Matador Network's Blog, page 414

This New Barcelona Hotel Is the Perfect Base Near the City’s Best Bars and Restaurants

The newly opened ME Barcelona hotel is a meeting point — and perfect resting place — for artists, creatives, and young entrepreneurs alike. This luxury hotel features contemporary art and modern architecture, the latter of which was finally completed after a massive six-year renovation. There are 164 rooms spread across 14 floors. Certain rooms come equipped with full sitting areas and free-standing bathtubs, as well as client-controlled heating and air conditioning, and a full mini bar.

As nice as those are, the rest of the hotel will draw you out of your room. The hotel has three different food concepts, a rooftop pool, an on-site spa, and a large gym. Enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired dinner at ME’s on-site restaurant, BELBO, which serves veggie-heavy dishes from plants cultivated on the hotel’s vegetable garden. Cocktail lovers should grab a pre-supper libation at the restaurant’s neighboring bar, Luma. Even people who are self-proclaimed breakfast skippers should check out ME’s expansive and mouthwatering morning selection. The hotel’s expansive gym features Technogym machines and a variety of equipment, though the crown jewel of ME remains its rooftop heated swimming pool. Best of all, pets are welcome.

But what makes ME Barcelona the perfect home base for a trip to Barcelona is the location. It’s situated on Passeig de Gràcia on the border of Barcelona’s historic city center (Gothic Quarter) and Eixample, which is home to the newer neighborhoods of Sants, Gracia, and beyond.

Follow this guide for a mix of the various things to do, places to eat, and bars to drink at in Barcelona’s hottest neighborhoods.

Things to do in Barcelona

Photo: ME Barcelona

See the Sights with a local guide: There’s no better way to check out the local art and history scene than with a local guide. A number of local-led tours can be found on Airbnb for as little as 20 euros per person – a small price to pay for the amount of history (and walking) you’ll get in. Most tours pass by the Sagrada Familia, as well as other major Gaudí creations like the La Pedrera and Casa Batlló. Plus, with cultural context and historical tidbits shared by a local guide, seeing these sights with context makes the jaunt all the sweeter.

Where: Various Addresses

Hit the Beach at Barceloneta: While Barceloneta is far from Spain’s most beautiful beach, its convenient location and slew of places to grab cheap drinks and eats makes it a must-stop on a Barcelona trip. Accessible by metro, this beloved local beach gets crowded, so head over on the earlier side to enjoy the most calm moments of the day – and don’t forget to bring your own towel (though bikini tops are most certainly optional).

Where: Platja de la Barceloneta

Shop local eats at La Boqueria Market: While there’s no shortage of great places to eat and drink in the Barcelona, hitting the La Boqueria market to check out the city’s rich supply of bright-hued produce and local meats, cheeses, and seafood promises a sensational sensory overload. Come hungry, leave satiated.

Where: La Rambla, 91, 08001 Barcelona

Visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site and listen to live music: For architecture fans and music lovers alike, a visit to Palau de la Música Catalana is simply essential. This UNESCO World Heritage site concert hall was built by Lluís Domènech, a contemporary and teacher of Gaudi. The building pays homage to the Catalan pride felt (and still experienced) by many at the turn of the century. Stop in for a show, gaze upon the building’s magnificent facade, and take in an extra dose of history while at it.

Where: C/ Palau de la Música, 4-6, 08003 Barcelona

Grab your city views (and perfect Instagram shot) at Parc Güell: While many young visitors flock to Gaudí’s Parc Güell as their first stop, it’s undeniable that the park is both beautiful and extremely overrun by tourists and trinket sellers – plus the obligatory Instagram shot will cost you a few euros entrance fee. That said, this is a must see for first-time city-goers, just don’t budget too much time here. Simply take in the park’s beauty, grab your shot, and find an under-the-radar place to eat and drink nearby.

Where: Parc Güell, 08024 Barcelona

Where to eat in Barcelona

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bar Cañete (@bar_canete)

Bar Cañete: For the tapas bar of all tapas bars, look no further than Bar Cañete. Beloved by locals and tourists alike, this vibrant joint beautifully meshes traditional and modern tapas in a variety of sizes, ranging from cured meats to fluffy tortillas to fresh seafood and beyond. Reservations are available for groups of four and larger, but beyond that it’s first come, first serve so arrive early.

Where: Carrer de la Unió, 17, 08001 Barcelona

Can Solé: It’s hard to believe that Can Solé was originally a soap store when you consider its immense success as a tapas and seafood spot today. Officially a restaurant as of 1903, this classic restaurant serves locally caught seafood in a variety of styles, from fresh and salty to mixed into traditional paella and beyond. Seafood lovers, this one’s a must.

Where: C. de Sant Carles, 4, 08003 Barcelona

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bar La Plata (@barlaplata)

Bar La Plata: While Bar La Plata may only have four items on their menu, they’re all the best of the best within their respective categories. Located just around the corner from the city’s old port, this third-generation establishment focuses on fried sausage, tomato salad, and anchovies, the latter of which are available in salted or fried formats. If any of the above strike your fancy, you don’t want to miss this place.

Where: Carrer de la Mercè, 28, 08002 Barcelona

Can Fisher: Looking to enjoy your fresh seafood beachside? This laid-back fish joint is as good as it gets. Best known for its massive paella, catch of the day, and freshly shucked oysters, this extensive outdoor restaurant overlooks the beautiful Bogatell Beach – a quiet reprieve from the chaos of Barceloneta. Grab a chilled bottle of white wine and the rest is history.

Where: Av. del Litoral, 64, 08005 Barcelona

El Chigre 1769: El Chigre 1769 is the rare restaurant that can do it all. Both Catalonia and Pyrénées influenced, this part-vermuteria (vermouth bar), part sidreria (cider bar) beautifully combines the art of meshing flavors in the food and drinks spheres. Whether freshly caught shellfish or rustic pork dishes are more your thing, the answer is to be found here – alongside a long pour of cider and finished with a splash or few of vermouth, of course.

Carrer dels Sombrerers, 7, 08003 Barcelona

Federal Café Gòtic: Sitting down and enjoying a solid coffee or cappuccino for a morning or midday break is essential. Few places are as perfect for this as Federal Café Gòtic. Located in the eponymous Gothic Quarter, this coffee spot serves up fresh pastries, omelets, and avocado toast in a light and airy ambiance equipped with WiFi and strong, caffeinated beverages.

Where: Passatge de la Pau, 11, 08002 Barcelona

Where to drink in Barcelona

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by TWO SCHMUCKS (@two.schmucks)

Two Schmucks: Deemed a “five-star dive bar” by World’s 50 Best, Two Schmucks is a hit for those with an affinity for well-made cocktails, sherry, and natural wine. The bar’s friendly staff and the sophisticated drinks they serve are a complete contrast to the grungy, graffiti-covered walls and sneaker-adorned ceilings. The gooey grilled cheese toastie is simply unmissable.

Where: Carrer de Joaquín Costa, 52, 08001 Barcelona

Dr. Stravinsky: Another hit on the World’s 50 Best list, Dr. Stravinsky promises to please both cocktail lovers, chemistry nerds, and nature-focused foragers alike. Situated in a bi-level space just around the corner from the Picasso museum, the thoughtfully curated cocktail menu combines housemade elixirs, syrups, and other ingredients with off-the-beaten-path booze and mixers alike. For an unforgettable concoction that’ll satisfy your booze craving, this is your spot.

Where: Carrer dels Mirallers, 5, 08003 Barcelona

Bar Brutal:

Wine lovers, listen up: if there’s one address you absolutely need to know in Barcelona, it’s Bar Brutal. Located behind the wine-shop-wine-bar combo Can Cisa, this vino-focused establishment is a must-visit for natural wine lovers and food lovers alike. Spearheaded by Venice-born twins Max and Stefano Colombo, the bar’s Catalan-driven menu beautifully weaves Italian nuances into the cuisine, and as great as the food is, the wine list promises to wow both even wine connoisseurs.

Where: Carrer de la Princesa, 14, 08003 Barcelona

Morro Fi:

If vermouth is your thing, Morro Fi needs to be on your list. This small vermuteria has given new life to vermouth drinks with beverages served both over ice and in cocktails. Enjoy these bittersweet concoctions with pickled veggies, tinned fish, or locally procured cheeses – even salty potato chips will do the trick. Don’t be afraid to ask the team for a rec.

Where: C. del Consell de Cent, 171, 08015 Barcelona

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Paradiso (@paradiso_barcelona)

Paradiso: For a speakeasy-style bar that over delivers, head to Paradiso. Located in the El Born neighborhood, this 50 Best achiever has captured the hearts of novice cocktail drinkers and serious mixologists alike, thanks to the team’s emphasis on high-quality ingredients and a serious execution of the classics. Simply head through the back door of the neighborhood pastrami shop to access this hidden oasis. Word has it that there’s actually a speakeasy within the speakeasy in the bathroom.

Where: Carrer de Rera Palau, 4, 08003 Barcelona

Boadas: Deemed Barcelona’s oldest cocktail bar, Boadas is a must-visit for an immediate blast to the past. Founded in the early 1930s, this martini-focused hub continues to serve world-class cocktails in an art deco-inspired space. It’s even been said that founder Miguel Boadas learned the way of the cocktail game in Havana at the Hemingway’s beloved Cuban bar Floridita.

Where: Carrer dels Tallers, 1, 08001 Barcelona

More like thisLanguagesFollow This Guide To Catalan To Better Navigate Barcelona Like a Local

A Driving Guide To Wyoming’s Gorgeous — and Barely Visited — Star Valley

An hour south of the bustling tourist enclave of Jackson, Wyoming, lies Star Valley, an adventurer’s playground surrounded by saw-toothed mountains where both cows and locals still outnumber visitors. Star Valley is rural Wyoming in all of its unvarnished charm. Cowboy is a legit identity here. Even Afton’s “World’s Largest Elkhorn Arch” feels more like a mountain-town flex than a tourist trap.

The valley was summer home to the Shoshone until the late 1800s when Mormon settlers moved in. The settlers called it “Star of All Valleys” for its beauty, abundant game, water, and open grasslands perfect for ranging cattle and growing feed. Today, it’s best known as a haven for snowmobilers due to consistent, deep snow and its diversity of terrain from easy-cruising meadows to full-pucker hill climbs. What makes for good snowmobiling, makes for a whole range of great summer activities including hiking, ATVing, and mountain biking. In the spring, all that crystal clear runoff cuts deep holes and fast currents that are great for fishing.

Where is Star Valley?

Star Valley is a 65-mile corridor that runs through southwestern Wyoming between the towering Salt Mountain Range to the east and Idaho’s slightly more subdued (but gorgeous and accessible) Webster Mountains to the west. The Salt River meanders sixty-five miles northward from Salt River Pass to meet up with the Greys and Snake Rivers at the Palisades Reservoir near Alpine. Highway 89 cuts through the valley and acts as the main thoroughfare connecting Salt Lake City to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Most of Star Valley’s towns and activities fall along this road or Greys River Road, which follows Greys River tracing the western edge of the Salt Range.

When to go to Star Valley

Star Valley can be a year-round destination, depending on what you’re looking for. In winter, the snow really gets going in late December and early January, but the conditions in the mountains will generally be good for snowsports from early December through February, and sometimes into March. All that snow in the high country doesn’t melt out until June or later in high snow years, and even in July, you’ll find snow in the higher cirques. Like most of Wyoming, summers are hot and winters can be dangerously cold.

Star Valley offers good fishing year-round depending on lure and location, but it’s best for flies from June through mid-August.

How to get around Star Valley

With no public transportation and long distances between towns and trailheads, you’re probably going to need a car to explore Star Valley. Star Valley does have a few Uber and Lyft drivers, but the costs to ride-share between Upper and Lower communities make renting a vehicle, if possible, worth the investment.

A passenger car will get you surprisingly deep into the mountains on well-maintained forest service roads, but consider a high-clearance vehicle if you’re heading to the headwaters of the Greys River. If renting a vehicle, make sure the insurance covers windshield repair. With the predominance of gravel roads, it’s not if you’re going to get a chipped windshield, it’s when. Securing an all-wheel drive can make winter driving in Star Valley a lot less stressful.

What to do in Star Valley

While world-class snowmobiling and fishing have been a draw to Star Valley for decades, the summer crowds have mostly bypassed Star Valley for Jackson Hole and the Tetons. The people driving by have missed the wormwood of epic trails and gravel backroads that make Star Valley perfect for adventurers willing to do a little exploring.

Snowmobiling

Photo: Jeff Bernhard/Shutterstock

With average snow depths of three to twelve feet starting near the valley floor, Star Valley has a history as a top destination for sledders. Over 300 miles of regularly groomed trails and hundreds of acres of open sledding allow you to build your own adventure from beginner runs to deep backcountry steeps.

You can pick up a rental at Jackson Hole Adventure Rentals in Alpine. They offer full packages with everything you need, including tow vehicles and trailers, and their shop puts you less than an hour from some of the best routes in the valley.

If you’re looking to improve your skills, consider one or two-day sessions at Next Level Riding Clinics. The clinics themselves qualify as epic adventures, not only training you in avalanche safety and riding drills but taking you out to backcountry trails to test your new skills.

There’s no shortage of fun, beginner-friendly groomers snaking their way through the mountains. If you’re looking for a little more adventure, make your way up Strawberry Creek outside of Bedford. Strawberry climbs into the Salt Range and has some great steeps and hill climbing. Make sure you check the avalanche danger before you head out. Conditions here can be treacherous. Just past the rest area south of Thayne, take a left onto County Road 126. Follow it through the collection of houses that make up Bedford. Stay on 126 as it takes a sharp left and heads into the canyon. The parking lot, just past the electric substation, is tiny, so try to get there early on the weekends.

Willow Creek is another Salt Range route that opens up into a playground of ungroomed options. Both routes connect to the extensive Greys River trail system over McDougal Pass. From Bedford, head south on Bedford-Turnerville road about seven miles as it makes several 90-degree turns around sections of farmland. Take a left onto Willow Creek Road and watch for a small parking lot just before the mouth of the canyon.

ATV and dirtbiking

ATV and dirtbike trails share many of the snowmobile routes. While there are a bunch of places to purchase ATVs and dirtbikes, Jackson Hole Adventure Rentals is still your best bet to rent. If you’re looking for gear or backcountry info, make sure you stop into Mountainist, a woman-owned adventure store that caters to everyone looking to enjoy the outdoors, but specifically offers a welcoming atmosphere for women.

Some of the best mountain scenery in the area can be found on the Dry Creek Trail south of Afton. From Afton, head three miles south on Highway 89. Take a left on Dry Creek Road and follow it into the canyon. About five miles in, there’s a parking lot on the left just before the junction with the North Fork Cottonwood Creek Road. Don’t go past this point with a truck and trailer or a passenger car. The trail begins at the end of Dry Creek Road and climbs up toward the spine of the range, passing Dry Creek Lake and revealing big views along the ridge before dropping down to connect with the Trail Fork Trail and back toward Afton.

If you’re not afraid of wayfinding, and you want to put serious backcountry miles on your rig, try the Way Trail on the Greys River side of the Salt Range. This trail follows old logging roads and other trails fifty miles through the mountains paralleling Greys River. From Alpine, head southeast on Greys River Road a little over fourteen miles to the Murphy Creek Campground. Less than a quarter mile past the campground, take a right onto Murphy Creek Road. Park on the far side of the bridge. From there, ride west up Murphy Creek Road about a half mile to where the double-track crosses the road. Take a left onto the trail. It’s not marked here or anywhere else along the route. The Way Trail accesses a multitude of off-grid camping spots and offers excellent views of the adjacent and equally beautiful Wyoming Range to the east. If the full fifty miles is a little much, you can cut back to Greys River Road on any of a number of Forest Service roads running east for an easy cruise back.

Fishing

Photo: Evan Austen/Shutterstock

The Salt, Greys, and Snake Rivers all come together in Alpine, Wyoming, before flowing into Palisades Reservoir. Each of these rivers has its own world-class fishing, but together, they make Star Valley a bucket-list destination for trout anglers. The Greys and Salt Rivers flow north along either side of the Salt Range making them Star Valley’s prime fishing locations. Bait and lures work year-round, but from June through mid-August, trout rise for dry flies. Wet flies extend the season by a few weeks. Check the local knowledge at shops like Altitude Outdoors to see what the fish are hitting, but Parachute Adams and Chernobyls should always be in your kit.

The Salt River wanders down from the “Upper” Star Valley in the south near Smoot and generally isn’t worth fishing until it hits “the Narrows” north of Afton, where the Salt cuts a narrow channel through the mountains. From the Narrows on, you’ll find plenty of Snake River Fine Spotted Cutthroats, Rainbows, and the occasional German Brown. Bank fishing can be tough on the Salt due to overgrown willows and relatively few access points. Private land is sacred in Wyoming, so avoid crossing it without permission. This makes drift boat fishing the ideal way to enjoy fishing the Salt. Rendezvous Anglers run guided trips taking a lot of the guesswork out of the strong currents and deep channels, and other obstacles.

For much of its length, Greys River is surrounded by the Bridger-Teton National Forest, allowing easy access from Greys River Road. Once the spring runoff dies down in mid-to-late June, you’ll find solitude wading Greys’ unhurried pools and riffles with the Salt and Wyoming Ranges looming overhead. Snake River Cutthroat, Rainbow, and Brook Trout are common takes, but you’ll occasionally reel in a rare Bonneville Cutthroat. Once thought to be extinct, Bonnevilles have made a minor comeback in the Greys, so getting one on your line feels like a blessing.

If your thing is lake fishing, the scenic Palisades Reservoir west of Alpine won’t disappoint. Greys River Sports can outfit you with watercraft craft including rafts, kayaks, or even stand-up paddleboards, if you’ve got the balance to cast. Award-winning Brown Trout have been landed in Palisades along with various Cutthroats and Kokanee Salmon.

Hiking

Hiking is one of the best ways to explore the mountains surrounding Star Valley. Trails rarely feel crowded, even when trailheads are right outside of the towns throughout the valley. Expect to see wildlife including deer, elk, bald eagles, and sometimes moose. The further into the mountains you venture, the higher your chances of seeing black bear, so if you’re backpacking, follow bear-country food storage guidelines.

One of Star Valley’s most unusual geologic features is Periodic Spring, just outside of Afton. From Highway 89 Washington St. in downtown Afton, take 2nd Ave east. Second Ave. turns into Swift Creek Drive as it reaches the canyon and heads four miles to the Periodic Spring parking lot. This short but beautiful hike along Swift Creek takes you to one of only three intermittent springs in the world. Beginning in mid-to-late summer, the freshwater spring periodically stops flowing for up to twenty minutes before gushing once again out of the rock face.

If you’re looking to extend your Periodic Spring hike, continue up the canyon on the Spring Creek Trail. About three miles in, the trail splits. The left fork heads up to the stunning views of Rock Lake Peak and the right toward Swift Creek Lake and Falls. Beyond Swift Creek Lake, the trail connects to a network of trails that run throughout the Salt Range, making it ideal for multi-day backpacking.

For a challenging hike with panoramic views of the Salt Range, head up the Mount Wagner Trail, a nine-mile out-and-back that tops out at a 10,472-foot peak. This trail is best done later in the summer as snow can linger well into July. Those who put in the effort will enjoy abundant wildflowers, waterfalls, glacial cirques with mountain lakes, and huge mountain views. To get to the trailhead, take Highway 89 about half a mile south of Smoot to the junction of Cottonwood Creek Road. Take a left and head up the valley a little over twenty miles. Pass Cottonwood Lake and park just before the road doubles back on itself.

If you’re looking for a gorgeous trail run, the Valley View Loop is a local favorite just outside Star Valley Ranch. Turn east off Highway 89 onto County Road 116 near Freedom and head about a mile to the intersection with Muddy String Road. Turn right and watch for the left-hand turn onto Vista Dr. In the middle of the neighborhood, turn left onto Vista East and then right onto Green Canyon Dr. Park at the Green Canyon Trailhead. At just under two miles and five hundred feet of elevation gain, Valley View Loop gives you a good run that shows off Lower Star Valley. Aspen leaves chatter overhead in the breeze (in vibrant gold, if you’re there in fall), and wildflowers blanket the open meadows. If you time it right, you can sit back and enjoy a spectacular sunset over the Webster Mountains from one of the viewpoint benches.

Cycling

Photo: Kevin Cass/Shutterstock

Cycling isn’t as popular as motorsports in the valley, but the opportunities for great rides are nearly endless.

Local roadies ride the spectacular Highway 89, but it’s not for the faint of heart during the summer when flocks of tourists make their way through the valley from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons National Parks. Gravel bikes, with their wider tires, open up a lot of options around Star Valley connecting countless lesser-traveled dirt roads. Most of the Forest Service roads are well maintained and create dozens of possibilities for getting up into the mountains. As mentioned earlier, private land is sacred in Wyoming, so heed no-trespassing signs. There are several public road easements that go through otherwise private land in order to allow access to public land. If you go through a closed gate, please close it behind you.

Mountain bikers have access to most of the ATV and hiking trails in the area. For a short taste of the area’s mountain biking, start with the Wickiup Knoll Trail near Afton. The trail is a rocky but not-too-technical two-track with great views of Star Valley and the surrounding mountains. To reach it, head three miles south of Afton on Highway 89 to Dry Creek Road. Turn left and then turn right in about a tenth of a mile. Take the road just short of a mile to the gate.

If you have two vehicles to use as a shuttle, the unfortunately named Squaw Creek and the North Murphy Creek Trails can be connected to create a singletrack climb over the spine of the Salt Range with incredible views of carved peaks, narrow valleys, and wildflower-choked meadows. It’s a stiff climb, but the descent is well worth it. If you’re looking for a big day, do it as an out-and back, or connect with the Murphy-Squaw Creek Trail to the east to make it a loop. If you’re shuttling the route, leave your drop car at the Murphy Creek ATV staging parking lot about 14 miles up Greys River Road from Alpine. Park just over the bridge on Murphy Creek Road. Then, drive back down Greys River Road nine-and-a-half miles to Forest Service Road 10001. Turn left and start climbing. Park at the seasonal-closure gate and ride from here unless you’ve got a high-clearance 4×4. The trail starts another mile up the road.

Where to eat and drink in Star Valley

Finding food in rural areas can be a challenge, and some parts of Star Valley are no exception. That said, if you look close enough, you can find some real surprises in these small towns including an award-winning brewery, artistic pizza, and even shockingly good seafood.

Melvin Brewing Company

Photo: Melvin Brewing Company

Alpine’s warehouse-sized Melvin Brewing Company looms large on the shores of the Snake River. Wyoming isn’t known for its craft breweries, so founder Jeremy Tofte decided to introduce west-coast style brews to the state. Since then, Melvin has won multiple awards from the prestigious Great American Beer Festival and expanded to a brewery that serves the whole region. The brewery has a spacious tap room and their patio has an incredible view of the Webster Mountains and confluence of the Salt and Snake Rivers. From downtown Alpine, head south on Highway 89. Just past Driftwood Pizza, take a right on River Circle. Follow the arc half-way around to Buffalo Drive. Take a slight right onto County Road 101 (Palisades Reservoir Road). The brewery is located at its apex.

Brenthoven’s Restaurant

Brenthoven’s Restaurant is a cozy little restaurant attached to the Nordic Inn on the banks of the Snake River in Alpine and has become a popular stop for people making the drive between Salt Lake City and Jackson. The pumpkin soup alone is said to be responsible for bringing people back year after year. The dining room is tiny, with only five tables and a bar, so making reservations here is a must. Follow Highway 89 north out of Alpine, across the river, and toward Jackson. Turn left into the parking lot in about half a mile.

Driftwood Pizza

Driftwood Pizza, located on the north side of Highway 89 in downtown Alpine, is a local favorite featuring weekly specials that venture into the creative (or weird, depending on how you feel about s’mores or chicken pot-pie-themed pizza). No reservations are necessary, but don’t be surprised if there’s a wait, especially on a Friday night in the summer. If you’re looking for something unique with a little bit of a kick, try the chipotle-spiced Bomber Pizza.

Agave Family Mexican Restaurant

Tucked into a little nook on Afton’s main drag is a Mexican restaurant that’s rumored to be the best food in Afton. This family-run eatery serves lunch and dinner, including vegetarian options, which can be a challenge to find in rural Wyoming. They bring out a spicy cabbage salsa that’s freakishly good on almost everything you add it to. Agave is as popular with locals as it is with visitors, so make sure you plan a few minutes to wait before being seated.

While you’re there, wander half a block down to the World’s Largest Elkhorn Arch. The seventy-five-foot-wide arch is the centerpiece of Afton’s downtown and crosses the highway with enough clearance for semi trucks to pass beneath. Made from a tangle of three thousand intertwined elk antlers, it dwarfs the more famous elk arches in Jackson Hole.

Rocky Mountain Seafood

Seafood In Afton, Wyoming? As surprising as that is, it’s even more shocking that the food is really good. For years, this order-at-the-counter establishment has been serving fish and chips that could compete with places hundreds of miles closer to the ocean. The ambiance is a strange-but-fitting blend of coastal sea-faring kitsch with western style. They also have a “Fish hater menu” for those who prefer to keep their cuisine “Wyoming.” Rocky Mountain Seafood stands at the southeastern corner of the block with the Elkhorn Arch.

Where to stay in Star Valley

While parts of Star Valley feel “undiscovered,” most of the accommodations in Alpine mimic the tourist hotels of Jackson and the Tetons to the north. Hotels south of the Narrows, however, feel like a throwback to a simpler, more authentic Wyoming aesthetic.

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.

Camping in Star Valley

Photo: nyker/Shutterstock

Star Valley has a ton of Forest Service camping options from near town to truly remote, especially on the Greys River side of the Salt Range. Forks Campground sits at the confluence of the Greys and Little Greys Rivers about eight miles down Greys River Road from Alpine, putting you in the middle of some of the best fishing in the area. Swift Creek Campground near Afton is a great base camp for activities on the Upper Star Valley. From Alpine, take Greys River Road southeast about eight miles. The campground loop is on the right. If you round the corner to head south, you went too far.

If you’re in an RV, check out Greys River Resort and RV Park, a campground just a block outside of downtown Alpine (behind The Tavern on the Greys on 2nd Street) near the banks of the Greys River. The Cove has full hook-ups and is an easy drive to almost everything in the Lower Star Valley.

Hotels in Star ValleyColter’s Lodge

Built in 1928, Colter’s Lodge is a quirky but beautiful mix of art deco and western architecture just a block and a half north of the World’s Largest Elkhorn Arch in downtown Afton. It’s the tallest building in town and the views of the surrounding mountains from the upper floors are excellent. Enjoy a signature Salt River Ribeye in the wood-paneled steakhouse to refuel after a day of exploring Upper Star Valley, or grab a bottle of Wyoming-distilled whiskey from the liquor store, both on the premises.

Flying Saddle Resort

Photo: Booking.com

Flying Saddle Resort sits on the banks of the Snake River where it flows out of the canyon on its way to Palisades Reservoir. Located on Highway 89 a half a mile north of Alpine (on the right just before the road enters the Snake River Canyon), Flying Saddle is a short drive to Lower Star Valley activities and makes a good base for snowsports rentals and summer fishing on the Greys. Despite the name, the resort doesn’t buy into the heaps of western chic that most other places in the valley display, so if you’re getting sick of antlers, pelts, and wood-paneled everything, this may be your refuge.

Box Y Ranch

Box Y has two locations, one in Alpine and one in the middle of absolute nowhere on the banks of the Greys River. The Greys River location lies thirty scenic, 2wd-passable dirt road miles from Alpine. Look for Meadow Creek Road on the right. Cross the Greys and take a right at the T junction. You’ll cross under the ranch-style wooden arch as the lodge comes into view. Cell phones don’t work here. Great fishing, hiking, ATVing, and mountain biking are literally right out your cabin’s front door. Box Y is where Star Valley locals stay when they want to get off the grid and get on the river right at daybreak. The food is home-cooked in the lodge by the owners and is well worth the drive. They even keep fuel on hand for dirtbikes and snowmobiles.

More like thisHiking9 of the Best Wyoming Hiking Trails for Amazing Views and Small Crowds

Do You Prefer a Hotel or an Airbnb When Traveling? This Quiz Helps You Find Out

One of the biggest conundrums when booking a trip is whether to book a hotel or find an Airbnb. If you’re like me, you waffle between the two, sometimes going one way and sometimes the other — never quite sure which you actually prefer.

This quiz will settle the score once and for all.

Matador’s guides to the best of Airbnb Categories:10 Remote, Off-The-Grid Airbnbs Where You Can Get Away From It AllThe 11 Most Beautiful Converted Churches You Can Stay in Around the World on AirbnbAirbnb Just Made Windmills a Category, and These 9 Have Us Planning a TripAirbnb Now Has a Towers Category. These 9 Will Climb Your Bucket ListAirbnb Launched a Tiny Homes Category, and We’re Already Planning Trips Around These 1111 Properties in Airbnb’s New OMG! Category You Won’t Believe Are Real

Question 1 of 8 How often do you cook when you travel? Every now and then Nearly every day! Never Question 2 of 8 When traveling solo, do you prefer to meet fellow travelers or keep to yourself? I like to meet others, but also enjoy some alone time I'm a social butterfly, all the way! I a social vegan -- I avoid meet Question 3 of 8 When traveling, I . . . Prefer to be coddled and make as few decisions as possible Am a go-getter that arrives with a plan and makes it happen Want to blend in with the locals as much as possible, and do what they do Question 4 of 8 When traveling, do you often spend two weeks or longer in one place? Yes! I love slow traveling and really like to get to know a place Sometimes, it depends on the situation I'm an in-and-out type of traveler Question 5 of 8 Do you work remotely when traveling? Digital nomad all the way, baby! Yes, but only because I have to Absolutely not -- vacation is as vacation does. Question 6 of 8 You've just arrived in a new city, and it's time for happy hour. You . . . Pop open the mini-fridge and raise a toast to your arrival Find the coolest bar nearby and mix in with the crowd Saunter into a dark cocktail lounge and grab a seat in the corner Find the local craft brewery and sit on the patio Answer A, and then either answer B or answer D Question 7 of 8 You visit a new place and love it so much that you decide to relocate there. You . . . Find a room for rent in a house in the coolest neighborhood and hope for the best Search diligently for the perfect spot and hold off if you don't find it Question 8 of 8 It's your first time visiting a city and you have a great meal at a restaurant there. On your next trip there, you . . . Go back to the same place and order the same meal Find a new place because your wanderlust just won't quit Submit for your score More Trivia Outdoor This Quiz Helps You Find the Perfect Backpack for the Style of Traveler You Are Sep 14, 2022 Tim Wenger (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); }

Newark Airport Is Officially No Longer an NYC Airport. Here’s How That Impacts Your Flights.

If you’re headed on a flight to New York, you’re typically looking at three airport options: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LAG), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). EWR has become a staple even though it’s in New Jersey because of its proximity to New York City — it’s closer to some parts of Manhattan than the JFK airport in Queens. And yet the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has decided that EWR will no longer be considered a New York City airport as of October 3. A tweet with a memo from Lufthansa Airlines confirmed by Travel+Leisure explained the IATA’s new standard for coding multi-city airports.

NYC will not include EWR
CC @WandrMe @AirlineFlyer @crankyflier pic.twitter.com/phhehWQpKJ

— CH (@tdh18ny) September 7, 2022

So what does this mean for travelers headed to New York? For one, flying into EWR might cause flight prices to drop to compete, which is never a bad thing. Scott Keyes, CEO of Scott’s Cheap Flights, told Travel + Leisure that the major impact on travelers is likely that the new designation will make it more challenging to change flights from the other airports in New York.

“Currently, many airlines allow travelers to switch flights within a city code — say, from arriving in JFK to arriving in LGA — without a penalty, Keyes told Travel+Leisure. “Removing EWR from the NYC city code could restrict that option for many passengers.”

But even though Newark will now have its city code as per IATA, if you search flights to New York City on Google Flights or other travel websites, it’s likely EWR will still show up as one of your options, so the change seems to be more of a technicality than anything.

More like thisAirports + FlyingThose Numbers on Airport Runways Mean a Lot More Than You Think

The Best Places To Eat Inside the Pennsylvania Dutch Farmers Market

The Pennsylvania Dutch Farmer’s Market attracts locals and visitors alike to a 290,000 square foot center close to historic Annapolis, Maryland. Inside, vendors expertly knead bread dough, smoke locally-grown meats, and offer wares ranging from handcrafted chocolates to packaged homemade pastas ready to go home with visitors. There are a plethora of food options at the Annapolis Amish market for immediate eats, dinners at home, and snacks for later that won’t last past the car ride home.

When I stopped by the Pennsylvania Dutch Farmer’s Market on a recent Saturday, I discovered a delightful assortment of foods (including full breakfast, lunch, and dinner options) crafted from flavorful and homegrown ingredients. Offerings at this farmers market include organic produce, salads, a candy store, homemade snacks, desserts, cheeses, meats, barbecued and fried chicken, bulk foods, and even ice cream. Most of the wares are made close by in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, using Dutch methods that have been passed down through many generations.

To start your own journey through the Annapolis Amish market, head to the Annapolis Harbour Center, the outdoor mall which houses the market and enter through the doors on the side closest to Solomons Island Road. Make note of the colorful Adirondack chairs outside — you’ll want to claim some to chow down at once you grab your food. At the doorway, you’ll take a right; the left turn leads you to a room containing thoughtfully crafted vintage furniture which, while beautiful, is unfortunately not edible.

Upon entering the Annapolis Amish market, you’ll first encounter the bulk section, which has prepackaged items like popcorn, soups, teas, pastas, and more, in appealing uniform rows. While you could pour over these goods for ages, you’ll first want to get your bearings and hop in line before the market starts to fill.

Since it’s all indoors, the space itself gets quickly crowded. Routine visitors have their favorite routines and stalls – picking up a quiche for Sunday dinner, or grabbing a croissant for a hungover breakfast – so expect long lines.

Many of the stalls appear nameless, advertising only their offerings instead of a brand name. While it fits the spirit of the Amish market’s purpose, you’ll quickly notice which stalls are famed for which items. The number of stalls might seem overwhelming at first, so this guide to where to eat in the Annapolis Amish market should help.

The best places to eat inside the Annapolis Amish market1. John F. Martins & Sons

Photo: Grace Smith

One of the first stalls you’ll encounter past the bulk food stall operates as a butcher’s counter. This meat stall is renowned for its fine meat products, like naturally hickory wood smoked bacon and beef. Now a popular distributor across the country, the family-owned biz never forgets its roots in rural Amish country.

What to try: Fried mushrooms were the real winners here. The stall’s newest hit? Garlic Parmesan Party Wings.

2. Beiler’s Bakery And Cheese

If you’re a cheese aficionado, you’ll have heart eyes for the take-home offerings from the company’s dairy branch. Tubs, spreads, wheels, and cubes of cheese are displayed before you like a medieval feast.

What to try: Enjoy the Amish take on a Southern specialty: pimento cheese that has the consistency of mousse. More of a dessert person? Try the strawberry shortcake.

3. Beiler’s Coffee & Donuts

Photo: Grace Smith

Beiler’s is another beloved business — especially in the Philly scene. Its Maryland-based offerings live up to their reputation, with humble, memorable baked goods worth dreaming about. We understood why so many stumbled their way into a coffee and donut from Beiler’s after a Friday night out at the bars.

What to try: The donuts are made from scratch daily, and they sure taste like it. I had the pleasure of watching a man creating the blueberry donuts directly in front of me while I waited, and could think of little else after.

4. Candy Through The Decades

Photo: Grace Smith

Staffed by two disciplined ten-year-old boys, the Candy Through The Decades stall has a vast array of candies (and no small amount of charm). There are dozens of different types of chocolate truffles, and many more other confectionary treats. While this is one of the first stalls you’ll encounter from the Solomons Island Rd entrance, it should be the last visit on your trip, so that you don’t fill up on dessert first.

What to try: It may not be December, but the Homemade milk peppermint mark is melt-in-your-mouth divine. The milk toffee pretzel was also a winner, and the stall’s vast assortment of truffles is also tempting.

5. Dutch Market Bakery

Plonked directly in the center of the building is a bakery station with a staggering selection of pastries, pies, breads, quiches, rolls, and more. This is where the market’s Lancaster roots really shine:. The stall’s whoopie pies were actually featured in an episode of The Best Of on the Food Network.

What to try: When I requested a cinnamon roll with glaze, I was strongly encouraged to opt instead for a cinnamon roll with cream cheese icing — the bakery’s specialty. I went with their suggestion and was rewarded with a delightful treat.

6. The Log Stand

While each stall has its value, this one was undoubtedly the hit of the Amish Market. The line for this one remained long all day. Eavesdropped conversations mentioned cravings, and regulars looked forward to their fixes all week. It was clear throughout my experience that people gathered from all over for various types of what the company calls loga, which are essentially stuffed pretzel sandwiches.

What to try: If you’re stumbling in first during the early hours, try the Breakfast Log with bacon, egg, and American cheese.

5. Stoltzfus Produce

Photo: Grace Smith

This stall was where I inhaled an indulgent caramel frappuccino. I must have hit it at the perfect time, because during my next lap, the line snaked around the corner. While I opted for beverages, the stall also sells produce: melons, apples, corn, and peaches.

What to try: Imagine fresh squeezed lemonade from your childhood — an idyllic, delightful treat. The fresh squeezed peach lemonade from Stoltzfus Produce recreates that simple pleasure.

More like thisFood + DrinkNo Trip To Philly Is Complete Without Trying These 10 Reading Terminal Market Food Stalls

Guide To Wine Tasting in Valle de Guadalupe

Sure, you’ve visited Napa wine country, Sonoma wine country, and maybe even the Willamette Valley in Oregon. But have you considered a trip to Valle de Guadalupe, Mexican wine country in Baja California, just south of the US-Mexico border? Imagine all of the things you love about Mexico but with a stunning wine country backdrop.

A decade ago in Valle de Guadalupe, there were only 15 bonded wineries, and they didn’t talk much or collaborate with each other. Now, according to locals, there are dozens of wineries and a much more collaborative spirit.

Investment and experimentation reign. The region does not have one grape to hang its hat on, and like most New World wine regions, there is little to no regulation. It has a bit of a Wild Wild West feel…as a grape grower and a winemaker, you can decide what grapes to plant, when to harvest, and how to make the wine.

Refreshing about Valle de Guadalupe is the absence of McChateau structures, expensive cars, and stuffy tasting rooms. “Valle” (as locals call it) has a distinct look and feel to it: earthy, rustic, and natural. Many of the tasting rooms and restaurants seamlessly blend indoors and outdoors with a natural, earthy, burnt sienna palette.

If you are considering visiting one of the Valle de Guadalupe wineries, here’s everything you need to know to plan a trip to this beautiful region.

How to get to the Valle de Guadalupe wineries

Photo: Bruma Winery

Valle de Guadalupe is approximately 90 miles south of San Diego. Coming from San Diego, there are two ways to cross the border into Mexico: drive or walk. If you go across the border in your car, be sure to secure Mexican car insurance.

Be aware that if you drive across the border and you do not have Global Entry/SENTRI access, you can expect to wait anywhere from three to six hours in the car line to return back to the US, which can be grueling. With Global Entry/SENTRI, the wait is less than an hour generally.

If you opt to walk across the border, you can easily park at any of the long-term parking lots on the US side, queue up on foot, show your passport, and arrive in Mexico in a few minutes. With this option, you’ll want to be sure you have a tour guide or driver hired.

Once you’ve arrived in Mexico, and start the drive to Valle de Guadalupe, take the “Scenic Road” (it is labeled as such) and enjoy the beautiful Mexican beach coastline all the way down until you arrive at the turnoff for La Ruta del Vino. If you’re hungry, stop in the town of Puerto Nuevo for an inexpensive and fresh langostino lunch overlooking the water.

Getting around Valle de Guadalupe

Photo: Vinos Lechuza

Hiring a driver or tour guide will make your Mexican wine country experience that much better. Mariana of Tours by Mariana is first rate. Mariana is expertly versed in wine, beer, local history, and culture. She can also craft an itinerary to suit your interests. If you opt to drive to Valle yourself, Mariana will meet you at your lodging location and will be your guide throughout your time there. If you’re worried about navigating the border crossing, she can meet you at the parking lot on the US side to collect your bags and escort you to the border crossing. Mariana has dual citizenship and is registered with the Mexican Tourism Registry.

A 10-hour day rate (for up to three people, including transport) is 3600 pesos (approx $175 UD).

Where to stay in Valle de Guadalupe

The one thing you will spend money on in Valle is a hotel. You will save money with literally everything else, as the food and wine is quite affordable, especially for the quality. An alternative option to a hotel is a vacation rental. They are popping up all over Valle de Guadalupe and include spartan, simple homes or luxurious high-end properties with a price tag to match. Or you might opt to stay in Ensenada (about 30 minutes outside of Valle) for more of a city vibe and access to nightlife.

El Cielo Resort

Photo: El Cielo Resort

El Cielo Winery & Resort is a great hotel option for the Valle de Guadalupe first-timer. The rooms are clean, bright, comfortable, and luxurious, with a living area, mini-fridge, and minibar.

Photo: El Cielo Resort

Bathrooms are also stunning with dual sinks, a huge shower, a separate toilet room, and cushy robes. Definitely worth every penny.

The best Valle de Guadalupe wineries

Clos de Tres Cantos Winery

Photo: Clos de Tres Cantos Winery

First off, the grounds of Clos de Tres Cantos are absolutely gorgeous. Everything feels “of the earth,” as if the buildings arose from the ground. The orange, brown, and reds of the soils match the colors of the structures onsite. At your visit and tasting, you might get lucky and meet Joaquin, the owner, a philosopher and a former professor and lawyer from Mexico City. An incredibly interesting guy to talk to while you sip your Mexican wines.

Vinos Lechuza

Photo: Vinos Lechuza

A visit to Valle is not complete without going to Vinos Lechuza. Their wines are the benchmark for the region, proven by the fact that they are carried in various Thomas Keller restaurants, including The French Laundry in Napa. Tastings take place on their outdoor patio under a pergola and overlooking estate vines. Be sure to try Pluma, their chilled red wine made with Nebbiolo grapes.

Bruma Winery

Photo: Bruma Winery

Book your dinner reservation at Fauna (see below) and then enjoy your final wine tasting of the day at Bruma, on the same property. Bruma features adventurous wines on the natural wine spectrum. Bring a fully charged phone for pics, as the property is one of the most beautiful in Valle. It features large-scale art pieces that meld into the natural landscape.

Where to eat in Valle de Guadalupe

Fauna

Photo: Fauna

The only time to experience Fauna is at sunset. When you book your Valle de Guadalupe trip, let this be the first reservation you confirm. Like many Valle spots, the restaurant is campestre (country) style with blurred lines between indoor and outdoor. An impressive grill frames the outdoor dining area. Request a table in this area for the best sunset views. The tasting menu at Fauna is perhaps the best meal in Valle de Guadalupe.

La Justina Valle

Hands down, La Justina Valle is the most Instagrammable spot in the Valle. Come for lunch, order the pulpo (octopus) tostadas, and wash it down with a carajillo (iced espresso cocktail) for a little pick-me-up before your afternoon wine-tasting appointment.

Finca Altozano

Photo: Finca Altozano

For a vibrant and energetic outdoor dining experience, famed Mexican chef Javier Plascencia’s Finca Altozano fits the bill. The focus here is on grilled meats and shared plates. Animal lovers will appreciate the potbelly pig who sometimes walks through the tables, and the farm animals adjacent to the dining area.

More like thisFood + Drink6 Vineyards And Wineries That Make Texas Hill Country A Must-Visit Wine Destination

Best travel rewards credit cards

We’ve partnered with UpgradedPoints.com to help make recommendations on our favorite travel rewards credit cards.

If you love to travel, getting a great travel rewards card can take your traveling to the next level by earning you points towards free flights or hotel stays, offering perks that help you travel in style, and providing protections to help keep you covered should anything go wrong.

All of that sounds great, right? But if you’re new to the world of travel rewards credit cards, you’re probably wondering, “How do I determine which card is right for me?”

We’ve assembled a detailed look at some of the very best travel rewards credit cards available so that you can determine which card is the best fit for you based on the perks you’re looking for, your spending habits, and your overall travel goals.

SummaryTravel Rewards CardBest ForMain Benefits Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card First-time cardholdersEarn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on dining and 2x points on all other travel purchases.
Bonus valuation*: $1,200 Chase Sapphire Reserve® Frequent travelers and travel insurance$300 annual travel credit. Earn 5x points on air travel and 10x points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, then 3x points on other travel and dining
Bonus valuation*: $1,000 The Platinum Card® from American Express Luxury travelers & lounge accessUp to $200 in airline fee credits (enrollment required), up to $100 fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, and up to $179 back per year on your CLEAR® membership. Earn 5x on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel, and for flights booked directly with airlines or with Amex Travel (up to $500,000 per calendar year). Terms Apply.
Bonus valuation*: $2,200 American Express® Gold Card Everyday spendersEarn 4x points at restaurants, including takeout and delivery, and earn 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per calendar year; 1x thereafter). Terms Apply.
Bonus valuation*: $1,320 Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card Frequent travelersEarn 3x points on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Points are worth 25% more when used in the Chase Ultimate Reward Travel Portal.
Bonus valuation*: $2,000 The Business Platinum Card® from American Express Luxury travelersEarn 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com, complimentary access to lounges worldwide, $200 airline fee credit (enrollment required). Terms Apply
Bonus valuation*: $2,640 American Express® Business Gold Card Big spendersEarn 4x points on the 2 select categories where your business spent the most each month (up to $150,000 in combined purchases), “Pay Over Time” option. Terms Apply.
Bonus valuation*: $1,540 The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express No annual feeEarn 2x points on all eligible purchases (up to $50,000 in purchases per year; 1x thereafter), no annual fee (see rates and fees). Terms Apply.
Bonus valuation*: $330 Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card No annual fee big spendersEarn 1.5% cash-back on all purchases, no annual fee

Best Card for First-Time CardholdersChase Sapphire Preferred® Card

 

Chase

Current Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Bonus Value*: $1,200

If you’re just getting started in the world of travel rewards, it is likely that you would like a card that is straightforward, offers plenty of flexibility, and isn’t very expensive to hold. All of these reasons and more are what make the Chase Sapphire Preferred card the perfect option for first-time cardholders.

With the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, you’ll earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on dining and 2x points on all other travel purchases, plus your points are worth 25% more when redeemed through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal.

Cardholders also enjoy benefits like a DoorDash DashPass membership, access to Chase transfer partners, travel and rental car insurance, zero foreign transaction fees, and flexible point redemption options. When you add up all the benefits you receive, all for a low annual fee of $95, it is easy to see why this card is often the first travel rewards card that people choose.

Learn More

Best Card for Frequent Travelers and Travel InsuranceChase Sapphire Reserve®

Photo: Evgenia Parajanian /Shutterstock

Current Welcome Offer: Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Bonus Value*: $1,000

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is widely regarded as one of the most well-rounded and versatile premium travel credit cards on the market and is effectively a significantly better version of the Chase Sapphire Preferred card.

After cardholders redeem their $300 annual travel credit, they will earn 5x total points on air travel and 10X total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on other travel and dining, 10x Ultimate Rewards points per $1 on Lyft purchases, and your points are worth 50% more when redeemed through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal.

You’ll also receive plenty of excellent benefits like a $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass lounge access, a Lyft Pink and DoorDash DashPass membership, a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, and access to the Chase travel transfer partners.

One area where the Chase Sapphire Reserve card really shines is its excellent travel insurance that covers a variety of different issues to help keep you covered no matter what happens during your travels. Here are some of the travel protection you receive from the Chase Sapphire Reserve card:

Trip Delay Reimbursement: coverage of up to $500 in eligible expenses per ticket if your flight is delayed more than 6 hoursRental Car Coverage: primary coverage for damages caused by theft or collision up to $75,000Baggage Delay: if your baggage is delayed by more than 6 hours, you’ll receive up to $100 per day for up to 5 daysTrip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: if your trip is canceled or cut short due to sickness, severe weather, or other covered situations, you can be reimbursed up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for your prepaid, non-refundable travel expensesEmergency Evacuation and Transportation: if you or a member of your immediate family are injured or become sick during a trip that results in an emergency evacuation, you can be covered for medical services and transportation up to $100,000

While the Chase Sapphire Reserve card is not cheap with an annual fee of $550, we feel that you can easily get more value than that out of it when you factor in its point-earning, benefits, and top-notch travel protections, making it an easy pick for the best card for frequent travelers.

Learn More

Best Card for Luxury Travelers and Lounge AccessThe Platinum Card® from American Express

Photo: Carlo Tan/Shutterstock

Current Welcome Offer: Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards points after you use your new card to make $6,000 in purchases in your first 6 months. Terms Apply. Plus, earn 10x points on eligible purchases on the Card at restaurants worldwide and when you Shop Small in the U.S., on up to $25,000 in combined purchases, during your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Bonus Value*: $2,200

If there is one word that comes to mind when you think of the Amex Platinum card, it’s luxury. This card is all about upgrading your travel experience and comes packed with many stellar benefits that do just that.

While the Amex Platinum card has a main category, it is a great one, as you’ll earn 5x Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 on purchases per calendar year; 1x thereafter), and earn 5x Membership Rewards points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. So if you’re someone who travels often, this is an easy way to rack up points quickly.

But by far the best thing about the Amex Platinum card is all of the benefits that come loaded with it. Here are some of our favorites:

Up to $200 annual airline fee credit upon enrollment in benefitUp to $100 annual Saks Fifth Avenue creditUp to $200 annual hotel creditUp to $275 annual digital entertainment creditUp to $300 annual Equinox creditComplimentary Hilton Honors Gold and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status upon enrollment in benefitGlobal Entry/TSA PreCheck creditCLEAR® membership creditAccess to Amex International Airline Program and American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts ProgramAccess to American Express transfer partnersTerms Apply

As if all of those benefits weren’t enough, the Amex Platinum card is the best card on the market when it comes to airport lounge access. While there are a handful of cards that offer Priority Pass lounge access, the Amex Platinum takes this a step further by giving cardholders access to 6 lounge networks. These lounge networks include Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium lounges, Airspace lounges, Escape lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), and its own swanky lounge network — American Express Centurion lounges.

If you’ve never visited one, airport lounges are the perfect way to level up your travel experience. Instead of waiting for your flight at the gate, or paying exorbitant food rates at the airport food court, you can relax in a secluded lounge, away from the hustle and bustle, enjoy free food and drinks, charge up your devices, and some lounges even offer spa services or shower facilities.

The $695 annual fee of the Amex Platinum card might be a little difficult to stomach at first, but if you’re someone who travels frequently, and likes to do so in style, it is easy to see how you can easily get more value out of all of the benefits of the card than what you pay for the annual fee (see rates and fees). In that case, it makes the Amex Platinum card a must-have for luxury travelers and those who want best-in-class lounge access. Terms apply and enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers.

Learn More

Best Card for Everyday SpendersAmerican Express® Gold Card

Photo: American Express

Current Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new card within the first 6 months. Terms Apply.

Bonus Value*: $1,320

Those who are looking for a card that will really help them rack up the points quickly need look no further than the Amex Gold card. This point-earning powerhouse earns 4x Membership Rewards points per $1 at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per calendar year; 1x thereafter), and at restaurants worldwide, plus 3x points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or with Amex Travel. Terms Apply.

While the Amex Gold card doesn’t offer anywhere near the level of benefits that the Amex Platinum card offers, it still has some excellent perks that make it a worthwhile addition for travelers, such as up to $120 annual dining credit, access to the American Express Hotel Collection, and access to American Express transfer partners.

So if you’re a frequent traveler who spends a lot of money at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets, and you want a card that is great at earning points but is significantly less expensive than some of its premium counterparts, then the Amex Gold card might be the perfect fit.

Learn More

Best Business Card for Frequent TravelersInk Business Preferred® Credit Card

Photo: Chase

Current Welcome Offer: Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.

Bonus Value*: $2,000

If you’re a frequent business traveler, you likely want a card that is rewarding for the items you spend the most on and comes packed with benefits that are helpful for your business and your travels — the Ink Business Preferred card is that card.

With your Ink Business Preferred card you’ll earn 3x Ultimate Rewards points per $1 spent (up to $150,000 per year) in the following bonus categories:

Advertising on social media and search enginesTravelShippingInternet, cable, and phone

Small business owners who have expenses that would meet the $150,000 threshold will be able to earn a staggering 450,000 Ultimate Rewards points each year, and since your points are worth 25% more when redeemed through the travel portal, this represents $5,625 in travel savings.

The Ink Business Preferred card offers much more than just the opportunity to earn points. It includes perks like cell phone theft and damage protection, purchase protection, primary rental car insurance, trip delay and interruption insurance, baggage insurance, and access to the Chase transfer partners.

When you factor in the earning potential of the Ink Business Preferred card along with the numerous perks and protections it offers, it is almost a no-brainer for any business owner who loves to travel or travels frequently.

Learn More

Best Business Card for Luxury TravelersThe Business Platinum Card® from American Express

American Express

Current Welcome Offer: Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $15,000 within your first 3 months of card membership. Terms Apply.

Bonus Value*: $2,640

Business owners who travel often and prefer an elevated experience need a card that helps them do just that — enter the Amex Business Platinum card.

The card earns 5x Membership Rewards points on flights and prepaid hotels on Amex Travel, 1.5x points on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else (up to $2 million in purchases per calendar year), and 1x on all other purchases, making it easy to build up points quickly for frequent travelers and big spenders. You’ll also receive a 35% rebate when using miles to book flights on Amex Travel. Terms Apply.

Similar to the personal version of the card, the Amex Business Platinum card is absolutely loaded with benefits that give tons of value to cardholders. Here are some of the best perks:

Up to $200 annual airline fee credit upon benefit enrollmentUp to $400 annual Dell statement creditComplimentary Hilton Honors Gold and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status upon enrollmentUp to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck creditPurchase protection and return protectionAccess to 6 different airport lounge networks (including Priority Pass and Amex Centurion lounges)Rental car elite status with Avis, Hertz, and NationalAccess to Amex International Airline Program and American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts ProgramAccess to American Express transfer partnersTerms Apply

Business owners that make large purchases, travel frequently, and can take advantage of the card’s purchase protections, annual credits, and luxury travel perks will easily be able to get more value each year than what they’re being charged for the annual fee. This makes the Amex Business Platinum card the perfect option for the luxury business traveler.

Learn More

Best Business Card for Big SpendersAmerican Express® Business Gold Card

Photo: American Express® Business Gold Card/Shutterstock

Current Welcome Offer: Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with the Amex Business Gold card within the first 3 months of card membership. Terms Apply.

Bonus Value*: $1,540

Business owners who have a large level of annual expenses can really rack up points with the Amex Business Gold card thanks to its 6 bonus categories.

With the Amex Business Gold card, cardholders earn 4x Membership Rewards points per $1 where your business spends the most each month from 2 of the following categories:

Airfare purchased from airlinesU.S. purchases for advertising in select mediaU.S. purchases made from select technology providers of computer hardware, software, and cloud solutionsU.S. purchases at gas stationsU.S. purchases at restaurantsU.S. purchases for shippingTerms Apply.

The limit for earning 4x points per $1 is capped at $150,000 per calendar year, but those whose business expenses would meet that threshold will earn 600,000 Membership Rewards points each year — worth at minimum $7,500 in airfare. After you’ve hit the cap earning, you’d earn 1x.

Ames Business Gold cardholders will receive more than just the ability to earn points, though. You also receive access to the American Express transfer partners, Amex Offers, purchase protections, travel protections, and a 25% airline point bonus when paying with points. Terms Apply.

All in all, if you’re a business owner who would value the benefits of the Amex Business Gold card and you have a large amount of business spend that falls within 1 or more of the card’s 6 bonus categories, then the Amex Business Gold card just might be a must-add to your wallet.

Learn More

Best No Annual Fee Business CardThe Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

Photo: American Express

Current Welcome Offer: Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.

Bonus Value*: $330

The Amex Blue Business Plus card is a fantastic option for small business owners who are looking for a no-annual-fee credit card with flexible rewards and an uncomplicated earning structure.

With the Amex Blue Business Plus card, cardholders earn 2x Membership Rewards points per $1 on everyday business purchases, up to $50,000 in spending each year. After that, your rewards rate drops to 1x point per $1.

So a small business whose annual expenses are around the $50,000 threshold on the Amex Blue Business Plus card can earn upwards of 100,000 Membership Rewards points each year — worth $2,200 by our valuations.

Plus, the Amex Blue Business Plus card offers all of the same redemption options as other Amex Membership Rewards earning cards, including the ability to transfer your points to airline and hotel transfer partners. But that’s not all — cardholders also receive purchase protection, extended warranty protection, and can add employee cards at no additional cost. Terms Apply.

So all-in-all, those looking for a 1 size fits all card option that they can use to help maximize all of their business expenses will love the simplicity and flexibility of the Amex Blue Business Plus card.

Learn More

Best No Annual Fee Business Card for Big SpendersInk Business Unlimited® Credit Card

Current Welcome Offer: Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 on purchases in the first 3 months after account opening.

Bonus Value*: $750

Another great business credit card that priorities simplicity and flexibility is the Ink Business Unlimited card, which earns an uncapped 1.5x Ultimate Rewards points for every $1 you spend on the card. Why is it a great fit for businesses with high spending? Since the 1.5x rewards are uncapped, there is no limit to the number of Ultimate Rewards points you can earn each year.

The no annual fee Ink Business Unlimited card also offers great benefits like rental car insurance, extended warranty protection, purchase protection, and free employee cards. Plus, you have all the flexibility of the Chase Ultimate Rewards program when it comes to redeeming your points for cash-back, through the Chase travel portal, and even access to Chase transfer partners when paired with a premium Chase card like the Ink Business Preferred card or Chase Sapphire Reserve card.

If you’re a busy business owner, you probably have better ways to spend your time than to worry about which credit card to use for which purchase. The Ink Business Unlimited card fixes that by providing you with an option that helps maximize every purchase you make for your business.

Learn More

Final Thoughts

When it comes to picking a travel rewards card, you’ve got no shortage of good options. Fortunately, just as each traveler has their preferred style of travel, so do travel rewards cards.

If you’re brand new to the world of points and miles then maybe the Chase Sapphire Preferred card is the perfect fit. If it is premium benefits that you’re after then perhaps the Amex Platinum card would suit you best. Or if you prefer a premium card that is well-rounded and offers great insurance protection, consider opting for the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.

Whichever you decide, you’re sure to take your travel to the next level by earning valuable points and miles to reduce the cost of future travel or allow you to travel in luxury for pennies on the dollar. After all, the best travel is free travel!

For rates and fees of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they’re subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.[/mn-up-bottom]

Winner of Best Baguette in Paris Award Explains How To Find the Most Amazing Bread

French bread is a journey of the senses. You see the golden brown color. You feel the heat of a baguette fresh out of the oven. You smell its mouth-watering scent. You hear the crust cracking as you tear off a piece. And last but not least: You taste the subtle aromas of a bread that is crunchy and soft in all the right places. There’s a reason why the iconic baguette is in the running for UNESCO World Heritage status.

Making bread is a straightforward process. It requires just four ingredients: flour, water, salt, and yeast. It also only takes four manufacturing stages: kneading, fermentation, shaping, and baking. Yet not all bread is created equal, something that Damien Dedun, who received France’s top baker award in 2017, and whose baguette was voted the best in Paris in 2022, knows well.

The four principles of good bread

“Good bread should have an appearance that makes you want to eat it,” Dedun says. “That means golden, with a shiny crust and a creamy, airy inside”. When it comes to taste, “you should be able to detect the aromas of wheat and fermentation,” he explains.

The color is the quickest way to judge the quality of the bread. “Homemade artisan bread can be recognized by a red tint, which is due to the caramelization of the dough. The sugars contained in the flour must be broken down to obtain this color, and the dough needs to have fermented for a long time,” Dedun says. Bread that comes frozen from a factory doesn’t have this tint because “industrial bread makers just use more yeast and bread improvers to speed up the process.” This makes the bread less colorful and less flavorful.

Even though bread seems like an easy, everyday food, there is a lot of work behind each loaf. Each batch takes five hours to make – which is why the best bakers start working in the middle of the night. “The longer the baker takes to make the bread, the longer it will remain fresh. This is a sign of good work from the baker,” Dedun says.

Good bread: an endangered product

Unfortunately, despite how much the French love their bread, bread-making traditions are at risk in France. Each year, 1,200 bakeries close, in large part due to competition from cheaper supermarkets and chain stores. Bakers are forced to cut costs, endangering the quality of their loaves. “In my opinion, there are very few artisans who truly master baking,” Dedun says. “Most cut corners by buying ready-made compound flours stuffed with additives.”

As organic and natural foods have started coming back into fashion, however, there has also been a mindset change among the new generation of bakers. “There is a growing awareness, and an increasing number of young people are motivated to relearn how to achieve fermentation by natural leavening, which is essential to making good bread,” Dedun says.

How to find the best bread in Paris: Trust the locals

The best way for tourists to find good bread is to look online and read reviews, Dedun says. The French take their bread seriously, so reading what the locals have to say about their boulangeries is a great way to find amazing bread.

However, you don’t have to resort to technology if you’d rather not. To find out if a bakery is worthy of your hard-earned money, look for any place with a line outside in the morning or in the evening. A busy bakery is usually a good one. The French are more than happy to wait for half an hour for good bread – and so should you.

Where to find the best baguette in Paris

Find Dedun’s celebrated baguette at Bakery Frédéric Comyn at 88 Rue Cambronne, 75015 Paris, France. The bakery is open daily from 7 AM to 8 PM.

More like thisFood + DrinkWhat’s the Difference Between French and Italian Bread?

A Woman Had Her Baby on a Plane and Her Sister Documented the Whole Thing on Tiktok

Some wild and unexpected things can happen while traveling. Take, for example, the one in 26 million passengers born on a plane. While incredibly rare, this happened recently when a woman had her baby on an American Airlines flight from New York to Punta Cana, Domincan Republic — and the woman’s sister, Kendalee Rhoden, posted all about the occasion on TikTok.

@pinkangel876 Welcome baby air #baby #air #airplane #airbaby #americanairlines #birthonairplane #foryou #trending #vacation #trip ♬ original sound – rayeem_

Rhoden said the baby was born premature, and her sister was in the third trimester. Doctors generally agree that it’s safe to fly while pregnant until about 34 to 36 weeks, but the cutoff might be shorter for a high risk pregnancy. American Airlines policy requires a doctor’s note if you decide to fly within four weeks of your due date.

@pinkangel876 Thank you for landing safely #baby #aircraft #air #foryou #trending ♬ Sungba (feat. Burna Boy) (Remix) – Asake

Rhoden notes in subsequent videos that four nurses on the flight helped to deliver the baby in first class with about 90 minutes left of the flight. When the flight landed, her sister met the pilots who safely got them on the ground.

@pinkangel876 Doing grate #airbaby #baby #mother #Dominicanrepublic ##skybaby##sky##fypシ##foryou##trending ♬ Baby – Justin Bieber

As for the baby’s citizenship, most countries follow the “jus sanguinis” principle that gives the baby the same citizenship as its parents. But if the baby is born over the ocean, it complicates things. Some babies are considered a citizen of the country that the aircraft is registered in, and some countries grant citizenship to babies considered to be in a country’s airspace (including the US). And while it’s true that some airlines have offered free flights to babies who were born onboard, it’s pretty rare. Regardless of what happens with the free flights, there’s no denying that this is one special baby.

More like thisAirports + FlyingEverything You Need To Know About Flying While Pregnant, According To an OBGYN

The 13 Top-Rated Toronto Restaurants on Canada’s First Michelin Guide

If you love fine dining and pay attention to restaurant awards, you probably already know that Michelin-star restaurants can be found around the world, from small towns in Virginia and Italy to big cities like San Diego and Los Angeles. Now it’s time to put a trip to Toronto on your bucket list as another great food city. Toronto became Canada’s first Michelin-Star city and the sixth in North America this May and has officially received a Michelin Guide. The 74 restaurants recognized span over 27 types of cuisine, including Japanese, Mexican, French, and modern American.

Photo: Agato Consulting Inc. for Yukashi

Sushi Masaki Saito received two Michelin stars, awarded for its traditional Japanese cooking that focuses on the purity its ingredients, which are all seasonal. Twelve other restaurants were awarded one Michelin star, and the guide also announced 17 Bib Gourmand restaurants (an award bestowed on restaurants with high-quality food at budget-friendly prices) and 44 recommended restaurants.

Photo: Francis Jian Zhang for Enigma Yorkville

Restaurants are afforded a spot in the Michelin guide after being judged by anonymous visitors who observe on a universal scale the quality of the products, harmony of flavors, mastery of cooking techniques, the personality of the chef in the cuisine, and the consistency between each visit.

Canada’s award-winning Michelin-star restaurantsEdulisQuetzalFriluAloOsteria GiuliaSushi Masaki SaitoShoushinAlobar YorkvilleAburi HanaEnigma YorkvilleYukashiDon Alfonso 1890 TorontoKaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto

Photo: Paula Wilson for Don Alfonso 1890

“As a city, we are proud to offer a very diverse and unique culinary scene. That has been made possible from all of the people who come from all over the world to call this city home. Now, with this new Michelin Guide in Toronto – the first in Canada – we are able to showcase our city’s remarkable food scene,” said John Tory, Toronto’s mayor, in a press release. “With 74 restaurants selected for Michelin Guide Toronto, we hope more of the world will discover the city’s culinary excellence and will consider a visit to our great city. Thank you to everyone for working together to make this possible.”

The Michelin website compiles a comprehensive list of the over 16,000 Michelin-recognized restaurants worldwide (with almost 3,300 awarded stars in total).

More like thisBudget TravelThese Are the 11 Cheapest Michelin-Starred Restaurants in the World