue to drink them for several months after they’ve been opened at home.
Madeira has always had strong North African influences
Hats worn in Madeira, similar to a traditional Moroccan fes. Photo: Suzie Dundas
The concept of a sphinx is popular in Egyptian art. Photo: Suzie Dundas
Not surprisingly, mainland Portugal’s culture is heavily influenced by its neighbors — primarily Spain, its only other neighbor on the Iberian Peninsula. It’s been that way since around the 12th century when Portugal was founded, as everything from food and travelers to politics and cultural ideas arrived in mainland Portugal through Spain.
But for the island of Madeira, Morocco has been the closest significant influencing power for hundreds of years. Travelers and traders would stop in Madeira when traveling between Africa and Europe; inevitably, some people got offshore in Madeira and didn’t go back on board again. With them came spices and food, architectural styles, and fashion and dress from northern Africa.
In Madeira, artistic expression in all forms is generally more colorful and loud, with more African influences than in most of mainland Portugal and Europe in general.
Madeirans generally love tourists
Tourists from the European mainland in Madeira, Portugal, circa 1920. Photo: Suzie Dundas (original photo courtesy of Reid’s Palace Madeira)
Across all of Madeira, but especially in the city of Funchal, tourism has been the economy’s bread and butter since it first began to develop. According to Maul of Madeira Wine Tours, tourists from mainland Europe started coming to Madeira on ships in the early 1800s. They’d come to take advantage of the island’s year-round ideal weather and clean air and water, believing it was a cue for all manner of respiratory diseases and “melancholies.” So there’s no resentment toward tourists as you may (understandably) find in cities like Porto or Lisbon on the mainland, where tourists are driving up housing prices and taxing infrastructure, roads, and businesses.
Traditional food in Madeira is quite different from mainland Portugal
Photo: Suzie Dundas
The combination of Madeira’s northern African influences, ideal growing climate, and location in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean means residents have never had to travel very far to find ingredients for all manner of dishes. In Madeira, Portugal, two can’t-miss dishes are carne vin alou (meat with garlic, usually beef) and bolo do caco.
Carne vin alou is so popular that it’s the de rigeur dish of the Natal celebrations and most families make enormous quantities to have on hand for when guests drop by.
Bolo do caco is a flatbread, usually served with garlic butter. Like many of the breads made in North Africa, bolo do caco dates to a time when only the wealthiest residents had ovens. However, unlike most breads, it’s cooked on a hot stone slab — hence why it doesn’t rise nearly as much as the fluffier options you’d traditionally eat in mainland Europe.
Black scabbard: it’s tasty (really).Photo: Suzie Dundas
And the other delicacy in Madeira, Portugal, that you may not find on the mainland as frequently? Black scabbard. It’s a rather ugly deep-sea fish that can live more than 5,000 feet below the ocean’s surface. It’s native to the waters around Madeira, so good luck finding a restaurant that doesn’t have some version of black scabbard on the menu (occasionally paired with the island’s beloved bananas).
Madeira is all about the outdoorsYes, there are multiple places visitors can soak in ocean-fed, natural swimming pools. Photo: Suzie Dundas
Mainland Portugal has plenty to offer when it comes to outdoor adventure, especially around surfing and lounging on beautiful beaches. But in Madeira, Portugal, the options are a little broader, which is impressive considering what a small island it is.
Though you can drive around the whole island in about four hours, it has a lot of variety in terms of adventure sports. There are 6,106 feet between the island’s highest and lowest points, which lends itself well to sports that require serious elevation changes, like mountain biking. In fact, it’s world-renowned within the mountain bike community, especially because companies can drive mountain bikers to the top, allowing them to shuttle multiple 5,000-foot-plus laps in one day.
Of course, significant elevation changes also lend themselves well to more unique sports, like canyoning or canyoneering (hiking, jumping, climbing, and swimming through waterfall canyons) and cliff jumping (called “coastering”), both of which are available for beginners or advanced travelers. Companies like Epic Madeira offer tours that include guiding, gear, and pick up from most Funchal-area hotels.
Photo: Suzie Dundas
If you’d rather stay on the ground, plan a trip based around exploring Madeira’s hiking trails. You could spend multiple weeks exploring the island on foot. There are nearly 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles) of levada trails (trails running along historic irrigation channels, usually through lush forests and along waterfalls) and dozens of vereda trails, which are usually cliffside with stunning ocean views. Many of the veredas are on old roads used by villagers before roads connected the island’s small towns.
The bananas are different (and banned in the rest Europe)
Bananas from Madeira are smaller and generally sweeter than their longer counterparts. Photo: A. Storm Photography/Shutterstock
Madeirans have been making wine for ages, but in the late 1800s, a widespread pest invasion destroyed most of the island’s crops (grapes included). So to quickly rebuild the island’s food supply and economy, Madeirans leaned into something else: bananas. Bananas from Madeira grow quickly; a single plant can produce an entire bunch of bananas within a year.
Most bananas grown on Madeira are the Dwarf Cavendish subspecies, and because they grow quickly, their final size is relatively small — about half the size of a “standard” banana. This makes them sweeter, but it also means they can’t be exported outside of Portugal. There’s a European Union law that says bananas shipped within the EU have to meet specific standards for length, shape, and color, which Madeiran bananas don’t. So if you want to enjoy a Madeiran banana, go to Madeira, or buy one imported from the island in Portugal. And be sure to try all the banana desserts you can while in the gourmet restaurants around Funchal.
More like thisAdventure TravelThese Wild Basket Rides Are the Best Way To Fly Through Traffic in Madeira
Top Hot Springs, Arkansas, Airbnbs Near Downtown and Lake Hamilton
Cast yourself away to Hot Springs, Arkansas, and you can take your pick from no less than eight thermal bath houses without stepping out of downtown. A short drive out of the city and you’ll be in the clutches of the Hot Springs National Park, the Ouachita National Forest, and the banks of Lake Hamilton. Not forgetting the mandatory day trip to Magic Springs where rides vary from soothing to scary. All these spots are within easy reach of the best Hot Springs Airbnbs.
Traveling through Arkansas? Check out Matador’s Arkansas accommodations guides:
11 Fayetteville, Arkansas, Airbnbs for the most convenient stay in the city Airbnb’s most wish-listed properties in all 50 states
We hope you love the Airbnb Hot Springs 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.
Treehouse Airbnbs in Hot Springs, ArkansasAirbnbs in downtown Hot Springs, ArkansasAirbnb cabins in Hot Springs, ArkansasAirbnbs in Hot Springs, Arkansas, on Lake HamiltonTreehouse Airbnbs in Hot Springs, ArkansasDeer Run Treehouse
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Sleep among the foliage at this Hot Springs, Arkansas, treehouse Airbnb kitted out with an artisanal bed, decadent linens, and a full kitchen. The private balcony is fitted with a swing, grill, and hot tub overlooking the forest. Deer Run is one of six units managed by Hot Springs Treehouses. If your dates are unavailable, cast an eye over the rest of the portfolio. As the most luxurious in the collection, this one features an antique French door and extra space.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $312 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Capone’s Loft fuses the pizzazz of the glamorous 1920s with modern lifestyle touches. Exposed brick and pipework throughout the communal and sleeping areas achieve that seriously chic Brooklyn vibe. The centerpiece of the interior is the pool table, complemented by the fully-functional beer tower while the larger of the two balconies is fitted with a grill. This Airbnb downtown Hot Springs, AR, is within walking distance of Bathhouse Row.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $455 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Gorgeously restored, this creekside ranch-style Airbnb is on the cusp of the national park. The property is encircled by woodlands and enjoys a private lawn with direct access to the stream. Spread over one floor, the open-concept lounge features shiplap walls, hardwood flooring, and an original barn door leading into the master suite. A whirlpool bath and sumptuous couches by the fire with external views round off this homely yet luxurious Airbnb in Hot Springs Arkansas.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $225 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Potentially the kookiest vacation home in the entire state, this Airbnb in downtown Hot Springs comes with a resident cat so you’ll need to be chill with sharing the space. Built in the 19th century, the property has previously been used as a spa and a brothel. Boojie interiors are awash with velvet, burlesque art, and a theatrical dressing room. Perfect for eclectic tastes: and friends of felines.
Four guests two bedrooms
Price: $179 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This one-of-a-kind cabin merges yurt elements to create an unforgettable Airbnb Hot Springs experience. Spread over two levels, the property has an upper-level balcony plus a spacious desk equipped with a hot tub and a multitude of seating options. On the way down toward the private pier, you’ll find a fire pit and grill area. You’re welcome to bring your own boat and dock it in the slip.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $213 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Combine your detox getaway with a night or two at this Airbnb farmyard cabin in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The cabin sits apart from the main buildings of the premises but you are welcome to roam the compound and befriend the resident pigs, goats, and geese. Modestly proportioned interiors include a fully-equipped kitchen and a bathroom with a tub. However, the terrace with a hot tub for your exclusive use is the highlight of this farm stay.
Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $155 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Once you clock the views from this mountainside vacation home, you’ll struggle to pull yourself down into town! A generously-sized lounge is eaten up with a plush wraparound couch and a wood-burning fireplace. Congregate at the breakfast bar before stepping out onto the deck for a second mug of coffee fresh from the drip machine. A woody bathroom and loft bedrooms complete the coziness.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $142 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Bursting with collectibles and antiques, this waterfront Hot Springs Airbnb with a pool will charm whimsical explorers who love a mix of old and new. The old-worldly primary bathroom comes with a jetted tub while the TV tucks discreetly behind the library cabinet when you’re in the mood to disconnect. Fix a drink at the tavern-style bar over a game of snooker, and, after a dip in the pool, light up the fire pit and dig out the s’mores.
Sixteen guests, six bedrooms
Price: $1,220 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Fifteen minutes from downtown, this Airbnb in Hot Springs is on Lake Hamilton and is split equally across indoor and outdoor living. Interiors of the two-story converted shipping container are flooded with light courtesy of panoramic windows while a swinging daybed and pair of hammocks will lull you into an afternoon siesta. The decks are suitable for dining, sunbathing, and practicing sports.
Ten guests, three bedrooms
Price: $458 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This lakefront Airbnb in Hot Springs, Arkansas, with a hot tub and games room comes ready with all the entertainment you could possibly need. In addition to four double bedrooms, you’ll find a bunk room where the kids can have a slumber party. A covered patio overlooks the tranquil western half of Lake Hamilton where you can launch your own boat or borrow the provided kayaks and paddle boards.
Fourteen guests, five bedrooms
Price: $760 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This brand new Hot Springs Airbnb with a pool is a contemporary paradise complete with oversized bedrooms, a games room, and an outdoor movie den. In addition to the pool, the yard is rigged with a hot tub, splash pad, and mini golf course. Plus, you can dock up to three boats in the property slip. After whipping up a meal in either kitchen – the home has a traditional and an external unit – spend an evening around the fire pit beneath the stars.
Sixteen guests, six bedrooms
Price: $1,052 per night
The 7 Best Places To Get Coffee in Seattle That Aren’t Starbucks
Seattle takes its coffee culture seriously. Often described as the coffee capital of the United States, the coffee houses in Seattle leave nothing on the table when it comes to brewing up a gourmet coffee. And while Starbucks did have its start in Seattle, there are so many other Seattle coffee shops to try during your trip to the Emerald City – that might even have better coffee than Starbucks, no matter how iconic its become all over the world (there’s even a Starbucks in Italy now).
The booming coffee culture in Seattle is, in part, due to the often overcast, rainy conditions that settle over the city for the majority of the year. However, the weather isn’t the only thing that helped establish Seattle as the hub for coffee enthusiasts across the country.
The emergence of counterculture movements during the 1960s and 1970s also aided in the growing popularity of what we’ve come to know as the modern day coffee shop–a gathering place where people can collaborate, work, or unwind while sipping a caffeinated beverage.
The presence of Starbucks also inspired waves of local roasters and coffeehouses to materialize throughout the greater Seattle area. These shops and cafes aimed to create something that the larger Starbucks chain couldn’t quite tap into as it continued to expand its reach: a sense of locality and community, as well as high-quality coffee beverages crafted with immaculate attention to detail. As a result, Washington is one of the most expensive states in the country to buy a cup of coffee, but the high price tag is worth it.
From drip-coffee to specialty lattes and everything in between, the Seattle coffee scene has something that will appeal to every coffee drinker. Whether you’re looking for a cappuccino on the go, or a quiet spot to sip a latte and read a book, this list will help guide you toward finding the right coffee shop for your taste and interests. Skip the Starbucks and sip local.
These are seven of the best Seattle coffee shops that aren’t Starbucks to try on your next visit, along with where to find them and what to order.
Seattle coffee shops everyone should try1. Espresso Vivace
Photo: Espresso Vivace
Espresso Vivace is a Seattle-area staple. The flagship cafe is located on Capitol Hill, though there are two other locations around the city where you can indulge in delicious espresso-based beverages. Espresso Vivace’s co-founder, David Schomer, is known far and wide for his impact on the gourmet coffee industry. This spot is a must-try for any coffee aficionado visiting Seattle.
What to order: Caffe caramel
Where: Flagship Location on Capitol Hill – 532 Broadway Ave East, Seattle, WA, 98102
2. Monorail EspressoView this post on InstagramA post shared by MONORAIL ESPRESSO (@monorailespresso)
Another craze in Seattle is the espresso cart, and Monorail Espresso exemplifies all of the best things about this method of serving up caffeinated beverages. Monorail Espresso is credited with kicking off the Seattle coffee cart frenzy in the 1980s. The original cart concept has since transitioned into a walk-up window joint, but the espresso pulls served up at Monorail continue to attract visitors and locals alike.
What to order: Macchiato or white mocha
Where: Famous Pike Street Walk-Up Window – 510 Pike St, Seattle, WA, 98101
3. Fulcrum CoffeePhoto: Fulcrum coffee
For a delicious specialty coffee, look no further than Fulcrum Coffee. This bright, minimalist cafe is located in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood, not too far from the famed Space Needle. The single-origin coffee is flavorful, but their specialty coffee drinks are part of what makes the menu so popular.
What to order: Cappuccino or any seasonal signature beverage
Where: 590 Bell St, Seattle, WA, 98121
4. Elm Coffee RoastersView this post on InstagramA post shared by Elm Coffee Roasters (@elmcoffeeroasters)
In historic Pioneer Square, you can sip on coffee roasted in-house at Elm Coffee Roasters. Visitors can stop by on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays to see the coffee bean roasting process in action. Elm Coffee Roasters also offers cupping and brewing classes in-house.
What to order: Drip coffee
Where: 240 2nd Avenue South Seattle, WA, 98104
5. Caffe VitaView this post on InstagramA post shared by Caffe Vita (@caffevita)
With 5 cafe locations around Seattle, Caffe Vita is one of the most popular coffee spots in the Emerald City. Coffee creates a sense of community, and Caffe Vita taps into this ethos with comforting blends and inviting cafe interiors. The newest location, Vita at KEXP, is located near Seattle Center.
What to order: Cortado
Where: Flagship location – 005 E Pike Street, Seattle, WA, 98122
6. Fonté CaféView this post on InstagramA post shared by Fonté Coffee Roaster (@fontecoffee)
If you’re in the Pike Place Market area or visiting the Seattle Art Museum, don’t miss out on a latte from Fonté on 1st Avenue. Menu offerings include the Aztec Mocha, Desert Rose Latte, and Sage Latte, among other craft coffee and espresso-based beverages. The cafe also has breakfast, lunch, brunch, and grab-and-go options, making it the perfect spot to grab a brew and a bite.
What to order: Maple cinnamon latte
Where: 1321 1st Ave, Seattle, WA, 98101
7. Anchorhead Coffee
Photo: Anchorhead Coffee
Anchorhead’s first cafe opened in Seattle in 2016, and they’ve built a loyal customer base amongst the local coffee community. Since the first cafe opened, two more Anchorhead cafes have opened throughout Seattle, as well as one in neighboring Bellevue and Nashville, TN.
What to order: Honey Bunches of Cold Brew
Where: Flagship Cafe – CenturyLink Plaza, 1600 7th Ave. Suite 105, Seattle, WA, 98101
In Ogden, a Hilton Hotel Mash-Up Serves as the Perfect Basecamp for Adventure
Hilton’s first new brand offerings in this millennium, Tru by Hilton (founded in 2016) and Home2 Suites (founded in 2009) represent an attempt at contemporary coolness by the established hotel operator. They target people who travel often as a part of a modern lifestyle and who want well-trimmed accommodations without having to shell out a month’s worth of expendable income for it. In Ogden, Utah, Tru and Home2 come together for a co-branded approach that brings the hip business crowd of Home2 together with the millennial audience of Tru by Hilton.
I spent a few nights in the Tru by Hilton/Home2 Suites Ogden in early September and found the property to be efficient both in accommodation and location. Ogden’s Tru/Home2 mashup is a chain hotel property that you actually want to spend time at, rather than crash out and leave first thing in the morning, stopping only long enough to fill up your coffee mug on the way out the door. The result is a property that is, even if unintentionally, perfect for the modern remote worker.
We hope you love the Tru By Hilton Ogden! 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.
Room to spread out and be productive
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Charging outlets are everywhere from the bench seats in the breakfast room to the pool table and dedicated work booths in the lobby’s lounge area. My room on the hotel’s Tru side had chargers on both sides of both queen beds. Neither my laptop nor my phone were ever far from a zap of juice during our stay.
The lounge area resembles a modern coworking space, as it’s designed both for productivity and social connection. Three dedicated work desks enclosed in a half-capsule and with padded bench seats make for a perfect place to pop open the laptop over morning coffee. The desks also provide enough privacy that taking a call doesn’t leave you feeling like you’re distracting the entire room. Couches and lounge seating are also available, and, of course, the aforementioned pool table. This being Utah, no beer is sold on premises, but if you arrive prepared, the fire pit area outside makes for an excellent happy hour or nightcap spot.
An inspiring place to stay fit on the road
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
My favorite part about the Tru by Hilton/Home2Suites Ogden was its gym. As someone who regularly travels for work, I’ve spent plenty of time in dimly lit, cramped hotel gyms that would have been better purposed as a storage closet for the housekeeping staff (and likely once were). The gym here is quite the opposite. Lined on two sides with expansive bay windows looking out to the city, there’s not a single dark corner in the room. There’s a free-weight area with dumbbells on one side, machine weights on the other, and treadmills along the windows. Only one exercise bike was available, but I never had to wait for it. Modern pop played clearly but not annoyingly loud over the stereo. The ambiance resembled that of a hip, downtown big city gym catering to the office crowd, which in a way is its intended user base, though a relocated one.
The indoor pool and hot tub are open year-round, and while the pool certainly isn’t Olympic-sized, it’s big enough to get morning laps or play with the kids in with the bonus of, at least while we were there, never having more than a handful of people using it at once. Sliding into a hot tub after a long hike is one of life’s greatest pleasures, and I was glad I didn’t have to share the experience with a random family from Boston or Bridgeport.
Location and efficiency win the day
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
There’s no more convenient location in Ogden. Lindquist Field, home of the single-A Pioneer League’s Ogden Raptors, is right across the street. Historic 25th Street, lined with Ogden’s best restaurants, pubs, and nightlife, is a block away. We were in town to hit the area’s famous hiking trails, and multiple trailheads, including the 22nd and 29th Street Trailheads as well as the popular Coldwater Springs Canyon Trailhead, are just a few minutes’ drive away. For skiers and snowboarders, Snowbasin Resort is only 30 minutes from the hotel.
Onsite, small sustainability efforts are apparent throughout the hotel. The bath in our room featured wasteless toiletries. Porcelain mugs are on offer at breakfast and throughout the day at the coffee station. A water bottle filling station is located right outside the gym.
Our room at Tru was basic but well-trimmed and efficient. A clothes rack was available in lieu of a closet — fine for most short hotel stays. A work desk provided a productive space in the room, adjacent to the TV. The room overlooked the baseball stadium and was well-lit by both natural light and LED lamps. Laundry is available onsite, and the lobby has an extensive snack bar open 24 hours. The Temper Healy beds were comfortable and plush, topped with sheets and a warm comforter that kept me warm even though my wife, Alisha, prefers to sleep in a cool — some might say chilled — environment.
With a hot breakfast including omelets, roasted potatoes, and both waffles and pancakes available, the hotel “wins at breakfast,” as Alisha put it. I love a good bagel, and these were aplenty. There wasn’t much on offer for our infant daughter beyond a few bites of our meals, as the yogurt pouches and cereal available were stuffed full of sugar. But we filled up each morning on eggs, potatoes, and fruit before hitting the trail.
In the ongoing battle between hotel brands and short-term rental platforms, the inevitable winner is the traveler, and Tru by Hilton/Home2Suites Ogden is proof of this.
Best ski resorts for gay ski week
The dates of Gay Ski Week vary by resort, but one thing is consistent across the board — the word “ski” is used very loosely in practice. You can hop on one or two planks and hit the mountain as much as you wish — there’s always a group of diehards ready to hike the bowl if that’s what you’re into — but the real action begins with the après-ski scene around 3:00 PM and stretches deep into the evening. Parties last anywhere from a few days to a full week, but you’ll learn on night one why dancing, drag, and fine dining are better at altitude. Here’s everything you need to know about the best gay ski weeks in 2023.
We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend. Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.
Aspen Gay Ski Week
Photo: Aspen Gay Ski Week<
Aspen is the anchor of the Gay Ski Week concept, hosting its annual week-long ticketed event since 1977. Don’t show up unless you’re ready for a full-on throwdown. The event is a three-way mashup of a festival, conference, and drag party, complete with an opening cocktail reception at the W Aspen and town-wide decor that would make the artists of San Francisco’s Castro District proud.
Photo: Aspen Gay Ski Week<
The event offers guided on-mountain tours of Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Snowmass throughout the week, nightly dinners, and après-ski events, but what you really come for is the parties. The legendary AGSW Downhill Costume Contest takes place on January 20, and there are dance parties and after-hours events daily.
When: January 15 – 22
Where to stay: The five-star Little Nell ski-in / ski-out hotel, or the environmentally conscious and centrally located Limelight hotel.
Utah Gay Ski Week, Park City, Utah
Photo: Elevation Utah<
Elevation Utah heads to Park City to throw the best LGBTQ+ party in the state each February, a long weekend that is at once both raging and fantastically quaint. Park City is the epitome of everything a ski town should be: chalet-style lodging that almost convinces you that you’re in Switzerland, fine-dining establishments set in buildings that look like they used to be a schoolhouse, a bus that drops you right at the slopes, and, even in Utah, a baller après-ski scene.
The one party you absolutely cannot miss is called Glow Ho. On Friday night, don whatever neon and reflective gear you have and hit the dance floor at Cabin Nightclub & Lounge. The night after is the infamous GEAR party. A VIP Weekend Pass runs just $300, and you’ll save 25-30 percent off that price if you live in Utah. You can also buy individual event passes. Utah Gay Ski Week grew popular enough that Elevation now hosts additional Gay Ski Week parties in Mammoth Lakes, CA, (March 15 – 19) and Tremblant, Quebec, (2023 dates to be confirmed) should one of those locations be more to your liking.
When: February 24 — 26
Where to stay: The official host hotel, Sheraton Park City is your best bet to be in the center of the action. But they will book up fast, if not already.
Telluride Gay Ski Week, Telluride, Colorado
Photo: Telluride Gay Ski Week<
Aspen gets all the glamour. Not only is the town the spitting image of all things expensive and chic, but it also gets the cheesy movies, the iconic writers, and lest we forget, the most notorious gay ski week. It may not seem fair, but don’t go booking that private jet just yet.
There’s a small town down in southern Colorado where you can dress up just as provocatively, play just as hard, and spend at least as much money for accommodations. That town is Telluride, which knows how to throw a killer party now and then. Plus, the on-mountain experience is better than Aspen’s, proven beyond a doubt by the selfie you’re bound to take as you ski right by Oprah’s mountain home.
Photo: Telluride Gay Ski Week<
Telluride Gay Ski Week 2023 is coming back to us this year with new owner and producer, SBG Productions. Expect a week full of events, happy hours, meet-ups, live music, a pool party, and heaps of time to explore Telluride Ski Resort.
When: February 25 — March 4
Where to stay: Mountain Lodge is a luxury condominium property with studio units, two and three bedroom condominiums, and luxury private cabins. Another great option is The Peaks Resort & Spa which has ski-in / ski-out access and award-winning dining and spa facilities.
Whistler Pride and Ski Festival, Whistler, BC, Canada
Photo: Whistler Pride and Ski Week<
Whoever said “everything is bigger in Texas” clearly hasn’t been to Whistler. Whistler Blackcomb has over 8,000 skiable acres, making it North America’s largest ski area, and the parties in the three villages that make up the resort’s extensive base area are equally as huge.
Whistler Pride and Ski Festival, the town’s annual pride event, takes over the village each January. 2023 is going to be a huge year for the festival, as they celebrate with 30th anniversary — all be it a year late. The guided ski and snowboard groups, alternating between Whistler and Blackcomb daily and you’ll have your pick of parties. Details about the Comedy Night and the main event, the Saturday closing party, are still to be announced. But rest assured they won’t disappoint.
When: January 22 — 29
Where to stay: Book at the Aava Whistler Hotel, the event’s official partner accommodation, and you’ll receive $200 off your festival pass.
Arosa Gay Ski Week, Arosa, Switzerland
Photo: Arosa Gay Ski Week
Arosa basically pioneered the gay ski week concept before there was even a label for it. Its location in Eastern Switzerland is more than worth the trip because the resort is hands down the world’s most gay-friendly ski area. The flag flies here all season, literally, not just in January — so if you’re a skier looking for the right time to make a jaunt overseas, this might just be the moment.
Arosa Gay Ski Week is not only a celebration but also a full-on right of passage for Europe’s gay skiing community. The fact that you’re partying above the treeline with the Weisshorn and Rothorn in the background only amplifies the awesomeness.
A top-tier pass runs about $270 and offers access to the schedule of parties, demos, and private get-togethers throughout the week. The event is known for its disco parties but also allows for plenty of time to sunbathe in the Tschuggen hut, relax over cocktails in the base area, play a game of ice hockey, and maybe even get some skiing in.
When: January 21 — 28
Where to stay: The festival lists a huge range of accommodation options from the five star Kulm & Alpine Spa, stunning self-catering apartments, to more affordable three-star hotels such as the Alpensonne hotel.
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