Matador Network's Blog, page 445
June 30, 2022
Visitors To Niagara Falls Can Get a New, Never-Before-Seen View From a 100-Year-Old Tunnel
Niagara Falls has long been one of the most iconic destinations for travelers in the United States and Canada. On the Canadian side, the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Sport has been preserving and protecting the area since 1885. But despite the longevity, there’s a new view of Niagara falls that tourists have never seen before.
Starting July 1, the Tunnel at the Niagara Parks Power Station will open with an expanded guest experience. As the location and name suggests, it was once part of a generator. The Tunnel was how water would travel back to the Niagara River after being used by the power station. Now it’ll be used by people.
Photo: Niagara Parks
A Niagara Tunnel experience starts with a 180-foot descent into the generator hall in a glass-enclosed elevator. Then there’s a 2,200-foot-long path to get to the light at the end of the Tunnel. Here, there’s a new viewing platform that looks out over the river and a panoramic view of Niagara Falls and the lower Niagara Gorge that, previously, only washing water was privy to.
“With the opening of the Tunnel, the incredible transformation that has taken place over the past two years to restore the power station and transform it into a one-of-a-kind visitor attraction is officially complete,” Niagara Parks Chair April Jeffs said in a statement. “This is truly a landmark achievement and one that has and will continue to draw the interest and adoration of a global audience while preserving this heritage building for future generations of Ontarians.”
Photo: Niagara Parks
To see the sight for yourself, all you need is a regular admission ticket ($28 for adults) to the Niagara Parks Power Station. More information and to pre-purchase tickets head to the Niagara Parks site. 
A music road trip in Mississippi
Forget Los Angeles, never mind New York. You can trace the roots of America’s music straight to Mississippi. From the Delta to the Gulf Coast, the Magnolia State has fostered pioneers of the blues, rock n’ roll, and hip-hop as their sounds were forged into styles recognized around the world today.
That’s why the state is considered hallowed ground by Grammy winners and industry giants — here, the story of America’s music is on full display. For travelers searching for firsthand encounters with that unmistakable American sound, the journey begins in Mississippi. Here’s how to find it.
Ride down the Blues Trail
Photo: Shutterstock/Jose Carlos Castro Antelo
Legend speaks of a hot summer night when little-known Mississippi bluesman Robert Johnson made his way to a Clarksdale crossroads and struck a deal with the devil to master the guitar. In a few short months, Johnson went on to become one of the most influential guitar players in history — he still holds a top-100 position on Rolling Stone’s list of all-time greats. Clarksdale continues to be influential for blues players, such as Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, a young Grammy-nominated musician who hails from the area.
Today, the Mississippi roads that Johnson and fellow Delta bluesmen like Furry Lewis, Big Jack Johnson, John Lee Hooker, Elmore James, and Howlin’ Wolf traveled are part of the Mississippi Blues Trail, some 1,400 miles connecting revered sites in blues music history. Start in Memphis in the lobby of the legendary Peabody Hotel and head south on Highway 61 to follow the ghosts of the blues to Clarksdale, Greenwood, Indianola, and Jackson. Just remember, the slower the pace, the better. You could spend days in Clarksdale alone, dining on catfish at Hooker Grocer and gumbo at Levon’s, followed by late-night shows at Red’s Blues Club and Morgan Freeman’s Ground Zero Blues Club. This is definitely one trail made for wanderers in no hurry.
Bow to the Kings
Photo: Daniel Ridge/Shutterstock
Before he became the “King of Rock n’ Roll,” Elvis Presley was just a church-going kid in Tupelo. Presley spent his early years here, absorbing gospel hymns and the echoes of the Delta blues before recording his debut single “That’s All Right” on the heels of fellow Mississippian Ike Turner’s “Rocket 88.” And while Turner is credited with creating the first rock n’ roll song, it was Presley who rode that rocket to unprecedented levels of global stardom. The modest home Presley was born in and his childhood church are both on display in Tupelo at the Elvis Presley Birthplace.
While Presley was making it big in Memphis, a young Riley B. King was busy cruising down Southern highways on bias ply tires and running through reels of Sun Studio tape. Better known by his stage name, B.B. King — along with his Gibson guitar, Lucille — became an international sensation behind hits like “The Thrill is Gone,” “Every Day I Have the Blues,” and “Sweet Little Angel.” Today, King’s legacy is unquestioned. His moniker “King of the Blues” stands alone amidst a pantheon of greats. Though he unfortunately passed away in 2015, visitors can learn more about his life and visit his grave at Indianola’s B.B. King Museum.
Pay homage to Southern hip-hop
Photo: Alessandro Lucca/Shutterstock
Any worthwhile history of modern hip-hop must recognize Mississippi’s contributions to the genre. Sitting at a crossroads between Memphis, New Orleans, Atlanta, and Houston, the state’s capital is an integral part of hip-hop’s roots. The 1979 single “Get Up and Dance,” by Jackson funk group Freedom, has been sampled more than 50 times by artists from Grandmaster Flash to Wu-Tang Clan, John Legend, and Black Eyed Peas.
Though he might be synonymous with Miami today, hip-hop mogul and Maybach Music Group founder Rick Ross got his start in his hometown of Clarksdale, just like those who fostered transformative music a generation before him. Ross owns an incredibly unique Wingstop restaurant located in the city’s old Greyhound bus station — from where countless local musicians once took to the road — on Issaquena Avenue. Savvy fans know his go-to flavor is lemon pepper.
David Banner’s “Mississippi: The Album” was a big deal in the early 2000s, rising to the top position on Billboard’s Hip-Hop Albums chart and No. 9 on the Billboard 200 on the heels of its hit single, “Cadillac on 22’s.” (I ain’t did nothin in my life but stayed true.) But the Central Mississippi native’s legacy in hip-hop extends much further than this. Banner’s production catalog includes hits from Chris Brown, Yung Joc, and Lil Wayne.
Celebrate the state’s hip-hop legacy with a night out at Jackson’s largest nightclub, Freelons Da Groove. The club is a sensory overload with projector screens, booming audio, a kaleidoscope of lighting, and annual events that welcome not only Banner but other Mississippi natives like Mystikal. And make sure to swing by one of Banner’s favorite restaurants, E & L Barbeque, for classic Mississippi BBQ or Gloria’s Kitchen for soul food.
Groove on the Gulf Coast
Photo: Tammy Chesney/Shutterstock
Imagine a Gulf Coast sunset and it’s nearly impossible to paint the scene without a light beer in hand, toes in the sand, and the music of Jimmy Buffett wafting through the ocean air. Buffett has spent a lifetime writing and singing about a laid-back way of life found along America’s “secret” coast.
Buffett got his start near the resorts and casinos in Biloxi, playing for tips (see “The Pascagoula Run” and “Biloxi”) in the city’s bars. Recently, a signature Margaritaville resort opened in honor of his musical beginnings. Guests will encounter a playground for families that includes a volcano-themed rock climbing wall, ropes course, arcade, and bowling alley. His tunes can, of course, be heard flowing out of Margaritaville’s speakers as well as at LuLu’s, a nearby restaurant owned by his sister, Lucy.
Mississippi is a state steeped in music legend. Typically leading to destinations with an outsized impression on America’s music, its roads have an almost mystical quality. Whether you’re driving through the Mississippi Delta at night, cruising the Gulf Coast at sunset, or spiriting off to enjoy Jackson’s nightlife, the Magnolia State is for the traveler who revels in the raw energy of a place. And there’s no place quite like Mississippi.
This Luxury Lodge in Kruger National Park Is One of Africa’s Best Safari Destinations
Within half an hour of arriving at the tranquil Singita Lebombo Lodge in the heart of South Africa’s Kruger National Park, I sat with guide Solomon Ndlovu and tracker Andrew Mathebula in Landcruiser surrounded by a pride of hungry lionesse.
Photo: Andrew Thompson
“We’ll just have to switch off the engine and see what happens,” Ndlovu said in a loud whisper. “We don’t want to interfere with the hunt.”
Most of the pride, who moments after our arrival on the scene had taken an interest in a herd of unassuming upwind zebra, were now strategically crouched around our open vehicle. Some fanned out and disappeared into the neighboring bushes and others remained still as mimes with eyes fixed on the middle distance.
Photo: Andrew Thompson
Photo: Andrew Thompson
Photo: Andrew Thompson
As each of us collectively held our breath, we had little choice but to heed Ndlovu’s advice and wait until the pride had caught dinner.
“How’s that for an introduction to Lebombo?” Ndlovu said through a broad grin from behind the steering wheel. “I think it’s now time for a sundowner.”
Ndlovu was referring to the South African safari tradition of finding a scenic location at which to toast another successful day — or, in this case, arrival — in the bush.
At a scenic cliffside location overlooking Singita’s private concession, Ndlovu and Mathedbula laid out a sunset spread. And with gin and tonic in hand, I stood in silence surveying the land that would be home for three days of unbeatable wildlife sightings and a once-in-the-lifetime safari adventure.
Photo: Andrew Thompson
Photo: Singita
It’s a curious thing when visiting a luxury safari lodge that, most often, the first and most highly anticipated thing you do is to leave and explore. The allure of the Big Five living in the surrounding wilderness is hard to resist — but in the case of Singita Lebombo, returning to the lodge is also a central part of the experience.
Singita’s Lebombo Lodge is a dramatic cliffside sanctuary located above the gurgling N’Wanetsi River. The lodge has exclusive rights to traverse a private tract of land. There are no fences dividing the Singita’s properties, and African wildlife is free to roam throughout.
The properties manager, Daniel Zents, explained to me that the design of the lodge was inspired by the eagles’ nests built into the riverside cliff face.
“It’s an incredibly tranquil place to live and work,” Zents says. “And you’ll see how the rooms and common areas were built in such a way to place you directly into nature. Without sacrificing any of the luxuries, of course.”
Photo: Singita
Photo: Singita
Photo: Andrew Thompson
Photo: Singita
There are 14 loft-style suites at Lebombo that sleep between two and four guests, and a large villa that sleeps eight. And with each spaced out across the cliffside and nestled among the trees, privacy and exclusivity are a given.
Each elevated suite capitalizes on its location in the South African bush, with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors to let in light, fresh air, and the breeze. And whether relaxing on the sofa, on the bed, in the bathtub, or on the balcony, you’ll find expansive panoramic views of the river below and the distant Lebombo Mountains after which the lodge is named.
Rooms have a fully stocked coffee station and minibar, an oversized bathtub, an indoor-outdoor shower, and a king-size bed. And if you’d prefer to sleep under the stars, the team will make up a balcony daybed, complete with mosquito net and plush blankets and pillows.
Of course, there’s as much attention to opulence, comfort, and luxury in the lodge’s common areas.
Photo: Andrew Thompson
The main bar and lounge also resemble an eagle’s nest, albeit a particularly giant one. And nearby is a library, two lap-style pools, spa, boutique and gallery, and a tranquil dining area where most guests take their meals.
And, despite being hundreds of miles from the nearest supermarket or liquor store, the food and wine plays a central role at Singita Lebombo.
Photo: Andrew Thompson
Photo: Singita
Given that most guests leave early for game drives, and have snacks and coffee before departure and at designated scenic stops, it makes sense that Lebombo offers an all-day brunch option.
You can start your brunch journey at any time with a selection of local cheeses and charcuterie, or jump straight into a diverse menu of superb breakfasts, fresh salads, or more substantial meals. Fresh ice creams and sorbets follow, and if you’re starting early, there’s a selection of cocktails and wines selected to pair perfectly with the meal, with which to celebrate your morning’s game viewing.
Singita procures more fine wine than many other businesses in South Africa, and after aging these to perfection they transport them to lodges throughout Africa. At dinner each evening, a sommelier does the rounds to ensure that guests are fully versed in the available wines, and to recommend a varietal based on a specific dish.
The lodge is also home to an in-house culinary school, overseen by one of the country’s top chefs and restauranteurs, Liam Tomlin. The school upskills and trains unemployed youth from surrounding communities, with the aim of producing around ten internationally qualified commis chefs each year. Guests can chat with the students, and even participate in some activities with them — but for most, the food experience takes place in the dining room.
Photo: Singita
A stay at the lodge includes all meals and beverages, including premium wines, craft beers, spirits, and liqueurs. And a large hinged case of Cuban cigars awaits anyone who wants to indulge further after their fine-dining meal.
There aren’t many boxes left unchecked by the experience at Singita Lebombo. But if there’s one criticism to level against a stay there, it’s that a typical holiday doesn’t feel long enough to appreciate everything on offer.
Staff, who know your names from arrival and cater to your every need, walk the perfect line between comfort, class, and familiarity to make a stay at Lebombo instantly welcoming.
The retort, therefore, may be to skip over some of the morning and evening activities. But with award-winning guides like Ndlovu delivering fascinating twice-daily game drives, these excursions are near impossible to turn down. Still, with so much luxury, peace, and tranquility at the lodge itself, I’d recommend soaking up a few additional hours in what may be one of the best safari lodges in Africa.
June 29, 2022
Scientists Taught a Robot To Hike. Here’s What That Means for Future Adventure Travel.
In an exciting announcement published earlier this year, scientists and engineers at ETH Zurich, a university in Switzerland, announced they created a fully autonomous robot that’s able to hike. The implications may be a bit frightening to some, but they’re also super-exciting, as they may have extremely useful implications for what hiking and national park trips look like 20 or 30 years into the future.
Researchers first created a four-legged robot (not a human-like, bipedal robot) called ANYmal, and outfitted it with the tools it needed to survive in rugged environments. That includes contact sensor “feet,” a protective case for a battery, a laser scanner to “see” its surroundings, and joints that allow its legs to move in all directions. Then, they subjected it to various hiking, elevation, and terrain conditions, eventually leading ANYmal to learn to use its visual sensor to read objects like rocks, roots, and loose scree fields. Based on its readings, ANYmal can appropriately gauge where to step, how hard to step, where to balance its weight, and make other on-the-fly decisions that can cause even experienced human hikers to trip. ANYmal even has a sense of touch to distinguish different types of terrain.
Here’s a video from the researchers with the basics:
How skilled is this hiking robot?Try not to be jealous, but ANYmal is pretty talented — and not just for a hiking robot. Researchers put ANYmal to a real-world test on a hike up Lake Zurich’s Mount Etzel, and it covered the 400-foot, roughly one-mile hike in 31 minutes. That’s four minutes faster than the average hiker. But more importantly, ANYmal did it without any trips, falls, missteps, or ankle rolls. Researchers said in the published study that they expect ANYmal to get faster as it continues to learn how to read terrain.
What are the future implications for hikers and adventure travel?
If you haven’t seen “Black Mirror,” season 4, episode 5….maybe don’t. Photo: ETH Zurich/Takahiro Miki
There are plenty of potential scenarios for the near and eventual future. It may not be all good news if you’re afraid of a robot uprising, but it turns out having hiking robots around may be an overall good thing for human hikers.
ANYmal could help make rescues faster
Photo: astarot/Shutterstock
One of the tricky things about getting rescued from precarious spots — especially if you’ve fallen or gotten lost and aren’t on the actual trail — is getting the rescue team to you. Rescuers are humans too, and can only cover so much ground in a single day, especially if they’re carrying medical or emergency supplies. But that’s not a problem for robots, who can not only carry heavy loads but also hike 24 hours a day without getting fatigued. Sending a team of robots in advance of a human team would allow the hiking robots to quickly pinpoint your location, relay the information back to emergency teams, and get life-saving treatment to you quicker than ever.
Hiking robots, in theory, could also have superhuman hearing and vision, enabling them to hear even the weakest of “Help!” calls in the distance. And getting found faster is a key to surviving hiking accidents.
Hiking robots could reopen trails faster
Photo: Peter Gudella/Shutterstock
Most parks patrol seasonal trails before opening them to the public, especially in areas where heavy snowfall and wild winter weather can leave trees blocking trails or cause rockslides and mudslides. But since hiking robots can hike in more dangerous conditions than humans, they can be sent out earlier and more frequently to patrol trails. The robotic rangers could send back digital images and data of the trails, automatically marking everything from ready-to-fall trees to broken bridge supports to rare flowers that need to be marked and protected from foot traffic.
Researchers also point out that hiking robots could be sent in after natural disasters like earthquakes or human-caused disasters like chemical spills, relaying key data from environments too dangerous for humans to enter.
ANYmal could help prevent wildfires or help humans fight them faster
Photo: J.Emilio Flores/Shuttertsock
One of the biggest challenges of fighting forest fires is the lack of enough firefighters. Current-day wildfire fighters work incredibly long shifts, sacrificing their home lives, time, and safety to help protect the forests and towns we love most. But sending in robot forest fighters, especially if they can be produced at a cost where they’re easily expendable, could completely change the game. No longer would fire management officials have to make guesses about how and where to allocate valuable human staff, potentially allowing states to fight every forest fire at 100 percent immediately after they start rather than waiting until the fires become a threat to humans or property.
But if you know anything about forest fires, you know that forest management before fires begin is a hugely important part of reducing the number and size of fires. Researchers could potentially program hiking robots to take 3D images of wildlands and automatically label areas that are high risk for fires. That could include areas with significant piles of dead brush, areas where dead trees are clustered, or areas where fire breaks (clearings of forest intentionally cleared to slow fires) are overgrown and need to be retrimmed. The possibilities are endless, especially if you take into account a hiking robot’s potential ability to report danger in real-time. Some rescue and backcountry GPS devices can do this already, but they still require a human to operate.
Your hiking guide could be a robot
Photo: Igor Kyryliuk/Shutterstock
New hiker? Not sure of exactly which turn to make? Well, how about letting a hiking robot be your guide? Though it would take a while before we’d trust a hiking robot to be able to make the complex safety and navigation decisions required for challenging hikes, we could see hiking robots guiding guests along easier, shorter trails. They’d be like an updated version of an interpretive trail — only instead of stopping to read signs, you could ask a robot questions in real-time. Theoretically, robots could also help you spot rare animals or zoom in on unusual birds that may be nearly impossible to see with mere human eyes.
And, bonus for Mother Nature: robots could theoretically admonish guests in real-time when they step off trails or try to cut across protected areas, effectively helping to curtail the bad hiking behavior people tend to exhibit when they think no one’s around. Robots could even be used to catch poachers at parks and preserves for endangered species.
Park rangers’ time could be better used
Photo: Jim Parkin/Shutterstock
While spending some days hiking and patrolling trails may be one of the more fun parts of being a park ranger, many parks have strapped budgets and overtaxed employees. But if all (or most) of the trail patrolling efforts could be made by robots, human employees could be reserved for more qualitative and service tasks. That would help parks save money on staffing and ensure park employees are allocated where they’re needed most. And hey, it would be kind of fun to have your backpacking permit scanned by a hiking robot in a park ranger hat.
Wildlife observation and management could be far more accurate
Photo: Michelle van Dijk/Shutterstock
Wildlife observation and marking and protecting ongoing and seasonal habitats and dens is a taxing effort for teams of scientists, let alone one person. But it may be an easy task for a hiking robot, since that robot will never get tired, need a break, or suffer from the pain of forgetting to put on enough sunscreen. Robots could be dispatched to certain habitats and report back, potentially in real-time, about the locations of dens and nests or migration and feeding patterns. Theoretically, robots could “scan” all the tagged animals within a given range in mere seconds, reporting back on everything from population sizes to the number of newly born animals. That technology could be especially useful for species that tend to avoid or hide from humans. Think of them as the future version of a wildlife camera.
More like thisNewsThis Study Shows What Makes the ‘perfect’ Campsite — and Why People Pick the Sites They Do
The Rosewood Mayakoba Is the Perfect Mix of Luxury and Wellness Near Playa Del Carmen
A visit to Rosewood Mayakoba’s wellness suites is, to put it lightly, incredibly resorting. The resort perfectly fuses wellness and luxury in its location just outside of Playa del Carmen. While some properties offer either tent-style or very outdoorsy aesthetics to represent wellness resorts in Mexico, the Rosewood Mayakoba eschews glamping or mosquito nets for an elegant blend of nature and modern touches.
The connection to the region is immediate upon arrival with an outdoors front desk that allows guests to take in the elements, breathe in the air, and look out over the water. And even better? After checking in I was escorted down a flight of stairs and welcomed onto a boat where I received a welcome non-alcoholic beverage.
As we journeyed through the property and to my room, I could see that a great deal of the suites had a dock to enter and exit. My boat taxi driver maneuvered through the natural landscape of the area, allowing me to focused in on the moment for a very meditative experience. But the best was yet to come.
The Wellness Suite
Photo: Rosewood Mayakoba
In the wellness suite, both floors have floor-to-ceiling windows. Natural sunlight is everything to me, and the surroundings of trees and wildlife brought a level of tranquility I needed. I was greeted by a big lizard and a private plunge pool that adjusted to both hot and cold. There was a bowl of bath salts and a seating area completely quartered off by trees.
The downstairs area has a full dining room and living room area, which come equipped with a minibar, dining room table, couch, an indoor woven chair swing, and a full bathroom with a shower. The view is serene and partners well with the modern rustic aesthetic of the decor. There were many moments when I would just sit out on the dock and take in the fresh air or lay adjacent to the plunge pool when the sun was setting.
On the second floor, a door leads to a walk-up entrance with bicycles for guests to use (yes, the wellness suites have two entry and exit options: the front door walk-up and the downstairs boat dock).
My room had an amazingly comfortable king-size bed and also had hand-made essential oils for a diffuser that lay on the table. When I walked to the bathroom, I immediately thought to call my husband and let him know I’d never be returning. A standalone bathtub is my weakness, and I will not feel ashamed. In addition, there was a shower and an enclosed toilet, and the bathroom had another entrance leading to an area of the most beautiful brightly colored flowers and plants, a stone walk-up to a pre-rolled yoga mat, a sink area, and an outdoor shower.
Photo: Rosewood Mayakoba
Other suite optionsThe Rosewood Mayakoba isn’t a stranger to luxury options. In addition to the wellness suites, they have more than 129 suites and private residences. These options include:
Lagoon SuitesOceanview SuitesBeachfront SuitesSignature SuitesLagoon VillasBeachfront VillasThe amenities are aplenty and only increase what is offered to the guests. The private villas offer you a home away from home with multiple room options and full kitchens (while still having the convenience of continental breakfast and butler service, of course). For all of the suites, dare to indulge in complimentary mezcal, butler service, and a private outdoor deck with a plunge pool.
The suites range from $900 per night for a lagoon studio king suite up to nearly $10,000 per night for a beachfront presidential suite.
What to do at Rosewood Mayakoba
Photo: Rosewood Mayakoba
Rosewood Mayakoba’s makes it a point to connect guests with nature, themselves, and, importantly, the rituals of the people who live in Mexico.
Make your own essential oils: You can make your own essential oils in the sensory garden called Kuxtal. The experience centers around choosing two scents that speak to you most and learning about the characteristics of people who typically choose those scents. For me, it truly described my current stage in life.
Water yoga: I got to completely embarrass myself by taking up water yoga – highly recommended. The area where the water yoga takes place is absolutely serene and green, with plant life all around. The experience involves a flat stand-up paddleboard to stand on top of while doing standard yoga movements, but on water. At first-glance, the boards look sturdy. I felt like my lack of coordination wouldn’t be a problem because they were connected by ropes to the pool. And although I literally took a dive or three into the water, it was absolutely just what I needed to relax my mind and let go. Because I had to focus so hard on the task at hand, everything else that cluttered my mind got evicted and I immersed myself in the practice.
Photo: Rosewood Mayakoba
Take part in a Mayan ritual: Rosewood Mayakoba offers a version of an ancient Mayan ritual that the resort calls the “Marry Oneself” ceremony, led by Shaman Fernanda. The ritual focuses on four pillars of ancient wisdom through spiritual rituals, meditative practices, and healing treatments to explore the depths of your inner self. To say that I felt restored would truly undersell the moment of reflection and the ocean of tears.
How to get to the Rosewood Mayakoba
Photo: Rosewood Mayakoba
Fly into Cancun International Airport, where you’ll have a driver waiting for you with fresh-made juices, water, and candy, as well as hand sanitizer and face masks if you need them. The ride from the airport to the property takes less than a half hour.
More like thisBeaches and Islands7 Beaches in Mexico You Should Visit Before Everyone Else Catches OnThese Boston Food Tours Showcase America’s Most Underrated Food City
Filled with history, pubs, and a famously raucous sports culture, Boston is among America’s most unique major cities. Whether you plan to tour The Freedom Trail landmarks or catch a ballgame at Fenway Park, no trip to Boston is complete without experiencing the city’s iconic food scene. These tours take all the guesswork out of choosing where to go, and promise to showcase the city’s culinary offerings in an educational and entertaining manner — lobstah roll included.
We hope you love the Boston food tours we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a tour. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Traveling to Boston? Check out our rundown of the best Airbnb Boston vacation rentals.
Politically Incorrect Food Tour
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
If you’re looking for the real deal regarding food tours in Boston, then this “politically incorrect” food tour is just for you. Hosted by a local born and raised in Boston, this tour will take you to places most don’t know about in the city. The tour will start through Hanover Street and discover all the Iltain favorites from cannoli, biscotti, and other Italian favorites. Then you’ll visit an Italian Deli, bakeries, coffee shops, and other hidden gems.
Price: From $75 per person
Boston’s Underground Donut Tour
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Need to satisfy that sweet tooth craving of yours? Check out this sweet Boston food tour. On this tour, you’ll explore the city of Boston through donuts and how they fit into Boston’s flavorful food scene (they’re more historically relevant here than you may have guessed). Kane’s Donuts, Boston Public Market, and Boston’s North End are some of the places you’ll visit to try out their delicious donuts.
Price: From $40 per person
Boston Food Tour – Explore the North End and Quincy Market
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
On this tour, you’ll venture to the North End and Quincy Market. You’ll be topping at Faneuil, Quincy Market, the North End Neighborhood, Paul Revere Mall, and even exploring the Rose Kennedy Greenway, all while getting your fill of everything from seafood to pizza. This tour will introduce you to Boston’s foodie culture and one of its most iconic and well-known neighborhoods.
Price: From $48 per person
North End Little Italy Food Tour
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
There are not more in-depth food tours in Boston than this one, which guides you through the North End on a Little Italy food tour. On this tour, you will explore Boston’s oldest neighborhood and visit many hidden gems including Hanover and Salem streets, Italian delis, bakeries, and cafes. People often think Irish when they visit Boston – -but the real culinary treats are Italian. If you’re looking for a feast, then this tour is for you.
Price: From $75 per person
The Boston Seafood Tour
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
When experiencing food tours in Boston, there is one thing that you simply can’t skip, and that is the city’s rich seafood. In this tour, you can experience the New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, fried clams, raw oysters, and more. Enjoy this tour’s best local seafood stops and savor the tasty, responsibly-sourced seafood.
Price: From $99 per person
More like thisCultureThe Best Little Italy Is in Boston, and It’s Not Even CloseWhy You Should Try This Historic Aphrodisiac Liqueur the Next Time You’re in Mexico
My first introduction to damiana liqueur was in La Paz, Mexico, where I received a gift that included damiana liqueur. I was already familiar with other Mexican spirits, such as mezcal and tequila, but the small, souvenir-size bottle piqued my interest. The tag hanging around the neck of the bottle showed a picture of an unruly shrub and stated that the marine air coming from the Sea of Cortez enhanced its flavor. But the more I delved into the history of damiana, the more I learned about its roots — literal, fantastical, and even sexual.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by GUAYCURA Damiana Liqueur ® (@damianademexico)
You may have unknowingly encountered this short, unassuming shrub, scientifically known as turnera diffusa, if you’ve been to southern Texas, Central or South America, or the West Indies. The sandy-rocky soil of the more mountainous regions is ideal for the damiana, which prefers desert areas and bears yellow, five-petaled flowers from January through July.
Typically workers gather damiana right before the cold season by using a sickle to lob off the branches, which are then sectioned and laid out in the sun to dry. They then ready the leaves for collection by stripping them from the stems. It’s a relatively tricky job due to the stony terrain, lack of shade, and possible presence of unwanted critters, such as snakes. Nevertheless, it’s a harvesting process that has remained the same for centuries.
The history of damiana liqueurThe Mayans started using damiana to treat balance issues, but it wasn’t until the late 1600s that some attributed aphrodisiac qualities to the plant. Father Juan Maria de Salvatierra, a Spanish missionary, noted that indigenous Mexicans took the leaves of the damiana and made them into a sweetened tea to help with sexual issues, such as libido and arousal. To encourage fertility and the blessing of children, loved ones gave newlyweds damiana, which is a tradition continued to this day in many families.
When damiana was finally imported to the U.S. in the late 1800s as a tincture in 2-ounce bottles, it came with mighty claims that it could cure the most intimate issues, no matter someone’s age.
What is the herb damiana good for?As damiana crossed the border, so did folklore. Tales of aged Mexican men siring dozens of children due to the damiana plant circulated. However, for North Americans, the results were mixed. Some people experienced the seductive impact, while others encountered the exact opposite. An 1875 study reported by John M. Maisch noted that most men felt nothing beyond “a slight stimulation from the alcohol,” with one gentleman saying he had “no desire at all for sexual congress” after consuming two bottles.
Beyond being an aphrodisiac, some people also claimed that damiana could heal the urinary and reproductive systems and their accompanying organs. To this day, damiana is sold in many forms to help with menstruation, impotence, and bladder infections. Although, if you decide to make it a part of your regular regimen, do so cautiously, as it can alter blood sugar levels and cause hallucinations if you take more than 200 grams.
Rebecca Story Alvarez is a sexologist on the more positive side of the fence. As the co-founder of Bloomi, a collection of plant-based sexual wellness products, she dove into her Mexican heritage and uses damiana in her line.
“It’s an uplifting herb that naturally boosts arousal in the body,” says Alvarez. “It can be sensual as well, creating a calming, arousing feeling.”
More modern science supports this fact, at least among rats: A 2009 study concluded that damiana helped males recover from sexual exhaustion.
How to use damiana liqueurAs the ancient Mayans did, you can brew tea using damiana leaves or by making a blend with complementary herbs like chamomile and rosehips. Some folks go so far as to smoke damiana, which produces a mild euphoria with calming effects. Note: Healthline strongly advises against smoking the plant.
However, if you’re anything like me, the best way to consume damiana is via a liqueur, either taken neat, over ice, or blended into a cocktail.
What flavor is Damiana liqueur?The spirit itself is sweet and slightly creamy, making it easy to drink on its own. In Mexico, damiana liqueur often replaces Triple Sec or simple syrup in mixed drinks, such as margaritas. Personally, I enjoyed my sample size on its own, straight from the bottle, and without an aphrodisiac effect, I might add. The only pleasant feeling I experienced was as the liqueur traversed my tastebuds.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by GUAYCURA Damiana Liqueur ® (@damianademexico)
So, is damiana a “herbal hoax,” as Varro E. Tyler claimed in his 1983 pharmaceutical article? He concluded that “in the absence of a cure, desperate people want hope, not facts.” Although humans can support or deny such claims, it’s no fault of the damiana shrub’s lovely, yellow, flower-laden branches.
My advice? Head to La Paz — or somewhere south of Texas — to find out for yourself. Whether you experience a placebo effect or the long-sought-after aphrodisiac impact, one thing remains true: You’ll enjoy tasting one of the lesser-known, easy-drinking, Mexican-produced liqueurs.
Lhakpa Sherpa Talks Record-Breaking Everest Climbs and the Ever-Lasting Allure of the Mountain
Explorers of the Modern Age is a series by Matador Network spotlighting trailblazers of travel. The world may be less mysterious than it was centuries ago, but the Golden Age of Exploration isn’t quite over yet. There are still new corners of the map to be illuminated, boundaries to be pushed, and travel records to break. These are the explorers making it happen.
Photo: Lhakpa Sherpa
Climbing Mount Everest — the world’s tallest mountain at 29,031 feet — was once a big enough accomplishment to satisfy most for a lifetime. Lhakpa Sherpa has climbed Everest a whopping 10 times, and is the first woman to achieve that particular feat.
Not only that, in 2000 she was also the first Nepalese woman to successfully climb and descend Everest. Needless to say, Lhakpa Sherpa’s expeditions have been legendary in the Nepalese community for quite some time, but now she’s entered the global conversation as one of the most revered climbers of her generation, and as a trailblazer for women.
Photo: Lhakpa Sherpa
Lhakpa has always had an affinity for high altitudes. She was born in a village 12,000 feet above sea level in eastern Nepal, and her disposition for climbing is evident in her name. A member of the Sherpa ethnic group, she descends from a line of nomadic people used to living in difficult high-altitude conditions. Despite doubts from her family and other villagers, who warned that climbing Everest was not a woman’s endeavor, she made her first climb in 2000 and climbed with her brother and sister in 2003.
Photo: Lhakpa Sherpa
We talked to Lhakpa about her passion for Everest, how she sees the mountain with new eyes each time, and the significance of her achievement for female climbers.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Matador Network: Most people who climb Everest are happy to do it once. What motivated you to climb Everest multiple times?Lhakpa Sherpa: I love going to the mountain, it is like an addiction for me. Whenever I’m climbing Everest it brings out a side of me that is more confident and happy.
Is the experience vastly different each time?Every time I go to the summit, the route to Mt. Everest changes.
How did you become interested in climbing?I grew up near Makalu which was very close to Everest. I was surrounded by mountains my whole childhood. Most girls were told to stay home and do housework but I wanted to change the system and do things that boys could. My dad started me off as a porter and I would carry loads with him to prove I was capable of doing any job. My mom disapproved of this but I knew that I wasn’t meant for the life she wanted me to have. Eventually, I heard about my brothers and cousins climbing Mount Everest and thought: why aren’t women doing it too?
What’s the toughest part of climbing Everest?Khumbu icefall and near the Hilary step are the most difficult sections of the climb.
Does climbing for the purpose of setting records take the fun out of the experience?It’s my passion. Every time I go to the summit I feel proud of myself. You never get used to the feeling at the top. I go back not only because I love what I do but also because I want to get more people interested in climbing and being outdoors.
The first Nepalese man climbed Everest in 1953, but it took until 2000 for the first Nepalese woman to do it. Why the discrepancy between men and women in climbing?Opportunities for women came very late. In each and every field we can find men are first. The chance for women to do the same always seems to come later.
What’s your advice after climbing Everest multiple times?Since all the glaciers are melting due to climate change, I would like to advise that visitors trust the mountains and sherpas.
Which explorers have inspired you?Edmund Hilary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa inspired me to summit Everest.
Do you have your sights set on any new challenges?Yes, I have new challenges. I would like to summit K2. I am currently looking for sponsors.
A New Oslo Hotel Lets Guests Sleep at the Home of Artist Edvard Munch
If you love Edvard Munch, this new hotel needs to be on your travel radar.
Called the Ramme Fjordhotell (Rammefjord Hotel) and located roughly 40 minutes outside Oslo, Norway, the hotel and compound is a passion project for the owner, who cared so much about opening the hotel that he sold Munch’s most famous painting – “The Scream” – for a cool $120 million to finance the project. Despite that, the multimillion-dollar haven in the countryside where the artist once lived is still almost totally off the tourist radar.
Photo: Ramme Gaard
Hidden away and surrounded by forest, the hotel is on a remote country farm called Ramme Gaard. It’s the same location that gave the troubled artist a respite from his mental stressors and oft-cited “psychological demons.” (Munch struggled with depression and alcoholism through his early years). The hotel aims to bring some of the allure and history of being where the artist lived to guests, offering the chance to recline at night in a bed that Napoleon himself once laid in or getting close enough to original art to see light reflecting of the brushstrokes.
Travelers to the Oslo hotel always start their journey in Oslo proper, and if you love art, don’t dismiss the city as a mere stop-off point on the way to the northern lights or western fjords. Norway’s capital has much more to offer than it gets credit for – and now, it can add to its nearby charms the Rammefjord Hotel, one of the region’s newest must-stay destinations.
How to get to the Munch Oslo hotel
The hotel is in an idyllic town just outside Oslo. Photo: TheNorthern/Shutterstock
The hotel is close to the city in a tiny former town called Hvitsen and is only a 30-minute drive. Alternatively, guests can take a short train journey to the town of Vestby, followed by a 15-minute taxi ride to the hotel. Guests can also book the on-request bus service from Vestby (number 530). It’s included in the train ticket cost from Oslo, but must be arranged in advance.
If you opt for the latter, you’ll need to walk about 15 minutes along a path in the forest to reach the hotel. It’s a beautiful experience and highly recommended (unless you have very heavy luggage).
The painting that inspired a destination
Photo: S.Dali/Shutterstock
Rammefjord Hotell is the brainchild of Petter Olsen, a billionaire art collector who lives near the hotel. The idea for the high-end Oslo hotel first took shape after he sold one of four original versions of Munch’s 1895 painting “The Scream,” earning almost $120 million at a Sotheby’s event. It made history as the most expensive piece of art ever to be sold at auction, second in price only to Picasso’s “Nude, Green, Leave, and Bust.”
But due to its dark history, it seldom saw the light of day.
The Olsen family had been forced to hide the painting during WWII when the Nazis were on the brink of invading Norway, knowing that the Third Reich would brand the art “degenerate” and use that tag to justify looting it. It almost certainly would have been stolen, sold, or destroyed, along with over 30 other Munch pieces in the family’s collection, had they not stashed them all safely away in a hay barn in the mountains to avoid detection. Thomas, Petter’s father, ultimately fled to England during the war and later presented Munch’s “The Sick Child” to London’s Tate Gallery in a display of gratitude to Britain for taking him in.
Later, there was a war of a more personal kind between Petter and Fred, Thomas’ sons, over who would inherit the art collection after his death. Petter ultimately prevailed, but soon after, more dark history arose around the painting. Though Olsen did technically buy “The Scream,” it was potentially sold under duress by German-Jewish art collector Hugo Simon, whose descendants claimed the painting once belonged to their family.
The Nazi Party was known to steal art from institutions and people, and reuniting families and galleries with their legally owned art is an ongoing struggle. Photo: Public Domain
Hugo had been declared an enemy of the state in Germany when the Nazis came to power in 1933 and had to flee the country, selling the art to Thomas Olsen in a rushed effort to unload most of his possessions. The Simon family has continued to lobby for the painting to be displayed with a summary of its history, highlighting it as one of many paintings with questionable ownership that were bought, sold, or lost during Nazi occupation.
History aside, the painting itself is rather dark. It depicts a man at a spot known for suicides near Oslo: Ekeberg Hill. Munch described the inspiration for the painting to friends, telling them he hallucinated a “blood red sky” with “tongues of fire above the blue-black fjord and the city” while walking. Some say the actual scream is a response to a forced acceptance of the modern era — though Ekeberg Hill was also in close proximity to both an animal slaughterhouse and a local psychiatric hospital, where one of Munch’s sisters had been staying for treatment.
The hotel’s history
Edvard Munch’s former home on the hotel property. Photo: Ramme fjordhotell
Fifteen years passed between the creation of “The Scream” and Munch’s move to the countryside, where he became one of Thomas Olsen’s neighbors and friends. Today, guests of the Oslo hotel can take a short walk to Munch’s yellow house by the water and gaze at the same nature scenes Munch brought to life with his paintbrush over a century earlier.
Munch suffered from alcoholism, depression, psychosis, and even partial paralysis when he arrived at the property. Munch refused rehab, claiming he’d be fine if he could stay near the peaceful property. He used the surroundings as inspiration for his art, often employing female models to pose for him. According to the hotel staff, Thomas Olsen would deliberately crash his boat on the rocks to have an excuse to go ashore and meet Munch’s beautiful, siren-like models.
The hotel todayPhoto: Ramme fjordhotell
Today, the hotel is full of memories of Munch’s legacy. The majority of the 42 guest rooms feature replicas of his paintings. Guests can walk to Munch’s five-bedroom property for guided tours on the weekends, though they plan eventually for the home to be rented primarily for private events.
In Olsen’s mind, the modern translation of “The Scream” is a man expressing the anguish caused by global warming and environmental destruction – and consequently, he’s making Rammefjord as sustainable as possible.
Photo: Ramme fjordhotell
Photo: Ramme fjordhotell
Rooms at Rammefjord are artistic, eclectic, and either Munch- or period-themed. Expect antique furnishings, including lamps from Marrakech, Persian carpets from Iran, and even an ornate bed that French leader Napoleon once slept in, complete with headboard cherubs. Most rooms have woodland views and replica Munch paintings inspired by the landscape.
Aside from Munch art, the hotel features art from local artists inspired by the woodland surrounds, including a fabulous painting of foxes and woodland creatures at a dinner party.
The art
Photo: Ramme Gallery
Perhaps the biggest draw at this Oslo hotel is the opportunity to see the on-site underground gallery — The Ramme Gallery. It’s exclusively for hotel guests and buyers of the property’s “culture ticket,” open every day between noon and 6 PM.
Try to arrive at noon as the staff unlocks the door to discover the world of Munch’s original paintings, as well as other notable Norwegian artwork, potentially without another soul in sight. Due to the intimate nature of the hotel, it isn’t uncommon to be the only person in the gallery, observing the artwork so closely that every bump of every brushstroke is visible. Low lighting preserves the most important paintings, but the paint shines and glints before your eyes nevertheless.
Oslo as an art destination
Photo: Visit Norway/Didrick Stenersen
When you return to the city, a visit to the Munch Museum is virtually obligatory.
Though it’s a tourist attraction on a much larger scale, lacking the intimacy of Hvitsen, the Munch Museum displays some more of his original paintings along with text descriptions.
For an extended art fix, visit Oslo’s National Museum. It reopened in summer 2022 after three years of renovations and also includes an original version of “The Scream.”
Stroll down Karl Johan Street, where Munch rented his first art studio for a Munch-inspired walking tour (or if you can’t make it to the aforementioned Oslo hotel). Karl Johan Street is also home to one of the most prestigious Oslo hotels, The Grand, whose in-house cafe Munch frequented. He would actually trade his art in exchange for steak dinners at the restaurant.
Fans of the wider art scene should consider staying at the waterfront property The Thief near the city center. Besides offering stunning views from its balconies of boats bobbing along the water (enough to inspire any aspiring painter), guests of the hotel receive free access to the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art with just a flash of their room key.
The 10 Best Fetish Clubs Around the World
Sex clubs and swingers resorts are great for your vanilla, garden-variety public sex. But as anyone with a fetish knows, an approximation just doesn’t hit the spot. When you want leather, you want leather and nothing else will do. Fetish clubs get that.
Fetish clubs range from bars, nightclubs, or social members-only clubs that cater to a clientele who want to explore their sexuality, fetishes, and dominance and/or submission. There are generally no strict codes of conduct, but most venues will have general guidelines that need to be adhered to.
This is why they’re such hallowed places for kinky folk: these domains of debauchery offer a safe space for enthusiasts to truly unleash those desires and be free among like-minded people. So whether you love dommes or diapers, sadism or subbing, or you just fancy a swift paddle to the behind — gussy up, get ready, and get freaky with this list of 10 of the best fetish clubs around the world.
Photo: IAKIMCHUK IAROSLAV/Shutterstock
1. Club Black Whip in LondonCreated and run by the legendary Madame Caramel, Club Black Whip was born out of a need for more diversity in the fetish — and specifically Black femdom — community.
Club Black Whip is a vibrant d/s (dominance and submission) group created for Black d ommes and the white male submissives who want to adore them. And while the core ethos remains, all nationalities, ethnicities, and genders are welcome. The Club is now a closed event, so in order to attend you must email for permission.
The dress code is fetish only, or if that’s not possible, all black with a collar for subs (sold at the door if you forget yours). Submissives should bring cash for the Champagne fund, and remember to join in with the games (voyeurism is a big no-no). Who wouldn’t want to take a spin on the Wheel of Misfortune, anyway?
Fetishes: All safe and consensual fetishes allowed.
Who is Club Black Whip for: Club Black Whip welcomes all.
Address: 265 Poyser Street, London E2 9RF, United Kingdom
2. Bar Sinister in Los AnglesSomething of an institution in Hollywood’s BDSM community, Sinister is the go-to venue for those with a soft spot for gothy getups. While dark decadence abounds, fetishists of other persuasions are more than welcome to be as creative as their kinky imagination allows, whether that be leather, latex, uniforms, or something else.
Upstairs in the bar, you’ll find the Purgatory room, where masters and mistresses inflict an array of painful experiments on their willing victims. Not for the faint-hearted, this room caters to kink connoisseurs of an edgier variety. Expect serious sadomasochistic games on full view. The club has theme nights on offer every month. Check the calender for the latest details.
Fetishes: All safe and consensual fetishes are allowed.
Who is Bar Sinister for: Bar Sinister welcomes all.
Address: 1652 N Cherokee Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Opening hours: Monday 10:00 PM — 2.30 AM, Saturday 10:00 PM — 2.30 AM
3. LAB.ORATORY in BerlinDid you know Berghain had a basement? And that it also happens to house one of the most famous male-only party spots? LAB.ORATORY is a cruise club for kinksters of all stripes — but those whose tastes err towards the more depraved are well catered to here. In fact, rumor has it the urinals from Berghain are directly connected to the shower heads in LAB.ORATORY below. Is it true? That would be telling.
Guests have two floors of industrial concrete and metal to navigate, plus the usual array of swings, cages, and harnesses. There’s also a wet room and a labyrinth to explore solo or with a play partner. When it comes to the dress code, pretty much anything goes, but fetishwear is encouraged.
Fetishes: All safe and consensual fetishes are allowed.
Who is LAB.ORATORY for: LAB.ORATORY welcomes gay cis men only.
Address: Am Wriezener bhf, 10243 Berlin, Germany
Opening hours: Thursday 9:00 PM — 11:00 PM, Friday 10:00 PM — 12:00 AM, Saturday 10:00 PM — 12:00 AM, Sunday 04:00 PM — 06:00 PM
4. Hellfire Club in Queensland, AustraliaSate your hedonistic hankerings at Hellfire. With a reputation of being one of Australia’s friendliest fetish clubs, veterans and newbies alike play side by side. The crowd is diverse here and you’ll meet kinksters of all varieties, from drag queens to leather kings and beyond.
The club itself opens every Saturday and runs regular parties hosted by resident dungeon masters and mistresses. Expect DJs spinning tunes late into the night, plus plenty of opportunities to express your kinky desires in (and on) the flesh, something made all the easier thanks to the club’s dungeon equipment on offer.
Fetishes: All safe and consensual fetishes are allowed.
Who is Hellfire Club for: Hellfire Club welcomes all.
Address: 130 Leichhardt St, Spring Hill QLD 4000, Australia
Opening hours: Saturday 09:00 PM — 2:00 AM
5. Bar Bar Fetish Club in BangkokThe neighborhood of Bucking Patong is known for gogo bars, but Bar Bar Fetish Club offers something for those with kinkier requirements. Now in its 15th year, this stalwart of Bangkok’s BDSM community offers parties, games, and private rooms (plus a glass one if exhibitionism is more your thing). There’s also a spanking bench, medieval stocks, and other implements for debauchery at your disposal.
One of the more open on this list in terms of rules, you can show up as a couple or single (solo men allowed too), and join in with the games or indulge your voyeuristic side. The venue also has an in-house team of pro-dommes and subs on hand for those who want to explore their kinks with an expert. And the dress code? Pretty relaxed. A black shirt and/or mask, both of which are provided free at the door if needed.
Fetishes: All safe and consensual fetishes are allowed.
Who is Bar Bar for: Bar Bar welcomes all.
Address: House number 7, Patpong Soi 2 Suriyawong Sub-District, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
Opening hours: Seven days a week 6:00 PM — 1:00 AM
6. MSC Finland — Tom’s Club in HelsinkiFounded in 1976, Tom’s Club (named after gay icon Tom of Finland) hosts legendary kink events once a month. The dress code is strict, so don’t just rock up in chinos and a jumper — we’re talking head-to-toe leather or rubber, uniforms, biker gear, and sportswear here. Jeans are allowed, but it needs to be traditional masculine denim paired with a tight vest and jacket. Alongside kinky parties, Tom’s Club hosts education events and socials (spanking workshop anyone?) — check Twitter or the events calendar for the latest updates.
Fetishes: All safe and consensual fetishes are allowed.
Who is Tom’s Club for: Tom’s Club welcomes gay cis men.
Address: PL 48 FIN-00531 Helsinki Finland
7. Department-H in TokyoWhether you’re into furries or femdoms, Department-H is the spot to be. This is one of Tokyo’s best-loved fetish nights, with guests treated to more sexy performances than you can shake a whip at — think drag shows and striptease, drinking, and games with your fellow revelers.
BYOB is allowed (though do check the rules for each event before you go), but bring cash for kinky goodies. Dress code-wise, the more eyebrow-raising the better: we’re talking fetish with a cosplay flavor. If you’re more LARP than latex, this is the party for you.
Fetishes: All safe and consensual fetishes are allowed.
Who is Department-H for: Department-H welcomes all.
8. Cris et Chuchotements in ParisUnrestrained decadence is the name of the game at Cris et Chuchotements (Cries and Whispers) Club. This is a place where sadomasochistic Parisians while away the evening in elegant surroundings. Run by Marquis Pascal, the club welcomes veterans and newbies alike, though if you place yourself in the latter category, let Pascal know so he can show you the ropes, so to speak.
The dress code is libertine, fetish, or S&M. Leather, lace, or latex are safe bets, but an all-black outfit is tolerated. On the last Sunday of every month is the legendary sale of the slaves (that’s an event where submissives are auctioned off like horses), while on other nights, expect to see the club welcome dommes and mistresses from all over France. There’s plenty on offer for foot, shoe, and nylon fetishists too — look out for themed nights and book early.
Fetishes: D/s, with themed nights offering a wider variety.
Who is Cris et Chuchotements for: Cris et Chuchotements welcomes all.
Address: 9 Rue Truffaut, 75017 Paris, France
Opening hours: Wednesday — Saturday 10:00 PM — 2:00 AM
9. ManiFest in CopenhagenWelcome to the largest fetish club in Scandanavia. Running since 1995, this dream spot for kinky sorts caters to most fantasies and fringe fetishes, no matter how wild. Since ManiFest is all about kinky clothing, you’ll need to impress the door staff before you’re let in. You know the drill: if it wouldn’t raise eyebrows at a regular club, you’re not trying hard enough. Attendees have an array of events to choose from, from masquerade balls to rubber clubbing nights. Check the event calendar for the latest updates on parties.
Fetishes: All safe and consensual fetishes allowed.
Who is ManiFest for: ManiFest welcomes all.
10. Torture Garden in London (plus various global events)From leather to latex, feet to fornifilia (being a piece of human furniture, for the layperson), Torture Garden (aka TG) welcomes a broad range of tastes through its doors each month. Events come jam-packed with special guests and live performances, art installations, DJs, and more.
One thing to note about TG is its strict dress code. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been on the scene — if you don’t look the part, you’re not getting in. But don’t stress too much — this isn’t Berghain. The philosophy is simple: just come as an extreme version of yourself. “More is more” according to the dress guidelines — so whether you’re a crossdresser or a club kid, don your most fabulous fetishwear and flaunt it. And hey, if you’re overdressed you can always take layers off as the night goes on. In fact, it’s encouraged.
Fetishes: All safe and consensual fetishes allowed.
Who is Torture Garden for: Torture Garden welcomes all.
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