Matador Network's Blog, page 415
August 26, 2022
These Airbnbs Near the Eiffel Tower Offer Incredible Views of the Entire City
Celebrated for its elegant boulevards, engrossing museums, and romantic skyline, Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Where better to stay in Paris than a fabulously bohemian apartment with a view of the city’s number one landmark? We’ve scouted out the most glamorous and très beau Airbnbs near the Eiffel Tower to give your city break a splash more pizzazz.
Traveling to France? Check out Matador’s France accommodations guides:9 dreamiest Airbnbs in the South of FranceThe most beautiful Airbnbs in Paris
We hope you love these Airbnbs near the Eiffel Tower! 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.
7th Arrondissement Paris Airbnbs near the Eiffel Tower8th Arrondissement Airbnbs with views of the Eiffel Tower16th Arrondissement Airbnbs near the Eiffel Tower7th Arrondissement Paris Airbnbs near the Eiffel TowerBreathtaking Eiffel Tower views and dreamy terracePhoto: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
The “Cognac” apartment rises high above the rooftops on the seventh floor of a quintessential Parisian building. Sophisticated interiors are fashioned according to French principles with all the necessary mod-cons to ensure a pleasant stay. This stretches to air conditioning – a rarity in Paris! In addition to the two main bedrooms, the den is available to sleep surplus guests. The crème de la crème of this rental is the terrace that overlooks the Iron Lady and consists of ample seating to accommodate the entire family.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $1,775 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
One of the most romantic Airbnbs near the Eiffel Tower, this deluxe apartment is a block away from the structure. The highlight is of course the clawfoot bathtub positioned to give you an uninterrupted view of the city’s favorite icon. Spend leisurely breakfasts on the balcony and whip up suppers with French ingredients in the fully-equipped kitchen come nightfall.
Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $1,040 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
So close you can practically reach out and run a finger along the iron, this snug family apartment is tastefully curated with modern furnishings and upholstery. A full kitchen trickles into the open-plan living room where you can dine with a view of the Eiffel Tower or step out onto the Parisian balcony. Situated at the northeast end of Champ de Mars, this Paris Airbnb is perfect for first-time visitors hungry to tick off the city’s major attractions.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $1,085 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Comprising one bedroom and an open concept kitchen, diner, and lounge, the “Cabernet” is one of the loveliest Airbnbs near the Eiffel Tower for couples. French windows reveal panoramic views of the masterpiece that you can enjoy from the lounge of the private balcony. Dulcet hues, chandeliers, and statement fireplaces create a sense of harmony in this central apartment.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $930 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
One of the best Airbnbs near the Eiffel Tower for larger groups, this swanky penthouse offers a landmark view in a peaceful setting where birdsong overpowers urban noise. Interiors are dressed with 20th-century furniture while murals adorn the bedroom walls and experimental bathrooms are clad in tilework. Raise a glass of cognac on the wraparound balcony before heading out to explore the restaurants and bars of the 7th arrondissement.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $1,275 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Hopping across to the Right Bank, this duplex penthouse comes with three balconies as well as a “secret” rooftop terrace. Meanwhile, a seating area with a glass ceiling makes this one of the coolest Airbnbs near the Eiffel Tower for winter stays. The salon is cozily appointed with antiques, art, and ornaments. Conveniently located for walking to the tower, the river, and Champs-Élysées.
Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $1,300 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This pet-friendly Paris Airbnb with Eiffel Tower views is ideal for a couple or remote worker seeking central lodging. The lounge is bursting at the seams with books to dive into while the designated office space will help you stay on top of work – or finally pen that novel. A picturesque patio is decked out with seating where you can ogle panoramas of the mighty tower.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $1,025 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Next up is one of the best pet-friendly Airbnbs near the Eiffel Tower. Set within a classic Haussman-style building, this playful penthouse channels the spirit of “Art de Vivre” through its decor. Space is key and even when at capacity you’ll feel that you can all spread out in this roomy apartment. Situated by the Pont de l’Alma, the terrace grants a peek at the Iron Lady. Two opulent marble bathrooms complete with a soaking tub in each almost trump the views!
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $1,420 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Located at the west corner of the Jardins du Trocadéro, this stylish pad offers an eyeful of the Tour Eiffel across the River Seine. Wake up to some of the finest views in the city and nab front row seats at golden hour. As the property is the residence of the host, it has homely energy and is well-stocked in terms of books, kids’ toys, and kitchenware. This is one of the best Airbnbs near the Eiffel Tower for families.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $1,100 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Contained with the 5-star La Réserve de Paris, this luxury apartment hits the sweet spot between the perks of a hotel with the niceties of a Paris Airbnb. Besides receiving daily breakfast in the property, you will receive complimentary access to the resort’s swimming pool and fitness center as well as the Roland Garros Tennis Court. Spread over two levels, each room has a private bathroom with a tub – while the master suite comes with a balneotherapy bathtub.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $6,045 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Bright and airy, this Paris Airbnb grants unobstructed views of the Eiffel Tower from its setting in the Passy neighborhood. Prep a cheese board and drink up views of the illuminated tower that’ll stay with you long after your vacation ends. Lavish bathrooms are festooned with intricate mosaics with the master suite depicting the works of Klimt. The kitchen is ready with state-of-the-art appliances while the host can provide a crib and high chair on request for those traveling with kids. 
Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $1,455 per night
This Is the Most Dependable Tent on the Market, and Its 30% Off Right Now
It seems like every upstart outdoors brand feels the need to attempt a re-invention of the tent. And while I concede that there are some incredible tent designs out there, sometimes simple is best, as with the REI Half Dome tents. I’ve owned two: First, a Half Dome SL2 for myself and my partner, and now that we have a little one in tow, a Half Dome SL3. If you’re looking to replace your current tent with a long-lasting option that remains as comfortable years down the line as the day you bought it, there’s no better tent on the market.
We hope you love the REI Half Dome tents we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
I’ve never found a more dependable tent. We bought the SL2 in 2014 and have spent more than 100 nights in it since. Truth be told, the only reason we bought the bigger option this year is that we had a baby – otherwise, we’d still be rocking the SL2. With each, I bought the tent knowing exactly what I was going to get:
a straightforward tent that’s easy to set upstorage pockets on the inside for my phone, keys, wallet, and a bookPacked weight of five pounds, five ounces and packed size of 7 x 20.5 inches for the SL2; and six pounds, six ounces and packed size of 7 x 23 inches for the SL3 – big enough to comfortably fit two or three people but small and light enough to strap to my backpacking pack and carry into the wildernessPrice: From $159.93 (30 percent off right now)
Photo: REI
Photo: REI
Photo: REI
Photo: REI
Breakdown of the REI Half Dome SL2 and SL3 tentsThe rainfly has four vents to help keep you cool on hot nights. As someone who prefers to sleep in slightly cooler temps than average, I love this. With the fly off, I can see the stars through the mesh windows above me. As an added bonus, the windows allow sunlight to creep in slowly in the morning, making it easier to sleep in past sunrise than with other tents I’ve owned.
The guylines (the strings that help tighten the tent to the ground properly) are effective and provide added balance for windy nights in the high country. The tent comes with eight stakes, enough to stake all four sides of the tent plus the guylines.
There are doors that mirror each other on both sides for ultimate convenience getting in and out. That means you or your camping partner won’t have to crawl over one another in the middle of the night should nature call.
For backpacking, the minimum trail weight of the SL 2 is four pounds, 14 ounces. The minimum trail weight of the SL3 is five pounds, 14 ounces.
Setting up the REI Half Dome SL2 tent
Photo: Lindsey Munguia’s Photos /Shutterstock
For the novice camper, setting up a tent can be among the most anxiety-inducing activities of the entire camping experience. How do you get those poles to bend perfectly into form, and then squeeze them through those tiny little holes on the top of the tent? And, once you’ve finally figured that part out, how on Earth do you get them to stabilize with both ends firmly secured into the dirt so that the whole thing doesn’t collapse upon you and ruin the 45 minutes of sleep you’re going get?
I’ve camped for 30 years and have never found a tent that’s easier to set up from scratch than the REI Half Dome SL series. It sets up in just a few minutes and there are only two poles. Each is made of DAC PF aluminum, and each is the same size. Both are hubbed and collapsible, meaning they come with a rope-like string on the inside of the pole that tightens and loosens to allow the pole to form into one long pole for use, and collapse into a foldable set for storage. The poles are also color-coded, so everything is super simple. The comes with specific instructions, but this is how I do it:
Choose a spot for the tent and brush away any debris that might poke my back or butt while I’m inside the tent.Remove the tent from the storage bag and lay out flat on my chosen camp spot.Remove pole pegs and stakes from small storage bag inside main storage bag, and place at the four corners of the tent.Anchor the four corners with the stakes, pulling the loop as far out as you can until the tent is taut.Remove the poles from the storage bag and tighten them into form.With the tent still lying flat, but anchored, take the first pole and slide it through the holes on the top, careful to insert it only into the right slots so that the pole is guided diagonally across the top of the tent.Be sure to insert the first pole through the larger hole on the top.Repeat with the second pole. Secure the hook over the two poles at their meeting point.This will lift the tent into form. Guiding the second pole will get tougher in the second half after you’ve crossed over the first pole – this is good. It means you’re doing it right.Anchor the second pole first with the stakes and pegs. It is possible that one or more of the stakes will have been pulled out of the ground during the process of setting the poles – that’s ok, this is the time to re-stake any loose ends.Anchor the first pole.Put your sleeping bag and other overnight camping gear into the tent (no food in the tent, unless you fantasize about waking up to a bear sniffing at the mesh door).Put the rainfly over the top of the tent, unless you’re certain you’ll be sleeping under a cloudless sky. The stars do look wonderful from inside.Crack a beer and toast to the epic night to come.To disassemble the tent, first, unstake the corners, and then slide the poles out in the reverse manner of how you set them. I prefer to roll the tent and stuff it into the sack, rather than just stuffing it, but that’s me.
Photo: Red Herring/Shutterstock
Any downsides to the REI Half Dome SL tents?We’ve established that the REI Half Dome SL tents are easy to set up and cozy. My only complaint is that the tents are slightly over the 4-pound weight limit I’d prefer to have with me on backpacking trips. I also own an REI Passage 1 tent, which is better for backpacking if I’m not going with my partner. Having a tent classified as “plus size” (as these are) is great for car camping but not ideal for backpacking. Still, a tent that’s barely over four pounds and fits two people isn’t bad.
Overall, the REI Half Dome SL2 and SL3 tents are perfect for campers of all levels due to their simplicity and dependability. You’d be hard-pressed to find a tent at this price point that, with proper care and storage, will last you longer. Get it now while it’s 30 percent off during the REI Labor Day Sale.
More like thisBackpackingThe Ultimate Summer Backpacking Gear GuideAugust 25, 2022
This Slovenian River Is Hands Down the Coolest Place To Play Volleyball
There are many varieties of volleyball one can play. There’s beach volleyball where players compete on the sand, there’s aquatic volleyball where players are immersed in the water, and there’s even snow volleyball, a winter activity that one should probably play wearing a down jacket. But as of this month, there’s a new and surprising variation of the sport that will undoubtedly become very popular: volleyball on water.
To get everyone in the mood before the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship all set to take place partially in Ljubljana in the next few weeks, the Slovenian capital organized an innovative event: Volleyball on Water. Volleyball on Water is a tournament that took place on the surface of the river Ljubljanica in the heart of Ljubljana.
@matadornetwork This unique #volleyball tournament was held on the #Ljubljana River in #Slovenia
@visitljubljana #volleytok #tiktoktravel #summervibes ♬ original sound – Matador Network
The volleyball court is set up on the river, but not above it – it’s partially submerged. Naturally, players got their feet and their attires quite wet during the tournament. The set-up made it a lot more fun for players to dive to save a ball knowing it would be a little cold but impact-free.
And while the whole concept is super fun, the fact that the volleyball court lights up in bright colors at night took this event up a notch. Spectators gathered on the bridges and the banks of the river Ljubljanica to enjoy the show and immortalize the events via Instagram and Tiktok.
Although it was all fun for those watching, volleyball on water is not as easy as it looks. Piotr Ilewicz, a professional volleyball player from Poland, participated in the event and said to the publication Volleyball World, “I am amazed after this game. […] I thought it would be easier to play, but honestly, when I started to play, I saw that it was really tough.”
This Obscure Region of Northern Germany Drinks More Tea Than Anywhere Else in the World
If you had to guess which region of the world consumes the most tea, you’d probably overlook the obscure northern German region of East Frisia. And yet, according to the 2021 Tea Report by the German Tea Association, East Frisian tea consumption outpaces the tea consumption of famously steeped-leaf-loving destinations such as the UK, Turkey, Iran, Morocco, and all five major tea regions in Asia.
Per capita, the report states that East Frisians drank 300 liters of black tea in 2020 compared to Ireland’s 222 liters and Great Britain’s 177 liters. This may come as a surprise to non-Germans, but the region’s tea tradition is so well known domestically that the German Commission for UNESCO listed East Frisian tea culture on the Nationwide Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016.
To lean into an obvious pun, East Frisia’s love of black tea is steeped in history. Tea was first brought to Europe by Dutch East India Trading Company sailors in the 17th century. Coffee made it to the continent around the same time, and both goods became widespread by the 19th century. Yet while the majority of Germany leaned into the burgeoning coffee culture, East Frisia, which is relatively isolated in far-north Germany near the Dutch border, took its cultural cues from the Netherlands and England and developed a more economical tea habit.
The habit stuck, and with it came a specific ritual. According to UNESCO, East Frisians drink loose-leaf black tea, primarily Assam, that’s poured over a chunk of rock sugar called “kluntje” after it’s brewed. A small amount of cream is then added slowly, creating a cloud-like effect known as “wulkje.” Once the cream is poured, it’s time to drink — without stirring. This allows each ingredient to be the focal flavor in succession: first the cream, then the tea, then the sugar.
If you ever find yourself traveling through northern Germany, and all of a sudden locals start offering you bottomless cups of creamy, strong, and sweet tea, you’ve probably landed in East Frisia. While there, make a point to visit the tea museums in Norden or Leer to learn more about the region’s intangible cultural heritage. But even if you never make it there in person, at least you’ve got a fun fact about East Frisia’s world-record tea consumption for your next trivia night.
9 Exquisite California Wineries Where You Can Spend the Night
California has more wineries than any other state — about five times as many as the runner-up, Oregon, which together account for 85 percent of all the wine made in the US. Given the sheer amount of wine that’s produced in California, planning a day trip to one of the state’s many wine regions simply isn’t enough; you need to stay longer. You could book a hotel in Napa, Sonoma, Paso Robles, or another grape-growing destination, but why leave the vineyards at all? There are quite a few California wineries with lodging that let you sleep right where the magic is made. Here are nine of the dreamiest wine estates that you can call home for the night.
Sirena Vineyard Resort, Paso RoblesPhoto: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
At a glance, Sirena’s all-white, adobe-style winery looks like something you might see crowning a vineyard in Greece. It’s actually located in the Santa Lucia Mountains a few minutes from downtown Paso Robles in Central California. Among the vines, there’s a restored mansion with just seven bedrooms, as well as a handful of villas ringing an infinity pool. The in-room water features are equally luxurious; past guests have raved about the rain showers and Roman tubs. Breakfast is included at Sirena — although guests also have access to a fully equipped kitchen — and massages can be booked on request. Rooms start at $247 per night.
Poetry Inn, NapaNapa’s Poetry Inn belongs to the Cliff Lede Winery in the valley’s historic Stags Leap District. The winery operates multiple vineyards from Calistoga to Carneros, but the inn sits on the Poetry Vineyard that’s located along Napa’s famous Silverado Trail. The name comes from a Robert Louis Stevenson quote comparing wine to bottled poetry.
Just outside the town of Yountville, the inn has five beautifully appointed suites. The largest suite, the Robert Louis Stevenson suite, spans 1,450 square feet and comes with a private entrance and wraparound deck. The smallest suite, the Emily Dickinson Suite, is still bigger than many studio apartments at 970 square feet and comes with a private terrace. Spa treatments and private dining are available on request, along with a personalized concierge service to help you plan your ideal Napa getaway. Suites are upwards of $2,000 per night.
South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, Temecula
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
On top of having 63 acres of vineyards, this winery in Southern California’s Temecula Valley has 132 villas and suites, a Tuscan-inspired dining room, a full-service spa, a saltwater pool, and 40,000 square feet of event space. You can rent the whole thing for private functions, but the resort also hosts events such as live music and wine-tasting dinners for guests. Special packages with perks like hot-air balloon rides and horse-drawn carriage rides spell romance for visiting couples. But South Coast Winery is also for singles whose special someone is a four-legged friend — dogs are welcome for a $100 per stay fee. Rooms start at $239 per night.
Lynmar Estate, SebastopolForty years ago, Lynmar Estate operated a single vineyard in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County. Now, the winery manages four vineyards that span dozens of acres just 12 miles inland of the Pacific Ocean — the perfect environment for chardonnay and pinot noir grapes. It also manages a three-bedroom accommodation called the Bliss House, which boasts views of the original Quail Hill Vineyard and the Laguna de Santa Rosa wetlands. Although guests have access to a fully equipped kitchen, Lynmar Estate also employs a crack culinary team that creates menus to pair perfectly with the winery’s vintages and varietals, sourcing as many ingredients as possible from the kitchen gardens. Bliss House has a two-night minimum, with prices from $750 to $1,500 for different levels of membership.
Testa Ranch, Calpella
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This sixth-generation-Italian-family-owned winery in Northern California’s Mendocino County has two properties listed on Airbnb — a three-bedroom guesthouse located on the winery grounds ($600 per night) and a two-story farmhouse located on a ranch up the road ($750 per night). A Harvest Hosts location, Testa Ranch also belongs to a different league of California wineries with lodging that welcomes RVers hoping to camp on site.
Salvestrin, St. HelenaThe Salvestrin family has been producing wine in Napa Valley since 1932. Tastings are split into two categories: the Estate Experience, which includes a vineyard tour and a flight of four small-production wines for $65 per person, and the Dr. Crane Experience, which includes both vineyard and cellar tours before congregating in the tasting room and culminates with six exclusive wines plus artisanal cheese pairings. If you’re not ready to leave after one of the tasting experiences, you can book a stay at the 1879 Victorian Inn at Salvestrin, a stone’s throw from downtown St. Helena. Rooms are $550 per night or $350 per night for wine club members.
Carter Estate Winery and Resort, Temecula
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Carter Estate is a mid-sized winery and resort in Temecula Valley with 42 Mediterranean-inspired bungalows suites located on 112 acres of vineyards. What makes the tasting experiences so special is the estate’s focus on sparkling wine that’s produced using the same Méthode Champenoise that’s used to produce Champagne in France — in fact, it claims to be the only winery in the Temecula Valley to use the method. Olive oil tastings are also on offer. Visitors who choose to stay the night are guaranteed perks such as a private patio and complimentary continental breakfast. For the rest of your meals, there’s an on-site grill that serves bistro-style fare both in-room and poolside. Rooms start at $249 per night.
Freeman Vineyard and Winery, SebastopolLike many Sonoma Coast wineries, Freeman specializes in pinot noir and chardonnay. The total yearly production is limited to 5,000 cases to ensure the quality of every bottle, and the on-site accommodation shares the same attention to detail. There’s a single guesthouse located on the property between the Gloria Estate Vineyard and the surrounding redwoods. It has three bedrooms and three baths, perfect for a small-group retreat. The only catch is that you have to become part of the Friends of Freeman wine club to book. Private tastings cost $40 per person, and prospective guests can inquire about rates for a three-night minimum stay at the cottage.
Allegretto Vineyard Resort, Paso Robles
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Of all the California wineries with lodging on this list, Allegretto is the largest vineyard resort with 171 rooms and suites. But worry not that its size sacrifices its luxury. The property is laid out like a museum, with sculptures reminiscent of European antiquities scattered throughout the grounds, a Moroccan-style central plaza, and a motion-activated “sonic labyrinth” outdoors.
In addition to wine tastings, Allegretto hosts activities such as art tours and yoga classes. After taking advantage of the on-site pool and spa, lounging in garden swings imported from India, or visiting the vineyard’s resident alpaca, guests can settle in for dinner at the Cello Ristorante & Bar followed by a private firepit session. The animal-friendly property also welcomes dogs — complete with a meal service designed just for them. Rooms start at $249 per night.
24 Best Experiences To Have Your First Time in Miami
Cuban and Latin American immigrants brought their Latin culture to Miami and transformed the winter retreat for retirees into a thriving Hispanic metropolis known as “The Gateway to Latin America.” With its multiculturalism comes unique experiences you can only have in Miami.
We hope you love the Airbnb experiences in Miami 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.
Little Havana Walking Tour
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
You can’t miss out on Little Havana when in Miami, and this Airbnb experience showcases the best of the city’s famed neighborhood. You’ll revel in the beauty of Little Havana and its street art, live music, and food, with plenty of photo opportunities. The tour also visits Domino Park, a bonafide tobacco shop, and the Cuban Memorial Boulevard. The experience starts with a Cuban cafécito and ends along Calle Ocho, the heart of the district.
Price: From $40 per person
Dive into the natural surroundings of south Florida at Paddle Boards, perfect for first timers
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Immerse yourself in a different side of Miami than the hustle and bustle of the city — its beautiful natural surroundings including marshland, mangroves, and wildlife. This Airbnb experience in Miami gives you a chance to try something different for a change and its built for first-timers on a paddleboard (that means no fast current and plenty of time to learn the basics of paddling and standing up). Try out nature paddle boarding, discover unique natural canals and wildlife, and learn a new skill and hobby — all with plenty of time to get back to the heart of the city for dinner.
Price: From $69 per person
Historic Bike Tour over Miami Beach, Surfside & Bal Harbour
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Learn a bit of history about some of the iconic spots in Miami, all while having a fun bike ride. This Miami Airbnb experience departs from the southern part of Miami Beach and continues to the northern spot of Bal Harbour. Learn about the history, culture, and other interesting facts along the way, while taking in plenty of beautiful beach views.
Price: From $99 per person
An unforgettable dinner from an incredible chef
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
After all the touring and walking around, why not sit down and have a gourmet meal? Treat you and your group to a delicious gourmet meal while in Miami. With a menu personalized just for you and your group, this private cooking experience will be something to remember. Menus focus on local cuisine, with vegan options available — though the chef also specializes in the area’s seafood. The experience lasts 2.5 hours and includes drinks, along with plenty of good conversation. Your group will enjoy the experience in private.
Price: From $199 per person
The Original Cuban Food Tour of Little Havana
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Take in the history, culture, and food of one of Miami’s Cuban community in this experience. Rather than driving around trying to find the perfect Cuban restaurant to try, dive into the best of the Cuban food scene in Miami with an expert. Taste delicious food from picadillo empanadas, croquetas, and more with this food tour. While you’re eating you’ll learn the culture behind the food the stories behind the recipes.
Price: From $69 per person
Transparent Kayak Adventure
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Enjoy this unique outdoor adventure and create memories of a lifetime. Experience transparent clear kayaking in the historic Collins Canal. You’ll sip champagne while paddling through one of Miami’s most stunning areas, with historic architecture and wild natural surroundings. This immersive experience will have you appreciating the beauty of nature. See different wildlife like herons and iguanas — and whatever happens to swim underneath your boat.
Price: From $68 per person
Wynwood Art DistrictWynwood Art DistrictMiami, United StatesEnjoy Miami’s street art
#gallery #free
It is rated as one of the top Graffiti areas in the US along with New York City, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia. Once a neighborhood of empty warehouses, it’s now known for its colorful murals concentrated on NW 2nd Avenue between NW 20th Street to NW 36th Street. Start at Wynwood Walls (NW 2nd Avenue and 25th Street), where the vision began in 2009.
Fairchild Tropical GardenFairchild Tropical Botanic GardenCoral Gables, United StatesA tropical garden like no other
Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens located 5 miles south of Miami, is one of the treasures of Miami often missed by tourists who do not have a car. The 83-acre botanic garden houses extensive collections of rare tropical plants. The Garden opened to the public in 1938, is named after Dr David Fairchild, one of the great plant explorers. There are several exhibits on the grounds including a 2 acre Tropical Rainforest, Spiny Forest of Madagascar and Wings of the Tropics, a collection of exotic butterflies from Central and South America. A guided tram tour runs hourly. There are festivals at Fairchild Gardens throughout the year, so check their website (www.fairchildgarden.org) for events.
Biltmore HotelBiltmore Hotel Miami Coral GablesCoral Gables, United StatesA Miami landmark
#fine-dining
The Biltmore Hotel built in 1926 in the Coral Gables residential area is one of the most fashionable hotels in Miami. The guest list includes US presidents, European and Hollywood royalty, and notorious gangsters. Enjoy afternoon tea served in the lobby Wednesday through Sunday at 2 pm and 3:30 pm. Don’t miss the Grecian statues overlooking the outdoor pool of this National Historic Landmark. The pool hosted aquatic galas in the 1920s that drew crowds of up to 3,00 spectators on Sundays to watch synchronized swimmers and diving events. The Palme d’Or, the longest-running French restaurant in the Miami area offers fine dining. On Sunday, there is Champagne Brunch in the courtyard which is well worth the $85 plus tax and gratuity (per person).
KYUMiami, United StatesGreat new restaurant in Wynwood
#fine-dining
This Asian-inspired restaurant is the latest additional to an expanding list of dining options in the Wynwood district. The menu focuses on wood-grilled Asian specialities with a touch of American barbeque. It’s a winning combination. Think of it as Asian tapas, so go with a few friends and share. Tuesday to Sunday, 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm, is Happy Hour offering a selection of dishes at $5 and drinks starting at $4.
Venetian WayMiami Beach, United StatesBike across the Venetian Causeway #free #free
The Venetian Causeway, constructed in 1925, connects mainland Miami with the Venetian Islands and Miami Beach. The Venetian Islands are a chain of six artificial islands in Biscayne Bay created from materials which came from the dredging of the bay during the Florida Land Boom of the 1920’s. The Causeway, 2.8 miles in length, is a popular place for people to jog, ride bikes, or stroll.
On Michigan Avenue, just a block south of Lincoln Road is The Frieze Ice Cream Factory. Owned and operated by the Warren family since 1987, this is the place for all-natural ice cream and sorbet. Try their mango or lychee sorbet.
Lincoln Road MallMiami Beach, United StatesStroll Lincoln Road
#open-late #cheap-eats
Walking the eight blocks of the Lincoln Road pedestrian mall are as obligatory to a Miami vacation as a visit to the beach. Lincoln Road is a great place for Happy Hour and people watching, and there are a couple of noteworthy stops among the increasingly upscale stores. At the corner of Euclid Avenue and Lincoln Road, you are greeted by the squawking of a flock of monk parakeets perched high in the date palms. Many of these non-native birds escaped from their habitats during Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and have taken up residence on Lincoln Road.
BrittoMiami Beach, United StatesTake home something Britto to remember Miami
#souvenirs
Romero Britto, originally from Brazil, launched his career as a Pop artist in Miami. His distinctive style with brightly colored shapes and Cubist influence epitomizes the vibrancy of Miami. The Britto store is located at 532 Lincoln Road.
YucaMiami Beach, United StatesLearn to dance Salsa at Yuca Lounge
#dancing
Join the 2-hour Salsa classes every Wednesday and Friday nights at 8:30 pm on the second floor. A 1-night pass is $40. No prior experience is necessary. There are several instructors teaching Level 1, Salsa Basics to Level 4, Advanced Salsa.
Miami Beach BoardwalkMiami Beach, United StatesRent a bike and explore the Miami Beach Boardwalk
Miami Beach has a boardwalk that extends from South Pointe Park to 21st Street that caters to pedestrians, joggers, bikers, Segway, and skateboards. No bikes are allowed north of 21st Street. On one side, you have the view of the Atlantic Ocean and sand dunes and on the other the hustle and bustle of Collins Avenue or Ocean Drive. You can rent a Segway or bike, or use the Citibike “bike sharing” program. Bike docking station locations are shown at www.citibikemiami.com. Use your credit card to rent a bike and ride to your destination. The sturdy three-speed bikes with large front basket are perfect for exploring the area.
The Raleigh HotelMiami Beach, United StatesAn Art Deco icon
#pool
The pool at the Raleigh Hotel has been a Miami Beach icon since it served as the backdrop for Esther Williams’s films in the 1940’s and 50’s. Although the curvaceous pool is the drawing card, the Raleigh is considered a “Grand Dame” of Art Deco Style. Enjoy the pool with a day pass for $25 per person on weekdays and $50 per person on weekends.
New World CenterMiami Beach, United StatesEnjoy outdoor entertainment
#livemusic
The New World Center is Home to the New World Symphony, a unique post-graduate orchestral academy. The New World Center Campus is the result of the collaboration between the co-founder of New World Symphony, Michael Tilson Thomas, and Pritzker Prize-winning architect Frank Gehry. Grab a blanket and picnic basket and head to the adjacent Soundscape Park with its surround sound system and enjoy free outdoor movies on the 7,000-square foot projection wall of the New World Center. Movies are shown every Wednesday evening from October through May. There is a series of New World Symphony Wallcast concerts as well (refer to their website for the schedule). All events are free.
Served in a small cup, like an espresso cup, Café Cubano is very strong and very sweet. Other caffeine options are a Colada, a large Café Cubano, which is meant to be shared or a Cortadito, Café Cubano with milk. The family owned restaurant is open from 6 am to 10 pm every day and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Try a Cuban sandwich (ham, pork, swiss cheese with pickles and mustard on Cuban bread) or another Latin favorite, tostones (fried green plantains).
Miami Beach’s Art Deco District is home to over 800 Art Deco structures, built between 1923 and 1943. The Art Deco District is now recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. Most of the historic buildings are along Ocean Drive between 5th Street and 15th Street, where Ocean Drive stops. Continue Collins Avenue from 15th Street to 18th Street for more historic hotels. Begin your exploration at the Art Deco Welcome Center (Ocean Drive and 10th Street), home of the Miami Design Preservation League, which formed in 1976 to preserve the historic hotels from being razed by developers.
No visit to Miami is complete without stopping at Joe’s Stone Crab for the legendary stone crab, a delicacy introduced to the world by Joe Weiss, the founder of Joe’s Stone Crab. Joe’s does not take reservations, so be prepared to wait or arrive at 5:00 when the restaurant opens. An alternative is to have lunch (same menu as dinner) when it is much less crowded. There is a limited number of parking spaces for those dining at Joe’s in the free self-parking lot across the street from the restaurant. Valet parking is available ($6 at lunch and $7 at dinner).
Smith & WollenskyMiami Beach, United StatesEnjoy waterfront dining
#fine-dining
When you tire of the sand or need some refreshment, go to Smith and Wollensky and dine on their outdoor patio overlooking the waterfront of Government Cut. There are no reservations for outdoor seating, so go off hours or be prepared to wait. It’s a great place for watching the cruise ships sail out through the Government Cut inlet, a manmade channel between Miami Beach and Fisher Island which allows better access to the Port of Miami. Miami is the cruise capital of the world, so your chances for seeing a sailing are good. The cruise ships usually depart between 4 pm and 5:30 pm, so make your plans accordingly and wave “Bon Voyage.”
South Pointe ParkMiami Beach, United StatesJoin the locals at South Pointe Park
Avoid the crowds at South Beach and share the beach with the locals at South Pointe Park. The recently renovated park at the southernmost point of Miami Beach not only has access to the beach, but modern benches for lounging, a sidewalk for jogging, cycling or skateboarding, green areas, a children’s playground, and a pier for fishing.
Everglades National ParkHomestead, United StatesMeet up with an alligator on the Anhinga Trail
Meet up with an alligator on the Anhinga Trail. The Everglades National Park is 45 minutes south of Miami. The Anhinga trail begins four miles from the main park entrance. Less than a mile in length, the elevated boardwalk winds through a sawgrass marsh bringing you in close contact with snoozing alligators and turtles. The trail is named after the water bird, Anhinga. The trail is known for the Anhingas perched on trees with their out stretched wings catching the sun to dry their water absorbent feathers. There are many other birds including herons and egrets. Winter is the best time to visit. Avoid the rainy season.
English Pub Rules That You Don’t Have To Follow in an American Bar
You stroll into an English pub, order a “beer,” slide a tip toward the bartender, and the whole pub stares at you like you’ve just committed a party foul. Wondering why? Well, it’s probably because you’re an American, and British pubs play by different rules than American bars. You can’t show up to a soccer match with a baseball bat, and you can’t walk into a British pub and order like an American. And don’t assume you know English pub rules just because you’ve been to a dive bar in America, either.
A myriad of unspoken rules govern any social or professional situation, and pubs are no exception. Your interaction with English pub staff isn’t as simple as “getting served” and calling it a day; it’s a delicate dance of decorum, refined over the centuries by legendary British drinkers like Shakespeare, Byron, and Churchill. From where to order your drinks to the language you use while ordering, and how to compensate the bartender, these are the English pub rules you don’t have to follow in an American bar.
Order at the bar
Photo: Yau Ming Low/Shutterstock
Restaurant hospitality culture is one of the biggest differences between the US and UK. In the US, your restaurant experience revolves around the waiter or waitress, who, working for tips, is a constant presence throughout your night. Since servers don’t work for tips in the UK, the waiter or waitress plays only a supporting role. They’re pretty much there to take your order, bring your food, and then leave you alone until you’re ready to pay. While it’s certainly possible and common to order drinks from servers at many British restaurants, that’s not the case at a classic English pub. This is the case at some American bars, but its often just as likely, especially at upscale cocktail bars, that table service will be available too.
In English pubs, it’s all about the customer-bartender relationship. If you’re sitting at a table waiting to be served, you’re going to be be waiting a long time. Approach the bar yourself, order, and bring drinks back to your table. It’s a pretty simple rule, but important to keep in mind if you want your drinks in a timely fashion.
Know what you want in advanceBefore you approach the bar, it’s imperative to be sure you’re prepared. This isn’t a McDonald’s, where you can stand there scanning the dollar menu for 15 minutes. Chances are there are dozens of other patrons around the bar waiting to place their drink order, so when you catch the bartender’s attention, it’s important not to dally.
“Not knowing what drink you want when the bar staff have asked you and holding up all the other locals who are waiting is a big no-no,” says Patrick McCann, former bar staff and floor manager in two British pubs.
Community is a big part of English pub culture, so it’s important to be mindful and respectful of that community.
Be specific about your beer order
Photo: Vicky Jirayu/Shutterstock
Beer culture goes hand-in-hand with pub culture in the UK. You can stroll into an average American bar, simply order a beer, the bartender might push for a more detailed order depending on the selection, or just as likely, she’ll hand you a Bud Light or a Corona. In the UK, ordering a beer is like going to an art dealer and saying “I’d like a painting.” Beer is as varied and diverse as works of art in a museum, and England takes its beer seriously.
Lagers, stouts, cask ales, porters, IPAs, sours, and bitters, are so distinct from one another they might as well be entirely separate beverage categories. Even if you aren’t sure which brand of beer you fancy, at least nail down a category. Instead of ordering a “beer” and prompting a string of clarifying questions, ask more specifically for a lager or a stout. If you need help deciding from there, the bartender will likely be more than happy to guide you in the right direction.
Buy roundsBusy American bars are defined by a free-for-all atmosphere. There’s a sense of competition among patrons vying for drinks, and a fist-pumping joy in scoring a drink before the guy next to you. English pubs operate in a more orderly, efficient – if less adrenaline-pumping – fashion. So one of the most important English pub rules is to buy drinks in rounds.
“Don’t take all your friends to the bar,’ McCann says. “When ordering drinks, you send one person from your group who will order for the whole group and bring the drinks back to your table. This is because table service is not something that is offered in UK pubs. This is repeated throughout the night and everyone in your group will take turns. This also includes paying.”
Buying rounds has its downsides. What if there are six people in your group, and you’re only staying for three drinks? Three people made off with free drinks, while three others paid a boatload of money with minimal return. Well, that’s why Venmo exists. It might sound like a potential financial inconvenience, but when you think about it, sending one person to the bar is more efficient than six, and certainly less of a headache for the bartender.
You don’t have to tip the bartender
Photo: Nejron Photo/Shutterstock
Tipping culture might represent the widest gulf between hospitality in the US and UK. US hospitality employers, particularly waiters and bartenders, rely on tips to make ends meet. In the UK, workers are paid higher wages and don’t expect tips from customers. While tipping in the UK isn’t considered rude or insulting, paying 12 pounds for a drink when it only costs 10 is a surefire way to identify yourself as an American.
That doesn’t mean, however, that English pub rules dictate that there’s no room whatsoever in English pub culture to show your gratitude to staff.
“Instead of tipping,” McCann says, “you can offer to pay for drinks for the bar staff by ordering your drink, and afterwards saying, ‘and add one for yourself.’ This will let the bar staff know to charge you for a drink on top of your order and they will then be able to enjoy a drink of their choice at the end of their shift.”
This approach probably makes the most sense if you plan to sit at the pub awhile and order multiple drinks. Buying the bar staff a drink at the outset of your visit is a great way to establish a positive relationship with the bartender, and potentially receive preferential treatment.
Kentucky’s National Quilt Museum Will Make You Fall in Love With Textile Masterpieces
Paducah, Kentucky, is Quilt City USA. Over the past few decades, the town of less than 30,000 people has become a center for quilting thanks to passionate quilter Meredith Schroeder. Schroeder founded the American Quilter’s Society (AQS) in 1984 and co-founded the National Quilt Museum in 1991 with her husband, Bill. Those two events elevated and brought much-deserved recognition to the art of quilting. It also defined Paducah as an artist town.
Those who smirk at the idea of quilting as a museum-worthy art form should make their way to Paducah and get ready to eat their hats. The National Quilt Museum displays contemporary quilts that boggle the mind with their beauty and intricacies. No matter how you currently feel about quilting, you won’t be bored or disappointed here.
I visited the National Quilt Museum and talked to its CEO Matt Collinsworth to give you the lowdown on this exceptional cultural venue.
When is the National Quilt Museum open?Ticket price for the National Quilt MuseumWhen is the National Quilt Museum free?How much time do I need to visit the National Quilt Museum?Where is the National Quilt Museum and how to get there?Parking at the National Quilt MuseumThe best times to visit the National Quilt MuseumWhat makes the National Quilt Museum so special?The best tip for visiting the National Quilt MuseumMust-sees at the National Quilt MuseumTours and audio guides at the National Quilt MuseumNational Quilt Museum gift shopAQS QuiltWeek and The National Quilt MuseumWhen is the National Quilt Museum open?Paducah’s Quilt Museum is open from Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM. It’s also open on Sunday between March 1 and November 30, 1 PM to 5 PM.
The museum is closed on Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Ticket price for the National Quilt MuseumA ticket to the museum costs $12 for adults, $11 for people over 62, and $5 for students. Military personnel, children under the age of 12, and museum members enter for free.
Tickets are available for purchase at the front desk of the museum the day you want to visit. There is no advance ticket purchase online.
When is the National Quilt Museum free?While there are no set free days at Paducah’s Quilt Museum, there are certain occasions when entrance is free. Local residents can visit the museum for free in March. The museum also waives the admission fee to coincide with certain local events.
How much time do I need to visit Paducah’ Quilt Museum?
“Forest Walk” by Pat Durbin. Photo: Jesse Adams
The museum is a relatively small space. If you’re the type of museum-goer who is thorough about admiring the works, looking at the explanation cards beside the pieces, and visiting the gift shop, then you’ll probably be there for just over one hour. Collinsworth says the average visitor spends 60 to 90 minutes in the galleries, which is a good amount of time to appreciate the beauty of every quilt displayed.Where is Paducah’s Quilt Museum and how to get there?The National Quilt Museum is located in the beautiful and artsy town of Paducah, Kentucky. The best way to get to the museum is by car. It’s about 140 miles from Nashville (about a 2.5 hour drive) and 180 miles from Memphis (a 3.5 hour drive).
Paducah is often one of the stops on American Queen’s steamboats itineraries on the Ohio River, and the museum is usually offered as one of the free excursions for passengers.
Address: 215 Jefferson Street, Paducah, KY 42001, US
Parking at the National Quilt MuseumParking at Paducah’s Quilt Museum is free. There are two parking lots to accommodate visitors, including room for RVs and trucks. Alternatively, you can park on the nearby streets.The best time to visit the National Quilt MuseumThe museum is rich in works of art, but it’s a small museum in a small town, so you’ll never really have to worry about crowds. The only times when the museum may be busier than usual is when the American Queen steam boats are docked in Paducah and during the annual American Quilter’s Society QuiltWeek (an event that art lovers should strive to attend). That said, you’d be hard pressed to ever see a line for tickets at the front desk. As Collinsworth explains, “really, there is no bad time to visit the museum or our home city.”What makes the National Quilt Museum so special?
“The Beatles Quilt” by Sisters Pat Holly and Sue Nickels. Photo: Jesse Adams
When Collinsworth speaks about what he thinks is so unique about Paducah’s Quilt Museum, he doesn’t first mention the fact that it is clearly underrated as an art venue. Instead, he mentions the artists.
“Whereas most art museums in America and around the world have scrambled to acquire more works by women over the past decade, 95 [percent] of our collected and exhibited quilts were made by women,” Collinsworth says.If you needed another reason to make your way to Paducah’s Quilt Museum, this is it.
The best tip for visiting Paducah’s Quilt MuseumBecause there are no crowds and the museum is rather small, it’s easy to see every single work of art. Unlike in large and extremely popular museums, you don’t have to skip anything or rush through galleries. Collinsworth insists that you should take the time to really take in all the quilts and admire the details — it’s very much worth it.Must-sees at the National Quilt Museum
Quilt made of wood by Fraser Smith. Photo: Jesse Adams
While the museum is obviously a space dedicated to textile art, with amazing displays of contemporary quilts, the one thing that will blow your mind above all else is Fraser Smith’s wood quilt displayed in the lobby. You would never guess that this piece is made of carved and painted wood unless you read the explanation card. Smith specializes in wood carvings that resemble textiles, such as quilts, coats, and hats. Take the time to look at this piece, but know that no matter how long you stare at it, it won’t ever look like wood.
“Puffins” by Shirley P. Kelley. Photo: Jesse Adams
Among all the quilts displayed in the museum, my personal favorite is “Puffins,” a 2004 creation by quilter Shirley P. Kelley. It’s hard to fathom that such a level of artistry can be achieved with fabric and a sewing machine.
Tours and audio guides at Paducah’s Quilt MuseumThe collections rotate regularly, and new exhibitions happen so often that there are no guided tours or audio guides at the museum. But that’s hardly an issue. The explanation cards beside each piece provide enough details. However, if you have any questions, Collinsworth suggests you address them to the friendly and knowledgeable docents who walk the galleries.Paducah’s Quilt Museum gift shopThe National Quilt Museum gift shop offers a variety of items relating to quilting, postcards featuring some of the museum’s pieces, and the works of local artists such as ceramics, among many other disciplines. A few quilts are also available for sale.AQS QuiltWeek and The National Quilt MuseumAQS QuiltWeek (AQS stands for American Quilter’s Association) is an event that takes place annually in the spring in Paducah. During AQS QuiltWeek, visitors can take quilt classes, attend lectures, and shop for fabrics, quilting tools, and more. There are also quilt exhibits and quilt contests.
During AQS QuiltWeek, the museum hosts an auction and reception for the museum members.
How To Take the Perfect Family Vacation in Santa Fe
My nine-year-old son stared, transfixed as an artist painstakingly painted pottery with a single, nearly invisible horsehair. He stood on an open-air train car enjoying the cool, honey-scented breeze as we chugged out into the arid landscape in the shadow of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Then he crawled through the fireplace in a Victorian house and popped out in another dimension. And that was just in the first 24 hours of our Santa Fe family vacation.
The nation’s oldest capital city doesn’t really market itself as a family-friendly destination, but don’t let that fool you — there’s a plethora of immersive and unusual things to do in Santa Fe with kids. Many are infused with or inspired by the city’s creative traditions. This is the first UNESCO-designated Creative City in the US and it’s been a hotbed of artistic collaboration for centuries. I visited with my parents and my fourth grader to experience how this eclectic community makes art and history feel playful and provocative.
We hope you love the experiences 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.
The city different
Photo: Margaret Wiktor/Shutterstock
Northern New Mexico is a place where tradition lives close to the surface. The dusky pink tinted mountains, stark desert light, and vivid blue sky have inspired and attracted artists, builders, and dreamers for generations. The oldest colonial adobe structures in Santa Fe date back to the 1600s. But the region’s Indigenous Pueblo communities have been creating sculptures, pottery, and jewelry for thousands of years. Spanish, Mexican, and Anglo creatives added their own artistry to the mix, followed by hippies, spiritual seekers, and counter-culturalists. You can see this artistic lineage at work in Santa Fe’s 20 museums and 250 art galleries.
Santa Fe’s motto, “the city different,” is a rare thing — a marketing slogan that actually rings true. Low-slung buildings in the Pueblo Revival style seem to glow in the sunset light. Strings of chiles hang to dry against terracotta-colored walls, a timeless tableau.
But instead of being mired in the past, this community’s eclectic mix of cultures and its many artists inject a Santa Fe vacation with a jolt of creative energy. Here’s how to use that energy and a few of the best things to do in Santa Fe with kids.
The Plaza and Downtown
Photo: Tourism Santa Fe
Start at the Plaza, the heart of Santa Fe. This shady square is centuries old, but it’s still a prime spot for stellar people-watching, summer concerts, and festivals all year long. Many of the city’s historical attractions, boutiques, and over 400 restaurants are a just short walk away.
Get an overview of the neighborhood from a colorful Santa Fe pedicab. Guides can create customized tours for kids, art lovers, history buffs, and tourists pressed for time.
Or dig deeper during The Santa Fe Creative Adventurer Scavenger Hunt, an engaging interactive game guided by your cell phone. Teens can play on their own team, but younger kids do best paired with caregivers.
Buy authentic pottery and jewelry from the Indigenous artists who sit under the portal of the Palace of the Governors, the oldest public building in the country still in use. It’s now part of the engaging New Mexico History Museum, which held my nine-year-old’s attention for a few hours. It’s free for kids 16 and under, so if your kids aren’t as interested, it’s not a big deal. Museum-trained docents also run walking tours of historic downtown Santa Fe. They’re a fun way to get the family learning on the move while the littlest ones doze in strollers or carriers.
Treat the kiddos to food truck fare on the Plaza or indulge in a Frito Pie (a portable chips and chili concoction) and souvenir shopping at the Five and Dime General Store. Or put your name on the list at The Shed, a local favorite that’s been serving up addictive red chile enchiladas and other Pueblo, Spanish, and Mexican-influenced dishes since 1953. (The brick and flagstone patio is especially atmospheric.) Pop into the shops, galleries, or the Neo-Romanesque St. Francis Cathedral (home to the oldest statue of the Madonna in the nation) while you wait for the text that your table is ready.
“Many restaurants also have a kid’s play area, which helped when the kids were younger and wouldn’t sit through a meal and adult conversation,” explains Betsy Dahms of Carrollton, Georgia. She’s the mother of two teenagers and visits Santa Fe every year. “The Cowgirl has really good burgers and a nice outdoor space for kids. Afterward, you can walk around and window shop or poke your nose into an art gallery.”
“They have an ice cream thing that looks just like a baked potato, but is made of ice cream,” adds Greg Gellar, a Santa Fe resident and father of three. “Kids love it. I personally prefer the chocolate lava cake.”
The Santa Fe Railyard
Photo: New Mexico TRUE
We found many of the most fun and affordable things to do in Santa Fe with kids in the Santa Fe Railyard district. The neighborhood is anchored by Railyard Park (an award-winning green space full of gardens, public art, a children’s play area, and free family-friendly events like concerts, singalongs and sand play Saturdays for toddlers) and the Santa Fe Railyard Plaza and water tower.
The neighborhood hosts the Santa Fe Artists Market on Saturdays, the Railyard Artisan Market on Sundays, and the excellent Santa Fe Farmers Market on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Locals and tourists gather for free summer concerts by the water tower, outdoor movies, gallery hopping in the seven-block Santa Fe Railyard Art District, and a host of other festivals, races, and public performances.
My son insists that stopping for local and organic ice cream at La Lecheria is an absolute must. A flight of four mini scoops is perfect for curious and/or indecisive ice cream fans. Bee Hive Books stocks a cozy cottage with children’s books steps from the Railyard. Geller recommends a few other neighborhood spots to add to your Santa Fe vacation experience.
“The Violet Crown movie theater is a fun place to watch movies,” he says. “Also, there are often people who gather to play board games or DnD. There’s a chess club, a go club, a backgammon club, and probably others. There’s also Site Santa Fe, which always has really interesting art installations.”
Photo: Puzzah!
All three generations of my family had a blast at Puzzah! which offers two different escape rooms that adapt to your skill level. But our favorite Railyard attraction was the Sky Railway. Look for the engines covered in graffiti-style art, then hop on the vintage train cars for a leisurely ride to Lamy and back. There are complimentary snacks, cold drinks from the cash bar, live music and an open train car where you can (and should) stand and wave to cyclists and hikers along the Santa Fe Railtrail as the train rolls by only slightly faster than they do. It’s delightful.
Museum Hill and beyond
Photo: Tourism Santa Fe/Kitty Leaken
Visiting the Santa Fe Children’s Museum is one of the most perennially popular things to do in Santa Fe with kids. And for good reason—dozens of hands-on exhibits and activities encourage kids to build, jump, climb, and experiment. Look for a dedicated Toddler Zone, a garden and outdoor classroom, weekly story times, workshops with scientists, and engaging craft sessions.
Photo: New Mexico TRUE
I didn’t think The Museum of International Folk Art would appeal to children, but the locals insist it’s a fun and affordable addition to a Santa Fe family vacation itinerary. (It’s free for kids 16 and under.) Activity areas are packed with books, toys, discovery boxes, miniature tree houses, puppets, and craft stations. Much of the museum’s vast collection (130,000 objects from over 100 countries) is showcased in interactive exhibits. Even the newest and youngest museum-goers can appreciate and understand dolls, animal sculptures, costumes, and toys.
Eat before you go or stop for sandwiches, salad, or brunch at Museum Hill Café. It’s upscale casual (and features a nice wine list) which can feel like a respite for parents and grandparents.
“If you don’t want to spend restaurant money, then definitely bring snacks,” Geller advises. “There are places where you can buy snacks at both the Folk Art and Children’s Museum.”
If you need a little fresh air, stroll through Santa Fe Botanical Garden, which showcases orchards, roses, annual crops and traditional plants in a piñon-juniper woodland. It’s free for kids 12 and under.
Photo: Tourism Santa Fe
Or lace up your hiking boots and head to the nearby Dorothy Stewart Trailhead. The Dorothy Stewart Trail is an easy one to nine mile loop.
Immersive experiences elsewhere in Santa FeSome of the most transfixing things to do in Santa Fe with kids are along Cerrillos Road and just outside the city. All the kids at our hotel pool were buzzing about two things — going up in a hot-air balloon and visiting Meow Wolf, the most surreal interactive art experience in town.
Photo: Kate Russell, courtesy of Meow Wolf
Meow Wolf: The House of Eternal Return is a trippy, explosive fever dream that sends you on a journey into the multiverse via 70 rooms of colorful, touchable, crawlable and occasionally climbable interactive art. My dad loved a pastel-colored room that looked like a game of Candyland exploded inside the walls. My mom sat in the dark gleefully making music with lasers. My son and I teamed up with a bunch of strangers to crack codes, open safes, and unravel the mystery that serves as a throughline. You can interact with the space however you like. Wear something comfortable, set aside at least two hours for your visit, and just accept that you’ll never see or understand everything.
Floating away from the city in a hot-air balloon is the exact opposite kind of experience: gentle, tranquil, and brimming with a quiet wonder. Peering down at the countryside as the balloon drifts softly on the breeze feels both serene and somehow magical. The Santa Fe Balloons experience includes pick up and drop off from local hotels, a champagne toast, and a light post-flight brunch. This bucket list experience is a splurge, but it’s the kind of thing you’ll talk about for years. Kids aged six to 12 must ride with a parent.
Photo: El Rancho De Las Golondrinas
For a more grounded family activity, add El Rancho De Las Golondrinas to your Santa Fe vacation to-do list. This living history museum brings an 18th-century hacienda to life with costumed guides, demonstrations, crafts, and live animals every April through October. Reserve guided tours in advance. Kids 12 and under visit free.
Order locally-sourced salads, panini, and burgers from the on-site restaurant. Or try sopapillas, green chile chops or red chile pork ribs at Tortilla Flats. Southside Santa Fe has plenty of restaurants to choose from.
“We love to go to Counter Culture for breakfast,” Dahms says. “My kids adore the lemon ricotta pancakes and I love that they have an indoor section for kids with toys that you can take outside to your table. The kids can play with tiger figurines on the ground while the adults visit and enjoy a cowboy bowl with red and green chile.”
Traveling with children doesn’t have to feel childish. Channel Santa Fe’s creative energy and laid-back vibe to customize a family vacation that everyone will enjoy.
Family-friendly places to stay with kids in Santa FeLa Fonda on the PlazaLa Fonda on The Plaza celebrated 100 years in 2022. But there’s been an inn (or fonda) on this corner of the Plaza since 1607. On-site babysitting makes it easy for parents to slip away for sunset cocktails in the Bell Tower Bar, innovative New Mexican cuisine in the atrium dining room, or a massage or body treatment at the spa. (In-room treatments are possible too.) Kids dig the hotel’s heated courtyard pool and chocolate shop.
Drury Plaza HotelAlways hungry? Try the Drury Plaza Hotel. Guests enjoy a free hot breakfast, popcorn, and soda in the lobby and complimentary hot food and cold drinks at the 5:30 PM Kickback every night. Mingle with the locals over green chile brisket pizza at The Kitchen + Bar or relax in the rooftop pool and hot tub. Book family-friendly packages so kids can score their own art kits or tackle a treasure quest.
Hotel Santa Fe The Hacienda & SpaThe city’s only Indigenous-owned hotel mixes homey pine furnishings and indigenous art with luxe extras like an on-site spa, robes, and slippers for in-room relaxation, and a sunny courtyard restaurant called Amaya. Book a massage or facial, then treat the kids to ice cream and prickly pear lemonade by the Hotel Santa Fe pool. The complimentary shuttle service brings guests to all the key tourist spots. Junior suites with balconies sleep up to six.
The Sage HotelBoho flair and a budget-friendly price tag make The Sage Hotel a go-to for families who want to save without sacrificing style. Start the day with coffee and a hot breakfast. Stretch out in the sunny courtyard, cool off in the seasonal pool, or snack on frybread tacos or chile-topped fries at Social Kitchen + Bar. Walk to Santa Fe Railyard Park or hop on the free shuttle to the Plaza.
Convenient and comfy home rentalLarger families will be comfortable in this three-bedroom rental home — it sleeps up to nine. Kids love the bunk beds and the nearby park’s pool, playground, and baseball field. Parents will appreciate the fully stocked kitchen, complimentary breakfast, fenced backyard, and gracious outdoor patio and dining area complete with a grill and hammock. A highchair, pack and play, and toys are available upon request. Walk to the Plaza or key bus stops.
Four-bedroom home close to the PlazaThis sunny Santa Fe-style rental home is within walking distance of the Plaza. But the views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains and the fenced, half-acre yard feel connected to nature. Enjoy complimentary coffee on the patio, share a family meal in the newly remodeled kitchen, check out the collection of books, video games, and board games or curl up by the fire. The four-bedroom home sleeps eight.
Tips on things to do in Santa Fe with kids
Photo: Bonita R. Cheshier/Shutterstock
Dress the family in layers. Temperatures can vary widely during the day, especially in winter.If your hotel doesn’t have a pool, bring the crew to The Genoveva Chavez Community Center.Santa Fe Public Library offers singalongs, storytime (including bilingual sessions in Spanish and English ) and other family-friendly activities at multiple locations.The June-September monsoon season often brings afternoon rain. Plan accordingly.The Santa Fe Climbing Center is a great place to burn off excess energy, and a shareable punch card saves families a few bucks.More like thisTravel9 Experiences To Reinvigorate Your Senses in and Around Santa Fe, NM
August 24, 2022
At Least 25% of Drivers Don’t Know What These Common Road Signs Mean
Whether you’re heading on a road trip or simply commuting to work, you need to know what the road signs mean. And while it might have been a long time since you went to the DMV to take your driver’s license test, forgetting the meanings of common road signs is not a good, or safe, look.
A group of ophthalmologists and optometrists surveyed 1,060 American drivers on their knowledge of road signs and their meanings. Most of these drivers had had their licenses for about 25 years, yet many failed to recognize even the simplest and most common road signs.
Road signs that American drivers have trouble figuring out
Photo: myvision.org
While it’s worrisome that 16 percent of those surveyed couldn’t recognize a school zone sign, the fact that 27 percent of them can’t recognize an obvious road work sign or that 35 percent don’t know the sign indicating an upcoming road turn is plain scary.
Here’s a refresher on some of the most common aspects of road signs:
What does the color of a road sign mean?The color of a road sign is the first indication of its importance. The Department of Transportation lists all road sign colors and the meaning behind them. Here’s the gist of the most important ones you need to know:
Red: stop, yield, and prohibited areasYellow: warning messageOrange: temporary signage for warning and guidance in a work zonePink: temporary signage used for accidentsGreen: direction and traffic movementFluorescent yellow and green: school zones and pedestrian crossingsWhite background: rules to followWhat does the shape of road signs mean?Like the color, the shape of a road sign is significant and indicates the potential danger or rules to follow. Here are the ones you absolutely need to know before getting behind the wheel:
Octagon: stopInverted triangle: yieldDiamond: warningPentagon: school zoneRound: railroad crossingVertical rectangles or square: rules of the roadMore like thisTravel7 Countries You Can’t Enter if You Have a DUI
Matador Network's Blog
- Matador Network's profile
- 6 followers
