Matador Network's Blog, page 651
May 17, 2021
5 iconic dishes to eat in Hawaii, shaped by the many people who call the islands home
The food served in Hawaii is shaped by the many people who have called the islands home. Ancient Hawaiians cultivated taro and relied on the sea for fish. In the 1850s, people from the Philippines, China, Japan, Portugal, Korea, Puerto Rico and elsewhere came to Hawaii to work on sugar and pineapple plantations. Oahu became a site for an American naval station in 1908, and became the 50th state in 1959. Throughout all of the changes, new foods have come and gone and mixed and mingled to become what is today known as local food.
Dan Nakasone, the producer for Emmy-nominated series “Family Ingredients” and a food history writer for the Hawaii Herald, says that some level of fusion in the food served in Hawaii started in home kitchens during the plantation era.
“In the early days, ethnic groups were segregated on the plantations,” Nakasone says. “But when it came time to eat, they shared.”
As plantations came and went, shared meals stayed.
“I grew up in Wahiawa and spent summers during high school working on the pineapple fields,” Nakasone says. “I usually worked with other kids my age, but one night I was pulled to work with the older Filipino men in their 60s and 70s. During dinner, they called me over to join them. They pulled out their kau kau tins (lunch pails); the top had proteins and vegetables, and the bottom had rice. Everyone put their tops in the middle to share. They started to go for my food, and I went for theirs. Growing up, we always shared food. In Hawaii, that’s what you do.”
The term “fusion food” in Hawaii draws back to many influences from the islands’ history. Today, family celebrations often include potluck spreads, where food influences from all over the world are represented.
“By trying other people’s food, you break barriers and show your willingness to accept others,” Nakasone says. “Once you try it, you’re accepted.”
1. Mix Plate
Photo: Eric Broder Van Dyke/Shutterstock
The mix plate, or “plate lunch,” is popular for its diversity, affordability, and ability to satiate the craving you have for different foods all at once. Macaroni salad and rice are standard sides, while the main course on a plate lunch could be anything from Chinese char siu to Japanese pork katsu to Filipino pork adobo.
It’s “like the plate one would have after walking through the potluck food line, the plate lunch includes a little of everything,” Nakasone says.
Where to try it: Alicia’s Market. This Kalihi plate lunch spot plate serves up all different combinations of local favorites. Try the Hawaiian plate with kalua pig, lau, and lomi salmon; or get a combination plate with poke and your choice of meat, like roast pork or baked furikake salmon.
Address: 267 Mokauea St. Honolulu, HI 96819
2. Poke[image error]Poke is a native Hawaiian dish that’s hundreds of years old. In the early days, meat was scraped off the fish and served with Hawaiian salt, limu (seaweed), and roasted ground candlenut meat. Today, poke incorporates various cultural influences from all over the world using ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, chili peppers, and whatever else strikes the chef’s fancy. The highly adaptable dish (the name simply means to cut into pieces) draws from cuisines around the world and is constantly evolving.
Where to try it: Tanioka’s Seafood and Catering. One of the most popular places for poke is Tanioka’s. Well-known for its quality and variety, Tanioka’s sells bowls of poke by the pound at market price. Spicy Ahi is always a favorite.
Address: 94-903 Farrington Hwy., Waipahu, HI 96797
3. Saimin
Photo: JJava Designs/Shutterstock
Saimin is one of Hawaii’s comfort foods. It’s a combination of Chinese noodles and Japanese dashi (broth). Samin stands started in sugar plantation camps and later opened up near sporting events, movie theaters, and pool halls. Today, many versions of Saimin are readily available all over the islands.
Where to try it: Shige’s Saimin Stand. This family-owned Saimin stand traces its roots back to the 1950s and remains a staple on Oahu. Choose from plain saimin or a bowl loaded up with wontons and vegetables.
Address: 70 Kukui St. Ste. 106, Wahiawa, HI 96786
4. Spam Musubi
Probably one of Hawaii’s most popular fusion foods is spam musubi. It’s a simple invention that combines rice with the local favorite Spam, which is then wrapped in nori (seaweed). It’s on every visitor’s foodie bucket list and every local’s picnic packing list.
Where to try it: 7-Eleven. Long voted “Best Musubi” by locals, 7-Eleven locations sell classic spam musubis for just a buck or two. You can “splurge” on a deluxe spam musubi that has spam, egg, and furikake, too.
Address: Various 7-Eleven locations all over the islands.
5. Pipikaula
Cows aren’t native to the Hawaiian islands, but they have become a beloved food source. The animals came in the late 18th century, and ranchers used the meat and soy sauce to make pipikaula, which means beef rope. Think of it as Hawaii’s version of beef jerky.
Where to try it: Helena’s Hawaiian Food. Helena’s is home to some of the best Hawaiian food on the islands, and that includes the homemade short rib pipikaula. It’s perfect with some Hawaiian chili pepper water and a side of white rice. 
Address: Helena’s Hawaiian Food, 1240 N. School St. Honolulu, HI 96817
More like thisFood + DrinkIn Kauai, poke is an ever-evolving dish unlike anything on mainland AmericaThe post 5 iconic dishes to eat in Hawaii, shaped by the many people who call the islands home appeared first on Matador Network.
You can roller skate on the JFK airport tarmac this summer
Here’s a bit of hotel news for people with an incredibly niche intersection of hobbies: The TWA Hotel opened a roller rink at John F. Kennedy Airport. So if you love planes and dancing to retro tunes while cruising around on rollerblades, add this outing to your summer activity itinerary.
The TWA Hotel features sleek, ’60s-era decor and atmosphere, and the new Roll-A-Rama at the Runway Rink shares a similar aesthetic. According to the TWA website, the roller rink welcomes “roller skaters to take a spin on the tarmac around the hotel’s 1958 Lockheed Constellation ‘Connie’ airplane.”
Runway Rink is open on the weekends all summer long, and tickets cost $20 per adult and $16 per child for a 50-minute session (that includes your skate rental, but guests are welcome to bring their own). You can’t buy tickets in advance, so be prepared to wait for your turn amidst crowds of similarly excited retro roller skating enthusiasts.
Originally, the hotel served as the terminal for the now-defunct Trans World Airlines. The airline operated from 1930 to 2001, and boasts a ton of fun history — like the fact that in the area that is now home to The Sunken Lounge, fans awaited the arrival of The Beatles in 1965.
The Sunken Lounge is a cocktail bar outfitted in red carpeting and white accents meant to reflect the glamor of the 1960s. The lounge’s menu specializes in ‘60s cocktail favorites, and the windows overlook the tarmac.
The new roller rink is part of a lineup of offerings at the hotel that will tempt adventurers who are looking to get out of the city this summer. That “Connie” airplane, for instance, has been converted into a cocktail lounge, which earned praise from Departures magazine for its “fabulous” interior design.
Perhaps the biggest draw to the TWA Hotel is the rooftop pool. The infinity pool doubles as an observation deck, where overnight guests can watch as planes depart and land at the airport. Of course, the rooftop pool is outfitted with a bar as well. Roller skating adds just another attraction to the list of reasons why people should go to the JFK airport without booking a flight.
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Italy is now open for tourism with flight options from the US
Italy is now open for US travelers. The announcement comes after Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi announced that the country planned to reopen for tourism in the middle of May. The authorities aim to ensure safe travel in Italy with the rollout of a special “national green pass,” which will contain proof of vaccination and history of COVID-19 test results.
Along with Italy’s “national green pass,” Delta is making its quarantine-free flight to Rome and Milan accessible to all travelers who agree to the COVID testing requirements. Upcoming and current flight options include service between:
Atlanta and Rome — five times a weekNew York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Milan — dailyJFK and Rome — three times a weekJFK and Venice — starting July 2Atlanta and Venice — starting August 5Boston to Rome — starting August 5In order to fly, all travelers must take a COVID-19 test 72 hours before departure as well as upon arrival into the country, regardless of their vaccination status.
“Until now, with Covid-free flights, it was not possible to come to Italy for tourism from non-EU countries. Now we’re reopening to this opportunity, which allows safe travel without quarantine,” said Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio on his personal social media.
Travelers coming into Italy from the US will be required to take a PCR test 72 hours before their departure, a rapid test prior to boarding their flight, and another rapid test upon arrival.
Italy relies on tourism to a large degree, which is why the government is eager to safely reopen as soon as possible instead of waiting for the broader EU-wide travel plan to be introduced.
The country is not alone in its efforts to expedite the restart of tourism. Greece, Iceland, Spain, and France are also planning to reopen sooner by creating their own versions of the pass in order to give a much-needed boost to their travel and hospitality industries which have suffered greatly over the last year and a half.
A version of this article was previously published on May 5, 2021 and was updated on May 17, 2021, with more information.
More like thisNewsSpain to reopen to international tourism on June 30The post Italy is now open for tourism with flight options from the US appeared first on Matador Network.
8 outdoor dining spots in Santa Fe
In her novel Death Comes for the Archbishop, Willa Cather wrote of the New Mexico landscape, “Elsewhere the sky is the roof of the world, but here the earth was the floor of the sky.” Her take on the terrain around Santa Fe perfectly captures the sense that earth and sky are closer to the touch here. You’ll feel it immediately upon visiting — it’s a theme woven through the city’s style, design, and its palate.
Now, views of the high-desert landscape meeting seemingly endless azure skies can naturally be found on any outdoor trek, but how about while dining? Santa Fe’s eateries take full advantage of their surrounds with al fresco dining spaces, playing with the elements and nodding to the wealth of beauty out their doors. To take in the earth, sky, and open air in Santa Fe, just grab a seat at one of the distinctive restaurants on this list. Buen provecho!
Coyote Cafe & Rooftop CantinaThe Rooftop Cantina is the wild child to its companion restaurant, Coyote Cafe, where diners tuck into downstairs booths to sip wine and nibble lobster tail. Up at the Rooftop, the second-story cantina keeps the margaritas and conversation flowing amid street-art murals and brightly patterned oilcloth tablecloths. Glass garage doors open to a roof deck overlooking Water Street, just a block from the Santa Fe Plaza.
This relaxed joint has a menu to match its atmosphere, with dishes like the green chile cheeseburger piled high with onion rings, bacon, and a fried egg; and the often underrated but locally loved Frito pie, with corn chips smothered in red chile beef, beans, cheese, and all that comfort-food goodness you can rely on in Santa Fe.
Luminaria Restaurant & Patio
Photo: Luminaria Restaurant & Patio
The outdoor dining space at Luminaria Restaurant & Patio is sandwiched between two striking Santa Fe sights. It extends from the stacked adobe–style architecture of the Inn & Spa at Loretto, where it’s housed, and abuts the Gothic-style Loretto Chapel, modeled after Paris’s Sainte-Chapelle.
With views of both design marvels, Luminaria feels globally inspired. Yet an horno-style fireplace reminiscent of the traditional ovens used in New Mexico’s pueblos roots the patio in the Land of Enchantment — especially when it roars with piñon logs on cooler evenings. Downhome dishes, like chips and guacamole or quesadillas, get upscale twists here, matching the simple grandeur of the space itself.
Restaurant MartínOwner/chef Martín Rios spent two decades coming up through the ranks of Santa Fe’s fine-dining scene beginning as a 17-year-old dishwasher. Now, at the helm of his eponymous bistro, he’s a multi-time James Beard Award semifinalist. Although he hasn’t yet clinched that Best Chef Southwest Award in the Academy Awards of the culinary world, he’s still considered a star among Santa Fe chefs.
The evolving menus at Restaurant Martín are refined yet approachable as Chef Rios draws on global ingredients; his Guadalajara, Mexico, roots; and his training. The intimate restaurant flows to an outdoor flagstone patio. The walled, high-desert garden doesn’t offer Santa Fe’s signature views, but here you don’t need to look much beyond the tasty dishes put in front of you.
The Teahouse Santa Fe
Photo: Monica Walsh
Around a hundred galleries and boutiques pepper Santa Fe’s Canyon Road, creating a diverse catalog of shopping destinations in one fell swoop. The historic stretch once housed artists during the city’s art colony days, but it’s now best known for its internationally renowned galleries.
The Teahouse Santa Fe nods to this history, offering art collectors a shady, Zen-like spot to rest on their intimate patio. Diners can sip loose-leaf teas from China, Indian, Japan, and Sri Lanka, as well as closer to home. The menu also delivers light bites, from breakfast scones to lunch salads, paninis, and sandwiches.
The ShedThe City Different takes its red and green chile seriously, with various versions topping, slathering, and smothering many dishes around town. But The Shed is a consistent favorite when it comes to locals’ discriminating chile palates. This family-owned restaurant has been going strong since 1953 and serves its classic New Mexican dishes on Palace Avenue, just east of the Santa Fe Plaza. It’s particularly known for the red chile enchiladas made with blue corn tortillas.
The Shed operates in a nine-room rambling adobe dating to 1692 (that’s Santa Fe for you!). Diners may also choose to eat outside, on Prince Patio, the sunny flagstone courtyard in front of the hacienda that earned its name from Governor Bradford Prince in 1879.
Terra Restaurant
Photo: Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado
A 15-minute drive from the Santa Fe Plaza delivers diners to the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe and its Terra Restaurant. The setting is The City Different’s outskirts, in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, where piñon trees are more numerous than people.
Terra’s patio offers prime sunset viewing — from this vantage point, you can watch the Sangres earn their name as the alpenglow colors their peaks. Upmarket dishes draw from local ingredients and influences, such as piñon-crusted lamb and green chile braised short rib.
The Anasazi Restaurant, Bar & LoungePeople watching is on the menu as much as dinner at The Anasazi Restaurant, set within the Rosewood Inn of The Anasazi. The earthen-hued patio edges Washington Avenue, one of the arteries to and from the Plaza, just a few steps away.
The restaurant’s highly desired location puts diners in the center of the action during several of the city’s top art markets and celebrations, including the Santa Fe Indian Market and the Traditional Spanish Market. (Reservations are a must during these events.) Meanwhile, its contemporary American menu showcases elevated local flavors, with many ingredients sourced from area farmers and purveyors.
Paper Dosa
Photo: Paper Dosa
Although it’s known for New Mexican cuisine, Santa Fe also counts numerous internationally inspired restaurants on its roster. Paper Dosa takes its name from its signature South Indian dish, but you’ll find all manner of curries and uttapams on the menu here. South India native Paulraj Karuppasamy and his wife and business partner, Santa Fe native Nellie Tischler, own and operate the often-packed restaurant. The midtown eatery overflows into a walled patio where high-desert plants edge a dozen or so tables adorned with crisp, crepe-like dosas and dipping sauces.
Whatever restaurant you choose, whether it’s a New Mexican comfort classic or a fine-dining standout, you’ll never be far from the outdoors at these impeccable Santa Fe spots.
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The largest immersive Harry Potter experience is opening in NYC
You may not be a wizard, but you can get the full Harry Potter experience at a new store opening up in New York on June 3, 2021.
The store is expected to bring a whole lot of magic as the largest Harry Potter store thus far, with 21,000 square feet spaced out over three stories. Inside, there will be 15 themed areas with many never-before-seen interactions and merchandise like customized wands you can’t find anywhere else. The store is also expected to expand shortly after it opens into other adventures using virtual reality, according to a press release.
“The level of artistic detail and quality of the design inspired by the movies means Harry Potter New York will bring a completely new shopping experience to the city,” Sarah Roots, EVP of Warner Bros. Worldwide Tours and Retail, said in the press release. “With over 1,000 Wizarding World props on display (including some authentic items which featured in the movies), the incredible theming, along with experiences such as photo opportunities and the fantastic range of products, there will be something special for every fan.”
Visitors can find “Enchanted Keys” that reveal behind-the-scenes info though the Harry Potter Fan Club app, and there will be two VR games people can play. Plus there’s chocolate frogs and Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans to eat.
The store was originally scheduled to open in the summer of 2020, but was delayed due to the pandemic. Needless to say, Harry Potter fans will be happy to see the project back on track.
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New study found the 30 best cities for digital nomads in 2021
As more and more Americans choose to adopt the lifestyle of a digital nomad, the wants and needs for finding a home are changing. According to independent talent provider MBO Partners’ 2020 State of Independence research study, the number of Americans who consider themselves digital nomads continues to grow each year, now reaching almost 11 million.
This May being “National Moving Month,” Yelp and Zillow came together to release a “Digital Nomad Index” to rate the best 30 cities for a digital nomad looking for a new adventure. The criteria for the ranking includes things like the inventory of rentals and pageviews of rentals with leasing terms less than one year, as well as affordability and a few other measures. The list also decided not to include the 30 largest metro areas in the country to give preference to places people might not expect.
“These destinations boast a mix of outdoor adventure and city perks that are appealing to the many young professionals who have transitioned to the nomadic lifestyle due to their new-found ability to work from anywhere,” Yelp trend expert Tara Lewis said in a press release. “They’re great for digital nomads, and offer a variety of highly rated local businesses and activities these folks are looking for, like shared office spaces, furniture rental, hiking, RV repairs, paddle boarding and more.”
The top destination? Jacksonville, FL. It stole the spotlight in part because of its affordability (the average rent is $960 per month) while also providing ideal weather and scenic outdoor views. Austin, Texas, with rent averaging at $1,323 per month, ranked high because of its artist culture and access to amenities like coworking spaces. And in third place you’ll find Boise, Idaho, which raises the stakes at $1,495 per month. Zillow and Yelp think it’s worth it for the outdoor activities, restaurants, and the accessibility to find a rental.
Below is the full list of the top 10 cities:
Jacksonville, FLAustin, TexasBoise, IdahoNashville, TN Charleston, SCSan Jose, CAFort Collins, COAsheville, NCLas Vegas, NVSalt Lake City, UtahBe sure to check out the exhaustive list, so you can make the right choice finding your next adventure.
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Experience Paris this summer with 70% off luxurious Hotel Observatoire Luxembourg
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.
A great hotel is much more than a room with a bed. The best ones, the properties that play as much a part of a trip as the destination itself, combine excellent service, stunning architecture, fine food, and a unique ambience to take you away from the outside world — making you feel a part of something both hip and undisturbed. Most major cities have hotels like this. In Paris, the City of Lights and a dream destination for travelers around the world, the Hotel Observatoire Luxembourg is the perfect example.
You’re greeted by its grand facade standing over Paris’ historic Luxembourg Gardens and welcomed with a bottle of wine and a smiling concierge. Rooms are defined by opulence, not overlooking high thread count sheets and chic urban trimmings. And the views are wonderful. Paris is reopening to vaccinated tourists and right now, this Travelzoo deal puts you here in the heart of the city for 70 percent off. You’ll save $660 on a two night stay, paying just $265 for two nights while enjoying a complimentary breakfast for two each morning. Add additional nights for just $119 each.
The hotel is a short walk through stoned boulevards to the Seine and the Pantheon, with guest rooms overlooking either boulevard Saint-Michel or the hotel’s stunning private garden. Book now before this deal sells out and travel anytime between now and April 30, 2022. This deal is a perfect surprise for your partner or family because if your plans change, the deal is fully refundable.
Why this deal is unique:
70 percent off two nights, giving you top-tier Paris luxury on a budgetComplimentary bottle of wine and taxes included, save for a $3.50 per night tourist taxLocated across from Luxembourg Gardens and near major attractions and marketsFully refundable if your plans changeStay in a Lisbon palace for just $109 per night
Photo: Travelzoo
The Heritage Avenida Liberdade Hotel is a former palace turned into a luxurious four-star hotel in Lisbon. This Travelzoo deal lands you a fine room at the property for 60 percent off, just $109, anytime between July 1 of this year and March 13, 2022. Located on Lisbon’s Avenida Liberdade, this 18th-century manse is among the most sought-after hotels in the city, an ideal way to see Europe’s trendiest capital. Book now before it sells out and take a full refund if you don’t make it to Lisbon.
Stay closer to home with a downtown Chicago stay this summer for just $109[image error]Photo: Travelzoo
No American city is better in summer than Chicago. This Travelzoo deal proves why — you’ll take 50 percent off the nightly rate at the prime AC Hotel Chicago Downtown. This property is on historic Michigan Avenue, putting you within walking distance of the city’s best. The hotel is known for its fourth floor lounge, the best spot to chill over a drink and plot an evening out along Rush Street below. One floor above is an atrium-covered indoor pool, and three of the city’s most famed restaurants — Giordano’s, Lou Malnati’s, and Smith and Wollensky — are right outside the door. This deal will sell out quickly, book now and take your money back if plans change.
The post Experience Paris this summer with 70% off luxurious Hotel Observatoire Luxembourg appeared first on Matador Network.
May 14, 2021
How to experience Reykjavik like a real local
Set against an otherworldly backdrop of crisp mountains and pastel seas, Reykjavik has, in recent years, found itself firmly at the top of bucket lists around the world — and one visit to this quirky city is all it takes to leave you enchanted. The capital city of Iceland, Reykjavik, is celebrated mainly for its rich culture, breathtaking nature, and eclectic art scene. This sense of creativity can be felt throughout the organized cluster of houses and streets, the city’s walls adorned with colorful murals and its skyline interrupted by bold architectural styles.
But the city’s true heart does not lie within the brickwork of the eerie Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral or upon the stainless steel edges of the iconic Sun Voyager sculpture. To discover the real Reykjavik, in all its whimsical glory, you must cast aside your guidebooks and delve beneath the icy surface, swapping crowded museums and guided tours for traditional coffee houses and hidden footpaths. Here are some of the best local spots in Reykjavik.
Sundhöllin
Photo: City of Reyjavik
Particularly magical during the chilly winter months, there is no better way to spend a crisp January morning than with a visit to the geothermal Sundhöllin public baths. It would be easy to unknowingly wander past this unassuming white building, lurking in the shadow of the imposing Hallgrimskirkja church, but to do so would be a great shame. The oldest public baths in Iceland, Sundhöllin dates back to the 1930s, when the Art Deco building designed by influential architect Guðjón Samúelsson first opened its doors.
Although there is an indoor pool, Sundhöllin is rendered unique mainly by its numerous outdoor baths, which are spattered across the building’s rooftop; from this deck, you can see across the houses of Reykjavik and catch a glimpse of the iconic cathedral. If you visit in winter, try to head to the baths at around 8:30 AM — that way, you’re guaranteed to catch the sunrise from the comfort of the bubbling water. Because most tourists head to the larger Laugardalslaug baths, Sundhöllin is often populated by locals catching up with friends or taking a moment to relax. Entry to the baths for one adult costs only 1060 krona (roughly $8).
Norðurströnd walking path
Photo: Madalin Olariu/Shutterstock
Starting in the Old Harbour and winding its way along the coast, Norðurströnd walking path is a beautiful, largely undiscovered walkway that connects Reykjavik’s center to the residential Seltjarnarnes peninsula. A perfect way to immerse yourself in nature without venturing too far from Reykjavik itself, this walking path overlooks the vast Kollafjörður fjord, with the Esjan mountains rising in the background.
As you approach the westernmost tip of the peninsula, you may stumble across the little-known Kvika Hot Spring Footbath: a small stone-clad pool of geothermally heated water. Known to locals as a great date spot — as well as one of the best places within the city to catch the Northern Lights — the water can reach temperatures of 102 F, allowing visitors to enjoy this unique experience during the winter months, too.
Kaolin Keramik Galleri
Photo: Kaolin/Facebook
Art and creativity play a crucial role in Reykjavik’s culture; this is why no visit to the Icelandic capital is complete without a stop at Kaolin Galleri. Located almost timidly into the loud brightness of Skólavörðustígur (also known as “the artists’ street”), this compact boutique is run and owned by some of Iceland’s most promising female ceramicists. Offering collections by eight different artists, each with their distinct style and voice, this gallery showcases beautiful pieces such as vases, mugs, bowls and decorative ornaments.
It’s worth stopping in to chat with the artists — who each take turns running the gallery — because you will quickly understand the importance of art as self-expression in Iceland. Because of this, Kaolin has worked to promote the art community of Reykjavik since the cooperative’s conception in 2010. It has hosted many events and exhibitions within its downtown store.
Grótta Island LighthousePhoto: kovop58/Shutterstock
Proudly marking the end of the Norðurströnd walking path, Grótta Island Lighthouse is settled within a small nature reserve at the very tip of the Seltjarnes peninsula. Budding photographers should make sure to bring their camera to this spot; from here, you are promised some of the most incredible nature the city has to offer.
With its abundant wildlife (primarily birds) and isolated location, Grótta is — unsurprisingly — another optimal place to attempt to spot the elusive Northern Lights. By day the area is stunning in its true sense of wilderness, causing you to quickly forget your proximity to the capital city. But by night, Grótta takes on an ethereal beauty, as if you’re standing at the edge of the world.
If you’re having trouble hunting down the Northern Lights, there are a number of apps you can download to help you track their movements, brightness, and the best spots from which to watch them.
Lake Tjörnin
Photo: Javen/Shutterstock
Back in the city center, Lake Tjörnin is one of Reykjavik’s most picturesque and unusual sights; this is especially evident in winter, when the lake completely freezes over, transforming into a quiet, mesmerizing skating rink. Lake Tjörnin separates the heart of Reykjavik from its more residential western neighborhoods, making it a popular hangout spot for locals. A tapestry of footpaths thread around its banks, most leading south towards the lush greenery of Hljómskálagarður: a tranquil, well-manicured park sheltered from the bustle of the city center.
At the northern end of the lake sits Reykjavik’s City Hall. A vision of sleek glass and contemporary shapes, City Hall, is best seen by night, when its soft lighting reflects across the ripples of the lake surface.
Bryggjan Brugghús
Photo: Barion Bryggjan/Facebook
Also situated in Old Harbour is the independent restaurant and brewery Bryggjan Brugghús. Beloved particularly by locals for its variety of craft beers and imaginative menu, this brewery marries top-quality cuisine with laid-back Scandi culture. This quirky haunt was the first microbrewery in Iceland and pays homage to its roots in its nautical yet fashionably industrial décor.
Befitting from its harbourfront location, Bryggjan Brugghús’s bistro centers its offerings around locally caught fish and seafood. As well as its home-brewed beer and delicious food, this microbrewery is celebrated for its cocktails.
Grandi Mathöll
Photo: Grandi Matholl/Facebook
With rows of traditional fishing boats and picturesque seafront walks, Old Harbour is one of Reykjavik’s most unique and vibrant areas. Located within this youthful, newly-rejuvenated neighborhood is the Grandi Mathöll: a renovated fish factory that is now a lively street food hall. Home to several different food stands, visitors can find both traditional Icelandic dishes and international cuisines.
The food hall is a true testament to the characteristic Nordic openness that we know and love. A celebration of Iceland — with ties to other countries and cultures — Grandi Mathöll is the perfect place to visit for those yearning for a taste of contemporary Iceland.
Mokka Kaffi
Photo: Mokka-Kaffi/Facebook
Dating back to the 1950s, this modest café hardly seems like it’s changed — a factor which only renders it more charming. Just a few doors down from the above-mentioned Kaolin Galleri, Mokka Kaffi is a favorite local hangout in Reykjavik’s city center, taking the concept of ‘retro’ to a whole new level. It is, after all, one of Reykjavik’s oldest coffee houses and the first to use an espresso machine.
With dark wooden furnishings reminiscent of a diner, lush red-brown interiors, and low lighting overhanging intimate booths, this coffee house makes the perfect place to take shelter from the harsh Icelandic weather. Mokka Kaffi’s focus is upon good conversation and even better coffee: that’s why it offers no Wi-Fi connection. This is not a place for students and freelancers to base themselves as they work. It is a place for friends and family to catch up over a delicious brew and mouth-watering pastry. Mokka Kaffi is also beloved city-wide for its selection of waffles.
Hlemmur Square
Photo: Skal/Facebook
Once a somewhat run-down bus station, Hlemmur Square has, in recent years, been given a makeover, now finding itself at the forefront of Reykjavik’s local nightlife. At its center sits a modern, glass-clad food and drink hall, where a cluster of bars and restaurants surround communal benches. During the day, students can be found enjoying a coffee as they study at one of these tables; nearby, there is a second-hand clothing store and a record shop. This neighborhood, which sits on the eastern edge of the city just a short walk from its center, has been revitalized by its youthful population.
Among the pint-sized restaurants and bars on offer in the Hlemmur Mathöll is SKÁL!: an eatery as bold and experimental as its name, which prides itself on contemporary cuisine crafted with local Icelandic produce. Also within this repurposed bus station is Fjárhúsið, which specializes in top-quality Icelandic lamb dishes, and Brauð & co, which produces soft sourdough loaves and flaky Nordic pastries. These haunts — as well as the eclectic building which houses them — are perhaps the most accurate representation of modern Iceland: innovative, cosmopolitan, with a firm hold on their roots and traditions.
Rauða Ljónið
Photo: Red Lion/Facebook
Perhaps due to its well-concealed location within a small, residential shopping center, many people bypass this cozy pub-slash-sports bar. Rauða Ljónið (or ‘Red Lion’) is one of the most authentic, down-to-earth experiences Reykjavik has to offer, with friendly staff always ready to welcome a new face. Typically (almost exclusively) populated by Reykjavik residents, this sports bar offers a range of Icelandic beers and ales on tap, as well as homely, hearty meals such as burgers, pizzas, and typical bar snacks. If you’re a traveler who loves to chat with the locals, then Rauða Ljónið is the place to do this; as one of the few eateries on the Seltjarnes peninsula, it is not often that this tavern sees an out-of-town visitor, although you are always welcomed as an old friend.
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Santorini’s new Sky Dome lets guests dine and sleep under the stars
With dreamy turquoise waters, black and red-sand beaches, and iconic white-and-blue architecture, Santorini is one of the most beautiful and most popular islands in Greece.
Another one of Santorini’s best features is its gorgeous sunsets. Boutique hotel Santorini Sky wants their guests to be wowed by the island’s sky and to do so, they added a transparent bubble to their accommodation offering, the Sky Dome.
Photo: SANTORINI SKY/
The Sky Dome is located on the highest point on the island, 2000 feet above sea level. While in the bubble, guests get stunning views of the island all while enjoying the comfort of the dome, so they don’t have to worry about the weather. The dome is equipped with a bed, along with bluetooth speakers, and LED lights that a guest can control from their phone to set the mood.
Photo: SANTORINI SKY/
Sky Dome guests are also offered a wine tasting and dinner from Agaze, one of the best restaurants on the island.
The Sky Dome is not only available for hotel guests, but for anyone visiting the island. It can also be rented during the day. Prices start at $120 (€100) per couple, with resort guests receiving a $30 (€25) discount.
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Tall mountains, 1,000 lakes, and waves make New Hampshire’s outdoor options
Colorado, California, Alaska. A few states spring to mind when we think about America’s great outdoors. If you’re from the Northeast, New Hampshire is probably one of them. For everyone else, it’s more likely known for being one of five states without sales tax.
New Englanders are right to identify New Hampshire with nature. Home to Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast, and flush with water from its lakes and rivers to its 18 miles of Atlantic coastline, the state was made for all-season adventure. Here are six reasons why New Hampshire should be every outdoor lover’s next vacation.
1. There’s a reason it’s called the Switzerland of America.
Photo: Andrei Orlov/Shutterstock
Switzerland has the Alps; New Hampshire has the White Mountains and nearly all of the tallest mountains in the Northeast. This range is the epicenter of the state’s outdoors, dominating about a quarter of its total area. From the range’s tallest point, the 6,288-foot summit of Mount Washington, you can peer into New Hampshire’s neighbors, from Maine and Massachusetts to southeastern Canada. Inside, you have your pick of all-season activities, whether you prefer gentle trails or strenuous treks, snowshoeing or hiking, riding ATVs or snowmobiles, paddling or swimming, equestrian or sleigh rides.
The skiing here deserves a mention. The White Mountains are not the Swiss Alps, but they do pack several ski resorts into close quarters, giving skiers and snowboarders the chance to see much of the range on a single trip. The largest resorts are Bretton Woods, Loon Mountain, and Attitash, all of which offer 300 or more skiable acres. When the snow melts, Loon and Attitash transform into adventure parks alongside resorts like Wildcat and Cannon, drawing a new set of visitors to their ropes courses, aerial tramways, alpine slides, ziplines, and more.
No matter the season, the best resource for White Mountains recreation is the White Mountains Visitor Center in North Woodstock. Before diving into the range, take Exit 32 off I-93 to drop by and collect all the literature, trail maps, passes, and other information you might need.
You can hike 161 miles of the Appalachian Trail.Photo: N.Smyth/Shutterstock
Technically, you can hike 160.9 miles of the Appalachian Trail without leaving New Hampshire.
The Appalachian Trail is a long-distance footpath that spans nearly the entire length of the East Coast, covering more than 2,000 miles from Maine to Georgia. It’s one of the longest hiking-only routes in the country. Few who endeavor to the complete trek succeed, yet an estimated three million people tackle part of the trail each year. Those who do so in New Hampshire are rewarded with the White Mountains; those who complete the state’s portion of the trail, skirting the range’s ridgeline at elevations ranging from 400 feet to Mount Washington’s 6,288-foot summit, will spend more time above the treeline than they would in any other state.
While the relative lack of tree cover opens hikers up to unparalleled views, it also leaves them exposed to the elements. The weather in the White Mountains can be notoriously fickle, dangerous even, increasingly so the higher you hike. July and August are the calmest months following June’s storms and present the least chance of snow. Hiking the AT here will still be demanding, though, and will require both careful preparation and good judgment on the trail.
It’s nicknamed the Mother of Rivers, too.
Photo: haveseen/Shutterstock
From New Hampshire’s mountains flow mighty rivers. A few have particular significance: the Connecticut River, the longest in New England at 406 miles; the Merrimack, the subject of a classic Thoreau book recounting a brotherly boat trip; the Saco, an important source of drinking water; and the Androscoggin, once used to power lumber and textile mills, to name a few.
With these rivers comes another arena for outdoor adventure, starting with whitewater rafting. The Androscoggin is New Hampshire’s most raftable river. Outfits like Raft NH host trips for all ages and abilities on its Class II rapids below the Pontook Dam. More experienced rafters can also find Class III rapids here but should look to the Baker, Ammonoosuc, Pemigewasset, or Contoocook Rivers for more challenging Class V whitewater.
Wet and wild is just one approach to the state’s rivers. New Hampshire also has a strong tubing culture, with rafting locales like the Ammonoosuc and Pemigewasset doubling as floating destinations. But it’s the Saco River most tubers choose. Several operators, such as Saco River Tubing, organize family-friendly floats along the sandy riverbank for as little as an hour and up to a full day. You might even encounter some modest rapids for the best of both worlds.
There are almost 100 state parks, from Ahern to Winslow.
Photo: haveseen/Shutterstock
New Hampshire is home to 93 state parks. A dozen stretch across the White Mountains alone. Franconia Notch is a favorite, extending 6,700 miles from Flume Gorge to Echo Lake. Though the granite formation that helped put the park on the map, the Old Man of the Mountain, collapsed almost 20 years ago, its waterfalls, caves, and Cannon Ski Resort continue to stoke its popularity. Franconia Notch is also a hit with rock climbers and fly fishers.
Some of the finest parks in New Hampshire also lie beyond White Mountain National Forest. There’s Bear Brook, the largest developed state park, where 40 miles of trails span more than 10,000 acres roughly 30 minutes north of Manchester. Boatable ponds and two archery ranges add to its appeal. There’s Pawtuckaway in the state’s southeastern corner, which delights hobby geologists with its glacial erratics, which are large boulders formed toward the end of the Ice Age. There’s even oceanside camping at Odiorne Point and Hampton Beach. Name an outdoor activity, and New Hampshire almost certainly has a state park for it.
It’s not the Great Lakes, but the Lakes Region is pretty great.
Photo: Helioscribe/Shutterstock
Lakes are a big part of New Hampshire’s outdoor identity. This is understandable considering there are almost 1,000 of them in the state, 273 of which comprise the Lakes Region. The region’s centerpiece is Lake Winnipesaukee, whose 72 square miles (and 253 islands) make it the largest lake in the state. All manner of year-round recreation is possible here, from swimming and water skiing to ice fishing and ice sailing, though summer is a special time to visit. The town of Wolfeboro, which sits beside the lake, even calls itself the “Oldest Summer Resort in America.”
Squam Lake is second to Winnipesaukee in popularity. There are actually three Squam Lakes at the foot of the White Mountains: Big Squam, Little Squam, and White Oak Pond, whose claim to fame is being the filming location for the Oscar-winning film On Golden Pond. Equally entertaining year-round, Squam Lake is a better choice for winter visitors, particularly if they envision themselves snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or snowmobiling lakeside.
Though there are too many pristine lakes to name, from Ossipee to Sunapee, Newfound Lake deserves a shoutout. Called the cleanest lake in New Hampshire, and one of the cleanest in the world, spring-fed Newfound Lake is also one of the deepest in the state, plunging 183 feet down at its deepest point. Ringed by 22 miles of preserved forest, it’s the perfect place to kayak, canoe, or hike, depending on which half of the landscape you prefer as your view.
New Hampshire’s seacoast is surfable.
Photo: Felix Mizioznikov/Shutterstock
Despite its proximity to the ocean, New Hampshire claims just 18 miles of the Atlantic coast. Nonetheless, surfers make good use of the state’s shoreline. The summer months are an excellent time for beginners to test out their skills on gentle breaks, while the hurricane season that extends into fall poses a welcome challenge for experts.
If there’s one surf spot worth knowing, it’s The Wall south of Hampton Beach. The swells here tend to be bigger than elsewhere in the state, particularly on windy days, giving surfers something to celebrate when a nor’easter hits. Other spots worth noting are Rye on the Rocks, an exposed reef break near the town of Rye, and milder Jenness Beach a few minutes away.
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