Matador Network's Blog, page 428

August 2, 2022

The 7 Best Portland Gardens To Get Your PNW Flower Fix

One of the best things about Portland, Oregon is that it’s a nature-centric city. Portlanders have a strong affinity for greenspace, and it shows. Portland’s extraordinary gardens and parks offer fantastic displays of the weird, wild, and “wow” of nature and are a testament to greenthumbery at its best.

What’s even more interesting about Portland gardens is that they display far more than just the flora of the Pacific Northwest. Within the best Portland gardens, you’ll find plants and trees from as far as Japan, Europe, and southeast Asia.

These are the best gardens and parks to visit in Portland.

International Rose Test Gardens portland gardens international rose test garden

Photo: Travel Portland/Justin Katigbak

Stop and smell all the roses at the International Rose Test Gardens in Washington Park, which serves as a testing ground for new rose varieties. It’s perhaps the most well known of the various Portland gardens. It would be quite an endeavor to try to smell all of the 10,000 individual rose bushes from 610 different species, but you could certainly try.

The majority of the roses are commercially available and 10 to 20 of the varieties are replaced each year with the newest, hottest roses released onto the market. You can buy plants at the garden, but otherwise, it’s totally free to visit. There’s even a free shuttle that runs through Washington Park and stops at the rose garden gate. There’s also a parking lot near the rose garden with a $2 parking fee.

Portland Japanese Garden Japanese Garden portland

Photo: Travel Portland/David Alvarado

The Portland Japanese Garden has been open to the public since 1963. It’s designed in the same style as traditional gardens in Japan, where the focus is on creating a physical and mental break from the outside world, giving visitors to this Portland garden a chance to focus on tranquility and natural beauty.

It’s part of Washington Park and has five unique gardens, including the “Strolling Pond Garden” with idyllic bridges and the “Sand and Stone Garden,” where raked sand and moss-covered stones invite guests to ponder the beauty and potential of blank space.

Some of the footpaths are intentionally built to slow visitors down and help them embrace a leisurely pace. Visitors can usually see Mount Hood on clear days and there’s an on-site Japanese Tea House to break for matcha and handmade confections or buy Tokyo-made tea sets.

Tickets are $19.95 for adults and include admission to the gardens, a guided tour, and entry to the galleries and various exhibitions. Hours vary throughout the year, but they’re always closed on Tuesdays.

Forest Park forest park portland gardens

Photo: Travel Portland/Justin Katigbak

Lucky Portland locals have one of the largest urban forests in the United States in their backyard. Boasting 5,200 acres with 70 miles of trails, fire lanes, and forest roads, Forest Park is the quintessential Pacific Northwest green space. The Portland garden park is popular with nature lovers who want to wander in surrounds native to the PNW.

The park is thick with Douglas fir, grand fir, Oregon white oak, pacific madrone, and bigleaf maple trees, and smells like a woody oakmoss candle in real life. It’s beloved by bird-watchers who visit in the morning to spot more than 100 species of native birds (the park abuts the Audubon Society of Portland Sanctuary) while hikers, cyclists, and equestrians laud its designated trails.

Admission is free and the park is open roughly from 5 AM to 10 PM

Tanner Springs Park

Photo: Travel Portland/Justin Katigbak

Portland has many unique districts, one of which is the aptly named Pearl District. The warehouse- and factory-heavy neighborhood developed in the mid-to-late 1800s, but it wasn’t until the 1980s that it earned its moniker. While the buildings may be unattractive on the outside, they now house artists and hip bars, beautiful galleries, cool breweries, and trendy restaurants — much like how a pearl is beautiful on the inside. A

Tanner Springs Park is the gem of the Pearl District (pun slightly intended). The one of the most sustainably designed Portland gardens, centered around a waterscape and opened in 2003. The park protects examples of the freshwater ponds, emergent wetlands, wet prairies, and oak woodlands found in the Willamette Valley, and is a natural space rather than a manicured and maintained garden.

Notable features include an art wall running along the eastern edge of the park. It’s made with repurposed railroad tracks and glass sculptures of local native insects and amphibians. The park isn’t huge, but it’s a lovely place for a stroll and a chance to see sustainable, natural design in a public space.

Hoyt Arboretum portland gardens hoyt

Photo: Wasim Muklashy/Shutterstock

You don’t have to be a treehugger to enjoy Portland’s living museum of trees, though a few hours here might turn you into a fully-fledged dendrophile. The Hoyt Arboretum is part of Washington Park and has 2,300 tree and plant species from six continents entirely maintained by volunteers.

It’s one of the best Portland gardens for stretching your legs, with 12 miles of trails through the magnolia collection, maple collection, and a bamboo forest. Don’t miss the Redwood Trail, which has three species of redwoods planted in the 1930s and ‘50s: the coast redwood, the giant sequoia, and the dawn redwood -– just try to resist the urge to hug those trunks.

This is a free garden, and the public are invited to attend events throughout the year, from lectures and guided forest bathing to tai chi and educational herb walks.

Mills Ends Park mills end portland

Photo: Portland Parks and Rec

What Mills End Park lacks in size it more than makes up for in character.

The world’s smallest park, according to the Guinness Book of Records, is a tiny urban park in a street median between Pacific Highway and Naito Parkway in downtown Portland. It’s a scant 452 square inches and consists of one tree and sometimes flowers.

In true “Keep Portland Weird” style, the park was developed by a journalist named Dick Fagan in 1946, who planted flowers in the empty space following a street pole removal. He wrote a column about fictitious park happenings in his self-proclaimed park — most about a group of leprechauns, who Fagan claimed had established “the only leprechaun colony west of Ireland” in the park. The park was dedicated in 1948 and became an official city park (and garden, when the flowers are there) in 1976.

Visiting the park is free, though as you might expect, only about two people can visit at one time.

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden crystal springs portland from afar with a lake in foreground

Photo: Travel Portland

A pleasant meander around the nine-acre botanical garden reveals more than 2,500 rare species of rhododendrons, azaleas, unusual plants, and lesser-known shrubs. This is one of the most beautiful Portland gardens, with gentle walking paths, waterfalls, a large water fountain, and a whimsical wooden footbridge.

It was originally the home of Portland Mayor William S. Ladd in the 1880s, but became a test garden in 1950 and the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden in 1964. In some sort of impressive botanical flex, the oldest rhododendron that’s still alive today was planted prior to 1917. The garden is also quite popular with birders as Crystal Springs Lake attracts a wide variety of waterfowl.

Admission to the park is a reasonable $5, though it’s free every Monday.

More like this6 Must-See Waterfalls Near Portland You Can Reach in Half an Hour

View more on Matador Network's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on August 02, 2022 08:41

Aurora, Forest, Coast: A Travel Guide To the Natural Wonders of Michigan

Aurora, Forest, Coast: A Travel Guide to the Natural Wonders of MichiganText by Nicole Rupersburg | Photo by John McCormick/Shutterstock

Running along soft sandy beaches surrounded by towering dunes. Taking in the swirls of the Northern Lights. Feeling the powerful spray of a rushing waterfall. Cresting forested ridges as spectacular views open before you. These are experiences any outdoor adventure lover would welcome — and Michigan offers all of them and more. The Great Lakes State steals the spotlight as a premier adventure destination for those hungry for the rush of exploration.

It doesn’t matter if your preferred mode of adventuring is kayaking, surfing, hiking, biking, skiing, ice climbing, or something else entirely. Choose only one, or try them all if you want — because you can. Nicknamed “America’s Third Coast,” Michigan is home to the longest freshwater coastline in the nation, thanks to its borders along four Great Lakes. To balance all that blue is an immense amount of green — forested land covers more than half the state, including three protected national forests. You’ll also find more miles of rail trails here (2,623, to be exact) than in any other state, with entire networks of railroad track converted into multi-use trails.

We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to exploring each distinct and distinctly exciting region of Michigan, from the outskirts of Detroit all the way up to the Upper Peninsula. Get ready for a newfound appreciation of Mother Nature in all her forms.

This post is proudly produced in partnership with Pure Michigan.

Northern Michigan Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Sunset over Lake Michigan Arch Rock at Mackinac Island If you’re looking for the most Michigan-iest bang for your buck, it might just be here in Northern Michigan. This is where you’ll find some of the state’s most famous natural wonders and historic treasures, including several spots considered among the most beautiful in America.Out on the lake

With its aquamarine waters, Torch Lake — running north to south just east of Grand Traverse Bay — conjures visions of the Caribbean. It also happens to be Michigan’s largest lake by volume and is home to legendary sandbars perfect for catching one of the most stunning sunsets you may ever witness.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, meanwhile, won “The Most Beautiful Place in America” on ABC’s Good Morning America, and the moment you see the brilliant sapphire waters of Lake Michigan from the top of a 460-foot sand dune, you’ll understand why. Explore the 20-mile Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail and test your endurance on the steep 3.5-mile Dune Climb.

The powerful waves of Lake Michigan can be reminiscent of the mighty ocean — and yes, you can ride them just the same. Surfing and bodyboarding on Lake Michigan are growing in popularity as more surfers discover these shreddable freshwater waves. Check out Sleeping Bear Surf & Kayak for lessons so you can graduate from kook status.

Inland adventures

North of Harbor Springs, State Highway M-119 narrows and winds for a 20-mile stretch that’s known as the Tunnel of Trees. The surrounding forest floor is carpeted with wildflowers in the spring; the trees blaze with color in the fall. But really, it’s spectacular any time of year thanks to the fairytale-like canopy that domes over the area.

As the sun sets, stargazers should make their way to Headlands International Dark Sky Park, one of three internationally designated dark sky preserves in the state. You can plan your visit for whenever suits you — the park is open 24/7, 365 days a year.

Island hopping

Also part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, though located several miles offshore, the Manitou Islands are accessible by ferry from the mainland. There are thousands of acres of wilderness to explore here, including the “Valley of the Giants,” a stand of old-growth white cedars more than 500 years old.

Mackinac Island, located on Lake Huron between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, is aptly named the “Jewel of the Great Lakes.” It almost feels frozen in time, in a good way: impeccably kept 19th-century Victorian architecture and no cars in sight (as in, they’re not allowed). Your best options for getting around are by bike, foot, or buggy. Fill up on decadent fudge — a staple in Mackinac — then explore the dramatic limestone bluffs of Mackinac Island State Park, which covers most of the nearly four-square-mile island.

Photo credits: Bo Shen/Shutterstock, Becky Swora/Shutterstock, M4Productions/Shutterstock, Craig Sterken/Shutterstock, Ricardo Reitmeyer/Shutterstock, and John McCormick/Shutterstock.

Western Michigan Kite surfer at Grand Haven Silver Lake Sand Dunes Lighthouse at Silver Lake Charming beach towns dot the coast of Western Michigan, but don’t let the serenity fool you. Those seeking faster-paced adventure will find loads of opportunities for hikers and bikers here as well. Call it the best of both worlds.Sand dunes

Saugatuck Dunes State Park is home to pristine shoreline, trails, and coastal dunes up to 200 feet tall. For a leisurely way to explore the park, book a 40-minute tour with Saugatuck Dune Rides.

But if you’re ready to get your heart pumping, know that Silver Lake Sand Dunes at Silver Lake State Park welcomes off-road vehicles. In fact, these are the only dunes east of the Mississippi open to ORVs, and people come from all over to have fun riding around the 2,000-acre sand dune playground.

Beaches and Rivers

When in Western Michigan, you get your pick of beautiful beaches to enjoy. Families will love Silver Lake State Park’s big, swimmable beach along the Lake Michigan shoreline. The park also has its own inland lake — Silver Lake, naturally — with warmer, calmer waters perfect for swimming or kayaking. Then there’s Grand Haven State Park, arguably the most majestic of all Michigan’s beaches. Its scenic pier features two lighthouses and waves that can crash into them so dramatically it’s like they’re posing for your next Instagram post.

Leisure paddlers may find a new favorite kayaking destination in New Buffalo, where the Galien River Marsh Water Trail offers six miles of slow-moving, scenic waters. Rent kayaks for the Galien River, Silver Beach, Warren Dunes, and more through Third Coast Paddling.

Hiking

For those who enjoy hiking and backpacking, make sure to check out the North Country National Scenic Trail, headquartered in Lowell. This 4,800-mile route runs through seven other states and stands as the longest national scenic trail in the United States. Michigan is the lucky state to be home to the most trail miles. Take your time here as you wander along crystal clear streams, prairies, valleys, and more.

If you find yourself still longing for the outdoors come nightfall, get yourself to Dr. T.K. Lawless Park, located to the southwest of Kalamazoo. This is another of the state’s International Dark Sky Parks, where nature puts on quite a glow-in-the-dark show.

Photo credits: Sam Negen9/Shutterstock, Dean Pennala/Shutterstock, Aaron Steinhilb/Shutterstock, kojihirano/Shutterstock, MJAYW/Shutterstock, and North Country Trail Association (NCTA). The Upper Peninsula Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Northern Lights from Point Betsie Porcupine Mountains State Park Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is massive, comprising over a quarter of the state’s land area. It’s also sparsely populated, rugged, and remote. While over here, you will end up losing phone service most of the time, giving you true respite from technology and the city. There are also plenty of wild animals to be aware and respectful of, including moose, black bears, wolves, and coyotes. Needless to say, the UP’s outdoor adventure options are unmatched.On the shore

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, along Lake Superior, holds 15 miles’ worth of dramatic, rainbow-hued sandstone cliffs rising upwards of 200 feet from the water. For the best view of the cliffs, explore via kayak rentals and guided tours. You can also book a boat cruise from mid-May to mid-October.

When you’re ready, return to land and wander the lakeshore’s many trails that lead to remote streams, waterfalls, and hidden beaches. For those who like to feel the magic of long walks on the sand, Twelvemile Beach might just be your jam.

The Northern Lights

Although they can happen any time of year, the Northern Lights shine brightest during the longer fall and winter nights — no traveling to Norway required. The south shore of Lake Superior, with its high latitude and pitch-black skies, provides optimal viewing of the aurora borealis from August through April. There are no designated dark sky preserves or international dark sky parks in the U.P., but there don’t need to be: once you cross the Mackinac Bridge, the light pollution all but disappears. The entire peninsula is basically a dark sky preserve.

During these chillier months, just outside of Marquette, the Eben Ice Caves form when melting snow freezes as it runs over a small cliffside. These are the most accessible of the U.P.’s ice caves, reachable via a brief hike. Don’t forget your ice cleats!

Hiking

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park on the northwestern edge of the UP, is Michigan’s largest state park. Explore the small group of mountains known as “the Porkies,” home to forests, waterfalls, rivers, and more than 90 miles of hiking trails. This is the place for backcountry camping.

The Upper Peninsula is rich in waterfalls, with more than 300 of them ranging in vertical drop from five to 48 feet. Tahquamenon Falls in the northeast is the biggest showstopper. Its dramatic Upper Falls plummets nearly 50 feet and spans 200 feet across, making it one of the largest east of the Mississippi. You’ll find the Lower Falls four miles downstream, where five smaller falls surround an island that can be reached by rowboat (rentals are available at park concessions).

For truly remote backcountry, put Isle Royale National Park on your list. One of the least-visited national parks, it consists of one main island surrounded by 400 smaller ones and overflows with undeveloped wilderness. Accessible by ferry (which takes a little over three hours) from Copper Harbor or seaplane (about an hour) from Hancock, getting to Isle Royale is neither quick nor easy, and its remoteness isn’t for everyone. Bring your tent and your kayak — the best, and really only, way to explore the hundreds of surrounding islands — and plot your escape from the rest of the world.

Photo credits: Lattasit Laohasiriwong/Shutterstock, John McCormick/Shutterstock, John McCormick/Shutterstock, Dean Pennala/Shutterstock, Jeff Caverly/Shutterstock, and RonaldL/Shutterstock.

Eastern Michigan Turnip Rock Lake Huron sunrise Tawas Point Lighthouse Eastern Michigan has the benefit of playing host to lesser-visited but equally beautiful natural areas, combined with the fact that many of them are an easy day trip from major urban centers. If your travel style typically features a night out on the town after a day spent in the great outdoors, head here.Out on the lakes

Lake Huron is massive, with the longest shoreline of any of the Great Lakes and more than 30,000 islands dotting its waters. No wonder, then, there’s a lot to explore: sandy beaches and dunes, rugged limestone, coastal wetlands, dense forests, diverse river systems, and nearly 1,000 shipwrecks, some of which are visible from the water’s surface. The wreck of the Dorcas Pendell, for example, is an easy 20-minute paddle from Harbor Beach.

Eastern Michigan can turn anyone into a kayaking enthusiast with the 7-mile, out-and-back trip to Turnip Rock in Port Austin. The rock formation seems to defy the very laws of gravity. Don’t forget to check out the sea caves and Thumbnail Point, another rock that juts out into the water, too.

Afterwards, take a break and head to the idyllic Palmer Park to pick a viewing spot along the world’s longest freshwater boardwalk.

Diving

Lake Huron has become a serious destination for divers in recent years. Go beneath the surface and explore the Sanilac Shores Underwater Preserve, the final resting place of at least 16 shipwrecks. Lake Huron is also home to the country’s largest freshwater sanctuary, known as Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. With 200 shipwrecks preserved, divers and snorkelers of all levels can find a site to explore. (There are also glass-bottom boat tours if you prefer to stay above water.) About two miles off the shore near Lexington is an ancient underwater petrified forest in 40 feet of water — its trees have been carbon-dated to nearly 7,000 years old.

Birdwatching

Tawas Point State Park has been called the “Cape Cod of the Midwest” and serves as a stopover point for hundreds of seasonal migrating birds, including bald eagles, making it a popular spot for birdwatching. A historical site of significance here is the Tawas Point Lighthouse, the only true Victorian era-style station on the Great Lakes. From the park you can also access the 16.2 miles of the Tawas Bay Multi-Use Trails, part of Michigan’s Iron Belle Trail.

Photo credits: Craig Sterken/Shutterstock, John McCormick/Shutterstock, Doug Lemke/Shutterstock, Dalton Arwady/Shutterstock, ABPhotog/Shutterstock, and Jeff Caverly/Shutterstock.Michigan is exploding with breathtaking natural wonders and pulse-pounding outdoor adventures all year round. You can take your pick of as many as you want — the only real issue is, will you have enough time to do it all?

This post is proudly produced in partnership with Pure Michigan.

View more on Matador Network's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on August 02, 2022 05:00

5 States With the Most Scenic and Laid-Back Nude Beaches

Nude beaches aren’t for everyone, but what better way to say “life is back in session” than by flinging off your clothes and seeing way more of people than you ever wanted to? Nude beaches aren’t just for Europeans, folks. They’re scattered all over the US, and if you know where to look you might just find your new favorite summer hangout. I’m not saying you’ll be making a clothes bonfire and moving to a nudist colony in the woods anytime soon, but I’m not saying you won’t, either. From Oregon to Massachusetts, these are the states with the best nude beaches in the US.

Nude beaches in Texas Nude beaches in Hawaii Oregon nude beaches Nudist beaches in California Nude beaches in Massachusetts

Nude beaches in Texas

Texas

Photo: Philip Arno Photography/Shutterstock

UFO Beach, South Padre Island

Don’t get your hopes up. The only alien lifeforms you’ll see on UFO beach are the wrinkled, leather-tan sunbathers sprawled out on the sand catching rays. The beach takes its name from an alien-looking “escape pod” that washed ashore, though it was later determined to be nothing more than an ocean buoy. At eight miles from the nearest town and accessible via a remote dirt road, you’ll have plenty of privacy here to let it all hang out.

Hippie Hollow, Austin

This county park is located on the shores of Lake Travis, 18 miles from Austin. Nude use was legalized by the county in the early 1980s, and it’s the only Texas state park that’s clothing-optional. The area is popular not just for its free-spirited clothing-optional ethos, but also for its blue-green waters and picturesque tree-covered hills. Since summer temperatures can easily exceed 100 degrees, you’ll probably want to go nude even if you’re hesitant.

McFaddin Beach, Bolivar Peninsula

When a hurricane destroyed much of State Highway 87 near Port Arthur in 1989, but McFaddin Beach was left isolated enough to make it popular among nude beachgoers. The nude area of the beach begins three miles east of the junction of highways 124 and 97, and you can park directly on the beach. Parking on the beach sounds cool, but your car should have four-wheel drive if you don’t want to get stuck.

Nude beaches in Hawaii

Little beach in Hawaii one of the best nude beaches in USA

Photo: Pierre Leclerc/Shutterstock

Little Beach, Maui

One of Hawaii’s most popular nude beaches, Little Beach is found in Makena State Park. About 10 miles south of Kihei on Maui’s west coast, the crescent-shaped beach is just a few hundred feet long. You can get there via a short walk over a rocky outcropping from the larger Big Beach (which is not nude). It’s worth noting that no beaches in Hawaii officially allow nudity, though the ones listed here are known as safe havens for nude sunbathers.

Kehena Black Sand Beach, Big Island

Just east of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, this beach is known — apart from the nudity — by its black sand created by a volcanic eruption in the 1950s. The clothing-optional beach is a great place for whale watching, seeing dolphins and sea turtles, and going snorkeling.

Polo Beach, Oahu

When it comes to beaches in Oahu, you’re spoilt for choice. But you’ll be wanting to head to Polo Beach, named for the nearby polo field, if you’d like to avoid tan lines. Once you arrive, walk a few minutes either left or right to reach the nudist portion of the beach.

Oregon nude beaches

bagby-hot-springs-oregon-nude-sunbathing-1140226388, Nude beaches

Photo: TLPhotoPDX/Shutterstock

Rooster State Park, Corbett

Twenty-three miles east of Portland you’ll find Rooster State Park, one of the most well-known nude beaches in the US. Located along the Columbia River, Rooster State Park’s nude area begins a few hundred feet east of the parking lot, and it has stunning views of the river gorge and green hills surrounding it. It’s especially popular with gay sunbathers. Nudity is also common on the walking trails behind the beach, and there’s a volleyball area in the forest for those looking to dabble in nude volleyball.

Collins Beach, Portland

Another of the Pacific Northwest’s best-known nude beaches, Collins Beach near Portland is also on the Columbia River. The beach is located on Sauvie island, a river island created by three waterways. It’s known for its social atmosphere and hot temperatures — since, unlike Rooster State Park, Collins doesn’t benefit from the cool wind blowing through the gorge. As an extremely popular beach, it’s almost always crowded during the summer, so you may want to sunbathe elsewhere if privacy is important to you.

Bagby Hot Springs, Mount Hood National Forest

So this one isn’t technically a beach, but it’s one of Oregon’s most remote and intriguing nude recreation areas. Bagby Hot Springs provides water to a bathhouse located deep in Mount Hood National Forest, and nudity is well established here. The bathhouse is composed of private rooms with a soaking tub in each, and a communal area with several tubs. The communal area can hold six bathers at once, so you’d better know your friends extremely well or be open to making new friends. When planning your trip, keep in mind that the remote site is 40 miles away from the nearest services in Estacada.

Nudist beaches in California

Baker Beach, San Francisco one of the best nude beaches in USA

Photo: canadastock/Shutterstock

San Gregorio, Half Moon Bay

Claiming to be California’s oldest nude beach, San Gregorio is private property that has operated as a nude beach since 1967. Since the beach is quite large, there’s plenty of space for everyone and it rarely feels overcrowded. There’s a small per car parking fee, and cameras are prohibited on the beach.

Baker Beach, San Francisco

Baker Beach is known mostly for its unparalleled views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Thanks to its stunning views, this is one of the most popular beaches in the Bay Area, and it regularly attracts hundreds of visitors. Only the north end of the beach is nude, however, so disrobe accordingly.

Black’s Beach, San Diego

Although not technically a legal nude beach, Black’s Beach is so commonly frequented by nude bathers that nudity has become synonymous with the place. The beach’s nude bathing custom dates back to the 1960s, and the city sanctioned part of the beach as clothing optional in the early 1970s. Though the laws changed, Black’s Beach has been known for nude bathing ever since. To reach Black’s Beach, you’ll have to descend one of two trails from a clifftop parking area, winding 300 feet down the cliffs. The south trail, called the Burro Trail, is easier with more paved sections and handrails, while the north trail is steeper and more challenging.

Nude beaches in Massachusetts

Photo: Allan Wood Photography/Shutterstock

Moshup Beach

A Martha’s Vineyard beach vacation conjures images of frat guys in Sperrys playing spikeball in the backyard of a beach cottage one of their parents owns. But you don’t have to wear preppy clothes to have a memorable Martha’s Vineyard beach day. In fact, you don’t have to wear clothes at all. Moshup Beach on the island’s west end is among the most famous nude beaches in Massachusetts. Backed by multicolored cliffs that look out of place on the New England coast, the beach is a popular destination for nude and none-nude bathers alike. Nude beachgoers typically gather about a third of a mile north of the beach’s entry path, just below the Gay Head lighthouse. You might come across a “No Nudity” sign or two — a remnant from the nearby town of Aquinnah’s failed attempt to outlaw nudity — but you’ll find the rule unenforced.

Longnook Beach

Longnook Beach is located near the town of Truro on Cape Cod. The nude beachgoers here mostly consist of couples and families, and with white sand and dunes as high as 75 feet, there’s more scenery here than just the nude bathers surrounding you. The beach is part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, where nudity is technically banned, though like most nude beaches in the US the park rangers largely leave nude sunbathers alone.

Herring Cove

Located in Provincetown, one of the most famous LGBTQ destinations in the US, Herring Cove Beach is unsurprisingly popular with the gay community. Nudity is particularly common toward the beach’s southern end, just over a mile south of the NPS beach parking lot. It’s frequented mostly by gay men, though there’s also a lesbian section slightly farther north. The nude portion of the beach is located on a thin strip of land between Cape Cod Bay and a tidal lake, and the warm lake water is perfect for swimming.

More like this Technology + Gear Everything You Need for a Trip To the Beach This Summer

View more on Matador Network's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on August 02, 2022 01:00

August 1, 2022

Heathrow Airport CEO Blames Terrible TikTok ‘Hack’ for Passenger Assistance Problem

The situation at London’s Heathrow airport has gotten so bad that airlines were recently asked to stop flights through the busy hub. Bags have gone missing, connections have been missed, and people who need assistance getting to the gate have been left to wait for extremely long hours. When it comes to the latter issue, Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye says that a TikTok “hack” is partly to blame.

On LBC radio, Holland-Kaye said that 20 wheelchair passengers were forced to wait for someone to take them through immigration in a room with “no air conditioning; these people sitting there knowing it was an absolute disgrace.” This is despite the fact that there are the same number of wheelchair assistance personnel today as there were before the pandemic. Holland-Kaye told the radio program that the issue is that people who don’t need assistance are requesting wheelchairs to get out of the extremely long lines, as depicted in a viral TikTok posted in June.

“Why is that happening? Some of this is because people are using the wheelchair support to try to get fast-track through the airport,” Holland-Kaye said, adding, “If you go on TikTok, you’ll see that that is one of the travel hacks that people are recommending. Please don’t do that.”

@wolfjenko Amazing what taking one sock off can achieve #holiday #wheelchair #vip #foryoupage #foryou #prank #funny #fypシ ♬ original sound – WolfJenko

The video in question was posted on June 21 by user @wolfjenko. He explains that he faked hiring his leg to get through security faster on his way back from Ibiza. He gets a wheelchair, is expedited through security, uses the extra time to mix a “cheeky bevy” of sprite and vodka in a paper coffee cup, and then laughs as a gate agent pushes him to his seat. At the end of the video, he puts his shoes back on and walks out the airport doors on the other side.

“Amazing what taking one sock off can achieve,” he wrote in the caption.

Commenters were quick to call him out.

“This really isn’t funny, there are some of us that really actually need this!!!” user Nicola Giles commented.

“Be careful because what goes around comes back around,” Shanaya commented. “Coming from a wheelchair user.”

Some pointed out that things like this are what put people who actually need these services into a tight spot.

“This is why people like me who ‘look healthy’ but are really sick and need a chair get harassed at the airport, please don’t do this,” user sav commented.

Needless to say, no matter how bad the airport is during this chaotic summer travel season, this is one TikTok hack you should not be trying.

More like this Airports + Flying This Flying Hack Lets You Lift an Aisle Seat’s Armrest When It’s in the Locked Position

View more on Matador Network's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on August 01, 2022 16:31

The 6 Best Wineries and Tasting Rooms in Los Angeles

Once upon a time, Los Angeles was known as The City of Vines. There were over 100 wine producers in the area. In the 1850s, Los Angeles was a rural town, and German immigrants led much of the wine making efforts. The wine industry took a big hit in the 1880s when Pierce’s disease (which kills the leaves on the grapevines) struck hard. Following that period, Prohibition, urbanization, and the proliferation of citrus farms marked the end of Los Angeles as the epicenter of California wine. But there are still Los Angeles wineries that are well worth a visit on your next trip.

Today, there’s a new chapter being written on Los Angeles wine production. Los Angeles wineries and tasting rooms are once again thriving in Los Angeles County, although most people probably consider Napa the true heart of California wine.

Along with a small group of winemakers dedicated to reviving interest in crafting wines of high quality from Los Angeles County fruit, other winemakers are opening tasting rooms, but growing or buying their fruit elsewhere. These Los Angeles wineries will surprise and delight you, and offer a urban setting to sip your wine — an interesting change of pace from the usual rural setting where vineyards are usually located. From chic Malibu tasting rooms to the oldest existing winery in Los Angeles, these five tasting rooms provide a selection of what’s available in The City of Vines.

The best Los Angeles wineries to visitSan Antonio Winery los angeles wineries-san antonio winery exterior

Photo: San Antonio Winery

San Antonio Winery has been located at the original address on Lamar Street since 1917, though the vineyards are long gone. Owned by the Riboli family, the namesake wines produced under the Maddalena label pay tribute to the matriarch of the winery. Maddalena also had the vision to start a restaurant on site (called, appropriately, Maddalena Restaurant) and to purchase vineyards in Napa Valley, Monterey County, and Paso Robles.

San Antonio Winery has a large selection of wines including sparkling wines, white and red wines, and sweet wines. The winery has survived the urbanization of Los Angeles, Pierce’s Disease, and prohibition, by producing wine for the Catholic Church. San Antonio Winery is a look back into Los Angeles’ golden age of winemaking. Don’t miss it.

The winery is open for tastings and tours. Both the winery and the restaurant are open daily.

Where: 737 Lamar St. Los Angeles, Ca 90031

Strange Family Vineyards strange family-tasting room-exterior-los angeles-wineries

Photo: Strange Family Vineyards

Strange Family Vineyards has a beautiful tasting room located off of Pacific Coast Highway about a mile from the Malibu Pier. There is also seating outdoors and the tasting room is dog friendly. Inside there’s a map of the Santa Rita AVA (American Viticulture Area) where the estate vineyards are located with soil samples should you care to educate yourself on what type of vines grow best in different environments.

Strange Family Vineyards produces Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from organic estate fruit grown in the Santa Rita vineyards. They also make sparkling wine in the methode champenoise, in other words, the traditional process used to make champagne in France. Three different bottles of sparkling wines are produced: a cuvée, blanc de blanc, and blanc de noir. Fruit for the winery’s Syrah is sourced in Santa Barbara County.

Tastings are $32 per person and reservations are recommended especially on weekends. Grab a glass or a bottle and settle into one of the cozy sofas tucked inside the tasting room.

Where: 3939 Cross Creek Rd., Malibu, CA 90265

Cavaletti Vineyards

Cavaletti Vineyards is one of several winemakers in Ventura County with a passion for bringing back the high-quality wines of the region. The tasting room, located in Moorpark, about an hour from Los Angeles, is a no frills experience that may feature the vineyard owner’s dog and fermenting fruit nearby. Cavatelli farms and sources all fruit from nearby Ventura County, Los Angeles County, and the Santa Ynez Valley.

Cavaletti produces a wide variety of wines from lesser known varieties like Alicante Bouschet, and Nebbiolo, as well as the more well known varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon. Currently, there are sixteen different bottlings.

Where: 165 Poindexter Ave Suite D, Moorpark, CA 93021

Angeleno Wine Company Angeleno Winery-interior bar-los angeles wineries

Photo: Angeleno Wine Company

Angeleno Winery, along with Cavaletti, is dedicated to putting Los Angeles back on the map as a wine destination. The winery sources fruit from small, family-owned, Los Angeles county vineyards and strives to make wines that are elegant and balanced, reflecting the character of Los Angeles, a region where the desert meets the sea.

Angeleno Winery specializes in wine varieties that only the most dedicated wine experts will be familiar with, including Graciano, Verdejo, and Tannat, and only in small batches: The winery produces around 2000 cases per year.

The winery is pet friendly and open on weekends only. It also allows outside food so bring your lunch or order something to be delivered after you arrive. Reservations are recommended.

Where: 1646 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Malibu Wines And Beer Garden

If you’re looking for more to drink than just wine, Malibu Wines and Beer Garden might be the place for you. The Mission-style building is almost 100 years old and was built by a silent film star. Weekends are busy with activities like yoga in the garden, local craft sales, and food trucks. You should also know that the current owners have an 1100 acre ranch where they grow all the fruit for the Saddlerock Estate label wines.

It’s worth a visit just to taste wines made from grapes grown in the Malibu AVA. Try the estate sparkling rosé. The other label is Saddlerock––those grapes are from Northern California vineyards. Malibu Wine Hikes is the winery’s sister company, which specializes in excursions that end in gorgeous views with a bottle of wine and many photo ops. The hikes actually take you through the Saddlerock vineyards.

Where: 23130 Sherman Way West Hills, California 91307

Summer Somewhere Wines summer somewhere wines-bottle display-los angeles wineries

Photo: Summer Somewhere Wine

Summer Somewhere owner Stacy, a designer, and Billy, a winemaker, developed their flagship rosé of Pinot Noir for their wedding, which eventually turned into a thriving wine business. The couple source fruit from vineyards located in Santa Barbara County, an area known for excellent Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Summer Somewhere has a tiny tasting room within the swanky Fred Segal boutique in Malibu. They serve wine by the glass or the bottle specializing in rosé wines made in the Provencal style. Though known for their flagship rosé they also produce a Gruner Veltliner, Sauvignon Blanc, three bottlings of Pinot Noir, two red blends, and a luscious ripe Syrah.

Summer Somewhere at Fred Segal is located right across the street from Strange Family Vineyards tasting room so you could easily stop by both on the same trip.

Where: 3822 Cross Creek Rd, Malibu, CA 90265

More like this Food + Drink 6 Vineyards And Wineries That Make Texas Hill Country A Must-Visit Wine Destination

View more on Matador Network's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on August 01, 2022 12:46

11 Must-Book Solvang Airbnbs in California’s ‘Little Denmark’

Drive 45 minutes north of Santa Barbara, and you might think you went all the way to Copenhagen. In the early 1900s, a trio of Danish immigrants founded a town called Solvang in the Santa Ynez Valley, and the mini Denmark they envisioned still exists today. The main drag is dotted with windmills and half-timber buildings, past which a horse-drawn trolley called The Honen, or “The Hen” in Danish, regularly shuttles visitors. These same visitors can spend their days visiting the Hans Christian Andersen and Elverhoj Museums before sampling every smørrebrød sandwich and aebleskiver pancake in town. Solvang is also surrounded by vineyards — one thing Central California has on Northern Europe. Whether you love a quirky town or want a memorable base for your next wine-tasting trip, these are the Solvang Airbnbs you need to book.

We hope you love the Airbnb Solvang 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.

1. Papillion Rouge Stone Cottage

Photo: Airbnb

Solvang may be the “Danish Capital of America” but this real-life cottagecore Pinterest board feels more like it belongs in the South of France — complete with a private vineyard. The generous studio sits on 20 acres, so the only neighbors you’re likely to run into are the deer and wild turkeys that sometimes roam the property, but there’s an organic farm down the road where you can stock up on locally sourced produce. Beyond that, downtown Solvang is just 10 minutes away, and a 15-minute drive will land you in wine country.

Note: The cottage sleeps four, but there’s a $50 per night fee for every additional guest after two adults.

Studio, two guests
Price: $351 per night

Matador Network's Blog, page 428

August 2, 2022

August 1, 2022

July 31, 2022