Matador Network's Blog, page 614
July 21, 2021
In this small village in Cyprus, ‘thief’s kebab’ unites everyone
In the imaginations of most travelers, Cyprus is a sparkling gem of the Mediterranan, home to stunning beaches and crystal clear aquamarine waters. The island has a rich cultural and culinary heritage too; its population is divided mostly between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots. Maronites (a sect of Christains originally from Lebanon) and Armenians have also been living on the island for centuries. With so many different ethnicities on one island, often food is the one thing that brings disparate people together, unifying the island.
One dish that stands out in particular is called kleftiko in Greek or hirsiz kebabi in Turkish, meaning “stolen” and “thief’s kebab” respectively. This iconic dish is widespread in Greece, but In Cyprus, where many different Mediterranian and Middle Eastern ethnic identities intermingle, kleftiko is just as popular. In a small village called Kormakitis, you can have the best kleftiko in Cyprus.
What is kleftiko?There’s a good reason why this dish is sometimes also called thief’s kebab. In the past, it was very common for people who were living in the mountains to steal sheep. When it came to cooking their stolen dinner, the thieves had to be smart. If an angry sheep herder caught sight of smoke, the thieves would have been caught. In order to avoid being spotted, they would dig a hole, fill it with wood, light a fire, and pile tiles on top. The meat was cooked on top of the tiles, covered in a layer of carob or daphnia leaves, while soil sealed up the hole, preventing any smoke from escaping. According to the Guardian, “sheep rustling bandits,” were known as klephts, hence the origins of the name kleftiko.
My grandfather, who hails from the village of Kormakitis, recalls witnessing the preparation of kleftiko by members of his own family.
“My grandfather’s uncle did it once but he couldn’t cover it properly,” he tells me “Shepherds smelled it and they started looking for the meat. So my great-uncle hid and waited until they were gone!”
How kleftiko is cooked todayOriginally, kleftiko was cooked with hardly any other ingredients other than the lamb itself — other than perhaps a few herbs plucked from the mountainside. Today the dish is still as simple as can be — slow cooked for at least 2 hours in garlic and olive oil, often with potatoes and roasted peppers on the side. To mimic the hole in the ground sealed by soil, the lamb is often wrapped securely in parchment paper while it cooks. It’s considered a classic dish in Greek cuisine, served in tavernas all over Greece. But if you want to sample kleftiko in Cyprus, there is one restaurant that you can’t miss.
The best place to eat kleftiko in Cyprus
Photo: DILOCOM/Shutterstock
“My family has been running the restaurant for almost fifty years now,” says Maria, owner of Yorgo Kasap restaurant in Kormakitis. “My mother is the butcher of the restaurant and I have been working here for thirty-six years.”
Turkish Cypriots, Greek Cypriots and Maronites are all welcome at Yorgo Kasap Restaurant unites people from all over Cyprus, and it’s a popular spot among tourists too, hosting curious culinary aficionados from Turkey, Russia, the United Kingdom, and France.
The most famous dish on the menu is of course kleftiko but Yorgo Kasap also serves traditional Cypriot meze (Cypriot olives, Mediterranean salad, halloumi, hummus, and yogurt served on a platter).
If you are planning to visit Kormakitis and the restaurant, the best way to get there is to rent a car as public transport in Cyprus is unreliable. It might be tempting to spend all your days at the beach when in Cyprus but visiting this small village is worth it for the kleftiko alone. You’ll also have the opportunity to experience the slow village life of Cyprus and the island’s multicultural identity.
Let the time stand still as you enter this authentic restaurant and observe how food has the power to unite so many different people in a village with a long history.
Where: St George Square Korucam, Kormakitis, Kyrenia Cyprus 
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Why Texas BBQ should be on your list
If you’ve never contemplated creating a travel itinerary around a single food, you probably just haven’t met the right food yet. Consider this: Through Texas BBQ alone, you can taste your way through history, geography, and culture — and emerge both well-fed and wiser for the journey.
Expect lines around the block and flavors across centuries and cultures, every practice, recipe, and bite a meaningful part of the conversation. If you don’t have weeks to dedicate to this delicious pursuit, start with the humble primer below — just know that a return visit will likely be in the cards.
Texas BBQ: across the eras
Photo: T photography/Shutterstock
The origins of BBQ in Texas go back to the Indigenous people of the Caddo Nation, who used traditional cooking methods for preparing venison and other game in the territory of present-day East Texas, writes author Robb Walsh in his Legends of Texas Barbecue Cookbook.
In later years, Spanish, Mexicans, African Americans, immigrants from Germany and the former Czechoslovakia, and cowboys from the Chisholm Trail contributed their own smoke, spices, and cooking techniques to the craft. “Texas barbecue is a feisty mutt with a whole lot of crazy relatives,” Walsh writes. But forget “whole hog” — in Texas, it was often the whole steer that historically was offered up at big community gatherings, be they political, religious, or social in nature, adds Walsh.
Nowadays in Texas, beef is still king of the BBQ pit, yielding the smoky, salty bites of umami bomb encased in a blackened bark called brisket, whose sliced offerings might as well be the official state salute. These days, Texans are so serious about their BBQ, whether moist or lean, there’s an annual Barbecue Summer Camp — for grownups — and they’ve got the nation’s only dedicated BBQ editor at Texas Monthly. (Definitely read some Daniel Vaughn before tackling any Texas BBQ road trip.)
Texas BBQ: across the state
Photo: Golubovy/Shutterstock
Though the world outside Texas typically paints the state’s BBQ with one brush — brisket, beef ribs, or sausage, rubbed with little more than salt and pepper — that brush is generally emblematic of Central Texas or Hill Country BBQ. Sure, you’ll find these damn-good classics on the menu throughout the state, but you’ll also find other surprising discoveries in your travels. Here are some important regional differences that come to mind:
• West Texas BBQ is served up cowboy style with chicken, sausage and ribs cooked over an open pit with high, direct heat.Chopped beef is an uncelebrated yet enduring part of the menu at Dallas and East Texas BBQ joints.In South Texas and throughout the state, barbacoa and carnitas are some of the most sought-after items at Tex-Mex-style BBQ restaurants.In many of Texas’s large cities, especially Houston and Austin, Korean, Japanese, Cambodian, and other cultural cuisines are giving rise to exciting new flavors through the vessel of BBQ — new flavors that you can only find here.In other words, you’ve got to tread carefully when making any generalizations about Texas BBQ. Larger, older, and more diverse than many states, Texas has been a proving ground for pitmasters, smokers, and chefs for centuries. Yes, you’ll find a lot of beef, but you’ll also encounter some of the most delicious pork, turkey, chicken, duck, sausage, and even goat. And it’s still a constantly evolving experiment, so you can never really have the same BBQ trip twice.
Going beyond the platter
Photo: Trong Nguyen/Shutterstock
One of the reasons BBQ has historically been so endearing is both its accessibility and its representation as a food of and by the people. Smoking a brisket is an hours-long, sweaty labor of love. The fact that it endures in a time of faster-than-fast food and meal delivery apps says something about Texas as a whole.
“Pitmasters have become primary to the conversations,” says Kelly Yandell, Texas food writer, photographer, and past president of the Foodways Texas advisory board. “This is difficult, creative labor that often takes place over the span of 14 to 16 hours. They’re sleeping on mats in the back when they get started. It’s a real appreciation of labor in a world where we’ve sort of moved away from [that] in favor of technology.”
So pull up a chair at a beloved BBQ joint and start appreciating. You’re likely to be seated at a long table in earshot of a few dozen locals. Your tools are humble: pink butcher paper, a sack of white bread (or maybe even a few tortillas), paper napkins, and plastic utensils — though consider just diving in with your hands. In some places, they’ll load you up with sides; in others, you’re encouraged to bring your own.
But as incredible as Texas BBQ is, it’s also the stories you’ll learn along the way that make for such a meaningful vacation itinerary. The hours-long lines at the buzziest joints are tailgate-like occasions filled with fun conversations, donuts, and cold beers passed down the line. Or sometimes it’s about sitting with a fourth-generation proprietor whose business has witnessed the entire lifespan of its community. Those conversations and life lessons are invaluable — yet they’re often so graciously served up for free alongside a portion of ribs and collard greens. It’s hard to find a more meaningful travel experience than that.
The post Why Texas BBQ should be on your travel bucket list appeared first on Matador Network.
July 20, 2021
12 Airbnbs in Charleston for a bachelorette party filled with southern charm
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.
There’s no place like Charleston to have a bachelorette party. Gorgeous sightseeing complements the city’s legendary food and drinks scene, and several chilled-out beaches line the city’s coast. Whether you’re looking to spend relaxing nights in after a day on the town, or you want to find the best place to check out Charleston’s nightlife, there are dozens of Airbnbs to choose from here. The following listings are the best Charleston Airbnbs for a bachelorette party, from historic downtown guest houses to homes in some of the city’s more eclectic neighborhoods.
1. Historic downtown house with pool
Photo: Airbnb
Why tour historic homes when you can sleep in one? This large historic house has been recently renovated and has a wraparound porch, as well as a private courtyard with a pool, perfect for sipping wine and watching the sunset. Just a short walk to the action on Upper King Street or a short ride to Rainbow Row and the Battery, this stay could be the perfect home base for exploring downtown Charleston.
Ten guests, four bedrooms
Price: $642 per night
Photo: Airbnb
If your party has members traveling by plane, consider this three-bedroom home only eight minutes from the airport. Located in Park Circle, the historic district of North Charleston, this stay is within walking distance of the neighborhood’s eateries and a short drive away from downtown Charleston and nearby beaches. The house also has a backyard with a fire pit, and a screened-in porch to enjoy drinks without getting stung by mosquitos.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $451 per night
Photo: Airbnb
For a larger group looking to enjoy Charleston in style, this elegant apartment offers a variety of amenities with a great location. This stay is in historic downtown, just a few blocks from King Street. Made up of two units, the apartments are connected by an interior door, creating a luxury four-bedroom, three-bathroom suite. There’s also an outdoor patio for laughs and bubbles.
Twelve guests, four bedrooms
Price: $973 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This beautifully decorated home in West Ashley offers the perfect place to rest after a day exploring downtown Charleston or soaking up the sun on Folly Beach, both less than 30 minutes away. Located across the Ashley River from downtown Charleston, the West Ashley district also offers plenty of bars and restaurants of its own. The house sleeps eight, and its full patio is sure to be the perfect place for afternoon cocktails or party games.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $475 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This house in the Cannonborough/Elliotborough district is the perfect stay for a group of foodie bachelorettes. Ten of the city’s most well-known restaurants are located in the district, not to mention more further south on the peninsula. Regardless of where you choose to dine, the home’s location near King Street is perfect for experiencing the town without the street noise from traffic and nightlife.
Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $216 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Just two blocks from Charleston’s iconic Rainbow Row, this second-floor condo suitable for for five guests has an almost unbeatable location for exploring Charleston’s historic district. The stay is also a quick walk from Waterfront Park, the perfect place to soak up the sunshine within view of the river and some of the city’s most beautiful historic homes.
Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $530 per night
Photo: Airbnb
For a group who’d prefer to spend their days lounging on the beach, this beachfront home on Folly Beach won’t disappoint. With a large living space and porch, the house offers the perfect space for catching up and relaxing. After a day on the beach, head to downtown Charleston (only 11 miles away) for dinner and drinks. Parking won’t be an issue here, with room in the driveway for up to six vehicles.
Nine guests, five bedrooms
Price: $377 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Just one block away from Upper King Street, this seven-guest apartment offers a place to explore Charleston’s historic district for a lower price than stays further south on the peninsula. The apartment has a lot of character, with exposed beams and open kitchen shelving, not to mention it’s within walking distance to bars and clubs.
Seven guests, two bedrooms
Price: $287 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This colorful Avondale home can accommodate up to nine guests and includes a large porch for socializing and a hot tub in the backyard. Avondale, another neighborhood located across the river from downtown Charleston, is sometimes called the downtown of West Ashley. Shops and restaurants are within walking distance, and downtown and beaches are nearby.
Nine guests, four bedrooms
Price: $600 per night
Photo: Airbnb
If you want to stay on the main peninsula, but don’t want to splurge on a stay closer to downtown, this guest house is the perfect fit. Harleston Village is home to the College of Charleston campus, as well as a number of historic homes and churches. The second floor of the town-style home is equipped with two bedrooms, a full kitchen, and a spacious living area.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $225 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This historic home, which uses modern decor with vintage touches, can welcome up to ten guests. The stay is close to everything including the historic district, Charleston’s French Quarter, and other points of interest downtown. Spend the day sightseeing, and return for a spa night to make use of the home’s large pool and chill-out area in the back. This stay is also a great base for a walk through historic Charleston.
Ten guests, four bedrooms
Price: $659 per night
Photo: Airbnb
If you’re worried about having enough space to get ready for a night out, this house is your answer. This stay in the Cannonborough/Elliotborough district along Upper King Street sleeps nine guests, with four queen size beds and three full baths. The house also has a parking space for a car and lists other parking areas in its description.
Nine guests, three bedrooms
Price: $784 per night
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These are the top airlines in the world for 2021
After a very difficult year in 2020, travel is picking up again, and so are airlines. As you prepare for your first trip after the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, The Points Guy and AirlineRatings have put together their annual reports ranking the best airlines for 2021 so you can make an informed choice as to which carrier will take you on vacation this year.
The Points Guy’s best US airlines of 2021
Coming in hot for the top spot for the third year in a row is Delta with a score of 67.93 out of 100. The airline is praised for rarely bumping passengers and how easy it is to find and get into its lounges, but suffered in the affordability category.
Spirit and Allegiant switched places this year. Spirit was 10th (the last place) in 2020. It now sits in eighth place for the lack of canceled flights and its affordability. Unfortunately, that doesn’t make up for all of the expected fees for everything — bags, wheelchairs, and change fees. Allegiant is now dead last. It failed to make sure flights arrived on time, or at all. It reportedly also has poor family-friendly policies and rewards points aren’t worth much.
The best US airlines of 2021 according to The Points Guy:
DeltaSouthwestUnitedAlaskaAmericanJetBlueHawaiianSpiritFrontierAllegiantAirlineRatings’ ranking of the best airlines in the world in 2021
AirlineRatings rated 20 airlines this year. Air New Zealand, which has ranked six times over several years as number one, including last year, is now ranked number two. And Singapore Airlines, which ranked number one in 2019, is now number three. CNN reported that Air New Zealand has now been replaced by Qatar Airways for its cabin innovation, catering, in-flight service, and its commitment to staying open during the pandemic.
“In our objective analysis Qatar Airways came out number one in many of our audit criteria, which is a great performance at this very difficult time,” Geoffrey Thomas, editor-in-chief of AirlineRatings, said. “For years Qatar Airways has been the gold standard, and it just keeps getting better with new passenger innovations and new state-of-the-art aircraft models.”
Qantas sits at the number four spot and is also ranked as the safest airline. And rounding out the top five is Emirates. Other awards were best first class (Singapore Airlines), best cabin crew (Virgin Australia), and best airport lounges (Qantas).
The best airlines in the world in 2021 according to AirlineRatings:
Qatar AirwaysAir New ZealandSingapore AirlinesQantasEmiratesCathay PacificVirgin AtlanticUnited AirlinesEVA AirBritish AirwaysLufthansaAll Nippon AirwaysFinnairJapan AirlinesKLMHawaiian AirlinesAlaska AirlinesVirgin AustraliaDelta Air LinesEtihad Airways More like thisAirports + FlyingAirline alcohol bans mean we may never achieve the perfect in-flight beverageThe post These are the top airlines in the world for 2021 appeared first on Matador Network.
Vrbo is giving away 30 stays valued at $5,000. Here’s how you can win.
Vrbo is holding a contest that everyone can get on board with, especially as we try to shake the COVID-19 lockdowns. This contest gives family and friends an opportunity to reunite with one another in a unique, budget-friendly way. One lucky winner each day, for 30 days, will win a $5,000 vacation. This credit can go towards any Vrbo rental of your choosing anywhere in the world.
Vrbo hand-selected a Trip Board full of homes and vacation rentals that is family-approved and located throughout the US in many areas like beaches, mountains, lake destinations, and more.
The contest runs until August 13. To enter the contest, participants must follow these rules:
Follow Vrbo on Twitter or InstagramPost a photo of yourself with the person you’ve missed mostInclude a caption explaining why you can’t wait to reuniteUse #VrboReunionContest“Grandparents want to kiss their grandchildren. Aunts and uncles want to hug their favorite nieces and nephews. Families are ready to travel again and finally see their loved ones face-to-face,” said Lish Kennedy, vice president of global brand marketing at Vrbo, in a press release. “We want to ensure this year is filled with as many joyful, laughter- and tear-filled reunions as possible because we’ve all been waiting a long time to see our favorite people again.”
Vrbo will announce winners daily on their Instagram and Twitter accounts, giving participants numerous chances to win. For more details and rules on the contest, you can visit their website. Make sure to check their social media daily and see if you are the next winner.
The post Vrbo is giving away 30 stays valued at $5,000. Here’s how you can win. appeared first on Matador Network.
7 rejuvenating hot springs in California you need to visit this summer
Weekend trips to water bodies are a requisite for summer travel. As the thermometer creeps toward the triple digits, the idea of cooling off at the beach, by a lake, on a river, beneath a waterfall, or in a local pool grows proportionally enticing. The one water body travelers may be quick to dismiss in the heat of summer is a hot spring. Not so fast, we say. Mineral-rich waters are always restorative, regardless of the outside temperature. And most hot springs resorts offer cold plunge pools and steamy tubs for the ultimate soaking experience.
If you’re in California this summer, geothermal getaways are the perfect way to break up your beach weekends. Here are seven of the most spectacular hot springs in California you need to visit, from rustic natural pools to splurgy spa resorts.
1. Wild Willy’s Hot Springs
Photo: bonandbon/Shutterstock
Scenic, rustic, and remote, Wild Willy’s Hot Springs is located an hour south of Yosemite near the Mammoth Lakes, an area replete with geothermal waters. There are two natural pools on site, which visitors can access by following a rugged dirt road off Highway 395 to a parking area, where they’ll continue a quarter-mile on foot down a long boardwalk with a panoramic view. Of the two springs, the heart-shaped one located to the left of the boardwalk runs hotter.
Sometimes called Crowley Hot Springs, Wild Willy’s comes by its alliterative moniker earnestly. It can get crowded here, though plenty of visitors have reported empty pools during off hours, and these springs often attract livelier groups looking to soak with beers in hand.
2. Indian Springs Calistoga
Photo: Indian Springs Resort and Spa/Facebook
A luxurious retreat in Napa Valley, Indian Springs Resort and Spa is a stone’s throw from the Silverado Trail that weaves through Northern California’s wine country. The main draw on the property is an Olympic-sized, geyser-fed mineral pool that rejuvenates guests while the resort pampers them, with poolside beverage and snack services, an outdoor cabana lounge, umbrellas, and sunbeds. Visitors of all ages are welcome to enjoy the Main Pool, whose waters range from 92 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit, with floats and noodles available on request.
Those seeking a quieter, more intimate experience can opt to soak in the neighboring Adult Pool, which runs roughly 10 degrees colder than the Main Pool. Resort guests are guaranteed access to both pools. A limited number of day passes are available for spa guests, as well, provided they book a 50-minute treatment. Day passes cost $50.
3. Esalen Hot Springs
Photo: Esalen/Facebook
The Esalen Institute is a coveted retreat center in Big Sur that promotes wellness and spiritual education through a variety of workshops. Much of what makes the Esalen experience so extraordinary is the physical campus, which includes hot springs that perch over the Pacific Coast alongside a massage deck and ADA-accessible hot tub. Guests of the institute can book private soaks, which they’re welcome to enjoy with or without swimwear. As the website says, “Clothing is optional; contemplation is guaranteed.”
Even beyond the hot springs, Esalen has a full roster of wellness offerings, from a regular pool and massage service to an Art Barn and Meditation Hut. Moreover, guests are provided healthy, sustainable meals three times a day compliments of the Esalen Farm and Garden.
Note: Neither communal bathing nor nighttime public soaks are currently permitted due to COVID-19 precautions.
4. Wilbur Hot Springs
Photo: Wilbur Hot Springs Resort & Nature Sanctuary/Facebook
The historic Wilbur Hot Springs is located in the town of Williams about an hour north of Sacramento. Northern California’s Indigenous inhabitants were the first to discover the resort’s mineral springs, which sit at the confluence of three different hot spring networks. Legend has it that news of the site’s curative waters spread upon healing an ill Gold Rush prospector.
Today, the hot springs are laid out like a Japanese-style onsen, clothing optional, with three flumes that output water averaging temperatures from 100 to 109 degrees Fahrenheit. Also on site are a spring-fed swimming pool, cold plunge, and sauna, while the entire property is surrounded by the Wilbur Hot Springs Nature Reserve. Day use is possible if reserved in advance for a fee of $59 during the week and $65 on weekends.
5. Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort
Photo: Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort/Facebook
While many of the most famous hot springs in California were discovered up north, Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort is an excellent option on the Central Coast. Located near Avila Beach in San Luis Obispo, midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, the resort offers several ways to soak in its mineral-rich waters: shared hillside hot tubs, private in-room hot tubs, and an oasis waterfall lagoon, which can accommodate up to eight soakers and requires reservations.
Rounding out its wellness program, the resort also offers treatments ranging from massages to facials. Both the spa and mineral tubs can be reserved by guests and non-guests alike.
6. Sierra Hot Springs
Photo: Sierra Hot Springs/Facebook
Guests of the Sierra Hot Springs Resort and Retreat Center have their pick of soaking sites: the Hot Pool, the Warm Pool, and the Meditation Pool. The steamiest of the three, the Hot Pool registers between 105 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit and sits beneath a geodesic dome alongside two cold plunges. Both the Warm Pool and Meditation Pool are open-air and hover between 98 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Perfect for daytime, the Warm Pool comes with an adjoining sundeck and dry sauna while the Meditation Pool comes highly recommended for starlight soaks. All three pools are clothing optional.
When they’re not soaking their muscles, visitors can work up a sweat exploring the surroundings. Roughly an hour north of Lake Tahoe, the resort is ringed by 700-plus acres of national forest that’s perfect for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. In addition to traditional lodging, campers are welcome to reserve a site at the on-site campground.
Note: Day use is not currently permitted due to COVID-19 precautions.
7. Travertine Hot SpringsPhoto: jared ropelato/Shutterstock
As natural pools go, it’s hard to beat Travertine Hot Springs, one of several hot springs found in the Eastern Sierra’s Mono County. It’s a popular site, attracting both day-trippers and dispersed campers who pitch their tents on the surrounding forest land. Luckily, there’s more than enough geothermal water to go around with five rustic pools in total.
To reach the Travertine Hot Springs, follow Highway 395 just south of Bridgeport, then turn left at Jack Sawyer Road and continue on the dirt path for roughly one mile. Once there, the largest and hottest spring sits closest to the parking lot, while the others are a short walk away. But be warned: These springs run genuinely hot, so always dip a toe before plunging straight in.
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Chapada dos Veadeiros is a natural paradise hidden in the Brazilian highlands
For real outdoor enthusiasts, the best that Brazil has to offer lies beyond its famous beaches. Hidden away in the interior of this vast country are a wealth of national parks, including the stunning Chapada dos Veadeiros in the Brazilian highlands. Located in the state of Goiás, just 150 miles north of Brazil’s federal capital, Brasilia, this natural paradise is a haven for adventurers seeking secret waterfalls, spectacular vistas of Brazil’s tropical savanna, and, if the rumors are to be believed, potential supernatural encounters.
The Cradle of Water
Photo: vitormarigo/Shutterstock
Chapada dos Veadeiros rests atop an ancient plateau two billion years in the making. An intricate system of converging rivers and streams has carved out a geological legacy which gives the region its second name: the Cradle of Water. Waterfalls cascade through rocky canyons and verdant valleys in their hundreds, making it impossible to pack visiting them all into a single itinerary. Some are easier to get to than others. Three waterfalls, including the mightily impressive Almécegas I, are accessible via Fazenda São Bento, a private farm a mere ten-minute drive from the popular backpacking town of Alto Paraíso de Goiás. But the best of Chapada’s natural wonders are reserved for travelers who are prepared to venture (literally) beyond the beaten track.
Chasing waterfalls
Photo: Daniel Carnielli/Shutterstock
The GO-239 and GO-118 are the two major highways which bisect Chapada’s landscape. These perfectly paved roads offer some incredible views across the savanna, which is known as the “cerrado.” In the late afternoon, hundreds gather by the roadside on the G0-239 to watch the sun set over the stunning Jardim do Maytrea, or Maytrea Garden, named for the line of palm trees that front the hills beyond. Branching off from these highways are countless dirt tracks that cut through forests and traverse valleys to reach Chapada’s hidden waterfalls.
One of the most extraordinary waterfall circuits is the Cachoeira Macaquinhos, or Little Monkey Waterfall, an easy 2.5-mile trail which lazily strafes the River Macaquinho as it cascades through a series of sublime waterfalls and emerald pools culminating in a spectacular fifty-meter drop. Getting to Cachoeira Macaquinhos is tough. Nearly 20 miles of dirt road lie between the highway and the circuit’s starting point, and the last half-mile or so is a grueling, precipitously steep descent which will test the mettle of even the most battle-hardened 4×4, but the sights that await render the hardships worthwhile.
Mirante de Janela
Photo: vitormarigo/Shutterstock
Arguably Chapada’s most famous sight is one that you’ll view through a window. The hike to Mirante de Janela can be tough, with a few steep ascents in places and some makeshift wooden staircases and wobbly handrails that hardly inspire confidence. But the trail’s climax doesn’t disappoint. Mirante de Janela — meaning “window lookout” — is a unique rock formation that perfectly frames a stunning vista of the cerrado landscape with a view of the Rio Preto Falls as its centerpiece.
Go early enough and stand in awe as you catch the last magical moments of the sunrise bathing the scene in an amber glow. Moments later, you’ll likely find yourself having to wait in line to get that perfect shot as the hordes of Instagrammers descend on the lookout. Then, escape the crowds and take refuge on the higher ground atop the wooden parapets that have been erected above the window and offer breathtaking panoramic views of the national park.
Vale da Lua
Photo: vitormarigo/Shutterstock
Most of Chapada’s waterfall hikes are well signposted and straightforward enough to manage under one’s own steam. But in order to discover the secrets of the Vale da Lua (Moon Valley), consider enlisting the services of a local guide who knows it’s hidden nooks and crannies best. The unique, lunar-like landscape has been sculpted by the erosive power of the São Miguel River, which rushes and swirls through corridors and cauldrons that have been chiseled out in the rock over the course of millions of years. Slipping below the surface to explore the rock formations solo is ill-advised, but experienced guides can lead visitors on a safe, subterranean tour of the Vale de Lua’s otherworldly network of potholes and passageways.
Supernatural encounters
Photo: Larissa Chilanti/Shutterstock
The story goes that in the 1960s, photographs taken by NASA satellites orbiting the Earth revealed that the area surrounding Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park was quite literally glowing. Considered after that to be the most luminous natural point on the globe, the orthodox explanation for this phenomenon is that the park lies upon a bed of crystal quartz that reflects light like a mirror. The spiritual energy believed to be gleaned from those crystals was enough to attract many bohemian types to the towns surrounding Chapada, but people of even more mystical persuasions have cited its geographical position as further evidence of the region’s supernatural character.
Like Machu Picchu, another area famous for its mystical energy and the former home of the Incas, Paralelo 14 — the circle of latitude 14 degrees south of the equator — cuts exactly through the Jardim Zen, or Zen Garden, a popular viewpoint on GO-118 highway. The spiritually inclined claim that the Incas, who “vanished” suddenly in the sixteenth century, built a cosmic bridge to connect their homeland to Chapada, a route now frequented by aliens — hence the unusually high reports of UFO sightings in the area. Head to any bar in the hippie towns of São Jorge and Alto Paraíso and you might catch one of the region’s many mystic societies swapping stories of extraterrestrial encounters over a cold choppe, or draft beer.
Getting there and getting around
Photo: Dea e Bruno/Shutterstock
The easiest way to arrive at Chapada dos Veadeiros is to fly to Brasilia and then rent a car for the 150-mile drive to the beginning of the vast park. Choosing a sturdy 4×4 is strongly recommended; the highway to Chapada is in excellent condition but the same can’t be said for the dirt tracks that will lead you to its waterfalls.
At Chapada, visitors tend to stay in one of two locations. The town of Alto Paraíso de Goiás is the gateway to the park and has a decent range of hostels and pousadas to cover all budgets. Twenty-five miles to the west is São Jorge, a more rustic village with fewer services but plenty of character. Stay in one of the village’s charming inns or connect with nature at an eco-camp for the full Chapada experience. From here it’s possible to walk to the starting point for the hike to Mirante de Janela, which makes São Jorge a popular jumping-off point for travelers wanting to beat the crowds and soak up the sunrise at the famous lookout spot. In both towns you’ll find cozy restaurants, quirky craft shops, and a host of easygoing locals and adventurers who perfectly embody the invigorating spirit and energy of the extraordinary Chapada dos Veadeiros.
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Canada is finally reopening its borders to Americans
On Monday, July 19, 2021, the Canadian government announced the soft reopening of the country’s borders.
Starting August 9, fully vaccinated US travelers and permanent residents of the United States will be allowed entry into Canada. The Canadian border has been closed to nonessential travel since March 2020, a period of 16 months.
People from the US will be able to travel to Canada without the need to quarantine upon arrival if they have received the full course of a COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to traveling. The Canadian government will only accept those who have received the vaccines manufactured by Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson.
Besides providing proof of vaccination, US travelers will need to show the results of a COVID-19 molecular test before entry. The announcement also specifies that Canada’s post-arrival testing strategy has evolved and that “fully vaccinated travellers will not need a post-arrival test unless they have been randomly selected to complete a Day 1 COVID-19 molecular test.”
Unvaccinated children traveling with their fully vaccinated parents will be allowed entry and won’t be required to quarantine.
All the Canadian airports welcoming international travelers starting August 9 are:
Montréal-Trudeau International AirportToronto Pearson International AirportCalgary International AirportVancouver International AirportHalifax Stanfield International AirportQuébec City Jean Lesage International AirportOttawa Macdonald–Cartier International AirportWinnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International AirportEdmonton International AirportThere are currently no plans for the US to reopen its 5,500-mile land borders with Canada, CNN reported.
If all goes well, Canada also hopes to reopen its borders to all fully vaccinated travelers from the rest of the world by September 7. For all the eligibility requirements needed to travel to Canada this summer, visit the government’s website.
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How to plan the perfect weed-inspired trip to America’s Cannabis Heartland
Cannabis legalization brought some dramatic changes to Northern California’s famous Humboldt County. Producers here have grown world-class marijuana for decades in what’s known as the Emerald Triangle — a three-county area north of Napa that’s one of the largest and most renowned cannabis-growing regions in the country. Recreational legalization in California in 2016 allowed cultivators to finally practice their craft publicly and claim some time in the spotlight.
And much like what Napa is to wine drinkers, Humboldt County is emerging as the ultimate destination for lovers of the mighty green bud.
Recently, the Southern Humboldt (SoHum) Visitor’s Bureau renamed the region America’s Cannabis Heartland. Plans to give legacy farms and micro-regions appellations of origin designations similar to those for wine are already in the works. A cannabis-themed museum and a Cannabis Trail that’ll connect historic marijuana sights from the San Francisco Bay to Humboldt are also in planning stages.
Up in Northern Humboldt (NoHum), a strong marijuana affinity has existed for decades, encouraged by the environmentally conscious vibe at Humboldt State University. The university has a cannabis research center, and hopes to play a major role in developing the area’s cannabis-focused economy. For visitors, the contrast of rural cannabis cultivation regions and hip urban centers make Humboldt County a real-deal area to experience authentic cannabis culture.
Located about 300 miles from the Bay Area, Humboldt County has always been just a bit too far for a simple weekend escape for city folk. The area feels isolated from the rest of the world, yet Humboldt has created its own down-to-earth, friendly, and progressive lifestyle where local food, art, music, and community gatherings are central to life. The area is also a natural paradise of epic proportions, with rugged coastlines, primordial forests, and crystalline rivers always just minutes away — all of it made even more mind-blowing with Mary Jane hiking boots on.
Here’s what to add to your itinerary on a trip to the center of cannabis culture in California.
1. Visit a cannabis farm
Photo: Humboldt Cannabis Tours/Facebook
Humboldt’s cannabis cultivation dates back to the early 1970s when back-to-the-land types moved to the area looking for ways to become self-sustainable and live off the land. Growing cannabis became one of the best ways to fund early attempts at organic gardening and community living, and SoHum in particular became home to several important early growing regions. Legacy growers in SoHum still garden using organic and other natural methods, making the stunningly beautiful area the best place in the world to visit a small and sustainably managed cannabis farm.
See these farms through Humboldt Cannabis Tours, which is run by long-time cannabis aficionado and Humboldt resident Matt Kurth. These tours pick you up from your hotel and take you to one of Humboldt’s historic cannabis farms, like award-winning second generation Huckleberry Hill Farms, where the farmers themselves will teach you about everything from strains to soil conditions. Kurth runs these tours out of Eureka’s historic Old Town area. Transportation is in a 10-passenger minivan, and there are usually stops at a local dispensary so you can stock up on goodies on the way.
2. Shop for canna-fashionStock up on hemp fashion, smoking accessories, and a wide range of books and other educational materials at The Hemp Connection in Garberville in SoHum. The oldest hemp clothing store in the country, this is a true countercultural landmark that continues to serve as a community gathering point for Humboldt County. In Eureka, the Humboldt Republic hand prints fresh street gear and hats based on local artist designs ,while Arcata’s Solutions Clothing Store offers hemp, bamboo, and organic cotton clothing as well as other sustainably minded products.
3. Stay at a bud and breakfast or glamp among the plants
Photo: Five Sisters Farms/Facebook
Get even closer to the popular herb by staying at a bud and breakfast or camping at a cannabis farm. Riverbar Pharms is a full-service, cannabis-friendly bed and breakfast housed in a historic Victorian farm. Besides offering guests luxury services like CBD infused massages, the business also has its own small cannabis garden where guests can learn about growing marijuana for personal use. At Sol Sister Farms, visitors get a glamping-style tent set up on a working cannabis farm that includes catered, farm-raised meals and personal tours of the farm itself. For something a bit more rustic, rent a tent in the cannabis garden of Five Sisters Farms, located just off highway 101.
4. Hit up a festivalWith a yearly calendar attuned to cannabis cultivation, it’s no surprise that Humboldt’s largest festivals occur around harvest time in the fall. Check out SoHum’s Feast of Flowers Cannabis Cup in October for full exposure to the area’s best farm offerings. The Mattole Community Center was started by old school ganja growers and has been the social center of SoHum for over 40 years. It puts on a range of festivals and events throughout the year including the Reggae on the River Festival and the Summer Arts Fair. In July, the Northern Nights festival takes over a magical section of the emerald green Eel River’s banks for a three-day weekend and features nationally known bands as well as a designated cannabis consumption area.
The year-round Saturday farmers market on the Arcata plaza is always a festive time, with live local bands playing and everything from hula hooping to face painting happening on the grass. Eureka’s monthly Art’s Alive, which takes place on the first Saturday of the month in the historic waterfront Old Town, is a local affair that shows off the talent of Humboldt County – much of it cannabis inspired. The annual Kinetic Sculpture Race, a Humboldt tradition since 1969, involves pedal-powered amphibious creations racing their way across forest and bay, and is quite a spectacle whether under the influence or not.
5. Go weed tasting
Photo: Papa & Barkley Social/Facebook
Humboldt’s outdoor grown cannabis is known as quite simply the best on Earth. Swing by the Country Club dispensary in Redway for an impressive showcase of SoHum’s top small farm offerings. Up in the Humboldt Bay area, the Humboldt Patient Resource Center (HPRC) is one of the original compassionate care dispensaries in California and stocks chemical-free bud in both the Arcata and Eureka locations. The latter has an on-site wellness center called “The Connection” where free tai chi, yoga, herbal medicine, and other health programs are offered to the public on a daily basis.
On-site consumption is new to Humboldt County, and there are plans to open everything from Amsterdam-style cafes in Eureka’s Old Town to “green” farmers markets. Papa and Barkley Social, the headquarters of the Humboldt-based cannabis producer by the same name, is a consumption lounge housed in a former Kmart (a sign of things to come for Humboldt’s economy). The swanky lounge allows smoking in comfy sofa booths in a garden-like setting with on-site spa and restaurant services. Down in SoHum, the Cookies Tree Lounge is housed in a massive 2,000-year-old redwood tree trunk. It not only offers a cozy consumption space, but is also pioneering a new series of “gangier” (the cannabis equivalent to a sommelier for wine) educational courses.
6. Relax on the beachHumboldt County is home to the longest stretch of wilderness coastline on the West Coast of the contiguous US: the Lost Coast. Backed by verdant green mountains and lined with black sand beaches, there are few places in the world that call for weed-assisted adventuring the way the Lost Coast does. Just north of Humboldt Bay, the Trinidad State Park area is a dramatic coastal wonderland of hidden cove beaches — many of them apt for nude sunbathing — where relaxing the day away with a cannabis-friendly picnic is also a good idea.
For something a bit more civilized, check out the Humboldt Bay Social club, a beachfront restaurant cafe just outside of Eureka on the Samoa Peninsula with outside fire pit seating and cabins for overnight stays. Further up the coast, camping is allowed on the towering rock formations that overlook the raging Pacific at Patrick’s Point State Park, where you can also explore a recreation of a native Yurok village and botanical garden before hunting for semi-precious stones on Agate beach.
7. Get blazed in the Redwoods
Photo: Virrage Images/Shutterstock
The mighty redwoods of northern California are the largest trees on Earth and are often compared to natural cathedrals. They’re also, of course, one of the most amazing places on the planet to enjoy while high as a kite. Both Redwood National Park in NoHum, where Jurassic Park and Return of the Jedi were filmed, and Humboldt Redwoods State Park in SoHum host otherworldly old growth forests crisscrossed with miles of hiking trails. The Fern Canyon Trail in RNP is especially recommended. You can also simply light up and explore the second-growth Arcata Community Forest, located right behind Humboldt State University, or visit the new Redwood SkyWalk in Eureka, where elevated trail systems take you into the high canopy of a grove of primary-growth ancient redwoods.
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Myrtle Beach: Fun off the sand
The shores of Myrtle Beach are undeniably beautiful, with soft sand and clear water stretching for some 60 miles — farther than the eye can see. It’s these endless beaches that inspired the region’s apropos moniker of the “Grand Strand.”
But here’s the thing: Myrtle Beach and its neighboring seaside communities aren’t just grand for their beaches. History, nature, culture — the reasons to plan a visit go way beyond lounging in the sand. Here’s what Myrtle Beach has tucked away, just beyond its splendid shores.
For the culture vultures: art, history, and pinball
Photo: Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum
The museums of Myrtle Beach might be the area’s most unsung resource. When you need a break from the sun, dive a little deeper into what makes this community such a vibrant one.
Start at the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum, a former beach villa dating to the 1920s that was relocated in 1975 from Myrtle Beach’s historic “Cabana Section.” Spread across 11 galleries, the museum features constantly rotating exhibits of sculptures, paintings, photography, and textile art from artists across the globe. Best part: Admission is free for all. Consider leaving a donation if you enjoy your visit.
Less than five miles away, the Myrtle Beach Colored School Museum and Education Center commemorates the area’s first public school for Black students. A four-room schoolhouse salvaged from the 1932 original, the center opened as a point of local pride in 2006, thanks in large part to former students. Artifacts from the building’s prior life are spread throughout, and there’s a good chance that those same former students will be the ones greeting you and fielding questions.
Finally, make the 1.5-mile journey up to 27th Ave North and you’ll change both gears and eras. At the Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum, there aren’t any roped-off exhibits. Instead, visitors are encouraged to play the 26 pinball games on display, ranging from 1970s models to those from the present day. Once you pay your admission fee, it’s free play — no quarters required.
Tip: The Grand Strand Art Trail, encompassing 18 fine art galleries and three restaurants, runs for 60 miles from Georgetown, South Carolina, to the North Carolina border. Consider it a true art-chaser’s quest.
For nature nerds: places of beauty
Photo: Craig Zerbe/Shutterstock
There aren’t very many places across the US that have been designated a National Historic Landmark, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and earned accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Brookgreen Gardens checks all three boxes. Located in Murrells Inlet on the grounds of a former rice plantation, this massive 9,000-acre oasis can be described as a sculpture garden, wildlife park, nature sanctuary, botanical garden, and zoo, all rolled into one.
The Huntingtons, who owned Brookgreen, had a winter home adjacent to the gardens known as Atalaya Castle, a stunning landmark within modern-day Huntington Beach State Park. (The Moorish-inspired structure takes its name from one in the town of Villena, Spain.) The state park is full of incredible salt marshes (get ready for some serious birdwatching), and there’s great “seabreeze camping” at over 100 campsites.
For the family: fun, games, and sports
Photo: Visit Myrtle Beach
The pinball museum isn’t the only place for bright lights, games, and a good time. Fun Plaza Arcade at the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is a vintage-style arcade with beloved childhood games, going strong since 1938! Shoot some timed hoops or teach the kids classics like Skee-Ball.
Myrtle Beach is also the nation’s unofficial capital of miniature golf, aka “putt putt” — there are dozens of courses with different themes across the Strand. Mt. Atlanticus Minotaur Golf is one of the longest-running and most popular. Its two separate courses, the Conch and the Minotaur, will take you and the kids on a tropical romp through the lost city of Atlantis.
Traditional golf courses — 90 of them! — are found throughout Myrtle Beach, and they’re a pretty big deal. Designed by the likes of Nicklaus, Palmer, and Fazio, the list of PGA, USGA, and LPGA events held here is a long, long one. If you can get in (you’ll need to befriend a member or stay at the right hotel), Dunes Golf and Beach Club is where you’ll want to test your swing.
For something a little easier to finagle, catch a minor league baseball game with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, an affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Tickets are less than $20 per person and often include sweet deals like discounted food and drinks — and post-game fireworks.
Want more nostalgia? The Track is one of the area’s best go-kart facilities, with two winding wooden ramps overlooking the beach. Families can ride in single or double karts before going nonstop on the arcade games and rides.
For retail therapists: souvenirs and serious deals
Photo: Visit Myrtle Beach
Named for perhaps the best way to experience Pawleys Island, the Hammock Shops sells all things classically Southern — think rope hammocks and pimento cheese (along with plenty of other great souvenirs, like handcrafted jewelry). Open since 1938, the complex also has dining options, a playground for kids, daily wine tastings, and hammock-weaving demonstrations.
In North Myrtle Beach, browse the shops at Barefoot Landing, right on the Intracoastal Waterway (so expect scenic views to boot). You’ll find everything from swim gear to artisan tea. When you’re done scouting out deals, there’s the House of Blues, the Alabama Theatre, LuLu’s Beach Arcade and Ropes Course, and plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bistros for winding down on the waterfront.
For thrill seekers: high-flying adventure
Photo: Rob Hainer/Shutterstock
The most iconic — and most luxurious — way to see the length of the Grand Strand is from the comfort of an air-conditioned glass pod. The SkyWheel swirls up to 200 feet in the air, with 360-degree views from every height. Splurge for the upgraded VIP pod and you’ll get Ferrari leather seats, a commemorative photo, and extended “flight” time.
If that’s not nearly enough of an adrenaline spike, take your glass pod and trade it for something with propellers. Helicoptering above the coast is an uncommon yet surprisingly affordable treat — for as little as $20 per person, you can fly like the birds do over the sand. Helicopter Adventures offers several distinct tours, from soaring above Pine Lakes and Broadway at the Beach to excursions all the way to Little River.
To zoom through the air solo, check out Broadway at the Beach’s zipline, Soar & Explore. It’s a 1,000-foot traverse between the two zipline towers at heights of 50 feet above the water below. Don’t leave without conquering the tropical-themed ropes course, too.
Last but certainly not least, there’s a particularly grand way to experience the Strand: parasailing. Outfitters abound, and they’ll take you out on a speedboat, strap you into your harness, and then send you soaring 500 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, catching air in your parasail. Honestly, the Strand might be even grander from above.
The post Fun off the sand: Why there’s more to Myrtle Beach than the beach appeared first on Matador Network.
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