Matador Network's Blog, page 650
May 19, 2021
The best Airbnbs in Venice, from a Rialto flat to a San Marco studio
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.
Venice is a city that almost any seasoned traveler can identify, even if they haven’t been there. It’s among the world’s most iconic, lined by canals and traversable by foot, tram, and gondola in a manner that has inspired urban planners the world over. It can be quite confusing identifying the right place to stay, so we’ve pulled together a list of the best Airbnbs in Venice in all parts of the city.
Ca’Barba flat in Rialto
Photo: Airbnb
One thing immediately jumps out about this high-end Rialto flat — it has four bathrooms, each including a jacuzzi tub. That means every person in your crew can enjoy a post-adventure soak at the same time, and never be late for happy hour. The apartment is adorned with photography and is steps from the famed Rialto bridge. There’s plenty of space to spread out across three floors and this is absolutely one of the best Airbnbs in Venice.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $410 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This apartment is owned by a traveling couple who have outfitted it to feel familiar and comfortable. It’s compact but inviting — everything you need for a well-rounded time in Venice including easy access to dining, shops, and gondola rides. The garden view from the living room is worth the cost of admission on its own.
Three quests, one bedroom
Price: $146 per night
Photo: Airbnb
A “one-room-fits-all,” this listing boasts Wi-Fi and a TV in-room. That’s practically a hotel room, for a third the price. The back-and-forth between the owner and recent renters is heartwarming, and the place is simple but well-adorned — you’ll feel at home from the moment you walk in the front door.
One guest, one bedroom
Price: $44 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Bright, colorful, and right in the middle of Mestre, this private room is an ideal place to return to after a day of walking around Venice. Good vibes are a plenty here, as it’s tough to feel down in such a cheery ambience, especially when there’s another bottle of wine to open before hopping on the tram for a 10-minute ride into the city.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $61 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Back to basics, this place is ideal if you’re after a cozy, well-adorned home that will make you feel as though you’ve actually moved to Venice. Dine outside under the pergola, the garden as your dinner guest — a better place to sip red wine is not found anywhere in the city.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $88 per night
Photo: Airbnb
The draw here is definitely not the inside but everything that’s outside. The courtyard is a walk through history, and the perfect way to experience Venitian life as it has existed for centuries. The unit itself is small and well-placed, a cozy bed and ample lighting greeting you beside a kitchenette. For a place to crash in Venice, it doesn’t get more efficient than this.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $134 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Simplicity in the heart of the city — that can go a long way when visiting a place you’ve never been to before. This apartment offers just that, an efficient and homey vibe that is right in the heart of Venice. A nice kitchen, cozy beds, and a simple, modern living room welcome you back after a day in town.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $170 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This place is modern and is located in the heart of an old city giving you the best of both worlds. Its location is central to some of the best dining and nightlife in Venice, shopping too, and both Piazza San Marco and the Biennale are within walking distance. Inside the unit, there is ample lounge space, a gorgeous flower-topped patio, and a bit of privacy that you’ll enjoy after a day strolling the plazas.
Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $241 per night
Photo: Airbnb
The most important thing about this luxurious flat is that no matter where you are in the whole apartment, you can see the city you’ve traveled to. Be it in the bedroom, kitchen, living room, or shower, you can see Venice — and it’s very likely Venice can see you too. The place is airy and luxurious, with an artsy European vibe that is complemented by the surrounding San Marco area and all its offerings.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $217 per night
Photo: Airbnb
There’s nothing that eases waking from a restful night’s sleep like having the drapes around the bed pulled back by golden cherubs. Another fusion of look and location, every detail from the “18th-century” room, the “Chinese” room, the “Arabian-style” indoor garden, and the “Turkish” room is spot on, and immersing yourself in the hallway art collection is an experience in itself. This palazzo captures the international vibe of Venice while being centrally located near sights, bites, and brews.
Nine guests, five bedrooms
Price: $680 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Airbnbs in Venice rarely reach this level of opulence. Frescoed ceilings cover ornamental furniture in a large space, and the terrace is fit for dinner parties and late-night drinks. The unit has an in-house chef who prepares breakfast and can cook other meals as needed, though the cost of food is not included.
Ten guests, six bedrooms
Price: $1,458 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This covered wagon takes the cake for the most unique Airbnb in Venice, set in a cove of wagons with camping accommodations including a bathroom and camp kitchen. If you’re on a budget, this is a great spot that is comfortable and has a community pool, as well as easy networking with other travelers and the ability to join group tours and evening events at the campsite. For the price, you won’t find a better experience.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $24 per night
Photo: Airbnb
The “Conceptual Devices Apartment 1” seems a bit like an architecture student’s flat, but the courtyard is nice, and it’s got a great view of Palazzo Labia. Located in a 500-year-old building, this apartment is on the top floor overlooking the Grand Canal and is the type of spot a writer or artist might seclude themselves in for a week to focus on their work. It’s affordable and practical, and an efficient use of space. 
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $67 per night
The post The best Airbnbs in Venice, from a Rialto flat to a San Marco studio appeared first on Matador Network.
May 18, 2021
A glamorous new 46-night river cruise will take you to nine Mediterranean countries
There’s no better way to celebrate the start of summer than by taking a 46-night trip along some of the world’s most picturesque rivers. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises just announced a new “Rivers of the World” cruise that takes passengers to nine countries aboard five separate ships. Although it doesn’t set sail until 2023, it’s never too early to start planning, and to be honest, we could all use an epic vacation to look forward to these days.
The voyage starts aboard the S.S. Sphinx in Egypt and continues to the Venice Lagoon and Po River aboard the S.S. La Venezia. From there, you’ll travel to Hungary and sail from Budapest to Passau on the S.S. Maria Theresa. Then you’ll explore France aboard the S.S. Joie de Vivre along the Seine, and cap off your journey in Portugal on the S.S. Sao Gabriel through the Douro River Valley.
Along the way, you’ll visit the UNESCO-protected temples of Abu Simbel in Cairo, Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna, Moulin Rouge in Paris, and other iconic sites.
The maiden voyage will set sail on May 20, 2023. The all-inclusive itinerary also includes land excursions, and a dedicated concierge who will assist guests at every step. Predictably, the experience won’t come cheap. The trip starts at $38,000 per person.
The post A glamorous new 46-night river cruise will take you to nine Mediterranean countries appeared first on Matador Network.
You know limoncello, but you need to try these 10 other ‘cellos’ and liqueurs of Italy
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that, in Italy, spirits (or “liquori” as the locals call them), are essential on drink menus at trattorias, osterias, and bars. Some of the most notable among the various bitter amari are the many regional “cello” liqueurs.
Limoncello — a liqueur made from lemons that’s traditionally produced in Capri, the Amalfi Coast, and Naples — is the most popular and well- known of these “cello” liqueurs. The not so secret ingredient to a good limoncello is the sfusato amalfitano lemon, which grows in the Campania region of Italy. The large, sweet, thick-skinned, and wrinkly lemons are unlike any other in the world.
The origin of the limoncello is muddled. The most common story, though, is that Maria Antonia Farace made the original limoncello using lemons and oranges from her garden and served it at a small Inn in Capri at the beginning of the 20th century. After World War II, her grandson opened a restaurant where the draw was his homemade limoncello using his nonna’s recipe. There are other origin legends, too, including one which claims monks were the first to drink limoncello as a simple pleasure between prayers.
Though limoncello is the most famous, it’s far from the only liqueur made in this style. There’s an abundance of fruit and plant-based liqueurs to try in Italy made from ingredients like strawberries, pistachios, and whatever else is regional and readily available. Some have “cello” in the name, while others lack the suffix but have the same sweet and naturally flavored taste. Each has a specific method of production and set of ingredients that sets it apart, but the basic concept behind each of these Italian liqueurs remains the same. These are 10 of the best regional versions to try on your next trip to Italy.
1. Mirto (myrtle berry liqueur)
Photo: Oxana Denezhkina/Shutterstock
The deep burgundy-hued mirto liqueur is a specialty of Sardinia, and it’s enjoyed around southern Italy and on the islands of Capraia and Corsica. It’s made by macerating red myrtle berries in alcohol for a tangy, bitter-sweet myrtle liqueur that has a sweet and pungent aroma. Sometimes the leaves from the myrtle plant are also thrown into the mixture, which adds an herbaceous flavor. Historically, mirto is homemade, though in recent times a handful of artisanal labels have made its way to bars.
2. Liquore alla fragola (strawberry liqueur)Fragoline di bosco, the tiny wild strawberries that grow throughout Italy, are the key ingredient of this spirit. In the Lazio, Emilia-Romagna, and Campania regions, these sweet wild berries are infused into a neutral spirit for about a month, lending fragrant strawberry flavors. Then this ruby red and fruity liqueur is often rested for 60 days.
3. Finocchietto
Photo: Oxana Denezhkina/Shutterstock
This liqueur gets its mellow flavor from the wild fennel that grows along the rocky coast of Puglia. A cherished drink in the countryside of southern Italy, the light green finochietto is a celebration of fresh and aromatic fennel. The flavor is vegetal with hints of fresh anise. Countless cocktails are shaken with finochietto, but it’s often consumed as a digestif. Legend says that Roman warriors drank finocchietto to keep their bodies strong.
4. BasilcelloEven people with a minimal level of familiarity with Italian cuisine know that Italy its famous for its fragrant, flavorsome basil. It makes appearances on pizza and bruschetta, as well as a “cello” liqueur that highlights this famous plant. Basilcello liqueur calls for fresh basil, neutral grain alcohol, sugar syrup, and lime peels. Lime adds sour notes to this sweet and herbaceous digestif that is believed to have indigestion relieving qualities.
5. Arancello
Aromatics like cinnamon, vanilla, and cardamom are used in this orange-flavored liqueur. The blood oranges that produce arancello are grown in Sicily, but sometimes the liqueur itself is industrially bottled outside the country. For instance, Zott Distillery, in Ustersbach, Germany, manufactures its own version of arancello. It’s best sipped rather than thrown back in one gulp, like the others on this list, and arancello is sometimes also drizzled over fruit salad or vanilla ice cream. The araneroni (a negroni made with the orange liqueur) is one way to integrate this liqueur into a cocktail.
6. ConcertoThis artisanal liqueur gets its flavor from espresso, barley, and 15 other herbs, aromatics, and spices like star anise and juniper. It’s origins aren’t exactly clear, but one story claims that it was invented by the nuns of the Convent of Pucara in Tramonti, a hilly town on the Amalfi coast. Traditionally, espresso and barley are roasted for a very specific 28 minutes before being mixed with alcohol that has marinated with the other ingredients for 40 days. This dark-hued Italian liqueur is both sweet and bitter, offering hints of licorice, vanilla, and chocolate.
7. Pistachiocello
Photo: Anna Svetlova/Shutterstock
The creamy-smooth pistachio-flavored liqueur is a celebration of the pistachios grown in the Sicilian village of Bronte. Pistachiocello is sometimes known to Italians as “green gold.” The kernels are ground down and infused into the alcohol, resulting in a creamy, aromatic liqueur. The texture is thicker and the appearance more opaque than other Italian liqueurs, while the flavor is sweet, savory, and nutty.
8. NanassinoAlong the entire coast of Amalfi, Salento, and Cilento, prickly pears (fichi d’India) grow wild and are typically harvested in August. This bright yellow and exceptionally sweet liqueur is made by infusing those macerated prickly pears in alcohol, and it’s traditionally served by wealthy families on special occasions. Today, nanassino is almost exclusively homemade, and it’s usually served cold.
9. Nocino
Photo: Oxana Denezhkina/Shutterstock
The bittersweet liqueur originates in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. It’s made by infusing a neutral spirit with unripe walnuts that are still inside their green husks for about a month alongside ingredients like star anise, vanilla beans, cinnamon barks, orange peels, and cardamom pods. Saint John’s Day, on June 24, heralds the Italian tradition of walnut picking and the subsequent preparation of nocino in many Italian homes. Traditionally, nocino is enjoyed as an after-dinner digestif, but it’s also a welcome addition to a Manhattan cocktail.
10. MirinelloThis ruby-red liqueur is made from wild cherries grown around Torremaggiore in the Puglia region. Macerating the cherries in alcohol infuses the liqueur with the flavors of wild berries, which is paired with the bitterness of almonds. According to the Mirinello website, the company responsible for commercially producing the liqueur, Mirinello was established by the Lippi family and production follows the traditional recipe originally conceived by Don Carmine Antonio Lippi in the 19th century.
The post You know limoncello, but you need to try these 10 other ‘cellos’ and liqueurs of Italy appeared first on Matador Network.
A catheter, an ankle monitor, and 48 other wild things left in Ubers last year
What do a mannequin head, catheter, and tattoo machine have in common? They were all left behind in Ubers in 2021. And that’s just the start.
Uber recently released its fifth annual Lost & Found Index. The report lists the things that people most commonly leave in their ride (hello, phone) along with 50 things that people left that were a little more, well, out there. You could probably guess most of the top 10 common items. They’re the type of things that cause panic when you realize you don’t have them, yet are simultaneously easy to leave behind: camera, wallet, keys, backpack, headphones, glasses, and ID. Water bottles also make the list (presumably reusable ones), as do vape pens.
The forgetful gene isn’t equally distributed across America. Uber also included in its report the 10 most “forgetful” cities where people leave their belongings behind most:
Austin, TXFort Myers, FLNashville, TNSan Antonio, TXTampa Bay, FLHouston, TXPhoenix, AZKansas City, KSCharlotte, NCSacramento, CANot to call out anyone in particular, but interestingly,cities in Florida and Texas make up five of the top six. The pandemic undoubtedly had an impact on where people were taking Ubers this year (and forgetting things in said Ubers). Last year’s report had a top cities list dominated by college towns like Oxford, Mississippi, and College Station, Texas. With many schools partially or entirely online in 2021, other cities had a chance to shine.
There’s no denying it was a strange year filled with moments of extreme grief and anxiety. It was also one in which people picked up new hobbies, became all too familiar with the area close to home, and found moments of joy where they could. With that in mind, the 50 objects on Uber’s “most unique lost items” list are strange enough to fit the times.
First off, there’s all of the food — full coolers of fish, shrimp, 22 bundt cakes, 20 pounds of salt, frozen meat (“a lot of it”), and a sushi platter, for example. Then there’s the head scratchers, like the person who left one large painting of Kate Middleton and one small painting of the grim reaper, or the poor soul who left a tooth (“It was in my pocket, and it seems to have fallen out”). And of course, there are the items that make you question people’s life choices, like the person who left their birth certificate inside of an Ugg earmuff box, or the person who got their dog cremated but left the ashes in their ride.
Finally, there are the objects that are a little concerning without context. Part of an ankle monitor, for example, or a green dinosaur halloween costume “and a knife that is needed for a job.”
After perusing the list, it’s pretty clear that Uber drivers put up with a wide range of individuals and deserve far more credit for the work they do. They are, after all, the first person to call when you leave a ride and realize your wine and edibles you just bought are no longer with you. So if you’re one of those forgetful folks who forget a beloved item in your ride, your best bet is to get in touch with them as soon as possible.
These are the 50 most interesting items that made it on Uber’s Lost & Found Index:
A tooth. It was in my pocket, and seems to have fallen out22 bundt cakes and a pan of macaroni and cheeseWashing liquidA nude corsetPart of an ankle monitorFBI bullet proof vestA cooler full of fishFresh shrimpA rolled up poster held with an elastic band. It says “end this bummer” with endless summer artworkA green dinosaur halloween costume and a knife that is needed for jobRabbit legsUnicorn tail and a piñataA framed Beauty and the Beast signed picture in a plastic caseAntique roller blades, Christmas plates & a cookie jarThe fur cover for my knee scooter (cuz I broke my foot)A toilet seat and welcome door sign shaped like a lemon with a blue ribbon on itA sushi platterLarge painting of Kate Middleton and a small painting of the grim reaperA lil purple hair bonnetMy bath set and a sack of potatoesFrozen meat, a lot of itCatheterA leopard print pink bikiniSpecial items from Victoria’s SecretWig brush, in the trunkA machine foot for sewingMy neck brace and my diaryHospital scissorsOtter plush animalMy Harry Potter wand and a feather penFalse eyelashes and dish soapHeadband with horns and an oxygen tankMannequin headMy welding hoodBlack cane with a skull handleMy birth certificate that was inside an Ugg earmuff boxA popcorn bucket from Disney WorldDog collar with a tag that says “nugget”A tattoo machineRaw chicken and 20 pounds of saltA clear face shield with a ladybug stripe on the foreheadCrystal chandelierOne can of crab meat and a package of lobster for businessOne pound of smoked salmonA prosthetic legWine and my ediblesMy dog’s ashesAn angel charmHam for Thanksgiving is in the trunkMosquito netMore like thisNewsYou can now rent a car through the Uber appThe post A catheter, an ankle monitor, and 48 other wild things left in Ubers last year appeared first on Matador Network.
9 destinations in the US to travel to this July, from the beach to expansive caves
If you still haven’t made your vacation plans for July, you might find yourself staring down expensive last-minute summer bookings. So get started now, because it’s never too early to plan a summer vacation.
Whether you’re looking for an epic (and safe) Fourth of July, an island beach getaway, or some relaxing wine tasting, there are plenty of towns and cities around the country to satiate your thirst. Just be sure to set aside your preconceived notions of the “classic summer trip.” From Seward, Alaska, to Jekyll Island, Georgia, these are the best places to travel in the US this July.
1. Saratoga Springs, New York
Photo: Cheryl Ann Quigley/Shutterstock
For most people, Saratoga Springs is most commonly associated with its racetrack and horse racing culture. Contrary to popular belief, however, you don’t need to be a racing aficionado to enjoy Saratoga — or even to enjoy a day at the races. The world-famous Saratoga Race Course is over 150 years old, and home to some of the top thoroughbred horses in the world. It opened in 1863, making it one of the oldest sporting venues in the country, and the track attracts families, racing enthusiasts, and casual gamblers to this day. Even if you don’t know anything about horse racing, it’s still fun to put $10 on a horse with a funny name and spend an exciting two-minutes cheering it on. The track is open from late July through Labor Day, with events taking place every weekend. Just be sure to stay up-to-date on COVID-19 restrictions before attending.
If horse racing’s not your thing — or if you’ve already lost $300 on an ill-conceived bet — head to the springs. You can’t visit Saratoga Springs without bathing in the springs themselves, after all. Unlike hot springs, Saratoga’s mineral springs are relatively cool, heated from 55 degrees to body temperature. The springs at Roosevelt Baths & Spa, and nearby Medbery Day Spa, are rumored to have healing and curative properties, though if you’re superstitious, local legend says that sipping from Big Red — the natural spring behind the picnic area at Saratoga Race Course — brings good luck.
Between horse racing, bathing in mineral springs, and cruising the streets to gawk at the city’s stately historic homes, Saratoga Springs can feel pretty ritzy. You might as well lean into that vibe even further with some wine tasting. Saratoga Springs is known for its melomel — a type of mead made by fermenting locally sourced fruit with sweet honey in Kentucky bourbon barrels. The Saratoga Winery is the best place to try it. There’s also Oliva Vineyards and Thirsty Owl Saratoga, where you can sip on a sunny patio or sample in a cozy tasting room.
2. Madison, Wisconsin
Photo: Gerald A. DeBoer/Shutterstock
Wisconsin isn’t exactly the warmest state in the country for most of the year, but July is the perfect time to take advantage of its many opportunities for outdoor adventures, especially when it comes to hiking in Wisconsin. Madison, specifically, is an ideal summer hiking destination. Madison’s most accessible hike is the trek up to Picnic Point at the Lakeshore Nature Preserve. Just a five-minute drive from the center of town, this hike along Lake Mendota’s south shore is part of the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. You’ll find rentable fire circles all along the peninsula, and dense hardwood trees line the dirt path. It won’t take long to reach the terminus of Picnic Point, where you’ll be rewarded with views of the water.
To really delve into the Wisconsin wilderness, head a half-hour west of Madison to Blue Mound State Park. At 1,716 feet the park is the area’s highest point, covering 1,200 acres and featuring over 20 miles of off-road trails. The elevation might not be able to rival peaks in states like Colorado, but hiking all the way up will afford you views of the ancient Baraboo mountain range and the Driftless Area to the south once overrun by glaciers. The park’s most distinct feature is probably the Caves of the Mounds — limestone caves just waiting to be explored.
For a potentially less sweat-inducing outdoor experience, take a leisurely stroll through the Olbrich Botanical Gardens on Madison’s waterfront. The 16-acre gardens are in full bloom in summer. Built in 1952, they’re known for their vibrant collection of roses, impressive glass conservatory, and the “sala” pavilion donated by the government of Thailand — just one of four such pavilions that exist outside Asia.
3. Bristol, Rhode Island
Photo: James Kirkikis/Shutterstock
If you happen to be traveling around the Fourth of July, Bristol, Rhode Island, is the quintessential New England destination for a healthy dose of patriotism. It’s home to the oldest continuous Fourth of July parade in the country, which has run for 235 years. Every year, Main Street is painted red, white, and blue, flags wave from the stoops of historic homes, and a National Guard flyover puts an exclamation point on the festivities. If braving the holiday traffic sounds less-than-appealing, there’s still plenty to keep you busy in Bristol on the average summer weekend.
With a preserved waterfront district, historic port, and stately captain’s mansions from the 17th century, Bristol is packed with character. Its most impressive home is probably the Blithewold Mansion & Arboretum that sits on 33 acres of gardens on Bristol Bay. The 45-room estate is the perfect representation of the city’s rich maritime tradition. It’s pretty impossible to forget Bristol’s close proximity to the water. The entire western border of Colt State Park abuts Narragansett Bay, with unforgettable viewpoints and an abundance of kayak trails for the truly adventurous.
The best part about a college town in summer is that you don’t have to share the bars with students trying to pass off fake-IDs. While Roger Williams University is out for the season, check out Aidan’s Pub and Judge Roy Bean Saloon for pub fare at college kid prices, or Thames Waterside Bar & Grill for a slightly more upscale seafood experience with water views.
4. Seward, Alaska
Photo: Raisa Nastukova/Shutterstock
As the gateway to Alaska’s Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward is the ideal base for your trip to southern Alaska. Just a 2.5-hour drive from Anchorage, Seward is a town of just under 3,000 residents that’s a 2.5-hour drive from Anchorage. It’s known as the “Mural Capital of Alaska,” and has an expansive waterfront park, beach, and plenty of eye-catching street murals that show where the town got the moniker. There’s also the SeaLife Center, an aquarium housing puffins, sea lions, harbor seals, and giant Pacific octopuses.
If you’re visiting Alaska, though, you should probably venture outside town. Kenai Fjords National Park is known mostly for its glaciers and wildlife and is just a two-minute drive away. The park is home to over 40 glaciers, sloping down to the Harding Icefield before emptying into the ocean. The Exit Glacier is the park’s most famous — an alpine glacier that’s a favorite among hikers. It may look imposing, but tackling it is actually rather easy. Several well-maintained trails extend from the visitor center to the toe of the glacier, and the Glacier Overlook Trail reaches up to an overlook for views of the glacier itself.
The other best way to experience Kenai Fjords’ glaciers is via the water. Tours leaving from Seward’s harbor will guide you through the fjords and glaciers of Resurrection Bay and the Gulf of Alaska. You can also rent your own kayak and explore the waters on your own, though due to rough waters, only fairly experienced kayakers should give it a go.
While you’re out on the water, it’s possible to see puffins, orcas, gray whales, sea lions, sea otters, harbor seals, and a variety of marine birds including peregrine falcons. The best way to spot them is on the half-day wildlife cruise that departs from Seward Harbor. You might also spot a brown bear hunting around the park’s coastline. For a more intimate way to see bears, you could always take a fly-in day trip or overnight camping excursion in the wilderness. You’ll get closer to the area’s landlubbing animals than you thought possible — just don’t get too close.
5. McCall, Idaho
Photo: Mtnmommaphotos/Shutterstock
Mountain towns have become cliche winter vacation destinations, especially in states like Utah and Colorado. Yet there’s something special about a small community of just 3,000 residents that isn’t overrun with visitors in the summer. McCall, Idaho, is a former mining and timber town known not only for its picturesque mountain aesthetic and lakeside location, but also its prominent beer culture.
First and foremost, take advantage of the myriad of outdoor activities in this little town. You can kayak in Ponderosa State Park, zip line above the trees with Cascade Raft, boat on Payette Lake, or just relax at a hot spring. There are several hot springs around McCall, including Burgdorf Hot Springs and Rocky Canyon Hot Springs. Some require a hike to reach, but there’s no better reward for physical activity than taking a dip.
One of the best ways to see everything McCall has to offer is via a self-guided bike tour. One of the most popular routes starts on a paved pathway in front of Ridley’s Family Market and brings you to the Spring Mountain Ranch pathway past thick forests, meadows, and wetlands. It ends in Ponderosa State Park, where you can take the Peninsula Trail to follow the park’s western shoreline.
McCall might be a small town, but it’s built a hefty reputation for its brewing culture. The town is home to three breweries — McCall Brewing Company, Salmon River Brewery, and Broken Horn Brewing. But don’t limit yourself to just these three venues. Take the McCall Ale Trail, which visits several stops around town. You can pick up your trail passport at the Chamber of Commerce, collect 10 stamps at participating bars, and win a commemorative McCall Ale Trail pint glass.
6. Jekyll Island, Georgia
Photo: NiglayNik/Shutterstock
Georgia might not be the first place you think of when picturing a summer island vacation — unless you’re familiar with Jekyll Island. Jekyll Island is one of Georgia’s four barrier islands, and encompasses 5,700 acres of land. Accessible by car, the island is known for its bike trails, quiet sandbars, and historic architecture.
As with most island getaways, the beach is Jekyll Island’s main attraction. Driftwood Beach is probably the island’s most famous, with ancient driftwood lining the waterfront. You might recognize Glory Beach, on the south end of the island, for its role in Glory — a 1989 Civil War drama. Remnants of the production still remain there, including the long boardwalk built to create an easy walkway across the sand dunes for the production staff.
Architecturally, Jekyll Island has some of the most impressive homes in the entire state. In the early 1900s the island was a private club retreat, hosting upper-crust socialites like the Rockefellers. Today, the historic mansions can be visited via a tram tour of the National Historic Landmark District. Check out the Goodyear Cottage, built in 1906 in a Mediterranean Revival style, and the grand Hollybourne Cottage, built in 1890, which resembles an English country manor.
July is also one of the best times to visit the island’s Sea Turtle Center. Georgia’s first sea turtle rehabilitation, research, and education facility, the center cares for sick and injured sea turtles, and offers public education through a variety of exhibits. Guests are allowed to see the hospital where the turtles are treated and visit the rehabilitation pavilion where turtles live during their recovery. Since June and July are nesting season, you’ll also be able to take a guided tour to see wild sea turtles on the beaches of Jekyll Island.
7. Fredericksburg, Virginia
Photo: lazyllama/Shutterstock
Just an hour from Washington, DC, Fredericksburg, Virginia, is the perfect day or weekend excursion. The town combines modern galleries and restaurants with a historic aesthetic and enough locally-made beverages to keep you buzzing for a few days.
As the site of the Battle of Fredericksburg, the town is a bastion of Civil War history. Start by touring the battlefield itself, including the Sunken Road — the site of seven Union assaults against the Confederate army — and Chatham, a Georgian-style plantation that served as an artillery platform and hospital. There’s also the nearby Chancellorsville Battlefield, where Confederate Robert E. Lee defeated General Joseph Hooker’s Federal Army of the Potomac around a wilderness crossroads. If you’re just staying in town, there are Civil War walking, trolly, or carriage tours you can take.
Delve even further into the town’s history at the Mary Washington House, purchased by George Washington for his mother in 1772. She lived there for the last 17 years of her life. On guided tours you’ll learn all about her life in Fredericksburg, including the frequent visits by her son. The Hugh Mercer Apothecary is another relic of Fredericksburg past. The 18th-century apothecary-turned-museum gives visitors an inside look at the period’s medicinal practices, with costumed guides giving full rundowns of treatments from leeches to lancets. Don’t end your historic tour of Fredericksburg without a stop at the Rising Sun Tavern. Originally built in 1760 as a home for George Washington’s youngest brother, it became a tavern in 1792 and an integral fixture of the community. Don’t expect DJ music until 2:00 AM, but the tours offer fascinating insights into the “nightlife” of the 18th century.
As the Founding Father would tell you, the only way to end a full day of education is with a healthy helping of liquor. A. Smith Bowman Distillery distills gin, rum, and vodka, but it’s particularly known for its range of bourbons. You won’t be starved for choice, so take a tour of the facility and taste to your heart’s content. If wine’s more your style, the Hartwood Winery is just a half-hour north of town. Opened in 1989, the winery has an outdoor deck and lawn where you can enjoy the signature Raven Hart port, or Deweese White.
8. Pismo Beach, CA
Photo: ProDesign studio/Shutterstock
A classic West Coast beach town about three hours north of Los Angeles, Pismo Beach has all of the California vibes without the hustle of coastal cities like LA or San Francisco. With a homey downtown, picturesque sand dunes, and iconic pier, this 8,000-resident destination is the ideal beach getaway for those looking to keep it low-key.
Pismo City Beach has a special recreation area where visitors can rent four-wheelers or motorcycles to explore the dunes. Of course, you could also simply relax and enjoy the view of Pismo Beach Pier, the 1,370-foot-long wooden pier extending into the ocean. A symbol of Pismo Beach, the pier serves as a community gathering place and pedestrian walkway where tourists can fish, stroll, and take sunset photos. Just a few minutes from the beach, the Dinosaur Caves Park, perched atop a bluff with sea caves below, is one of the most stunning oceanfront parks in the country. Adventurous kayakers can even explore the sea caves with rentals available downtown.
It might not be Napa, but California’s central coast has some notable wineries of its own. Right near downtown you’ll find the Monarch Grove Winery Tasting Room — an outdoor tasting venue — and Tastes of the Valleys. Both offer guests samples, flights, and a wide selection of rieslings, cabernet francs, pinot noir, and sauvignon blancs.
To cap off your trip, it’s time to head to another beach — but not for the reason you think. At the entrance of Avila Beach, just 15 minutes north of town, lie the Avila Hot Springs. The pools are two feet deep and heated by a subterranean mineral spring. There’s also a freshwater pool for a more traditional aquatic experience. Perhaps most importantly, the hot springs offer Swedish, hot stone, and deep tissue massages to really help you decompress before your return to the daily grind.
9. McMinnville, Tennessee
Photo: Cumberland Caverns/Facebook
Road trippers will want to take special note of McMinnville, Tennessee. Located halfway between Nashville and Chattanooga, McMinnville is the stop you never knew you needed to make. A town of just 34,000 people, McMinnville is known for its Victorian-style mansions, natural scenery, historic downtown, and, most of all, Cumberland Caverns.
Cumberland Caverns, first discovered in 1810, is one of the longest caves in the country. It’s 23 miles long, and tours though the vast complex are offered year-round. There are daytime walking tours, spelunking tours, and overnight tours, depending on your area of interest. It’s also a show cave where weddings, birthdays, and concerts are hosted. The cave’s Volcano Room is home to Cumberland Caverns Live — a concert series with a steady lineup of live acts.
When you emerge aboveground, you’ll find yourself immersed in history. Falcon Rest is one of Tennessee’s best-known Victorian mansions. A mansion turned hospital and nursing home, Falcon Rest is an allegedly-haunted property that offers tours and even rooms to spend the night. Beware: Many have heard phantom whistling sounds on the staircase, seen mirrors shattered by an unseen hand, and felt inexplicable gusts of cold air. The good news is that the rest of McMinnville’s historic downtown is completely ghost free (as far as we know). From the cozy, historic aesthetic of the old streets to the Brady-Hughes-Beasley Photography Archives and Museum and the Warren County Heritage Center and Museum, this town’s affinity for the past is contagious.
Once you’ve had your fill of spelunking and arguing about the existence of ghosts, Rock Island State Park is the best introduction to Tennessee’s scenic wilderness. A 883-acre park on the headwaters of Center Hill Lake, the park has some of the area’s most striking geographical features, like waterfalls, pools, and limestone paths. The Blue Hole — a popular fishing site — along with Twin Falls and Great Falls, are among the park’s most popular attractions.
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Researchers say Mexico City could sink 65 feet, forever changing the landscape
Mexico City will look a little different the next time you visit. That’s because the city is actually sinking, little by little, into the earth. Much of the area was once a lake prior to the Spanish arrival in the 1500s, and though the Spanish slowly drained the water, it never quite had the chance to fully dry. Officials have known since the 1800s that parts of the city were losing elevation, but according to a recent report in Wired, researchers now believe it’s sinking faster than once thought.
Modern-day Mexico City sits atop the former Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan. The Aztec capital, however, was surrounded by a large lake — noticeably absent from the modern incarnation of the city, as the region was colonized and the former Aztec capital was rebuilt into what is now North America’s biggest metropolis. Buildings, especially large ones like those in Mexico City, are obviously quite heavy. Because the city was essentially built on moist clay, the wet sediment under the city never solidified into a solid base on which to sit, and the result is a slowly sinking city as the foundations underneath the structures shift along with the slushing sediment. Mexico City isn’t the only slowly sinking city, but it is dropping incredibly fast.
The city could sink by up to 65 feet over the next 150 years, according to researchers cited by Wired. Specific areas in the vast metropolis, home to 22 million people, are sinking by up to 20 inches per year. Some areas outside the city could sink even more, potentially dropping down as much as 100 feet.
That’s bad news for city planners, government officials, and residents who have to both adapt to the changing elevation of their city and also figure out how to pay for it. Because of how slowly the sinking takes place, there’s no exact way to estimate how much it might cost to stabilize certain buildings or neighborhoods, nor even to know exactly how far down one building might go compared to its neighbor. The only thing that’s certain is that it will take a lot of concrete to patch up the city’s foundation. Even then, it may shift again in the years that follow. Inevitably, some structures may be lost. Here’s to hoping CDMX is able to retain its vibrant urban culture and historical sites.
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New York City is getting a massive public pool that floats in the East River
If there’s one thing we all need this summer but didn’t realize until just now, it’s a massive pool floating on a famous river. For New Yorkers, this is becoming a reality. +Pool is a giant float in the shape of a plus sign, and it’s slated to open on the East River. The project has been under development for a decade (a timeline on the site details just how much work has gone into the project), and an official location has just been secured to start building it.
According to +Pool’s website, the float is a “plus-shaped, water-filtering, floating swimming pool, designed to filter the very river that it floats in through the walls of the pool, making it possible for New Yorkers and its visitors to swim in clean river water. + Pool strives to reclaim the river as a recreational resource for the city, while educating the public about issues affecting our water quality.”
Rather than simply drifting on the river like your backyard pool float, this feat of engineering will use river water to fill its space. The filtration system will provide guests with more than 600,000 gallons of filtered water every day.
It hasn’t yet been announced when the float will hit the water — Curbed reports there are still some regulatory hurdles even though the site is secured — though many New Yorkers are hopeful they’ll be able to use it on the sooner side.
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How to see the Midwest in an RV
If someone asked you to geographically define the Midwest, would you be confident in your answer? Maybe not. Does it include the Great Plains? (Answer: partially.) What about Ohio? (Answer: definitely.) Arkansas? (Answer: nope, that’s the South.) Simply put, this region of the country is so vast and diverse we have a hard time pinning it down.
Maybe that’s because the Midwest, if anything, exists more in its people, in traditions, local histories, and in the fertile soil. To know it, you have to roll the windows down and hit the open road. You have to taste the wines, climb the dunes, pedal the trails, and sink into the history on the ground.
The single best way to do that? In an RV. With over 800,000 square miles to see, you’ll want plenty of time and the wheels to wander through it all.
You’ll want the option to haul more outdoor gear than you could ever fit in your car. You’ll want the reward of spending each night lit up by campfire, fireflies, and stars. You’ll want the comfort of your home on wheels. The Midwest offers space to spread out under the oaks, along the rivers, or high on the bluffs, and with an RV you can take it and make it your backyard. Here’s what’ll happen when you do.
You’ll learn about the Indigenous tribes that call this region home.
Photo: Nicole Gormley
Long before there were state lines, the Midwest’s wild rivers, Martian badlands, glacial lakes, and towering bluffs were inhabited by Indigenous Peoples. This rich history has given us significant legacies to celebrate.
Today, thousands of Native American effigy mounds are scattered across the region, a reminder of the cultures that came before. Iowa’s Effigy Mounds National Monument, near Yellow River State Forest, is found in the “Driftless Region,” a section of the Midwest untouched by ancient glacial drift. Park your RV at Big Paint Campground to start exploring.
Then there’s Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, just outside St. Louis — the largest pre-Columbian settlement north of Mexico and a fascinating UNESCO site. The adjacent Horseshoe Lake State Park makes for an excellent RV basecamp.
But take note: This Indigenous legacy holds tight to the present. Make a pitstop at Crazy Horse Memorial in South Dakota’s sacred Black Hills, and pay your tribute to the Lakota leader carved in granite — an “eighth wonder of the world” and a record-breaking engineering feat still in progress. Go for quiet hikes in the newly minted Frog Bay Tribal National Park in Wisconsin or Ioway Tribal National Park in Kansas/Nebraska — the only tribal national parks in the country. They’re both situated on sacred waters and offer the chance for many of us to work on our understanding of what’s truly beneath our wheels.
Local’s tip: While you’re up near Frog Bay Tribal National Park in Bayfield, Wisconsin, stop at Copper Crow Distillery — it’s the first Indigenous-owned distillery in the US. Stay at a campground along nearby Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. If you hauled your kayaks, be sure to spend a day paddling out to the sea caves, formed from eons of thrashing waves against the sandstone cliffs.
You’ll go for the longest bike ride of your life.
Photo: T. Wilbertz/Shutterstock
Follow in the tracks of former rail lines by biking the Great American Rail-Trail. It bisects the Midwest, crossing from Nebraska through Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. The entire route, once complete, will connect from Washington State all the way to Maryland, but the longest stretches currently run through Nebraska and Illinois. Cycle hundreds and hundreds of miles of uninterrupted bike paths through rolling farmland, dense woodland, and into cute, Americana-laden small towns.
For something more on the scale of a weekend trip, check out South Dakota’s George S. Mickelson Trail, a bike path running 109 miles deep into the Black Hills National Forest of South Dakota. Famous for residents like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane, the Deadwood area’s worth several days of exploring. Don’t skip driving scenic US-14 ALT, and leave plenty of time for historic-saloon-hopping after conquering the forested ridges and canyons.
Further off-grid, nothing beats the open landscapes of North Dakota’s Theodore Roosevelt National Park, whether you’re on two wheels or just cruising windows-down. Wherever you choose to go, the Midwest will make you glad you splurged for that RV bike rack.
You’ll pour yourself a glass.
Photo: U. Eisenlohr/Shutterstock
Kentucky may get the bulk of the national bourbon acclaim, but consider this: All that grade-A Midwestern soil may look like quiet, unassuming farmland, but it grows corn and wheat like nowhere else. That is to say — it makes bourbon and whiskey like nowhere else.
Indiana and Illinois rack up the whiskey devotees. The Indiana Whiskey Company, in South Bend, Indiana, wraps plenty of ribbons around their bottlenecks. As does FEW Spirits, in Evanston, Illinois, just a few blocks from the shores of Lake Michigan.
Speaking of Lake Michigan, its 1,600 miles of glacial shores are perfect for viticulture. Most of Michigan’s 150 wineries sit fewer than 25 miles from the deep-blue waves. Park your rig, bust out your bikes once more, and sip between viewpoints. The Leelanau Wine Trail connects seven wineries across Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula, a 17-mile bike ride past rolling vineyard after rolling vineyard. Views of Grand Traverse Bay serve as your compass. The Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail ventures up the other side of the bay, with 10 more wineries all surrounding the 45th parallel — the ideal climate for growing world-class grapes.
Local’s tip: Grab an extra bottle to bring to your next campsite — nothing says Midwestern hospitality like opening up your RV’s makeshift bar and toasting with your fellow RVers.
You’ll experience Midwest lake culture.
Photo: Gerald A. DeBoer/Shutterstock
“Lake towns” in the Midwest come in a variety of forms. You’ll find vintage amusement-park vibes in Clear Lake, IA; artsy enclaves in Saugatuck, MI; Caribbean scenes in Torch Lake, MI; and fish-fry nights in Door County, WI. Small lake towns sidle up next to stunning national parks, like Voyageurs, Pictured Rocks, and Isle Royale. On the shores of Lake Superior, Munising, MI, is your destination for chasing the aurora borealis. On Mackinac Island, time almost speeds up — on Washington Island, it slows down.
Embrace the lake culture and lifestyle wherever you are — along with the secluded views and beaches it can come with. Take, for instance, Michigan’s Drummond Island, butting against the Canadian border in Lake Huron. Sheer cliffs and aspen forest line the way to your campground. Drop off your trailer and go cast a line, watch for wildlife, put in your kayak from Big Shoal Bay Beach, or just take it easy on your patio until the night sky show begins.
You’ll sample incredible local flavors.
Photo: Nicole Gormley
Nope, not everything is covered in cheese here, though it’s worth pointing out that the cheese is good. Wisconsin-made cheese comes in more varieties than anywhere else in the world, and it’s the only place to crown Master Cheesemakers outside of Switzerland.
Get set up in New Glarus Woods State Park southwest of Madison, and hit up Emmi Roth for their internationally acclaimed alpine-style cheeses. Then, head back toward New Glarus Brewery, a national favorite sold only in Wisconsin. You might know them for their Spotted Cow farmhouse ale, but don’t leave without also grabbing a pack of their incredible cherry lager. (Good thing you’re traveling via RV — you can store that take-home stash!)
Then there are classics like Michigan cherries, fresh Iowa corn on the cob, Kansas City barbecue, and South Dakota chislic — essentially lamb or beef skewers. A million other Midwestern delicacies will pop up at farm stands, small-town diners, and James Beard restaurants (if and when you decide to hit the big cities).
Local’s tip: Pick up cheese curds at any local farmers market or dairy and keep them fresh in your RV’s refrigerator. Once at camp, roll out the RV awning and unfold the camp chairs. Serve curds with cracked pepper, flaked salt, and some local wine or a chilled pilsner for a Midwestern appetizer.
You’ll get presidential.
Photo: Nicole Gormley
For most of US history, if you wanted to be president, your odds seemed to be better if you were from Ohio. The state, nicknamed the “Mother of Presidents,” has produced eight Oval Office occupants. Today, you can tour their homes, getting a sense of the grandeur — and backroom dealings — the Buckeye State was once accustomed to.
Illinois, of course, is the “The Land of Lincoln,” but you’ll also find the Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site in scenic Galena. The town’s bustling 20th-century main street is straight out of a Hallmark flick. Rapid City, South Dakota, is the “City of Presidents,” where you can wander downtown snapping selfies with bronze, life-sized Roosevelts before you hit up nearby Mount Rushmore National Memorial — an obvious stop for any family RV trip. Rumor has it the onsite ice cream uses Thomas Jefferson’s recipe.
Even in tiny West Branch, Iowa, there’s the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. Learn about how our 31st President grew a mustache to fake his age, rode camels across the Australian Outback, and devoted years of his life to combatting world hunger.
That’s just one story you’ll uncover while you roam the Midwest slowly, windows down, your home on wheels enabling an unforgettable heartland expedition. With the gifts of time and travel comfort, what else will you discover?
The post A heartland expedition: Discovering the Midwest in an RV appeared first on Matador Network.
May 17, 2021
These epic photos show the first winter fat-bike across Iceland’s interior
Early April isn’t a popular time for cross-country bicycle trips in the upper reaches of the Northern Hemisphere. Especially not in Iceland, where the average April temperature sits in the 30s.
For years, adventure photographer Chris Burkard had been plotting a way to be the first to ride across Iceland’s frozen interior during winter and, in the process, develop a route that others could follow. In 2021, Burkard achieved his goal along with endurance athlete and renowned mountain biker Rebecca Rusch and cyclist and filmmaker Angus Morton.
The three became the first to fat bike across Iceland in winter when they traversed the interior of the country from coast to coast. Chris Burkard Studios and Morton’s production company Thereabouts plan to release a documentary film portraying the experience later this year. Photos from the experience show just how intense the journey was.
Photo: Ryan Hill
The trio covered 327 miles in just six days. They climbed and descended mountains, and crossed icefields and glaciers — including the intense Mýrdalsjökull glacier, Iceland’s fourth-largest. Through careful planning, routing, and training, the group avoided potential catastrophes that were almost continuously present due to deep crevasses, inclement weather, and the ever-present threat of mechanical issues with the bikes. They began in the north-central town of Akureyri and headed south through Iceland’s harsh, craggy glacial interior to the town of Vik on the southern coast. Though challenging, the route was stunning.
Photo: Ryan Hill
For Rusch, the expedition to fat bike across Iceland was her second major expedition of this winter season. Rusch won the 2021 Iditarod Trail Invitational in Alaska — her second win of that intense race — just a few weeks before embarking on the Iceland trip.
“Being invited as a member of this bold expedition was a highlight of my career,” Rusch said in a press release. “There are few things more committing than moving unsupported through Iceland in winter.”
Photo: Ryan Hill
Among Burkard’s many ventures in Iceland, he has documented the island country’s retreating glacial rivers in a photo book called At Glacier’s End, and he produced a film on an Icelandic surfer and his son. Riding a fat bike across Iceland, though, proved to be one of his favorite experiences.
“There is something special that comes from forging a new path, especially when the elements are against you,” Burkard said in the release. “We aren’t the first to fatbike in Iceland and certainly won’t be the last, but our goal in attempting a first ascent that went from coast-to-coast crossing the Myrdalsjokull glacier was certainly one of my proudest moments. This route was something I have dreamed about for many years and to see it come to life in a way that was pure and unsupported made me realize what is truly possible on a bike.”
Photo: Ryan Hill
Angus Moore led the filming of the expedition. As a former pro-cyclist, Moore is accustomed to long and grueling rides. The presence of frozen mountains and wide tires proved to be a new challenge, however.
“As an Australian who grew up on the mid-north coast I hadn’t grown up ever experiencing a true winter, so to find myself cycling across the Icelandic highlands at -20c was rather surreal,” Morton said in the release. “It’s a far cry from racing bikes on the road that’s for sure. Capturing an adventure whilst being immersed in it — allows us to provide a different perspective.”
The trio rode entirely self-supported and carried their gear and food with them. They hope the route, 90 percent of which was covered in snow, can become established for others to follow.
“There was a lot of anxiety in just not knowing what in the world we were getting into,” Burkard said. “It was a big unknown, as all expeditions should be. But we had an epic team, who put in the time to train and then support one another when things got scary, daunting and at times…freezing.”
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The Napa Valley Wine Train is back in business with onboard tastings and gourmet meals
The iconic and historic Napa Valley Wine Train is making its big comeback on May 17, and it’s relaunching with a new safe and sanitary environment designed to put passengers at ease. One of the very few active historic passenger railroads in the US, the train is celebrating its reopening by offering free tickets to local healthcare workers in honor of their service and sacrifice this past year.
Steven Lampkin, area director for Noble House Hotels & Resorts, said in a statement: “We are prouder than ever to be part of the Napa Valley community after witnessing its resilience throughout the pandemic and want to express our gratitude to our local healthcare heroes. We are thrilled to bring back our one-of-a-kind experiences for locals and visitors and have implemented numerous safety measures to give passengers peace of mind while enjoying the Wine Train’s world-class dining and picturesque setting.”
The train is relaunching with the Legacy Tour — one of its most popular excursions. The Legacy Tour starts with a sparkling wine tasting, followed by a three-hour ride through Napa Valley, a four-course meal curated by the train’s culinary team, a stop at the Napa Valley sign, and exclusive tastings and tours at Charles Krug and V. Sattui. In addition to the Legacy Tour, the Gourmet Expres, Vista Dome, Grgich Hills Winery Tour, and Murder Mystery Tour will also be available starting in mid-June.
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