Matador Network's Blog, page 446
June 29, 2022
This Drone Footage of the Faroe Islands Shows the Awe-Inspiring Area in a Way You’ve Never Seen Before
The Faroe Islands are a set of 18 volcanic-formed islands located between Norway and Iceland in the North Atlantic Ocean that are part of the Kingdom of Denmark. They’re famous for their striking, other-worldly appearance, but seeing the islands from the air is something totally different. Parker Sheppard, also known as the drone guy on TikTok, captured some incredible footage that will have you wishing you could grow wings (or at least be a professional drone pilot yourself).
@p_shep1 Exploring the edge of the world #fpvdrone #faroeislands #dronestagram ♬ Reflections on a Hero – Trevor Morris
The landscape is so awe-inspiring that it might even feel unattainable, with its massive stones, endless miles of greener and bounds of water. But this outdoor destination is perfect if you love to hike or ride bikes to get around, and it’s even possible to go island hopping by car on the Faroe Islands. If you’re interested in seeing the islands from up high like in Sheppard’s video, a helicopter tour is a common tourist activity. The Faroe Islands are pretty easy to travel through using its well-laid-out system of tunnels and causeways and getting to the Faroe Islands is pretty simple once you reach Europe. If you want to take in the landscape, ferries run from Iceland and Denmark. If you prefer to fly, nonstop flights regularly travel from Copenhagen, Paris, Reykjavik, Edinburgh, Oslo, and Bergen.
June 28, 2022
The Essential US Virgin Islands Travel Guide, From Beaches To Eats
“Driver’s license, please,” asked the official at the St. Croix airport when I touched down on the largest US Virgin Island. Even after boarding my flight without a passport, it was surreal to think that my American driver’s license was the only identification I needed to access the soft, pale beaches and balmy tropical breezes that lay ahead.
Together with St. Thomas and St. John, St. Croix is one of three main US Virgin Islands, a territory that also comprises around 50 smaller landmasses in the Caribbean Sea. Of the trio, only the smallest island, St. John, lacks an airport, though the ferry from St. Thomas is just 45 minutes. On a recent trip to the Caribbean, I visited all three islands. After stepping off the plane in St. Croix, I spent a week engulfed in a culture I’d never experienced before. The warmth of the welcomes I received was surpassed only by the warmth of the sunlight that showers the islands year-round, having no formal rainy season.
Within days, I was in love — a fate I’m convinced is inevitable for anyone who visits the US Virgin Islands, whether or not you need a passport to find out. Here’s your essential US Virgin Islands travel guide, from one traveler who’s already itching to go back.
Getting to know the US Virgin Islands
Welcome to the US Virgin Islands!
Photo: Scott Sporleder
You've probably never seen clearer, bluer waters.
Photo: Scott Sporleder
You'll be tempted to spend all day boating — and hey, it's your vacation.
Photo: Scott Sporleder
Under the surface, species like thresher sharks and spotted eagle rays call the region's reefs home.
Photo: Scott Sporleder
Naturally, seafood is a staple of the local cuisine, such as this red snapper at Anson's on St. Croix.
Photo: Scott Sporleder
Also on the menu? Caribbean comfort foods like Anson's fall-off-the-bone, melt-in-your-mouth ribs.
Photo: Scott Sporleder
Tangy, tingly pepper sauces are the perfect complement to any meal. Stop by a farmers market to pick up a bottle of your new favorite condiment before you head home.
Then there's the mamajuana to wash it all down. Almost every bar in the US Virgin Islands has its own recipe for this Caribbean rum-and-wine beverage that's infused with local spices.
Photo: Scott Sporleder
Later, relax like the locals do over a game of dominoes.
Photo: Scott Sporleder
And if you're on St. Croix, save some downtime for sign-spotting walks. Handwritten messages that are at once endearing and empowering pepper the island. Heed their wisdom as you explore, whether they’re advising you to “take a splash and take your trash” or simply reminding you that “you matter.”
Photo: Scott Sporleder
Come evening, pause whatever you're doing to look to the skies. The bright, fiery sunsets in the US Virgin Islands are some of the most brilliant in the whole world.
Photo: Scott Sporleder
Photo: Scott Sporleder
Rainbow Beach, St. Croix: The string of blue umbrellas lining Rainbow Beach lets you know you’ve arrived at one of St. Croix’s most popular hangouts. Calm waters make this a particularly kid-friendly stretch of coast while the frozen cocktails at Rhythms cater to the adults in the group. You might even catch some live music while you’re there.
Photo: Scott Sporleder
Coki Beach, St. Thomas: Coki Beach is where the people of St. Thomas go to unwind, especially on Sundays when picnickers keep the food vendors busy. You never know who might make an appearance at this sandy hotspot in northeastern St. Thomas. Even Pressure, the island’s resident reggae star, has been known to frequent Coki Beach.
Photo: Scott Sporleder
Magens Bay Beach, St. Thomas: Magens Bay has the buzziest beach on St. Thomas. Some say it’s one of the most buzzworthy beaches in the world. It’s not the best for snorkeling, but you’ll love sinking your toes into the soft white sand and floating in the smooth water. After, head for the hills to see the ultimate panorma at Drake’s Seat lookout. Note that there’s a $5 entrance fee to access the beach for everyone over 12.
Photo: Scott Sporleder
Cinnamon Bay, St. John: Mile-wide Cinnamon Bay is St. John’s longest beach. Part of Virgin Islands National Park, it’s a boon for beachgoers who get bored of lounging on the shore, from kayakers to hikers to birdwatchers. It’s also one of the many spots in the US Virgin Islands with grassy seafloors that’re prime feeding territory for green turtles, which you can strap on a snorkel and see up close.
Photo: Scott Sporleder
Honeymoon Beach, St. John: An easy two-mile hike down Lind Point Trail leads you to Honeymoon Beach, one of seven beaches on Caneel Bay within Virgin Islands National Park. The sand is Colgate white, the water is electric blue, and the shore is virtually empty. Between dips and snorkeling sessions, carve out time to appreciate the view — a view so wide you can see the British Virgin Islands right there from the sand.
What to see in the US Virgin Islands
Photo: Scott Sporleder
Historic Christiansted, St. Croix: Before St. Croix’s largest town, Christiansted, belonged to the US Virgin Islands, it was the capital of the Danish West Indies. Danish colonial architecture such as the Government House on King Street is evidence of that. So is the fact that street placards bear both English and Danish translations. Get to know the island’s historic core on a self-guided walking tour through Christiansted, following in the footsteps of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton who spent much of his childhood on St. Croix.
Photo: Scott Sporleder
Estate Whim Sugar Mill, St. Croix: Across the US Virgin Islands, colonial-era sugar mills remind visitors of the role sugar plantations historically played in the Caribbean. St. Croix was among the region’s most prolific sugar-producing islands. Though many of its sugar mills are still standing, Estate Whim has the only plantation museum in the US Virgin Islands, which provides vital context into the lives of the enslaved peoples who were forced to work the plantations.
Photo: Scott Sporleder
Annaberg Plantation, St. John: Established by Danish colonists in the late 1700s, the Annaberg Plantation became one of St. John’s biggest sugar producers, as well as an exporter of rum and molasses. What remains of the plantation now serves as the nucleus of the Annaberg Historic District on the island’s north shore, which is overseen by the Virgin Islands National Park Service. Like Estate Whim, Annaberg teaches visitors about the history of sugar production in the US Virgin Islands and its ties to the African slave trade.
Photo: Scott Sporleder
Virgin Islands National Park, St. John: More than half of St. John belongs to Virgin Islands National Park, which spans roughly 13,000 acres of land and sea combined. To recommend a visit to the park is essentially just a recommendation to visit the island, but there are a couple of sites worth prioritizing: the Underwater Snorkel Trail in Trunk Bay and the plantation ruins, pre-Colombian rock carvings, and 40-foot waterfall on the Reef Bay Trail, to name a few.
The best US Virgin Islands tours
Photo: Scott Sporleder
Mutiny Island Vodka, St. Croix: The Caribbean is all about rum, but St. Croix’s Mutiny Island Vodka makes the case for a clearer spirit — one that’s miraculously made from breadfruit. Tours of the Sion Farm Distillery where Mutiny Island Vodka is produced include a visit to the newly renovated bar and tasting room, as well as a sneak peek at the newly installed copper still.
Photo: Scott Sporleder
Cruz Bay Water Sports, St. John: Cruz Bay Water Sports is another operator with locations on both St. Thomas and St. John. Sunset sails, dinner sails, and snorkel sails are just a few of the outings on the menu. I did the Lime Out Day Sail on the Jammin’ boat, which included stops at three different clear-water snorkel spots and lunch at a floating taco bar.
Photo: Scott Sporleder
Ocean Surfari, St. Thomas: Sailing is big in the US Virgin Islands — really big. The day I spent sailing around St. Thomas with Ocean Surfari was a highlight of my trip, in no small part thanks to the unforgettable crew. Beyond boating, excursions focus on snorkeling and sport fishing, both of which can be arranged from either St. Thomas or St. John.
Where to eat in the US Virgin Islands
Photo: Scott Sporleder
La Reine Chicken Shack, St. Croix: Roasted chicken, curry chicken, stew chicken. Chicken wings, chicken soup. Welcome to your one-stop shop for the world’s most popular poultry. But that’s not all that’s on La Reine’s menu, which changes daily. You’ll also find meats like goat, oxtail, pork, and beef and seafood like conch, lobster, saltfish, and salmon, alongside sides such as johnny cakes, macaroni, tostones, and cassava. It’s all delicious — and served fast. That’s what makes La Reine a local favorite on St. Croix.
Where: 24-I, Christiansted, St. Croix 00820
Photo: Scott Sporleder
Caroline’s, St. Croix: Caroline’s is more than an all-day breakfast and brunch spot. It’s an experience that starts with oceanfront views, transitions into ultra-photographable floral decor, and descends into a feast of pastries, benedicts, crepes, and more. Do yourself a favor and order the beignets, either traditional style or with dark rum pecan caramel sauce.
Where: 59 King St, Christiansted, St. Croix 00820
Photo: Scott Sporleder
Dushi by the Sea, St. Thomas: Dushi herself dishes out daily specials at this seaside joint near Coki Beach where customers line up before the doors even open. The demand makes sense as soon as you’ve experienced her warm personality and generous portions. But be warned: You’ll probably find yourself sluxxin’ down Dushi’s fried fish even if you’re not hungry.
Where: Rte 388, St. Thomas 00802
Photo: Scott Sporleder
Rudy’s Fraco Sno-Cones, St. Thomas: Rudy is a local legend who’s been serving up sno-cones in a variety of flavors since before folks can even remember. Tamarind? Soursop? Name a fruit that’s native to St. Thomas, and Rudy’s got it. You might just find a new favorite.
Where: 84Q5+6WF, Tutu Park Mall Annas Retreat, St. Thomas 00804
Photo: Scott Sporleder
Blue 11, St. Thomas: That Blue 11 is located in the Yacht Haven Grande marina is your first clue that it’s a memorable dining experience. That you can choose between seven-, nine-, and 11-course tasting menus — with optional wine pairings — confirms it. Signature dishes include the poached halibut with passion fruit butter and the braised wagyu short ribs with sweet potato puree and a cinnamon port reduction.
Where: 83PH+WGG, St. Thomas 00802
Photo: Scott Sporleder
Lime Out, St. John: Picture yourself enjoying fresh tacos and craft cocktails in the middle of the ocean. You can do that at Lime Out, a floating resto-bar in Coral Harbor with eight different tacos including ceviche, short rib, and a vegan option with black beans and quinoa. You’ll need to charter a boat to hang here as swimming across the harbor is prohibited, but the Smokin’ Luca featuring mezcal and native tamarind juice is well worth the adventure.
Where: West Fortsberg Coral Bay, St. John 00831
Photo: Scott Sporleder
Bajo el Sol, St. John: If you’re looking for a proper rum tasting on St. John, look no further than Bajo el Sol. In addition to the 100-plus rums in its arsenal, Baja el Sol doubles as an art gallery, bookstore, and cafe where you can learn all about the Caribbean’s favorite spirit in one of the coolest settings in the US Virgin Islands.
Where: Mongoose Jct, St. John 00830
Photo: Scott Sporleder
Ocean|362, St. John: Ocean|362 puts a fresh spin on Caribbean classics, both figuratively and literally given its commitment to using ingredients that were picked, speared, and otherwise sourced right in the restaurant’s backyard. Dinner service is the best way to sample the island-to-table cuisine, but don’t skip cocktails on the top-floor bar for an equally delicious view.
Where: 362 Strand Gade Estate, St. John 00831
Where to stay in the US Virgin Islands
Photo: Scott Sporleder
The Fred, St. Croix: I stayed at The Buccaneer in St. Croix, a beach and golf resort in Christiansted Harbor, but I also had the pleasure of lounging poolside at The Fred, an adults-only boutique resort in Frederiksted. Whichever hotel is more your speed, be sure to swing by The Fred for a dip and a photoshoot with the cock portrait in the lobby.
Where: 605 Strand St, Frederiksted, St. Croix 00840
Photo: Scott Sporleder
Margaritaville Vacation Club, St. Thomas: The swim-up bar at Margaritaville is reason enough to pick this Wyndham resort as your home base in St. Thomas, with your choice of studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom suites that can accommodate two to six guests. The fact that Coki Beach is just a 10-minute stroll away seals the deal.
Where: 6080 Estate Smith Bay, St. Thomas 00802
Photo: Scott Sporleder
The Hills, St. John: On an island that’s 60 percent national park, there’s something fitting about booking a private villa rather than a room in a more sprawling resort. The Hills has 22 well-appointed vacation rentals on offer to make St. John feel like your island home away from home, complete with unbeatable views overlooking Cruz Bay.
Where: 11 Bay View Terrace, Cruz Bay, St. John 00830
7 Literary Pubs Where You Can Drink Like Your Favorite Authors
For some writers, drinking alcohol would be counterproductive to the creative process. For many of the most distinguished authors in literary history, however, having a pint of beer went hand-in-hand with penning books, short stories, and poems, and that meant frequenting a local watering hole. Some of the best literary work ever produced was written in a rather unlikely setting: the pub. For centuries, authors have settled into their favorite booth or barstool, thrown back a beer (or twelve), philosophized with their contemporaries, and conceived literary masterpieces. These are the literary pubs around the world where you can drink like your favorite authors.
The Eagle and Child, Oxford, UK (Tolkein)
Photo: John Selway/Shutterstock
The Eagle and Child are one of the world’s most storied literary hubs, in one of the world’s most storied literary cities. The meeting place of the Inklings, a group of writers that included J.R.R. Tolkein (author of The Lord of the Rings) and C.S. Lewis (author of The Chronicles of Narnia), The Eagle and Child has been a staple of Oxford’s literary culture for decades. In the Rabbit Room, where the group frequently gathered, you’ll even find pictures of the various members, and you can almost imagine them sitting exactly where you are, discussing and critiquing each other’s writing.
White Horse Tavern, New York City, US
Photo: Brian Logan Photography/Shutterstock
Jack Kerouac may be known for traveling west, but it all started in New York City, where Kerouac – along with many others – conceived their greatest works. Opening in 1880, the White Horse Tavern in Greenwich Village became popular with mid-century literary figures like Kerouac, James Baldwin, Anais Nin, Norman Mailer, Frank O’Hara, and Allen Ginsberg. There’s even a popular legend that Kerouac spent so much time here that someone wrote: “JACK GO HOME” on the bathroom wall. Welsh poet Dylan Thomas was similarly drawn to the place and is even said to have had his last drink here. After finishing 18 shots, Thomas collapsed outside the bar and later died at St. Vincent’s Hospital. Now, many claim to see Thomas’ ghost sitting at in a corner of the tavern.
George Inn, London, UK
Photo: Alan Kean/Shutterstock
It’s not often that a pub is owned by the British National Trust, but with London’s George Inn, it’s easy to see why. The only galleried coaching inn (inns that provided stabling for horses) left in London that’s open to the public, George Inn was once a favorite haunt of William Shakespeare in the 16th and 17th centuries, and Charles Dickens in the 18th century. It’s even mentioned in Dickens’ novel Little Dorrit. Established in the medieval period, it was originally known as the George and Dragon. It’s divided into several bars, which were formerly used as waiting rooms for coach passengers, coffee rooms, and bedrooms.
Harry’s New York Bar, Paris, FranceIf you loved the film Midnight in Paris, chances are you have a whimsical longing to wander into a 20s-era Parisian cafe and find Ernest Hemingway or F. Scott Fitzgerald discussing literature. While you won’t encounter the long-deceased authors, it’s certainly possible to put yourself in their shoes for a night by visiting Harry’s New York Bar, a favorite watering hole of Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Jean-Paul Sartre, Sinclair Lewis, and other early-to-mid-century celebrities. The bar even features in Ian Fleming’s James Bond short story, “From a View to a Kill.” The quintessential jazz age bar, Harry’s is known for its piano performances. George Gershwin even composed his famous “American in Paris” here.
The Carousel Bar, New Orleans, USIf the Carousel Bar in New Orleans’ Hotel Monteleone sounds familiar, it’s probably because you read about it in one of Tennessee Williams’ plays or in the Hemingway short story “Night Before the Battle.” A revolving bar overlooking Royal Street in the French Quarter, Carousel Bar completes one revolution every 15 minutes and is so unique that many authors decide to not only patronize the place, but feature it in their work. Ernest Hemingway, William Faulkner, Tennessee Williams, and Truman Capote all famously frequented the bar. Capote was so fond of it, he even claimed it as his birthplace.
Antico Caffè Greco, Rome, Italy
Photo: giulio napolitano/Shutterstock
Rome’s literary scene isn’t quite as famous as that of Paris, but the Eternal City has hosted some of the world’s most famous literary luminaries. That’s particularly true of Antico Caffe Greco, which opened in 1760. The cafe has been a favorite haunt of authors like Mary Shelley, Hans Christian Andersen, and Ivan Turgenev, and poets like Lord Byron and John Keats. It’s no wonder why, either. The cafe is adorned with dazzling stucco moldings, ornate decorations, statues, and over 300 paintings. Combine all that with the rich aroma of coffee swirling through the place, and it’d be tough not to be inspired here.
Literary Cafe, St. Petersburg, RussiaThe aptly-named Literary Cafe is, perhaps unsurprisingly, one of Russia’s most popular and historic cafes for literary luminaries to gather. In the early 19th century, it operated as a bakery, where writers, poets, and journalists would meet. Some of Russia’s most renowned literary geniuses once frequented the establishment, including Fyodor Dostoevsky, Mikhail Lermontov, and Alexander Pushkin. You can still find Pushlin sitting at his favorite table, holding a quill and looking out the window — though it’s a wax model, not the author himself. Pushkin, who famously perished in a duel on the Black River, departed for the duel from this very site.
How To Make the Most of an LGBTQ+ Trip To Key West
With its 500-year history of Spanish, Bahamian, Cuban, and American influences, Key West’s reputation as a live-and-let-live Conch Republic has long made it a home and travel destination for the LGBTQ+ community.
Here, island time and the beach lifestyle take on a new meaning flanked by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Whether you’re a morning person who loves to kayak through mangroves or a night owl who loves to bar hop, the Florida Keys, especially Key West, allow you to indulge and be yourself.
Thanks to its subtropical weather and Caribbean-adjacent position, the Florida Keys offers beach weather year-round. That said, March through May are the best months to visit to escape the winter crowds, or the last week of October if you want to experience Fantasy Fest, a Florida tradition with a Mardi Gras-level of bacchanalianism.
Regardless of the timing, here’s what you need to know before making a trip.
What to do in the Florida KeysAs RuPaul says, “reading is fundamental.” When it comes to the LGBTQ+ community, it’s important to be cultured. Key West has long been known as a haven for artists, hippies, immigrants, counter-culture activists, and the LGBTQ+ community. For a city ripe with ribald entertainment and day-drinking opportunities, it also hosts a healthy number of cultural institutions that you should visit. But to start, you can’t go to the Florida Keys without enjoying some time on the water.
Blu Q Catamaran: These four-hour day trips and two-hour sunset sails cater to the gay community. I joined a Blu Q trip where the friendly staff took us on an excursion to a secluded sandbar rung by crystalline blue waters where the group swam, drank, and made new friends. We then sailed farther west to a shallow area where we snorkeled and came face-to-face with a multicolored array of fish, corals, sponges, and the remnants of a shipwreck. The Blu Q crew provided water, fresh fruit, and healthy snacks, inviting guests to bring their own alcohol.
Photo: Rini Kools/Shutterstock
Bar hopping on Duval Street: Duval Street is Key West’s main drag – pun intended. The blocks between Angela and Catherine Streets are festooned with welcoming rainbow flags, LGBTQ+ bars, cabarets, an LGBTQ+ Visitors Center, and the Tennessee Williams Museum. The drag queens at 801 Bourbon are known for carrying on the tradition of Southern queens: spirited, gritty, and charmingly unpolished. We caught an old-school drag show at La Te Da, which, like many establishments in Key West, is a jack of all trades type of business with a cabaret, a restaurant, and a hotel. We caught Christopher Peterson’s Eyecons, in which he impersonated Marilyn Monroe, Liza Minelli, Reba McEntire, Cher, and Judy Garland in less than two hours. The highlight of Peterson’s tour-de-force is his commitment to singing live and creating a show that will shock you with its combination of bawdy humor and inspirational coming-of-age autobiographical narrative.
Tennessee Williams Museum: A fascinating museum that exists under the radar but just half a block off Duval Street is the Tennessee Williams Museum. One of America’s most important playwrights of the 20th Century, Williams considered Key West home, living on the island for 34 years – 14 of which with his romantic partner Frank Merlo. Dennis Beaver created the museum as a tribute to the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of A Streetcar Named Desire, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and The Glass Menagerie. Beaver’s passion for sharing the life and work of Williams is on display in the carefully curated exhibits that don’t shy away from the highs and lows of Williams’s life. The section on the playwright’s relationship with Merlo is a must-see when so many museums avoid discussing the queer identities of the very people they claim to celebrate.
Photo: Rob O’Neal/Florida Keys News Bureau
The Ernest Hemingway House: This stunning piece of Key West architecture is well worth the visit to glimpse into the author’s writing studio. But make no mistake, the six-toed cats steal the show. Many a visitor can be seen wandering the property trying to photograph and pet as many of these polydactyl cats as possible. Whether it’s the whimsical bathroom tiles or the first pool built in Key West, each corner of Hemingway’s house has something to appreciate. You can take a guided tour or walk around at your own leisure.
Photo: Horacio Sierra
Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory: The LGBTQ-owned center is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The climate-controlled, glass-enclosed habitat gives you a chance to come face-to-face with butterflies and birds from around the world. Don’t be surprised if while you’re watching a pair of strikingly pink flamingos perform a courtship dance, a duck waddles by your feet and a blue morpho butterfly lands on your shoulder. It happened to me. Although it’s small compared to a state- or university-run butterfly museum, the intimate nature of the conservatory invites you to lull for a good 30 to 45 minutes and immerse yourself in a lepidopteran wonderland.
Photo: Any Newman/Florida Keys News Bureau
The Little White House: President Harry S. Truman considered Key West his second home. He spent 175 days of his presidency in what is now known as The Little White House. It’s here where he strategized and drafted some of the most influential Civil Rights legislation of the 20th Century, such as an Executive Order desegregating the military. President Truman invited noted Black Civil Rights leaders such as Dr. Mary McLeoud Bethune, who founded one of Florida’s HBCUs, to be one of his advisers. The house’s collection demonstrates how much President Truman embodied Key West’s live-and-let-live attitude. One fascinating piece is the custom-made poker table he used to gamble on and its accompanying cover that hid all hints of its at-the-time taboo purpose. Other highlights include his collection of Hawaiian and guayabera shirts and a painting of the Everglades, which he made a National Park, hanging above his bed. When taking a tour of the house and learning more about Truman, it’s easy to imagine that the Midwestern boy from Missouri would have evolved right along with society thanks to his time in Key West.
Photo: Horacio Sierra
Kayaking with Tortuga Jack and Key West Eco Tours: Another reason to drive down to Key West is so that you can stop at Geiger Key and meet Tortuga Jack. A character well known in the Lower Keys, Tortuga Jack led us on an eco-minded kayak tour of the Keys’ flats. With his Santa Claus beard and witty quips, Tortuga Jack taught us about the mangroves, sponges, jellyfish, birds, and starfish that live in the unique ecosystem created by the Keys, which are built on the carbon of decomposed corals. If you’re lucky enough, he’ll recite some of his original poetry for you while you glide over the key’s azure waters.
Where to eat and drink in the Keys
Photo: mezzotint/Shutterstock
The Docks at Stock Island: Here you’ll find an unbeatable combination of fresh seafood and gourmet preparation. Located on the docks in an out-of-the-way neighborhood, the Dock’s limited menu ensures the offerings are fresh and the chefs have perfected their skills. Baked oysters, Key West pink shrimp, tequila-sprinkled drunken scallops, delectably textured swordfish and snapper. Invite your friends and try it all. Then save room for dessert. The hand-made zeppoles, fried dough balls coated in power sugar, are rivaled only by the strawberry bread pudding topped with toasted coconut.
Cuban cuisine: Known in Spanish as Cayo Hueso, Key West is closer to Havana than Miami. After soaking in the history of Key West’s centuries-long Cuban community at the San Carlos Institute on Duval Street, you can check out two great Cuban restaurants: El Siboney in Old Town or El Mesón de Pepe on Mallory Square. Both restaurants serve healthy portions of Cuban classics such as picadillo (ground beef), ropa vieja (shredded beef), puerco asado (roasted pork), and camarones enchilada (creole shrimp). Again. Save room for dessert – especially at El Meson, where we ordered a grand triumvirate consisting of coconut flan, guava pudding, and Key Lime pie.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Sunset Key Cottages (@sunsetkeykw)
Latitudes on Sunset Key: If you want to splurge and live your best Oprah Winfrey life, then make a reservation for Latitudes on Sunset Key. Unless you were fortunate enough to be invited to Oprah’s 44th birthday when she rented all the cottages on the island for her and her friends, you can take a ferry to Sunset Key and enjoy a beachside meal. Freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable drinks complement hearty breakfast meals like lobster eggs benedict and key lime ricotta pancakes. Order a side of yucca hash browns for something different.
Chef Michael’s: Islamorada also offers some gourmet dining while you’re on your way to Key West. Chef Michael’s offers an array of fish that can be prepared in sundry ways. To try something unique order lionfish, an invasive species that conservationists are more than happy to see disappear, or the meaty hogfish. Another only-in-the-Keys highlight is a shrimp-and-lobster ceviche medley served in a cracked coconut shell.
Islamorada Brewery and Distillery: The best bar in Islamorada is its very own brewery. Islamorada Brewery and Distillery offers locally brewed craft beer and cocktails made from spirits distilled on site. The family- and pet-friendly beer garden is the perfect place to cool off with its tropical canopy and misting fans. Spanky’s food truck will supply you with all the fries, nachos, pretzels, and burgers you need when washing down a cool beer.
How to get to the Florida KeysWhile you can easily fly into Key West’s airport with direct flights from Boston, New York, Chicago, Dallas, and DC, the most memorable and social media-worthy way to get there is by car. If you book with a car rental agency early enough, you can score one of the hundreds of brightly colored convertibles available from the Miami or Fort Lauderdale airports to cruise down the iconic Seven-Mile Bridge and visit Key Largo, Islamorada, and Tavernier Key along the way to it’s-so-gay-it’s-straight-friendly Key West.
How to get aroundAlthough you’ll need a car to explore the other islands, measuring four miles long by 1.5 miles wide, Key West is as pedestrian friendly as it gets. Staying anywhere south of White Street allows you to walk from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico in 30 minutes. Parking is in short supply, so you can hope to score one of the coveted free visitors spots on side streets or just opt for one of the parking garages near the docks on the Gulf side.
Where to stayWe hope you love the places 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.
For LGBTQ+ visitors, Key West is about where you stay as much as what you do. Alexander’s Guesthouse is the epitome of inclusivity. Although it’s owned by and caters to the LGBTQ+ community, all are welcome. And who wouldn’t want to stay in this boutique hotel that features a heated pool, a hot tub, and multi-level sun decks? Comprised of 17 room spread out over 3 Conch-style houses built in the early 1900s, Alexander’s has been lovingly updated with modern amenities. The best feature about Alexander’s is the sense of community that’s created during its complimentary breakfasts and daily happy hours. Located off the corner of Fleming and Frances Streets, Alexander’s offers you a relaxing respite from the bars and restaurants of Duval Street, which is a quick 10-minute walk down the street. Other LGBTQ+ guesthouses such as Equator and Island House are located down the street, forming a mini-gayborhood of hotels nestled among residential homes and locally owned antique stores and art galleries.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Alexander's Guesthouse (@alexanderskw)
Islamorada is a family-friendly key and the Islander Resort offers all the amenities: a children’s pool, an adult-only pool, hot tubs, a pool-side bar, a beach fronted by calm waters, a dock, and a wide selection of activities and watersports. Each room has been recently renovated so that the high ceilings and private porches offer a cool respite from the hot weather. A cool feature that makes the hotel stand out is the fact that all the buildings are covered by solar panels.
The Best Spots To Enjoy the Bahamas’s Iconic Conch in Every Delicious Preparation
Walk into nearly any restaurant in the Bahamas, and you’ll find a common theme across menus – conch (pronounced “konk”). It’s been a food source on the islands for 5,000 years, and tourists flock to the islands wanting to try the local delicacy in its many forms. The mollusk meat is so popular you might never realize it’s actually critically threatened. Luckily, local governments, scientists, and commercial fishers are banding together to make conch fishing more sustainable to ensure the tradition of cooking and eating conch dishes in the Bahamas isn’t lost forever.
Whether they realize it or not, tourists to the Bahamas have almost undoubtedly seen conch shells all over the islands. The spiral-shaped shells are distinctive and are often transformed into jewelry or souvenirs. Conch dishes represent a significant part of Bahamian culture and cuisine, and is a vital part of the economy.
Photo: Paulharding00/Shutterstock
What are popular conch dishes?Conch, indigenous to Bahamian waters, is farmed for the meat protected inside the shell. Conch dishes are a staple food with perceived health benefits (high protein, low fat) and versatility. Bahamians serve it up using a variety of cooking methods. Glance at the menu of any restaurant in any Bahamian town, and you’ll find some form of conch. It might be fried, frittered, or thrown into soups and salads. The calamari-like texture of conch makes it ideal for sushi, battered balls, burger patties, and chowder.
Is conch sustainable?Intrepid travelers want to try the national dish of whatever country they find themselves in, but the question for ethically-minded individuals is: Should you eat an animal that’s critically threatened? The popularity of conch has become problematic in recent years. Researchers estimate that the conch population in the Bahamas has dropped by 71 percent, according to the Miami Herald. Even the Bahamian government is increasingly concerned about the overall conch population and its ability to survive the ongoing climate crisis, poaching, and overfishing. That’s why there has been a significant push for stricter fishing regulations and more sustainable conch fishing across the Caribbean.
Researches at NC State University launched a “Conchservation” campaign in 2013, to protect conch and research sustainable fishing methods. Over time, experts have identified conch farming techniques that make it viable long-term for both fisheries and conch to thrive.
These conservation efforts have resulted in some stricter fishing regulations that include conch limits. It’s also considered the best practice for fishermen to weigh and measure conch to decipher its maturity. Allowing conch shells to remain in the water until they are mature enough to be fished is critical for sustainable fishing practices. Female conchs reproduce once they are between 3 and 5 years old.
Photo: theCarolynWitt/Shutterstock
It’s now also considered most ethical to harvest conch meat on the shore. This prevents people who harvest conch from hastily carving out the flesh and throwing shells overboard, creating meat waste and “graveyards” of shells that discourages other conchs from reproducing in those areas.
Despite these new measures being put into place, the Bahamas is still some of the laxest fishing regulations when it comes to conch. There really is no way to know for sure that the conch dishes you’re consuming is sustainably-sourced unless you see it being harvested from the shell onshore with your own two eyes. However, tourists can do their part by eating at locally-owned establishments so that money supports communities and families, rather than chains and corporations. Here are a few of the best restaurants where you can try conch dishes in the Bahamas.
The best restaurants in the Bahamas to try conch dishes
Photo: MevZup/Shutterstock
Goldie’s Conch HouseGoldie’s is a Nassau establishment that conch-lovers can’t miss. It’s a neon-painted eatery with indoor and outdoor seating you’ll have no trouble finding, especially since there will likely be a line out the door. The fried conch fritters at Goldie’s come with a side of delicious dipping sauce.
Where: 3JJR+237, Arawak Cay Dr, Nassau, Bahamas
Mckenzie’s Fresh Fish & ConchThough Mckenzie’s is close to Atlantis on Paradise Island, there’s nothing resort-y about this restaurant. The charming pink stand’s outdoor seating makes it an excellent place for a quick lunch or casual dinner. Conch salad, a staple conch dish in the Bahamas, is similar to ceviche. In it, the conch meat is finely chopped and added to a mixture of other raw ingredients, including cucumbers, hot sauce, bell peppers, and sweet onion. Every spoonful is equal parts fresh and flavorful.
Where: 3MGH+643, The Dock,Paradise Island, Bridge, Bahamas
Photo: Blueee77/Shutterstock
The draw of this upscale dining establishment is the unobstructed views overlooking turquoise blue waters, but don’t let the clever name fool you – it’s all in jest. You can get cracked conch or fritters here, but the conch chowder is especially worth trying. Served with a side of johnny cake, the chowder’s spicy aroma wafts through the air before it’s brought to your table.
Where: 3MFJ+QWP, E Bay St, Nassau, Bahamas
Dino’s Gourmet Conch SaladHead to Dino’s for the chef’s signature “tropical conch salad for an exciting new take on conch.” Dino’s twist on this classic island recipe combines fresh fruits like mango and pineapple. It’s a taste sensation that’s juicy and sweet.
Where: W Bay St, Nassau, Bahamas
Photo: AllMyRoots/Shutterstock
Grilled conch, conch fritters, conch salad, and more. You can count on a plate piled high with mounded portions of whatever variety you order. The grilled conch here is particularly exceptional. The meat is served with a side of rice and beans in true Bahamian style. However, the true mark of excellence is that the meat is tender but not chewy, the way conch can sometimes get if overcooked. Oh Andros manages to nail every variety of conch it offers.
Where: 3JHR+XH8, Nassau, Bahamas
The Corner PocketThe Corner Pocket may not be a sit-down restaurant, but the quality of food here is outstanding. This food stand in Potter’s Cay, a short jitney ride from downtown Nassau, is worth traveling to for its conch salad. Ingredients are chopped on the spot and served fresh. A zesty combination of sweet onion, habanero, and lemon juice, among other secret ingredients make it perfectly refreshing after spending a day in the sun.
Where: Potter’s Cay
Photo: BlueOrange Studio/Shutterstock
Located in beautiful Elbow Cay, Firefly Bar and Grill has a heaping selection of seafood, but their conch is the star of the menu and it’s highly popular amongst visitors. The restaurant is attached to a beautiful resort, but you don’t have to stay at an adjoining villa to enjoy a meal at the Firefly. The cracked conch served with a side of creamy macaroni and cheese.
Where: Centre Line Rd, Elbow Cay, Bahamas
Crab and TingsCrab and Tings is exactly what most people think of when they think of Caribbean seaside shacks. It’s a small hut with outdoor seating so that you can chow down with your toes in the sand. Set against a tropical background of blue ocean and palm trees, Crab and Tings is always busy churning out trademark cocktails and cracked conch to ravenous beachgoers. It could be the proximity to the water, but the fried conch tastes remarkably fresh. Mama Sue, the owner of this small business, takes great pride in her classic Bahamian recipes, so you can eat knowing you’re getting truly Bahamian cuisine made with love.
Where: 3JHX+GV2, Nassau, Bahamas
Go Here, Not There: Baja California Sur’s Mountains Deserve as Much Time as Its Beaches
Often mistaken as part of the United States, Baja California is a Mexican state located on the long, skinny peninsula flanked by the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean just south of California. “Baja” means “short” or “lower” in Spanish, so it literally translates to the land of “lower California.”
Another common geographic mistake? Many travelers assume that the entirety of this narrow peninsula is Baja California, but that’s not the case – the promontory is actually divided in two. Below Baja California is the creatively named state of Baja California Sur. The state of Baja California Sur consists of the southernmost half of the peninsula, the tip of which is home to well-known vacation hotspot Cabo San Lucas.
Most venture to Baja California Sur with the coastline and Cabo nightclubs in mind, but there’s more to this southern state than margaritas, whale watching, and white sand beaches.
Just inland are towering mountains and expansive desert plains, beckoning adventurers eager to explore a more rugged side of Mexico while dodging the crowds that can clog up its more popular coastlines. While everyone loves a good beach day, you may want to cut a few beach days on your next trip to Mexico and instead explore inland Baja California Sur. It’s not very touristy and offers stunning camping in desert canyons, the chance to ride mules alongside local rancheros, treks to historic cave paintings, and more authentically Mexican experiences.
How to get thereTo explore inland Baja California Sur, use either the La Paz or Loreto airports. Both locations are cultural hubs perfect for bookending your trip with various accommodations and restaurants. Each location also has car rental availability which, if you aren’t using a guide service, you’ll need to explore the more remote areas of Baja.
In La Paz, the architecturally charming Baja Club Hotel in a good pick. On the malecón (a bustling boardwalk in La Paz’s historical center), the Baja Club Hotel has an interior courtyard that creates a quiet oasis in the center of the city. Next to Hambrusia restaurant, Baja Club is an ideal place to start and end your trip.
Photo: Andrea Izzotti/Shutterstock
If you’re headed to Loreto, a popular place to stay is the Villas del Santo Niño. It’s within walking distance to a handful of delicious restaurants, the Mission, and the Sea of Cortés.
Guide services like Mario’s Tours make these types of trips easy, and based on the package you choose, they handle everything from transportation to meals. Using a guide service can be a good way to avoid planning if that’s not your thing, or if you’re nervous about figuring out logistics in a foreign country. Planning a trip to inland Baja California Sur on your own is possible, but it’s helpful to have a Spanish speaker in your group. Many of the locations and activities listed above are remote, so being prepared is always a necessity.
Weather-wise, winter months are ideal for trips away from the coast. As with any desert, heat can become a health risk and make a trip especially unenjoyable. If your itinerary allows it, head to inland Baja California in winter for a more comfortable experience.
What to do in Baja California Sur’s mountainsExplore Cave Paintings and Channel Your Inner Ranchero
Photo: Katie Botwin
The Sierra de San Francisco mountain range in Baja California Sur is home to exceptionally well-preserved cave paintings that date back to 100 B.C. Their state of preservation and cultural significance earned them a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. Because of their remote locations as well as the dry climate, the cave paintings have remained largely untouched and intact.
The best way to get a glimpse of these ancient works of art? An old-school but still relevant mode of transportation in Mexico: mule and donkey, locally known as mulas and burros.
Travelers can adventure to the cave painting-rich desert canyons with a caravan of donkeys and mules led by Mario’s Tours. While the donkeys carry food and gear, visitors ride mules (a cross between donkeys and horses). Larger than donkeys but more composed on the rocky trails than horses, the mules are calm and sure-footed and able to descend the rugged paths better than most people would on two feet.
Photo: Katie Botwin
Riding mules gives visitors the freedom to bathe in the beauty of their surroundings rather than watching for rocks or cactus that might cause someone on foot to trip. Three rancheros – bona fide Mexican cowboys with well-calloused hands – will keep the caravan on course with hoots of “burro!” and “mula,” occasionally accompanied by the crack of a hand-braided leather whip against their chaps.
After a half-day journey through cliffs and cacti in the hot sun, visitors are met by a lush oasis to rest and rehydrate. And because it’s a guided tour, the snacks are more than just granola bars. Expedition chefs on the journey serve up authentic Mexican dishes of ceviche and empanadas.
“The authentic fare and the joke-cracking woman who cooked it, Maria, made this experience one to remember, and some of my fondest memories of this experience involved food: learning how to grill nopales (cactus paddles), hand-shaping tortillas, and munching on sweet-bean empanadas in the cool shade of the canyon.” – Writer
Caves like the one Mario’s Tours visits are few and far between. UNESCO notes that “The rock art of the Sierra de San Francisco region of Baja California is one of the most outstanding concentrations of prehistoric art in the world and a dramatic example of the highest manifestations of this human cultural expression.” The cave paintings themselves are hidden— trails are faint and often unmarked, and if it weren’t for knowledgeable guides and rancheros, it’d be easy to walk right past them without ever noticing their presence.
Photo: Katie Botwin
While the cave paintings themselves were a wonder to behold, this expedition also offers a chance to get to know the people of Baja California Sur. Travelers can learn to cook gorditas in the desert and learn from the tireless rancheros who work from dawn to dusk before laughing and singing around the campfire with them at night, eventually falling asleep under the stars. Traveling with Mario’s Tours is a unique chance to feel like just another creature surviving in the unseen crevices of the desert.
Hazards abound near the Sierra de San Francisco’s cave paintings, and rocky roads, desert heat, a lack of marked trails, and the remoteness of these canyons make logistics challenging. So it’s a smart idea to book a trip with a reputable guiding operation like Mario’s Tours, which specializes in low-impact ecological expeditions. Companies like Mario’s Tours handle the provisions and group camping gear (though guests are encouraged to bring their own sleeping bags), as well as the rancheros and chef. While it’s possible to explore the canyons of your own volition, you’ll give your feet a rest by riding a mule and your back a break by loading donkeys with food and gear.
It’s advised to make longer, more challenging trips like this in the winter, when the weather is more tolerable for outdoor adventures.
More Inland Activities in Baja California Sur
Photo: TravelNerd/Shutterstock
Trekking to cave paintings is a beautiful way to have a true cultural experience deep in Baja California Sur’s desert canyons and stark mountain ranges, but it’s not the only adventure available.
Mountain bikingSeveral companies, Mario’s Tours included, offer mountain bike tours of the Sierra de la Giganta. The mountain range boasts rugged trails and is home to some of the oldest missions on the peninsula. Trails speak to riders of all skill and fitness levels, and if you get tired of pedaling, you can take a break and go for a ride in the support vehicle.
If you’re looking to mountain bike without a guide, Baja is home to a network of ride-worthy 4×4 roads and a handful of trails in both the desert and mountains alike. You can bring your own bike or rent from local bike shops if you fly into Loreto or Cabo San Lucas.
Road bikingRoad biking is also prevalent in Baja, and there’s a dedicated industry of locals and travelers focused on biking the entire Baja California Peninsula via Highway 1. December to April is the prime window for ideal weather if you’re looking to explore the desert and mountains on two wheels. You’ll want to bring a device like a Sawyer Water Filtration System as the water isn’t always safe to drink.
Hiking and nature reserves
Photo: Elizabeth Caron/Shutterstock
Baja California Sur is home to a variety of locally owned and certified tour operators that run tours closely tied to the landscapes, people, and wildlife. Companies like Dharma Expeditions and Good Trips Baja, among others, run inland trips to hike, swim, or otherwise explore the mountains and natural reserves away from the beaches. Booking a trip with a local company like those helps support the local economy and ensures you’re guided by someone intimately familiar with the terrain, culture, and food of the region – which will always ensure a better trip.
Visiting small townsVisiting the small towns scattered throughout inland Baja California Sur can be a fun way to meet locals and learn how people live away from the modern beach towns. Less affected by tourism and the gentrification that often comes with heavily visited areas, inland Baja feels more authentic and culturally rich than most of the areas around the coast.
The quaint town of Mulegé is a must-visit. Home to the only year-round river in all of Baja (the Santa Rosalia River), Mulegé is a hub for ATVing, hiking, and fishing. Petroglyphs and the Santa Rosalia de Mulegé Mission grant a peek into the town’s history and are steps from restaurants with delicious food owned by locals. For live music, local fare made fresh, and great margaritas, try locally run Histórico Las Casitas — a restaurant and hotel. The courtyard welcomes travelers like a desert oasis, brimming with plants, art, and knowledge from the friendly owner.
Photo: Katie Botwin
If you’re traveling to Mexico in search of a classic town square surrounded by local shops and restaurants, San Ignacio is the place to go. With the sounds of local kids playing fútbol and the chiming bells of La Mision de San Ignacio, this is a must-stop for a true cultural experience. Many travelers like the simple yet clean Hotel La Huerta, within walking distance of town. For a low-key evening, stop for ice cream at the Edson Ice Cream Shop and stroll the sleepy streets as the sun sets.
Most tourists flock to coastal cities, and prices around Cabo reflect that demand. Inland Baja California Sur, on the other hand, is less explored and, unsurprisingly, less expensive. From riding mules and studying cave paintings to hiking and biking, the desert and mountain landscape delivers rugged, authentic adventures. Come nightfall, charming towns offer flavorful food, local shops, and respite from adventures in the desert. While your first instinct might be to travel to the beautiful beaches of Baja, if you’re one to step off of the beaten path, be sure to explore the gems of inland Baja California Sur on your next trip to Mexico’s west coast.
More like thisTrip PlanningHow To Plan a Trip To La Paz, MexicoThese New Smyrna Beach Airbnbs Showcase the Best of Florida’s Central Coast
Sunny skies and superb surf make New Smyrna Beach one of the hottest beach towns in Florida. With over 17 miles of beach to explore, you can choose to get your vitamin D on the “no-drive” sweep or get behind the wheel on the “drive” beach. Culture flows at the museums and galleries of the Canal Street Historic District. Holiday rentals in NSB are abundant; find your Airbnb New Smyrna Beach vacation home here.
We hope you love the Airbnb New Smyrna 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.
New Smyrna Beach Airbnbs with a hot tubNew Smyrna Beach amazing location
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This top-rated Airbnb New Smyrna Beach is conveniently sited for Flagler Avenue and the beach. The bungalow is cozily outfitted with stylish scatter cushions and paintings adding warmth. A secluded backyard comes with a hot tub and a shower for rinsing off the sand. Pets are welcome and you can help yourself to the bikes in the garage. The hosts also rent out golf carts as an alternative means of getting around.
Ten guests, three bedrooms
Price: $570 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This three-story townhome is decorated as per a nautical theme and features a top-of-the-line modern kitchen that will delight coffee connoisseurs. The backyard of this pet-friendly New Smyrna Beach Airbnb is fully fenced and equipped with a hot tub, outdoor shower, grill, and a covered seating area. Bikes are provided for guest use and there’s a ping pong table for endless entertainment. Located across the street from New Smyrna Beach’s non-driving shore
Eight guests, two bedrooms
Price: $440 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This luxurious vacation rental consists of five bedrooms, four baths, and a state-of-the-art kitchen. Flooded with natural light, the lounge overlooks the heated saltwater pool in the backyard, which provides its privacy with tropical foliage. A spa element adds further indulgence to this deluxe property while the upper balcony provides an alternative spot for a session of R&R. Beach essentials and surfboards are provided.
Twelve guests, five bedrooms
Price: $1,215 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This unique Airbnb in New Smyrna Beach has the benefit of its own private pool as well as direct access to the beach. Extra brownie points are provided thanks to the volleyball net in the water! Spread over three floors, chic interiors evoke the sea and foster calmness. Occupying the entire third level, the master suite opens onto a balcony with ocean views. Pets, families, and wedding parties are all welcome.
Ten guests, four bedrooms
Price: $1,650 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
With a private saltwater pool, a Jacuzzi tub, and a mere two-minute stroll to the beach, this NSB Airbnb gives you the best of the Floridian lifestyle. Spanning one floor, the property is suitable for young and elderly guests. The master suite is attached to an oversized bathroom with a jetted bath and walk-in shower. Park your car securely in the garage which is where you’ll find beach gear including a surfboard and pool toys.
Twelve guests, six bedrooms
Price: $1,185 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This cute yellow beach rental is appointed with a covered deck to make the most of the epic Atlantic views. A desirable setting right on the sand means that you can be the first in the water each morning of your stay. Rooms are thoughtfully prepared with plush sofas and bedding to maximize comfort. A crib and playpen are provided for those traveling with infants to this family-friendly Airbnb in New Smyrna Beach.
Twelve guests, four bedrooms
Price: $1,250 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
What’s not to love about a turquoise cottage with direct ocean views? This single-story home is perfect for small groups, families, and couples. Pets are welcome subject to a small fee. Each bedroom is affixed to an en suite while the Frozen Margarita Machine is a neat touch. A large sun deck is furnished with a grill, picnic table, Adirondack chairs, and an outside shower. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and sea turtles.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $635 per night
Traveling in Florida? Check out Matador’s Florida accommodations guides:15 beautiful Florida Airbnbs for every type of travelerThe best 11 Airbnbs near Universal StudiosThe 12 best Miami Airbnbs from South Beach to Little Havana8 of the coolest Airbnbs near Disney World, Florida15 beautiful Florida Airbnbs for every type of traveler6 Kissimmee Airbnbs for a multi-generational family Disney trip11 Key West Airbnbs to experience the best of the island11 gorgeous Florida Keys Airbnbs to catch the ‘Keys Disease’One-of-a-kind luxury townhome
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This 5-star oceanfront New Smyrna Beach Airbnb is impeccably designed with lavish furnishings, beautiful artworks, and marine knick-knacks. The master bathroom contains a pool with a waterslide outside and a spacious shower inside. Most of the rooms have the perk of ocean views while two terraces mean that there’s plenty of space to spread out and unite for sociable meals and star gazing.
Twelve guests, four bedrooms
Price: $1,044 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This Airbnb New Smyrna Beach with a hot tub, games room, and fire pit is the cat’s meow of holiday rentals. Located in the Canal Street Historic District, the home is convenient for seeing the downtown sights while the beach is less than 10-minutes by car. Bikes are provided for getting around. In addition to the three guest suites, the house features a special bedroom for your dog!
Nine guests, three bedrooms
Price: $430 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Artistically curated, this handsome rental boasts high ceilings, a spiral staircase, and top-quality amenities. A partially covered saltwater pool is surrounded by multiple spots for tanning or kicking back in the shade. What makes the house really stand out is the external bathroom with a freestanding tub, rainfall shower, and views of the pool.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $350 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Dating back to 1928, this picturesque New Smyrna Beach Airbnb is fronted by a pristine patch of lawn and features a wraparound porch. Three spacious bedrooms are dressed with optimum quality furnishings while the master suite contains a stellar selection of books. A separate covered patio is ideal for long al fresco barbecue dinners. Pets are welcome.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $320 per night
Gateway to Adventure: 5 Michigan Cities on the Doorstep of Spectacular Nature
No matter where you are in Michigan, you’re never far from America at its grandest. This should come as no surprise — the state is crisscrossed by rivers, contains millions of acres of forest (over 50% of Michigan is forested), borders four Great Lakes, and has the longest freshwater coastline in the nation.
Here, spectacular nature doesn’t cling to the edges of cities — cities cling to the edges of spectacular nature. Should you find yourself in any of the five gateway communities below, here’s how to access the wilds just beyond your doorstep.
Grand Rapids
Photo: Suzanne Tucker/Shutterstock
Claiming superlative titles like “America’s Best River Town,” “America’s Best Mountain Biking Town,” and one of “America’s Top 10 Waterfront Towns,” among others, Grand Rapids offers nature enthusiasts the best of both city life and the great outdoors.
A river runs through itThe Grand River — the longest in Michigan — courses through downtown Grand Rapids, and the 2.5-mile Riverwalk takes you to some of the city’s most scenic sites, including vibrant murals and historic bridges. Travelers with kids should make a pit stop at Fish Ladder Park, an aesthetically striking structure designed to assist migrating salmon on their upstream journey.
BikingIf you prefer two-wheeled travel, Grand Rapids is where it’s at, equipped with an extensive network of paved pathways and dedicated bike lanes. Bonus: Every bus has a bike rack. The 15-mile paved Kent Trails system can be accessed just 1.5 miles from downtown and runs through the 1,400-acre Millennium Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country with 18 miles of its own trails.
For something faster paced, know that Outside Magazine named Grand Rapids the “Best Town for Mountain Biking” in 2010. Grab your bike and helmet and hit the mountain biking trails in the area. Those in Wahlfield Park and Luton Park are some of the best known, but the West Michigan Mountain Biking Alliance has developed over 100 miles of off-road trails for all skill levels throughout the region.
BeachesThose looking for more of a beach-bum experience are also in luck. Millennium Park features a sizeable lakefront beach with canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding rentals available, as well as boat launches for BYOB(oat). Several stunning stretches of sugar sand on Lake Michigan await nearby, too: Oval Beach, Grand Haven State Park, and Saugatuck Dunes State Park are each a 45-minute drive.
Detroit
Photo: Nicholas Worden/Shutterstock
Detroit is an expansive city — it covers 139 square miles, to be precise — and all that space makes plenty of room for parks, greenspaces, and a growing network of greenways. that’s about half the size of NYC with less than a tenth of the population — Detroit is home to a staggering number of parks and green spaces, including a growing network of greenways. The city’s also built along the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair, offering visitors incredible opportunity for outdoor recreation without leaving town.
A river runs alongside itThe heart of downtown Detroit is just steps from the Detroit River, and exploring the 3.5-mile RiverWalk makes for a perfect daytime activity. Rent a bike from Wheelhouse Detroit or MoGo Detroit, Metro Detroit’s nonprofit bikeshare organization. Ride along the riverfront to check out Hart Plaza, William G. Milliken State Park, Gabriel Richard Park, and all the way to Belle Isle, a picturesque river island that, thanks to a quirk of geography, sits just to the north of the border with Canada. This is the place to be if you’re into big ships — many large freighters traverse the Detroit River on their journey through the Great Lakes.
The Detroit RiverWalk also connects to the Dequindre Cut, a 2-mile rail-to-trail greenway surrounded by murals that ends in Eastern Market. This sprawling 150-year-old public market showcases dozens of small businesses.
Alternatively, get out on the river itself with guided kayak tours by Detroit River Sports or Riverside Kayak — the historic canal tours are a true highlight.
Green spacesWith roughly 300 city parks, Detroit has abundant green space, but the crown jewel must be Belle Isle. A popular place for summer picnics and barbecues, Belle Isle is also beloved by runners and cyclists. Don’t miss the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory with its five distinct climate displays, all centered on an iconic building designed by famed Detroit architect Albert Kahn.
Flint
Photo: Jacob Boomsma/Shutterstock
Don’t let the nickname “Vehicle City” fool you — with the Flint River curving through downtown and numerous outdoor recreation areas within easy reach, Flint proves it’s a whole lot more than just the birthplace of Buick and GM.
A river runs through itAt 73 miles long with 24 access sites, the Flint River Water Trail provides plenty of chances for adventure. Kayak Flint offers rentals as well as guided tours if you’re hoping to be waterbound.
Flanking the Flint River, Riverbank Park features five separate interconnected concrete “blocks” that step down to the water’s edge, with canals, fountains, waterfalls, and an amphitheater to enjoy. The park is also home to the annual Flint Jazz Festival in the summer.
BikingAt the mouth of the Flint River, Mott Lake’s Bluebell Beach makes for an ideal place to catch some sun, play in the sand, and go for a swim. The park’s paved bike path connects to the 27-mile network of the Flint River Trail, which also loops around to the other side of the lake where you’ll find Stepping Stone Falls, an accessible dam featuring dramatic concrete waterfalls illuminated by multicolored lights at night.
The Flint River Trail is part of Michigan’s nearly completed 2,000-mile Iron Belle Trail, the longest designated state trail in the country. It will ultimately connect Belle Isle Park in Detroit to Ironwood, near the western tip of the Upper Peninsula.
Green spacesLocated 10 miles north of Flint, Mount Morris is good to go for hiking, horseback riding, and more. There’s also an off-road vehicle area called Mounds for adrenaline-pumping fun.
Marquette
Photo: ehrlif/Shutterstock
Though the population is under 21,000, Marquette is the largest city in the Upper Peninsula — which should give you some indication of just how vast the wilderness is up here.
HikingHardcore hikers take note: Marquette is a North Country Trail Association Trail Town. Spanning 4,600 miles through seven states, the NCT is the longest hiking path in the National Trails System (more than double the AT!). You can access several segments from Marquette, including the Iron Ore Heritage Trail and the Noquemanon Trail Network.
Beyond the NCT, the hike to Sugarloaf Mountain will take you past century-old forests for a stunning view of Lake Superior. If you want more of a challenge, opt for the trek to Hogback Mountain, which is steeper, rugged, and truly remote.
BikingMountain bikers enjoy zooming along the trails in Marquette, such as the Noquemanon Trail Network’s North and South Trails. Together, they hold over 75 miles of non-motorized singletrack.
The most superior lakeLocals and visitors alike adore Presque Isle Park’s miles of trails, including one to Black Rocks, an ancient rock formation thought to be about 1.7 billion years old (some of the oldest exposed volcanic rock in the world) that rises 20-30 feet above Lake Superior. Cliff jumping here is a popular activity not for the faint of heart. For slightly warmer water, head to McCarty’s Cove, where you can launch off the sandy beach and swim to several rock islands.
Lesser known and a little farther outside the city, Little Presque Isle is worth the extra effort to reach, what with its sandy beaches, dense forests, wooded dunes, and rugged sandstone cliffs that loom along the shoreline. Auroras glow brightly here — season and weather permitting — due to the almost complete absence of light pollution.
Ann Arbor
Photo: Agnieszka Gaul/Shutterstock
With a nickname like Tree Town, it’s safe to assume that Ann Arbor has plenty of greenery — and it does! Home to more than 1.45 million trees, greater Ann Arbor provides refreshing nature vibes just minutes from the heart of downtown and the University of Michigan campus.
HikingSo many parks and trails, so little time — but a fantastic place to start is the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum at the University of Michigan. The gardens feature specimens appropriate to south Michigan, including Great Lakes endemics, and you can get lost (in a good way) via the forested trails that lead to the Huron River at the adjoining Nichols Arboretum.
Meanwhile, the Bird Hills Nature Area makes up the largest natural area in the city, with unpaved trails open only to hikers. Expect to wind through hills and ravines surrounded by a variety of tree and wildflower species.
Blue spacesTake to the water to explore part of the 104-mile-long Huron River Water Trail, which holds experiences from placid flat water to rushing rapids. Rent a canoe or kayak at the Gallup Park Livery or Argo Park Canoe Livery for a fun paddle down the Huron through Gallup Park or down the Argo Cascades.
There are so many spots in Ann Arbor — and Michigan at large — where you’ll be immersed in nature minutes from your doorstep, be it rivers, forests, waterfalls, hike and bike trails, or the coast. What will your next escape be?
The 5 Best, and Worst, States for a Summer Road Trip
Even with high gas prices, there’s something special about a summer road trip. And there are certainly plenty of options, from incredible scenic byways, to underrated road trips, to a road trip that’ll take you to every national park, to short but sweet treks that show you the best of the country.
If you want to narrow it down by state, the folks at the credit score report company WalletHub crunched some numbers to find the best, and worst, states for a summer road trip.
If you’re looking for slight detours worth it, California gas prices may be high, but the state has 66 scenic byways, the highest in the country (plus, of course, the famous PCH). If you’re looking to spend your time camping, WalletHub found that Mississippi has the lowest daily price for camping, at only $35.53. However, if you prefer staying in a hotel, Oklahoma has the lowest average price for a three-star hotel room at $50, whereas an average room in Oregon will run you $300, according to WalletHub.
While those are all stand-out statistics, it wasn’t enough to put any of those states into the top five best road trip states (or, for that matter, bottom five) by WalletHub’s standards. California landed at 30, Mississippi at 37, Oklahoma at 23, and Oregon at 44.
The five best states for summer road trips1. New York
2. Minnesota
3. Texas
4. Louisiana
5. Maine
46. Arkansas
47. Montana
48. Delaware
49. Connecticut
50. Rhode Island
To find the best states for summer road trips, WalletHub compared three key factors with 32 metrics on a 100-point scale: cost, safety, and activities. The cost was divided into the average price of gas and car repairs, the lowest cost of three-star hotel rooms and camping, the number of vacation rentals per capita, and the cost of living. The quality of roads and bridges determined the safety category, along with the number of car accidents, car-related crime, and more. And finally, the activity score was based on how much there was to do, such as the number of scenic byways, national parks, amusement and theme parks, zoos and botanical gardens, shorelines, and more. Metrics marked with an asterisk (*) used the square root of the population to calculate the population size.
Is it a perfect metric? The people who have tried to road trip around Hawaii (number 40) may think differently than those in any of the states in the top five. But when you take in what’s most important to you on a road trip, you should have no problem creating the perfect itinerary.
A Doctor Breaks Down Why so Many People in Okinawa, Japan, Live Past 100
The southern Japanese island of Okinawa is known as the “land of the immortals” thanks to the unusually high number of centenarians. In fact, Okinawan women live longer than any other women in the world. Dr. Karan Raj, a doctor in the UK with a following of 4.8 million on TikTok, recently took to the platform to explain why.
@dr.karanrTHE LAND OF IMMORTALS
♬ Cornfield Chase – Hans Zimmer
Okinawa is one of the famous Blue Zones, and the information comes from Dan Buettner’s 2008 book Blue Zones: Lessons For Living Longer From The People Who’ve Lived The Longest. It’s the same book that explains why people on the tiny Greek island of Ikaria live so long. And while exercise and a diet high in vegetables and grains and low in meat is common among the five Blue Zones, Okinawa has two social principles that help as well: moai and ikigai.
Moai is a group of five lifelong friends that people are traditionally put into by their parents when they’re born, according to the New York Times. In addition to helping out when they need each other with health or monetary problems, the groups have a strong social and emotional connection for life.
Ikigai is one of those wonderful words that lack a direct English translation. “Iki” means life and “gai” means worth, according to the BBC. Essentially, it means happiness in living and is often described as the reason why you get up in the morning. This is something that’s in line with your values and likes and makes you feel good about doing it, whether that’s playing guitar or cooking or anything that you can do, really (and doing something is important, not just sitting around dreaming about what makes you happy).
Another thing that Raj hadn’t mentioned but is listed as a reason for longevity in Okinawa in the Blue Zone book? Growing a garden and being able to enjoy what’s going on in the moment rather than dwelling on the past. So grab some lifelong friends and get those vegetables growing.
Matador Network's Blog
- Matador Network's profile
- 6 followers
