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Win a free, month-long Vegas residency valued at $40,000

Whether you love Las Vegas or you’ve never been, you probably know that one of the draws is the Strip’s extravagant hotels. Hotels.com wants you to enjoy some of the finest stays in Sin City like an A-lister with its contest of a lifetime.

Hotels.com is giving one lucky person a month-long Vegas residency to explore the Strip that’s valued at $40,000. The winner will become Hotels.com’s first-ever hotel resident, and spend the month trying four different luxury hotels: The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Nobu Hotel Caesars Palace, Park MGM, and Resorts World Las Vegas.

Many of the stays offer exclusive perks. At the Cosmopolitan, you’ll celebrate the resort’s 10th anniversary with a delicious tasting menu at the Italian restaurant Scarpetta, as well as enjoy room service on the wrap-around terrace. The Nobu Hotel at Caesars Palace offers a private poolside cabana at the Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis and a visit to the spa — and tickets to see Usher live at the Colosseum. The Park MGM stay includes lounging at any of the three pools and checking out all of the on-site restaurants. And finally, enjoy a Presidential Suite at the brand-new Resorts World Las Vegas.

After the residency is over, Hotels.com will continue spoiling you with its Gold Rewards member status and VIP Access Privileges at eligible hotel properties for the next year.

Entries for the contest are accepted through July 2 at 10 AM Pacific.

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This luxurious train will take you on a whisky journey through Scotland

If Scotland is a dream destination and you’ve got cash to splash, consider taking a journey on the Royal Scotsman, a luxury train like no other.

Photo: Belmond/Facebook

Not only are the Royal Scotsman’s cars beautiful and fitted with exceptional amenities such as en-suite cabins with steam showers, but there’s also an onboard spa, jaw-dropping views from every window (but especially from the cozy observation car), and a selection of thematic journeys to please every traveler.

Photo: Belmond/Facebook

The Royal Scotsman’s journeys include Scottish Highlands tours, scenic trips across western Scotland, and the Scotch Malt Whisky Tour.

The Scotch Malt Whisky Tour is a luxurious four-night whisky-themed journey through Scotland in partnership with the Scotch Malt Whisky Society. It starts and ends in Edinburgh, and takes guests on an exclusive trip to the Highlands, Cairngorms National Park, Dundee, and more. It stops at renowned distilleries along the way, such as Tomatin, Macallan, and Tullibardine. Whisky tastings will also take place on board, led by knowledgeable experts from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society.

Photo: Belmond/Facebook

Royal Scotsman’s Scotch Malt Whisky Tour runs twice this summer, once in July (21st-25th) and once in August (23rd-27th). A third trip in October running from October 4th to 8th is sold out — so jump on tickets before the others sell out as well if you’re interested.

When your journey comes to an end, you’ll become a member of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society for one year, so for the dedicated Scotch drinker, the four-night stay might be worth the starting price of $7,500 per person for the July trip and $9,800 for the August journey.

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The best free van camping spots in the US, in the wilderness and in big cities

Driving a campervan across the United States is part of the new norm for the great American road trip — lauded for its cheap price tag and ability to deepen our love for this wild and diverse country. But with the average RV park/campsite costing $20 to $40 per night, you could spend a small fortune getting to know the national and state parks that preserve the prettiest parts of the US.

But you don’t have to pay to sleep in your van. Not if you learn the ins and outs of stealth camping and where you can legally camp for free this summer. From BLM land to dispersed camping to sneaky city camping, here are our tips for scoring free overnight van camping on your next road trip.

How to camp for free in the wilderness

Photo: Elsa Amsterdam/Shutterstock

When camping in the wilderness, gushing waterfalls, grazing moose, and sandstone arches become your backyard. This is what vanlife dreams are made of and it’s not far from reality. A major benefit of choosing to boondock is the ability to fully immerse in the wilderness. The enchanting illusion of isolation remains intact if you’re not required to return to the orderly blueprint of established campgrounds.

Boondocking, dry camping, wild camping, whatever you prefer to call it, is essentially the act of camping in an unestablished campsite. Stealth camping isn’t reserved for illegal overnighting. Whether you’re immersed in the uninhabited wilderness or surrounded by the faint sounds of downtown traffic, it’s smarter and safer if you can conceal that you’re sound asleep inside. Here’s where you can camp free of cost (and hopefully free of human contact) in the wilderness.

Head to Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or US Forest Service Land

Photo: Virrage Images/Shutterstock

Here is some soul-crushing news: Scenic sweeping views straight from your campsite rarely come free (Utah is a rare exception). But you will stumble upon these vistas time and again, almost always on a swath of BLM land. BLM land is public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management to preserve the natural, cultural, and historical resources of the land. This covers an amazing 245 million acres of land across the US, and because it’s public land — meaning you partially own it as a citizen — you can camp on most of it.

The perk of BLM land is that it’s all over the country, especially in the west. Cell service can be spotty, so instead of relying solely on apps you can also head to a local BLM office, available in cities and towns near public lands, and get a map of dispersed campsites in the area.

While the governing bodies differ, land managed by the US Forest Service is also public-owned and, for campers, falls under the same general concept as BLM land. Dispersed campsites are located throughout national forests across the US. When searching for campsites on public lands, keep an eye out for posted signs prohibiting overnight camping. These are common in trailhead parking lots, for example. Don’t be afraid to take the road less traveled — sometimes a dirt road or a remote highway pullout can be a great option for a single night. If there isn’t a sign prohibiting overnight parking, you’re in the clear.

Some helpful tips for locating the best free van campsites on public lands

Photo: GROGL/Shutterstock

Benjamin Franklin said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” This wide-ranging speck of wisdom is particularly applicable when it comes to van camping. Follow these tips to improve your odds of finding a great free campsite.

Find your campsite before dusk

Don’t wait until nightfall to start searching for your site. The dark makes it difficult to determine a legal spot from an illegal one, or a safe spot from an unsafe one. It’s always easier and stress-free to assess the campsite in the light of day.

Search before you lose service

Anytime you’re entering the wilderness it’s a safe assumption that you’ll be beyond the reach of cell phones. This is where a little preparation comes in handy. Check your apps, download the necessary offline maps from Google, and start the GPS to your predetermined campsite.

Take what you can get

Don’t get hung up on finding the perfect spot because it doesn’t exist. If a campsite meets your needs for the night or the weekend, give it a shot. At the risk of sounding cheesy, it’s not the views that make the weekend, it’s the memories.

Look up local regulations

Every state has very different rules on acceptable overnight campsites. In Florida, for example, you can camp on many public beaches throughout the state with your tires in the sand, but try the same thing in California and you’re sure to get the dreaded midnight knock. More remote regions in Idaho, Montana, or Wyoming have far less regulation than their East Coast counterparts.

Don’t be afraid to ask your fellow van-dwellers. Popular van-camping towns like Moab, Utah, or Jackson Hole, Wyoming, are absolutely bursting with long- and short-term vanlifers. If they’ve been here a while, you can bet they know the best BLM land and dispersed camping sites in the area. Those of us residing in vans have to stick together, which oftentimes means trading tips and sharing the best sleeping spots.

How to “camp” for free in the city

Photo: D-VISIONS/Shutterstock

Summer vanlife plans generally involve more wide-open blue skies than skyscrapers, more mountains than metros, in the hope that your only traffic jams are bison-related. But depending on your destination you might need to overnight in a city or two. Don’t spring for the roadside motel just yet. Here’s how you can van-camp for free in cities.

Metered parking after hours

Parking meters often stop ticking sometime between 5:00 to 8:00 PM, leaving you in the clear to street-park overnight for free. Just be sure to move your van bright and early before the meters expect to be fed.

Street cleaning makes for easy street sleeping

In heavily-trafficked cities, stake out a street just after the regularly scheduled street cleaning because you’ll be guaranteed that all the spaces will be vacated, leaving you with plenty of room to maneuver even the clunkiest vehicle into a legal spot. In most cities across the US, you can legally park in one designated spot for 72 hours before you’re required to move. These rules don’t change just because you’re snoozing inside. There are exceptions to this rule. Certain counties in California, near the Big Sur region, for example, or cities like San Diego have enacted vehicle habitation laws that prohibit living or sleeping in your van.

Here’s a quick list of free (legal) van camp spots you can use in cities this summerWalmartCracker BarrelHome DepotCabelasTruck StopsCasinos24-hour businesses like laundromats; technically, for customers only, so take advantage of the chance to do some laundry

Odds are if you’re reading this, you’ve probably already built or purchased your campervan and are ready to pound the pavement. But for the few of you who haven’t yet grabbed a hammer, you have the opportunity to go full incognito. Here are some easy tips for ensuring you fly under the radar and that your van doesn’t wave any red flags.

Opt for a vehicle with fewer windows

The more windows, the more window covers — a dead giveaway for us van-dwellers that there are people sleeping inside.

Toss a hard hat and a clipboard on the dash

Work vans attract a lot less attention than campervans. The hard hat and clipboard trick obviously won’t fool anyone who takes the time to talk to you, but for the quick passerby, it can do the trick. This works best with white cargo-style vans. Because, let’s be honest, you’re not fooling anyone in your VW bus.

Bigger isn’t better, though you should consider high-clearance or 4×4 vans

Lengthy or wide vehicles will be limited in terms of parking (and access) in both cities and national parks. The most scenic free spots are reserved for those who can reach them.

Apps to help you score free van camping this summer

Photo: cejofoto/Shutterstock

Van-dwelling technology has exploded with the activity’s popularity. These apps will help you secure free, scenic, convenient parking, as well as help you track down essential amenities while on the road like a well-deserved warm shower.

iOverlander — This free app relies on user recommendations for campsites, water-refill stations, showers, gray-water dump sites, and all the van-dwelling road trip essentials. It’s also a great resource for locating nearby BLM land.

Freeroam — A favorite for both free and paid campsites, this app is easier to use than iOverlander and offers the same benefits, while being more aesthetically pleasing for tech-savvy van road trippers.

The Dyrt — The paid version of this app is infinitely more helpful than the free version. With lots of photos and tons of users, this app is definitely worth splurging on.

Spot Angel — This app shows where the free street parking was in real-time. The only downside to the app is that it only works in major metropolises that have lots of users reporting.

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9 underwater cities only scuba divers can explore

Scuba divers describe the reefs, wrecks, and walls they tour as worlds unto themselves. It’s true. Undersea travel opens up a whole new universe of exploration, from unique marine life to historic sites hidden beneath the waterline. In select destinations, the submerged and terrestrial worlds overlap, as is the case with several ancient, flooded cities that now sit preserved on the seafloor like mythology’s lost city of Atlantis. From China to Greece, these nine underwater cities are some of the coolest towns you can visit — assuming you’re scuba certified.

1. Lion City, China

Photo: Big Blue Diving/Facebook

Under the surface of Qiandao Lake in the Zhejiang province of China lies an ancient city. It’s called Shicheng, or Lion City, and dates back to the Han Dynasty from roughly 25 to 200 CE. How Shicheng came to be submerged is no mystery: In 1959, it was flooded during the Xin’an River Dam project to create the lake in order to power a hydroelectric station. Rediscovered by the Chinese government roughly 40 years later, Shicheng was found to be remarkably well-preserved, with a network of more than 250 intricately carved archways and stonework dating as far back as the Ming and Qing dynasties that are still intact today. Outfitters such as Big Blue Diving in Shanghai now facilitate scuba trips. Divers should prepare to descend up to 130 feet, expect low visibility, and come prepared with plenty of light.

2. Port Royal, Jamaica

Just south of Kingston on the eastern half of Jamaica, divers can tour what was once called “the wickedest city on Earth.” In the 17th century, Port Royal became the Caribbean’s largest, richest den of iniquity, frequented by pirates who ran amok in its bars and brothels. Then, in 1962, an earthquake struck and sank a majority of the city, creating an underwater metropolis that’s now considered one of the world’s most intriguing dive sites and one of the best-preserved sunken heritage sites in the Western Hemisphere. Beyond the relics of the city itself, divers enjoy the area for its many shipwrecks and tropical reefs.

2. Baiae, Italy

Photo: Centro Sub Campi Flegrei/Facebook

Pompeii may be Italy’s most famous lost city, but the submerged city of Baiae in the Gulf of Naples is nearly as ancient and, in its heyday, was just as exciting. Before a bradyseism, wherein the ground is thrust up or down unlike the horizontal movements typical of earthquakes, caused the city to sink, it was a thriving resort for the A-listers of the Roman Empire. Baiae still attracts travelers; granted, today’s visitors come wearing snorkel or scuba gear. There are five main dive sites between 15 and 45 feet at the Underwater Archaeological Park of Baiae and eight in total. “Villa a Protiro” is a must-see with its perfectly preserved mosaic tiling on display. Elsewhere, divers can see remains of thermal baths, marble floors, replica statues, and more. The Centro Sub Campi Flegrei is a dive outfitter that leads tours of the area.

4. Lake Lygnstøylsvatnet, Norway

Photo: THE LAKE LYNGSTØYLVATNET

Before 1908, there was no Lake Lygnstøylsvatnet in Norway’s Norangsdalen Valley. In its place was a homestead that was flooded when a rockslide from nearby Keipen dammed up the waters that flowed through the valley and swallowed up the area and added it to the list of underwater cities. Though the visibility here is unreliable, on clear days divers can see what remains of the homestead: farmhouses, fences, gravel paths, and green grass. The descent itself is easily accessible to divers of all skill levels, with what remains of the farmstead being located at a beginner-friendly depth of 15 to 45 feet below the lake surface.

5. Pavlopetri, Greece

Photo: World Monuments Fund

Pavlopetri, in southern Greece’s Peloponnese peninsula, is the oldest sunken city in the Mediterranean. At roughly 5,000 years old, with ruins tracing it back as far as the early Bronze Age, it’s also among the oldest underwater cities in the world. Though its exact origins are murky, researchers theorize that an earthquake submerged Pavlopetri around 1000 BCE. It was not rediscovered until 1967 but has since been listed as a UNESCO Underwater Cultural Heritage site, and was on World Monuments Fund’s 2016 watch list. It features more than a dozen semi-intact structures just 10 to 15 feet below the surface. While it’s not open to recreational divers, snorkelers can survey Pavlopetri from above.

6. Dwarka, India

Legend has it that the lost city of Dwarka was founded by the Hindu god Krishna. When Krishna transcended the mortal realm, so it goes, the ancient city was engulfed by the sea. Present-day Dwarka is an important Hindu pilgrimage site in the Gujarat state of northwestern India. Excavations of its submerged leg began in 1963 after decades of searching. In the years since, archaeologists have discovered artifacts ranging from stone fortifications and an old irrigation system to anchors that suggest the port city had a trading heritage. What’s left of ancient Dwarka is currently in talks to become an official dive site to promote tourism in Gujarat.

7. Thonis-Heracleion, Egypt

The bygone Egyptian city of Heracleion, as it was called in Ancient Greek, or Thonis in the original Egyptian, sits off the coast of Alexandria some 30 feet underwater. Believed to be founded around the eighth century BCE, the city served as an important port for foreign traders, primarily ships coming from Greece, before natural disasters caused it to sink around the eighth century CE. When it was excavated in 2000, archaeologists found evidence of a bustling city structured around canals, with well-preserved temples, statues, inscriptions, jewelry, gold coins, and shipwrecks left behind. Divers are still busy exploring the site and likely will be for years to come. According to Franck Goddio, who’s credited with discovering the ruins, around 95 percent of the ancient city is still waiting to be uncovered.

8. Yonaguni Monument, Japan

Photo: Japan National Tourism Organization

Not far from Yonaguni Island in Japan exists a series of underwater formations with an unknown history. Some believe that the structures are the relics of a city that was sunk by an earthquake roughly 2,000 years ago. What’s visible today is more the suggestion of a city than the obvious ruins of one, anchored by a large pyramidal formation in the center. Though Yonaguni Monument has not officially been recognized as a site of archaeological significance — as some other underwater cities have — it has become a popular dive site in Japan’s Ryukyu Islands, particularly during winter months when there’s a sizable presence of hammerhead sharks.

9. Atlit Yam, Israel

Jury’s still out on the story behind this submerged Neolithic city near Haifa, Israel, off the Carmel Coast. The working theory is that a tsunami caused its inhabitants to flee suddenly as the settlement was swallowed up by the Mediterranean Sea some eight or nine thousand years ago. This would make Atlit Yam the oldest known underwater city, though such claims are hard to prove. The site does provide some insight into the community that once lived there, however. Among the relics left behind are houses, graves, a well, and, most fascinatingly, a Stonehenge-like semicircle composed of seven megaliths in the city center. Though it’s currently closed for recreational dives, archaeological divers may be permitted to explore Atlit Yam.

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7 beautiful train stations in the US that are true architectural marvels

Modern trains aren’t exactly known for breathtaking cabin aesthetics. No one is sad that their three-hour train journey is coming to an end because the ceiling is a masterpiece, or because of the dining car’s historic feel (with the exception of some beautiful vintage trains, of course).

Some train stations, on the other hand, seem built to keep you platform-bound. The domed ceilings, romanesque columns, gold-adorned walls, and palatial grandeur are enough to make many travelers consider intentionally missing their train so they can hang out in the station a little longer. While that never actually happens (probably), there’s no denying that some train stations in the US are aesthetically pleasing enough to qualify as travel destinations. From the Spanish revival-style Santa Fe Depot in San Diego to Victorian-era Main Street Station in Richmond, these are the most beautiful train stations in the US.

1. Grand Central Terminal, New York

Photo: Michael Moore/Shutterstock

Grand Central Station is arguably the most well-known train station in the US, and not just because it’s one of the busiest. This Beaux Arts-style station is famous for the 25,000 square-foot constellation mural painted across the arched ceiling, its giant chandeliers, striking frescoes, gold clock, and stately staircases. The station opened to the public in 1913, and now serves as far more than just a train station. Attracting more than 750,000 visitors a day in normal years, the terminal also doubles as a world renowned shopping destination and the location of restaurants and bars like The Campbell that can stand up to those in the rest of the city.

2. King Street Station, Seattle

Photo: CineCam/Shutterstock

Looking down at the floor of King Street Station, you might think you’re walking through Versailles rather than a train station in Seattle. Opened in 1906, the station weathered several attempts by developers to transform the building into something more contemporary. Luckily, in 2010, preservationists succeeded in restoring the main hall to its original form by retaining the beautiful ceiling, complex mosaic floor tiles, and marble columns. The building’s clock tower once made it the tallest building in Seattle, though it’s unfortunately off-limits to visitors.

3. Union Station, Los Angeles

Photo: Kit Leong/Shutterstock

Union Station in Los Angeles doesn’t conform to any established architectural style. Instead it follows one you won’t see pretty much anywhere else: Mission Moderne. The style is a blend of Spanish colonial, Mission Revival, and Art Deco. The result: a building with a truly SoCal vibe. The interior is defined by wood-inlaid ceilings, 1930s-style chandeliers, and leather sofas. There are also gardens and fountains, creating a park-like aesthetic. Perhaps most impressively — and in keeping with its location — the station has starred in several films, including Blade Runner and The Dark Knight Rises.

4. Santa Fe Depot, San Diego

Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

Built in 1915, this train station could easily be mistaken for being located in the Southwest. That’s partly due to its name — Santa Fe Depot — and partly because its architecture resembles what you might find in New Mexico. This station was built in the Spanish revival style that resembles many 17th century missions. The interior features redwood beam ceilings and walls defined by bright tiles and intricate Hispano-Moorish designs. Since the station is centrally located, it’s also an easy walk to the waterfront boardwalk.

5. Union Station, Kansas City

Photo: APN Photography/Shutterstock

Built in 1914, Kansas City’s Union Station is a shining example of Beaux-Arts architecture. The Great Hall’s most eye-catching feature is the 95-foot ceiling with oak clusters, chandeliers, a massive clock, and the terracotta floors. Although the staton’s historic feel alone is enough to draw you there, more recent additions make the space even more original. It’s home to a rail history exhibit, a planetarium, a science center for kids, and a movie theater. The station also has a long history that’s not all glitz and glam. One of the most infamous moments in Kansas City’s Union Station past is the Kansas City Massacre in 1933, when five people were killed during a gang shootout.

6. 30th Street Station, Philadelphia

Photo: f11photo/Shutterstock

Usually the goal is to spend as little time as possible in the busiest train stations in the country. The opposite is true at Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station. The grand building is defined by its Art Deco chandeliers and its vast waiting rooms that stretch over 200 yards. Originally built for the Pennsylvania Railroad, this neoclassical building also has 71-foot-tall Corinthian columns, high gold, red, and cream-colored ceilings, and cathedral-style windows. Like any train station worth its salt, it featured in several Hollywood films, including Marnie and Witness.

7. Main Street Station, Richmond

Photo: Eric Foster Medias/Shutterstock

You don’t even have to get off the highway for this train station to make an impact. Its six-story brick clock tower is visible from I-95. Inside, you’re greeted by a fully restored Victorian-era hall that’s colored white, peach, and green. Its platform is supported by the largest intact train system in the country, and was one of the last gable-roofed train sheds ever built. For good reason, it’s been added to the National Register of Historic Places and is designated a National Historic Landmark.

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How Chattanooga, Tennessee, became the South’s most exciting adventure hub for remote workers

Give your friends five chances to guess which city has the fastest internet in the nation, and there’s a good chance each and every one will go 0-for-5. So it goes for the often-overlooked area of Chattanooga, Tennessee, a small-but-sprouting city of less than 200,000 people sandwiched between Nashville and Atlanta along the state’s border with Georgia. Despite offering one of the country’s best environments for start-ups and remote workers, and an array of world-class outdoor offerings just minutes from downtown, Chattanooga still doesn’t quite pop off the map for most people.

But as it continues to attract new residents and develop a legit metropolitan scene to complement its rivers and mountains, that anonymity will be a thing of the past before long — especially in a post-pandemic, work-from-home world that craves the type of mountain-to-metro vibes found in Chattanooga.

World-class rafting and kayaking on the Ocoee River

Photo: Travis J. Camp/Shutterstock

Much of the world has already laid eyes on what makes Chattanooga special, albeit probably without even knowing. The nearby Ocoee River in Cherokee National Forest — just 45 minutes from downtown — hosted the Summer Olympics Whitewater Competition in 1996. Flush with class four and five rapids, it was the first time a natural river had ever hosted an Olympic whitewater event (although its width was modified in the Olympic section to increase the power and speed of the water).

Today, multiple sections of the river are served by rafting companies, like Ocoee Rafting, for half- and full-day trips. It’s also a playground for local whitewater kayakers. A former river guide I spoke with referred to the Ocoee as “the Six Flags of whitewater sports,” a fitting moniker given its rapids and features, and the river’s popularity with locals and river rats along the Appalachian South.

Hiking, climbing, mountain biking, and electric-powered recreation are all easily accessible from downtown

Photo: Rob Hainer/Shutterstock

Hikers, bikers, and climbers need not go far from the city for adventure. Just a 15-minute drive will get you to Lookout Mountain, where the five-mile Bluff Trail leads to views over the river. There’s also Middle Creek, where you can hike alongside boulder-filled mountain streams. Racoon Mountain, also a short drive from downtown, is full of rocky downhill bike trails.

There are two climbing gyms in downtown Chattanooga where locals train to tackle the nearby Tennessee Wall, one of the most popular trad climbing routes in the southeast. Road bikers have it the easiest, though, as the after-work crowd makes use of the 16-mile riverwalk trail along the Tennessee River.

The area also has more progressive and non-traditional opportunities. Chattanooga is at the forefront of electric outdoor recreation. In August, Chattanooga will host the annual Get Off the Grid Fest, a three-day art and music festival run entirely on solar power that will include keynote speakers on sustainability and the outdoors.

To see the potential of electric vehicles in the wilderness firsthand, head over to Adventure Sports Innovation. It was the first US importer of the “Swincar,” an electric ATV created in France. The pendulum seating and arachnoid legs keep you vertical as the battery-powered motor climbs and scrambles through the region’s thick forests. Though it currently lacks the power and speed of its gas-powered competitors (the Swincar tops out at 20 mph), it’s essentially silent as it roams the forest — something that most backcountry-goers can appreciate.

Gig City is a hub for remote workers seeking work-life balance

Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

The increase in remote work has allowed people to swap dense urban areas for open trails and less traffic. However, Chattanooga’s metropolitan transformation began more than a decade ago.

Known as Gig City, Chattanooga became the first place in the US to introduce a citywide gigabit network in 2010. The result is the country’s fastest internet connection. Its continued focus on technological infrastructure has resulted in a steady influx of businesses and residents, namely tech startups and millennials moving to the area from bigger markets like Nashville and Atlanta who are seeking a lifestyle change and a community to invest in. Proof of this can be found at Five Wits Brewery. On one visit, our bartender had moved to the city from Nashville two years ago and still has never been hiking or camping — but wants to get into both.

Chattanooga is the spot to experience a cross-section of Southern cuisine

Photo: Champy’s Famous Fried Chicken/Facebook

With the tech boom has come a revitalized downtown Chattanooga, including the restoration of historic buildings, breweries, restaurants, and designated open-container friendly streets. The latter center around the downtown Chattanooga Choo Choo train station, which has been reimagined into a multi-use facility that accommodates a hotel (Chattanooga Choo Choo), restaurants (try Stir for incredible oysters), and bars (be sure to hit American Draft, a pour-your-own-beer joint located inside an old train car). Before you even get into town, though, the barbecue brisket and homemade sauces at Chatter Box Cafe, a food truck permanently parked outside a defunct auto sales building across from a gas station near the city limits, is a great introduction to Tennessee barbecue.

Elsewhere in town, check out the one-restaurant, multi-chef concept at Proof, a restaurant and incubator that features dishes from startup restaurants, and Main Street Meats, a butcher, deli, and restaurant all in one that brings the smoked and grilled flavors of rural Tennessee into the city limits. If you like neighborhood bars with rooftops, Pickle Barrel’s burger selection and location in a flatiron building are sure to impress.

A must-eat in Chattanooga are the Southern-style fried chicken sandwiches at Champy’s. University of Tennessee Chattanooga students pair these with a 40-ounce bottle of beer, though they’re just as satisfying with a regular 12-ounce beer or even a glass of ice water on a hot day.

Get outdoors by day and take in live music at night

Photo: Kevin Ruck/Shutterstock

Move over Nashville and New Orleans. Okay, not quite, but Chattanooga’s nightlife and music scenes are surprisingly diverse, walkable, and innovative. Every Friday in summer, Chattanooga puts on a free multi-band concert series called Nightfall at Miller Plaza, featuring local beer (try anything and everything from Hutton and Smith) and food trucks. On Saturdays, there’s another free concert series, Riverfront Night, this one taking place on the banks of the Tennessee River downtown. Need a drink on Sunday? Check out Station Street. It’s open-container friendly, is lined by bars, and has live outdoor shows to close out the weekend.

All these events give preference to local bands and artists, as do a collection of self-described “weird venues” like JJ’s Bohemia, neighborhood hangouts like Cherry Street Tavern, and craft breweries like Wanderlinger.

“What I love about [Chattanooga] is this,” said Chris Hettinger, a young professional who moved from Arkansas a year ago, during a 1:00 AM show break at JJ’s. “Here I am out at night, drinking until late with my friends, and I know we’ll still go rafting or biking tomorrow even if we sleep in, because it’s only a short drive, and getting outside is not a big effort here.”

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You can win a free year of hotel stays around the world with this hotel brand

IHG Hotels and Resorts launched the contest of a lifetime today. The contest will give one lucky winner the chance to win a year of free hotel stays at IHG hotels around the world, including InterContinental, Kimpton, and Holiday Inn Express.

The contest is part of IHG’s new “Department of Epic,” a program designed to give guests the time, memories, and travel experiences lost in 2020.

IHG is accepting applications from now to July 20. To participate, guests must head over to IHG’s Twitter and Instagram and tell IHG “why you need a vacation without telling IHG why you need an epic vacation,” along with using #IHGTellMeContest and tagging @ihghotels.

“At IHG Hotels & Resorts, our teams connect people through travel, and we’ve missed making that happen,” said Claire Bennett, chief customer officer of IHG Hotels and Resorts, in a press release. “With the launch of our Department of Epic, we’re helping kick start the memorable and epic experiences people have been waiting for — strengthening family bonds, celebrating milestone moments, uniting far-flung friends, forging business partnerships — across our hotels around the world.”

The winner of the contest will have exclusive perks and opportunities, including a basket full of their favorite snack every time they check into a new IHG hotel; a free dinner once a month at one of IHG’s restaurants for a year; access to a private car at select hotels to explore the city; and many more.

Entries will be taken from Instagram and Twitter, and the winner will be announced on August 2. Guest entries must include the hashtag as well as the tag to be considered. Guests can read more about the terms and conditions here.

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New Hampshire road trip itinerary

New Hampshire proves that epic road trips don’t require more than a weekend. Wake up in the Granite State, and you can start your day by combing the beach — two hours later, you could be driving up to the top of the tallest mountain in the Northeast. Ocean sunrise, mountain sunset.

Throughout the rest of the state, you’ll find quaint New England towns and endless hiking opportunities, scenic lakes and rivers for boating and swimming, and spots for history and culture buffs, too. (Clearly, you’ll want more than that weekend!) Here’s a list of can’t-miss road-trip stops covering every corner of New Hampshire.

Stop #1: New Hampshire’s Seacoast

Photo: New Hampshire Division of Travel & Tourism

This stop will soon be about sun and sand, but since you’re starting in Portsmouth — one of the country’s most historic port towns — there’s so much more to explore. Spend some time admiring the old-world architecture, wandering the oceanfront trails at Odiorne Point State Park, or sitting down to fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant like Surf, overlooking the Old Harbour. Wash it down with a pint at Great Rhythm Brewing Company or one of the town’s other signature breweries.

Next, it’s time to get what you came for: a drive along New Hampshire’s Seacoast. It may only be 18 miles, but it’s 18 miles of beautiful sandy beaches and opportunities to play in the waves.

Check out Jenness State Beach in Rye for a nice spot to spend the day with the family, unpack a picnic, and take a dip. Or, if you’re looking for a little more action, head to Hampton Beach with its lively boardwalk and the famed Casino Ballroom. There’s also Hampton Beach State Park, where RVers and tent campers can set up to spend a day or two whale-watching.

Stop #2: The Currier Museum of Art

Photo: New Hampshire Division of Travel & Tourism

The Currier Museum of Art in Manchester is a definite can’t-miss — it’s the only art museum in the world with two Frank Lloyd Wright homes, both showcasing the unique ideas and groundbreaking designs that made Wright a household name.

After taking a guided tour of the homes (down the street from the museum proper), visit the Currier’s main building to stroll through the impressive permanent collection, which features over 15,000 pieces of art. Stop by Manchester’s Elm Street afterwards to have your pick of restaurants and bars, or take in a show at the city’s historic Palace Theatre.

Stop #3: Dartmouth

Photo: New Hampshire Division of Travel & Tourism

If you’re looking to explore one of the cute, bucolic towns New England is famous for, head to the western New Hampshire town of Hanover. Home to Dartmouth College — an Ivy Leaguer — Hanover is a pedestrian-friendly spot, perfect for exploring the shops downtown or the beautiful college campus on foot. (And perfect for stretching those road-trip legs.)

Save some time for Dartmouth’s Hood Museum of Art, but also keep in mind that one of the town’s most famous pieces lies about a half-mile away in the Baker Memorial Library: José Clemente Orozco’s Epic of American Civilization. On your way over to the grand mural, don’t be surprised if you find yourself sharing the sidewalks with backpack-toting hikers — the Appalachian Trail runs right down Main Street. (Hanover is one of only 10 towns on the 2,190-mile trail where this happens.)

Tip: While you’re in the area, try to budget time for a visit to nearby Lake Sunapee, known for its pristine waters, historic lighthouses, and sandy beaches.

Stop #4: Castle in the Clouds

Photo: New Hampshire Division of Travel & Tourism

The pomp and circumstance of the name comes well-earned. A 16-room Arts and Crafts mansion, Castle in the Clouds looks out over 5,200 acres and 28 miles of walking trails, all set on a dramatic mountaintop routinely draped in — you guessed it — pearly, low-hanging fog.

Travel back in time with a tour of the 1913 Lucknow mansion and grounds, which includes the stables, a six-car garage, two gatehouses, a greenhouse, a manmade lake, a golf course, and tennis courts. The surrounding trails are well worth your steps as well — one of them leads to a 40-foot waterfall. Just make sure you end up on the patio of the estate’s Carriage House Restaurant, pairing spectacular mountain views with beer-battered brie, Tyrolean mushroom strudel, or smoked salmon latkes.

Tip: History buffs should sign up for the basement tour, which provides a look into the construction of the mansion as well the lives of the servants who ran and managed the estate during its heyday.

Stop #5: Mount Washington

Photo: New Hampshire Division of Travel & Tourism

No New Hampshire road trip would be complete without the twisting 7.6-mile drive to the top of the highest mountain in the Northeast. After the 30-minute climb up the Mount Washington Auto Road, you’ll reach the summit and its stunning views of the Great Gulf Wilderness and Presidential Range. Make sure to step into the Mount Washington Observatory while you’re there. Not the star kind — the mountain-weather and climate kind. For many years, Mount Washington held the record for the highest recorded wind gusts on Earth: an amazing 231 miles an hour!

Once you’ve descended, make a stop at the Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, a national historic landmark. Grab a bite at one of the resort’s several restaurants, or sip on a cocktail at The Cave, a Prohibition-era speakeasy.

Tip: However you want to experience Mount Washington, remember to check the weather forecast before you go and dress appropriately — the weather at the top is famously unpredictable, and summit conditions can be vastly different from those at the base.

Stop #6: Mount Monadnock

Photo: New Hampshire Division of Travel & Tourism

If you’re looking for a good workout, head to Monadnock State Park — near the town of Jaffrey — to summit the peak of Mount Monadnock. Designated as a national natural landmark, the 3,165-foot mountain is said to be one of the most-hiked peaks in the world.

On the challenging trek to the top, you’ll pass fields of massive boulders before reaching the summit and its memorable vistas that extend as far as Boston to the south and Mount Washington to the north. The park is well worth a stop even if you’re not up for the roughly four-hour summit hike — other trails offer pleasant, family-friendly strolls through the woods.

Tip: While you’re in Jaffrey, don’t miss the Cathedral of the Pines, home to a beautiful open-air cathedral and historic monuments honoring the service — both military and civilian — of American men and women.

Stop #7: Moose Alley

Photo: New Hampshire Division of Travel & Tourism

To really get away from it all, turn your steering wheel north for a drive along Moose Alley, the stretch of US-3 that runs from Pittsburg to the Canadian border. As the road’s nickname suggests, this is one of the best places in the state to spot a moose. But even if you don’t come across one of the big guys, it’s a beautiful trip past the Connecticut Lakes in the remote region known as the Great North Woods.

When you’re ready to get out and stretch your legs, stop at Lake Francis State Park. Rent a canoe and go for a paddle, or just relax with a picnic and take a dip in the lake.

If you’re looking for a little more adventure, there are plenty of river trip options in the area, with conditions ranging from small riffles to churning rapids. To paddle on the scenic Connecticut River, you can put in just south of Pittsburg and run nine miles of Class I and II rapids until you reach the Canaan Dam. Another beautiful stretch is the 20 miles from West Stewartstown to Colebrook, mostly a mellow paddle with a few Class II rapids.

As remote as you are, remember that from Pittsburg it’s just three and a half hours back to the Seacoast where you started. New Hampshire: proving that incredible prizes do indeed come in small packages.

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Take a Colorado road trip to the Rockies’ most overlooked recreation destination

The Scenic Highway of Legends — known as the SHOL — is a 70-mile stretch of State Highway 12 between the southern Colorado towns of Trinidad and La Veta that serves as an exemplary demonstration of why visitors come to Colorado. Its rugged beauty earned it an official spot earlier this year in the National Scenic Byway system.

Running adjacent to the Spanish Peaks Wilderness, the SHOL crosses the pine-tree-lined Cuchara Pass and passes the clear waters of Monument Lake. Views extend across the billowing high country to the 13,626-foot West Spanish Peak and even higher mountains beyond. Various pull-off points lead to trailheads popular with local hikers and bikers that meander into the dense forest, and off the main highway to the jagged 11,248-foot summit of Cordova Pass. In winter, many of these trailheads offer access to backcountry skiing and snowshoeing.

Spanish Peaks Country — named for the two tall peaks that have also been called Indigenous names and Twin Peaks in years past — is the type of place families love to seclude themselves in for a week, and that alpine adventurers could disappear to for a lifetime (a handful have.) The thing is, the average traveler is stuck in traffic on the I-70 corridor and never makes it down here. The mellow mountain waters of the Purgatoire River are often the role of sole accomplices to those stopping en route to experience one of Colorado’s remaining truly wild places.

The time has come to break the mold. You don’t need to stay in Spanish Peaks Country forever. But you should stay long enough to scuff up a good pair of hiking boots. Here’s how to do so.

Take a free guided audio tour of the Scenic Highway of Legends

Photo: Richard G Smith/Shutterstock

Just over two hours south of Denver, where Interstate 25 meets US Highway 160, the entrance to Spanish Peaks Country passes through the town of Walsenburg and heads west, turning onto Highway 12 toward La Veta just past Lathrop State Park. The Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains traverse the region with multiple 13,000 and 14,000-foot peaks.

Bob Kennemer is among the handful of hardy outdoors types who came to the area once, felt its magnetic pull, and couldn’t resist the urge to pack up a few pieces of gear and establish a permanent presence. He moved to the area in the 1980s and now lives in a passive solar home in La Veta.

“Spanish Peaks Country (SPC) has a primary asset that very few, if any, places in Colorado can still honestly boast that being; we are still very unknown and untouched,“ Kennemer says. “Like most of Colorado, tourism makes up close to half of our local economy, with Ag being right up there neck in neck.”

Kennemer, a Regional Disaster Recovery Planner with the Southern Colorado Economic Development District and chair of the local tourism organization, noted that the region’s tourism economy is growing but remains far below the levels of the resort towns farther north — a fact the local population whole-heartedly embraces.

“One can still hike trails here, climb peaks, [mountain] bike, ski/snowshoe and see few people or even no one at all,” Kennemer says. “But because we don’t have crowds we lack a lot of big city/tourist town amenities.”

Photo: Bob Kennemer

The SHOL and the wild offerings along its route are the primary draw. When the route was added to the National Scenic Byway system in February 2021, it noted its “outstanding scenic and historic attributes.” Drive the scenic byway to stop to sightsee frequently.

Download the TravelStorysGPS app and follow along on a two-hour guided tour of the SHOL. This is the best option to hit the highlights, including ghost towns, old mines, and scenic viewpoints, and get the story behind them. Be sure to stop and catch a view of the Great Dikes, the largest of the region’s granite dikes that look like long, jagged walls of rock stretching across the landscape.

These also include the former Cuchara ski area, which ceased operations in 2001 and has been continually plagued by budget woes and mismanagement. There’s hope among locals that the ski area will reopen at least in part in the next season or two, as much of the area’s intermediate terrain is owned by Huerfano County. A local volunteer group works with the county-run Cuchara Mountain Park to create a small operation serving lessons and a safe space for families to learn and progress on skis or a snowboard. The day lodge at the base is currently open for events and on select weekends.

The areas within the park’s boundaries and the surrounding mountains are regularly explored on day trips by backcountry skiers and snowboarders. The best way to find a good route is to post up at the Mission Deli Mesa Bar in La Veta and chat with locals. If you visit in winter and plan to backcountry ski, check avalanche conditions via the Colorado Avalanche Information Center and be sure you have the proper equipment and a partner to tour with.

The area is home to some of Colorado’s best hiking trails

Photo: Craig Whiteside/Shutterstock

Hiking is extensive in Spanish Peaks Country, as it is across the entire Rocky Mountain west region. The two-mile Hogback Loop in Lathrop State Park is a great introductory hike to the area to get accustomed to elevation gain. After that, you can turn your attention to the Spanish Peaks Wilderness.

At Cuchara, the Spring Creek Trailhead is a great family hike that lets you boot in as far as you’d like to go, even if that’s only partly up the .6-mile lower trail. Connections can be made to the Baker Creek Trail, Dodgeton Creek Trail, and Indian Creek Trail for longer hikes. The 4.8-mile Coal Creek Trail and its adjacent 2.8-mile Wildcat Trail, both easily accessed off Highway 12 near Cuchara Pass, make ideal day hikes into the San Isabel National Forest with moderate elevation gain and plenty of incredible viewpoints.

The big challenges are West and East Spanish Peaks themselves. At 13,626 feet, West Spanish Peak is best accessed via the Cordova Pass Trailhead. Start early and be prepared for a seven-mile round trip with nearly 2,500 feet of elevation gain, though no technical climbing or mountaineering is required in mid-summer or fall. Despite a lower elevation peak at 12,683 feet, hiking East Spanish Peak is tougher. The hike is nine miles round-trip with 3,200 feet of elevation gain.

Road and gravel riding in Spanish Peaks Country

Photo: Jim Lambert/Shutterstock

In December 2019, an environmental study was released by the Colorado Department of Transportation and the South Central Council of Governments to analyze the impact and costs of developing a pedestrian and bicycle trail along the entire route, covering a total of 82 miles, and improving current infrastructure. If and when this route comes to fruition, it would include signage to guide cyclists along the route along with new pullouts and EV charging stations, visitors centers, and bike repair stations along the way.

Cyclists currently must ride along Highway 12, a beautiful but challenging journey that makes for a more engaging experience than simply driving it. Multiple destination rides attract cyclists from around the country each year, including the Ride the Rockies and Stonewall Century Ride.

The county roads outside La Veta and Walsenburg also make for some of the best gravel biking in Colorado, right from town. A must-do ride for first-timers in the area is the Lover’s Leap route from La Veta. From Highway 12, turn east onto Cuchara Street and take a right on County Road 360. You’ll pass two reservoirs and hit Wayatola Valley.

From here, you can see what’s known as the Big Wall, the area’s largest volcanic dike. Continue on County Road 360 through what remains of a collection of old hippie communes from the 1960s and 70s. After seven miles and about 1,400 feet of elevation gain, you’ll reach Lover’s Leap, which offers an incredible view of the Spanish Peaks themselves and the surrounding wilderness area.

Another moderately challenging ride is to pedal west out of La Veta to Tracy Canyon. The roads pass the charred remains of the 2018 Spring Creek Fire, a grim reminder of the high country’s vulnerability to climate change and the elements, but also for frequent spotting of wild turkeys, deer, and elk en route.

Photo: Bob Kennemer

Both metaphorically and realistically, the Spring Creek Fire was a reminder to those who live here of how unique this region is and the need to protect it from overdevelopment and over-tourism. The Spanish Peaks tourism board and local businesses are committed to promoting responsible recreation outdoors and keeping their towns’ character intact.

“We have adopted the LNT (Leave No Trace) and Care for Colorado models to protect our open spaces and we will educate our visitors as part of our sustainable tourism goals,” Kennemer said.

How to get to Spanish Peaks Country, and where to stay when you arrive

Photo: Breck P. Kent/Shutterstock

Interstate 25 and US Highway 160 are the main roads to reach Spanish Peaks Country by car. Amtrak’s Southwest Chief line services Trinidad, as does Greyhound from Denver or Colorado Springs, from $25. High-speed internet connections aren’t always guaranteed in the area, so if you need to work while here, head to My One Hour Office in Walsenburg, a quirky take on a modern coworking space crossed with a classic 1990s cyber-cafe. Rent a desk by the hour for $6, internet included, and take advantage of the conference room and printing services if necessary.

Resort-style hotels are in short supply in Spanish Peaks Country. La Veta has a few roadside motels, while Trinidad has the same. Walsenburg is home to the historic La Plaza Hotel and Restaurant and a few chain hotels near the interstate. If you’re here for adventure, your best bet is to do one of two things: Camp, or book the Spanish Peaks Guesthouse through Airbnb. The guesthouse, located just south of Walsenburg, puts you in the hills with easy access to some of the area’s best gravel riding. The views of the Spanish Peaks from the patio are themselves worth spending a night here.

If you choose to camp, the easiest option is to reserve a spot at one end of the SHOL at either Lathrop or Trinidad Lake State Park. Mid-route, opt for a spot at the Blue Lakes or Purgatoire Campgrounds. Remember that shopping amenities are limited here, so bring the gear and clothing you’ll need for your trip.

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Photos of giant animal sculptures show Versailles like you’ve never seen before

There’s already a lot to see in Versailles, from sumptuous gardens to highly decorated rooms. Now there are also giant animals to gawk at. From June 19 to October 10, 2021, the palace will host The Lalanne at Trianon, an art exhibition displaying works by esteemed artists Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne. The exhibition made up of giant animal sculptures will start at the gardens of the Petit Trianon and travel to the Queen’s Hamlet and the English Garden.

Photo: Chateau de Versailles

The artworks are sure to add a touch of fun to the very beautiful, but also very serious, Versailles gardens.

Photo: Chateau de Versailles

The Lalanne family, some collectors, and the Galerie Mitterand have lent the artwork to Versailles. Visitors can expect to see famous pieces like Wapiti (Grand) from 1996, Le Très Grand Ours (The Very Large Bear), and the iconic Moutons (Sheep) by François-Xavier.

Photo: Chateau de Versailles

The new exhibit comes shortly after the opening of the new luxury hotel on the Château de Versailles, the first and only hotel on the Versailles palace grounds.

Photo: Chateau de Versailles

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