Matador Network's Blog, page 479
May 11, 2022
Looking for a Summer Weekend Getaway From New York? Take a Seaplane To Provincetown.
If you’re looking for a way to escape the hustle and bustle of New York this summer, a trip to Provincetown, Massachusetts, is what you’re looking for. But driving from Manhattan to Provincetown is quite the trek, taking anywhere from five to nine hours, depending on traffic. Tailwind has a solution: going from Manhattan to Provincetown via seaplane.
A flight on Tailwind from Manhattan to Provincetown significantly cuts down on the amount of time it takes to get there — down to only about an hour and 45 minutes. Seaplanes are small, offer more privacy than a larger plane, and can take off from a dock and land the same way. Tailwind also offers flights now from Boston to Provincetown, which takes only 25 to 35 minutes to get there.
Photo: Tailwind
“We are the only seaplane operator in the Northeast with scheduled commuter service, allowing a semiprivate, super-fast experience to hard-to-reach popular summer destinations, while also continuing to serve our core Manhattan to Boston Harbor customers,” said Peter Manice, Tailwind Air co-founder and director of scheduled services, in a news release.
Provincetown has plenty to do this summer. The town on the tip of Cape Cod is often referred to as the country’s “gay summer capital,” making it a great destination to visit in June during Pride month. Herring Cove Beach is a popular outdoor spot with a lesbian and gay section. The town also hosts several themed weeks throughout the summer, including July 4th, Carnival, Girl Splash, and Bear Week. Guests on the island can also visit Commercial Street, which houses many art galleries, restaurants, clothing stores and live show venues.
Tailwind’s seaplane service opens on May 25 and closes on September 6, 2022. Tickets are now available for purchase. Prices vary depending on where you’re headed, but note that the best way to get to Provincetown doesn’t come cheap. 
Airbnb Just Announced an Update That Could Drastically Change the Way You Book a Stay
“A new world of travel has emerged,” says Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky, announcing the company’s Summer 2022 Release. On May 11, Airbnb announced three major updates to its booking platform to make the experience of booking, and staying, more inclusive for guests. In response to the increasing number of remote workers around the United States and globally, Airbnb has completely revamped its search and booking process to accommodate a more diverse set of travelers, including those who, like Chesky himself, “live” in Airbnbs.
Airbnb Categories
Photo: Airbnb
“Millions of people are now more flexible about where they live and work, and they’re spreading out to thousands of towns and cities,” Chesky says. “And so we’ve created the biggest change to Airbnb in a decade.”
The biggest update is the new – and very expansive – Categories section. No longer are searches based solely on location. In fact, knowing where you want to travel is not even necessary. The Categories feature allows users to browse by type of home, by interest or activity – say you want to take a ski trip to Colorado but aren’t sure which resort to choose, you can no filter homes across Colorado ski towns and select the property and location that is best for your trip.
Users can search for campsites, for homes ideal for surfing, even for ancient castles. The “OMG” category is perhaps the most unique, highlighting properties that leave you saying, well, “OMG.” Perhaps you want an underwater bungalow or, as Chesky described in today’s release, a yellow submarine – the “OMG” category is the place to find it.
Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.
Airbnb Split Stays
Photo: Airbnb
Airbnb noted last year that 50 percent of its nights booked are now for stays of 30 days or longer. For digital nomads and other long-term travelers, long stays often require renting more than one home. Split Stays is the solution to having to search and book multiple properties. For all inquiries of 30 days or longer, users will see a “Split Stays” function that allows them to book two properties at once, based on criteria such as length of stay, location, and amenities like high-speed WiFi.
Split Stays also pairs with the new Categories feature. If you’re traveling to a national park, you can split your time between two parks with one booking using this feature. Users can split time between a cabin in Zion National Park and then a yurt near Yosemite, for example. Perhaps you’re on a surfing tour of the US west coast. You can search two different locations, browse properties in both, and book the property perfect for you in each.
AirCover
Photo: Airbnb
Of course, some users may feel apprehensive about trying out these new features, particularly newer remote workers who have yet to venture out for 30 days or longer at a time. To help users feel more comfortable trying out these new features, Airbnb announced today the release of Air Cover, its policy to ensure guests get what they are paying for. Included are:
Booking guarantee: ensures your booking, including if the host cancels. The company will find a suitable (or better) replacement for your booking should anything else go wrong.Get What You Booked guarantee: Say the air conditioning is broken, or the property is otherwise not as advertised. Similar to the Booking guarantee, Airbnb will find you a similar or better property in which to stay.“Air Cover is always included, and always free,” Chesky says.
Touring Hawaii by train
When you board a train in Hawaii, you don’t travel very far. A beautiful beach, orchards filled with tropical fruit trees, taro paddies, and fields of pineapples are among the vistas you might survey on excursions that traverse just a few miles. But you will be traveling back in time: Hawaiian trains were central to the islands’ history, one that made Hawaii the multicultural place it is today. They also played a key role in the US’s World War II efforts in the Pacific. For a look back as you locomote forward, hop onto one of these historic Hawaiian train cars.
A history of trains in Hawaii“There were railroads on all the major islands. On many of the islands, there were quite a few. They all originally started based on sugarcane,” said Steven Vendt, Director of Operations and Special Projects for the Hawaiian Railway Society, which runs its trains on the last original railway tracks on Oahu.
The first tracks used to haul sugarcane were laid down in 1881 on the island of Kauai. By 1915, Kauai had over 200 miles of track. On Oahu, the first tracks appeared in 1889, set by the Oahu Rail and Land Company — which provided the link between plantations and the port.
“The plantations would have taken their sugarcane from the fields and brought it to the mill where it was processed. The processed sugar would have then gone on trains to the Oahu Railway, which would have ended up at the port in Honolulu,” said Vendt.
Eventually, the Oahu Rail and Land Company also transported cargo and people. After Japan’s bombing of Hawaii’s Pearl Harbor and the entry of the United States into the Second World War, the Oahu Railway served an arguably more significant function, “running pretty much 24 hours a day, seven days a week, hauling passengers, military personnel, equipment and stuff,” said Vendt.
Hawaii’s history wasn’t always pretty; the first European arrivals brought devastating diseases and the US illegally overthrew the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893. But the multicultural islands you experience today are a result of this turbulent story. When you savor a delicious Hawaiian poke or sweet bread, you are tasting the influences of East Asian and Portuguese immigrants who came to work on sugar cane plantations. When you bite into a spam musubi, you are taking a nibble of Hawaii’s World War II legacy — with which the Oahu railroad was also intimately entwined.
Few railroads exist or operate today. On the island of Maui, the six-mile-long Sugar Cane Train operated by the Lahaina, Kaanapali and Pacific Railroad was a popular attraction. But years of efforts to revamp and reopen the railroad failed, and it is now permanently closed. If you want to grasp onto a slice of history, check out the train rides below.
The Hawaii train rides you can book on Oahu and KauaiThe Hawaiian Railway Society train rides — Oahu
Photo: Hawaiian Railway Society/Facebook
Benjamin Dillingham first came to Hawaii as a sailor and decided to stay. After establishing the Oahu Rail and Land Company and securing a charter from King David Kalakua in 1888, he started to build out the tracks. Dillingham’s company became the most important railway on Oahu and served an essential role during World War II — but developments during that war also brought an end to the railway.
“The old Oahu Railway ran all over the island until the end of 1947. After World War Two, trucks, buses, cars, roads, just like on the mainland, started to take more of a precedence,” said Vendt. The non-stop transport of heavy equipment on the railway lines over the course of the war also took its toll. “The trains were pretty well beaten up. Dillingham could see the writing on the wall.”
Dillingham closed much of the railway, limited its operations to near the ports, and the army took over other portions. After this time the Hawaiian Railway Society formed, initially with the aim of saving a locomotive engine from the Waialua Agricultural Company on Oahu’s north shore.
Eventually, the Society also took over the railroad tracks that the army had abandoned — along with three of its locomotive engines: two from the Navy and one from the army. It also got this stretch of railway placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Today, Hawaiian Railways takes guests on a 90-minute train ride from Ewa Beach near Pearl Harbor to a beautiful beach on the Nanakuli Coast, a short jaunt from the Lualualei Munitions Depot. The train stops for ice cream at the end, where guests can walk out, stretch their legs, and enjoy the views. The addition of the ice cream stop helped boost the popularity of the trains, which run on Sunday, Saturdays, and Wednesdays — largely for locals.
“It’s about 70 or 80 percent locals. It has always been that,” said Vendt. While the Internet has made it easier for visitors to discover the train, it remains solidly popular for Oahu residents. When Vendt and his wife thought up the idea of offering pre-Christmas holiday rides, complete with milk and cookies, 1400 seats sold out in one day, he said.
Vendt says the train ride is a unique, inexpensive thing to do and the narration provides historical context. In fact local grammar schools have long brought kids on tours of the train. “What draws people? Part of it is history. Obviously people really enjoy the views at the other end of the line,” said Vendt. Also, he said it’s become a tradition in Hawaii.
“There was a lady that came and wanted to have her daughter’s fifth birthday at the railroad,” said Vendt, explaining that birthday parties at the train are pretty common — since Hawaiian Railway has a picnic area and celebrants get their own train. But, he added, “The reason the mom wanted to do it was because she had her own fifth birthday there.”
Trains depart Wednesdays at 1 PM, Saturdays at 12 PM and 3 PM, and Sundays at 1 PM and 3 PM. (Note, the Sunday 1 PM train does not include the ice cream stop). Rides cost $15 for adults, $10 for children aged 2 to 12, and $10 for seniors. For more information, visit the Hawaiian Railway Society’s website.
Kauai Plantation Railway train rides
Photo: Kauai Plantation Railway train rides
The Kauai Plantation Railway tours the Kilohana Plantation on Kauai’s east side. The trains travel in a figure of eight over 40-minutes during a narrated tour of the 105-acre plantation. What you’ll see from your mahogany-paneled train car, however, is not sugarcane, but instead more types of fruit than you would spot at your local farmers’ market.
“We operate these electric locomotives, which basically, were the last type of locomotives used before everything went to trucking,” said Nick Atkins, General Manager of Kauai Plantation Railway. The train travels past, “fields of banana, papaya, Native Hawaiian hardwoods,” as well as multiple taro fields — which in Hawaiian are called “lo’i.”
The Kauai Plantation’s astounding variety of crops arose from an effort to adjust to the post sugarcane era. “By planting a variety of crops, we could see what actually grew best here in Hawaii, or on Kauai. And then what the market would be like and what the harvest would be like,” said Atkins.
As Atkins tells it, this resulted in the creation of a 67-acre agricultural park with 44 rows of fruit trees alone — with each row home to a different type of tree fruit. “We might have four rows of mango, but each row is a different variety of mango or lychee or longan or canistel or acerola cherry or jabuticaba, rambutan, mamey sapote…,” said Atkins.
As tasty as they are, mangoes and cherries were not to be the answer. “Times have changed since then. Large scale farming on Hawaii is not very cost effective no matter what you’re planting,” said Atkins.
So the Kauai Plantation lives on by offering visitors a chance to eat on site, attend a luau and, of course, ride a train through its property. In addition to all the fruit trees, the farm grows eggplant, okra, peanuts, ginger, and, more recently, hemp for CBD. It also has pasture land with cattle and horses and donkeys and pigs.
“It’s a 40-minute tour. So we stop the train for about 10 minutes, and let our guests disembark to feed our animals,” said Atkins. “The animal feeding is fun pretty much for everybody. Everybody gets a hoot out of feeding the pigs.”
There’s also an alternative train ride bundled with a nature walk, “where the guests get to take the train out and then disembark and walk through the orchards and pick and taste the fruit off the trees.”
The Kauai Plantation Train departs on the hour daily from 10 AM to 2 PM, with two additional afternoon trains on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Rides are $20 for adults ($14 for residents), $14.50 for children aged three to 12 ($10 for resident children), and $17.50 for seniors. A train-plus-lunch option is $88.50 for adults and $68.50 for children, and includes a walk through a Native Hawaiian forest, international hardwood forest, and banana patch — plus an alpaca encounter. For more information, visit the Kauai Plantation Railway’s website.
Dole Pineapple Express train rides — OahuLike the Kauai Plantation Railway, the Dole Plantation, located in the middle of the island of Oahu, offers a train trip through plantation history. In this case, the Dole Pineapple Express Train Tour takes you in smaller replicas of historic trains. The two-mile ride lasts just 20 minutes, and you’ll travel past fields of pineapples, as well as other highlights like banana trees and other broad-leaved foliage.
Trains run daily and cost $13 for adults, $11 for children aged four to 12, and $12.25 for residents and members of the military. You can also combine the train tour with a tour of the Dole Plantation Maze or its gardens for an additional $5 to $6 for adults, or do all three for $26 for adults, $22 for kids, and $23 for residents and military.
May 10, 2022
11 Airbnb Gunnison Rentals Near Black Canyon and the Mountains
Home to bears, bobcats, and the fastest bird in the world (that’s the Peregrine falcon, FYI), the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is as thrilling a destination for wildlife lovers as much as hikers and road trippers. Daring souls can tackle the Painted Wall – Colorado’s tallest sheer cliff face. Maximize your time by checking into an Airbnb Gunnison rental right by the national park and near the town of Gunnison, too.
Top pick Airbnb Gunnison cabin rentalBest Airbnbs at Gunnison North RimSouth Rim and Blue Mesa cabin rentalsBlack Canyon rentals for families and larger groupsWe hope you love the Airbnb Gunnison 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.
Top pick Airbnb Gunnison cabin rentalRiver Walk Yurt
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Situated two miles from Paonia on a 40-acre working farm, this luxury yurt provides direct access to the North Fork of the Gunnison River. Amenities at our front-runner for cabins near Black Canyon of the Gunnison include a full kitchen, fireplace, piano, and outdoor private hot tub. Ample windows and French sliding doors make it impossible to avoid an eyeful of the river, mountain, and farmland landscapes that surround the property. Pets are welcome but be mindful of the roaming elk and deer in your backyard.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $235 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Inspired by Asian yurts, Navajo hogans, and Native American Hidatsa lodges, the Solargon is a unique cabin that balances home comforts with making the most of the surroundings. The yurt is fitted with a full kitchen and modern bathroom. Situated a short drive from Hotchkiss, the private patio grants uninterrupted views of the West Elk mountains. Two dogs are welcome at no additional cost at one of the best pet-friendly Black Canyon rentals.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $150 per night
Traveling to Colorado? Check out Matador’s Colorado accommodation guides to the best places to stay across the state: 10 Airbnb Estes Park rentals near Rocky Mountain National ParkThese Denver airport hotels put you close to the terminal with luxe amenitiesThe best Airbnbs in Denver for beer, 420, and mountain cultureVail Airbnbs that make you feel like you’re in the heart of BavariaAspen Airbnbs to chill like a celebrityStay near Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak at these Colorado Springs AirbnbsThe Turquoise Door
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This pet-friendly Airbnb Gunnison rental is a humble abode consisting of one double bed in the main living space and a second in the loft beneath a skylight. The tiny house is located at the end of a long country road flanked by the San Juan and West Elk ranges and Grand Mesa. With the Milky Way visible most evenings, the potential for stargazing is high. Orchard City is your closest town and the Black Canyon OTG is 40 minutes away.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $100 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This one-of-kind tiny house occupies the same plot as the Turquoise Door. Inspired by the riads of North Africa and Mediterranean estates, the Arabesque is not what you expect from a typical Airbnb Gunnison, CO. Swing open an antique door from India and let the Mexican Talavera tile and Turkish lamps guide you through the rooms. Besides a backyard with a fire pit, you have an epic upper balcony that provides front row seats of this Dark Sky Reserve.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $120 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Lucky Horse Ranch overlooks the West Elk Mountain range. A mere few miles from the North Rim, this is the closest option of cabins near Black Canyon of the Gunnison. The home is exceptionally comfortable with plush beds, a luxurious chesterfield, and a large soaking tub. Star of the show is the private patio that overlooks the farmland, meadows, and mountains.
Five guests, three bedrooms
Price: $175 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Fjellheimen, or Mountain Home in Norwegian, is a down-to-earth log cabin with rustic quirks. Located in the Big Cimarron Valley, a 45-minute drive from the closest towns, this property is suitable for an off-grid nature retreat. Hiking, biking, and ATVing routes start from the doorstep. You’ll never tire of the views from one of the best family-friendly Black Canyon rentals.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $190 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Conveniently located for the amenities of Cimarron, Gunnison, and Montrose, this neat cabin is well-placed for the local culture spots as well as the canyon. You’ll clock the Cerro summit to the west and Blue Mesa to the east. Woody interiors fashioned with aspen and red cedar give off après vibes while the view from the backyard will warm you up for exploration. This is one of the best Blue Mesa cabin rentals for small families and groups.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $120 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Brand new to the Airbnb Gunnison, CO scene, this “barndominium” occupies a coveted spot with views of the surrounding peaks. The principal living space comes with a Cowboy-themed wet bar and card table. In addition to the main house, you’ll have access to a renovated train car which is perfect for work, play, or downtime. Meanwhile, the backyard is strewn with games, seating areas, and a fire pit with grill.
Ten guests, two bedrooms
Price: $214 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This stylish log cabin is set right on the banks of the river and is a short drive from Montrose and the South Rim. Interiors are appointed with plenty of blankets and rugs for the hygge factor while the extensive library will charm bookish parties. Besides the main pad, you can opt to rent the apartment above the garage and a restored sod house. These may be reserved at a small surcharge for groups exceeding 16.
Sixteen guests, four bedrooms
Price: $500 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This converted hayloft is situated on a family-owned estate with horses and friendly border collies which you are welcome to explore. The rental property is spacious and thoughtfully appointed with homely touches that nod towards the ranch setting. The main living space spills into a games zone with a pool table. This beautiful, pet-friendly ranch property is a 20-minute drive from the North Rim of the Black Canyon.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $255 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
An elegant vacation home dressed with minimalism in mind. This eight-bedroom house is sited within an orchard and guests are encouraged to pick their own apples. Bring the stars closer to home with the provided telescope or raid the games provided in the breakfast nook. The deck is fitted with a state-of-the-art fire pit. This family-friendly Airbnb Gunnison comes with a high-chair and Pack-n-Play to ease the strain from your packing list.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $160 per night
The 11 Best Sun Protection Shirts That Our Editors Tested for Summer Adventures
Warmer days are upon us, and that means spring and summer outdoor adventures are in full swing. It’s hard to stay inside on a sunny day, with warm and dry weather typically offering the best conditions for activities like hiking, biking, and even water sports. The flip side to perfect weather, however, is that you’re increasing your exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays. In order to best protect yourself, it’s important to dress appropriately – and for many outdoor activities, that means wearing a sun shirt. This is particularly true if you’re heading to the beach, as scientists have found that a chemical found in many sunscreens (oxybenzone) is converted by coral into a substance that actually harms them. If you want to protect the ocean, you’ll need to buy reef-safe sunscreen only.
Matador tested a variety of sun shirts for both land-based and water-based activities and narrowed down the best for outdoor recreation this season.
The best sun protection shirts for fishing, paddleboarding, and other on-water activitiesThe best sun protection shirts for hiking and general travelThe best sun protection shirts for mountain bikingThe best sun protection shirts for mosquitosThe best long-sleeve sun protection shirtsWe hope you love the sun shirts we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to buy an item. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
What is a sun protection shirt, and why do I need one?
Photo: Sanchik/Shutterstock
The purpose of a sun shirt is to protect your skin from UV rays. A sun shirt’s effectiveness is measured through its UPF, or ultraviolet protection factor. Similar to sunscreen, this rating notes what percentage of UVB rays the shirt blocks. But the UPF factor isn’t the percentage; for example, a UPF30 rating means the shirt (or sunblock) can stop about 97 percent of UVB rays. From there, you can compare the rating to the expected weather during your activity, along with the location where it will take place, and make an educated decision about which sun shirt is the most appropriate. UVA rays can also damage your skin, and many shirts (and sunscreens) protect against both.
Excessive exposure to the sun’s rays can cause premature skin aging, visible through sun spots, wrinkles, and other deformities. According to the National Library of Medicine, fair-skinned people can experience sun damage after as little as five minutes of exposure to bright sunlight. Darker-skinned people have a longer “safe zone;” however everyone can experience sun damage. It’s important to remember that when the sun is higher in the sky – from around noon to late afternoon in most US locations during the summer – the exposure to UV rays is higher, and the possibility for damage or burning is amplified.
The best sun protective fishing shirt (or any on-water-activity shirt)
Photo: REI
Photo: REI
It’s easy to take solace on the water knowing that you can jump in to cool off. But remember that sunlight reflects – and it reflects off the water quite strongly. In fact, reflected rays are actually more harmful.
In addition to lathering yourself in reef-safe sunscreen, you’ll want to wear a sun protection shirt, and maybe even long pants if you’re spending more than a few hours on the water. Matador’s commerce editor lived in his NRS Variable sun shirt during a recent four-day trip down the lower Salmon River and came away from it no more sunburned or fatigued than when he first hopped on the raft.
NRS is a brand built for the river. The hood and neck gaiter protect your neck and head from burns — especially useful if, as our commerce editor notes, hair loss has begun to creep up on you. But the neck gaiter, in particular, is what makes this the best sun shirt if you’re on the water. When rafting or paddleboarding, you tend to spend extended periods of time facing the same direction, so reflected sunlight can toast the back of your neck. This sun protection shirt is also made with fast-drying fabrics in case you do opt to take a plunge. And the poly-spandex blend is made from 100 percent recycled materials.
The best sun protective shirts for hiking and general travel
Photo: Free Fly
Photo: Free Fly
Suzie, Matador’s outdoor editor, absolutely loves Freely Apparel, having accumulated quite a lot of the brand’s women’s sun protection clothing in recent years — shorts, joggers, and even a few sunshirts. The brand’s sun shirts are clean with minimal design, so they don’t look super outdoorsy when grabbing a beer with friends after a day hike. Though their items cost slightly more than, gear from brands like Columbia, they dry exceptionally fast. And perhaps equally importantly, they dry without any mildewy or worn smell.
If you’re thinking about buying a women’s sun protection shirt, Suzie recommends the UPF ultra-light hoodie, made for summer. “I’m quite pale, and since most fabrics don’t offer much sun protection, I love having a UPF 50 shirt to toss on when the sun is bearing down,” she says. “I was recently on a boat where I wore my FreeFly shirt most of the time, taking it off for photos for about 15 minutes. And what happened? My shoulder in the sun got fried, but everything that was covered with the shirt isn’t even tanned.” She also likes the straight-but-not-fitted cut, and the fact that they’re made with a renewable, zero-chemical material: bamboo.
Suzie notes that she recently wore one of her FreeFly sun protection shirts on a humid, tropical trip where she was whitewater rafting one day and swimming in a waterfall the next, and her shirt was dry and stink-free each morning.
Buy Now – Women’s
Photo: REI
Photo: REI
If you watch mountain bikers ripping down the trail and crushing berms for a few minutes, you’ll probably notice that plaid is a popular choice. So if you’re hoping to stick to that tried-and-true mountain look, check out the Flylow Anderson (men’s) and the women’s Flylow Phoenix sun protection shirts. They’re made with breathable, wicking polyester fabrics and both have a UPF 50 rating. So while you’ll still need to lather up the sunscreen on your forearms, you should be able to get in a full day of laps without worrying about sunburned shoulders.
Oh, and the women’s version has a bonus useful feature — a zippered back pocket. It’s a good place to stash a few bucks in case your shuttle route happens to pass a microbrewery or food truck.
The best sun protection shirt for avoiding mosquitoes
Photo: REI
Photo: REI
No matter what activity you’re doing, being constantly harassed by mosquitos is a sure-fire way to ruin it. If you’re heading to a tropical region, riding along a river, or as in the case of our commerce editor, spending June on Colorado’s lake-dotted Grand Mesa, having a sun shirt that is both sun- and bug-repellant doubles your level of preparedness.
For this task, we recommend turning to ExOfficio’s Tarka bug-repellent sun shirt (men’s) or the Lumen lightweight hoodie (women’s). Both are versatile and flexible, useable for everything from a day hike to a packrafting trip. The brand’s trademark (and odorless) BugsAway Insect Shield repels mosquitos, ticks, and other small bugs.
Plus, these sun protective shirts are simple enough that they effectively acts as a chameleon in your wardrobe. It’s just as good for wearing on a cold plane as it is in the mountains, and you’ll experience the same bite-free benefits either way. The bug-repellant properties last for up to 70 washes, so you can count on a decent amount of wear from each one.
Women seeking a short-sleeve option can opt for the Caddis, which offers the same bug repellent properties in a warmer weather style. The shirt features UPF 50 sun protection and wicks moisture as well as the finest Merino wool in your closet.
Photo: REI
Best long-sleeve sun protection shirts
Photo: REI
Photo: REI
Spring and fall days on the water or trail add an extra element to your need for protection: increasingly variable temperatures. A hooded sun shirt is great for these situations, and it’s a bonus if that hooded sun shirt offers a basic layer of warmth. For this, you can’t beat REI Coop’s Sahara Shade hoodie, available in men’s and women’s options. The three-panel hood flexes to both your head size and the level of tightness required for the day’s activity. With UPF 50 sun protection and the versatility to serve as a base layer or shine on its own, the hoodies are ideal for everything from hiking to paddleboarding to farmer’s markets or yoga in the park.
Traveler's guide to Icelandic
When visiting Iceland, one of the first things travelers will notice is how widespread English is; from signs and menus to the way locals quickly switch from Icelandic to English to help out visitors find their ways. However, not every Icelander speaks English, and there is real value to learning the basics of Iceland’s language to help you make the best of your trip.
This guide will give you a good overview of Iceland’s language, including Icelandic greetings and other Icelandic words and phrases that will help you connect and befriend Icelanders.
The author:
Michelle Spinei has lived in Iceland for over five years. She studied Icelandic at Mímir and The Tin Can Factory language schools in Reykjavík and at an immersion course in the Westfjords at Háskólasetur Vestfjarða.
Icelandic is the national language of Iceland, home to over 370,000 residents. The majority of Icelandic speakers live in Iceland, but speakers can also be found in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Canada, and the United States.
Present day Icelandic belongs to the North Germanic group of languages, related to Norwegian and Faroese, and has developed from Old Norse, which was brought over from Norway by Viking settlers in the ninth century. Unlike other languages, Icelandic has not changed much throughout the centuries. In fact, there is an Icelandic Language Committee whose job is to keep the language unaltered by the influence of other languages.
According to The Little Book of Icelandic author, Alda Sigmundsdóttir, what makes Icelandic special is, “how little it has changed since the settlement of the country, and how few people speak it worldwide.” Alda explained how knowing some Icelandic can be helpful to visitors in Iceland, “I believe it is always appreciated by locals when visitors try to speak a word or two in the local language, since it shows a willingness to recognize the other’s culture and uniqueness.”
Icelandic language basicsAs a general rule, when pronouncing Icelandic, the stress falls on the first syllable of the word. For example, the capital city of Reykjavík, is pronounced RAKE-yah-veek.Icelandic doesn’t have indefinite articles (a/an) but uses the definite article (the) which is located at the end of the word.The use of compound words is common. For example, the name of the volcano Eyjafjallajökull, is a composite of three words: eyja (island), fjall (mountain), and jökull (glacier).Icelandic pronunciation guideThe Icelandic alphabet is made up of 32 letters, including three letters English speakers don’t use: þ,ð, and æ.
Þ pronounced like “th” is called “thorn”Ð is also pronounced like a soft “th” and is called “eth”Æ is pronounced like “eye” and is called “ash”Icelandic is phonetic and each letter is pronounced.
LetterPronunciationíLike “ee” in “street”ýPronounced the same as “í”éLike “ye” in “yes”eLike “e” in “bed”öLike “u” in “urgent”úLike “oo” in “noon”oLike “o” in “more”aLike “a” in “bar”óLike “o” in “no”eiLike “ay” in “stay”eyPronounced the same as “ei”auLike “oy” in “toy”æLike “eye” in PopeyeáLike “ow” in “now”ðLike “th” in “father”þLike “th” in “thank”Icelandic greetings and common phrasesIt’s useful to know how to say hello in Icelandic, “halló”, which sounds very similar to the English equivalent. The second-most useful phrase is thank you in Icelandic, which is “takk fyrir”.
An Icelandic phrase that is commonly heard is “jæja”. The closest English equivalent would be “well then”. If there is a lull in a conversation, if you want to leave a party, if you’re expressing an opinion — it’s the ultimate filler word.
EnglishIcelandicHelloHallóHiHæGood morningGóðan daginnGood eveningGóða kvöldiðByeBlessWhat’s your name?Hvað heitir þú?My name is…Ég heiti…How are you?Hvað segir þú?I’m good, and you?Allt gott, En þú?See you tomorrowSjáumst á morgun!YesJáNoNeiThank youTakk fyrirSo…SkoWell thenJæjaIcelandic words and phrases to order food and drinks
Photo: Mayer Chan/Shutterstock
Icelandic restaurants often feature dishes of fresh fish and meat, most notably lamb. Popular dishes include plokkfiskur (a stew of potatoes and haddock) and lambafillet (lamb) although most restaurants also offer vegetarian and vegan options.
Iceland’s dining culture is informal, tipping is not required and waiters will not bring you a check at the end of the meal, so you have to go to the bar or counter and pay when you’re finished.
EnglishIcelandicCoffeeKaffiMilkMjólkWaterVatnTeaTeHot cacaoKakóBeerBjórWineVínBreadBrauðButterSmjörCheeseOsturFruitÁvextirCerealMorgunkornSandwichSamlokaSoupSúpaFishFiskurMeatKjötPotatoesKartöflurVegetablesGrænmetiI would like one hot dog with everything (use this phrase at hot dog stands in Iceland to get a hot dog with raw onion, fried onion, remoulade, ketchup, and mustard)Ég ætla að fá eina pylsu með ölluWhat can I offer you?Hvað get ég boðið þér?Are you ready to order?Ertu tilbúin að panta?I’m going to get…Ég ætla fá…Here you areGjörðu svo velThank you (said after a meal to show appreciation)Takk fyrir migIcelandic words and phrases for shoppingWhen shopping, it’s helpful to know how to ask what things cost, and to know the basic words for Icelandic numbers. It’s important to note that most Icelandic stores take credit and debit cards and the local currency is the króna.
EnglishIcelandicWhat does this cost?Hvað kostar þetta?Do you want anything else?Eitthvað fleira?Do you want the receipt?Viltu kvittun?Do you want a bag?Viltu poka?Icelandic sweaterLopapeysaIcelandic woolÍslensk ullZeroNúllOneEinnTwoTveirThreeÞrírFourFjórirFiveFimmSixSexSevenSjöEightÁttaNineNíuTenTíuIcelandic words to describe nature and landscapesPhoto: Nick Fox/Shutterstock
When driving around Iceland, you’re sure to come across long place names that are difficult to pronounce, but oftentimes, these names refer to the geography around. For example, the famous waterfall on the south coast of Iceland, Skógafoss, is a composite word of skógar (forests) and foss (waterfall).
EnglishIcelandicFjordFjörðurWaterfallFossVolcanoEldgosGlacierJökullMountainFjallMossMosiForestSkógurLava fieldsHraunNatural hot springsHverirPuffinLundiSheepKindHorseHesturArctic foxRefurIcelandic phrases for getting around
Photo: oneinchpunch/Shutterstock
Getting around in Iceland is easiest if you have a rental car. Once you fly into Keflavík airport, you can take a bus to Reykjavik, either to the bus terminal or to your hotel.
Transportation options within Iceland are limited to cars and buses (there are no trains or subways in Iceland). Some areas of Iceland have gravel roads and one-lane bridges that require special attention, and driving off-road is prohibited.
EnglishIcelandicPushÝtaPullTogaEntranceInngangurExitÚtgangurRental carBílaleigubíllAutomaticSjálfskipturManual transmissionBeinskipturSingle-lane bridgeEinbreið brúPaved road changes to gravelMalbik endarBlind curveBlindhæðBusStrætóPlaneFlugvélHitchhikingPuttaferðalangurArrivalsKomurDeparturesBrottfarirLost and foundTapað/FundiðExcuse me, can you tell me where I can find Harpa (a famous concert hall in Reykjavík)?Afaskið, getur þú sagt mér hvar Harpa er?Icelandic terms for hiking and outdoor recreation
Photo: Vitalii Matokha/Shutterstock
Camping and hiking is a great way to see the countryside, and it’s important to have proper gear and come prepared with lots of layers in case of bad weather.
EnglishIcelandicSleeping bagSvefnpokiTentTjaldHiking shoesGönguskórRain gearRegnfötMountain cabinFjallaskáliCampingTjaldgistingTo go on a hikeAð fara í fjallgönguHiking trailGönguleiðirTo go fishingAð veiðaWindow weather (when it looks like it will be a nice day, but when you step outside you realize it’s cold and windy)GluggaveðurGood attitude (often said by Icelanders before going on a trip)Góða skapiðMore like thisLanguagesThe 15 Weirdest Icelandic Expressions and How To Use Them
This Map Shows Every County in the US That Still Has Drive-In Movie Theaters
Drive-in theaters have been disappearing since their peak in the mid 1900s. In the late 1950s, there were 4,000 drive-in movie theaters in the United States. Today, there are only about 300 left in operation. Although the art of drive-in movie theater seems to be dying, there are still amazing ones across the country, with everything from a 50s cafe on the property to one that hosts a swap meet on the weekends. Reddit user Peteyy34 created a map of counties that still have a drive-in (or multiple) so you can find the closest one to you.
Ohio has the third most with 24 drive-ins, followed by Pennsylvania with 29. And the state with the most drive-ins in the country is New York, with 30. On the other side of the equation, Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana, and North Dakota all have zero drive-ins. Another interesting point from the data: There are currently 10 drive-ins in the United States named the Starlite (or Starlight), making it the most popular drive-in business name.
The largest operating drive-in in the US by car capacity is the Ford Wyoming Drive-in in Dearborn, Michigan. It can hold around 3,000 cars. The smallest is the Spud Drive-in in Driggs, Idaho, holding just 75 vehicles.
States with the most drive-in movie theatersNew York: 30 drive-insPennsylvania: 29 drive-insOhio: 24 drive-insIndiana: 19 drive-insTexas: 18 drive-insTo create the map, Peteyy34 used DriveInMovie.com to find which counties in the US still have drive-in theaters. The map was then color-coded to indicate how many drive-ins each US county has using a one, two, or three-plus scale, as well as whether the county has temporarily closed drive-ins or no drive-ins.
So although drive-ins may not be as popular as they were during the pandemic’s peak, it’s still a great outing worth seeing a flick at.
12 British Airbnbs That Will Make You Feel Like You’re in an Episode of Bridgerton
The return of Bridgerton calls for a roundup of the UK’s most stunning manors, castles, and estates. We’re talking lavish libraries, magical ballrooms, and sweeping lush grounds – perfect for a cheeky game of pall mall! Take a step back in time and bring your Bridgerton fantasies to life at one of these idyllic British Airbnbs.
We hope you love the Bridgerton Airbnbs 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.
Crayke Manor near York
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Built in 1620, Crayke Manor is often regarded by locals as the most beautiful home in the County. The Jacobean manor sits on a sweeping seventeen acres and comfortably sleeps up to sixteen guests. It is near enough to the closest village to stroll to the pub and far away enough for guests to have their own privacy.
Sixteen guests, nine bedrooms
Price: $1,307 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
At Severn Manor, there is a room for just about everything. The 19th century estate consists of nine bedrooms, a cinema room, billiard room, drawing room, orangery, and much more. Its warm oak fireplaces, gilt-framed oil paintings, and garden hedge maze give this historic English country house lots of character. The manor can host up to 25 guests, or up to 29 when you also book the estate’s cottage.
Sixteen guests, twelve bedrooms
Price: $4,264 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This historic mansion has hosted a number of celebrity guests over the years. In 2011, Brangelina and the whole fam took up temporary residence here while Brad was filming World War Z in Glasgow. Hidden amongst prize-winning gardens on over 2,000 acres of parkland in Ayrshire, it is one of the most luxurious (and most expensive) holiday destinations in Scotland. During your stay at Carnell Estates, you’ll enjoy delicious Scottish dishes served up by your own private chef and can take part in a number of activities like trout fishing, shooting, tennis, or golfing at one of the nearby courses.
Sixteen guests, 10 bedrooms
Price: $3,036 per night
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Nestled away in the Durham countryside, the Castle Eden is an ideal escape. Guests particularly love the fully refurbished dungeon space of this Jacobean castle. Made up of multiple rooms, the dungeon spans the entire footprint of the castle and includes a fully fitted bar, entertainment area, and more.
Sixteen guests, 11 bedrooms
Price: $1,148 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Fawley Court is a stunning country manor located in the heart of Herefordshire, England’s beautiful Wye Valley. With its huge fireplace seating for up to 3 dozen, the manor’s Great Hall is the perfect setting for hosting dinner parties. The property also boasts a total of 13 bedrooms, an indoor pool, hot tub, and a games room.
Sixteen guests, 13 bedrooms
Price: $1,597 per night
Photo: REI
Photo: REI
Photo: REI
Photo: REI
With its immaculately manicured grounds and tastefully decorated interiors, this retreat in the Cotswolds is what country house dreams are made of. The property has five bedrooms and can host up to 10 people. Guests love the kitchen’s traditional wood-fired oven – perfect for a DIY pizza night!
Ten guests, five bedrooms
Price: $1,637 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
At the heart of the picturesque village of Temple Guiting, Gloucestershire, you’ll find Temple Guilting Estate, a gorgeous English estate that offers guests of all ages a luxurious home-away-from-home. British architectural historian Sir Nikolaus Pevsner once described the classic Cotswold Manor as one of the finest, if not the very best of the small Cotswold Tudor Houses. The estate includes a five-bedroom Manor House that dines up to 34 people, a five-bedroom barn, two one-bedroom cottages, and a three-bedroom granary.
Sixteen guests, 15 bedrooms
Price: $7,700 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Milton House is a 10-bedroom country residence located near Bedford, England. You’ll have a hard time dragging yourself away from the indoor pool and spa of this beautiful estate, but there is plenty to do in the local area, too. Explore Bedford town center or head to nearby Twinwoods Adventure Park for adrenaline-pumping experiences like indoor surfing and skydiving.
Sixteen guests, 10 bedrooms
Price: $1,057 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
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Photo: Airbnb
The Drawlaw House is a gorgeous mansion located near the center of Edinburgh.The charming property has 10 bedrooms, hosts up to 16 guests, and is a popular location for hen weekends. Play a game of billiards in the cozy wood-paneled recreation room or take a stroll through the private gardens.
Sixteen guests, 10 bedrooms
Price: $1,848 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
The Kinnettles Mansion has eight large bedrooms each with its own ensuite. The stunning property also includes a magical ballroom, cinema room, Victorian stone walled gardens, and a summer house. It is conveniently located just five minutes from the seaside town of St. Andrews on Scotland’s east coast.
Sixteen guests, eight bedrooms
Price: $1,052 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Believed to date from 1812, Pinchington Hall is a beautifully appointed Manor House situated in the outskirts of Newbury. The manor’s perfect mix of period classical architecture and comfortable modern living and its convenient location just an hour outside of London make it a great destination for a weekend getaway.
Thirteen guests, six bedrooms
Price: $1,029 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Dating from the 17th Century, Binsness House is a wonderfully preserved throwback to centuries past, and its estuary location is simply breathtaking. There is a beach at the bottom of the garden and extensive private woodlands rich with wildlife surround the estate. A number of animals including osprey, seals, otters, and wildcats have all been spotted from the house. The Scottish manor has nine rooms and can host up to 15 guests. Take a 20-minute boat journey over to the pubs in Findhorn, give sea fishing a try, or enjoy the beautiful surroundings from your own private beach.
Fifteen guests, nine bedrooms
Price: $986 per night
Havasu Falls Permits Are Canceled This Year, so Hike To These 5 Iconic Waterfalls Instead
Bad news for hikers who finally snagged a coveted Havasu Falls permit for later this summer or fall — Havasu Falls won’t be opening to tourists in 2022.
The announcement came late last week from the Havasupai Tribal Council. The Tribal Council manages the Havasupai Tribe’s land, which includes Havasu Falls. Access to the falls first closed in March 2020 in light of COVID-19 concerns, and hikers who had permits for 2020 were rescheduled for new dates in 2021. However, in June 2021, the Tribe announced that they were extending the closure until 2022. Hikers who had permits were pushed yet again until 2022.
The new closure means that hikers will have to wait yet another year — until 2023, hopefully — to see the famous blue-green falls of Havasu. Hopefully, because the closure is for maintenance and repairs rather than COVID-19, it’ll be the last one.
However, if you’ve been sitting on your Havasu Falls permit for two or three years and are getting anxious, no problem — Havasu Falls isn’t the only epic waterfall hike that should be on your outdoor bucket list. Just plan a trip to one of these other waterfalls to get your fix until 2023 rolls around.
Vernal and Nevada Falls
Photo: Colin D. Young/Shutterstock
Location: Yosemite National Park, CADistance: 6 miles +Elevation gain: 1,900 feet +Where to camp: Lower PinesThe hike that goes past both Vernal and Nevada Falls is known as the Mist Trail and is one of the most popular in Yosemite National Park — for good reason. On windy days, mist from the massive falls blows onto the trail, creating a refreshing (though occasionally slippery) experience. The trail is a bit steep, especially on the stone steps around miles two and three, but it’s stunning — there’s not a bad view at any point along the trail.
There are a few different routes for the Mist Trail. The shortest and most common route is six miles round-trip and gains about 2,000 feet of elevation, though you can also take a small segment of the John Muir Trail to the top of Nevada Falls and come back down via the traditional Mist Trail. To do that, hang a right at the trail intersection just past Vernal Falls. You can also take the Mist Trail up and come down via the Panorama Trail and Four-Mile Trail, passing Glacier Point in the process. That trail is a total of 11.9 miles and you’ll need to take the free park shuttle back to the starting point, so get an early start if that’s your plan. More information.
Union Falls
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Location: Yellowstone National Park, WYDistance: 15.5 milesElevation gain: 1,930 feet +Where to camp: 9U1 to 9U4America’s first national park doesn’t disappoint when it comes to waterfalls. In fact, there are about 300 waterfalls within the park boundaries. However, many are accessed via rather short trails, so they can get quite crowded. To avoid most tourists, consider taking an overnight trip out to Union Falls, the second-tallest falls in the park at 250 feet high. You’ll need a backcountry permit and will need to stay at one of four backcountry campsites, which need to be reserved online in advance.
It’s not an exceptionally difficult trail, but you’ll need to be bear-aware and should be prepared for an occasional stream crossing, depending on when you go. It’s in the southwest section of the park, so if you have an extra day, consider adding in a visit to Grand Teton National Park while you’re in the state. Union Falls may not give you the same tropical vibes you were hoping for if you applied for a Havasu Falls permit, but it’s definitely on par in terms of beauty. More information.
The Columbia River GorgePhoto: Andrew Zarivny/Shutterstock
Location: Northern OregonDistance: VariableElevation gain: VariableWhere to camp: Ainsworth State ParkThe Columbia River Gorge, not too far from Portland, is known for the many waterfalls lining Route 30. That makes it a prime spot to plan a point-to-point hiking trip or multi-day camping trip where you camp in one place and hike to a different waterfall each day.
You can plan a route of just about any length. Some of the most impressive falls, like Multnomah, require no hike at all, but others will take at least two or three hours to reach. Good options to work into your trip include Horsetail Falls (a three-mile hike), Latourell Falls (a six-mile hike), and Bridal Veil Falls (3.5 miles). The park service created this helpful map to jumpstart your planning. Just check the trail reports before you set out as some are currently closed due to repairs from wildfire damage.
Unlike trips for Havasu Falls permit holders in Arizona, you don’t need to camp to explore these falls. But camping will allow you to beat the crowds and get to the falls before they’re too crowded, so it’s recommended. More information.
Ribbon Falls
Photo: Ronan ODonohoe/Shutterstock
Location: Grand Canyon National Park, AZDistance: 12 miles +Elevation gain: 1,950 +Where to camp: Bright Angel CampgroundIf you’ve spent the last few years since you snagged your Havasu Falls permit exploring all Arizona has to offer tourists, you don’t have to change your plans too much — just hike to a different waterfall in Arizona. One of the best for a multi-day hike is Grand Canyon National Park‘s Ribbon Falls. It’s a tall, narrow stream set against a backdrop of fabulously bright red rock and vivid swaths of green moss.
The hike starts from Phantom Ranch, which means you’ll need to hike to Phantom Ranch first. From the ranch, it’s just over 11 miles to make the round-trip hike to the Falls. If you start from the North Kaibab Trailhead, add on another seven miles to reach Phantom Ranch. And you’ll have to climb out, too. Phantom Ranch back up to the South Kaibab trailhead gains 4,400 feet of elevation, or you could go from Phantom Ranch to the North Kaibab Trailhead, which gains 2,546 feet of elevation over 13.5 miles. Regardless of what route you choose, line up your permits as soon as possible. More information.
Snake Indian Falls
Photo: AllTrails
Location: Jasper National Park, CanadaDistance: 32.4 milesElevation gain: +/- 4,890Where to camp: Backcountry campsitesAt more than 32 miles round-trip, you’ll have to work for the pleasure of sleeping near Snake Indian Falls. While you may have been planning on a warm-weather trip if you had a Havasu Falls permit, if you attempt the Snake Indian Falls hike in the middle of August, you may find that it’s warm enough to at least dip your toes in (well away from the base, of course). The 75-feet-tall falls are in Jasper National Park, and while the aren’t the tallest in Canada, their width and the sheer volume of water make them an insanely impressive sight.
It’s a popular mountain biking route, but hikers can visit it, too. Just get a Jasper National Park backcountry hiking pass. You have to pitch your tent in a campground, so plan your rote to decide if you want to stay at Seldom Inn Campground (the closest to the falls) or Shalebanks Campground, which is a bit closer to the trailhead. It isn’t a very tough trail in terms of elevation gain, gaining under 5,000 feet spread across 32 miles) so you may be able to do it in two days — mountain bikers can certainly do it in one. But if you want to have time to hang out and enjoy the falls, make it a two-night trip to ensure you don’t feel rushed. More information.
More like thisParks + Wilderness11 Spectacular US Waterfalls To Visit This Fall
The Ultimate Food Tour of New Haven, the Birthplace of American Pizza
New Haven, Connecticut, is arguably the exemplar of the American food scene, offering international and organic cuisine, as well as local favorites. Few dispute New Haven’s fame as the birthplace of pizza in the US – brought to these shores by immigrants from Naples, Italy, a century ago. Less well known is that the first hamburger was created there in 1895. And New Haven’s culinary story didn’t end there. Immigrants from across the globe continue to bring new gastronomic offerings to Elm City. Add in a growing focus on sustainable ingredients, and it’s just about time to plan a trip to this leafy New England town, for the restaurants alone. Here are the 11 best restaurants in New Haven, Connecticut.
Pizzas and burgers
Photo: Jay Yuan/Shutterstock
Although the “hamburger sandwich” may have put restaurants in New Haven on the culinary map, pizza is what cemented its place there – and it’s where our gastronomic tour begins. Today, three restaurants in New Haven still serve the thin-crust pizzas cooked in very hot ovens that fuel long lines and strong opinions.
Rather than jump into the fray about who makes the best pizza, I spoke to a recent Yale grad who honed her culinary credentials working at such restaurants as Berkeley’s groundbreaking Chez Panisse. When Victoria Chen was stuck in New Haven during the COVID-19 summer of 2020, she and a couple of friends decided to complete the “full pizza circuit,” she told me.
“I wanted to have the definitive answer,” she said, careful to note that the definitive answer is just in her opinion. After the testing, she concluded, “My personal favorite is Sally’s. I think it’s for gastronomic and emotional reasons.”
Sally’s ApizzaView this post on Instagram
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The “Apizza” in the name harks back to the Naples dialect of New Haven’s early Italian immigrants and their word for the Italian tomato pie. Sally’s has remained a family-owned restaurant based in New Haven since 1938, and that’s part of its emotional appeal for Chen, who contrasts that to Pepe’s, now a sizable chain (Sally’s has just one other eatery in the state).
On the culinary level, Chen said, “Sally’s sauce is more balanced.” She also likes its less-charred crust. But she emphasized that her opinion is not shared by all. “My New Haven friends say they’re a Modern family or a Sally’s family,” she added.
Where: 237 Wooster St., New Haven, CT 06511
Frank Pepe Pizzeria NapoletanaFor all the “muttering about how Pepe’s is a big chain,” as Chen put it, the pizza-maker has grown to over a dozen locations across the eastern seaboard for a reason. And to the many who come to stand in line in New Haven, eating where it all began in 1925 – a decade before the competition opened its doors – seems worth the wait. Although the Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana started serving only tomato pizza a near-century ago, it eventually introduced the “white clam pizza” in a fit of immigrant ingenuity. Made with Romano cheese, fresh garlic, and parsley, rest assured that the white clam pizza is tasty – even if the sound of shellfish on your pizza sounds unappetizing to the uninitiated.
Where: 157 Wooster St., New Haven, CT 06511
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Modern is only modern in that it was founded after Pepe’s, but it in fact opened in 1934, four years earlier than Sally’s – selling its first pizzas for 25 cents apiece. When the coal byproduct that fueled New Haven’s pizza ovens was no longer available, Modern switched to using oil, but kept that high heat that makes for the signature charred crust of New Haven’s apizza-style pies. That one thing that really is more modern about Modern is that it loads up some of its pizzas with more cheese and more toppings overall, eschewing the restrained Old World approach that is traditionally sparse with toppings. The Italian Bomb is chock full of sausage, pepperoni, and bacon, with a touch of onions, mushrooms, and garlic, too.
Where: 874 State St., New Haven, CT 06511
Louis’ LunchIf the meat-ful Italian Bomb sounds appealing, then your next stop in New Haven should be at Louis’ Lunch, the first place where a ground beef pattie was placed between two slices of bread. You can get pretty much the same thing today, with patties cooked on the same cast-iron grills that have been seasoned with use for over 120 years. The burgers come on a white bread toast with cheese, onions, and tomato. The condiments are up to you.
Where: 261 Crown Street, New Haven, CT 06511
World flavorsChen says she appreciates that so many restaurants in New Haven are run by immigrant families, making for a plethora of flavors and dining that doesn’t bust your budget. In Chen’s view, the New Haven food scene “really reflects the city, and I really grew to love the city during my time there.”
Portobello Latin Food Truck“New Haven is a great place to be a student. It has affordable food,” said Chen. Immigrants from Ethiopia, India, Japan, and Mexico, to name a few, have opened restaurants in New Haven. Many also run food trucks – with over a dozen coming weekdays for lunch to one corner of New Haven near the Yale ice rink. One food truck Chen is particularly fond of is the Portabella Latin Food Truck.
“It’s run by the loveliest couple,” said Chen of Portabella. “There are other arepa spots in New Haven but there is something about that place. I think they’re the best.”
Arepas, by the way, are scrumptious Colombian or Venezuelan stuffed cornbread griddle cakes.
Where: Corner of Sachem and Prospect Streets; Monday- Friday from 11:30am to 2:30pm
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New Haven has plenty of Indian restaurants, and you’ll eat well at all of them, but the ambience at Sherkaan is an extra plus. Inside, a ceiling full of bicycles and an up-close mural of an Indian train add an interesting vibe that reflects the Sherkaan’s menu, which focuses on Indian street food. A handful of outside tables also offers excellent people watching in this pedestrian cross-campus intersection. From the Punjabi samosas to the goat curry, every flavor excites.
Where: 65 Broadway, New Haven, CT 06511
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September in Bangkok does offer some Thai classics, like an excellent green curry or vegetarian pad Thai. But the kitchen offers up so much more to explore, like Thai tacos or a pulled pork pad see ew. The cocktail menu is also worth exploring – but only if you are prepared to Uber back to your hotel if it’s not actually September when you are dining there. Come in January and the 15-minute walk back to the New Haven Green could feel longer.
Where: 754 State St., New Haven, CT 06511
Coffee and ice creamAs home to Yale University, New Haven has more than its fair share of cafes, bookstores, and cafe-bookstores. It’s also got plenty of places for quick snacks between classes or a late-night food craving.
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Besides being a great independent bookstore, Atticus serves up some delightful breakfast options like a stacked avocado toast on tasty whole-grain bread. It got so popular as a place to grab a bite that last year Atticus opened a market in New Haven’s tony East Rock neighborhood.
Bookstore Café: 1082 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT 06511
Market: 771 Orange Street, New Haven, CT 06511
Arethusa is a dairy farm in Litchfield, Connecticut, the hilly swath of the state that is sometimes known as the “other Berkshires.” The farm also has stores in a couple of lucky Connecticut towns, New Haven among them. While you could stop in for milk and yogurt, the real reason to drop in is for freshly made, ultra-sumptuous ice cream.
Where: 1020 Chapel St, New Haven, CT 06510
Farm-to-tableIt’s not all noodles and snacks in New Haven. For a more upscale meal, two restaurants offer up fresh, season-based menus that pair better with a glass of wine than a draft beer.
Harvest Wine BarLocated across the street from the Yale University Art Gallery, Harvest serves up Italian inspired fare like beet and chevre croquettes, or lamb and wild mushroom linguine. Now a chain with three other restaurants in Connecticut, Harvest’s quality isn’t as consistent as it once was, but the service is always spot-on and the location – you can eat inside the cozy wood-paneled dining room or outside in a airy but protected nook down a set of stairs – makes for an enjoyable dining experience.
Address: 1104 Chapel St., New Haven, CT 06511
HeirloomView this post on InstagramA post shared by Heirloom (@heirloomnewhaven)
Just like the above restaurant, Heirloom wears its farm-to-table credentials on its sleeve – or at least in its name. The upscale restaurant inside The Study hotel offers tempting dishes like blistered shishito peppers and a butternut squash risotto. Some dishes sing while others only hum, but the ambience and decor befit the visiting lecturers and professors you may find dining here.
Address: 1157 Chapel St., New Haven, CT 06511
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