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Published on October 18, 2021 13:13

Surf lessons in Southern California

There’s no sensation like riding a wave, even if you’re only on your feet for a split second before wiping out. Even then, it’s usually a soft landing.

For a native Coloradan with three decades of snowboarding under her belt, learning to surf has been a lifelong goal. It turns out that riding unfrozen water is a whole different animal and admittedly, much more difficult than shredding the slopes. Still, there’s no better place to learn than southern California, especially in towns like Huntington Beach and Oceanside, where surf culture presides, seeping from every street corner.

Huntington Beach 2 surfers on Huntington Beach in California

Photo: Marc Pagani Photography/Shutterstock

After years of legal sparring with the Northern California coastal city of Santa Cruz, Huntington Beach “won” the right to call itself “Surf City USA.” The reality is that Waikiki is more deserving of the name, seeing as Hawaii is the birthplace of surfing — a fact that earns surfers from that state the right to compete internationally under their own flag.

But the Hawaiian who brought surfing to the wider world in modern times, Olympic swimming gold medalist Duke Kahanamoku, did in fact surf frequently by the Huntington Beach Pier as early as 1925. Since then, the area has hosted the world’s top surfers in the U.S. Open of Surfing (and previous iterations of the competition) for more than 60 years. So if you’re anywhere near California, Huntington Beach is, fittingly, a good place to base yourself.

Surf lessons in Huntington Beach

Photo: Whitlock Surf Experience/Facebook

Pro surfer Rocky McKinnon begins his private surf lessons with a simple overview of oceanography, drawing in the sand to illustrate the forces behind waves. First, you need to succeed in what McKinnon refers to as “the toughest aspect” of the sport: squeezing into a wetsuit. The tight-fitting neoprene is much needed most of the year, although the Pacific can stay quite warm through October on this part of the coast. Then, while still on the sand, you lie on your belly to simulate paddling and jumping to your feet. Then McKinnon accompanies you into the water, coaching every step of the way as you navigate the breakers. He steadies the board as you crawl on and shouts instructions while releasing the board into a wave as you scramble — but hopefully one day leap gracefully — to your feet.

The whole experience is reminiscent of your dad teaching you how to ride a bike without training wheels. McKinnon is famous for guiding first-timers onto their feet – sometimes on their very first wave – and also for his one-of-a-kind adaptive surf and paddle programs. The dude also knows every single local getting out of the water, from the competitive surfers dialing their next big trick to the guy who launched surfboard fin manufacturer Futures.

In fall and winter, when surf swell is larger, you likely won’t be riding your first waves near the Huntington Beach Pier, as that is a more advanced wave. Bolsa Chica, just north of Huntingon Beach proper, is the place to find gentle rollers suitable for novice wave riders.

Where to stay in Huntington Beach hotel balconies looking like waves

Photo: Pasea Hotel/Facebook

Paséa Hotel comes with sweeping views of the coastline and direct beach access to Huntington. There’s also free beach towel, beach chair, and cruiser bike rentals, the latter an ideal means for exploring the 10 miles of paved beach trail that runs to Newport to the south and Sunset to the north or accessing the donation-based Yoga on the Beach classes that take place at Lifeguard Tower 14. Also, Pasea’s spa offers a specialized surf treatment, which hits the spot after a day of tumbling in the breakers. The hotel’s oceanfront restaurant, Tanner’s, serves what is arguably the most succulent Hamachi Crudo you’ll find anywhere. Rooms start at about $350 per night in the off-season.

The Kimpton Shorebreak Hotel is another option on the sand, with prices just below those of Pasea. For a budget option a short walk from the beach, the SpringHill Suites Huntington Beach come in at under $200 a night in the lower season; and the included kitchens keep costs down.

Where to eat in Huntington Beach Hula pie at Duke's at Huntington Beach

Photo: Duke’s Huntington Beach/Facebook

Iconic dining haunts include Duke’s on the pier, named after Duke Kahanamoku. It feels kind of like a surf-themed Applebee’s, but much tastier, especially its mountainous macadamia nut ice cream dessert (Kimo’s Hula Pie), for which some regulars visit exclusively. Run by local surfers Tim and Michele Turner, the Sugar Shack has been a buzzing, family-operated breakfast joint since 1967. Then there’s the margaritas and ocean views at Ola Mexican Kitchen, among a handful of worthwhile newer haunts that also includes Simmzy’s with its long list of local brews and creative fish tacos ideal for a beach picnic, and Sessions West Coast Deli, where even the “skinny” breakfast burrito is the size of your forearm.

There’s no better place to soak up the local scene than at Surf City Nights Farmers Market, which fills three blocks of Main Street every Tuesday night with fresh goods from local farmers, live music and vendors selling handmade art, crafts, clothes and trinkets.

Oceanside

Photo: Tonya Staab/Shutterstock

Farther south on SoCal’s coast sits Oceanside, another iconic surf town that has made a global splash through competitions like the Super Girl Surf Pro, the world’s largest all-female surf competition that launched in 2007 and has seen exponential growth. Oceanside itself has seriously classed itself up in the last couple of years. Not only has it cleaned up its streets and storefronts, adding artwork and walkways as well as a rash of hip restaurants and breweries; it has officially become a destination spot for surfers from far and wide and bolstered its options for beginners to learn the waves.

Surf lessons in Oceanside Learning surfers lined up on beach next to surfboards

Photo: Whitlock Surf Experience/Facebook

Partnering with North County Surf Academy, The Seabird hotel offers surf lessons guided by none other than pro surfer Duran Barr, a third-generation Oceanside resident with a knack for not just riding but reading the local waves and imparting his wisdom. Opened in 1963 and run by a friendly and passionate family of surfers, The Whitlock Surf Shop offers ample opportunities for beginners to dive in via private and group lessons as well as surf camps.

Where to stay in Oceanside Mission Pacific Hotel lobby

Photo: Mission Pacific Hotel/Facebook

One major centerpiece of the town’s renaissance is The Seabird. Situated on the beachfront just south of the pier, the 226-room resort offers front row views of surfers catching waves, a rooftop pool and unique local touches throughout its property, including a hallway adorned with chandeliers made from recycled T-shirts and an adjoining gallery showcasing rotating displays from other local artists. Along with sister property across the street, Mission Pacific, The Seabird is also home to some of the tastiest eats north of San Diego — particularly the crab roll at the poolside Shelter Club or the tacos at Mission Pacific’s Rooftop Bar.

Outside of summer months, you’ll find rates of about $230 for standard rooms for both hotels through online sites like Booking.com or Expedia. For a more intimate and economical option, The Hotel Oceanside has rooms for as little as $99 weeknights after Labor Day.

Where to eat and drink in Oceanside Craft coast beers and Mexican fare

Photo: Craft Coast/Facebook

Oceanside’s most popular nosh corners err on the casual side, like the always-popping Craft Coast Brewery and Taco Stand and brunch haunt, The Local Taphouse, where you must try the calamari strips. Also, donuts. You cannot spend a morning here without indulging in at least one cronut-style treat at Parlor Doughnuts. A few miles down the road, Carlsbad sports a beach town character all its own, leaning more on the polished end of the spectrum. The place is definitely worth a trip for suds fans. Pure Project is home to some of the most flavorful and creative brews in The West. Its smoothie sours taste just like smoothies and make for excellent beach picnic sipping.

No visit to Oceanside is complete without a stop in the California Surf Museum. Run since 1986 by a team of knowledgeable locals, the museum features a fascinating collection of surfboards, highlighting their evolution over the last several decades as well as monster wave photography. Perhaps the most fascinating exhibit centers on Bethany Hamilton, a pro surfer who lost her arm to a shark in 2003 and whose actual surfboard, complete with perfectly formed shark bite out of one side, is right there to make you shudder.

Don’t let it scare you during your own burgeoning surf adventures, though. Chances for shark attacks while surfing are about one in 11.5 million. You’re probably more likely to get charged by a moose on the slopes.

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Published on October 18, 2021 09:31

Watch: Freakish and rare water tornado in Cuba astounds people

Tornadoes alone are frightening, but water tornadoes, a weather phenomenon known as a waterspout, beat all of the strange and scary weather events out there.

On October 16, a waterspout hit Cienfuegos Bay on the Southern coast of Cuba. Meteorologist Alvaro Pérez Senra captured the stunning event on video.

The giant waterspout lasted about 10 minutes, according to Reuters. That’s enough time to scare the pants off of anyone in the area.

According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a water tornado is a “whirling column of air and mist.” There are two type of waterspouts: fair weather waterspouts and tornadic waterspouts. The one that hit Cuba last weekend was a “fair weather tornado.”

“Fair weather waterspouts usually form along the dark flat base of a line of developing cumulus clouds,” the NOAA explains on its website. “This type of waterspout is generally not associated with thunderstorms. By the time the funnel is visible, a fair weather waterspout is near maturity.”

While impressive and somewhat mesmerizing, just like regular tornadoes, waterspouts can create serious material damage and injuries when they reach land.

Despite being rare, a report on the event of last Saturday by the Cienfuegos Meteorological Center notes that another waterspout took place in Cienfuegos this year on June 1.

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Published on October 18, 2021 09:09

Woman describes alleged attempted kidnapping at DC hotel described in reviews as “sketchy”

A DC Hotel is under fire after tweets describe a horrifying experience a woman recently had while staying at the hotel.

A traveller by the name of Maya Angelique took to Twitter to describe the chilling experience she had at the Cambria Hotel in DC. She explained that on Sunday at 11:30 PM, she checked into the Cambria Hotel, and around 1 AM, while she was showering, an unknown man tried to get into her room.

Sunday night at around 11:30PM I checked into the Cambria Hotel on Q Street in dc. I was in the shower at around 1:00 A.M. when a man with dreads wearing a blue shirt, jeans and a mask tried to violently break into my room. He somehow had a KEY to open my room door. pic.twitter.com/pK1BI9wJgj

— Maya Angelique👑 (@moneyymaya) October 14, 2021

The man somehow was able to obtain a key to her room—despite not being hotel staff. The man was repeatedly banging on her door, screaming to let him in. Maya states in her Twitter thread that, “If it were not for the door stop, he would have been IN the room with me.”

When she contacted the front desk about the chilling situation, the employees seemed “extremely nonchalant” about the whole ordeal.

The front desk employee told Angelique, “That was housekeeping trying to get into the room he accidentally came to your door instead of the room next to you.” “In what world is housekeeping coming into rooms at 1 AM,” Angelique wrote on her Twitter.

She then states that DC is the “leading human trafficking cities in the country.” According to a report by the Neal Davis Law Firm, Washington DC is one of the top 10 cities for human trafficking.

Angelique did end up switching her room, and was granted a full refund. Still, she explains that things were off with the hotel from the beginning of her stay.

From the SECOND I PULLED UP TO THE HOTEL I DID NOT FEEL SAFE AND I WAS BEING MONITORED!!!!!!!!!!! The hotel is SURROUNDED by construction and vans/totaled cars and car repair shops. Meaning if you were screaming no one would hear because of construction

— Maya Angelique👑 (@moneyymaya) October 14, 2021

But Maya’s incident isn’t the first time this hotel has come under question with concerns about safety. Although the hotel has a 4.0 on their reviews, many are calling out what they believe to be unsafe and possibly illegal behavior.

Guys don’t stay at the Cambria Hotel in DC unless you want to be kidnapped and or assaulted by the employees

— Kayla Martin (@KayyylaMartin) October 12, 2021

Photo: Google Reviews

Photo: Google Reviews

Human trafficking within the hospitality industry is a serious concern. Many hotels are implementing training when hiring employees on what to do if they are faced with a complaint or situation such as Angelique’s.

According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, hotels can be areas susceptible to human trafficking “due to ease of access for buyers, ability to pay in cash and maintain secrecy through finances, and lack of facility maintenance or upkeep expenses.”

If you or anyone you know is traveling alone, always remember to keep an eye out for your surroundings. When staying at hotels alone, you may want to bring your own door stopper—even if it’s just for the peace of mind.

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Book your flight to Aruba on United

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Published on October 18, 2021 07:53

Aruba: Find your happy place

The Caribbean has more than 700 islands, but the one travelers are most likely to visit twice? That’s Aruba. Putting the “A” in the ABC islands of the Southern Caribbean, this tiny isle — just under 70 square miles — doesn’t waste an inch. The world’s most stunning white-sand beaches, arid landscapes full of trade wind-shaped divi-divi trees, historic towns bursting with color, and so many kinds of adventure pack into this paradise, all in perfect 80º weather. It’s an undeniably ideal winter escape.

There’s another reason travelers look to Aruba, aka “One Happy Island,” for their stress-free winter getaways: You can get there on United Airlines from over 200 US airports, with most direct flights coming in at around five hours. In other words, whether you’re escaping from New York, Chicago, Houston, DC, or anywhere in between, you’re closer than you might think to your happy place. Here’s what’s possible once you get there.

Book your flight to Aruba on UnitedYou’ll soak up that local island flavor…

Photo: Aruba Tourism Authority

Once you set foot on One Happy Island, it’s happy hour. The traditional island “welcome” drink is the Aruba Ariba, so try to scout out this dushi (tasty) cocktail on day one. You won’t find its main ingredient, Coecoei — a liquor similar to agave nectar — anywhere else on the globe.

As for Aruba’s food scene, this small island goes big on unique local dishes, too:

Fuel up in the morning at the Dutch Pancake House in Oranjestad, where you’ll find a sweet selection of toppings waiting to complement authentic Dutch-style pancakes.At Zeerovers in Savaneta, you’ll order your fish by weight — fried and fresh — and then dive in at picnic tables overlooking the water. If you time it just right, you’ll be able to catch the sunset or even watch the fishermen unload their haul straight onto the dock out back.For an upscale take on Caribbean fare served with a side of history, book a table at Papiamento, in Noord. The menu has familiar favorites as well as adventurous Aruban-inspired fusion dishes for more intrepid eaters. If you’re the latter, tuck into a piping hot bowl of the Dutch-Caribbean cheese-and-meat specialty, keshi yena.

And for some cultural flavor, spend an afternoon in San Nicolas, the island’s second-largest city. Scope out the colorful street murals on Zeppenfeldstraat, dive deep into local museums (like the Carnival Euphoria exhibition), and check out this tight-knit community’s best craft vendors for a meaningful souvenir.

…and soak in 80º waters.

Photo: Steve Photography/Shutterstock

These perpetually warm turquoise waters are great for sunbathing, swimming, and just plain staring at, but if you’ve ever wanted to test your skill at different water sports, Aruba’s the place for you. Consistent Caribbean trade winds and flat, open waters make it easy for beginners to try their hand at kitesurfing or windsurfing, while those with more experience will find a serious challenge on the island’s rocky north shore.

Underneath the shimmering surface, excellent snorkeling and diving spots can be found on both the island’s east and west sides, from shallow family-friendly lagoons to the largest sunken ship in the Caribbean, the SS Antilla. You can even book pirate-themed snorkeling, sunset, and booze cruises, complete with a rope swing and — a’hoy, matey — a plank.

Jet-skiing, flyboarding, parasailing, surfing, kayaking, deep-sea fishing, and sailing are a few more ways to get happily water-logged on the island. Yoga — on a SUP or beachside at sunset — is a great way to soak in Aruba’s “happy place” feeling, too.

You’ll find incredible nature everywhere you look.

Photo: MasterPhoto/Shutterstock

Yes, the rumors are true: There’s a private island just off the coast of Aruba with some friendly pink flamingos. (It’s part of the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino.) As if these birds’ brightly colored feathers don’t already stand out in a crowd, wait until you see them pop against a backdrop of white sand and azure-blue waters. It’s the kind of memory you’ll turn into a print above your mantle.

Then there’s Arikok National Park, a vast preserve of desert-like terrain, spectacular caves, and lava formations. Sign up for a guided tour to tackle the rocky paths, stopping to explore gold-mine ruins and secret natural pools.

The towering California Lighthouse stands on the island’s northern reaches, a stone watchman dating back to 1910. Climb to the top at the right time, and you’ll get a 360º view of the island’s blazing-orange sunsets — and maybe even a glimpse of the elusive green flash. That’s some serious happy vibes for a $5, no-reservations-required ticket.

You’ll scout out nearly indescribable beaches.

Photo: emperorcosar/Shutterstock

Talk about “happy place”: All of Aruba’s world-class beaches are free and open to the public. Eagle Beach — the island’s widest — is routinely voted one of the world’s best, with Palm Beach, Arashi Beach, and Baby Beach serving as the main competition. All of them sport idyllic powder-fine white sand and turquoise-blue waters beyond their soft shores.

For anyone in search of a more off-grid beach experience, check out the beautifully jagged coastline and wild, crashing waters at Boca Prins Beach in Arikok National Park. There’s also something totally magical about Black Stone Beach, the island’s only “black-sand” beach (it’s actually black stones, like its name). Aruba is popular with beachgoers, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find a happy place all to yourself!

Your travels will be stress-free.

Photo: Aruba Tourism Authority

You won’t find an easier island escape than Aruba, last-minute or otherwise. Here, you won’t have to worry about carrying around a phrasebook — English is widely spoken across the island. You also won’t need to do any pre-departure money exchanges since businesses readily accept the US dollar. You technically don’t even need a rental car; taxis and buses, should you even need them, are plentiful and inexpensive.

Aruba is also one of the safest islands in the Caribbean — and it’s outside the standard hurricane path — so you can check that off your list, too. Now all you have to do is find the closest airport with a United flight to get you there.

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Published on October 18, 2021 06:00

Why The Ranch at Rock Creek, one of America’s priciest hotels, is more affordable than you think

It’s been dubbed the “most expensive hotel in America” over the years by outlets from The Los Angeles Times to Forbes, but The Ranch at Rock Creek in Philipsburg, Montana is actually more affordable than you think.

Set on 6,600 acres 1.5 hours southeast of Missoula, The Ranch was the first guest ranch in the world to be awarded Forbes Travel’s Guides Five-Star Award in 2013. A working cattle ranch that doubles as a luxury dude ranch, it also attracts its share of celebrity guests. Kate Bosworth was married here, Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton have stayed and LeAnn Rimes is a regular guest for the fall Harvest Festival, where she also often performs.

But despite its celeb clients, five-star status, and at first glance seemingly sky-high price tag, a stay at this all-inclusive property can actually feel affordable, especially if you skip the ultra-high summer season. That’s because everything is included in the nightly rate, which starts at $1800 in the low season for a lodge room and goes up to $3,300 per night for peak holiday season.

Food, alcohol and activities are all included at The Ranch at Rock Creek

When you book your stay at The Ranch at Rock Creek you will know upfront exactly what your total vacation cost will be. An all-inclusive property, literally everything with the exception of some finer bottles of wine and the spa is covered.

The Ranch is not a place you leave with an extra few thousand dollars on the credit card thanks to drinking more than budgeted or a decision to book a second horseback ride or target shooting session. This makes the daily rate a better deal than similar properties if you were to pay per meal and activity.

“We loved the all inclusive aspect,” said Ali Soule, who chose The Ranch at Rock Creek as one of her honeymoon destinations last May. “Given COVID and the travel lockdowns, we searched for a luxury, fun vacation in the US for the first leg of our honeymoon. We were so happy to have chosen The Ranch as it delivered everything we wanted. It’s an ideal trip, and they plan every day for you, including the private activities, meals and special events.”

The Ranch also offers guests personally curated itineraries that set the experience apart from other similar Montana properties like The Resort at Paws Up where you pay extra for activities — and this can add up fast. The Ranch offers around 45 activities that are included in their daily rate.

It being a ranch, horseback riding is one of the most popular things to do and rides are tailored to ability. You won’t get stuck on a group trail-ride walking in a line if know what you are doing and want to canter. Other activities include everything from archery to pistol, rifle and shotgun target shooting, blue ribbon fly fishing to fat tire biking.

There are also more specialized activities like sapphire mining, frontier skills workshops or something as relaxing as having breakfast served creekside while relaxing in hammocks. As such, it is easy to spend a week here without getting bored doing the dame activity multiple times.

Book The Ranch’s Granite Lodge rooms for best value

Accommodating no more than 75 guests at once, The Ranch at Rock Creek has an exclusive vibe throughout, so no matter which style of lodging you chose you’ll feel special. The suites in the Granite Lodge are the most affordable option and perfect for couples looking for the best price-point.

Although smaller than the private homes and cabins on property they feature the same custom furniture and Western heritage style decor seen around the resort but cost about $400 less per night than the next class up, which is a classic canvas cabin that has a glamping vibe.

If you have more to spend, the romantic Trapper Cabin is the most unique and popular accommodation choice at the ranch. It sits directly on the creek running through the property and is about a mile away from all other lodging, offering a very private retreat. However, rates for it start at $2,400 per night.

Yes, The Ranch is pricey but the food is superlative and the drinks are included

The food at The Ranch at Rock Creek is also superlative. If you like to dine out on gourmet meals this should factor into your decision when it comes to priciness — this is a Relais & Châteaux level culinary experience.

Executive Chef Josh Drage has been working with the ranch since 2009 and his ranch-to-table menu changes daily for lunch and dinner with each meal carefully curated. Dinners are a multi-course experience designed to reflect the flavors of Montana. They also feature regionally or locally sourced organic ingredients that mirror the state’s seasonal bounty.

Dinners come paired with wine choices and with the exception of some of the most expensive bottles this is included in your daily rate. Other alcoholic beverages are also included so if you feel like having top shelf margaritas before dinner and capping the night off with a fine whiskey or two you won’t be adding another couple hundred dollars to your bill.

If you don’t plan to drink on your holiday, then this might not be the destination for you, but those who like to indulge will be surprised at how much you can. And unlike all inclusive resorts in the Caribbean or Mexico with reputations for watering down beverages, this does not happen at The Ranch.

“The food and beverage offerings were a highlight of our stay. They were top notch,” said Soule, who plans to return to the Ranch again soon. “We enjoyed starting our evening with happy hour and mingling with the other guests. Each meal was our favorite until the next one we enjoyed.”

The service and sustainability are factor worth paying for

If you care about the environment and trying to leave as little of a carbon footprint as possible, you’ll appreciate the focus The Ranch puts here. The property puts a priority on sustainability and currently sources 75 percent of its ingredients from local farms and almost 100 percent of its meats, grains and dairy from the western half of Montana.

Service is another area in which The Ranch at Rock Creek excels. From the moment you step off the plane and into one of their awaiting vehicles, you are treated like a VIP, which is another factor that makes the rate here feel worthwhile — after all there is nothing worse than paying a small fortune for a hotel room only to get subpar service. At The Ranch every whim is met. And the collective memory of the staff is pretty impressive! They’ll remember your favorite drink at the bar and the reason for your journey to them.

When to experience The Ranch for best value

The Ranch at Rock Creek is open year-round. The property often books out months in advance, especially for its specialty weekends. If you don’t want to stay during peak periods consider early May. The days are usually sunny and warm enough to wear short sleeves before dark. Rates are also lower than in the peak summer season. For the absolute best deals, pay a visit in winter. You’ll be presented with a slightly different set of activities and get to experience the magic of Montana under a romantic blanket of snow in a wild season.

The Ranch at Rock Creek also runs a number of themed event weekends throughout the year. Some events, like the Autumn Harvest Festival that LeAnn Rimes regularly attends sell out years in advance, but others like Revel & Ride in May have yet to gain a fan base and rates are similar, sometimes lower than, other dates.

Overall, here’s no question The Ranch at Rock Creek is a special place deserving of a bucket list holiday. Yes, a vacation here is going to cost you, but from the number of guests who return each year, it is obvious the rate of investment is worthy. Once you’ve experienced its subtle elegance, myriad of activities and culinary scene, you’ll also want to return again and again.

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Published on October 18, 2021 01:00

October 15, 2021

Howard alumni reveal the best things to do in DC

Howard has been at the center of Washington DC’s Black culture for over a century. It lists the likes of Sean Combs, Taraji P. Henson, Toni Morrison, and Thurgood Marshall among alumni. More recently, Howard has been in the headlines as newsmakers including Ta-Nehisi Coates, Nikole Hannah-Jones, and Phalisha Rashad joined the faculty.

There is much to celebrate as Homecoming starts this weekend, which is back in person. Alumni, celebrities and those just there for the vibe will be descending upon the nation’s capital for the football game, yard fest, step show, and more. Howard’s Homecoming is unrivaled (ok, I am biased), but it is the most googled. With all this excitement, I polled students past and present to get their tips on what not to miss in DC.

I will go first. Book one of these amazing AirBnBs. Don’t miss Jaleo, which serves up Spanish tapas, so yummy the restaurant has remained packed with tourists and locals alike for decades. All Smithsonian museums are free, so think of them like a buffet and just see what you want. Pop into Natural History to see the Hope Diamond, the Hubble Space Telescope at the Air and Space Museum, or Prince’s “Yellow Cloud” electric guitar at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

See the monuments at night

All Washington DC monuments are accessible at night when they are just as impressive, if not more so. The crowds and tour buses are gone, and you can sit on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in relative silence to enjoy the view. Try parking on the street near the White House, walk past the Washington Monument to the Jefferson Memorial, then follow the tidal basin to the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial before finishing at the Lincoln Memorial. If this all sounds like too much walking, parking is readily available at night so you can drive and hop out at each.
– Melba, Class of ‘99

Photo: Orhan Cam/Shutterstock

Historic Eats

The neighborhood around Howard has changed numerous times over the decades, but two restaurants have been feeding hungry students for years. Ben’s Chili Bowl and Negril Jamaican Eatery. Owned by Virginia Ali, who started the restaurant with her husband, Ben, in 1958, Ben’sChili Bowl is proudly Black-owned, and a historic landmark in Washington, DC’s culture. If you go, get the half-smoke and banana pudding, trust me. Negril Jamaican Eatery, founded in 1979 by Earl Chinn, is best known for jerk drummets and coco bread.
– Susan, Class of 1981

Photo: Joaquin Ossorio Castillo/Shutterstock

At the club

Ultrabar is where we are hanging out off-campus. The building itself used to be a bank at the turn of the 20th century and has retained some of the original bank aspects. The bar is marble, and the wall on the main floor is safe deposit boxes illuminated behind colored glass. The basement vault is now a lounge. It’s good for everyone because each floor has its own music and DJ.
– Reese, Class of 2023

Go to the market

Eastern Market has been a bustling commercial district for centuries. Also known as Barracks Row for its proximity to the Marine Barracks, Eighth Street SE in the Eastern Market neighborhood is full of restaurants and shops. The best time to visit is the weekend market. Don’t miss the Mediterranean food at Cava Mezze.
– Kayla, Class of 2008

Take to the water

DC sits between the Potomac River and the Anacostia River, making it ideal for water activities. A great place to test water is the Key Bridge Boathouse, which offers canoe, kayak, and standup paddleboard rentals and classes. A real highlight is the twilight tours of the Potomac via kayak.
– Andre, Class of 1997

Photo: Roberto Galan/Shutterstock

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Published on October 15, 2021 13:50

The worst travel photo cliches and how to avoid them

With the slow return of travel comes the cliche travel photos that clogged our Instagram feeds prior to the pandemic. You know the ones: someone propping up the Leaning Tower of Pisa with their finger, or a group of guys crossing Abbey Road, or the classic buddy pose with a Buckingham Palace guard who definitely doesn’t want to strangle you.

Like the Forbidden Fruit in the Garden of Eden, cliche travel photos are both tempting and appealing (they became cliches for a reason, after all). Yet the tired repetition of the same poses and subject matter has nearly made travel photography itself a cliche.

But it’s not too late. There’s still hope for our weary Instagram feeds, bruised but not yet beaten by the onslaught of unoriginality.

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A post shared by Insta Repeat (@insta_repeat)

First, how did we get into this mess in the first place?

“By falling in line you don’t have to take a chance at being original, and that seems to make people feel good,” says professional travel photographer and filmmaker Ryan Salm. “It’s easier to be a sheep than a goat, I guess.”

Salm adds that as travel becomes easier and more accessible, which is a good thing, it’s also become easier for people to flock to the same frames of reference in popular locations. The result? Backdrops that might have previously been “hidden gems” are now Insta-famous and, unfortunately, cliche.

“It’s pretty easy these days to find the exact spots that people have made cliche,” he says, “and then it just becomes regurgitated content.”

The biggest problem, though, is that succumbing to photo cliches is just too damn easy.

It’s a breeze for “people to photograph the exact same thing as the people before them and call it art,” Salm says. “Take, for instance, the classic [photo cliches] like the Milky Way, the first-person-legs-hanging-out-of-the-van shot, and the skateboarder on a windy road.”

Or, more bluntly: “Bottom line,” Salm says, “is that Instagram annihilated originality and created a copycat culture.”

The most common cliches travel photo cliche horseshoe bend

Photo: Andrea De la Parra/Shutterstock

When we’re on the go and looking to capture a quick and eye-catching picture, it’s easy to drift to the shots that caught our own eye on Instagram. This isn’t a new phenomenon. Insta Repeat has been dedicated to posting collages of social media’s ubiquitous travel photo cliches for years.

Popular call outs include classics like “holding a leaf in fall” and “hammock in the trees.” The go-to road trip standby is “feet and/or head sticking out the car window.” Camping has basically its own genre of cliches with favorites such as “the open tent flap,” “tent under the Milky Way,” and “campfire by the water.”

The same destinations keep cropping up as well. Arizona’s Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend in the Grand Canyon, Norway’s Trolltunga viewpoint, and the same rocky ledge in Yosemite National Park, to name a few. In the case of Antelope Canyon, so many people crowd for the same shot that it makes actually visiting near unbearable. It’s not just big name parks. Instagram has also been blamed for people destroying flower fields in Siberia and tulips in Denmark. So many people flocked to wildflower superblooms in California that it led to park closures.

None of this takes away the fact that these respective landscapes are beautiful. Just remember, there are hundreds of thousands of photo-worthy locations in the world, and only a small fraction of them show up on Instagram. By all means, visit the Eiffel Tower. Go to Yosemite. But when you do, think twice about taking a photo that might show up in one of these collages.

How to avoid travel photo cliches photographer in nature

Photo: Slatan/Shutterstock

So, is there actually a solution, or should we all just resign ourselves to contribute to the seemingly endless stream of cliche travel Instagrams?

One way to avoid the overdone is to take tips from a basic photo 101 course. First, consider the angle. Shooting from higher or lower than the image everyone is familiar with, or moving to a different side, gives new perspective. The time of day matters, too. Yes, everyone wants that golden hour shot. Instead of shooting at sunrise or sunset, though, find a way to play with the harsh shadows that fall from whatever famous building you’re in front of in the middle of the day. Most importantly, consider, and control, what makes it into the frame. Get closer to highlight details in an over-photographed building, for example, or focus on a person or action while blurring a landmark in the background. Consider shooting around the landmark and entirely leaving it out of the picture, even. And when possible, include local life (just be sure to do so ethically).

According to Salm, even professional photographers often feel tempted to mimic the work of those who came before them, or artists they particularly admire. The key is carving out your own style and letting your pictures be a reflection of you rather than someone else (or many someone elses).

“While we all are influenced by others. I try to stay true to my style and let others stay true to theirs,” Salm says. “The last thing I want is to be confused as one of my peers. More so than anything else I think it’s a must that we all have our own styles. We don’t need clones of ourselves.”

We can’t all be completely original all the time. It’s perfectly fine to allow others to influence us, and draw inspiration from the photos of other established travel photographers. Just don’t let influence morph into an echo.

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Published on October 15, 2021 13:26

The top cities for your next ‘quickie’ getaway

After an unprecedented halt on travel, it makes sense that 75 percent of Americans are eager to travel more to make up for lost trips. And 41 percent would prefer a “quickie” getaway of three nights or less.

Hotwire worked with Wakefield Research to conduct a survey to find the best places to stay for a spontaneous short trip. Wakefield surveyed 1,000 participants in search of the advantages of a short trip. Hotwire analyzed over 10,000 internal and external data points across at least 350 cities, with a focus on 4- and 5-star hotels. 35 percent agreed that quick trips offer the chance to travel more often, and 28 percent agreed it’s easier to take time off work.

As for where to stay? The index looked over four categories for the 350 cities it surveyed: the prices and value, the amount of leisure activities, and the ease of arriving at your destination. Depending on what you’re looking for, these were the top 40 cities.

If you’re looking for a major metropolitan city, Hotwire said these are your best shots:

New York, NYChicago, ILLos Angeles, CAPhiladelphia, PAWashington. DCBoston, MALas Vegas, NVHouston, TXSan Diego, CAIndianapolis, IN

If you’re looking for a mid-sized adventure, these are the top properties:

Atlanta, GABaltimore, MDSt. Louis, MOMilwaukee, WICincinnati, OHNew Orleans, LAMiami, FLPittsburgh, PALexington, KYCleveland, OH

It’ll be worth it try out a small town city for size:

Orlando, FLFort Lauderdale, FLReno, NVRichmond, VASalt Lake City, UTMadison, WIBuffalo, NYShreveport, LATallahassee, FLKnoxville, TN

And if you’re interested in going even smaller these are the best itty bitty cities:

Savannah, GAPalm Springs, CANewport Beach, CAAsheville, NCCosta Mesa, CACharleston, SCAnn Arbor, MINewport, RISt. Augustine, FLAtlantic City, NJ

Your next weekend getaway awaits.

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Published on October 15, 2021 11:07

The best boutique hotels in Nashville for a stylish stay

The country’s capital for honky-tonk has been slowly welcoming a fresh crop of design-oriented Nashville boutique hotels, providing this city’s got more to offer visitors than live music. These very micro properties — as small as eight rooms — are thoughtfully curated by their proprietors with everything from flea-market finds to high-end accents like custom furnishings. Their offbeat design aesthetic extends well beyond the guest rooms into drinking and dining spots on property — perfect for those visiting the city for a bachelorette trip. If you are looking to stay somewhere stylish and more intimate than a hotel, here’s some of the best boutique hotels in Nashville that will make it a bachelorette to remember.

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.

Graduate Nashville Nashville boutique hotels Germantown Inn

Photo: Graduate Nashville/Facebook

The second Tennessee outpost for this collegiate-themed hotel group flaunts design in every square inch, from the street-level Poindexter Coffeé’s houndstooth-patterned fabrics to White Limozeen’s sea of pink hues on the rooftop (an ode to Dolly Parton).

Photo: Graduate Nashville/Facebook

Located in Midtown, near Vanderbilt University, the guest-room décor flirts with feminine details like floral-print canopies and pink-and-white striped walls while also building in homey details such as Grand Millennial-type bedside lamps. Pack your swimsuit to enjoy the Governor’s Pool at White Limozeen — that is if you can manage to snag a reservation to this very popular poolside experience.

Price: $189 per person

Fairlane Hotel Nashville boutique hotels Fairlane

Photo: Fairlane/Facebook

Snug in downtown Nashville, this 81-room hotel in the headquarters for a former bank packs in a lot of color and style, from the Kate Spade-ish polka-dot armchairs in the guest rooms to cherry-red leather sofas in the lobby. This is also one of the world’s few hotels with its own cheese shop: Cheese Gal.

Photo: Fairlane/Facebook

Its artisanal cheese boards are true works of art. A family-owned bagel shop on site is open in the mornings and afternoons while Ellington’s, a restaurant on the fourth-floor, is a new twist on a classic steakhouse with not only surf and turf but also items like kale salad or its burger topped with a local farm’s egg. Dine either indoors or on a wraparound terrace. Being one of the best boutique hotels in Nashville, we recommend booking in advance, especially during high season.

Price: $289 per person

The Dive Motel and Swim Club Nashville boutique hotels dive motel

Photo: Dive Motel/Facebook

Dialing it back to the look and feel of a mid-century modern motor lodge, this modern-motel sibling to Lyon Porter and Jersey Bank’s other Nashville property—the 8-room Urban Cowboy in a Victorian-era mansion—is all about the pool. Locals come here for day-club perks. Retro-inspired fringe umbrellas provide shade while DJs spin the tunes.

Photo: Dive Motel/Facebook

Each of the 23 rooms features a party switch that activates a disco ball paired with the period’s hits, and décor that, while unique to each room, is heavy on shag fabrics and bright wall murals, along with funky wallpaper and a woodsy, mountain backdrop as an accent wall. There’s no need to leave the property for dinner or drinks: tacos and fun beach-y cocktails, such as margaritas and Mai Tais, are served in the attached Dive Bar and Lounge.

Price: $242 per person

The Gallatin Hotel Nashville boutique hotels Gallatin

Photo: Gallatin/Facebook

This 25-room hotel’s style in East Nashville might bring you to your knees due to its roots as the former Eastside Church of Christ. Or, it could just be the vibrant style you’ve been craving. Think turquoise Galvanz fridges, orange shower tiles and color-block carpeting. It’s quite the surprise after walking past the all-white exterior façade and into its colorful orbit.

Photo: Gallatin/Facebook

There are six room categories, from “cozies” (the smallest) to sprawling suites. Bunk Suites and Bunk Rooms are an updated version of a hostel if you’re traveling in a small group and want to stay in the same room. You can also feel good about staying here: its Rooms for Rooms program gifts a percentage of nightly profits to the local homeless population, helping to fund food, supplies and beds.

Price: $195 per person

Vandyke Bed and Beverage Nashville boutique hotels vandyke bar

Photo: Vandyke Bed and Beverage/Facebook

If you adore cocktails or are a mixologist, then this eight-room modern riff on a b&b might be your vice. Each guest room is marked by a turquoise door and named after a spirit with the décor inspired by where that spirit stems. For example, the Tequila room is inspired by desert-chic décor and there’s tropics-inspired brightness in the Rum room.

Photo: Vandyke Bed and Beverage/Facebook

It’s hard to tell what’s more popular: the guest rooms or St. Vito, the bar and restaurant downstairs that’s a hit with local foodies and cocktail enthusiasts. A courtyard and rooftop patio help celebrate warm temps, outfitted with a black-and-white, Old Hollywood-like design.

Price: $381 per person

The Russell Nashville boutique hotels Russell

Photo: The Russell/Facebook

Another great example of a church rehab is this 23-room hotel where all the historic hallmarks of a house of worship were preserved, such as tall ceilings, stained-glass windows and interior brick walls.

Photo: The Russell/Facebook

Rooms boast red-tile showers, coats of sky-blue and petal-pink accent paint, and shelves and mirrors that mimic an altar’s arch. But the crème de la crème are the repurposed pews as headboards in the guest rooms. Many of the furnishings, such as the rooms’ wardrobes, are custom designs by hometown firm Holler Design. As a sister property to The Gallatin Hotel, the property also vows to donate funds to Nashville’s homeless population.

Price: $186 per person

Studio 154 Nashville boutique hotels studio 154

Photo: Studio 154/Facebook

Revamping the shell of a mid-1900s downtown building is ambitious enough but then there are the modern tweaks at this 16-suite property — like its open-air SKYDECK rooftop lounge for private parties, or the suites’ wrap-around marble bath — that blend in nicely with preserved 10-foot arched windows and exposed-brick walls.

Photo: Studio 154/Facebook

With 10 categories for 16 suites, none are exactly the same, and as small as 400 square feet or as roomy as 2,000 square feet. After a brief closure since its 2019 opening, the hotel plans to reopen on December 1, 2021.

Price: $260

Downtown Sporting Club Nashville boutique hotels downtown sporting club

Photo: Downtown Sporting Club/Facebook

While this might sound like a, um, sporting-goods store, it’s actually not. But the 20-room hotel is above a sports bar on Lower Broadway in downtown Nashville. Rooms feature Casper bedding, a preppy team-spirit theme with vintage-style banners and pendants, and black-and-white marble sinks.

Photo: Downtown Sporting Club/Facebook

Also at the hotel is a rooftop bar with games like shuffleboard plus DJs on weekends. There’s also Paradise Park Trailer Resort for grub like hot ham and cheese sandwiches and chili cheese dogs which is all set against a chill backdrop of vintage folding woven lawn chairs and live music.

Price: $249 per person

The Germantown Inn Nashville boutique hotels Germantown Inn

Photo: Germantown Inn/Facebook

Stray off the beaten path with a stay in Germantown, Nashville’s oldest neighborhood, and at this 10-suite whimsical boutique hotel in the heart of it all. If you love historical architecture, then this 1865 Federal-style home will easily woo you.

Photo: Germantown Inn/Facebook

Each suite is named for a former US president — The Adams, The Jefferson, The Roosevelt, etc. Local interior designer McLean Barbieri was put to task on the rooms’ vibe, adding little surprises to the design like actress Andra Eggleston’s curtains and Nashville graphic designer and artist Caitlin Mello’s playful mixed-media portraits of former US presidents, commissioned by the inn.

Price: $289 per person

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