Matador Network's Blog, page 553
November 11, 2021
The coolest Airbnbs in Barbados for all types of travelers
Barbados is more than just the birthplace of rum and Rihanna. The Caribbean island is known for its tropical beaches, world-class surf, flying fish, and deliciously spicy cuisine, and it’s one of the best islands in the Caribbean for a relaxing getaway. From sprawling luxury villas to a lavish penthouse, these are the Airbnb Barbados rentals to keep in mind for your next much-needed vacation.
We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication. See our full Advertiser Disclosure here.
Airbnb Barbados rentals for solo travelers and couplesAirbnb Barbados rentals for small groups and familiesAirbnb Barbados rentals for large groups and gatheringsThe best Barbados Airbnbs for solo travelers and couples 1. Villa with massive pool
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
.post-gallery--slider .post-gallery-item-caption {color: #fff;}Located in King Beach village, close to Mullins Beach and St. Peter’s bay, this villa comes with a spacious indoor and outdoor dining section and its own en-suite bathroom. It also has access to a huge communal swimming pool, in addition to being just a two-minute walk from the beach.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $195 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This townhouse comes with a sun garden and private pool that extends out from the kitchen-dining area. There’s also a private rooftop deck with a BBQ, outdoor kitchen, and dining terrace overlooking the ocean.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $374 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Perfect for a romantic getaway, this condo is perched three floors above the ocean with access to a cozy halfmoon beach with stunning sunset views. There’s also a swimming pool on the property, and you’ll be within easy walking distance to the restaurants and shops of the St. Lawrence Gap neighborhood.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $260 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This updated apartment is within walking distance of the beach and some of the island’s most popular restaurants, like The Cliff, The Tides, and Cin Cin By The Sea. If you happen to be staying through the weekend, there’s also a street party every Sunday night on the nearby 2nd street that you really can’t pass up.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $214 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This modern studio is located in a beachfront development just steps from one of the island’s most beautiful beaches. You’ll also be able to enjoy a private garden of palm trees and tropical flowers, and the shared plunge pool, outdoor shower, and BBQ.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $111 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Located right in the heart of Holetown, this apartment is within easy walking distance to coffee shops, bars, restaurants, and most importantly, the beach. One of the most convenient Airbnb Barbados rentals, it’s also surrounded by gardens, making for a peaceful relaxation space, and is just a few minutes away from the Sunset Beach Club’s communal swimming pool.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $95 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Sugar Hill condos are located on 50 acres of land with sea views, and just a five-minute drive of some of the island’s best beaches, shops, and restaurants. The Sugar Hill resort offers access to tennis courts, a fitness center, bar, restaurant, and shared swimming pools, and with Holetown just a short drive away, there’s plenty to keep you busy without venturing too far from the accommodation.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $333 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
If staying in a literal mansion on a Caribbean island is on your bucket list, look no further than this oceanfront property. Hector’s House is one of the most luxurious Airbnb Barbados rentals, coming equipped with an infinity pool overlooking the gardens and cliffs, a deck with space for dining and lounging, and a master bedroom with a wraparound private patio and hammock.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $742 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Apartments in the upscale Smuggler’s Cove development offer unobstructed sea views, and access to a beach bar, swimming pool, a communal sun deck, and golf course. The apartments themselves feature luxury bedrooms and European-style kitchens, open living spaces, and terraces, and truly embody the essence of West Coast Bajan luxury.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $1,542 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Who wouldn’t want to stay in a treehouse? This accommodation might be the closest you’ll ever get, immersing you in a different side of Barbados — one dominated by lush foliage and the sounds of wildlife. It has an open floor plan, loft, and decks, and is completely surrounded by nature. Since it’s located in between the beaches of Bathsheba and Martin’s Bay, in an area not typically visited by tourists, you’ll get a truly unique island experience.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $130 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This classic island villa is spread across four acres of land, with direct access to Sandy Lane Beach. You’ll truly be living in the lap of luxury, as you enjoy the property’s tennis court, pavilion with a waterfall, and private beach cabana. If that wasn’t cushy enough already, there’s even a private chef to take care of your meals.
Ten guests, five bedrooms
Price: $1,751 per person
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Located on the southeast coast, this sprawling and airy home is one of the most peaceful Airbnb Barbados rentals. The house has a large pool, solar-heated jacuzzi, relaxing patio area, and is situated in a quiet residential community. Note that the owners live on-site and occasionally share the pool.
Six guests, four-bedroom
Price: $267 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This luxury villa has its own private beach and offers sweeping views of the ocean. With seven bedrooms accommodating up to 12 guests, it’s perfect for large parties. The property has four levels, each with its own balcony, central lounge spaces between bedrooms, a modern kitchen, and extensive covered patio
Twelve guests, seven bedrooms
Price: $877 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This relaxing hideaway comes equipped with a garden and private pool for the ultimate zen experience. Accommodating ten guests in four bedrooms, the house is great for larger groups, and at just three minutes from the beach and seven minutes from the airport, the convenience is unparalleled. 
Ten guests, four bedrooms
Price: $385 per night
November 10, 2021
Booking.com has 30% off stays and 20% off cars for Black Friday
The holidays are approaching, which means it’s time for Christmas shopping and more importantly sales. Booking.com is leading the charge this year with its outrageous Black Friday deals. For this holiday season and for the first time, Booking.com is bringing cheer all around the country by offering 30 percent off participating accommodations across the US and 20 percent off car rentals!
We hope you love the Black Friday deals 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. See our full Advertiser Disclosure here.
Photo: Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek/Booking.com
Booking.com has accommodation options anywhere around the country from stylish boutiques in Nashville, cool urban stays in The Big D, Dallas, to hotels across the country that go all out for the holidays.
Photo: Hotel del Coronado/Booking.com
The epic sale will kick off on November 18 and deals will carry through for a two-week shopping period until December 1. Booking.com’s Black Friday extravaganza can be applied to accommodation or car rental through to June 30, 2022.
So, if you’re looking for a last-minute trip away this winter, or planning on a spring or early summer getaway, bookmark Booking.com’s sale landing page. From November 18, participating properties and car rentals will be marked with a Black Friday badge.
Loire Valley adventurous activities
With an opulent castle seemingly on every hilltop, excellent food, and world-class wines, the Loire Valley understandably captivates visitors. But there’s more to the region than its history of extravagant nobility and their sprawling palaces, or “châteaux”. The region is also home to nature reserves, rivers, and forests. By e-biking or captaining your own electric boat, you can take in the sight from a less-traveled angle. These are just some of the ways to add a splash of adventure to your Loire Valley visit.
1. Ride a bike through the Loire Valley
Photo: Noelle Alejandra Salmi
The Loire Valley is very bike-friendly, with rideable paths running for miles alongside rivers, across wooded parks, and through photogenic towns. Generous signage indicates the many biking routes — although you may want to consult Google Maps as a backup. On a bike trip from the town of Blois to Chaumont-sur-Loire, a friend and I took more than a few wrong turns. We were grateful for our electric bikes rented from Station Bee’s bike rentals, since the e-boost made the many wrong turns more humorous than exhausting.
The electric power, however, did not help us pedal fast enough to find cover and avoid getting absolutely soaked by afternoon rain showers. Normally, September is a dry month in the Loire Valley — and, indeed, most of our visit, including the hours before and after our bike ride, was under dry or even sunny skies.
2. Explore the Loire Valley’s Sologne wilderness
Photo: Noelle Alejandra Salmi
The 200-square-mile Sologne is a lowland region of the Loire Valley that today is part of Natura 2000, a network of natural areas. The largely private landowners of these areas are bound by rules designed to protect threatened habitats and the species that rely on them.
Royalty in France has been messing with the Sologne for centuries, planting non-native trees, among them hardy Scott’s pines, to turn this massive marshland into usable and navigable land. But perhaps the very fact that it once was a wetlands, known for its mosquitos, is what has slowed development in the Sologne and kept it wild.
Centuries ago, “It probably looked like Scotland, with turf and peat,” our guide Bernadette Vallée, who runs Walk in Sologne, told us. Today, it’s owned by old French aristocrats, area residents who buy small plots for retirement, and, said Vallee, the newly rich, not all of them French, who buy hundreds or thousands of hectares at once. “It’s a very fashionable area,” she said.
Vallée, an accredited mountaineer who is as happy in the highest peaks as in the flat and serene Sologone landscape, has encyclopedic knowledge of the area, pointing out the oak, chestnut, and maple trees, along with a smattering of poplars and willows, that preceded the imported pines. We also passed by a lake, and she explained how monks in the middle ages added drainage systems to create bodies of water and fill them with perch and carp. Beyond that, a sheep suited to the Sologne’s wet conditions was long ago introduced, less appreciated for the texture of its wool than its tasty meat.
In fact, the cuisine of the Sologne is best known for its charcuterie offerings, including sausages made from acorn-fed boar and paté made from wild boar, deer, and other game animals. Other Sologne residents that are fortunately not on the menu include red squirrels, martens, and weasels, while birds like terns, warblers, and stunning black-necked grebes abound in the trees and on the lakes.
You could bring binoculars to take in the various birds, or simply enjoy the birdsong as you hike or bike through Sologne’s many miles of trails. As we examined a sign, Vallée pointed out that the white- and red-marked trails represent multi-day hikes, while the yellow trails are hiked in a few hours.
3. Sample Loire wines like a kid in a candy shop
Photo: Noelle Alejandra Salmi
It’s hard to visit the Loire Valley without checking out the Château de Chambord, if for no other reason than that it is the largest chateau in the region. Constructed as a hunting residence for King François I in an over-the-top French Renaissance style, today the castle impresses more with its collection of turrets and sheer immensity than with its trimmings — seeing as its largely free of furnishing and much of anything else inside.
Nonetheless, if you do visit the Château de Chambord, there a bonus afterwards for legal adults. A barn-like house on the chateau’s grounds hosts the Maison des Vins Chambord, where you can have a wine tasting experience that is more like entering a self-serve candy shop. If you’d rather partake in a more traditional tasting experience, every evening, the knowledgeable person working at the Maison has a selection of about four wines for you to try.
But, since the Maison has over 50 wines to taste, they’ve devised a way for you to sample the many selections. Interested tasters can purchase a card that gives them the option to taste four wines. You can consult a booklet with descriptions of each to decide which to taste. If your traveling partner buys a card too, and you’ve tasted some wines at the counter — that’s 12 wines right there. While not exactly refined, the experience is very fun. Lest you forget entirely what you just tried, take notes!
4. Captain a boat on the River Cher to the Château Chenonceau
Photo: Noelle Alejandra Salmi
The Château de Chenonceau changed ownership from one very entitled woman to another — from royal mistress to royal spouse to patron of the arts. The feminine touch can be admired in the castle’s elegant architecture and its stunning gardens. When I visited in September, rich purples and white were the garden’s predominant hues, irresistible in their simplicity. What makes the castle most famous, though, may well be its location. Not only did the castle’s bridge over the River Cher help to enrich its occupants, since a toll was charged to all who wanted to pass, but it helped to make it one of the loveliest castles in the Loire Valley. Its beauty was further enhanced after Francis I’s wife, Catherine de Medici, took over the castle from Francis’s mistress and had a two-story gallery added atop the famous bridge.
You can take in the chateau from a different viewpoint than is usually afforded most visitors by renting an electric boat from La Bélandre. No boating license, nor even any boating experience at all, is needed — as long as you listen closely to the directions offered and pay €35 ($40). The boats go at a rather slow speed, returning upriver even more slowly. The electric motor makes for a quiet cruise under the willow trees that is almost poetic, especially when you pass under the castle’s bridge to admire it from the other side. The gentle ride was an unexpected highlight of my Loire visit.
5. Visit a different kind of garden
Photo: Noelle Alejandra Salmi
Somehow, the gardens of the Château de Villandry are even more impressive than those of Chenonceau — with vast geometric patterns creating vivid displays made as enthusiastically with flowers as with lettuces and gourds. It’s a gardening triumph that’s very much worth a visit. But that’s almost a given, and it’s bound to be in your itinerary anyway, Matador Network recommend in our piece on the basics of visiting the Loire.
Before you go to Villandry, take an afternoon to check out another sort of garden entirely — that of the Château de Chaumont. Here, the palace’s vast green spaces have been given over to winners of a tough annual competition for which landscape artists and other creative types submit entries. They’re vying for the right to design special gardens on the Chaumont grounds. The 2021 theme was biomimicry, or the way that humans can take inspiration from nature to design something new, and all the winning designs played on that idea.
The resulting gardens were spectacular, with some celebrating the fractals that nature creates, natural irrigation systems that flow around trees or bamboo, or the perfect temperature regulation achieved in giant termite mounds. Using the natural world to teach and inspire was a welcome break from the royal excess of other nonetheless beautiful gardens.
6. Sleep in the canopy in the Loire Valley
Photo: Noelle Alejandra Salmi
The Loire Valley has lodging options to match any type of vacation style and budget. If you want a relaxed stay that focuses on the area’s natural surroundings, then the no-frills cabins of Lodges de Blois Chambord could be what you are looking for. If that won’t quite do it for you, the Manoir de Contres promises a lot of personal charm at an affordable price point. For those who’ve gotten used to the minimalist style of an airbnb, the Manoir is anything but — decorated much as it probably was a hundred years ago. But the charming couple who own and run it add the homey touch you might find at a classic bed & breakfast. There are even castles you can stay in.
At the opposite end of the budget/luxury spectrum from the cabins, you’ll find French countryside elegance at Les Sources de Cheverny, an estate tucked into the woods, complete with a small chateau with lots of living space to entertain and play carom billiards or other parlor games. Also on the grounds are several updated cabins, a pond, horses, indoor and outdoor pools, and a complete spa with treatment rooms. Add to that two unforgettable restaurants, and you have one romantic getaway. If you can get there early in the week, evening rates might only be 170 Euros ($195) per night, while weekend rates can get as high as 700 Euros ($800) nightly.
Or you could throw out the whole spectrum altogether and try something utterly different — an option that combines the best of all of them, tossing together cabins, luxury, and quirkiness. Rather than drawing on France’s royal history, this option celebrates nature and art, as the creator and owner Anne-Caroline Frey was and remains deeply involved in the art world. What she has created on her family’s land is a hideaway of 18 elevated cabins, each hidden away in a stretch of this 750-acre forest, and each with its own feel, decorated by a different artist. Waking up high in the canopy, you feel as if you are in the coziest treehouse every built. Rates start at 270 Euros ($310) per night.
Malibu’s Nobu Ryokan will run you $2,000 a night – is it worth it?
It’s hard to spot the Nobu Ryokan from the busy stretch of Pacific Coast Highway that it sits on. The hotel is unassuming from the outside, but when you step foot in the Japanese Garden, the hustle and bustle from outside disappear. It’s one of the most exclusive properties in Southern California and one of the only truly beachfront properties in LA County, a city known for amazing beaches. The price tag is steep with rates starting at $2,000. The rooms are perfectly simple in an ultra-luxurious sort of way. The bathrooms are outfitted with traditional Japanese wood soaking tubs, the sitting areas are positioned for ocean views, and the service is impeccable.
Using the Nobu as your hub, this is the perfect way to spend an over-the-top weekend in Malibu, even you aren’t there to surf.
Photo: Jenna Kim Photographyi/Shutterstock
FridayCheck into the Nobu and don’t leave. Watch the sunset from your terrace, light a fire and enjoy some wine. The hotel can deliver from the famous Nobu Restuarant which is just a few doors down. The Miso Black Cod is amazing, it is a classic and it is absolutely worth it. Tuck into your bed and fall asleep to the sound of the Pacific.
Photo: Martin Bialkowski/Shutterstock
SaturdayIf you are the type of person who wakes with the sun with plans to exercise, leave the hotel beachside and walk to the Malibu Pier. At the end of it, you will find Malibu Farm Cafe. Order your breakfast and head to the roof to enjoy it perched above the blue waters. If you are more of a rise at noon person, the hotel will order Malibu Farm for you and have it delivered to your suite. The Swedish pancakes are delicious.
Photo: Frank Fell Media/Shutterstock
After breakfast head to the Cure Spa for a massage or treatment of your choice. Feeling relaxed and happy it’s onto the Malibu Country Mart which is full of local shops and eateries. After the shopping is done follow the line to Broad Street Oyster Co. and get the local live sea urchin. Or, if you are a less adventurous eater, the pasta with Sea Urchin Butter. If seafood is your thing, you can even learn to forage your own.
Make it back to the hotel for sunset and take advantage of the included mini-bar while you watch the day fade away from your terrace.
You now have a decision to make, back out for dinner? Or more cuddle time and take out by the fireplace? If you do venture back out, Geoffrey’s Malibu is a classic, offering California cuisine high on the hillside.
Photo: Suite Bathroom/Nobu Ryokan
SundaySleep in as long as you can. Take a stroll on the beach, order a lite breakfast from the hotel. Check out at the last possible moment to savor the quiet and calm that the Nobu is known for.
Head to Lily’s Malibu for breakfast burritos. The line is long, but worth it. Pro-tip, order ahead so that they are ready on arrival.
Your last stop in Malibu is El Matador Beach, one of the most Instagram-able beaches in California. From the parking lot climb down to the beach stairs and get your photos of the rock caves, formations, and that famous pacific blue.
Photo: thegoodnarrative.co/Shutterstock
A company tried to rank the best tailgating towns and missed the whole point of college football
Best of lists can be fun. The best coffee cities, for example, or the best cities for a staycation. They can also be horribly, horribly off track like this “study” from SimpleTexting that ranks the best college football towns to tailgate in.
Any type of ranking is going to be subjective. Even for rankings that add in quantitative aspects, the subjectivity comes in when whoever is doing the ranking chooses which quantitative aspects matter.
Like many of these best of lists that get thrown around, SimpleTexting lacks a direct tie to what it’s trying to rank. The company sells advertising campaigns around sending texts directly to people’s phones (or, in company jargon, “ridiculously successful mass text messaging campaigns).
The “study” used data from 117 Division 1 college football towns based on six factors “that affect the quality of a tailgating party” (technically the blog at the time of publication says there are five factors, but six are listed): stadium capacity, ticket cost, number of bars, total annual precipitation, enrollment, and revenue by team.
The top 10 are:
Austin, Texas (University of Texas)Columbus, Ohio (Ohio State University)Seattle, Washington (University of Washington)Ann Arbor, Michigan (University of Michigan)State College, Pennsylvania (Penn State)Tempe, Arizona (Arizona State University)Los Angeles, California (University of Southern California)College Station, Texas (Texas A&M)Los Angeles, California (University of California, Los Angeles)Minneapolis, Minnesota (University of Minnesota)Ignoring the fact that Los Angeles is listed twice, this is admittedly (mostly) a list of schools with very fun college football atmospheres. It’s far from a true “best” tailgating cities list, though, for one major reason: the company ignored the regional traditions that make a college tailgate special in the first place.
While after-game bar hopping is fun, traditions are what make college football games. There are a lot of Division 1 schools to consider, so there had to be some way to narrow it down. But SimpleTexting narrowed it down in a way that almost entirely cut out the Division 1 conference possibly most known for college football where the slogan is “it just means more”: the SEC.
Photo: Auburn FootballFacebook
Full disclosure: I’m biased. I went to Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, where the town nickname is the “Loveliest Village on the Plains.” Going to college in the South means seeing many of the best college football game day experiences first hand. On game days, most of the town shuts down — something that’s terrible for traffic, but great for tailgating. Live bands play on fraternity house lawns, people dive into troughs of beer to do dunkaroos, and barbecues are everywhere.
Auburn won’t win any awards for the most bars in part because the town itself is only about 64,000. More than 30,000 of those, however, are students. Rather than a football game being one thing happening among many big city events like in Austin or LA, the football game is the thing that’s happening.
Similar things can be said about plenty of other SEC schools that didn’t meet SimpleTexting’s criteria (and even things to be said for the one that did).
Take the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. The city has a respectable nightlife scene, but when it comes to tailgating experiences, watering holes are far less notable than the actual water. Hundreds of boats in the Vol Navy crowd the Tennessee River to tailgate on the water before kickoff. If someone says bar hoping in LA is a better tailgate experience than a boat tailgate, there are bigger questions about priorities to be asked. (Washington, it should be noted, also has a boat tailgate culture but made the list for other reasons.)
That’s just one of the many snubbed traditions that a “best of” list like this can’t gather. Auburn has its famous toilet-paper-covered Toomer’s Corner after a win, there are tailgates on train cars at the University of South Carolina, Ole Miss has The Grove (a 10-square-acre quad that is wall-to-wall tailgate tents), and LSU has Bayou food cooked on fields and parking lots that tops any fancy catered tailgate food you’d find elsewhere.
Texas A&M made the list for other reasons, but deserves a spot for its massive stadium and enthusiastic fan base. Not mentioned is the Midnight Yell tradition done the night before when tens of thousands of fans run through the school’s many cheers, and on game day the fans stand the entirety of the game in the Home of the 12th Man.
SEC football traditions put the South at the top of best tailgating experiences everywhere you look, from six of the top 10 in Bleacher Report’s ranking, to four of the top 10 on 247Sports, to five of the top 10 on Insider.
But it’s not even just an SEC thing. Iowa has some of the best tailgating in the country, and Oklahoma’s tailgates are legendary.
Are these rankings from companies that have nothing to do with the subject matter fun? Many times, yes. But if you want to talk college football and tailgating, you have to talk about the regionally specific traditions that make each Division 1 school notable.
10 of the coolest hotels in Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is one of the most desirable vacation destinations in the US, and it’s no surprise why. The huge freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains between California and Nevada is known both nationally and internationally for its beaches, ski resorts, state park, and hiking trails. Airbnbs in Tahoe might have usurped the popularity of traditional hotels recently, but it is also home to dozens of great hotels bursting with character. For the best way to experience the largest alpine lake in North America, check out one of these Lake Tahoe hotels.
We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication. See our full Advertiser Disclosure here.
1. The Coachman Hotel
Photo: The Coachman Hotel
The Coachman is located in South Lake Tahoe, and has a seasonal outdoor pool, on-site bar, and even a private beach area.
Photo: The Coachman Hotel
You’ll also be within convenient driving distance of the Heavenly Ski Resort Gondola, the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, the South Tahoe Ice Arena, and places to golf and bike.
Price: $129 per night
2. The Landing Resort and Spa
Photo: The Landing Tahoe/Facebook
The Landing Resort and Spa is one of the most convenient hotels around Lake Tahoe. It’s right near the Heavenly Village Ski Resort and offers free transportation to the Heavenly Village and Casinos.
Photo: The Landing Tahoe/Facebook
Guest rooms are spacious and luxurious, with a stone gas fireplace, and marbled bathrooms with heated floors. There’s also a full-service spa onsite, a rooftop terrace, fire pits, and a patio with lake views.
Price: $299 per night
3. South Lake Chalets
Photo: South Lake Chalets
Located in South Lake Tahoe, the South Lake Chalets are close to Nevada Beach, the South Tahoe Ice Arena, and Washoe Meadows State Park.
Photo: South Lake Chalets
The chalets are large two-bedroom suites with spacious kitchen and dining areas, a walk-in rain shower, and a large living area that opens into a sunroom. You’ll also find yourself just a ten-minute talk from the Heavenly Village and Gondola, casinos, and Lakeside Beach.
$167 per night
4. Black Bear Lodge
Photo: Black Bear Lodge
Black Bear Lodge in South Lake Tahoe is just a half-mile from the lake and one mile from the Gondola at Heavenly.
Photo: Black Bear Lodge
All rooms at the lodge have a flat-screen TV, stone gas fireplace, and an authentic ski lodge feel that’ll hit the spot. It’s also near El Dorado Beach, Lakeside Beach, and Thomas F. Regan Memorial Beach, so the location really can’t be beat.
Price: $189 per night
5. Granlibakken Tahoe
Photo: The Granlibakken/Facebook
Granlibakken Tahoe sits on 74 acres of woodland and features a heated outdoor pool and tennis courts on the property.
Photo: The Granlibakken/Facebook
The hotel is home to a ski and sledding hill, skiing school and rental shop, bike rentals, and hiking trails, so you don’t even have to leave the property to enjoy the area. If you do venture out, the hotel is also just a few miles away from Burton Creek State Park and the Truckee River — a popular rafting spot.
Price: $159 per night
6. PlumpJack Inn
Photo: PlumpJack Inn
Nestled among the trees with mountain views, the PlumpJack Inn is everything you could want from a ski resort.
Photo: PlumpJack Inn
Located in Olympic Valley, this ski-in, ski-out property has onsite dining, a ski wear rental shop, and an outdoor pool and hot tub. There’s also an outdoor patio and sundeck where guests can relax.
Price: $240 per night
7. Basecamp Tahoe South
Photo: Basecamp/Facebook
Just a five-minute walk from Heavenly Mountain ski area and the shore of Lake Tahoe, Basecamp Tahoe South is one of the most conveniently-located boutique hotels in Tahoe.
Photo: Basecamp/Facebook
Its rooms have a rustic wood aesthetic, there’s a rooftop hot tub, and even a courtyard with picnic tables, fire pits, and lawn games. At night, head over to the Horizon Casino or Mont Blue Casino, which are both just a 10-minute walk away.
Price: $109 per night
8. Edgewood Tahoe Resort
Photo: Edgewood Tahoe Resort
This resort is right on the beachfront and just under a mile from Nevada Beach. With a restaurant, bar, private beach, an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and evening entertainment, however, you’ll never even need to leave the hotel.
Photo: Edgewood Tahoe Resort
The resort is also conveniently located near popular hiking trails, and ski equipment can be rented directly from the hotel.
Price: $399 per night
9. Marriott’s Timber Lodge
Photo: Marriott
At the base of Heavenly Ski Basin, this lodge offers suites equipped with spacious seating areas and full kitchens or kitchenettes.
Photo: Marriott
Guests can dine at the property’s Fire and Ice restaurant, a grill serving Mongolian-style dishes and Asian-inspired cuisine. You can conveniently take the gondola up to the mountain for skiing, hike the Mount Tallac Trail, or relax in the Carson Hot Springs.
Price: $149 per night
10. Hotel Azure
Photo: Hotel Azure
Right across the street from Lake Tahoe, Hotel Azure has an onsite restaurant, seasonal outdoor pool, and rooms with private balconies or patios overlooking the lake.
Photo: Hotel Azure
Free bikes are available for guests who’d like to explore the surrounding trails on wheels, and for a leisurely stroll that isn’t exactly rugged, the Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course is just two miles away.
Price: $118 per night
More like thisWhere to Stay8 of the most stylish boutique hotels in Sonoma CountyThe best 14 Airbnbs near Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is the home of some of the US’ most beautiful natural wonders, like Glacier Point, Yosemite Falls, and El Capitan. Located in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, the park is known for its massive sequoia trees and dramatic granite cliffs, as well as the shopping and restaurants of Yosemite Village. Your Yosemite experience will be memorable no matter where you spend the night, but choosing the right Yosemite Airbnb can really take your trip to the next level. From a luxury cabin in the woods to a rustic river lodge, these are the best Airbnb Yosemite rentals to bookmark for your next trip.
We hope you love the Airbnb Yosemite 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. See our full Advertiser Disclosure here.
Airbnb Yosemite rentals for solo travelers and couplesAirbnb Yosemite rentals for small groups and familiesAirbnb Yosemite rentals for large groups and gatheringsThe best Yosemite Airbnbs for solo travelers and couples1. Barn loft on a 60-acre homestead
Photo: Airbnb
This cozy loft apartment is located in a detached barn on a six-acre property.
Photo: Airbnb
It’s just a short drive from the park entrance, Pinecrest Lake, Dodge Ridge Ski Resort, Black Oak Casino, and the hiking trails of the Stanislaus National Forest. It’s perfect for those with electric vehicles, too, coming with two Tesla electric car chargers.
Four guests, studio
Price: $141 per night
Photo: Airbnb
There’s nothing like visiting Yosemite and having a view of El Capitan without even leaving your living room. Well, the living room of this cabin offers a stunning eastern view of the famous rock formation, so you’ll be able to experience the park’s natural beauty even if your lazier side prevails.
Photo: Airbnb
The place also comes with two sets of hiking poles, two daypacks, a YETI ice chest, a picnic blanket and a small table.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $435 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Just a short drive from the floor of Yosemite Valley, this cabin has an open floor plan and a wrap-around deck with beautiful views.
Photo: Airbnb
It also features lofted ceilings, white oak floors, a reading nook, and a spacious kitchen perfect for accommodating large parties of 10 or more.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $625 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This lodge sits on 20 private acres with a river running right through the property.
Photo: Airbnb
Located between two entrances of Yosemite, the lodge is conveniently an hour from Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias, and just a few minutes drive from shops, museums, live music, and restaurants in historic Mariposa.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $450 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This peaceful A-frame cabin is nestled in a quiet residential neighborhood, and defined by its knotty pine ceilings and walls, and simple decor.
Photo: Airbnb
It’s just five minutes from downtown Twain Harte, 30 minutes from Pinecrest Lake, and 90 minutes from Yosemite National Park. The house is also kid-friendly, coming with puzzles, board games, toys, and a Pack and Play.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $167 per night
Photo: Airbnb
The Red Fox Retreat is an A-frame mountain chalet with cathedral ceilings and huge picture windows overlooking a forest of Yosemite Pine trees.
Photo: Airbnb
It has one bedroom, a loft, and two bathrooms across three levels, as well as a BBQ and chairs on a deck.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $398 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This hilltop retreat is just two miles from downtown Mariposa, yet located in a relaxing and secluded area with unrivaled views of the Sierra.
Photo: Airbnb
The views here are best enjoyed from the property’s deck, pool, and of course, hot tub. There are even outdoor speakers, so you can really set the mood while soaking up the scenery.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $497 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This spacious three-bedroom house in Yosemite West can sleep 10 people, making it perfect for large groups and family vacations.
Photo: Airbnb
You’ll enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding mountains while being conveniently located near the Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, and the Sequoia Grove.
Ten guests, three bedrooms
Price: $595 per night
Photo: Airbnb
One of the closest Yosemite Airbnbs to the Yosemite Valley, this lodge is part of a small cluster of homes inside the gates of the park itself.
Photo: Airbnb
Mixing a luxury aesthetic with the coziness of a mountain cabin, the lodge has a huge living room with 20-foot vaulted ceilings, a game room with video games and ping pong, and a deck opening off the dining room so you can eat outdoors.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $619 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This lodge-style cabin is equipped with large picture windows, so you’ll always have a view of the surrounding mountains and forest.
Photo: Airbnb
It has a front porch and back deck with plenty of seating, and a gas grill for cooking. When you book this cabin, you’ll be allowed to enter the park during the May 21 through September 30 ticketed entry period.
Ten guests, three bedrooms
Price: $611 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This Yosemite Airbnb is one of the most unique you’ll find. The new three-bedroom home is part treehouse, part cabin, with a fireplace, arcade, and even an electric vehicle charger.
Photo: Airbnb
It also has outdoor patios with tables and chairs, decks with a BBQ, and a large parking lot that can accommodate three vehicles.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $602 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Built in the Arts and Crafts tradition, this three-story house has a wood interior, vaulted living room, leaded doors, and speckled granite kitchen countertops.
Photo: Airbnb
Each bedroom has a three-window alcove and rounded window seat for viewing the surrounding scenery. Perhaps most uniquely, the two bathrooms are tiled with an Indian theme and arts and crafts wood shelving.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $639 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Bears Den and Little Bear is a duplex home with three bedrooms across two separate units.
Photo: Airbnb
Together, they can accommodate up to 12 guests and can only be rented together. The wooden exterior blends nicely with the surrounding trees, and the rustic interior will make you feel right at home
Twelve guests, three bedrooms
Price: $844 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This Craftsman-style house has a living room with a vaulted cottage-style plank ceiling and a river rock fireplace, as well as a fully stocked kitchen with a stylish farmhouse sink and modern appliances.
Photo: Airbnb
There’s also a covered front porch with forest and mountain views, a gas BBQ, and comfy rocking chairs. Conveniently, the house is located inside the gates of the national park, and close to Yosemite Valley, Badger Pass Ski Area, and Wawona.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $618 per night
November 9, 2021
The difference between the types of cannabis edibles you’ll find in a dispensary
It’s easy to be immediately overwhelmed by the types of edibles at dispensaries in recreational cannabis states. As Bob Eschino, cofounder and president of Medically Correct, puts it, “It’s like being a real grocery store now.”
When he and his business partners were getting started more than a decade ago, they were one of the first in the country to have a license to manufacture regulated cannabis. From starting as a small baked goods company to working with THC emulsifying technology, Eschino has just about seen it all.
One of the biggest changes is how THC consistency has reached new levels from what was comparatively the Wild West in dosage in the early days of recreational cannabis. Back then, strength was often listed as one times, two times, or three times strength. That obviously means nothing if you don’t know how much THC is in that first level.
Today, there are many cannabis products perfect for a quick layover or a long weekend trip at the best dispensaries in America (just know these recreational dispensary tips if it’s your first time shopping). And you’d be hard pressed to find an edible in a recreational state that doesn’t have the potency clearly labeled in milligrams and size of dose on each edible. Still, there are subtle differences to note depending on what you purchase. Here’s what you need to know about each main type of edible.
What are edibles made of?
Photo: Visualistka/Shutterstock
A fat like butter was long the only vessel you’d see used to put THC into food. It’s easy to cook with (every baked good needs a fat, after all) and it’s relatively easy to use fat to extract THC from the plant. In recent years, new extraction methods have come about that can extract just the THC and leave the other dozens of cannabinoids in the plant. Other innovations, like nano-emulsification, allow companies to break down THC into water-soluble particles.
“Many companies have invested in advanced distillation systems, which extract higher-quality material, with more pure THC, to be infused into products,” says Dr. Elizabeth Ardillo, director of medical education at Green Thumb Industries. “Post-extraction processes have also improved, as manufacturers can now more effectively remove undesired components such as fats, waxes and chlorophyll, making for a tastier end product.”
Nano-emulsification is relatively new. Microscopic particles of cannabis oil are mixed with an emulsifier to allow the THC to dissolve in water. The small molecules are absorbed by the body faster in your mouth and stomach lining (and goes through your body faster).
“An emulsifier allows more control, and users can control the effects a little better because the edible allows for faster and more full absorption,” Eschino says when talking about Medically Correct’s brand Quik. Timing ranges from about 15 minutes initial onset to full effect in 45 minutes to an hour. The high also dissipates faster.
As for the other ingredients in an edible, it all depends on what you’re eating. There are classy, infused chocolate bonbons that are filled with ganache and hand painted from the likes of Cloud11; vegan gummies like those from Wana; and hoppy sparkling water with THC in it like Lagunitas Hi-Fi.
How are edibles different from smoking?
Photo: VDB Photos/Shutterstock
The THC that people typically think of as the type that gets them high is called delta-9-THC. This is what’s responsible for the way you feel after smoking a joint. When delta-9-THC is metabolized in the liver, it turns to 11-hydroxy-THC. How your body handles 11-hydroxy-THC depends on age, sex, tolerance, and other factors, but it hits the body much harder.
Studies are scarce, but one lab analysis found that, when it comes to effects, 1 milligram of THC in an edible is equivalent to about 5.71 milligrams of THC smoked.
What you eat beforehand matters as well. A large meal before an edible could slow down how long before your body started to digest the THC, thereby delaying the effects. People with fast metabolisms may feel the THC faster as well because it is processed by their body faster.
Timing is another thing to keep in mind. Studies have found that the peak effect from smoking cannabis comes on about 20 to 30 minutes after smoking and fades after two to three hours. Edibles can start to kick in 30 to 90 minutes after ingesting and peak at two to four hours.
Bad edible experiences like the notorious misguided experience that columnist Maureen Dowd wrote about for the New York Times can be attributed to how long it takes to metabolize the THC. Someone may eat an edible, not feel anything for an hour and a half, and then eat more. Then the high hits all at once. That’s easily avoidable these days, and choosing the right type of edible is one easy way to control your experience.
“A common mistake people make when consuming edibles is taking too much,” Ardillo says. “They’ll take more after not yet feeling the effects they’re expecting, and then it’s too late to backtrack.” Fast-acting technology has taken out some of the guesswork. “With fast-acting edibles, consumers can more precisely assess and control their experience.”
Types of edibles
Photo: Andrei Bortnikau/Shutterstock
Chocolate and baked goods:The high fat content means much of the THC will reach the liver and be processed into 11-hydroxy-THC. It may hit slower (give it around 90 minutes to two hours) but hit harder and the high may last longer.
Cannabis chocolates and baked goods to try: Cloud11, Incredibles, Big Pete’s Treats
Mints and hard candy:These dissolve in your mouth, so are absorbed in the blood relatively quickly. Effects start fast for an edible and also last a shorter amount of time relative to other types of edibles.
“Consumers taking edible products that dissolve in the mouth or sublingually, like mints or tarts, can expect to feel effects quicker than taking products that are chewed, like cookies or chocolate bars,” says Dr. Elizabeth Ardillo, director of medical education at Green Thumb Industries. “With sublinguals, absorption occurs through the mucus membranes, whereas chewable edibles are first absorbed in the GI tract before the active ingredients enter the bloodstream.”
Cannabis mints and hard candy to try: Petra
Cannabis drinks:It took some time for researchers to figure out how to make THC, which binds to hydrophobic fat, water soluble, but now there’s a range of products using nano-emulsification. Nano-emulsification is relatively new. Microscopic particles of cannabis oil are mixed with an emulsifier to allow the THC to dissolve in water. The small molecules are absorbed by the body faster in your mouth and stomach lining (and goes through your body faster).
Companies like SōRSE claims results between 10 to 20 minutes, while Vertosa’s water-dispersible solutions (the company behind the THC in Drinks like Keef and Lagunitas Hi-Fi) claim an average onset of 8 minutes. Just be sure to check the dose of your drink — beverages can span between 2 milligrams and 10 milligrams per container.
Cannabis drinks to try: Keef, Lagunitas Hi-Fi Hops
Dissolvable cannabis powdersWater-soluble powders allow people to turn any drink into a cannabis drink (though it’s always advised to not mix with alcohol). These use emulsified THC, so onset is fast. Dissolve Ripple into your drink of choice, for example, and the company’s studies show measurable THC absorption in 15 minutes and a peak at around an hour. Or you can skip the dissolving and dump the powder straight on your tongue with Ripple’s Quick Sticks.
Purejuana was designed to take the place of alcoholic drinks with easy to microdose 2.5 milligram and 5 milligram dissolvable powders, as well as a 10 milligram option, that hit fast and come off fast. Plus, the strain-specific choices taste good enough to throw in a sparkling water and enjoy.
Cannabis powders to try: Ripple, Purejuana
Gummies“Compared to baked goods, it’s easier to absorb gummies and ensure you’re getting consistent dosages,” says Dr. Elizabeth Ardillo, director of medical education at Green Thumb Industries. “Plus, gummies are more shelf-stable, so consumers have greater flexibility in terms of when they decide to take them.”
Nano emulsification has been brought to gummy technology as well. Eschino adds that, “an edible typically high in sugar like a gummy is going to get in your system a little bit faster.”
Just because they’re easy to eat doesn’t mean you should lose track of the fact that they are in fact going to get you high.
“As with any cannabis product, it’s really important to know the dose of each individual unit you’re consuming and not make assumptions based on physical appearance,” says Dr. Elizabeth Ardillo, director of medical education at Green Thumb Industries. “If a gummy has 5 mg of THC per unit, then it’s easy to calculate consuming four gummy edibles will equal 20 mg of THC.” And yes, Ardillo knows full well that it can be hard to stick with just one when eating candy.
Cannabis gummies to try: Kanha, TasteBudz
The 11 coolest record stores in America for the rarest and most beautiful vinyl
Vinyl has been making a steady comeback since 2015 when Billboard magazine reported a 53 percent increase in physical album sales during the first quarter of that year. And, in the first six months of 2021 alone, 17 million vinyl records were sold in the US, showing the trend has no signs of slowing. As fans seek to show their loyalty to their favorite musicians and want something tangible to connect with the artists and their music, the local record store has returned as a place to shop and share music culture. Whether you’re a serious collector or you just like exploring unique spaces, you can’t go wrong with an hour or two at an independent record store . Not only are you likely to find a cool and quirky space with tons of memorabilia and artwork, but there’s also the great music — current favorites, special rarities, and new artists — to fall in love with. Take a look at 11 of the coolest record stores in America.
1. Amoeba Records — Berkeley, CA
Photo: Amoeba/Facebook
The Amoeba Records chain is probably the most well-known independent record store group in California and one of the coolest record stores in America. With locations in three major cities — Berkeley, Los Angeles, and San Francisco — Amoeba has become an institution when it comes to vinyl. The flagship store is in Berkeley in a building originally known as the Forum Coffee House, where young poets would come read their work for patrons. All three stores have amazing collections of new and used vinyl, as well as tons of great posters and other merchandise. Each store also hosts live performances featuring well-known and up-and-coming bands. “I distinctly remember an event with Sonic Youth there where me and my friends waited in a line to meet the band. I remember thinking they were so cool that I got very nervous and had the shakes. They signed my boyfriend’s book for me, as he was their biggest fan,” recalls one fan in a Yelp review. If you can’t visit in person yet, check out the “What’s in My Bag” web series featuring famous people shopping at Amoeba.
Address: 2455 Telegraph Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704, USA
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Address: 1855 Haight St., San Francisco, CA 94117, USA
Hours: Monday to Sunday 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Address: 6200 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA
Hours: Monday to Thursday 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM; Friday to Sunday 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Photo: Waterloo Records/Facebook
In 1982, long before Austin was the hip city it is today, Waterloo Records opened its doors as a place for music lovers to build a community. Owner John Kunz co-founded the record store with the belief that “if [Waterloo Records] was the place that people would find the music they were looking for, or discover music they didn’t know they were looking for, we would find kindred spirits.” That mission seems to be accomplished since the Austin Chronicle Readers’ Poll has named Waterloo the Best Record Store in Austin every single year since its inception. With a DIY aesthetic and a collection of vinyl, CDs, music magazines, T-shirts, posters, and local memorabilia filling the space, it’s a place where you can easily spend a few hours. The store also offers grassroots support for local bands, and is one of the most popular venues for SXSW performances, having hosted the likes of Nirvana, Animal Collective, and St Vincent through the years. Stop by here and you’ll be stepping right into the heart and guts of the local music scene.
Address: 600A N. Lamar, Austin, TX 78703, USA
Hours: Monday to Sunday 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Photo: Electric Fetus/Facebook
With a name that earned it the title “worst name for a business” from National Lampoon magazine, and the honor of being the last record store Prince visited days before he died, Electric Fetus may be the coolest store you can visit anywhere. Not only is this the place to go for music and turntables, but this wild and wacky store also carries stationery, accessories, bath and beauty products, housewares, and all kinds of knick-knacks. Plus, Electric Fetus has been open for more than fifty years, meaning it’s old enough to have a story about the owner getting arrested for putting an altered American flag (the stars were in the shape of a peace sign) in the window. There are also a number of great stories about Prince visiting the store (this was his favorite store growing up), and the infamous Streaker Sale, when shoppers were given an album and cannabis pipe for free as long as they were completely naked. In short, coming here involves expecting the unexpected.
Address: 2000 4th Ave., S Minneapolis, MN 55404, USA
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Sunday 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Photo: Reckless Records/Facebook
If you’ve been to London, you might have seen a Reckless Records store on Berwick Street. That store has a sister in Chicago, also called Reckless Records. Actually, the London record store has triplets for siblings since there are now three locations in the Windy City. If the Wicker Park location looks a little familiar, it’s because the shop’s laid-back, music-centric look was the inspiration for the record store in High Fidelity (both the movie with John Cusack and the TV show with Zoe Kravitz). With an endorsement like that, you can definitely expect a well-curated selection of albums and in-store concerts from acts like Jack White and Wild Belle. “We take pride in stocking everything from, say, the new Beyonce CD to a cassette by an up-and-coming local artist, to a reissue of a mostly unknown African psychedelic rock band or an obscure techno 12-inch,″ says Matt Jencik, head music buyer for the stores. Don’t miss the wall of ‘staff-picks’ and the hand-written reviews on new albums.
Address: 1379 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago IL 60622, USA
Hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM; Sunday 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Address: 929 W Belmont, Chicago IL 60657, USA
Hours: Monday Saturday 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM; Sunday 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Address: 26 E Madison, Chicago IL 60602, USA
Hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM; Sunday 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Photo: Second Hand Records/Facebook
Most people who talk about Second Hand Records in Brooklyn talk about how great and helpful the owner, Federico Rojas-Lavado, AKA Rico, is. The dance music fanatic and former DJ has created a haven of rare and hard-to-find house, funk, soul, techno, and jazz records in a cute and cozy space complete with a comfy couch to just sit and hang out. You can’t miss the store with its brightly colored neon lights in the window, and the vibes are impeccable as folks browse the stacks while Rico spins some tunes. “Whether you go there to buy or sell records, or just listen to what he’s currently playing in his element, grab a cup of coffee and go hang at Second Hand records in Bushwick. I guarantee you will leave refreshed, energized and most of all, musically inspired for whatever your reasons may be,” says one regular of the store in a Google review. And if you feel like you just want to leave with something to commemorate the visit, there is also a $1 crate where you can pick something up that may become a new favorite.
Address: 1165 Myrtle Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11206, USA
Hours: Monday to Saturday 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM; Sunday 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Photo: Jackpot Records/Facebook
When you step into this record store on Hawthorne Boulevard, you’re greeted with a bright red, neon-light sign that simply says ‘records.’ And Jackpot Records certainly doesn’t disappoint when it comes to an incredible selection of rarities and one-of-a-kind recordings. Owner Isaac Slusarenko once acquired the largest collection of used vinyl in Portland’s record-buying history, buying more than 125,000 vinyl LPs and 45s. Some of the oddities that came with this giant stack included “The Stars Wars Christmas Album”, a once-only release from a TV special, and a 45-inch single called “Dance the Slurp” released by 7-Eleven. Jackpot Records got its name because of the Las Vegas feel of the record store, but the real win when you go here is getting to experience in-store performances, collectibles, meet and greets, record signings, and browsing through stacks of awesome vinyl.
Address: 3574 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214 , USA
Hours: Monday to Saturday 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Sun 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Photo: Sonic Boom Records/Facebook
It’s only natural that a list talking about the coolest places for music lovers includes Seattle. And a pretty good representative for this iconic music city is Sonic Boom Records, which was established in 1997 in a converted house in the Fremont neighborhood. The record store is pretty much an institution in the music scene here, and therefore, has some pretty epic stories in its lore. “MTV’s The Real World shot a season in Seattle for five months in 1998,” remembers former owner and co-founder Nabil Ayers, “and one afternoon the entire cast of early twentysomethings invaded the store escorted by two Seattle police officers, a camera crew, and an entourage wearing satin jackets and barking into headset microphones. We had a brief, awkward, on-camera discussion about Modest Mouse with ‘Nathan’. But he didn’t buy anything, and we didn’t make the edit.” They were asked about Modest Mouse because the band cut its teeth here when they were first starting out, along with Death Cab for Cutie (whose bassist also worked there for a bit). You can’t miss the giant Sonic Boom sign out front and inside, you’ll find an excellent store to discover music from the Pacific Northwest.
Address: 2209 NW Market St, Ballard, Seattle, WA 98107, USA
Hours: Daily 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Photo: Third Man Records/Facebook
You don’t have to be a fan of Jack White or The White Stripes to appreciate the magical wonder that is the Third Man Records store, which was founded by the prolific musician in 2001. In fact, the term ‘record store’ isn’t exactly the right description for this place, because while it is a place where you can buy records, it’s also a novelties lounge, a live music venue (known as The Blue Room), a recording studio, and the headquarters for the Third Man record label. In short, Third Man Records is totally worth a stop if you love music. One of the highlights is the 1947 Voice-O-Graph recording booth where you can record two minutes of sound and leave with a six-inch vinyl of your own. Third Man Records is also the country’s only live-to-acetate venue, where live performances are etched directly on vinyl for one-of-a-kind recordings. Plus, if you’re lucky, you may even see the man himself, as happened to one lucky fan: “Jack White just happened to be there while we were there this time around”, one Google reviewer wrote. There were four guys crammed around the recording booth singing their hearts out cutting a vinyl. Kitschy, cool shop.”
Address: 623 7th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
Hours: Daily 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Photo: The Record parlour/Facebook
With a vintage feel and an extensive collection of decently priced vinyl, The Record Parlour is a great place to be browsing after you’ve hit up the Hollywood Farmers Market on a sunny California Saturday. “I haven’t been to a record store with a live DJ in a long time. It gives the place a really cool energy that makes record browsing more fun,” said a recent visitor on Yelp. Touted to have the largest online collection of vinyl in Southern California, the store also contains a crazy collection of restored jukeboxes, music and movie memorabilia, posters, and record covers. Keep an ear out for the annual Free Record Day, when you can score a record for free. The coolest thing about the store may be the rotation of local and international acts that perform live in the fantastic space, and rumor has it they once hosted a private party for Beyonce herself.
Address: 6408 Selma Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA
Hours: Daily 10:30 AM to 11:30 PM
Photo: Rooky Ricardo’s Records/Facebook
San Francisco’s Haight Ashbury neighborhood is a fantastic place for people watching and record-browsing. And, after you visit the SF branch of Amoeba, you should also check out Rooky Ricardo’s Records for a completely unique and yet very San Francisco experience. Run by Dick Vivien, whose passion for collecting soul and RnB 45s overflowed into retail, the store has reached legendary status for those in the know. “Dick is the most helpful record store guy I have ever met, without being snobby or pushy,” says one record lover on Yelp. “He offered me some whiskey on the rocks (omg, yes please!) while I listened to records on one of their many listening stations, and after I picked out a few LPs I couldn’t live without, he threw in some compilation CDs based on what I liked.” Along with the impeccable service, you’ll find insane artwork, including a bright, red light-up sign that says “soul,” and 60s kitsch everywhere you look in the form of posters, toys, bumper cars, and two brightly colored rotary phones.
Address: 419 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA
Hours: Daily 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Photo: Som Records/Facebook
With bright yellow walls and a low ceiling, Som Records is where you’re likely to find locals browsing for international records they won’t find anywhere else. The basement vinyl store carries a wide variety of new and used records, as well as rare and imported albums in a range of genres, including samba, reggae, blues, salsa, folk, and rock. Owner Neal Becton, a serious collector who spends his time crate digging to find gems for his carefully curated record store, is particularly fond of Brazilian records and travels regularly to hunt for inventory. He’s also one of the founders of the DC Record Fair, which features DJs, drinks, food, and, of course, tons of vinyl. Along with all the great records, the store is a great place to see some cool memorabilia, like James Brown figurines and vintage photos, and walls lined with old flyers, movie posters, and records.
Address: 1843 14th Street NW, Washington DC
Hours: Sunday to Thursday 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM; Friday to Saturday 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
The 9 best gay-friendly cities in the US
America the beautiful: purple mountain majesties, fruited plains, and enough rainbow-waving gay-friendly cities to make LGBTQ travelers feel at home across the country.
It’s been a tumultuous journey since early cradles of queer civilization sprouted in major American metropoles following World War II. Areas like the Castro, the West Village, and Boystown have grown, shrunk, and sometimes changed their names to reflect the ever-changing communities that live there. What hasn’t changed is the necessity for gay-friendly cities. According to a 2019 survey by Community Marketing and Insights, the number-one reason LGBTQ people travel is to relax — and for them, relaxing means visiting somewhere they know is queer-friendly, like a well-established gayborhood.
Luckily, travelers are spoiled for choice when it comes to gay-friendly cities in America. Hit up old-school communities that wear their identity on every sidewalk. Disappear into queer locales where lavender life is but an asterisk in their fabric. Modern gayborhoods are as dynamic and diverse as the alphabet-soup mafia that gave them birth. We’ve listed out our favorite safe small towns in the US, now it’s time for these nine gay-friendly cities in America to take center stage.
We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend in these gay-friendly cities! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. See our full Advertiser Disclosure here.
1. Bushwick, Brooklyn2. Andersonville, Chicago3. The Castro, San Francisco4. The Marmalade, Salt Lake City5. Midtown, Atlanta6. Hillcrest, San Diego7. Short North, Columbus8. Montrose, Houston9. Wilton Manors, Fort Lauderdale1. Bushwick, Brooklyn
Photo: Alessio Catelli/Shutterstock
The West Village might be NYC’s historic gay center, but when it comes to contemporary queer life, Bushwick is the place to be. Contrary to gay-and-lesbian haunts like Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen, this East Brooklyn nabe lives in the non-binary future. In many ways, the people and bars you’ll find in Bushwick mirror the street art-strewn blocks where they live. They’re eccentric and experimental — the perfect scene for a 20s-something in search of a wild night.
Whatever mischief you’re hoping to find, the clubs of Bushwick will deliver. Chill with a tropical cocktail on Happyfun Hideaway‘s low-key back patio, or eye your astrological match on the dance floor at Zodiac-themed Mood Ring. Hot Rabbit, a femme-flavored pop-up party, is where NYC lesbians go to cut a rug. House of Yes is a mixed queer club where guests dance in glitter-clad costumes after checking identity hangups at the door. If you’re more of a voyeur, see one of the queer-friendly burlesque shows by Company XIV.
Photo: Bushwig/Facebook
Bushwick’s LGBTQ influence extends to neighborhoods just beyond its borders. 3 Dollar Bill — located in East Williamsburg — is Brooklyn’s biggest gay-centric club. Go for high-end drag, midday dance fetes, and weekend circuit parties. The Knockdown Center, tucked into industrial Maspeth, Queens, is the site of Bushwig, an annual drag festival for the city’s funkiest gender benders.
Nightlife isn’t Bushwick’s only calling card. Spend an afternoon touring the area’s hip boutiques and contemporary art galleries, then dine at one of the neighborhood’s trendy restaurants serving international cuisine. Bushwick might be queer, but first and foremost, it’s cool.
Where to stay The Wythe Hotel
Photo: Wythe Hotel
The Wythe Hotel, a chic space with Manhattan skyline views, is a thirty-minute train ride away from all the action.
BKLYN HotelBKLYN Hotel — a minimalistic boutique hotel on the edge of Bushwick — is best for budget-conscious travelers. For those with extra dough, opt for a swankier pad in nearby Williamsburg.
2. Andersonville, Chicago
Photo: Choose Chicago/Adam Alexander Photography 2019
Chicago’s Boystown is dead — literally. In 2020, the neighborhood changed its name to Northalsted — both a joyous move toward gender inclusivity and a sign of the city’s changing landscape. Now, the boys (and everyone else) are flocking north to Andersonville — an area that’s quickly becoming the city’s LGBTQ hotspot.
Queer residents are nothing new to Andersonville. In the 1990s, this neighborhood got the name “Girlstown” thanks to a lesbian population that settled along Clark Street. Today, queer spots cater to an assorted set of locals. SoFo Tap is a laidback bear bar, Atmosphere is a gay den for go-go boys, and Meeting House Tavern provides queer folks a gathering space with board games, theme nights, and a robust selection of brews. Nobody’s Darling, a Black-owned queer cocktail bar, opened to acclaim this past year, attracting a diverse crowd that transcends age, race, and even sexuality.
Photo: Lost Larson
There’s a reason TimeOut voted Andersonville America’s coolest neighborhood in 2021 — and it isn’t all because of LGBTQ residents. Shop for feminist lit at Women and Children First, find antique oddities at Wooly Mammoth, or see a whacky black-box theater production performed by the Neo-Futurists. The neighborhood’s historically Swedish population lives on in Scandi-inspired restaurants like Svea (try the Viking Breakfast), Simon’s Tavern (order a glass of glögg), and Lost Larson, a gezellig cafe. Andersonville is the best of everything rolled into one.
Where to stay Guesthouse Hotel
Photo: Guesthouse Hotel
Staying at the Guesthouse Hotel, located near Andersonville’s southern border, is like living in an apartment. Each suite comes equipped with a full kitchen, preparing you for what life will be like when you realize you want to move here full-time. SoFo Tap and more LGBTQ haunts are all a short walk away.
3. The Castro, San Francisco
Photo: PR Image Factory/Shutterstock
The Castro is America’s quintessential gayborhood: replete with rainbows, littered with LGBTQ businesses, and simmering with queer history. Although rising rents and societal acceptance have pushed out long-time residents to places like nearby Oakland, it’s unlikely the Castro will ever lose its designation as the country’s queer mecca.
Amble along Castro Street, and you’ll see bronze plaques hailing LGBTQ pioneers embedded in the sidewalk. At the corner of Market and 17th, you’ll find the Pink Triangle Memorial honoring gay and lesbian Holocaust victims. The GLBT Historical Society, which preserves and exhibits over a century’s worth of queer history, is a cultural landmark, as is the iconic Pride flag that flies above the neighborhood. The Castro is where Harvey Milk made waves as an openly-gay politician in the 1970s. It’s where communities struggled with — and eventually overcame — the devastating AIDS crisis in the ’80s and ’90s. Twin Peaks Tavern, a watering hole open since 1972, was one of the country’s first gay bars with street-facing windows – a daring design choice in an unforgiving time. Today, you can still sip cocktails inside the vintage space while watching people pass by.
Photo: Verve Coffee
For a perfect Castro day, start by ogling the boutiques on Castro and Market Streets. Get a late-morning pick-me-up at Verve Coffee Roasters. Dolores Park Cafe serves a sensible American lunch. When the sun is shining, join the buff boys in speedos catching rays on the highest corner of Mission Dolores Park. The area, lovingly referred to as the “fruit shelf,” offers sweeping downtown views. At night, Beaux is best for dancing to top 40 pop, Hi Tops is a gay sports bar with surprisingly good food, and Moby Dick is a local queer haunt with pinball and pool. When the historic Castro Theater is open, kick back to enjoy a silver screen classic or catch a local drag show.
Where to stayParker Guest House
Photo: Parker Guest House/Facebook
Most reasonably priced hotels are around Union Square. If you want to stay near the Castro, book a room at the Parker Guest House. This cheery bed-and-breakfast, housed in a classic Edwardian complex, is a block from Mission Dolores Park.
4. The Marmalade, Salt Lake City
Photo: Austen Diamond Photography/Visit Salt Lake
Salt Lake City’s 18,000 square-foot Marmalade District might not cover the same sprawling space as the Castro, but bigger doesn’t always mean better. This tiny residential triangle north of Temple Square is indicative of a surprising fact for anyone who equates SLC with Joseph Smith’s anti-gay disciples: queer life is integrated into the everyday. With the Mormon majority slipping below 50%, several openly-gay elected officials, and an LGBTQ population that rivals Los Angeles, there’s no need for an elephantine gayborhood. Still, it’s nice to know there’s a place where your neighbors likely worship at the altar of RuPaul.
Photo: Arlo Restaurant/Facebook
It’s hard not to confuse street names like Apricot and Quince with the fruit-forward playground slurs thrown around by tween bullies, but the name Marmalade comes from fruit trees planted by early residents. The trees might be gone, but the area is still sweet. When hunger calls, sit down at Arlo for contemporary American cuisine or grab a pastry from District Coffee Co. Once you’re satiated, stroll the fruit streets to peep Gothic and Victorian architecture leftover from SLC’s Mormon heydays.
Marmalade earned the moniker gayborhood after the 2007 opening of Club Jam and the emergence of the original Utah Pride Center. Although both establishments have moved on, it only takes a short drive to reach the city’s queer haunts du jour. Five minutes will get you to Sun Trapp (the city’s most happening gay bar) and Metro Music Hall (a queer-friendly performance venue with glitzy drag shows). Laziz Kitchen, a gay-owned Meditteranean restaurant, is ten minutes away, as is LGBTQ Club Try-angles. Come for the beer-dipped wieners served during summer’s Sunday BBQs.
Where to stayKimpton Hotel Monaco
Photo: Kimpton Hotel Monaco
Give back to the queer community by staying at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco, housed in a historic downtown building from the 1860s. The boutique chain donates a portion of its proceeds to the Trevor Project – a nonprofit that provides suicide prevention services for LGBTQ youth.
5. Midtown, Atlanta
Photo: f11photo/Shutterstock
Atlanta is the LGBTQ stronghold of the South, and Midtown is its epicenter. Although hip spots like Old Fourth Ward and East Atlanta Village are equally vibrant lavender locales, Midtown has reigned supreme as the Big Peach’s go-to gayborhood since the 1970s.
Head to the rainbow-painted crosswalks at 10th and Piedmont for a night of debaucherous bar hopping. Blake’s on the Park started slinging drinks to LGBTQ customers over three decades ago, as did Bulldogs, an unpretentious dive favored by Black men. Ever-inclusive X is a southern bistro by day and a bustling bar by night. My Sister’s Room is a lesbian bar with 25 years under its belt.
Photo: High Museum of Art/Facebook
You don’t have to imbibe to enjoy this LGBTQ mecca. Midtown earns the moniker “Heart of the Arts” thanks to a healthy helping of cultural institutions lining its streets. Step inside the High Museum of Art to see over 18,000 pieces ranging from classic to contemporary, or spend a night enjoying a Broadway musical inside the ornate Fox Theater. Piedmont Park, a 185-acre urban Arcadia along the neighborhood’s north side, gives visitors a chance to escape the city bustle – unless you’re visiting for Black Pride, October Pride, or the annual Joining Hearts circuit party. These raucous meet-ups turn the green space into ground zero for the city’s largest LGBTQ gatherings.
Where to stayThe Georgian Terrace
Photo: The Georgian Terrace
Pretend you’re spooning with Rhett Butler by spending a night at The Georgian Terrace, where stars from the film Gone with the Wind stayed during the 1939 premiere.
Hotel IndigoIf, frankly, my dear, you don’t give a damn about old-school Hollywood, try Hotel Indigo — a sleek, modern spot across the street from the Fox.
6. Hillcrest, San Diego
Photo: San Diego
If the 65-foot Pride flag at the heart of Hillcrest doesn’t prove you’re in the center of San Diego’s LGBTQ sanctuary, walk the neighborhood’s pedestrian-friendly streets. You’ll see rainbows outside Urban Mo’s, the “hetero-friendly” bar and restaurant. There are more rainbows outside Rich’s, a gay club that attracts dance-happy locals. Rainbows welcome guests at Hillcrest Brewing Company, dubbed the world’s first gay brewery, and rainbows greet visitors to the San Diego LGBTQ Community Center, one of the nation’s largest queer support organizations. The neighborhood even named a street after queer icon Harvey Milk and quite literally paved the roads with rainbows.
Photo: Hillcrest Brewing Company
Hillcrest isn’t only about waving flags — it’s also about having fun. Throughout the year, blocks between Washington Street and Balboa Park erupt with celebratory shindigs. Honor Queer Christmas by wearing a costume to Nightmare on Normal Street, a Halloween-themed bash that haunts the neighborhood every October. Trade beads with boys at Hillcrest Mardi Gras, February’s Fat Tuesday fest, or scope out local artisans at CityFest, locally known as “Pride Light.” The neighborhood’s biggest event is undoubtedly San Diego Pride. Every July, over 200,000 people take to the streets for the weekend block party and parade.
Get a taste for local life by strolling around Sunday’s farmers’ market or dining at the LGBTQ-owned insideOUT. Snap a photo of the iconic Hillcrest sign hanging above University Avenue before perusing crafty boutiques and vintage stores.
Where to stayHillcrest House Bed and Breakfast
Photo: Hillcrest House
Make San Diego your home away from home by staying at Hillcrest House Bed and Breakfast. The LGBTQ-friendly digs, located close to the neighborhood’s center, feature five cozy rooms in a two-story home. For something more secluded, rent their historic off-site bungalow, built-in 1915, and updated with modern amenities.
7. Short North, Columbus
Photo: Experience Columbus
When it comes to queer Midwestern cities, Columbus takes the cake. With more LGBTQ residents per capita than Chicago, it’s possible to find slices of gayborhoods in several areas throughout town. For the most significant piece, stop by Short North — the self-identifying arts district sandwiched between Ohio State University and the city’s sprawling sports arena.
Head down High Street, the neighborhood’s artery, and you may wonder if this is a gayborhood at all. Art galleries outnumber gay bars, and street art is more common than Pride flags. Still, if you want a raucous night of dancing to Britney or belting with Barbra, this is the place to be. Axis is the city’s biggest LGBTQ dance club, and gay-friendly Union Cafe serves food, drinks, and a Sunday Showtunes event with a serious following.
Photo: Experience Columbus/Facebook
Every June, the Pride parade marches straight through Short North’s center, and every October, HighBall attracts a queer-leaning crowd to a fashion-forward costume contest. Part of Short North’s appeal is its radical inclusivity. This anything-goes attitude takes corporeal form during the annual Doo-Dah Parade, a July 4th spectacle where the only expectation for participants is kooky self-expression. Like the neighborhood it marches through, the parade isn’t necessarily gay or straight – it’s a celebration of being free.
Where to stayGraduate Columbus
Photo: Graduate Hotel/Facebook
The college-themed Graduate hotel, conveniently located one block from Short North’s gay bars, is part of an expertly-designed boutique chain found in university towns across the country. If you’re looking for quirky charm that matches Short North’s energy, there’s no better place to rest your head. Poindexter, an on-site coffee shop and bar, is a stylish place to study up on all-things C-bus.
8. Montrose, Houston
Photo: Visit Houston Texas/Facebook
In the 1970s, Montrose was described as “the strangest neighborhood east of the Pecos” – a fitting slogan for a neighborhood that defies Texas conservatism by being unabashedly queer. Just like nearby Austin and New Orleans, Montrose is a cultured stronghold for a liberal crowd. The area reached its rainbow zenith in the 1990s when roughly 40 establishments catered to queer folks. Today, there aren’t nearly as many LGBTQ businesses, but Montrose still shines bright as the Lone Star State’s greatest gayborhood.
Most of Montrose’s LGBTQ bars sit in a four-block radius around Crocker Street and Hyde Park Boulevard. There’s food and drinks at JRs, relaxed stetson style at George, and leather-wearing lads at the Ripcord. Buddy’s, an all-are-welcome watering hole, holds the distinction of being the world’s first LGBTQ bar to serve as a presidential voting location.
Photo: The Menil Collection Houston/Facebook
Leave the strip of bars to see the artsy side of Montrose. Contemporary works at the Cy Twombly Gallery and Rothko Chapel are mere footsteps from the Menil Collection, a Renzo Piano-designed museum with over 17,000 pieces in its catalog. Crafty boutiques like Space Montrose and antique stores like Old Blue House line commercial Westheimer Road. The neighborhood’s newer businesses might make Montrose a little less “strange,” but they’re still filled with enough pizzazz to honor its history.
Where to stayHotel ZaZa Museum District
Photo: Hotel ZaZa Museum District/Facebook
Not only does the Hotel ZaZa Museum District share a name with Albin’s drag persona in La Cage aux Folles, it’s just as sexy and refined as Albin could ever hope to be. It’s also centrally located two miles from Montrose and within walking distance to the 445-acre Hermann Park. Be sure to take a peek at the astronaut-themed “Houston We Have a Problem” suite.
9. Wilton Manors, Fort Lauderdale
Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
Wilton Manors is all LGBTQ all the time. This two-square-mile suburb of Fort Lauderdale is America’s second gayest city, beaten only by Provincetown, and the local government is run entirely by LGBTQ officials. Wilton Manors is so cheerfully queer, they even have a rainbow-clad cop car that says “Policing with Pride.”
Stroll down Wilton Drive, and you’ll have over 40 LGBTQ-owned establishments within your reach. Get your morning caffeine fix from the lads at Java Boys, chow down a Big Girl burger at Rosie’s Bar and Grill, or set up shop at Georgie’s Alibi Monkey Bar, where you can dine, drink, and dance without ever leaving the complex. Bounce to leather bars like Ramrod or the Eagle, watch a game at Gym Sportsbar or play pool at Hunters Nightclub. You can spend an entire night skipping in and out of LGBTQ bars on Wilton Drive and still have more to see.
Photo: Stonewall Museum/Facebook
Wilton Manors’ greatest asset is its proximity to South Florida’s hottest spots. The Stonewall National Museum and Archives, the country’s largest LGBTQ museum, is a ten-minute drive away. Sebastian Street Beach, Fort Lauderdale’s LGBTQ-friendly shoreline, is accessible in twenty minutes. Getting to Miami’s South Beach and the nude section of Haulover only takes an hour. If you start to feel overstimulated by everything LGBTQ, drive to Everglades National Park for some one-on-one time with nature.
Where to stayEd Lugo Resort
Photo: Ed Lugo Resort/Facebook
Cozy up in a 1950s-style bungalow at LGBTQ-oriented Ed Lugo Resort. Even out your farmer’s tan at the clothing-optional pool area, which feels more South Pacific paradise than South Florida suburb. When you want to see the city’s main sites, Wilton Drive is a short stroll away.
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