Matador Network's Blog, page 573
September 28, 2021
The Philippines is rediscovering its heritage coffee. Caffeine lovers everywhere should take note.
Twelve years ago, I stood in the middle of an orchard that looked more like a jungle. I stared at long rows of aging coffee trees surrounded by a tangle of vines and tall weeds and relished the chance to help revive a piece of culinary history. My wife and I had just purchased this neglected plantation in the highlands of Cavite, some 30 miles south of Manila in the Philippines, with only the most basic knowledge of farming. Despite our unlikely backgrounds (I’m a photojournalist and she’s an IT consultant), this was the first step in our dream of owning a coffee farm.
There was much to do before this wish was fulfilled. Aside from its wayward state, the plantation was comprised of robusta trees, which produced beans that were most suitable for instant coffee – not quite the type of beverage we had in mind. We also weren’t interested in growing arabica, another popular variety preferred by discerning coffee drinkers. Instead, we wanted to farm a more rare variety called kapeng barako.
I’d heard of the coffee many times even back then, but had tried it only once at an old farmer’s home. I remember being blown away by its distinct aroma and full body, the slightly acidic flavor, the fruity, wine-like notes, and that oh-so-delectable hint of caramel. I’ve been a coffee drinker long enough to know a Burmese Ywangan from a Kenyan Volcanica, but my country’s own native coffee was unlike any I’d ever tasted.
Photo: Lester V. Ledesma
Known scientifically as Coffea liberica, kapeng barako was once synonymous with Philippine coffee. Local history tells of how Spanish friars first planted these trees on church courtyards in the 1700s. After a worldwide outbreak of coffee rust disease decimated arabica plantations in the late 1800’s, coffea liberica, with its smaller output but hardier genes, became the standard coffee crop in the Philippines.
To this day, old-timers talk about how kapeng barako was part of everyday life. In the mornings it was mixed with sugar and leftover rice into something resembling a breakfast porridge. After lunch it was a post-meal delight with sweet muscovado sugar, while later in the afternoon it was the perfect companion to suman rice cakes or freshly-baked pan de sal bread.
Photo: Lester V. Ledesma
Kapeng barako dominated local dining tables until the 1960s, when instant coffee producers like Nescafe began promoting the robusta variety to farmers. Lured by robusta’s larger output — and the fact that there was a guaranteed buyer for the beans — plantation owners quickly replaced their liberica trees with robusta. Customers, too, learned to regard instant coffee as – God have mercy on their souls – the beverage for modern coffee drinkers. Things were so bad for kapeng barako that by the time we started our farm in 2010, it was almost impossible to buy the trees in bulk. Thankfully, we managed to source seedlings from a local university to replace the aging robusta trees on our land.
I fondly recall our first major harvest, some 5 years after we planted the crops. My excitement at seeing the sacks of ripe liberica cherries was matched only by the satisfaction of cupping our first roast. It was a sweet, flavorful cup when medium-roasted and brewed on a French press. It also made for a delightfully bright espresso. A medium-dark roast, on the other hand, released a boldness that justified its reputation as the pick-me-up drink of the hardworking masses. Those fruity, caramelly notes, the distinct, full-bodied kapeng barako flavor that caressed the palate — it was all there, and just as delicious as when I first sampled this truly unique coffee.
Photo: Lester V. Ledesma
These days, kapeng barako remains somewhat of a fringe item, but it has started to inch its way back into the Philippines coffee scene. With third wave café culture alive and kicking in the big cities, young aficionados have become curious about this native brew that their grandparents enjoyed. Gone are the times when barako was a fading memory from the good old days. Now you can visit a handful of locally-owned café’s for a kapeng barako fix.
“I first encountered barako during a blind cupping session and it immediately stood out,” says Jefrey Pelagio Jacob, an avid coffee enthusiast from Manila. “It had a distinct fruity aftertaste that none of the arabicas had. I’d say it shows promise as a new specialty coffee from the Philippines — its amazing to think that this used to be an everyday drink for our old-timers!”
While liberica production hasn’t quite returned to its old numbers, many farms throughout the country have started growing liberica trees again. Vie Cesar Reyes of the Philippine Coffee Alliance, a network of small-holder coffee farmers, is excited about the prospects for a barako comeback.
Photo: Lester V. Ledesma
“There’s still a long way to go before our liberica becomes mainstream, but it has gained more ground and space in the local coffee landscape,” Reyes says. “In the last two years, our organization and its partners have planted close to 50,000 liberica seedlings in the Philippines. We’ve also organized farming clusters in indigenous communities, helping them have income while adding to the country’s supply of kapeng barako.”
Better still, Reyes mentions that a few liberica growers have started shipping their product to coffee buyers in the US. “These are small victories, but they definitely help bring our liberica back from obscurity.”
The last 12 years have been very encouraging for this almost-forgotten native brew. But if all goes well, it seems the kapeng barako will eventually make its grand return in the Philippines, and hopefully expand to the rest of the world. As for my own liberica harvest, I had originally planned to contact cafés in Manila to inquire if they were interested in buying my product. Turns out I didn’t have to. I posted on Facebook that I had kapeng barako for sale, and was immediately besieged by orders from all over my network. I had a mere 80 kilos of coffee the first time I did this. It sold out in a week.
Where to try kapeng barako in the Philippines
Photo: Lester V. Ledesma
If you’re in the US or Canada, the company Len’s Coffee delivers certified liberica from the Philippines. It’s hard to beat the taste of a fresh cup made locally, though. These are the cafes you can be sure to find barako on the menu.
18 Days Coffee Roaster: Solenad 3 Ayala Malls, Nuvali Boulevard, Sta. Rosa, Laguna 4026
Kaffe Belardo: 001-A Crisanto M. De Los Reyes Ave, Barangay Loma, Amadeo, 4119 Cavite, Philippines
Café de Lipa: G/F, Market! Market! Mall, Taguig City, Metro Manila
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This French film festival creates space for Black actors, filmmakers, and travelers
When Cannes, France comes to mind, people often associate the city with its luxurious resorts, celebrities, and the famous Cannes Film Festival. However, since 2006 another film festival has been taking the resort city by storm. Festival International du Film Panafricain de Cannes, (FIFP), is an annual celebration of the African Diaspora through cinema. Founded by its current president, Eitel Basile Ngangue Ebelle, and the Association Nord-Sud Développement, FIFP brings intentional representation and inclusion to an industry and location historically associated with whiteness. Throughout France’s history, acknowledging race and ethnic differences have directly countered the country’s universalist approach. In an interview with Ebelle, we discussed FIFP’s significance and the role it plays in challenging the national narrative by celebrating Blackness and uplifting the diaspora.
Why is the Festival International du Film Panafricain de Cannes important for France?The film industry in France has received criticism for the lack of diversity on and offscreen for years. In 2018, 16 Black actresses, including Sonia Rolland and Aïssa Maïga, joined forces to draw attention to the racist cliché representations of Black women in French cinema. France 24 reported that in 2017, out of 2,617 roles, only 171 of those were portrayed by Black actors, with only 31 hired for leading parts.
This lack of diversity finds itself present among filmmakers as well. In fact, in 2019, Mati Diop became the first Black woman director to have her film, Atlantique, screened at the Cannes Film Festival, despite the event’s 72-year tenure at the time, an accomplishment Diop referred to as “a little sad.” Her film went on to win the Grand Prix Award.
Although the French industry at large is still in need of significant progress, the FIFP directly combats harmful tropes and provides a space for Blackness to exist unapologetically in every aspect of the festival. “Films that maintain prejudices about Africa and the Pan-African world have no place with us,” Mr. Ngangue Ebelle, the festival’s founder and president, says to us in French.
Throughout the festival’s tenure, featured films have covered an array of topics ranging from documentaries about climate change’s impact on Africa to compelling cultural narratives and love stories. For instance, one of FIFP’s past screenings includes Flight, a Jamaican short by Kia Moses and Adrian McDonald that tells the story of a young boy who has big dreams of flying to the moon despite the obstacles surrounding him.
Photo: FIFP
One of the festival’s 2018 films, Somebody Clap For Me, by Luciana Farah, features Ugandan youth who embody their right to free speech by using slam poetry as a form of activism against their oppressive government.
Another film, Back to Natural, by Gillian Scott-Ward dives into the “globalized policing” of natural Black hair.
Like most film festivals, FIFP hosts an awards ceremony. Presented by a panel of judges, The Dikalo Awards honor the best fiction feature-length film and short film, the best documentary, and the best actor and actress. Filmmakers from several countries, including Tanzania, Ghana, Algeria, and the US took home Dikalo Awards in 2020.
Photo: FIFP/Facebook
Among the winning films were Matares by Rachid Benhadj for Best Feature-Length Fiction Film, Maasai Remix by Ron Mulvihill for Best Feature-Length Documentary, Sun of Soil by Joe Penney for Best Short Film Documentary, and Divine419 — Hawkers Hustle by Johannes Krug for Best Short Film.
When we asked Ebelle about the festival’s significance to France, and more particularly to Cannes, he replied in French, “The International Pan-African Film Festival of Cannes is an excellent tool against racism. It allows you to discover Africa and its diaspora through its cinema. Cannes is the capital of world cinema. I am from Cannes. I owe it to myself to share Pan-African excellence with the whole world. I am fortunate to live in this magnificent international village that is the city of Cannes. To associate my cultural heritage with it enriches France and the whole world. The Pan-African International Film Festival is a wonderful way to experience Cannes.”
Why is the Festival International du Film Panafricain de Cannes significant for the African Diaspora and Black travelers?While the Cannes Film Festival’s red carpet may attract the attention of celebrities, the FIFP could make the city a popular destination for everyday Black travelers. A recent international study conducted by MMGY Travel Intelligence revealed that Black representation highly influenced Black travelers to visit a specific destination. The second phase of the same study concluded that 54 percent of Black travelers in the US, 42 percent of travelers in the UK and Ireland, and 40 percent of Black travelers in Canada are influenced by Black representation in a destination’s travel advertising.
Increased visibility and awareness of the FIFP in Cannes’ travel advertising could likely draw Black travelers to its sunny shores. With its Pan-African theme, FIFP also provides an avenue to unite people of the global African Diaspora. For Ebelle, Pan-Africanism is a way of life. “It is the only way that allows Africa and Africans in any country to free themselves from the visible or invisible chains of the oppressor on a daily basis. Knowing your identity, knowing who you are, where you come from is a magnificent gift of life,” he emphasized in French.
The future of the Festival International du Film Panafricain de CannesThe future of the festival seems as promising as ever. According to Ebelle, “Pan-African cinema still remains to be discovered for most of the inhabitants of our planet. This cinema, more than any other, has the advantage of reconciling us with ourselves, whatever our origins.”
The 18th edition of FIFP will take place in Cannes from October 19 –24 2021, with COVID-19 safety measures in place. Located just minutes from the beach and Cannes’ La Croisette, FIFP will be held at Espace Miramar. As noted on their website, the festival is open to all. Prospective festival attendees can purchase passes that provide unlimited access to films, conferences, and ceremonies here for 70 dollars. Ticket options also include an all-inclusive package with a six-day hotel stay at Hôtel Martinez and access to the post-festival gala.
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September 27, 2021
Channel your inner Thoreau with a solo retreat at these remote New England Airbnbs
In 1845 Henry David Thoreau holed up in a one-man cabin on Walden Pond in Massachusetts. He stayed for two years, wrote a series of essays that would become a seminal work of transcendentalist literature, and wound up an off-grid icon. That’s a tall order for the average solo retreat. But you never know what a woodsy getaway might inspire, and we’re all in need of a good road trip. This fall, channel your inner Thoreau with some quality “me” time at one of these remote New England Airbnbs.
We hope you love the remote New England Airbnbs we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication. See our full Advertiser Disclosure here.
1. Modern riverside cabin in Maine
Photo: Airbnb
Thoreau had Walden Pond. Guests of this one-bedroom cabin get riverside digs and Maine’s largest lake, Moosehead Lake, just 20 minutes away. There’s not much else around except local trails and a small grocery store, but the cabin is cozy, the kitchen is well-equipped, and the WiFi is strong. The perfect day here starts with a cup of coffee or tea on the patio, segues into a solo hike to Little Wilson Falls, and winds down by the fire pit.
One bedroom, four guests
Price: $150 per night
Photo: Airbnb
From the outside, this is the quintessential cabin in the woods. It’s framed by foliage, accessed by a stone staircase to match the stone chimney, has a large wraparound deck, and overlooks a babbling brook. For extra wilderness cred, it’s also close to the Connecticut leg of the Appalachian Trail. Inside, however, this is no ordinary cabin. It reads more like a pied-à-terre in Copenhagen, with clean Scandi lines, tons of natural light, and carefully curated accent pieces. Because there’s no rule against doing a forest escape in style.
Two bedrooms, four guests
Price: $172 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This adorable blue A-frame in Plainfield, Vermont, is the perfect introduction to vacationing off-grid. It sits on 10 acres of land off a dead-end road, the WiFi and cell reception are spotty, and you’ll need a car to get here as there’s no public transportation nearby. On the other hand, the cottage is only 15 minutes from Montpelier, the state capital, and a short drive to epic mountain biking networks, ski areas with hikeable off-season trails, and a handful of breweries.
One bedroom, four guests
Price: $102 per night
Photo: Airbnb
It’s hard to say what’s cooler about this property: the so-called “Scandinavian wigwam” or the perks that come with it. When they’re not curled up by the traditional Danish wood-burning stove, guests can explore dewy wildlife trails, enjoy a private sauna, or arrange a forest bathing experience — the kind that involves an actual bathtub. The glamp-y retreat is located on a farm where all are welcome, even pets, and invited to help themselves to the on-site garden.
One bedroom, four guests
Price: $93 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Sleek, simple, and secluded, this one-bedroom cabin in Vermont’s Upper Valley Region puts a modern spin on the idea of hut camping. It comes equipped with everything you need for a rustic yet plush getaway: a queen bed with cozy linens, a kitchenette with all the coffee essentials, a window-facing workspace with a little library, a Tivoli sound system, decent WiFi, and a fire pit with picnic tables, Adirondack chairs, and free firewood. The only thing missing is a shower, but, as the host says, there are swimming holes nearby.
One bedroom, two guests
Price: $139 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Guests of this loft-style cabin in New Hampshire get the White Mountains in their living room, thanks to the mid-century modern facade that’s basically one big A-shaped window. Being in the White Mountains also means unparalleled hiking and mountain biking, whether it’s a walk to the historic Rocks Estates or a trek up Mount Washington. Drearier days call for tours of quaint New England mountain towns, then snuggling up at home with one of the books provided.
One bedroom, four guests
Price: $208 per night
Photo: Airbnb
A solo trip to the wilderness is the perfect time to treat yourself. This mid-century modern loft seems like a splurge, but it’s really a steal considering the cabin comes with 70 acres of privately owned forest, not to mention 360-degree windows and skylights to relish the views when you’re not out discovering trails. Post-outdoors, you can throw on some vinyl, make cozy fall meals in the well-equipped kitchen, sit by the fire on the deck, or soak in the spa-like tub that makes this one of the coziest remote New England Airbnbs.
One bedroom, two guests
Price: $249 per night
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This road trip will take you to the most wish-listed Airbnbs in the Northeast
It’s time for a road trip across the American Northeast. Whether you’re after a series of good hikes, fall foliage, or just some time for you and your partner to break away from it all and reconnect, these remote Airbnb properties will do the trick. The one common theme of the most wish-listed Airbnbs in the Northeast? Residents in and travelers to the region have a penchant for elevated crashpads — most of these popular New England Airbnbs are treehouses.
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.
The Canopy Treehouse, a luxury carbon-free retreat — Sanford, Maine
Photo: Airbnb
The Canopy Treehouse gives new meaning to luxury in the woods. Elevated, with striking architecture and a cozy feel, it’s one of the nicest treehouse Airbnbs in the entire world. Ideal for couples and small groups, this one is among the most wish-listed Airbnbs in the Northeast because it’s simply breathtaking. Add in the hiking, a full kitchen, and a patio that’s perfect for lounging wtih a cocktail, and you have the fixings for a great first stop on this road trip.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $425 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Slightly more rustic but equally impressive, Treehouse at The Shire is among the most wish-listed Airbnbs in the Northeast because it provides the perfect opportunity to unplug and forget about city life. You’ll cozy up on the patio, heat water for tea (or a hot toddy) on the propane stove, and enjoy a few days off-grid. Hiking, snowshoeing, and outdoor activities abound in the New Hampshire wilderness.
Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $124 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This epic cabin is like sleeping fully immersed in nature, yet with a security cocoon to protect you from any unpredicted elements. You’ll wake up to 360-degree views of the surrounding forest and maybe even sip your morning coffee with a passing deer. Days here are spent hiking, lounging, reading, and tree climbing. Oh, and taking plenty of pictures — because your crew back home won’t believe you stayed somewhere so amazing.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $186 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Here in upsate New York, you can relax amongst the rolling hills and the lake. This property is ideal for couples who enjoy hiking, fishing, and generally secluding themselves together in a fine piece of architecture. The Willow Treehouse also has a hot tub, ideal for those cold New England winter nights (or days, who are we kidding).
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $382 per night
Photo: Airbnb
At this geodesic dome in Bethlehem, Connecticut, you’re living like a hobbit without all the corny accouterment that typically accompanies “hobbit houses.” You’re fully off-grid here, with no water or electricity — but rest easy knowing that the host’s home is nearby for amenities. This one was made for the writers, poets, artists, and couples who draw inspiration from geodesic shapes.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $52 per night
Photo: Airbnb
At this point in the road trip, you have the chance to diversify a bit by staying in a barn. Yes, it’s red, and yes, it’s the proper shape of a barn. But no, you won’t nestle amongst hay and troughs. Rather, you’ll tuck into the lap of luxury here in rural Rhode Island. The beach is nearby, and the host provides bikes to get there and boogie boards to ride once you reach the shore.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $161 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Conclude your road trip to the most wish-listed Airbnbs in the Northeast with a stay at this pond house cabin. Relax along the waterfront, chill inside with a book, or get in a hike — we recommend squeezing all three of those activities into one full day of mental and physical wellness. You’re nearly off-grid here as well, with a composting toilet and outdoor sink, but the property still manages to harness the luxury that makes it such a highly desired rental.
Five guests, one bedroom
Price: $310 per night
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New search feature lets travelers Google a hotel’s sustainability efforts
Travelers have a new way to Google a hotel’s sustainability efforts. The technology company just announced that beginning this week, travelers will now be able to see whether a hotel has gained sustainability certification from independent third parties. Hotel searches will return information about each property’s sustainability efforts and certifications in general search results.
Google is making it easier for everyone to find sustainable travel options. Learn how we’re helping to make your hotel stay more sustainable → https://t.co/INKAV9CN33 pic.twitter.com/ga6bTFIVvI
— Google (@Google) September 22, 2021
According to Google, hotels can earn this sustainability badge by meeting high sustainability standards from specific independent organizations, including EarthCheck and Green Key. Users can learn more about each property’s sustainability efforts by clicking on the “About” tab to see a list of efforts undertaken by the hotel. Google is working with many hotels worldwide, including independent hotels and chains such as Hilton and Accor.
Google is also building a sustainable future for travel by joining the global Travalyst coalition in developing a standardized way to calculate carbon emissions for air travel. These efforts aren’t the only healthy and sustainable aims that Google is creating. Last year Google shared a travel tool to aid in making travel more accessible and safer.
And this new tool is a part of their commitment over the next decade to ensure that their partners and others make sustainable decisions. For now, be sure to Google a hotel’s sustainability efforts before making a booking.
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The most hated fast food brands in the world
When it comes to food, everyone has that one restaurant, brand, or dish that they just can’t stand to eat or even want to set their eyes on. Some chains fall into that category for more people than others.
To find the most hated fast-food brands, the website RAVE Reviews used the research tool SentiStrength to analyze different tweets dealing with brands that had either positive or negative content. It then calculated the percentage of negative tweets and then ranked them by location and category. Is this a perfect gauge? No, considering that some fast-food chains are in many more countries than others. Twitter is also where people tend to air out their grievances in a much more aggressive way that doesn’t always reflect reality. Still, it’s an interesting look at the chains that people publicly complain most about.
Photo: RAVE Reviews
The most hated fast-food brands in the world
KFC: 14 countriesWendy’s: 11 countriesStarbucks: Five countriesDominos, McDonalds, and Subway: Four countriesBurger King and Taco Bell: Three countriesTaking the top spot is KFC as the most hated fast-food brand in 14 countries. Followed by Wendy’s being the most hated in 11 countries. McDonald’s took second place last year, but it’s now down to receiving the most negative public tweets in four countries.
This is the first time a company has tried to rank fast food brands by how much they’re loved or loathed. BusinessFinancing ranked the world’s favorite fast food chains by Google search data. Clearly there’s an appetite for fast food regardless of what you think about the brands themselves. After all, we all know that one person who likes to grab a meal from a fast food chain even while abroad.
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What it’s like to dine in luxury in one of America’s most extravagant castles
A castle sits on acres of rolling, verdant grass and bucolic farmland just a few miles outside of Lexington, Kentucky. The looming, enormous structure is immediately captivating — almost jarring, like a vision from another era — when it first comes into view as you’re driving along the monotonous local highway. It also makes one wonder how, and why, this stunning feat of architecture popped up in the middle of rural Kentucky.
Adding to the wonder is the fact that it’s the home of the Castle Farms Restaurant at the Kentucky Castle. The towering structure is unlike any other building in the region, let alone the country. On the whole, there aren’t many full-scale castles designed in traditional European architecture throughout the US.
Unfortunately, the real story isn’t nearly as fantastical as one might initially assume after seeing the imposing medieval-style building. As Jennifer Cason, the restaurant manager of the Castle Farms Restaurant, noted recently, the castle was “built in ’69 — 1969, not 1669.” The original structure was built by a couple after returning home to Kentucky from a European trip in which the architecture was undeniably tantalizing. The couple, Rex Martin and Caroline Bagaert Martin, began construction in the early 70s. When they divorced in 1975, the castle went unfinished. In 2003, the castle was sold, then a fire decimated the building the next year. In 2008, reconstruction was finally completed.
After new ownership began overseeing the property in 2017, a farm-to-table restaurant was created, as well as a hotel (rates range from around $150 for a glamping tent to nearly $800 to stay in one of in the castle turrets), a state-of-the-art spa, and a farm complete with a beekeeping course. The property is built on 55 acres and also contains a number of other features. Among them: an organic garden, apiary, vineyards, fruit and nut orchards, truffle orchards, gourmet mushroom gardens, and pasture land for cattle, goats, and sheep, to name a few.
Photo: The Kentucky Castle/Facebook
A few summers back, I visited the castle with my brother. Upon entering, the gardens immediately reminded me of Dorne in Game of Thrones: lush, colorful flora and fauna, propulsive fountains, and an incredible amount of stone and marble. After going inside and having a few quick drinks at the castle’s bar, my brother and I sauntered across the pristine hallways to the Castle Farms Restaurant.
At the table, I was struck by more than just the aesthetics of the physical structure — the Caesar salad at the castle restaurant was the single best I’ve ever had (and I’ve had plenty).
At its core, Caesar salad is not an especially celebratory meal. What made this particular salad noteworthy, though, was its purity and quality. There was absolutely nothing ostentatious or superfluous in the least. The restaurant kept it simple with lettuce, tomatoes, grilled chicken, frico (Parmesan cheese crisps), and a stellar dressing. There was nothing to gild the lily, no showiness, and nothing over the top. Just a confluence of garden-fresh ingredients, high-quality chicken, and an alarmingly delicious and piquant Caesar dressing all working in harmony.
Clearly, the salad had an effect on me. According to Cason, the menu at Castle Farms Restaurant is seasonal and changed four times a year. The executive chef, Jason Wald, is a “chef by profession, but a farmer at heart,” Cason says. The restaurant team carefully plans out cultivation and designs the menu in accordance with the garden rather than creating a menu and then figuring out what ingredients the restaurant needs.
Photo: The Kentucky Castle/Facebook
The current menu features some elevated seasonal options such as a salad with pickled watermelon radish, candied fennel, and tomato dill emulsion, and for entrees, mangalitsa pork chop with sorghum citrus dressing and Okinawa sweet potato puree. Their duck breast entree features a seared duck breast with Madeira poulet sauce alongside Genovese basil ricotta ravioli. Clearly, the menu is inspired, original, and undoubtedly delicious.
“If we can’t grow or make it on the property, then we’ll source it locally,” Cason says. When outsourcing, nearly all food comes from Kentucky-based farms, with a few select ingredients coming from one farm in nearby Tennessee and another in Indiana.
Cason also notes that the castle itself is owned by a group of physicians who’re dedicated to a holistic mind, body, and soul approach to health and healing. The restorative approach is on display full-circle at the castle with good food, spots to relax, a spa, and the opportunity to see the animals on the property. In this way, the owners hope the castle can deliver more than just aesthetics and offer something for everyone.
Photo: The Kentucky Castle
In addition to their large farm, spa, award-winning hotel, aforementioned restaurant, and numerous event venues, the castle is also incredibly involved in the local community. The owners of the Kentucky Castle partner with a local agricultural high school and students are able to attend traditional school for half the day and then do hands-on work in the garden with Toni Meyers, the agriculture director, to learn the business of farming, like raising baby goats and sheep.
In terms of other philanthropic work, the castle pairs with Court Appointed Special Advocates, which raises funds for an organization of attorneys who represent at-risk children, as well as the Kentucky chapter of Make A Wish. In conjunction with Make A Wish, the castle hosts Princess Brunches and Fairytale Programs. The events allow participants to get all dolled up like their favorite princesses, stay overnight in a castle, eat delicious meals, meet animals, and enjoy all that the Kentucky Castle has to offer. It’s an incredibly welcome break and a moment of brightness for children fighting aggressive illnesses — along with their families and caregivers. On my visit, my brother and I were fortunate enough to see one of these events in action, and it was a beautiful, pure moment to see the children be so carefree and have such fun for a weekend.
Photo: The Kentucky Castle
The grounds also allow for farm tours and being one with the animals, which helps to let everyone’s “hearts beat and breathe,” according to Cason which falls in line with the castle’s holistic approach.
So if you’re looking for a stunning wedding venue, a fully-operational farm that’s in sync with the local community and philanthropies, or you’re in the market for a remarkably delicious Caesar salad, you know where to go.
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Switzerland votes to legalize same-sex marriage by a huge margin
History was made this weekend in Switzerland, as two-thirds of Swiss voters backed same-sex marriage in a referendum.
Switzerland is one of the last countries in Western Europe to legalize marriage for same-sex couples. With 64 percent in agreement for equality, this was a historic moment for LGBTQ rights in the nation.
Despite the wide margin, the referendum has not been without controversy with conservative opposition and church groups campaigning for years against giving the public the option to have their say. The opposition was to be expected in a country that was among the last in the world to give women the right to vote, which Switzerland only did in 1971.
AP News reported Justice Minister Karin Keller-Sutter supported the “Marriage for All” measure and stated that the new rules will be in place by July 2022.
“With this, all couples will in the future be treated equally before the law: all can enter into a civil marriage, with the same rights and obligations,” Keller-Sutter stated.
Same-sex couples have been able to register their partnerships since 2007. However, they have not been awarded the same rights as heterosexual couples. This new measure will make it possible for married lesbian couples to have children through sperm donation and for couples to adopt unrelated children.
Switzerland has become the 30th country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage.
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6 fall adventures in Kelowna, BC
Picture yourself on a sunny autumn afternoon, sitting lakeside on a patio and sipping a chilled glass of Riesling from a local vineyard. Across Okanagan Lake, the rounded hills of the Thompson Plateau resemble a fall kaleidoscope — maple trees fluttering red, vineyard grapes turning purple on yellowing vines, and green ponderosa pines staying true to their hue. Earlier in the day you were cycling past golden larch trees high above town; tomorrow you’ll be paddling a kayak on the lake’s glassy blue surface.
Summer in Kelowna, an electric lakeside city set in BC’s mountainous heart, gets plenty of attention from beach-going travellers, but locals know fall is when this place shines brightest. The gradual leaf change isn’t “blink and you miss it” like in other parts of Canada — it starts in mid-September and lasts through October. What’s more, summer’s dog days give way to milder temperatures and there are fewer people on the trails. You can get out any time of day to hike, bike, paddle, or just soak in the scenery at a farm or vineyard.
Arguably every fall day in Kelowna is incredible, but here are six ways to make the season truly unforgettable.
1. Paddling a kayak or SUP on Okanagan Lake
Photo: tourismkelowna.com/Shawn Talbot Photography
Getting out on the water is a must in this lakeside city. To ogle the sprawling lakefront homes and discover Kelowna’s secret coves and deserted beaches, BYO watercraft — or rent from Lakefront Sports Centre into early October — and explore part of the Kelowna Paddle Trail. This 27-kilometre water pathway hugs the shore from McKinley Beach in Lake Country to Bertram Creek Regional Park in south Kelowna, passing 20 beaches and parks, two bird sanctuaries, three lakeside resorts, and downtown along its way.
The trail is marked by 22 buoys that denote beach accesses and mark distances to help paddlers navigate. Kayaking the whole thing would be ambitious; instead, pick a smaller section and be sure to make a few stops for a fall swim or picnic. Highlights include Paul’s Tomb Beach with cliffs to launch off of; Rotary Marsh Park to listen for red-winged blackbirds chirruping among the cattails; and Boyce-Gyro Beach Park, where you can beach your kayak and walk to Shore Line Brewing Co. for a pint of craft beer.
2. Cycling Myra Canyon on the Kettle Valley Rail Trail
Photo: tourismkelowna.com/Scott Bakken Productions
The 12-kilometre bike ride between Myra Station and Ruth Station along the Kettle Valley Rail Trail is stunning any time of year, but particularly so in mid-to-late October when the needles of the coniferous larch trees turn a brilliant yellow before blanketing the ground. You’ll be treated to nature’s palette of green, gold, and blue (thanks to the sky above and Okanagan Lake below) as you cycle over 18 wooden trestles and through two tunnels on Kelowna’s best-known ride, curving your way around the precipitous Myra Canyon.
Be sure to read the interpretive kiosk at the beginning of the path. It talks about the history of the now-decommissioned railway and the historic train trestles you’re about to cross. Once you start pedaling, remember to pause regularly to take in the vista (and snap some pictures) at a few of the viewpoints along the way.
Insider tip: Myra Canyon Bike Rentals operates through October 12; for a ride later in the season, you’ll need to bring your own bike or rent one in town and transport it to the trailhead.
3. Embarking on a farm adventure
Photo: tourismkelowna.com/Wines of British Columbia
Over half of Kelowna’s land is zoned for agriculture, which is why there are so many orchards, vineyards, and farms within city limits. Not only does this patchwork of green fields and weathered wooden barns imbue a country drive with bucolic charm, it means you can stop and pet the farm animals or buy veggies directly from a local grower.
Head to southeast Kelowna for the full agro experience. Start at Don-O-Ray Farms to load up on fall flavours like sweet corn and purple cauliflower — there’s also a petting zoo for kids who want to meet goats or watch chickens scratch around. If you’re in town in October, visit McMillan Farms, where you can bump around the property on a hayride, get lost in the corn maze, or select your favourite orange gourd from the giant pumpkin patch.
As the day progresses toward happy hour, you’ll be pleased to know that some area farms produce booze. Meadow Vista Honey Wines has a tasting room with a number of different meads on offer, along with jars of honey to buy. (If the kids are old enough, send them on the self-guided garden and bee tour to see working hives.) For something stronger, Wiseacre Farm Distillery crafts vodka, gin, and seasonal liqueurs like lavender and rhubarb gin. You can also pick up fresh eggs (when available) from the farm’s flock, which will come in handy for shaking up that rhubarb-gin sour.
4. Watching the salmon run at Mission Creek Regional Park
Photo: Chad Resler/Shutterstock
Everyone knows that salmon swim upstream to spawn in the fall, but what’s cool is that Okanagan salmon — called kokanee — are lake fish, so they live out their days landlocked in Okanagan Lake. After four years of lake living they turn colour, from silver-grey to fuschia, and swim up the lake’s tributaries to reproduce before they call it a life. This mad rush of kokanee peaks in late September and early October, when local creeks froth pink with their spawning.
One of the best places to see this annual phenomenon is right in town at Mission Creek Regional Park. In addition to the natural creek, there’s a dedicated salmon spawning channel built in the 1990s to improve the salmon’s chances of successfully producing offspring. Just follow the short Kokanee Trail that runs parallel to the channel to see the females flapping on their sides in the company of many suitors.
5. Taking a hike, bagging a volcano
Photo: tourismkelowna.com/Callum Snape
The landscape surrounding Kelowna is nothing if not dramatically scenic. Case in point: A string of extinct volcanoes forms a highland spine down the Okanagan Valley. And many of these peaks are climbable, including the largest, Mount Boucherie in West Kelowna.
The well-marked Boucherie Rush Trail ascends 300 metres in three kilometres as the path zigzags upward. Look for hardened lava flows, funky rock formations, and antelope brush — a species native to the Sonoran Desert that grows here — as you hoof it to the top of this 50-million-year-old eroded peak. Your reward for the steep climb is expansive, unimpeded views of the lake below and the valley unfurling south toward Penticton like an autumn quilt.
6. Wine touring in style
Photo: tourismkelowna.com/Wines of British Columbia
When your ride is a whirlybird, you can fly to any winery in the Okanagan Valley that has a heli-pad. That’s the rock-star idea behind the half- and full-day heli wine tours from Valhalla Helicopters, where you can literally drop in to wine tastings at some of Kelowna’s most scenic wineries, like Mission Hill Family Estate and Summerhill Pyramid Winery.
Another option is to take your wine game on the water. Sip Happens offers a Sip & Cruise Tour — a guide drives you to three wineries in Lake Country, north of town, then ships you off in a pontoon boat to cruise Okanagan Lake while you sample your recently purchased beverages on board.
These are six of Kelowna’s best autumn adventures, but there are many more fall experiences waiting in this scenic valley. Check out the Tourism Kelowna website for more ideas of how to make your trip unforgettable.
The post 6 unforgettable fall experiences to have in Kelowna, BC appeared first on Matador Network.
September 26, 2021
Our editors tested, and these are the best travel journals for every type of traveler
The best travel journals allow you to plan, document, and remember the international jaunts and road trips that change your life. A journal should prompt you to be both creative and memorable, be that with interactive activities or a blank page calling. Matador’s editors tested and selected the top travel journals on the market. These are the winners, broken down by category. Each allows you to record your adventures, with options for those who like prompts, the kiddos, and even the traveler who prefers to document their travels through watercolor.
We hope you love the travel journals we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to make a purchase. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication. See our full Advertiser Disclosure here.
The best kids travel journalThe Ultimate Travel Journal For Kids: Awesome Activities for Your Adventures
Photo: Rob Taylor
“The Ultimate Travel Journal For Kids” is the ideal companion to the book below, and also works on its own should you be traveling abroad. This book is meant to get your kids thinking and writing. There’s enough space to journal about four separate trips. The author, Rob Taylor, co-founded the popular blog 2 Travel Dads, and in this book he includes fill-in-the-blank puzzles and other games to help kids learn and process their knowledge, with the overall goal of learning how to grow from travel and bring that skillset into daily life.
Price: $8.99
The 50 States: Explore the U.S.A. with 50 fact-filled maps!
Photo: Gabrielle Balkan
Taking kids on road trips is kind of like taking that final trip to the buffet table: it seems like such a great idea at first, but if you don’t plan ahead and practice self-control, it’s going to end in regret. The “50 States: Explore the U.S.A. with 50 fact-filled maps!” kids travel journal acts as the planning and the self-control all in one. It keeps kids occupied in the car as you traverse America’s highways. And it gives them something to talk about and look forward to at each stop along the way. Your kiddos can circle the things they want to see and you can discuss them to pass the time on the road.
Price: $17.79
Best leather travel journalWanderings Refillable Travel Journal
Photo: Wanderings
Wanderings Refillable Travel Journal is the best leather travel journal due to its versatility and longevity. Its pages are refillable, so you can buy the journal once and keep it with you for life. And, in a nod to zero-waste ethics, its pages are optimized for fountain pens. It’s lined with naturally tanned leather and filled with blank inserts. The journal buckles for safekeeping and its page marker makes it easy to open to where you left off. Simply put, there is not a better leather travel journal on the market for the traveler who simply likes to capture their thoughts, sketches, or poetry while on the road.
Price: $22.99
Best travel journal with promptsPromptly Journals Compact Travel Journal
Photo: Promptly
Promptly is the go-to for journals that beg you to write. Their Compact Travel Journal lives up to its reputation with actionable writing prompts that cover the spectrum of travel — from dreaming and planning to doing, and with plenty of nudges for remembrance, as well. The journal is comprised of five sections including photo placeholders and a world map to track where you’ve been and where you’re going next. For the all-encompassing journaling experience, this is the best travel journal available.
Price: $22
Best 50 states travel journalTravel 50 States Journal
Photo: Travel 50 States
The Travel 50 States Journal is fit for new and experienced US travelers alike. Divided into sections by state, you can scribe your thoughts on each, and note activities you did in order to determine your favorites. The journal also includes a national park checklist, prompts to create your ultimate travel bucket list, and more fun activities to keep you stoked during those long highway stretches. You can also incorporate life hacking strategies using the financial planner, note your favorite hikes and outdoor activities across the country, and note trip planning logistics on specified lined pages.
Price: $12.99
Best travel journal scrapbookWanderings Leather Watercooler Scrapbook Journal
Photo: Wanderings
For the traveling artist, this is the best travel journal scrapbook to record your thoughts and notes along with drawings and free-form creations. The pages are handmade of Deckle Edged paper, a creativity prompt in itself. Its oversized format makes it the perfect addition to your coffee table or to keep in the van or RV while out on road-bound adventures. It can also be used as a general sketchbook, for those mornings when you wake up in the mountains and open the door to a truly majestic view.
Price: $59
Best mindful travel journalThe Transformative Travel Journal from the Transformative Travel Council
Photo: Transformative Travel Council
Mindful travel is the future — and no travel journal better helps you capture this journey than the Transformative Travel Journal. Stay in the moment on the road with interactive prompts designed to promote mindfulness and long-term planning. You’ll practice intentionality in your trip planning, execution, and post-trip recaps. Overall, the journal is designed to help you take the best aspects of travel and incorporate them into your daily life even at home. Harness your best inner-self.
Price: $29
Best travel journal for international travelWANDRD Travel Journal
Photo: WANDRD
Adventure gear company WANDRD did something incredible with their travel journal — they brought together all aspects of trip planning including packing lists, transportation tracking, daily itinerary planning, and more to create the most all-encompassing travel journal available. It’s the best travel journal for international travel because its broken into sections based on trip length. More prompts and pages are provided for longer trips, and there’s room for many shorter and weekender trips as well. Keep track of contacts met on the road, your favorite meals and moments, and those pesky confirmation numbers that always seem to slip between the cracks.
Price: $35
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