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10 of the Best Colorado State Parks for Avoiding National Park Crowds

There’s a near-endless list of ways to play outdoors waiting in Colorado’s 23 million acres of public land, covering everything from prairies to mountain peaks. Travelers can paddle the day away on aquatic adventures or escape into the wilderness for a few days on a backcountry expedition in one of 42 parks in the state.

The best state parks in Colorado are as diverse as the Centennial State’s topography, scattered throughout the state’s varied landscapes. All are open year-round and managed by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission, established way back in 1897. Colorado’s oldest state park is Lathrop State Park, opened in 1962, and the newest is Fishers Peak State Park, which opened in late 2020.

Colorado’s parks have thousands of miles of hiking and biking trails, but the best Colorado state parks have a much wider array of outdoor experiences. At the parks below, visitors can see bald eagles soar (and potentially spot moose), sleep in yurts, go fly or lure fishing, stand in a waterfall’s mist, kayak on smooth lakes, or turn up the adrenaline with wakeboarding sessions and multi-pitch rock climbing.

Barr Lake State ParkGolden Gate Canyon State ParkRoxborough State ParkMueller State ParkLory State ParkState Forest State ParkPearl Lake State ParkSteamboat Lake State ParkRifle Falls State ParkNavajo State Park Camping in Colorado state parks Colorado state parks permits and passes Map of the best Colorado state parks

With 42 state parks, deciding which are the best state parks in Colorado is a matter of opinion. But that said, the parks below are all highly rated and in some of the prettiest places in Colorado, including along the state’s world-famous Rocky Mountain ridgelines. While outdoor enthusiasts and Colorado residents will undoubtedly want to check all 42 parks off their travel lists at some point, the 10 parks below are great places for a few first visits to Colorado’s fantastic public lands.

The best state parks in ColoradoBarr Lake State Park

Photo: Jennifer Broome

Take binoculars to this 1,900-acre prairie reservoir near Brighton, about 30 minutes from downtown Denver. It’s one of the best Colorado state parks for spotting bald eagles, especially during winter nesting.

Boating, birding, and boardwalks sum up this state park. Visitors can fish, paddle, and boat on the northern half of the lake, and the southern half is a nature refuge with boardwalks and gazebos for wildlife viewing. Barr Lake State Park is a birding hotspot in the state, known for waterbirds, shorebirds, raptors, and songbirds; more than 350 species of birds have been seen in the park. Dawn and dusk are generally the best times to see wildlife.

Walking along the boardwalk feels more like being in South Carolina or Louisiana, save for the bald eagles soaring across massive mountain summits in the distance. The park hosts an annual Bald Eagle Festival in early February (and a birding festival in early September). Eagle viewing is best in winter, but travelers visiting on weekends between mid-May and September can ride the small “Eagle Express” trolley on a naturalist-guided tour.

The park has biking, hiking, and horseback riding on the 8.8-mile multi-use trail surrounding the lake. Parkgoers can also test their bow-and-arrow skills at the archery land, aiming at targets varying from 10 to 100 yards away.

For a high-tech outdoor adventure, go on a mission with the Agents of Discovery app for iPhone or Android. It’s an educational app with augmented reality trail “missions” at 13 of the best state parks in Colorado, including Barr Lake. Download the Agents of Discovery app and mission before getting to the park because cell service can be sketchy.

Golden Gate Canyon State Park

Photo: Jennifer Broome

This mountain getaway is just 30 miles west of Denver and is one of two state parks with both cabin and yurt accommodations (five cabins and two yurts). With 11 trails, each named after an animal, it’s the best Colorado state park for high-country hiking close to the Denver Metro Area, with 12,000 acres of mountains, meadows, and forested terrain.

Visitors can hike to the Panorama Point Scenic Overlook for a 100-mile view of the Continental Divide on a clear day. The park also has several hikes to pioneer homesteads, including the homestead of early settler John Frazer, whose life is often used as an example of the tough conditions experienced in the late 1800s. And near the park’s Bootleg Bottom Picnic Area is a moonshine cabin used during Prohibition in the 1920s.

For a good family hike, explore Forgotten Valley. The valley holds a ranch house dating to 1876, where travelers can relax in one of the serene setting’s porch swings or walk down to the pond to fish.

Hunting and rock climbing are permitted in the park, and winter brings cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, ice fishing, and ice skating when the park is covered with snow. And around December, the park is home to a Christmas tree cut (so get a permit in advance). The park is a great leaf-peeping destination in the fall, and it’s possible to occasionally see moose and mountain lions (but keep a safe distance from wildlife).

Roxborough State Park

Photo: Adam Springer/Shutterstock

Roxborough is the best of the state parks in Colorado for dramatic red-rock formations like Colorado’s famed Red Rocks, about a 45-minute drive southwest of Denver. The park’s jagged, million-year-old sandstone monoliths are the same formation as the iconic amphitheater.

This is Colorado’s first state park to achieve the Leave No Trace Gold Standard from the Center for Outdoor Ethics, and guests can sit in on monthly Leave No Trace table talks to learn more about the seven principles of recreating responsibly.

Roxborough is also a Colorado Natural Area, a National Natural Landmark, and an Audubon Society Important Bird Area. Because of these designations and the fragile ecosystem across the park’s 4,000 acres, pets, rock climbing, and camping are not allowed, and biking is restricted to main roads. The park also has guided naturalist activities, including meditative walks, photography workshops, and moonlight hikes.

Mueller State Park

Photo: Richard G Smith/Shutterstock

In the shadow of iconic Pikes Peak are more than 5,000 acres of forest, meadows, and massive granite rock formations in Mueller State Park. Visitors can stay in one of three log cabins, but for the best view of the Continental Divide, book a spot in the campground.

This is one of the best state parks in Colorado for birders and wildlife watchers as it is home to black bears and mountain lions, plus more than 100 species of birds. So the odds are excellent for spotting something for travelers with a keen eye.

In July and August, Mueller State Park is bursting with a colorful palette as wildflowers dot the mountain meadows, and year-round, it’s a great park for fun after dark. The Colorado Springs Astronomical Society regularly hosts star parties at the park, open to the public. Be sure to dress warmly and try to arrive before dark as headlights can make it hard for attendees’ eyes to adjust to the darkness.

Lory State Park

Photo: Nature’s Charm/Shutterstock

This small-but-mighty state park is just a 15-minute drive from downtown Fort Collins. It’s just under 2,600 acres, but it’s a foothills gem in the northern Front Range with 26 miles of biking, horseback riding, and hiking trails. Some trails, like popular Arthur’s Rock, are designated as hiking-only, so check the map in advance if planning to bike. The Arthur’s Rock trail goes through pine forests and across sloping meadows before reaching a rock outcropping with a stunning view of Horsetooth Reservoir, Fort Collins, and plains to the east.

In addition to the 20-plus miles of bike trails, mountain bikers should check out the Corral Center Mountain Bike Park, with close to 70,000 square feet of skills areas, pump tracks, jumps, drops, and more. Bouldering and rock climbing are also allowed throughout the park; climbers should pick up a route guide from the park visitor center. And non-motorized paddlers can launch personal watercraft from several coves on the Horsetooth Reservoir, but motorized watercraft aren’t allowed.

State Forest State Park

Photo: Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission

Moose are this Colorado park’s claim to fame as it’s a high-country haven surrounded by forest in northern Colorado. It covers 71,000 acres of diverse landscapes, including glacial-carved cirques, endless meadows, and sand dunes. With an estimated moose population of around 600, it’s considered the best of the state parks in Colorado for spotting the gangly mammal.

Because it’s so large, it’s a great place to find solitude in nature, especially along the west side of the Medicine Bow Mountains and the northern end of the Never Summer Range. In summer and fall, the park is open for hiking, biking, and riding four-wheel vehicles. Some of the park’s best hikes lead to Agnes, Kelly, and Clear alpine lakes, the trails for all of which showcase the geological beauty of the park’s craggy landscape. Be aware when visiting in the fall that the park is a sought-after hunting destination.

Since the park is a little more remote than most, it’s a great place to spend the night. State Forest State Park has four campgrounds, cabins, and yurts, but designated dispersed and backcountry camping is also allowed. Travelers who don’t have their own gear for sports like geocaching, snowshoeing, or fishing can rent everything they need at the Moose Visitor Center, though Never Summer Nordic manages the yurt rentals.

Pearl Lake State Park

Photo: Teri Virbickis/Shutterstock

North of Steamboat Springs at the base of Farwell Mountain in Routt National Forest is pristine Pearl Lake State Park. It’s known for wakeless water and is one of the best state parks in Colorado for kayak camping trips along the shoreline. Of course, it’s also a good spot for a picnic and a few hours of low-tech lake fun as there’s no cell service.

Anglers can fly and lure fish for native cutthroat trout and grayling, and hikers will enjoy the dazzling display of quaking golden aspens come fall. Winter calls for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or ice fishing, likely with few other guests around. The park has 36 campsites that close in winter, but the two lakeview yurts are open year-round (and require a minimum two-night stay from May through October). It’s an excellent state park to combine with a Steamboat Lake State Park visit, especially on a day trip to see fall colors along ultra-scenic Highway 129 in late September or early October.

Steamboat Lake State Park

Photo: Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission

Head north from Pearl Lake to much the larger Steamboat Lake State Park to visit two of the best state parks in Colorado on one trip. The scenic lake has stellar views of Hahns Peak and the Park Range from its position at 8,100 feet above sea level.

There are seven miles of trails for hikers and bikers (which connect to a trail system in abutting and Routt National Forest), but the star of the park is the lake. Motorboats, jet skis, sailboats, and hand-powered crafts are all allowed on the 1,100-acre lake from spring to fall. Wildlife also love the area; visitors can often spot deer and elk. But it’s also possible to glimpse sandhill cranes, bald eagles, ospreys, bears, and foxes.

Fall colors are stunning in the park, and during winter, there’s a nordic ski touring center with groomed trails for cross-country skiers. Snowshoers are also welcome, though there are no on-site rentals.

Campground reservations are highly sought after on summer weekends, so book well in advance.

Rifle Falls State Park

Photo: Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission

A 70-foot-high triple waterfall is the star attraction in this state park near Rifle, especially as it’s one of the most accessible falls in Colorado.

The spectacular setting of the thunderous falls surrounded by moss-covered rocks and lush foliage draws in photographers and movie crews from around the world. It’s a small state park with only three hiking trails, but there’s a lot to see. Parkgoers can meander through a lush riparian habitat along East Rifle Creek to an overview at the top of the falls or fish for trout in the creek; the Rifle Falls Fish Hatchery is just a mile from the falls.

Adventurous types can explore caves in the limestone cliffs behind the falls off the park’s Coyote Trail. It’s best to book camping as far in advance as possible as there are only 13 drive-in and seven walk-in campsites.

Navajo State Park

Photo: Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission

This is one of the best state parks in Colorado for watersports as the spectacular setting in Southwest Colorado is often dubbed “Colorado’s Lake Powell.”

Navajo Reservoir is near Durango and extends 20 miles south into New Mexico. So with 150 miles of shoreline and 15,000 surface acres of water, the park is a house-boater or motorboater’s dream. On land, visitors can camp under the starry skies in primitive tent sites or at full-service hookup spots. There are also three two-bedroom log cabins available for overnight stays.

Colorado wildlife abounds at this park, and the Sambrito Wetlands are a prime area for seeing muskrats, river otters, jackrabbits, and other wildlife. In the rivers, anglers can expect to find crappie, trout, bluegill, catfish, northern pike, and large-mouth and small-mouth bass. The park does get more than 300,000 visitors a year, making it a major recreational area in southwestern Colorado, but because of the park’s large size, it’s easy to find solitude on the water.

Visitors can rent pontoon boats or paddleboards from Two Rivers Marina, and inspection for invasive species is required before launching personal watercraft. The boat ramp is closed from December through February, but Navajo Reservoir typically doesn’t freeze, making for excellent bald eagle viewing in the winter.

Camping in Colorado state parks

Photo: Suzie Dundas

There are more than 4,000 campsites available in the Colorado state parks system for travelers who want to sleep under the stars, as well as seven state parks with cabins and six with yurts. But since there are only 40 cabins and ten yurts available, guests will want to reserve ahead of time through CPW’s camping reservations website. Reservations are required at all Colorado state parks at all times, except for seasonal first-come, first-served sites at Pearl Lake, Steamboat Lake, and Yampa River state parks.

Colorado state park passes and permits

All anglers will need fishing permits within Colorado state parks. Photo: Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission/Wayne D. Lewis

Visitors need a pass to visit any of the state parks in Colorado. Daily vehicle park passes range from $9 to $11 and annual park passes range from $80 to $120, with some discounts available. Starting in 2023, Colorado residents can get a $29 “Keep Colorado Wild Pass” that includes a park vehicle pass.

There are also regulations for anglers, hunters, and boaters. Many of the streams around the best state parks in Colorado are designated as “Gold Medal Waters,” meaning they offer the best fishing in the state – so anglers flock to Colorado. But anglers will need a fishing license before casting their lines.

Hunting licenses are also required and boaters must undergo a boat inspection and get an ANS Stamp for any towed or motorized watercraft to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species.

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Map: The Peak Time for Leaf Peeping in Each Region of the United States

It might still be scorching hot in some parts of the country, but the excitement for fall is in full swing. And if you’re lucky enough to live in a state where the seasons truly change, nature’s sign that we’ve made it to the beloved season is that the leaves start to change. SmokyMountains.com, which releases leaf peeping forecasts each year, recently released its annual report that predicts peak fall colors in each region of the United States.

Northern areas of the US close to Canada are expected to change as early as the second week of December, including in northern Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Upstate New York and other parts of the East Coast will also begin to change. During the following week of September 12, those same areas are expected to get patchy, while minor changes will start in a few counties in California, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming, along with almost all of the East Coast.

The rest of the country will follow the North’s lead the first week of October. By the week of October 10, only Southern states like Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida will be holding out on changing leaves. But by Halloween, the entire country is expected to have gone through some optimum leaf peeping period, with a substantial majority of the country near or past peak.

While the system could never be 100 percent accurate, to predict when the leaves would change, SmokyMountains.com used historical temperature and precipitation levels, along with NOAA forecasted temperature and precipitation. It also analyzed tree species in each region, the historical trends of leaf changes in each area, and user data. Leaf enthusiasts can also report leaf changes in real-time on the SmokyMountains.com website.

If you’re looking to get a tour of the changing leaves, fall train rides are a great way to see it all or you could try a hot air balloon ride to see it from up high.

The 7 Best Old-School Italian Restaurants in New York City’s Little Italy

Manhattan’s Little Italy has been one of the most popular New York City tourist attractions for more than 50 years, whether visitors are stopping by for cannoli or to experience the legendary San Gennaro festival. The majority of the two dozen New York City Little Italy Italian restaurants, bakeries, and specialty shops in the neighborhood are located along the three blocks of Mulberry Street between Canal and Broome. Whether you start your journey along Mulberry from Canal or Broome, you’ll be greeted by a large “Welcome to Little Italy” sign which extends over each gateway (sometimes lit up by green, white, and red lights of course) to this busy three-block pedestrian-dominated thoroughfare, where cars are generally looked upon as unwanted intruders.

Every day from noon to midnight, gregarious hosts stand at their posts outside restaurant doors, often with menus in hand, looking to lure in gawkers. Visitors come to the neighborhood to see where The Irishman was filmed and then sit down for pizza, pastries, or pasta. Souvenir shops are as much a part of the scenery as the outdoor dining pods that have stayed in place since COVID.

Despite the heavy tourist presence here, locals still frequent their favorite New York City Little Italy Italian restaurants, whether it be late-19th-century landmarks like Caffe Roma and Puglia or newcomers like Pep’s on Grand. And so do people who left the neighborhood decades ago for New Jersey, Long Island, or the outer boroughs.

And while many old-school Italian restaurants in the outer boroughs are inconveniently located and notoriously challenging to get a table at, it’s impossible not to get a table in Little Italy. On the surface, the restaurants may seem indistinguishable from one another. Most are named after a region of Italy or begin with ‘La’ or ‘Da. You’re unlikely to have a bad meal at any restaurant within the three densely-packed blocks, but here are seven must-try New York City Little Italy Italian restaurants.

The best New York City Little Italy Italian restaurants everyone should try

Benito One

Photo: Brian Cicioni

Benito One is the definition of a New York City old-school Italian restaurant. You’ll often find owner James Bari seated outside this small eight-table restaurant which dates back to 1968. In Manhattan’s Little Italy, multiple dining rooms and seating capacities over 100 are the norm. But Benito One feels intimate and exclusive without any pretense.

Inside, the walls and tablecloth are as red as the marinara sauce that you can’t leave Benito One without trying. The menu has grown quite a bit since 1968, but the carciofo ripieno (stuffed artichoke) and Veal Benito date back to the beginning. The latter is a plate of thin veal medallions and chopped asparagus in a medium-thick marsala sauce topped with shredded basil.

Bari has added to the menu quite a bit since purchasing Benito One in 2010. The chicken valdastano is one of his personal recommendations. The sauce is similar to the Veal Benito, but it’s a chicken breast stuffed with prosciutto, mozzarella, and mushrooms.

Casa Bella

Photo: Brian Cicioni

Casa Bella is one of the more upscale dining options in Little Italy. Yet it feels understated because the walls are not covered with pictures of every New York Yankee, movie star, and former NYC mayor who ever dined here (an aesthetic you’ll encounter at many Italian restaurants around New York).

Ask Brooklyn native and owner Adele “Bitsie” Gallo what to order, and she’ll likely tell you that people come to Casa Bella for the pasta dishes. And they’ve been doing so since the 1980s. You can’t go wrong with the pasta verdi fruiti di mare, lobster ravioli, or spaghetti pescatore. The latter comes stacked high with seafood to the point where you can barely see the medium-sized portion of pasta.

While the imported green Italian marble on the building’s exterior and well-dressed servers make it clear that this is no sports bar, there are price-fixed options that start at just $25. On Friday and Saturday, the live music begins at seven and ends just after midnight.

Da Nico

Photo: Brian Cicioni

Da Nico is the one Little Italy restaurant where you should insist on sitting inside. Based on the red doors and sign above the main entrance, one can be forgiven for thinking that this is just another of the two-dozen Italian restaurants along Mulberry Street. But the further in you go, the more awe-inspiring it is.

Photo: Brian Cicioni

After entering Da Nico, you’ll see the bar and brick oven from which 14 different pizzas are prepared. Some of those bricks came from owner Nicholas Criscitelli’s great grandmother’s former store, which was located just up the street. From there, the narrow hallway leads to the rear dining room, where there’s a conspicuous nude female sculpture encased in glass built into the brick wall. But the best tables in the house are in the covered, skylit garden, which you enter from the rear dining room.

The menu is sizable, and the most expensive item (linguine di pesce) is $30. The gamberi fra diavolo is popular as are the margherita and quattro formaggi pies. And the specials change often. Cacio e pepe with house-made fettuccine will be on the specials menu from time to time, as will lobster fra diavolo. While Da Nico is classy, Criscitelli does not want to be seen as too stuffy.

Il Cortile

Photo: Brian Cicioni

Each room has a different vibe at Il Cortile. This is the kind of place where tourists mix with locals, and you can easily tell the former from the latter. Film buffs might be aware that Il Cortile is the spot where the Sopranos cast held going away parties when a member’s character got whacked. But the connection runs even deeper than that. Former cast member Steve Schirripia used to live on the building’s fourth floor. The Bensonhurst native who played Bobby Bacala has his own table here, as does the late James Gandolfini. You can identify both by the framed 8×10 photos of the actors above in the courtyard room.

But even if Danny Devito didn’t hold his wedding party here or a single Sopranos cast member never stepped foot inside, Il Cortile (Italian for ‘the courtyard’), would still be one of the best dining experiences you can have in Manhattan’s Little Italy. Regulars know the drill and tend to ask for servers by name. Puglia native and 29-year Il Cortile veteran Angelo is a common request.

Patrons who know the drill often forego the menu and let their server make the decisions. Linguine cicale with red sauce and pepite di gnocchi are two of Angelo’s favorites.

La Nonna

Photo: Brian Cicioni

Italian for ‘grandmother,’ La Nonna aims to remind patrons of grandma’s cooking. This upscale white tablecloth Southern Italian restaurant has been on the block for thirty years. Prior to La Nonna, owner Perry Criscitelli ran Pellegrino’s, which you can still see remnants of both on the menu and throughout the restaurant.

There are dozens of veal, chicken, and seafood dishes, some of which you’re not likely to see at most Italian restaurants. For instance, the pollo al pistacchio is a chicken breast coated with crushed pistachio in a pistachio cream sauce.

On the higher end, La Nonna has a handful of steak entrees with cuts ranging from black angus sirloin to filet mignon. The carre d’agnello is a rack of oven-roasted lamb in a Cabernet sauce. All pasta is made in-house.

Lunella

Photo: Brian Cicioni

Named after co-founder and Puglia native Lunella Russo, this is one of the few restaurants in Little Italy that opened after 2000. At Lunella, every dish seems to have a story. And while most menus in the area can feel overwhelming as if to say, “we have everything here,” the two-sided menu at Lunella plays all the hits.

Lasagna al forno and artichoke ravioli are two popular pasta dishes. Fettuccine rossana was named in honor of current second-generation owner Rossana Russo because of her love of shrimp and asparagus. Penne alla norma is a nod to her father’s Sicilian roots, while trofie al pesto alla Genovese is a culinary ode to Genoa, where he migrated to before leaving for North America.

Speaking of pesto, if the gnocchi pesto is on the specials menu, you must try. It comes topped with burrata, the middle of which melts into the creamy pasta.

In 2021, Rossana became the first female president of the Little Italy Merchants Association. And as of this writing, Lunella is one of three woman-owned restaurants in Little Italy.

Umberto’s Clam House

Photo: Brian Cicioni

If you’re not from the area and only know one Little Italy restaurant, it’s probably Umberto’s. The current 100-capacity location is just a stone’s throw from the original one at the intersection of Hester and Mulberry.

People come here for the seafood. There’s a wooden helm on each side of the dining room. And the main wall is painted ocean blue. Baked clams, fried calamari, and linguine with white clam sauce are the top sellers. The latter has four simple ingredients: parsley, garlic, clams, and olive oil. Second-generation owner Robert Ianello Jr. is persistent about the quality of Long Island clams. For the linguine with white clam sauce, it’s unchopped little necks.

Equally popular are the fried calamari and baked clams. According to Ianello, Umberto’s sells thousands of the latter during the Feast of San Gennaro, which is held in the neighborhood every September. With the fried calamari, you’ll have the option of mild, medium, or hot sauce. These sauces cook for six hours and are mostly distinguishable from one another by the amount of Italian long hots and red pepper flakes. Regardless of which you choose, the sauce will stick effortlessly to the rings and tentacles, giving you plenty of flavor. Please resist the temptation to ask for marinara.

For dessert, try the tiramisu or cannoli. Both are made in-house.

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The 10 Airlines Most Likely To Lose or Damage Your Luggage

Few things in life are as exciting as seeing your luggage come down the baggage carousel. But that excitement can quickly turn to aggravation when you realize the airline has taken your firm, sturdy suitcase, tossed it around like a sack of flour, and subsequently broken off half the handles. While it’s not a terribly frequent occurrence, it does happen. And case manufacturer Trifibre wanted to find out which airlines have it happen the most.

Via a Freedom of Information request from the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority, Trifibre discovered that nearly ten percent of all damaged bag claims from 2015-2020 came from a single airline. And if you’ve flown in Europe, we probably don’t even need to tell you who it was.

That’s right: Ryanair.

It led the pack of damaged luggage claims by a considerable margin, nearly tripling those made against second-place Emirates. Now-defunct Alitalia, Etihad Airways, and Ibera rounded out the top five.

The ranking for the worst airlines for luggage damage in the UK is:

Ryanair EmiratesAlitaliaEtihadIberiaRoyal Air MarocVueling British AirwaysJet2Turkish Airlines

This is all useful information if you happen to live or travel in the UK. But what about Yanks staying stateside? Well, Trifibre wasn’t quite as concerned with US airlines’ handling of bags. However, the US Department of Transportation tracks damaged bag complaints, and its 2021 annual report cites domestic airlines who mishandled bags most frequently, whether that means ripping a hole in the side of your luggage or inadvertently sending it to Western Samoa.

In 2021, discount carrier Allegiant was the airline that handled bags best, mishandling just under two bags per thousand. They were just ahead of Hawaiian Airlines, who mishandled just over two bags per thousand. Frontier, JetBlue, and United and its affiliated carriers completed the top five.

The top 10 for the worst airlines for luggage damage in the US (mishandled bags per thousand):

Allegiant 1.96 Hawaiian 2.17Frontier 3.29JetBlue 3.88 United 3.97 Spirit 4.21Southwest 4.62Alaska 5.52Delta 5.54American 7.21

Some may cite these figures as yet more proof that carry-on luggage is the only way to go. Others may see such low percentages as evidence that your odds are still pretty good if you always check a bag.

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Walk Through 5,000 Years of Human History in Jerusalem’s Fully Accessible Old City

The Dome of the Rock towers over the 15th Century sandstone walls of Jerusalem’s Old City. The golden-topped Islamic shrine is a testament to 5,000 years of humanity’s progress and strife in this arid region. Here, one of Islam’s holiest sites sits directly atop Temple Mount, one of the holiest sites in Judaism. From atop the Mount of Olives outside the Old City’s walls, I could see not only the Dome but also the Al-Aqsa Mosque, where Muslims believe the prophet Muhammad ascended to the heavens. And this is mere blocks from the steepled Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where Christians believe Jesus died, was buried, and rose again three days later.

From this high point atop one of the world’s greatest and most important cities, it was impossible not to be overtaken by emotion – for the past five millennia, mankind’s expanding empires have conquered, coveted, bowed down at, or at least passed through right here.

The roughly 1-square-kilometer Old City of Jerusalem today is still surrounded by 2.5 miles of wall built most recently by the Ottomans. Its historic gates are still in place, and the public has access to the four quarters within: one each Armenian, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim.

Surrounding the Old City is a modern metropolis that retains its historic character through long-running institutions such as the Mahana Yehuda Market, which is home to vendors hawking produce, meats, and seafood alongside craft beer bars and places selling sushi.

Nowhere on Earth better represents what happens when very diverse cultures attempt to coexist. If you follow the news, you know it isn’t always easy. Still, the multicultural experience makes Jerusalem one of the most important places for a global traveler to visit and walk through the city’s 5,000 years of history.

What to see in Old Jerusalem: A self-guided walking tour

Photo: volkova natalia/Shutterstock

First settled around 3500 BCE, Jerusalem is a magnet that brings together human history, culture, and the future. It has seen a wide arc of human progress since then. It’s has been attacked more than 50 times and has changed hands more than 20 times. The entire city was destroyed twice: first in the late 500s BCE, and again in 70 CE.

Current projects underway in Jerusalem serve as a beacon for how historical cities can look forward. The Old City has recently undergone a massive accessibility project to make getting around easier for residents with disabilities and the roughly 10 million annual visitors. Bringing a project to life that has quite literally reformed the thoroughfares of an ancient city was no small task, and required adding wheelchair-accessible ramps to stone steps that date to a time before the wheelchair was created. You’ll see the results of these efforts – which brought politicians, lobbyists, shop owners, and residents across three religions and dozens of ethnicities together – as soon as you enter the Old City. Travelers with disabilities can download the Accessible JLM app to route their journey through the city.

Jaffa Gate provides the easiest, if busiest, access to Old Jerusalem. Don’t attempt to drive anywhere near the gate, as backlogged traffic comprised mostly of tour buses will eat half your morning. Instead, take the train to the Mamila/Karab station and walk up the slight incline to the gate into the Armenian Quarter (or have a driver drop you off at the bottom of the incline). Before proceeding, stop at the Jaffa Gate Tourist Office and grab a map to better understand your positioning.

From here, the Tower of David is just around the corner to the right, with the Christian Quarter ahead to the left. All that lies ahead can be a bit overwhelming at first, so the best way to start a day here is to walk the ramparts of Old Jerusalem from Jaffa Gate in the Christian Quarter to Dung Gate in the Jewish Quarter. For 16 NIS (Israeli New Shekel), which is about $5, you can ascend the ramparts and walk above the Old City. You’ll view each quarter’s markets and pass by schools and neighborhoods in the Muslim quarter, home to about 75 percent of the Old City’s 40,000 residents.

Stroll the Muslim Quarter first after walking the ramparts. Market vendors here sell everything from produce and baked goods to clothing and handmade gifts made of olive wood. A Palestinian filo pastry called mutabak is a delicious way to relieve yourself of a few shekels along the way.

Temple Mount is the holiest site in Judaism, and is also where Muslims believe Muhammed ascended to heaven. The Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam’s second-largest place of worship, is visible here in more vivid detail than from the Mount of the Olives. Jews cannot pray directly atop Temple Mount, however, making its supporting Western Wall the holiest site accessible for followers.

Regardless of your faith, you can visit and touch the wall and can sign up for a guided tour of a portion of the wall that now lies underground in the Jewish Quarter. Nearby is the Wohl Museum of Archaeology, an underground museum that showcases Jerusalem from the time of King Herod the Great, between 37 BCE and 4 BCE.

The Armenian Quarter as viewed from the Tower of David. Photo: Tim Wenger

I am not Jewish, but I had tears in my eyes as I approached the Western Wall. Photo: Tim Wenger

The hummus outside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. I barely held off long enough to take this photo. Photo: Tim Wenger

Via Dolorosa, the main route leading into the Christian Quarter from the Muslim Quarter, leads to the holiest sites in this district. Walk the Stations of the Cross, concluding at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Recognized as the place where Jesus died after the crucifixion, the Rock of Cavalry is kept here encased in glass behind the Altar of Crucifixion. Christians line up to pray at the altar, with many also kneeling in prayer at the Stone of Anointing, near the entrance to the church, where it’s said that Jesus’s body was placed before he rose.

Cementing an often-repressed legacy of tolerance in Jerusalem’s old city is the fact that the keys to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre have been held by Sunni Muslim Nusaybah family since the seventh century. Each day, the family fulfills its commitment to open, care for, and lock up one of Christianity’s holiest sites.

Walking through Old Jerusalem is enough to work up quite an appetite. In the market just outside the church, I ate the best hummus I had in Israel at a small cafe without a name and only a small white sign hanging above the light fixture near the entrance that reads Suq El-Khawajat. The cafe is busy with local residents. Come early, as the food is often sold out by 2 PM.

What to eat and see in Jerusalem outside of the Old City

This guy can play seemingly every instrument in the Hebrew Music Museum. Serious talent. Photo: Tim Wenger

The food was so good here that I ate no less than three meals in a couple of hours. Photo: Tim Wenger

The outside seciton of the market. Photo: Tim Wenger

Street art outside the market. Photo: Tim Wenger

Entering the First Train Station. Photo: Tim Wenger

The Mahana Yehuda Market is worthy of a day itself, though I had a thorough experience in a couple of hours. The market first opened in 1887 and still houses several long-running produce and seafood vendors. These days, trendy cafes hawking foods from across the Middle East and beyond occupy most stalls. Two dishes stood out to me the most. First, a Yemenite dish called malawah I bought from Jachnun Bar that’s made with filo pastry stuffed with boiled egg, tahini, mashed tomatoes, and other veggies and spices to taste. Reminding me of a cross between deviled eggs and spanakopita, malawah became my favorite meal while in Israel. Second, the falafel pita sandwich from Falafel Brothers Levy, a perfect conglomeration of hummus, falafel, tomato salad, and French fries stuffed into a warm pita. Chased by a cold beer from BeerBazaar, and this easily qualified as my best market experience in the country.

At Azura in the market’s east end, the Kubbeh, a traditional Kurdish soup with meat-stuffed semolina dumplings, is the perfect reward for a full day of touring. Azura is the market’s oldest restaurant, and is a local favorite for its traditional gas-fired stovetop cooking.

Jerusalem redeveloped its historic train station, built in 1892 south of the Old City behind Yosef Navon Square, into a modern food hall and market. It’s aptly called The First Station. Artists and live music occupy the main center, adjacent to the rail tracks, with restaurants and boutique shops rounding out the offerings. Dinner at Adom inside the station proved to be an excellent casual dining experience where I enjoyed burrata, a sage pesto dish with caramelized carrots and beetroot, and a fresh halibut fillet.

Of course, there’s more to do in Jerusalem than eat (though one could very easily spend all of their time gorging on all that’s on offer). The Hebrew Music Museum, located just off Mikhal ha-Cohen Square, showcases traditional instruments and music of the region and offers intimate live performances throughout the day. Guided tours are available, or you can grab a tablet from check-in and stroll the two floors on your own.

The Israel Museum houses an outdoor art gallery and rotating exhibits, but the big draw here is the Shrine of the Book, which is an indoor gallery showcasing the earliest Biblical texts. Allow 30 minutes to peruse the Shrine’s rooms, and finish your visit to the museum at the Model of Jerusalem, a 1:50 scale recreation of the city from the time of Jesus, also known as the Second Temple Period.

If these baked goods don't have you drooling, you're not alive. Photo: Tim Wenger

Walking through Jerusalem outside the Old City. Photo: Tim Wenger

Near Zion Square, these umbrellas add a palette of color. Photo: Tim Wenger

Where to stay and how to get around Jerusalem

If walking through the city’s history – and eating your fill along the way – is your primary goal in Jerusalem, stay close to the Old City but not too far from the central part of new Jerusalem. I stayed at the Dan Boutique Hotel, a well-trimmed but casual property with the best shakshouka of the trip as the staple on its breakfast buffet.

My fifth-floor room overlooked the Old City. The hotel is within walking distance of the First Train Station and a quick cab ride to the Mahana Yehuda Market. Its grand lobby made a comfortable place to post up on my laptop in the early mornings to go through emails and get a bit of work done. Lodging is available closer to and within the Old City, but the traffic – both foot and vehicular – is sure to prove a burden when it comes to getting anywhere beyond that area.

Taxis are ubiquitous here, and can be hailed or called by the front desk of your lodging property. A taxi is the best way to get to and from Ben Gurion Airport, which is about a 45-minute drive away. Public buses and light rail are a quick and efficient way to move about the city center, with a one-ride pass costing about $1.75.

Jerusalem is not a huge city – the population hovers around 1 million in the entire metro area – but it is quite dense. Most all tourist attractions are located within a 10-minute drive of one another, and many are walkable – including anything in and around the Old City. The density showcases what makes Jerusalem such a melting pot of cultures, as it’s possible all in one day to experience the city’s important past and catch a glimpse of what we can only hope will be a future built around acceptance and tolerance.

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The Best Art From This Year’s Burning Man

Burning Man was held again this year from August 28th to September 5th, drawing nearly 80,000 enthusiastic participants to the Black Rock Desert north of Reno, Nevada. With even hotter than usual daytime temperatures, the Burning Man 2022 felt more nocturnal than ever. Still, it was very worth it to get out during the day — since the artwork this year was off the charts. With a pandemic-induced hiatus after the 2019 event, artists had three years to produce some truly inspired works. This is some of the best art from Burning Man 2022.

Gaia

Photo: Noelle Salmi

Artist Marco Cochrane became one of the best-known names at Black Rock City, as the temporary metropolis is called, with his 40-foot-tall metal sculpture of a woman entitled Bliss Dance, which debuted in 2010. This was followed in later years by other equally massive stunning sculptures of women: Truth is Beauty and E-Revolution. For Burning Man 2022, Gaia takes a different tack. Conceived by and modeled on his former partner Julia Whitelaw Cortell, Gaia lies stretched out across the desert dust, inviting you to take a closer look at the stunning metal work and to admire Cochrane’s remarkable sculpting skills.

ATABEY

Photo: Noelle Salmi

Puerto Rico artist NiNo created ATABEY to bring attention to the environmental challenges of his home island. Made with repurposed metal, including silver serving trays, Atabey is considered “the ancestral mother of the Taino Indigenous people of Puerto Rico,” according to NiNo’s inscription, who was “worshiped as a goddess of fresh water and who represents the Earth Spirit.” ATABEY glistens in the sun as she emerges from the dust of the Playa, as the central area of Black Rock City is called. By night, she glimmers in solar-powered light.

Drone Art

Much of the art at Burning Man is temporary, purposely so. The wooden temple is burned every year the day after the Man burns, and several other pieces are burned even earlier in the week. Other artworks will be deconstructed to take home, and will remain that way. The most temporary art of all this year was also some of the most breathtaking: a nightly drone show. A thousand lighted drones made everything from a 100-foot replica of The Man to a face fashioned after a Venetian mask to a flying bird to an hour glass that fills, flips over, empties, flips over, and fills again. The huge show in the sky above the western side of Black Rock City was mesmerizing.

Paradisium

Photo: Noelle Salmi

Paradisium is a reimagined grove of trees by Dave Keane & Folly Builders, created with reclaimed wood and from trees that were burned in Northern California’s 2020 CZU Lighting Complex Fire. Beyond being a striking work whether in bright sunshine, eerie dust storm, or by night-time lighting, Paradisium is endlessly entertaining to explore — with bridges connecting the geometric trees, interior structure to climb within each tree, and creative surprises inside them.

Petaled Portal

Photo: Noelle Salmi

This year’s Burning Man theme was “Waking Dreams,” and this Petaled Portal by David Oliver may symbolize a passageway between our conscious thoughts and those of our dreams. Whatever its purpose, it is stunning, particularly as you look up close and realize it’s a mesmerizing mosaic of beautiful colored glass.

Unbound: A Library in Transition

Photo: Noelle Salmi

Inspired by grand, neoclassical architecture, this work by Julia Nelson-Gal rethinks your typical main library — incorporating the books themselves into the exterior and interior walls. As you approach it, you notice that the outside is completely plastered in book pages, while the inside combines them with geometric shapes. A hanging globe within a decorative swirl replaces the traditional chandelier, while atlases are there for your perusal. The whole creation invites you to think about literature, learning, and how the mediums for these endeavors are in constant flux.

El Pulpo Magnifico

Photo: Noelle Salmi

El Pulpo Mecanico, or The Mechanical Octopus, by artist Duane Flatmo had been a beloved part of Burning Man for several years. Technically, it was a mutant vehicle, as registered with Burning Man’s Department of Mutant Vehicles, as opposed to being registered with Burning Man’s ARTery, which deals with its works of art. El Pulpo Mecanico has since been sold to someone in Texas and, in its place Flatmo created a larger, lighter, and more magnificent mechanical, fire-spewing, multi-eyed sea creature — El Pulpo Magnifico, The Magnificent Octopus.

Silv-i

Photo: Dan Lockwood

Sil-vi debuted in 2010, and has retained a reputation as one of the most beautiful art cars at Burning Man. Designed by Marco Cochrane, and put together with effort from multiple members of Camp Bojon, Sil-vi is unlike nearly every other Burning Man art car in that it is not trying to look like something else. Art cars can be spectacular or cute — looking like this year’s dragon with moving wings, a Western saloon complete with an 1800s bar inside, or a petite, glowing swirl of “Chosen Yogurt.” But Sil-vi, with multicolored and changing LED plumes swaying in the breeze and DJs spinning tunes, is simply beautiful in her own, abstract right.

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This Breathtaking Canal House Hotel Is an Attainable Taste of Luxury in Central Amsterdam

We hope you love the spaces 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.

Like many people who studied abroad and is now in their early 30s, I too, visited Amsterdam while gallivanting around Europe 10 years ago. Also like many, what I recall consists mostly of booze-induced memories at cheap shot bars and seedy hostel rooms in the touristy part of town. A recent opportunity to see the city as a somewhat more mature adult at one of the city’s most unique accommodations has given me a different viewpoint on Amsterdam.

For those looking to experience an attainable taste of luxury in the Venice of the North, Pulitzer Amsterdam is where it’s at. This lifestyle-focused hotel is located in one of the city’s trendiest areas and comprises 25 connected 17th and 18th century canal houses, all of which are linked via tunnel to the hotel’s main reception area, on-site restaurant, garden, and speakeasy-style bar. But equally enticing for anyone wanting to fully experience Amsterdam is the hotel’s neighborhood.

Situated about a 20-minute walk from Amsterdam Centraal Station, Pulitzer is found in the Nine Streets neighborhood, locally known as Negen Straatjes. Named for the number of streets that run between the Prinsengracht and Singel canals, this quaint and cozy neighborhood is home to a number of cafés, restaurants, and boutique shops. Here, you’ll find everything from frothy cappuccinos to handmade leather shoes.

Photo: Pulitzer Amsterdam

Pulitzer Amsterdam is an independent hotel in the heart of the Nine Streets neighborhood. The property’s 25 connected canal houses make for a total of 225 guest rooms, with peaceful inner gardens, numerous event spaces, and five incredible private suites that feature breathtaking canal views. The massive rooms have a mini bar, separate bedroom and reading area (private suites), in-room coffee, magazines, and more. The only thing better than the neighborhood itself? Its proximity to the city’s main tourist attractions, including The Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, and, of course, the Red Light District.

The amenities at Pulitzer Amsterdam

Photo: Pulitzer Amsterdam

Despite its incredible location, the on-site amenities (as well as the absolutely stunning rooms) make it tempting to choose not to explore the city and simply post up at the hotel’s interior gardens. Grab a book, a coffee, and you’re all set. For something a bit stronger, the small-yet-buzzy wine bar between the garden and reception offers by-the-glass libations, and for those looking to counterbalance their nightly imbibing, Pulitzer also has a 24-hour gym.

My first night at Pulitzer, I hit Jansz, the hotel’s on-site restaurant, which is also accessible (and offers views over) the neighboring side street. The overall feel is light and breezy, and although I went on the earlier side, the place was already quite full. We had the North Sea crab toast and pea toast with goat cheese to start. Both were delicious, but the former outshined the latter. To follow, I indulge in the perfectly fluffy pea ravioli, followed by the carrot cake and peanut butter sundae – because one dessert for two people simply isn’t enough. Oysters, caviar, and grilled lobster are some of the restaurant’s seafood-focused offerings, while carnivores can take delight in steak and fries or the Jansz burger.

Photo: Pulitzer Amsterdam

As much as I loved Jansz, the true gem of Pulitzer is its on-site cocktail joint, Pulitzer Bar. This glamorous, speakeasy-like cocktail bar has an epic list of artisanal, thought-provoking cocktails, and the staff also nails the classics without missing a beat. Although I didn’t order any food here, the complimentary crackers are probably the best bar snack I’ve ever had in my life – imagine the famous cheese straw squares from New York’s Bemelmans bar, but even better.

Whether looking for a chill experience in Amsterdam (said no one ever) or looking to relive some of your rowdy college nostalgia while sleeping a walking distance away from the noise, Pulitzer Amsterdam is the ideal place to rest your head.

How to get to Pulitzer Amsterdam

Photo: Pulitzer Amsterdam

Once in the city itself, accessing the hotel via the Centraal Train Station by foot takes just 20 minutes, or a simple 5-minute cab ride. In terms of getting to Amsterdam, non-stop flights are available from the majority of major cities around the world, though once in Europe — particularly France, Belgium, or England — the fast train is a piece of cake.

Pricing starts at $396 / night during off season and climbs to just around $450 (give or take) during busier times.

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Get Your Caffeine Fix on These 4 Kenyan Coffee and Tea Tours

Aficionados of all things caffeinated may think of Ethiopia when they think of coffee-producing African countries — but Kenyan coffee is also exceptionally tasty. Kenya borders Ethiopia, with similar growing conditions to its more well-known neighbor. Most of the Kenyan coffee and tea farms are at elevations of around 6,000 feet or more, resulting in coffees with fruity, spicy, and more acidic tasting notes, as well as teas with low bitterness and very robust flavors.

Fortunately, many of the best Kenyan coffee and tea farms that offer tours are close to Nairobi, so it’s not hard for tourists to make a half-day visit.

Nairobi is Kenya’s center of tourism, partially due to the national park just steps from the city. Photo: Mbrand85/Shutterstock

Most Kenyan coffee grown today is of the Arabica variety, first introduced by missionaries to Africa in the late 1800s. Around 1900, the British East African Company (a British import/export company focused on products from Africa) was given control of what was then called the East Africa Protectorate, which would later become Kenya. When the British East African Company went belly-up, the British Government took control of Kenya. And by 1920, many of the British colonizers occupying the region grew coffee on land they took, despite the land already being occupied by Indigenous groups like the Kikuyus and Maasai.

Kenya gained its independence in 1963, by which point most coffee production had already been turned over to Kenyan families and businesses, especially after the British allowed Kenyans to grow coffee and tea following the end of the Mau Mau Uprising in 1956.

Photo: franco lucato/Shutterstock

Today, most Kenyan coffee and tea is grown on small family farms operating as collectives to sell their crops to buyers. But some larger tea and coffee farms offer options for tours and tastings for visitors, most of which are less than an hour from Nairobi.

As with many agricultural industries in many countries, workers can be under-compensated for what is sometimes very laborious work. Opt for fair trade coffees and teas when possible and be sure to ask lots of questions on these tours if there are any concerns about the sustainability or impact of the operations.

These are four of the best Kenyan coffee and tea farms for travelers to visit on their day off from safaris, visiting Maasai villages, and watching the famous wildebeest migration, plus one can’t-miss coffee shop in the heart of a gorgeous urban park.

Kenyan tea farm toursKiambethu Tea Farm

Photo: Kiambethu Tea Farm

Photo: Kiambethu Tea Farm

Photo: Kiambethu Tea Farm

Photo: Kiambethu Tea Farm

Kiambethu Tea Farm was established in 1910 and is still run by the same family, albeit five generations removed. The farm is in the hillsides about 45 minutes from Nairobi at an elevation of 7,500 feet, which gives many of its teas qualities associated with high-elevation growing. They’re less bitter and tend to have a more robust flavor, which means a full-bodies glass of tea with fewer leaves. It also means they don’t have to use much in the way of pesticides.

Visitors can learn about the qualities of high-elevation tea and the growing process by spending the day at the Kiambethu Tea Farm.

It’s actually much more than just a tour of the farm. As with most tours, it includes a cup of tea, a walk-through of the production facility, and a visit to the tea fields. But the guest experience at Kiambethu also includes a guided forest walk with a Kenyan naturalist who will point out flora and fauna (like Columbus monkeys) along the way. Then, it’s back to the farm for a stroll through the gardens before a three-course lunch using local ingredients. The experience is offered Thursday through Sunday, tickets are around 4,000 Kenyan Shillings (about $33), and advanced booking is essential.

Guests are welcome to visit on their own, though several companies offer tours that include transportation from Nairobi.

Gatura Greens

Photo Magical Kenya

Gatura Greens — Kenya’s first purple tea farm — offers more than just a tea tour. Guests actually get a lesson in how to hand-pick tea before picking their own leaves, which they’ll then learn to prepare and brew.

Purple tea is rare, and nearly all of it comes from Kenya. Gatura Green’s founder first planted tea in 1959 as one of the first Kenyans allowed to grow the plant. His son — the current owner’s father — worked with a public/private co-op that isolated the genes for purple tea and eventually planted purple tea across most of the farm. Today, his children own the farm with a rentable country house, camping land, and a trail through the forest to a large waterfall and swimming hole.

Visitors to the Kenyan tea farm can rent the 12-person country house (which includes unlimited tea, of course) for $250 a night or camp on the farm for a reasonable $15 a night. Tours are an all-day affair, starting at 9:30 AM with the tea-picking lessons before moving to the main house to roll and pack the teas. Once the day warms up, it’s off for a quick hike to the waterfall for a leisurely swim before returning to the farm for a three-course lunch. After lunch, it’s time for a tea tasting, after which guests can stay as long as they like, right up through the evening bonfire.

Tours are $35 per person and should be booked in advance. The farm is about an hour from Nairobi, and Gatura Greens can arrange transportation at an extra cost.

Kenyan coffee farm toursFairview Estates Coffee Farm

Photo: Fairview Estate Coffee

One of the most well-known Kenyan coffee farms is Fairview Estates. It’s one of the closest Kenyan coffee tours to Nairobi, about 25 minutes outside the city.

Tours are offered twice daily (10 AM and 2 PM) and last about two hours, including a post-tour tasting of a few of the most popular blends. Guests are encouraged to bring snacks or lunch for a picnic on the grounds, though it’s also possible to order a packed lunch in advance for 1000 Kenyan Shillings (around $9). Reservations for tours are recommended but not essential.

Fairview is one of the larger Kenyan coffee estates in the country, with 100 acres of coffee beans planted in an average season. During the harvest season (usually October or November), the farm hires up to 400 people to help with harvesting, pruning, and sorting beans. The farm also has plenty of non-coffee land, including trails for birdwatching and forest walks, a large dairy area, and a coffee shop where guests can grab a coffee to go or pick up bags of their favorite beans. Coffee by the bag starts at is about $10.

Karunguru Coffee Estate

Photo: Karunguru Coffee Estate

Photo: Karunguru Coffee Estate

Photo: Karunguru Coffee Estate

The land that would become the Karunguru Coffee Estate was first planted with coffee beans in 1928 by British transplants. But in 1978, it was purchased by the Kariithi family, which still runs and operates the Kenyan coffee farm.

Today, Karunguru covers 500 acres, producing only Arabica single-origin coffee. All aspects of production are on site, from drying and roasting to grinding and packaging the final product.

Tours are offered daily from 11 AM to 4 PM, except for Sundays and Mondays. The tour experience includes a short intro to making coffee, a tour of all aspects of the farm from the fields to packaging, and a picnic lunch with locally grown veggies in the farm gardens (or formal ballroom, if the weather doesn’t cooperate). Oh, and there’s a coffee tasting after lunch, naturally. There’s also an on-site store with very reasonably priced bags of home-grown Kenyan coffee, starting at around $4.50.

The farm is about 20 minutes from Nairobi and reservations are required for tours, which cost $35 including lunch.

The River Cafe

Photo: The River Cafe Kenya

Travelers who don’t have time to add an extra trip outside the city to their itineraries can still try some of the best Kenyan coffee and tea in the country if they head to The River Cafe. The beautiful cafe is inside Karura Forest — a large urban park that serves as a lovely alternative to the more crowded Nairobi National Park — and has both a restaurant and shop, so travelers can grab a coffee to go or pick up bags of beans to take home. It’s an excellent spot to relax after a morning hike, especially for travelers who prefer Kenyan coffee with a side of scenic views or laid-back birdwatching.

They serve Kenyan coffee and tea from both Kenya and around the world, as well as lunch and dinner. The Kenyan coffee menu is extensive, from simple drip coffees to the decadent “macaroon-cino.” The park has an entry fee of 200 Kenyan Shillings (about $2) that visitors will need to pay to reach the cafe, the entirety of which goes to park conservation and restoration.

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21 essential geography questions

Every traveler worth their salt must know at least a little bit of geography, but the following 21 questions will put your knowledge to the test. From African mountain peaks to American rivers to European countries, this quiz will determine if you’re an expert or a novice in all things geography.

Question 1 of 21 True or false: Iceland is covered in ice. True False Question 2 of 21 Which ocean lies on the east coast of the United States? The Pacific Ocean The Atlantic Ocean The Indian Ocean The Arctic Ocean Question 3 of 21 Which is the world's highest mountain? K2 Kilimanjaro Mount Everest Makalu Question 4 of 21 How many Great Lakes are there? 5 3 6 2 Question 5 of 21 Which is the longest river in the United States? Missouri River Yukon River Colorado River Mississippi River Question 6 of 21 The United Kingdom is comprised of how many countries? 6 5 4 8 Question 7 of 21 Which one of the following countries does not border France? Netherlands Germany Spain Italy Question 8 of 21 Between which two countries is the Bering Strait located? Argentina and Chile Japan and China The United States and Russia Greenland and Canada Question 9 of 21 In which US state is the Grand Canyon located? Wyoming New Mexico Arizona Nevada Question 10 of 21 What is the approximate size of Earth's equator? 24,901 miles or 40,000 kilometers 12,425 miles or 20,000 kilometers 18,641 miles or 30,000 kilometers 31,068 miles or 50,000 kilometers Question 11 of 21 What African country has the largest population? South Africa Ethiopia Nigeria Kenya Question 12 of 21 How many countries form the European Union? 27 25 24 30 Question 13 of 21 Where is the volcano Mount Vesuvius located? Hawaii Italy Mexico The Philippines Question 14 of 21 How many countries are there on the African continent? 45 61 54 35 Question 15 of 21 Helsinki is the capital of which country? Sweden Norway Iceland Finland Question 16 of 21 "Siam" is the historical name of which Asian country? Thailand Vietnam Laos Sri Lanka Question 17 of 21 The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque is an iconic monument located in which city? Jerusalem Istanbul Beirut Tehran Question 18 of 21 Which of the following four cities is NOT located in South Africa? Windhoek Johannesburg Pretoria Durban Question 19 of 21 Easter Island (Rapa Nui) is a special territory of which South American country? Peru Ecuador Chile Argentina Question 20 of 21 What is the highest peak in Africa? Toubkal Kibo peak Mount Baker Bastian peak Question 21 of 21 What is the name of the river than runs through Paris? The Loire The Rhône The Seine The Saône Submit for your score More Trivia Quizzes How Many of These UNESCO Heritage Sites Can You Identify? Sep 2, 2022 Morgane Croissant Quizzes Can You Guess What These Hilarious Irish Slang Phrases Mean? Aug 31, 2022 Morgane Croissant (function () { window.onload = function () { var totalProgress, progress; const circles = document.querySelectorAll('.progress'); for (var i = 0; i < circles.length; i++) { var percentageComplete = circles[i].parentElement.getAttribute('data-percent'); var strokeDashOffsetValue = 100 - (percentageComplete * 100); var progressBar = $(".js-progress-bar"); progressBar.css("stroke-dashoffset", strokeDashOffsetValue); circles[i].querySelector('.bar').style['stroke-dashoffset'] = strokeDashOffsetValue; } } })(); var quizChoices = []; const questions = document.getElementsByClassName("mn-quiz__question"); for (let i = 0; i < questions.length; i++) { quizChoices[i] = '-'; } function clickChoice(event) { const button = event.currentTarget; var mnQuizQuestion = button.dataset.mnQuizQuestion; quizChoices[mnQuizQuestion] = button.dataset.mnQuizChoice; for (const button of buttons) { if (button.dataset.mnQuizQuestion === mnQuizQuestion) { button.classList.remove('active'); } } button.classList.add('active'); } function submitQuiz() { var formatUrl = 'choices=' + quizChoices.join('_'); var url = window.location.href; if (url.indexOf('?') > -1) { url += '&' + formatUrl } else { url += '?' + formatUrl } window.location.href = url; } const buttons = document.getElementsByClassName("mn-quiz__question__choice"); for (const button of buttons) { button.addEventListener("click", clickChoice); } const submitButton = document.getElementById("mn-quiz__submit"); if (submitButton) { submitButton.addEventListener("click", submitQuiz); } You might enjoyArt + Architecture10 Gorgeous Coffee-Table Books for All the Travelers in Your Life

The Most Durable Jacket for Outdoor Adventure Is 50 Percent Off Right Now

To say I’m an outdoor enthusiast is an understatement. As an outdoor writer and photographer, I’m in dirt-caked hiking boots more often than not. I’ve gone weeks without seeing my bed thanks to trips around the world. I lived in a 60-square-foot van for two years, traveling from Canada to Mexico and around the US west. It’s safe to say that space for gear is endlessly tight. The real challenge about constantly being on the road is having reliable, tried and true gear you know you can trust when the weather or an adventure calls – you don’t have a lot of room, so you need to be picky. That’s why I fell in love with my Stretchdown Light Pullover from Mountain Hardwear the moment I slipped this stylish and durable down puffy over my head.

From climbing and camping to hitting the town, the Stretchdown Light Pullover is a perfect lightweight puffy for every adventure. And right now, it’s on sale for 50 percent off ($119.83) during the REI Labor Day Sale. Both women’s and men’s options are available.

We hope you love the Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Light Pullover! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Buy Now – Women’s
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Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Light Pullover: The Stretch

Photo: REI

Photo: REI

Photo: REI

Photo: REI

Photo: REI

I used to be a die-hard pullover fan. When I was introduced to adventures where helmets were a must, I found the freedom of the full-zip. Now, even while donning a helmet, the Stretchdown Light has made me fall in love with pullovers all over again.

Stretch is the first word in this pullover’s name for a reason. Consisting of 86 percent nylon and 14 percent elastane, the Stretchdown doesn’t function or feel like a classic puffy – it lets you move freely while ensuring the putting-on and taking-off process is just as fluid as a full-zip. The Stretchdown doesn’t ride up when moving and grooving, something I often struggle with when it comes to puffy jackets. The stretch moves with me, and sometimes I even forget I’m wearing it.

This fabric isn’t just stretchy, it’s also incredibly durable. The Stretchlight is wind resistant meaning being tough is in its DNA. This pullover holds up well to meet-and-greets with rock faces and gear-packed trucks alike–mine is still hole-free, a rare occurrence in my puffy world.

The Down used in the Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Light Pullover

When exploring in chilly temps is on your itinerary, you want to ensure that you’re using gear that will perform— your safety and comfort are at stake after all.

The second word in the Stretchdown Light Pullover— down. The Stretchdown is crafted with RDS-certified goose down. RDS is the Responsible Down Standard, which verifies strict animal welfare standards were met during production. 700-fill means that this jacket is extremely warm while remaining lightweight— the perfect combination when it comes to down jackets (if you ask me). The Stretchdown’s high-quality, lightweight, and compressible down is one of the many reasons this is my go-to puffy when adventuring.

The Light
Weight isn’t always an issue, but when you’re thinking about comfort and a heavy pack, it makes its way onto your radar (age might also be a factor, but hey, it’s just a number right?).

The third word is light, and the Stretchdown Light does not disappoint. Packable so you can bring it anywhere and slim enough to fit under a harness or shell, I love the versatility the Stretchdown provides while still keeping me warm (thanks, 700 fill!). The lack of bulk makes it easy to forget you’re wearing the Stretchdown whether you’re camping in the woods or headed to the grocery store.

Additional Features of the Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Light Pullover

Have I mentioned how stretchy the Stretchdown is? Yes? Well, that is far from the only feature I love about this cozy pullover.

The more pockets the merrier, and the Stretchdown has two exterior zip front pockets that are ideal for days in the mountains—losing keys is a thing of the past. It’s also making waves on the pocket frontier: something a little extra I love is the huge interior kangaroo (non-zip) pocket—it’s perfect for keeping climbing shoes warm on fall days when it’s your turn to belay.

As mentioned in the title, the Stretchdown Light Pullover is, in fact, a pullover. The half-zip pullover design opens lower than most others I’ve tried, allowing for more ventilation and a less cumbersome removal when wearing a helmet.

Any Downsides?
It’s safe to say I love the Stretchdown. The only downside I’ve noticed is that it lacks cinch cords. The hood fits perfectly for me, but I know folks who love to cinch hoods so tight you can barely see their noses. Similarly, though the hem is run with elastic, it doesn’t have a cinch cord for those looking to adjust.

Buy Now – Women’s
Buy Now – Men’s

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