Matador Network's Blog, page 464
May 20, 2022
REI’s Anniversary Sale 2022 Saves You Up To 30% on Top Outdoor Brands
The 2022 REI Anniversary Sale runs from May 20 through May 30. You can save up to 30 percent on items including tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, clothing, and more. If you’re an REI Coop Member, you’ll get an even bigger discount as you’ll get one coupon for 20 percent off any item plus a second coupon for 20 percent off an REI Outlet item (they’re both tied to your account already).
These are the items we’re most excited about (or check out the full list of items on sale).
We hope you love the REI Anniversary Sale! 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.
20 percent off: hiking boots to last a decade
Photo: REI
Photo: REI
Photo: REI
One of the biggest deals at this year’s REI Anniversary Sale is 20 percent off all Keen footwear. If you have a river trip, beach vacation, or need a great new pair of sandals or hiking boots, this is the time to re-up. We particularly love the Newport river sandals ($103 during sale, reg. $129.95), available in women’s, men’s, and kids’ varieties in multiple styles and colors. Matador editor Tim Wenger has worn his Newports on several multi-day river expeditions and they perform perfectly in-raft, in-water, and on the beach. We’ve also come to love the Ridge Flex women’s hiking boot and Targhee men’s hiking boot, both of which you can nab right now for about $150.
30 percent off: a tent that’s already half the price of its competition
Photo: REI
REI Coop’s iconic Trail Hut Tent, available in a two– or four-person version, is the best deal on tents at this year’s REI Anniversary Sale. It’s compact and light enough to fit in a standard backpacking pack without adding much weight, but spacious enough for campers and gear (because no one likes to leave their pack outside in the rain). The Trail Hut is durable and competent, without the flashiness or added features (read: added weight) of higher-end or sport-specific tents. Grab one now for $140 (two-person) or $210 (four-person). It’s less than half the price of comparable tents from established outdoor brands.
25 percent off: a super-packable hammock and straps
Photo: REI
Eno’s DoubleNest Hammock is editor Tim Wenger’s long-running go-to for a backcountry hammock. The packs into its own attached storage bag and sets up in minutes from a pair of trees, poles, or another thin-but-vertical object. Weighing just over one pound, you can add a lot of comfort to your camping or backpacking setup (or even your yard) without having to jettison that cooking pot. And as a bonus, the new version of the DoubleNest even comes with a cupholder so you can lounge with your beverage of choice. Grab an Eno DoubleNest hammock ($56.25) and a pair of Atlas Straps ($29.95) to better suspend the hammock in the wild.
30 percent off: portable outdoor furniture for comfortable camping
Photo: REI
Photo: REI
Photo: REI
Whether you’re car camping this summer or just need to spruce up your patio, REI Outward Furniture is the perfect addition, especially at 30 percent off. This is the best deal of the year on popular items like the Outward Classic Low Lawn Chair and the Outward Padded Bench. Toss in an Outward Side Table, and you effectively have an entire living room for the campsite.
25 percent off: four-season down jackets and fleece
Photo: REI
Photo: REI
Summer evenings can be chilly if you’re camping at high elevations (or just outdoors in a strong wind). The Cotopaxi Abrazo fleece counteracts that chill by keeping you warm and dry, and brightly stylish to boot. The Abrazo comes in half-zip or full-zip options with two pockets for your paws. It’s super versatile since you can wear it year round — just use it as an insulative layer under your thinner ski shells come winter. For under $80, that’s a heck of a deal.
Also, this is the time to grab that puffy jacket you’ve been eyeing for next winter. Cotopaxi’s robust line of Fuego down jackets are 25 percent off during the REI Anniversary Sale, as well. And the brand is known for being an industry-leader in both environmental sustainability and social justice.
25 percent off: water bottles you can drop off a cliff
Photo: REI
A water bottle that keeps your drink cold for hours, or even days, is exactly what summer calls for. All HydroFlask water bottles are 25 percent off during the REI Anniversary Sale, which can save you as much as $25. Stainless steel, eco-friendly construction and design, and leak-proof lids are just a few of the reasons why HydroFlask bottles are the go-to for Matador’s outdoor team. They’re also ridiculously durable, and HydroFlask supports Parks For All, which works to increase exposure to wildlands for marginalized groups traditionally left out of outdoor recreation.
25 percent off: the perfect daypack for every hike
Photo: REI
Photo: REI
Two of Osprey’s best-selling packs — the Talon (men’s) and Tempest (women’s) are 25 percent off during the sale and will run you just $101 each. Each is the perfect hiking daypack with an internal frame and 20 liters of capacity. Choose between 22,- 33-, and 44-liter varieties on the Talon, and 18-, 20-, 30-, 34-, and 40-liter options on the Tempest.
More like thisBackpackingThe Ultimate Summer Backpacking Gear Guide
May 19, 2022
The 10 Most Wish-Listed Airbnbs in the US This Summer Will Inspire You To Get Out in Nature
We hope you love the spaces 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.
Sure, a luxurious hotel stay can be exactly what you need. But if you’re looking for a stay full of adventure, booking a remote Airbnb is a great way to find a unique stay. In the last few weeks, Airbnb announced some significant new features to find your next stay. Users can now search for their perfect stay using 56 categories and be comforted by Airbnb’s new Air Cover policy that grants peace of mind when booking. And now that you’re ready to begin your search, Airbnb has rounded up the top 10 most wish-listed Airbnbs in the US.
Photo: Airbnb
The third most wish-listed stay is the Earthhouse Retreat in Springfield, Missouri. This three-bed, three-bath home sleeps eight and is the epitome of modern. There’s plenty of natural life around the area while the architecture will have you settling in. Guests can enjoy the spacious yard and fire pit, plus a patio with a dining table that seats six, a propane grill, and a garden.
Photo: Iwan Baan / Airbnb
The second most wish-listed stay is the Architectural wonder in Rhinebeck, New York. This stunning home in the woods hosts four people with three beds and two baths. The eco-friendly stay is solar operated on 30 acres of land, and the house is geometrically fascinating both inside and out.
Photo: Ashley Schott / Airbnb
And the number one most wish-listed stay is the Glass Treehouse in North Carolina. This two-person stay is perfect for romance with a background landscape of mountains and waterfalls. The home blurs the lines of indoor and outdoor living with lots of interactions with nature throughout your stay. Keep things hot by the fire pit and steamy inside thanks to a private hot tub.
The 10 most wishlisted AirbnbsGlass Treehouse Modern Luxe Romantic Getaway in Banner Elk, North CarolinaArchitectural wonder in the woods in Rhinebeck, New YorkUnique Earthouse Retreat with Spring-Fed Creek in Springfield, MissouriDomeland: Off-grid Adobe Dome near Big Bend in Terlingua, TexasTreeLoft at BaseCamp in Perryville, MissouriLovely Treehouse in the Woods next to Stream in Hardwick, VermontCherry Treesort “Big Nick” in China Grove, North CarolinaCharming Wood-roof Simple Survival Earthship in El Prado, New MexicoDunlap Hollow A-Frame in Rockbridge, OhioCrystal Peak Lookout in Fernwood, IdahoBook any of these stays, and you’re bound never to want to leave.
The 6 Best Great Smoky Mountains Waterfalls and Swimming Holes
Shared by North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is anchored by one of the oldest mountain ranges on earth. As a peak-rippled portion of the extensive Appalachian chain, the Great Smoky Mountains are home to a staggering array of flora and fauna scattered between pine, spruce, and fir forests, among others. And they’re all fed by generous rainfall.
In fact, the Smokies have the highest annual rainfall in the southeastern United States, with higher elevations receiving more than 85 inches every year. However, most of the range’s rain occurs as mist, lending the Great Smoky Mountains their nickname. The amalgamation of altitude and precipitation also makes the Smokies exceptionally biodiverse, earning the national park designations as both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve.
The combination of elevation and rainfall also make the Great Smoky Mountain waterfalls numerous and varied, especially with more than 2,100 miles of streams garlanding the national park. However, the rain/elevation combo can also create hazardous trail conditions for hikers, especially along waterways. So before heading out, pack appropriate footwear and check the park’s daily weather advisory – especially during spring and summer, the rainiest seasons in the Smokies.
Thanks to more than 800 miles of marked trails, including a 70-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail, there’s a lot of mileage to explore. To make it easy, start with these six hikes to Great Smoky Mountains waterfalls for stunning natural sights and some gorgeous swimming holes.
Abrams Falls
Photo: Trent Carmichael/Shutterstock
Distance: 5.5 milesElevation gain: +/- 630 feetDifficulty: ModerateAbrams Falls might not be the tallest of the Great Smoky Mountains waterfalls, but the burly cascade packs a visual punch, plummeting about 20 feet into a waiting plunge pool. There are several routes to the falls, but the five-mile, out-and-back hike from the Cades Cove Loop Road trailhead is a manageable option for day-hikers.
En route to the falls, the Abrams Creek Trail threads a stream-laced landscape, weaving through mixed hardwood forests and groves of streamside rhododendron. There are a few minor stream crossings of offshoots of Abrams Creek, so keep an eye out for spots to stop for a dip along the way to the thundering falls. More information.
Midnight Hole and Mouse Creek Falls
Photo: AllTrails
Distance: 4 milesElevation gain: +/- 540 feetDifficulty: Easy-to-moderateThis hike is actually a twofer, combining a photogenic, natural swimming hole and a secluded waterfall in the Big Creek Valley.
The route starts from the trailhead near the Big Creek Ranger Station and quickly ascends toward the crystalline waters of Big Creek, arriving at the stream after roughly one mile. The trail then parallels the stream until reaching Midnight Hole, the nickname given to the spot where Big Creek spills into a deep pool (about 1.5 miles from the trailhead).
From there, you can continue another .5 miles to a 45-foot-tall Great Smoky Mountains waterfall: Mouse Creek Falls. The cascade is at the intersection of Mouse Creek and Big Creek and stair-steps over turrets of rock to form the multi-tiered falls.
For an overnight excursion, grab a spot at the secluded Big Creek Campground near the trailhead. The tent-only creekside campground is the smallest in the national park, with only 12 sites. More information.
Ramsey Cascades
Photo: Theron Stripling III/Shutterstock
Distance: 8.1 milesElevation gain: +/- 2,220 feetDifficulty: ChallengingRamsey Cascades is a sweet reward for sweaty hikers, but the four-mile hike to the tallest Great Smoky Mountains waterfall is grueling. It gains more than 2,000 feet of elevation as it weaves through one of the park’s less-visited areas.
Seek out the lofty waterfall from the marked trailhead for the Ramsey Cascade Trail on Ramsey Prong Road, and be prepared for a full day of hiking that’ll reach more than 4,300 feet in elevation. From the road, the eponymous Ramsey Cascades Trail skirts towering boulders and rockshelters, hugging the banks of the Middle Prong of the Little Pigeon River before climbing to meet Ramsey Prong (a “prong” is a regional term for a small offshoot or stream from a larger river).
For the final two miles, the trail follows Rasmey Prong, rambling through old-growth hardwood forests studded with massive tulip trees, and paralleling a creek pocked with plunge pools. Still, the star of the show is undoubtedly Ramsey Cascade. The postcard-perfect falls marks the end of the route, tumbling over a natural staircase of stacked rocks with a drop of nearly 100 feet. More information.
Mingo Falls
Photo: The American Observer/Shutterstock
Distance: .3 milesElevation gain: +/- 100 feetDifficulty: EasyMingo Falls is within the Qaulla Boundary (an area similar to a reservation, except the land is owned by members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee) along the southeastern edge of the Great Smoky National Park.
It’s easy to reach and one of the loftiest Great Smoky Mountains waterfalls in the park. The hike is short, but there’s a climb – up 161 steps, to be precise. The trail begins along the Raven Fork of the Oconaluftee River, about six miles northeast of the park’s Oconaluftee Visitor Center. For a photogenic view of the falls, follow the steadily uphill Pigeon Creek Trail for just under half a mile to a strategic viewing platform, offering an unobstructed view as Mingo Creek glides through the Raven Fork Gorge and eventually tumbles into a slender, silvery 120-foot-tall ribbon of water. More information.
Rainbow Falls
Photo: kurdistan/Shutterstock
Distance: 5.1 milesElevation gain: +/- 1,620 feetDifficulty: Moderate-to-challengingTumbling down the side of 6,593-foot-high Mount LeConte (the third highest peak in the park) is Rainbow Falls, named for a dazzling optical illusion. Usually around mid-morning to late afternoon, when sunlight hits the cascading curtain of water just right, the falls emit kaleidoscopic beams akin to a rainbow.
To catch a glimpse of the polychromatic spectacle, begin at the Rainbow Falls Trailhead in the northeastern portion of the national park just outside Gatlinburg. Follow the Rainbow Falls Trail through the LeConte Valley as it traces the path of LeConte Creek, weaving between boulders and groves of rhododendron and mountain laurel. You’ll reach Rainbow Falls after 2.7 miles.
It’s quite stunning; the calm creek spills over the side of the bluff into a secluded, boulder-cradled rock grotto. While the trip to this waterfall is short at less than three miles, there’s a knee-grating ascent of more than 1,600 feet on the approach. Don’t underestimate it. More information.
The Sinks and Meigs Falls
Photo: Malee Oot
Distance: 6.5 milesElevation gain: +/- 1,330 feetDifficulty: ModerateThe Sinks is one of the few human-made Great Smoky Mountains waterfalls in an area where most are entirely natural. On a bend in the Little River approximately 12 miles west of the park’s Sugarlands Visitor Center, the churning cataract was formed in the late 1800s when loggers used rivers to float downed timber out of the forest. After a violent flood, loggers desperate to clear a logjam in the Little River used dynamite to free the floating timber – and inadvertently created a turbulent flume that eventually slows enough to form rock-buttressed pools. For waterfall-chasers, a visit to the Sinks offers the chance to admire a more secluded cascade (and to scope out leafy swimming holes).
To get to Meigs Falls, hop on the Meigs Creek Trail (it starts near the viewing platform overlooking the Sinks). The route begins with a gradual ascent, climbing out of the Little River Valley and eventually meeting Meigs Creek after about one mile. Be sure to keep an eye out for inviting plunge pools as the footpath parallels its namesake stream. After you reach the creek, it’s another .7 miles to Meigs Creek Falls. The secluded falls tumble about 15 feet into a small lake and offer an impossible-to-miss turnaround point for a quick out-and-back from the Sinks. More information.
More like thisWhere to StayThe 9 Best Great Smoky Mountains National Park Hotels
California May Get a New State Park With Campgrounds and Kayaking Spots
The state with the most state parks in the country is looking to add another, according to KCRA. If California governor Gavin Newsom’s budget for the next year is approved, Dos Rios Reserve, a 20-minute drive from Modesto where the Tuolumne and San Joaquin rivers meet, could become the Golden State’s next state park.
The River Partners organization, which has invested in the area since 2012 by planting native vegetation and trees, has said they will transfer the 2,100-acre site to the state rather than sell the lot. The floodplain restoration lowers flood risk and encourages native species to return to the site, according to the River Partners website. That’s exactly what has happened over the past 10 years of work at Dos Rios Reserve with the return of mammals like brush rabbits and woodrats; birds like hawks, yellow warblers, sandhill cranes, and migratory birds; and fish like Central Valley Chinook salmon and steelhead trout.
Newsom’s new budget would invest the $5 million into removing levees that currently sit on 1,500 acres of the site, as well as be used to add amenities like public workshops, restrooms, and picnic tables. The park could reach 2,500 acres by the time it’s complete and would be available for activities like camping and kayaking.
California State Parks director Armando Quintero told KCRA that the map of the proposed area looks like a heart with two big river arteries around it. It would be the state’s first new state park since 2009.
If the budget is approved, Californians could be welcoming the state’s 280th state park as soon as 2023. If the land becomes a state park, we might also know it by a new name.
The Thompson Zihuatanejo Will Make You Forget Mexico’s Better-Known Resort Towns
A cool Pacific breeze carried the smell of the cooking fire before I could see it. When I got to the beach, I was greeted by lightly wafting smoke and a simple metal frame supporting an assortment of meats and vegetables that hung from strings over the coals. Chef Javier Garcia Cerrillo had been slow cooking what would soon be dinner for hours by the time I walked from my room at the Thompson Zihuatanejo to the on-site Hao restaurant.
I’d only been at the resort for a few hours, but it was immediately clear that this was a place where good food is front and center — and lots of it.
Ribs, dry aged steak, chicken, squashes, and other vegetables filled the table as the sun set on the waves. A whole snapper wrapped in a banana leaf and cooked on the coals gave me a taste of the ocean. I had been in Oaxaca a few months prior and had some of the best food in my life in a state widely known for its cuisine. Zihuatanejo is in Guerrero, the state bordering Oaxaca to the north, and many people here take food no less seriously, as I’d learn over the next few days.
Photo: Nickolaus Hines
Zihuatanejo made it onto the radar of some American tourists in the 1960s when Timothy Leary held psychedelic retreats at the Hotel Catelina. It didn’t last long. Today, the small town feels far from the tourist-packed resorts of Cabo, Acapulco, or Cancun while still being easily accessible — I flew from Denver to Houston, then directly to the nearby Ixtapa airport about 15 minutes away from the Thompson.
Thompson Hotels took over the property from Viceroy and reopened in 2018. Since then, as multiple regular guests at the bar were quick to tell me, it’s built a reputation for luxury, just the right amount of seclusion, and, importantly, food.
“This is one of the richest ports on the coast of Mexico for fishing,” Cerrillo told me the morning after our beachside dinner.
Photo: Nickolaus Hines
It was about 8:00 AM and we were walking toward the Paseo del Pescador, or Fisherman’s Walk, to pick out a fish for our cooking class offered through the hotel. Boats were pulled up on the shore. A few fishermen still had their catch laid out on tarps on the sand despite it being four or five hours past the markets prime purchasing time. This is where the locals get their daily fish, Cerrillo noted, but we were there to meet Cerrillo’s go-to angler, Fernando.
After a few pit stops to pet some cats and play fetch with a puppy who dropped a small coconut at my feet, we met him at the end of the line of beached boats. Fernando had mahi mahi (called dorado in Mexico), snapper, and mackerel laid out on a tarp on the sand. But the main event was a tuna that was weighed on a scale hanging from a nearby tree.
Photo: Nickolaus Hines
The fish had bright eyes, shiny skin, and smelled like the sea. In other words, it was perfect. After a quick sale and some more pointing toward a few snappers, we left the beach to eat breakfast at the nearby market before returning to the Thompson to prepare our purchase.
Back at the hotel, Cerrillo cut through the tuna’s tough skin while talking and dishing out directions. I mashed roasted tomatoes, tomatillos, habaneros, jalapenos, and garlic together with salt into a salsa in a large molcajete. On the grill, split spiny lobster got a dose of mezcal. Another member of the cooking experience sliced parts of tuna into chunks that we passed around and ate straight off the cutting board as we prepared the rest of the meal and sipped our Modelos.
There aren’t many places where you can go from a private in-suite plunge pool to a local fish market to a beach shack to clean and cook a fish caught the night before. Let alone places where you can do so in the span of a few hours. At the Thompson, it’s just another day.
The rooms and amenities at Thompson Zihuatanejo
Photo: Nickolaus Hines
Thompson Zihuatanejo has 56 guestrooms and suites. The villas are surrounded by various types of palms that lend an air of leafy privacy. While it’d be easy to get caught appreciating the plant life from your balcony, the design in the rooms will make you linger as well with black Oaxacan clay light fixtures, plenty of art, and a small work station.
The property has two restaurants, three pools (two adults-only), a tennis court, spa, and plenty of areas for events and general entertaining.
Photo: Nickolaus Hines
Many of the rooms have a private terrace or balcony with a plunge pool — spring for it if one is open and in your budget. And while the beach is visible from just about everywhere on the property, it doesn’t get closer than the beach suite. The 11 swim-up suites are perfect for a group, as there’s a shared pool in the middle that looks out onto the ocean just steps away.
Room rates range from about $600 for the king bed without a plunge pool to about $1,600 for the top-of-the-line Thompson suite.
The food at the Thompson Zihuatanejo
Photo: Nickolaus Hines
On one side of the property is the restaurant Ceniza, which means ash in Spanish. It’s a fitting name for a chef that bases so much of his work around open flames and wood-fired cooking. The restaurant is based around a palapa — a thatched-roof structure open on all sides. Menu items range from elevated comfort options (scallop and lobster empanadas, grilled local oysters, and squash tortellini, to name a few) to the equally delicious options you won’t easily find stateside (rib eye with local cacao and huitlacoche, or soft shell crab tacos).
The other restaurant bar, Hao, is right on the sand and has lunch options like crudos made with the catch of the day, sushi and poke, tacos, as well as whole fish and whole lobster. Fish, beef, and chicken off the grill are the stars on the dinner menu.
Cerrillo leans on the bounty of local food as much as possible. Produce from the hotel’s on-site garden at the time I went included corn, beans, radish, carrots, cinnamon, peppers, different types of squashes, bananas, tomatoes, and the herb epazote.
Experiences and activities at Thompson Zihuatanejo
Photo: Nickolaus Hines
You’ll want to dedicate some time just for the beach. Paddle boarding (best in the morning when the water is at its calmest) and beach yoga can be arranged through the hotel. If you’re looking for something active but more dry, the hotel’s tennis instructor, a former pro and current coach, will give you lesson on the courts. A full spa will have you ready for your flight at the end of the trip — or just for another relaxing day on the beach.
Turtle releases happen just down the beach at sunset. Dolphins can be seen from the shore, as can humpback whales as they pass by from December through April.
While there’s lots to be said about eating at the Thompson’s restaurants, food lovers will want to get a cooking class on the beach to learn how to prepare select dishes and then enjoy their work immediately after. This activity starts with a walk along the Paseo del Pescador to seek out fish and produce, then returns back to the beach in front of the Thompson.
Photo: Nickolaus Hines
For something a little more spirited, there’s a combined tequila and ceviche tasting that puts tequilas and mezcals alongside raw fish from the Paseo del Pescador. Here, all of the spirits are tied to Mexico: pox from Chiapa in southern Mexico, mezcal produced locally and in neighboring Oaxaca, raicilla from Jalisco, and, of course, premium tequila.
Note that no meal at the Thompson Zihuatanejo should end until there’s dessert. These are irresistible — even for someone like myself who isn’t a dessert person — thanks to fruit and Mexico’s Melipona honey infused into numerous menu options.
What to do in Zihuatanejo
Photo: Nickolaus Hines
Food should be central to just about any trip to Mexico, and Zihuatanejo is no different. Cerrillo has an easy answer for what to do next whenever there’s down time: “One of the most interesting things you can do in Mexico. Eat.”
Go into the Mercado Municipal area of Zihuatanejo Centro for the buestos, or street food. The number of options can be overwhelming if you don’t speak passable Spanish. Cerrillos advice on the sure way to find good street food? “Taxi drivers are eating there,” he says.
Carnitas are an easy choice. For something that’s not stuffed with meat, look for someone stuffing pork-fat-infused masa flatbreads with ricotta cheese and cooking them on a comal (a flat griddle). Agua frescas made with blended fresh juice make the heat — both from temperature and the salsas — bearable.
Photo: Nickolaus Hines
If you’re looking for a place to sit down and eat, stop by Angustina on the Paseo del Pescador for cocktails and dinner. Like many places in the mezcal-making states of Guerrero and Oaxaca, Angustina has its own house mezcals that chef Felipe Meneses walked us through along with a selection of his other favorite mezcals that the restaurant carries (mezcals made from the cupreta agave variety are some of his favorites). If you’d like a drink that’s mixed rather than straight up, Angustina has cocktails to choose from, including ones made with coconut, mezcal, rum, or cannabis-infused mezcal. For dinner, don’t skip the tender octopus.
You can walk the Plata Principal for a string of other restaurants that have beach seating. Evening entertainment can be found on some nights in a sunken basketball court with a colorful crocodile painted on the floor. A running trail connects it all if you start early enough to beat the heat. At the end of the walk along Plata Principal, the Museo Arqueológico de la Costa Grande displays local archaeological finds.
A number of places in Zihuatanejo do pozole Thursdays (green pozole is famous in Guerrero), making the dinner choice an easy one.
Of course, there are plenty of things to do outside of eating. Nearby Playa Manzanillo and Las Gatas offer snorkeling opportunities. At the latter, I swam to a massive underwater Jesus statue while a pufferfish and other tropical marine life swam nearby. In nearby Ixtapa, Cocodrilario Playa Linda is a small park loaded with crocodiles, iguanas, and various bird species that change with the season. I caught a ride in a van, but a bike path connects Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa and takes about three hours to complete.
Off of the resort, golfers have an option between two 18-hole courses. Horseback riding and tours of the town can be set up through the hotel.
Getting to ZihuatanejoThere are direct flights from Houston to the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo airport. From Mexico City, it’s only a quick 45-minute flight. From the airport, Thompson Zihuatanejo is about 15 minutes.
May 18, 2022
11 Incredible Airbnb South Dakota Rentals To Explore the State
If the outdoor adventures of the Black Hills National Forest aren’t enough to entice you out to South Dakota, wait until you see the accommodation. The Airbnb South Dakota scene puts you right in the heart of the landscape and historic monuments. Keep scrolling for the best cabins and lodges with epic views and all the trimmings.
We hope you love the Airbnb South Dakota stays 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.
Airbnbs in Sturgis, South DakotaAirbnbs in Deadwood, South DakotaAirbnbs in Rapid City, South DakotaAirbnbs in Sturgis, South DakotaSpacious Sturgis Retreat w/ Black Hills View
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
A newcomer to the market, this family-friendly Airbnb vacation rental is dressed with kooky furnishings and vintage-style appliances. Highlights include a piano and retro bathroom fixtures complete with a clawfoot tub in the “yellow” bathroom. The lower level bunk room shares space with a games zone. Besides the wraparound deck, the backyard comes with a wooden gazebo perfect for a pre-dinner drink. Mere moments from Main Street.
Fifteen guests, four bedrooms
Price: $300 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
A short and sweet drive out of Sturgis, Summerlyn Villa is rigged with an outdoor hot tub, games room, wet bar, and jetted bathtub with garden views. Traveling with a tot in tow? This luxurious Airbnb in Sturgis, South Dakota, comes with a crib and high chair. Spanning a mighty 3,250 square feet of land, there’s more than enough space for a couple of families.
Sixteen guests, five bedrooms
Price: $760 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Another newbie, you can practically smell the fresh paint at this Airbnb cabin rental near Sturgis, South Dakota. The cabin is beautifully crafted from redwood and heated by a wood-burning stove. Peering over the surrounding woodlands, the deck is fitted with a hot tub and grill. Located on the outskirts of town, you’re a couple of miles from golf courses, hiking trails, and historic points of interest.
Fourteen guests, five bedrooms
Price: $220 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Is it a cabin, a tiny house, or a glamping yurt? It’s all three rolled into one! This unique Airbnb South Dakota geodesic dome presents a top-of-the-line glamping experience. Strategic windows provide views of the night sky from the mezzanine sleeping nook. Views from the elevated porch are unreal and lead you directly toward local hiking trails. Sustainably constructed without compromising on comfort, there’s no better place for a nature-loving duo.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $70 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This snazzy Airbnb Deadwood South Dakota is a premier luxury mountain home. Three levels cater to sociable groups with decadent lounges, a roomy dining area, and a games room. Despite the large space, the cabin retains a cozy energy with hygge-inspired fixtures. In addition to your private hot tub, rental grants access to the heated year-round pool at the Powder House Pass Clubhouse.
Sixteen guests, seven bedrooms
Price: $700 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Rejuvenate and create everlasting memories at this Airbnb South Dakota with a state-of-the-art hot tub and games room. Nifty use of balconies, the wraparound deck, and well-placed windows means that the space is flooded with light with great views over the canopy. Located a short drive from Deadwood, the chalet is a stone’s throw from the Terry Peak Ski area.
Thirteen guests, four bedrooms
Price: $550 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This atmospheric rental home sits on a clearing in the forest overlooking a small lake. Everything is super-sized: the lounge, the kitchen, the parking garage – there’s even a double shower. A hot tub with forest views, home cinema, and grill make this the perfect place to hole up for a sociable getaway. Furry friends are welcome at this pet-friendly Airbnb Deadwood South Dakota but you’ll need to give the host a head’s up at the time of booking.
Fourteen guests, four bedrooms
Price: $480 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This sultry home with Black Hills views is the ultimate nest for a family or small group getaway. The interior is spearheaded by a sumptuous couch, ambient electric fireplace, and an eyeful of the ponderosa pines courtesy of the expansive living room windows. But of course, the cherry on top is the open-air hot tub on the private deck. Despite the overall feeling of remoteness, downtown Rapid City is a 10-minute drive away.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $350 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This pet-friendly Airbnb in South Dakota near Rapid City is cheerfully furnished in calming hues with a generously-proportioned open plan lounge and kitchen. Keep trim with the help of the basement gym and rally the clan for trivia night with the stack of games. A private hot tub is set up on the rear porch with a view over the lawn and vegetable patch – yes, you’re welcome to pick your own.
Nine guests, three bedrooms
Price: $1,090 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Although situated in the central Black Hills, this South Dakota Airbnb cabin rental is a short drive from Rapid City and Silver City. Bursting with rustic charisma, interiors consist of oak beams and a superb fireplace for snuggly nights in. Buried among ponderosa pines and overlooking the creek, the cabin feels completely off-grid. Deer, wild turkeys, and eagles are frequently spotted from the deck.
Two guests, one bedroom (studio)
Price: $200 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Located in the foothills of the Black Hills near Canyon Lake Park, this Airbnb in Rapid City, South Dakota, gives you the best of both worlds. The loft pad is fashionably appointed with a granite-topped kitchen and boutique furnishings. Besides the wistful breakfast balcony that overlooks the greenery, you’ll get access to a private patio with your own grill and dining area.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $100 per night
Sleep With Over 1 Million Bees on the First Bee Farm on Airbnb
We hope you love the spaces 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.
While bees may make some people uneasy thanks to their stingers, they’re some of the most important human allies worldwide. If you’d like to thank the little guys for all their hard work keeping everything pollinated, you can take advantage of a new Airbnb listing that lets you spend the night with the bees.
In honor of World Bee Day on May 20, an Italian beekeeper has made quite a buzz by opening up stays at an olive farm just outside of Grottole in southern Italy. Guests can now book a one-of-a-kind stay on the bee farm and be surrounded by one million working bees. Spend the night in a one-bedroom, one-bathroom honeycomb-shaped apiary designed by Davide Tagliabue and constructed by volunteers. Beekeeper Rocco will welcome guests to the farm and teach them how to live surrounded by bees.
Photo: Andrea Frazzetta / Airbnb
The nine beehives surrounding the space are separated using a net — meaning you can enjoy the beauty of the bees without letting them into your actual living space. While lying inside the structure, guests can enjoy the specially constructed box in the ceiling with a working hive, which offers awe-inspiring viewing of the bees as they rest. Guests can fall asleep to the soothing humming sound we all recognize. In the morning, guests can enjoy a buzzworthy breakfast of ricotta, strawberries, homemade biscuits, and, of course, local honey.
This stay is a completely rural experience that’s meant to reconnect you with nature. There is a private bathroom located in a nearby cottage and a shower located just outside, all powered by collection water. There’s no electricity, but there are LED lights that recharge in the sun and a cooler bag with fresh water.
Photo: Sergio Manicone / Airbnb
If this sounds like the un-bee-lievable stay of your dreams, the bee farm is now available for booking. All proceeds from bookings will go to NGO Wonder Grottole’s bee conservation projects.
The Best Michigan Beaches To See in the Upper Peninsula This Summer
Michigan has no shortage of beautiful beaches and the state’s rustic Upper Peninsula is no exception. From hidden sand dunes to forested lakeshores strewn with precious stones, the UP has it all. The peninsula separates Lake Michigan and Lake Huron from Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world.
On the Lake Michigan side, water temperatures often reach a comfortable 70 degrees from July to September. On the colder, deeper, and more northern coast of Lake Superior, the water barely tops 65 degrees in the summer. Most of the peninsula’s beaches offer fewer amenities than their counterparts in the lower mitten.
They are also more remote and challenging to find. However, the UP’s lakeshore is an example of how nature’s raw power and geologic history can create unparalleled beauty. When the weather is clear, the Upper Peninsula looks like the island-studded coast of Croatia; only remote, with the possibility of spotting black bears on the sand. For beach enthusiasts looking to get away, there is no better place on earth. These are the five best Upper Peninsula beaches to explore in Michigan this summer.
Sand Point Beach – Munising
Photo: RodClementPhotography/Shutterstock
Arguably Munising’s most popular beach, Sand Point deserves all its acclaim. This spot features stunning views of the Pictured Rocks formations, endless clear water, and sandbanks that run for several hundred feet. The beach has perfect yellow sand and naturally polished driftwood piled along the shores. As you take one of the small trails inland, you can experience the beautiful swamps and cattail groves that provide peaceful animal habitats. To top everything off, Sand Point’s sunsets over Grand Island’s East Channel Lighthouse are unforgettable.
Amenities: public restroom, nearby camping, pets allowed.
Miners Beach – Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Photo: Wildnerdpix/Shutterstock
People recognize Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore for its colorful cliff faces and the thick forests that hang precariously off of them. Sandwiched between the towering vermillion-colored rocks and turquoise water are some of the most scenic expanses of sand in the state. The most famous of these is Miner’s Beach. Along its shores is a superb hiking trail that takes you through white pine forests and past breathtaking views of the lake.
Here you look over jagged flat-topped rock formations that stand above the yellow sand and icy blue water. At the northern end of the beach is Elliot Falls, a small waterfall that flows over stratified layers of rock into the lake. Beachgoers can enjoy sunsets that famously encircle the offshore Grand Island in a kaleidoscope of colors. Between the natural landmarks, colorful shoreline, and coastal terrain, this is one of the most remarkable beaches in Michigan. Not to mention, it’s a top destination for kayakers.
Amenities: boardwalk, public restrooms, nearby camping, pets allowed.
Grand Sable Dunes – Grand Marais
\Photo: Dean Pennala/Shutterstock
Nothing represents Michigan’s nature more than sand dunes. Although the lower peninsula boasts the famous Sleeping Bear Dunes in Leelanau County, the UP has the comparably alluring and expansive Grand Sable Dunes. Just a short drive west of the rural fishing town of Grand Marais, the dunes cover a vast area and loom hundreds of feet over Lake Superior. Spectacular vistas spread out in almost all directions. For people looking for a physical challenge, running down the steep dune climb and exploring the wild lakeshore is a must.
Amenities: Public restroom, hiking trails, nearby camping, pets allowed.
Wetmore Landing Beach – Marquette
Photo: via Aaron Peterson and Travel Marquette
Marquette is a college town. Amazing breweries, restaurants, and cafes, often filled with students, pepper the city. It’s also a surf town. For lake surfers looking for waves of all levels, this is your place. Like any good surf zone, it has incredible beaches and a lively coastal vibe.
Wetmore beach is one of Marquette’s most beloved places for sand and clear water. Amazing natural scenery surrounds this remote and less visited area. A shoreline trail runs through the thick pine trees and maples and connects the main beach with another superb and hard-to-find section of sand known as Hidden Beach. The coastal scenery of rock formations and sweeping pines over Lake Superior’s wild azure waters are worthy of a magazine cover shot. For adventurous swimmers and snorkelers, off-shore rocks and caverns provide endless deep water fun.
Amenities: hiking trails, nearby camping, pets allowed.
Great Sand Bay Beach
Photo: via Keweenaw Peninsula
At the northern tip of Michigan, the Keweenaw Peninsula sticks out into the lake. The full force of Lake Superior’s storms march consistently into the remote peninsula. Giant waves often pummel the rugged shores. Tucked within the Great Sand Bay is the beach by the same name. Smooth sand mixed with museum-worthy rocks and dramatic topography span the Peninsula’s isolated north coast. This beach is popular for rock collectors who search for fossils and rare stones deposited when the Great Lakes were being carved out by glaciers. For those wanting to experience untamed wildlife, few places are better. It’s not uncommon to hear wolves howling from the nearby swamps and forests. This is for beachgoers looking for something rustic, remote, and Ron Swanson approved.
Amenities: Public restrooms, hiking trails, nearby camping, pets allowed.
Sand Dunes BeachThe Upper Peninsula’s rugged and sparsely inhabited south coast wraps around the northern end of Lake Michigan. In St. Ignace, the mighty Mackinac bridge separates the lower and upper peninsulas. As you drive west along the US-2 highway, unparalleled views of the famous bridge appear. Just a few miles west is the long stretch of sand and dune grass known as Sand Dunes Beach. Here you can park along any length of the roadside to enjoy the unspoiled lakeshore. The beach also has lakeside camping and other camping opportunities nearby on Brevoort Lake. {mn-post-ender]
Amenities: nearby camping, pets allowed.
More like thisBeaches and IslandsThe 9 Coolest Islands in the Great LakesStay at These Black-Owned Georgia Farm Airbnbs for a Taste of History and Food
A farm stay in pastoral Georgia isn’t just a relaxing getaway from city life, anymore. Thanks to an Airbnb partnership with The New Communities Land Trust (an organization founded during the Civil Rights movement to support Black farmers) families can learn about the history and traditions behind farming in the state from Black farmers themselves.
The Southwest Georgia Agri-Tourism Trail is a new collection of experiences on farm Airbnbs that offer guests an inside look at the history of agriculture in Georgia and the challenges that Black farmers face in the present. And since the heart and soul of these trips are of course the farms, there is some delicious food to be enjoyed along the way, too.
While these experiences spread awareness about the important role that Black farmers play in Georgia’s culture and history, the tours also financially support Black farmers by giving them “economic opportunities of local tourism,” according to a press release provided by Airbnb.
Photo: Airbnb
Some of the experiences are more focused on history and education, like a tour of Resora farm. Guests can ride a wagon through the orange grove and pecan orchard, all while listening to stories about the important role that Black farmers played in the Civil Rights movement in Georgia. At Resora, guests can stay at three cabins and cottages across the property, which is dotted with cypress trees and ponds bubbling with wildlife.
If you’re just as interested in Georgia’s food as you are its history, the Taste of the South experience, at Vick’s Estate, Farm, and Fishery might be right for you. Led by Clinton Vicks, who will treat guests to a barbecue dinner, this experience allows guests to explore the farm’s gardens, pick fresh herbs, and hear personal stories about the many generations of farmers in the Vicks family.
Discriminatory and exclusionary business practices have historically shut Black farmers out of the opportunities and monetary resources they need to keep their farms running. Both intimate and educational, these experiences on farm Airbnbs offer travelers the opportunity to not just support farmers with their money, but to also come face to face with the real people, families, and history that make Georgia such a special and interesting destination.
7 Authentic Mexico Street Food Tours To Spice Up Your Vacation
No matter where in Mexico you plan to travel, the perfect way to experience the best cuisine is to sign up for a food tour. These Mexico food tours will have you sampling great food and lots of it while learning about Mexico’s history and culture. Add one of these food tours to your itinerary for your next Mexico visit.
We hope you love the Mexico 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 stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Most Authentic Mexico City’s Street Food – Mexico City
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Experience the delicious street food of Mexico City with one of Mexico’s Airbnb Food Tours. This food tour will take you to one of the traditional markets in Mexico City, and there you will learn the importance of these types of places when it comes to traditional street food. You will also learn about the history of Mexican snacks and different street food stalls exploring places like the Zócalo.
Price: From $33 per person
Authentic Mexican Taco Food Tour – Cancún
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
In this tour, you will stop at five different stops and try different types of street-style tacos. Each visit will include choosing between 15 types of Mexican beers for a refreshing beverage. You’ll learn about the city’s history and the story behind each location you’re visiting while having the best tacos of your life. Here’s a preview to whet your taste buds: multiple styles of street tacos await, as does Yucatecan cuisine, Tacos al Pastor at a historic restaurant, and churros to cap the experience.
Price: From $65 per person
Vegan Mexican Food Walking Tour – Playa Del Carmen
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Looking for vegan options when taking a food tour? Look no further and experience the best of Playa del Carmen’s bustling vegan scene. This vegan option food tour will take you on an adventure to discover the flavors of Mexican food in downtown PDC while enjoying the sunshine and stopping to check out hotspots (including beach views) along the way.
Price: From $59 per person
Food Tour with a local foodie — Puerto Vallarta
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Enjoy this local foodie tour and learn about Puerto Vallarta’s food scene with a local expert. You will visit family-owned restaurants and meet artisans. You will also learn about taco culture — including how to choose taco stands — and fun cultural and historical facts.
Price: From $49 per person
Taking a trip to Mexico City? Check out Matador’s guides to the best places to stay across CDMX:The best Airbnbs in and around Mexico City’s historic center8 La Condesa Airbnbs to settle into Mexico City’s coolest neighborhood8 stunning Polanco Airbnbs in the city’s most international neighborhood8 gorgeous Roma Norte Airbnbs in Mexico City’s artsiest neighbhorhoodBikes and Munchies — Mexico City
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This unique Mexico Airbnb food tour guides you around the beautiful Mexico City to try delectable food on a bike. Explore Mexico City’s colorful markets, vibrant central-city neighborhoods, and get insight into Mexican food, culture, and history. With a minimum of two people, you’ll cruise about nine miles with numerous stops along the way including some of the city’s famous green spaces.
Price: From $57 per person
The Valle food & wine tour with People & Planet – Valle de Guadelupe
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Experience classic Valle cuisine with great wine on this Mexican food tour. Baja-med, they call it, and what you’ll experience is food that is sustainable, locally sourced, and freshly prepared for your group. This one starts early with breakfast, do a bit of wine touring, enjoy a late lunch, and cap it off with a final toast. This tour is an immersive experience that will be the defining memory of your trip.
Price: From $326 per group
Original Downtown San Miguel Food Tour – San Miguel de Allende
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Delve into the city of San Miguel de Allende with this delicious food tour. Join Vail, a licensed federal tour guide, who will take you on tour to dine at local restaurants and visit multiple street food vendors. San Miguel is known for its buzzy cafe scene and lively street parties, and this tour puts you right in the middle of the action.
Price: From $55 per person
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