Matador Network's Blog, page 646
May 26, 2021
The best Airbnbs in Miami, from South Beach to Little Havana
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, and listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Miami is more than beaches, mega yachts, and the infamous “Spring Break” — of course, it’s all of those things, too. Vice City’s relaxed ethos, combined with perfect year-round weather, makes it the ideal refuge for both short and long-term stays. Digital nomads have rediscovered Miami as an Art Deco playground at the intersection of culture and natural beauty and in fact, many of the hottest new (and old) neighborhoods are on the mainland. And for those keen on the party scene, popping bottles at a glitzy rooftop day club remains to be very much in style. Here are some of the city’s top Airbnbs across a range of hot neighborhoods and price points.
Bright and airy apartment on South Beach
Photo: Airbnb
If you’ve come to Miami to be in the thick of all the action, then you’ll definitely want to stay on South Beach. And this bright and airy apartment for two is conveniently nestled on Collins Avenue — just a five-minute walk from the main drag of Ocean Drive. It helps too that its host is known for being extremely accommodating. And she’s consistently rated highly for cleanliness and value. From the doorstep of this pad, you can make it to any of Miami Beach’s top tourist spots, like the Versace Mansion, the Art Deco Historic District, and, of course, the beach, in no time.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $180 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Go big or go home is a mantra around here. You can luxuriate like a king or queen with panoramic ocean views from this condominium housed within the five-star Fontainebleau Hotel. It has an in-suite jacuzzi and offers full access to all of the hotel’s amenities. Located on Mid-Beach, the apartment has two full bathrooms and can sleep up to six. Mid-Beach is a bit quieter and more upscale than South Beach and is home to Miami’s finest restaurants and hotels, many of which, like The Confidante, Faena Beach, and Miami Beach EDITION.
Six guests, one bedroom
Price: $1,080 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This rustic-chic one-bed Airbnb is one of the residences at the W Hotel. From its sunny balcony, you can catch magnificent views of Downtown Miami and the bay. Located in Brickell, home to Miami’s corporate offices and wealthiest residents, you’ll experience a more sophisticated side of the city here — a far cry from the touristy mayhem of South Beach. Renting this Airbnb will get you access to the W’s many luxurious amenities, like its rooftop pool and full-service spa and gym.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $210 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Calle Ocho (yes, like the Pitbull song) is the heartbeat of Cuban culture in Miami. And this Little Havana Airbnb is located just two blocks off of it. It sleeps up to five in a newly renovated and freshly decorated home, which the host advertises as ideal for longer stays of two weeks or more. From here you’ll have authentic Latin American culture and some of the best off-the-radar Cuban restaurants at your fingertips.
Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $94 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Planning on renting a car when you visit Miami? Then you may want to consider staying in a place like Coconut Grove. It’s a bit south of the city proper, so you’ll be sure to avoid traffic jams and overpriced parking garages. But convenience is not its only selling point: Coconut Grove has a charming downtown and is close by to national landmarks, such as the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. This two-bed Coconut Grove home is centrally located in downtown. It’s within walking distance of the water and comes with two dedicated parking spaces — perfect for those who plan to make day trips outside the Miami area during their visit.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $150 per night
Photo: Airbnb
If you’re into street art, coffee, or Miami’s burgeoning tech scene, you’ll probably feel the magnetic pull of Wynwood. As trite as it sounds, it rings true that this rising star neighborhood is comparable to the Brooklyn of Miami. Digital nomads tend to flock to Wynwood for its bevy of cafes and coworking spaces. So grab five of your remote worker pals and check into this swanky two-bed condo right in the middle of it.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $160 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Some of Miami’s most affordable housing options, like this cozy studio, can be found in Little Haiti. Whereas in other parts of the city you might hear Spanish spoken as frequently or more so than English, here you’ll find that in French Creole. This neighborhood’s Haitian roots go back to the 1980s when a wave of refugees from Haiti settled here. Today, it’s a jewel of Afro-Caribbean culture in the US.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $68 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Channel the designer within: this two-bed Airbnb lives up to the name of its neighborhood. Newly renovated and with all modern decor, experience the best of Miami’s Design District and surrounding areas from this pad.
Three guests, two bedrooms
Price: $157 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Downtown Miami is at the intersection of the beach and the city’s mainland neighborhoods. It’s mostly characterized by luxury high-rise buildings, like the one that this one-bed Airbnb is housed within. With a rooftop pool, a parking space, and easy access to restaurants and shopping, you really can’t go wrong.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $220 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Bal Harbor is chic, upscale, and a world away from the craziness of South Beach. This two-bed beachfront luxury apartment is perfect for travelers seeking elegant serenity. Wedged on a thin strip of island between the ocean and bay, Bal Harbor is home to yacht marinas and premier designer shopping at Bal Harbor Shops.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $785 per night
Photo: Airbnb
While it isn’t quite the Florida Keys, Key Biscayne is a nearby reprieve from the hustle and bustle of Miami. Enjoy the natural beauty of South Florida at Bill Baggs Cape State Park or one of Key Biscayne’s pristine beaches. This one-bed Airbnb is spacious, modern, and only one block from the ocean. It has an infinity pool on-site and its rental comes with access to the Key Biscayne Beach Club. It’s ideal for travelers who would rather look at Miami on the skyline — cocktail in hand — rather than be in the thick of it. 
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $307 per night
The post The best Airbnbs in Miami, from South Beach to Little Havana appeared first on Matador Network.
5 places to stay in Sevierville, TN
“Vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, I’m begging of you please don’t hesitate.”
So sings the legendary Dolly Parton to the tune of her title hit “Jolene” in a recent COVID-19 PSA. Undeniably the most revered hometowner of Sevierville, Tennessee, Parton was a major financial contributor to the development of the Moderna vaccine, which has helped get us all up and traveling again. What better way to celebrate Saint Dolly than to visit her motherland?
On your trip, hang your hat at one of these unique Sevierville spots by night. By day, with all the ways to eat, drink, and be merry, you’ll find that “When Life Is Good Again” happens to be right now, right here, at the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains in Sevierville.
1. The Central Hotel
Photo: The Central Hotel
Since the turn of the last century, The Central Hotel has served the town well, with notable guests occasionally “Two Doors Down.” Franklin D. Roosevelt even paid a visit (though he didn’t stay the night) when he was in the area to dedicate Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Much has changed since then, but the hotel’s two- and three-bedroom suites still feature an array of amenities worthy of presidents — think double French balconies, oversized windows, and cozy fireplaces.
On your way out the door, grab a selfie with the Dolly Parton statue that stands in front of the Sevierville Courthouse, mere steps from the Central. She’s gazing into that famous mountain range with a guitar on her knee.
While you’re here: Just around the block on equally historic Bruce Street, grab a bite at The Appalachian. Hailing from a host of successful restaurants — including the acclaimed chateaux-style Blackberry Farm in nearby Walland — Chef David Rule takes a modern approach to traditional Appalachian ingredients, a wood-burning hearth at the root of the bistro’s smoky palate.
2. The Ridge Outdoor Resort
Photo: The Ridge Outdoor Resort
Not that Dolly would rough it anymore, but if she wanted to, she’d probably head to The Ridge. From glamping tents and HGTV-worthy tiny-house cabins to five-star RVing amenities, you’ll feel like the “Backwoods Barbie” you were meant to be, finally realizing your inner “country girl’s idea of glam.”
The Ridge’s glamping tents fit up to six and feature bathrooms and kitchens, believe it or not; the cabins are modern, romantic getaways for two. Either setup gets you access to their mountain of amenities, from pickleball courts to walking trails to the zero-entry pool.
While you’re here: Be sure to check out two murals in town: Wings of Wander presents a pair of monarch butterfly wings evoking all the feels from “Love Is Like a Butterfly.” Red’s Cafe depicts a young girl from a bygone era enjoying a burger at a ’50s-style counter. (Dolly had her very first burger at Red’s.)
3. Oak Haven Resort and Spa
Photo: Oak Haven Resort
After a long day of exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’ll want a great mountain retreat of your own. Enter Oak Haven Resort & Spa. Luxury cabins — set deep in the hardwoods, with amazing views from your hot tub — accommodate groups of all sizes, and the onsite, award-winning spa hits the spot no matter the season or weather.
Other top amenities include hiking trails, a fishing lake, swimming pool, and fire pits. Consider it a Smoky Mountain oasis for the whole fam.
While you’re here: Distillation traditions runs deep in the Smokies. Thankfully, “Daddy’s Moonshine Still” no longer makes “lives a livin’ hell.” You’ll learn of distilling’s past, present, and future at Sevier Distilling Company — a family-run operation with roots entwined in Appalachia — and witness the entire distilling process firsthand, from fermentation to wax-top bottle.
4. Hidden Mountain Resort
Photo: Hidden Mountain Resort
At Hidden Mountain Resort, you just may find yourself humming the tune of “My Tennessee Mountain Home.” The Christian, family-owned and operated resort — with cabins, cottages, and villas that can accommodate up to 24! — welcomes its guests at two locations within Sevier County: Hidden Mountain East and Hidden Mountain West. At both, you’ll find landscaped gardens, peaceful walking paths, ponds and swimming pools, 360-degree views into the mountains, and plenty of that unmistakable Southern hospitality.
While you’re here: At Sevierville’s newest fast-casual hot spot, Graze Burgers, all the burger fixins imaginable grace the menu, so dive in hungry. A block or so away, make “Coat of Many Colors” your playlist pick while perusing Treasures from the Heart Thrift Store, whose proceeds benefit the Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Mission. Bonus: The building housing the thrift store was once the Pines Theatre, site of Dolly’s first paying gig (at age 10!).
5. Wilderness at the Smokies
Photo: Wilderness at the Smokies
The kids will thank you for a little mountain downtime — “mountain downtime” meaning “waterpark days,” of course. Home to the Wild WaterDome, Tennessee’s largest indoor waterpark, Wilderness at the Smokies might as well be a national park for kids.
Beyond the one-of-a-kind waterslides, there’s a three-story ropes course, the 25,000-square-foot Adventure Forest, multi-level laser tag, blacklight mini-golf, and a mega arcade. You can stay here — choosing to post up in a suite or villa, dining at the numerous onsite restaurants — or opt for a day pass to play at this larger-than-life destination.
While you’re here: In this neck of the woods, the water fun never stops: Soaky Mountain Waterpark, a new 50-acre splash zone, sits across the street from Wilderness at the Smokies. Waterslides, thrill rides, and even options for the little ones abound. Reserve a cabana for that extra “Islands in the Stream” VIP attention you deserve, and note that Wilderness guests are admitted at discounted rates. Before you know it, it’ll be time to go back to working “9 to 5,” but Sevierville will keep a song in your heart for the ages.
The post 5 unique places to stay in Sevierville, TN appeared first on Matador Network.
May 25, 2021
What is the future of LGBTQ safe spaces?
On May 31, 2020, drag queen VivvyAnne ForeverMore took to Twitch in a black gown with exaggerated mutton sleeves and addressed an unseen crowd. “Queerly beloved, we are gathered here today to mourn the death of a 54-year-old who was taken from us too soon,” she began.
What followed was an hours-long funeral — not for a person, but for The Stud — a beloved San Francisco gay bar forced to close during the pandemic. The bar began operating in 1966, one year before the original Stonewall Inn opened its doors across the country. Bartenders started slinging drinks from The Stud’s latest SOMA location in 1987. It was one of the oldest LGBTQ establishments in the United States.
America’s gay bar graveyard has amassed a sobering amount of headstones in the past year. NYC lost institutions like 9th Avenue Saloon and Therapy. Los Angeles bid farewell to Gym Bar, Flaming Saddles, Rage, Gold Coast, and the 52-year-old Oil Can Harry’s. Washington DC’s Eagle flew the coop last May; Atlanta’s Eagle followed suit in November. Syracuse lost Rain Lounge. St. Louis lost Attitudes Nightclub. Little Jim’s, a Chicago mainstay known as the Cheers of Boystown, shuttered after forty-five years in business.
The immediate cause of these deaths might be COVID-19, but gay bars were on life support before the pandemic began. According to sociologist Greggor Mattson, 37 percent of US gay bars closed between 2007 and 2019. In the late 1980s, there were roughly 200 lesbian bars across the country. Today, there are only 15.
Sometime between the birth of dating apps, marriage equality, and gayborhood gentrification, traditional gay bars became inessential. Now, as the world reopens and we clamor for community, queer people face a conundrum. Should we rebuild these once-sacred spaces or create something new?
What will become of the gay bar?
Photo: Heather Shimmin/Shutterstock
The original safe spaceThe menu at a gay bar is the tip of an iceberg — it only shows a portion of what’s served inside. For nearly a century, watering holes frequented by queer people have been places to find lovers, form families, and forge political organizations. They’ve been escapes, hideaways, and even sites of worship. In the recently released cultural history and memoir, Gay Bar: Why We Went Out, Jeremy Atherton Lin writes, “a gay bar, it will be said, affords refuge.”
Whether it’s Stonewall or the Stud, gay bars have been considered LGBTQ “safe spaces” — a term scholar and activist Moira Kenney attributes to the gay liberation movement of the 1960s and 1970s.
But “safe” is a misnomer. Through the late 1960s, routine police raids meant gay bar patrons could be threatened with fines, jail time, and possibly job loss or social annihilation if outed by authorities. When police raids ended, hate crimes did not. In 1973, an anti-gay arsonist set fire to a New Orleans gay lounge and killed 32 people. In 2016, a mass shooting at Orlando’s Pulse Nightclub left 49 dead and dozens more wounded.
Even as a momentary refuge from the outside world, gay bars continuously fail queer people. Racism, misogyny, transphobia, ableism, and ageism are all unfortunate cornerstones of places that often favor young, muscular, masculine, non-disabled white men.
The Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations released a 2016 report stating that “LGBTQ people of color, women and transgender people often feel unwelcome and unsafe in Gayborhood spaces.” In 2019, a gay Chicago establishment, ironically named Progress Bar, momentarily banned rap music — a policy quickly decried as anti-Black. In a recent production of Hi, Are You Single?, actor and writer Ryan J. Haddad, who has cerebral palsy and uses a walker, recounted his isolating inaugural experience at a gay bar: “…the first thing I encountered was a staircase.”
Then there’s the main item on the gay bar menu: alcohol. It would be difficult for those under 21 or dealing with addiction to call a gay bar their go-to safe space.
Even the labels “gay bar” and “lesbian bar” reveal a level of exclusion. According to a Gallup survey released in February, most LGBT Americans identify as bisexual; a new study conducted by Bigeye found that roughly half of Gen Z and millennials think binary gender labels are outdated.
A need for safe space gave birth to the gay bar, but as LGBTQ communities examine what “safe” means in 2021, it’s time for these old institutions to adapt.
Photo: Queer Bar/Facebook
Serving identityWhen NYC’s Henrietta Hudson closed last March, owner Lisa Cannistraci called it a lesbian bar. When it reopened on May 15, it sported a new title — “queer human bar built by Lesbians.”
The 30-year-old joint joins a new line of LGBTQ spots choosing to evade the gay-lesbian binary for the inclusive “queer” label. There’s Seattle’s Queer/Bar, which opened in 2017, and Portland’s Local Lounge, which calls itself a “queer community bar” that serves all of their neighbors “no matter their race, sexual orientation, or gender.”
If Rachel Pike and Jo McDaniel can find a brick-and-mortar location for As You Are Bar, which now operates as a virtual hangout, Washington DC will soon be home to a queer bar that’s also an honest-to-God safe space.
The couple intends to hire a diverse staff, prioritize accessibility, avoid excessive sensory stimuli, and offer admittance to those 18 and above. They’ll also encourage responsible drinking by ensuring patrons give enthusiastic consent for the drinks they order.
“I think it’s rare in the bar culture,” Pike told NBC News, “because bars want to sell booze, but more importantly, we want to make sure people are safe.”
Frankie Sharp, an NYC party promoter, is also placing his bets on the power of “queer.” Later this year, he plans on opening a four-story mega club in Hell’s Kitchen — Manhattan’s largest queer-owned and operated nightlife venue. Its name? The Q.
But ongoing success requires more than identity signifiers — a reality with which Henrietta Hudson’s owner Cannistraci is familiar. “We used to be known as the Madonna of lesbian bars because we were constantly reinventing ourselves,” she recently told Grub Street.
Henrietta Hudson’s divey interior was remodeled during the pandemic to invoke the breezy feel of a trendy cocktail lounge. Cannistraci also updated the menu to include charcuterie, cheese, and a well-curated wine list. “Now we’re Cher,” she continued, “the lesbian bar that won’t die.”
Photo: Julius Bar/Facebook
Serving historyFor some old-school gay bars, “safe” is synonymous with “familiar.” Historical significance is both its most important reason for existence and their shot at survival.
Aunt Charlie’s Lounge, which proudly markets itself as the last gay bar in San Francisco’s Tenderloin, raised over $100,000 on GoFundMe to keep it from closing this past year. The bar’s Thursday night party — Tubesteak Connection — transports patrons to the 1970s with era-appropriate décor and a playlist composed entirely of disco.
The Stonewall Inn, which was declared a National Monument in 2016, raised over $300,000 from individual donors since last June. Their website proudly states this is “where Pride began.”
Julius’, an NYC bar listed on the National Register of Historic Places, also took to GoFundMe during the pandemic and raked in over $100,000. Its wooden bar, barrel seats, and wagon-wheel chandeliers are precisely what members of the Mattachine Society would’ve seen when they staged a groundbreaking Sip-In here in 1966.
But preserving gay bars in amber doesn’t acknowledge how these institutions fail queer people with intersecting, marginalized identities.
That’s why LGBTQ people around the country have scrapped the gay bar in favor of nightlife spaces they build from scratch. These progressive parties recognize that a space isn’t defined by an address in an expensive gayborhood but by the people who inhabit it.
Photo: Party Noire/Facebook
Papi Juice, a New York-based pop-up party that celebrates queer and trans people of color, has transformed spots like the Brooklyn Museum and Elsewhere (a nightlife venue) into safe spaces for select nights. New Orleans-based Ascendance hosts pop-ups in a “strictly consent-only space” that’s “anti-racist, anti-sexist, anti-queerphobic, anti-ableist, and anti-ageist.” Chicago’s Party Noire — created for queer, trans, genderqueer, and gender-nonconforming Black people–has successfully followed a similar pop-up framework since 2015. Femmepremacy, another roving New York party, gathers together Black femmes and femmes of color both in-person and online.
Virtual spaces like Femmepremacy became ubiquitous during the pandemic, proving that in-person gatherings aren’t the only ways to build queer space in contemporary times.
When Cuties — an alcohol-free, queer-centric Los Angeles coffee shop — closed their in-person location last year, the group stayed alive by hopping online and hosting events like drawing sessions, listening parties, and writing workshops. Club Q, a digital rave created by Toronto scenesters in quarantine, now gives queer people a digital place to party safely from their homes. TrevorSpace, a digital platform for LGBTQ youths between 18 and 24, has helped queer kids create support systems for nearly five years.
Finding safe queer spaces in 2021 requires little more than finding Wi-Fi.
Pop-up queer spaces — both in-person and virtual — match a cultural moment where the definition of “safe” changes with the CDC’s constantly evolving guidelines. These happenings are both spontaneous and flexible. The promoters can amend a party’s rules whenever they see fit. Pop-up parties continually come to terms with their mortality because they only last for a night. They’re made to die and destined to be reborn. Their ephemeral makes them pandemic proof; COVID safe.
Photo: Chingx20/Shutterstock
Serving dangerBut gay bars weren’t created just to serve as safe spaces. “We did not go out to be safe,” writes Lin, who started going out in the 1990s and began writing his novel chronicling the death of gay bars in 2017. “I didn’t, anyway …I went out to take risks.”
As the pandemic nears its end, LGBTQ people will undoubtedly continue to seek the delightfully dangerous situations to which Lin alludes. Hot Vaxx Summer is right around the corner, and people are horny for hedonism. Packed crowds seem like the antidote to queer quarantine blues, and bars are an obvious answer when it comes to finding community.
But 52 years after the Stonewall Uprising, we’re no longer beholden to gay bars. People can make queer spaces — and safe spaces — almost anywhere. When LGBTQ people decide to go out in the post-pandemic US, the most challenging thing they’ll encounter will hopefully be choice.
The post What is the future of LGBTQ safe spaces? appeared first on Matador Network.
The house from “The Royal Tenenbaums” is on Airbnb for $20 a night
If you’re a fan of Wes Anderson’s 2001 film The Royal Tenenbaums, Airbnb has the opportunity of a lifetime for you. The New York mansion featured in the iconic movie is now on the market to rent for $20,000 per month, but if you’re lucky, you and a guest could spend two nights in the giant home this Memorial Day weekend 2021 for just $20.
Photo: Airbnb
The one-time reservation will open on May 26 at noon EST and is likely to be quickly snatched up, so be prepared.
Photo: Airbnb
The 1899 fully furnished mansion is located on 339 Convent Avenue and is part of the Hamilton Heights area of Harlem.
Photo: Airbnb
Wes Anderson did not just use the 6,000 square-foot brownstone for its beautiful outside appearance, the interior of the house was part of the movie, too. According to AFAR, the house was rented for six months and the famous turret of the house was turned into bedrooms for fictional characters Margot, Richie, and Chase.
The mansion has five floors (guests will only have access to four of them) featuring a formal living and dining rooms, gas-operated fireplaces, original stained-glass windows, decorative woodwork, and a grand foyer — but with modern touches in the chef’s kitchen and contemporary bathrooms.
The post The house from “The Royal Tenenbaums” is on Airbnb for $20 a night appeared first on Matador Network.
If you love lasagna, you need to try Sardinia’s zuppa gallurese
When we think of classic Italian food, our minds immediately jump to the three P’s; pizza, pasta, and prosciutto. However, Sardinia — one of the country’s most mountainous regions that are surrounded by some of the most idyllic beaches on the planet — breaks the mold with a beloved dish that might make you rethink stereotypes about how Italian cuisine should look (and taste).
Sardinia is known for its pristine beaches and turquoise waters that attract summer vacationers from all over the world. The island is also home to thousands of ancient ruins from the Bronze Age Nuragic Civilization that still intrigue archaeologists today. Sardinia cuisine is just as storied, and includes such treasures as torrone (an almond nougat dessert), and su porceddu (roast suckling pig). However, among locals, one of Sardinia’s most treasured dishes — and one often overlooked by tourists — is zuppa gallurese.
What is zuppa gallurese?Zuppa gallurese has been a predominant part of family meals for years. In fact, it’s the dish of choice at traditional wedding receptions on the island. Its origin is Gallura, in the northeast of Sardinia, along the Emerald Coast. In the Sardinian dialect, it’s known as zuppa cuata, which translates literally to hidden soup. The root of the name might also be the term “inzuppare,” which means “to soak” by some accounts. Once considered peasant food, this dish has transformed into a staple comfort food in most Sardinian households.
The name zuppa would lead anyone already intimately familiar with the dish to assume that the dish in question is a soup. It’s actually closer to lasagna or a bread pudding. Made with layers of stale bread that’s soaked in aromatic broth infused with herbs like parsley alongside two cheeses: melted casizolu (a cheese produced exclusively from Sardinian cows) and pecorino (Sardinia is currently the largest producer of pecorino in Italy). Another variation of this dish is prepared using spianata, a once-leavened rosemary, and olive oil flatbread similar to focaccia that’s popular in Sardinia.
Where to try zuppa gallurese in Sardinia
Photo: Locanda Rudalza/Facebook
Although zuppa gallurese is often a home-cooked comfort food, it can also be found in many restaurants on the island. This means that tourists, too, can enjoy this beloved Sardinian dish.
Locanda Rudalza Ristorante: Situated in Olbia, this restaurant claims its “synonymous with tradition, nature and good food.” In addition to zuppa gallurese, the restaurant also proudly offers a Meditarrian spiced suckling pig that is widely considered the island’s other signature dish.
Where: Via Punta Saline, 1, 07026 Olbia SS, Italy
Pappa e Ciccia: A small, family-owned restaurant at the tip of Sardinia, Pappa e Ciccia is best known for its welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, and its signature zuppa gallurese.
Where: Via Giuseppe Mazzini, 3, 07028 Santa Teresa Gallura SS, Italy
Ristorante da Thomas: This menu is dedicated to classic Italian and Sardinian foods, and offers a lovely outdoor veranda for warmer days. The menu is well known for its seafood dishes and zuppa cuata.
Where: Via Valle D’Aosta, 22, 07028 Santa Teresa Gallura SS, Italy
CuCumiao: Located in the region of Palau, which known for its spectacular views of the ocean and nearby beaches, CuCumiao is situated in an ideal location with a beautiful outdoor patio overlooking the Italian countryside. The menu is filled with dishes for almost any taste.
Where: S.S. 125, Km 353 Palau, 07020 Palau SS, Italy
Il Mattacchione: The zuppa gallurese dish at Il Mattacchione is made with ham broth, and is considered a staple dish at this restaurant. The restaurant is located in Olbia, a coastal city known for its medieval history and quaint streets.
Where: Via Copenaghen, 82, 07026 Olbia SS, Italy
La Gallurese: This restaurant is located in the heart of the Gallura. It offers a large menu, which includes traditional Sardinian pasta dishes and roast pork and boar. Popular among both tourists and locals, the open-air seating is another enticing aspect of this spot.
Where: Via Novara, 2, 07029 Tempio Pausania SS, Italy
Suara Longa: This restaurant offers both an extensive meat and seafood menu, which includes offerings like stewed boar and spicy octopus, along with zuppa gallurese. La Suara Longa is located in the region of Suaredda-Traversa, and guests seated outdoors will be treated to an enchanting view of the sea.
Where: Via Montenegro, 08020 Suaredda-traversa SS, Italy
More like thisFood + DrinkThe most iconic dessert from each of Italy’s 20 regionsThe post If you love lasagna, you need to try Sardinia’s zuppa gallurese appeared first on Matador Network.
$1.4 million worth of irreplaceable historical artifacts stolen from British castle
All eyes are on Arundel Castle in West Sussex, England, as the British police are on the hunt for thieves who raided the castle and took items that were more than $1.4 million.
Various items were stolen, such as coronation cups that Mary Queen of Scots gave to the Earl Marshall, gold and silver objects, and a set of “irreplaceable” gold rosary beads that the 16th-century Scottish queen carried when she was beheaded for treason in 1587.
According to Sussex Police, the staff was alerted by the burglars setting off the alarm around 10:30 PM on Friday, May 21, 2021. The thieves stole the artifacts from a public display cabinet.
“The stolen items have significant monetary value, but as unique artifacts of the Duke of Norfolk’s collection have immeasurably greater and priceless historical importance,” said a spokesman for Arundel Castle Trustees in the statement.
The castle reopened three days before the theft after lengthy closures due to the coronavirus pandemic. Police are still looking for the castle’s thieves.
The post $1.4 million worth of irreplaceable historical artifacts stolen from British castle appeared first on Matador Network.
The Tower of London’s newest raven has been named after a Celtic goddess
Earlier this year, four ravens were born at the Tower of London, and two of them were selected to become guardians of the British kingdom — one male named Edgar after Edgar Allan Poe, and one female.
From , people worldwide had the pleasure of choosing the name of the female chick that would be joining the Tower’s ravens. On May 19, BBC Breakfast revealed that the public had voted to name it Branwen, a figure of Celtic mythology whose name translates as “Blessed Raven”.
The Tower of London is over 900 years old and is located on the river Thames in London. According to Historic UK, Legend that King Charles II, who ruled between 1660 and 1685, was “told that if the ravens left the Tower, the White Tower would fall and a great disaster befall the Kingdom.” He, therefore, issued a royal decree that at least six ravens should be kept at the Tower at all times.
There are currently seven ravens at the Tower of London: Jubilee, Harris, Gripp, Rocky, Erin, Poppy, and Merlina. With Edgar and Branwen joining the others, there are now nine ravens in the Tower.
The Tower ravens are taken care of very well and typically have a longer lifespan than ravens in the wild. They are free to roam around during the day but sleep in secure quarters at night. They are well-fed with “mice, chicks, rats and assorted raw meats.”
The Tower of London has been closed for five months, and Branwen’s new name comes just in time for its reopening.
The post appeared first on Matador Network.
How to tackle Chamonix, France, one of the world’s toughest climbing destinations
Chamonix, France, is a small municipality of 16 villages in a lush valley between glacier-filled mountain ranges that contain the highest peak of Western Europe: 15,774-foot-tall Mont Blanc. First attempts to ascend Mont Blanc date back to the 18th century, and since then Chamonix has been at the center of the development of alpinism and mountaineering in the world.
Many of the crags in the Chamonix valley, which is named for the largest of the valley’s villages, were first developed as training grounds for alpinists. These areas eventually gained prominence with rock climbing enthusiasts in their own right. Chamonix frequently hosts the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) World Cup, attracting elite climbers from all over the world to the valley.
You don’t need to be an elite climber or an alpinist to make the most of the crags in the valley. Our guide will help you plan your climbing trip and introduce you to well-developed bouldering areas and sport climbing in Chamonix that are beginner to intermediate-climber friendly.
Sport climbing in Les Gaillands
Photo: Anna Shevchenko
Les Gaillands is a climbing area located less than a mile and a half outside of the Chamonix city center. You can take a bus and walk right up to the base of the wall from the bus stop. The crag was developed in the 1930s as training grounds for alpinists and has been well-maintained by local climbing guides.
Les Gaillands features over 100 routes tightly packed in a small area, so you can complete many climbs in a single visit. Climbs rating 5.0 to 5.7 on the climbing scale are considered easy, 5.8 to 5.10 are ranked as intermediates, and anything over 5.12 is for a few extremely skilled climbers. In Les Gaillands, 60 percent of the climbs rate below 5.8, making it a very friendly crag for beginners.
The height of climbs ranges from 32 feet to 260 feet allowing for several multi-pitch routes. The hardest climb in Les Gaillands is within a 5.12 grade and there are many climbs within the 5.10 to 5.11 range. The rock is a gneiss that crumbles easily, so be sure to rent or bring your own helmet. Sunblock and SPF gear are also a must as the crag is exposed to the afternoon sun.
Les Gaillands is a beautiful area for a day out. There are two small lakes and an easy hiking trail nearby. The crag is across the valley from the Mont Blanc massif and the Bossons glacier, so when you are up on your climb take a moment to catch your breath and savor the spectacular mountain scenery around you.
Bouldering in les Bossons
Photo: Anna Shevchenko
Les Bossons is a small village located right outside of the town of Chamonix. The village is below the most visible glacier in the Chamonix valley: Les Bossons. The forest below the glacier is filled with granite boulders that were developed by the Chamonix climbing club at the end of the 90s. You can take the bus to the village of les Bossons and then walk for 15 minutes through the community to get to the boulders.
The boulders are granite and range anywhere from six to 30 feet in height. There are 120 problems — as bouldering routes are called — marked on the boulders. Different colors designate difficulty levels of the climbs. Yellow routes with grades ranging from V0 to V2 are great for beginners; green routes have grades of V2 to V3; red and blue routes ranging from V4 to V6 are for advanced climbers.
The problems have plenty of slab and traverse, as well as some overhang. This area is mostly frequented by experienced climbers, and you will find that a lot of the easier problems are covered in moss. Bring your brush and several crash pads, the foam pads that cushion potential falls, and always make sure you plan your way down before you climb the taller boulders.
The boulders in Les Bossons are scattered throughout the shady woodland, so climbing here can be enjoyed even on the hottest of the summer days. End your day with a meal at the Chalet du Glacier des Bossons, which overlooks the Bossons glacier. You can hike up a steep hill right to the chalet. Alternatively, take a 20-minute walk to the ski lift, Télésiège Glacier Des Bossons, and enjoy the beautiful quiet ride to the chalet. The lift operators will let you on with your crash pads.
Sport climbing in Le Brévent
Photo: Yuri Turkov/Shutterstock
Le Brévent crag is at the height of nearly 8000 feet and located in the mountain range across from Mont Blanc. You will need to take a gondola from Chamonix and walk down from the Brévent station to the crag. The area is better suited for an intermediate climber, with over 30 sport routes ranging between 5.8 and 5.13. Most of the climbs are about 100 feet tall and some can be accessed from the top to set up top ropes. The rock is solid gneiss, and the routes are mostly slab with some crack lines.
Le Brévent is hidden from the sun, so dress in layers and be ready for some unmelted snow at the base of the crag well into the summer months. The appeal of Le Brévent is that you can experience climbing in the alpine that can be accessed by a short walk. You can end your day with a quick hike to one of the best views of Mont Blanc in the valley or a beer on the patio of the Brévent station.
Planning your climbing trip
Photo: makasana photo/Shutterstock
The best advice on bouldering and climbing in Chamonix available in English is in Crag Climbs in Chamonix by François Burnier and Dominique Potard. The guide book includes an international grade conversion chart (USA, French, U.I.A.A, Australian, UK, and boulder grades), photos and maps of the climbing areas, details on how to get to each destination from the center of Chamonix, number of pitches and quick draws required, and degree of fall safety on roped climbs. You can order the book from VAMOS editions online.
You can rent locally some of the equipment for climbing in Chamonix. Snell Sport is a Chamonix institution that’s been serving the valley for over 85 years. Equipment rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis, or you can make a reservation ahead of time by email. Snell Sports rents harnesses, climbing shoes, helmets, and crash pads. You can rent equipment for as little as half a day to multiple days. If the summer rental price list is not yet published online when you plan your trip, Snell Sports can email it to you. If you plan to sport climb, you will have to travel with your own rope, quickdraws, and belaying device. You can also buy new gear locally in Chamonix.
When you arrive in the valley, visit the Chamonix Tourism Office to buy the Vallée de Chamonix Summer Mountain Hiking Map. Even if you don’t plan to hike, the map is useful to find your bearings around different villages within the valley, bus stops, locations, and schedules of gondolas and lifts. Ask your accommodation provider for the Carte d’Hôte Guest Card — a free visitor’s pass that will allow you to ride the buses in the valley free of charge.
Getting to Chamonix
Photo: Elisa Locci/Shutterstock
Chamonix valley is located in France close to the borders of Italy and Switzerland. The easiest ways to enter the valley are from Geneva, Switzerland, or via a seven-mile-long highway tunnel at the base of Mont Blanc from Italy. Multiple providers offer a 1.5 hour shuttle service to Chamonix from Geneva airport or city center. Booking the shuttle service ahead online is required. There are coach bus services that will take you from Milan to Chamonix in about four hours. The above options work well with international flights to Geneva or Milan. You could also fly into Paris and take a speed train to Geneva or an overnight eight-hour bus ride directly to Chamonix.
Best time to climb in Chamonix
Photo: Yuri Turkov/Shutterstock
The best months for climbing in Chamonix are mid-June to late September when the snow has melted in the valley. Precipitation averages are consistent year-round in the area so it’s hard to predict the driest time to visit. The valley itself is over 3000 feet above sea level and surrounded by glaciers and 15,000-foot-plus mountains covered in snow year-round, so the weather can be quite unpredictable. Your best bet would be to hope for good weather for your outdoor climbing, but plan activities you can do instead if it rains. You can hike, climb indoors, walk through a glacier, visit the Alpine museum of Chamonix, or rent a car and drive to Switzerland or Italy for a day.
The post How to tackle Chamonix, France, one of the world’s toughest climbing destinations appeared first on Matador Network.
The best Airbnbs in Belfast, from the Titanic Quarter to Shankill Road home
Belfast, the historic capital of Northern Ireland, boasts a growing tourist industry and iconic districts such as the Titanic Quarter – the birthplace of the RMS Titanic. Visitors can enjoy the perfect balance of culture and pleasure, touring infamous street murals or enjoying the lively nightlife in the buzzing city center. Belfast offers a versatile travel experience for all. As the city splits into distinct cultural quarters, it is essential to choose accommodation with your trip preferences in mind. These are the best Airbnbs in Belfast from which you can enjoy all the capital has to offer.
One-bedroom apartment with incredible cathedral views
Photo: Airbnb
In the heart of Belfast’s vibrant Cathedral Quarter, this apartment is quite literally on the cathedral’s doorstep. Guests can enjoy a morning coffee overlooking Belfast Cathedral from the privacy of their living room balcony. Situated in Saint Anne’s Square, the apartment is perfectly located to explore Belfast on foot — making it ideal for the solo traveler or outgoing couple. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the locale, as the Metropolitan Arts Centre (MAC) is less than a minute’s stroll from the property. If you’re looking for a longer-term base the host can accommodate long stay guests.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $148 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Approximately 30 seconds walk from Belfast City Hall, this studio apartment offers ultimate convenience for guests to explore the city center. A self-proclaimed home away from home, the studio features a small kitchen and access to a free laundry room — allowing guests to relax into Belfast life with ease. Well located for short-stay travelers wishing to maximize their stay, but with facilities to host longer-stay guests or remote workers, the location of this apartment leaves Belfast at everyone’s fingertips.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $293 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Overlooking the River Lagan and the iconic Samson and Goliath cranes, this apartment offers beautiful waterfront views. The property has a modern wooden interior, with trendy large windows to treat residents to gorgeous views and abundant natural lighting. Situated near the Lanyon train station, guests can easily travel between the spacious retreat and bustling city center. The apartment offers a wonderful getaway for extended family or friends and sleeps up to 10 guests.
Ten guests, five bedrooms
Price: $369 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Since the Good Friday Agreement, while tourists should still take care, the area offers a historical insight into Belfast’s history through its murals and peace walls. This house is a wonderful base to explore one of Belfast’s most famous areas. Less than two miles from Belfast City Hall, guests benefit from proximity and easy access to the city center — with the property sat directly on the city bus route. The house itself offers a homely, warm décor. This is a perfect accommodation choice for a couple or small friend group looking for an authentic exploration of Belfast.
Three guests, two bedrooms
Price: $106 per night
Photo: Airbnb
In the heart of the Queen’s Quarter, this studio is furnished and located with romance in mind. Indulge in a bit of extra luxury with no-expense-spared furnishings — including a two-person shower complete with side jets and an overhead rain drencher. Prepare for a romantic homemade meal with the ultra-modern kitchen or walk the few yards to Botanic Avenue, an area renowned for its variety of hospitality venues and shops.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $95 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Sat on the rapid transit bus route to the city center, guests can enjoy a residential neighborhood without compromising access to city attractions or nightlife. A short walk to Stormont Estate, the property is perfect for families who can enjoy the abundant green space and outdoor children’s parks. Stormont estate is also home to the Northern Irish Parliament buildings and Castle, putting you within walking distance of many historical sites. And to relax after a day of sightseeing, you can retreat to the privacy of the house’s enclosed garden.
Five guests, three bedrooms
Price: $235 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Constructed in 1895, this Victorian home oozes character and Victorian charm. This property’s location has a rich cultural history, with adjacent Cyprus Avenue the childhood home of singer Van Morrison and nearby Dundela Avenue the home of CS Lewis. For city trips, make use of the direct bus route or opt to walk — as the property is only a 15-minute walk into the trendy Cathedral Quarter. The listing is ideal for larger groups, as its spacious layout means it can sleep up to eight guests.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $197 per night
Photo: Airbnb
For an affordable but quality stay, look no further than this residential terrace house. Great for a solo traveler wishing to stay with a local company, the two-bedroom property offers a private room with shared living space. The listing is located alongside major transport links, although the city center is only a 20-minute stroll away. Guests can walk to the nearby Botanical Gardens or Ulster Museum. Alternatively, they can indulge in the buzzing hospitality venues around Queen’s University. If you need any more persuasion, there is also Lucy — the resident dog who loves meeting new people.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $24 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This luxuriously renovated guesthouse offers centrality and opulence. Located on Belfast’s ‘Golden Mile,’ a zone famed for its array of bars and restaurants, guests will love sampling Belfast’s hospitality and nightlife. There is also access to a shared kitchen should you wish to dine in, complete with a rear patio to indulge in some outside wining and dining. This room is perfect for a couple looking for a romantic weekend break or a solo traveler looking to treat themselves. For larger groups, the entire property can be rented.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $56 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This apartment’s trendy yet classy décor provides couples or solo guests with a stunning place to retreat to after a day of sightseeing. Light and airy, the apartment has vintage furniture and stylish artwork. The listing is also a short walk from the Titanic Museum and SS Nomadic, with the city center only a leisurely stroll over the Lagan river footbridge. For extra quality assurance, guests should note the apartment is an Airbnb Plus listing.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $151 per night
Photo: Airbnb
A homely property, this house is located on the outskirts of Belfast’s Gaeltacht Quarter — an area aiming to promote the Irish language and culture. Situated just off Falls Road, guests are within walking distance to the Wall Murals and Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich (an Irish cultural center offering classes, events, and workshops). Guests can catch a 15-minute bus ride into the city center, with a bus stop minutes away from the property. With the property sleeping up to six, it is an excellent option for large groups or families.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $86 per night
The post The best Airbnbs in Belfast, from the Titanic Quarter to Shankill Road home appeared first on Matador Network.
May 24, 2021
Are guided theme tours enlightening or infuriating? We try and settle the debate
Generally speaking, there are two types of travelers: those who love guided tours, and those who would rather be trampled by sheep than be herded like them into a tourist attraction. Tours are as old as the tourism industry itself, but theme tours are a newer phenomenon. Promising an inside look at your favorite movies, books, and TV shows, they offer an experience many argue you simply can’t get on your own.
A tour of Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for a Thrones fan, but fundamental questions remain: Is it worth it? Is it too expensive? Couldn’t I just do it on my own?
Your stance on guided theme tours likely speaks volumes about who you are as a traveler and what your priorities are. Unsurprisingly, there are people on the Matador Network staff who fall on either side: Senior copy editor Aryana Azari, a fan of guided theme tours who writes that they’re more on the enlightening side of life, and senior staff writer Eben Diskin, who believes that guide tours are infuriating.
Infuriating: The high cost often doesn’t match the experienceCountless guided tours are being offered around the world. Often, the sell is that you’re getting a super exclusive behind-the-scenes look that simply isn’t accessible to most tourists. The reality, however, is you’re paying an exorbitant fee for the convenience of not having to plan your itinerary.
On September 16, 2021, a Bridgerton-themed tour of London and Bath is being offered for fans of the popular Regency-era Netflix series. Guests will enjoy the convenience of getting shepherded around the country to filming locations like Hampton Court Palace, the Bath Assembly Rooms, a Victorian-era pub, and more. The experience can be yours for just $965, and it’s an absolute steal — though probably not the kind you’re thinking of.
Luckily, it’s not a black-and-white proposition. You can usually take the exact same tour — or one very similar — for a fraction of the cost simply by planning it yourself. The Hampton Court Palace and Bath Assembly Rooms aren’t reserved for those who happen to be on a “Bridgerton superfan tour.” Just go there yourself. Do you want the Great Hall of Hogwarts? Just wander into Christchurch College’s dining hall in Oxford. If you want to check out the castle from the opening scene of Monty Python and the Holy Grail — Drive to Doune Castle in Scotland. You’ll occasionally have to pay a minor entry fee, but it’s nothing compared to the hundreds of dollars you’re shelling out to a tour company for the same experience.
If money is no object, go for the theme tour. You probably won’t be disappointed. But if you have any concern for your wallet — and an extra hour on your hands — think twice and plan your own trip.
Enlightening: Guides handle all of the logisticsAny trip involves planning, financial management, and careful organization. From booking the flight and accommodation to checking when the attractions you want to visit are open, there’s so much to map out. And if you’re one of those travelers who don’t do much planning before arriving at your destination, you could find out at the very last minute that something you wanted to do is closed while you’re there. Taking all that on alone can be overwhelming. You may even push off a trip further into the future because it gets too daunting.
Booking a tour eliminates some of that work, and it helps alleviate a good chunk of the stress you have to deal with. A tour company will handle the logistics of getting you to the sights you want to see when you want to see them and take you back to your accommodation at the end of the day.
Infuriating: Lack of freedomPhoto: VanoVasaio/Shutterstock
Guided tours are known for rigid structures. A half-day city walking tour is one thing, but many theme tours are multi-day group excursions that tax your patience as well as your bank account. You must wake up at an appointed time for breakfast, meet the group in a designated location for a morning tour, have lunch with the group, all while the tour guide shouts trivia at you — maybe 20 percent of which you’ll actually find interesting. Feel like taking a few hours to explore the city on your own? Too bad. If you’re lucky, you’ll get an hour of “free time” in the afternoon. If you’re unlucky, you’ll have to crowd into a tour bus and participate in an elementary school-esque head count several times a day.
By nature, guided tours are restrictive experiences. You see only what the tour company wants you to see. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it doesn’t leave much room for personal adventure or exploration. You’re on their time, their schedule, and if you don’t like it, you’re pretty much trapped. And you’d better hope you get along with your fellow tour-mates, especially if your tour lasts a few days. You’ll be sharing hotels, meals, and experiences with the same dozen or so people in extremely close quarters. Sure, maybe you’ll hit it off swimmingly and make some lifelong friends — or perhaps you’ll have nightmarish flashbacks to that time you were trapped in an escape room with people you couldn’t stand.
Enlightening: Friends and good convo are built in from the get-goMaking friends while traveling is one of the best parts of any trip. I’ve met new friends while at a bar, waiting in lines for a restaurant, and just simply walking around. But it can be hard to strike up a conversation with a random stranger. It can even be anxiety-inducing for some, which is why tours of any kind with a set group are great: You have new friends built right into the experience. The shared experience of traveling will be something you all bond over, and since you’re spending so much time together, talking will happen. Even the topic of conversation is built-in — travel and the places you’re all visiting — so there’s no need to worry about what to talk about.
I’ve done tours in places like Scotland, Ireland, and Egypt, and the friendships I’ve made on them have lasted well beyond the one tour. We’ve kept in contact ever since, and I’ve even traveled again with some of those same people.
Infuriating: It ruins the theme’s magicMany may try to convince you that theme tours enhance your relationship with your favorite movies and TV shows by breaking the fourth wall in a way that’s simply impossible when traveling solo. I’d argue that visiting filming locations and studio sets actually ruins the magic of fandom. Whether it’s rural settings like Hobbiton, grandiose cityscapes like King’s Landing, or the cozy drawing rooms of Bridgerton, these settings hold a certain mystique for the viewer because they exist in immersive fictional worlds we can only dream about. Seeing these places in-person, without their colorful characters and dramatic background scores, deals a blow to the imagination. It dashes the illusion you’ve come to love, ripping an enchanting setting from the titillating world of fantasy and placing it in cold reality.
Enlightening: You’ll actually learn
Photo: Ceri Breeze/Shutterstock
We’ve all been to museums and other historical sites on our own and skimmed the informational plaques while barely registering what’s on them, then taking a picture and moving on. I can admit that whenever I visit an art museum, it’s hard for me to absorb the information about the pieces, and I spend more time just looking at the art and taking a picture. Then, when I look back at my camera roll, I’ll have no idea what I just took a picture of or the story behind it.
With a tour, you’re forced to slow down and listen to what the guide has to say. You may not remember every minute detail, but you’re guaranteed to learn some things. Then, when you get back home, you’ll be able to tell people about what you saw instead of vaguely scrolling through a camera roll.
The post Are guided theme tours enlightening or infuriating? We try and settle the debate appeared first on Matador Network.
Matador Network's Blog
- Matador Network's profile
- 6 followers
