Matador Network's Blog, page 417
August 23, 2022
Mount Kilimanjaro Is About To Get WiFi. But Is That a Good Thing?
Pretty soon, you may be able to check in on your favorite social media app from Africa’s highest peak.
An announcement from Tanzania’s Minister of Information, Communication and Information Technology on August 16 is bringing both cheers and grumbles from alpinists and hikers around the world.
“I am hoisting high-speed internet communications (broadband) on the Roof of Africa. Tourists can now communicate worldwide from the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro,” Minister Nape Nnauye said in a tweet on August 16. WiFi on the summit had been teased for a few months, but the new announcement seems to cement the project, which the department hopes to have up and running by the end of the year.
At 19,300 above sea level, the summit of Kilimanjaro is one of the world’s “seven summits” — a collection of the highest peaks on each continent. Reaching the top is no small feat, though it’s attempted by roughly 35,000 tourists per year. While it’s far less technical and requires less training than peaks like K2 or Everest (the latter of which also has WiFi), it’s still quite challenging. Even the easiest route (known as the Rongai Route) is 46 miles long and takes seven days while gaining roughly 12,700 feet of elevation.
The Horombo Huts are a basic lodging option for climbers who prefer not to sleep in tents each night. Photo: Andrew McMillen/Shutterstock
Soon, travelers will have WiFi connectivity for the entire journey. The Minister’s announcement paired with the installation of WiFi at the Horombo Huts lodging cabins, roughly 12,200 feet above sea level. If all goes according to plan, the government will pay to install broadband WiFi devices on Uhuru Peak — the highest of Mount Kilimanjaro’s three volcanic cones — within the next four months.
WiFi on Mount Kilimanjaro: the pros
Climbers will content with weather ranging from blazing heat to significant snow. Photo: Ingus Kruklitis/Shutterstock
At first glance, the announcement of WiFi on Mount Kilimanjaro may seem like a good thing, especially in regards to safety. According to data from the National Center for Health Statistics, hiking is one of the most dangerous extreme sports in the world, killing roughly one in every 15,000 participants (likely from injury or exposure). That makes it more dangerous than bungee jumping, skiing, or snowboarding. With that comes an increased risk of injuries, especially if hikers are unable to reach someone to call for help.
This is the major selling point for adding WiFi to the mountain — it will increase both hiker safety and the speed with which hikers can be rescued if needed, especially as there are no fitness or experience requirements mandated to climb the world’s tallest freestanding peak.
Another pro, depending on who you ask? Backpackers and climbers will now be able to stay in touch with people around the world through Instagram posts, emails, texts, and even the ability to live-stream a Kilimanjaro summit attempt.
WiFi on Mount Kilimanjaro: the cons
Uhuru Peak is the tallest in Africa. Photo: Salparadis/Shutterstock
If the words “live stream a Kilimanjaro summit attempt” made you shake your head and bemoan the loss of natural spaces, you’ll likely see WiFi on the mountain as a con. For travelers who value the silence and disconnectedness of wild spaces, the introduction of WiFi will certainly not be welcome.
It’s also possible that adding WiFi to Kilimanjaro could increase injuries if hikers are looking at their phones or focused on anything other than the demanding hike, especially once they’re fatigued after a few days of trekking. And phone location and tracking services can be unreliable, leading to potentially catastrophic issues if trekkers decide to follow their phones instead of their expert guides.
But perhaps the most compelling argument against installing Mount Kilimanjaro WiFi is what it may indicate about the country’s priorities. Some people think the small villages and residents of Tanzania, about 17 percent of whom don’t have access to cell service or internet, should be prioritized above Mount Kilimanjaro, which caters almost exclusively to tourists. The Center for Global Development estimates that it would cost around $10 million US to install additional towers to cover the rest of the population, who are primarily in rural areas like those around Mount Kilimanjaro.
the World Bank estimates that roughly 10,000 Tanzanians work as porters, carrying heavy gear for tourists climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Photo: Vadim Petrakov/Shutterstock
That said, The World Bank estimates that revenue from tourists climbing Kilimanjaro brings in about $50 million US, or roughly 18 percent of the country’s GDP (GDP is the annual total economic value of a country’s goods and services). The same report claims that roughly $13 million of that income goes toward improving infrastructure and opportunities in surrounding villages. This huge tourists spend, which doesn’t even take into account revenue from visits to sites like Serengeti National Park, is one of the reasons Tanzania’s economy is one of the fastest-growing in the world.
With the ever-rising costs to climb Mount Kilimanjaro — travelers can expect to spend between $2000 and $6000 per person — it’s not surprising to see the government prioritizing amenities and access on the mountain. Perhaps by continuing to raise trekking costs (and including benefits like WiFi to justify that cost) the country can continue to better pay porters, guides, and cooks higher wages, giving locals and their families even more economic agency. 
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These Airbnbs Have Epic Waterslides To Keep Your Crew Refreshed
It’s one thing checking into a vacation home from Airbnb’s “amazing pools” category but another entirely when your swim space comes with a waterslide. Whether you’re traveling with children or looking to appease your inner big kid, there’s no better way to refresh after a day of exploring than by plunging into a sparkling pool. Slide, don’t walk to book these incredible Airbnbs in the US with waterslides you need to see to believe.
Best overall Airbnb waterslideBest Florida Airbnb rentals with waterslidesBeautiful California Airbnbs with waterslidesCoolest Airbnbs with a waterslide nationwideWe hope you love the Airbnbs with waterslides 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.
Best overall Airbnb waterslideParabull’s Point – private dock, lakefront deck, 75-foot water slide, hot tub
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This Lake Lure, North Carolina, Airbnb is the OG of vacation estates with waterslides! The stainless steel slide drops straight from the property’s backyard into the depths of the lake. But the fun doesn’t stop there, this lakeside rental is polished off with a games room and open-air hot tub. Not forgetting the private dock where you can launch the provided SUPs and kayaks onto the water. Interiors are beautifully appointed with spacious bedrooms, luxe soaking tubs, and a chef’s kitchen.
Sixteen guests, five bedrooms
Price: $2,260 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Why take the stairs when a slide gets you there in half the time? This Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, links the second story to the pool with the help of a nifty waterslide. While you wait your turn, you can shoot hoops into the aquatic basketball net or whip up a frozen margarita in the tiki bar. Located in a waterfront community, the property has a boat slip with water access as well as a mini private beach. Paddle boards are provided by the host.
Fourteen guests, five bedrooms
Price: $810 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
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Photo: Airbnb
This pet-friendly Holmes Beach, Florida, Airbnb with a waterslide is perfect for families. The backyard pool is fully fenced and fringed by palms and tropical flora while the upper floor features a roof terrace. A short and sweet waterslide is built into the landscaping and is ideal for younger kids that are getting started with swimming. Bedrooms and living spaces embody a maritime vibe which is fitting; the closest beach is a mere 400 feet away.
Twelve guests, six bedrooms
Price: $325 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Create everlasting memories at this West Palm Beach, Florida, Airbnb rental with a waterslide. The heated outdoor pool is made even better with the addition of a slide that peeps out of the vegetation. Designed in the Key West style, the roomy property fuses comfort and luxury. The kitchen is well-stocked while the master suite comes with a decadent hot tub bath. The hosts are in partnership with local fishing charters and are on hand to organize an outing for the angling enthusiasts in the group.
Fifteen guests, five bedrooms
Price: $430 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
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There’s no reason to leave the rental when you book this awesome Coachella, California, Airbnb with a waterslide. Complete with a slide, fountains, hot tub, and a lazy river, the swim space is poised for hours of joy under the Californian sun. Meanwhile, younger tots can burn even more energy on the playground and go-kart track and the whole group will find amusement in the retro games room.
Fourteen guests, four bedrooms
Price: $795 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Escape the bustle of Los Angeles at this Temecula, California, Airbnb vacation home in the heart of wine country. The one-story compound is immaculately put together with sophisticated minimalist interiors and full emphasis on recreation. Starting with the pool, you have fountains, a spa tub, and, of course, the waterslide. Overlooking this, you’ll find a Palapa hut, pizza oven, and al fresco fireplace. Lawn games and a pool table add a final layer of fun.
Twelve guests, five bedrooms
Price: $1,020 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
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Photo: Airbnb
Cool down at this Indio resort-style home in Southern California’s Colorado Desert region. The backyard is rigged with a pool with a waterslide, hot tub, and floating seats. Toddlers and smaller kids will relish the splash pads while guests of all ages can channel their inner LeBron on the private basketball court. Interiors are tastefully styled with attention placed on high-quality linens and upholstery.
Ten guests, four bedrooms
Price: $850 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
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Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Surely one of the most extravagant Airbnbs with a waterslide, this Las Vegas, Nevada, mansion is laid out like a tiny resort. The two swimming pools are designed with waterslides, waterfalls, caves, and 30-foot-high water jets. Meanwhile, a swim-up bar makes it easier to stay on top of those all-important hydration levels. Harmonious bedrooms and multiple en suite bathrooms with Jacuzzi bathtubs are perfect for winding down.
Sixteen guests, seven bedrooms
Price: $2,400 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Follow in the footsteps of Justin Beiber with a getaway to this luxurious Nīnole vacation complex on Hawaii Island’s Hamakua Coast. Perched on the cliffs, the property experiences breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. The 25-meter Olympic swimming pool is fashioned with a diving platform and a two-story waterslide. Elsewhere, you’ll have access to a nine-tee golf course, tennis court, basketball court, and fitness suite. The hosts are available to arrange grocery shopping, private chefs, yoga classes, and beyond.
Sixteen guests, six bedrooms
Price: $3,555 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This one-of-a-kind Scottsdale, Arizona, Airbnb with resort pool and waterslide revolves around a lazy river with a waterfall. Other epic amenities that make this property stand out include the driving range, basketball court, yard games, and indoor games room. Bedrooms and communal areas are relatively humble in comparison with an emphasis on comfort and the sense of space.
Sixteen guests, seven bedrooms
Price: $1,325 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Replenish and rejuvenate at this Austin, Texas, Airbnb in the middle of the Westlake Hills. The vacation home is afforded utmost privacy courtesy of the surrounding forest but you can catch a glimpse of the city on the horizon – a quick 15 minutes down the road by car. The swimming pool is lashed with sunshine while the slide allows endless hours of entertainment.
Price: $535 per night
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We hope you love the resorts 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.
Change is just about the only constant in Las Vegas. One section of the City of Sin where that’s been especially noticeable over the past decade is downtown. Yet despite all of the investment that downtown Las Vegas has seen with the Fremont Street Experience and Arts District, it wasn’t until October 2020 that the area got it’s first new hotel in 40 years when Circa opened. Today, Circa is the best place in Vegas to be a sports gambler.
Circa is the third hotel and casino from Derek Stevens, who, with his brother Greg, renovated two other downtown hotels: the Golden Gate in 2008 and Fitzgeralds (now The D) in 2011. It’s the first Stevens opened in Vegas that’s designed from the ground up. Still, the building is a nod to the Vegas of the past and what Stevens sees as the Vegas of the future.
The name Circa is a reference to the various decades of Vegas through the 20th and 21st centuries. Stevens left it at Circa rather than choosing just one era such as “Circa 1940” or “Circa 1960” because there’s something notable in every time period.
“There isn’t one greatest era in Vegas, so we wanted to represent it all,” Stevens told me in July as we walked through his newest casino.
One connection to the past is the 25-foot Vegas Vickie kicking cowgirl neon sign. It hung on the building that was previously on the lot Circa sits now, the Glitter Gulch, for nearly half a century. Vickie is an icon among neon fanatics, and “Circa was built on sacred ground” when it comes to the city’s neon history, says Jeff Young, senior vice president of YESCO, the company that restored the sign.
“I always want to take something from the past and move forward,” Stevens said, looking over the inside balcony where Vegas Vickie now spans two floors, her head and cowboy hat eye-to-eye with people in the casino and at the Vegas Vickie’s Cocktail Lounge. “Vickie has been hanging on the streets for 40 years. She got a lift, and now she’s inside.”
While the sign and connections to Vegas’s past and future are impossible to ignore, people largely come to Circa for the sports.
Photo: Circa
It’s easy to see Circa as an adult playground for sports lovers. It was the first 21-and-over only casino on Fremont Street. That means no strollers, no kids splashing in the pools, and you don’t have to pull out your ID to do the things that you’re in Vegas to do.
Ask anyone who knows Stevens — and there’s plenty of people to choose from, considering nearly every worker we passed as we toured the property gave a fist bump or wave — and they’ll tell you the casino matches the owner. Stevens lives and breathes sports. As we walked into the small on-site TV studio where he does weekly shows, he rattled off facts about the teams closest to where I’ve lived, from central California; to Auburn, Alabama; to New York City; and finally Denver.
The best experiences come from people who live and breathe what their business is about. That’s quite literal at Circa. Case in point: VSIN, a TV channel that runs 21 hours of live programming a day that’s shot inside Circa. Stevens has his own weekly show, and describes the programming as “to sports betting what CNBC is to the stock market.”
Photo: Ryan Gobuty
When I was inside the watch room, two guys discussed college football futures while a single screen made up of 85 million pixels displayed their faces and what felt like a thousand other sports statistics in the betting lounge. For comparison, a standard 50-inch TV has about two million pixels. Fitting for the world’s largest sportsbook to also have what has to be the world’s largest TV dedicated solely to showing sports and only sports.
At Circa, sports are king. But even those just looking for a different vibe than what you’ll find at a Strip pool party or the rest of Fremont Street will be entertained here.
Circa Las Vegas restaurants and bars
Photo: Black Raven Films
Barry’s Downtown Prime: A traditional steakhouse through and through, the type where you might get the meat sweats just thinking about the menu. As this is a restaurant housed in Circa, sports are ever-present, of course, and some of the private rooms have TVs. Barry Dakake himself will come out and talk about the dry aged steaks and the rest of the menu (a massive American wagyu tomahawk graced my table on my visit, along with a seafood tower and Dover sole). The wine list covers the hits, but the table service cocktail cart steals the show when it comes to drinks. There are two options: an old fashioned or Manhattan, but you can customize your liquor and garnish choices to make it your own. I went with a Manhattan made with añejo Patron that was then dosed with a smoke machine.
Victory Burger & Wings Co.: Victory Wings is run by Chris Sotiropoulos and Grace Keros, the third-general owners of Detroit’s 103-year-old American Coney Island. The wings are a standout, of course, but the burgers, sauces, and massive shakes are hard to beat whether you’re placing a bet or just looking for a bite to eat.
Photo: Circa
Saginaw’s: Paul Saginaw is Michigan royalty thanks to his Ann Arbor deli, Zingerman’s. Stevens, who grew up in Michigan, turned to his home state and brought Saginaw along with him when Circa opened. When it comes to the move from the Midwest to Vegas, Saginaw referenced his uncle who was “one of the biggest bookies in Detroit, so it’s in my blood to be in Vegas.” That bookie was Chickie the Bookie, who was immortalized in a 1974 Detroit Free Press obituary with the headline “Chickie the Bookie, Friend To Hundreds, Laid to Rest.”
“When I realized food and beverages was going to be my career,” Saginaw said, “my dream job was to open a restaurant in a casino and live in a suite, but I couldn’t get that in the contract.”
He didn’t get the suite, but he did get the 24-hour casino restaurant. The restaurant name was originally going to pay tribute to Chickie, but “Derek didn’t want any connection to organized crime,” Saginaw said. Still, the Saginaw family is ever-present in the restaurant. A photo wall has blown-up pictures of the family going back generations, while another wall features old photos of the original Zingerman’s deli in Michigan. Order a sandwich on rye — the bread took a year to get right because the water and lack of humidity changed the recipe compared to what was made in Michigan. It was well worth the trial and error.
Project BBQ: Chef Rex Bernales has turned a food truck into a permanent haven for anyone who loves good barbecue right outside of Circa on Fremont Street. It’s hard to go wrong with anything on the menu whether you prefer sausage, brisket, or pulled-pork tacos. If you’re really looking to go all out (this is Vegas, after all) Project BBQ has a “hogstravaganza” platter with a whole Carolina-style roast pig served with pork rinds, grilled veggies, and other sides. Just know that when you make this special occasion order, all eyes will be on you. The whole pig comes out with sparklers and party horns, letting everyone in earshot know that you’re not afraid of excess.
Photo: Circa
Mega Bar: This being Vegas, there are a number “mosts” and “biggests” and “bests” at Circa. Mega Bar is one of them. It’s the longest indoor bar in the state, and the only competition for that title comes from the Long Bar at The D, Stevens’s other property. The two are also the longest indoor bars west of the Mississippi. Mega Bar is 165-foot-long with TVs lining the back wall. Drinks are served up by the property’s famous flair bartenders, so you get a show with your beverage (at any of the bars at Circa, just look for the bartenders in the bowling shirts — those are the ones who know how to turn making a drink into a full-on performance).
8 East: Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Thai dishes come together in this pan-Asian restaurant. Everything on the food-market-inspired menu hits at just the right level of flavor and spice — definitely don’t miss the lobster fried rice.
Photo: Nickolaus Hines
Vegas Vickie’s Cocktail Lounge: Circa’s lobby bar takes its name from the nearby sign. Here, you’ll find a number of fine cocktails whether you like classics or specialty drinks. Order the off-menu spicy encounter to start, and then cap it off with the wish you were here, which comes with a Vegas Vickie postcard that the staff will mail out for you.
Legacy Club: Circa is the tallest building in downtown Las Vegas, and Legacy Club, the property’s premiere cocktail lounge, is on the 60th floor. Floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor area make it easy to take in the sights of the Strip, downtown, and the mountain ranges. Inside is just as striking — in no small part thanks to the 1,000 ounces of pure gold shaped into 500 bars in a glass case at the entrance. The drinks here skew fancy, and so does the well-dressed clientele. If you’d like to learn a little more about how to make fine cocktails, Legacy Club offers mixology classes where you can learn three classic drinks and cocktail making basics.
Things to do at Circa Las Vegas and Fremont StreetGambling, of course, takes center stage when it comes to activities. But here, gambling is far from the experience that you’d get at one of the casinos on the Strip or the rest of Fremont Street.
Photo: Circa Resort
The World’s Largest Sportsbook: Stadium seating in three stories of seats facing the massive screen is always a good choice for a group who wants to wager on whatever game is playing at the moment. The massive screen splits up into live games, VSIN programming, and stats and betting lines. For big events like the Super Bowl, it’s taken over by one game entirely. If you don’t want to shell out for a VIP table, there’s bar seating above on the gaming floor. Fill the experience out with drinks and food from Victory Burger & Wings Co.
Photo: Circa
Stadium Swim: Inside isn’t the only place with a jaw-dropping TV. Stadium Swim (which you get to by taking the longest escalator in the state of Nevada) has a 40-foot-tall, 14-million-megapixel screen playing whatever game is trending at the moment. Gamblers can make their bets from one of the kiosks by the outdoor blackjack tables, or from their seat or the pool (“the cleanest in Vegas,” Stevens tells me, thanks to an impressive filtration system) through Circa’s app. A cabana makes a summer experience easier — on the 110-degree-plus day that I went, I alternated between cooling off in the pool and the air conditioned room with a frozen drink in hand. The pools are always the perfect temperature, even in the winter when they’re heated to a comfortable plunge pool temp. The food menu is provided by Victory Burger & Wings and has a slightly different menu than what you’ll find inside. The highlight is the lobster corndogs, which are worth every penny and have to be the best fried-and-battered-on-a-stick food I’ve had.The rooms at Circa
Photo: Black Raven Films
Basic, yet extremely modern and posh, rooms with all of the amenities can be booked for as low as $120 during the week and in the $500s on the weekends. Flex king rooms make it easy for groups thanks to an extra pull-out or fold down bed.
The suites have an added living room and wet bar area for entertaining. There’s just enough gold colored mirrors and fixtures to make it feel luxurious without being over the top, though the premium suites with wrap-around floor-to-ceiling windows are on another level. From the suite that I stayed in, I could catch the action on the TV at Stadium Swim (and place bets on what I was watching out the window).
Regardless of the option you choose, it’s almost as easy to be entertained in the room as it is on the casino floor or at one of the bars and restaurants.
August 22, 2022
This Hotel-Within-a-Hotel Might Be the Most Relaxing Part of the Las Vegas Strip
We hope you love the 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.
As a Southern California native, I’ve taken countless trips to Las Vegas. I have memories of visiting the indoor amusement park in Circus Circus, marveling over the Bellagio Fountains, and, more recently, checking out the Cosmopolitan Hotel for a romantic getaway. But even for regular visitors, Vegas can be overwhelming. In 2021, 3.2 million people came to the city — and that’s while still feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions. Bright lights, crowds, and noisy casino slot machines can dampen the experience if that’s not your scene. But there’s another side to the city if you know where to look. Case in point: the Nobu Hotel Las Vegas.
Photo: Barbara Kraft
Caesars Palace is one of the best-known hotels on the strip, and it’s easy to live lavishly in the Romanesque adult playground. But the resort’s best-kept secret is a boutique hotel with a whole different vibe tucked away inside one of the corridors. The Nobu Hotel made its debut as the first of its kind in 2013, named after chef Nobu Matsuhisa, who’s best known for his upscale Japanese restaurants that can be found on four different continents. This past January, the luxury boutique hotel announced a facelift with 182 redesigned guest rooms and suites and a hotel that draws inspiration from kintsugi, a Japanese artform where broken pottery is repaired with gold epoxy.
Stepping into the Nobu Hotel makes you feel like you’re in a whole other world than what’s just beyond its walls. I have no sense of direction, so I had to stop a few times in the massive Caesars Palace before finding Nobu. But at the check-in desk, it’s like the walls are soundproof with how much separation there is. The lobby is a masterpiece all on its own with low lighting that makes it feel intimate, while the walls are like the most intricate puzzle.
The Japanese influence continues in the rooms, but not in a kitschy way. I stayed in a Deluxe King Room with a luxurious king-sized bed, lots of Japanese artwork, a sofa, and a kintsugi-style coffee table. The room has lots of redwood and black accents, and the bathroom is spacious with great lighting that’s perfect for hair and makeup with has a separate vanity table. The black tiled walk-in rainfall shower is massive, and the sink bowls are porcelain white. The room’s elegance on its own is enough to provide a space to feel relaxed, but the ambiance overall makes the stay peaceful.
Food options at Nobu Hotel Las Vegas
Photo: Caesars Entertainment
In 2021, WalletHub named Las Vegas the eighth best city in the country for foodies, and I couldn’t agree more. While I cringe at the moniker, I consider food as one of the most important parts of a destination. And with celebrity chefs constantly opening restaurants across the Strip, Las Vegas brings the Food Network straight to your plate.
The Nobu Hotel may feel distinct from Caesars Palace, but the two share amenities and Nobu guests can access all of the amenities and restaurants by walking out into Caesars. If you’re craving some lemon ricotta cookies from Giada Pronto and are not interested in leaving your room, for example, no problem. Caesars Eats is the resort’s food service app that lets you order food from eight of the resort’s restaurants that can deliver food to you wherever you are.
BreakfastGiada De Laurentiis, the long-time star who is currently the host of the Food Network show Giada at Home, opened her fast casual restaurant in the hotel in 2018, and it’s the perfect choice for breakfast. The Italian chef’s restaurant has plenty of options for breakfast, whether you’re in the mood for a quick pastry on the go, a healthy parfait, or a breakfast sandwich. For a full breakfast experience, try the All American Breakfast that comes with two eggs; toast; your choice of spinach, bacon, or sausage; and a side of lemon smashed potatoes. The lemon smashed potatoes outshine everything else on the plate, making me wonder if I have enough skills to follow her recipe and make them at home.
LunchThe world’s first Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen restaurant transports you to the show’s set, making you feel like you’re watching it live. If it’s not too windy, the HK outside is set aflame to let you know what you’re walking into. Check in at the lobby, where guests are greeted by a hall of fame with photos of each contestant that won the last 20 seasons of the hit reality show. Once seated, the dining room has a very open floor that still feels elegant while you watch the magic happen in the open kitchen where the chefs have nothing to hide. Chefs on each side of the red and blue teams split responsibilities, with one side making entrees and the other making appetizers and desserts.
The menu offers American dining with lots of neat party tricks. Cocktails smoke and change color, for example, and desserts are plated with dry ice. We ordered the pan-seared scallops served on a pea puree, pickled fennel, and sherry braised bacon lardons for appetizers. I enjoyed it, though I’m not very fond of peas. But my favorite thing we ordered at the restaurant was the lobster risotto. Luxurious butter-poached lobster is served out of the shell on top of a truffle oil risotto. Truffle oil is one of those ingredients you either love or hate; luckily, I love it (this appetizer isn’t be for you if you don’t).
I couldn’t leave the restaurant without ordering Ramsay’s signature dish — a beef Wellington served medium rare wrapped in golden-brown puff pastry with a layer of finely chopped mushrooms served with potato puree, glazed root vegetables, and a red wine demi-glace. The steak was perfectly cooked and tender, but the potato puree ultimately tied the entire entree together to make it delicious. For dessert, the famed dish is sticky toffee pudding. Still, we decided to split the chocolate sin cake served with caramel mousse and chocolate gelato, and the coconut three-ways — a coconut sorbet, passion fruit caramel, coconut cake that’s super refreshing and served on dry ice. Be sure to bring lots of friends as the portions are generous and you’ll want to try a bit of everything.
DinnerLocated within walking distance from the casino, Giada, De Laurentiis’s main restaurant, is inside a boutique hotel called The Cromwell. The sit-down restaurant screams elegance with superb elevated views, crisp white linen tablecloths, golden chandeliers, and plates with her name on them. The dishes are straightforward — there are no fancy tricks or fluff, just well-executed, tasty food from an Italian chef obsessed with lemon. I opted for the tasting menu, which is a four-course meal. A perfectly executed salad topped with pancetta, the signature spaghetti with shrimp, petite filet, and Giada’s signature cookies covered the courses. I wasn’t expecting much from cookies, but the lemon ricotta one is an experience I might never forget.
Photo: Olivia Harden
I am convinced you’re sleeping under a rock if you haven’t heard of Nobu. There are two locations of the Japanese restaurant with a Peruvian twist in Las Vegas — one just outside the Nobu Hotel, where, if you stay there, you get priority access for reservations, and one in the Paris hotel just a short walk down the Strip. Don’t be surprised if you walk out with a bill topping several hundred dollars, but Vegas is all about living large. I’ve eaten at a Nobu in Los Angeles before and I wasn’t that impressed. During this trip, it was clear the party I went with in Los Angeles ordered all wrong.
The best way to order at Nobu is to leave your menu to the server and the chef. Let your server know your favorite flavors, dietary restrictions, and how much you want to pay per person up-front, and get ready for a curated menu of your dreams served family style. I doubt you’ll be able to leave here without feeling stuffed. Still, I promise you, dishes like the melt-in-your-mouth yellowtail jalapeno sashimi, the rock shrimp tempura, and the tataki filet served with truffle butter on a hot stone are worth it. A plethora of traditional sushi creates a dining experience you might dream about for days.
Things to do when staying at the Nobu Hotel
Photo: Olivia Harden
One of the best parts of traveling to Vegas is the large talent pool of performers. Fan favorites like Cirque du Soleil and Blue Man Group have entertained audiences for decades. After a period of pandemic restrictions and audience size limitations, shows have come back in a big way. If you’re a cult follower of the reality show Ru Paul’s Drag Race, you’ll be obsessed with the live performance that premiered at The Flamingo in 2020. The show rotates out fan favorite queens, so you’ll never know who you’ll get. It’s combination of comedy, runway, lip-syncing, and dancing challenges that will make you feel like you’re sitting at the judge’s table. I was in awe once I realized my favorite queen, Naomi Smalls, was in the performing cast. Derrick Berry performed her signature Britney Spears impression, and Latrice Royale, who won Ms. Congeniality during the fourth season, stole the show with a showstopper number.
If you’re looking for something a bit more fantasy, Absinthe is a must-see show that’s held in a giant circus that made me feel transported to an adult playground conducted by The Gazillionaire and his green fairy. This show combines circus, burlesque, and vaudeville with acrobatic numbers and cheeky moments of cabaret in lingerie. My favorite number was the bathtub (as you might guess, water is involved, but the front row is offered a giant tarp to prevent from getting soaked). This show is 18-plus, and for a good reason. The jokes can be kind of raunchy, and the host is quick to pick on victims in the audience, so if you’re a bit of a prude, you might want to pick something else.
Photo: Caesars Entertainment
If you’d like to relax, my favorite part of my visit was a trip to the Qua Baths & Spa. This 50,000-square-foot spa takes relaxation to the next level. The facility doesn’t allow phones inside, making it perfect for immersing yourself and just living in the moment. I checked in and got a tour of the facility, which has two wet rooms with Vichy showers, a cedar sauna, an herbal steam room, a whirlpool, a tea lounge, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Beyond what you would expect in a spa are the specialty rooms. The arctic ice room is a great (but freezing) way to cool down while running the traditional spa circuit. Snow bubbles fall from above, and if you’re like me, you’ll only be able to hang out there for a few minutes before switching to the whirlpool or the jacuzzi. The Laconium Room is the opposite if you’re wanting to sweat it out, but the Roman Baths make the spa a marvel. You can bathe peacefully as the Romans did in cool, warm, or hot water pools while a waterfall rains from above.
The spa treatment menu features a variety of choices. There’s a little something for everyone with prenatal treatments, couples massages, and even bridal party experiences. I opted for the signature Mojave Rain experience. It’s a specialty massage that uses the Indigenous community’s sacred plants, oils, and the Four Directions. The 80-minute treatment begins with a sage smudging. Then several different warmed essential oils are cascaded along the body, and finally, a massage and energy work completes the experience. I’ve never left a treatment feeling so relaxed and zen.
The 15 Worst Pieces of Travel Advice Ever, According To Reddit
Have you ever gotten some bad advice when it comes to following directions or deciding which restaurant to try while traveling? Bad travel advice can be a bummer, but what if the bad travel advice you got was way more serious — like getting hauled off a cross-country train because you failed to buy the correct ticket?
Travelers on Reddit are sharing the worst travel advice they’ve ever gotten and some of these are really bad — as in, ruin your trip bad. Fortunately, these Redditors are sharing their stories so you can avoid the same mistakes. Of course, there’s plenty of variety in the responses. For every person who says they shouldn’t have eaten the street food, another person will say they regret going to formal restaurants every night.
These are every Redditors words and opinions, but in a few cases, we’ve edited for clarity and length.
“You should haggle for everything”
Photo: Tero Vesalainen/Shutterstock
“I get that occasionally you should bargain for souvenirs or when booking a rickshaw/tuk tuk or something. But, like, I’ve seeing the most inane instances of foreigners trying to bargain. Like dude, you’re not going to be able to bargain down the price of an official bus ticket from the national bus ticket office.
Also, I hate people who over-haggle for like really cheap things. Like, you’re literally paying cents for some bread and a few bananas, and you come from a first world country — you don’t need to haggle the roadside grocer down for every cent.” – Vaynar
Your trip has to be culturally focused
Photo: anek.soowannaphoom/Shutterstock
“This might be an unpopular opinion, but all the ragging on people for their trips lacking ‘culture.’ Don’t get me wrong: I love recommendations for local food joints, neighborhoods and arts; however, for new travelers, I think immersing yourself in culture is unique to each person. One of my favorite things about my time traveling is watching the evolution of my trips and how much I have changed over the years, including my tastes, spontaneity and comfort with local language/local transportation/food/art, etc.” – Ash1989
Try the local food
Photo: CGN089/Shutterstock
“Eat the food out of the back of some lady’s car. I mean, I’ll do it again, but the simultaneous diarrhea and vomit did not jive with my four-day surf trip.” – Thisgigsucks
Always pack a jacket
Photo: akimov konstantin/Shutterstock
“When I was going to Thailand and Singapore in November: “pack a jacket.” Um, its gonna be hot every day and the night included. Never once was cold. If anything, was dripping in sweat everyday.” – OFFRIMITS
Pics or it didn’t happen
Photo: Victoria Chudinova/Shutterstock
“I think a lot of rookies forget that travel is supposed to be fun while you’re doing it, and not a competition to collect photos in front of as many landmarks as possible so that you can later say you’ve been there. If going to the next attraction on your list feels like a slog, it’s fine to skip it. Go relax, have a chill beer and/or a nap, and then hit go again when you’re really excited about it.” – anon83479953
You don’t need a ticket
Photo: chernobrovin/Shutterstock
“Transportation. I was told, ‘Oh I’ve been taking buses in Florence without getting a ticket for a couple of months, don’t bother.’ Didn’t want to take the risk, got and validated a ticket on my first bus. Two stops later, a ticket officer came on and checked the whole bus.” – Mercival
Pack everything you could need
Photo: GaudiLab/Shutterstock
“Overpacking and over worrying about packing. Packing light is so much less stressful. If you mess up and forget something, anything you forgot other than prescriptions can be purchased.” – galaxystarsmoon
“It’s my number one safety tip as a solo female traveller. Make sure you can hold your luggage over your head (imagine putting it into an overhead bin) and that you can run with it (like you’re running for a train).” – anthrogeek
Redditors also shared bad travel advice about specific destinationsNew Zealand
Photo: Blue Planet Studios/Shutterstock
“At Uni, I shared a house with a woman who did a ‘year in industry’ in New Zealand. She said it was a deadbeat, backwards, boring, no-life town, with nothing to do, nowhere to go, and she was also furious at how steep all the streets were. She couldn’t drive and said the train ran about once a day so you couldn’t even get anywhere else on south island easily.
It genuinely put me off visiting the place for basically all of my 20s and 30s until I ended up going to Aukland for a work thing and thinking ‘Hell, might as well make the most of it’ and renting a camper for a fortnight on north island.
HOLY ***. Now I look back on it, and she was an outdoors-averse, seriously unfit, socially inept gamer and beer snob, and I think, yeah, maybe I see why there wasn’t that much for her in the country.” – AF_II
Japan
Photo: f11photo/Shutterstock
“On r/JapanTravel, there seem to be some users who really obsess about visiting the “real Japan” and tell people to avoid Tokyo and Kyoto or whatever. I’ve seen some incredibly dull places been recommended where I feel like they’re just trying to flex their Japan knowledge by recommending places that nobody visits.
I definitely agree that you can find some amazing places by getting off the beaten path a bit, but there’s often a reason why a lot of places aren’t on the beaten path in the first place.” – lewiitom
Columbia’s Salt Cathedral
Photo: Jess Kraft/Shutterstock
“Anything and everything (blogs, friends, family, etc.), that says the Zipaquira Salt Cathedral outside of Bogota is a worthwhile day trip. I went there thinking it would be an interesting cultural and historical excursion. Instead I got the Disney World of salt mines.
The entrance and ticketing area are laden with cheesy tourist stuff and a bunch of kids running around. You have to wait in line until a predetermined time along with your group where you’re met by a guide who’s wearing a fake mining outfit and helmet who gives a cookie cutter tour of the mine, which in itself is okay but hardly the cultural highlight you’re led to believe it is. It’s just hokey.” – Edward_the_Penitnent
Bangkok, Thailand
Photo: TZIDO SUN/Shutterstock
“First time in Bangkok: didn’t really research because I was mostly interested in the southern islands. Looked around the interwebs, not very hard, saw a recommendation for Khaosan Road, and stayed there.
Now looking back, I don’t hate it as much, but man, I really loathed that place. It was the physical embodiment of everything I hated about travel.” – uReallyShouldTrustMe
Venice, Italy
Photo: Don Mamosser/Shutterstock
“Going to Venice. I’ll say it again and again and again. Despite what praises people sing about it with their gratuitous number of gondola photos on r/travel and how ‘CUUUUUUTE’ the city is with all the twisting paths and such, — I had my reservations, but I made it part of my Italy trip earlier this year because ‘you have to go.’
23 countries, I haven’t been to a place i despised more than Venice, and a place that I know 100 percent I will never revisit in my life and my next lifetime.” –Mug3N
But also, Venice
Photo: givaga/Shutterstock
“I was told to spend maybe 1.5 or two days max in Venice and to instead take a week for Florence. Definitely should not have listened to that. Wish I had an extra day in Venice and would’ve easily taken it from Florence!”- rebelX
Brussels, Belgium
Photo: Yury Dmitrienko/Shutterstock
“Most of the travel related subreddits absolutely hate Brussels, but I had an amazing time there and absolutely loved it. Fries, beer, chocolate, and liege waffles, what’s not to love? People have different interests and likes and if after doing your research there’s a city you really want to see and explore, check it out for yourself so you can form your own opinions on it.” – o_sndvl
If all else fails, remember:
Photo: encierro/Shutterstock
“Bad experiences make great stories.” – L5R
You Can Literally Walk Into the Mediterranean Sea From This Airbnb in Greece
Imagine staying in a place where you can truly experience every day in peace and solitude — and by peace and solitude, we mean stepping from your Airbnb into the Mediterranean Sea with no one around to disturb you. Milos Island is where Greeks and in-the-know travelers go to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and this unique Airbnb epitomizes the Greek island experience.
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. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
@bucketliststays #stitch with @ioanna.sym You need to checkout this #airbnb in Greece#milos #bucketlist #stay #travel #traveltiktok ♬ original sound – Unique Stays Worldwide
Traveling to Greece? Check out Matador’s accommodation guides to Athens, the islands, and more:These Greek Villas Make for a Unique and Cozy Stay in Athens9 dreamy Airbnbs in the Greek islands
Clock out and relax at this unique Greek Airbnb and you’ll never want to leave. The Seaweed House is a cave-like building intended to protect boats in the winter but has now transformed into a seaside villa for a calming and secluded vacation.
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This Greek Airbnb features a full kitchen, a large bedroom with a double bed, and an unforgettable gorgeous beachfront view. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery or fall asleep to the sounds of the water while staying here. The Seaweed House is five minutes from the port of Adamas and ten minutes to villages Klima, Plaka, and Tripiti if you’re looking to travel outside the house.
The Seaweed House is a great place for solo or couples looking for a secluded dreamy area right on the water for about $174 per night and is the perfect place to escape your noisy neighbors. If your private vacation awaits you, hurry because this stunning Greek Airbnb waits for no one.
You Can Stay at the Maker’s Mark Founder’s House for the Ultimate Bourbon Trail Experience
The Samuels family of Kentucky, creators of Maker’s Mark bourbon, has spent decades crafting a spirit that’s meant to be sipped straight. But in their latest venture — renting out The Samuels House, their 200-year-old family home to Bourbon Trail visitors and whiskey aficionados — they’ve mixed up the perfect cocktail of history and modern luxury.
For between $850 and $1,250 a night, guests get to stay in the house, located in Samuels, Kentucky, where the idea for Maker’s Mark first came to fruition. This is no typical hotel experience: you and your travel partner(s) will have the house completely to yourself. And within those 3,000 square feet, there are so many layers of whiskey history to explore.
If you’re a bourbon nerd, the Samuels House will be an intriguing experience. The walls are bursting with history: photos and memorabilia tracking the evolution of one of the most widely known bourbon brands in the world, and thousands of dollars’ worth of old whisky bottles.
Photo: Samuels House
The parlor downstairs — where guests are welcome to settle in for a glass of bourbon — includes plush brown leather couches and a vibe straight out of a Prohibition-era speakeasy. Two glass cases boast dozens of whiskey bottles: one exclusively for historical and special-edition Maker’s Mark bottles, and another filled with old, mini shooter bottles. In that section, plenty of non-Maker’s Mark brands make an appearance, and it’s fun to examine how the bottles have evolved over the decades.
Even if you’re not much of a bourbon drinker, the layers of history in this house will likely interest American history buffs, too. A Civil War-era gun, for example, which the Samuels family says was surrendered to the Union army in the front yard of the house in the 1860s, hangs in a case by the front door.
The Samuels family also had ties to the notorious outlaw, Jesse James. As the story goes, two of the Samuels women married Bud and Donnie Pence, who (allegedly) helped Jesse and his gang carry out bank robberies across the South. In the upper level of the Samuels House, they cut out an escape hatch, in case the authorities arrived unexpectedly and they had to crawl out and shimmy down a tree.
That flirtation with illegality makes more appearances throughout the house. The downstairs bedroom is dedicated to Dixie Sherman Demuth, the last member of the Samuels family to be born in the house. Demuth helped get a 1700s Kentucky law declared overturned in 1972—officially allowing women to serve liquor at bars.
What its like inside the Samuels House
Photo: Samuels House
You might think a house of this age (built around 1820) would be creaky and lacking modern updates. But the Samuels family seamlessly combines historical authenticity with luxuries of today’s time.
There are three bedrooms (two king-sized beds and one queen). If you’re traveling with a group, there’s plenty of privacy among the three: separate staircases lead to the two upstairs bedrooms, and the downstairs one is tucked at the edge of the house.
The upstairs bathrooms come equipped with beautiful rain showers, with the one off the biggest bedroom including an enormous standalone bathtub, where you can sip bourbon, neat, from a bubble bath.
The kitchen features the original fireplace where pre-electricity cooking took place. These days, it’s complemented by updated appliances, sleek glassware, and, of course, your own bottle of Maker’s Mark. Even better, that kitchen comes stocked when you arrive — local eggs, sausage, beer, and, my favorite, fudge made by Trappist monks in nearby New Haven.
Photo: Samuels House
A house this massive and old might feel a little eerie for a solo traveler — but it’s a dream for couples or groups (up to 8). Nowhere is that more obvious than the outdoor gathering areas.
When the weather’s nice, take your meals out to the big kitchen table on the back covered porch for fresh-air dining. The rest of the massive backyard is highlighted by a sprawling stone patio, plush outdoor sectional, and fire pit—perfect for curling up with an evening Old Fashioned and watching the yard sparkle with fireflies.
What guests can do at Samuels House
Markers Mark distillery grounds. Photo: Maker’s Mark
Book a VIP Maker’s Mark distillery tour: As a native Kentuckian, I’m practically contractually obligated to check out as many distilleries as possible. Maker’s Mark is widely considered one of the best distillery experiences in the state. It’s easy to see how it’s earned that reputation.
Overnight guests have the chance to book either a daytime ($1,850) or nighttime ($2,500) private distillery tour, with special bonuses like a cocktail-making workshop and a progressive tasting throughout the grounds (the whole compound is roughly 1,000 acres).
Even if you stick with the regular tour available to the general public, walking through the Maker’s Mark grounds is a full sensory experience; the smell of the warehouses filled with thousands of aging bourbon barrels is especially intoxicating.
Visitors will also be met by the cool air of the cave-like whiskey cellar, where Maker’s 46 and Private Select are aged in a temperature-controlled environment, the sounds of glass clanking from the assembly-line bottling facility, and the sparkle of Chiluly blown-glass artwork in the hallway on the way to the gift shop — where you can hand-dip your own bottle and feel the heat from Maker’s Mark signature red wax.
Even your sense of taste gets a few fun bonuses here. One hallmark of Maker’s Mark is that you can feel its warmth slowly descend all the way down your chest after taking a sip: a smoother, longer-lasting feeling than many other bourbons. This cozy sensation is what they call the “Kentucky hug” — and you’ll get a few of them in the tasting room after your tour. If you’ve paid for the private VIP tour, you’ll get those Kentucky hugs paired with food, crafted by local chef Newman Miller.
Have a drink with Bill Samuels, Jr.: For $750, Samuels House guests can book a “Sipping & Storytelling” experience with Bill Jr., the Chairman Emeritus of Maker’s Mark. As you chat, you’ll pour a glass of Maker’s 46, the unique selection that Bill spent years creating.
Enjoy a private dinner from a local chef: Guests can also book an in-house dinner cooked by Chef Newman Miller: $125/guest for welcome bites, a three-course meal, and (obviously) three bourbon cocktails/pours.
What else to do in Samuels, KentuckyIf you reach your limit on Maker’s Mark tastings during your stay, you’re in the perfect area to extend your Bourbon Trail experience. Jim Beam and Heaven Hill’s distilleries, for example, are both within 15 minutes of the house, and many others are within an hour’s drive.
For dining options, you can cook your own meals in the expansive, fully-equipped Samuels House kitchen. You can head back up the road half an hour to Louisville, an underrated culinary hotspot. Or, Bardstown is only about 10 minutes away. The town has been named the Most Beautiful Small Town in America, and it’s filled with great restaurants — including the Harrison-Smith House. The tiny city is chock-full of things to do, including a Women’s Civil War Museum, haunted tours (lots of ghosts frequent this region), and, of course, more bourbon-themed activities.
How to get to Samuels House
Photo: Samuels House
Muhammad Ali Airport in Louisville is the closest airport, about a 30-minute drive away. The Bluegrass Airport in Lexington is also an hour away.
Be sure to rent a car, as public transportation isn’t an option in the rural neighborhood of the Samuels House. The drive from either of the airports is beautiful, and you’ll get the quintessential rolling-hills-of-Kentucky view out your window on the way in.
From the house, it’s also about a 40-minute drive to the Maker’s Mark distillery. So keep in mind it’s a good idea for someone in your group to take it easy in the tasting room.
Note that the Maker’s Mark distillery has its annual shutdown scheduled from Aug. 15 – Sept. 15.
The Best Places To Go Snorkeling in Fort Lauderdale
There are many great snorkeling spots around the world: the Virgin Islands, Maldives, Australia, Fort Lauderdale…wait, what?
Okay, okay — while not exactly on a par with Maldives, Fort Lauderdale is an often-overlooked location to snorkel with a bevy of ocean life, including eels, sea turtles, and even sharks. And it’s a heck of a lot more convenient for most people than flying to the Indian Ocean.
A series of reefs stretch north and south off the eastern coast of Florida, protecting the beach and buildings from erosion, offering a habitat for marine life, and providing consistent game for anglers. The Florida Reef Tract, which hugs the state’s Atlantic coast from the Dry Tortugas near Key West to the St. Lucie inlet in Central Florida, is the third-largest barrier reef ecosystem in the world, spanning nearly 360 linear miles. Just about 24 miles of that reef system are in Broward County, where three lines of barrier reefs run parallel to the shore. The closest is about 300 yards out and is a maximum of 20 or 30 feet deep, making it the best option for snorkeling.
Anglin’s Fishing Pier
Photo: Kevin Ruck/Shutterstock
Just past the sherbet-hued umbrellas on the boardwalk in Lauderdale by the Sea is Anglin’s Fishing Pier. It offers easy access to the water for exploring the aptly named Anglin’s Pier Reef. Just steer clear of the pier, which is actively used by anglers.
But you can expect to see the same fish they’re there to catch: cobia, mackerel, snapper, and snook. Swim south of the pier to explore the artificial reef known as the Shipwreck Snorkel Trail, a site built by the Marine Archaeological Council complete with an anchor, five concrete cannons, and a ballast pile.
SS Copenhagen
Photo: Daniel Wernz/Shutterstock
The SS Copenhagen is a 19th-century British steamship that struck a reef less than a mile offshore in May 1900. The crew survived but could not rescue the vessel, which was used by US Navy pilots for target practice during World War II. The wreck was designated by the State of Florida as an underwater archaeological preserve in 1994 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.
Now home to large schools of baitfish, the SS Copenhagen is popular with scuba divers and receives an average of 10,000 visitors annually. To help identify parts of the ship while submerged, pick up a copy of a waterproof shipwreck map at Lauderdale by the Sea at the Town Hall.
The Nursery
Photo: Kevin Ruck/Shutterstock
A 15-minute boat ride from shore, this spot off the coast of Pompano Beach was named for the nurse sharks that call it home. You’ll usually find members of the docile species hanging out on the ocean floor under rocky ledges. Nurse sharks are nocturnal, so don’t worry if they’re not moving much, and definitely don’t interact with them. If you’re seeking a more adrenaline-fueled shark experience, the waters off Jupiter — an hour’s drive north — are where you should head to snorkel with bull and tiger sharks.
Twin Ledges
Photo: Angela N Perryman/Shutterstock
Fort Lauderdale is known as the “Venice of America,” and if you’d like to gawk at the mega-mansions on Millionaire’s Row en route to a snorkeling spot, opt for a boat tour from Port Everglades. Once you reach Twin Ledges, jump into the warm water to swim with pufferfish, angelfish, and the elusive rainbow parrotfish. The eastern ledge is deeper, so stick close to the west for the best views.
Vista Park
Photo: Angela N Perryman/Shutterstock
Vista Park is another Fort Lauderdale spot where you can swim to the site from the beach. With not much in the way of vendors, and there’s a small parking fee, Vista Park is rarely crowded, making it popular with locals. The beach is narrow, so it’s only a short walk from your parking spot to the water’s edge. Swim about 1,000 feet out from shore and you’ll reach the reef.
Wahoo Bay
Photo: Kevin Ruck/Shutterstock
Wahoo Bay is a human-built conservation project that got the green light in February of 2022. The facility will be a marine park in the shallow, protected waters of the Pompano Beach Inlet. Upon completion, Wahoo Bay will be a place to educate children about oceans and reef life. It will also be a testing ground for the SEAHIVE Shoreline Protection System, a concrete-and-mangrove structure designed to combat the rising sea levels.
Tips for snorkeling in Fort LauderdaleEarly morning is the best time to snorkel: Underwater visibility is best at high tide, and many creatures hide in rocky crevices or retreat into deeper waters once the tourist crowds start splashing. Just after sunrise is your best chance for spotting significant marine life, like stingrays, eels, and sea turtles.Do the “stingray shuffle:” When entering the water from the beach, Floridians do the “stingray shuffle” to avoid stingray stings. Shuffle your feet along the ocean floor rather than picking your feet up to take normal steps. The vibrations will alert any nearby stingrays to your presence and they’ll peacefully swim away.Look below you: Keep your eye on the ocean floor, to catch a glimpse of the diverse marine life that might camouflage well with the natural environment, including flounders, spotted scorpionfish, and stingrays.Lobster season is from late July to March: If catching your own lobster interests you, visit during the spiny lobster sport season in late July or the regular lobster season from early August until early March. You’ll need to apply for a Florida saltwater fishing license with a lobster permit.Refrain from touching coral: Coral may look pretty, but it takes hundreds of years to grow and can be extremely sharp, or even poisonous. Don’t touch it. If the current is rough, avoid snorkeling in shallow areas where you could accidentally collide with the reef. And leave shells where you find them; they could be homes for crabs or eventually become the sand that protects the coast from erosion.Don’t tamper with turtles or eggs: From March through June, female leatherback, loggerhead, and green sea turtles make their way onto the beach at night to lay eggs in the sand. Six to eight weeks later, hatchlings journey to the water’s edge. No matter how cute they are, it’s illegal to touch or tamper with the turtles or eggs.Wear reef-friendly sunscreen: Especially on the back of your body, which will be exposed to sunlight. Don’t forget the back of your arms and legs.Never snorkel alone: And if you plan to snorkel from a boat or past buoys marking a shallow swim area, you must bring a dive flag.More like thisNewsYou Can Become a Certified Mermaid Freediver in Florida Springs
14 Everyday English Sayings You Might Be Getting Wrong
English may not be the hardest language to learn, but it has subtleties that can throw off even the most well-read native English speaker. One of the main difficulties for people learning the language is the diverse slang used by English speakers around the world, whether that be in Ireland, Australia, Scotland, or Nigeria, to name a few. Another thing that makes English difficult is eggcorns.
What is an Eggcorn?An eggcorn, a term that comes from the mispronunciation of acorn, is defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary as “a word or phrase that sounds like and is mistakenly used in a seemingly logical or plausible way for another word or phrase either on its own or as part of a set expression.”
Eggcorns are a common blunder, but that doesn’t make it any less embarrassing to be called on them. Below is a list of popular eggcorns you should know about and avoid at all costs.
All the definitions listed below are taken from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary and Collins Dictionary.
1. Saying to “nip something in the butt” instead of “nip something in the bud”“Butt” is the short for buttocks; “bud” is the immature growth on the stem of a plant that will develop into a flower. There’s no reason why anything would need to be nipped in anybody’s butt, unless that person is undergoing colorectal surgery.
Nipping something in the bud: “To stop (something) immediately so that it does not become a worse problem.”
2. Saying “to pass mustard” instead of “to pass muster”“Mustard” is a spicy condiment; “muster” is an inspection or examination. You pass the mustard at a dinner table, and your work passes muster if it meets certain standards.
To pass muster: “To gain approval or acceptance.”
3. Saying “soaping wet” instead of “soaking wet”“Soaping” is the action of applying soap; “soaking” is a verb that means that something becomes saturated with fluid after being immersed. You can be wet while rubbing soap on something or someone, but that’s a totally different situation.
Soaking wet: “Very wet.”
4. Saying “to all intensive purposes” instead of “to all intents and purposes”“Intensive” is an adjective that expresses high physical or emotional strength; “intent” is a planned action and is the synonym of purpose. While using “intensive” in this popular phrase works in some contexts, it won’t convey the original definition of the phrase and could potentially lead to misunderstandings.
To all intents and purposes: “In almost every respect.” It is also used more abstractly to mean “essentially” or “in effect.”
5. Saying a “mute point” instead of a “moot point”“Mute” is an adjective that indicates a lack of speech; “moot” refers to a claim or logic that is questionable and uncertain. Confusing both terms can make sense if we consider that a “mute point” is an argument that is so irrelevant that it’s akin to its speaker having said nothing at all.
Moot point: “A question about which there is debate or doubt.”
6. Saying “biting your time” instead of “biding your time”“Biting” is to grip with your teeth; “biding” is to wait for something. While both verbs sound very similar, interchanging both terms in this phrase does not make a lot of sense unless you grind your teeth with impatience while waiting for something to happen.
Biding your time: “Wait for a good opportunity before doing something.”
7. Saying “dull as dishwater” instead of “dull as ditch water”Both dishwater and ditchwater are dull and therefore could work in this phrase, but ditch water seems a lot grimier, adding a layer of unpleasantness to whoever or whatever you’re referring to.
Dull as ditchwater: “Extremely dull; boring.”
8. Saying an “old wise tale” instead of an “old wives’ tale”While the phrase “old wives’ tale” expresses doubt, “old wise tale” suggests seriousness, experience, and even truth. Therefore, they are not to be confused if the meaning of the phrase is to remain the same.
Old wives’ tale: “An often traditional belief that is not based on fact”
9. Saying “wheelbarrel” instead of “wheelbarrow”While the body of a wheelbarrow is kind of shaped like half a barrel, using the term “wheelbarrel” is incorrect.
Wheelbarrow: “A small, usually single-wheeled vehicle that is used for carrying small loads and is fitted with handles at the rear by which it can be pushed and guided.”
10. Saying “nerve wrecking” instead of “nerve-racking”This is an eggcorn that is easy to forgive. “Wreck” means to damage or destroy, and it’s very easy these days to find a situation that damages your nervous system. Unfortunately for this stellar logic, the correct phrase is “nerve-racking,” with “racking” meaning “to cause to suffer torture, pain, anguish, or ruin.” The meanings of “wreck” and “rack” overlap, but only one is correct in this phrase.
Nerve-racking: “A nerve-racking situation or experience makes you feel very tense and worried.”
11. Saying “illicit a response” instead of “elicit a response”“Illicit” is an adjective that’s synonymous with “illegal.” “Elicit” is the action to make someone act by saying or doing something.
To elicit a response: “To do or say something which makes other people respond or react.”
12. Saying “expresso” instead of “espresso”Espressos are traditionally served standing up at the café’s counter and drunk quickly in a couple of gulps, and that may be the reason why people keep thinking they are called “expressos.” That, or because the beverage sends one extremely quickly to the bathroom. No matter the reason, the correct term is “espresso.”
Espresso: “Coffee brewed by forcing hot water through finely ground darkly roasted coffee beans.”
13. Saying “damp squid” instead of “damp squib”Like most eggcorns, this often confused British expression is the result of confusing two similar-sounding words: “squid,” a type of ocean-living mollusk, and “quib,” a small firecracker. By confusing the two words, the meaning of the idioms changes. A squid is meant to be damp, a squib certainly isn’t.
Damp squib: “Something that is disappointing because it is not as exciting or effective as expected.”
14. Saying “on tender hooks” instead of “on tenterhooks”“Tenterhooks” are a type of hooked nails, whereas “tender” is an adjective that conveys an idea of softness, delicacy, and sensitivity. The meaning of the this common British idiom changes dramatically when the terms are confused.
On tenterhooks: “In a state of uneasiness, strain, or suspense.”
Dining in Dallas: A Neighborhood Guide To the City’s Best Food
You’ll be about one meal in when you realize the food scene in Dallas is just as vibrant as the city itself. Its culinary offerings stretch far beyond the drool-worthy barbecue Texas is famous for (of course, there are some great options for that too). In each pocket of the city are food finds worthy of any guidebook — from golden-fried seafood piled high in a simple takeout container to fire-grilled wagyu steak plated like a work of modern art. Let your taste buds guide your journey, and you’ll leave more than satisfied.
No matter which area of the city you find yourself in, here’s how to properly taste some of the best of Dallas.
Uptown, Knox/Henderson
Photo: Kathy Tran/Malai Thai-Vietnamese Kitchen
Known for its energetic, youthful vibe, these trendy areas north of Downtown are densely packed with destinations for shopping and nightlife — along with many of the city’s hottest restaurants.
Malai KitchenHead to Malai Kitchen for modern interpretations of Thai-Vietnamese cuisine, house-brewed beer, and carefully crafted cocktails. The Dallas brunch scene is top-notch, and this inviting restaurant stands out with unique, flavorful options like Thai Eggs Benedict. You’ll be thinking about those made-from-scratch coconut biscuits topped with shrimp, poached eggs, and chili hollandaise long after you’ve returned home.
S&D Oyster CompanyOpen since 1976, S&D Oyster Company is a beloved local institution serving up a taste of New Orleans with classic Gulf Coast options like seafood gumbo and broiled snapper with homemade hush puppies. Of course, there’s no better way to start your meal than with a platter of their large raw oysters on the half shell.
Sixty VinesIf hearing the words “wine on tap” makes you swoon, Sixty Vines needs to be your dinner stop after you’re done visiting the nearby Dallas Museum of Art or Nasher Sculpture Center. At this stylish restaurant, you can enjoy a glass (or two, or three…) from their superb wine selection alongside New American cuisine like crispy zucchini chips and fig and prosciutto pizza.
Downtown, The Arts District, Klyde Warren Park
Photo: The Joule
With its museums, parks, and performance venues, there’s always something interesting to see, do, and eat in the heart of Dallas.
CBD ProvisionsFound inside luxury hotel The Joule, CBD Provisions celebrates local produce and meat as refined Southern cuisine. Their crispy pig’s head carnitas is the star of the menu (just make sure you reserve it 24 hours in advance), and their specialty cocktails like the Bourbon & Beer Old Fashioned are an excellent tonic after a long day spent wandering around the West End Historic District.
Tei-AnA posh spot to eat before a show at the Winspear Opera House or Meyerson Symphony Center, Tei-An is famous for its soba noodles, which you can order hot or cold. If you’re really in the mood for a lavish dining experience, opt for the omakase (chef’s extended sushi dinner) and let Chef Teiichi Sakurai and his team take you on a memorable multi-course experience.
Dakota’s SteakhouseFor over 37 years, Dakota’s Steakhouse has been serving up some of Dallas’ best steak cuts and cocktails from its romantic subterranean courtyard. Yep, that’s right — the restaurant is underground. Guests take an elevator 18 feet down, only to step out into a New Orleans-inspired space with a five-tiered water wall, lava-rock fire pit, and other mood-setting decor. The menu boasts luxurious options like a signature seafood platter with oysters, lobster, and scallop ceviche, and aged cowboy bone-in ribeye.
South Dallas, Bishop Arts, The Cedars
Photo: Caydie McCumber/Four Corners Brewing Co.
In this part of the city, there’s a more artsy, independent spirit in the air, and that creativity extends to the local dining options.
Eno’s Pizza TavernWith its welcoming, neighborhood-favorite feel, Eno’s Pizza Tavern is the spot to satisfy your pizza cravings. They make theirs with a thin, cracker-like crust, which gives it a satisfying crunch, and use farm-to-table ingredients. There’s nothing better than The Pig Smiley — which has pepperoni, sausage, country ham, and honey — paired with a pint of craft beer. Well, maybe adding an order of the truffle cheese bread, too.
Lockhart SmokehouseLockhart Smokehouse brings the iconic smoky deliciousness of the Barbecue Capital of Texas (which is, yes, Lockhart) to the big city. Have your fill of classics like brisket and jalapeño sausage, served right on the butcher paper as it should be. Don’t overlook the sides, either — those brisket deviled eggs are calling your name.
ParadisoIt’s all style inside Paradiso, a fashionable restaurant with a gorgeous interior of pastel colors and bespoke furniture along with a lush garden courtyard. The European-inspired menu features items like fried artichokes, wood-fired pizza, and steak frites. Don’t forget to save space for dessert — we recommend the caramel cheesecake and pineapple Madeleines.
Four Corners BrewingDallas is lucky to have a ton of quality craft breweries, and one of the favorites is Four Corners Brewing Co. Located in an early-1900s carriage house, it has everything you need for a successful Saturday: a spacious patio area, plenty of specialty beers on tap, and a food menu with exactly the kinds of things you’d want while drinking (fried enchilada balls and churro donuts, anyone?).
East Dallas, White Rock Lake
Photo: Smoky Rose
Slow down and smell the flowers in this greener stretch of Dallas — it also goes by the name of the Lake and Garden District.
HG Sply Co.Walking the lively Greenville Avenue will introduce you to plenty of bars and restaurants, including HG Sply Co. With an emphasis on minimally processed paleo food, it’s a dream for those with special diets as all dishes can be made gluten- and dairy-free. Even someone who eats everything won’t feel like they’re missing out when devouring flavorful creations like the yellow curry bowl with quinoa “meatballs” and the spicy vegan queso.
Goodfriend Beer Garden & Burger HousePost-hangout at White Rock Lake, head over to Goodfriend Beer Garden & Burger House for some hearty fare. Order something filling like the classic Bourdain Burger (featuring two double smashed patties) and waffle fries to keep your stomach full as you taste from their wide selection of beers. If the weather is nice and there’s a spot free, keep the fun in the sun going with a seat on the generous dog-friendly patio.
Smoky RoseSmoky Rose serves up high-quality barbecue and summertime-friendly drinks (think frozen cocktails) in a buzzing backyard setting. Smoked meats are their focus and you’ll see a variety of mouthwatering options on the menu, from a Texas-style Philly cheesesteak to chicken-fried prime brisket. Sync your visit with their live music calendar for an entertaining evening.
West Dallas, Trinity Groves
Photo: Adriana Herrera/Beto&Son
Just south of the Trinity River, this district has made a dramatic transformation into a foodie destination, thanks in part to a 15-acre restaurant incubator project.
Carmen’s Mexican CafeCarmen’s has an easygoing, family restaurant atmosphere, and its Tex-Mex food will make you feel right at home. Available on the weekends, their menudo is the kind of thing that’ll soothe your soul. Keep in mind they close at 2 or 2:30pm, but they do open at 6am so you can start your day off right with some huevos rancheros.
Beto & SonPart of the Trinity Groves complex and run by a father-and-son duo, Beto & Son is a Mexican restaurant with winning dishes like sizzling fajita skillets, 12-hour barbacoa tacos, and guacamole made tableside. If you’re drinking, don’t leave without trying their award-winning liquid nitrogen margarita — and snapping a pic for the ‘gram.
Whiskers Fish and BurgersWho needs plates when you have flavors as good as Whiskers Fish and Burgers? While you’ll find some other items on the menu, the thing to order at this joint is perfectly fried catfish served hot in a styrofoam container with fries, bread, pickles, and tartar sauce. No frills, just good food.
ArtParkSpend an idyllic day or evening at ArtPark, a colorful beer garden with ample outdoor space decorated by local graffiti artists. Order a frozen drink and food like spaghetti-o fritters or a crispy chicken sandwich at the upcycled shipping container, and unwind with one of the lawn games. Check out their social media to see if there’s a DJ or special performance that evening and head out!
Dallas is a city full of celebration, hospitality, and diversity, and there’s no better way to experience the energy than through its delicious slate of food and drink.
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