Matador Network's Blog, page 440
July 11, 2022
I Stayed at Yelp’s #1 Hotel in the US. Here’s What It’s Really Like To Visit.
You can book the fanciest, priciest hotel you can find, but in the end, a vacation can only be as good as you make it. And that’s something to keep in mind if you want to enjoy a stay at Garden of the Gods Resort and Club in Colorado Springs, which was recently listed as Yelp’s number one United States hotel in 2022.
Garden of the Gods the resort sells itself on its view of the nearby Garden of the Gods park. And the view is indeed fantastic. Striking red rock formations can be seen from the dining areas, adults-only pool, and many of the room balconies. As with any hotel that has an incredible view, the price to enjoy that view is high. Although in this case, you can’t take any photos with a camera of said view that you’re paying for.
At a recent stay, I brought my personal, non-professional camera out to the lawn to take a few photos. Before I even raised the viewfinder to my face, a staff member shouted across the lawn that she “hates being the bearer of bad news” but no one is allowed to take photos without permission. She further explained that Garden of the Gods is private property and that’s the reason why.
I had figured taking pictures for personal use of the private property that I was paying about $800 a night to stay at (with the Colorado resident discount) would be in the clear. After all, I’d never been told that I couldn’t take personal photos at a hotel I was a paying guest at before. Thinking there was some kind of mistake, I texted the concierge desk number and got the following response: “My apologies for the miscommunication, pictures with out previous approval can only be taken with your personal cell phone.”
It seemed to escape them that the same view could be seen from our room’s balcony and that iPhone cameras now take high resolution pictures that can be blown up to the size of a billboard, but no matter.
Photo: Nickolaus Hines
Garden of the Gods Resort rooms and amenitiesI booked a Cottage room that had a five-piece bath and fireplace, but was instead put in the pricier King Club room. I didn’t complain since the King Club has the balcony views, and I figured the people at the front desk knew what they were doing. The trade-off was it lacked a bathtub and only had a small shower.
Other than the view, the room felt fancy like how a La Quinta Inn feels fancy. I was woken up at 7:30 AM on the first morning by a kid screaming (and then being loudly scolded by his parents) in the room on the other side of the paper-thin wall. The screen door to the balcony was off its hinges when I got to the room and I put it back on, but I couldn’t do anything about the handle that was broken off. The bench at the end of the bed was cracked in the middle as if one of the kids from the other room had been jumping on it, and the carpet runner in the hallway had what looked like a dog pee stain in the middle.
The hotel prides itself on being open since 1951. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like much has changed since then other than some dated technology like an old iPhone dock that could only fit the large charging port of the 2011 iPhone 4.
Garden of the Gods doesn’t change the sheets until after three days for sustainability reasons — something I’m all for. I put the request for service tag on the door after the first night to have the coffee and water restocked, however, as well as to have one of the wines in the self-pour machine replaced as it had been out since before we checked in. The waters were not replaced, and neither was the wine. What was left behind by the cleaning crew was a dirty yellow rag on the nightstand next to my fiancée’s pregnancy lotion.
The food and dining options at Garden of the Gods ResortThe “upscale” dining is closer to what you’d expect at a large wedding than what you’d get at a fancy restaurant. My order for a martini with Botanist gin came back as a vodka martini, and the wine that I ordered after the appetizer came out didn’t make it to the table until we were done eating the main course. Both were rung up wrong on the receipt, and in the case of the wine it was rung up for a higher priced item. And while the fried quail was tasty, the small bass filet needed a few lemons to rehydrate past the point of chalky.
We decided to try the more casual Rocks Lounge the second night. The food was again middling, but at least the drinks were done right — the benefit of sitting next to the bar I suppose. After eating, we went outside and sat next to the fire pits where we were joined by a mouse that ran out from under the seats and into the dining area.
At the pool, the food menu was short but solid. Honey Greek yogurt with watermelon will always be a hit on a hot day, and the selection of canned wine and beer got the job done.
We checked out early and went elsewhere for brunch on the last day. The unrelated Garden of the Gods Market and Cafe in town was fantastic, reasonably priced, mouse-free, and gave me a little bit of regret that we didn’t leave the property for the other meals.
The cost of staying at Garden of the Gods Resort over a summer weekendAll in all after the food and drinks charged to the room at the resort, it cost about $2,500 for a weekend — two round-trip flights to Paris at today’s high ticket prices, to put that into perspective. Despite the frequent text messages and emails Garden of the Gods sent me, I never received a final receipt after checking out from the front desk or over email.
Despite everything, there’s no denying that Garden of the Gods Resort and Club has incredible views. And my fiancée and I did, in fact, fully embrace that a vacation is what you make of it and we enjoyed ourselves. But is Garden of the Gods truly the number one hotel in the US as Yelp says, let alone worth a four-digit price tag for a weekend? I’d suggest heading over to Kinship Landing or another Colorado Springs hotel and getting your Garden of the Gods views on a morning trip to the park instead. 
Family-Friendly Adventures Within 90 Minutes of the Las Vegas Strip
Family-Friendly Adventures Within 90 Minutes of the Las Vegas StripBy: Matt Villano
Photo: SkyBlodgett/ShutterstockYou already know Las Vegas as the Entertainment Capital of The World. But hiding behind all that grown-up fun also happens to be one of the greatest destinations for families looking to plan a rocking summer vacation.
While the Las Vegas Strip certainly comes jam-packed with a trip’s worth of adventures, there are ample family-friendly activities farther afield that make it worth straying from all that glitters. From quick half-hour jaunts to easy day trips, from giant art installations to eerie ghost towns, let’s take a look at some of our faves.
This post is proudly produced in partnership with Travel Nevada.
Into the desert:
90 minutes from the Strip Fremont street at night Lake Las Vegas Neon Museum Just beyond the Las Vegas Strip — but often still within sight of your hotel or resort — lies a wide array of world-class art and culture to-dos. Leave it to the kids to show us how to truly appreciate a city!
No. 1 on the list: Downtown Las Vegas. The Fremont Street Experience is a full-on sensory extravaganza, with the world’s largest digital display on the underside of a canopy that spans five city blocks — watch the kids’ eyes light up as bright as the night’s free light show. During the day, goad the kiddos to zoom down the treehouse slide in the center of Downtown Container Park, or relax on the steps at locally-loved-and-run Fergusons Downtown with some goodies from Vegas Test Kitchen.
Fremont East has lots of public art to ogle — think colorful, one-of-a-kind murals — and the 18-block Las Vegas Arts District (aka “18b”) always delivers, too, with dozens of museums and one happy Snowball: a goofy, 10-foot-tall cat sculpture ready for the camera. If you have older kids, sign up for the hour-long guided tour of the Neon Boneyard at the Neon Museum to grab selfies with some of the legendary lit-up signs from casino resorts of yesteryear.
To the southeast, Lake Las Vegas is a legit oasis. Hit up Lake Las Vegas Water Sports to rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, e-foils, flyboards, and more. There’s also a floating aqua park that’s a cross between a bouncy house and an obstacle course, only on water. On the way, pay a visit to the city of Henderson (Nevada’s second largest), where you can rent bikes and ride part of the River Mountains Loop Trail, which runs for 34 miles in all.
To the southwest, Goodsprings is one of the most easily accessible ghost towns in southern Nevada. And even though a historic bar doesn’t sound like a family attraction, going to Goodsprings and not visiting the century-old Pioneer Saloon would be a big miss. With a Food Network-worthy restaurant inside and cornhole on the back patio, it’s absolutely kid-friendly (so long as the minors are accompanied by an adult). Families with older kids should check out a historic walking tour or off-road ATV tour — two-hour and half-day 4×4 jaunts zip around the ghost town and out into the nearby landscape. (Plus, there are always self-guided ghost hunts to be had any and every day!)
One last-but-not-least option: the Pinball Hall of Fame. While this destination is on Las Vegas Boulevard just north of the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign, technically it’s not on the Strip (which begins at Russell Road). The museum is home to more than 150 pinball machines and 50 classic video games. For a good time, all you need is a pocketful of quarters.
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The best of Vegas:
30 minutes from the Strip Hoover Dam Seven Magic Mountains Snow-covered Spring Mountains Family adventures within an hour’s drive of the Strip become a bit more…well, adventurous! Look forward to a mix of humanmade wonder and natural spectacle.
Hoover Dam, about 45 minutes southeast of Las Vegas, was the world’s tallest concrete structure when it was completed in 1936, and it’s still a feat of modern engineering that’s likely to blow your (and your kids’) minds. On the basic powerplant tour, you’ll wind through construction tunnels and visit a platform looking down on water gushing through a 30-foot-wide penstock pipe. The upgraded guided tour, meanwhile, does all that and takes you through inspection tunnels at the center of the dam.
As far as views go, the top of the dam offers can’t-miss vistas of the Colorado River rushing out below. The experience is even better when you realize you have one foot in Nevada and one foot in Arizona.
Beyond civil engineering marvels, there’s art in the middle of the Mojave Desert, too. Seven Magic Mountains, an installation by Ugo Rondinone that sits southwest of Las Vegas, is spectacular in its simplicity: seven towers of giant rocks, each stone painted a different neon color of the rainbow. Taken as a whole, they look kinda like stacks of giant Nerds candies, dramatically juxtaposed against the more monochromatic landscape. After mugging for photos, walk behind the towers and spy for jackrabbits amid the brush.
Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, northwest of Las Vegas, remains one of the only places in the Las Vegas Valley where you can regularly see snow — even in the heat of summer. The big attraction here is Mt. Charleston, the tallest peak in Clark County at 11,916 feet. Because of the elevation and the way the mountain bowl is protected from the sun, it’s usually 15-20 degrees cooler up here than it is on the Strip, making outdoor adventures possible even when everyone in Vegas runs for the A/C.
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Mountains and more:
60 minutes from the Strip Rhyolite Ghost Town Ash Meadows NWR Camel Safari The wildest family-friendly adventures near Las Vegas are those that require a bit more of a drive. But if they’re willing to put in the extra miles, adventuresome parents can introduce their kids to things they’ve likely never seen — things they quite possibly may never see again.
Beatty, Nevada, home to the headwaters of the Amargosa River, makes for a fun and kitschy way to spend a day. The city bills itself as the “Gateway to Death Valley,” but it’s also become famous for the friendly burros that hang around town. From here, it’s a 10-minute drive to the Rhyolite Ghost Town, where crumbling buildings along a once-bustling main drag offer an eerie look into the area’s mining past. Definitely check out those nifty public art sculptures on the outskirts of “town,” aka the Goldwell Open Air Museum.
Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, northwest of Vegas, might as well be the Galapagos Islands of the Mojave. Even though the refuge sits in the hottest and driest corner of the country, it’s home to a remarkable concentration of species endemic to North America. In just under 24,000 acres, you can scout for 26 species found nowhere else on Earth, including different species of desert pupfish and zebra-tailed lizards. Kids tend to love looking for bighorn sheep and coyotes — many visits turn into living-creature scavenger hunts. (Just remember to show a healthy respect for any wildlife you’re lucky enough to encounter, and observe from a distance.)
The area around Mesquite, an hour or so northeast of Vegas, packs in family-friendly attractions like Camel Safari, an accredited zoo where kids (and grown-ups, of course) can pet and ride camels. Fifteen minutes up the road, the Virgin Valley Heritage Museum tells deep stories of local history — among other exhibits, it houses the first slot machine found in this part of the state.
While in Mesquite, make sure to check out CasaBlanca Resort & Casino, whose pool rivals any on the Vegas Strip, with a design that calls to mind a tropical oasis. And while this might not excite the kids, the virgin Pina Coladas here are half the price of what they’d be in a Strip-side resort. By our math, that’s double the fun.
Photo credits: imagoDens/Shutterstock and Travel Nevada
This post is proudly produced in partnership with Travel Nevada.
July 10, 2022
National Park Face Mask Requirements Are Returning Due To Rising Case Numbers
If you’re planning on enjoying one of the country’s national parks this summer, you might want to make sure you’re stocked up on masks before you leave. A surge in COVID-19 cases is causing many parks to reintroduce masks mandates.
Rules about masks vary depending on the park and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s COVID-19 Community Levels tool. In areas the CDC identifies with a high COVID-19 community level, masks are required regardless of vaccination status. In most low and medium COVID-19 community level areas, masks are optional, however visitors should use policies enforced at staff and volunteer discretion. In all parks, masks are required on all forms of enclosed public transportation. So far, six national parks have reinstated mask mandates according to the National Park Service website.
Seqouia and Kings Canyon mask mandateWearing a mask is currently required inside all park buildings regardless of vaccination status.
Rocky Mountains mask mandateDue to the the high levels of transmission within Larimer and Boulder Counties, masks are advised for Beaver Meadows VC, Moraine Park Discovery Center, Fall River VC, Alpine VC, on the Hiker Shuttle, and on in-park shuttle buses.
Grand Teton mask mandateMasks are required in all park buildings in Grand Teton National Park, regardless of vaccination status, including, but not limited to, visitor centers, administrative offices, lodges, gift shops, and restaurants.
Masks are now required in all park buildings within Grand Canyon National Park, regardless of vaccination status. Park buildings include, but are not limited to visitor centers, administrative offices, lodges, gift shops, and restaurants everywhere within Grand Canyon.
Denali mask mandateAccording to the Associated Press, park officials say Masks covering the nose and mouth will be required for everyone over the age of two, regardless of vaccination status. They must be worn in all common and shared workspaces in buildings owned or controlled by the National Park Service, including visitor centers, lodges, gift shops and restaurants. Masks also are required to ride buses and courtesy shuttles inside the park.
Yellowstone mask mandateMasks are required for everyone in all NPS buildings and enclosed public transportation, regardless of vaccination status.
July 9, 2022
At These Florence Workshops, You’ll Learn the Secrets of Handworked Leather
Walk through the streets of Florence, Italy, and you’ll be greeted not just by stunning Renaissance art, Baroque architecture, and the lyrical sound of the Italian language. You’ll also see leather everywhere: clothing stores carrying leather jackets, stationary shops vending leather-bound journals, and kiosks festooned with leather bags, wallets, and belts in every hue of the rainbow.
Leather-making in Florence dates back hundreds of years to the first leather guild established in the 13th century. Today, visitors may be aware that luxury local brands like Gucci and Salvatore Ferragamo first began by selling top-quality leather footwear and bags. But until you stroll through this refined city, you may not realize how pervasive leather is, and what the seal “Made in Italy” really means. A look at leather artisans in Florence – and discovering how you could become one yourself – will help you grasp the aura of Italian leather.
Tour a leather factory for a deep dive into hand-made leather goods
Photo: Noelle Salmi
Piero Tucci began making leather bags 50 years ago. According to the company he founded, Pierotucci, he was soon making leather goods for such companies as Valentino, Cole-Haan, and Hugo Boss. As his business grew, the company moved into larger facilities a 15-minute drive over the wooded hills from central Florence. Reserve online to join a free tour of the Pierotucci factory and you’ll get a deep dive into the process of making an Italian handbag. Marco Tucci now runs the business with his brother, Matteo Tucci, and had a clear purpose when they decided to open the factory to visitors.
“In our opinion, it’s nice to see how we select the leather, to [understand]… how the tannery process works,” Marco said. “We give them some information on how the items that they can find everywhere are being manufactured, so they see a real craftsman, how he or she works.”
Photo: Noelle Salmi
For Tucci, a look at the painstaking process of making a handbag lends appreciation of what “Made in Italy” really means. My private tour of the factory, which feels more like a large workshop, began with a look at expansive racks of multi-colored leather – some naturally dyed and some tinted with synthetic chroma dyes. Pierotucci buys its lamb and cow leather from tanneries that were long ago moved out of Florence.
I learned that cow leather is categorized into two categories: more pliable leather from 18-month-old cattle, and sturdier stuff from 24-month-olds. Also, different parts of a cow lend leather particular characteristics, and the leather used depends on the type of bag that’s being made. As to leather jackets, my guide insisted only lamb leather should be used, given its lightness; she felt that oft-used buffalo leather is much too heavy.
Photo: Noelle Salmi
On the tour, it’s explained that even the most workable leather needs to be stripped to a specified thinness at the seams where it’s sewn together. Before that happens, though, all new bag designs are first tested with cardboard mockups to see how it would look and wear. The ultimate lesson in this factory tour, though, is that “90 percent of the work is really done by hand.”
The craftspeople I’d met had been working for Pierotucci for decades; one told me that making a single bag from start to finish would take her well more than a day. After seeing what it takes to make a bag by hand, you’ll no longer wonder why Pierotucci prices come with two zeros at the end. And you’ll know that if you do spend the money, the bag will last forever.
Visit a leather school in the heart of Florence’s leather industry
Photo: Noelle Salmi
Walking into the courtyard of the Scuola del Cuoio in Santa Croce, the historic center of leather-working in Florence, feels a little like walking onto a mini college campus. You leave the bustle of the street as you walk past a wooded park and enter the historic building – in this case, a repurposed monastery. It turns out that Scuola del Cuoio, or School of Leather, was founded by monks and leather artisans after World War II to teach war orphans a trade.
Today, the school still offers “scholarships to people that need help, poor people, or with mental disease, that will join the school for a nine-month course,” said Beatriz Parri Gori, the granddaughter of one of the school’s founders, Marcello Gori. She was showing around a Hollywood TV couple, who were discreetly Covid-masked and who were following a long line of bold-faced names who have visited the school.
The Scuola del Cuoio also specializes in making one-of-a-kind bags and in teaching paying students the secrets of high-quality leather working. One of those students was an energetic, white-haired senior from Australia, Alison Bruce, who was taking her third course at Scuola del Cuoio – this one 10-weeks long. She had just finished making a fetching chocolate and teal-toned bag in the workshop downstairs, and had come upstairs to have leather artisan Francesco Galleni brand it with her own signature seal that she’d made.
Photo: Noelle Salmi
Galleni attached Bruce’s seal to a spike, heated it to a high temperature, and then placed a piece of gold leaf onto the spot inside the bag where she wanted the seal. He pressed down onto the gold leaf, and the seal was imprinted. Alison Bruce’s bag was complete.
“The quality of instruction is exceptional,” Bruce said. “We’ve got a Japanese teacher who’s been here 30 years. And the two others, one’s a Canadian handbag maker and the other one’s a Brazilian. So it’s very international.”
Some artisans I spoke with expressed that they worry about the loss of handcrafting skills in Italy, but at least Galleni – the artisan who burned the finishing gold seal onto the handbag – said he’s happy to be a part of the school. Following in his father’s footsteps, the 38-year-old Galleni has worked at Scuola del Cuoio for 20 years. While the more intense leather-working goes on in the studio below, he said he prefers working upstairs since it’s open to the public and he gets to meet more people.
Inspired, I went to the front of the Scuola, purchased a lovely black belt as a gift, and had Galleni burnish it inside with my loved one’s initials. Rather than gold, though, I chose the silver leaf.
Visit the most famous bespoke shoe store in the world
Photo: Noelle Salmi
Stefano Bemer was already famous for its bespoke shoes and hand-tailored suits when Daniel Day-Lewis learned about the brand. Day-Lewis was so impressed with the craftsmanship that he decided to learn the skills himself. Stefano Bemer offers six-month apprenticeships, but Day-Lewis stayed for 10 months, leaving Martin Scorcese waiting for him to begin filming Gangs of New York, according to Tommaso Capozzoli, who took me upstairs to see the pale-blue wood chair on which Day-Lewis sat for nearly a year, learning to handmake a pair of shoes.
Capozzoli was an old friend of Stefano Bemer and began working with him only two years before Bemer died in 2012, at the age of 48. Today, the store is owned by a family member connected to the Scuola del Cuoio, and like the Scuola, it’s housed in a formerly religious institution – in this case, a church. When you enter the store, though, church isn’t exactly what comes to mind.
Photo: Noelle Salmi
The hyper-elegant store that sells shoes that cost hundreds, and in some cases thousands, of dollars is also where apprentices learn their skills: in the front section of the store, visible as soon as you enter. They’re surrounded by shoe molds attached to vertical wooden beams above handsome shoes displayed on shelves below. The effect is brilliant, emphasizing the handmaid nature of the work, although it can get loud when one of the few apprentices seated there is hammering nails into a sole.
Capozzoli said that although the apprenticeships are six-months long, it takes six to seven years to become a master shoemaker. Likewise, the tailor they have upstairs has been making suits for 70 years.
“Our tailor is 84 now,” Capozzoli said. “So he started when he was like 11 or 12. It’s a level of experience and skills that are not replaceable. We launched our school because of that.”
While Capozzoli fears that these skills are dying in Italy, it seems possible that at least some of the students who come from around the world will choose to stay. After all, people still want the Made in Italy label, and students can continue to learn from the country’s artisans after completing an apprenticeship.
Buy a handmade, leather-bound journal
Photo: Noelle Salmi
Il Torchio is a 10-minute walk from the Stefano Bemer shoe store in the artisan-rich Oltrarno neighborhood. This beautiful bookbinding store is run by Erin Ciulla, a Canadian who studied design in Toronto.
If you ask Ciulla, she might take you to see the “guillotine” in the back room. I was expecting something macabre, but the guillotine is actually a very large, antique-looking machine that’s used to cut large amounts of paper. Beyond binding with leather covers, Ciulla also covers books, journals, and photo albums in decorative marbled papers that are made by hand in Florence.
Although Ciulla’s father is from Sicily, she exemplifies the expat who learned an artisan trade and stayed. She discovered the craft of Florentine bookbinding while studying abroad there in college. After returning to Canada, she came back to apprentice with Anna Anichini, who began the store over 40 years ago. Now, Ciulla runs the business.
Over 100 colleges offer exchange programs in Florence, so this is one way that foreign students can discover the city’s rich artisan tradition. Perhaps some of them will come back to learn those handcrafted skills and will keep them alive – either in their home countries or in the alluring, culture-rich city of Florence itself.
July 8, 2022
18 Photos That Show How Wild the GoPro Mountain Games Are
Sure, most of the super-epic GoPro photos you’ve seen on Instagram are taken by professional photographers and athletes at the top of their game — but not all. And the GoPro Mountain Games in Vail, Colorado, is proof that you don’t need to be a pro to take a stunning outdoor shot.
At the annual games, professional and amateur athletes alike gather to recreate and compete in a variety of outdoor games — some serious, some not so much — across the rivers, mountains, and valleys of Vail. Spectators, too, are more than welcome, and the three-day event includes opportunities for art, music, concerts, yoga, and everything you’d expect from a top-level summer festival. Activities for athletes of various levels range from trail runs and timed raft races to rock climbing competitions and uphill mountain bike races.
Sponsored by GoPro and the Vail Valley Foundation, the games are a chance for anyone to learn a new skill, test their current skills, or just get to know other athletes and spectators who appreciate friendly competition in the great outdoors.
Of course, since GoPro is the lead sponsor of the games, you can bet there are usually some epic photos that come out of the competition and 2022 was no exception. In addition to photos taken from athletes, media, and journalists covering the event, the GoPro Mountain Games invites content creators to spend a few days learning about GoPro camera techniques and shooting — all while watching and participating in the various events.
Oh, and if you’re wondering: next year’s games are June 8 – 11, 2023. Better practice your mud run and speed paddling.
Taking a break to hang out in the trees around Vail. Photo: Andrews Santana
Attempting to get amped up for a morning balloon ride with a 3:30 AM wake-up call. Photo: Susi Vidal
A sunrise hot air balloon mission, captured on a GoPro MAX 360 camera, and an inside look before liftoff. Photos by: GoPro and Nikolai Zychowicz
A SUPsquatch (giant stand-up paddleboard) group going down Gore Creek. Photo: Grete Eliassen
The Nature Valley Mud Run (i.e, the chocolate river from Willy Wonka). Photo: Nick Rowley
A four-legged competitor going for gold at the Orijen DockDogs Outdoor Big Air event, akin to long jump for dogs. Photo: Susi Vidal
No, this photo is not upside down. Professional kayaker Nick Troutman competing in the freestyle kayak event. Photo: Nick Troutman
Not all games are super-stressful — nor is the schedule so packed that you can’t find some time for a quick nap. Photos: Andrews Santana and GoPro
Spectators watching the men’s climbing event in Mountain Plaza. Photo: Zach Mahone/Vail Valley Foundation
Braving the rapids of Vail’s Gore Creek. Photo: Susi Vidal
A unique hot air balloon perspective. Photo: Nikolai Zychowicz
Some events are low-key and open to anyone, like the Après 5K Run, while some events have specific requirements — like having to have four feet. Photos: the_adventureaddicts and GoPro
Crowds for days at the Mountain of Music concert night at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. Photo: Vail Valley Foundation
Spectators can catch a front-row seat to events like the Pacifico 8 Ball Kayak Sprint event. But experienced athletes can paddle for the gold at events like the TINCUP Steep Creek Championship (in Red Cliff, just outside Vail). Photos: Thata Luz and Nick Troutman
More like thisPhoto + Video + FilmTake Better Photos: 8 Landscape Photography Tips for Self-Taught TravelersI Won’t Travel Without This Backpack, and It’s 44 Percent Off Through July 13
As a travel editor, packing is a routine part of my life. When you’re constantly on the road, living out of a suitcase becomes the norm and you get used to rearranging and retrofitting your packing setup to make it more efficient. Ironically, the most efficient thing I ever did to my travel setup was to ditch the suitcase entirely in favor of a new backpack, the Tortuga Setout 45L. I acquired my Setout in late 2017, prompted by a summer spent traveling through Asia and a fall in Mexico during which I had a rucksack-style backpackers’ pack that I felt both too old for and, now, too experienced to be carrying around.
What hooked me on the Tortuga Setout is that it wears like a backpack, opens like a clamshell, and packs like a suitcase. I’ll get into the specifics of packing below, but know this for starters – this is the backpack for those who have outgrown the vagabond rucksack days and who want something both more stylish and more functional, but who still abide by the golden principle of long-term and frequent travel: “Thou shalt not roll.” This pack single-handedly prevented me from selling out and getting a roller suitcase. Nearly five years in, I have no plans to change course.
We hope you love the Tortuga Setout backpack! 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.
The Tortuga Setout comes in men’s and women’s options. My experience is with the men’s version, but I have multiple colleagues and friends who use the women’s version with high regard.
Packing space
What you don’t see are my biodegradable coffee pods. Photo Credit: Tim Wenger
The Tortuga Setout 45L backpack is 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches. That creates 45 liters of space to fill. The pack is big enough that you can fit everything you need even for long trips, as long as you have somewhere to do laundry. I’ve reached a point where whether I’m traveling for three days or 30, I tend to bring about the same amount of stuff, and this pack makes it easy to create a routine out of your packing. I fill it up in the same order each time, and because of the see-thru mesh packing cubes, am able to view what I have already packed and what is still to come.
The Tortuga Setout is made up of three compartments. The main compartment, accessed via a zipper that wraps around three sides of the back, opens like a clamshell. This makes it easy to access anything on the inside, rather than having to dig through stuff you can’t see in a traditional backpacking pack (or worse, having to unpack and repack it all every time you want to change your t-shirt).
The compartment that sits closest to your back when wearing the Setout has a laptop sleeve and room to store accompanying work gear. I travel for work at least once per month, and this pouch allows me to easily be productive while on the road. The front compartment is designed to hold small staples like a passport, notebook, pens, and a book.
Packing cubes
I feel like I’m actually on their terms, but I’m ok with that. Photo credit: Tim Wenger
Unlike a backpacking pack or standard backpack, the Tortuga Setout is designed to accommodate three specialized packing cubes that come with the pack. These fit perfectly into the main compartment when fully packed.
I utilize the three packing cubes to their max. I put pants and shorts in the large one, which can fit three pairs comfortably and four if I stuff it. I use the smaller two for t-shirts, socks, underwear, and any other clothing items. When traveling for work, I typically bring one or two nice button-downs, which I fold and pack into the two zip pockets inside the main compartment. A quick iron at the hotel and they’re good to go. I then arrange the cubes into the main compartment.
Everything else I can pack into my Tortuga SetoutThis was my setup for two months in Mexico. Photo credit: Tim Wenger
On top of the cubes, I place a day pack. On top of that, boots or shoes that I’m not wearing on the plane. Around the edges of the main compartment, any small miscellaneous items that are relevant to that specific trip. Another win for the Tortuga Setout backpack is that after five years I’ve never once had an issue zipping it up. No frustrating moments of not being able to zip the last few inches, no broken zippers, no rips. The zippers are perfect, and after 150-plus flights they’re still as functional as the day I bought the pack.
I fill the laptop compartment with my laptop, of course. Also in this compartment I place my charger, noise-canceling headphones, and a notebook.
In the front pouch, I keep a selection of charging and computer cables and a universal charging adapter with me at all times. These go in the zippered pouch, along with some nerdy staples like biodegradable coffee pods for hotel rooms that only have a Keurig. Outside of the zippered pouch, I keep a few pens, my passport and Global Entry id, and other small necessities. Each has a special place in one of the small open pouches.
Tortuga Setout Divide vs Setout 35LThe Tortuga Setout Divide is a 45L pack, giving you 10L more storage space than the original Setout 35L. Tortuga is a small business that focuses solely on making these packs, so you’re getting quality either way, but I’ve opted for the Setout 45L because it gives me more space while still retaining “guaranteed carry-on” status.
Any downsides?One thing to note about the Setout is that when fully packed, it is definitely on the larger end of carry-on-sized bags. As such, it won’t fit in overhead bins on smaller planes, including those typically used on short-haul regional flights. I do one of two things when I run into this issue: If I’m in a hurry on the other end, I bring the pack onto the plane and weasel it under the seat in front of me. It takes some squishing and pushing, but it always works. When the flight crew does their pre-takeoff rounds, I typically put my feet on top of it to conceal its bulge.
Or, I gate check the bag and pick it up at the baggage carousel at the end of my journey. As an added bonus, this tends to put you in good graces with the gate crew and flight staff because it frees up overhead bin space on the flight.
The only other downside I’ve experienced is that the bottle holder on the side of the pack tends to stretch just a little bit. This can cause your bottle to fall out during a flight, which happened to me once when I’d gate-checked my bag and I never got my Hydroflask bottle back. Granted, I should have taken the bottle with me onto the plane, but forgot to do so that time. I’ve since solved this issue by clipping a small carabiner to the main pack zipper, which clips nicely to the lid on most water bottles.
The Tortuga Setout 45L with packing cubes is on sale now for $129 (44 percent off), for Prime Day 2022.
More like thisTechnology + GearI Won’t Fly Without This Useful Travel Gadget, and It’s on Sale for $30 Until July 138 Adventurous Things To Do in La Paz, Mexico, That’ll Make You Want To Skip Cabo
La Paz, Mexico, is fewer than 100 miles north of vacation hotspot Cabo San Lucas, but the two cities might as well be light-years apart. Though La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur, Cabo has long been the state’s go-to vacation destination — and it shows.
Free from Cabo’s resort sprawl and never-ending nightlife, La Paz is a reminder of what Mexico’s beach towns can be like before tourism reaches critical mass. Its growing popularity is slowly ushering in boutique hotels and hip eateries, but the city is still clinging to a particular type of traveler — one that wants to spend the majority of his or her time outside.
All of the most thrilling things to do in La Paz revolve around outdoor activities, including laid-back options like boating and beaching and more active adventures like scuba diving, windsurfing, and sandboarding. If those are the type of experiences that fuel your love of travel, here are eight reasons you should choose La Paz over Cabo next time you’re in Baja California Sur.
Scuba dive or snorkel in the “world’s aquarium”
Photo: Nick_Polanszky/Shutterstock
La Paz sits on some premium real estate on the Gulf of California (a skinny inlet separating the Baja Peninsula’s east coast from the rest of Mexico’s west coast). Also known as the Sea of Cortez, the gulf is one of the most biodiverse water bodies on Earth. Nearly 40 percent of the world’s marine mammal species and almost 1,000 different fish species live in the waters just offshore of La Paz. The sea life is so rich — think dolphins, whales, sharks, rays, and turtles, to start — that Jacques Cousteau once dubbed it the “world’s aquarium.”
There are plenty of reputable dive shops in the La Paz area. But you don’t have to miss out if you’re not certified — snorkeling is also one of the best things to do in La Paz, Mexico, especially since the water tends to have an average visibility of around 90 feet (which means it’s very clear). You can also do an easy “Discover Scuba” dive with most shops, even if you’re never tried it before.
Stroll along the most beautiful malecón in Mexico
Photo: Leonardo Gonzalez/Shutterstock
The only thing separating downtown La Paz from all that marine biodiversity is a three-mile malecón, akin to a boardwalk. Locals insist it’s the most beautiful esplanade in Mexico, and they make a good case.
Sculptures honoring the region’s ecological and cultural heritage, including one of ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau, appear every hundred yards or so. Palm trees crop up every few feet, and a string of thatched-roof palapas provides shade for beachgoers. There’s also a bike path, skateboard park, and volleyball courts, all of which are popular well into the evening.
While most things to do in La Paz are heavy on adventure, walking the malecón at sunset is a peaceful alternative and a great way to end an active day. It’s also the best way to acquainted with the city and its scenery (and an ideal place to launch a paddleboard).
You can sleep under the stars on an uninhabited desert island
Photo: MIGUEL ZETTER LOPEZ/Shutterstock
Of all the memorable things to do in La Paz, experiencing Isla Espiritu Santo might be the most indelible. A national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the lava-and-limestone island reaches into the Sea of Cortez with fingerlike formations webbed together by small pearl-white beaches. The surrounding water is so clear that you’ll hardly notice it’s there — until you dive in and feel its bathtub-warm touch against your bare skin. In a word, Espiritu Santo is magic.
Thirty-two reptile species and 98 bird species, including the elusive blue-footed booby, inhabit the island alongside desert flora like giant cardon cactuses. The last humans to live there were the indigenous Pericu people, who called it home some 10,000 years ago. But today, travelers can sleep there. Select tour operators, such as Baja Expeditions, manage glampsites on the beach, though you can also visit for just a few hours.
Because Espiritu Santo is a protected area, only authorized boats can access its shores. Several operators run day trips to the island from La Paz’s marinas and the pier off the malecón. BACO (Baja Adventure Company) is a good choice for a half-day visit, complete with an hour-long boat ride, paddleboarding off Espiritu Santo, an on-board lunch of ceviche and tacos from a local La Paz restaurant, and a snorkeling excursion at Los Islotes (more on that below).
In total, there are 11 reef and wreck sites open to snorkelers and scuba divers within Espiritu Santo National Park, which includes the archipelago’s namesake island, as well as neighboring Isla Partida and a handful of smaller islets and promontories in the Sea of Cortez.
Swim with sea lions at Los Islotes
Photo: Leonardo Gonzalez/Shutterstock
If you’re going to choose just one snorkel or scuba excursion around Espiritu Santo, choose Los Islotes, a miniature island just north of Isla Partida. In fairness, Los Islotes is more of a rock than an island, and almost every inch of its surface is covered with sea lions.
When they’re not sunbathing, the sea lions of Los Islotes circle the shallow reef that rings the island — as do many tourists who come to see the colony. Swimmers are instructed to keep a close yet safe distance from the sea lions, but the animals follow no such rules. Occasionally, some may approach closely enough to visitors that they can count their cute little whiskers.
Relax on a pristine beach capped at 200 visitors
Photo: Matt Gush/Shutterstock
Nowhere is the overtourism problem in coastal Mexico more visible than it is at the beaches of popular resort destinations like Cabo. But just 30 minutes north of La Paz is Balandra Beach, a natural protected area and a safeguard in the face of growing tourism thanks to one thing: visitor caps. The exact number of visitors allowed daily waffled a bit during the pandemic, but the limit is currently 200 visitors per three-hour time slot. Visitors can choose between 8 AM to 11 AM or noon to 3 PM.
The scenery at Balandra Beach is similar to that of Espiritu Santo — calm waters clear as glass, blindingly white sand, and a rugged desert interior — with a mangrove forest between the sea and the shore that creates a stunning place to kayak. Though Balandra Beach is accessible by land, several boat tours run combine excursions to Balandra Beach, Espiritu Santo, and Los Islotes.
If you do drive to the beach, be sure to bring $50 for the entrance fee and pack everything you might need for the day. Part of what makes Balandra seem so remote is the lack of restaurants, beach bars, and other tourist amenities in the vicinity.
Snowboard on sand in the dunes
Photo: Alex Bresler
I had the pleasure of visiting La Paz recently, and I planned to go paddleboarding on my first afternoon there. But the wind had other plans for me. Instead of gliding across the glassy waters of Balandra Bay, I wound up gliding down the silky sand dunes of the El Mogote Peninsula, about 45 minutes northwest of the city.
My group of four hopped in a truck at the On Board Baja headquarters in downtown La Paz and headed for the dunes around 6:30 PM. Another duo met us there in their own 4WD vehicle, and we saw others off-roading UTVs nearby. Everyone in my group was a beginner, except for one person who was a proficient snowboarder. But after a few trial runs — and accompanying wipeouts — even the most nervous novices were able to board down the easiest dune without falling. Most were emboldened to try more the difficult runs a few feet away.
After an hour or so of sandboarding, the sun began to set over the Bay of La Paz and the greater Sea of Cortez, both of which frame the dunes. As I stared at the waters where I had planned to paddleboard, I was thankful that the weather had disrupted my plans and encouraged me to try a new sport — one I’d highly recommend.
Go whale watching or swim with whale sharks
Photo: Leonardo Gonzalez/Shutterstock
La Paz has yet to see Cabo’s crowds, but it does have a busy season: December through February. It’s not just because the weather is great, with temperatures averaging around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but also because it coincides with the annual whale shark migration.
From October to April, whale sharks descend on the Bay of La Paz to feast on plankton. Juveniles congregate along the interior edge of the El Mogote Peninsula where the food source is most abundant. Full-grown whale sharks, which are not actually whales but the world’s largest fish, can reach lengths of up to 40 feet, and it’s perfectly safe to swim with the gentle giants. Both Baja Expeditions and On Board Baja host excursions to do just that.
Winter is also whale-watching season in Baja California Sur. Between January and March, grey whales leave the Arctic Circle and swim thousands of miles to arrive in Magdalena Bay and the Ojo Liebre Lagoon north of La Paz. One of the operators that organizes dive trips to Espiritu Santo, the Cortez Club, also facilitates whale-watching excursions from La Paz.
Take a day trip to Baja’s windsurfing capital
Photo: Andrea Izzotti/Shutterstock
When people say windsurfing is one of the best things to do in La Paz, they’re really suggesting that you plan a day trip to La Ventana or El Sargento. Slightly southeast of La Paz, the twin fishing towns are backed by mountains that create a natural wind tunnel to La Ventana Bay. This spells good news for windsurfers and kitesurfers. The breeze is consistent throughout the year, but the strongest winds blow from November to March.
While there are La Paz-based tour operators that’ll take you to La Ventana, renting a car in La Paz and booking a lesson with an on-site windsurfing school is an excellent excuse to explore even more of Baja California Sur.
12 Airbnb Huntington Beach Vacation Rentals Near the Water
Huntington Beach has many things for one to get into, whether it be a solo, family, or friend trip. This southeast California city can get you involved with all the activities that it has to offer. Enjoy the five beaches that stretch across the coastline, relax at the spas, indulge in some tasty offerings, enjoy the nightlife, or just hang out and take advantage of your time at one of these Airbnb Huntington Beach properties. Whatever you decided to get into it will surely be an adventure.
Huntington Beach Airbnbs on the beach and oceanfrontPet-friendly Huntington Beach AirbnbsHuntington Beach Airbnbs with a poolHuntington Beach Airbnbs near downtownWe hope you love the Airbnb Huntington Beach 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.
Huntington Beach Airbnbs on the beach and oceanfrontYou’re coming to hit the beach, right? Might as well stay nearby and walk or bike everywhere you need to go.
Sunset Beach Ohana Home
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This Airbnb in Huntington Beach can be the perfect home base for your getaway. The beach home has a spacious living room area and a large kitchen with a dining area for eight. On the second and third floors, there are beautiful views of the beach and 360 views on the rooftop. The home is located on a greenbelt park, so you will have plenty of front yard space to have a picnic or BBQ.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $433 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Enjoy everything that Huntington Beach has to offer by staying at this spacious beach house. This home has many amenities like a large living room, a fully equipped kitchen, an outdoor heated shower, a soft tube spa, a ping pong and foosball table, and a private backyard. Relax at home before biking or walking to downtown Huntington Beach.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $663 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This newly-renovated beach house is the best for those who plan to spend their Huntington Beach stay actually on the beach. Step out onto the sand and stroll down to the pier — worth a jaunt even if you don’t surf, because both the waves and the action of watching those catching them is so engaging. Sancho’s Taco Shop is within walking distance, home to the best fish tacos in HB. The house comes with bikes, kayaks, and gear so you’re all set for the water.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $425 per night
Traveling to California? Check out Matador’s California accommodations guides:These beautiful San Diego Airbnbs put you close to the beach and downtownThe best 14 Airbnbs near Yosemite National Park11 magical Airbnbs near Redwoods and Sequoia National Parks9 dreamy oceanfront Airbnbs up and down the California coast10 soulful beach Airbnbs for the perfect SoCal yoga retreat12 very zen Joshua Tree Airbnbs perfect for families and groupsPet-friendly Huntington Beach Airbnbs
Traveling with pets can be rewarding, especially if you have a good place to crash that welcomes them. These properties give dogs plenty of space to explore.
Private beach-themed cottage near Main Street and nightlife
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Just steps away from Main Street and more fun activities is this cozy beachy cottage. The home has a spacious open floor plan with a living room, kitchen, and bedroom. The cottage is centrally located, and it’s near the beach, pier restaurants, nightlife, and public transportation.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $298 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Check out this Airbnb Huntington Beach shack for your next vacation. This beach shack has a spacious living room, kitchen, and cozy bedrooms. The home also has a large backyard area with a water feature and a fire pit, and there are four bikes that guests can use. If you want to explore, the home is within walking distance to the park and 1.2 miles from downtown Huntington Beach shops and restaurants.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $391 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This private room is located in a house in a friendly and quiet neighborhood. This space has an oversized living room with a fireplace, a spacious kitchen with a large eating area, and a backyard with a pool, spa, and another fireplace. This home is conveniently located near restaurants, shops, malls, cafes, and the beach.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $98 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Welcome to this stylish Airbnb Huntington Beach vacation rental. If you’re looking to tackle Huntington Beach with your partner, this is just the right place. This home features a bedroom with a queen-sized bed, a full bathroom, and a shared living, kitchen, and backyard space.
Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $200 per night
Having a pool and the beach nearby is the goal, right? These properties accomplish that goal with an extra dose of style.
Coastal Paradise steps to the beach w/ pool and hot tubPhoto: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Having the beach, a pool, and a hot tub on tap for whenever you want to use them is the ultimate Southern California dream. Live that dream at this coastal escape, complete with a luxurious interior, a party deck, and a covered patio. Bedrooms are nicely trimmed with views out over the neighborhood towards the water. This is the spot to impress — and your guests won’t want to leave.
Ten guests, four bedrooms
Price: $2,200 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Steps from the beach and with pool access mean you’re guaranteed a good time at this Airbnb Huntington Beach vacation rental. There’s also a hot tub on site, and you’ll be within walking distance to many of the town’s finest attractions including the pier, downtown, and the acclaimed Longboard Restaurant and Pub. Inside the unit, relax in luxury with a comfortable lounge area, stocked kitchen, and high-heeled bedrooms.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $542 per night
Downtown Huntington Beach offers the area’s best dining, shopping, and clubs. It’s walkable and bikeable, so there’s no need to rent a car. Especially if you book one of these nearby Airbnbs.
Newly renovated beach house with private patio
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Round up your family or friends and head to the sunset beach house. This newly renovated house has an open layout and many forms of entertainment. Relax in the cozy living room, prepare meals for the day on the beach or have a drink on the private patio. The home has bikes, surfboards, a kayak, and board games.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $466 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This family home has everything you need for a getaway. There are 2700 square feet of living space, two balconies that view the pier and beach, three bedrooms, one loft with a bathroom, a family room, a living room, a front patio with gorgeous views, and an outdoor BBQ grill. Not only will you have access to all these amenities, but you’ll also be within walking distance to shops, restaurants, and the pier and just a half-hour drive to Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Legoland.
Ten guests, four bedrooms
Price: $680 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Indulge in this three-story house for your Huntington Beach trip. With its spacious living room, kitchen, and four bedrooms, there is plenty of room for relaxation. There is a secluded flagstone patio and french doors to welcome you into the home, and if you want to get out for a bit to explore, don’t worry because the house is within walking distance of all Huntington Beach activities.
Seven guests, four bedrooms
Price: $686 per night
These JetBlue Vacation Packages Might Be the Most Affordable Way To Experience Caribbean Luxury
For most, a Caribbean vacation is a serious splurge. The cost of the flights, hotel or resort, activities, food, and transportation stack up quickly, and traveling when the weather is at its worst can be the best bet for scoring discounts. But a slew of deals from JetBlue Vacations are adding options that might be the ticket to a Caribbean vacation for budget-minded travelers.
When they re-launched in 2020, JetBlue Vacations offered hotel and flight packages to just two destinations: Aruba and Punta Cana. They’ve expanded to offer flight and cruise packages, as well as trips to Cancun and Montego Bay. Their packages focus on some modest added perks, but it’s the included discounts that make these some of the best vacation deals currently available for the Caribbean.
Photo: Markus Mainka/Shutterstock
On a recent JetBlue Vacations trip to Aruba, I had the chance to get familiar with the program and all of its perks. Here’s what you can expect if you decide to book a JetBlue vacation package to the Caribbean.
Flights come with perksBooking a JetBlue Vacation doesn’t include first-class amenities, but it does come with some perks that elevate the usual in-flight experience. Early boarding—that’s Group B, to be specific—is a convenience on full flights with limited carry-on storage. After getting settled, it never hurts to kick off vacation a bit early—or sneak in a final indulgence—with the complimentary wine, cocktail, or beer during beverage service.
Considering that JetBlue is also the only US airline to offer free, high-speed in-flight wifi at every seat in its fleet and boasts the widest seats and most legroom of any US airline, this might be one of the most comfortable experiences available in economy. It certainly made my four-and-a-half-hour flight from JFK to Aruba pass by quickly.
The only catch: flight crews and gate attendants don’t seem entirely looped in on which passengers are JBV customers, so while they’ll certainly respect the early boarding and free drinks, they might not offer them upfront. It could be more organized, but I didn’t find it a hardship to mention that complimentary beverage to the flight attendants.
JetBlue plans vacation activitiesAvailable around the clock, JetBlue Vacation’s hotline connects customers with a representative who can answer questions about upcoming reservations, help arrange transportation, and even make reservations for tours and activities. With different perks at each hotel and different discounts at each destination, it’s helpful—refreshing, even—to be able to get clarification from a human. That’s a US-based human who won’t charge extra for making reservations over the phone or put you on hold for half an hour. At least, not in my experience.
Connect with local favorites“Askin a local” for everything from restaurant recommendations to directions is easier said than done while in the planning stage of a trip, scrolling through endless listicles and online reviews—or even on vacation, lounging by the resort pool. JetBlue closes that gap by putting its Vacations customers in touch with an “Insider”: a resident expert who is available around the clock to answer your questions, give recommendations, and even help arrange reservations and transport.
It might not be a selling point for most, but it does provide a slightly more intimate connection with someone on the ground who can help mold an itinerary or give first-hand insight into the destination. On the other hand, for the more independent (or introverted) traveler, it can be a resource in the case of sticky situations.
Transportation is a breeze
Photo: JGA/Shutterstock
Free airport transfers are a major convenience, but free transportation on demand? That can feel like a luxury. From being dropped off at the beach for a kayak tour to being picked up from lunch afterward, having access to a driver brought a level of convenience to my Aruba trip that I would’ve had to rent a car to emulate. While JetBlue vacations don’t include a private driver—the shuttle is shared by any and all JetBlue Vacations customers at a property—we had the van to ourselves each time we needed it.
The catch: airport transfers have to be requested; they’re not automatic. There’s an option to select a transfer at checkout, and then a reminder in the confirmation email that customers can request their transfer via the hotline, as well. Any other transportation can be arranged with the hotel concierge or local insider.
“Very Important Perks”Welcome drinks at the resort, a free massage at the on-site spa, and dining credits are some of the more common perks that the (many) partnering properties offer to JetBlue Vacations customers. In fact, these perks are listed right along with the price per night. With multiple perks per property, it’s a lot of information to sort through, but it does make it easy to pick a property that’s going to make the budget stretch—and maybe check a few extra boxes. At the Marriott Aruba, where I stayed for three nights, JetBlue guests receive a $150 credit for any of the on-site bars and restaurants. Considering that I had dinner, drinks, and a couple of breakfasts at the property—all reasonably priced—that’s effectively a $150 discount. Other perks at partner properties include free spa treatments or spa credit, a private dinner for two, and guaranteed late check-out.
Discounts at popular attractionsFor travelers looking to experience a destination beyond the beach, JetBlue has partnered with local companies to offer discounts on day trips, tours, and entrance fees. In Aruba, that includes a jeep tour of Arikok National Park, a favorite of residents and visitors alike and the highlight of my time on the island.
Photo: Jason Busa/Shutterstock
JetBlue sends a considerable list of discounts and coupons to customers once flights are purchased—another perk to keep an eye out for. I spoke with more than one JetBlue Vacations customer who booked all of their activities at home before they realized they had discount codes, at which point it was too late to get the reduced price. Again, this is where the JetBlue helpline can come in handy; they can help customers choose discounted activities and make reservations in advance.
Built-in trip insuranceWith airlines struggling to keep up with the surge in flight demand and flight cancellations on the rise, booking any vacation comes with the increased worry that a delayed flight will cut short a trip. For those flying to catch a cruise, the stakes are that much higher. Basic insurance like the Chase Sapphire travel insurance can reimburse customers for prepaid activities or rentals that were missed due to certain types of flight delays. The downside: a lengthy reimbursement process that does nothing to help travelers actually make it to their destination.
This is an area where JetBlue Vacations raises the bar. For customers who buy a flight and cruise combo, JetBlue guarantees that they’ll get you to your departure port on time or, failing that, to the following day’s port. Would you rather just reschedule the same cruise for different dates? They’ll do that too, and tack on an additional 50% off the next package. It’s a perk no one wants to have to use, but it could salvage a vacation if things go belly up.
Best price guaranteeJetBlue Vacations offers a Best Price Guarantee on their flight and hotel packages, giving customers 48 hours after booking to reach out if the same package is available elsewhere for a lower price. That guarantee extends to all trips originating in the US (including Puerto Rico), and the lower-priced package must be from an “approved U.S. competitor website.” Check those boxes, and JetBlue is on the hook for issuing a credit to match the lower price.
The 7 Best Old-School Italian Restaurants in New York City
While there’s no denying the nostalgia trip of dinner along Arthur Avenue or Mulberry Street, followed by pastry shopping and a sidewalk cup of espresso, many of New York City’s best Italian restaurants are located outside of Little Italy. Neighborhoods like Corona, Williamsburg, and South Ozone Park may have changed drastically since the days of $1.50 subway fare, but there are still dozens of old-school New York City Italian restaurants where the atmosphere is almost identical to what it was when the restaurants first opened – some as far back as the mid-1900s.
Many old-school New York City Italian restaurants in former Italian-American enclaves have become destination restaurants for people who left the old neighborhood (and the old country) decades ago, as well as for a new generation of people eager to explore cities like New York far from the touristy areas – especially those who enjoy dishes with ingredients and recipes that are generations old, and inspired by their original Italian roots.
Here are seven old-school New York City Italian restaurants that prove you can find some of the best seafood, pasta, and veal dishes in New York City.
New York City Italian restaurants everyone should knowBamonte’s
Photo: Brian Cicioni
Brooklyn’s oldest Italian restaurant feels a world away from the trendy Williamsburg and Greenpoint neighborhoods that surround it. New York City banned smoking in restaurants back in 2003, but this restaurant has yet to remove the cigarette machine that stands defiantly between the bar and main entrance. Like the two pay phones you’ll pass on your way to the dining room, the cigarette machine no longer works. Yet it reminds people of what NYC dining was like when subway fare was still under a dollar. The main dining room has remained pretty much unchanged since the 1950s.
Throughout the restaurant, you’ll find vintage Brooklyn Dodgers memorabilia adorning the red walls. To put things into perspective, Bamonte’s has been in business for five decades longer than their borough had a baseball team.
By the time you reach the dining room, the smell of red sauce will engulf your senses to the point where you’ll be willing to sit at the bar if there are no more tables available in the dining room. You can’t go wrong with either the seafood fra diavolo or the pork chop parmigiana. The homemade ravioli is another popular red sauce dish.
Thanks to the COVID-inspired additional outdoor seating, few hopeful diners are turned away nowadays. As the sign to the right of the dining room entrance indicates, proper attire is expected. However, the outdoor dining area is more casual.
Reservations are highly recommended. Valet parking is complimentary, but tips are encouraged.
Where: 32 Withers St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Basilio Inn
Photo: Brian Cicioni
An old-school NYC Italian restaurant like Basilio Inn could only be possible on Staten Island. Located at the end of a short residential street, the former white carriage house predates the this borough’s oldest restaurant by at least 48 years. Were it not for the faded basil-colored letters announcing Basilio Inn; you’d likely think that you turned down the wrong street. The main indoor dining room is understated, with only two large portraits of the old country and a miniature painting of the restaurant’s exterior hanging from the walls. The latter was donated by a loyal patron.
If you want to feel like you’re going to your grandparents’ house for Sunday dinner, ask for a table outside. There’s a back patio as well as deck seating, which overlooks the main garden. That’s where the majority of their fresh ingredients are grown.
Pasta dishes make up one-third of Basilio’s menu. And the majority of the pasta is made in-house. While the pappardelle with veal ragu and shrimp risotto are both mainstays, you’ll usually be offered as many as ten different specials. The stuffed zucchini blossoms are a popular seasonal item, as is the fettuccine with broccoli rabe. And if you’re on the fence about the Long Island duck breast in a fig sauce, take a look at the fig tree adjacent to the bocce court in the vegetable garden.
While reservations are not required, they are highly recommended. Basilio closes from the first Sunday in January to March 1.
Where: 6 Galesville Ct, Staten Island, NY 10305
Don Peppe
Photo: Brian Cicioni
Located in South Ozone Park, just a half-mile from the JFK long-term parking lot, Don Peppe is one of those classic, cash-only, Italian restaurants that remains the same despite changes in the neighborhood. The last remaining fine dining Italian restaurant in Ozone Park is nearly always full, despite being far from touristy Manhattan and the hipster parts of Brooklyn.
There are no paper menus. Instead, the menu is written in chalk on the large blackboard above the tables adjacent to the kitchen entrance. If it’s your first time, try anything with clams. The restaurant’s black souvenir t-shirts boast “famous for baked clams,” but the linguine with white clam sauce is just as popular. The latter comes with a pound of linguine soaked in their soup-like sauce and topped with chopped clams and whole roasted garlic cloves, the smell of which permeates the air like saltwater at a beachside clam shack.
As all dishes are meant for sharing, your server (who has likely been at Don Peppe for at least a decade) will scoop a normal dinner-sized portion onto your plate before topping it with a spoonful or two of sauce. This is how they serve everything on the menu.
After the clams, veal dishes are the most popular. In this case, your server will cut you off a large piece of veal with a spoon as if to let you know that you’re eating the most tender veal in New York. Their namesake breaded veal dish comes fried and topped with chopped tomatoes and red onions. While the Veal Don Peppe may be a bit more popular than the veal parmesan, the latter is topped with the perfect amount of red sauce.
The restaurant does not take reservations. Nor will it seat your party until everyone has arrived.
Where: 135-58 Lefferts Blvd, South Ozone Park, NY 11420
F & J Pine
Photo: Brian Cicioni
Named after founders Frankie and Johnny, F & J Pine proves that not all of the best Italian restaurants in The Bronx are located along Arthur Avenue or 187th Street. What started in 1969 as a humble bar with a single dining room now takes up an entire triangle-shaped city block on the edge of Morris Park. It’s impossible to miss the red and black awning that hangs above the main entrance and valet stand along Bronxdale Avenue.
Pay special attention to the words’ family-style.’ The Yankee Stadium-sized portions are meant for sharing. Regulars are quick to suggest the zuppa di pesce, which is served in a 21×12″ bowl stacked nearly four inches high with eight different types of seafood served over a pound of linguine. Ordering this for one person will get you some curious stares. Finishing it will earn you respect among the regulars who still dine here. If you like spice, order the fra diavolo version. You can also get it with blanco or marinara sauce.
The chicken and veal parmesan are popular as well. For dessert, try the Oreo zeppole or the Nutella s’mores pizzetta. The zeppole come stuffed with the pastry chef’s version of oreo cream as well as some chocolate cookie crumbs. A scoop of vanilla ice cream comes on the side. The pizzetta is prepared in their pizza oven, from which they also prepare eight different wood-fired pies.
Reservations are highly recommended. Valet parking is complimentary, but tips are encouraged.
Where: 1913 Bronxdale Ave, The Bronx, NY 10462
Gargiulo’s
Photo: Brian Cicioni
The second-oldest Italian restaurant in Brooklyn is located close enough to the iconic Coney Island Boardwalk that you can smell the saltwater as you approach from West 15th Street. When you enter Gargiulo’s, you’ll see a lobster tank on the left, the bar on the right, and the 110-capacity dining room straight ahead.
The Russo family has owned Gargiulo’s since 1965. And while the restaurant is surrounded by the same cookie-cutter chain restaurants that you’ll find in most Atlantic beach towns, it remains one of two indoor destination restaurants in Coney Island. While the other (Totonno’s) is an informal yet legendary New York pizzeria, Gargiulo’s remains a traditional upscale dining experience. The impossible-to-miss sign on the door lists eight articles of clothing not permitted. By the time you’re seated, you can easily forget that most people exiting the adjacent subway station are coming to eat boardwalk food and soak up the sun.
As one may expect, given the proximity to the ocean, seafood dishes are the most popular. The fish salad, zuppa di pesce, and linguine with white clam sauce are ideal for beginners. The regulars (who make up the majority of patrons) are likely to recommend these old-school New York Italian restaurant staples as well. For something without shellfish, try their namesake pasta dish. As with many of their pasta dishes, you’ll have the option to order half or full portions. The specials change every other week.
Reservations are recommended but not required. Valet parking is complimentary, but tips are encouraged. If you’re more of a Jersey person, try their new location 50 miles south in Tinton Falls.
Where: 2911 W 15th St, Brooklyn, NY 11224
Lenny’s Clam BarPhoto: Brian Cicioni
The mile-long stretch of Cross Bay Boulevard west of the Shellbank Basin is lined with pizzerias as well as upscale Italian restaurants like Vetro, Bruno, Matteo’s, and Lenny’s Clam Bar. While you’re unlikely to have a bad meal at any of the aforementioned, Lenny’s has been there the longest.
Those hundreds of autographed pictures that line the walls here remind diners that professional athletes and entertainers don’t just eat in Manhattan. Lenny’s Clam Bar has also been a popular dining spot for professional wrestlers from Hulk Hogan to Jerry Lawler since the 1980s. And anyone who’s into local history should appreciate the small original 1974 menu on display.
The blue and white awning that covers the walkway to the main entrance resembles that of an Italian ice shop. But it’s the seafood that keeps people coming back. On the menu, you’ll see the seafood salad and baked clams referred to as the house specialties. The linguine with white clam sauce deserves that distinction as well. And so do the scungilli and fried calamari. While you can order either with marinara sauce, the sweet, medium, or hot sauces are the way to go.
You can get a free glass of wine by asking for Joe.
Where: 161-03 Cross Bay Blvd, Howard Beach, NY 11414
Michael’s
Photo: Brian Cicioni
Located on the border between Marine Park and Sheepshead Bay, Michael’s is the definition of a neighborhood institution. Everything else near the intersection of Nostrand and Avenue R fades into the background compared to the stone facade building that dates back more than a half-century.
Michael’s started as a pizzeria in 1964. The fine dining establishment you’ll see today came a decade later. Puglia native and founder Michael Cacace’s grandson (also named Michael) is currently running the impressive operation, which includes the restaurant as well as the tomato sauce distribution center, which supplies more than 20,000 grocery stores.
While the menus may seem overwhelming at first, the staff are able to break it down with laser-sharp focus without pushing you too hard in one direction or the other. For a meat dish, try the roughly 10×5″ veal chop parmigiana, which is served on the bone. In addition to making the desserts and pasta in-house, the kitchen staff at Michael’s also do their own butchering.
The burnt rigatoni is their must-try pasta dish. As soon as it gets within six feet of your table, you’ll be able to smell the blackened mozzarella cheese which is baked into the rigatoni, which sits over a layer of vodka sauce. And then there are the items that are not on either menu that the mostly regular crowd knows to ask for. The mildly spicy hot calamari with long green hot peppers is one example. For a smaller appetizer, try the zucchini blossoms stuffed with fresh mozzarella and red peppers.
Reservations are highly recommended. Valet parking is complimentary, but tips are encouraged. And don’t leave Marine Park without checking out Michael’s Pastry Shop, which is located across Nostrand Avenue. Try the cassata.
Where: 2929 Avenue R, Brooklyn, NY 11229
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