Matador Network's Blog, page 596

The ultimate guide to seeing live theater in New York City this fall

On March 12, 2020, Broadway’s 41 theaters went dark for what was initially expected to be 32 days. Nearly fifteen months later, the curtains are finally rising after the industry’s longest shutdown in history.

It’s an exciting time to be in Manhattan’s theater district. Revamped marquees announce the arrival of new plays and the return of old favorites. The familiar buzz of busy streets and bustling restaurants has officially replaced last summer’s eerie stillness. There’s adrenaline, too, permeating the neighborhood — a feeling akin to the joyous jitters of an opening night performance.

The adrenaline is expected: In the 2018-2019 season, Broadway contributed $14.7 billion to New York City’s economy and supported nearly 100,000 jobs. Now, over three dozen shows will open in the coming months, and thousands of people are banking on their success. With shows staggering their openings between September and December, there’s hope all the electric first-night energy will power Broadways’ neon lights into the new year.

But as the stage lights begin to glow, theatergoers may notice that the scene looks different than it did before the pandemic started. Audience members will be wearing masks. Vaccinations will be mandatory. Blockbuster musicals including Beetlejuice, Mean Girls, Frozen, and West Side Story have permanently closed; Joe Mantello’s star-studded revival of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf will not resume performances. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, initially a two-show experience, will be trimmed down and presented as a single performance. And Karen Olivo, the Tony-nominated star of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, publicly announced she would not return to the stage due to inequity and abuse in the theater industry.

While Broadway’s losses might be many, there are still significant gains worth celebrating. Seven of the new plays premiering on Broadway this fall feature Black playwrights — a direct response to the Black Lives Matter protests that sparked conversations concerning representation in theater last summer. Creatives from the long-running musical The Book of Mormon recently gathered to discuss script-related concerns addressed by Black cast members; there’s hope that the script will be tweaked before performances resume in November. Stars like Bruce Springsteen, Sara Bareilles, and Hugh Jackman will bring star power to their respective shows eight times a week. For every show forced to close, there’s the chance something exceptional will take its place. For every performer who left a job, another may make their Broadway debut.

But with so many seismic shifts on the horizon, knowing how to navigate the upcoming theater season can be trickier than learning the audition sequence in A Chorus Line. Luckily, we’re here to help break it down.

Here’s a list of the ten most exciting shows to see on Broadway in fall 2021, followed by information on how to plan a successful night at the theater.

1. Freestyle Love Supreme

Photo: Broadway.com

If you’re hungry for the immediacy of live theater, Freestyle Love Supreme is like an all-you-can-eat buffet. The 85-minute show, conceived by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Thomas Kail, and Anthony Veneziale, is an adorkable improv-based hip-hop extravaganza that morphs nightly. Audience members feed the on-stage actors words and ideas that are then spun into rhymes, riffs, and full-out musical numbers. Although Miranda isn’t one of the core performers, guest artists stop by regularly to spit verse. No matter who shows up or what happens, it’s bound to be a surprise.

Starting October 7

2. Flying Over Sunset

Photo: Lincoln Center Theater/Facebook

Flying Over Sunset is an original musical and is a confluence of musical theater’s greatest contemporary talents. Composer Tom Kitt (Next to Normal), lyricist Michael Korie (Grey Gardens), and librettist James Lapine (Into the Woods) have joined forces to tell a fictional tale about writer Aldous Huxley, congresswoman Clare Boothe, and film star Cary Grant dropping LSD together in the 1950s.

Starting November 11

3. Clyde’s

Photo: Second Stage Theater/Facebook

Lynn Nottage is a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner for a reason: This powerhouse playwright continually serves up searing stories that explore the intricate lives of marginalized communities. According to Second Stage, Clyde’s is about a truck stop sandwich shop that offers its formerly incarcerated kitchen staff a shot at reclaiming their lives. Ron Cephas Jones (This is Us) and Uzo Abuba (In Treatment) will lead the all-star ensemble.

Starting November 3

4. Six

Photo: SIX on Broadway/Facebook

This snappy song cycle, which reimagines Henry VIII’s ex-wives in a sugar-pop song contest, is a happy marriage between Tudor history and Spice Girls sweetness. Six was hours away from their opening night when Broadway pulled the plugin 2020; it’s finally time for these ill-fated ladies to shine.

Starting September 17

5. Caroline or Change

Photo: Roundabout Theatre Company

When Caroline or Change premiered in 2004, the 1960s-era musical was ahead of its time; it wound up getting lost in the shuffle of a competitive Broadway season and closed after only 136 performances. Thankfully, Roundabout Theater Company is mounting a limited-run revival of a London production that premiered several years ago. The story, written by Pulitzer Prize-winner Tony Kushner and composed by Tony Award winner Jeanine Tesori, follows a Black maid working for a Jewish family in Louisiana during the burgeoning civil rights movement.

Starting October 8

6. Dana H.

Photo: Vineyard Theatre/Facebook

Lucas Hnath’s docu-drama about his mother, who was trapped in Florida motels by an ex-convict for five months, opened to rave reviews at the Vineyard Theater in February 2020. The one-woman show features actress Deirdre O’Connell lip-syncing to a recording of the victim telling her story; the New York Times called it one of “the most complete works of theater to come along in many seasons.” Dana H. will run in rep with Is This A Room, a play about NSA whistleblower Reality Winner, through January 16.

Starting October 1

7. Company

Photo: Company Broadway/Facebook

Stephen Sondheim’s 1970s concept musical about a 35-year-old bachelor gets a Sex and the City twist in this fresh-faced revival. The central character is no longer a man named Bobby — she’s a woman named Bobbie exploring the meaning of marriage and singledom in modern-day Manhattan. The show’s gender swap applies to Bobbie’s love interests and several other characters, breathing new life into old classics like “Not Getting Married Today” (now sung by a gay couple), “Tick Tock,” and “Being Alive.” Also, Patti LuPone will put her spin on “Ladies Who Lunch” – a performance worth the price of admission.

Starting November 15

8. Thoughts of a Colored Man

Photo: Thoughts Of A Colored Man/Facebook

Spoken-word, slam poetry, music, and dance coalesce in this new play where seven Black men explore the issues facing their Brooklyn community. The original piece will mark the Broadway debuts of playwright Keenan Scott II and director Steve H. Broadnax III — a welcome addition to the Great White Way.

Starting October 1

9. Come From Away

Photo: Come From Away/Facebook

Come From Away, a feel-good musical about the power of human connection, is like an antidote for the pandemic’s most depressing days. The show recounts the real-life story of airline passengers welcomed by a small Canadian town immediately following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Although the musical opened in 2017, the story will likely feel fresh after everything we’ve experienced over the past two years.

Starting September 21

10. Mrs. Doutbfire

Photo: Doubtfire on Broadway/Facebook

There’s nothing groundbreaking about Mrs. Doutbfire — it’s a musical based on the 1993 film starring Robin Williams — but going to the theater doesn’t always have to mean seeing gut-wrenching think pieces. This new family-friendly comedy will be like a slice of warm apple pie: sweet, familiar, and most importantly, comforting.

Starting October 21

Where to buy tickets

Buying tickets through a show’s website is the easiest way to procure seats safely. Because of the ongoing health crisis, many (but not all) shows have added flexible return or exchange policies, and tickets from the main source are usually the only way to reap this benefit.

For those searching for a deal, the TodayTix app is a hassle-free way to find discounts online. People willing to try for cheap same-day rush tickets, digital lotteries, or standing room should check Playbill’s online database — many Broadway shows have different policies.

Know before you go

As of August, social distancing is out, but masking and vax-ing are in. Adults must show either a vaccination card or the Excelsior pass to enter the theater. Children ineligible for vaccination must show a recent negative COVID test. Exceptions may be made for people with medical conditions or religious practices that prevent them from getting vaccinated. But like most things this season, rules may change, and theatergoers should get comfortable with expecting the unexpected.

More like thisMuseumsHow to make the most of your one day at the MoMA in New York City

The post The ultimate guide to seeing live theater in New York City this fall appeared first on Matador Network.

5 small but spectacular US towns

Big-city travel comes with bright lights, late nights, and maybe even the envy of your friends, but let’s be honest: It also comes with crowds to beat and expectations to meet. Smaller towns can be exciting in a different way. What will you find when you get there? What surprises lie in store? You’ll only know by going.

Fortunately, how you go isn’t a surprise. While Greyhound services every major city in the country, they can also get you to small — and spectacular! — towns ripe for exploration and discovery. From national-park neighbors to beachside escapes, here are five small towns that have a lot to offer the curious traveler.

Find your own small-town adventure on Greyhound1. Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Greyhound stop: 356 E Appleway Ave, Coeur d’Alene, ID

Photo: Inland Northwest Visuals/Shutterstock

Pronounced “core-da-lane,” this city of 50,000 is known for its natural beauty, sitting on the banks of Lake Coeur d’Alene and the edge of Coeur d’Alene National Forest. Though there are a few hotels just a five-minute walk from the Greyhound stop, if you want to be within walking distance of most of the attractions, catch a ten-minute cab ride to the downtown area by the lake.

Hikers and bikers will find lots of trail options surrounding the city — Tubbs Hill, for one, is a beautiful hike about a 15-minute walk from downtown. But Coeur d’Alene is a well-planned, resort-style town, and you can find plenty to do without even leaving the lake zone. (Think paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming, sunbathing, and lake cruises.) Area outfitters also routinely accommodate those who’ve forgone the rental car; Timberline Adventures, for example, will transport you to and from their zipline course, cables strung above the aptly named Beauty Bay.

2. Hot Springs, Arkansas

Greyhound stop: 830 W Moline St, Malvern, AR

Photo: Niwat panket/Shutterstock

A 30-minute ride from your Greyhound stop in Malvern and you’ll be in Hot Springs, Arkansas, the home of Hot Springs National Park. Soak in the thermal pools at the park’s historic bathhouses, hike forested trails for all fitness levels, visit the gangster museum, and check out the summer concert series. You’ll find all sorts of restaurants in town, but wherever you dine don’t miss the bathhouse-turned-brewpub Superior Brewery, the only brewery located inside a national park. (It uses thermal water to brew its craft beer!)

Base yourself in Hot Springs, where most attractions and hiking trails are walking distance from Central Ave, the principal street downtown. Along a section of the main drag known as Bathhouse Row you’ll find the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center and Museum, where you can tour four floors of “Spa City” history and thermal bath culture. When your national park adventure concludes, it’s a quick ride back to Malvern to catch your bus home.

3. West Yellowstone, Montana

Greyhound stop: 30 Yellowstone Ave, West Yellowstone, MT

Photo: YegoroV/Shutterstock

A bit of planning is a good idea for any vacation, but since the West Yellowstone Greyhound bus stop doubles as the West Yellowstone Visitor Center, you’ll have access to top-notch local intel as soon as you step off the bus. And while the big draw here is of course Yellowstone National Park and its one-of-a-kind geology and wildlife, you shouldn’t spend all your time in the park.

You’ll quickly find that the town of West Yellowstone is dense and walkable, with shops, museums, and quirky attractions at every turn. The Rendezvous Trail System, a popular cross-country spot come winter, is open to hikers and bikers in the summer — the trailhead is smack dab in the middle of town and winds for 20 miles through Gallatin National Forest. Another good option for cyclists is the TransAmerica Trail (which, again, goes right through town).

Happy hikers should head northwest of town to Horse Butte Lookout Trail, a four-mile round-trip hike best known for the historic 40-foot fire tower that offers views of the incredible local scenery and the bald eagles and osprey that live here. For pre- and post-hike fare, fill up on a hearty breakfast at Running Bear Pancake House and dinner at Firehole Bar-B-Que Co.

4. Racine, Wisconsin

Greyhound stop: 1343 State St, Racine, WI

Photo: photo.eccles/Shutterstock

The transit center where your Greyhound will drop you off is a 20-minute walk — or four-minute drive — to the Racine city center, which will put you right in the middle of the action. If you’re staying downtown, you’ll find loads of restaurants and attractions (like the acclaimed Racine Art Museum) within walking distance. Should you need to get around more efficiently, try out the city’s new scooter program, which launched this summer.

The Root River winds through town, and the pathway that runs alongside it is a popular option for hikers and bikers — hop on the trail just west of downtown. To the south is the SC Johnson Wax headquarters, the largest commercial building designed by famed architect — and Wisconsin native — Frank Lloyd Wright. His name is all over these parts.

Sun and sand-lovers should head to North Beach, consistently voted one of the best freshwater beaches in the Midwest. More than 2,500 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline welcomes swimmers, sunbathers, and volleyball players. Live music and Zumba sessions also take place on the beach all summer. Don’t be shy!

5. Kingston, New York

Greyhound stop: 400 Washington Ave, Kingston, NY

Photo: jvphoto.ca/Shutterstock

Two hours north of New York City lies the state’s first capital, Kingston. A small town in the famously beautiful Hudson Valley, it brims with rich history, culture, and architecture dating back to the 17th century. No rental car needed here — much of the area is easily walkable. (If you visit on a weekend, you can catch a short-and-scenic trolley ride to Kingston Point Beach from the downtown Trolley Museum of New York.)

Add the Hudson River Maritime Museum to your itinerary and catch a ride on a solar-powered boat. The museum offers everything from early-morning birdwatching trips and lighthouse excursions to sunset happy-hour floats and Indigenous heritage tours. For dinner, head to the steak and seafood specialists at Ship to Shore (walking distance from both aforementioned museums) and grab an outdoor table for some great people-watching. After dinner, stroll over to the waterfront to wind down your evening. No, this isn’t the city that never sleeps — but that’s exactly the point on this small-town America tour, right?

Find your own small-town adventure on GreyhoundMore like thisTravelThe procrastinator’s guide to planning a last-minute trip THIS WEEKEND

The post 5 underrated US towns that are small but spectacular appeared first on Matador Network.

What it’s like to travel to Mexico right now

Mexico has long been a favorite destination for travelers coming from the US. That was true earlier in the pandemic as people flew to one of the few countries that Americans could enter, and it’s remained true as vaccination rates in the US increase and travel picks back up.

I packed my bags and grabbed my passport to travel to Mexico (or anywhere outside of the country) for the first time since early March of 2020 for a late-July trip to Cabo. Despite Mexico’s popularity, I still had a lot of questions about what the travel experience would be like and how things are in the country for visitors. One thing that became immediately clear is that I wasn’t the only one — especially as cases are once again on the rise and the increasingly present threat of the Delta variant complicates things even for vaccinated travelers.

Here’s what you should know if you’re thinking about a trip to one of Mexico’s resort towns.

Getting there

The Los Cabos tourism board made a reference sheet for anyone traveling to the region. It suggests you fill out the risk questionnaire, official entry form, and customs declaration form prior to boarding your flight. Mexico doesn’t currently require travelers to be vaccinated or show proof of a negative test.

The documents themselves are easy enough to do from home, though you’ll need a printer. That said, it’s not completely necessary other than for the risk questionnaire, which you can do by phone and save the QR code (my health assessment was merely glanced at upon arrival rather than being scanned, however). The official entry form and customs declaration were handed out on the plane just like they were prior to the pandemic, and airport employees were also handing the documents out for people who didn’t get one once I arrived.

Overall, the flight there isn’t much different other than the masks. Masks are required in airports and throughout the entirety of the flight in the US, and the same is true in Mexico.

Assessing restrictions and safety

Planning ahead is more necessary than ever when you travel to Mexico. Los Cabos was the first verified travel destination through the Sharecare health security designation. This ensures a set of standards at hotels, resorts, and restaurants designed to keep both travelers and locals as safe as possible.

On a broader level, Mexico operates on a state-by-state risk assessment system organized by colors according to COVID-19 cases. Green is the most open, followed by yellow, orange, and red. Baja California Sur, where Cabo is located, was orange at the time of my visit and at the time of writing. The higher the level, the more restrictions, including earlier closing times and lower capacity at restaurants and hotels — something people who have chosen to go out as things open up have gotten used to in the States as well. Find more information on the official government page, so you know what to expect before you arrive.

What it’s like in Mexico

Photo: CristinaFernandz/Shutterstock

Every seat was filled on my flight down. A large portion of people were honeymooners, though there were also a fair amount of families and small friend groups. Crowds may not be like they were in the past, but there were still plenty of people no matter where you looked.

Mask requirements at resorts

The first thing to know is that mask requirements are much more strict in Mexico than in much of the US. Compliance is also much higher. Yes, it’ll be hot in many of the regions you go to, but keep your mask up when you’re around people inside or out, 90 degrees with 75 percent humidity be damned. Over the course of a week at resorts and excursions, the only people I saw not wearing masks were Americans. Do the right thing and be respectful of another country’s rules.

The exception is when you’re actively eating and drinking or when you’re at the pool or beach. At one of the resorts I stayed at, Cabo Villas, there was security personnel in black shirts at the entrances from the beach and the street telling anyone who passed uncovered to mask up in both English and Spanish. Things were more relaxed on the pool deck, at the bars and restaurants, and at the pool bars, though just about everywhere requires a temperature check before entry.

Masks during excursions and events

It’s admittedly not always easy to have a mask on at all times in a beach town. After five days of carefully keeping my mask on hand and only losing one, I went from a sauna straight into the plunge pool with my mask in my pocket just before a spa treatment at Casa Dorada.

On an excursion with Cabo Adventures to an Eco farm, my small group moved from activity to activity with their masks on other than when taking pictures or eating and drinking. Feeding and petting the rescued goats, donkeys, and parrots was no less enjoyable while masked up.

A good guideline is to use common sense and communicate with the people you’re around. People were generally relieved to hear I was vaccinated but also told me that’s not always the case. It’s impossible to know if travelers are vaccinated because there aren’t requirements to enter the country. A blanket mask order helps keep everyone safe and, importantly, helps keep those who rely on tourism safe. Miguel, a driver with Transcabo, told me that despite the threat of coronavirus, he appreciated the tourists coming in because so many jobs rely on travelers. Tourism makes up 80 percent of the local economy, and 90 percent of residents work tourism or tourism-adjacent jobs.

Know that things close early

Don’t expect to be sipping tequila at the bar until daybreak. Under the orange guideline, bars and restaurants closed at 10 PM.

Once again, proper planning is key. The beachside bars fill up early but know that taking a daytime excursion means you likely won’t have much time to partake if you also plan to squeeze in dinner. Shortly after 10 PM hit, the resort and strip of nearby bars got quiet impressively fast.

For this reason, it may be easier to opt for an all-inclusive resort package or plan on having most of your meals on-site. Thankfully, in my experience, Cabo resorts do food the right way with plenty of fresh seafood and sushi to choose from. Case in point: on-site options like Baja Brewing for craft beer and elevated bar food at Cabo Villas, or award-winning tacos and seafood at Casa Dorada’s 12 Tribes.

That said, a trip off the resort is always well worth it, even in resort towns like Cabo. I went north to San Jose del Cabo for dinner at Agave (a number of locally inspired restaurants have opened or expanded in the past year), and then again during the town’s Thursday art walk for a stop by the Patricia Mendoza Art Gallery. Like at the resorts, everything felt safe thanks to carefully followed guidelines.

What you need to return to the US

Photo: Francisco J R/Shutterstock

Getting to Mexico is the easy part. Getting back is a little harder. The US has a stricter set of entry requirements for citizens whether they’re vaccinated or not, and you’ll need proof of a negative antigen test or a nucleic acid amplification test taken no more than three days before departure.

Thankfully, it’s not hard to find a place for an approved test, as the resorts offer onsite testing with medical professionals. Prices for these tests vary, but won’t break the bank. I was able to schedule a test for $30 at Casa Dorada and receive the results by email within 30 minutes.

Plan to arrive at the airport early. The flights are crowded (my return trip also had all of the seats filled), and you’ll need to fill out another health questionnaire, complete a COVID-19 attestation and submit your documentation for your negative test, and fill out the multiple immigration form. There will undoubtedly be people who are somehow surprised that there’s more steps to getting home than they expected, and they will inevitably slow everyone else down. At the Cabo airport, all of the food options were also impossibly crowded, so eat beforehand if you can to be on the safe side.

It’s up to each person to decide whether they’re comfortable traveling. Mexico is still the easiest country for people from the US to get to, making it an attractive destination for people thirsting for a change of scenery. If you do decide to travel to Mexico, expect things to take a little longer and for there to be a lot more planning and paperwork. Still, it’s well worth it for the added safety.

More like thisTravel SafetyTravel agents tell all on what taking a trip really looks like right now

The post What it’s like to travel to Mexico right now appeared first on Matador Network.

Montana is a hot destination for remote workers, but not everyone is happy about it

It’s no secret that many people in the US have pulled up their urban stakes and struck out for greener pastures over the past eighteen months. The pandemic has precipitated the rise of the “Zoom Town” — small towns that appeal to remote workers — and few places have felt the impact like Bozeman and Billings in Montana.

Billings, Montana, a city constructed in the 19th century as a railroad stop in the Northern Plains, is now the hottest emerging real estate market in the US, according to The Wall Street Journal. Four hours west of Billings, Bozeman — a picturesque, mountain-rimmed city — has also grown in popularity since the onset of the pandemic. Even before COVID-19, Bozeman and Billings were growing as destinations for retirees and those seeking vacation homes in the Mountain West. However, the rise of remote work opened the floodgates. The COVID-19-fueled attraction has affected these two Montana towns very differently: While it has been a boon for Billings, it has been a disaster for Bozeman.

The appeal of moving from large cities like San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles, and New York — places with rising crime rates, high costs of living, and where COVID-19 initially hit hardest — to a quaint spot in Montana is undeniable. Paychecks go a lot further; the wide-open streets and fresh mountain air are an antidote to COVID-19 restrictions; and the beauty of Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, and Big Sky are just a car ride away. Heck, who wouldn’t dream of fly fishing hiking through Yellowstone after a year cooped up in a small apartment during a year of strict restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19 in dense urban areas?

Bozeman and Billings also have amenities, luxuries, dining, and culture on par with a big city. Transplanted New Yorkers or Angelenos accustomed to fine restaurants, trendy craft breweries, hip coffee shops, and a buzzing intellectual life don’t have to renounce their lifestyle in Bozeman or Billings — nor in any other towns that have exploded in popularity since the start of the pandemic. This intangible appeal makes certain small cities irresistible for the Legions of Zoom.

With the uncertainty surrounding the Delta variant and many companies following the lead of Facebook, Twitter, and Slack and declaring that remote work will be a permanent option, it’s a safe bet that the popularity of places like Billings and Bozeman will continue growing — but at what price for the locals?

How newcomers are impacting Bozeman

Photo: Jacob Boomsma/Shutterstock

Bozeman is Montana’s fourth-largest city and home to Montana State University. Situated within an hour from the ski slopes of Big Sky, two hours from Yellowstone, and five hours from Glacier National Park, Bozeman has long been a popular vacation destination. In addition to its proximity to some of the nation’s most beautiful parks, Bozeman has many nationally renowned breweries and an enviable dining scene.

Spurred by celebrity real estate purchases by the likes of Bill Gates and Ben Affleck, Bozeman’s popularity was growing well before the pandemic. However, the lockdowns and quarantine threw gasoline on the fire: 2020 saw thousands of remote workers resettle to this town of fewer than 50,000 official residents. The mass migrations have not relented since.

For working-class residents in Bozeman, frustration and anger are reaching a boiling point as waves of transplants reportedly make daily life more difficult. In one of the nation’s most sparsely populated states, Bozeman is starting to feel claustrophobic and congested. Traffic has become insufferable. Wait times to visit the doctor, dentist, or popular restaurants have quadrupled, while hiking trails have become so crowded as to become unenjoyable. As Melissa, a Bozeman local who works as a laboratory technician, puts it, “The fact of the matter is that this is a small town constructed with small-town infrastructure. We cannot accommodate an influx of thousands of new residents.”

Even worse than increasing traffic jams and infuriatingly long waits, paying childcare and rent has become a grave concern for many Bozemanites, especially those working low-paying jobs in a state where the minimum wage is $8.75. Most consider themselves lucky if their rent has only increased by 20 percent — for many, rents have increased by 100 percent or more. The cost of daycare has followed a similar trajectory.

Melissa counts herself fortunate that she has not had to uproot her family from Bozeman. Still, many of the people she grew up with had to leave for cheaper Montana cities, like Butte or Livingston or out the state to Idaho. While she’s been able to pay rent, Melissa has had to give up childcare for her young son. She recounts how she seethed with anger recently when a transplant gloated about how cheap childcare was in Bozeman compared to the Bay Area.

Locals not only blame transplants for making Bozeman more expensive but also for eroding the small-town charm and tight-knit feeling that Bozemanites cherish. The yuppie trappings of “Boz Angeles” — Lululemon stores, Whole Foods, Starbucks — are overtaking locally owned businesses. Many Bozemanites grumble that new arrivals seem more concerned about juicing their Instagram accounts with posts about “rustic Montana” than about actually learning about Montana’s culture or connecting with the community.

We spoke with members of the Bozeman Reddit group who voiced the usual gripes of locals who feel marginalized by newcomers: Transplants are stingy tippers, they don’t know how to drive, they’re rude with waiters and cut in line, etc. One colorful commentator lambasted the “foreigners from California” who have “ruined the town and should piss off immediately.” (Reddit, however, is not known as a forum where level heads and fair assessments prevail, so such rancor may not be representative of Bozemanites in general.) One post was particularly poignant: “Please don’t write about Bozeman. Please. We don’t want more publicity. I can’t afford to pay rent already.”

How newcomers are impacting Billings

Photo: Gary C. Tognoni/Shutterstock

The effects of remote workers have been a different story in Billings. With 100,000 residents, Billings is Montana’s largest city and is located about two hours from Bozeman in Montana’s Northern Plains. The city is situated in Yellowstone County, practically within walking distance of the famed national park.

The Wall Street Journal ranked Billings as the top city in its Emerging Housing Markets Index due to the city’s low employment (3 percent), booming housing market, and high quality of life. Although a small city, Billings punches above its weight in terms of amenities and conveniences: high-speed internet is ubiquitous, the dining scene is exciting, and the arts scene is robust and well-loved. Like Bozeman, Billings witnessed steady growth (about a 1.5 percent increase in population per year) in the years leading up to the pandemic. Although official census data for 2020 has yet to be released, anecdotal evidence suggests that the city’s growth rate has been several times higher since the start of the pandemic.

Luckily, Billings has not suffered the growing pains of Bozeman. Billings’ mayor, Bill Cole, is convinced that his city’s popularity with remote workers is beneficial for all. Unlike Bozeman, a city surrounded on all sides by mountains, Billings is the open prairie — geography well-suited for expansion. Even with the influx of remote workers, traffic has not increased to a point where the city feels congested. Locals, according to Cole, welcome transplants — who often bring racial, cultural, and intellectual diversity to Billings — with open arms.

When we asked Cole to put his finger on why Billings has become so popular during the pandemic, he listed the same factors contributing to Bozeman’s boom: lower incidence of COVID, beautiful areas to explore nature within striking distance, affordable housing, and low costs of living.

He also offered a more philosophical assessment: “For many folks, especially young adults, the pandemic drove home the realization that there is more to life than a career. Living in Billings offers a balance that is hard to find in, say, New York or Los Angeles. The pace of life is slower in Billings, and we cherish a healthy ratio of work, family time, and time spent enjoying our region’s amazing nature.”

More like thisPaddlingThe ultimate floating tour through Montana, from Yellowstone to Glacier National Park

The post Montana is a hot destination for remote workers, but not everyone is happy about it appeared first on Matador Network.

Is this claustrophobia-inducing ‘ride’ the scariest theme park attraction in the country?

When you think of theme park rides, images that probably come to mind are rollercoasters, Ferris wheels, and merry-go-rounds. It’s highly doubtful that you’re thinking about a cave simulator.

The Speleobox Cave Simulator (speleology is the study of caves) is located at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. The attraction consists of 300 feet of cave passages inside an eight by 12-foot wooden structure. Although the ride design says it’s “suitable for kids and adults,” the entryway only gives ride-goers room to crawl through, and you’ll have to commit to 15 minutes inside. It’s similar to how speleologists crawl through tight, uneven, and winding caves, but minus the novelty of being in an actual cave. TikToker Damen Tomassi visited the attraction and said you would never catch him riding that thing.

@damendot

##cave ##cavesimulator ##colorado ##cave ##scary ##themepark ##summer ##fun ##scary ##horror ##claustrophobia

♬ original sound – damendot

If heights and rides with tracks are more your speed, the park offers plenty of other ways to get your kicks, as well as some actual caves that are significantly more roomy. Choosing to stick yourself in a one-way cave simulation must have some target audience, though. Would you ever take on the Speleobox, or is it too claustrophobic for you?

More like thisTheme ParksThe 7 strangest theme parks around the world

The post Is this claustrophobia-inducing ‘ride’ the scariest theme park attraction in the country? appeared first on Matador Network.

New glass-domed train

A journey through the Rocky Mountains isn’t just a trip from point A to point B. It’s a ride you’ll want to savor as best you can by taking in all the views along the way. A new luxury train route is designed to help passengers do just that. Courtesy of Rocky Mountaineer, the Rockies to the Red Rocks journey started operating on August 16, 2021, bringing passengers from Moab, Utah, to Denver, Colorado through Utah’s iconic natural arches and the Rocky Mountains, stopping overnight in Colorado’s Glenwood Springs.

Photo: Rocky Mountaineer/Facebook

Rocky Mountaineer is known for its glass-domed trains and outdoor viewing platforms. Its aim is to highlight the stunning landscapes it traverses.

Photo: Rocky Mountaineer/Facebook

The Rocky Mountaineer teases potential with a dreamy description of this unique train ride “Journey through two days of extraordinary landscapes between Moab, Utah and Denver, Colorado. Vast canyons, inspiring deserts, natural archways and enchanting hoodoos are just a start. […] this Rocky Mountaineer rail route is filled with highlights best seen by train, including Ruby Canyon, Mount Logan and crossing the Continental Divide.”

A two-day trip starts at $1,250 per person, including a one-night hotel stay in Glenwood Springs (at either the Glenwood Hotel Colorado, the Hotel Denver or the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort), all meals and drinks.

This year, the Rockies to the Red Rocks trips will run until November 19, 2021. Check out all the trips and offers available this year on the Rocky Mountaineer’s website.

More like thisTrain Travel7 vintage train rides in the US that will take you where no cars can go

The post This new glass-domed train takes you on an epic journey through the Rocky Mountains appeared first on Matador Network.

8 Curaçao restaurants that’ll give you a taste of this beautiful island

Curaçao is a colorful Dutch island that’s the C in the ABC Islands (Aruba and Bonaire being the other two). Located about 90 miles north of Venezuela, the temperature stays in the 80s year-round, and it’s situated in the southern portion of the Caribbean that’s outside the hurricane belt.

There’s no mistaking the Dutch influence on the island. Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao, was founded by the Dutch West India Company, and its most recognizable landmark is the row of brightly colored Dutch colonial buildings on the Haldelskade waterfront. But Curaçao is also distinctly Caribbean. About 90 percent of the population speaks the native Creole language Papiamentu along with English, Dutch, or Spanish.

The island’s diversity is on full display at Curaçao’s restaurants. Visitors to the island can expect to find delicious Caribbean, Asian, Latin, and Italian dishes that incorporate ingredients local to the island. From traditional Caribbean comfort food to elevated Italian fare, these are the best restaurants to experience the cuisine of Curaçao.

1. Plasa Bieu

For those looking for an authentic Caribbean meal, head to Plasa Bieu. Also known as Marche Bieu, the open-air food hall is located in the neighborhood of Punda in Willemstad. It’s casual, and is popular with locals who often take their lunch breaks here. After you order, food is eaten community style on plastic-covered picnic tables. Plasa Bieu has several different vendors to choose from, and some of the standout dishes include stewed fish, rice and beans, and plantains, all of which are prepared over wood-fired stoves. Plasa Bieu has been serving up delicious homestyle food in generous portions for decades, and it’s open for lunch Monday through Saturday.

2. Bario Urban Street Food

Photo: Bario Urban Street Food/Facebook

Bario Hotel and Bar is a hard-to-miss, buttercup yellow hotel in the historic neighborhood of Ser’i Otroband. Here, you’ll find Bario Urban Street Food, one of the best places to eat on the island. The al fresco food court features food stalls, a spot for creative craft cocktails, and live performances. One of the highlights at Bario Urban Street Food is Lionfish and Mangos, a food stall that serves up the invasive lionfish in a number of ways. Guests can enjoy fishcakes, bacon-wrapped fish bites, dumplings, and pizza, all made with the species. Don’t leave here without trying the Otrobanda Colada made with local blue Curaçao liqueur.

3. Serafina

The best Italian food in Curaçao is at Serafina. Set in Willimsted’s historic district, Serafina feels like eating an intimate meal with family. The restaurant is located in what used to be a residential home, and meals are best enjoyed in the warmly lit, intimate courtyard. While everything here is good, you can’t go wrong with the fettuccine beef ragu or the fresh red snapper. There’s also an impressive portfolio of Italian wines to pair with dinner, and for dessert, try the simple but decadent lemon tart. Because Serafina uses local ingredients, the menu changes with the seasons, so be sure to ask your waiter for any seasonal specials.

4. Fish and Joy Bistro and Wine Bar

Photo: Fish and Joy/Facebook

Located in the trendy neighborhood of Pietermaai in Willemstad, Fish and Joy is a partnership between the beloved seafood restaurant Fishalicious and the wine bar Joy. The restaurant offers a global menu with dishes from Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean. The menu is filled with small plates like takoyaki crab (Japanese crab beignets), Scottish salmon, and ceviche wahoo. On the bar side, Joy offers 50 different wines and an extensive Champagne selection. If you can, grab a table outside and enjoy the warm breeze while eating dinner on the beautifully decorated patio.

5. Baoase Culinary Beach

For an upscale dining experience, head to Baoase Culinary Beach, located in one of Curaçao’s finest resorts, Baoase Luxury Resort Curaçao. The Balinese-inspired resort is located on the south side of the island, and the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Splurge on one of the three- or five-course dinners, or order items from the a-la-carte menu. Diners can enjoy meals right on the beach or in the restaurant’s private gazebos. The menu rotates, but there’s always a selection of fresh seafood like salmon and lobster. On Saturdays, the restaurant hosts a Culinary Barbeque Night, and on Sundays the menu shifts to focus on foods from Asia.

6. BKLN

Photo: BKLYN/Facebook

Fans of 90s hip hop music and creative dishes will love BKLN, a laid-back restaurant in the Pen Square area of Curaçao. The restaurant is within walking distance of Willemstad, making it an ideal stop after a day of sightseeing. The food is a mix of Caribbean bites with Brooklyn flare. There’s a savory pumpkin soup, bao buns (choose from tuna. crispy chicken, or jackfruit), and fried okra served alongside loaded Brooklyn-style hot dogs. The cocktails here are tasty, too. The No Sleep ‘Til BKLN (a nod to the Beastie Boys tune) includes coffee rye, picon, maraschino, dry vermouth, and orange bitters.

7. Mosa Restaurant

Mosa is a restaurant that’s best enjoyed with friends and family. It opened in 2016 and has served mouthwatering meals made with fresh, local ingredients ever since. The charming Willemstad restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating, but you’ll want to eat outside under the hanging lights on the patio. Mosa offers small plates that are meant to be shared, and the menu combines Caribbean and European flavors. The tightly curated menu includes tzatziki, tuna tartar, and savory servings of tender flat iron steaks. Order at least three plates per diner for a true sampling of the flavors.

8. Kome

Photo: kome/Facebook

“Kome” is the Papiamentu word for “eat,” and that’s exactly what you’ll want to do when you step foot inside this charming restaurant. If you can only make it for one meal, head here for brunch. On weekends, locals and visitors line up at Kome for an eclectic brunch menu that serves chicken and waffles and cheeseburgers alongside steak and eggs and cured fish and caviar. The rest of the menu is a mix and match of Caribbean, Latin, and Asian flavors. Try the crunchy Thai chicken, Kome tacos, or the risotto del dia. There’s also a great selection of wines, craft beers, and cocktails.

More like thisCultureHow Curacao’s people fight to keep their island the most colorful island in the Caribbean

The post 8 Curaçao restaurants that’ll give you a taste of this beautiful island appeared first on Matador Network.

In Delphi, Greece, a hike to a mystical cave is as cool as the ruins

Upon arrival in Delphi, Greece, it’s hard to shake the sense that, if the world has a center, it might be right here. This was true, at least according to Zeus, who discerned this through the flight of two birds (Greeks knew Earth to be round). No doubt, Apollo accepted this conclusion when he decided that the location for his Temple would be in Delphi, today a small village in the foothills.

On a hot June day, the Greek sailors of Itea, a coastal village less than seven miles from Delphi, were said to be fishing for mackerel. As the sun bore down on their sweat-slicked shoulders, a dolphin — the Greek word for which is “delfíni” — soared up from the Mediterranean waves and plopped itself onto the deck of their ship. Not only was this dolphin clearly capable of an impressive vertical leap, but it also seemed to have a considerable command of the spoken Greek language. Which, even in 750 BC, was an extraordinary occurrence, and a dead giveaway that a god had come to call.

The legend continues: Apollo, speaking in his Dolphin form, told them to build a temple near there, in the navel of the world. If they did, he would ensure they have all the riches and food they would ever need. The sailors complied, collected donations, and crafted marble into one of the country’s most unsurpassed temples.

The now-ruins of this magnificent temple are why this small town at the foot of Mt. Parnassus draws tourists. That was why I had come. But I discovered something more wondrous on that journey. Now, I will always remember Delphi as the trailhead for the hike to the sanctuary of the gods: Corycian Cave.

Arriving in Delphi

Photo: Reece McCart Young

Delphi is very accessible to the average traveler, both by car and public transit. It is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive north of Athens on the Lamia highway, towards the snow-capped peaks of Parnassus. I arrived by bus, taking one of the many affordable options offered by KTEL buses that depart regularly from Athens’s city center.

Right off the bus, we sauntered along a cliff’s edge, through tallgrass that muffled the stone gymnasium that lay under our feet — a place perhaps used as a training ground by the first Olympic athletes. We found ourselves at the ruins of Athena’s temple, its fragmented remains maintaining a bearing both mystic and wise. From our elevated location, we peered through the deep valley below to see the sun duck into the blue Mediterranean, shimmering the last of its warmth onto the seaside towns of Kirra, Galaxidi, and Itea.

Come for the ruins; Stay for the trails

Photo: Reece McCart Young

We bought a pass to explore the museums and ancient ruins of the area. As students, we received a reduced rate of six euros, half the price of a regular ticket. We sauntered through the great marble skeletons that surrounded the Temple of Apollo until finally arriving at the temple itself. It stopped me in my tracks. We suddenly became drenched in the ether of Apollo; in light and sun and harmony and all things he represented. I was lost in this ineffable moment, until a voice floated in.

“You must walk well above the temple, my friends,” we overheard a tour guide say, “so that you may view the wonder of this ancient temple from above, but only so you may see it as a part of the phenomenal natural world that is dedicated and credited to Gaea, mother of all. Never forget my friends: out here, Gaea rules all.”

Upon hearing this, we booked another night at our accommodation — one of the small, charming inns that fill Delphi — and spoke to some locals about the trails up the mountain. It was then that we learned about Corycian Cave.

The trail to Corycian Cave

Photo: Reece McCart Young

Corycian Cave feels like a well-kept legend. We found no map online. Directions were provided by a local jeweller, scratched onto a blank white page. The cave is 400 feet above sea level. The trail itself is about six miles each way and takes about 7-8 hours as a round trip. Although you can fill up your water bottles along the way at two springs with potable water, ensure that you bring enough food to keep you going all day. As you plan your journey, make sure you grant yourself ample time to explore and experience the cave. I found it hard to pry myself away from it.

The trail begins at the northernmost and highest road of Delphi. The trailhead is among tallgrass and wildflowers but can be identified by the yellow diamond that reads “E4.” Some of this ancient path has been incorporated into the E4 European Long-Distance Trail, a mega-trail that stretches from Tarifa, Spain, in the west all the way to its eastern terminus in Cyprus. Keep careful look out for these yellow diamonds to confirm your way for the first two hours of the hike. They should appear once a kilometre (or .6 miles), but some have been draped in moss and may be hard to spot.

After winding through tallgrass, the hums of the nearby bee farm will start to fade and you will arrive at an ancient zig-zagging cobblestone path. As you climb your way up, you will be treated to magnificent views of Apollo’s Temple and all of Delphi’s antiquity. As you climb higher, the azure hues of the Mediterranean’s Adriatic Sea will try and persuade you to linger — but pushing forward is well worth it.

Splitting off from the E4 European trail

Photo: Reece McCart Young

Once you arrive atop the cliffs, the trail flattens, and you will have reached Kroki Spring. Drink up and fill up. Then, look up. Far in the distance, you can see the tallest peak of Mt. Parnassus, soaring past 8,000 feet in altitude, in all its glory and myth.

Your path now diverges from the E4 European Long-Distance Trail. Instead of yellow diamonds, follow faded red markings painted on the ground and trailside rocks. Head to the right of Kroki Spring and the small stone chapel. As you follow the trail you’ll pass some summer cottages. Don’t worry, you’re not trespassing. The owners of one quaint farmhouse we passed even offered us some freshly made cheese.

Not far along, you’ll merge with an asphalt road that moves through a forest of fir and, in a little over a mile, joins with a dirt road. A few hundred yards down the dirt road you’ll see Pangia church, where you’ll find another fresh spring with drinking water. Keep following the dirt road past the church but keep an eye out on the left of the road for a sign reading “Corycian Cave” in English and Greek – signifying that you’ve reached the trailhead for your final trek.

The last twenty minutes of path is craggy and steep. As you scramble up a rocky trail, lush green bull pastures at well over 300 feet of altitude take your breath away. (Perhaps it was the climb, but I like to think otherwise).
“How much farther!?” my hiking mate asked, gulping at our water.

“Ten minutes maybe?” I said, pausing.

Twenty seconds down the path, I turned a corner and exclaimed “Ah! Here it is!”

I love those moments.

Exploring Corycian Cave

Photo: Reece McCart Young

We had made it to Corycian Cave by midday. We took in the magnitude and inviolability of the cavern with wonder and humility. I cannot say how long we stood there, watching the sun’s light dance through the lips of the cave, as if provoking the hungry darkness.

Then, without saying a word to one another, we entered.

Following the sunlit mossy grotto near the entrance of the cave, was a large black wall face that appeared barren.

“Many parts of the cave have not yet even been dared to be explored by humans,” we learned later, from a local. It made sense. The cave was much larger than I had expected, leading to places where the sun could not follow.

Once our eyes adjusted to the darkness, we noticed a rope, drenched in milky mud, dangling from the top. Hikers can go as deep as they dare. I could not help but wonder what strange things creep in the dark places of the world. We were grateful to have brought our headlamps.

The deeper we got, the thicker the air became. Stalactites skulked from the ceiling and stalagmites rose from the floor around every opening. Fuzzy black bats harbored in every nook. Glowworms occasionally peeped out for a second or less, until a rock echoed and spooked them away. About twenty minutes into the cave, the only way to go was through a claustrophobic crawl path. After a careful advance, I could see it went on in the same way as far as I could discern. My stomach grumbled. Sandwiches seemed to call louder than adventure at this point and we made our way back through the darkness.

Centuries ago, worshippers of Gaea, and those turned away from the Oracle of Delphi, would walk this path with reverence. The cave is mythically the winter home of Pan, god of the wild and shepherds. Pan, in this very cave, is said to have hosted Gaea while she mused on her union with the Titans, and to have provided sanctuary to the Corycian Nymphs, the namesakes of the cave.

We felt entirely alone, in this place so marked by the gods that all else seemed to recede — a rare experience for a traveler.

We had no sightings of nymphs, nor Gaea, nor Pan, yet the Corycian air was not that of a stifled cave. It felt hallowed. As I stood where gods once had, exhausted and proud. I understood, for the first time in my life, the meaning of worship.

More like thisHikingFrom Athens to the home of the gods: hiking Mount Olympus

The post In Delphi, Greece, a hike to a mystical cave is as cool as the ruins appeared first on Matador Network.

The 12 best Myrtle Beach Airbnbs for the perfect beach getaway

Myrtle Beach is a classic East Coast vacation spot. With the famous boardwalk, scenic golf courses, and white sand beaches, there’s something for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. A seaside motel may have a sentimental charm, but nothing beats the prices and advantages that come from staying in an Airbnb, and Myrtle Beach has some amazing rentals to choose from.

We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication. See our full Advertiser Disclosure here.

1. Eclectic oceanfront luxury right on the water with pool and hot tub

Photo: Airbnb

Best for: Large groups

This luxury escape is not your mother’s beach rental, not unless she was a very ambitious interior designer. Exploring the rooms in this eight-bedroom home will be an activity in and of itself. When you’re finished admiring the space, you can take a dip in your private pool or walk straight out onto the beach. It’s tucked away in a largely residential area of the Golden Mile neighborhood, so you can enjoy your privacy during the day and all the best dining and nightlife after dark. This space would be perfect for bachelorette/bachelor parties, or for a group of friends who like to step outside of the norm.

Sixteen guests, eight bedrooms
Price: $1,309 a night

Book Now

2. Beachfront condo within an oasis-like resort

Photo: Airbnb

Best for: Groups, families

Location, location, location. Where else could you and 11 other people stay directly on the beach with resort amenities for $30 each a night? This spacious condo overlooks the ocean from the eighteenth floor of the Paradise Resort, complete with beach access, pools, hot tubs, a lazy river, gym, tiki bar, and a Ben and Jerry’s. If by some miracle you run out of things to do on site, you’re less than three miles away from the boardwalk and the Market Common for dining, shopping, and fun.

Twelve guests, three bedrooms
Price: $355 a night

Book Now

3. A lover’s retreat on the beach with a bed overlooking the ocean

Photo: Airbnb

Best for: Solo travelers, couples, remote workers

This adorable studio makes up in character what it lacks in size. It has a light and airy energy, from the curtains above the bed to the granite countertops. It looks more like the apartment of your coolest friend than a vacation rental. The studio is situated on the 21st floor of the Palace Resort. Not only will you have great beach access, but you’ll be able to take advantage of the resort’s amenities, including the pool, bar, restaurant, arcade, and putt-putt course. Whether you go alone or with a friend, you’ll probably want to move in.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $191 a night

Book Now

4. Brand new, centrally-located home in an iconic neighborhood

Photo: Airbnb

Best for: Families, small groups

This brand new home is situated in a quaint neighborhood where the streets are lined with brightly colored family getaways. If you don’t mind stepping away from the beachfront for a lower price, this space will suit you and your family perfectly. With a kitchen prepared for cooking meals of all sizes and a flat-screen television in every bedroom, it’s an ideal landing spot after a day at the beach. It’s also a great launching spot for a night on the town, with the boardwalk and the Broadway at the Beach shopping center just minutes down the road.

Eleven guests, four bedrooms
Price: $443 a night

Book Now

5. Tropical-themed condo with a beautiful sundeck and fabulous view

Photo: Airbnb

Best for: Couples, families, remote workers

Who says you need to go down to the beach to get a tan? With the amount of time you’ll be spending on this balcony, you won’t need to. This condo has a picturesque view and an equally beautiful deck to view it from. Inside you’ll be greeted by tropical decor in all shades of pink, blue, and green. In typical Myrtle Beach fashion, this rental is inside of a resort, so you’ll get to use all of the perks that come with that. If you’re craving an outing, two beautiful golf courses are within a five-minute drive.

Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $179 a night

Book Now

6. “Tenacious Thee” studio fit for remote work

Photo: Airbnb

Best for: Solo travelers, couples, remote workers

Blue and beautiful, this cozy little one-bedroom is perfect for a solo traveler or couple. For a price lower than the standard hotel room you could be just a stone’s throw from the beach, walking distance to restaurants and shops, and a short drive from the city center. The decor is simple, modern, and almost entirely in shades of blue. It would be the perfect retreat for a remote worker looking to catch some rays and waves without missing a day of work or a thrifty couple looking for a romantic getaway without a daunting price tag.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $125 a night

Book Now

7. Beautiful Golden Mile five-bedroom beach house with an elevator

Photo: Airbnb

Best for: Large groups

The Golden Mile is the most sought-after neighborhood in Myrtle Beach. It’s located right in the middle of the best shopping, dining, and nightlife, and as a bonus, it’s a two-minute walk to the beach. This three-story home is tastefully decorated, has plenty of private sleeping areas, and even has its own elevator. With five bathrooms and plenty of room for cars in the driveway, it’s the perfect place for a big group of friends to meet up and have an unforgettable time.

Sixteen guests, five bedrooms
Price: $470 a night

Book Now

8. Luxury condo with incredible views and resort amenities

Photo: Airbnb

Best for: Families, remote workers, small groups

If you’re the kind of person who would like to roll out of bed and step straight into a waterpark, you’re going to love this condo. Located within the Dunes Village Resort, you’ll have access to all the amenities and activities the resort provides. This would be the ideal rental for a family with one or more remote workers. With a supervised kid’s club, the little ones could have a full day of activities while parents take meetings and calls, all while looking out at one of the best views you could imagine.

Ten guests, two bedrooms
Price: $555 a night

Book Now

9. Oceanfront condo with elegant decor and an unbeatable view

Photo: Airbnb

Best for: Groups, families

Not everyone who goes to the beach wants their space to be decked out in seashells and clam figurines. This condo would be best described as “beach chic.” Former guests have raved about the beauty of the space and the view, which you can admire by stepping out onto the 30-foot-long balcony. You’ll have direct beach access and the use of a pool that’s practically on the sand. The property is a short drive away from some truly beautiful golf courses, so make sure you book a tee time.

Fourteen guests, four bedrooms
Price: $365 a night

Book Now

10. The Palms beachside mansion with a private pool

Photo: Airbnb

Best for: Large groups, families

This is the kind of beach house that you’d see in a movie. With classic decor, luxurious amenities, and stunning outdoor space, this rental will probably make you feel like a king. If the pillared bathtub wasn’t enough, the pool and in-ground hot tub send it over the top. It’s located in the upscale Long Bay Estates neighborhood. This area borders the Myrtle Beach State Park and is just south of the Market Common which is known for high-end shopping and dining. The price may seem steep, but when you consider how many people you can fit, it’s perfectly reasonable.

Sixteen guests, six bedrooms
Price: $1,434 a night

Book Now

11. Alohalani Beach Getaway with a private pool and hip interior

Photo: Airbnb

Best for: Remote workers, families, groups

If you have an eye for design, you’ll feel right at home here. Not only is it decorated in the sort of style you might see in the home of a young influencer, but it’s only 250 feet from the beach. With an interior that you’re going to want to hang out in and a private pool for you to relax by, it would be a dream setting for your remote work. You’re just a quick drive from lovely shops and restaurants, but you may end up hunkering down here instead.

Thirteen guests, five bedrooms
Price: $145 a night

Book Now

12. Indoor/outdoor condo with brightly-colored beach vibes

Photo: Airbnb

Best for: Couples, families, remote workers

This condo is where coastal decor meets whimsy. While it may look like a somewhat normal beach theme, there are a few details that make it entirely unique. The king bed is lined with colorful LED lights, a psychedelic electric fireplace is mounted to the wall, and you can read a book in the swing on the balcony. The Caravelle Resort offers amenities and activities to guests of all ages. If you’re looking to go off-campus, multiple well-loved restaurants are within walking distance.

Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $182 a night

Book Now

More like thisBeaches + Islands7 things that will surprise you about Myrtle Beach, SC

The post The 12 best Myrtle Beach Airbnbs for the perfect beach getaway appeared first on Matador Network.

The ultimate road trip through wineries, salt flats, and colonial towns on Argentina’s Ruta 40

There’s so much more to Argentina than Buenos Aires, Iguazú Falls, and Mendoza — you only have to take a road trip in Salta to find out. A two-hour flight from the capital, Salta is a somewhat off-the-radar region. Quaint colonial towns, dusty Andean villages, and wine bodegas sit framed by dramatic mountain peaks and fascinating red rock formations. Throw in some beguiling salt flats and the highest pass on any national highway in the world and it’s all rather spectacular.

If you’re thinking that this sounds ideal for a road trip then you’d be absolutely right. Winding through the province is Argentina’s mythical Ruta 40, a national highway that stretches some 3,227 miles from the top to the bottom of the country. Salta’s section runs for about 220 miles and includes both paved and dirt track sections. You could cover it all in one long day of driving but you’d be missing out on a lot of fun if you did. For the most comfortable experience — and to ease your way around the dirt highway areas — we recommend going by 4WD drive vehicle or motorbike. Check out Cactus Rent a Car and Moto Alquiler Salta for options. Now here are some of the not-to-be-missed stops for your road trip in Salta, Argentina.

1. Cafayate

Photo: NiarKrad/Shutterstock

The first stop, and where the journey along Ruta 40 begins, is all about discovering the viticulture of northwest Argentina. However, before that there’s the small matter of arriving from Salta via the iridescent red-hued landscapes of the Quebrada de las Conchas (Canyon of the Shells). If you haven’t visited the Grand Canyon then this might just be the next best thing. Extraordinary rock walls shaped over millennia rise above a muddy river to create an otherworldly scene. It’s a three-hour straight drive through the canyon to Cafayate along Ruta 68, although you’ll want to pull over to capture the moment. Devil’s Throat, the Amphitheater, and the Toad are all worthwhile pit stops.

Photo: Daboost/Shutterstock

Cafayate itself is a busy colonial town in the Calchaquí Valley. It’s the heartland of Salta’s wine-making, as well. Dozens of bodegas, famous for their production of aromatic Torrontes white wines (and quintessential Argentine Malbecs), pepper the outskirts. Some, such as Bodega el Esteco and Bodega Vasija Secreta, are only a short stroll from the town center so you can park up and avoid any discussion about who’ll be the designated driver. You’ll probably want to stay the night here and can do so in style at the elegant winery-cum-hotel Patios de Cafayate.

2. San Carlos and Cachi

Photo: Lana Endermar/Shutterstock

From Cafayate, Ruta 40 meanders past vineyards and sleepy towns as it travels deep into the wild landscapes of the Calchaquí Valley. In about half an hour you’ll reach San Carlos, whose tree-shaded main square appears lost in time with its graceful arcades and white chapel. After another 30 minutes, the road climbs into the Quebrada de las Flechas (Canyon of the Arrows). With beige-colored cliffs rising up like arrowheads it’s easy to see how the canyon got its name. There are several rest stops and lookouts to get out and bask in the lunar-like setting.

Photo: Colomé/Facebook

If you’ve driven enough for the day, stay at the nearby Estancia Colome. It’s a winery and hotel where the stargazing is superb and there’s the chance to ride horseback over high-altitude plains. Otherwise, continue for just over two hours along the rocky, cacti-lined highway and across bridge-less rivers to Cachi. Maybe it’s the adobe homes, cobblestone plazas, and Spanish church, or perhaps the snowcapped Andes and clean air, but Cachi really has that jaw-dropping sensation. Pass by the Pio Pablo Diaz Archeological Museum to find hundreds of treasures excavated in the Calchaquí Valley. It’s on the main square, which has its fair share of bars and restaurants with outdoor seating.

3. Abra del Acay

Photo: Pedro Carrilho/Shutterstock

We aren’t saying that you should incessantly show off about your vacations, but bragging rights are part and parcel of traveling. A little over 60 miles from Cachi, the meandering highway becomes a wondrous section of chicanes and switchbacks upon reaching Abra del Acay. At approximately 16,000 feet above sea level, this is among the highest mountain passes on the planet (only those in the Himalayas surpass it). It’s an arduous and isolated drive with some sheer drop-offs, so you’ll want to take it slow. Those up for the challenge, though, will find that the panoramic mountain views, including the summit of the almost 20,000-feet-tall Nevado de Acay, are unprecedented. Fill up with gas and pick up water and food supplies at La Poma, because afterward it’s just the thrill of you and the open road.

Tip: Check the road conditions with locals before setting off; it can be impassable due to summer floods and winter snowfall. Also, register your departure at La Poma police station; they’ll come looking for you if you don’t register your arrival after crossing the pass.

4. San Antonio de los Cobres

Photo: buteo/Shutterstock

At the northern end of the mountain pass, the route drops down into the Puna — the local name for the upland plateau in the Andes foothills — and toward San Antonio de los Cobres. This mining town is the last notable settlement on Salta’s Ruta 40 and a good place to stock up before deciding on your next destination. While here, you can gain an insightful overview of life in the Puna at the small Museo Regional Andino.

Photo: Tren a las Nubes/Facebook

Should you be in the mood for more adventure then consider adding a trip on the Tren a los Nubes (Train to the Clouds) to the itinerary. Departing from the town center, the train trundles around the arid mountain sides of the Puna to the Viaduct Polvorilla. There’s a brief break to snap photos from 200 feet above a ravine before riding back to town.

Note: A bus service travels from Salta to San Antonio de los Cobres to link up with the train. Visiting villages and natural wonders en route, it’s a recommendable alternative if you’re a train fanatic and pressed for time.

5. Salinas Grandes Salt Flats

Photo: Cesar Girolimini/Shutterstock

To get more of that ethereal and away-from-it-all feeling, swap Ruta 40 for Ruta 51 and drive to the Salinas Grandes. This white salt desert covers 82 square miles on the border of the provinces of Salta and Jujuy and is one of Argentina’s seven natural wonders. The backdrop of the Puna highlands does a fine job in adding to the mysticism. Visiting the salt flats is a simple task. A road, which resembles more a low-lying bridge, crosses the northern part. Pull over and stretch your legs with a walk over a vast salty ocean. Budding photographers will have a blast creating disproportionate shots and mirror images.

From Salinas Grandes it’s a three- to four-hour drive back to Salta, which demonstrates how easy it is to get lost in the Argentine wilderness while being so relatively close to urbanization.

More like thisRoad TripsNevada’s Extraterrestrial Highway: One spaced-out road trip

The post The ultimate road trip through wineries, salt flats, and colonial towns on Argentina’s Ruta 40 appeared first on Matador Network.