Matador Network's Blog, page 652
May 14, 2021
11 most breathtaking remote Airbnbs in forests, mountain parks, and on beaches
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.
“Nature getaway” is a common entry on many travelers’ wishlists, but getting a true, off-the-grid nature experience is easier said than done. Even hotels and Airbnbs that are rurally located may share lots and roads with other properties, thereby dashing the illusion of actual seclusion. Luckily, Airbnb has a Design in the Wild category, with design-forward properties that blend into their surroundings and complement the natural environment. From a geodome in Chile to an open sky pyramid tent in France, these are Airbnb’s most impressive “designs in the wild.”
The Sunset Dome — Tulbagh, South Africa
Photo: Airbnb
Located right up against the Witzenburg mountain range near Tulbagh, this geodome is surrounded by water and trees and completely submerged in nature, not a man-made building in sight. The dome is equipped with electricity, a fridge, gas stove, and an outdoor hot shower. Though it may feature modern amenities, its indoor-outdoor setup makes the experience feel more like glamping than a traditional Airbnb.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $141 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Built with wood and glass, this house overlooks some of Colombia’s greenest and most beautiful countryside. Surrounded by gardens and a small forest, the dome is equipped with a hand-carved stone jacuzzi, from which you can relax and enjoy the stunning views.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $132 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This dome, located on the slopes of a national park, sits on a property surrounded by a native forest. The property itself is lined with olive trees, apple trees, almond trees. The dome is 23 feet in diameter, with windows that offer near-panoramic views of the mountains. Note that there’s no Wifi in the dome, so you’ll be truly unplugged.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $73 per night
Photo: Airbnb
At first glance, this Airbnb might look like a giant bubble hovering above the mountains. In reality, it’s an accommodation that allows guests to sleep under the stars. The inflatable plastic bubble has a private bathroom, jacuzzi, and other comforts while remaining completely immersed in nature. Due to the bubble’s transparency, you’ll have clear 360-degree views during your entire stay.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $176 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This cylindrical accommodation on the edge of a mountain is the definition of minimalist living. Whether it’s a solo getaway for some peace and quiet or an intimate couples weekend, these cylinders offer a degree of seclusion that simply can’t be matched for some of the best, most unobstructed views you could ask for.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $64 per night
Photo: Airbnb
It might look like this house could lift off at any moment and fly through the air, but this airship is firmly rooted to the ground. The insulated aluminum pod has views of the Sound of Mull in Scotland, with a porch and expansive windows overlooking the water. The interior has all the necessities for remote living, but don’t expect a five-star hotel.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $218 per night
Photo: Airbnb
The idea of sleeping inside a pyramid might conjure images of tucking into an Egyptian tomb, but this pyramid tent in France is far brighter — and has much better views. A minimalist accommodation just big enough for a queen bed, the transparent tent allows you to sleep under the stars. It also has a hot tub right outside.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $215 per night
Photo: Airbnb
If you’ve always imagined what it’d be like to sleep among the imposing boughs of redwoods, now’s your chance. The Pinecone Treehouse, high up in the branches of Bonny Doon’s redwood forest, will give you 360-degree views of the forest’s canopy, and it’s the ideal space to relax in nature. The treehouse hands 35 feet in the air, and is accessible via a step ladder. Resembling a giant pinecone, the accommodation blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $450 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Surrounded by 99 acres of conservation forest on the remote Bruny Island off the south coast of Tasmania, this accommodation truly feels far removed. There’s plenty of wildlife, from birds to wallabies, to remind you that you’re fully immersed in nature. It’s also the perfect location for stargazing and spotting the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights).
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $271 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Precariously perched right over the ocean, this accommodation is surrounded by rocks and gardens and has an impeccable view of Quintay’s Playa Grande. Equipped with a barbecue and other kitchen essentials, it’s ideal for a relaxing getaway where you won’t ever have to leave the house. Since it’s just 90 minutes from Santiago, it makes the perfect overnight or weekend trip.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $188 per night
Photo: Airbnb
The ideal luxury glamping experience, the Orchard is situated in the beautiful Wales countryside and has a large deck, hot tub, and garden. In contrast to its rustic surroundings, the interior is quite modern with three smart TVs, a full kitchen, and Wifi. It’s also close to the historic town of Pembroke, the Bosherston lily ponds, and the beaches of Broad haven and Barafundle Bay. 
Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $208 per night
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Soon you’ll be able to ride in an all-glass elevator in the heart of Manhattan
The news of glass bridge blowing off in the wind, leaving tourists terrified and stranded 330 feet in the air, is not scaring New Yorkers.
Located in the heart of Manhattan and sitting atop the fourth highest tower in New York at 1,401 feet tall, Summit One Vanderbilt will soon be the hotspot for thrill seekers.
Photo: Summit One Vanderbilt/PR Newswire
The Summit One Vanderbilt observation deck will include an all-glass elevator called “Ascent” that will travel up the side of the building and reach a height of 1,210 feet. The unique elevator is expected to provide riders with spectacular views of New York City. The building will also be fitted with fully transparent boxes called “Levitation” that will jut out of the building and “suspend guests 1,063 feet above Madison Avenue,” according to the press release.
Photo: Summit One Vanderbilt/PR Newswire
Summit One Vanderbilt will also have an outdoor bar, an all-day cafe, and seating areas for visitors to take in the views.
The grand opening is scheduled for October 21, 2021. You can pre-register now for priority access to tickets.
The post Soon you’ll be able to ride in an all-glass elevator in the heart of Manhattan appeared first on Matador Network.
The most dog-friendly cities in the US, according to Zillow and Rover
As pet adoptions soared during the pandemic, it’s not surprising that concerns over the environment we choose for our furry family has become a priority. Finding not only a suitable home but also a city that caters to all the needs of our pets is important. Thankfully, recent data from real estate agency Zillow and Rover, the world’s largest online marketplace for pet care, offers some great insight into the most dog-friendly cities in the US.
With Zillow focusing on listings that have pet-friendly features and Rover scrolling through its many dog owner accounts, the two came together to conduct a study that found that 24 percent of dog owners moved into a new home since the beginning of the pandemic. It also noted that an astonishing 62 percent would consider moving to accommodate their dog.
“This year, we spent an extraordinary amount of time with our pets, and many of us relied on their companionship more than ever. As a result, our emotional bonds with our pets also strengthened,” remarked Kate Jaffe, trends expert at Rover. “Pets are taking on an even greater role in our families, so it follows that our dogs’ needs are a top priority for pet parents considering a new home.”
The companies produced a list of the most dog-friendly cities in the US. According to the data, the best place to live for pet owners is Denver, CO. Coming in second is Orlando, FL, with Anaheim, CA, and Charlotte, NC, taking third and fourth. Four out of the 10 cities are in Florida.
The top 15 dog-friendly cities in the US, according to Zillow and Rover are:
Denver, COOrlando, FLAnaheim, CACharlotte, NCBirmingham, ALAtlanta, GABoston, MAGlendale, AZNew Orleans, LATampa, FLFayetteville, NCFort Worth, TXMiami, FLNashville, TNSt. Petersburg, FL More like thisTrip PlanningThe 7 best places in the world for dog loversThe post The most dog-friendly cities in the US, according to Zillow and Rover appeared first on Matador Network.
US to build massive offshore wind farm in its new era of renewable energy
This is The Climate Win, the most positive sustainability news around the world every week.
The United States is finally joining the offshore wind farm club. This week, President Joe Biden signed off on the first major offshore wind farm in the US, to be located 12 miles out from Martha’s Vineyard. While countries, including Denmark and China, have invested heavily in this promising source of large-scale renewable energy, North American countries have been slow to follow suit. The US hopes to change this. The farm will produce 800 megawatts of energy, or enough wind energy to power 400,000 homes.
But offshore wind has its downsides, including an impact on sea life. Let’s look at some pros and cons of offshore wind energy, and why it’s a necessary step toward reaching the important goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The statistic above is the first big win here — large-scale offshore wind farms generate a lot of power. There is far more wind at sea than on land, allowing the farms to be much more productive than their land-based counterparts. The federal government hopes to install 30 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity by 2030. By the above calculations, one gigawatt can power about 480,000 homes (estimates tend to fall between 300,000 and 700,000, depending on whom you talk to). That’s about 14.4 million homes powered by offshore wind capacity alone, added to the 25 percent of our utility-scale power generation currency run by renewable sources in 2020, as noted by the US Energy Information Administration.
Add that number to the projected development of solar power in the US by 2030, and we’re well on our way to decarbonizing the energy sector by 2050. Solar power is expected to grow by 11.7 percent annually between now and 2030. When combined with wind power, hydroelectric power, and other sources like geothermal and biomass, that’s enough energy to turn renewables into the country’s primary source of power by 2030.
Not everyone is in support of offshore wind farms, though. According to BioMed Central, the primary environmental concerns surrounding offshore wind farms are noise, alterations to the surrounding habitat and feeding patterns of sea life, increased traffic and the resulting pollution, and the release of contaminants from seabed sediment. All of these are valid and foolish to overlook. It must be taken into account, however, that those impacted animals (and every other living being on Earth) would be far more severely impacted by the continuing rise in ocean temperatures and sea levels that would occur if we did nothing, or if the transition to renewable energy were slowed because we refused to harness the power of offshore wind.
In many coastal areas around the United States, sealife is already disturbed by the presence of offshore oil and gas drilling sites, and the potential for disaster is far higher at these sites than it is at offshore wind farms (remember Deepwater Horizon, the largest oil spill in history). We need the power, and replacing these rigs with wind farms would, over time, decrease the environmental impact on the oceans at large.
Cruise ships are also far more detrimental to sea life than offshore wind farms, as they spew nitrogen and phosphorus into the water, furthering algae blooms in coastal areas. That’s not to mention the burning of oil used to power these ships, nor the environmental impact of the disposable hospitality items used onboard.
Another complaint of offshore wind farms is purely aesthetic — they look like giants out in the water, ruining the views of beachgoers wishing to gaze out to the horizon. But we’re already looking at drilling rigs now — and when staring offshore, it’s a lot more inspiring to look at the future than at the past.
More climate winsNews of deforestation is common, particularly in the Amazon. We hear much less about reforestation. The BBC reported this week that over the past 20 years, forested land the size of France has naturally grown around the world. This forested land could soak up to 5.9 gigatons of carbon dioxide annually, more than what is emitted by the entire United States, the report found.
A startup in Maine is growing kelp, a type of seaweed, and storing it underneath the ocean floor, CNN reported. The hope is that the kelp will store massive amounts of carbon, adding a new natural tool to the global fight against climate change.
We close with a look at air and water transit. A new form of transportation takes passengers over water — literally — while emitting zero emissions. The seaglider, from Boston-based Regent, hovers just above the water. Its range is 180 miles, with zero emissions, and the seaglider could revolutionize on-water transport for short distances. Further north, Harbour Air is working to certify the first commercial electric plane, for use in northwest Canada, Elektrek reported. The eBeaver, as it’s known, takes off and lands on water and Harbour Air plans to have its entire fleet of short-haul planes electrified in 2022, making it the world’s first carbon-neutral airline.
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6 awesome places on Alabama's coast
Sometimes you want a vacation full of world-class beaches, phenomenal seafood, and excuses to don your pearls. Sometimes you want laid-back, take-it-easy vibes — maybe even with that honky-tonk kind of flair. But what if you want both?
Very few places strike that balance — actually, there might only be one: Alabama’s Gulf Coast. An easy road trip from hubs like New Orleans and Atlanta, it’s guaranteed you’ll find somewhere on this 32-mile stretch of white sand for yourself, along with endless fresh catches surrounded by distinctly Southern vibes. But when you’ve gotten your fill of the tasty seafood and fabulous sand, here are a handful of places on Alabama’s Gulf Coast that will truly surprise you.
1. This 1920s shipwreck
Photo provided by Lila Harris of Aquatic Soul Photography
The dolphins and stingrays seem cool, but then you see it: a 200-foot rum runner, collecting coral underwater. The Whiskey came to rest just 150 yards off the beach, at the perfect location and depth for snorkeling — and for transporting you back to your childhood dreams of finding buried treasure. (Or Prohibition-era artifacts, at least.)
Diving is a great option, too — especially night diving! Non-divers, take note: You can complete a quick “Discover Scuba Dive” training course and, thanks to the clear, shallow waters, tour this shipwreck on your very first dive.
Note: Alabama’s Gulf Coast as a whole is a fantastic diving destination, bar none. Just 20 miles or so offshore lies the The LuLu, a 271-foot intact freighter. You can literally swim into the control room, playing captain with the coral-growing panels and screens.
2. This recycled seaside hideaway
Photo: Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism
Bright and bold, you might mistake The Gulf for a weirdly hip storage facility — it’s definitely not. Constructed from 27 reclaimed and recycled shipping containers, the Orange Beach foodie hotspot somehow blends right into the sand it sits on, with outstanding views of the boats headed into the Gulf.
Grab a mojito (get the blackberry, if it’s in season) and dig those little piggies into the soft sand from your cozy outdoor couch. You should also dig into the ever-changing menu — you can’t go wrong with the fresh catch, though the Swordfish Reuben might be a dish you’ll regret not trying.
Tip: Before heading back to your hotel, make sure to visit The Gulf’s locks of love display. Lovers have pledged their mutual devotions by setting a lock in the fence and throwing the key into the water.
3. This nature-tucked lodge
Photo: The Lodge at Gulf State Park/Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism
Just a handful of years old, The Lodge at Gulf State Park falls under the Hilton umbrella, but chain experience this is not. Surrounded by nine different ecosystems — all protected by the state park — The Lodge sets the bar high for eco-friendly hotels: 15% of the materials used in its construction were recycled, no lights point toward the beach to avoid disturbing wildlife, and even the parking lot is designed to prevent compacting the soil. (And this list is just scratching the surface.)
The hotel offers easy access to the park’s 28+ miles of biking and hiking trails, in addition to miles of pristine beaches. And don’t be surprised if during your sunset Gulf-side strolls you encounter creatures like sea turtles and bald eagles, as the landscape has been purposefully designed to support native flora and fauna.
4. This famous honky-tonk
Photo: Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism
Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar — going strong for nearly 60 years — gets its name from its location on the Alabama–Florida state line. If you love live music, this is one place that fits into every itinerary, as they bring in regional acts every day of the year. With five stages playing a mix of rock, country, beach music, and dance, consider it a buffet for your ears.
Besides sampling the shows, there are two things to do here. One: try their signature drink, the Bushwacker, a sweet concoction made with dark rum and Irish cream. Two: leave your mark, quite literally, by writing your name on one of the walls. It’s an act that comes highly encouraged, and you’ll be joining autographs from the likes of Jason Aldean, Jimmy Buffet, and Kenny Chesney.
5. This choose-your-own-adventure state park
Photo: Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism
Every other state park, take note: This is how you do it. Gulf State Park has two miles of pristine, white-sand beach; a paved trail running for 28+ miles through nine different ecosystems; an interpretive center; a lake for kayaking, fishing, and paddling; bikes and cabins for rent; Segway tours; and even a hammock park. For your hammock.
Boots, bikes, kayaks, paddleboards, boats, waterwings, fishing rods, Segways, hammocks, or just a beach chair — choose your method of adventure wisely.
6. This adrenaline rush
Photo: Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism
Katniss Everdeen may have made archery cool again, but she didn’t do this! One shot and you’ll be hooked on this half-archery, half-fishing, and half, well, adventure experience. Bowfishing is a perfect sport for families or friends to enjoy together as it’s highly social — usually involving a music-accompanied cruise along the bays and lagoons off Orange Beach — and a bit competitive. Who’s got the best aim? Who’ll get the record haul?
If you were ever interested in catching and preparing your own food, this is it, adrenaline-style. You’ll hit the waters, hunting for giant stingrays, trout, flounder, sheepshead, and sharks. These creatures are often active once darkness falls, so head out after sunset — your boat will be equipped with LEDs — and have the night of your life on Alabama’s Gulf Coast.
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May 13, 2021
Russia is sending a director and an actress to the International Space Station to make a film
In May of 2020, NASA announced that it would be collaborating with Tom Cruise and Elon Musk to produce the first movie in space. But Russia is trying to beat them to the punch.
Following the announcement, State Space Corporation Roscosmos announced in September 2020 that it would also be producing a movie in space and would be on the hunt for the perfect actor or actress to be sent to space. On May 13, 2021, Roscosmos announced the completion of its search.
Roscosmos recommended actress Yulia Peresild and director Klim Shipenko as the primary crew and Alyona Mordovina and Alexey Dudin as the backup crew. The film, tentatively called Challenge, will begin no later than June, and takeoff is expected on October 5, 2021, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on the Soyuz MS-19 spacecraft.
Training for the crew will include centrifuge tests, vibration stand tests, introductory and training flights on a zero-gravity plane, and parachute training. Training will be documented on Channel One, Russia’s most prominent TV channel, a press release said.
The post Russia is sending a director and an actress to the International Space Station to make a film appeared first on Matador Network.
The best places to rent next to Central and Northern California’s national parks
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.
California is home to nine national parks, with the state’s central and northern regions making for a perfect national parks road trip. Unless you’re camping, arranging accommodations near national parks can sometimes be a hassle, especially the more remote they are. We’ve taken the work out of the equation for you here, with this guide to the best Airbnbs near California national parks in the central and northern part of the state.
Best Airbnbs near Yosemite National Park
Photo: Sopotnicki/Shutterstock
Yosemite National Park is an icon of the American national parks system, among the most stunning in terms of natural grandeur, epic views, and adventure potential. Everyone from climbers to hikers to stargazers comes here in droves, and while you could set up camp, there are many Airbnbs near Yosemite that offer easy access to get there before the crowds.
Loft inside Yosemite, minutes from Badger Pass
Photo: Airbnb/
We actually misled you with the whole “Airbnbs near Yosemite” thing. This comfortable loft is actually inside Yosemite, eliminating the need to wake up before dawn and rush to the park gates. Not only that, it’s super plush, an entire condo for you and up to five others with the park’s beauty literally right outside the door. For the price, you save yourself commute time, gas, and a whole lotta stress — and when divided among your crew, that cost doesn’t sound so bad after all.
Six guests, one bedroom
Price $469 per night
Photo: Airbnb/
This micro-cabin is a cross between a backwoods cabin and actual camping. It’s cute abd photogenic, and even comes with a private bathroom. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more romantic lodging option near Yosemite. You could almost call it “glamping,” if you are into that sort of thing.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $149 per night
Photo: Airbnb/
This house is where it’s at when it’s time to go all-out. Get the family or crew together, have everyone pack their finest outdoor gear, and secure a few nights in this epic house inside Yosemite. It’s got just about every amenity you could want, from WiFi and a full kitchen to easy access to the park’s highlights.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $1,576 per night
Photo: Airbnb/
If you’re visiting Yosemite, chances are you are the type of person who has dreamt of owning a mountain house. This is an excellent chance to live that dream, if only for a few nights. The Buckingham Mountain House is a restored cabin on 40 acres, just you and the woods (and the animals). Head into nearby Mariposa for dinner if necessary, but your best bet is to grill on the deck and plot the next day’s adventures in the park.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $254 per night
Photo: Ryan Kelehar/Shutterstock
A stroll in Redwoods National Park is good for the soul, but may be tough on your neck. You might just find your neck stuck in place, eyes fixated upward, after a day staring at the world’s most beautiful, a very tall, trees. Fortunately, you’ll have one of these cozy Airbnbs near the park to come home to. You’ll either be in Klamath, north of the park, or near Trinidad and McKinleyville, south of it.
Klamath riverview apartment
Photo: Airbnb/
Located within the Chinook RV Resort, this apartment offers picture-perfect views of the woods and the beautiful Klamath River. Getting to Redwoods National Park is a quick jaunt south, and you have the benefit here of a kitchen and restroom, with comfortable beds for up to six people (assuming double-sleepers). And the only noise you’ll hear at night is that of the water rushing over the rocks.
Six guests, one bedroom
Price: $145 per night
Photo: Airbnb/
All that is epic about Humboldt County can be summed up in this high-end home. The ocean is right there, the breeze blowing off it is cool and salt-tinged, and Redwood National and State Parks are just north. Relax, soak in the hot tub after exploring the park, and experience the best of the NorCal lifestyle. Plus, there’s plenty of hiking nearby to get you warmed up for the park.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $415 per night
Photo: Airbnb/
Stay in this quaint McKinleyville duplex just a half-hour south of Redwoods National Park and enjoy town amenities without sacrificing the natural surroundings you came for. The living room has a sofa-bed so can bring the family or crew, and there’s plenty to do including shopping and dining nearby. The Hammond Trail and the beach are right up the road.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $200 per night
Photo: BlueBarronPhoto/Shutterstock
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are adjacent to one another, and have terrain every bit as exciting as Yosemite — as well as the largest tree in the world. To explore both, book an Airbnb in Three Rivers and take advantage of short drives to each park, or slightly further in Lemon Cove or Lindsay where there are more options available.
Private downstairs room and bathroom in Rista Ranch home
Photo: Airbnb/
Staying on a ranch seems appropriate on a national parks trip. This one outside of Three Kings is a short drive from both Sequoia and Kings Canyon, with opportunities for even more adventure onsite. The host offers guided horseback riding, hiking, and cooking, and even has a Sequoia National Park bed set waiting for you once you arrive.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $155 per night
Photo: Airbnb/
Any excuse to stay at a tiny house is a good one, more so when that excuse is two nearby national parks. Located in Lindsay, this tiny home has an adjacent fire pit to chill at, with the inside offering loft sleeping above a small kitchen area and lounge space. The nearby town offers amenities including shopping and dining.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $239 per night
Photo: Airbnb/
If you need an excellent surprise date night to follow a day at the parks, this is it. The stay is labeled as a “farm stay” but it’s a full-scale luxury, private accommodation on a working farm. Walk with the animals, cook a romantic meal in the modern kitchen, and stare at the stars on the deck. Date night, all planned out for you.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $193 per night
Photo: yhelfman/Shutterstock
Pinnacles National Park is among the state’s three least visited national parks, despite being within a two-hour drive of the Bay Area. It’s a shame this park doesn’t get more attention, given its collection of caves, volcanic rock structures, and incredible hiking. However, this works out well for you, as competition for lodging is far thinner. These are the best Airbnbs near Pinnacles National Park.
Silvio Home at Puma Road Winery
Photo: Airbnb/
Wine toasts a good day of adventure as well as anything, and there’s plenty of it here at this private home at Puma Road Winery. You’ll be on the heart of the River Road Wine Trail, with room for four to splurge on a road trip experience as memorable as the park itself. This is the perfect spot to spend a couple nights before or after exploring the park, as it’s in close proximity to Salinas and Monterrey, as well as the Bay Area and central coast.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $342 per night
Photo: Airbnb/
The closest Airbnb listing to Pinnacle National Park is also the most budget-conscious, coming in at a rate that will allow you and up to three travel companions to splurge on other parts of the trip. Sure, it’s a shared room in a home, but the park is just up the street and you’ll be in the town of Soledad with options for dining, groceries, and last-minute planning before hitting the park.
Four guests, private room
Price: $65 per night
Photo: Airbnb/
East of the park, near Mercy Hot Springs, is this historic “telegraph office” on a working dairy farm. After exploring the park, relax to the sounds of stirring animals, gaze up at the expansive views of the surrounding hills and open sky, and spread out around a campfire. WiFi is provided, as is one queen bed.
Two guests, studio
Price: $202 per night
The post The best places to rent next to Central and Northern California’s national parks appeared first on Matador Network.
You and your besties can have a sleepover on the iconic set of ‘Friends’ for less than $20
Ever wanted to live in Monica and Rachel’s NYC apartment? Well, now is your chance to live out your fantasy during an overnight stay on a recreation of the iconic ’90s TV show Friends.
Booking.com has partnered up with the event company Superfly X and Warner Bros. to create an unforgettable experience in NYC. You and your besties will be able to spend the night in a super-detailed recreation of Monica and Rachel’s apartment, featuring a private one-bedroom accommodation for just $19.94.
Photo: Booking.com
Overnight guests will also get dinner and drinks, as well as the chance to take part in Phoebe’s Cab Escape Room and a scavenger hunt. Naturally, they will be treated to coffee and breakfast at Central Perk.
Photo: Booking.com
According to Booking.com, the lucky guests will also be able to “relive Ross’ infamously doomed sofa pivot, peek through Rachel and Monica’s purple door, relax on Chandler and Joey’s recliners after playing some foosball, explore newly added original props and costumes from the show, and much more.”
Photo: Booking.com
The set recreations are part of a new themed Friends attraction called THE FRIENDS Experience. There are two locations for THE FRIENDS Experience, one in NYC and one in Chicago, and both allow fans of the show to indulge in interactive experiences from the popular show.
The overnight stay is available to book on for a limited time only. Bookings will open on May 21 at 10:00 AM ET for May 23 and May 24.
Reservations are likely to go very quickly, so gather your friends, get online, and try to snag your spot.
The post You and your besties can have a sleepover on the iconic set of ‘Friends’ for less than $20 appeared first on Matador Network.
This Australian woman woke up with a surprising Irish accent
The way we speak can often give away the country, region, and maybe even the neighborhood where we come from. But how would you feel if you woke up with an accent from a place you’ve never even traveled to?
Angie Yen is originally from Taiwan but has lived in Brisbane, Australia, since she was eight years old. Naturally, this caused her to develop an Australian accent. But 10 days after having tonsillitis surgery, the 27-year-old claims that she woke up with an Irish accent.
Yen decided to start vlogging about her very unusual condition on TikTok. One of her videos on the second day of her accent change has amassed over two million views and over 448,000 likes (at the time of writing). Although many of her new followers have different opinions on the style of accent, Irish seems to be the most popular opinion. At Matador Network, we even detect a Derry inflection.
@angie.mcyenDay 2: I still can’t believe I woke up with an Irish accent yesterday. I’ve never been to Ireland. I grew up in Australia. My Aussie accent is gone
♬ original sound – angie.mcyen
“I woke up with an Irish accent and I’ve never been to Ireland before. I spent the whole day yesterday freaking out about why this is happening to me and I went to the hospital and I also called my specialist and asked them why this is happening and they couldn’t provide any answers. They just told me to sit tight and let the body heal up after my tonsil surgery last Monday about nine to 10 days ago.
“At this stage, I don’t think it’s going to get better, because this morning I woke up with an Aussie accent and I was so happy. I called one of my best friends and told her that I have my accent back but during that phone call in the space of about five to 10 minutes, my accent was deteriorating and it was changing from an Aussie accent to an Irish one,” Yen said in the TikTok.
Yen is looking for answers about the condition, which appears to be a case of Foreign Accent Syndrome. Karl Kruszelnicki, an Australian science commentator, has been following her story and made a TikTok explaining that Foreign Accent Syndrome has only about 150 documented cases, and is typically caused by brain disorders related to head injury, stroke, or surgery.
@drkarlGood luck on your journey @angie.mcyen ! Keep us posted. ##science ##drkarl ##drkarlkruszelnicki ##tiktokaustralia ##sciencetok
Yen intends to continue searching for answers with a neurologist, MRI, and blood tests. She also mentioned that she’s looking into acting coaches for speech therapy.
The post This Australian woman woke up with a surprising Irish accent appeared first on Matador Network.
Long-distance hikers are once again able to tackle the Appalachian Trail
Throughout the pandemic, outdoor recreation has been promoted as the safest way to get out of the house, exercise, and spend time with loved ones. This encouragement had its limits, however, such as masking up and maintaining proper distance. For long-distance hikers, another limitation was advised: Postponing plans to hike the Appalachian Trail (AT), which traverses a large portion of the East Coast’s wilderness.
In March 2020, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) recommended that long-distance hikers put off their trips back to curb the spread of COVID-19. Though you may not think social distancing would be an issue for thru-hikers on the longest footpath in the country, the ATC implemented this to discourage trekkers from gathering at campsites, huts, and other shelters along the trail. It was also meant to stop them from shuttling into various towns along the route to stock up on supplies.
Well, good news has finally come for aspiring AT thru-hikers: With vaccines now widely available, the ATC is walking back its advisory. Hikers are asked to keep COVID-19 in mind when planning their trips, such as packing tents rather than relying on shared shelters and continuing to carry a mask, socially distance, and abide by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines on the trail. Getting vaccinated is, of course, highly encouraged as well.
As two of the trail’s visitor centers plan to reopen at the end of May and the beginning of June, in West Virginia and Maine, respectively, the ATC has also pledged to resume its recognition program for thru-hikers, acknowledging those who manage to complete the trail within a year. To stay up to date, bookmark the ATC website for the latest on the state of the AT.
The post Long-distance hikers are once again able to tackle the Appalachian Trail appeared first on Matador Network.
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