Matador Network's Blog, page 581
October 1, 2021
Six ways to feast in Wilmington, NC
A trip to North Carolina’s Wilmington and Beaches gives you the perfect excuse to feast. The region was named the “#1 Best Al Fresco Dining Neighborhood” in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, after all, and Wilmington restaurants both in historic downtown as well as the nearby island beaches — Carolina, Kure, and Wrightsville — are plentiful and exquisite.
Expect to dine surrounded by nature, to get cozy with your dinner date, and to explore some truly exciting cuisine. No matter what type of food and drink you’re looking for, you can find it here.
1. Fresh-to-table Wilmington restaurants
Photo: Wilmington and Beaches
You won’t soon forget these fine-dining Wilmington and Beaches restaurants that take advantage of the region’s bounty, from fresh catch-of-the-day to just-ripe veggies, combined to create unique takes on Southern classics. Just remember to make a reservation!
Take your vacation celebrations downtown, starting with the James Beard-nodded Seabird and their spectacular Seasonal Seafood Tower (a feast unto itself). Add on the soft-shell crab or the crispy fried flounder — always locally caught — or keep it veg-friendly with the heirloom grains and sweet-corn-stuffed Cubanelle peppers piling up on their Vegan Plate. Pastry Chef Lydia Clopton’s desserts are a must, too.
Savorez blends local flavors with Latin flair — seared tuna tostadas, lobster ceviche, and vegan rellenos have consistently wowed diners. They also like to give Southern classics like shrimp and grits a Central American spin and show pork (a favorite ingredient here in North Carolina) some Latin love in dishes like tres cochinitos and carne con ancho.
Dine al fresco at Tarantelli’s Ristorante Italiano, where they fuse family recipes with local ingredients and fresh pasta to create meals worth moving here for. Their bright, fresh flavors in everything from seafood dishes (which feature local clams and shrimp, of course) to house-made pappardelle and mushrooms to veggie-packed plates of pasta and risotto are perfect with a bottle of wine and a table on the terrace.
At Rx Restaurant and Bar, the menu changes as farmers and anglers walk into the kitchen with what’s fresh; diners, on the other hand, should walk straight to the covered patio. Their okra fries (topped with locally harvested sea salt) and their smoked fish dip set the stage for entrees like sorghum-lacquered NC duck and the excellent catch-of-the-day.
The elegant patio and chic dining room at Port Land Grille reflect the attention to detail you’ll find on the plate at this spot. Working with sustainable farmers, ranchers, and fishers, they routinely deliver wood-grilled duck, steaks, lamb, and seafood dishes that will render you speechless — and only partly because you’re busy feasting.
In Wrightsville Beach, Oceanic Restaurant and South Beach Grill both know what they do best: bold seafood dishes in beautiful surroundings. The sea scallops at South Beach Grill get the five-star treatment, and the Grouper Linda — pecan-crusted grouper topped with crab and a decadent beurre blanc — has been a local highlight for going on two decades. Down the beach a few blocks, Oceanic stands with its feet in the sand and a slew of dining tables perched over the waves on its pier-turned-patio. Crab cakes, scallops, and their take on the Calabash-style seafood North Carolina’s famous for are the focus of this menu.
In Carolina Beach, Coast Craft Cocktails & Calabash elevates that signature seafood style on a menu where every dish is a rock star. Fried oyster and lobster succotash will likely surprise new diners, while the local catch sees the freshest fish cooked to perfection with a seasonal set of sides. Veggie lovers can take on Dirt Candy, a plate packed with sweet potatoes, squash, and more.
2. Noteworthy noshes
Photo: Eric vB/The Green House Restaurant
Food fans take note: Wilmington restaurants and their chefs have a lot of tricks up their sleeves. Practically wherever you turn, there’s a surprising and tasty bite to be had. Put these spots on your list.
The Green House Restaurant, Wilmington’s only fine-dining vegetarian restaurant, has earned a reputation for uncategorical greatness. Vegan cheeses and plant-based pâtés get the meal started, and hearty entrees like roasted artichoke with walnut pesto and their medley of seasonal veggies served over smoked grits are turning devoted omnivores to the veggie side with each bite.
Then there’s the Thai-focused, pan-Asian cuisine at Indochine, which transforms each table into its own feast. The dining room decor is reminiscent of Southeast Asia, but grab a table outside where gardens and pagoda-like structures make for a setting like none other in town.
When you visit Smoke on the Water, snag a seat on the deck and watch the Cape Fear River flow by. In dishes like the fried oyster po’boy, you’ll find a Carolina-meets-Gulf Coast masterpiece, while the brisket sandwich showcases the best of Lone Star-style barbecue (a bold move in North Carolina).
Downtown, the seafood at Circa 1922 gets the white tablecloth treatment, and dishes like their seafood paella, seared sea scallops, and butter-poached halibut are neighborhood classics. If sampling small plates is your thing, you can dine on local veggies, charred octopus, crispy calamari, or even the foodie favorite: roasted bone marrow.
Set within a renovated Craftsman-style home in Wilmington’s South Front District, Mariposa Tapas Bar serves Spanish tapas both inside and on their exquisite wraparound porch. Relax at your table at sunset and watch folks strolling by as you dig into shareable plates highlighting local shrimp, marinated Spanish olives, pork cheeks with piquillo peppers, and albondigas (classic Spanish meatballs).
And speaking of sunsets, they don’t get much better than on the expansive deck at The George on the Riverwalk. Dive into their menu of seasonal “Southern Coastal Cuisine” as you gaze out over the Cape Fear River and further on to the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA. Bonus: There’s a pet-friendly deck as well, so you can bring along the dog to enjoy the experience with you.
3. Diners, drive-ins, and divesCan you even claim to have a food scene if Guy Fieri hasn’t shown up and filmed a segment or two in your town? He’s been to Wilmington restaurants a few times — here’s where and why.
Guy Fieri stopped by The Fork n Cork — a burger joint with locations in downtown Wilmington and Carolina Beach — for confit duck wings and Beef Wellington bites, two dishes done outrageously well. There are a dozen burgers also on the menu, and you can choose a range of toppings from tasty (bacon jam) to surprising and tasty (peanut butter), and options from brisket and the traditional beef burger to duck, lamb, and veggie burgers.
Locals love Sweet n Savory Cafe for every meal. Their big four-egg omelets and killer breakfast sandwiches (made with bread from their bakery) are total crowd pleasers. At lunch, they serve a bevy of sandwiches and comfort-food classics; for dinner, they dish up local flavors with international inspiration. Caribbean jerk steak, country-fried pork chops, seafood waterzooi (that’s Flemish), and mussels and frites are just some of the items you’ll be tempted by.
Home to some of the best pub grub in town, The Copper Penny served Fieri two favorites — the 109 Chestnut Chicken Sandwich and the true-to-Philly Hot Roast Pork Sandwich — to rave reviews. You should try them yourself.
Near Wrightsville Beach, Ceviche’s blends notes of Panamanian, Caribbean, and Central American cuisines with local ingredients. As the name implies, the ceviche is exceptional, but so is the Panamanian paella, the corvina a la plancha, the blackened scallops and pork belly, and any fish taco they have on the menu or on special.
With Southern California-inspired tacos and a distinct skater vibe, Nollie’s Taco Joint serves tacos, burritos, salads, and more. Marinated jackfruit, chili-lime tofu, and killer black bean tacos give veggie proteins center stage; skirt steak, locally caught fish and shrimp, and chicken hit those classic SoCal notes.
4. Island-style eatsWilmington has a lovely downtown, but it’s also flanked by some absolutely gorgeous beaches. Head to the restaurants on the coast for distinctive island-cuisine flavors.
In Kure Beach, you’ll find Jack Mackerel’s Island Grill, a Caribbean-influenced seafood and steak joint with a second-floor outdoor deck. Sit up top and enjoy the breeze and views along with platters of broiled or fried seafood, salmon with mango crab butter, or a salad topped with seared tuna.
Using local ingredients and the freshest catch to create a menu inspired by the Caribbean and Polynesia, Salt Fish Restaurant in Carolina Beach delivers exceptional meals day and night. Fresh catch with coconut rice, seafood tom kha, Saigon noodles, and sweet-and-spicy shrimp salad are some of what you can expect to enjoy here.
Sitting on the deck at Havana’s, the people watching come gratis with dinner. Their seafood-focused menu features ceviche, Hawaiian-inspired tuna poke, fried seafood platters, and steaks. Go for their niçoise salad topped with tuna, some Cajun shrimp skewers, that exceptional ceviche, or settle in for their filet and smashed potatoes (a hit in every season).
In Wrightsville Beach, Poe’s Tavern offers up a huge outdoor patio and airy interior, the perfect place to enjoy a pint of craft beer and one of their creative burgers. Go for a classic all-beef burger like the Tell-Tale Heart (with a fried egg and cheese) or something like the Annabel Lee (a crab cake burger), and you’ll find a bite as inventive as it is tasty.
Shark Bar and Kitchen dishes up seafood tacos, sandwiches, wraps, and raw bar items only steps from the shore at Wrightsville Beach. Their blackened shrimp tacos, crab cake sandwiches, tuna poke, and seafood tower have quickly become pre- and post-beach faves.
5. Drinks with a view
Photo: Wilmington and Beaches
Between Wilmington restaurants and bars and those located on the nearby beaches, we’ve got more places with fantastic views than we can name. Here are just a few you should check out.
At Cloud 9, perched atop the Embassy Suites, you’ll have views of the Cape Fear River and two Wilmington icons: the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA and the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge. Nearby, aView, the rooftop bar of Aloft Wilmington, is a winner with tapas on offer and a slate of wine, beer, and sparkly cocktails that matches the skyline and the Cape Fear River flowing by.
Marina Grill gives you views of the busy Port City Marina, where pleasure boats, sailing craft, and yachts sit bobbing on the water. A full menu will keep you fed, and their bar — and its wall full of taps — will keep your thirst at bay.
Down in Carolina Beach, Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar delivers big ocean views in their dining rooms, on their patio, and at their tiki bar. The seasonal live music, sea breeze, and their selection of local drinks dress their flavorful dishes up to the nines. There’s also Hurricane Alley’s on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, perfect for watching the waves roll in while you work your way through a sampling of local beer or explore their cocktail menu sip by sip.
6. Foodie tours and festivals
Photo: Stacey Sprenz/Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours
For foodies who fancy going deeper, you’ll find plenty of tours and festivals to keep you eating and drinking in Wilmington and Beaches, especially come autumn.
Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours are part tasting tour, part farmers market tour, and part cooking class with a local chef. You’ll sample something sweet or savory at five or six Wilmington restaurants and get to meet the chefs and owners behind the dishes. Meanwhile, in Carolina Beach, Tasting History Tours blend the flavors of the beach community with the history found there and at neighboring Fort Fisher. With them, you’ll be served bites from several restaurants and get to hear stories of how this region grew into what it is today.
Lighthouse Beer & Wine hosts a pair of festivals at the end of each October focused on the sudsy stuff: The Voracious & Rare Beer Festival brings hundreds of beer fans to Wilmington for one night to geek out about, discuss, and taste scores of rare beers and hard-to-find bottles. The Lighthouse Beer & Wine Festival, happening the same weekend, raises money for a local cause and brings 40+ breweries together to pour for the thirsty crowds. There’s live music, amazing food from local chefs and food trucks, and more to taste in one day than you’ll believe.
If you miss these, know that the Carolina Beach Wine & Beer Walk returns in November. This afternoon event will set you off with a map and a tasting glass, letting you explore the libations at several Carolina Beach restaurants. A good chance to get a peek at area favorites, it’s a fun event for locals and visitors alike.
Also in November, the third annual Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival returns to Wilmington. This one-day fest features whole-hog barbecue from legendary pitmaster Bill Eason, more than 40 bourbons to sample, a local-brews-only beer garden, music, a cornhole tournament, tasting seminars from master distillers, and more. The same month also sees Taste of Wrightsville Beach, a one-day event where you’ll be stunned by the array of flavors on hand — expect more than 40 booths pouring and plating fresh samples.
And remember: Any time you’re thinking of heading to Wilmington, take a peek at the events calendar at Wilmington and Beaches. It’ll have the most up-to-date information on what’s going on around town, making it easy to plan your perfect foodie getaway. 
The post Six ways to feast in Wilmington and Beaches: A guide to Wilmington restaurants, bars, and festivals appeared first on Matador Network.
7 hotels near Seattle’s Pike Place Market for finding tasty food and gorgeous bay views
No trip to Seattle is complete without a visit to the iconic Pike Place Market. You might as well just stay near the market, because it’s so incredible that you’ll want to devote a fair amount of time to exploring it. In and around the market are some of Seattle’s best seafood restaurants and pubs, as well. At these hotels near Pike Place Market, you’re both near to the action and to the heart of the Emerald City.
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.
Hotel Monaco — perfect for romantic getaways and access to rest of downtown
Photo: Booking.com
The Hotel Monaco Seattle puts you in the heart of downtown and just a few blocks from Pike Place Market. This is ideal on many fronts. First, the market itself allows for some beautiful photos of the shoreline and market sign from the top of a staircase descending toward the market. Second, you have easy access to the rest of downtown Seattle and its top sights, including Smith Tower, Prefontaine Place park (perfect for a morning picnic overlooking fountains) and the famous Elliot’s Oyster House. The hotel’s dining and conference offerings are on point as well, making this ideal for business travel.
Price: From $193 per night
The State Hotel — perfect for a trip built entirely around Pike Place Market
Photo: Booking.com
When proximity to Pike Place Market is priority number one, it doesn’t get better than The State Hotel. Located quite literally across the street, you’ll emerge in the morning to the smells of Pike Place coming to life. This means you can easily be among the first to peruse the day’s catch, the flower stands, and to get in line for Pike Place Chowder. And should you opt for a middle-of-the-night rise to catch a seafood haul, you won’t have far to go.
Price: From $216 per night
Hotel 1000 — perfect for epic harbourfront and water views
Photo: Booking.com
Would you walk an extra three blocks for better views of Elliot’s Bay and proximity to the Seattle Art Museum and the iconic Ivar’s Fish Bar? We’d consider it — especially with the rates at Hotel 1000. This hotel puts you under half a mile from Pike Place Market in lux accommodations that include full spa service and a golf practice simulation. Each room comes equipped with a stocked mini-bar, and with sheets with a thread count this high and a hotel view this good, afternoon toasts are always in order.
Price: From $324
The Hotel Ändra — perfect for visiting Belltown and Lake Union
Photo: Booking.com
Boutique hotels in city centers are the quickest way to feel like a local. You always get local accents, very often accompanied by artwork inspired by your surrounds, and in all probability won’t need to drive anywhere. The Hotel Ändra epitomizes this experience in Seattle. Walk a few short blocks to Pike Place Market. Or, head the other direction to Belltown and Lake Union, home to some of the city’s finest dining, nightlife, and craft beer. Back in the hotel, you’ll wrap yourself in Seattle’s iconic deep-hued aesthetic with the option to relax by the lobby fireplace or wine and dine at the onsite bar and restaurant.
Price: From $229
The Four Seasons Seattle — perfect for going all-out
Photo: Booking.com
Four Seasons hotels are known for offering guests a unique experience of a place. At the Four Seasons Seattle that might come from the infinity pool overlooking Elliot’s Bay, or the easy harbor and skyline views from each room. Maybe it’s enjoying happy hour on the terrace as the ships come in from a day at sea. At any rate, a stay here is nearly as memorable as what you’d find at any of the hotels near Pike Place Market. If you need to impress, to treat, or to make up for, there’s simply no better place to do it.
Price: From $775 per night
The Edgewater — perfect for living like a rock star
Photo: Booking.com
The Edgewater is most known for being the location of one of Led Zeppelin’s most famous “behind the scenes” stories. The Mudshark Incident supposedly took place in a room here, and if you want to know what exactly happened, well, Google it. If you want to stay where it happened — and enjoy easy access to Pike Place Market while you’re at it — book a room here at The Edgewater. Just don’t expect to get away with what the rockstars did.
Price: From $224 per night
Warwick Seattle — perfect for travelers on a budget
Photo: Booking.com
For those who’d rather spend their money at Pike Place Market than on accommodations, there’s the Warwick. But don’t expect this hotel to cut corners just because it isn’t charging hundreds of dollars per night. The Warwick is well-trimmed, comfortable, and clean. As the photo above shows, the hotel also doesn’t skimp on cool city views or eye-catching carpet. Of all the hotels near Pike Place Market, the Warwick is best for having a well-rounded experience.
Price: From $103 per night
More like thisWhere to Stay8 Seattle Airbnbs close to fresh seafood, Pike Place, and the Space NeedleThe post 7 hotels near Seattle’s Pike Place Market for finding tasty food and gorgeous bay views appeared first on Matador Network.
5 ideas for a wild winter vacation
As temperatures dip and the possibility of snow creeps into the forecast, vacation plans risk becoming hibernation plans. But for those properly prepared, winter unlocks a new stock of wild and epic adventures — it’s all about how you look at it, and even more so how you dress for it.
When it comes to winter attire, nothing beats the new Omni-Heat Infinity technology from Columbia. You’ll know instantly if the jacket you’re looking at is part of the Omni-Heat Infinity family, thanks to the striking gold metallic reflecting agent integrated into the jacket lining. This is the same tech used in everything from aerospace equipment to emergency blankets, amplifying heat reflection and guaranteeing unparalleled warmth without the bulk.
The result is every winter adventurer’s dream: Hours upon hours spent in comfort enjoying the best this action-packed season has to offer. If you’re wondering how to put your new Columbia Omni-Heat Infinity jacket to good use, here are five unforgettable winter vacation ideas sure to make you the season’s biggest fan — once you’re zipped up.
Ice climbing in Ouray, Colorado
Photo: Danita Delimont/Shutterstock
The town of Ouray is an adventure in and of itself — take its nickname, the “Switzerland of America,” as proof. This mountain-flanked ski town is a haven for snow lovers, but the particularly adventurous don’t just come here for stellar slopes. They stroll over to Ouray Ice Park, a manmade climbing park built along the dazzling Uncompahgre Gorge.
There’s more than an mile of vertical terrain here, comprising 100+ ice and mixed climbs. For experienced ice climbers, the park rents its own gear; those new to the sport are just as welcome, with local climbing outfitters ready to take rookies out for hands-on fun. January is a particularly grand time to visit this bucket-list ice park, with the annual Ouray Ice Festival bringing hundreds of climbers and spectators to the gorge. The Columbia Omni-Heat Infinity jacket might come in even more handy for those who sit back and watch as it does for the fearless who take to the ice.
Snowshoeing in Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Photo: Ashley Hadzopoulos/Shutterstock
Bryce Canyon may be best known for its hikes through mazes of copper-colored rock formations, but winter adds a true touch of wonderland. Strap on snowshoes and you’ll experience those same towering orange hoodoos offset by powdery white trails, with evergreens as a pop of contrast along the way. All of Bryce Canyon’s trails stay open for winter snowshoeing, including the scenic Navajo Loop Trail that winds down hoodoo-flanked switchbacks on its way to the floor of Bryce Amphitheater.
Don’t let the desert scenery fool you — winter high temperatures here don’t climb much above 32 degrees, so make sure to pack that Columbia Omni-Heat Infinity jacket. You can put it to particularly good use during immersive winter-adventure tutorials and all-day fun at the Bryce Canyon Winter Festival, held each February.
Ice fishing on Moosehead Lake, Maine
Photo: Kate Sfeir/Shutterstock
Winter transforms Maine’s far-flung Moosehead Lake into a charismatic winter village where anglers flock for their favorite frigid pastime: ice fishing. Moosehead is the largest of Maine’s many lakes and is home to both warm- and cold-water game fish, including salmon, lake trout, and smallmouth bass.
Locally led tours will teach you the art of ice angling, providing access to the sport’s signature ice shacks when you need a break or snack. Local accommodations like Wilsons on Moosehead Lake put their guests up in lakefront cabins — from here, you can stroll out to the frozen fishing holes at your leisure. Moosehead’s ice fishing season runs from January through March, with late January drawing the biggest crowds for the three-day, event-filled Moosehead Lake Togue Derby.
Snowmobiling in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Photo: John McCormick/Shutterstock
The cold doesn’t faze Great Lakes residents, and few places demonstrate this fact better than Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, a pristine and largely untamed wilderness getaway that turns frigid — but even more fun — come winter. With help from 270 inches of annual snowfall, the UP counts some 3,000 miles of groomed snowmobiling trails, where you can zip past frozen waterfalls, admire icicle-laden lighthouses, and weave through frosted pines, firs, and spruce comprising the peninsula’s thick boreal forests.
Some of the most stunning and adventurous trails run through the Keweenaw Peninsula, the northernmost section of Michigan’s UP. Guides like Keweenaw Snow Expeditions help newbie snowmobilers navigate the area’s trails safely. And, once night falls, zip that Columbia jacket all the way up, because the Keweenaw is one of the country’s best spots to catch the Northern Lights.
Heli-skiing in Snowbird, Utah
Photo: Audio und werbung/Shutterstock
Ratchet your winter game up a notch — or ten — by entering the wild world of heli-skiing. The idea is simple: Take a helicopter deep into mountainous backcountry where unspoiled ski slopes offer unbeatable runs. The execution? A bit more hair-raising. This is an action-packed adventure every powder lover craves, and Snowbird is one of the best places to give it a go.
Local outfitter Powderbird transports skiers and snowboarders from the Snowboard heliport far into the backcountry of the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains. This isn’t just skiing without the crowds — this is tackling slopes few adventurers will ever get to see, let alone lay tracks on. The skiable area is larger than all of Utah’s ski resorts combined, all with Utah’s signature fluffy powder. And with Columbia’s Omni-Heat technology, you’ll be outfitted and ready for this unparalleled adventure.
The post Cold is gold: 5 ideas for an unforgettable winter vacation appeared first on Matador Network.
This marriage retreat in Costa Rica takes couples counseling to a new level
Vacations often serve as a go-to solution for struggling couples, who may hope that some time away from the daily grind might revitalize their marriage. Unfortunately, spending a week in close quarters with someone — especially someone with whom you’re already at odds — often only makes the problem worse. A purpose-driven counseling vacation, however, is a different story. The Marriage Restoration Project in Costa Rica is the brainchild of Shlomo and Rivka Slatkin. It’s designed as a therapeutic marriage retreat centered on identifying the root causes of your marriage or relationship issues, having open dialogues, healing emotional wounds, and hopefully reconnecting with your partner.
What’s the philosophy behind the Marriage Restoration Project?
Photo: El Mangroove Hotel, Autograph Collection/Facebook
On a superficial level, the Marriage Restoration Project is a five-day, four-night retreat at the El Mangroove Resort in Costa Rica, with an itinerary encompassing educational workshops, meditation sessions, spa treatments, and movement exercises.
Delving a bit deeper, the marriage retreat is founded upon the principles of Imago Relationship Therapy — a form of therapy focusing on relational counseling.
“We have found over the years that couples need more than just weekly therapy sessions,” says founder Shlomo Slatkin. “Whether a couple is having a stale marriage in need of a jump start or is in crisis and at a crossroads, a serious intervention is necessary to provide real clarity. We have found that a couples retreat is just the right vehicle to accomplish that.”
The marriage retreat’s itinerary consists of five days of wellness-oriented activities designed to transform conflict into progress. There are guided meditations, sessions dedicated to exploring your personal relationship history, intimate dialogues geared toward unearthing relationship pain points, workbook exercises, and blocks of time set aside for rest and relaxation.
“It is a crash course in relationships,” Slatkin says, “and provides tremendous insight to why couples choose each other, why their unique conflict is not only inevitable, but it is tailor made for their personal growth and healing. It also teaches couples valuable tools that they can easily replicate at home.”
He lauds Imago Therapy as a breakthrough tool for couples looking to revitalize their relationships. The therapy style, he says, “views conflict as expected and as an opportunity for connection instead of a reason to call it quits. It helps couples heal from old childhood wounds and unmet needs and it helps couples reconnect by teaching them how to communicate and listen in a way that allows them to feel safe with each other. Couples experience a dramatic shift in a very short period of time.”
The Costa Rica effectPhoto: Duarte Dellarole/Shutterstock
Theoretically, couples could gather anywhere to hash out their differences. They don’t have to board a plane and travel to Costa Rica. Shlomo would argue, however, that the setting is a huge part of what makes the Marriage Restoration Project successful.
“Many couples need a change of scenery,” he says, “especially after this past year with COVID. If you’re looking to reset your relationship and get a fresh start, it’s imperative to get away and really focus. There are so many distractions in the home environment.”
And then, of course, there’s the obvious: Costa Rica is beautiful, and it’s harder to be angry in a beautiful environment. According to Shlomo, Costa Rica “is a tropical destination that facilitates romance. For couples who are looking to rekindle the spark, it is a renewal of the relationship through the retreat and a honeymoon all in one.”
What do couples ultimately take away from the marriage retreat?
Photo: Lopolo/Shutterstock
Many couples who sign up for the Marriage Restoration Project are looking to improve their communication. Infidelity, parenting, finances, and in-law complaints are other common struggles couples often bring to the retreat, but Shlomo believes that communication is the common thread that binds all the rest together.
“Our retreats teach a proven and structured communication process,” he says, “that allows couples to feel safe to open up and share about the most difficult issues as well as truly feel heard without reactivity. This allows for greater vulnerability and connection.”
While each couple’s individual struggles differ, their stories are more common than one might think. Communication — truly hearing and understanding and learning about the other person — is the underlying key to sending the vast majority of couples home happy.
Indeed, according to Slatkin, “They all have similar stories: couples who fell in love with each other once upon a time, only to grow to become more and more dissatisfied. The bottom line was the pain and disappointment, and the longing to reconnect. When they learned about each other’s childhood stories and began to see the parallel between their marital conflict, they developed compassion for each other. They saw their conflict in a new light. When they felt heard, they regained hope that their relationship could be the way they initially dreamed it to be.”
The Marriage Restoration Project has workshops in January, February, March, and April 2022, and you can book in advance online.
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September 30, 2021
United Airlines fired 1% of its staff for refusing vaccinations, and it’s about time
The headlines haven’t been kind to United Airlines this week. “United Airlines is Firing Workers Over Vaccine Noncompliance” reads the New York Times. CNBC writes in big bold letters, “Nearly 600 United Airlines Employees Face Termination for Failing to Comply with Vaccine Mandate.” The Independent takes a more visceral tact, saying, “United Airlines to Axe Hundreds of Unvaccinated Staff.”
Tough words, right? Hundreds of staff. Axe. Noncompliance. It’s no secret that headlines are often crafted to create the impression of conflict, but in this case, they unfairly cast United Airlines as the bad guy.
On August 6, United announced that the airline would require all of its 67,000 US-based employees to be vaccinated by a deadline of September 27. When the mandate was first put in place, the US was seeing a seven-day average of 106,000 cases per day — among the most cases per capita anywhere in the world. Now that the deadline is here, an overwhelming 99 percent of United’s employees have chosen to get vaccinated, leaving just 593 in defiance of the mandate.
The instinct here, especially after a cursory glance at the headlines, is to pity the 593 workers getting “axed” for their “noncompliance.” But a memo issued to employees by United CEO Scott Kirby puts the matter into perspective.
“For the less than one percent of people who decided not to get vaccinated,” he writes, “we’ll unfortunately begin the process of separation from the airline per our policy.”
The most important part of the memo isn’t the news of the unvaccinated purge, however, but what comes afterward:
“There’s no doubt in our minds that some of you will have avoided a future hospital stay — or even death — because you got vaccinated.”
This blunt acknowledgement of reality might sound somewhat morbid, but it’s refreshingly direct and honest. In fact, in my opinion, it doesn’t go far enough.
United’s employees are not only reducing their own chances of hospitalization and death by getting vaccinated, they’re also reducing the chance of transmitting a potentially deadly virus to thousands of passengers. Avoiding death and hospitalization is a pretty airtight rationale for taking a free, safe, and effective vaccine. So why are the airlines actually taking responsible public health measures treated to less-than-praiseworthy headlines?
Because conflict stokes controversy. Controversy equals clicks. Click equal dollars. No media company is immune from this vicious cycle, but in a public health emergency, the news has a responsibility to — at the very least — call the good guys what they really are: good guys. Instead, we’re reading about the “axed” minority and made to wonder: “is United being too heavy-handed?” “Did the unvaccinated really deserve to lose their jobs?” “Isn’t it all a bit harsh?” “How dare they…”
By design, what never should have been controversial in the first place becomes suddenly contentious. We should be talking about the dangers of not having vaccine mandates — not publishing thinly-veiled verbiage that suggests mandates are somehow draconian.
Embracing the mandates wouldn’t exactly be a novel concept. Germany’s Lufthansa and Australia’s Qantas not only mandate vaccinations for their staff, but also for passengers. Indeed, you can’t even enter Germany — and a growing list of other nations — without showing proof of vaccination. And once you’re there, you’ll need a vaccine card to enter restaurants, casinos, train stations, movie theaters, and other businesses.
We’re way behind the curve on this. While United, Hawaiian, and Frontier Airlines have all embraced mandatory vaccinations, others are slow-walking the process. American Airlines is the country’s largest airline, yet only around 70 percent of its crew is vaccinated. Delta won’t mandate vaccines either, but instead has decided to penalize unvaccinated employees by imposing a $200 monthly health insurance surcharge. Some employees are actually suing United for their mandate, while pilot unions for Southwest and American are asking for exemptions.
Many countries would love to have the luxury of imposing such mandates. Congo, Haiti, Turkmenistan, Tanzania, South Sudan, Chad, and Madagascar all have less than one percent of their population vaccinated, and it’s not because their citizens are concerned about the violation of their “freedoms.” The economic gulf between nations means an unequal global vaccine distribution and a stark demarcation between the haves and have nots. Imagine being a resident of South Sudan, told to wait months or years for his first vaccine dose, and then learning that 596 United employees are being fired for refusing a readily-available vaccine. Would you pity them?
US businesses, including airlines, are too preoccupied by the perception that they’re violating the “freedoms” of their staff and customers. We love our ill-defined liberties more than we love protecting our neighbors from harm. We love being selfish, if it means being selfish on our own terms. We love not only refusing to buckle our own seatbelts, but recklessly driving 90 in a 55. The ironic thing is, the only way travel is ever getting back to normal is if everyone wears their seatbelt and starts actually driving the speed limit. In this case, that means having a seatbelt law.
News outlets frame the issue as a David vs. Goliath story: “United Airlines prepares to fire nearly 600 unvaccinated employees,” the New York Post writes, as though United is the sinister villain in a Batman film. It’s time to reframe the conversation, and change how we talk about these mandates. It’s time to put aside our both sides-ism, our fear of alienating a wrongheaded minority, and acknowledge reality: vaccine mandates are our key to the return of travel. Any airline implementing them should feel empowered and encouraged to do so — not pilloried by cynical headlines.
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Athletes at 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics must remain in ‘closed-loop’ system
The 2022 Bejing Winter Olympics are coming with a new set of restrictions that could be the most rigorous rules yet for the Olympics.
The International Olympic Committee announced on Wednesday the new principles that will be put into place that will help deliver a safe Olympic and Paralympics in 2022. The new principles of the Bejing Winter Olympics and Paralympics will operate like a ‘closed-loop management system.’
This closed-loop management system will be a bubble-like environment where athletes, journalists, volunteers, and other officials will have to do everything — including eating, sleeping, working, and competing — all in the ‘bubble’ without leaving.
Everyone will stay in this ‘closed-loop management system’ from the time they arrive until the time they depart. According to the International Olympic Committee, this closed-loop system will cover all Games-related areas, including arrival and departure, transport, accommodation, catering, competitions, and the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
Participants will only be allowed to move between Games-related venues for training, competitions, and work within this loop. For the vaccination policy, those who are vaccinated will enter the closed-loop management system, and those who aren’t will have to quarantine for 21 days upon arrival in Bejing. Testing will be required daily for anyone in this closed-loop management system.
An updated version of this new principle will be released in October, and a second version will be published in December.
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Guinness is opening a new taproom in Chicago in time for St. Patrick’s Day 2023
Guinness is set to open a new pub and brewery in Chicago.
The brewery and pub will be located in Chicago’s Fulton Market neighborhood, and Guinness plans to open in early 2023 — hopefully in time for St. Patrick’s Day. This 1,500 square foot taproom will take over a former railroad depot at 375 N. Morgan St.
According to Eater, the taproom will feature a lineup of beers brewed on-site as well as Guinness’s iconic dry Irish stout. It will also have a full-service restaurant that can seat up to 300 people and outdoor seating. There will be pub-like food as well as some mixed-in local favorites.
In a statement to the Chicago Tribune, a representative noted that Guinness isn’t trying to make a local neighborhood pub, but instead “create a special environment that has a little bit of a feel of Guinness and what you might expect from an Irish establishment, but at the same time also has some great local food and beer.”
The Chicago taproom will be the second taproom in the United States. Back in 2018, Guinness opened its first taproom in Baltimore. Chicago’s operation will be smaller with a 10 barrel brewing system.
This Chicago taproom will be the next step for Guinness in America. Chicago is traditionally one of Guinness’s largest markets, and this location is the next step in Guinness’s bid to be more active in the US beer market.
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13 epic Airbnbs in Montreal for a bachelorette weekend
MONTREAL IS a great destination for a bachelorette party. There are venues for any type of party imaginable and a variety of restaurants too. The different season comes with different events but most would say summers are unbeatable with free weekly festivals and amazing outdoor spaces. Here’s a list of the best bachelorette party Airbnbs in Montreal.
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.
919 Creative Loft with four bedrooms at Holland
Photo: Airbnb
This loft is the perfect party space for a large group of people. With 3,500 square feet of space, you’ll have enough room for everyone. The property has a modern unique style and decor with M4 soundproof walls and factory-sized windows. There’s even a bar that can seat up to 10 people. Located directly on Ste-Catherine’s Street in the heart of downtown, you’ll be near plenty of restaurants, art museums, shopping malls, and designer stores. With its central location, you won’t be too far from any restaurant or nightlife. There’s public transit close by but you’ll be able to find everything at your doorstep — this unit has a walking score of 100 and is right near where all the action is.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $558 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Right next to Saint Paul Street, one of the most popular tourist boulevards in the city, this is a beautifully open and airy property in the heart of Old Montreal. This space has three floors across 3,500 square feet. There are three master en-suite bathrooms and even a private butler so you’ll be able to pamper yourself properly while on your getaway. The apartment also comes with a pool table.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $324 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Who doesn’t love water? With this property, you’ll have a huge rooftop terrace where you can enjoy water views and the city landscape. This cool loft is a fantastic place to enjoy the sunset in the heart of Old Montreal – the prettiest area of the city where you can enjoy the most popular activities, cafes, restaurants, and bars.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $460 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This large space is great for a big group. Each floor is its own unit and can be rented as a whole for large groups or rented separately for smaller ones. The location is well-centered, close to downtown, and within walking distance to many restaurants and convenience stores. The Victorian outdoor gives it a nice touch, making it one of the more unique bachelorette party Airbnbs in Montreal.
Sixteen guests, two bedrooms
Price: $132 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Great location by Atwater Market that’s amazing for foodies. This large unit is also within the up-and-coming neighborhood of Griffintown, with its cool shops and restaurants. Nearby are the renowned restaurant/bars Joe Beef and its sister Liverpool House, where Trudeau and Obama famously had a bromance dinner date. Also, the apartment is right next to the canal where you can go for a nice walk or rent a kayak. The apartment itself is self-check-in so it’s super easy to enter.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $113 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This property can accommodate up to nine people and has the best party terrace of all bachelorette party Airbnbs in Montreal. Its location is in the hippest part of town — the Plateau. Here you’ll find the best artsy cafes, restaurants, and cheap but fun bars. This is the area where the artists live and locals love to go out to. The apartment is only a block away from Saint Laurent street, where there’s even more of the best nightlife in the city. It’s also very close to the legendary tam-tams, the weekly festival featuring music and entertainment. If visiting during summer, this is a must, where you’ll be enjoying the beating of drums. This apartment is a great space for chilling on the patio with friends.
Nine guests, two bedrooms
Price: $195 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Big and modern apartment next to le quartier des spectacles, with great venues nearby for festivals and also many restaurants. This property is right next to Beri-Uqam metro station, making it convenient to travel throughout the whole city. It’s also within walking distance to Old Montreal where you can get your cultural fix. The apartment is big, clean, and fully equipped so you won’t be missing anything during your stay.
Nine guests, three bedrooms
Price: $439 price night
Photo: Airbnb
A cool space for large groups, this townhouse is located within le quartier des spectacles. You’ll be walking distance from Saint-Denis Street with all its nice bars, and also walking distance to The Village with its amazing clubs. As such this unit is ideal for a group that wants to experience the best of Montreal’s legendary late-night happenings. The place also has a pool table and two terraces, one with a hot tub on it. If you’re visiting during the freezing winters, there’s nothing more satisfying than being outside in the piping hot jets.
Twelve guests, five bedrooms
Price: $405 per night
Photo: Airbnb
A sleek place located in Little Italy, this unit is a foodie’s paradise surrounded by artisanal eateries. This is a local’s neighborhood where you’ll be able to see some of the day-to-day of life in Montreal. The quiet streets and closeness to parks make it a super calm area to be in. Don’t worry about missing out though, you’ll get the best of both worlds by experiencing a fantastic neighborhood with easy access to the big action of downtown.
Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $91 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Nice apartment with fully equipped amenities in a conveniently located area close to stores and metro stations. The Village is one of the best areas for nightlife in the city, especially for bachelorette parties. The place is only steps away from Ontario street with its new trendy bars and cafes. It’s also next to Saint-Jacques Bridge and its beautifully bright lit-up colors, and is the best place to experience the city’s firework show in the summer.
Seven guests, three bedrooms
Price: $112 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Glamorously decorated for a glamorous party. Get the bubbles flowing and the party going at this downtown apartment near Old Montreal. Experience high-class bars and speakeasies, making this spot ideal for a classier party group who wants to enjoy the finer side of the city.
Seven guests, two bedrooms
Price: $710 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This modern-style loft has wall-to-ceiling views of Notre-Dame church and is located within Old Montreal. This is a fully renovated loft with a jetted tub. Super chic, great for smaller groups with one of the best locations of all bachelorette party Airbnbs in Montreal.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $159 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Ah, The Platea — the coolest place in town. And this place is super chic to enjoy with its renovated stylish decorations. The apartment is stunning and a perfect space for a large group. Right next to Saint-Denis Street and its hip cafes, bakeries, and bars, you’ll also be within walking distance to Parc Lafontaine, one of the prettiest parks and a natural oasis in the middle of the city. Also, a great spot for a picnic and people watching.
Ten guests, three bedrooms
Price: $947 per night
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Hawaii bans people from swimming with spinner dolphins
On October 28 2021, Hawaii will implement a law banning residents and tourists from swimming with spinner dolphins.
According to West Hawaii Today, the National Marine Fisheries Service declared the final ruling on September 28 prohibiting the popular tourist attraction.
The regulation falls under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) stated that the law has been in the making for some time due to unnecessary stress on the dolphins caused by interaction with humans.
The new law prohibits anything from coming within 50 yards of a spinner dolphin. This includes people, vessels, canoes, drones, paddle boats, and other objects.
“Spinner dolphins disturbed during this crucial period may engage in avoidance or distress behaviors. And a lack of consistent, undisturbed resting periods can reduce the amount of energy they have for hunting and caring for their young,” stated the NOAA.
NOAA also remarked that organized and dolphin and wildlife tours will continue but certain marine areas of Hawaii will be closed between 6.00 AM and 3.00 PM. This includes parts of Kealakekua, Hōnaunau, Kauhakō (Ho‘okena), and Makako Bays on Hawai‘i Island, and La Perouse Bay on Maui.
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These inside photos show Hawai’i’s latest volcanic eruption up close
On September 29, Kīlauea volcano, on the big island of Hawai’i in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, started to erupt. The summit, called Halema’uma’u crater, is turning into a lava lake as cracks opened in the crater’s wall and floor.
The latest eruption is currently in what government officials describe as the opening phase, which can be “dynamic and uncertain.” And you can see close up photos of the whole thing thanks to United States Geological Survey (USGS) cameras.
The Sun has set on the new eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu crater at Kīlauea’s summit. We’ll be back in the early morning with more posts here, but in the meantime, new images and other info will be posted throughout the night at https://t.co/Lm77CMQ2Tc. #KilaueaErupts #kilauea pic.twitter.com/olCDWes1F7
— USGS Volcanoes🌋 (@USGSVolcanoes) September 30, 2021
From the time of the eruption to the morning of September 30, the lava lake rose from about 225 meters to more than 240 meters, according to USGS monitoring systems. The last time Kīlauea went through what’s called an explosive period was about the 1500s. It ended in the early 1800s with lava fountains that shot up an estimated 2,000 feet high and killed hundreds of people as the explosions sent blankets of ash, lava, and gases over the southeastern portion of the island.
Photo: M. PatrickUSGS
The USGS notes that the volcano has primarily been in an effusive state since 1823 as the caldera slowly fills with lava flows. That doesn’t mean there haven’t been some explosions — a 1924 eruption sent literal tons of rocks as far as half a mile from the crater for 17 days. The effusive state continued not long after, but scientists have concluded that Kīlauea “will eventually return to a long period of mostly explosive activity.” In 2018, an eruption closed the park for four months. Just before Christmas 2020, Kīlauea erupted and shot spurts of lava 165 feet into the sky.
Photo: M. PatrickUSGS
This eruption is so far decidedly more calm. Still, there’s currently a warning in place that ashfall, small fragments of volcanic glass, and volcanic gases could be present in elevated concentrations at publicly accessible regions of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. The gases — mostly water vapor, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide — are the most troubling. Sulfur dioxide creates volcanic smog (called vog) that is an airborne health hazard and can damage crops and livestock.
Photo: M. PatrickUSGS
The Kīlauea caldera around the Halemaʻumaʻu crater has been closed to the public since late 2007. The USGS is closely monitoring the situation, however, and providing an inside look through photos captured by employees and stationary cameras that continuously take images of the same location.
Quite the 24-hr gif from the west rim Kilauea cam!https://t.co/nVUHBsqMqr#KilaueaErupts #Kilauea pic.twitter.com/u6bdSehSmh
— Dr. Rowena Lohman (she/her/hers) (@RowenaLohman) September 30, 2021
For continuous updates, follow USGS Volcanoes on Twitter and check in on the agency’s Kīlauea page and summit webcam.
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