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Published on August 15, 2022 01:00

August 14, 2022

8 best state parks in Iowa

Iowa may be relatively flat with less than 1,000 feet between the state’s lowest and highest points, but it’s proof that uphill hiking isn’t the only thing to do at a state park.

The best state parks in Iowa offer a range of activities, from camping to horseback riding to spelunking and birdwatching. Because the state has four distinct seasons, visitors can have a totally different experience depending on when they visit. Come winter, visitors can snowshoe across the same beaches where they work on their tans in August.

The state has roughly 53,000 acres protected as park and recreation land across 83 sites. The parks system averages roughly 12 million visitors per year, so these aren’t just your average neighborhood parks. More than 40 of these Iowa state parks have developed and maintained nature trails, and 41 of the recreation sites are next to lakes — 24 natural, 17 human-made. And in case you’re wondering: yes, the Iowa parks system does an excellent job of sharing fun statistics online.

Iowa state parks map

Because Iowa is relatively flat, it’s not hard to drive just about anywhere in the state. Visitors can take the highway and make great time, or opt for a slower country road past farmland for more of the classic midwest experience. Most of the best state parks in Illinois below are near fairly major roads, so it shouldn’t be too hard to get anywhere in the state.

Backbone State Park iowa state parks - backbone

Photo: Wildnerdpix/Shutterstock

Iowa’s first and widely considered best state park has far more going on than the average out-of-state visitor may think. There’s excellent trout fishing, limestone rock climbing and rappelling, boating, swimming, hiking, cave exploring, and camping. Yes: this is all in one Iowa state park.

The park was originally named “Devil’s Backbone” for the steep and narrow ridgeline carved by the Maquoketa River. It might not match the drama of the Half Dome cable in Yosemite National Park, but traversing the ridgeline is still one of the more popular hikes in the Midwest. There’s also mountain bike on a few dedicated trails.

There are two campgrounds and 16 cabins ranging from deluxe rentals to two-bedroom sprawlers. It’s one of the best Iowa state parks to spend a weekend, so consider booking an overnight rather than doing just a day trip.

Ledges State Park iowa state parks - ledges

Photo: Drewthehobbit/Shutterstock

Four miles of undulating trails wind through this park, leading to overlooks of the Des Moines River and the surprisingly impressive Pea’s Creek Canyon. It’s in Iowa, but this place feels like it has some notable elevation gain.

When driving into the park, visitors will pass a shaded campground before descending a winding road to Pea’s Creek. After passing the park’s iconic stone bridges, they’ll reach the canyon walls. Called ledges, they rise 100 feet above the creek bed and are more than 300 million years old. Erosion from melting glaciers cut through the sandstone to create the cliffs and valleys roughly 13,000 years ago.

Hiking in this area is challenging compared to the rest of the state. However, the Lost Lake trail is a good choice for a very gentle walk through the prettiest areas of the park as it’s mostly smooth and level. Take time to find the rock platform overlooking the Des Moines River before finishing the walk to reach Lost Lake.

Pike’s Peak State Park best iowa state parks - pikes

Ask anyone from the state where the best scenic views are, and they’ll probably say Pike’s Peak State Park. In 1805, Zebulon Pike explored the Mississippi Valley looking for sites that would make good military outposts, and this was his top pick. Clearly, Pike made it to a few places before most other explorers since Colorado’s Pike’s Peak is also named in his honor.

The overlooks in the park have spectacular views of the Mississippi River, the town of McGregor, and the suspension bridge between Iowa and Wisconsin. Hiking trails in Pike’s Peak State Park pass sheer limestone walls and offer the best access to Bridal Veil Falls. Visitors can camp at the park’s campground after a day of hiking before stopping at nearby Effigy Mounds National Monument or Yellow River State Forest on the way home.

Waubonsie State Park Waubonsie State Park iowa best state parks

The southwest Iowa counterpart to Pike’s Peak, Waubonsie State Park is in the scenic Loess (pronounced “less”) Hills. It’s one of the best state parks in Iowa for amazing views as trails overlooking the countryside and Missouri River — it’s one of the prettiest parts of western Iowa. Waubonsie State Park is also on the multi-state Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.

Unique to this park is an equestrian campground with 32 campsites and a separate trail for the horses. The trails for both hiking and horseback riding are equally scenic, winding down ridges into valleys and gorges. Don’t miss this one.

Maquoketa Caves State Park best iowa state parks caves

Photo: John Brueske/Shutterstock

With 16 explorable caves, hiking trails running beneath a “Natural Bridge,” a 17-ton “Balanced Rock,” and paths winding through limestone bluffs, Maquoketa Caves State Park can offer as much adventure as you’d like.

Not surprisingly, the caves are the star attraction at this park. It’s fairly easy to walk into the 1,100-foot-long Dancehall Cave and larger caves like Rainy Day Cave and Ice Cave, but visitors will have to crawl into some of the smaller ones. Kids will especially love this area.

Most of the hiking trails have wooden walkways, making them beautiful and accessible year-round, even after heavy rain. The park also has a campground with 29 sites, a stone picnic area with views of the valley, and an Interpretive Center. Visitors planning on serious cave exploration should bring a flashlight.

Lacey Keosaqua State Park lacey best state parks in iowa

Lacey Keosaqua State Park is part of the Mormon Pioneer Trail and the largest state park in Iowa at 1,653 acres. But what most people talk about is the fact that it’s probably the most beautiful state park in Iowa. w

With 200-year-old oak trees providing shade and colorful plants and shrubs everywhere, it’s an ideal spot more a morning jog or afternoon picnic. Scenic, tree-lined hiking trails follow the valleys and cliffs of the Des Moines River, and it’s not unusual to spot deer, raccoons, red foxes, gray squirrels, and many different birds.

There are six cabins and 76 campsites, a 30-acre lake with a beach, two lodges, and two picnic shelters. It’s one of the most popular spots for fishing in Iowa, especially since it’s pleasant to sit on the comfortable pier and enjoy the views even if the fish aren’t biting.

Palisades-Kepler State Park best iowa state parks - kepler

Photo: Carlos Lima Jr./Shutterstock

One of the best state parks in Iowa near a major city, Palisades-Kepler is a few miles from Cedar Rapids and gets a lot of visitors. The rolling hills and valleys are beautiful any time of year but especially in autumn when visitors come to photograph the foliage. It’s also very popular with visitors as a site for high school senior portraits and family photos. The odds are that on any hike, you’ll run into a professional camera or two.

Once in the park, a long, scenic drive leads to the Cedar River. Most hiking trails are on the river bluffs, which offer pretty places to stop at WWII-era stone gazebos and scenic overlooks.

Fossil-buffs also enjoy this park thanks to the many fossils in the sandbar near the Cool Hollow Trail parking lot. Just a few years ago, a visitor found a Mammoth tooth, so there’s no telling what someone could find.

Lewis and Clark State Park best state parks in iowa - lewis and clark state park

Ever wondered what it would have been like to be part of the Lewis and Clark expedition as it traversed America’s frontier? Well, then head to Lewis and Clark State Park, which marks the spot where the expedition stopped on August 10, 1804. Visitors can stand on an exact replica of the group’s keelboat and walk through the museum at the visitor’s center, open spring through fall.

The park is 40 miles south of Sioux City and is on 250-acre Blue Lake, highly regarded for excellent fishing and swimming.

Camping in Iowa State Parks

Of the 83 sites managed by the Iowa parks service, 62 of those sites have campgrounds. And with more than 5,000 campsites total, guests never have to worry about being able to find a spot to pitch a tent. But non-campers will be happy to know that 18 Iowa state parks have on-site lodges, including the Honey Creek Lodge (at Honey Creek State Park), which has a small indoor waterpark families with kids will appreciate having as a backup option on a rainy day.

Reservations for campsites at Iowa state parks open three months in advance and 75 percent are bookable online. The other quarter of the sites are first-come, first-served. Between November and March, all the sites in Iowa state parks are first-come, first-served, except for two campgrounds at Maquoketa Caves State Park and Walnut Woods State Park. Sites throughout the Iowa state parks system range from RV sites with electrical hookups to hike-in backcountry sites.

Visitors can also rent individual cabins in 20 Iowa state parks. Backbone State Park and Black Hawk State Park have deluxe family cabins, Springbrook State Park has a 12-person cabin, yurts are available at McIntosh Woods State Park, and more rustic cabins with fire pits are available at Iowa state parks like Green Valley, Lake Darling, and Waubonsie. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has a fantastic webpage laying out the details and process for renting each.

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Published on August 14, 2022 09:00

Follow These Food Rules To Eat Like a Local in Italy

It’s no secret that one of the best parts of visiting Italy is the food. There are the many regional pastas and different types of pizza. And whether it’s sipping coffee in Venice, or wine tasting your way through endless vineyards, Italy is a food-lover’s paradise. And like any country, there are certain customs around food to follow. are going to be different than what you’re used to, especially since Italians are so reverent about meal time. Even when it comes to what foods go together, you’ll definitely want to be cautious about breaking any tabboos. Brooke Eliason, the influencer behind Female Foodie, recently posted an explainer of 20 things you should know to eat like a local in Italy.

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A post shared by Female Foodie | Brooke Eliason (@femalefoodie)

Over the four videos, here are some of her most helpful tips:

Most restaurants have a cover charge or “coperto” that covers bread and tableware, but even if you don’t eat the bread you’ll still be charged. It can range anywhere from around 2 to 8 euros, but you’ll usually see an average of a 3 Euro coperto per person. Some places charge for children, while others do not.When you’re eating out, the sever typically brings you bread and takes beverage/food orders at the beginning, but they rarely “check in” throughout the meal. If you need to speak with your server it’s totally acceptable to give a friendly wave (servers are constantly scanning their tables so it’s usually not hard to get their attention). We really love this style of service because it lends to more privacy and uninterrupted conversation!You’re always going to pay for water. Frizzante (sparkling) or natural (still) are offered at every restaurant and typically come in a 750 ml glass bottle that’s usually good for two. Don’t order tap water at an Italian restaurant- you will get weird looks and it’s just not something that happens in Italian restaurants.Restaurants aren’t always open during their official hours that are advertised on Google or their website. It’s totally normal for restaurants to shift their hours here and there. Another reason why it’s best practice to call ahead and make reservations.Smoking is fair game and completely culturally acceptable on patios (even if you have a small child with you). You won’t see smoking inside a restaurant ever, but if you’re dining outside it’s something you may encounter.Breakfast is super minimalist in Italy. Most Italians have a quick pastry and coffee at most. Lunch is traditionally the biggest meal of the day, and almost all restaurants close between lunch and dinner (if they’re open for lunch to begin with).Italian cuisine is hyper-focused on local specialties from region to region, so get to know what the area you’re visiting specializes in, and don’t go looking for life-changing pesto in Rome, pizza in Venice, or carbonara in Milan (there are exceptions of course, but this is general rule of thumb).It is very uncommon for Italians to eat dinner earlier than 7 pm. If you see a restaurant serving dinner before this time, it’s likely that they’re catering to tourists (and even more likely that it won’t be the most amazing meal of your trip).TAKE YOUR TIME. Italian food is meant to be savored and enjoyed slowly and thoughtfully. Unless you’re at a pizzeria or bakery, plan on 1-2 hours for lunch and 2-3 hours for dinner. The BEST part about Italy is the food, so why rush?!

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Published on August 14, 2022 06:00

August 12, 2022

Southwest Passenger Creates a Fake Person To Keep Anyone From Sitting Next To Him

Some people love the perks of flying Southwest Airlines, like the two free checked bags and the frequent sales. But if you’ve ever flown Southwest, you know the struggle that comes with grabbing the perfect seat. Arguably, the best seat on the plane is not about whether it’s in the back or the front, it’s the one where no one is sitting next to you. But because of Southwest’s cattle call seating arrangements, whether that middle seat is taken is a game of roulette. Which has led some people to go to creative lengths to keep someone from sitting by them — including by seeming like the creepiest seatmate ever. Zach Prengler has another method that he posted on TikTok that he says was a success.

@zachprengler And it worked #fyp #foryoupage #trending #southwestairlines #flying #airplane #travel #lifehack #lifehacks #lollapalooza ♬ Making the Plane (Instrumental) – John Williams

Prengler’s ghost passenger video has racked up over two million views. One commenter, who claimed to be a Southwest flight attendant, gave him points for creativity.

“I’m a flight attendant for Southwest and I’ve never seen this one!” JD Bynum commented.

If you’re considering trying this out, there’s a few things to remember. First, you’ll need to make sure you’re in an early boarding group so you can have time to get your second passenger all set up, so be sure to check in early. Second, try to keep your “friend’s” face away from the aisle, to keep people from catching on. But to be honest, flights are overbooked all the time, so don’t be surprised if your flight is full and you’re required to sit next to someone. And if you’re easily embarrassed, it probably won’t be fun when the flight attendant figures out why they’re one seat short.

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Published on August 12, 2022 13:29

St. Tropez for Every Budget: Luxury Indulgences and Affordable Activities

St. Tropez, France, conjures up images of celebrities, mega-yachts, and Dom Perignon-fueled excess. Missing from this mental picture are the many ways the rest of us can enjoy St. Tropez and the area’s undeniable beauty. For each boisterous beach club serving rosé-soaked lunches and DJ-spun soundtracks, you can find a rugged St. Tropez beach beckoning you to enjoy a languid Mediterranean swim. If you’d prefer not to strut in Hermes sandals alongside opulent boutiques, you could throw on your hiking boots and hike a coastal trail instead.

The city itself is lovely, with narrow lanes lined by pale yellow buildings that wend up from the impossibly blue sea to a verdant hilltop park. In summer, St. Tropez is pleasantly full of non-extravagant French travelers — although there are a few flashy foreigners as well. For the best of St. Tropez, we recommend mixing up the glam and glitter with a little bit of summertime chill.

What to do in St. TropezVisit the St. Tropez beaches Views of the empty Pampelonne Beach in St. Tropez, France

Pampelonne Beach. Photo: lukaszimilena/Shutterstock

St. Tropez didn’t become a hub for well-healed people for no reason. The town and its surroundings are packed with stunning beaches. A few steps from the town center is Les Graniers, a sandy cove that feels a world away from the self-conscious bustle. If you want to walk for an hour, or drive for ten minutes, La Plage des Salins is a long, thin beach backed by wooded hills. Just outside city limits, the closest stretch of sand is Tahiti Beach, and it’s the perfect place to spend a few hours. Beyond that is Pampelonne Beach, the site of some well-known beach clubs.

Take a hike along the St. Tropez coast View from a hiking path along the coast in St. Tropez, France

Photo: photolike/Shutterstock

The hiking here is all about being close to the sea. The main path is called the Sentier du Littoral, which just means the Coastal Trail. You can follow the trail southward from Les Garniers, passing by stately manors that overlook the water. While the trail ostensibly ends each time it reaches a new beach along the coast, you can just continue to walk along the sand until it starts up again. There are no trail markers here, but it’s pretty straightforward: just follow the coast. For a more classic hiking experience, drive 30 minutes south to Cap Lardier, a wooded area managed by France’s Port-Cros National Park. You’ll find several trails in there, either amidst the pines or along the cliff, with staggering Mediterranean vistas.

Indulge in some St. Tropez shopping Luxury boutiques lining the streets of St. Tropez, France

Photo: George Wirt/Shutterstock

Many who arrive in St. Tropez feel the sudden yen to upscale their wardrobe. Don’t worry. The sensation will pass once you hit the beach. The most chi-chi street is the Rue François Sibilli, home to several luxury labels like Yves Saint Laurent and Louis Vuitton, which has its own garden and champagne bar. Not to be outdone, Chanel opens a “pop-up boutique” in a nearby mansion each summer and Dior is housed in an 18th-century building. You’ll find overflow couture like Balenciaga on the nearby Rue Gambetta — but that street has more affordable clothing options as well.

If window-shopping alone is burning a hole in your wallet, explore the galleries on Boulevard Louis Blanc and lose yourself in the artwork. Better yet, if it’s a Tuesday or Saturday, hit up the market on the Place des Lices, which carries everything from crafts and t-shirts to interesting foods. It’s open on Saturday mornings, with a smaller version on Tuesdays.

The best beach clubs in St. Tropez Party at a beach club in St. Tropez, France

Photo: username/Shutterstock

Les Palmiers — Plage de Pampelonne

The most quintessential St. Tropez experience just may be a boozy seaside lunch — preferably at a trendy beach club. The clubs have private beach areas, behind which are a restaurant and maybe a bar. These aren’t clubs in the sense that you need to be a member; more in that they have a party feel to them. Club Les Palmiers is a favorite, as the tables are closer to the ocean breeze and the DJs spin the best tunes. There really is no table that’s not near a speaker, so make a 1:00 PM reservation and you’ll still be able to have a conversation over the music. (They switch DJs and the music gets even louder at around 3:00 PM.) Or you could make a late reservation, order another bottle of rosé, or two, and let the night start several hours early.

Address: 962 Chemin des Tamaris, 83350 Ramatuelle, France

Club 55

In the height of a hot summer, Club 55 can be really warm — as a thicket of trees, while lovely, blocks sea breezes from reaching the dining room. Rather than eating here, make a lunch reservation elsewhere but park in the 55 lot. Then arrive early to take advantage of the beach and maybe enjoy a long swim. That’s what I did while my partner, who’d already gone for a morning run along the Coast Trail, chilled under a tree in a cocktail zone between the beach and the restaurant enjoying the people watching. When you are in fact feeling peckish, go have lunch.

Address: 43 Boulevard Patch, 83350 Ramatuelle, France

Les Graniers — Les Graniers Beach

Les Graniers beach and beach club in St. Tropez. Photo: Noelle Salmi

Les Graniers is in fact not a beach club, since the beach is public. It is also easily reached on foot from St. Tropez, as we noted above. The beach feels surprisingly secluded here and the on-sand restaurant is on point. They may not have chilled gazpacho with mustard ice cream the day you come, but whatever chilled soup they serve, it will be delicious. You can’t go wrong with the freshly grilled fish either.

You won’t find a party vibe at Les Graniers, although there are always a few tables with larger groups and empty bottles of rosé. And if daytime drinking in the heat wipes you out, post-beach naps are definitely part of the rhythm of summer here. In any event, you’ll notice it’s perfectly okay to plunk an ice cube or two in your rosé and water it down a bit. Also, you’ll find non-alcoholic cocktails, beers, and even wines on drink menus throughout St. Tropez.

Address: 1 Plage des Graniers, 83990 Saint-Tropez, France

Where to eat in St. TropezChez Camille

View from the restaurant Chez Camille in St. Tropez. Photo: Noelle Salmi

You’ll have to drive 15 minutes to Ramatuelle from town, but the view of the serene beach cove on which Chez Camille sits is worth it. As with most St. Tropez restaurants, reservations fill up quickly in summer. The trick is to pick an “early” dining time, like 8:00 PM. It’s not quite as fun, since your fellow diners will be other non-French travelers, but you’ll get the bonus, at Chez Camille at least, of pastel sunset colors. (The sun sets after 8:00 PM from early April to early September.)

Since no one rushes you to eat in France, you’ll glimpse chic French diners and even extended families who summer on the Riviera arriving for dinner around 10:00 PM, just when you may be having dessert. Prices are eye-watering — with the lobster bouillabaisse coming in at $130 per person, but the linguine with clams is a more affordable $33. (These prices reflect current Euro to US Dollar parity).

Address: Rés Cap Nioulargue, 83350 Ramatuelle, France

The Patio at Le Yaca Dishes and drinks served at the St. Tropez restaurant Le Yaca

Photo: Noelle Salmi

Le Yaca has one of the loveliest patios in town and its food is as appealing as the elegant surroundings. The zucchini blossoms stuffed with tangy ricotta followed by ravioli served with browned butter and briny anchovies are delicious and beautifully plated. The white chocolate shaped peach, filled with cream is an excellent dessert to round up a great meal. With the cheapest main course costing $40, there’s no way to avoid paying high prices at The Patio. However, if you’ve come to St. Tropez with your partner and want to splurge on just one romantic dinner, this is the place. (Note that Le Yaca is also a lovely hotel. Peak prices are very steep, coming down to about $400 per night in late September).

Address: Boulevard d’Aumale, 83990 Saint-Tropez, France

Pizzeria Bruno

St. Tropez regulars have been enjoying Pizzeria Bruno’s ultra-thin-crust, wood-fired pizzas for years. The priciest is the indulgent $27 Tartufo, with truffle cream and shavings, as well as buffalo mozzarella, but there are plenty of $16 and $17 pies as well. If you’re cutting the carbs, you can choose from a slew of salads and a few appetizing meat or fish entrees. The dining room is invitingly small, but the best tables are splashed outside on Rue Sibille — so reserve ahead. Don’t get confused, tt’s not on the Rue François Sibilli that’s packed with couture shops, which is two blocks away, but the people watching is still as good as the pizza. If you want to save money, order the pizzas to go as the takeaway options average about $12. Sadly, the truffle pizza is not available for take-out.

Address: 6 Rue de l’Eglise, 83990 Saint-Tropez, France

Falafel & Co

If St. Tropez food prices threaten to blow your budget out of the water, Falafel & Co is your answer. In fact, the freshly made falafels served on really fresh pitas or as a salad are worth a stop even if you aren’t counting pennies. To get to this friendly Lebanese eatery, keep walking south on Rue François Sibilli, past Louis Vuitton and Dolce & Gabbana, until the street ends at Place des Lices, a small plaza. The kiosk is on your right, but it looks out onto the plaza.

Address: Rue François, 83990 Saint-Tropez, France

St. Tropez hotels for every budget

We hope you love the hotels 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.

Hotel La Ponche

Photo: Hotel La Ponche

If you want to be in the thick of things, Hotel La Ponche has the best location in town, close to all the action but also offering ocean views and, once you open the shutters, welcoming sea breezes as well. Decor in each of the hotel’s 18 rooms is elegant but understated. The real draw are the common spaces, like its rooftop terrace and superb restaurant. In fact, since room rates crest four digits in peak weeks, you may prefer to stay elsewhere and just enjoy a meal at said restaurant. (The melon soup is unforgettable).

Address: 5 Rue des Remparts, 83990 Saint-Tropez, France

Pastis Hotel St. Tropez[image error]

Photo: Pastis Hotel St. Tropez

Pastis Hotel St. Tropez hits the sweet spot between pampering and affordability. It is by no means cheap, at least not in the height of the season from mid-July through August, but you will have friendly service, a beautiful room with a spacious bathroom and a clawfoot tub, and an inviting pool. It is also right on the water, a ten-minute walk from the center of town. Eight of the rooms look out onto the sea or, if you want a quieter room choose one of the two at the back, which each have their own terrace overlooking the pool. The light breakfast at this inn is also a perfect start to the day. Rooms are over $600 per night in mid-summer, go for under $500s in September, and drop to the 200s in October.

Address: 75 Avenue Général Leclerc, 83990 Saint-Tropez, France

Bastide du Port

The least expensive option here is , which is almost next door to Pastis. It offers guests the same walking access to the center of town, sea views from most rooms, and even little verandas complete with wrought-iron tables and chairs. Breakfast outdoors is also a perfect combination of café au lait, croissants or a baguette with jam, and fresh-squeezed orange juice. Like every hotel on this list, all rooms have AC. The rooms are a little less decked-out than those at Les Pastis and the hotel doesn’t have a pool — but that means you get a good price for the location. You can snag a room in September for under $300 a night.

Address: Port du pilon, 73 Avenue Général Leclerc, 83990 Saint-Tropez

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Published on August 12, 2022 13:00

The Best Illinois State Parks

Illinois is so much more than the Windy City. The state offers forests, beaches, stunning cliff faces, and a surprising amount of waterfalls that may make you think you’re in Oregon, not the midwest. But fortunately, you don’t have to travel too far from the Windy City (which itself has some lovely hikes) to experience them.

The best Illinois state parks highlight the diversity of the state, ranging from remote wooded areas to sections of urban bliss with great restaurants just steps away. If you’re a photographer — and that includes photographers who exclusively shoot on smartphones — you’ll find no shortage of inspirational vistas. And it’s not just the scenery that’s hard to resist. Cute cabin rentals are available at some of the best Illinois state parks below, as are scenic places to pitch a tent and seriously high vertical climbs for hikers who want to challenge their leg muscles.

Below, you’ll find 14 of the best state parks in Illinois, though don’t let this list limit you: the Illinois Department of Natural Resources manages more than 300 sites across the state — plenty to fill a few long weekends.

Illinois Beach State Park illinois state parks beach

Photo: Sandeep Pinjerla/Shutterstock

If you want to hit the beach in Illinois, you don’t have too many options of where to go. In fact, Illinois Beach State Park (officially called Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park) is the only beachfront remaining in Illinois. Fortunately, the park is huge, covering more than 4,000 acres, and the reservable campsites ensure you can wake up at the beach without the long flight to California.

Cave-in-Rock State Park illinois state parks - cave in

Photo: Illinois Office of Tourism

Cave-in-Rock State Park, within the Shawnee National Forest, has high bluffs overlooking the Ohio River. There’s beginner fishing and boating in the small pond and the 55-foot-wide cave, which was naturally carved out of the limestone rock by the water, is a must-see. This is a great park as it’s mostly wooded and feels remote, but actually is home to a nice resort: the Cave-In-Rock Restaurant and Lodge. You can book a room at the lodge or just swing by for dinner after hiking the park’s two trails (one easier, one harder).

Starved Rock State Park illinois state parks - starved rock waterfalls

Photo: Jason Patrick Ross/Shutterstock

Starved Rock is not only one of the best Illinois state parks, but likely one of the best in the entire Midwest. There are 13 miles of trails that pass spectacular waterfalls and canyons throughout the park, and come winter, it’s an excellent spot for ice fishing or snowy photography. You can stay at the historic Starved Rock Lodge or reserve a campsite in advance. Though there’s enough hiking to keep you busy for a day or two, you may also want to make plans for a guided kayak tour, too.

Matthiessen State Park Illinois state parks - waterfall

Photo: Hendrickson Photography/Shutterstock

Swimming holes, waterfalls, canyons, lush vegetation, dense foliage, wildlife, mountain biking, hiking — you name it, you’ll find it at Matthiessen State Park. Perhaps not surprisingly, this Illinois state park is just a few miles away from Starved Rock State Park, which has a very similar setting. The two parks combined make a great weekend trip, especially in the fall when horseback riding through this park is especially beautiful.

Giant City State Park giant state parks illinois

Photo: WildNerdPix/Shutterstock

One of the best Illinois state parks for climbers, Giant City is on a scale you’ve likely never seen. It was named for the massive rock features, cliffs, and canyons, which have enormous indentations and caverns that make it look like a giant came walking through. There’s a short movie in the visitors center that speaks to the history of the land, which is part of Shawnee National Forest.

Visitors will likely also want to climb to the observation deck for an aerial view of the park and explore some of the trails; the 12-mile Red Cedar Hiking Trail is the most challenging. Climbers should bring all their own gear and head to Devil’s Standtable for climbing and bouldering routes.

Castle Rock State Park castle rock illinois state parks

Photo: Danita Delimont/Shutterstock

You may know the name Castle Rock from the Stephen King stories set in a town of the same name, but Illinois’ Castle Rock is far more appealing. It’s only 2,000 acres, but the fact that it’s one of the least-crowded Illinois state parks and has a boardwalk trail running along the river makes it a wonderful place to stretch your legs on a sunny day. Guests can also kayak on the Rock River, a relatively easy paddle for beginners.

Silver Springs State Park Illinois state parks silver spring

Photo: ESB Essentials/Shutterstock

In the northwestern part of the state, Silver Spring State Park is named for exactly what you’d think: a natural spring. The area around the spring became a state park in the 1960s and is now a popular spot for birdwatching, fishing, and plant photography, since there are several ecosystems within in the park. It’s the best Illinois state park in the area for a winter visit if snowshoeing is your thing, though the archery range is pretty fun, too.

Chain O’Lakes State Park Illinois state parks chain o lakes sunset

Photo: Mr Sahoo/Shutterstock

Chain O’Lakes State Park is quite close to the border with Wisconsin and doesn’t leave much of a mystery as to what to expect. It’s one of the top Illinois state parks for paddling and fishing. It’s smack in the middle of the part of the state with the most lakes per square mile. It has 6,500 acres of water and nearly 500 miles of shoreline, plus several trail systems for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. It’s about an hour and 15 minutes from Chicago, so it’s a great day trip if you want to swap the skyline for a ridgeline for a few hours.

Kickapoo State Recreation Area Illinois state parks kickapoo

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At the site of a former surface mining operation, Kickapoo State Park offers a lot more than scenic exploration. The park’s 2,842 acres include crystal clear water in some of its 22 ponds and lakes, which allow for the usual activities like fishing and boating as well as snorkeling and scuba diving. If you’re doing the latter, head to Inland Sea or Sportsman’s Lake, both of which are deep enough for a serious dive.

White Pines Forest State Park white pines illinois state parks

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For a stay in a quintessential Illinois log cabin that would make Honest Abe himself feel right at home, head to White Pines Forest State Park. It’s one of the best Illinois state parks for a group of mixed travelers as some people can stay in the cabins while others pitch a tent nearby. It’s just under 400 acres so it’s not huge, but it’s less than two hours from Chicago and has extremely tall trees that look like they belong in the Sierra Nevada, not Illinois.

Pere Marquette State Park pere marquette illinois state parks

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Pere Marquette State Park cover thousands of acres of bluffs and wildlife along the Illinois River. Biking and hiking trails lead through the park, and several interpretive trails tell the human and geological history of the park. The Lodge at overlooks the river and has an indoor pool, restaurant, and even a winery, making it surprisingly luxurious. Remember that the park has 12 miles of dedicated hiking trails, which means you’ll need to make sure you don’t accidentally venture onto them if you’re biking or horseback riding.

Fern Clyffe State Park Fern Clyffe State park illinois

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Fern displays, rocky bluffs, picturesque woods, and geological features make Fern Clyffe State Park a popular hiking area. Don’t miss the 150-foot Hawks Cave and the Big Rocky Hollow Trail, highlighted with a 100-foot-tall waterfall. The scenery is most spectacular in the fall as many of the valleys below the hiking routes have lovely foliage, but it’s a great stop any time of year if you want to get in some uphill action.

Buffalo Rock State Park Illnois state park buffalo rock

Photo: Illinois Office of Tourism

Buffalo Rock State Park was once an island in the Illinois River. The 98-acre park has three American bison: Pebbles, Cocoa, and Hope. If you can tear yourself away from the surprisingly cute bison, also check out the “Effigy Tumuli:” a section of the park with massive ground art installations inspired by the Indigenous Americans who live in the area.

Mississippi Palisades State Park illinois state parks - palisades

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Mississippi Palisades has 2,500 acres of caves, bluffs, sink holes, and rock formations along the Mississippi and Apple rivers. It’s a good park for bird watchers, with woodpeckers in the spring and fall, and eagles in the winter. If you’re headed there to find feathered friends, you may want to read up on the best birdwatching spots within the Illinois state parks system. Audubon has a good guide.

How many Illinois state parks are there? illinois state parks lincoln home

President Lincoln’s historic homestead. Photo: Zach Frank/Shutterstock

Illinois has a fairly impressive 69 state parks. But if you take into account all the other land managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, like recreation sites, wildlife refuges and historic sites, it totals 309 independent sites. That’s a total of around 475,000 square acres preserved and protected by the state, so there are plenty of places to go to spend a weekend away from the crowds of the state’s more well-known attractions.

What is the most popular state park in Illinois?

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Starved Rock State Park is probably the most famous, most visited by official numbers, and most well-known of the Illinois state parks — though probably the most visited are the state parks with beaches within a quick drive of Chicago, since it’s a bit harder to track how many people walk, bike, or pass by the shoreline.

Are state parks free in Illinois?

Great news for budget travelers: all the Illinois state parks are free for visitors. The only exceptions are state parks that have beaches, which usually charge $1 per person for day as an access fee. Just make sure the one you’re visiting is a state park as some private parks, like Wildlife Prairie Park, do charge an admission fee.

What is the biggest state park in Illinois? illinois state park pere

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The largest state park in Illinois is Pere Marquette State Park at about 8,000 acres, which is pretty big considering how close it is to extremely metropolitan St. Louis. The largest area managed by the state, however, is Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park at 60,314 square acres, followed by the Rend Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area at 38,900 square acres.

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Published on August 12, 2022 11:00

Vegas Is Getting a 24-Hour Bacon Restaurant Where Bacon Replaces Sandwich Bread

Remember that phase in American food culture when everyone was obsessed with bacon? Well it seems the trend isn’t going anywhere. A new restaurant inspired by all things bacon is opening in Las Vegas — it even features a sandwich that replaces bread with bacon.

Aptly named Bacon Nation, the restaurant will open in the casino D Las Vegas. The Las Vegas restaurant, which will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, will offer at least 14 different types of bacon, in a range of flavors that includes teriyaki, Cajun, jalapeno, buffalo, salt and vinegar, applewood bourbon, truffle, lemon pepper, brown sugar, and chocolate-dipped bacon.

bacon nation-bacon restaurant-las vegas-interior

Photo: D Las Vegas

The menu is a celebration of salt-cured pork, and uses ingredient in creative ways to breathes new life into this staple of American cuisine. Dreamed up by chef Josh Green, who has worked with celebrity chef Daniel Boulud in the past, you’re sure to find new ways to appreciate bacon at this restaurant.

For instance, there’s a sandwich that uses woven strips of bacon in place of bread; a bacon flight which lets diners taste a variety of bacon flavors; and boozy milkshakes with bacon garnishes.

The bacon restaurant will seat 120 people, and feature exposed brick walls, and an open kitchen. In true Vegas fashion, Bacon Nation will be open every day, 24 hours a day, so anyone craving some late-night eats after a day of gambling, drinking, and general debauchery will be right at home here.

Most people flock to Vegas for the slot machines, and over-the-top shows and concerts, and this bacon restaurant will just add to the general excess that defines Sin City. There’s no opening date announced yet, but it’s expected to open this fall, as part of an overall renovation of the D Las Vegas.

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Best Airbnb Lighthouses in Ireland Romantic Airbnb rentals in Ireland Charming Airbnb cottage rentals in Ireland Best Ireland Airbnbs for larger groups

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Published on August 12, 2022 09:19

These Airbnbs in Ireland Showcase the Best of the Emerald Isle

Ireland stuns with its rugged coastline and castle-studded hinterland of moorlands and woodlands. Hiking, surfing, and distillery tours are just a sample of how you can expect to spend your time in the land that gave us Guinness and Oscar Wilde. Whether you’re seeking the comforts of a city or the far-flung wilderness of the Emerald Isle, there’s an Airbnb in Ireland with your name on it.

We hope you love the Airbnb Ireland vacation rentals we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Best Airbnb Lighthouses in IrelandLighthouse Keepers: “RTE Home of the Year” finalist

Photo: Airbnb

Say hello to the sole Airbnb lighthouse, Ireland. Located in Youghal, County Cork, this 200-year-old tower has undergone meticulous restoration to cater to modern tastes without compromising its original charm. An open concept living space, ocean-facing bathroom with tub, and a flashy kitchen provide home comforts and style. Meanwhile, the conservatory and windows aplenty hone in on the lighthouse’s star appeal: views, views, views.

Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $420 per night

Taking a trip to Ireland? Check out Matador’s Ireland accommodation guides: Rent The Holiday Pub in Cork or Tipperary for the ultimate Irish getaway The best Airbnbs in Belfast, from the Titanic Quarter to Shankill Road 10 Airbnbs Make You Feel Like You’re Living in Game of Thrones Stay like royalty at these Airbnb Ireland castle rentals

Romantic Airbnb rentals in IrelandTreehouse dome @Fernwood.eco

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This secluded treehouse Airbnb Ireland is perched five meters above the forest floor with a translucent design that puts you in harmony with nature. Interiors of the dome are kitted out with Scandi-style furniture and a wood burner for added hygge. Scurry across the rope bridge to access Fernwood’s luxurious sauna with lake views. The treehouse is situated in Clifden, County Galway, a 15-minute drive from Connemara National Park.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $295 per night

Hanno’s Workshop

Photo: Airbnb

Catch your breath on the Wild Atlantic Way with an overnighter at this unique Airbnb, West Coast Ireland. The renovated workshop is dressed with industrial-chic elements including brickwork and exposed plumbing. A Chesterfield, crystal chandelier, and vintage bathroom with a tub add a boujee vibe. Best of all, you can expect a visit from the resident cats and sheep at this remote hideaway buried among a lush private garden.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $130 per night

Thermal spa retreat with sauna and hot tub

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Minimalism and luxury unite at the best Airbnb in Ireland with hot tub for couples. This micro-retreat consists of a studio cabin with a kitchenette, bathroom, and private spa. Awaken your senses in the springwater plunge pool before warming up in the Scandinavian wood-fired barrel sauna and hot tub. The cabin enjoys a riverside setting within an enclosed garden in Inniskeen, County Monaghan, northeast Ireland.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $295 per night

Charming Airbnb cottage rentals in IrelandThe Barn – little stone cottage

Photo: Airbnb

If you’re a sucker for sunsets, sunrises, and seascapes that go on for miles, this County Kerry, Ireland Airbnb will make your heart sing. Overlooking Syble Head, the bayside cottage is appointed with strategic windows and grants beach access. Interiors are modern and equipped with all the amenities you need for a self-contained vacation off the beaten track. Expect to hear very little besides the crash of Atlantic waves and the bleat of sheep.

Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $230 per night

Elfin Cottage – modern and beautiful eco cottage

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Drink up the most rugged part of the country at this County Clare Airbnb, West Coast Ireland. Stepping inside this storybook cottage yields an exquisite modern space clad in neutral hues with a cozy wood burner. Picture windows let you savor the scenery from the lounge and clawfoot bathtub. There’s no better place to unwind after a day spent cruising or hiking the Wild Atlantic Way.

Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $405 per night

Secluded cottage with hot tub, sauna, and fire pit

Photo: Airbnb

Tuck yourself away at this Airbnb Ireland cottage with hot tub and sauna facilities. The home has all the trimmings of a traditional stone cottage complete with reclaimed materials indoors and no shortage of nooks and crannies to explore. The spa zone is set in a picturesque garden overlooking the Iron, Arigna, and Kilronan Mountains. The rental is located in Keadew, County Roscommon, northwest Ireland.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $205 per night

Bavarian-style log cabin with private hot tub

Photo: Airbnb

Dating back to the 17th century, this pet-friendly Airbnb in Ireland was crafted in Bavaria and transported to its new home in County Leitrim. Perfect for families, the cottage is spread over two floors and contains a double bedroom with a fireplace and a twin for the little ones. The cabin’s balconies and terrace complete with a hot tub and grill overlooking the waters of Lough Melvin in northwest Ireland.

Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $205 per night

Best Ireland Airbnbs for larger groupsHart Lodge – luxury home, hot tub, sauna, and bar

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Hart Lodge is the best Airbnb in Ireland with a hot tub and sauna for groups and larger families. While the spa facilities comply with the wellness aspect of your vacation, the games room keeps the boredom at bay. This epic space comes with a pool table, darts board, and air hockey tabletop – as well as a complete bar. Comfy rooms are tastefully appointed and the complex benefits from ample space. The rental is located in Ballintubber, County Mayo.

Sixteen guests, eleven bedrooms
Price: $1,795 per night

Bellevue House – panoramic lake views

Photo: Airbnb

This Ireland Airbnb is centrally located in County Tipperary, making it a convenient vacation base. The property sits on the shore of Lough Derg and offers panoramic views from the patio and sunken hot tub. Lavish interiors include plush upholstery, a chef’s kitchen with a wine rack, and a spa bath. The billiard table is ready and waiting when the moment calls for some light competition.

Thirteen guests, five bedrooms
Price: $365 per night

Glengarriff Lodge (formerly Lord Bantry’s Cottage)

Photo: Airbnb

This pet-friendly Airbnb Ireland, County Cork, is the quintessential Irish cottage. The thatched dwelling sits in a pristine garden that treads the line between landscaped and wild. It backs onto 50 acres of ancient woodlands that you can roam at leisure or ogle from the conservatory with a steaming mug of tea. Communal spaces are richly presented with dark wood furniture and rustic beams while bedrooms are light and airy. Take a stroll off the estate to the “Doctor’s Pool” where you can take a dip or catch a salmon for supper.

Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $525 per night

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Published on August 12, 2022 08:29

Avoid This Dangerously Windy Wyoming Highway at All Costs on Your Next Road Trip

If you ever decide to take a road trip across the United States, Wyoming has some great sights to see. But head down the wrong interstate at the wrong time of year, and the decision could have drastic consequences. The TikTok account American Road Trips posted a video about one of the most dangerous stretches of road in the US: a sliver of Wyoming’s portion of Interstate 80.

@americanroadtrips The climbing rock is just north of this road #exploreepicplaces #roadtrip #travel #carcrash #wyoming ♬ Send Me on My Way – Vibe Street

I-80 runs from San Francisco to Teaneck, New Jersey. The Wyoming section runs across the southern part of the state and goes through Uinta, Sweetwater, Carbon, Albany, and Laramie counties.

“Wind gusts were 60mph+ when we drove it and the Subaru was feeling it,” the video creator said in the comments.

Some people in the comments recounted their horror stories.

“My wife and I spun off around there due to the winds and back ice on the road. Super sketch,” Jake Burchett commented.

“Hey I live in Rawlins! Its not that bad lol and when the wind gets too bad the trucks have to lay down and take a nap. It’s fine, we’re fine,” Jeremiah Rutherford commented.

According to Freight Waves, a news outlet about the freight industry, the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Cheyenne said the winds reach an average of 35 to 40 miles per hour. According to Geotag’s 2017, I-80 in Wyoming is the eighth most dangerous highway in America, with an estimated 175 crashes and 207 fatalities in the past decade with an average of 17 fatal crashes a year. It’s not just the Wyoming portions, either — I-80 is also the deadliest highway in the states of Nebraska and Iowa.

So the next time you decide to head out on a road trip, be safe and be sure to check the conditions before heading out.

More like thisThe 9 Most Underrated Road Trips in the United States

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Published on August 12, 2022 07:41

August 11, 2022

5 San Diego Bed and Breakfasts To Book on Your Next SoCal Trip

Airbnbs and hotels dominate the accommodation space these days, but in my experience, neither the quaintest hotel nor the homiest Airbnb has the particular charms of a good old bed and breakfast. In San Diego, all those classic charms also come with access to some of Southern California’s best beaches and a lively downtown area that earned the city the nickname of “America’s finest.” There aren’t too many bed and breakfasts in San Diego, but between the city and the immediate area nearby, there’s a handful that are bound to make your next SoCal trip extra charming. Here are five San Diego bed and breakfasts that showcase the best of the area.

Hillcrest House Bed & Breakfast

Photo: Booking.com

Hillcrest House is named after the uptown San Diego neighborhood where it’s located, a hub of international cuisine, craft brewpubs, brunch-y cafes, thrift shops, and the largest concentration of LGBTQ bars and events in the city. Yet Hillcrest is no more than 15 minutes away from downtown San Diego. Each of the bed and breakfast’s seven rooms — La Jolla, Old Town, Zoo, Gaslamp, Coronado, Balboa, and Balboa B — takes its name from a major attraction that’s easily accessible once you step out the front door. Just don’t start sightseeing before breakfast. The innkeeper Anne whips up a so-called heart healthy continental spread each day, and according to past guests, her warmth, hospitality, insider knowledge of the area, and fresh-baked muffins are not to be missed.

Beach Hut Bed & Breakfast

This San Diego bed and breakfast is located within Mission Bay Park, the largest aquatic park of its kind in the country at 4,235 acres and roughly 50 percent water. Guests of the Beach Hut are steps away from Sail Bay, a beach that’s known to attract sailors, boaters, windsurfers and kitesurfers, paddleboarders, and kayakers. Back at the bed and breakfast, there are just two rooms, the Tuscan Room and the Garden Room, so privacy is guaranteed. Continental breakfast selections are pre-ordered for the duration of your stay, and downtown San Diego and La Jolla are only five miles away when you feel like sightseeing or dining out.

1906 Lodge

Photo: Booking.com

Two blocks from Coronado Beach, one of the most popular and family-friendly beaches in San Diego County, the 1906 Lodge is technically located across the bay from San Diego proper on Coronado Island, although it’s a quick trip to the city by bridge or ferry. It’s also not technically a bed and breakfast. But with just 17 individually decorated rooms, amiable innkeepers, a communal garden, complimentary breakfast, and a daily afternoon happy hour for guests to mingle over wine and hors d’ouevres, it sure feels like one — only elevated, with mimosas at breakfast and all the loaner beach gear you might need.

The Vine House Bed & Breakfast

San Diego is a beach destination, but it’s also an hour south of Temecula Wine Country. This bed and breakfast is located in the heart of the De Portola Wine Trail. The Cape Cod-style home has five rooms, all of which match the elegance of the vineyards you’ll see out your window, complete with plush interiors, fireplaces, and private patios. Breakfast at The Vine House is equally befitting the stunning surrounds, with a rotating menu of entrees ranging from loaded omelets to French toast using as many locally sourced ingredients as possible. Better yet, it’s delivered to your room each morning. When you’re not touring nearby wineries or day-tripping to San Diego proper, take advantage of on-site amenities such as the tennis and bocce ball courts and communal fire pit. You’ll need to rent a car or hop on easily accessible public transportation to get to downtown San Diego from this one.

Always Inn San Clemente

Photo: Booking.com

One of the best things about bed and breakfasts is how funky they can be, and this Tuscany-style inn in San Clemente is truly eclectic. An hour north of San Diego, which might require renting a car if you’re keen to explore San Diego proper, the Always Inn feels like a garden oasis with breakfast offered outdoors surrounded by palm trees, roses, gardenias, succulents, and planter boxes full of fresh herbs. All rooms come with their own furnishings, queen-sized beds, and electric fireplaces, as well as complimentary goods such as aromatherapy toiletries, snack baskets, and Belgian chocolates. The innkeeper is also happy to arrange special amenities and activities, including spa treatments, beach picnics, candle light dinners, and in-room chocolate-covered strawberries if you’re traveling with someone special.

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