Matador Network's Blog, page 506
March 8, 2022
Watch: This Viral Equator Water Experiment is Fooling Travelers
Sometimes myths start simply by outdated information that science just hadn’t caught up to yet. Maybe you heard this one on The Simpsons or in science class when you were younger: toilets flush the opposite way in the Southern Hemisphere as they do in the Northern — and all other water, for that matter.
@marklharrison Reply to @jackpanter714 alright, explain this one to me then? #uganda #equator #coriolis #effect #itsfake #iknow #allforthememes ♬ original sound – Mark Harrison
This myth in particular is getting traction among travelers to equatorial states who are easily fooled by a creative scam that seems too enticing to be true. While there’s some truth to the water flow differences, it’s also true some local street artists are looking to make a quick buck.
The science behind this is called Coriolis Force, which explains why “as a result of the earth’s rotation deflects moving objects (such as projectiles or air currents) to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere,” according to Merriam Webster. The problem is, this scientific discovery doesn’t apply to small pools of water like the one you see in this TikTok posted by frequent traveler Mark Harrison (who, for his part, adds the tags #itsfake and #iknow). Coriolis Force only applies to bigger objects like hurricanes and cyclones.
So how are these tricksters pulling it off? The blade they say they are using to steady the water is actually doing the opposite by carefully pushing the water one way or another so the flowers appear to be moving in that direction. One paying customer even noted in an explainer on The Points Guy in 2017 that the scam in Uganda wasn’t even offered directly on the border, and that the flowers were floating in the opposite direction than they were supposed to. You can likely find this neat trick in any of the 13 equatorial countries across the world.
And while it could provide for an interesting conversation starter, it’s time to leave this travel myth in the past. 
Bush pilot in the Arctic
Jenny Petersen is not the pilot you imagine. She does not put on a crisp white shirt, a blazer with epaulets, and a matching cap every morning. Instead, she pulls a woolen hat over her long blond curls, bundles herself up in a puffy jacket topped with a high-vis vest, and laces up solid winter boots. Being a bush pilot in the Arctic is casual when it comes to the uniform.
Photo: Jenny Petersen/Instagram
Petersen works for Kenn Borek Air, a Canadian airline that specializes in flying cargo and passengers to remote locations, including the Arctic and Antarctica. It’s her dream job.
Fueled by the stories of her pilot uncle, Petersen’s desire to fly started when she was a child.
“I always knew I wanted to be a bush pilot. It was always my dream. My uncle was a bush pilot in Africa for most of his career and I thought it was the coolest thing ever,” she tells Matador in a phone interview.
With her ambitions set from early on, at 22, after saving some money, Petersen started working on her Private Pilot License, followed by her Commercial Pilot License and her night rating. In just over one year, she completed all her training with Kootenay Lake Aviation in Nelson, British Columbia, Canada.
Straight out of flight training, Petersen got her first job with Kenn Borek Air, for whom she’s been working for three years.
“I was over the moon when I got in [with Kenn Borek Air] for my first job. The kind of work they do, flying to the Arctic and Antarctica, that’s amazing. All the remote places you get to go and see is why I wanted to work for them.”
Flying in Antarctica is not for the faint of heart
Photo: Jenny Petersen/Instagram
Petersen loves an adventure, and she certainly gets plenty of it as a bush pilot with Kenn Borek Air. At the end of September 2019, she spent five months in Antarctica with the airline, flying scientists and their gear, including American scientists at the South Pole, to new ground to set up camps for research.
Flying in Antarctica brings its own set of challenges. Pilots have to do with the little information they get about the weather and other flying conditions. And, when problems arise, rescue is very limited in this extremely remote and difficult region.
During her stint on the seventh continent, Petersen also worked tirelessly as a flight attendant, fueling and loading the aircraft (a DC-3), and taking care of the special passengers on board.
But nothing deters her, not even maintaining an airplane in minus 60-degree weather, as long as she gets to fly and have fun.
“Five months was a long time to be there, but you get to see a lot of cool places. We saw a volcano, which I did not know existed in Antarctica, and a dry valley without any snow.”
Petersen hopes to go back to flying airplanes in Antarctica in the fall.
A day in the life of a bush pilot in the Arctic
Photo: Jenny Petersen/Instagram
While she had a good time in Antarctica, nothing compares to the Arctic for Petersen. When asked if she had a favorite place to fly to, she simply said, “I just love the North.” A good answer for someone who flies to some of Canada’s most remote northern communities every single day.
Based in Calgary, Alberta, Petersen works three weeks on, three weeks off. When she is at work, she stays in a crew house in Inuvik, a town 125 miles above the Arctic Circle in the Northwest Territories. (Kenn Borek Air has two other bases in some of the most remote places in the Arctic: Iqaluit and Resolute Bay in the Canadian territory of Nunavut.)
When we talked to Petersen, she had been in Inuvik for two weeks, flying food, mail, supplies, and passengers into and between small communities every day. She was also on medevac duties to get people living in remote hamlets the urgent medical care when the need arises.
The typical day for a bush pilot in the Arctic starts with checking the flight schedule. Upon waking up in the crew house, Petersen and her colleagues check what’s in store for the day, get the weather briefing, and study it before planning the flight and filling in the necessary paperwork. They then head to the airport where they pull the airplane (a King Air) from the hangar, do a preflight walk-around, i.e. an outside check of the aircraft, and finally make sure they have everything they need for the flight. Then, they load the aircraft with the passengers and/or the cargo they need to fly out .
After landing at their destination, they drop off the cargo and the passengers before refueling and coming back. Sometimes, they stop at three or four communities on the way back. A bit like a flying bus, bush pilots in the Arctic stop everywhere on the way.
For example, on Tuesdays, Petersen and her colleagues fly a run that Kenn Borek pilots call The Triangle. They fly cargo and passengers from Inuvik to the Hamlet of Sachs Harbour. Once in Sachs Harbour they drop off passengers and cargo there, pick up more passengers and mail and fly to the remote hamlet of Ulukhaktok where they do the exact thing again before flying back to Inuvik.
From the spring throughout fall, when the ice roads that form on the rivers of the Arctic have thawed and cannot be used, flying to remote communities that rely on the roads is much busier. The only way in is by plane, so up to four flights a day can be scheduled to accommodate members of those communities who need to get groceries, supplies, mail, etc.
But this summer, Petersen will not be flying those people from Inuvik to their homes. She is taking the summer off to take on another adventure: flying float planes with South Nahanni Air in Fort Simpson, also in the Northwest Territories. She will add another feather to her cap by training on a new type of aircraft, and accumulate some flying hours. She plans to move from the First Officer’s seat to the Captain’s seat with Kenn Borek Air as soon as she can, and there’s one thing for sure, nothing will stop her.
Portugal’s All-You-Can-Eat Grilled Fish Restaurants Blow American Buffets Out of the Water
I’ve never been one to line up around the block to get a table at a hot new restaurant. The longest I can remember waiting for a meal was a little over an hour at an unassuming seafood joint in Setúbal, Portugal, last summer. It wasn’t so much a line I found myself waiting in but a mass of unhurried locals who knew something I didn’t: The meal I was about to have was worth any amount of wait because once you sat down, you could stay for as long as you wanted — and eat as much grilled fish as your stomach would allow.
My partner and I decided to try the restaurant, Bombordo, on the recommendation of his Portuguese colleague. Our instructions were simple: Head to Rua do Clube Naval next to the port in Setúbal and choose from one of the many restaurants lining the street that specializes in “rodizio de peixe.”
Rodizio de peixe roughly translates to “fish carvery.” It describes a type of establishment that’s commonly found along the coast in central and southern Portugal where fish is grilled and served to customers at a fixed price. It also describes a type of meal akin to an all-you-can-eat buffet, only instead of putting the onus on diners to load up plate after plate of the catches of the day, rodizio de peixe entails diners to an endless pipeline of freshly caught fish.
When we finally got seated at one of the plastic tables that had been set up outside beneath a bright red overhang next to the slightly more formal dining room, we scanned the Portuguese-only menu and deciphered that diners had the option of ordering a la carte or opting for the rodizio to peixe, which cost 11 euros for adults and 5.50 euros for kids. Included in the price were bread and olives as starters; boiled potatoes and a garden salad as sides; a glass of water, juice, or soda; and a post-meal coffee. Looking around, we noticed that the majority of the diners were participating in rodizio de peixe, with one notable addition: Virtually every adult there was drinking a large pint of beer, or caneca, from a hefty handled mug.
When our waitress arrived with our bread and olives, she also set down three empty plates: one in front of each of us and a third off to the side. A few minutes later, a different server began circulating the dining area with a platter of sardines that were almost the length of my forearm. When he got to our table, he simply looked at us, clarified “sardinha” while nodding to the platter, and waited for our response: a nod “sim” if we wanted one or a shake “não” if we didn’t.
This continued for the duration of our meal. Every 10 minutes, a server would make the rounds with a different type of fish, all grilled whole and served plain. We must have sampled four or five species each, nodding yes to every platter that passed by as the bones of the previous offerings piled up on our plates. This, we discovered, was the reason for the extra empty plate.
Much of what we were eating got lost in translation, but according to Bombordo’s website, mackerel, multiple species of sea bream, white and black swordfish, and a mild-tasting fish called corvina are commonly included in the lineup. Salmon, cuttlefish, and squid are also advertised, though we only saw white fish while we were there.
Photo: Alex Bresler
As many as 16 different species could make an appearance during a single rodizio de peixe session at Bombordo, and diners are guaranteed the chance to try at least nine different types. That number is particularly impressive considering the size of a restaurant like Bombordo, which I’d estimate has the capacity for at least 100 guests. Even more impressive is the wall of grills lining the back wall of the restaurant, where the grillmasters prepare dozens of fish at once a few feet away from the cases where the yet-to-be-cooked catches sit on ice.
Photo: Alex Bresler
I’d like to say that the accompaniments we were served had a memorable impact on the overall meal, but the truth is that once the seafood procession began, we neither had the room nor the will to eat much of the sides. The few bites of salad I had were fresh and acidic, acting as a palate cleanser, while the odd olive added an extra punch of salt, but I was happy not to fill up on bread and potatoes. After all, rodizio de peixe is all about the peixe.
Seafood, in general, is essential to Portuguese culture. Salt cod, or bacalhau, is the national dish. Octopus, clams, and shrimp feature prominently in petiscos, Portugal’s signature small plates. In Lisbon — whose greater metropolitan area, which includes Setúbal, ranks first in the “” according to the USDA’s Foreign Agriculture Service — simple seafood restaurants like Cervejara Ramiro double as cultural landmarks, and the tinned fish sold at conserveiras make for some of the best souvenirs.
Portugal consumes more fish per capita than any other country in Europe, and the Portuguese fishing industry generates hundreds of millions of dollars each year while employing the fourth-largest number of people of any European nation.
Rodizio de peixe is one way to celebrate Portugal’s seafaring heritage. I can’t speak to the experience at every restaurant in Setúbal, but Bombordo is now my number one recommendation for seafood restaurants in the Lisbon area, even more than Bourdain-endorsed Ramiro. Our table wobbled as if unable to bear the weight of the carcasses we’d gleefully collected, our servers seemed occasionally annoyed at our table’s lone inability to speak Portuguese, and I broke the rule I’ve long heeded that no restaurant is worth anything close to an hour’s wait. But I wouldn’t have changed a single thing.
So, if you ever find yourself in central or southern Portugal, and you encounter a large group of locals huddled around a nondescript seafood shack with grills ablaze and mounds of fish making the rounds, take my word for it and get in line. The meal you’re about to have is worth whatever wait you’re about to face.
northern lights in New York City
From now until the end of March, you can marvel at the northern lights atop a skyscraper in New York City.
Edge, a 1,131-foot high observation deck in Hudson Yards, just launched SKYLIGHT, a laser show simulating the northern lights. In lieu of the Arctic, the psychedelic, floating colors of SKYLIGHT morph against panoramic views of Manhattan. This special event ends with the month of March, and Edge is the only place in New York City to see this simulation of one of nature’s most dramatic spectacles — and with a glass of champagne in hand, no less.
Photo: SKYLIGHT by Edge
From the street, Edge resembles a ship’s prow jutting out from the side of 30 Hudson Yards, one of the tallest towers in Western Manhattan. Visitors queue up for the high-speed elevator to Edge on the fourth floor, past a panoply of upscale shops and restaurants at the tower’s base levels. The ascent to the 100th floor takes less than one minute, during which time LED panels in the elevator beautifully animate the history of New York City’s skyline.
While waiting for the 7 PM starting time of SKYLIGHT, I spent an hour taking in the views from Edge’s outdoor observation deck, including a harrowing few seconds standing on the deck’s glass floor, peering into the 1,000-foot void directly beneath my feet. The outdoor deck wraps around several sides of the tower, offering views of Midtown, the Hudson River, and Lower Manhattan. At such a high altitude, iconic landmarks like the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building, and the neon-red New Yorker sign seem almost close enough to touch. The air was perfectly clear on the night I visited, with the twinkling lights of the city as expansive in all directions as the stars of a galaxy.
Photo: SKYLIGHT by Edge
I couldn’t help but indulge in a beverage to accompany the insane views and the soon-to-start light show, and Edge’s bar offered champagne (about $20 per glass), craft beers from various New York City breweries, and glow-in-the-dark cocktails in honor of Skylight. With a glass of bubbly in hand, I warmed up for a bit in the indoor observation deck, the section of Edge with direct views of the Hudson River.
Photo: Johnny Motley
Around 7 PM, pulsing beats of deep house music signaled that it was time to return to the outdoor deck for SKYLIGHT. As music oozed through outdoor speakers, ghost-like patterns of color rose through the cold air — the pink, green, and blue hues intensified by the haze of hidden fog machines. Walls of ethereal green light shot across the width of the deck and then dissolved back into nothingness. Whenever I looked up, evanescent ceilings of colorful swirls — glowing purples, magentas, and oranges — expanded and contracted. The black silhouettes of those around me remained shrouded in ever-changing colorful curtains. SKYLIGHT, combined with the more distant lights of Manhattan’s towers, was so mesmerizing that I lost track of time, only departing around 10 PM when I realized my hands were freezing.
Before you go to SKYLIGHT at EdgeTickets to Edge are $36 for New York City residents, $38 for everyone else if purchased online, or $40 if purchased on site. The observation deck is open from 10 AM to 10 PM every day of the week, but we recommend going right before sunset (the time is posted each day on Edge’s website) and staying at least a few hours to fully appreciate the views, sip a beverage or two, and soak in the celestial splendor of SKYLIGHT.
SKYLIGHT (7 to 10 PM) ends in about three weeks and will take place indoors, but in the meantime, there is no extra charge to watch the show with your purchase of regular Edge tickets.
Photo: SKYLIGHT by Edge
Be sure to check the weather before visiting Edge. While Edge stays open in light rain and snow, the outdoor section does close in severely inclement weather. That being said, clear skies do allow for much better views. The temperature is colder at the higher altitude, so dress warmly. When I visited in early March, I regretted not bringing a thick jacket and pair of gloves.
For the ultimate dinner with a view, make a reservation at Peak, a gourmet restaurant at Edge helmed by celebrated chef Chris Cryer. Mercado Little Spain, a Spanish-themed food hall replete with bars, restaurants, and grocers, is on the ground level of 30 Hudson Yards (100 stories below Edge).
Lastly, you won’t want to miss out on the countless opportunities for superlatively Instragammable photos and videos, so fully charge your phone or camera before you go to Edge.
What It’s Like to Sail on the First Adult-Only Cruise Line in the US
I’ve been traveling regularly for the past eight years, and never been on a cruise. It was no accident. Either from arrogance or ignorance, I thought I knew exactly who cruising was for: The retired octogenarian looking for an easy, low-excitement vacation surrounded by other octogenarians, and parents with a masochistic urge to be trapped with their kids on a floating hotel for five days. Certainly not my demographic. So when I decided to sail on a Virgin Voyage adult-only cruise from the US, I was breaking character.
Virgin Voyages launched in the UK in August 2021, before moving operations to Miami in October. So far there’s only one ship in the fleet — the Scarlet Lady — which mainly sails four-to-five night itineraries in the Caribbean. Why did I break my no-cruise policy for Virgin? It wasn’t the eye-catching red color scheme or the prospect of catching a glimpse of Richard Branson. It was one very simple (and unique) rule: 18+ only.
Not only is Virgin the newest US cruise line, it’s also the first with an adult-only policy. Though at 31 I barely consider myself an adult, the idea of a kid-free pool deck was enough to pique my interest — not to mention Virgin’s promise of an edgier, more unconventional cruise experience. With some lingering hesitation, I boarded the five-night voyage to Mexico and the Bahamas with the lowest possible expectations.
What is different about Virgin Voyages?
Photo: Virgin Voyages
A responsible traveler would probably take it easy the night before embarkation day. Irresponsible travelers might opt to stay up until 6:00 AM hitting various rooftop bars, karaoke joints, and after-hours clubs, and board the ship running on fumes. It is Miami, after all. I wouldn’t dream of advocating one approach over the other, but the InterContinental Miami is located just five minutes from the cruise terminal, and a 15-minute walk to every nightlife black hole you could possibly want. But you didn’t hear it from me.
My preconceptions about cruises didn’t end at demographics. In my head, they were a cross between a summer camp and a bar mitzvah party — defined by lame community bonding activities and costumed cast members forcing the introverts to get up and dance. Chugging a Pedialyte before boarding, I vowed not to succumb to the lameness.
My first hint that Virgin Voyages didn’t conform to my preconceptions came on the first night: Super Bowl Sunday. The game was being shown in the Manor, a lavish onboard nightclub, across three huge TV screens. Toward the end of the game, I noticed, in a dark corner, two off-duty Virgin employees making out on a plush sofa.
“Huh,” I thought. “They either had a lot of money on the Rams, or this ship is really casual.”
It was a small observation, but it actually put me at ease right away. It dispelled my fear of the overbearing Disneyland-esque attitude I expected from staff and immediately made me view the crew members as people (and fun people, too) rather than robotic hospitality bots. Sure enough, I later learned that unlike on many cruise ships, Virgin’s off-duty crew members are allowed to socialize with guests and adopt a more casual approach.
This clandestine makeout session was actually very on-brand for Virgin. They really want you to know that it’s an 18+ experience, and they’re constantly reminding you with puns, innuendos, and quirky amenities. From an ice cream place called “Lick Me Till Ice Cream,” to the “Never Sleep Alone” theatrical production, R-rated themes are everywhere. There’s even a special “Let’s Get It On” mood lighting option in the cabins, designed for amorous couples.
Photo: Virgin Voyages
Because they’re not catering to children, the ship vibe feels almost like an extended bachelor or bachelorette party. The pool deck on any given sea day (a day spent on the water) is almost reminiscent of a Las Vegas daytime pool club — though the crowd undeniably skews older. Pop music bumps loudly from the ship speaker, and it wasn’t uncommon to see passengers of all ages spontaneously rise from their loungers to shred the makeshift dance floor…at 2:00 PM. If you need some encouragement, crew dancers regularly step up to the pool for seemingly impromptu flash mob routines. You can dance with them, simply enjoy from afar, or completely ignore it and continue sunbathing.
Thinking I was too cool, or something, I held myself back from dancing on the pool deck. I had vowed to avoid anything lame, after all. Well, that promise didn’t make it very far. Scantily-clad face paint artists were another of Virgin’s adult-themed entertainment offerings, and when they appeared at an event the first night I told myself: “Absolutely not.” But after two drinks and a little peer pressure, I was soon the proud owner of a Mike Tyson face tattoo.
Wellness facilities on Virgin Voyages
Photo: Virgin Voyages
Speaking of lame, that’s the first word that came to mind when I heard about Virgin’s wellness-oriented experiences. People go on cruises to overeat, drink excessively, and burn their faces off, not wake up at 8:30 AM for a yoga class. Or so I thought.
Wellness is a huge part of the Virgin Voyages experience, from the well-equipped gym and daily fitness classes to the boxing ring, punching bags, outdoor workout stations, and running track that wraps around the ship.
Photo: Virgin Voyages
I work out regularly at home but have never used a hotel gym in my entire life. It stems from a difficulty reconciling my vacation mindset with healthy personal habits. Virgin normalizes this reconciliation, essentially telling passengers, “Look, if you want to work out or wake up early for a HIIT class, that’s okay. You’re not wasting your vacation.”
And it makes total sense. A fitness class or a solid gym sesh can make you feel a lot less guilty about gorging yourself at “Lick Me Till Ice Cream.” I’m not ashamed to admit that I used the gym regularly during my voyage, and that continuation of my normal route absolutely helped my body cope with the cruise’s reckless caloric intake.
Of course, “wellness” doesn’t always mean physical exertion. The world-class Redemption Spa offers private treatments, as well as a steam room, sauna, mud room, salt therapy room, and dipping pools in a range of temperatures. I still don’t quite get how mud baths work, but there’s nothing like kicking back in a hot tub looking through a porthole at the Caribbean waves.
Dining culture on Virgin Voyages
Photo: Virgin Voyages
Perhaps the biggest way Virgin Voyages differs from classic cruises is in the restaurant experience. The fancy, formal, Titanic-esque dining room has been replaced by a variety of themed eateries, and instead of endless buffets, you’ll find The Galley — a casual sit-down restaurant that has a little bit of everything. Don’t worry, though. There are still plenty of opportunities to indulge.
The themed restaurants are the centerpiece of Virgin’s dining culture, each with its own unique cuisine and aesthetic. It’s kind of like going to the fine dining version of the Epcot World Showcase. There’s The Wake, an upscale steak and seafood restaurant; Pink Agave, an elevated take on Mexican cuisine in a chic, LA-style setting; Razzle Dazzle, a vegetarian-centric dinner and breakfast spot with a 50s-style decor; and Extra Virgin, the indulgent, calorie-dense Italian spot you were praying would be on this list.
Photo: Virgin Voyages
The two most unique eateries, however, are Test Kitchen and Gunbae. Test Kitchen is billed as an experimental restaurant, which also hosts cooking classes. Their ever-evolving tasting menus are six-course meals of small, creative plates that’ll make you go “uhh, what is this?” When you try it, however, you’ll wish the portions were three times bigger. Our first course, for example, was mushroom paste in the shape of a small mushroom, while the fifth course was a stick of gourmet blue cheese shaped like a curled-up slinky.
One of Virgin’s main goals is clearly to encourage socialization among complete strangers, and nowhere is that mission more obvious than at Gunbae. A Korean BBQ defined by its communal seating and drinking games, Gunbae is definitely the party restaurant. You’ll be seated at a large circular booth with another random group and a bottle of soju — a Korean variation of vodka. The server will then explain the rules of a few drinking games, the losers of which must take shots.
“You see that ‘Get It On’ lighting in the cabins?” asked the woman paired with me at my table (her partner, Sid, looked uncomfortable). “Sure puts you in the mood, doesn’t it? Oh, don’t be shy, Sid.”
She then launched into a rendition of “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat” from Guys and Dolls, while Sid looked down with abject humiliation. I had only met this woman a half-hour ago, but the soju had already worked its magic.
The next two hours are a blur of shot taking and inhibition loosening, as a parade of Korean delicacies fill your table. From beef short ribs and pork belly to octopus and squid, your server will cook the raw meat in front of you at your table’s personal BBQ. And until you tap out, the food just keeps on coming. You’ll leave Gunbae with a full stomach, healthy buzz, and if you’re lucky, some new friends.
Entertainment on Virgin Voyages
Photo: Virgin Voyages
“Hey, which night is the magic show?” I off-handedly asked the customer service desk my first day aboard.
They looked at me quizzically and informed me that Virgin Voyages doesn’t have a magic show. I didn’t know much about cruises, but I thought I knew one thing: there’s always a magic show. Turns out, instead of the classic magic shows, comedy acts, broadway-esque plays, and ice skating performances, Virgin offers a range of live acts that not only push conventional boundaries but also break the fourth wall in a miraculously not-lame way.
Audience participation is probably my biggest, most irrational fear. Nightmares about getting pulled up onstage by an elaborately costumed character make me wake up in a cold sweat. That’s why the Untitled Danceshow Partything — one of Virgin’s signature “interactive” shows — was more nerve-wracking to me than my “swimming with the stingrays” excursion in the Bahamas. It’s basically a music video that spills over into the audience, and before you know it, you’re pretty much at a music festival. The immersion happens so gradually that you’ll hardly notice the shift take place. One minute you’ll be reservedly bobbing your head to the music, and the next you’ll be shredding the dance floor to T-Pain.
Never Sleep Alone is another interactive show, and this one’s not for the faint of heart. A few lucky (or ill-fated) audience members will get called up on stage to participate in a raunchy version of the Dating Game. In addition to answering sexually-charged questions, you can also expect to engage in some pretty suggestive behavior. I won’t spoil it, but let’s just say bananas and grapefruits are involved. If you’re an extrovert and go on stage, you’ll have the time of your life. If you’re an introvert and remain in the audience, you’ll be wildly entertained.
There are several other shows, like Duel Reality — a West Side Story-esque performance that’s part dance battle and part death-defying acrobatics — and smaller scale Phantom Folktales, pop-up micro-plays that appear spontaneously throughout the ship. Fans of classic cruise entertainment will be surprised, confused, entertained, and scandalized by Virgin’s offerings — and that’s a good thing.
March 7, 2022
This Map Shows the Highest Peak in Every State
If you’re an avid hiker, you know that not all trails are created equal. It might be hard work getting to the top of the tallest peaks, but the view is definitely worth it. Sure, the United States doesn’t have a mountain as towering as Mount Everest at 29,032 feet, but if you’re looking for a challenge without leaving the country, there are some states that massive mountains with high peaks perfect for the most adventurous climber. Other states, well, not so much.
A map posted on Reddit puts each state’s tallest mountains into one handy visual with the highest peaks (all measurements in feet).
The states with the highest mountain peaks in the US:
Denali, Alaska — 20,310 feetMt. Whitney, California — 14, 498 feetMt. Elbert, Colorado — 14,433 feetMt. Rainier, Washington — 14, 411 feetGannett Peak, Wyoming — 13,811 feetOn the other side of the coin are flatlands that just don’t have the same landscape for large mountain ranges.
The states with the lowest mountain peaks in the US:
Briton Hill, Florida, — 345 feetEbright Azimuth, Deleware — 450 feetDriskill Mountain, Louisiana — 535 feetWoodall Mountain, Mississippi — 806 feetJerimoth Hill, Rhode Island — 812 feetWhen you set out for your next hiking adventure, it’s good to know the dos and don’ts of the trails. And if you’re looking to try out some more difficult trails before your big trip to climb Mt. Whitney, try some of the more difficult hikes you can do at national parks that will only take you a day to complete.
MAPPED: Why and where People Say Coke Vs. Soda Vs. Pop
Most Americans are familiar with the fizzy sound that bubbles off a carbonated beverage. But a low-stakes, highly opinionated argument erupts now and again over what to call this fizzy drink. Is it a soda, pop, or coke? The truth is there are no apparent differences between the names (except for coke, but we’ll get to that). What you have is a battle between regional dialects that can’t necessarily be won — the language in your area probably won’t be changing anytime soon. Cartographer Alan McConchie has been surveying visitors on his website, popvssoda.com, for more than 20 years, asking visitors simple questions: What word do they use when referring to a fountain drink, and what city and state is their hometown in? His website, which has collected over 400,000 responses, populates a coke vs. pop vs. soda map showing the differences in language across the United States.
Photo: Alan Alan McConchie /Pop vs. Soda
When looking at McConchie’s map, for the most part, there are relatively straightforward regional borders when it comes to who uses coke vs. pop. vs. soda. Team soda populates the coasts with an interesting hot spot in Missouri. For example, being from California, I am team soda exclusively and with full conviction. Whereas pop has taken over a significant area of the country, covering the northern regions of the country and the Midwest, and coke dominates the south, even though the rest of the country uses coke exclusively to refer to Coca-Cola. John Kelly, the associate director of content and education at Dictionary.com, says there’s something interesting about why people continue to debate the correct name for a carbonated beverage.
“It’s sort of like watching the Super Bowl,” Kelly says. “It’s something that everyone has a low stake point of view on and our differences here can actually bring us together and get us talking about what we said when we were kids [vs.] what we say now. I grew up in Cincinnati, which is a pop region, but over time due to having lived overseas California, Texas for whatever reason I end up saying soda more often. It could also be because I think as a culture, we all drink less soft drinks. And it can also be because you can’t turn around without being bombarded with like 90 different flavors of sparkling water. So I say soda and pop. I’m gonna have it both ways.”
Kelly is a professional linguist who broke down the origins of each term. Pop is an onomatopoeia. Originally, soda pop was more commonly served in glass bottles that, when opened, would make a popping sound when you unscrewed the top. On the other hand, the word soda is derived from sodium bicarbonate, which is more commonly known as baking soda and was used to make fizzy drinks.
“I was thinking through how the regionalisms for soda versus pop actually kind of tell a story of the US population,” Kelly says. “In the 1700s, people in England, Ireland, and the US were using these substances to make drinks fizzy. But in the early 1800s, When these drinks became popular, we got soda water. Around the same time in the 1810s or so, we see pop. And then, interestingly, we get soda pop in the 1860s. I’m not exactly sure why we go from pop to soda pop. It could be because different populations came together we had soda pop, or it could be just because it’s fun. Coke, shortened from Coca-Cola is later on the scene. Coca-Cola was invented in Atlanta in 1892, and we see Coke as a shortened version of Coca-Cola by the early 1900s.”
Coca-Cola predicted (correctly) that “coke” would soon become synonymous with every sweetened carbonated beverage, rather than simply a nickname for that particular product. The company feared sales would drop if it differentiate its product from all the other sodas out there. In 1913 the company actually , using the slogan “Coca-Cola: Ask for it by its full name – then you will get the genuine.”
Dialects often emerge from a mixture of the dominant cultures that live in a certain area, alongside migration and immigration. Black Vernacular English and Southern dialects are influenced by the Caribbean and West African languages and colonizer languages like French and Spanish. Whereas in other parts of the country, you can see the Dutch, English, and Irish influence. Kelly also explains that the coke vs. pop vs. soda map could be explained by following the US migration patterns.
“If you look at soda, you see New England, you see New York, you’re dipping down into Maryland,” Kelly says. “That is the oldest population center for white colonial America. Historically, people from New England, New York, and the mid-Atlantic settled out in [California and Florida]… which is why we see a major hotspot for soda in California and Florida, which is in the south but has a different history [than the rest of the south]. We have a hotspot in St. Louis, also due to migration, as well as Milwaukee, and the Southwest, which was also populated by people coming from east to west…So it might also follow an interesting population shift trail.”
Regardless of where your loyalties lie on the coke vs. pop vs. soda map, Kelly believes it’s a healthy debate, especially at a time when political divides are causing strife across families and communities.
“What I love about this topic… we are so polarized and divided right now. We are red states. We are blue states. But in this case, this fun food fight over soda states, pop states, Coke states. These are differences that can actually bring us together,” Kelly says “It is a welcome point of fun and reprieve and togetherness at a time when language is being used now more than ever to wedge us apart [and] is being weaponized to divide us.”
How the UAE’s First Woman Emirati Chef is Helping Travelers Embrace Local Cuisine in Abu Dhabi
Tourists can find just about any type of food they’re looking for in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Yet historically, the hardest cuisine for visitors to find has been the one many world travelers who prioritize dining on their vacation itineraries: local food.
Perhaps this shouldn’t be too surprising in a country that is truly a nation of immigrants. Nearly 90 percent of the UAE’s population was born outside of the country. People from South Asia — especially India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan — make up nearly 60 percent of the population. Food, as it does elsewhere, follows the people.
On a recent trip to Abu Dhabi, my week was filled with delicious food from cuisines originated in other parts of the world. There was the Thai food at Mekong at the Anantara Eastern Mangroves hotel, and the exceptional French-inspired dishes at Cyan Brasserie at Andaz Capital Gate. There were teas and snacks from India at the House of Tea and Lebanese shawarma at Zahrat Lebnan (which has a spicy “Mexican chicken” and “Philly cheesesteak sandwich” alongside traditional Lebanese fare) in the Al Khaldiya area.
But there was also Emirati food — when I knew where to look. Cardamom-infused fried dough, coffee, and tea greeted me at Telal Resort Al Ain, and Al Mrzab lived up to the “traditional restaurant” note on its sign. At the latter, I dove into shared plates of lamb machboos (lamb on top of a bed of biryani-like rice) and king fish machboos along with shark samboosas (similar to samosas) as an appetizer. Fish and lamb were common at traditional spots, with the occasional option for camel meat and products using camel milk, like at Le Café in Emirates Palace.
“It is so important to us that we welcome the world to Abu Dhabi through our cuisine,” says chef Khulood Atiq, who is widely considered the UAE’s first woman Emirati chef. “Our national cuisine connects visitors with our culture and inspires holidaymakers to embark on their own journey of discovery that preserves and promotes our Emirate heritage. Our national dishes and hospitality offer unmatchable dining experiences to guests, and are one of the many ways visitors can have an enjoyable and meaningful stay in Abu Dhabi.”
Chef Khulood has been instrumental in working with the government and tourism board to raise awareness of UAE cuisine. Through media, hotel partnerships, and other initiatives, she has helped make Emiratie food more accessible to all who visit Abu Dhabi, regardless of the length of their stay.
We caught up with the esteemed chef to learn more about Emirati cuisine and how visitors to the region can best get a taste.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Photo: Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi
Matador Network: How do travelers typically react to Emirati food? Has that changed at all in the past 10 years?Chef Khulood Atiq: Over a decade ago, there was a general misconception among tourists about Emirati cuisine as almost no Emirati food was available for those visiting the UAE. The main reason for this was that Emiratis tended to serve traditional food in their homes among friends and family. This meant that when it came to dining out in restaurants, Emiratis were looking to try a variety of other cuisines instead of our authentic dishes.
As the restaurants were catering to this requirement, it meant that tourists were missing out on the delectable, traditional local cuisine that was being enjoyed in our homes. Instead, tourists were being served Arabic and Indian cuisines as the local food here in Abu Dhabi.
Thankfully, a lot has changed in the past 10 years, as Emirati food is widely available for tourists at the different hotels and restaurants in the UAE capital. It brings me great joy that visitors to the UAE can delight in and discover our authentic Emirati cuisine for themselves.
What are some of the things that people should know for when trying Emirati dishes for the first time>The great thing about Emirati cuisine is its simplicity. The dishes we make are uncomplicated and so lend themselves well to being served in our restaurants and hotels.
Our local cuisine is full of delectable flavours and the dishes we serve are rich in fine ingredients and spices. The unique spices we use in our traditional Emirati spice mixes are probably the most difficult to serve to tourists, as the recipes differ from family to family.
Photo: Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi
Some of these spice mixes have secret ingredients that are not shared with others, so providing a mix of spices that offer a true reflection of our authentic national taste can be challenging at times. However, the personal touches to our cuisine are what make our national dishes so special.
Do you foresee a time when Emirati food is just as prevalent in hotels and tourist centers in the UAE as other types of cuisine?Emirati cuisine is an integral part of our national heritage, so it is our aim for our dishes to be recognized and be just as prevalent as other cuisines within our hotels and tourist centers.
To raise awareness of Emirati cuisine among visitors to the UAE capital, we have introduced initiatives, such as the Emirati Cuisine Programme, one of the efforts of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) to encourage people to discover more about our authentic cuisine and culture.
As an Emirati working with DCT Abu Dhabi, it is crucial to me to educate chefs on the right ways to prepare and present local dishes, and consequently change Abu Dhabi’s culinary landscape by bringing Emirati cuisine to the fore.
Today, all hotels in Abu Dhabi are urged to serve Emirati food and list local dishes on their menus. Abu Dhabi also ensures that Emirati food is available at all the festivals and events held in the Emirate.
How are you helping to make sure that Emirati cuisine becomes more common in hotels and restaurants in Abu Dhabi?Spreading awareness about Emirati cuisine and hospitality, while fulfilling my passion for cooking, is very close to my heart, which is why we launched the Emirati Cuisine Programme in 2020. Starting with four-star and five-star hotels around Abu Dhabi, we aimed to make Emirati food more accessible to visitors and residents by training hotel chefs to prepare and serve authentic dishes.
Photo: Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi
Inspired by Abu Dhabi’s diverse population of more than 200 nationalities, the second phase of the Emirati Cuisine Programme featured new fusion recipes that intertwined Emirati cuisine with classic dishes from other cultures. The culinary experiences were created by chefs from some of the emirate’s most-popular restaurants, such as Punjab Grill at the Ritz-Carlton Grand Canal and OSMO Lounge & Bar at Hilton Yas Island.
Chef Sandeep Anand from Punjab Grill fused Indian and Emirati flavours to create stand-out dishes that included fragrant Emirati-spiced Gulf shrimp, sumptuous samak machboos and Hyderabadi Oonth ka Kebab (Bani Yas Farm camel meat skewers and wheat porridge). Meanwhile, Chef Don Munasinghe from OSMO Lounge & Bar added an Emirati touch to the restaurant’s quirky drinks and desserts menu with sweet sticky Luqaimat cream puffs, light fluffy Gahwa tiramisu and a surprisingly delicate saffron milk cake.
With cuisine, we should always be searching for new ideas, inspired by the world around us and focussing on unique tastes and stunning presentation. If we want to stand out among international cuisines, it is essential to look for novelty and experiment with trends.
What is the number one thing that you want people to know about Emirati cuisine and how to try it if they have never had it before?Our local dishes are a true reflection of the UAE’s trading heritage, with Emirati food infused with spices and ingredients from across Asia and the Middle East. It is full of delectable flavours and rich in ingredients and spices. The unique elements we use in our Emirati spice mix differs between each family’s recipe, with some having secret ingredients shared down through the generations.
Photo: Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi
I advise people to try out our seafood dishes, as they represent the history of the fishing industry in Abu Dhabi. Among my favorite seafood dishes to serve are Tahta Maleh (with preserved fish and rice), and Jasheed, a small shark meat dish served with rice.
Another favorite dish of mine to eat when I dine out is Balaleet, which consists mainly of Emirati sweet vermicelli and egg omelet.
For people who are interested in educating themselves more about our national cuisine, they can read my book, Sararid, which provides recipes and insights into Emirati dishes.
This Caribbean Island is Packed with Adventure, But Most People Can’t Even Find it on a Map
On a map of the Caribbean, St. Kitts is hardly bigger than a speck. The dual-island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis covers slightly more than 100 square miles between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, with St. Kitts comprising roughly 70 percent of the country’s total area.
While Nevis is known as an island of leisure, St. Kitts is living proof that big things come in small packages. Relaxing as it can be, it’s also an island that runs on adrenaline, with an inexhaustible list of outdoor activities to keep energetic travelers, well, exhausted.
If your dream Caribbean getaway involves scaling volcanoes, ziplining over the rainforest, and trying every water sport imaginable, these are the most exhilarating things to do in St. Kitts for adventure-seekers.
Take an ATV tour of Old Road Town
Photo: Alex Bresler
A historical tour of St. Kitts is the perfect way to get acquainted with the “Mother Colony of the West Indies,” so named for being home to the first British and French settlements in the Caribbean. These tours largely revolve around old forts, such as the UNESCO-listed Brimstone Hill, and estates associated with the island’s former sugar production.
In St. Kitts, there’s no rule that says historical tours have to be stuffy, and Spectrum ATV Tours proves that. Excursions depart opposite the island’s first sugar plantation, Wingfield Estate, once owned by Thomas Jefferson’s great-great-great-grandfather. From there, riders cruise down sugar cane paths, past plantation ruins, and through lush greenery for 90 minutes, with guides pulling over periodically to share details about the island’s heritage and ecology. It’s one of the most fun things to do in St. Kitts if you like history and adventure. The tour doesn’t go as far as the historic Brimstone Hill, arguably the island’s most significant historical site, but it’s just 10 minutes up the coast by car.
Before you leave Old Road Town, pop by Wingfield Estate, home of the Old Road Rum Company, to see Amerinidian petroglyphs, antique machinery including a rare water-powered sugar mill, and heritage crops like tobacco and indigo growing in the planters. And, of course, settle in for a tasting while you’re there. Though today’s Old Road Rum distillery is relatively new — and undergoing a redesign for the Instagram era — the company has produced rum on site since 1681. It’s the oldest operational rum distillery in the Caribbean.
Climb one of the tallest peaks in the Caribbean
Photo: Bogdan Dyiakonovych/Shutterstock
St. Kitts is a volcanic island with four volcanos, three of which are extinct. The fourth, Mt. Liamuiga, sits smack in the center of the island’s northern half. At nearly 3,800 feet, it’s the highest point in St. Kitts and one of the tallest peaks in the entire Caribbean.
Nearly every Kittian I asked about climbing Mt. Liamuiga admitted to doing it exactly once. The trek to the top is one of the most formidable physical challenges you can tackle on the island. The rainforested trail is covered in roots and generally muddy, with a steep incline in the last quarter that demands the use of all four limbs. But the panorama from the crater rim is worth the effort to get there, even on days when the view is shrouded in clouds or mist.
My hiking group, led by the knowledgable and affable O’Neil of O’Neil’s Rainforest Tours, was of mixed experience. Our trip took roughly four hours round-trip with a steady, gentle pace. Back at the base, the feedback from the group was accordingly mixed. Some, like the majority of the Kittians I met, declared the hike an unforgettable excursion that they’d never do again. The more experienced hikers generally thought it was a pleasant mix of exertion and reward and said they’d highly recommend it as one of the best outdoor things to do in St. Kitts.
Evaluating the difficulty of any hike is subjective, but with the proper gear and a can-summit attitude, the hike is doable for most moderately athletic travelers. Just bring lots of water, energy-rich snacks, sturdy shoes, and hiking poles if you like to use them — and budget at least a half-day for the excursion.
To round out the day’s activities, visit nearby Black Rocks to see where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean and a striking rock formations created by Mt. Liamuiga’s lava flow. After, grab a post-hike bite at Arthur’s on black-sand Dieppe Bay.
Level up on the Dos d’Anse Pond hike
Photo: Jason Patrick Ross/Shutterstock
A few hours after summiting Mt. Liamuiga, I learned that there’s an even harder hike on St. Kitts: Dos d’Anse Pond. Though the pond sits almost 1,000 feet below Mt. Liamuiga’s tallest point, the elevation gain is comparable to the volcano hike, covering around 2,300 feet over roughly four miles. What makes the hike to Dos d’Anse Pond one of the hardest things to do in St. Kitts is the rugged, overgrown terrain paired with a consistently steep grade; notably, the 900-foot gutter climb toward the top. But what makes it so special are the water features at the end, both the pond itself and the falls that flow into it.
Though I didn’t make the trip, I have it on good authority that the Dos d’Anse Pond is a trek best left to the intrepid — most of the Kittians I talked to were wary of attempting it. Granted, as an avid hiker, I found Mt. Liamuiga to be more accessible than advertised, so take the cautionary tales you’ll hear with a grain of salt.
If you’re up for the challenge, the Dos d’Anse Pond trailhead is in Old Road Town near Caribelle Batik, where the Rainforest Bar‘s signature Jefferson rum punches await.
Get on the water on Cockleshell Bay
Photo: Alex Bresler
Days spent on the water in St. Kitts take many forms. You might find yourself on a jet ski or water skis; in a kayak (glass-bottomed or otherwise); on a surfboard, paddleboard, wakeboard, kiteboard, or flyboard; strapping into a parasailing harness; or relaxing on a simple sailboat. St. Kitts Water Sports at Cockleshell Bay is your one-stop-shop for all of the above.
I did a combination jet ski and snorkel excursion one morning, which took me to Shitten Bay, a popular snorkeling spot with a reef and small wreck on the island’s southern tip. That afternoon, I took my first-ever kiteboarding lesson with the shop’s owner, Jeff Andrade, who once competed at the professional level. The lesson was on nearby Turtle Beach, whose crosswinds, calm waters, and minimal crowds make it ideal for beginners. Anyone eager to get into kiteboarding should put it at the top of their list of things to do in St. Kitts and dedicate at least three days to lessons, says Andrade. It can be hard to even stand on the board on your first day.
Regardless of which water sport you choose, be sure to walk along the beach to the Spice Mill Restaurant after you’ve returned your equipment. It may not be super outdoorsy, but refueling on the restaurant’s fantastic conch fritters and washing them down with a house-made hibiscus rum is one of the best things to do in St. Kitts come late afternoon.
Dive on a shipwreck or reef
Photo: Daniel Wilhelm Nilsson/Shutterstock
Off the shore of Frigate Bay, famous for its beach bars collectively known as The Strip, there’s a 144-foot-long cargo ship sitting in two pieces on the ocean floor. It’s only about 40 feet below the surface. It’s called the River Taw, and it’s come to be regarded as one of the best wreck dives in the Caribbean, partially for its accessibility. It’s an easy, shallow dive for beginners, and the ship’s swim-throughs are wide and easy to navigate. Inside, it’s easy to spot creatures like octopuses, sea turtles, and stingrays in the crevices of the hull.
The River Taw is one of many dive sites in St. Kitts. The most popular reefs and wrecks sprawl across the island’s Caribbean side, which generally has fewer swells and calmer water. Divers also tend to dive in the strait that separates St. Kitts from Nevis, called The Narrows, which is an important breeding ground for conch. Newly certified divers will feel at ease in Friars Bay Reef, home to juvenile angelfish, moray eels, and massive lobsters. More advanced divers might prefer drift diving farther offshore at Monkey Shoals or night diving at Turtle Bar Reef.
For deeper dives, head to Sandy Point Marine Park offshore of Brimstone Hill, where sites range from 50 to 130 feet deep. The corals are large, exceptionally healthy, and sculpturesque, forming dramatic swim-through canyons where you may see barracuda, eels, and turtles. Sandy Point’s currents can be unpredictable, as can the visibility, but both Pro Divers and Kenneth’s Dive Center host excursions to the marine park on calm days.
Soar over the jungle canopy
Photo: Brocreative/Shutterstock
Adventure travel can mean different things. For some, it’s about outdoor immersion; for others, it’s all about adrenaline. Sky Safari Tours splits the difference with its zipline tour of St. Kitts, one of the most popular things to do in St. Kitts for groups of various fitness levels.
Riders can choose between five cable lines, the longest of which spans more than 1,350 feet and reaches a maximum height of 250 feet above the rainforest canopy. Depending on the rider, you could go up to 50 miles per hours — nearly as fast as the speed limit on East Coast highways.
A full zipline tour lasts two to three hours, including a pick-up in the capital city of Basseterre, a shuttle to the operator’s base at Wingfield Estate, and a comprehensive safety orientation. .
The 8 Magical Natural Springs in Florida for Pure Rejuvenation and Relaxation
As a lifelong Florida resident, I’ve grown to hate the tourist trap reputation the state has cultivated. When people think of Florida they often conjure up images of plastic-covered beaches or expensive, overcrowded theme parks. While I’ll admit these stereotypes do encompass a portion of the Sunshine State, they are far from the best things the state has to offer. In fact, the natural springs in Florida are perhaps the state’s best-kept secret.
They offer beauty, history, entertainment, and they are all extremely reasonably priced. Also, each spring is totally different, from family-friendly swimming holes and rivers to SCUBA and cave diving, visitors can find the vacation spot that’s perfect for them.
1. Silver Springs, Ocala
Photo: Blair Carlyle
Silver Springs isn’t only Florida’s oldest spring destination, it’s often recognized as the first tourist attraction in the state.
The famous glass-bottom boat tours began in the late 1870s and still continue today almost 150 years later. The entry fee to the park is only $2, but if you want a ticket to the glass bottom boat the price jumps to $14.84 (which is definitely worth it). On the tour, you’ll see a 600-year-old Native American dugout canoe, a boat that possibly belonged to Spanish conquistadors, and many other incredible sights.
Silver Springs is the largest artesian limestone spring in the world (the sun reflecting off of the limestone is what gives the water its silver sheen, hence the name). As if it couldn’t get any better, there are wild monkeys in the forest surrounding the spring and if you’re lucky you’ll catch a glimpse of them in the trees. The only downside to Silver Springs is there is not a swimming area, but there are kayak rentals on the property for those who still want to get out on the water. The park also offers campgrounds for RVs, tents, along with cabins to rent. Silver Springs is a perfect place for families to learn about Florida history in a spectacular setting without breaking the bank.
2. Juniper Springs, Ocala National Forest
Photo: Blair Carlyle
If I had only one word to describe Juniper Springs the word that comes to mind is magical. The spring itself isn’t very big and can get pretty crowded on weekends, but if you find the right time to go (I opted for mid-afternoon on a Tuesday), you will have a wonderful time in a truly enchanting place.
Constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, Juniper Springs has a beautiful swimming area, a campground, a rotating water mill, and a nationally recognized seven-mile canoe and kayak trail. There are remnants of the park’s history scattered all around the grounds, from crumbling chimneys out in the forest to the old stone bridge behind the mill.
The main attraction of Juniper Springs is its canoe trail. Named one of the top 25 canoe runs in the US by ReserveAmerica, the river meanders through old-growth forest under a canopy of live oaks and Spanish moss before opening up into a wetlands area alive with wading birds and wildlife (including rare albino gray squirrel, otters, and American eels). The park charges $8 for day use and $31 for overnight camping.
3. Salt Springs, Ocala National Forest
Photo: Blair Carlyle
Salt Springs is located way out in the Ocala National Forest, along with Alexander Springs and Juniper Springs. Salt Springs is not as glamorous as some of its counterparts but it’s still an incredibly pleasant spot for an afternoon or weekend adventure — it’s especially good to know if Juniper and Alexander Springs are overcrowded.
Its primary attraction is the swimming area, which is fed by 52 million gallons of freshwater a day. The minerals in the water give it a slightly salty taste and caused early travelers to believe it had medicinal healing powers. There is a full ground for RV hookup and the park allows consecutive camping for up to two weeks. It costs $8 to enter the park and $23 a night for primitive camping. There’s also a nice two-mile hike that ends in a birdwatching observation deck for those who want to do more than lounge in the sun. Manatees are often seen in the springs so be sure to bring binoculars and a camera!
4. Rainbow Springs, DunnellonPhoto: Blair Carlyle
While each spring in Florida offers something slightly different, Rainbow Springs has it all. A wonderful swimming area, a crystal clear river to kayak on, beautiful hiking trails, a rich history…the list goes on and on.
The spring shimmering beneath the Spanish moss, magnolia trees, and palm fronds conjures the image of the Garden of Eden. In 1889 the property began as a phosphate mine until the mines were exhausted in the mid-1900s. From there it was turned into a “jungle oasis” tourist attraction, with waterfalls being built where the mines once stood and exotic animals imported to draw crowds.
Today, you can still see the remains of the waterfalls, the aviary, and animals cages around the park. There’s also a beautiful swimming area with crystal clear water that stays a steady 72 degrees year-round and stretches east and west to become the Rainbow River.
The park has tubes and kayaks to rent, along with life jackets, snorkeling equipment, and other flotation devices for sale in the gift shop. There are four different trails to hike with distances ranging from the 0.7 mile campground loop to the 3.5 mile White and Yellow Trail. Rainbow Springs offers both RV and tent camping, though be advised to book your spot in advance. The park costs $2 for day use and $23 for overnight tent camping.
5. Ichetucknee Springs, Ichetucknee Springs State Park
Photo: Blair Carlyle
About an hour north-west of Gainesville lies Ichetucknee Springs State Park. The Ichetucknee is a crystal-clear river that winds through a hauntingly beautiful old growth cypress swamp.
Turtles sun themselves on fallen longs and wading birds patrol the shoreline as visitors meander south on the river’s steady current. Glittering mother-of-pearl shimmers on the bottom of the river as the sun glints off of various freshwater shells and an army of cypress knees stand guard throughout the forest.
The Ichetucknee River is another one of Florida’s incredible spots and is the perfect place to spend a day or a week. The river has various entry points depending on how long you want to be on the water. If you’re tubing you can choose between the midpoint launch (two-hour trip to the last take out), or Dampier’s landing (one hour trip to last take out). If you’re canoeing you can venture up the river to the north section and spend a whole day rowing through the river.
The park costs $6 per vehicle (two to eight people), $4 for single-occupant vehicles, and $2 for pedestrians without vehicles. Tubes are available to rent at the gift shop and there are tram and shuttle services available to take you up and down the river for a small fee as well. The park also has tent and RV camping at $20 a night for a two-person primitive camp spot and $40 a night for AMP RV camping.
6. Devil’s Den, Williston
Photo: Blair Carlyle
When you first pull into Devil’s Den, it doesn’t look like much. In fact, it kind of looks like you just pulled into someone’s backyard. But the magic of the spring is underground, where an ancient subterranean spring bubbles at a constant 72 degrees year-round.
Gazing down into the gaping maw of the spring, you’ll be struck by its deep shimmering blue water and prehistoric geology. If you’re SCUBA certified this spring is a must-see. It stretches 54 feet deep and is filled with ancient rock formations and fossils (though the spring kindly asks that if you find anything please leave it be). Keep in mind there is no free swimming allowed in the spring! Snorkeling is by appointment only, but the park is definitely intended for SCUBA divers specifically.
The spring has a swimming pool for non-divers and is less than a mile from the beautiful Cedar Lake Woods and Botanical Gardens for anyone who accompanies a diver and is looking for something to do while their friend explores the den. Admission for divers is $38, and the park has SCUBA supplies for rent on-site ($45 for a the full SCUBA package including mask, snorkel, fins, booties, regulator, BCD, tank, wetsuit, weights, and an LED light). The park also has RV hookups for $35 a night, tent camping for $12, and cabins to rent for $140 per night.
7. Rock Springs, Kelly Park, Apopka
Photo: Blair Carlyle
Whether you want to soak in a swimming area or tube down a lazy river, Rock Springs is the perfect place for an afternoon with the little ones. The park also has an incredibly large recreation area with countless picnic tables and grills to use, along with a playground.
The river is calm and shallow, making it ideal for youngsters who aren’t ready for longer river runs like Ichetucknee or Rainbow River. That said, there is also a more advanced run for kayakers and canoers who want a little more excitement. Tubes are available to rent for $7 at the Rock Springs Bar and Grill. Admission is $3 for one to two people, $5 for three or more, and $10 per bus or commercial van.
8. Alexander Springs, Altoona
Photo: Blair Carlyle
Alexander Springs is one of the best springs in Florida for relaxation. There isn’t a river to float down, or a cave to explore, but what Alexander Springs lacks in activities, it makes up for in atmosphere.
Just 16 miles south of Juniper Springs, Alexander Springs sits nestled in the Ocala National Forest. The main attraction is the enormous mouth of the spring, which is located 25 feet below the surface and pumps at least 64.4 million gallons of water per day. Swimmers and SCUBA divers alike can explore beautiful limestone formations as well as fallen trees on the bottom of the spring. There are also picnic tables and grills scattered throughout the recreation area for anyone who wants to cook lunch out on the water. The park also offers primitive camping for $31 a night, as well as RV hookups for a slightly larger fee. Entry into the park is $6 per person.
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